Posts Tagged ‘camera’

scenic panorama

Wednesday, July 13th, 2011

Our little family spent all of last week in the northwest. Going on an Alaskan cruise has been on our bucket list for quite a number of years and we finally did it. Loved it so much. And now we’re getting back into the groove of life. I haven’t even uploaded pictures from the dSLR yet. But I do have a handful of pictures taken on my iPhone that are pretty nifty and definitely worth sharing.

Today is the ” visual yumminess” I spoke of earlier. I’m sharing some panoramic views from our travels. These were all created the same way:

1. Shot with my iPhone

2. Stitched together with AutoStitch app

3. Enhanced (color, border, etc.) with Camera+ app

As you can tell, I have so much fun taking pictures on my iPhone, just like many of you. It’s for sure one of my absolute favorite toys. Actually, it’s more than that. As a documenter of life, I consider it an essential accessory in my world.

AutoStitch, Camera+, and Instagram are my top 3 favorite photography apps at the moment. Enough babbling. On to the visuals.

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Seattle. As seen from the Space Needle.

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Mendenhall Glacier. Juneau, Alaska.

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Glacier Bay.

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Near Skagway, Alaska? Maybe? I can’t remember, to be honest.

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Misty Fjords.

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As seen from our balcony on the cruise ship.

This last picture was shot around 10 pm. Being that far north, the sun sets very, very late. Dusk is unbelievably gorgeous in Alaska. All of what we saw of Alaska is just gorgeous. Like – really, completely, totally gorgeous. We are so grateful for the opportunity to see that beautiful corner in this gigantic world.

I will likely share more pictures from our trip. I’ll definitely be posting some on facebook + twitter for a little while.

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Posted in photography, travel | 31 Comments »

utah spring can be a funny thing.

Monday, May 2nd, 2011

First, a little housekeeping. I announced a giveaway on Friday and today I’d like to congratulate 2 winners!

1. Deneen (who is loving stamps right now)

2. Leanne in Prince Edward Island, Canada

Ladies, you can email comments@ellapublishing.com to claim your prize.

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I just got back from spending a few days in the beautiful state of Utah. I went to Women’s Conference at BYU – my alma mater. The experience was truly remarkable. I seriously could fill my blog schedule for weeks with everything I gained from going.

But today I’m just going to share a handful of snapshots from the trip. All taken with my iPhone. I left the “real” camera home. Some of these are edited with the Instagram app (the square images) and some with the Camera+ app — my two current faves. I find it incredibly fun to snap a picture like this …

… and turn it into this with about 30 seconds … right there on my iPhone:

Anywho … I’m having fun with the photo editing apps. Actually, it’s safe to say that most of my POTD’s for Project Life lately have been taken with my iPhone.

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BYU sits at the base of gorgeous, humongous mountains.

Spring was in full bloom. There were many areas that were just downright fragrant. Walking around was like someone slapping a perma-grin on my face. All I wanted to do was stand and inhale.

And then … it dropped 20 degrees overnight. And snowed. For real. But honestly, I loved this just as much. We’re heading into a very hot Summer here in Arizona so I was totally soaking in the coldness.

There are awesome exhibits at the BYU Museum of Art right now. This book sculpture is comprised of approximately 80,000 pounds of books. Are you kidding me? It’s one of the coolest things I’ve seen. Loved it. And I love the art of Carl Bloch, which is the main exhibit there now.

Yes, there was shopping. I’m pretty sure this was the favorite spot. If you’re ever in the Provo area … so. much. fun. stuff! Truly a load of eye candy and plenty of things to tempt the shopper side of anyone. It’s Cherry Lane Boutique on University Ave.

Finally, on a closing note … I just have to say that the BYU Creamery truly has the best mint brownies. I haven’t sunk my teeth into one of those in forever! They still make them the very same way they did when I was in college 15 years ago. And guess what!? I googled it and found that BYU actually shares the recipe online! That’s just super cool.

Now I have to get back on the healthy train. Darn it.

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Posted in photography, travel | 19 Comments »

photo challenge

Monday, August 30th, 2010

Here’s a little assignment for you. It’s an easy one, trust me.

Set your camera down.

Literally — set your camera on the table. On the kitchen counter. On the bathroom counter. On your nightstand or dresser. On your desk at work. Where you eat. Where you create. Where the homework happens. Where life happens. Set your camera down and take a picture from that angle. Try all of the mentioned surfaces or choose just one. That’s up to however you feel inspired.

Suggestion: Resist the urge to tidy up. Just take the picture as your surface looks right now. That way the story that you’re capturing is more genuine, more truthful, more real.

I took this at (on) our kitchen table.

I see a couple pair of kid scissors and papers from the current projects. I see box top sheets that the kids are filling up for school. I see our yellow lazy susan that is the best addition ever to our table. I see the pen caddy that we’ve had for years and it still tools for creativity. I see a small glimpse of some yellow pears from this past weekend’s Fall decorating. I see way back into our family room niches that still need some Fall decorating. I see the pair of topiaries that I re-potted this summer. Such happy little pots.

History: When we were visiting my parents in Finland back in June I took this picture because it was sooo-my-mom to see all of these knick-knacks on their table. I didn’t move a thing. I didn’t tell her what I was doing. I just set the camera down and took the picture. I love what I see and how it tells of my mom’s personality, of my parents’ experience there, and our own memories being there.

So are you gonna do it? Are you going to set your camera down & capture a story? (Makes for a terrific POTD, by the way.) If you’re interested in sharing your picture, email it to projectlife@beckyhiggins.com by this Friday 9/3. I’ll put together a collection of these pictures and share them here on my blog. I can’t wait to be inspired!

And … I’ll choose one of my favorite shots and send that person Project Life! How’s that for motivation? Now … go set your camera down.

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Posted in photography | 33 Comments »

3 words or less: part 2

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

I am answering another batch of 20 questions that you have asked. Sticking with my plan to answer each one in 3 words or less.

Q: What was the font you used for Claire’s Pinkalicious party invitation?
A: GiddyUp

Q: I know you are from Maryland. How did you end up in Arizona?
A: Love my husband.

Q: What is your most dreaded everyday task? The thing you most dislike doing?
A: Cleaning the highchair.

Q: What type of camera do you use?
A: Nikon D90.

Q: Would you rather have 4 cats or 2 dogs as pets?
A. No. And no.

Q: Where’s your favorite place to buy a cute dress?
A: I’m looking. Ideas?

Q: Do you have any laundry secrets?
A: Involve the kids.

Q: Will Project Life be back in stock?? i NEED it now!! ;-)
A: Re-printing now.

Q: What did you have for supper last night?
A: This salad.

Q: You had a post about cleaning your makeup brushes. What do you use to clean your brushes?
A: Mac brush cleanser.

Q: Do you plan to offer just the page protectors from project life as a separate purchase?
A: Yes.

Q: Do you make cards?
A: Super simple ones.

Q: Do you post the same things on facebook as you do on twitter?
A: I do.

Q: Are you recognized very often in public?
A: Don’t think so.

Q: What is the name of the orange you painted your bathroom?
A: Behr brand: Fireglow

Q: What is your favorite blog/website for home decor inspiration?
A: HouseOfTurquoise.com

Q: Is it hard living so far from your parents?
A: Technology connects us.

Q: How do you deal with your stress?
A: Take a break.

Q: Where do you get your hair done?
A: My friend Brooke.

Q: What are you negative about? You always seems so positive. I figured there must be something that you get down about.
A: Taxes.

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Posted in Q&A | 12 Comments »