If you are in need of a photographer in the Carmichael, California area give Alicia a call.  She is fantastic!!!  Oh and don't forget to go to her Facebook page.  Best Betts Facebook

And while the list can go on to what I have been up to, what I haven't been up to is posting here.  I don't want what small followers I have right now to leave.  Hang in there with me and send some friends over this way if you can.  I have been churning in my head ideas to talk about.  Things that may be of interest in the way of design and marketing, but in the mean time if there is something that you would like to know about or for me to talk about, send me a line.  

For now here is an ad I created that is published in the Hilton Head Monthly Magazine for September.  It is part of their bridal section.  (I didn't want to leave you without a little taste of what I have been up to!)

Happy Birthday Beautiful Baby Boy!!!  Cannot wait for many more!

The past year I have gained a great appreciation for reading.  Maybe it's because my 6 year old loves to pick up books, or have mommy read him a story at night.  But I think in my "old age" I have found a new world to escape to.  

First and foremost, I love movies.  There is nothing more exciting then immersing yourself into a character and their lives.  Or seeing the visual splendor of a fantasy world portrayed so visually you could only dream of stepping through the screen and it becoming your world.  I can only imagine movies getting better and better as technology grows.

But something that will always be constant is reading.  Books, magazines, newspapers, the list goes on.  And while getting lost in a movie, a visual eye candy set in your brain, the things you read can get you lost in so many ways you are only left to your own imagination.

I have begun my exploration into reading and connecting it with the movies.  While most times the movies are adaptations to books, I love being able to explore more of the characters.  Their little nuances that movies sometimes have to leave out because of time.  Now usually I am always late to the party.  Never one to crack an obsession over something until the novelty and hype is all over.  ( I'm sure you know what I am talking about!)  Yes I was sucked into the Twilight Saga.  But it wasn't until after I had watched the first two movies that I began reading the books.  Showtime was running Twilight and New Moon almost exclusively everyday, practically all day.  And of course my curiosity became the best of me and I had watched both in the same night, back to back.  Great because I didn't have to wait to see the second, bad because I stayed up wait too late that night. From then on I knew I had to get the books.  I couldn't wait to find out what happened to Bella and Edward but I knew that I wanted to read about it before I watched it.  I started from the first book, rapidly reading it within 2 days.  Then the next, just as quick as the first.  Next thing I know I had finished all fours books within 2 weeks.  Accomplishment I might say!  Now I am dying for Breaking Dawn 1 and 2 to come out and I am biting at the bit so much I may pick up the books again just to get my fix.

Before I decided to read the Twilight Saga again, I had seen the previews for Water for Elephants.  I love Reese Witherspoon, and yes, Robert Pattinson just about makes you melt.  But I really loved the era they are portraying.  1930's Great Depression Era with love, escape, vulnerability.   The author has even included a circus and one of the main characters being an elephant.  Again this is a book where I am late to the party, being out since 2007 and becoming a #1 New York best seller within that time.  See I am always behind! 

Now April 22nd cannot come fast enough for me.  I am finished with the book and the movie will be out that day.  I wonder if i can convince the hubby to see it, but of course I don't mind going alone.  I guess I'll just have to get my fix watching the trailer until it comes out on the big screen.  All the glitz and glitter, love and despair.  Hmm what a way to get lost!

Water for Elephants: by Sara Gruen

Hey stay tuned to the Tutorial side of my blog.  I am going to show you how to add a Welcome page for your Facebook page.  I may even be nice and give you the code to pop it in yourself!  DISCLAIMER:  I am in no way an HTML guru.  I love to dabble in it, so if something is off I may have to research to find out what it is.  But I assure you, this is really easy to do and it's a great way to gain a little more exposure FOR FREE!!

First Julie requested an updated look.  Her colors were the robins egg blue and chocolate brown.  Always a classic and beautiful combo.   And she also needed it to be versatile for any clientele.  Great move as she is fantastic at her work.  I could say more, but it would be better for you to check out her site.  And while you are at it, like her on facebook. Julie Anne Images  |  Julie Anne Images Facebook Page

Now I have the pleasure to show you Vanessa's logo.  Her target client is predominately babies and so she wanted a logo that was soft and sweet to mimic her little clients.  While the blue with taupe is a beautiful combo, I can also envision it with pink or a soft yellow.  The right colors for precious little babies.  And don't you love her signature for her blog?  She could use it for all kinds of things too.  Thank you again Ness for letting me be a part of your voice.  If you were here in the states, I would totally call you up to take my baby's photos.

So check her out.  She is in the process of switching things up.  Her new look, but it can't stop you from seeing her beautiful work.  Sweetness Photography | Sweetness Photography Facebook Page

Valentines is coming up on us quick.  This template is again using the Millers Luxe collection, but can also be printed anywhere that can do a 5x5 sq card.  (put the square sample so that you could see what it would look like).  

Please do not distribute, sell, or claim as your own.  The template is intended for professional photographers and not for the general public.  If you would like to use for clients, that's ok.  Just please give me credit in the design.  This is a layered PSD file with the colors and font adjustable.  Font is not included but is there for text placement.  If you really like this template tell your friends and have them come here to download please do not send to them.  I hope this covers it, just show some respect and there won't be any problems....  Oh, and I can monitor downloads....

I hope there are many blessings and wonderful things to come in this new year.

The card is a 5x7 front and back design using the new Luxe templates from Millers.  They can also be printed as a regular card.  I highly recommend the UV Purl coating!!  Beautiful!!!

Please do not distribute, sell, or claim as your own.  The template is intended for professional photographers and not for the general public.  If you would like to use for clients, that's ok.  Just please give me credit in the design.  This is a layered PSD file with the colors and font adjustable.  Font is not included but is there for text placement.  If you really like this template tell your friends and have them come here to download please do not send to them.  I hope this covers it, just show some respect and there won't be any problems....  Oh, and I can monitor downloads....