First Photo Shoot of 2012

So Saturday was the first photo shoot I've done in awhile. A close friend of mine referred this wonderful couple, & they messaged me two days prior to see if I was up to doing an engagement shoot with their '71 black Mustang. Mind you, it's been quite awhile since I've done a photo shoot. I decided to go for it. They were such a nice couple, & they look so incredibly happy. It was such an honor for me to photograph them.

From the heart....

For some reason, when it comes to photography, I get scared. I start shaking & usually I talk myself out of it. I don't know why, but I think I've always been just scared. Scared to follow my passion, maybe I'm just afraid I'll fail at it. I've had people bad mouth my photography & be unsupportive, & I sometimes let that get to me the most. This photo shoot, I was trembling, but I pushed harder then I ever have. It also helped that I have the most wonderful supportive husband, a best friend who never lets me quit, & a loving mother who has always believed in me, ever since the very beginning. Without them, I probably would have given up. I found an amazing strength when a recent event almost took the life of my daughter, a strength I didn't even know I had. Maybe, it's made me want to face my fears. If I can get through something that nearly destroyed my life, I can do this. I want to live my life with no regrets. I am a strong woman who has had an unbelievable life. It's made me the kind, comforting, loving, scared, humble person I am today. I may sometimes be misunderstood, but I'm living, with nothing or no one standing in my way, & I'm living it the way I want to. Thank you to everyone who always believed in me & supported me, even when I couldn't believe in myself.

Photography Challenge: In My Kitchen

A couple days ago I was craving the sweet taste of summer!! I bought a coconut, starfruit, pineapple, peaches, raspberries, blueberries, & blackberries. I almost always have some sort of fruit in my kitchen! Before the kids & I dug in, I set it up to take a picture for my next photography challenge.

Photography Challenge: In My Kitchen

Doesn't this just make your mouth water?!! haha Can't wait for summer!!!

Mardi Gras & Brownies

So our family packed up & headed to the Red Cross Carnival yesterday. They had tons of stuff for the kids! They got paint, played basketball, bowling, tossed bean bags, looked at lizards, ate cupcakes & pretzels w/cheese, & got to win some prizes. My daughter chose this Mardi Gras mask & after she let me take pictures of her in it, I decided to use it for my photography challenge for the week.

Photography Challenge: Selective Color

I changed the photo to a black & white, brought the color back in for the mask & her eye, & added a texture layer. I really love my edits because she looks like a little catwoman.

Today I made my delicious brownies. I found this recipe years ago, & it's gotten the highest compliment I think a brownie can have.... "You don't even need any milk!" I make them for my husband's work all the time & for friends. Here is my secret recipe ~

1/2 cup butter
1 cup milk chocolate pieces
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs
3/4 cup flour
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking powder

1. Preheat oven to 350'. Lightly grease 9x9x2 pan w/ shortening.
2. In a small heavy saucepan over low heat, combine butter & chocolate. Stir constantly until melted so mix does not burn. Remove from heat & let cool.
3. Add brown sugar & vanilla to chocolate mix, stir. Add eggs, beat until mixed. Add flour, cocoa powder, salt, & baking powder, stir until mixed.
4. Evenly spread batter in pan. Bake 25-30 mins.

I used a cookie cutter to cut out hearts & drizzled them with chocolate fudge frosting. Add some sprinkles & enjoy!!