exciting news-

Finally- I have had internet issues since Saturday and we had to replace our modem at our home. It makes me so appreciative for Ty. He just knows how to fix anything. I have some exciting news to share.....

Matt is getting married!!!! He is over the top in love and it's evident to me that he has his heart into it this time. He is marrying Kayla- I wish I had some photos of them together- because they are such a cute couple. I am really happy for them because I know that they are both READY and realize what a big commitment this is...and are so in love. They have asked me to take their engagement photos. I feel really happy but worried that my skills are not up to par. So everyday I am taking out the camera and shooting photos.  I think my lack of skill is in the editing part of it. I can take decent shots but when I print them out they rarely have the "wow" factor that I want. I took Karen Russells photography class and LOVED it...but she does not touch on the editing part of it. Anyone know of a place that I could use to help me? 
Here is some photos that I took on Sunday after church-

Then I took more yesterday. I get so frustrated with my photography...there I admit it! There is so much to know and I get easily overwhelmed. However, I want to take some decent photos of Matt and Kayla for their invitations. I would LOVE anyone to critique my photos and tell me what I am doing wrong with my editing. Email me- teresac8@msn.com.

So you will be seeing lots of photos on my blog during the next few weeks. I have asked my kids and ANYONE who will let me to practice taking photos. I took some really cute ones yesterday but have not edited them yet. I will share those tomorrow.

It's raining- raining here. My kids and I are looking forward to some sunshine so we can do some outdoor activities. We had a baseball game last night and it was pouring rain. Unless it puddles- you keep playing!

Today I'm taking Gentry to look for a part time summer job. She applied online at several stores in the mall but nothing came of it. So today she wants me to take her to a few places. That is my plan today- to help her find a job. Guess where she WANTS to work? at a scrapbook store.

Last, I wanted to address something about my blog. I got a comment sent to me that I felt was worth talking about. I won't discuss the actual comments, but to say that this is my personal blog. I decided long ago that I would be REAL and honest here. I would SHARE about my children and family (as long as it is OKAY with them). I have shared the good and the bad. I do not have a perfect life, perfect children, marriage etc.

 However, I do feel over the top LUCKY and BLESSED and I have chosen- to POST the POSITIVE things in my life. I don't want to focus on the negative. Do I have a bad day???? Of course, and those are the days that I tend to not blog. I have a large extended family that read my blog. They want to see photos of my children, see what we are up too...etc. and it extends beyond my scrapbooking career. The most important thing to me is my FAMILY and I share from the heart.

Life is too short for me to focus on what I don't have and the bad times- I'm going to share and focus on the good things...so if your reading my blog- this is me!!!!

Happy Tuesday-

Comments

[René]

Hi Teresa! I appreciate that you write about yourself AS YOURSELF. You are real and I enjoy that about you. Don't take negative comments too seriously. It's easy to criticize when standing behind anonymity and a computer screen. Be you...that's what we want to see. Big hugs!!

[Sheri T]

That's what we love about you, Teresa, is your vulnerability to share with us. We love to hear about your life and are appreciative that you are so open with us in such a public arena. For every negative comment you receive, there are hundreds who are positive! Keep up what you're doing and be true to yourself.

(By the way, Jessica Sprague now has photo editing classes. I've taken her classes before and they are awesome.)

[fran heupel]

Hi Teresa,
I love reading your blog because it is real and nothing is sugar coated. Love the pictures you have taken so far. I don't have much help for you on editing but continue to love your products and life stories. Thanks for always keeping it real. That it what I love about your blog.
Look forward to seeing more pictures soon.

[Nancy Wyatt]

Hi Teresa! I love your blog just the way it is! As for help on photoshop skills, you might try going over to www.thepioneerwoman.com as she has a section on photography and has some great photographer do guest post and they give out all sorts of great tips! Also, I have been learning how to tweek my photos just by doing lots of googling photoshop cs. I know I've come across some others so when I'm home tonight I will dig deeper and email you what I find. You have a great eye and so I'm sure anything you do will turn out fab! Hugs from Conroe, TX! p.s. Love your new profile photo!

[Donna]

I really like reading your blog. I don't normally follow personal blogs but find yours fascinating.

I also love your family photos and personally find nothing to critique.

Donna

[Janet Ang]

Hi Teresa,

The best part of scrapbooking is being REAL and being yourself! That is exactly why I love your style and products! Please stay as real and true to yourself and family as you are! Regarding photo editing, contact Rene Pearson. She has online classes now. I was fortunate enought to assist her class at CPR San Jose and learned a ton of photo editing based on that alone! However, I think your photos are great as they are and your family would appreciate your style for being you.
You are Truly Blessed with your family!
See at Scrapbook Island!
Blessings,
Janet Ang

[Gloria L.]

Your people pictures are great! I would change the backgrounds, though, paying attention to what is behind the head area, in particular. Framing the subject in something is always nice, too! Oh, and don't change a thing on your blog!
Gloria L.

[Kristi]

Hey Teresa,
People love REAL people. One of the most frustrating parts of my life in the past year is just that. It seems my life happens to be around a lot of people who are not only not real to others(saying or doing things they wouldn't normally say or do b/c that "someone" is present) but they are not even real to themselves. It could be that I am just becoming way more aware of those people acting that way. It is such a sad way for one to live their life. Life is too short to try to make everyone happy. The opinion of God and Family is really the only one that matter.
Be true to yourself!!!
You are amazing and we all love that you are real and open up your life to us. That is a gift that you give. A gift to others.
Keep it up!! We love you!!
(Jessica Sprague has a photo editing class,that I still need to take.)

[Alicia Sharp]

Congrats to Matt and to you for taking the photos for them. I can honestly say that YES this is the real you. I have met you several times and you are one of the most sweetest most genuine people I know. Love your blog and no one is perfect!!

[Michelle Menser]

Hi Teresa,
I don't know you personally but I wish I did lol. I love your blog the way it is with all your family photos in it. I cannot stand it when people have to make negative comments about someone. If you cannot say something positive or nice then please don't bother.
Keep on doing what you are doing!!
Regards
Michelle
Australia

[Theresa]

Hi Teresa,

Your blog is perfect the way it is. I love hearing about your family, etc., in addition to the scrapbooking stuff so keep it up!

Theresa in CA

[Sandi Keene]

Photo Editing (or any digital classes) - the best teacher out there (IMHO) is Jessica Sprague. I have taken every class she has offered and LOVED them. You learn at your own pace so if you need to watch the video 4 times before you get, then that is exactly what you do. She holds your hand step by step. Love them!!
http://www.jessicasprague.com/

[Kathy F]

Hey Teresa-

I am not sure who commented, but I don't read the other comments...I figure they are yours to read....you never know when someone may put something private on there. :) I LOVE your blog and your openess! :) If I am in a mood and come to your blog...I am happy. You are an inspiration and people need to get a life! ;)

[Leonie - Australia]

Hi Teresa, Jessica Sprague has a good online photo editing class that I did & it was great. I also love the Scott Kelby photoshop book for digital photography I have the one for CS3 because that is the version of photoshop that I have. His books are really easy to understand & I refer back to mine all the time, it it worth getting. & finally get your monitor calibrated, I was never happy with my photos until I did that, The photo would like fine on the screen then when printed out the colour would be totally off!!! Calibration makes a HUGE difference. Well I hope that helps have a lovely day.

[kat-in-texas]

Ask Karen, T! She's so cool...if you have Photoshop, she'll divulge her formulas to you. (That is...if you know how to do that stuff). I don't know or I would help you! But if you have Photoshop Elements, then go to Polka Dot Potato and download actions for PSE. They work pretty good!!!
Good Luck!!!

[Emily Barklage]

http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/shop/two-peas/80711-advanced-photo-editing-with-adobe-photoshop/

I've been wanting to take this photo editing class on 2Peas - She's an awesome photographer (see her site here: http://www.hollymccaigdesigns.com/).

[Marilyn Johnson]

Teresa, I love your blog, design and style. Don't change a thing. I am going to take Karen's class here in the next two weeks and can hardly wait. I don't know much about editing but I am a big fan of
Skye Hardwick. If you have never seen her work just google her and look at her sites.
She has workshops in person where you go on photo shoots with her and also a workbook. Very pricey though and way out of my league of expertise but it might help give you some ideas. I think your photos are great by the way!

[Sharon F.]

Really, all you can do is what you are doing. Practice. What looks good to one person may not be attractive to another. I think if you capture the personality of the couple and/or the person it will be great. Plus they will have the memory that you took it and its special. The action shot above is fantastic. It really shows the personalities of those portrayed. I love to look at the shots taht Jamie Harper and Tammy Mitchell takes. Different styles but meaningful. Lots of great photogaphers out there. Good Luck...just have fun and a steady hand and it will be great.

[ShawninAZ]

I think your photos look great but as far as tips go I would highly recommend Lightroom. There are also online courses you can take and it's much easier to navigate throught than photoshop.
http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshoplightroom/
http://www.lightroomkillertips.com/
http://www.kelbytraining.com/online/

[Christie]

Teresa,
I LOVE your blog! Always have. I don't often comment but I love to take the time to read what you write. You always inspire and uplift me. Thank you for that!
AND -
Your photos are FANTASTIC!

[Cindy E]

I love your blog...And somehow I feel like maybe I am a real friend and you are sharing with me :) I know crazy.....but somehow in this journey here on earth, it is the positive people and true people that sometimes help pull us though, right? And you do help me.....Thanks for being a ray of sunshine. And it always is good to remember who you are and be!

[Jayne]

I love your blogs and your positivity! You're right, all of us could talk about the bad things happening to us, but why? Let's focus on the positive and realize how blessed we all really are! Please don't change your blog, it's uplifting!

[Star]

Teresa, your photos are great! Take joy in the fact that Matt and his fiance want you there to share in the joy and fun of engagement photos. How special to have that opportunity. Sometimes we find ourselves to be over critical of ourselves and don't see what others see. Personally, I love the use of black and white for photo sessions. Pick a fun and unique location to use and take your kids out there to practice and get familiar to the lighting and such. Congratulations on the news!

[Noel]

Hi Teresa, I think that your photos are great as they are! But if you want advice on editing, I suggest these steps:
Fly to Orange County, CA.
Contact Tara Whitney and take her out to dinner.
Buy her Margaritas....or whatever she wants.
Start asking questions!!!!
But again, from what I have seen, you are doing great all by yourself and practice certianly comes into it all!!
Oh and congrats to Matt and Kayla!

[MIchele P]

I ejoy reading your blog because you ae you...don t chnage!

What type of camera do you use. Check out Jessica Sprague for photo editing. She has good classes.