I Heart Face Photo Challenge-Anything But A Face!

This week, we were challenged to enter a photo that does not have a face. I am a picture-taking maniac, so I have my fair share of hand, leg, shoulder, and feet shots. But as I was going through my recent photographs, I had to stop and take a moment when I came across this one. It is a picture of my husband lacing up his boots in preparation for his return to his overseas deployment. He was sitting on the floor of our son's room, amidst the bright, scattered toys. My heart was aching when I took this picture, and I have mixed emotions about it as I look upon it now.

To see other great entries, please visit the I Heart Faces website.

Fix-It-Friday #88

This week's Fix-It-Friday image was provided by Angie Arthur.

SOOC:

There is really very little lacking in this image! Whenever we get an easy-fix image, I tend to want to flex my creative muscles. Time to have some fun!

Color Pop:

Hot Cocoa:

To see other great edit, or to join in on the fun, visit I Heart Faces. Have a great day!

Texas Winter Is Unkind To Aspiring Photographers

A few days ago, we had gorgeous weather. It was bright, warm, inviting, all the components of a perfect day. Unfortunately, errands hindered my desire to drive around in search of subjects to photograph. As I type this, rain is pouring from a vast gray sky, turning the soil beneath the hard brown grass into a soupy muck that I will inevitably have to mop up in the wake of our hapless dogs. Such is the unpredictable nature of Texas winter. It discourages potential clients from setting up sessions, as there is no telling if there will be a sudden cold front bringing icy wind and sleet or a lovely, balmy, breezy 80-degree evening that yields much more desirable photographic results. Without sessions, it is difficult to build a portfolio, and without a portfolio it is difficult to book sessions. It's a Catch-22.

Despite the uncooperative weather, I realize it is in my best interest to post samples of my work. While I wait for Spring, I will be doing small projects to pass the time. You can also follow my Project 365 here. Hopefully, there will soon be some session sneak-peeks in the midst of the I Heart Faces' Fix-It-Fridays and Photo Challenges!

Fix-It-Friday #87

This week's Fix-It-Friday image was taken by Andrea Riley. It is a beautiful image, and really just needed a few little tweaks to make it workable, so I took this week's image as an opportunity to be a little more creative.

SOOC:

Golden:

Glow:

Hot Cocoa:

To see other great edits, or join in on the fun, visit I Heart Faces!

I Heart Faces Photo Challenge-Red

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Originally uploaded by mmuphotography1

This is a favorite photo of mine (which is probably obvious, since the b&w is in the header!), taken at the end of 2010. I just love his stoicism contrasted with the vivid red of his shirt. He is my little Valentine. :)

Be sure to check out the beautiful entries for the "Red" challenge at I Heart Faces!

Fix-It-Friday #86

This week's Fix-It-Friday image was provided by Rachel Durik of Savor Photography.

SOOC:

While the subject is adorable, the image is a bit underexposed and does not do the the vibrant colors of her hair and the hat she is wearing justice.

Color Edit:

I did the usual tweaking in ACR to bring up exposure, contrast, saturation, and crop. Then I opened it in Photoshop to reduce the redness of her skin, remove undereye circles, and pop her eyes a bit.

Cocoa Edit:

I copped out and used actions here. TRA's Awesome B&W and Cinnamon Toast. :)

To see other great edits or join in on the fun, visit I Heart Faces.

Have a great day!

Fix-It-Friday #85

This week's Fix-It-Friday image was contributed by Julie Rivera of Julie Rivera Photography. I have the great pleasure of knowing her as well as her sweet baby girl, the adorable subject of the week!

SOOC:

Basic Edit:

Basic Edit+Prettyizer:

There's really not much difference in this edit, aside from an application of TRA's Prettyizer.

B&W:

To see other great edits or join in on the fun, visit I Heart Faces.