Hello Kitty - 23/365 Photo

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

Hello Kitty wasn't the one doing the blowing but she sure did have fun popping them!

Hello Kitty - 22/365 Photo

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

Nemo was checking Hello Kitty out - and she him. I think he'd have given her quite a run for her money if she tried anything, don't you?

Click here to view the rest of the Hello Kitty photos so far.

I ♥ Faces - Fix it Friday!

The dad in this family has been struggling with cancer for years and they found out the devastating news in December that his cancer is now terminal. They are now doing everything they can to enjoy the rest of the time they have together on this earth.

We would love it if you would stop by Adrienne's Blog or Jeff's Caring Bridge site to leave a kind word of encouragement today. If we have learned anything over the past year, it's that we have the kindest, most caring, compassionate participants in the blogging world and we would be thrilled if our community overwhelmed this beautiful family with kind thoughts today.

Here is the original photo:

Here is my edit:

1. I opened the file in Lightroom and used the preset 'Fix the Highlights' to help with some of the blown out highlights on the children in front
2. I then opened the file in CS4 and used the clone tool to take out some of the distracting toys and the extra swing.
3. Then I used boost action (with a slightly reduced opacity) from Pioneer Woman.
4. Then I used MCP Color Flair and MCP Crystal Clear Web Resize and Sharpen.  I think I also used another MCP action but forget which one - sorry!

Here is the same edit - but converted to black and white with a slight vignette.

Here is another treatment - this is the lightroom preset 'Aged Photo' and then I reduced the brightness and exposure.

Thanks for looking!  Make sure to head on over to http://iheartfaces.blogspot.com/ to see the other creative edits to this great family photo!

Some of my school photos...

I had a great first semester at AAU and I'm looking forward to classes beginning again on February 1st. Here are some of my favorite photos from last semester.

Hello Kitty - 21/365 Photo

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

Just a relaxing day on a park bench for Hello Kitty.

Hello Kitty - 20/365 Photo

20-365b
Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

Hello Kitty was playing in Ariel's castle during bath time today.

Same photo in color:

Hello Kitty - 19/365 Photo

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

Hello Kitty by candlelight is quite pretty, don't you think?

Click here to view the rest of the Hello Kitty photos so far.




Same photo - in black and white.

Blog Project

I've decided to make this a 52 project instead of a 365 project. Who the heck did I think I was to take on TWO 365 projects??? You guys probably saw this coming but I decided I wanted to get a little bit more involved in the bloggers I found and 365 of them in one year just won't allow me to do that. So, I'm going to back off a bit and restart on Sunday, January 24th. I think this will allow me to manage the list a bit better and to actually visit the bloggers more than just once or twice.
Thanks for understanding!

Hello Kitty - 18/365 Photo

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

Hello Kitty took a trip to the beach today She had a great time and it was beautiful out!

I ♥ Faces - We are Family

It's family week over at I ♥ Faces.  Is anyone else singing 'we are family dadadada I got all my sisters and me' while posting their entry???  I sure am and I can't get it out of my head hehe.

I love this photo of Ashlee, Mike, Troy and Madisyn.  I love how the sun seems to be shining down right on them illuminating them as they have a tender family moment.  I try to make sure I'm alost invisible at moments during my shoot so that I can capture the emotion between the people. I really feel like that comes through here.

 Please make sure you stop by http://iheartfaces.blogspot.com/ to take a look at all of the great photos that are sure to be posted this week.  Good luck to all the entrants!

Hello Kitty - 17/365 Photo

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

Hello Kitty went for a skateboard ride today. Show off.