Anika asked: I would also like to know what kind of albums you use. Do you have certain color albums you use ex: daughters pink sons blue? And where can we see more of your layouts?
I have a mixture of different albums as my taste/style/preference has changed over the years. I use whatever I like at the moment and I am totally ok with the fact that they don't all match. I used the post-bound albums for years but now I prefer 3-ring binders. My most recent layouts are going into Making Memories albums and American Crafts albums. I am using pink for Emily Jane. I have the American Crafts 12x12 in Blush!
I try to share as many layouts on my blog as possible but I am often scrapbooking for assignments which means I can't share. You can find my layouts in most of the Making Memories idea books and on their blog from time to time. You can also find my layouts in the Creating Keepsakes Magazine each month and in the following recent CK special publications: Get Creative with Type, 101 Expert Solutions for Scrapbooking, Sharing Your Story: Recording Life's Details with Mini Books, and 50 Moments: Scrapbook the Pages that Matter Most. I will also definitely be trying to share more on here this year as time permits!
Dejah asked: Are you going to be doing any more workshops in the Mesa area this year?
I would love to do some more photography workshops this year! It all depends on the interest so if enough people are interested I will do it! I have had many requests for an online workshop so I am considering that also.
If you are interested in taking a workshop, please email me and tell me the following:
a)Are you interested in a beginning or advanced workshop or both?
b)Are you interested in an online workshop or an in-person workshop?
Once I get some feedback from everyone that is interested I will start putting some things together and announce a date!
Felicia asked: What kind of pens and albums do you use on/for your layouts? I would also love to hear about upcoming workshops...thanks:)
Albums question already answered.
I use a variety of pens/markers: ZIG Writer (probably my all time favorite), American Crafts Precision Pens and American Crafts Slick Writers.
Worshops question already answered.
Shelby asked: just wondering where you get Emily Jane's adorable clothes and hair accessories? I am always on the look out for cute stuff for my daughter!
I get Emily Jane's clothes mostly at Target and Old Navy. Sometimes I also pick things up from Gap and Naartjie or other random boutiques when they are on sale. Most of her hair accessories are from Katelyn and Co. They have kiosks in the malls up in Utah so I always stock up when I go there but luckily they have a website too! Veronica asked: Love looking at the pictures you photographed on your blog. Amazing! Just wanted to ask a question: what pen did you use to journal for the 365 Project? Love how your project looks! Thanks for the inspiration. And thank you for your time.
Thanks Veronica! I used the American Crafts Slick Writer on my Project 365 pages. I used the fine tip on the journaling cards and the medium tip on the "Week of" cards.
Deanna asked: As a wannabe photographer, I take a lot of photos of my sons, but they don't seem as clear as yours. Your photo that you posted today is really sharp and crystal clear. What equipment do you use? Do you have a favorite lens? What camera settings do you use? Do you have any tips? I'm not sure if I have been using the correct settings ;)
I shoot with the Nikon D200. As far as lenses go I use the 28-70mm f2.8, 70-200mm f2.8, 50mm f1.4 and a 30mm f1.4. My favorite by far is my 50mm. Along with many other photographers, I find that my images are always more sharp when I use a prime lens rather than a zoom lens. However there are a lot of situations in which a zoom lens is a must so I use them a lot too! I always shoot in manual mode. If you are serious about photography, I definitely recommend learning what the different settings do so that you can shoot in manual and be in control of your output. Unfortunately there are no magic settings but once you learn the basics it will all make sense and then it is just a matter of practicing. I could go on and on and I wish I could explain it all in one simple email or blog post, but this would never end so I must save it for the workshops!
Michelle asked: How did you first start getting published for scrapbooking? Also, how do you do your rounded corners for you photos on your blog? I love it!
I entered the Making Memories mini album contest years ago and was one of the lucky winners! Then they started asking me to do samples for their packaging and trade shows and eventually they asked me to be on their idea book design team. I have always been thankful that they believed in me way back then and gave me my start and it has been a great experience working with them ever since! After that I also started submitting layouts to magazines and began to get published here and there. Then out of the blue CK asked me to be on their 2008 Dream Team and now I am excited to be a part of it again for 2009! They have also been fabulous to work with I have enjoyed every minute! I really feel grateful for the opportunities I have had in the scrapbooking industry!
I do the rounded corners in photoshop. It is not too complicated but there are quite a few steps. I am planning to do a tutorial here soon and I also might create some actions that I will add to my action shop for those that want the quick and easy route! :)
Tatum asked: I am a great fan of your work and your blog. It's daily inspiration. You always say to e-mail with questions - so here goes. Do you think the quality of a picture is determined by the camera? I have a Canon Powershot. I chose NOT to get an SLR because I felt it would be too complicated for me. But, my pictures still lack "sparkle"! What essentials do you recommend for great pictures? Camera? Editing software? Must it be Photoshop 7? Would your Color Mix Action Sets help an amateur like me?
Some of this is answered in Deanna's question. To answer your other questions: I don't believe that the quality of the picture is determined solely by the camera. Of course it helps to have more megapixels and all that but it is mostly about knowing what you want out of your camera and then knowing how to be in control of it so that you can get the end result that you are looking for. Even with a point and shoot camera I would recommend reading your manual so you can find out which things you can control and maybe there are some adjustments you can make so that you will be more happy with your images.
The "sparkle" has a lot to do with creativity and lighting and knowing how to make the available light work for you. Keep practicing! You will get it!
I use Photoshop CS2. I have never used Photoshop Elements but know that many people use it and love it. As you know, I am a fan of actions and use them in my daily workflow so for me it is essential to have the full blown Photoshop rather than elements. (However I have heard that the latest version of elements can run actions so I am looking into that and the possibility of creating my actions for elements.) My action sets are made to enhance your photos and give a boost to what you have already captured in camera. They can't totally fix an improperly exposed image or anything like that but they are a fun way to give your images that extra pop or wow factor if that is what you are looking for!
Priscilla (and Jenn) asked: just wondering...on your beautiful layouts that are displayed for on the kit of the month site, how do you get the little circles to look so perfect? do you use a circle punch and if so, which one? I purchased one but it is not the exact size and it is bothering me! Thank you.
I did use a circle punch - It is the 3/4" punch by Marvy Uchida. The punched circles are a tiny bit bigger than the stickers but it is so minute that you can hardly tell and it gives it a nice little border anyway. I punched the circles first and then placed the stickers on them with adhesive.
NIcole asked: I loved your Sweetheart layout in the January issue of CK and was wondering if you could tell me where you got the tutu your baby wore. Did you make it? I too have a baby girl and would love to take her birthday photos in it! Thanks again for the great ideas!
Thanks Nicole! It is from Oopsy Daisy Baby. It was definitely a splurge for me but something I just had to have for Emily Jane since I have been dreaming of having a girl for so long! Just be careful! You will want them all! :)
Jenn asked: What kind of camera do you use? I did a lot of photography back in college and I love my 35mm Nikon camera. I am wanting to get a digital SLR and was just curious what kind you use. Also, when you shoot, what image type are your photos?
Nikon d200. I always shoot in RAW mode.
Catherine asked: My name is Catherine Griffith and I recently purchased some of your actions. I LOVE your work and saw that you had once done a workshop. Will you be doing anything anytime soon or do you ever train in photoshop? I am very interested if so.
Thank you! Yes - see answer above. I do cover some photoshop techniques in my photography workshops. If I have enough interest, I suppose I could do a workshop just on photoshop?? Again, just depends on the interest - it all depends on what you guys tell me you want! :)
Robyn asked: I'm a lurker...from Idaho. Thanks so much for all your wonderful photos and creativity. Peachy Cheap is a fun find and I think pretty close by. I am just getting into the photoshop thing and looking at your actions. I'm hoping for Valentine's Day to 'get them as a gift' (even if I give them to myself)...hee he. Two quick questions for you - (a) is there an action or easy way to round the corners of the photos or JPEGS like you've done on this photo? (b) will you be offering any photography classes this year? Receieved a Canon 40D last year for Christmas and still feel overwhelmed with it and the whole photography world. Again, love your blog and appreciate your time.
Thanks Robyn! I think both of your questions are answered above!
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I think that is it! There are some more but it looks like they are all duplicate questions that were answered above so I won't put them on here. If you don't see your question and it wasn't answered, please email me again. Sometimes things go into my junk mail folder and I don't catch them.
As I read back through all of these I was touched again by all of your sweet comments! I truly appreciate all of your kind words and it means a lot when you take the time to stop and say hi! There are so many people that have taught and inspired me and I am just grateful that I am able to in turn share it and give back to others! Thanks everyone!
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