Build on a good Foundation

Since posting some self portraits with my face all done up for once, I had a couple readers email me asking what kind of foundation I used. I will admit openly that I only use it rarely, and mainly for pictures because I originally bought mine when I was a bit tanner so it makes me look a bit orange in this white skinned time.

However the Cargo blu_ray foundation is quite truthfully my favorite makeup purchase I made when I got married. I bought it precisely for all the wedding pictures and it did not fail. I felt and still feel with pictures I take, that my foundation is flawless and without feeling pasty or melty like a basic liquid foundation that I preferred before this powder.

It is pricy, but to me definitely worth the cost especially if you feel that your complexion needs help especially in photographs.

Price: $30
Comes in 4 base colors and can be manipulated with highlighter powder or bronzer
Pros: Great for photos and make skin look flawless
Cons: If you have greasy skin, like any makeup it makes your face oily faster

Overall, a 5 out of 5 rating. I will definitely stick with this foundation for a long time.

 Bridals sometime in May 2010

p.s. It's the first day of SPRING! Can I get a halleluiah! 

Hawaiian Christmas II

The next day Jer and I set out to do the most tourist popular hike Diamond Head Crater because its just one of those things you have to do when you go to Oahu.

The broad, saucer-shaped crater now Diamond Head was formed about 300,000 years ago during a single, explosive eruption creating the crater.

The origin of the English name, “Diamond head” came from 19th century British sailors who thought the sparkling, clear calcite crystals were diamonds.

 
One of our goals was to go do things that the local's only know about, so after some research and advice from people who we knew that were natives, we had a long list of must do's for Oahu. One of them was this short little hike if you could even call it that. The spitting cave of Portlock, which was located on the south east corner just west of Diamond Head in a multimillion dollar residential area. However, the views and tide was just amazing. The spitting cave of Portlock is so named because its a little cave that has been hollowed out by the tide and when the surf comes in fast and hard enough, it spits out water and mist making it a spitting cave.

It was a little path that was covered by huge trees on both sides so that if felt like a tunnel, and then it opened out on this view which was just breathtaking. This wasn't exactly a well known 'hike' so it really wasn't marked at all. Not tourist friendly if you will.

And then of course, we had to go explore. We saw this super rusted ladder that had been bolted into the side of this little cliff and of course Jared was all for climbing down. I personally think I about had a panic attack.

Did I mention it was a REALLY far way down?

The surf was rather violent that day (it had been stormy) but even then I never did get a great picture of the blowhole in action. The native's say its a really rare thing, but when it happens its extremely unique.

About time

I thought it was about time I made my secret...not so secret. No, not prego. I started my photography blog over three months ago, but I've been super slow starting it up. And its still in the works. But I thought I should finally announce it for my friends whose pics are up.

Photographic Euphoria

Enjoy!

Wall Decor

As in both of our other apartments, it was only right to continue this fun wall mural I've assembled of our wedding pictures, and now add in our family pictures as well. I think it turned out spectacular!

You may be wondering how to make one of these wall murals yourselves. You can find great tips and how to's on a couple of websites here, here, and here. Personally, I like to just lay all of them out on the floor, reorganize, and then work from one end to the other hanging them up.

I love having this wall in our apartment, it creates a great dynamic and adds color and character to the room and overall feel of our apartment. Maybe you should consider doing this in your house. It draws comments from every single person who sees it. I'm very happy with it.

 

p.s. don't mind my nasty post dance clothes self

Adi poochi

This is the second update in a row that is solely for Adi. Can you tell we love her much? I really feel like my mother side has come out because of her. But of course, that doesn't stop me from having fun photographing her.

This is my favorite shot for the month of August...I had some free time, found a fun location that wasn't to hot for her, and shot away.

Of course this picture came from a whole grouping of photos that I happened to take right after I got my 50 mm f1.8 canon lens. But I just really love this shot because it just shows how calm and what an at ease personality she has. And of course how wonderfully fluffy as well! Doesn't she just look soft in this shot?

But as our friends Katie and Rob pointed out today, the picture I've put up do not do her any justice as to her actual size. She is now at least three feet tall when standing on her hind legs, and weighed in at 42.5 lbs this morning. Crazy how fast my adorable little baby has grown into a teen puppy!

newsdate

Sorry I spaced out for a couple days. Life happens. Ya know?

But seriously how happy is everyone right now?! Seriously, you the people of the world are probably sleeping right now. But I have big news. So just act happy when you read this, mmk?! If you're not happy when you read this...go eat chocolate, pet a puppy or kitty, kiss someone and be happy so you can be happy with me.

Anyways....

Quite basically, my friend Moni (Monica) from HS days let me in on a little awesomeness of hers and I got lucky enough to share in the reward!

Are you ready?

.......

the tension should be building.....

(is this annoying or what? Hey, its 1AM it just goes with the mood)

...so quite basically all my dreams and hopes (short term of course) for my photography have come true in that I (with Moni) get to internship with a photography studio and one amazing photographer in particular. Jaron Horrocks with Saans Photography. Hello. Oh yes.

Let the splendor and beauty of that statement just wash over you.

I am just so excited to learn hands on with people who are professionals, and not just in it for the money. They want to make art. And that's what I want to do. I will get to learn every aspect of their business from the marketing, lighting, posing, to equipment, etc. etc. And maybe if we get good enough, and work really hard (and stay with them for a really long time) we might even have an opportunity to be assistant photographers. Isn't that just the best news you've heard all day?!?

Just nod. Smile. Say 'yes' to yourself. Something along the lines of 'Go Melissa' wouldn't be bad either. But you don't have to. Only if you feel the urge. But you should feel the urge.

So basically, I'm somewhere between floating on air and KBD. And if you don't know what KBD is, then you aren't one. Was that harsh? Ok, now I feel bad. If you want to know what KBD is...comment and I will email you or facebook you or just post it in my next post. But you should know what it is. Just sayin.

Maybe I should go to bed now...yep, I should- NEED- to go to bed.

-M

p.s. this is me hyper...you can obviously tell why my husband likes it when I go to bed before I reach this stage...personally I think its fun.

:)

I heart faces: pets

When I saw this photo challenge, I couldn't resist. I will openly admit, it was on my to-do list today.

I can't decide if this makes her look like she's singing, or smiling big, or talking. But either way, it was definitely a yawn. She HATES having pictures taken. I don't know if she's afraid of the camera or if she just gets bored.

-Melissa

p.s. any tips on how to get her to be less camera shy?

Family pictures 2011

In honor of my parents leaving on their mission for a year and a half, and our new addition to the family we wanted to do some family photos to have on our walls. Jer's good friend Samantha and her cute little family drove all the way down from Idaho for a weekend to take them for us. We are so grateful to them, and absolutely LOVE them! I am quite seriously having some printed today to hang in our photo collage.

Here are some of my absolute favorites:

{Please don't pay attention to my desperately needing roots. I'm trying to grow them out instead of re-dyeing them}

These are just my absolute favorites, but all of Sam's top picks were amazing! If any of you have pictures you need taken and you're closer to Idaho than I am, I highly suggest using her!

Here is her website if you're interested: 

samanthahannyphotography.com/

Thanks Sam! Sorry it took us soooo long to post these!

-Jared&Melissa

Lens DILEMMA

help! I am finally looking to expand into a good quality lens besides my kit lens that came with my Canon Rebel XTI and I am having serious issues finding one that I'm sold on between quality and price.

{via}

here are a couple I'm looking into:

Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 SP XR ZL Di LD

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0000A1G05/sr=8-2/qid=1310003119/ref=olp_tab_used?ie=UTF8&coliid=&me=&qid=1310003119&sr=8-2&seller=&colid=&condition=used

or

Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8-4 DG

http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-28-70mm-Aspherical-Aperture-Cameras/dp/B000AYW00O/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_3

The whole point of buying a new lens is to get a f/2.8 since my kit lens will only get down to a f/4.5 and everyone is saying that the Sigma f/2.8 is worthless but the Tamron is almost 200+ more...ah advice? Better suggestions?Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

~Mel

{HappyEverAfter} ch. 3

This is the part of the story where Jared and I start to disagree about some of the facts, but don't let that fool you. I'm right. Women are always right. Right?

If you haven't read the rest of Our story, go here, here, and here.

Ch. III

The reason for the BBQ was played out in a two day trip to far away lake where we camped, spent the day on the lake, played card games, and ate delicious food. 

I agreed to go on this single's ward trip since my friends were going. I figured it would be a great trip to go have some summer fun. Little did I knew that this Jared boy who I knew very little about was also coming although I had thought he wasn't planning on the trip. Months later when I asked him why he came on that trip he said it was because of the interest he had in getting to know me better. He may deny this, but its true.

The first full day we had on the lake was started by a wonderful breakfast and then followed by groups of singles climbing onto one of the multiple boats that had been brought up for the weekend. I waited for one I had been on previously while passing my time on the beach playing in the sand and dipping my feet in the water. A group had congregated behind me, but I didn't recognize anyone except for a couple from high school, Andrew Jones and Heidi Hanson (now Andrew and Heidi Jones). Since they seemed rather engrossed in their conversation I concentrated on the arrival of the boat I'd been waiting for. As it pulled close Jared jumped out onto the dock to close the gap. The people changed out, and I jumped on among them. There was one more place so Jared offered, rather quickly that he'd be willing to go out again. I kinda of thought his excitement was rather odd, but didn't really think much about it since we were pulling away and I was ready to get in the water.

Of course he sat across from me and then after I took my turn, kind of showing off on the water skis, he congratulated me and then sat next to me making conversation between the other riders runs. I can't say I wasn't interested in this flirty fun boy who was being the perfect gentlemen. But I definitely wanted to play it cool. And then while he was showing off, which was very noticeable, he biffed it hard. Then laughed at his expense with us.

Back on the beach we played card games, I taught him phase ten, speed, and california speed. Of course he let me win. Almost every single round. In the group around the campfire I mentioned if anyone liked Kenny Chesney that the radio had mentioned that you could buy six tickets for $100. Jared at that perked up and said, "you like Kenny Chesney? You really like Kenny Chesney?" I was afraid this meant that he didn't like country and was about to make fun of me. When I said I did he then asked, "I have a pair of tickets and no one to go with, you want to go?" This took me a little by surprise but of course I enthusiastically said yes. 

The next day right before my car was about to leave, Jared asked if I'd like to go on a date before the concert. When I asked what we'd be doing he nonchalantly responded that it would just be casual fun and dinner. I let him know I was up for that, and then left excited and definitely twitter-pated constantly asking the girls in the car what they thought of this huge development.

Hope everyone had a great fourth of July weekend! Once I get a new card reader for my camera card (Adi had fun flossing her teeth with the old one) I will upload our fun fourth photos.

~M

albert+melanie expectancy

After some prodding and poking I finally was able to convince and then schedule a time to photograph our friends Albert and Melanie who are expecting their first bundle of joy beginning of July. I am really glad how these turned out considering how awful the lightening was. We were really rushed but we still ended up being able to get quite a couple good ones. 

Here are a few that I really loved:

can't wait for that adorable baby to make his entrance!

~M

Crazy Days of Summer Photo Challenge {water}

There is nothing, absolutely nothing that Jared loves more about the summer than swimming. Nothing.

And of course I couldn't help but take advantage of the wonderful sunshine, and my frolicking husband to take some photos.

 

 My husband is a poop sometimes when I ask him to pose for pictures.

He normally consents finally though. 

 

This is the photo that I am submitting to the Crazy Days of Summer Photo Challenge at Project Alicia. 

I just love it. It was an completely genuine look that Jared has when he's being a fish and launching out of the water. Everything came together in this photo and I just love it. I didn't do a lot of editing on it, just upped the clarity, contrast, and detail a little. 

Also, for those that don't know I am also working on getting a photography blog put together so that you all who follow our family blog for family updates aren't bugged by all the photography updates I give. I'll post my photography blog once I'm done formatting it. 

Happy summer!

~Mel

let me explain

Sorry for the no air waves over here. We headed down to St. Gorgeous with my parentals to help them move out of their condo for their ever looming 18 month all paid excursion to Honolulu Hawaii! jk. They're actually going on a mission but we like to tease them. Anyways, hope everyone had a fabulous weekend and stay tuned for a couple photos from by the pool. I had some fun making my husband get some big splashes for the camera. 

~M

From a Distance

I am submitting this photo to the iheartfaces competition this week based on the specifics of it being a photo of someone 'from a distance'. I actually really love this. All of the natural lines

in the landscape and stream bring your eyes back to my hubby and Adi, 

but they are still not in the main part of the picture.

allergies.

I love that spring has sprung, that the world has come to life, that the flowers have blossomed, 

and that mother nature really does care about us. But do we really need to have every possible 

grass and pollen count so high to make me MISERABLE?! Anyone else with this issue? 

I feel like I'm House, but on Zyrtec not Vicodin. Well silly me,  I still let the sunshine 

get to me and convinced Jer to go on a mini hike. It was well worth it.

And of course, the waterfall was gorgeous just as much as Adi was adorable. 

How am I so caught up in doing anything to make that little puppy happy?

Of course, Adi finds the up side of my allergies 

and keeps herself entertained at the same time.

Hope the hay fever isn't getting the best of you too,

~M