So, I got some gorgeous FREE photoshop actions from the wonderfully talented Annie from over at Funky Photoshop Actions

So easy to install, use and adjust. They will be my new love.

Just processed this photo I took in July at Pt Lonsdale with the Gerberah Blossoms action and Golden Leaves action and love it!

Thanks Annie!

At this very minute, I am immersing myself in an online photography course called evolve. This course runs for four weeks and we are in our first week. It is facilitated by the fab Sheye Rosemeyer, whose work and words I greatly admire.

I did the explore component last April. Loved every second of it. ‘Met’ some wonderful women from all over the world and learnt a lot about myself and photography.

evolve is the 2nd component and for some reason, my confidence in my abilities is not that high at the moment. To see the work this group produces, well let’s just say, I sit here in awe.

The first assignment is Soul Happy. What makes my soul happy? When I saw the topic my heart sunk. I am not good at introspective stuff. I don’t like delving too deep into myself. at. all.

Too hard. Too personal. Too much.

But today, an idea evolved!

Below is the post that I wrote accompanying my submission.

So, I decided to simplify. I decided to try to not ‘over think’ the task. I almost decided not to do the task to tell you the truth.

Yesterday was my birthday. I was so spoilt by family and friends. I was loved. I realised THAT made my soul happy. But how to show it? I took my camera to Morning Coffee. Spent some time with friends that I have known for ten plus years. While I had a lovely time I didn’t feel it ‘right’ to bring out the camera.

I went out to lunch with another group of friends – one of these friends and I share our birthdays – again – took my camera. Had lots of laughs and great food. Received plenty of gifts and hugs. No photos.

Dinner up at our neighbours place. Nice food. Nice company. Nothing camera-wise.

The day was a total dud in the photo department.

Today, I was looking at my cards and gifts and feeling very loved. Standing in the kitchen, I was holding up this gorgeous ceramic bird that my daughter, Bronte, gave me yesterday. Admiring its imperfections. Admiring its ‘redness’‘, for I do love the colour red in my kitchen!

Bee walked in and said do you want to take a photo of the bird? I could hold it if you like? I was pleasantly surprised at her suggestion as now, she normally runs from the camera. Yes please! So she went and changed into something that she thought would ‘match’. And it was perfect – a cream hoodie with red accents and embroidered red birds. She thought it all through. for. me.

This. This made my soul HAPPY.

Thoughtfulness. Not only of her gorgeous gift to me but her volunteering and getting changed. But wait! There’s more! She was even agreeable to posing suggestions! Wowee!

So, here is what made my soul happy today. A daughter, a red bird and winter light through my kitchen window.

That was a revelation to me – that such a simple gift of time, love and a bird was soul happy. I was looking too hard and too much before. I love how this just came to be.

Yesterday, I was lucky enough to photograph a lovely family of seven. Three girls, mum, dad and a set of grandparents. Such a nice, fun family! Here’s a sneak peek of just the girls so far….I am really happy with these and hope you guys are too!

There is a lot more to come!

This is a very special challenge over at i heart faces. It is in celebration of their birthday! Happy Birthday to you guys – you have helped make my 2009 fun and challenging!

This challenge, we allowed are FIVE entries! Yay. Each photo MUST have the i heart faces logo in it. This was so much fun! Here are my entries….

1.

Showing the Aussie spirit by using QANTAS and flying the i heart faces flag!

2.

Super Cool Clark Kent Glasses with fab logo as modelled by Joyce

3.

Tattooed Bee

4.

i heart faces clubhouse?

5.

Super Cool Balloons for super fun people!

Please head on over to i heart faces to see the many wonderfully creative entries. They are mind blowing!

“I am submitting this photo into the I Heart Faces logo photo contest. By entering, I am granting I Heart Faces LLC permission to consider my photo for use in the marketing and promotion of their website.”

2 boys and mum and dad. The blue-eyed family! Oh, except for Cosmo, the dog!

This was a fun shoot, lots of laughter and giggles.

that’s what it is all about really isn’t? Here’s some shots that I took on Sunday. My brother and two of his daughters. Now, I really love these photos, hope they all do too!

This is my brother’s youngest daughter. I used Sheye’s actions – Pale and Interesting, made some adjustments and voila!

This is her older sister. Just started highschool and is looking so grown up. Isn’t she lovely? Again, Pale and Interesting with tweaks.

Father and daughter. I love how this looks. Again, tweaked Pale and Interesting!

and now, they are looking in the same direction!

Don’t forget, I love to receive messages here. Otherwise I feel nutty, talking to myself!

Cheers

k8