Photography by Michelle Hires

New Blog Address!

2010-04-17T17:13:00.000-10:00

If you're a follower, I have a new address and would LOVE for you to visit me there! This is going to be my permanent location!

http://www.michellehires.com

Hello Kitty - 105/365 Photo

2010-04-16T22:18:00.001-10:00

Hello Kitty - 105/365 Photo, originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires.

I shall withhold the name of the innocent but Hello Kitty is beginning her invasion. Slowly but surely, she is taking over the world....

(PS - sorry that I'm a day late posting this - Thursday was a busy day :)

Hello Kitty - 106/365 Photo

2010-04-16T22:14:00.001-10:00

Hello Kitty - 106/365 Photo, originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires.

Remember the days of old fashioned journaling?? Have you tried doing that lately? Well I did, and I got writer's cramp - go figure.

I ♥ Faces - Fix it Friday!

2010-04-16T07:48:00.003-10:00

What a great photo they have for Fix It Friday this week! Here's one of my takes on it (more to follow). Head on over to http://iheartfaces.blogspot.com/ if you want to play along or just see other renditions of the photo!

The biggest problem is underexposure. Here is the before.

Here is my 'regular' after.

Here are my steps!
Lightroom

Used eyedropper on white of eyes to adjust white balance. This changed temp to +41, +48
Manual Adjustments to:
Exposure +75
Fill Light +21
Brightness +50

Did you know you can adjust luminance sliders of orange, red and yellow to remove ruddiness out of skin? I didn't until about a month ago and it's been my new favorite thing. SO easy! The key is to move the saturation slider DOWN and the luminance slider UP.

Red
Saturation -19
Luminance +23

Orange
Saturation -19
Luminance +23

My last step in Lightroom was to do a noise reduction of 50, there was inevitably going to be some noise from the underexposure and I like to touch that up in Lightroom.

Now off to Photoshop!

MCP Actions Magic Powder - opacity adjusted to 50. I then masked it off her lips, I still wanted them to look dewy. This step almost COMPLETELY fixes the face. It's a godsend!

MCP Eye Doctor - I only used Sharp as a Tack and Enhance Catchlights on eyes - both at 50% opacity. I then used the 'Darken Pupil' step on the LIPS at a 20% opacity :)

I then brightened up under the eyes and smoothed it out just a bit and spot removed some of the leftover blemishes and stray hair :)

Here is the same edit but with my FAVORITE 'Chocolate Covered Strawberries' from MCP

Creative Aged Preset in Lightroom

Here is the color one again but with a bit of a 'Boost' from Pioneer Woman and then I used Heavy Fog Fixer from MCP to clear up some of the haziness. :)

Hello Kitty - 104/365 Photo

2010-04-15T00:57:00.002-10:00

Hello Kitty - 104/365 Photo, originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires.

This little girl had quite the adventure. She was lost at our local zoo for well over a week and after a recent return, we found her! She looks a little banged up, but I promise to clean her up. This is a tribute to my loving husband. We celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary a few days ago and although we're a bit banged up (figuratively), there's SO much love between us because of our struggles and triumphs. I love you honey!

Hello Kitty - 103/365 Photo

2010-04-13T15:59:00.002-10:00

Hello Kitty - 102/365 Photo, originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires.

Hello Kitty - 102/365 Photo

2010-04-12T22:45:00.001-10:00

Hello Kitty - 102/365 Photo, originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires.

Hello Kitty - 101/365 Photo

2010-04-11T20:48:00.004-10:00

Hello Kitty - 101/365 Photo, originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires.

So, I realized that I didn't get a photo of Hope and I together with Hello Kitty so we went back for day 2. We also wanted to bring my pal Tressa and her son Xaveir, who happens to be a Hello Kitty fan, to go see her.

Here are a few more photos of the Sanrio Cafe that opened. There are some yummy looking desserts. We didn't try any, but will probably head back for some soon.

Hello Kitty - 100/365 Photo

2010-04-10T21:05:00.002-10:00

Hello Kitty - 100/365 Photo, originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires.

How fitting that the one hundredth (100!!) photo of my 365 project is the one where we got to meet Hello Kitty IN PERSON! It's divine intervention and was completely unplanned.

She didn't say much but boy was she cute! She posed for pictures and did all sorts of cute things...loved it!

It was a LOT of fun to be there at our local Sanrio store as they did a grand re-opening and the opening of a Sanrio Cafe right next door.

Hello Kitty - 99/365 Photo

2010-04-09T22:40:00.001-10:00

Hello Kitty - 99/365 Photo, originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires.

I really like the effect this glass has on Hello Kitty - makes her look a bit trippy, don't you think? Have a great weekend everyone. I have a feeling I'm going to be pooped when all is said and done...

Hello Kitty - 98/365 Photo

2010-04-08T23:03:00.001-10:00

Hello Kitty - 98/365 Photo, originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires.

So, I think I have a good idea but the execution leaves a bit to be desired. You'll probably see this shot again, but hopefully better as I work out some of my 'creative vision' :)

Hello Kitty - 97/365 Photo

2010-04-08T00:21:00.001-10:00

Hello Kitty - 97/365 Photo, originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires.

My finger is feeling a bit better today (thanks so much for those of you that inquired :). I still have the band-aid on but it'll probably come off tomorrow.

Hello Kitty decided to turn the tables on me a bit. I didn't have the heart to tell her that her camera isn't real....

Hello Kitty - 96/365 Photo

2010-04-06T20:44:00.002-10:00

Hello Kitty - 96/365 Photo, originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires.

I know I've done a band-aid one before but I HAD to post this one today. I got a horrible cardboard (yes from cardboard!) paper-cut yesterday and I haven't been able to take the band-aid off. The only thing making it slightly better is the HK band-aid!

Click here to view the other Hello Kitty photos from my 365 project.

Here is the Flickr Page for my 365 project.

Hello Kitty - 95/365 Photo

2010-04-05T20:50:00.002-10:00

Hello Kitty - 95/365 Photo, originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires.

So, a trip to our new and improved Sanrio store proved to be quite prosperous for Hope. I picked up this darling pair of HK earrings for Hope that are a bit more her size than ones previously bought.

The good news? We will get to meet Hello Kitty in PERSON this weekend.

I had to grab a pic of the earrings while she was sleeping. I'm pretty impressed with the way my camera handled an ISO of 2200 :)

Hello Kitty - 94/365 and Easter!

2010-04-04T22:19:00.001-10:00

We had a fantastic Easter! The only thing that would have made it better would have been for Brian to be home to enjoy it with us. There's always next year for that, right? Love ya Brian!

Hello Kitty was very prominent this holiday as you can expect she will be until my 365 project is over.

Hope loved everything the Easter Bunny left her and she just could not believe that the Easter Bunny was here in our house and she wanted all of the details on how he got in. She doesn't miss a beat, that's for sure. Here are a few of my photos from the day.

She was telling me some sort of story in this one....

Yes, she is wearing her Christmas Hello Kitty T-Shirt here....I couldn't find an Easter one and I HAD to have some Hello Kitty shots in case I didn't get to set any up ;)

Oh how I wish I had flipped my camera for this one...but look at those CUTE earrings!

Hello Kitty - 93/365 Photo

2010-04-03T20:57:00.002-10:00

Hello Kitty - 93/365 Photo, originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires.

A little fantasy for Hello Kitty today...

Hello Kitty - 92/365 Photo

2010-04-02T22:18:00.001-10:00

Hello Kitty - 92/365 Photo, originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires.

I'm totally not sure if one of these exists for real but what a fantastic idea, don't you think???! I wonder if I can license a patent and make millions? ;) It sure would be pretty darn cool!

I ♥ Faces - Fix it Friday!

2010-04-02T15:57:00.001-10:00

I'm a bit late because we spent the day having fun and riding horsies! Was a pretty good day but I just could not resist adding some edits to the Fix It Friday mix.

Here is the 'Before'. This photo really did not need much touching up. It's a great shot from the getgo - good exposure, good composition, great expression. Here are a couple of my edits.

Before:

After - my 'straight' edit.
I adjusted white balance just a bit. I then used a few of my MCP Actions. I used the 'Extreme Fill Flash' action to take out some of the shadow from the left side of her face (her right). I then used the 'Pop' action to bump up the contrast. I then played around with MCP Dreamy Color action. I also used the 'Eye Doctor' actions to bring out the eyes a bit.

Straight edit with a bit of a crop. As much as I love the original, I think I like the crop version just a bit better.

One of my favorites - Chocolate Covered Strawberries (from MCP Actions)

MCP Actions - Throwback Vintage

Hello Kitty - 90/365 Photo

2010-03-31T23:57:00.001-10:00

Hello Kitty - 90/365 Photo, originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires.

Some where along the line I got my numbers mixed up, but I should be back on track now. We're working on 'contrasts' in my visualization class and so all I can think about is contrasts. What could be more of a contrast than cute, adorable little HK and hard, not cute rocks and cement?

Hello Kitty - 89/365 Photo

2010-03-30T22:57:00.002-10:00

Hello Kitty - 88/365 Photo, originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires.

We live in Hawaii but just got news that we're shipping out at the end of the year. Boo! Hiss! We might be playing 'Where in the world is Hello Kitty in a few months'

Hello Kitty - 88/365 Photo

2010-03-30T00:01:00.002-10:00

Hello Kitty - 87/365 Photo, originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires.

Ok, there is seriously TOO much cute Easter Hello Kitty stuff. I ordered an Easter basket off of eBay because I got nervous when our local Target sold out of the HK baskets early. They don't usually get more than 1 holiday shipment. Anyway, they did end up getting more baskets but I already ordered mine off of ebay. The basket I ordered was SUPER though because it came with these adorable Hello Kitty plastic refillable/reusable eggs. I know Hope is going to LOVE them!

Hello Kitty - 87/365 Photo

2010-03-28T22:03:00.002-10:00

Hello Kitty - 86/365 Photo, originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires.

We had such a fun weekend that all we really want to do is cuddle in bed, so that's what we're going to do. Happy Sunday all - see you Monday!

I ♥ Faces - Dramatic B&W

2010-03-28T07:58:00.003-10:00

This is a photo I took of my good friend Rachel for one of my classes this semester and I think it really fits into this weeks theme. I've titled it 'Isolation'. I must admit that I've never really been a fan of B&W but I'm definitely getting when it fits a photo better than color and I think this is definitely one of them. I'm learning to like it, a lot.

Please make sure you stop by http://iheartfaces.blogspot.com/ to check out all of the other fabulous entries. I'm sure this week is going to be a big one.

Hello Kitty - 86/365 Photo

2010-03-28T00:10:00.002-10:00

Hello Kitty - 85/365 Photo, originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires.

Hello Kitty - 85/365 Photo

2010-03-26T22:49:00.002-10:00

Hello Kitty - 84/365 Photo, originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires.

Just a bit of Hello Kitty art to share with you today. She looks huge, but she really is only like an inch tall. Enjoy your weekend everyone!

I ♥ Faces - Fix it Friday!

2010-03-25T19:29:00.006-10:00

After:

1. Imported to Lightroom and adjusted temperature a tad to warm up the photo a bit. I used the dropper on the white of the eyes as my basis for the adjustment.

2. Still in Lightroom, I adjusted the brightness just a bit (+40). I took a free online class recently on Lightroom and the instructor suggested that it is more beneficial to adjust the brightness instead of exposure so that highlights and shadows don't blow out.

3. Then I used the adjustment brush at a +75 exposure to bring out the catch lights in the eyes and then a new brush with a +100 clarity to sharpen the eyes.

4. Then I hit the 'Punch' preset to just pop the photo a bit.

5. I imported the photo to Photoshop and cloned out some of the spots/blemishes on her face.

6. Ran MCP Actions 'Powder Your Nose' to smooth out some of the roughness of the skin and work on some of the blotchiness around the eyes and mouth.

7. Ran MCP Actions 'Magic Skin'. Because I had just done the powder your nose, I reduced the opacity on the layer to 23% - I didn't want it to look like too much.

8. Almost done! I ran the MCP Action 'Crystal Clear Resize and Sharpen and then masked out the sharpness of the skin, kept the clarity on the eyes for sure and the rest of the image.

Pioneer Woman's B&W and MCP Actions Burnt Edges

MCP Actions - Chocolate Covered Strawberries (I think this one is my favorite)

MCP Actions - Throwback Vintage (at 65% opacity)

and finally...one with a Texture! It's called Cream Bokeh Swirls and the creator is Pareeerica on Flickr. There are so many textures in his free set and they're all gorgeous!

Hello Kitty - 84/365 Photo

2010-03-25T18:27:00.004-10:00

Hello Kitty - 83/365 Photo, originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires.

I don't think this bird knew quite what to think about Hello Kitty...

Hello Kitty - 83/365 Photos

2010-03-25T00:02:00.005-10:00

I'm going to cheat a little bit and post a few photos of Hope for today's Hello Kitty photos. We went to Starbucks for a little mommy/Hope bonding time and I couldn't resist. She loves her Strawberries 'n Cream drinks. She does have a Hello Kitty shirt on :)

80-365, originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires.

Hello Kitty - 82/365 Photo

2010-03-23T21:28:00.002-10:00

Hello Kitty - 82/365 Photo, originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires.

Today's photo is courtesy of Hope. She was playing this morning, quite quietly I might add, while I was getting ready for the day. She dragged me over and said 'Mom, look! Take a picture of the Hello Kitty family!' How could I resist?

Hello Kitty - 81/365 Photo

2010-03-22T23:36:00.002-10:00

Hello Kitty - 81/365 Photo, originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires.

Hello Kitty has, to put it delicately, two left feet. Today was a day of boo-boos and nothing helps that more than a band-aid, right?

Hello Kitty - 80/365 Photo

2010-03-21T22:54:00.002-10:00

Hello Kitty - 80/365 Photo, originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires.

Hello Kitty - 79/365 Photo

2010-03-20T20:39:00.005-10:00

Hello Kitty - 79/365 Photo, originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires.

I always feel a bit more pro-ish when I break out the tripod for a Hello Kitty photo. This one made me feel extra 'pro-ish' :)

Click here to view the other Hello Kitty photos from my 365 project.

Here is the Flickr Page for my 365 project.

Hello Kitty - 78/365 Photo

2010-03-19T21:51:00.002-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

Hello Kitty - 77/365 Photo

2010-03-18T23:35:00.002-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

This darn little cat likes to hide on me (seriously). Sometimes she isn't where she's supposed to be (my camera bag) and I don't know how she got to where I end up finding her. I have a feeling it could be one of two possible culprits but I'm still searching for evidence. Either way, it's a photo op in the making, right??

Hello Kitty - 76/365 Photo

2010-03-17T20:54:00.002-10:00

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Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

Hello Kitty - 75/365 Photo and a contest opportunity from paperieboutique!

2010-03-16T21:34:00.004-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

Hello Kitty likes to show off every now and then and this was one of those moments. This was pure skill on her part, no trickery involved. She is a cat after-all ;)

I found a contest tonight! Check it out if you're a Hello Kitty fan!

I love photography and I’m not ashamed to admit I ♥ Hello Kitty, too – visit Paperie Boutique / paperieboutique.com to win both-in-one!

http://paperieboutique.com/2010/03/15/viva_las_vegas/

Hello Kitty - 74/365 Photo

2010-03-15T23:06:00.002-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

Hello Kitty - 73/365 Photo

2010-03-14T21:16:00.003-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

Hello Kitty had to earn her keep today.

Pictures for Hope's Daddy

2010-03-14T19:18:00.001-10:00

Brian - we love you lots. Here are some pictures from the last few days. Miss you and love you!

Hello Kitty - 72/365 Photo

2010-03-13T20:42:00.002-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

No cats were harmed in the making of this photograph.

Click here to view the other Hello Kitty photos from my 365 project.

Here is the Flickr Page for my 365 project.

Hello Kitty - 71/365 Photo

2010-03-12T20:20:00.003-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

Hello Kitty was a beach bum like the rest of us. Boy was it a fun time for all.

Click here to view the other Hello Kitty photos from my 365 project.

Here is the Flickr Page for my 365 project.

Hello Kitty - 70/365 Photo

2010-03-11T21:25:00.002-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

After a busy day today, we had to stop at the fountain for a drink.

Hello Kitty - 69/365 Photo

2010-03-10T20:49:00.002-10:00

Hello Kitty - 69/365 Photo
Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

This photo is from my good friend Tressa...she was such a good sport and watched Hope (and Hello Kitty) while I did a bit of pampering today and she even took a Hello Kitty picture for me. The bag is actually homemade ice cream and she made it at playgroup today :)

I want to thank Tressa for channeling her inner photographer for me ;)

Hello Kitty - 68/365 Photo

2010-03-09T20:30:00.002-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

Today's photo is last minute so I kinda just took the shot where she hung out for most of the day today. It was a productive day and I hope to be a productive night, there is homework to do :)

Click here to view the other Hello Kitty photos from my 365 project.

Here is the Flickr Page for my 365 project.

Hello Kitty - 67/365 Photo

2010-03-08T21:21:00.002-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

Just a little tribute to the love of my life. We miss you and can't wait to have you home.

I ♥ Faces - Jump for Joy!

2010-03-07T23:30:00.000-10:00

I know it's not the most amazing photo in the world to most, but it sure ranks up there for Hope's Dad and I. It's not often that you let loose and do something that is only for the sake of making someone else smile, except Hope's Dad does it all of the time. He's still in Afghanistan and we miss him dearly but we have moments like these to look back on and they make us both happy we have him at all and anxious to have him home again.

Thanks for stopping by to see my entry and please make sure you head over to I ♥ Faces (http://iheartfaces.blogspot.com/) to check out all of the other great entries!

Hello Kitty - 66/365 Photo

2010-03-07T22:49:00.002-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

I always felt like I might have a future as a hand model, my path didn't quite take me in that direction...

Hello Kitty - 65/365 Photo

2010-03-06T21:34:00.002-10:00

Ok, seriously...the madness must stop. I don't think I have ever seen anything cuter on this planet (except maybe the other plush I got today that you'll probably see soon).

Holidays + Hello Kitty = cuteness overload

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

The Winner

2010-03-06T08:07:00.000-10:00

Comment number 1 by 'Three Nuts in the Bluegrass' is the winner of the Hello Kitty apron giveaway. Send me an email to michelle(dot)hires(at)gmail(dot)com with your mailing address and I'll send it off next week. Congratulations and thanks for following my blog!!

Hello Kitty - 64/365 Photos!

2010-03-05T21:21:00.006-10:00

So, today I just had to post these photos of Hope for my 365 project.

I bet you can't count how many Hello Kitty items there are in this series of photos shot today. I seriously think I'm going to need some help before this year is out, if I don't already :)

Hello Kitty - 63/365 Photo

2010-03-04T20:38:00.002-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

I ♥ Faces - Fix it Friday!

2010-03-04T18:55:00.007-10:00

It's Fix-It Friday times over at I ♥ Faces (http://iheartfaces.blogspot.com/)and I decided to play around with this weeks photo a bit.
Here is the before photo:

Here is my first 'after' photo: I did a bit of a crop and adjusted white balance in Lightroom. In Photoshop, I used the clone tool to get rid of some of the more noticeable blemishes.

Then I used quite a few actions from http://www.mcpactions.com/

I used the 'Magic Skin' action to even out the skin tone. I then used the 'Eye Doctor' to enhance the eyes just a tad bit. I added a vignette using MCP Burnt Edges. I then used MCP Touch of Light to add just a bit of brightening to the skin, just a little bit.

MCP has some GREAT free actions (click the link, really go ahead), I suggest you download them and try them out a bit. That's how I got started and then moved on to some more advanced editing after purchasing a few of her sets.

Same edit (but additional crop and angle) but then used Lightroom preset 'Aged Photo' and made a few adjustments.

Using PW's B&W

Hello Kitty - 62/365 Photo

2010-03-03T23:15:00.002-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

Don't ask me why Hello Kitty was playing in an empty toilet paper roll. She's weird like that.

Hello Kitty - Giveaway!

2010-03-02T21:04:00.002-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

UPDATE: I will be choosing a winner of this giveaway on Friday, March 5th.

Hope and I went to our local Sanrio store and I just could not pass up this adorable Hello Kitty apron. So, not only did we get it but, I have another I'm going to offer up as a GIVEAWAY.

All you have to do to qualify for entry in the giveaway is to leave a comment on this post and tell me what your favorite photo is from my Hello Kitty 365 project. One entry per person please.

Size information: Hope is 3 1/2 years old but she is the size of a 4 1/2 or 5 year old. She fits in size 6/7 clothes.

Click here to view the other Hello Kitty photos from my 365 project.

Disclaimer: This contest is sponsored by no one and I am in no way affiliated with Sanrio. I'm just a Hello Kitty fan who got a wild idea for a 365 project.

Here is the Flickr Page for my 365 project.

Hello Kitty - 61/365 Photo

2010-03-02T20:42:00.002-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

I am LOVING this project. Seriously. It forces me to be creative and think outside the box every.single.day. Some days, I will admit, it's a bit harder than others but then I come up with ideas like this and I love it all over again. If you follow my blog, thank you. I appreciate the encouragement. I think I am going to get through all 365 days.

Click here to view the other Hello Kitty photos from my 365 project.

Here is the Flickr Page for my 365 project.

Hello Kitty - 60/365 Photo

2010-03-01T20:30:00.003-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

Ok, I admit that I pre-ordered New Moon. As someone who has read the ENTIRE series 5 times (working on the 6th), I can say that I am slightly obsessed. Hello Kitty doesn't quite get it, but that doesn't really bother me. :)

Click here to view the other Hello Kitty photos from my 365 project.

Here is the Flickr Page for my 365 project.

I ♥ Faces - Hilarious Outtakes

2010-02-28T23:07:00.001-10:00

My hilarious outtakes are all about faces. I really don't think I need to explain much except that I am surrounded by the most hilarious and personality filled children on the planet. Love them all SO much!

I hope you enjoy mine and make sure you check out the rest of the entries from this week over at http://iheartfaces.blogspot.com/. You're sure to be entertained!

Safiyyah and Hope clearly having a good time at playgroup.

Seriously, what was she thinking??

Xaveir makes some of the weirdest faces I have ever seen!

Safiyyah does too now that I think about it.

I think I told her to smile and she did this instead.

Hello Kitty - 59/365 Photo

2010-02-28T21:44:00.003-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

It rained last night and there were these beautiful little puddles with even more beautiful reflections. Hello Kitty just HAD to stop and admire hers. She's so predictable! ;)

Click here to view the other Hello Kitty photos from my 365 project.

Here is the Flickr Page for my 365 project.

The way 02/27/2010 ended

2010-02-27T21:04:00.002-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

The most beautiful, large, full moon I remember seeing in a bit. Clear skies and it almost seemed so close we could touch it.
Amazing.

Hello Kitty - 58/365 Photo

2010-02-27T20:56:00.005-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

Ok, so unless you live under a rock you probably heard about the tsunami warning that Hawaii was under today. After an early morning phone call, we all rushed out of the house to stock up on the necessities that I should have gotten yesterday on a planned trip to the commissary that we didn't end up making. Whew, that was a mouthful! Those flashlights I bought yesterday? That was luck. All is well and the tsunami turned out to be just a bit of waves, thank goodness. In all of the chaos, I think some might have forgotten that Chile went through a disaster of unimaginable proportions. Please keep them in your thoughts and help out in any way you can.

Click here to view the other Hello Kitty photos from my 365 project.

Here is the Flickr Page for my 365 project.

Hello Kitty - 57/365 Photo

2010-02-26T21:20:00.007-10:00

We got a couple of new flashlights today and we had to take an evening stroll. With weather this good, why would we stay inside?

As an added bonus, here's one of Hope as well.

Hello Kitty - 56/365 Photo

2010-02-25T19:50:00.002-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

Don't worry - we got her out and she was none the worse for the wear. :)

Hello Kitty - 55/365 Photo

2010-02-24T21:58:00.003-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

Hello Kitty - 54/365 Photo

2010-02-23T19:16:00.002-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

Can you hear the mouse in the background cackling? There's such a sense of irony about this one, isn't there?

Hello Kitty - 53/365 Photo

2010-02-22T22:35:00.003-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

I think we can all use a little reminder to see the world through someone else's eyes.

I had to get deep for a minute there but Hello Kitty just wanted to know if they made her look cute. Ummm.....

Click here to view the other Hello Kitty photos from my 365 project.

Here is the Flickr Page for my 365 project.

Hello Kitty - 52/365 Photo

2010-02-21T21:26:00.002-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

Playing catch up today so I was kind of tied to the computer for a bit. I did manage to get quite a bit done in spite of that.

Click here to view the other Hello Kitty photos from my 365 project.

Here is the Flickr Page for my 365 project.

I ♥ Faces - Hands on Fun

2010-02-21T18:17:00.000-10:00

I know we've all seen this coming our way at some point. We point the camera until they can't stand it any more and they come at us like this! I'm happy that at least she was smiling in the process. :)

I'm sure there are going to be more than a handful (HAHAHAHAHA) of awesome entries this week...make sure you check them out at http://iheartfaces.blogspot.com/

Thanks for stopping by to see mine!

Hello Kitty - 51/365 Photo

2010-02-20T23:19:00.007-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

I have a new addiction, I admit it. Lego Indiana Jones for XBox 360 has captured my attention and well, I think I need help.

Hello Kitty - 50/365 Photo

2010-02-20T23:19:00.006-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

So, I first have to say that no posting yesterday was due to the fact that Hope and I have been fighting the sick all week and finally on Friday it caught up with me and had me knocked on my you-know-what.

Can a cat be a couch potato? I think so and Hello Kitty sure was. At least the couch is a nice one...

Hello Kitty - 49/365 Photo

2010-02-18T22:49:00.002-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

Since we've been feeling a bit under the weather this week, we've been staying close to home. That means we're finding creative ways to stay busy. This is something that happens anyway, but we've been doing a bit more of it this week. Hello Kitty wanted to practice on this letter. Pretty predictable, huh?

I ♥ Faces - Fix it Friday!

2010-02-18T21:15:00.004-10:00

It's Fix it Friday over at I ♥ Faces. The original photo is such a sweet one and I'm happy to show my fixes and fun edits to this cute photo. Make sure you head over to http://iheartfaces.blogspot.com/ to check out all of the other creative edits you'll see!
UPDATE: Here is the link to the texture used in the last edit. It's called Cream Bokeh Swirls and the creator is Pareeerica on Flickr. There are so many textures in his free set and they're all gorgeous!

Original:

Fix 1: Here is the more normal of my edits. I did some adjustments in Lightroom and then got used some actions from MCP Actions (tough of light and darkness) to adjust some of the dark and light spots.

Here is the same crop but with PW's Heartland added for some effect

Here is another more creative edit with a texture I found on Flickr.

The Many Faces of Hope

2010-02-17T21:12:00.000-10:00

You know, she is going through a bit of the 3 and a half year old typical stuff which means a bit more drama than I'm used to with her. She can still be the CUTEST little girl on the planet, even when she is sick and feeling a tad yucky. Here are a few shots I caught of her today in between some of her not so good moods due to coming out of a cold that is sticking around a bit too long.

Hello Kitty - 48/365 Photo

2010-02-17T21:08:00.002-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

Our household has been feeling a bit under the weather this week. I know we're not alone and I hope all of you that are also dealing with sickness will feel better soon, too.

Hello Kitty - 47/365 Photo

2010-02-16T22:33:00.002-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

My friends joke about how I'm so busy all the time. You know how I get everything done? I ignore this: laundry. I can put the laundry in the wash and will do LOADS before I put away one. Putting away laundry is no fun - anyone want to do it for me?

Click here to view the other Hello Kitty photos from my 365 project.

Here is the Flickr Page for my 365 project.

Hello Kitty - 46/365 Photo

2010-02-15T21:23:00.002-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

Hello Kitty and I hope that everyone had a WONDERFUL Valentine's Day.

Click here to view the other Hello Kitty photos from my 365 project.

Here is the Flickr Page for my 365 project.

Hello Kitty - 45/365 Photo

2010-02-14T17:20:00.003-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

He might be thousands of miles away serving our country but he sure does know how to make us feel good. He sent a special gift for me and he didn't forget the other Valentine in his life. To say Hope was delighted with her flowers might be a bit of an understatement. Hello Kitty thought she got something too, maybe next time...

Click here to view the other Hello Kitty photos from my 365 project.

Here is the Flickr Page for my 365 project.

Isolation

2010-02-13T22:29:00.005-10:00

The subject for my visualization class was 'Isolation'. I knew I wanted my representation to be a peaceful and almost happy image. I think I captured the essence of it well.

I want to send out a special shout out to my good pal Rachel. She's always a willing participant for my photography assignments and I don't know what I would do without her. Mwah!

Hello Kitty - 44/365 Photo

2010-02-13T22:20:00.003-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

Some Hello Kitty art for you today. Playing around with some new techniques - hope you like it!

Click here to view the other Hello Kitty photos from my 365 project.

Here is the Flickr Page for my 365 project.

Hello Kitty - 43/365 Photo

2010-02-12T22:13:00.004-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

Ok, seriously? The little feline is starting to invade on some serious territory. A fight (catfight?) almost ensued over this one. I won - now excuse me while I get down to the business of finishing that little cup....

Click here to view the other Hello Kitty photos from my 365 project.

Here is the Flickr Page for my 365 project.

Hello Kitty - 42/365 Photo

2010-02-11T19:36:00.002-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

Just a little fun with some Play Doh today. The cookie cutters were used as playdoh cutters. Lots of fun!

Click here to view the other Hello Kitty photos from my 365 project.

Here is the Flickr Page for my 365 project.

Hello Kitty - 41/365 Photo

2010-02-10T23:42:00.003-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

Imagine if you saw this evil little thing walking towards you in the middle night, poisoned apple in hand? I ran the other way, FAST!

Click here to view the other Hello Kitty photos from my 365 project.

Here is the Flickr Page for my 365 project.

Fear

2010-02-09T20:41:00.004-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

Here is the first image I submitted for one of my semester two classes. It was for the assignment in which we had to take a photo that effectively depicted fear. I got a B+, which I am quite happy with. Some of the other members of the class did extremely creative photos which were a lot less subtle so I feel like I held my own with a B+. I am going to reshoot this after a few suggestions about how to have a better composition.

Hello Kitty - 40/365 Photo

2010-02-09T20:36:00.003-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

I have a feeling there are going to be a lot of fans of this one. I personally LOVE it. There's just something about a sexy shoe. Hello Kitty liked this one a little too much, I think I'll have to keep an eye on it...

Click here to view the other Hello Kitty photos from my 365 project.

Here is the Flickr Page for my 365 project.

Hello Kitty - 39/365 Photo

2010-02-08T22:54:00.002-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

Hello Kitty did a little communing with nature today. I feel bad talking about the wonderful weather we're having when the mainland is having some crazy weather, but boy it's been a joy to be outside lately. We might even hit the beach this week. Don't hate!

Click here to view the other Hello Kitty photos from my 365 project.

Hello Kitty - 38/365 Photo

2010-02-07T22:15:00.002-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

In honor of Super Bowl Sunday, Hello Kitty very willingly posed with this bottle of Bud Light.

I have NO idea who ended up drinking that particular bottle of beer. I do know that I ended up kicking butt at karoke and I'm pretty sure I am NOT a good singer. You do the math ;)

Congratulations to the New Orleans Saints for an amazing win!

Click here to view the other Hello Kitty photos from my 365 project.

I ♥ Faces - We Love Kisses!

2010-02-07T20:45:00.005-10:00

Here is my entry for week 6. It's all about kisses this week. Who doesn't love kisses? This shot of KJ and Avery ranks up there as one of my all time favorites. So much so, I think their mom adores is just a tad bit more than I do.

I'm sure there are going to be a TON of awesome entries this week...make sure you check them out at http://iheartfaces.blogspot.com/

Hello Kitty - 37/365 Photo

2010-02-07T01:06:00.002-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

I've been hitting the books pretty hard this week. My second semester in pursuit of a photography degree began. Hello Kitty is trying her best to distract me but I'm doing a pretty good job of keeping her in check. Wish me luck!

Click here to view the other Hello Kitty photos from my 365 project.

Hello Kitty - 36/365 Photo

2010-02-05T20:53:00.002-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

Did you know there is a Hello Kitty Rubik's Cube? Well we found one and Hello Kitty already made it unsolvable...we're working on it. Slowly but surely....

Click here to view the other Hello Kitty photos from my 365 project.

Hello Kitty - 34/365 Photo

2010-02-03T21:05:00.002-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

Hello Kitty was just a toy today. One in a crowd of many taken along for a playdate.

Click here to view the other Hello Kitty photos from my 365 project.

Hello Kitty - 33/365 Photo

2010-02-02T23:15:00.002-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

Hello Kitty went for a bike ride today - after the rain stopped. It was a wet day today and we needed to get out and burn off a bit of the indoor crazies.

Click here to view the other Hello Kitty photos from my 365 project.

THIS is Why I Make Photographs

2010-02-01T20:51:00.001-10:00

I love it when I can download the photos from my memory card and see that moments like THIS have been captured so perfectly...

Hello Kitty - 32/365 Photo

2010-02-01T20:42:00.003-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

Hello Kitty got her own personal rain shower today.

Click here to view the other Hello Kitty photos from my 365 project.

Dominic's Birthday Party

2010-01-31T21:39:00.003-10:00

Isn't it great when you can do a no pressure shoot? One where you're a guest but take photos as if you're working, on the sly, so no one knows but you. That's what I did for this beautiful little boy's birthday party. I had a great time and was so happy to create some special images for Dom's mom and dad. Here are a few of my favorites from the day.

Hope you enjoy them too!

This is almost one of my most favorite photos I've taken. Love it.

Can't you almost hear the whisper of their breath from this one?

Hello Kitty - 31/365 Photo

2010-01-31T19:25:00.002-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

A month is done already - only 11 left to go!

Hello Kitty spent the day celebrating in the park.

Click here to view the other Hello Kitty photos from my 365 project.

Hello Kitty - 30/365 Photo

2010-01-30T19:57:00.002-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

Hello Kitty spent some time chilling at her crib.

Click here to view the other Hello Kitty photos from my 365 project.

Hello Kitty - 29/365 Photo

2010-01-30T00:54:00.003-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

We had an amazing birthday party for friends tonight and partied until the morning light (just about). I had to get this one before I passed out. That's a new doll that we got on Thursday that is beyond cute (it's a witch and a princess in one doll).

Click here to view the other Hello Kitty photos from my 365 project.

Hello Kitty - 28/365 Photo

2010-01-28T21:51:00.003-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

Hello Kitty went to work today. 'Bout time she started earning her keep...

Click here to view the other Hello Kitty photos from my 365 project.

Hello Kitty - 27/365 Photo

2010-01-27T21:04:00.002-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

Hello Kitty decided to try a California roll today - she LOVED it!

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

Hello Kitty - 26/365 Photo

2010-01-26T20:23:00.004-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

Dominos sounded like a good way to torture Hello Kitty tonight - or was it me being tortured....?

and then we did this....

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

Hello Kitty - 25/365 Photo

2010-01-25T20:39:00.005-10:00

Originally uploaded by Photography by Michelle Hires

Indy and Hello Kitty did some bonding today.

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