Just to let you know, I will be out of the office until Friday the 12th. All calls and correspondence will be returned when we return from WPPI. And as they say, a post just isn’t a post without photos. So, here are a few random images from this past year of my family that I’ve loved  and have wanted to post. Hope everyone has a fantastic week. We’ll see you on the flipside.

The amazing photographer and graphic designer, Elena Wilken has just recently released her latest professional templates for photographers. I was absolutely honored that she asked me to use my images in some of her sample templates for her online store. She is beyond talented and has put together a series of stunning, high end templates that you must check out! To see her gorgeous work and to purchase her templates, visit her online store! She also has some pretty sweet freebies available. Check it!

Pssst… Elena is also one of our Wine Country Workshop sponsors! Our attendees will be receiving some of Elena’s beautiful work.

Okie dokie…. here’s my introduction to macro photography! It’s quite addictive. I sent my husband out for flowers just to have some color to experiment with. I still have a ton to learn, but it’s so inspiring that I think the macro lens is definitely in my immediate future. Finicky little buggers they are! My focus and exposures were all over the map. Anyone have some good resources on learning more about macro photography? There is a ton of macro eye candy on flickr to get lost in. mmm mmm good!

This past week I’ve been MIA due to a terrible case of the flu. All I can say is that you never really value good health until you it’s gone and you feel like death. That’s how I felt. Not only is being sick bad in and of itself, but now I’m a week behind in editing, posting, blog stalking and getting caught up and ready for a week away to WPPI. The warm thoughts of a week in Vegas have me more excited than I’ve been in a very long time. We SO need the break and a change of scenery. Although winter hasn’t been severe this year, it’s been incredibly long. I’m crossing my fingers and toes for warm weather while we are there. So far, it looks like rain might be on the horizon.

So, something a bit different this post. I had a commercial shoot today for True Colors, a cosmetology school and salon. The focus was images for hair, skin and nails for their marketing materials. These were taken in natural light with a bit of florescent overhead lighting (yuck, yuck). I do so love my Photo Vision Target for calibrating white balance in situations like this. It was a lot of fun to take on a completely different kind of project. Plus, I got to try out my friend David’s macro lens before taking the plunge to buy it. More playing with that tomorrow before he has to pry it from my lens envy hands! I’m holding off until after WPPI to purchase any new gear, as I’m told you can get some pretty sweet discounts from the trade show vendors. New glass is in my future, now it’s just a matter of deciding which lens comes first. Also in the lineup with the macro is the 135 mm f/2 L. Anyone have suggestions or recommendations on that? The subject separation and bokeh are phenomenal. Some of my favorite photographers rave about it. Which brings me to the idea of selling my Canon 24-70 mm f/2.8 L lens. Any takers?

With falling behind this past week in every aspect of my life, I’m not certain how much time I’ll have to post this week, but I do have a few of the kidlets from this past week and if all goes well, some fun macro is coming your way. Keep your eyes peeled!