The Wonderful World of Art
I admire the talent and pursuit of creativity by artists in all realms of the world of art. So, allow me to share a few sites that I enjoy:
The Artful Lifestyle - An Atlanta-based gallery, their blog is filled with art recommendations including homes with artwork suggestions pasted into the photo.
Creative Thursday - I have purchased a few pieces of Mariska's art. They are ones that speak to me and can identify with.
Joie de Vivre - Kimberly Applegate's artwork representing the architectural muscle and style of chairs truly represent my enthusiasm for interior design. There are several pieces that hang or will be hung in our home which are so very personal to me. Kimberly sells her originals on eBay and prints are available on her site.
Etsy - I could get lost for days at this website browsing and seeking unique gifts, items for our home as well as apparel. Supporting artists doing what they love is a great thing.
Funky Finds - Jessica features artists from all-over, sharing their projects and works of art in many shapes and forms. It is a fun place and I adore Jessica.
The Wonderful World of Photography
I like to describe my interest in photography as a 'hobbyist'. Basically, I want to take awesome photos that jump out at you. I've dabbled in post-processing as well and am still very much a student. It is a joy discovering new ways to document your life and that is what it's all about for me.
Here are some sites I enjoy related to photography:
Equipment
Amazon - believe it or not, their prices are pretty competitive to those you find elsewhere
Beach Camera - I purchased my 20D Canon from Beach and received it incredibly quick
BH Photo - I purchased a lens and other accessories and also received them promptly
Calumet Photography - I've read that photographers like to purchase from Calumet. I've noted them as a possible future resource for me.
Ritz / Wolf Camera - I've visited their retail stores and purchased some point-and-shoot cameras as well as sought advice on camera equipment. They are now a scrapbooking supply resource too, believe it or not.
Photo Printing
Epson R1800 - I have not printed a lot of photos on this printer of mine as I rely on it more for journaling and document printing. And truthfully, I am still getting to know this machine.
HP Photosmart portable photo printer - This is a suitable photo printer that prints both 4x6 and 5x7 photos using Vivera inks. The portability is a great feature and it has traveled with me near and far. At home, I typically rely on this printer for photo-printing.
Snapfish - My friends and I share photos on this site and order prints when the need arises. Once I submit a request to print certain photos, they usually arrive within 2-4 days. It is also a great back-up system for me to know my photos are available to me at any time.
Shutterfly - is a new resource for me and I hope to share more on it very soon. I've seen books printed from this site and have been quite impressed.
ScrapbookPictures.com - If you wish to print your photos in very unique sizes, this is the place to go. I've printed 6x12 photos and have been happy with the results.
PhotoStamps.com - For fun, particularly around the holidays, create postage stamps with photos for your cards and correspondence. I typically do this for the holidays each year.
Post-Processing - Digital
Adobe Photoshop - Whether you use Elements or CS3 (now CS4), there is so much you can do to your digital photos.
Aperture 2 - I am new to this software and am enjoying it's abilities to keep my photos in an organized fashion plus quick fixes to photos, particularly when I do not want to dedicate a lot of time to post-processing. This software is specifically for Mac computers.
Seeking Knowledge
Better Photo - I took my first online photography class from this site, attempting to learn more about my digital slr. Be sure to read the pre-requisites first as I jumped right in with no knowledge and the class was intended for students with experience using digital slr cameras. Reflecting back, I did benefit from learning custom white balance, which at the time was way over my head. Fortunately I retained some of that information that has been helpful to me since.
Big Picture Scrapbooking - Having taken Barbara Carroll's photography class online has helped me open my eyes to the operational aspects of my camera. I am still re-reading the handouts to assist me in retaining the information and tips I learned in class. And this class has been offered several times in the past, perhaps they will offer it again.
Visit your camera's manufacturer website for information and guidance on the use of your camera. It has helped me. And as Elizabeth Dillow recommended in a class I took with her at our LSS on Photography for Scrapbookers, refer to your manual. Very important.
Inspiration & Friends
Lisa Russo Photography - She truly has the talent for taking photos of children. And although I have no children, I enjoy browsing her blog enjoying every single photo she posts. I constantly think to myself, I want to take photos like her!
Karen Russell - Another amazing scrapbooker who also has a talent for photography. Her photos speak to you. It's all about the angle and the focus. It has inspired me to capture photos in a much different way than I did before I purchased my digital slr.
Marirosa Anderson - A great friend who is growing into her own as a photographer. She manages to keep herself busy on the weekends photographing teens, families, children and friends. ;)
Tammy Anderson - Another great friend who has learned so much about photography that it has enabled her to photograph children in the most adorable scenery, thanks to her post-processing skills.
My Blog Archive on Photography
