Tuesday, September 27, 2011

PostalPix and a few other things…

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I’ve discovered the world of PostalPix.  I may be one of the last ones to know about this little app, but oh, how fun it is.  If you’re like me, you have many photos on your phone and while my intentions are good to load them to my computer and print them off…well, let’s just say it hasn’t happened yet.;)  However, when my good friend, Jenni, mentioned it on her scrappy blog I thought I’d check it out.  First, I ordered a handful of 4×4′s and 4×6′s and I have to admit that for a phone, the quality is pretty decent.  Then, I decided to go ahead and try out the mouse pad.  I’m not one for busy things on my desk (I have enough distractions).  However, my paper pad has emptied (and I can’t seem to find a new one right now), so I thought the photo from California would be a bit more soothing (and a longing to go back;).  When I look at this photo I still can’t believe it was printed from my phone.  I have officially dated myself to the point that if you would’ve told me 10 years ago that we could do something like this I would’ve thought you were ridiculous.:)  Anyway, if you are curious as to what to do with your phone photos then check it out.  You can place the app on your phone and order directly from there.  The process was almost too easy.:)

I had to include a few photos of Gabe.  I haven’t had the camera on my kids all month.  Gabe is obviously at school, so the photos I’ve taken have been from my phone and primarily consist of Claire.  So, here’s my precious boy…he has developed a love for climbing trees.  He’s so much like his mom and dad, it’s crazy.

And, finally, I thought it would be worth everyone’s while to share this.  If you are on Pinterest then you’ve probably already seen this pass through.  It is a great reminder to have close to you when learning to understand your camera better.  I wish I could’ve had something like this when I was learning.  So, print it off and keep it close by…:) 

Posted in Photo Tips, Products

by Melody Carpenter

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Monday, September 5, 2011

Will you marry me?

Posted in Life with Gabe & Claire, Personal 1 comment

Gabe and Claire are at a fun age right now.  To be honest, I’ve loved every stage and age since they’ve been born, but that’s besides the point.  Gabe is growing right before our eyes and has a special place in his heart for Claire–most of the time…I won’t mention that he has a poster on his door that says, “Claire needs to stay out of my room.”:).  Anyway, Claire is very much into the princess stage right now and has actually asked Gabe to marry her…several times.  He, of course, declined, so Claire decided she would settle with Jeremy.:)

A few weekends back (we didn’t have a wedding), I decided it was time to grab some photos of the kids…since I have only taken candids the majority of 2011.  Bad mom.  Anyway, we went out and I was hoping to walk away with just a few photos.  I guess you could say they surprised me…to a whole new level.  They hammed it up from the beginning.  When I asked them to dance (if you follow our photography blog then you know that I have an obnoxious way of dancing with the kids, so they are quite familiar with how the process works:), they obliged and gave me so much more than dancing….smiles, laughter, dipping, twirling.  It was the sweetest thing to watch…I almost forgot to take pictures of it.  Well, the part that stole my heart was when Claire said, “Gabe!  You’re my prince and I’m your princess!”  Oh, how I melted…right there.  I knew then that these photos would capture my heart again and again as they passed through each stage of their sweet lives.  Even though they antagonize each other at times, they really do love to be together.  Our prayer is that their little friendship will continue to grow with each passing year.  I couldn’t be a prouder mom…so very blessed.

This little session only lasted about 15-20 minutes…that was all I needed.  And, I am SO glad that I took a few minutes to stop and capture them where they are right now.  I can’t believe how much they have changed over the summer.  There are many times where I carry guilt about taking time to share personal pictures when there is so much editing/work to do for our clients.  However, I realize that there times when inspiration can be found from within.  Capturing these moments of Gabe and Claire have reminded me how important it is document their lives.  I am beyond thankful for the many that have entrusted us to capture memories of their families that can be remembered for years to come.  Sharing these photos has given me an extra push for all that is on the to-do list.  I can’t wait to share more of our clients in the coming days/weeks on the CPD blog.

 

Posted in Life with Gabe & Claire, Personal

by Melody Carpenter

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Cara - LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THEM lots!September 7, 2011 – 9:20 pm

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Happiest Place on Earth

Posted in Life with Gabe & Claire 2 comments

We started planning our trip for Disney World two years ago.  We wanted to go when the kids would both be able to enjoy it (and give ourselves some time to save up some cash;).  After many anxious months the trip has come and gone.  We got to experience the magical world of Disney with one of the families who keep our kiddos while we are out shooting weddings.  We have grown close to them over the years and are so blessed to have them in our lives.  Our kids love them to pieces which makes this mommy and daddy very happy. ;)

Below is a peek at our week.  It went by fast leaving us somewhat tired and exhausted, but the memories will be with us forever.  I now understand why people call it the happiest place on earth.  Jeremy and I had never been there, so we didn’t know what to expect. The kids were beyond excited to be there (only a little hot) and we were amazed at how much there is to offer.  We are so thankful that we took a break during our busy season to make these memories…wouldn’t trade this time for anything.

Gabe was excited to have his picture taken in front of the castle…

Claire, on the other hand, not so much.  She did identify this castle as her castle, though…can you blame her?;)

We took Claire to meet the princesses. Obviously, she wanted to wear her princess dress.  So, I did her hair and put a touch of makeup on her.  She added a bit more eye shadow.;)

And, then there was the Disney parade…

Followed with fireworks…quite the display.  I was so impressed by how they did their night time activities: parade, slideshow of the day on the castle, followed with fireworks.

Gabe’s favorite place, by far.  I must say that this restaurant was unbelievable.  However, most things at Disney are unbelievable…the detail that is put into their rides, restaurants, shows, etc is incredible.  I guess most of you know that already…;)

Claire was in love with her Minnie and Mickey Mouse (bride and groom) that she picked out.  She called them her prince and princess…;)

Our time by the pool was a must.  We have two water bugs that would live in the pool if we would let them.

I guess you could say this was common during our stay.  We were all worn out which left our kiddos looking like this.  Thankfully, no one caught me sleeping…I’m sure that I looked much more exhausted and not near as cute.;)

That’s our trip in a nutshell.  It is time to get back into my groove of our season.  Hope your summer is bringing you lots of memories!

Posted in Life with Gabe & Claire

by Melody Carpenter

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Jenni Hufford - AW love the pics!! Wow the night shot of the castle with fireworks is AWESOME! looks like you guys had a great time! so glad!August 2, 2011 – 3:47 pm

Tamara Ehrgott - One of MY favorite places!! I can’t wait till our kids are old enough to take. So glad you guys had some wonderful time off during your busy wedding season!July 29, 2011 – 2:15 pm

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Taking time…

Posted in Personal, Something to share 1 comment

This is our busy season (aka. crazy season).  We’ve got weddings and portrait sessions and editing and designing and ordering and emailing and…and…  It’s this time in the summer where I feel as though I may spin out of control.  However, I also realize how important it is to stop and take in a breath.  I don’t do this often enough, but today I did.

I had a newborn session this morning followed with an unexpected lunch date with my dear friend, Jennifer, who happened to be helping me with my session.  We decided to eat lunch outside and sat next to an older couple.  We exchanged a few words and then went on about our meal.  As we were getting ready to leave, I realized how intrigued I was by them.  I have this thing for older people…it’s in my blood.  My mom worked at a retirement home for years, so I’m naturally drawn to them.  I love to hear their hearts while they share their stories.  Well, today I decided to act on my feelings and talk with them.  We heard about their lives in their earlier days, talked about the community we live in, our children and enjoyed some laughs.  After we said our good-byes, my friend, Jennifer, and I headed back to our cars.  During that time we ran into another elderly man who was having a difficult time getting around.  It was obvious he was looking for something, so once again, I stopped.  This dear man was looking for his glasses so that he could drive home.  We went from store to store looking for them and finally found them in the visor of his car.;)  He told us how much he appreciated our help.  As we were leaving I told him to have a good day.  He smiled and said, “I will now.”

All of this happened within an hour of my busy day.  I realize that this is our crazy, busy season and I’m usually only giving up my time for our kids/family.  But, today…today was different.  I gave up one hour of my day to have lunch with a friend, meet the sweet couple from the restaurant and help a man in need.  It was enough for me to feel inspired…inspired to come back and work, inspired to meet new people that happen to walk by, inspired to make more time for me-my family-my friends, inspired to take my camera around with me more often.  So, whether this inspires my work, my soul or both…it was worth it.  All because I gave up an hour to live life.

Posted in Personal, Something to share

by Melody Carpenter

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Vangie Lindner - Aw, thanks, Melody!!That was precious! So glad you took time. . .I know it was and will continually be worth it. MomJuly 12, 2011 – 5:45 pm

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Father’s Day

Posted in Personal 1 comment

I hope everyone is enjoying the celebration all of those special fathers!  Click on the photo below to read my post from our photography blog regarding Father’s Day.  Blessings to all!

 

 

 

Posted in Personal

by Melody Carpenter

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Susan Evans - These are SO adorable! I especially love the one where they’re all laughing and Claire has her hand over her face. Your family is just too cute!June 23, 2011 – 8:28 am

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