A lifetime of memories

As some of you may know, I've been living with my grandfather (aka. Papa) for just over two years now. And he has been an tremendous encouragement and fan of my crafts, and at times an inspiration. Papa has shared so much wonder and joy with me through his stories, friends, and life mementos that, I thought it important to make him a part of the story of my shop.

At this time of year I usually pull out my Kodak photo scanner and start loading up memory cards as gifts for my family, but this year it takes on a whole new meaning because Papa was diagnosed with terminal cancer about two weeks ago. So, as you can imagine it is especially touching for me to go through his life's collection of pictures and see what precious moments he has held dearest to him over his 83 years. Here are a few from the latest batch, that I'd like to share with you now:

Aunt Kris blowing out her birthday candles.

Neighborhood block party

Grandchildren of the next generation

Grandma Maddie and Kass

New born Aunt Kris with her Mom

Great-grandma, Great-grandpa, and more

My little mom

Grandma & Great-grandpa

Aunt Kris, Mom, and Papa

Cousin David

Aunt Kris & Mom

Even though some of the pictures are faded and as time goes on we may not remember the faces smiling back at us, we are blessed because we had the chance to live these memories and had the time to make them our own.

Happy Holidays

10 Tips for Capturing the Fun of Fall in Photos

Taking great pictures that I can use for my blog and scrapbook is important to me. I also work for Kodak, who gives me the opportunity to express my love for photography by creating content for average people learning to use their Kodak Camera.

Here are some photos I took this weekend with Kodak's new EASYSHARE Max Camera:

Click Here to View

Here are some things I keep in mind when I'm shooting pictures for my blog, or scrapbook:

1- Come prepared: Have your camera battery fully charged, a fresh memory card, and anything else you find handy for picture taking (tripod, lens cleaner, camera bag, ext.).

2- Take in your surroundings like a good book, pictures can't tell a story without a setting, so don't forget to capture your surroundings.

3- Get action shots that will bring your page to life and add interest.

4- Photograph everyone whether in a group or alone, make sure you get everyone there in at least one picture, so you can tell the whole story, in pictures.

5- Take good pictures, is easier said than done, but most cameras perform best in sunlight, so if you have the option, take pictures in well lit spaces.

6-Give your photos flair without a pricey camera. You can trick your camera into blurring the background of your pictures when you stand about 5ft back from your subject, and zoom in to take your picture (just make sure your focus stays on the subject as you zoom in).

7-Try new angles. You don't always have to take pictures at eye level; taking pictures from below or above eye level can make your content more interesting

8- Use a simple photo editor like Picnik to enhance, or manipulate, your photos.

9- Be selective before you upload all your pictures weed out those that are blurry, barley visible, or aren't a favorite; make sharing pictures count and only share the ones you really like. Others can be kept on your PC.

10- Don't forget to have fun, if you get too caught up in taking artsy pictures you wont have time to make memories.