tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66832348871812617512024-03-19T05:53:05.849-05:00SimplyMui PhotographyNews, photo peeks & moreMuihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14697699891173422303noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683234887181261751.post-53990441448260542232014-05-27T18:50:00.000-05:002014-05-27T18:50:57.033-05:00Memorial Day 2014What happens when a Mom photographer goes on vacation? Probably the same thing as any other camera-happy parent, right? (At least that's what I'm telling myself so I don't feel like too much of a pain-in-the-b*tt paparazzi.)<br />
<br />
I had a shoot list in mind, with a general feel. The goal was to just capture the kids being kids, having fun, and being outdoors. Hopefully, you'll soon see some of the images from this weekend available for licensing and in magazines and billboards. Crossing fingers!<br />
<br />
All the best,<br />
<br />
Mui Chao<br />
Digital Artist<br />
SimplyMui Photography<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-YmGl5tpQ6qbXPpTdcTSCsAeEdQ5TiYJ4U9vhx9IxmgILATY1lM_5uPgn1jvYbzo4ObsvUcGTCjyKM7Jma0aEQWbpiU9-uZ_XI_UTxeYxEr5v6NAz49IXhcuQ_nuWGj2OEs8QpYORNM/s1600/FLRV-09285wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-YmGl5tpQ6qbXPpTdcTSCsAeEdQ5TiYJ4U9vhx9IxmgILATY1lM_5uPgn1jvYbzo4ObsvUcGTCjyKM7Jma0aEQWbpiU9-uZ_XI_UTxeYxEr5v6NAz49IXhcuQ_nuWGj2OEs8QpYORNM/s1600/FLRV-09285wm.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9oPvVsh1B6MJofNfmSsZqDt69s7UiFUbNi9vf2iZGL9Iny6V1kFkojvOLpP2WOf35M93GW0CgSQP1g5TydtX7fCPuIbkS9yY0fSUQQ79lMbw77L62dDokfQ9hpunnqIBaj2s6wP6T0Y/s1600/FLRV-09316wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9oPvVsh1B6MJofNfmSsZqDt69s7UiFUbNi9vf2iZGL9Iny6V1kFkojvOLpP2WOf35M93GW0CgSQP1g5TydtX7fCPuIbkS9yY0fSUQQ79lMbw77L62dDokfQ9hpunnqIBaj2s6wP6T0Y/s1600/FLRV-09316wm.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjovWbbaYv2YUIO4fxKQDFrUoer_26K5TWcDMWRsat7ttgzI_r2GDtr2GAX2MdWC5klexKD8TSWrIdB9A3ZLlfxP6fllMvIf9KrnOHEYxeCEAtUqew3tlK6PkEXcjIIH3mXurf4OEV7P6o/s1600/FLRV-09358wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjovWbbaYv2YUIO4fxKQDFrUoer_26K5TWcDMWRsat7ttgzI_r2GDtr2GAX2MdWC5klexKD8TSWrIdB9A3ZLlfxP6fllMvIf9KrnOHEYxeCEAtUqew3tlK6PkEXcjIIH3mXurf4OEV7P6o/s1600/FLRV-09358wm.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9HWlQ0JI6MFxoubXRIIhy9L7Uy585OTRQLjMnxYvf5LexH4V5ldo1ohPmwmsHz8rT7-F9Ys79t8fp0az8QhAQ_0hqf_m-nTJ5OAEAcLIGaHN6_rbD5pxlNgRsIxALc3lBHS6OU86rEf0/s1600/FLRV-09421wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9HWlQ0JI6MFxoubXRIIhy9L7Uy585OTRQLjMnxYvf5LexH4V5ldo1ohPmwmsHz8rT7-F9Ys79t8fp0az8QhAQ_0hqf_m-nTJ5OAEAcLIGaHN6_rbD5pxlNgRsIxALc3lBHS6OU86rEf0/s1600/FLRV-09421wm.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA3KWUnx_20sQBVw7u9YgV_3a2UrhMINxe0otd5A-A6Og0wvV0aS8_qiqVfoU83s_W_a3nhrVVecMnc3x9eSmXaT4zBOEKn82ej30uC3xOtZa27tN_1dHxV4kIvVhyC8E7LveJaqi3hSI/s1600/FLRV-09646wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA3KWUnx_20sQBVw7u9YgV_3a2UrhMINxe0otd5A-A6Og0wvV0aS8_qiqVfoU83s_W_a3nhrVVecMnc3x9eSmXaT4zBOEKn82ej30uC3xOtZa27tN_1dHxV4kIvVhyC8E7LveJaqi3hSI/s1600/FLRV-09646wm.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOCg8Axr07vr4xjXE8DkpbxfMeyxWJl-wu6FFArJq-iO-FQDiTyDY2XVPCh_FKJm2vRkf4NqWwMMm9R26PcLDaFaiqPyIU76J8fY9Tr_bVwOjAh1t0xW7KI44k0hyphenhyphenDxriw7-Ft45kvG8U/s1600/FLRV-09802wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOCg8Axr07vr4xjXE8DkpbxfMeyxWJl-wu6FFArJq-iO-FQDiTyDY2XVPCh_FKJm2vRkf4NqWwMMm9R26PcLDaFaiqPyIU76J8fY9Tr_bVwOjAh1t0xW7KI44k0hyphenhyphenDxriw7-Ft45kvG8U/s1600/FLRV-09802wm.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibR69W9DFfPUwh5rFhPkwwDIt-wZCUE5shNB7u4Ot-6S7BhfV1-j6UjhPdiH9cvQofqznRl-e41S5u3nqKk21_lLa17SK78w0mP6FUuvgmsqHlof-3642zmzgH-YBJhdt0bJiT7U_Cfpw/s1600/FLRV-09984wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibR69W9DFfPUwh5rFhPkwwDIt-wZCUE5shNB7u4Ot-6S7BhfV1-j6UjhPdiH9cvQofqznRl-e41S5u3nqKk21_lLa17SK78w0mP6FUuvgmsqHlof-3642zmzgH-YBJhdt0bJiT7U_Cfpw/s1600/FLRV-09984wm.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwhXqO9XIJ7NPTizKvFxBjObhMPK1gmaGhOIbvorzCP2kb0M-W8-2dmAbwFjrfmwGXaGYNKC9JbayIgd-9pgkydROJm_2fpQifgHdGWcCV69wEs4D81MNaokd9ZpDBoB5njU9RMDvsUdw/s1600/FLRV-10005wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwhXqO9XIJ7NPTizKvFxBjObhMPK1gmaGhOIbvorzCP2kb0M-W8-2dmAbwFjrfmwGXaGYNKC9JbayIgd-9pgkydROJm_2fpQifgHdGWcCV69wEs4D81MNaokd9ZpDBoB5njU9RMDvsUdw/s1600/FLRV-10005wm.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQuKwPAl1-lsR28oOsckQ3D0dH3QlT0gOG62Mi__BeImaHWqQLUCImQ4Qjqq2OsOeO4sPW-tBsQa3bVFs5ZiIbEUg3sySMTP_tWczmXK_XBIfyVbTGRpGmS164zEGGd3BM7F6rvWCy80/s1600/FLRV-10035wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQuKwPAl1-lsR28oOsckQ3D0dH3QlT0gOG62Mi__BeImaHWqQLUCImQ4Qjqq2OsOeO4sPW-tBsQa3bVFs5ZiIbEUg3sySMTP_tWczmXK_XBIfyVbTGRpGmS164zEGGd3BM7F6rvWCy80/s1600/FLRV-10035wm.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXOiiN9TXXp7-7d7ICvrYAnFWtVoJ0zSxM_NZOMHyv8Q4LPE6CHXiCg5ju-jpEHTnbftfSe2OMsoVfMVEBTwuuKOt0nvZ3UrVTh3qURNPdjrm5-XAidGcB6LF4659GmZWX0KrRfYHAqrQ/s1600/FLRV-10201wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXOiiN9TXXp7-7d7ICvrYAnFWtVoJ0zSxM_NZOMHyv8Q4LPE6CHXiCg5ju-jpEHTnbftfSe2OMsoVfMVEBTwuuKOt0nvZ3UrVTh3qURNPdjrm5-XAidGcB6LF4659GmZWX0KrRfYHAqrQ/s1600/FLRV-10201wm.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUipMXN1e-xlXJ-EfnlLVi6G_oCWd3XrmThjU_dDubdGOLLIgdZr3X3NMoSsMs5QPzWsxq_9ZRqweJPFv3p0H2hZsvAzzSjpWQyTvY0uzBC5EtJhGN-R2r1aoLgBv42OxXXLr_t9FueLE/s1600/FLRV-10298wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUipMXN1e-xlXJ-EfnlLVi6G_oCWd3XrmThjU_dDubdGOLLIgdZr3X3NMoSsMs5QPzWsxq_9ZRqweJPFv3p0H2hZsvAzzSjpWQyTvY0uzBC5EtJhGN-R2r1aoLgBv42OxXXLr_t9FueLE/s1600/FLRV-10298wm.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxBmXGRIPRI0drmvca2js3ERqT3EpFGOpkLzsnpIQ2fgaUGGzysVEWAwGXU2oRSIXd6qUVqwUp5RaLL5kPepwA6odqzIwoPmHGsv2vXc_D7eaM62WrXuUVAdYdmrkzjcp5RDxDsGqFeY/s1600/FLRV-10354wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxBmXGRIPRI0drmvca2js3ERqT3EpFGOpkLzsnpIQ2fgaUGGzysVEWAwGXU2oRSIXd6qUVqwUp5RaLL5kPepwA6odqzIwoPmHGsv2vXc_D7eaM62WrXuUVAdYdmrkzjcp5RDxDsGqFeY/s1600/FLRV-10354wm.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span id="goog_785750298"></span><span id="goog_785750299"></span><br />Muihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14697699891173422303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683234887181261751.post-31454388431769353492013-12-11T11:58:00.000-06:002013-12-11T11:59:36.726-06:00Miltary Family DayMy husband is in the military. He has been deployed a couple times. We have a young family and it was tough for him to be away from our family for a weekend, let alone years. I'm grateful for every day that we are together. A lot of people understand this, and it's heartwarming how often people come up to us and thank him for his service.<br />
<br />
Knowing how hard it is to be part of the military, I donate various services year-round -- sewing patches on their uniforms, making lunches my husband shares with his office, helping with fundraisers, free photo sessions for deploying/deployed families, and just this weekend, taking holiday portraits during family day.<br />
<br />
The FRG ladies (Family Readiness Group) put in so much time and effort into family day, a wonderful event to get the families together and show them how much they are appreciated. Even Santa was nice enough stop by and bring some holiday cheer.<br />
<br />
Some families (like most families) hadn't taken a family portrait in years and asked for shots with and without Santa. I created a simple, kid-friendly set-up that says "Holiday" without screaming it. Here are some of the happy faces who stopped by for some snaps (including test shots of my own little ones. Yes, I am biased). I love how a simple photo can warm hearts and bring out such lovely smiles.<br />
<br />
Happy Holidays<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Mui<br />
SimplyMui Photography<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLNyC6PcyBISwYG3r7MYQk0Y8IsYTLOqIP9r8pwuZs150PN5HPBfl0nFPNCjqOa96onZcb9MkXKuCw5RyNBBChgLwhUTRXCl-sRfwGOaRDjqFspfY5v7_sZn4tyDWtoIavJ4cBtSMKkCY/s1600/bokeh13-6609wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLNyC6PcyBISwYG3r7MYQk0Y8IsYTLOqIP9r8pwuZs150PN5HPBfl0nFPNCjqOa96onZcb9MkXKuCw5RyNBBChgLwhUTRXCl-sRfwGOaRDjqFspfY5v7_sZn4tyDWtoIavJ4cBtSMKkCY/s320/bokeh13-6609wm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JqRJtfoJteLhl_Lhh8CHV0jjU4Ezz0VfTJxC8_Vvj8Uyp4g0E4hkMqGgBNIlHBVSZvpChwyFLVKbDvJZsNRAUM0S6d-NFnDcPJO12Vq_1jFUmzyJMArLyJlEc0zQrD45tAim23jNLX8/s1600/bokeh13-6675wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JqRJtfoJteLhl_Lhh8CHV0jjU4Ezz0VfTJxC8_Vvj8Uyp4g0E4hkMqGgBNIlHBVSZvpChwyFLVKbDvJZsNRAUM0S6d-NFnDcPJO12Vq_1jFUmzyJMArLyJlEc0zQrD45tAim23jNLX8/s320/bokeh13-6675wm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdMIZBl3rMUAYvGgiF9fzgCNbnspUZgY7aI2FT3I2b_CPPoXan1Cxg3ua8BeKfvGtgUqmfyBGja0aoNQWiq66zhdJHxao8FnD3GR0elEpNdz87VPC9hjYl7RCFMMBCcEoPhFPpN9PAWQ/s1600/bokeh13-6702wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdMIZBl3rMUAYvGgiF9fzgCNbnspUZgY7aI2FT3I2b_CPPoXan1Cxg3ua8BeKfvGtgUqmfyBGja0aoNQWiq66zhdJHxao8FnD3GR0elEpNdz87VPC9hjYl7RCFMMBCcEoPhFPpN9PAWQ/s320/bokeh13-6702wm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKj_p5m_rsaURlWYh7K17LEUDE1XLSJaLHnORJEj9lNQI-SvSNsavxGPFw2Ocsc3Ui6yM1whI9JVQJ4Uo2_jNmhfwskhSFFz3THTxtW91-_XXwfFVepsuFb77bsX4zYxR4-mQXmYGzoXU/s1600/FRG2013-27wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKj_p5m_rsaURlWYh7K17LEUDE1XLSJaLHnORJEj9lNQI-SvSNsavxGPFw2Ocsc3Ui6yM1whI9JVQJ4Uo2_jNmhfwskhSFFz3THTxtW91-_XXwfFVepsuFb77bsX4zYxR4-mQXmYGzoXU/s320/FRG2013-27wm.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmGGWdec2Qtlfcs7kBLQTJVVlagZppD43wrT2bO4nSuQ_dqvlRMyYmUn2H127U0dkQnJoRGDynkDX3DDwNrnE-dH-zcVAot0Q1p04u31rN3W2yLEFgi3SSHBL6ve_mbi8TvLEIbCyX110/s1600/FRG2013-10wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmGGWdec2Qtlfcs7kBLQTJVVlagZppD43wrT2bO4nSuQ_dqvlRMyYmUn2H127U0dkQnJoRGDynkDX3DDwNrnE-dH-zcVAot0Q1p04u31rN3W2yLEFgi3SSHBL6ve_mbi8TvLEIbCyX110/s320/FRG2013-10wm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNetcMgfwdrlIJdjmE2xc_1yq0WCG6J5y26peWEeUIHVkkb9w1m4LCowCmrrjhiAHHYJg7VIjT21aK4SI7OrwQYTsx_Jbc2LQstaBkg8wmM7imGpOWI99WqsNYRTNsFTyWGJ9R-3sNQqI/s1600/FRG2013-37wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNetcMgfwdrlIJdjmE2xc_1yq0WCG6J5y26peWEeUIHVkkb9w1m4LCowCmrrjhiAHHYJg7VIjT21aK4SI7OrwQYTsx_Jbc2LQstaBkg8wmM7imGpOWI99WqsNYRTNsFTyWGJ9R-3sNQqI/s320/FRG2013-37wm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgindorIHBb9Y3rOlCykLujEiQB4BIxvF_BQYfrCkagK-4-TOWrIctqjcqTNZfO9OtuYA-Hy2r5Y81Vmr4hcjuP1OdWYupAvLdQJJdew1y_r2kl4ft8TbTc7BrA1SlErZVK4JdfXPhKlZ0/s1600/FRG2013-50wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgindorIHBb9Y3rOlCykLujEiQB4BIxvF_BQYfrCkagK-4-TOWrIctqjcqTNZfO9OtuYA-Hy2r5Y81Vmr4hcjuP1OdWYupAvLdQJJdew1y_r2kl4ft8TbTc7BrA1SlErZVK4JdfXPhKlZ0/s320/FRG2013-50wm.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />Muihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14697699891173422303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683234887181261751.post-63974012634004939692013-04-14T15:30:00.002-05:002013-04-14T15:35:54.123-05:00Princess Style<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAoDvqGQN8TCw9_mDDS9QE9UO__BMi_eSukTnqB7qt2lvHOKabOsrkkI8jobRzEghurciFdqXNptR50hE6veBvgtLLjxEx1Qrb6n2k_JmWHlAdX3iiybMcSJSb3sfznqW7qKyb_xvOXA/s1600/princesses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAoDvqGQN8TCw9_mDDS9QE9UO__BMi_eSukTnqB7qt2lvHOKabOsrkkI8jobRzEghurciFdqXNptR50hE6veBvgtLLjxEx1Qrb6n2k_JmWHlAdX3iiybMcSJSb3sfznqW7qKyb_xvOXA/s400/princesses.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My princesses love to hug</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I have three kids, two of whom are little girls.. correction: princesses. They dress up every day. At least two times a day. They put on "shows." Sometimes it's an interpretive dance. Sometimes it's a concert. Sometimes a play. Occasionally, the older one puts in the extra effort to style their hair (read: put in every piece of hair decoration they can find) and accessorize their outfits (tie each other up with scarves). Sometimes I can't resist pulling out the camera to capture the fun. I don't think I've ever regretted any of our impromptu paparazzi moments.<br />
<br />
Mui<br />
Photographic Artist<br />
SimplyMui Photography<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0TNH4ovq5U4sr7TmHKh4kgnBt7_zUXo7PuMyDLaApO1FXGr5AwyLFF52lSsk7W6p4FULFCOJvb0y1jxfLYywFGkzhWc-7yRcHK7N233kYFdTGd0MVDQDPsPLXUVMdo5R9H2e-1CSZumc/s1600/princessMeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0TNH4ovq5U4sr7TmHKh4kgnBt7_zUXo7PuMyDLaApO1FXGr5AwyLFF52lSsk7W6p4FULFCOJvb0y1jxfLYywFGkzhWc-7yRcHK7N233kYFdTGd0MVDQDPsPLXUVMdo5R9H2e-1CSZumc/s400/princessMeg.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The little one showing off her style</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvaZ-IjF4xfhOkmYRao2JvXZcLgouEcB1bQc9QTwaamWilJlOYbtNKNNrFDpaZyqaCWdSXNCka3DwQ2AWDR-Hl_XK-B_W31ioT4tmvXvS_hu8I4RCCNwxLW722OqShWELm90EPYobcLl0/s1600/princessKiera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvaZ-IjF4xfhOkmYRao2JvXZcLgouEcB1bQc9QTwaamWilJlOYbtNKNNrFDpaZyqaCWdSXNCka3DwQ2AWDR-Hl_XK-B_W31ioT4tmvXvS_hu8I4RCCNwxLW722OqShWELm90EPYobcLl0/s400/princessKiera.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">K dancing with flair</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And even tearful princess are priceless.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh39vVZWNyhwTuu1Tp5lhXZ-zGuINiWN-41-HtEQNOa7fMFomOv1YvYXnmmwJ819pR5-TVwJ1xIb3U8u_vQZPqlAZM3TZTEEItVknTmI_jqGM_enuzCdG4UdmnBo41zfFeEyWSKjsirB5w/s1600/princesscrying.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh39vVZWNyhwTuu1Tp5lhXZ-zGuINiWN-41-HtEQNOa7fMFomOv1YvYXnmmwJ819pR5-TVwJ1xIb3U8u_vQZPqlAZM3TZTEEItVknTmI_jqGM_enuzCdG4UdmnBo41zfFeEyWSKjsirB5w/s400/princesscrying.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Muihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14697699891173422303noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683234887181261751.post-75256390030123732013-03-21T12:09:00.001-05:002013-03-21T12:09:19.844-05:00The BattleBefore the holidays (yes, I know that was months ago), I was excited, motivated, and driven to launch SimplyMui Photography as Salt Lake City's newest family portrait photographer. While talking to various families about their experiences and seeing portraits they have had done, I quickly became deflated.<br />
<br />
Educating people about the value of professional photography has always been something of an uphill battle, especially now when digital photography is so readily accessible. The quality of consumer and prosumer cameras are pretty impressive, especially for the price point. And EVERYONE has a cell phone with built-in camera. And many people fiddle with Instagram to add funky cool effects to their otherwise mundane images.<br />
<br />
All that I can deal with, because my images are unique. My clients are overjoyed when they see the portraits of their loved ones. I have my ability to bring out and capture someone's true personality, not just their fake camera smile. I know lighting and styling. I have professional hardware and software, and more importantly, the skills and ability to use professional equipment properly. I am thoughtful about the details and know how to treat people. I have the taste level, talent and artistic vision to produce beautiful images, and the self control to not over-tweak the saturation, contrast, sharpness, and not to turn faces into over-softened "glam" plastic mannequins. <br />
<br />
What I can't deal with? The numerous professional photographers in this area who are giving away their livelihood. So many here have studios, wardrobe, equipment, bills to pay, and they offer sessions with digital files for such a small price -- for less than it would cost to go to Sears, JCPenney or Target. If their work was the department store quality, run by high schoolers whose job is to sit people and randomly push a button on the camera, then I would understand. But, no, we are talking about real photographers, with years of experience, and the ability to create lovely images. This blows my mind. It's one thing for people to not understand the value of a portrait, but for professional photographers to undervalue themselves and hurt the industry, I can't understand.<br />
<br />
The truth is, the general public has no idea how much it cost to be a photographer. There's a huge discrepancy between perception and reality.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/535507_458629557538255_915936036_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/535507_458629557538255_915936036_n.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
<br />
And many people want photography services for free. There are ads all over Craigslist offering photographers the opportunity to gain experience in exchange for their time and images. Imagine asking that of doctors, plumbers, accountants or any service industry.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/541872_507019336009249_227943848_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="588" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/541872_507019336009249_227943848_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And many people get into photography thinking it's an easy career with a small start-up cost. Photographer Hayley Juliet elegantly demystifies this on her blog: <a href="http://blog.hayleyjuliet.com/2012/11/27/the-truth/">http://blog.hayleyjuliet.com/2012/11/27/the-truth/</a><br />
<br />
So, yes, I am frustrated. Am I giving up on photography in Utah? No. Photography is in my heart, in my blood, I can't breathe without it. But I do have to re-evaluate and re-strategize. No worries, I am not hanging up my camera. Without compromising integrity, my photography business will find a way to thrive here or anywhere else I may find myself in the country.<br />
<br />
Stay tuned.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Mui<br />
Photographic Artist<br />
SimplyMui Photography Muihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14697699891173422303noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683234887181261751.post-88933914136546326482012-12-10T14:11:00.001-06:002012-12-10T14:11:49.566-06:00Camera Padding Insert: Anti-DIY<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMmc9UtsV1tYrNNngMdxi1t1ftnc-rDf4q8-EigNvsg9YH6KG8jj_J5SBmUbYIgtB5kJq74tOSVpNUAGtsRMFr5Dsjocd_wumgrlKEbJpTqo5SJ3YIEEKEhnwRb4xhWc84DozP3Rcvis/s1600/padding-9337wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMmc9UtsV1tYrNNngMdxi1t1ftnc-rDf4q8-EigNvsg9YH6KG8jj_J5SBmUbYIgtB5kJq74tOSVpNUAGtsRMFr5Dsjocd_wumgrlKEbJpTqo5SJ3YIEEKEhnwRb4xhWc84DozP3Rcvis/s1600/padding-9337wm.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The completed padding insert, with the equipment it was made to protect.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Well, I finally did it. I made the padded insert to convert my purse into a camera bag. My intent was to post how it was done, but truthfully, it's a fair amount of work. And if you don't have the materials already handy, it could cost as much as one that you could just order online (Amazon.com has plenty of choices of size, color, etc for $15-50).<br />
<br />
<b>Bottom Line:</b> Just order one. Or reconfigure the pads and dividers from your "real" camera bag to fit your purse.<br />
<br />
Confession: I'm an amateur at the sewing machine. I lost the manual before I had a chance to read it. There were many things I realized I did wrong during this project. Sometimes the most important lessons are the ones about what NOT to do. So, if you want to make your own, for whatever reason (you want custom fabric, you prefer a thicker padding, you want to hone your sewing skills, etc), then tally forth! And if you're going to make one of your own, I'm going to assume you know how to sew, so I won't go into detail about the actual sewing process.<br />
<b></b><br /><b></b>
<b>First, measure your purse</b>. What size padding would fit in your purse and still allow it to close properly? Write this down. STICK TO IT. Yes, really. <br />
<br />
<b>Now, gather materials</b>. Make sure you have enough. I had extra fabric and velcro strips from a previous sewing project. The two inch thick foam padding I had was packing material from a furniture purchase, so that was FREE. I wanted padding thicker than the 1/4 inch thick pads that come with most camera bags, but two inches is a bit much, so I cut it in half for most of this insert. I left it two inches thick for the base of the insert, since the most likely source of shock is from putting the bag down on a table or floor. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wVgcHWRtA_bNBwDVrmHdocmhctucD7_o5PFGdCCTOmmJm8Cu6bdMDq0yzpSoxGAuK1jq0UP6AUQt1DotuQ3SlwF2PsFr6ovIyAkvhuODO2r99SwkM8xhQQRhupMNo7D0jfApZxP2VMU/s1600/padding-9257wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wVgcHWRtA_bNBwDVrmHdocmhctucD7_o5PFGdCCTOmmJm8Cu6bdMDq0yzpSoxGAuK1jq0UP6AUQt1DotuQ3SlwF2PsFr6ovIyAkvhuODO2r99SwkM8xhQQRhupMNo7D0jfApZxP2VMU/s400/padding-9257wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Minimum 1 yard of fabric, foam padding, measuring device, sharp knife, velcro, cutting guide for straighter cuts, and usual sewing notions.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Next, figure out the plan.</b> Draw simple blueprints. Make note of the dimensions. Where should the velcro go? Are there extra features you'd like to add, like pockets, covers, etc? KEEP IT SIMPLE. I chose to cover each piece separately, meaning I was making 7 pieces. Had I made the wall one solid, continuous piece, then that would have meant only covering 4 pieces, nearly half the amount of work. My other mistake? See how the walls are different heights? That's because I didn't stick to my plan. I started with the camera laying down, but wanted to be able to add two extra pieces of equipment, so I changed my plan. Standing my camera up makes it easier for me to grab it out of the bag for a quick shot, but it made it taller than the height dimension I had determined from my measurements. It would still fit into my purse, but I wouldn't be able to close it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9pwjkJP2uPpErPbX5ClMxFCoD6Y-QpkVebfyZEfM996nizQff-aZx2t2nnntDO0cy-MGqE7H-E5myhv64xKwdY2TyzqkMJO-JKxwcdQlP4dfphExTFCzbpUkVNZ1h1FeQMVK-LwMmLKs/s1600/padding-9243wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9pwjkJP2uPpErPbX5ClMxFCoD6Y-QpkVebfyZEfM996nizQff-aZx2t2nnntDO0cy-MGqE7H-E5myhv64xKwdY2TyzqkMJO-JKxwcdQlP4dfphExTFCzbpUkVNZ1h1FeQMVK-LwMmLKs/s400/padding-9243wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was my plan for my insert. Turns out, it wasn't the best or easiest way to go.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Sew, sew, sew!</b> Cover each piece with your fabric. Make sure you sew on the velcro, pockets and anything else before finishing each piece. Otherwise, you'll find yourself sewing by hand for a few hours. And believe me, hand sewing velcro is not my idea of fun.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZjFCjIkggr6_exWtXWZCrc1h7aR6jtkuDIe065l5BGmXymwvnZ4HZFVvaSnjjljCE_12vvouxd8PuBCj44PVhMiT68PME2TCK4PtLK90Narwp-sZezLmNj4MlPZIz4v2ZyIMpyHYZJg/s1600/padding-9259wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZjFCjIkggr6_exWtXWZCrc1h7aR6jtkuDIe065l5BGmXymwvnZ4HZFVvaSnjjljCE_12vvouxd8PuBCj44PVhMiT68PME2TCK4PtLK90Narwp-sZezLmNj4MlPZIz4v2ZyIMpyHYZJg/s400/padding-9259wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Covering my pieces with fabric. I went with two colors for aesthetic reasons, but it added another level of difficulty. Keeping to one fabric would make things much, much easier.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Put it together!</b> Give it a test, make sure things fit. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJ-TGpzDIumezKJWxe2ufy2NxgRztryod6lClnHoqeUhb9lW9XFJ1RtHP6m8w219rMEHkU1GL6vggz2YhjlcRBYtab_D3y7qZRxP1QuKF7p3vmF8Na1cSCB8eZoRawIiK6JStA2pP1Tg/s1600/padding-9330wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJ-TGpzDIumezKJWxe2ufy2NxgRztryod6lClnHoqeUhb9lW9XFJ1RtHP6m8w219rMEHkU1GL6vggz2YhjlcRBYtab_D3y7qZRxP1QuKF7p3vmF8Na1cSCB8eZoRawIiK6JStA2pP1Tg/s400/padding-9330wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The base of my purse was roomier than the opening of the purse, so it's a little more snug at the top.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdS1SMtYIhSjgwiC1hJpP9rQlMcvOs2MLR8x0z40FC5Dh53eaM5SPf_0Pp1vNbutw-N6mUKuizhVh6D2PMgsuJO-UHtVtpnvnByG8YdSerkXJurUhyPHm8sSqpaL9aJhk5kUzqPFIK6DI/s1600/padding-9332wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdS1SMtYIhSjgwiC1hJpP9rQlMcvOs2MLR8x0z40FC5Dh53eaM5SPf_0Pp1vNbutw-N6mUKuizhVh6D2PMgsuJO-UHtVtpnvnByG8YdSerkXJurUhyPHm8sSqpaL9aJhk5kUzqPFIK6DI/s400/padding-9332wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is how I would like to carry my camera -- with lens attached, standing up. Additional extra lens and shoe mount flash handy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6du2MzZvfBY15ws3oYAC2KCvZTRD5g_yDAbQmYOlpLK6YAeEA5cOLbWs5TLciAOfRnyv08vUChHOQeo2dXMUqa6dNrxP7DIfil2K44rpz7E2NIvpm1u_edlThdJNX4Lf2iEL2M_PGRE/s1600/padding-9333wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6du2MzZvfBY15ws3oYAC2KCvZTRD5g_yDAbQmYOlpLK6YAeEA5cOLbWs5TLciAOfRnyv08vUChHOQeo2dXMUqa6dNrxP7DIfil2K44rpz7E2NIvpm1u_edlThdJNX4Lf2iEL2M_PGRE/s400/padding-9333wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the original plan, which actually fits in the purse. Camera laying down, grip easily accessible and one accessory readily available.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2sNXadjsaDDe9nu3YotUy8lbmEDelJuNlDhFhOf2Qqbpt32F7_czODr5RH27HssmAiLd0NdstRP9Kv5zOXo_pejAQnDXrnNXgHDijZegDqxI0NrFkHRutmWDLn-AO3HgXNVJIs0dYx8/s1600/padding-9336wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2sNXadjsaDDe9nu3YotUy8lbmEDelJuNlDhFhOf2Qqbpt32F7_czODr5RH27HssmAiLd0NdstRP9Kv5zOXo_pejAQnDXrnNXgHDijZegDqxI0NrFkHRutmWDLn-AO3HgXNVJIs0dYx8/s400/padding-9336wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My "new" inconspicuous camera bag purse, padded up, zipped up, ready to go!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There were things I could've done better, more efficiently, but I'm happy with the results: a fun, colorful camera padding insert that I feel confident with (over the store-bought padding). Best of all, I don't have to carry a boring, black "professional" camera bag anymore. So, all in all, SUCCESS!<br />
<br />
<br />
Kudos,<br />
<br />
Mui Chao<br />
Photographic Artist<br />
<a href="http://www.simplymui.com/" target="_blank">SimplyMui Photography </a><br />
<br />Muihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14697699891173422303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683234887181261751.post-30225005829519964392012-12-05T12:38:00.000-06:002012-12-05T12:57:59.235-06:00Camera Bag?I'm not a fashionista. I'm still a tomboy at heart, but having two girls have made me a little more tolerant of pretty, girly things. I've even expanded my black/gray/olive green/navy blue wardrobe to include other colors, like maroon, purple, cream and coral (although I insist I will never wear pink. Not that there's anything wrong with that). I'm also very minimalist and don't like to draw attention to myself. The purses I've carried for the past decade (the ones that don't double as diaper bags), looked something like this:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7ds6pLGXmeyxTn-3pAIpCep-Tkw58GJPdBPR9imm4MMwXHZh98vSJou740ZbBfipTV-m4LmJGVsN_mHa2V3uf_iQEwVEkNNjebnp9Xa0D97Xjrm3FGELrtU6Q-40lQ5vfPLwPSmxOY0/s1600/IMG_9248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7ds6pLGXmeyxTn-3pAIpCep-Tkw58GJPdBPR9imm4MMwXHZh98vSJou740ZbBfipTV-m4LmJGVsN_mHa2V3uf_iQEwVEkNNjebnp9Xa0D97Xjrm3FGELrtU6Q-40lQ5vfPLwPSmxOY0/s400/IMG_9248.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dinky purse. Just barely big enough to hold my wallet, phone and keys.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now, throw in the Photographer aspect of my life. On my stock agencies' "Wanted" lists are things like snowy scenery, traffic jams, tourist shots, Open/Closed signs on business windows, skylines, etc. Things that require me to go out and about and keep my camera on me in my daily life.<br />
<br />
Obviously, my DSLR with additional lenses, batteries, filters, and speedlite are not going to fit into my tiny purse. So, I had to carry this:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioDsCHQOI5mg72ICTHJMGqCmQubIcOcf9KSGzAQg6QIpSXxMej6XXEjVHkAXojatLZkrD2XHnqwIoegokKFPXSH8xtOwsCpgu1c1XPmLHnOcyablG6ONBSWebxMPWXiNK_CgQLS8QUuNM/s1600/IMG_9247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioDsCHQOI5mg72ICTHJMGqCmQubIcOcf9KSGzAQg6QIpSXxMej6XXEjVHkAXojatLZkrD2XHnqwIoegokKFPXSH8xtOwsCpgu1c1XPmLHnOcyablG6ONBSWebxMPWXiNK_CgQLS8QUuNM/s400/IMG_9247.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My backpack-styled professional camera bag. Holds lots of equipment.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This was great for carrying all the gear I would need to shoot anything on the fly. I loved it for when I'm doing a formal shoot on location. But as a lone woman doing informal, around-town shots, it screams "HEY, I'm a photographer and I probably have REALLY expensive stuff in here. Come rob me!!"<br />
<br />
I wanted to be a little more inconspicuous, so I got a bigger purse (relatively speaking) to stash my camera & wallet in. This meant I had to leave behind the extras. Still, my basic camera set-up (just the body and my go-to lens) weighs 5 pounds, which quickly wore out the purse. And there was the concern about protecting the camera against bumps. I wrapped in a scarf but obviously, that's not the best protection.<br />
<br />
There's a few websites now selling more attractive camera bags, geared towards photographers who want a little more style and flair. I perused <a href="http://kellymoorebag.com/" target="_blank">Kelly Moore</a>, <a href="http://www.epiphaniebags.com/" target="_blank">Epiphanie Bags</a>, <a href="http://cheekylime.com/" target="_blank">Cheeky Lime</a>, <a href="http://shootsac.com/" target="_blank">Shootsac</a>, and more. But the Ladies' bags are usually too girly and wild for my taste. And the Men's styles are a bit dull. And alas, the ones I want are always the pricier ones. My favorite so far:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://porteengear.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/006c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://porteengear.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/006c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camera bag from <a href="http://porteengear.com/" target="_blank">Porteen Gear</a>. This one is "For Men" but I LOVE it. All bags are custom made to order, so you can choose your size, style, and materials. Woo-hoo!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
However, I'm a frugal person. So I drew up some sketches for what I want in a bag, bought some discounted colored leather from Jo-Anne's Fabrics with every intention of crafting my own custom camera bag, and then happened upon a wonderful find.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu5TI5Hz_y1y8WakmJDPNsBIdUJRhj2n9yQ-24pOBVLg3fUD9bVBQlTqA6Dy63o5_OI-yLVUwZwscap7YMK129nBfOLOfKHI2YTrAxq98KW4FaL_zHw0CRGp10SmYpF-D_tyPu-btywX8/s1600/IMG_9246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu5TI5Hz_y1y8WakmJDPNsBIdUJRhj2n9yQ-24pOBVLg3fUD9bVBQlTqA6Dy63o5_OI-yLVUwZwscap7YMK129nBfOLOfKHI2YTrAxq98KW4FaL_zHw0CRGp10SmYpF-D_tyPu-btywX8/s400/IMG_9246.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large Jessica Simpson purse found at Marshall's for $50.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Yes, the color is outside of my normal comfort zone, but it's a good size and well constructed. And I figure if someone grabs it and runs, it's easy to spot and chase down.<br />
<br />
I don't like that I have still been wrapping my camera in a scarf to put into this spacious bag. And I certainly don't want my extra lenses, speedlite, or batteries knocking around in there either. I've started to build a padded compartment to hold my equipment in here and will post it when it's finished. Stay tuned!!<br />
<br />
Mui<br />
Photographic Artist<br />
<a href="http://www.simplymui.com/" target="_blank">SimplyMui Photography</a><br />
<br />
<br />Muihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14697699891173422303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683234887181261751.post-76254803040335533622012-11-27T20:12:00.000-06:002012-11-28T02:00:58.895-06:00Holiday Portrait Deconstructed<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6UUMl8I-lWL5GX1a-enyREuSJJ0s4tIa2OJSefhp_QFYG02k-LgfUBfuh3z1iio5TuH2MOWjlnd_Q6G4z_is5VCJ-gVI3eqeg4npehaNR1mufcknqdqLRt8prOMwPLaHHLnAuY_Xcqo/s1600/xmastest-7783wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6UUMl8I-lWL5GX1a-enyREuSJJ0s4tIa2OJSefhp_QFYG02k-LgfUBfuh3z1iio5TuH2MOWjlnd_Q6G4z_is5VCJ-gVI3eqeg4npehaNR1mufcknqdqLRt8prOMwPLaHHLnAuY_Xcqo/s1600/xmastest-7783wm.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
There's a very popular pin going around and if you are on Pinterest and have any interest in photography, babies, or holidays, I'm sure you have seen it. <b>This one:</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/319914_298998380120731_763247732_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=298998380120731=a.210051622348741.57307.166751386678765=1" target="_blank">Lizvette Wreath Photography</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Even with the setup diagrammed in the image, people are still having trouble copying this look for themselves. They are getting results like this one found on Pinstrosity:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPj5RR2bBqApPxN5UUUvB-6E5AxLZr1VaigDxS64yfnj5UkLj6Z-IE7VqgEIuG2P2Lq8cxxeeg4XHzG9O7O4xHu50a_sX2G-8AxT74UgwdBB4Pjj0hjukWOVuuAaJT4oMbINtKcp9AYhs/s1600/Christmas+Photo+Pinstrosity+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPj5RR2bBqApPxN5UUUvB-6E5AxLZr1VaigDxS64yfnj5UkLj6Z-IE7VqgEIuG2P2Lq8cxxeeg4XHzG9O7O4xHu50a_sX2G-8AxT74UgwdBB4Pjj0hjukWOVuuAaJT4oMbINtKcp9AYhs/s400/Christmas+Photo+Pinstrosity+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Submitted to <a href="http://pinstrosity.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2012-11-09T12:04:00-07:00&max-results=5&start=5&by-date=false" target="_blank">Pinstrosity</a>, a blog of attempted Pins gone wrong</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This isn't a problem that only casual photographers are running into. Fellow pro photogs are trying to figure out what they are doing wrong, and if I hadn't moved halfway across the country twice, I would simple go over and troubleshoot with them in person. But I figure this is a good opportunity to explain what's going on. <br />
<br />
First, you need a clean space (or to fake one). You can set up in a living room, basement, or family room. Ideally, I would have a long narrow, clutter-free room for this, but since I don't have that, I chose my bedroom. The bed provides an elevated platform so I don't have to crush myself into the hard floor to get to my little ones' level or to see their faces. Second, I want to keep this as simple and shoe-string budget as possible. Even though I can pull out the studio lights, umbrellas, soft boxes, transmitters, meters and reflectors, I don't want to. <br />
<br />
K.I.S.S., right?<br />
<br />
On another note, DOES SIZE MATTER? A friend was concerned that her queen sized bed was constraining her. Honestly, that doesn't matter. And to prove that, I've used a blue ribbon to mark on my king
bed where it would end if I were using a queen bed.
I didn't get any blue bits in any of my shots. <br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">So here's my setup:</span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjueJ9NKgbtekttlQu-lTEHcBkBF9M-ogbPTx77TFiaVe408Cmac8LWgmbiOCVqKVtnvmZYqAsfH7TXXNM4XSQCeSzVallTKbtPCAKqOogR8Hp4JjdYWaeoIW9-GRqGILm9mTb1V5Ng5LA/s1600/lights_setup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjueJ9NKgbtekttlQu-lTEHcBkBF9M-ogbPTx77TFiaVe408Cmac8LWgmbiOCVqKVtnvmZYqAsfH7TXXNM4XSQCeSzVallTKbtPCAKqOogR8Hp4JjdYWaeoIW9-GRqGILm9mTb1V5Ng5LA/s1600/lights_setup.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
So, you don't need a huge room. I was working in a space 8 feet wide by 11 feet long. The exact measurements and specs don't really matter, but I wanted to show you what my space was. If the room was longer, then I would have been able to add another layer of lights in the foreground (like the first image above). More space would also mean I could include more of my models' bodies and get better blurs, but let's make due with what we have!<br />
<br />
There are other blogs that explain the setup, but I'm going to go a little more technical and show you the difference little changes in settings can make to the image you create. So, set your camera to MANUAL MODE (gasp!!) and trust in yourself. You need to know how to manipulate your ISO, aperture and exposure time, and how to read your in-camera meter.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">S</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">TEP 0: Choose your light source.</span></span></b></span><br />
<br />
Yes, I said "Step 0." You need to decide how you will light your setup first and foremost. If you don't have a good flash unit, or you just love soft, natural light, these are the type of results you might get. Of course, if you have direct sunlight getting on your model or the set, you might want to put a sheer white curtain on your window. <i>(Note: all the sample test shots below are un-manipulated, un-corrected captures so as not to confuse you. You can always add your exposure adjustments and artistic flair later.)</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX_Ckh7CUu4DYePaqrFhwT0qrX7HV4wp-vsHADgPVv6HOtE138hZyV5kIEpjFMCXsAe7rWEzozQuShizal5c9MNqfWlW4bEaEkBIPsVAAiGd_VghBZk6wMDt8auL_mKKDp8Dum9w9bUak/s1600/natural+light.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX_Ckh7CUu4DYePaqrFhwT0qrX7HV4wp-vsHADgPVv6HOtE138hZyV5kIEpjFMCXsAe7rWEzozQuShizal5c9MNqfWlW4bEaEkBIPsVAAiGd_VghBZk6wMDt8auL_mKKDp8Dum9w9bUak/s1600/natural+light.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
If you don't have windows, if the sun has set, or you like to have control over your light source, use a strobe or flash unit. I find that indirect lighting (bouncing off white/light walls) provides soft, natural-looking lighting. I like to point my strobes into the corner behind me. I didn't want to set up my studio lights though, so I just popped my SpeedLite (camera flash unit) onto my camera and pointed to somewhere to the side or behind me, depending on how I wanted my booger-faces lit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimc9UySVLI0xpBMLjDa39Erh2LZSvyzMLglEgqG06Q6afrMXeN6D2DPpfu46kZ-SCJSQSinOwiwAfISZ-xylHQcXHtipDahLNpOLT7YAmNUKd2oMXyXxKNIZ4dOJ077hyomD3W-qThR7g/s1600/flash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimc9UySVLI0xpBMLjDa39Erh2LZSvyzMLglEgqG06Q6afrMXeN6D2DPpfu46kZ-SCJSQSinOwiwAfISZ-xylHQcXHtipDahLNpOLT7YAmNUKd2oMXyXxKNIZ4dOJ077hyomD3W-qThR7g/s1600/flash.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
If you want to get fancy, you can set up an additional hair light. But again, I wanted to keep this simple. Although, really, I should have put up a reflector. You can use actual reflectors or white foam board (like your kid's science fair boards) or white fabric. The reflector would be set up opposite of your light source to fill in the shadows. So, if the model is in the middle of the set and I aim my flash towards stage-right, then I would set up the reflector stage-left. Got it?<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>STEP 1:</b> <b>Put on the lens of your choice</b></span> (if you can choose).<br />
<br />
You do NOT want a wide angle lens for this. Wider angles create more depth of field and the secret to this shot is to GET YOUR DEPTH OF FIELD AS SHALLOW AS POSSIBLE. As you can see below, 70mm blurred the background out very nicely. 50mm is okay -- you get to see more of the scene and models, but you can kind of make out the light strings in the background. Anything wider, like the 40mm length at the bottom is very undesirable, unless you want to see the mess of light strands in your background. In my opinion, 80mm would be ideal, but then I would either need more space to
back up into, or I could climb my dressers and squish myself against the
back wall. Otherwise, I would be capturing just parts of faces. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNAZF5oFMU8m-1R-VDXXPUWNG-IT02ddt2w9bWpjFBpAMSaEU7FXma0RR4Qi6vqkUrXIL9T9AEss7Gf1FfiWYW5aMZBKr4wUxWRgXFBgFA9TjRBq79NdtRcK4EgFFQLC_o0gz6asB6q0/s1600/focal+length.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNAZF5oFMU8m-1R-VDXXPUWNG-IT02ddt2w9bWpjFBpAMSaEU7FXma0RR4Qi6vqkUrXIL9T9AEss7Gf1FfiWYW5aMZBKr4wUxWRgXFBgFA9TjRBq79NdtRcK4EgFFQLC_o0gz6asB6q0/s1600/focal+length.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>STEP 2:</b> </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Set your f/ stop to the widest it will go.</span> </b><br />
<br />
All the other blogs tell you to use your f/1.4 or f/1.8 lens. Well, not all of us have that uber expensive piece of equipment! (Okay, I have one, but I'm trying to prove a point here.)<b> </b>I am hereby debunking that assumption and saying YOU CAN DO THIS WITHOUT SPECIALIZED LENSES. If you can get to f/2.8 or f/4.0, then you'll be fine, with slight limitations and considerations.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>STEP 3A: Set your exposure and ISO.</b><span style="font-size: small;"> (for natural lighting)</span><b><br /></b></span><br />
<br />
This one is easy. Using your in-camera meter, stand where you (the photographer) plan to be standing. Aim at the model setting at the front edge of the bed with the wall of lights behind them. Hopefully, the window(s) are providing enough light for you. Set your ISO to a higher setting, but not one that will create too much ugly noise on your shots. Older cameras got ugly around 640 ISO. New ones can push 1000+ ISO and still look pretty nice. Move your exposure to something you can hand-hold (above 1/60th). If you are shooting active kids, you'll need a faster setting (1/100 and up). Or just sedate the kids. Just kidding. Sort of.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>STEP 3B: Set your exposure and ISO.</b><span style="font-size: small;"> (for str<span style="font-size: small;">obe/flash</span> lighting)</span></span><br />
<br />
Using your in-camera meter, stand where you (the photographer) plan to
be standing. Aim at the
wall of lights WITHOUT the model in the way and with your strobe OFF. <b>Your goal is to have the in-camera meter read +1/3 to +1.</b> Why? So those little tiny Christmas lights get to burn in and make an impact on your portrait.<br />
<br />
Now, set your exposure
to something you can hand-hold (above 1/60th). Anything slower will probably result in light streaks and blurs, which can be a cool effect to play with. If you are shooting
active kids, you'll need a faster setting (between 1/100 and 1/200). BEWARE not to set it faster than your shutter can handle. Newer cameras can capture the full image at speeds of 1/200th. Older cameras max out around 1/125th, after which, half your shot will be solid black. That's the shadow caused by the flash on your internal camera shutter.<br />
<br />
Move your ISO to a higher setting so your meter reads between +1/3 and +1 while your exposure setting is between 1/60th and 1/125. <br />
<br />
Did I lose you yet?<br />
<br />
Now, with your strobe ON, make sure it's set to ETTL (a.k.a. smarty-pants auto flash mode) at +0 exposure compensation. Lastly, <b>swivel the flash head so it is NOT pointing directly at the model</b>. WHY?? If you point it at the model, you will get harsh lights, ugly shadows and an unattractive background. If you point it directly behind you, the light on your model's face will be flat. If you point it to the side wall, the light will be dramatic. If you point it up to the ceiling, it will create raccoon eyes. If you point it to the floor, your model probably will not get any light OR will look like they're telling ghost stories at camp. So pick an angle somewhere behind but to the side and slightly upward. Got it?<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>STEP 4: Shoot!!!</b></span><br />
<br />
Have at it and enjoy! Just remember to keep as much distance between the background lights and the models as possible. And remember that the closer you are to the models, the more blur you'll get. Why? I think that explanation is too technical & boring, so just trust me.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>ADDENDUM: Point-and-Shoot Cameras</b></span><br />
<br />
If you don't have an SLR camera or a fancy prosumer camera that allows you to switch to Manual Mode, here's what you do:<br />
<br />
..... Go buy a DSLR. (Just kidding)<br />
<br />
Okay, play with your point-and-shoot. If you can find the NIGHT PORTRAIT mode, then that's your best shot for this. Otherwise, try your SPORTS mode or PORTRAIT mode on a tripod. And remember to stay ZOOMED-IN. Do not go wide-angled. Good luck!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">SAMPLE<span style="font-size: large;"> SHOTS</span></span></b><br />
<br />
What the h*ll am I talking about and what's the big deal about the f/ stop and focal length? Well, that's what controls your depth of field, allowing those beautiful bokeh circles to dance like fairies on your holiday portraits. Here are example shots to show you the difference between f/1.4 (big, beautiful bokeh EVERY TIME), f/2.8 (lovely, magical circles of light), and f/4.0 (cute little firefly lights most of the time, if the models can follow instruction and stay in their space).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkVgBC1h9KlFjPMMKjVod5mGjbJo5Z0j8cmnWzu9XLmDOV_cr_TAvJ3nO2C25EYFPrOuNnOGqffDcuN58Brdw8_9iM37OmLZgesfBqo6s9mgQf4se0X-uvNW9Hbs_N8SqR1HvPfJUcriY/s1600/50mm+bokeh.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the difference in the quality & size of the bokeh when the aperture is increased?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyIyymCwpqhyphenhyphen4WrMCe5xX1ANeI4b9xAM7iIGYNGOMNyM3wL7sgcSWxCyU5DmTe2IImWD6-Q-9aBFOX-H6cXeCF8ZpvQGIWbP0x8CY4zSrgtkWyhfpm6IEHnEPGtMCkKuRCCpxd35sTr0Q/s1600/focal+length+and+aperature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyIyymCwpqhyphenhyphen4WrMCe5xX1ANeI4b9xAM7iIGYNGOMNyM3wL7sgcSWxCyU5DmTe2IImWD6-Q-9aBFOX-H6cXeCF8ZpvQGIWbP0x8CY4zSrgtkWyhfpm6IEHnEPGtMCkKuRCCpxd35sTr0Q/s1600/focal+length+and+aperature.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's the same comparison, but you can see the difference between 50mm and 70mm focal length.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Lastly, how far you stand from your models makes a huge difference too. Stand as close as you can with the longest length you can fit into your space. This is where a macro telephoto lens comes in handy.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSDZrUA_cO13BO27tN_t9c47WR7UmNIx4io1mUwWwXYb55DZs-GqA4O3Opy8_yXjr-_-xndPL_TBWb8rfD9UBgktUHv0jviYYKrQYVo1B8QTCe4R-0r7i0vAtXeZgpb41v_KuqaOhL6Vs/s1600/focus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSDZrUA_cO13BO27tN_t9c47WR7UmNIx4io1mUwWwXYb55DZs-GqA4O3Opy8_yXjr-_-xndPL_TBWb8rfD9UBgktUHv0jviYYKrQYVo1B8QTCe4R-0r7i0vAtXeZgpb41v_KuqaOhL6Vs/s640/focus.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She's standing about 3 feet from me. The distance between her face and her hands are about 12 inches. By focusing on a point 2 feet from me instead of 3 feet away, the background bokeh is completely different -- bigger circles, softer, prettier.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Well, that's the end of this long-winded deconstruction of what looked like a simple, beautiful portrait. Isn't it amazing how good photographers make things look so easy? I'm sure I'm not using all the right terminology correctly, but hey, motherhood has burned off a large amount of my intellect, so please forgive me my many imperfections. Yes, I realize I misspelled "aperture" in my sample images, but I've spent a good deal of time on this and really need to go back to being a mom.<br />
<br />
When you try this for real (for a real client or for your family's real holiday portraits), add some layers of interest -- scatter some ornaments, have a color scheme, have the kids blow glitter or confetti at you, wrap them in extra lights. Or keep it basic -- think about wardrobe, wipe the boogers and Doritos off their faces, and tame some wild-child hair.<br />
<br />
Happy shooting!<br />
<br />
Mui<br />
Photographic Artist<br />
SimplyMui Photography<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Muihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14697699891173422303noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683234887181261751.post-50571059665947929862012-11-25T22:19:00.000-06:002012-11-27T23:11:16.467-06:00Fun with Lights (Bokeh!)The holidays are here and those twinkling little Christmas lights make amazing backdrops for family portraits. When there's some distance between your cuties and the lights, the lights turn into lovely circles of light. You know what I'm talking about. Those light circles are called "circles of confusion" or "bokeh". I came across a great <a href="http://www.kevinandamanda.com/whatsnew/tutorials/photography-tutorials/must-get-christmas-pictures-before-the-tree-comes-down.html" target="_blank">blog</a> that gave instructions on how to make those out-of-focus lights even greater. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDXUXQf-wB1VuZHdFRWBUW50UeLwANVHo0sOBzr8CXX5OmQ5hb14nqN4JZfkFplQDxRoGJ__sxOSA-gkH_93XPkwdEyqAiAEcTIV_IVV6cGLT3nu-y3oEkIt_7xzYyMyKULSedmCxfz4/s1600/bokeh-7587wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDXUXQf-wB1VuZHdFRWBUW50UeLwANVHo0sOBzr8CXX5OmQ5hb14nqN4JZfkFplQDxRoGJ__sxOSA-gkH_93XPkwdEyqAiAEcTIV_IVV6cGLT3nu-y3oEkIt_7xzYyMyKULSedmCxfz4/s640/bokeh-7587wm.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See how the lights make a little circle blurs? That's what bokeh looks like normally.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://www.kevinandamanda.com/whatsnew/tutorials/photography-tutorials/must-get-christmas-pictures-before-the-tree-comes-down.html" target="_blank">Kevin & Amanda's blog instructions</a> call for black cardstock. I had no black around, just colorful file folders. A little color & personality shouldn't hurt, right? And they taped their pieces together from the inside, which looks much nicer, but I think tape on the outside holds stronger. Wish I had my friend's super cool fun colored tapes at this point. Anyway, as you can tell, I got a little happy with this project and tried different shapes and different levels of detail / intricacy. To make it easier to change out the bokeh design, I made some pockets on either side of the holes.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyifa4NLup8o5Ix4vZS6Rw4NXYZFbub2Az8qqi5dM5V6MRWOFxTGDt8UaFrexV4YgpI9S7O08GOZ6vPn9c5ccbcDf97V7OmY4O4doxmrB_ajEYs5Fkt1Gw38FlptPB-5Crsmynf4_2le4/s1600/bokeh-7588wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyifa4NLup8o5Ix4vZS6Rw4NXYZFbub2Az8qqi5dM5V6MRWOFxTGDt8UaFrexV4YgpI9S7O08GOZ6vPn9c5ccbcDf97V7OmY4O4doxmrB_ajEYs5Fkt1Gw38FlptPB-5Crsmynf4_2le4/s1600/bokeh-7588wm.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The slits are pockets to slip in the bokeh designs quickly and easily.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEp2utIrnxB3QeFkwcyj3kGdyPmLTsqTmpYWW4iNiKuAVlv5NkT4xO_pfabe20AYoYI6PTsdAwDcGAUfWdnS_cynNzLn-LPRHWn2-mgJFXJgrLPuVXp6SeM1J0Fm8s9TgmCxuOf-pApQ/s1600/bokeh-7593wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEp2utIrnxB3QeFkwcyj3kGdyPmLTsqTmpYWW4iNiKuAVlv5NkT4xO_pfabe20AYoYI6PTsdAwDcGAUfWdnS_cynNzLn-LPRHWn2-mgJFXJgrLPuVXp6SeM1J0Fm8s9TgmCxuOf-pApQ/s1600/bokeh-7593wm.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's the cover with my heart bokeh design in place.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So what do effect does this have on the pictures? Check it out. These shots were taken casually, handheld, using available light. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBKQpyelq01ys6tfxgvSFx8QOiexS8DYAWtI-wLuh0Av7uVNfqK11TCP0ELbXAntPlhpeNZAxehB1namE66jTrtaHqjl8-3cnUDghDgksjJcH1QQL2TdjS3oqbYnnnYv-W_V9W1s3HUY/s1600/bokeh-7532wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBKQpyelq01ys6tfxgvSFx8QOiexS8DYAWtI-wLuh0Av7uVNfqK11TCP0ELbXAntPlhpeNZAxehB1namE66jTrtaHqjl8-3cnUDghDgksjJcH1QQL2TdjS3oqbYnnnYv-W_V9W1s3HUY/s1600/bokeh-7532wm.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the snowflake design. Lights that are in focus aren't affected by the cover, only light spots which are out of focus will take on the shape.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVt0YzM2130LcAzpMq22IulJ1AxSIAKXn8wq82r7sdmzhKPRI4mgv4t05mim-CIQ1G9ex1THCI1AqdV6KC3D1SrQfiSSQKEmsvGxNVkekRzsbTlUv3qWuVqcF617qLt8T9OiVBlPZ2U6Q/s1600/bokeh-7535wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVt0YzM2130LcAzpMq22IulJ1AxSIAKXn8wq82r7sdmzhKPRI4mgv4t05mim-CIQ1G9ex1THCI1AqdV6KC3D1SrQfiSSQKEmsvGxNVkekRzsbTlUv3qWuVqcF617qLt8T9OiVBlPZ2U6Q/s400/bokeh-7535wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holly design</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyOEGrjFtprXtsJITUXbdIV1X9FAZFDtOczbNHw8OZyyrPzbQRFp2OAgAOdB8jHTvKpFCJLKTteJ2eEGm9T_vhYGaccx2tydr_wmHLNiZzLSA-uKIOEBHLbF1q3Ae_6DArV4wRQEFQuE/s1600/bokeh-7537wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyOEGrjFtprXtsJITUXbdIV1X9FAZFDtOczbNHw8OZyyrPzbQRFp2OAgAOdB8jHTvKpFCJLKTteJ2eEGm9T_vhYGaccx2tydr_wmHLNiZzLSA-uKIOEBHLbF1q3Ae_6DArV4wRQEFQuE/s400/bokeh-7537wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hearts. Greater distance and greater blur creates larger bokeh effect, but they also become overlapped.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBRlUq1pWKeKhl6Tmgv7TVg0M6R1lFj0ntiNCzIFIxe1Kh63KF-CE3F0H4dQF8bYlR7vKASVkFQJGAr8cVNLxo5CnVa-60OE-zsBuUBHhjpMaT_vaXVcW3XthMrPYhQtFzNeGGodf-4JU/s1600/bokeh-7540wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBRlUq1pWKeKhl6Tmgv7TVg0M6R1lFj0ntiNCzIFIxe1Kh63KF-CE3F0H4dQF8bYlR7vKASVkFQJGAr8cVNLxo5CnVa-60OE-zsBuUBHhjpMaT_vaXVcW3XthMrPYhQtFzNeGGodf-4JU/s400/bokeh-7540wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I tried a triple heart design here, but I think it's too busy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitHet5bq6xhyphenhyphenjsDDq4xe5yAiQdoLBpYt2W0JCm72YukJkK06u3LAwLMgmlhby-_yKRsEwB-MQZ-g2rJ090cP9MxcBfulGTfM8XRM-AisHmQn0xW9JmQLDqybjFprxhXe8_QybUX1p7_Us/s1600/bokeh-7545wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitHet5bq6xhyphenhyphenjsDDq4xe5yAiQdoLBpYt2W0JCm72YukJkK06u3LAwLMgmlhby-_yKRsEwB-MQZ-g2rJ090cP9MxcBfulGTfM8XRM-AisHmQn0xW9JmQLDqybjFprxhXe8_QybUX1p7_Us/s400/bokeh-7545wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dollar sign! This might be fun for commercial concepts.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsSgswz332TEfvr2NGYMPSaG9VcppVPdFLrfjYjJEDXis1g871NRlZbJM5LHDKq7pDu27TTa8IZY9kPjpOZofxFBIgHlnISyviV8MIG-NIwu59vhOx_jo6OJa86wjeibA2joOb-Uq_WA/s1600/bokeh-7550wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsSgswz332TEfvr2NGYMPSaG9VcppVPdFLrfjYjJEDXis1g871NRlZbJM5LHDKq7pDu27TTa8IZY9kPjpOZofxFBIgHlnISyviV8MIG-NIwu59vhOx_jo6OJa86wjeibA2joOb-Uq_WA/s400/bokeh-7550wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holiday wreath. Cute for the holidays.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCLzU5a9eN43rVVgwEbdPpUATro57Apq5YNr0gEYl2EVtmquxVbAddYX4AJK_rUn5kutFfVy3v7ajAjF8t1A5QBM1gY90FNZFd4VosW2JEf6ybMP4AizU9fuI1gb6kyz9h_Iz1OIJ2SFk/s1600/bokeh-7558wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCLzU5a9eN43rVVgwEbdPpUATro57Apq5YNr0gEYl2EVtmquxVbAddYX4AJK_rUn5kutFfVy3v7ajAjF8t1A5QBM1gY90FNZFd4VosW2JEf6ybMP4AizU9fuI1gb6kyz9h_Iz1OIJ2SFk/s1600/bokeh-7558wm.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Couldn't resist trying a Virginia Tech logo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcA01ivc-_jA6YnSyCR36KBE06jEDz8jebx4e01H9HEkA8wwA2sEIUJYjuYYiZWoDF5mAZM_hE06FLuvGDfYYcRgtFcBln0unGNPHKa9mluMbFqeecx4za7bLUtthx-W0Y9MjOINKrO9I/s1600/bokeh-7562wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcA01ivc-_jA6YnSyCR36KBE06jEDz8jebx4e01H9HEkA8wwA2sEIUJYjuYYiZWoDF5mAZM_hE06FLuvGDfYYcRgtFcBln0unGNPHKa9mluMbFqeecx4za7bLUtthx-W0Y9MjOINKrO9I/s400/bokeh-7562wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My big girl thought these effects were pretty cool and asked for a smiley face one.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEYb6UtDr_d-zqxJCpfsS9s4rk6Y7Gb21_rRFOIGBf7g6d8dndqiHp7q0HSDstfsi19WDcjzEtwRELqsocaVGQWKYMiE8_ao9vR75zKuC9jF2b_N2BDIsKFDXL7k9UM5QlH10ZBWnJBbE/s1600/bokeh-7566wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEYb6UtDr_d-zqxJCpfsS9s4rk6Y7Gb21_rRFOIGBf7g6d8dndqiHp7q0HSDstfsi19WDcjzEtwRELqsocaVGQWKYMiE8_ao9vR75zKuC9jF2b_N2BDIsKFDXL7k9UM5QlH10ZBWnJBbE/s1600/bokeh-7566wm.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, a Hello Kitty one for my girls.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBYHfd6ZKE5BmPSdj6q8b4NvJmfwUCVkPELJP0ACd3DPiVRGkli8AahilCKjAzPSFCBYbJ6hDmQBEGnIw5R4ToUcVhucINO-ubGbHy1hrnORLuMKB4uuode-05E6K1J7rzz6jXxRAIxs/s1600/bokeh-7574wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBYHfd6ZKE5BmPSdj6q8b4NvJmfwUCVkPELJP0ACd3DPiVRGkli8AahilCKjAzPSFCBYbJ6hDmQBEGnIw5R4ToUcVhucINO-ubGbHy1hrnORLuMKB4uuode-05E6K1J7rzz6jXxRAIxs/s1600/bokeh-7574wm.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The little one loves Hello Kitty.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The tutorial recommends a lens with a huge aperture (1.8, 1.4) which allows you to create greater blurs in smaller space. While I love my 50mm 1.4, it's not ideal for chasing small children. So I created a bokeh design cover for my 24-70mm 2.8 macro lens. Happily, it works GREAT. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF2iHnmKLFwzsXKia6Azv3GcLhgIDuKtC1V9eqXeLczYCfMaLpiVSRleT88bfOZVX3R6V5vV9BQbMLjaceXkuGj7S0-ga5uGDHxAaT8NyauwFquZ08H_aw3lNBIHQ8cqZ1zil-U95C-9A/s1600/bokeh-7603wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF2iHnmKLFwzsXKia6Azv3GcLhgIDuKtC1V9eqXeLczYCfMaLpiVSRleT88bfOZVX3R6V5vV9BQbMLjaceXkuGj7S0-ga5uGDHxAaT8NyauwFquZ08H_aw3lNBIHQ8cqZ1zil-U95C-9A/s1600/bokeh-7603wm.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love how dainty the bokeh hearts are in the background. I had my two year old hold a white notepad to reflect light back up to her face. Love her face!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRJcTrB-sjNhrWmNtxyCIbqdcJEpvJgbnYOJ70exKF5GUcvEbkMBujA1s1FOQdr0h0kRxEPSfID6hcAVYwLyL4t_bbFEe41Xbi6CUlr_M8pvq-Lr8d48JQ4qH_mIb_r5rvOY_VkljOvU/s1600/bokeh-7614wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRJcTrB-sjNhrWmNtxyCIbqdcJEpvJgbnYOJ70exKF5GUcvEbkMBujA1s1FOQdr0h0kRxEPSfID6hcAVYwLyL4t_bbFEe41Xbi6CUlr_M8pvq-Lr8d48JQ4qH_mIb_r5rvOY_VkljOvU/s1600/bokeh-7614wm.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testing out the distance & effect by holding a string of lights. My hand is arm's length away. And it's a 5 foot string of light. This shows you don't need a huge room or a fancy lens to take advantage of this.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I'm about 95% sure these cute bokeh designs will make an appearance in this year's holiday cards. If you see a crazy photographer with purple cardboard on her camera running around Salt Lake, feel free to come up and sneak a peek at the shots I'm getting. :)<br />
<br />
Hope you get some great holiday shots!<br />
<br />
Mui Chao<br />
Photographic Artist <br />
SimplyMui Photography, LLC<br />
<br />Muihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14697699891173422303noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683234887181261751.post-72521851295290284242012-11-01T21:59:00.003-05:002012-11-01T21:59:54.255-05:00Halloween<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdT3M4TYNuBBctY1z4HctcborX5EF8sZtMsa9uIEByKXEOH1NJtG_n1JiA7S6a5yo44RNpRUl1i6pd-r75rzWQ_JYAlOS0OxHmHpzklfofyEIUjpZgH3GCMe9HsjsK-JHsXI95hzTUrjo/s1600/Cheetah-7365wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdT3M4TYNuBBctY1z4HctcborX5EF8sZtMsa9uIEByKXEOH1NJtG_n1JiA7S6a5yo44RNpRUl1i6pd-r75rzWQ_JYAlOS0OxHmHpzklfofyEIUjpZgH3GCMe9HsjsK-JHsXI95hzTUrjo/s400/Cheetah-7365wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying out cheetah face painting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZX61knB7ifu0loROXIPyUrJU1PIUTxRtC_w-RjHWQSLfyqpS2HVQ3uAzKn3YZah-j6zc_YJfK1VwY08i2lm5CNx8ABE1vduVif-_t0U3X-sr90DJO95m7zewmZ9rnC4nlCqIa8ahs2I/s1600/GardnerHlwn-8692wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZX61knB7ifu0loROXIPyUrJU1PIUTxRtC_w-RjHWQSLfyqpS2HVQ3uAzKn3YZah-j6zc_YJfK1VwY08i2lm5CNx8ABE1vduVif-_t0U3X-sr90DJO95m7zewmZ9rnC4nlCqIa8ahs2I/s400/GardnerHlwn-8692wm.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Posing at Gardner Village</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheS9CNAUBbZP_TrEKYxgwxbyYyoZNqzvErFm4P7XlpPzr2I8lkMM4CjRdcLzlOKr_FUb7JIZ-LhKULxv6D0heGWBI0Pa6zkneikGLUEKshpnXtmna1EoGyud-m-3e2dooDiPx16RfISuo/s1600/GardnerHlwn-8698wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheS9CNAUBbZP_TrEKYxgwxbyYyoZNqzvErFm4P7XlpPzr2I8lkMM4CjRdcLzlOKr_FUb7JIZ-LhKULxv6D0heGWBI0Pa6zkneikGLUEKshpnXtmna1EoGyud-m-3e2dooDiPx16RfISuo/s400/GardnerHlwn-8698wm.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharing a toothless grin by the pumpkin display</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh899Wm6PCwW3SWLrA3hRxlalUTeGL19yVAe9MM4gOd5dtzgsHcGSqBr6i6T-cWU2r_T3ECRJcGcGlZuqB39KfBiSCgWrRvRBfWB4X708WdW2FO4fi0UqH8fCPnMFM-1OBKBlEP__pqkug/s1600/GardnerHlwn-8714wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh899Wm6PCwW3SWLrA3hRxlalUTeGL19yVAe9MM4gOd5dtzgsHcGSqBr6i6T-cWU2r_T3ECRJcGcGlZuqB39KfBiSCgWrRvRBfWB4X708WdW2FO4fi0UqH8fCPnMFM-1OBKBlEP__pqkug/s400/GardnerHlwn-8714wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sisterly Love</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEight2bOUmr7EcY3pIsOoc8C9kRX5OvQEqFa1Cy8iINQwDZmqxi1hi10laHeFab5wXIfRb3GtiONCj4zp2GRph3WgPHGlM9WzjtgnNNny5cvpG4-ppe6B9-9JAR6Zyt1ZkewQ8ZxJcoO4Y/s1600/GardnerHlwn-8736wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEight2bOUmr7EcY3pIsOoc8C9kRX5OvQEqFa1Cy8iINQwDZmqxi1hi10laHeFab5wXIfRb3GtiONCj4zp2GRph3WgPHGlM9WzjtgnNNny5cvpG4-ppe6B9-9JAR6Zyt1ZkewQ8ZxJcoO4Y/s400/GardnerHlwn-8736wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holding bunnies at the Petting Zoo at Gardner Village</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMUhNGkKMS8JI0tLQcBBQg22Hr6YMnc8_xLT1N6RxpXv5P09F5xpgOp8rJNfxIK9q9Y9Wv8DQELaMzL8vYBQH_5l3XNu8OcirQ00awNNEi9k44wt-xZkqUPqvyAs2SqVDhKg3cqdpFQto/s1600/GardnerHlwn-8754wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMUhNGkKMS8JI0tLQcBBQg22Hr6YMnc8_xLT1N6RxpXv5P09F5xpgOp8rJNfxIK9q9Y9Wv8DQELaMzL8vYBQH_5l3XNu8OcirQ00awNNEi9k44wt-xZkqUPqvyAs2SqVDhKg3cqdpFQto/s400/GardnerHlwn-8754wm.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even waiting around can be fun</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwIj1DPAcmwFE0Iy1w1cJdQO5m0B8rpPXtAvutYMv3Pk8lQLLOZOmhvvsP7u1QQfRExzz4GH2NdPnVUJm_ESJTg92gc7heSSBPwhAJ-rM_cNqWKH_kE3l_rrHSNf0YVfnrV19c5lOd_s/s1600/GraniteHLWN-7395wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwIj1DPAcmwFE0Iy1w1cJdQO5m0B8rpPXtAvutYMv3Pk8lQLLOZOmhvvsP7u1QQfRExzz4GH2NdPnVUJm_ESJTg92gc7heSSBPwhAJ-rM_cNqWKH_kE3l_rrHSNf0YVfnrV19c5lOd_s/s400/GraniteHLWN-7395wm.jpg" width="270" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little witch in the school Halloween Parade</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRHZQSC28NHidiiZGgeeZuQGPr16p5rzvHD32hYtD0UOF5v6BXTAUbDC7dCW1-q3Gjyfe4LXn6gIY-88qh7pvbDCGlXitEcj1u2E7_VNubckd_qrcryHzRmaLCXgz0jUvCzxdpT1-WYw/s1600/HLWN2012-7266wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRHZQSC28NHidiiZGgeeZuQGPr16p5rzvHD32hYtD0UOF5v6BXTAUbDC7dCW1-q3Gjyfe4LXn6gIY-88qh7pvbDCGlXitEcj1u2E7_VNubckd_qrcryHzRmaLCXgz0jUvCzxdpT1-WYw/s400/HLWN2012-7266wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading out to a costumed play date</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikhMQxmLKSemrwsk8jo63WQLXH8O9y8vd4W0bKqxsmI8b61bgLvtSncfGgILc9b5rL3ApkmI_4jm_cN0BFP8kq1oHlvPWy9x38e8DMfrtB4lf9uNiaD_GCTxpU6vQOrjoZyHUJucLroRc/s1600/HLWN2012-7281wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikhMQxmLKSemrwsk8jo63WQLXH8O9y8vd4W0bKqxsmI8b61bgLvtSncfGgILc9b5rL3ApkmI_4jm_cN0BFP8kq1oHlvPWy9x38e8DMfrtB4lf9uNiaD_GCTxpU6vQOrjoZyHUJucLroRc/s400/HLWN2012-7281wm.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super scary Swamp Fire (from the Ben 10 cartoons)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTsddzAkC0gJDvR-dmivA9RT1kU2v82hnHa1E9Zvh5vgwsy5BkyCVQNg2-RCpp88fw9KmzQlPLTQqWPRPeHSnEw8M_fhJ_t2hepAYwNbAzGAeA5pjqCWilsuIEtl4i5T53L5zlyz6ySE8/s1600/HLWN2012-7291wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTsddzAkC0gJDvR-dmivA9RT1kU2v82hnHa1E9Zvh5vgwsy5BkyCVQNg2-RCpp88fw9KmzQlPLTQqWPRPeHSnEw8M_fhJ_t2hepAYwNbAzGAeA5pjqCWilsuIEtl4i5T53L5zlyz6ySE8/s400/HLWN2012-7291wm.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evil witch casting her spell</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xISCVWN1Ii8M80CIzYkv6pL_SxQplirosvSk0qBYf05hfNHJA7m2fsaEtZ5k4hBKPwpi-gsk6UpxQrva2ow7FyoS8tk0McMSn566Th2EDLuRF6ImrbdFes1ebU8h27n2bJQ-LjMdNi4/s1600/Wheeler-8778wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xISCVWN1Ii8M80CIzYkv6pL_SxQplirosvSk0qBYf05hfNHJA7m2fsaEtZ5k4hBKPwpi-gsk6UpxQrva2ow7FyoS8tk0McMSn566Th2EDLuRF6ImrbdFes1ebU8h27n2bJQ-LjMdNi4/s400/Wheeler-8778wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Together at Wheeler Farm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitbFXP9PgqfhEqVujvwg65s7M1Jp89oOsGjrxWP2PhjFX0lyUcL5XPwhpLPuxxU8YvyRgBaz-EclJDwuOTu61Cwy1Nw4W_wHxPfD1VKDKCSBY8fc1PTxsztODWnTPKGmZcF_nGy3yecJ0/s1600/Wheeler-8803wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitbFXP9PgqfhEqVujvwg65s7M1Jp89oOsGjrxWP2PhjFX0lyUcL5XPwhpLPuxxU8YvyRgBaz-EclJDwuOTu61Cwy1Nw4W_wHxPfD1VKDKCSBY8fc1PTxsztODWnTPKGmZcF_nGy3yecJ0/s400/Wheeler-8803wm.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was totally their idea!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4pjWdJj6Py1NvIhRU_uiwGTUgrNrMD1NOo-01r4-ZkmLgMzyBuqWeg8coo4eYQIdjc2I65ZhkXR_fB3sZ0oTpGWXk0v6JlOckNgFV0pr60yyI-pmNEU7CtAUAi9wOGCgxCdTEipfvWU/s1600/Wheeler-8833wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4pjWdJj6Py1NvIhRU_uiwGTUgrNrMD1NOo-01r4-ZkmLgMzyBuqWeg8coo4eYQIdjc2I65ZhkXR_fB3sZ0oTpGWXk0v6JlOckNgFV0pr60yyI-pmNEU7CtAUAi9wOGCgxCdTEipfvWU/s400/Wheeler-8833wm.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going for a wagon ride around the farm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZm2DFJ7K6GTyhS5COsem92f-fQ_q-4WkgY4mnCrfGQNmTt8SzAKjtwbVISKrgeo4j-NrIQ08qJFkjjZgi2r7hxFQmC5KlEPnC04fXvIIGooGBHhEDkJVF73VBfRnyxh9qRGHXo7Hbfho/s1600/Wheeler-8856wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZm2DFJ7K6GTyhS5COsem92f-fQ_q-4WkgY4mnCrfGQNmTt8SzAKjtwbVISKrgeo4j-NrIQ08qJFkjjZgi2r7hxFQmC5KlEPnC04fXvIIGooGBHhEDkJVF73VBfRnyxh9qRGHXo7Hbfho/s400/Wheeler-8856wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maniacally laughing in the hay maze, while holding a skull.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpNJu9QLsOuKbgCxcF1c2p4uDCgIOQdDcQVz5TBMRuFLYk29rEcCDuIgRsxBxwYH9IX4KmiR3gy5kU6wysqUDKFmELh1SGqB_XA0DfVRpx3SgPc9vp4P-8X-a7P49vZ-n2FpbY77cg-I/s1600/hlwn2012-8898wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpNJu9QLsOuKbgCxcF1c2p4uDCgIOQdDcQVz5TBMRuFLYk29rEcCDuIgRsxBxwYH9IX4KmiR3gy5kU6wysqUDKFmELh1SGqB_XA0DfVRpx3SgPc9vp4P-8X-a7P49vZ-n2FpbY77cg-I/s400/hlwn2012-8898wm.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Which witch is the cutest of them all?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Apparently, Halloween is a big deal here in Utah. It's fun and exciting all over the country, but here, they spent the weeks prior making Halloween art. And day of Halloween? They dedicated the whole day to the celebration -- all the kids dressed up (teachers too!), they had school-wide parades all day long, and parties in every class. Of course, we had no shortage of fall/Halloween activities in the area that we participated in.<br />
<br />
Fun, fun, fun!<br />
<br />
Mui<br />
Photographic Artist<br />
SimplyMui Photography <br />
<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_2045915523"></span><span id="goog_2045915524"></span><br />Muihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14697699891173422303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683234887181261751.post-82607307575733220792012-10-15T22:12:00.001-05:002012-10-15T22:13:35.570-05:00Small AdventuresAs adults, we rush around trying to get everything on our never-ending "To Do" list done. <br />
It's amazing how little kids, as crazy as they are, can just really live in the moment, find adventure everywhere, and experience things so deeply.<br />
<br />
These images were taken over the summer, walking through my parents' neighborhood. Looking through them again, I realize I need to put aside my lists every so often and try to see things through fresh eyes. <br />
<br />
~Mui<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCUv9TE6rxU54IrZXowpSbB_BlPNyFJyU-Cn9rhqtc3Z6zNbqIekw1uH0cRTEh6poKqNcCG8gg-AJZD-ZhmagDm7izAVgKrbulx9ERTWqBksCwiZgvUAGd8OIbP7VbJFW_ZqiEdGKeeK0/s1600/_MG_0354wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCUv9TE6rxU54IrZXowpSbB_BlPNyFJyU-Cn9rhqtc3Z6zNbqIekw1uH0cRTEh6poKqNcCG8gg-AJZD-ZhmagDm7izAVgKrbulx9ERTWqBksCwiZgvUAGd8OIbP7VbJFW_ZqiEdGKeeK0/s400/_MG_0354wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_5R6ebfrtG2NueBfcF0Tq7MMWvu3j4GvJYmp5pcat2zYvcRyal8nXffnY9yD7Hn9kkuTeFuB7mUn83U4AECTggVz1Zz-9K4kDrz6qaYEuJvSWyUmOT6pQ1q2ueyAgiprEZ_el4Ym_-k/s1600/_MG_0373wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_5R6ebfrtG2NueBfcF0Tq7MMWvu3j4GvJYmp5pcat2zYvcRyal8nXffnY9yD7Hn9kkuTeFuB7mUn83U4AECTggVz1Zz-9K4kDrz6qaYEuJvSWyUmOT6pQ1q2ueyAgiprEZ_el4Ym_-k/s400/_MG_0373wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjII1IMfchVmIb11ZaaspHDXV5l-lYW2Ev2b4LkVWE1bTYThgfFn9RbEBuOA7Dsc1u3nJ5qjJ352xBeVsDZlDl_x0pQrSJcQ32V2jzgzUSJyinC9IJs2ciOwbLpGDRNJGrmx7wYGQznGGk/s1600/_MG_0401wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjII1IMfchVmIb11ZaaspHDXV5l-lYW2Ev2b4LkVWE1bTYThgfFn9RbEBuOA7Dsc1u3nJ5qjJ352xBeVsDZlDl_x0pQrSJcQ32V2jzgzUSJyinC9IJs2ciOwbLpGDRNJGrmx7wYGQznGGk/s400/_MG_0401wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPI58LevDp91ewa4WxHyb9lYsilkLDlAkjSp39k8knyQfmY09A1L8EwF4lS-Jw-_c2jeJjSNDmVzPrn4uLJXc6CYoNgBxlAo-Gidhdx5ULqE9s92xSGGkiZFbefBehh0MlXJMa876M4E/s1600/_MG_0456wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPI58LevDp91ewa4WxHyb9lYsilkLDlAkjSp39k8knyQfmY09A1L8EwF4lS-Jw-_c2jeJjSNDmVzPrn4uLJXc6CYoNgBxlAo-Gidhdx5ULqE9s92xSGGkiZFbefBehh0MlXJMa876M4E/s400/_MG_0456wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuYWlj8cHQ2X_EqYPQ3LMGrduyc0UrpAUNnEe7fTYrwA7FgCtb6VVuAszc43RB6xv2Z4f2NRwYHeW2eTPh9Lfaqj4DoW8rxXEDiPU5KQIYpwdenq3iajgSY_VRsifFq18A1MtdOxsU8Xk/s1600/_MG_0483wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuYWlj8cHQ2X_EqYPQ3LMGrduyc0UrpAUNnEe7fTYrwA7FgCtb6VVuAszc43RB6xv2Z4f2NRwYHeW2eTPh9Lfaqj4DoW8rxXEDiPU5KQIYpwdenq3iajgSY_VRsifFq18A1MtdOxsU8Xk/s400/_MG_0483wm.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmjQmHYG0XdLgtwZIFc8ki-z-y7NcxQLsMlHy3K-vhujcfnr4mRmN1CtFfGuVD6tPhWgvOoce8ffKFAPz6C9c-_p3FynPM4uvTik68KrZJsuDqIbjbMujE0zfhpa5yi5JGliyXAxMr8U/s1600/_MG_0311wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZzxQa5HebIsrapW3HSxXgqzfFZoPWRdjrk9E-njB_dUauwC3ml-5T2W9GSmk5kH0b6fFNqh3KdkGrs5YHfW1M2wRAdFTak_qtdF0dbpTCNSO6QWVSmq6AScTWC5M5FUofricaxYTtso/s1600/_MG_0465wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZzxQa5HebIsrapW3HSxXgqzfFZoPWRdjrk9E-njB_dUauwC3ml-5T2W9GSmk5kH0b6fFNqh3KdkGrs5YHfW1M2wRAdFTak_qtdF0dbpTCNSO6QWVSmq6AScTWC5M5FUofricaxYTtso/s400/_MG_0465wm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmjQmHYG0XdLgtwZIFc8ki-z-y7NcxQLsMlHy3K-vhujcfnr4mRmN1CtFfGuVD6tPhWgvOoce8ffKFAPz6C9c-_p3FynPM4uvTik68KrZJsuDqIbjbMujE0zfhpa5yi5JGliyXAxMr8U/s1600/_MG_0311wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmjQmHYG0XdLgtwZIFc8ki-z-y7NcxQLsMlHy3K-vhujcfnr4mRmN1CtFfGuVD6tPhWgvOoce8ffKFAPz6C9c-_p3FynPM4uvTik68KrZJsuDqIbjbMujE0zfhpa5yi5JGliyXAxMr8U/s400/_MG_0311wm.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Muihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14697699891173422303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683234887181261751.post-78299320454248660172012-09-20T17:35:00.003-05:002012-09-20T17:42:13.110-05:00Change & Seizing the MomentIt's been a long furlough! Summer vacation, sudden relocation orders, traveling with kids, settling into a new house in a new state, kids starting school, oh my!<br />
<br />
We landed in Salt Lake City, UT -- an amazing place with wonderfully mild weather and gorgeous mountains all around. Soon, I'll be posting previews of portraits from the Beehive State.<br />
<br />
Between the move from Texas to Utah, we took a detour back to the DC area. It was wonderful to see my friends and visit favorite places. Even more, it was wonderful to see my parents and for them to see how much the grandkids had grown in the last year. In a rare turn of events, my brothers resurfaced and it was an impromptu reunion. <br />
<br />
With all her kids home, my Mom shed her worries and was happy through and through. It was late, most of us had our pajamas on and were winding down for the night. It dawned on me that the whole family hasn't been together in the same place at the same time in a decade. I seized the moment, gave everyone 15 minutes notice to get dressed and upstairs for some long overdue family portraits.<br />
<br />
This meant I also only had 15 minutes to prep a cramped space, figure out lighting (I only had one on-camera strobe with me), set up a borrowed camera, and get myself dressed and do make-up. Rushed and unexpected, this was an occasion I couldn't let slip through my fingers. Things weren't perfect, but the family was all together. And family is everything.<br />
<br />
XOXO<br />
Mui Chao<br />
Photographic Artist<br />
SimplyMui Photography<br />
mui@simplymui.com<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgjxu-7OcufOWtvgJBoJQ1VnOjrO3-I4T6lPF0YMjYxHASANUCMV6RALEtfQkx2zPfvw-jif8c0IGu5NTCKF-wGR3KTTRTB74ljiISOXFQaf9rQRD_blDPVY0LO9kPizdm3G-RMBdfwGI/s1600/Vuong2012-1378-r-wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgjxu-7OcufOWtvgJBoJQ1VnOjrO3-I4T6lPF0YMjYxHASANUCMV6RALEtfQkx2zPfvw-jif8c0IGu5NTCKF-wGR3KTTRTB74ljiISOXFQaf9rQRD_blDPVY0LO9kPizdm3G-RMBdfwGI/s400/Vuong2012-1378-r-wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif3YKpH0ZyC4dXezjyK6PQgsfZebalqjSYMWLFuj1k_vQNln6okwaDIDN7yqN7ghxEn69N_LhnjA09Nh34NsyMRm0m5F3UK3tXtMe-eljejrDZVrZhwFZjuW1o3NRZg_F6t6bg5lGxBM4/s1600/Vuong2012-1409-r-wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif3YKpH0ZyC4dXezjyK6PQgsfZebalqjSYMWLFuj1k_vQNln6okwaDIDN7yqN7ghxEn69N_LhnjA09Nh34NsyMRm0m5F3UK3tXtMe-eljejrDZVrZhwFZjuW1o3NRZg_F6t6bg5lGxBM4/s400/Vuong2012-1409-r-wm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH3EKYeKB0e7lkI1W9c4EXU6hNf9INiu8bdBd0VSocuXeLmMIgo6ofhpVSABiLUtKiG3B3FE5N1Hf63Q3nF-T-HUW4aD9DMK4M5_9mmBVo5EhSphpL1D30l_LQc0_FxiQsTSh1_n7vO44/s1600/Vuong2012-1413-r-wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH3EKYeKB0e7lkI1W9c4EXU6hNf9INiu8bdBd0VSocuXeLmMIgo6ofhpVSABiLUtKiG3B3FE5N1Hf63Q3nF-T-HUW4aD9DMK4M5_9mmBVo5EhSphpL1D30l_LQc0_FxiQsTSh1_n7vO44/s400/Vuong2012-1413-r-wm.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpbHhJ9dkgGrr-W6m-HMlQgLs99B0Vcuma4WcD9tWrOntlcRoL6oUX8-PgVydNagSkMI-X2f2eIIStBCLJ631pLB-54S76KkZL5y_jSFG0SEsYt-HfpqhaFPLYhCowpZBfDxHX7O6wQRA/s1600/Vuong2012-1405-r-wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpbHhJ9dkgGrr-W6m-HMlQgLs99B0Vcuma4WcD9tWrOntlcRoL6oUX8-PgVydNagSkMI-X2f2eIIStBCLJ631pLB-54S76KkZL5y_jSFG0SEsYt-HfpqhaFPLYhCowpZBfDxHX7O6wQRA/s400/Vuong2012-1405-r-wm.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2qMZJ7MhwH_uPylnWXQE-cJA642YZoLEWAowmEtEhdVA72tXeURq4p5CwhljYtMGYYjzWfpjE7j2N1Qo1dsC6h-K_S83FF1mxVO2qKO1uyUGA4Z8wtKdXBIvQQp_foSsrpdaL8xsgbB0/s1600/Vuong2012-1433-rs-wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2qMZJ7MhwH_uPylnWXQE-cJA642YZoLEWAowmEtEhdVA72tXeURq4p5CwhljYtMGYYjzWfpjE7j2N1Qo1dsC6h-K_S83FF1mxVO2qKO1uyUGA4Z8wtKdXBIvQQp_foSsrpdaL8xsgbB0/s400/Vuong2012-1433-rs-wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy5pCnkn71699B0fb496zCm_ue0RvuAp6rcWEOJ0jr7N8q7fX7fuDWwDbsns_eLFfk76T2TQaWTS-E-QURkW9mDzJlK9Yiv1Ok7dUhBrtBY4Ka_Aq239kjggOsB3LPMXp0OrYN04-ySWk/s1600/Vuong2012-1463-wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy5pCnkn71699B0fb496zCm_ue0RvuAp6rcWEOJ0jr7N8q7fX7fuDWwDbsns_eLFfk76T2TQaWTS-E-QURkW9mDzJlK9Yiv1Ok7dUhBrtBY4Ka_Aq239kjggOsB3LPMXp0OrYN04-ySWk/s400/Vuong2012-1463-wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />Muihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14697699891173422303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683234887181261751.post-3015220978562230432012-03-13T11:28:00.003-05:002012-03-13T11:30:58.213-05:00First CommunionYoung Diego had been studying hard for weeks with his Grandfather in preparation for his First Communion (and he apparently did wonderfully). Family came in from out of town. His sweet mother orchestrated the details: a cozy ceremony at home, followed by a delicious lunch prepared by a good friend, and a delightful candy bar for the kids to delve into. The family had asked me to photograph this important milestone in Diego's life.<br />
<br />
With love,<br />
<br />
Mui<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPOIRhv6PJMM-Lw4R7mhwwcLmp_CfAkGnV-7LCE-PqCGWaiYsUKm0wyJZJF5JiBSaGh7TOmbzgfOZ7CbwWHD0vwqOH906SgpCr_uvuKICmPzly0kc2efQwF-3ssgWq_hmMQDrPjUeSEAE/s1600/diego351a-wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPOIRhv6PJMM-Lw4R7mhwwcLmp_CfAkGnV-7LCE-PqCGWaiYsUKm0wyJZJF5JiBSaGh7TOmbzgfOZ7CbwWHD0vwqOH906SgpCr_uvuKICmPzly0kc2efQwF-3ssgWq_hmMQDrPjUeSEAE/s400/diego351a-wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a token from his baptism</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5BNXNF4UOH22O0mTn8HHEV5cNQpgZkWT536rNOPxWygjDyddqicFrRbZ7rs8CNlkHaNj7TBy2Pc824kje2b89oCQ9PMJC0wAALZW_Kss7SwNHiO_FQB9byjReuCRqz3YahgUVdqtkLYc/s1600/diego513-v2a-wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5BNXNF4UOH22O0mTn8HHEV5cNQpgZkWT536rNOPxWygjDyddqicFrRbZ7rs8CNlkHaNj7TBy2Pc824kje2b89oCQ9PMJC0wAALZW_Kss7SwNHiO_FQB9byjReuCRqz3YahgUVdqtkLYc/s400/diego513-v2a-wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">father & son</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYIsxvn5V91Nm9-D1ncbvw4MnZoj4fGOtVcDJwAWn8Q-vFL9uYWy0ghyKhiW9DgsYol0a3YTWczNEc-9AqGHZ6b2Rq5E92pC_c8rZ94AKuPRdpszYuAbgSRhxJJLc4kuRxa1t9Q5Kg4uY/s1600/diego539-v2a-wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYIsxvn5V91Nm9-D1ncbvw4MnZoj4fGOtVcDJwAWn8Q-vFL9uYWy0ghyKhiW9DgsYol0a3YTWczNEc-9AqGHZ6b2Rq5E92pC_c8rZ94AKuPRdpszYuAbgSRhxJJLc4kuRxa1t9Q5Kg4uY/s640/diego539-v2a-wm.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">beaming with pride, and loving his personalized Bible</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOOh9CgPczVW0bVcEf-LkWwWLv9IN1-A1KBcUAbY3SOgxsR8ch2Xt8KmDw7QgBDT7sZXAp2DVEJnsxMD3BJ0z9KZcNAn_FewSdmgTkzq88v79TOkGL6AXAa_c1arp_NwZjwciZPKfdmA/s1600/diego550a-wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOOh9CgPczVW0bVcEf-LkWwWLv9IN1-A1KBcUAbY3SOgxsR8ch2Xt8KmDw7QgBDT7sZXAp2DVEJnsxMD3BJ0z9KZcNAn_FewSdmgTkzq88v79TOkGL6AXAa_c1arp_NwZjwciZPKfdmA/s400/diego550a-wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">little brother showing his gift</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ULjt-_uiaEQ5pcof4Yu7k5rkHhFp5mkSyA8ljzfwi7Pad4oP03hzTKm4UohdkxOG0trhn74YNJSYBpHLJb5bVtmD77XTJdHlq3SxdSZvjQ6ef58tJyL4dUeyNsSmVKJkY0tVXGlocBE/s1600/diego680-v2a-wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ULjt-_uiaEQ5pcof4Yu7k5rkHhFp5mkSyA8ljzfwi7Pad4oP03hzTKm4UohdkxOG0trhn74YNJSYBpHLJb5bVtmD77XTJdHlq3SxdSZvjQ6ef58tJyL4dUeyNsSmVKJkY0tVXGlocBE/s400/diego680-v2a-wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pastor and his daughter, very fortunate they happened to be in town</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLrLZGsI8gV3CmpqNrHo08mxe8vyTTlPdGNQb7tCLpGzVZ2uoNQHoPhlHisUe2hFw_1q4mKLdxRi6OMs45Mu0lRhJ9RHLqwFnQB1nCbkYB4IBlw71sjno5epHSDDTY34XmKWOKIUShuAI/s1600/diego626a-wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLrLZGsI8gV3CmpqNrHo08mxe8vyTTlPdGNQb7tCLpGzVZ2uoNQHoPhlHisUe2hFw_1q4mKLdxRi6OMs45Mu0lRhJ9RHLqwFnQB1nCbkYB4IBlw71sjno5epHSDDTY34XmKWOKIUShuAI/s640/diego626a-wm.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNBF5k0lHiZFPZ5IHmwCwQRtoKl4AfhQvTauGvPF17lhp-aQhm-guYO3eX4j-80gB0I6Ire8WJ3eAC1KfdsgEQbT9XjZCfcTHzm5lE-EhIEQLFmDj-6rg7XXGNc0u0KR_iV6pL19cvqSA/s1600/diego355-v2a-wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNBF5k0lHiZFPZ5IHmwCwQRtoKl4AfhQvTauGvPF17lhp-aQhm-guYO3eX4j-80gB0I6Ire8WJ3eAC1KfdsgEQbT9XjZCfcTHzm5lE-EhIEQLFmDj-6rg7XXGNc0u0KR_iV6pL19cvqSA/s400/diego355-v2a-wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the candy bar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYaF2V4o3YJWNG53gU6El0ZXtQuVEJhXqx0HVDyJvJHKvfmPip6J8iR2vqYzl3dKSP0GgGsoGm7PcTfjPngTeICtYn40ZQbxCEDQ67lAElJANr68nBQv1DE7YrIHYoh4syCD8IlOONPjM/s1600/diego652a-wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYaF2V4o3YJWNG53gU6El0ZXtQuVEJhXqx0HVDyJvJHKvfmPip6J8iR2vqYzl3dKSP0GgGsoGm7PcTfjPngTeICtYn40ZQbxCEDQ67lAElJANr68nBQv1DE7YrIHYoh4syCD8IlOONPjM/s640/diego652a-wm.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hand-stamped goody bags</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDDzH3ar5q7KZKeC4lYMBDcvUnDMqKLKdn7x63v9s976fqoScJp9DCRskZ7UsEha8gICMvXOAJzdXogoSrSQGLWXwAN72E_iUU9W31Y0EIvOo1lxcyM48f8LD8o0xbdwELlIRHXVkQZI/s1600/diego655r-wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDDzH3ar5q7KZKeC4lYMBDcvUnDMqKLKdn7x63v9s976fqoScJp9DCRskZ7UsEha8gICMvXOAJzdXogoSrSQGLWXwAN72E_iUU9W31Y0EIvOo1lxcyM48f8LD8o0xbdwELlIRHXVkQZI/s400/diego655r-wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the proud mom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFWZ50Vo8O0HTmfxhpE3TeHyxfgAfxqz3ROTMdf-8qz_UnK_8TBknOUXxcjNJehNNO_Pv7gPUd6ESFN14ICqhzej0dpBP7dccpQMgNi1wGc9eQuTlUZd3Wn8tNGdFwVSc9iEvFBX2m7Xk/s1600/diego725a-wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFWZ50Vo8O0HTmfxhpE3TeHyxfgAfxqz3ROTMdf-8qz_UnK_8TBknOUXxcjNJehNNO_Pv7gPUd6ESFN14ICqhzej0dpBP7dccpQMgNi1wGc9eQuTlUZd3Wn8tNGdFwVSc9iEvFBX2m7Xk/s400/diego725a-wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">when night falls, the kids turn into clowns</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq_uPSpW4aL8s_olfQkEnLz4Ts-Xcp1TnbjpveOoisqxhwDCZr6uVcIUmDS29b_6Zhed1QdZxeEtjz6rHUDUeB9e6RneLp0hrX5sTQBIXfFWkzfp4PRCCl_jBkZF3gx6jjsBGu5UmiEf0/s1600/diego731a-wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq_uPSpW4aL8s_olfQkEnLz4Ts-Xcp1TnbjpveOoisqxhwDCZr6uVcIUmDS29b_6Zhed1QdZxeEtjz6rHUDUeB9e6RneLp0hrX5sTQBIXfFWkzfp4PRCCl_jBkZF3gx6jjsBGu5UmiEf0/s400/diego731a-wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fun, musical clowns</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Muihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14697699891173422303noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683234887181261751.post-10843927551876518012012-02-15T06:35:00.000-06:002012-02-15T06:35:12.443-06:00Lip GlossMrs. Andrea's company gives her monthly perks. For Valentine's Day, she received a lovely shade of Arbonne lip polish and was asked to post a picture of herself wearing the lip gloss.<br />
<br />
We got together, did her makeup, and headed outside with the camera while the boys played. She chose a perfect ensemble for Valentine's -- a romantic and casual white lace top over a red tank top. Sometimes, it's nice for a working mom to spend some time on herself and let all that inner beauty out to play.<br />
<br />
These were the results of our spontaneous session.<br />
<br />
-- Mui Chao<br />
Photographic Artist<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKZ7Qqj_45rF3Gcx61l3lGoWAV4H8UPcThlmJJFa0n1XcARrB2t9Jd8QWCTqXtsZ4ko86hRiiVMFBF1gkt1FyLrtf2et2EYil38CK-OLrfMAOx2zOVpSXBWSZfB2gziWjQlSuzgGErMGc/s1600/Andrea-273wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKZ7Qqj_45rF3Gcx61l3lGoWAV4H8UPcThlmJJFa0n1XcARrB2t9Jd8QWCTqXtsZ4ko86hRiiVMFBF1gkt1FyLrtf2et2EYil38CK-OLrfMAOx2zOVpSXBWSZfB2gziWjQlSuzgGErMGc/s640/Andrea-273wm.jpg" width="426" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGSbCK4XKSsqzy56WAZ7O4U8nOVo0597MMbYLTwqfx3cJoBCPD3YBfTgknGG2WH7yYDaWW15HLy9-jPT6TjKvhwc7qaU_dCywWHvFCFOo_CH5EBqQWLjzUq61g5LW3YMGQ8wCkhvfEsGY/s1600/Andrea-226wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGSbCK4XKSsqzy56WAZ7O4U8nOVo0597MMbYLTwqfx3cJoBCPD3YBfTgknGG2WH7yYDaWW15HLy9-jPT6TjKvhwc7qaU_dCywWHvFCFOo_CH5EBqQWLjzUq61g5LW3YMGQ8wCkhvfEsGY/s640/Andrea-226wm.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVjRLB5V9PPZIvQBIlGKTpFV2wx5IpZ5ZV_GY3DJoZWCrgywiBLykrMfcE9hUPPfPJtMKogCie1nm5ugy7Y8l-fomEIMPx0M6snRBknYpaUR0TGokbiFrcA4a2X5BVlcrXAWfqCu0Hg8/s1600/Andrea-229wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVjRLB5V9PPZIvQBIlGKTpFV2wx5IpZ5ZV_GY3DJoZWCrgywiBLykrMfcE9hUPPfPJtMKogCie1nm5ugy7Y8l-fomEIMPx0M6snRBknYpaUR0TGokbiFrcA4a2X5BVlcrXAWfqCu0Hg8/s400/Andrea-229wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbswjy1pHF3D_k_REGVkJs_fZhC2frJIZVr68hc7zMXh7KEU-O2AxYKMYZGuuorn2ptdfwYddxwftMkW9NP7JTUB4x_vGxEgkifg92tCxjXq08faC2y3TVzAv2ZIS3DeVXW_4GrSRO2F0/s1600/Andrea-234wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbswjy1pHF3D_k_REGVkJs_fZhC2frJIZVr68hc7zMXh7KEU-O2AxYKMYZGuuorn2ptdfwYddxwftMkW9NP7JTUB4x_vGxEgkifg92tCxjXq08faC2y3TVzAv2ZIS3DeVXW_4GrSRO2F0/s640/Andrea-234wm.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsVwHDpNbNlCMil-Fu19bCgZSBvrevyaVZZSdjG0tbhe26WjDjyNV1br24p1AbaWijZzbwjS03Qka-nP5e4ahAAUdQlQw6F7yGRNN8diWKRYH7P-Gn3zEKsd2e2aPRimmselRaYpGLec/s1600/Andrea-241wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsVwHDpNbNlCMil-Fu19bCgZSBvrevyaVZZSdjG0tbhe26WjDjyNV1br24p1AbaWijZzbwjS03Qka-nP5e4ahAAUdQlQw6F7yGRNN8diWKRYH7P-Gn3zEKsd2e2aPRimmselRaYpGLec/s400/Andrea-241wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxtBfPqJmv470YRCtunTUxeufPPbHHYQcxJwCUMxGFk7Jq1XpZYyZxIob2DGbctVp0nHUto2-3SBUM1ZauQ8swO6KugviUfEiR_-Q4NnSHLfngVmX4Y3iVfjdQCnJhbYT0YhotdapCro/s1600/Andrea-242wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxtBfPqJmv470YRCtunTUxeufPPbHHYQcxJwCUMxGFk7Jq1XpZYyZxIob2DGbctVp0nHUto2-3SBUM1ZauQ8swO6KugviUfEiR_-Q4NnSHLfngVmX4Y3iVfjdQCnJhbYT0YhotdapCro/s400/Andrea-242wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiknxRVGDR9ZkqWT2Wu7dKq7AkFwdvLAqIFi6r4bzb2EJr0uS1gUSlTC-R1S8UVssiMXV-KTKbfjUDkzgmh2UdmWPymCAV3hazB3K0S1NbsprPOnPpCNLdK8aXHiJK_ipGDnA66IWu5TvA/s1600/Andrea-246wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiknxRVGDR9ZkqWT2Wu7dKq7AkFwdvLAqIFi6r4bzb2EJr0uS1gUSlTC-R1S8UVssiMXV-KTKbfjUDkzgmh2UdmWPymCAV3hazB3K0S1NbsprPOnPpCNLdK8aXHiJK_ipGDnA66IWu5TvA/s400/Andrea-246wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Muihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14697699891173422303noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683234887181261751.post-87435959116298931692012-02-15T05:35:00.001-06:002012-02-15T05:37:19.247-06:00Monkey party<br />
My no-so-little one turned TWO. We had a small party for her and the theme for the party was a given. I've carried her on me since the day she was born, even when shooting portraits and weddings because she wouldn't go to anyone else. Even now, when going down stairs, she insists on climbing on my back for a ride. And when I ask, "Who's my monkey?" she proudly points at herself and squeals, "MEEEE!!! Monkey Meghan!"<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45VSKpRWTYgac7I1S70tVBBSEgRgdy4nxs_jKv5yNCkYbUBPwQeWAzmZXo9_KlLsi0H9I-al5hD6_LtLaRLXQRbUCjn9ZbfOWer93Xp_BaBGyOr95Jn_hhtqeZBQEyQpUWXwpQdAdzV4/s1600/MEG2BD-3863wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45VSKpRWTYgac7I1S70tVBBSEgRgdy4nxs_jKv5yNCkYbUBPwQeWAzmZXo9_KlLsi0H9I-al5hD6_LtLaRLXQRbUCjn9ZbfOWer93Xp_BaBGyOr95Jn_hhtqeZBQEyQpUWXwpQdAdzV4/s1600/MEG2BD-3863wm.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fun flowers for my birthday girl</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh55G8wtMhO3QfaqWkRaov0N9b0dUpF3wYVHVSMpOB2Q9OHnqKChlWKy86exmu94VqzktzuBj2_r0XbnZ5ZT4moWT6Zi0jdPZLZla98zLWbql5Imfhv9AkQt4m_w-b9irqyHB1bmDCR3W4/s1600/MEG2BD-3867wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh55G8wtMhO3QfaqWkRaov0N9b0dUpF3wYVHVSMpOB2Q9OHnqKChlWKy86exmu94VqzktzuBj2_r0XbnZ5ZT4moWT6Zi0jdPZLZla98zLWbql5Imfhv9AkQt4m_w-b9irqyHB1bmDCR3W4/s1600/MEG2BD-3867wm.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monkey poppers for shooting mini marshmallows</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWv-mOdazWqRYcFqCi135aUQCKZeMvBU_IgIrGrXRPisJyY8e8pGpMYuYDEVBAQ9ww2-amB3qE6IujFyPanM1jLbRG4nPEJllcGnaWieZhyphenhyphencVHfdrUTdi8Xs40DvCB5usuxFjp6mkADU/s1600/MEG2BD-3869wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWv-mOdazWqRYcFqCi135aUQCKZeMvBU_IgIrGrXRPisJyY8e8pGpMYuYDEVBAQ9ww2-amB3qE6IujFyPanM1jLbRG4nPEJllcGnaWieZhyphenhyphencVHfdrUTdi8Xs40DvCB5usuxFjp6mkADU/s1600/MEG2BD-3869wm.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">festive flower garlands</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgljXmhqSmN2AdgyAWhS79DOqTaEAmqXf2ixtgliIg6E6dnL9bpBXRKyfsCHOZXtMXF2OJNm-0MnmO8Jtyr88Kr0HpdPZ0Kvz_bugdS84g0y835qzLWHVJAwhtJ-1BUhjF09r_D45fJ0lI/s1600/MEG2BD-3874wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgljXmhqSmN2AdgyAWhS79DOqTaEAmqXf2ixtgliIg6E6dnL9bpBXRKyfsCHOZXtMXF2OJNm-0MnmO8Jtyr88Kr0HpdPZ0Kvz_bugdS84g0y835qzLWHVJAwhtJ-1BUhjF09r_D45fJ0lI/s1600/MEG2BD-3874wm.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade cupcakes & cookies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbNoBHu_5Wi8-pFVa0CvdFEptDJBaF-RCxVTfBJCU_PrCsO3Pad_zgv3CR-pbAxT4wfh-Z9Q-4WKxiXng8eR1iqzvnZVuUUPL8gby2z0nY-4h9DAXuBoie0cntye37nyG_RPsjxchk_tI/s1600/MEG2BD-3879wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbNoBHu_5Wi8-pFVa0CvdFEptDJBaF-RCxVTfBJCU_PrCsO3Pad_zgv3CR-pbAxT4wfh-Z9Q-4WKxiXng8eR1iqzvnZVuUUPL8gby2z0nY-4h9DAXuBoie0cntye37nyG_RPsjxchk_tI/s1600/MEG2BD-3879wm.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Couple of delightful guests</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhshej0zSe-eMgtCkjsnGe2ZFEfC6v5wJfxBOPUBU7lEg04D6qo2LHUHH3XnSjPG5A3n8jQ780yIfu2-p40Ap-_Dduv78dfgkKGWGJTBqWnHwBX_ASzeyTKVX4l586ywAhyphenhyphenJfywIG00weI/s1600/MEG2BD-3884wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhshej0zSe-eMgtCkjsnGe2ZFEfC6v5wJfxBOPUBU7lEg04D6qo2LHUHH3XnSjPG5A3n8jQ780yIfu2-p40Ap-_Dduv78dfgkKGWGJTBqWnHwBX_ASzeyTKVX4l586ywAhyphenhyphenJfywIG00weI/s1600/MEG2BD-3884wm.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">blowing bubbles outside</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8QWhisuL88mtH6-KHZvTUahchRdVCxoEXS4DvbcHwuaqXfdEJw2CkPck0BlLRTgFXHAXCjZdvhImcoPZRSmrwWiiHwODn2PmNeGqfbBmFKSEWyJZ38BzNhZe9ndas3fcPOOfYvtcsyfc/s1600/MEG2BD-3889wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8QWhisuL88mtH6-KHZvTUahchRdVCxoEXS4DvbcHwuaqXfdEJw2CkPck0BlLRTgFXHAXCjZdvhImcoPZRSmrwWiiHwODn2PmNeGqfbBmFKSEWyJZ38BzNhZe9ndas3fcPOOfYvtcsyfc/s1600/MEG2BD-3889wm.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">or just making bubbles on her hands</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLnXdAVsYDWVs58xCTUajGinW7-gbmcHIqbW_jvvs3WYoCuubc20PpCoVslfL6MzXxk245d_3rZsag3V93nXRHf-tWJPS_T2dvyYRNQ7EU1SbDZBEH0mLHsT1eEk8XvDIgeCXWlTM-CTc/s1600/MEG2BD-3894wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLnXdAVsYDWVs58xCTUajGinW7-gbmcHIqbW_jvvs3WYoCuubc20PpCoVslfL6MzXxk245d_3rZsag3V93nXRHf-tWJPS_T2dvyYRNQ7EU1SbDZBEH0mLHsT1eEk8XvDIgeCXWlTM-CTc/s1600/MEG2BD-3894wm.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fort under siege during the bubble wars of 2012</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tH92pSCAHOqhoNxBgORcR39eRDMgIDzUkPKEMuk10uJw3VlPZfFARFOOspZZhG6Rog6EgSwxxBqrAp5hATnrfbt7ZaK8CJiGtbD-6pmJPXVOa4pmQybXgedlZ9wNFwIekYA4pT-psBE/s1600/MEG2BD-3903wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tH92pSCAHOqhoNxBgORcR39eRDMgIDzUkPKEMuk10uJw3VlPZfFARFOOspZZhG6Rog6EgSwxxBqrAp5hATnrfbt7ZaK8CJiGtbD-6pmJPXVOa4pmQybXgedlZ9wNFwIekYA4pT-psBE/s1600/MEG2BD-3903wm.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">balloon volleyball time!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9eiCEjhUi7ZHqB9d1ymZTQy1WcbD9g4RjwUV6Cp5chLnrib3rgY_8kytf5Y6eVGNdT0hXUyiZzRFZYoT9PvLEGrgwhlDFOHMhbUrudYAEphyzkqn_vCSC8IKQQg4JJXwixBdu0LuQbc/s1600/MEG2BD-3915wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9eiCEjhUi7ZHqB9d1ymZTQy1WcbD9g4RjwUV6Cp5chLnrib3rgY_8kytf5Y6eVGNdT0hXUyiZzRFZYoT9PvLEGrgwhlDFOHMhbUrudYAEphyzkqn_vCSC8IKQQg4JJXwixBdu0LuQbc/s1600/MEG2BD-3915wm.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always a monkey on my back</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBPOlbIrc00covV7oYp7YfWVS4k3_RaMmAc85VJiAyJNpMDuK8ITXGl9NzHLyvuPZMC6aP8VWEW178PZzJv5Yd2PlfhUWYmy5pKdW6ww5FxEBKcUJnMzTfnqNQytzclbifVYjZB1c1aXs/s1600/MEG2BD-3947wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBPOlbIrc00covV7oYp7YfWVS4k3_RaMmAc85VJiAyJNpMDuK8ITXGl9NzHLyvuPZMC6aP8VWEW178PZzJv5Yd2PlfhUWYmy5pKdW6ww5FxEBKcUJnMzTfnqNQytzclbifVYjZB1c1aXs/s1600/MEG2BD-3947wm.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time for a song</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqZ7dKtGjuyy_YrsYayZQlVWH8XdTfEpdaVshQSKmIMMRxazrS6cT-4cOu8aEVCMOkv9E9gpOYyIV8QhI_-PEt9lGeZyz1v2f6MSV8KTCAkjuYT_gs-Y2X293a2qeN6FfyGYtReumZsk/s1600/MEG2BD-3949wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqZ7dKtGjuyy_YrsYayZQlVWH8XdTfEpdaVshQSKmIMMRxazrS6cT-4cOu8aEVCMOkv9E9gpOYyIV8QhI_-PEt9lGeZyz1v2f6MSV8KTCAkjuYT_gs-Y2X293a2qeN6FfyGYtReumZsk/s1600/MEG2BD-3949wm.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Make a wish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgP8dkGkDnlhQVJwnVXR7Xeyc4J4v6Co8t3rMO_faFQhE3ixIEw_VjvbJZIwdxxV1IfGVkmGZsagy8OrtMySJ8g3y_r54enlZxbR85ovLwbkM8cAFCSEWlAnCGeJUBs8YG6M3wkkj5L3Y/s1600/MEG2BD-3971wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgP8dkGkDnlhQVJwnVXR7Xeyc4J4v6Co8t3rMO_faFQhE3ixIEw_VjvbJZIwdxxV1IfGVkmGZsagy8OrtMySJ8g3y_r54enlZxbR85ovLwbkM8cAFCSEWlAnCGeJUBs8YG6M3wkkj5L3Y/s1600/MEG2BD-3971wm.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cupcake time!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2cRzrfSWFePPYXUYJ-VIIdGUHzRCTHa98G1QCdKxwz9h6Ry_j41kIa3SXehq_WF6i8LnEeiyMn2KUSDtzhv10RJ5Xvkimt-9CibfviksHm14POIlkupwyqodc5oPnDTEEK31na_4QBw/s1600/MEG2BD-3976wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2cRzrfSWFePPYXUYJ-VIIdGUHzRCTHa98G1QCdKxwz9h6Ry_j41kIa3SXehq_WF6i8LnEeiyMn2KUSDtzhv10RJ5Xvkimt-9CibfviksHm14POIlkupwyqodc5oPnDTEEK31na_4QBw/s1600/MEG2BD-3976wm.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">caught in the act</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxwVSqyZQB05e-1ug7yE5hI0R_SGc-iMIcPs9_6ElD_QRAzS3Q_3qlDOFGfUmxmmjYtDt0_yVrIevNQtydsSRdy3B3ZzSeL37NxIQ5xaoXCrwCUsbO9aVAV2km1dUnj2W7t6QIp8ArPI/s1600/MEG2BD-3984wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxwVSqyZQB05e-1ug7yE5hI0R_SGc-iMIcPs9_6ElD_QRAzS3Q_3qlDOFGfUmxmmjYtDt0_yVrIevNQtydsSRdy3B3ZzSeL37NxIQ5xaoXCrwCUsbO9aVAV2km1dUnj2W7t6QIp8ArPI/s1600/MEG2BD-3984wm.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">daintily cleaning her hands</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNjnrhdwdAYfsY0SvGD7YHkcUW0GzkWCvoHMTeP9RPPqdfeWmQ8HO53H4XWoOM5VVNFOETelKS0JQenKAI-0C5wrSe1C01ubAnicJD3ZwosragrWzukr_aRZ1QtjOXlkECayl5PyhyphenhyphenJeU/s1600/MEG2BD-3992wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNjnrhdwdAYfsY0SvGD7YHkcUW0GzkWCvoHMTeP9RPPqdfeWmQ8HO53H4XWoOM5VVNFOETelKS0JQenKAI-0C5wrSe1C01ubAnicJD3ZwosragrWzukr_aRZ1QtjOXlkECayl5PyhyphenhyphenJeU/s1600/MEG2BD-3992wm.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not so daintily gobbled down the cupcake in question</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaRt_fAo2Dfz27DM8crX8_JO8GjPuv-mT1U-HyCeXmkY3q0_Yr_E8NuLkqyGE0ZyQeR92Obz6wXsWehPimiLFNww6FCf6tAqbWrJn4fJCcum3OMo5Y225XPFPsMmO_VNxFBI0Epbic2Ck/s1600/MEG2BD-3995wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaRt_fAo2Dfz27DM8crX8_JO8GjPuv-mT1U-HyCeXmkY3q0_Yr_E8NuLkqyGE0ZyQeR92Obz6wXsWehPimiLFNww6FCf6tAqbWrJn4fJCcum3OMo5Y225XPFPsMmO_VNxFBI0Epbic2Ck/s1600/MEG2BD-3995wm.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pinwheels blowing in the wind</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLq-DEJbnfSRWWHneNuhOXtp9yGm_lYLptPxS38N0rIoofnjHE0x0U1eizG7CJGXqhchTqVkZVP4G3a57KJXYy8CELXjp-Nbybg7ombg7gcbgYwfDwLO1DrkR372SDDi99sHBZ0rdtcbM/s1600/MEG2BD-4104wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLq-DEJbnfSRWWHneNuhOXtp9yGm_lYLptPxS38N0rIoofnjHE0x0U1eizG7CJGXqhchTqVkZVP4G3a57KJXYy8CELXjp-Nbybg7ombg7gcbgYwfDwLO1DrkR372SDDi99sHBZ0rdtcbM/s1600/MEG2BD-4104wm.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying her presents</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Muihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14697699891173422303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683234887181261751.post-76295804286002336622012-01-27T13:18:00.003-06:002012-01-27T13:18:50.160-06:00Rodeo!!Evidently, Rodeo is a big thing here in Texas. (Understatement much?)<br />
<br />
I volunteer with a friend for the PTA bulletin board at my oldest kiddo's school. Last time, it took an afternoon to take down the previous board, and design & put up the new display. Each month, the display gets changed and I figured this month's would be as simple. Nope. One word:<br />
<br />
Rodeo.<br />
<br />
And to boot, almost all the previous years' decorations had been lost, worn out or disposed of. So we had to start basically from scratch. There were photos of the displays from the past, and we used that as our inspiration and expanded on it. So, it took a bit longer than one afternoon, but for the love of the arts (which, unfortunately, when money is tight, creativity and fun are prime targets for cuts) and for the sake of the kids, it was totally worth it.<br />
<br />
Every kid (and teacher, and staff) got really excited whenever they passed by the display. They spun around and around admiring all the details and pieces we created (for Rodeo, it wasn't just one bulletin board, but the entire lobby). The expression on their faces made it totally. worth. it. And I got to play with the lamination machine (awesome!!)<br />
<br />
Can't wait to see what Rodeo is all about this week.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Mui Chao<br />
Photographic Artist<br />
SimplyMui Photography<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXb7muGotLavK1xNbsXcxT55VhofNo2EO59o5XEAKMLZsidGAyz-kU37kNRGceI1i7OzRV626dO3tbizZbs1MYhu7av768NArg3rkFJMI6w9WoR1hquWGU_rS1HO72VUX3lMfRpQ9ksJM/s1600/rodeo-881aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXb7muGotLavK1xNbsXcxT55VhofNo2EO59o5XEAKMLZsidGAyz-kU37kNRGceI1i7OzRV626dO3tbizZbs1MYhu7av768NArg3rkFJMI6w9WoR1hquWGU_rS1HO72VUX3lMfRpQ9ksJM/s1600/rodeo-881aa.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was fun to make -- upcycled from cardboard box scraps. Add paint, coffee, fire and rope and TA DA!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiawM-owNwXfeR7PgLWlSt8CFLCuvgVGbuX59m3g915dNpcj_2eqOq09M2XLEZ123hBGrHycip6Io6LCuBKEbm27TWfXExIS424FNQVjlpNUM_U9Aq4o6HoB0Nh_5OhtC9wKa3aF8LzkQc/s1600/rodeo-885aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiawM-owNwXfeR7PgLWlSt8CFLCuvgVGbuX59m3g915dNpcj_2eqOq09M2XLEZ123hBGrHycip6Io6LCuBKEbm27TWfXExIS424FNQVjlpNUM_U9Aq4o6HoB0Nh_5OhtC9wKa3aF8LzkQc/s1600/rodeo-885aa.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canyons, and oversized silhouettes by me. Puffy relief styled fencing, southwestern sun and ranch sign by A.R. The cowboys & cowgirls were made by the students.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRc4OvApNqVKetoe5DwQT1ge8BxMl-m1NdiHTgiWW9eW5nrNdSWVq4lJ5xKRrHbzwA3iZNLYZRBz7eTH3lyJIA78UZQfDrc3dZCePS-8WUH35H80siJ0zUx5y4iw5SyTKEAI58wFQd9g/s1600/rodeo-886aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRc4OvApNqVKetoe5DwQT1ge8BxMl-m1NdiHTgiWW9eW5nrNdSWVq4lJ5xKRrHbzwA3iZNLYZRBz7eTH3lyJIA78UZQfDrc3dZCePS-8WUH35H80siJ0zUx5y4iw5SyTKEAI58wFQd9g/s1600/rodeo-886aa.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail of the cowboy & horse silhouette</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2v-EPkRFf4a5fTCIL_U7AWrZpAdZNeANhcwuOVhsjNGgi4TecAEqnJ8_iIuy-2CVQ8o1aqpydh3X9zQ6LYAWlTANoi7yQCvreaZin3QrQu1CpJvRJhxiSY9XKvaSh_fm9AOYXnkFGfc/s1600/rodeo-888aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2v-EPkRFf4a5fTCIL_U7AWrZpAdZNeANhcwuOVhsjNGgi4TecAEqnJ8_iIuy-2CVQ8o1aqpydh3X9zQ6LYAWlTANoi7yQCvreaZin3QrQu1CpJvRJhxiSY9XKvaSh_fm9AOYXnkFGfc/s1600/rodeo-888aa.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail of the covered wagon & oxen silhouette</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi23tAKfaoNt84zwd3jxU72dO54wjthHsWnlosMfUb0hwKUEBKDlsM4lEZC1RaTPdgqE7L8ZTrh5aKs7sY2UNsr0ZgJk-efNH_TfNXuyzfToMl5vRgTb0xuG4xC1gKYEXLjjZkwxC_Qhm0/s1600/rodeo-890aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi23tAKfaoNt84zwd3jxU72dO54wjthHsWnlosMfUb0hwKUEBKDlsM4lEZC1RaTPdgqE7L8ZTrh5aKs7sY2UNsr0ZgJk-efNH_TfNXuyzfToMl5vRgTb0xuG4xC1gKYEXLjjZkwxC_Qhm0/s1600/rodeo-890aa.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huge cardboard sign by AR & me (did I mention we're all about the being reducing, reusing and recycling?). Log cabin facade by the PTA volunteers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTyEcal-hnu-xquybNFDMrv5sjWL4UujlJnAZ5dekUNRwKjw-LhyDNwcw2V3T5XNTzk1tNcOTrIVTD3yIx8AHTBWK4uSqWMm2LxHGrC-rUmlV5EKaDDidR4b0hzfyxqw6TdO5tJgTz0Q/s1600/rodeo-894aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTyEcal-hnu-xquybNFDMrv5sjWL4UujlJnAZ5dekUNRwKjw-LhyDNwcw2V3T5XNTzk1tNcOTrIVTD3yIx8AHTBWK4uSqWMm2LxHGrC-rUmlV5EKaDDidR4b0hzfyxqw6TdO5tJgTz0Q/s1600/rodeo-894aa.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dancing cowgirl silhouette by me, pennant sign by AR</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkh3N8u7u8Q_RjNT3vxy2OirbajdrJC24V0s22i6DXXxmwWGkAnNhAX3btSEy2wnp_U2klMiI6jUi0wlsy82WV-tB7FQqDGmZNJLVnp1NHPXB-uwzkTOul7QENLGwZJYJK6AJWu_EnOw/s1600/rodeo-896aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkh3N8u7u8Q_RjNT3vxy2OirbajdrJC24V0s22i6DXXxmwWGkAnNhAX3btSEy2wnp_U2klMiI6jUi0wlsy82WV-tB7FQqDGmZNJLVnp1NHPXB-uwzkTOul7QENLGwZJYJK6AJWu_EnOw/s1600/rodeo-896aa.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were a LOT of cowkids to put up :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Muihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14697699891173422303noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683234887181261751.post-62577262904885170842012-01-24T09:26:00.000-06:002012-01-24T09:26:06.799-06:00Locations: GrueneIn a spontaneous rush to get the kids out of the house, a friend & I ended up in the historic district of Gruene (pronounced "green"), Texas. Our destination was an antique store, which, with five kids in tow, ranging from 1-8 years old, and all my life's experience had warned me, was NOT a good idea. But I'm a glutton for punishment, and a sucker for adventures, so off we went!<br />
<br />
And luckily, we were able to get my husband away from the football games and join us (one of the few times I've been grateful for internet/data plans on mobile phones). He was someone familiar with our destination and the added adult body meant we weren't so severely outnumbered by excitable kids.<br />
<br />
Amazingly, we got there, the kids were very well behaved, and the town was overwhelmingly charming and quaint. Everywhere we looked, there were gorgeous landscaping and picturesque details. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTPJT6xBU-uQ-N2dLogoNp5YD3HEmXasdgyDcqGZjtV_fL3WfjbmQFYVj5oM0mpqfD_P_8Kob4a3QAW26Hl-YndX3mT925rX8LmfJU3RtJ69qNwnER3-536awdYtIt2CN6ZiDXJAY_YKQ/s1600/gruene021aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTPJT6xBU-uQ-N2dLogoNp5YD3HEmXasdgyDcqGZjtV_fL3WfjbmQFYVj5oM0mpqfD_P_8Kob4a3QAW26Hl-YndX3mT925rX8LmfJU3RtJ69qNwnER3-536awdYtIt2CN6ZiDXJAY_YKQ/s1600/gruene021aa.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">rustic fencing of Grapevine, enclosing a lovely seating area filled with barrel tables and a cozy fire pit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eDuXP-jw2eNGwONbMG9jKgoN_xaVQwoqKMEfR7COkD9Cv0LSeXG3O6X-lVLJJ5F8r1UJoHIpQvWqclv_33Qx7GEfiiJ212Q_1sLsNyOXCU9nB-URI6SZaO_jTXHsjBX1ReaKgypI9iY/s1600/gruene024aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eDuXP-jw2eNGwONbMG9jKgoN_xaVQwoqKMEfR7COkD9Cv0LSeXG3O6X-lVLJJ5F8r1UJoHIpQvWqclv_33Qx7GEfiiJ212Q_1sLsNyOXCU9nB-URI6SZaO_jTXHsjBX1ReaKgypI9iY/s1600/gruene024aa.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the wooden facades on the buildings and well thought out plantings adds so much to the district</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TJgVKzE2G5OTjNXnaXadps5XMXTXyvM5PIqIF35k8n1LBOuwoWPYrazZzEvrMdsKer7IQDGQewT-EQmUKZEIPCtSCfBHP1jCZkKj6lAY0M7iEcR0EYadGyOm4VvWN03la64R7HYayaw/s1600/gruene067aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TJgVKzE2G5OTjNXnaXadps5XMXTXyvM5PIqIF35k8n1LBOuwoWPYrazZzEvrMdsKer7IQDGQewT-EQmUKZEIPCtSCfBHP1jCZkKj6lAY0M7iEcR0EYadGyOm4VvWN03la64R7HYayaw/s1600/gruene067aa.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Antique bikes by the Old Time Photo studio. Not sure what I could do with this, but the boys got a kick out of it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlo1-ZI5OEOSQ21JlfWz4UoULeFtdLMGEfHXF7pYKHfvpt9bcYrURYYr_ZimGhh0PVUpkmkQpvEX_-3-ilAfydj9z6sMUyDCbPlHGguL1mf5JQSp4NjnULTCs32XgEMJPWYge_AdTHGHw/s1600/gruene069aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlo1-ZI5OEOSQ21JlfWz4UoULeFtdLMGEfHXF7pYKHfvpt9bcYrURYYr_ZimGhh0PVUpkmkQpvEX_-3-ilAfydj9z6sMUyDCbPlHGguL1mf5JQSp4NjnULTCs32XgEMJPWYge_AdTHGHw/s1600/gruene069aa.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old western covered wagon. We took lots of shots in front of it, where there are hay bales, barrels, and whiskey jugs to scatter ourselves.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCIeGE8892FNqaKgcnfWr98-wJ3Zvcguo_wkKxfo3I3YJmQl6Fsp7BuJxXQV_8aF5C2Vz9uU_zs_K0D0nCPenY7foNgLJBnqDKIjvmf0ucvHKs3Kfy_ZxUeBcAno3maUNs2UPUWOeY_k/s1600/gruene135aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCIeGE8892FNqaKgcnfWr98-wJ3Zvcguo_wkKxfo3I3YJmQl6Fsp7BuJxXQV_8aF5C2Vz9uU_zs_K0D0nCPenY7foNgLJBnqDKIjvmf0ucvHKs3Kfy_ZxUeBcAno3maUNs2UPUWOeY_k/s1600/gruene135aa.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This swinging bench is so simple, but so very inspirational!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQf84WmtPXahR65z_EP0uW-qrtyF1rHj1BUZTgzCd8MQOS5ayYvZ_LWzr5_GcpCtDWmLKouQID0PxPfeC8muvrxW_i4YsIKBj-9tSlysntxw-7k8nS33106_7guZwcaIkWHkf3pVLGMGs/s1600/gruene148aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQf84WmtPXahR65z_EP0uW-qrtyF1rHj1BUZTgzCd8MQOS5ayYvZ_LWzr5_GcpCtDWmLKouQID0PxPfeC8muvrxW_i4YsIKBj-9tSlysntxw-7k8nS33106_7guZwcaIkWHkf3pVLGMGs/s1600/gruene148aa.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">beautiful classic pump water feature</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYmwVB53uMEpY-q42mxVoq3_ipWPzP57bc7j25-SdObREwE-WHIIeiyQV_FkZdf-pozyL6tvqkSDY9Y_8J7ksjfau6pfNHVAicIp8Eu6PUeMjeB3xMkYRz3549DG8PBMcUnCuZ1p_Wgh4/s1600/gruene149aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYmwVB53uMEpY-q42mxVoq3_ipWPzP57bc7j25-SdObREwE-WHIIeiyQV_FkZdf-pozyL6tvqkSDY9Y_8J7ksjfau6pfNHVAicIp8Eu6PUeMjeB3xMkYRz3549DG8PBMcUnCuZ1p_Wgh4/s1600/gruene149aa.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little model was very enamored by the sound and movement of the water</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcoZfMMNy2gHYaHOeWliI-dijOEUr6sDTFP_D47fF-m-ATUGEz0GIMWZKqX-a9n_yn74ZsrGZn_c8UEnoJxQfWRdcnFPEGh8ZD1wQZgeip7Ncib1MJzOhzieJ1-ocx7IDLL_SChs-5hoc/s1600/gruene158aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcoZfMMNy2gHYaHOeWliI-dijOEUr6sDTFP_D47fF-m-ATUGEz0GIMWZKqX-a9n_yn74ZsrGZn_c8UEnoJxQfWRdcnFPEGh8ZD1wQZgeip7Ncib1MJzOhzieJ1-ocx7IDLL_SChs-5hoc/s1600/gruene158aa.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This part of Gruene Mansion Inn just explodes my mind with possibilities.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWuK3wa4jm8auTsu0ZwH_T6euX8KD8pm3glYdgIDE8JJjnLm0CtFNvrzK_yYA5nkGTzWnZHubrLxX1YsA7O-lqkR611Dsa5XzHXrraI99uHT9L8DMeg2dxcI9Zmm-kgGIisnOjEhyLlY/s1600/gruene172aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWuK3wa4jm8auTsu0ZwH_T6euX8KD8pm3glYdgIDE8JJjnLm0CtFNvrzK_yYA5nkGTzWnZHubrLxX1YsA7O-lqkR611Dsa5XzHXrraI99uHT9L8DMeg2dxcI9Zmm-kgGIisnOjEhyLlY/s1600/gruene172aa.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lovely green lawn with elegant backdrop gives kids lots of room to play</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbac4MbfSwOMsoVRNH8hOfbutMCOeUX-O3cxaUJqxdSZqykqXB0HhfPWQK_UdLynV5hXkyxgwiMUFxMe-agKBxaSmyQEK1269mPqaVdl98iNojGs_2A3BNMoLXMHCh7roy88D07OCZFSc/s1600/gruene203aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbac4MbfSwOMsoVRNH8hOfbutMCOeUX-O3cxaUJqxdSZqykqXB0HhfPWQK_UdLynV5hXkyxgwiMUFxMe-agKBxaSmyQEK1269mPqaVdl98iNojGs_2A3BNMoLXMHCh7roy88D07OCZFSc/s1600/gruene203aa.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little one feeling out the field for me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDa3Iy6cX6mLl9knZ86Y0rr60MLTjgXo4GcEGR_vCuUchpzQiJfWPLvMsF09jp0Y1oiMhN_ZvbDKMgy5pOYYI9dqptSpIN_RXdJYvG8NoHmBSxxMg3RppQejmAdJiLzBQunzvk3ZxbrWw/s1600/gruene249aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDa3Iy6cX6mLl9knZ86Y0rr60MLTjgXo4GcEGR_vCuUchpzQiJfWPLvMsF09jp0Y1oiMhN_ZvbDKMgy5pOYYI9dqptSpIN_RXdJYvG8NoHmBSxxMg3RppQejmAdJiLzBQunzvk3ZxbrWw/s1600/gruene249aa.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The barrel planters in front of Gristmill gives so much life and charm to the streets</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaEgoCK1kNpZe6xA4CX-mkmN9rRHYgtR9a6V28SmGo10WEOMNsAnZaplwLm6HXv_g5zw4vpmK6wCoCtKkOlpkHEsoqWBVc3KxAsozEPJz42zrgBWrxklecA2forV5ElmUbT8aCOoOZ860/s1600/gruene254aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaEgoCK1kNpZe6xA4CX-mkmN9rRHYgtR9a6V28SmGo10WEOMNsAnZaplwLm6HXv_g5zw4vpmK6wCoCtKkOlpkHEsoqWBVc3KxAsozEPJz42zrgBWrxklecA2forV5ElmUbT8aCOoOZ860/s1600/gruene254aa.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How can I get a rusty of sign for myself?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidriROaHxg2xkVN-Bk6L-VX2ug7S4WqSitNcxh67ao2WqZWzaRdkWJScjcKlESsQ8w5BZ-s4fv6NLDdoFQdMgg8Ugqjrt5LBBtepFXJ-PP-o4qhDY5jGQdoQS7Y75Mi89o1WQlciT_eI0/s1600/gruene291aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidriROaHxg2xkVN-Bk6L-VX2ug7S4WqSitNcxh67ao2WqZWzaRdkWJScjcKlESsQ8w5BZ-s4fv6NLDdoFQdMgg8Ugqjrt5LBBtepFXJ-PP-o4qhDY5jGQdoQS7Y75Mi89o1WQlciT_eI0/s1600/gruene291aa.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys were helping me explore the breadth of the land</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVwcKa_2KdDt2PG4bM1ptcVTPx1nlvdHBcZERbtOV952ujWTp_Z86V0GMCkNCzOnnZegI4diLQ3qhWm92V8vRqK4_vfaFzd7boWBLIdvrAbi5oF-HdJKsP1uqhxJ-1_qhuBTMNY2sTzc/s1600/gruene298aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVwcKa_2KdDt2PG4bM1ptcVTPx1nlvdHBcZERbtOV952ujWTp_Z86V0GMCkNCzOnnZegI4diLQ3qhWm92V8vRqK4_vfaFzd7boWBLIdvrAbi5oF-HdJKsP1uqhxJ-1_qhuBTMNY2sTzc/s1600/gruene298aa.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having little kids with me really helps me to see the details which I might have missed from my grown up height & point of view</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We were only able to explore a small corner of Gruene before we had to move on to forage for food (eating ice cream takes up a lot of time, but doesn't fill the tummy very well). This easily became one of my new favorite locations, and I predict many more return visits.<br />
<br />
To be continued!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Mui Chao<br />
Photographic Artist<br />
<span id="goog_36050033"></span><span id="goog_36050034"></span>Muihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14697699891173422303noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683234887181261751.post-85214739512870963422012-01-05T10:07:00.001-06:002012-01-05T14:13:28.880-06:00Happy New YearThe holidays and school winter break is over and we all groggily clear the cobwebs from our heads as we get back into the work mindset. Just wanted to look back on the past year and the things that made me laugh. I can't wait to see what's in store for this new year. Hope it's a good one for everyone!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x9afKqYQY2g/TwXKm-zD21I/AAAAAAAAAJU/eCou_WjPLXY/s1600/chaos+holiday+2011-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x9afKqYQY2g/TwXKm-zD21I/AAAAAAAAAJU/eCou_WjPLXY/s400/chaos+holiday+2011-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8f_Uq14uDVs/TwXKqM5_SYI/AAAAAAAAAJc/2XBJYsHUjew/s1600/chaos+holiday+2011-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8f_Uq14uDVs/TwXKqM5_SYI/AAAAAAAAAJc/2XBJYsHUjew/s400/chaos+holiday+2011-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Muihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14697699891173422303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683234887181261751.post-76240795395471006572011-12-06T12:57:00.001-06:002012-01-05T10:09:26.695-06:00Photo Display!I've been working with a wonderful client who wants to display multiple portraits from our session in her home. However, she doesn't want large poster-size prints. Even a storyboard of several images on one canvas or standout feels overwhelming to her. After searching for solutions, I've come across a display system that I am <i>so very excited about!</i><br />
<br />
Check this out: The Collage Wall comes in different layout combinations, each image printed on its own and mounted to masonite OR printed directly on <b>metal</b>. They include a custom paper wall template so you can put it up quickly and easily without reaching for the laser level (bullet) a million times and without having to measure where each peg goes. <br />
<br />
I don't know about anyone else, but this is a dream come true for me! I'm already placing metal collage orders for myself and my family. Woo-hoo!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ezphototemplates.com/images/products/cw/features/cw_rendering560_10x9_150px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.ezphototemplates.com/images/products/cw/features/cw_rendering560_10x9_150px.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many attractive layouts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ezphototemplates.com/images/products/cw/features/cw_hang_picture_10x9_150px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.ezphototemplates.com/images/products/cw/features/cw_hang_picture_10x9_150px.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The images float off the wall thanks to the peg system</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ezphototemplates.com/images/products/cw/features/cw_picture_with_stand_10x9_150px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.ezphototemplates.com/images/products/cw/features/cw_picture_with_stand_10x9_150px.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can also display it on your desk or shelf!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Muihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14697699891173422303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683234887181261751.post-47052765135288076762011-11-27T18:39:00.001-06:002011-11-27T18:50:04.555-06:00L.S. FamilyAfter a very filling Thanksgiving, and a food-packed Friday, I spent my Saturday with L.S. and her family, who were in town visiting for the holidays. The McNay lent many gorgeous backdrops ideal for the cheerful group and their ambitious list for the holidays. Below is a sneak peak from the fun photo shoot.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
Mui Chao<br />
Photographic Artist<br />
SimplyMui Photography<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBBsRxUYnRstnGDTQPY5K30Trkmd-4TxzkgYB1P55-cfnMl-D5n91L4gQvNg1AHoNQC_YJuKgDENXQvIAdBsMWFvo3g97Ul48QUgXxOhk1OV9iIjTqe08pxktnA8dBBlspniIyxnlqyr0/s1600/gazebo+montage-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBBsRxUYnRstnGDTQPY5K30Trkmd-4TxzkgYB1P55-cfnMl-D5n91L4gQvNg1AHoNQC_YJuKgDENXQvIAdBsMWFvo3g97Ul48QUgXxOhk1OV9iIjTqe08pxktnA8dBBlspniIyxnlqyr0/s1600/gazebo+montage-blog.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lovely ladies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFJYApzbxhfzV31rbM9bkRknQJ-5yLDEqiEUFs7kQxDM-g-u-_CQfXlsJIE4AKOELk6rEd3DuElWQf440fhRBMLqnZA5oXnr6eYb5NIT4Rh5rAKtv1j4YFnfcYZLqbaQj_bs0ZK8n7bU/s1600/Gen+Ken+montage-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFJYApzbxhfzV31rbM9bkRknQJ-5yLDEqiEUFs7kQxDM-g-u-_CQfXlsJIE4AKOELk6rEd3DuElWQf440fhRBMLqnZA5oXnr6eYb5NIT4Rh5rAKtv1j4YFnfcYZLqbaQj_bs0ZK8n7bU/s1600/Gen+Ken+montage-blog.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">G Family in action</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeZ6_7eHKw1Qt_R2PVZWyCJbFXzwmydcKeF5QB3-Y-e9FB6zuMLQe7u_jhhon4EBkR0L-jP9HiSriiJ_tlfvlu1H_QVxsVhZOoYw-fENngGgqjDTFp82sm_xeIqBEsYiUc8kpiknGV_o/s1600/grandmom+montage-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeZ6_7eHKw1Qt_R2PVZWyCJbFXzwmydcKeF5QB3-Y-e9FB6zuMLQe7u_jhhon4EBkR0L-jP9HiSriiJ_tlfvlu1H_QVxsVhZOoYw-fENngGgqjDTFp82sm_xeIqBEsYiUc8kpiknGV_o/s1600/grandmom+montage-blog.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proud Mom/Grandmom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0oA5s9TaTdniUIFXQ8Wtycq5FRxj5CFFmBPyJEiMWmM-_qfYBGH6e8l2uxgqqGQBnjmFRWIKMeZZv1vrefHAjiRWwRYxgRJAKL36aYiwPA5oZO6Xh3QWkBYiht88B46lu0Ywjl3BeQW4/s1600/grandpa+montage-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0oA5s9TaTdniUIFXQ8Wtycq5FRxj5CFFmBPyJEiMWmM-_qfYBGH6e8l2uxgqqGQBnjmFRWIKMeZZv1vrefHAjiRWwRYxgRJAKL36aYiwPA5oZO6Xh3QWkBYiht88B46lu0Ywjl3BeQW4/s1600/grandpa+montage-blog.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandfather!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWw-AX8Iw22cT8Ua-sL0DBdZpN5eSq_F7KCh-ilB3iCS3e6s8BlM2Yso5yUcosZARM4HrghdT7Y9LqjRBkAbbVJm2JR7ERa4c_J24xyPQlnWftFsN4GDPFaRUzYzX-B-dWKWW0hARrks/s1600/group+montage-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWw-AX8Iw22cT8Ua-sL0DBdZpN5eSq_F7KCh-ilB3iCS3e6s8BlM2Yso5yUcosZARM4HrghdT7Y9LqjRBkAbbVJm2JR7ERa4c_J24xyPQlnWftFsN4GDPFaRUzYzX-B-dWKWW0hARrks/s1600/group+montage-blog.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great groups</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUpAhFyUkZ2m9Buu275JiQXC8wBqVc7XCuIfOmZmnmgWNOOw8FV26kUVib0gKPTDbN27-60ZJoWaVQl3dPcReEG_v6DGLr9AnQLsAMv1eKuL8NiTxuwn9Nfb17d0PwtEl67NkoK03Pbaw/s1600/john+alex+montage-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUpAhFyUkZ2m9Buu275JiQXC8wBqVc7XCuIfOmZmnmgWNOOw8FV26kUVib0gKPTDbN27-60ZJoWaVQl3dPcReEG_v6DGLr9AnQLsAMv1eKuL8NiTxuwn9Nfb17d0PwtEl67NkoK03Pbaw/s1600/john+alex+montage-blog.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dashing J.A.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFuaWnpONO9Ed-4WlFbtnnkgOjmliF_z1dD_fjjnJ6yGIxtgpmnQNMQCVe2aG0vE5cwtE5CjjId8Xu_wPdEvgNeIViekKr3Jgr0d_xXV-gBS1rQ1vRDNyfmxsYotZ2d5QbyZn6nOxZHcs/s1600/red+jacket+montage-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFuaWnpONO9Ed-4WlFbtnnkgOjmliF_z1dD_fjjnJ6yGIxtgpmnQNMQCVe2aG0vE5cwtE5CjjId8Xu_wPdEvgNeIViekKr3Jgr0d_xXV-gBS1rQ1vRDNyfmxsYotZ2d5QbyZn6nOxZHcs/s1600/red+jacket+montage-blog.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L.S. -- joyful as always</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Muihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14697699891173422303noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683234887181261751.post-83323634433038507782011-11-24T03:19:00.001-06:002011-11-29T00:03:43.861-06:00Black Friday Special!!I'm joining in the Black Friday madness for the first time ever:<br />
<br />
SimplyMui Premium Portrait Session Gift Certificates at an incredible 60% off! If that wasn't enough, you'll also get an additional 15% off photo product orders from your session. Certificates don't expire until Dec 31, 2012. After the expiration date, it defaults to the $80 value, which is usable towards portrait session, products or services.<br />
<br />
Quantities are limited and sale ends at 11:59 pm Monday, November 28, 2011, so <i><b>get it quick! </b></i><br />
<br />
<i><b>------------------------- </b></i><br />
Sorry, folks -- this sale is over!<i><b><br /></b></i>Muihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14697699891173422303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683234887181261751.post-47369339714720266002011-11-24T03:12:00.001-06:002011-11-24T03:19:08.044-06:00One day 'til Black FridayGobble, gobble! I hope everyone is enjoying their Thanksgiving holiday! With the craze of travel, cleaning, cooking, cleaning, football, cleaning, over-indulging, cleaning, getting along with the family, and cleaning!!...<br />
Treat yourself to something you've been wanting, without having to wait in line in the cold. Check back to this blog (or to the main website <a href="http://simplymui.com/">simplymui.com</a>) the second the clock strikes "DONE!" on Thanksgiving night, if all that turkey hasn't knocked you out...Muihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14697699891173422303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683234887181261751.post-54694845233874141652011-11-22T20:20:00.001-06:002011-11-22T20:29:53.539-06:00A.R. Family PortraitsWe met at my son's birthday party, and after a bit of conversation, we ended up doing a session the very next day! I usually like more time to get to know my clients before the session, but with the busy holidays and extended family being in town for just a day, the window of opportunity was a small one, and I was more than happy to make room in my schedule.<br />
<br />
Here are a few teasers from their shoot.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzrHbtGneAzGAyBve2pWp3NX_B8Vly5HFNU2y_Dk5rET7XX8oYAIRLmANHU_4KYv_KHhLb4uZwxHLmXuhPIkTl2b96MJ_JuMRFX4gw6FFJvKdrv3ixNJ0_ZL-wYmwbdTp9R-dXV4v2WU4/s1600/Robbins2011-275aaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzrHbtGneAzGAyBve2pWp3NX_B8Vly5HFNU2y_Dk5rET7XX8oYAIRLmANHU_4KYv_KHhLb4uZwxHLmXuhPIkTl2b96MJ_JuMRFX4gw6FFJvKdrv3ixNJ0_ZL-wYmwbdTp9R-dXV4v2WU4/s1600/Robbins2011-275aaa.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikhDjOz-mdGOLTbWxFzewF77M7ROPCj8OpzEYAayQAW5jQZTsS5po9PlNdmqEUN_hWunvSeqhwQCrWekATfH4pm8FNLZsFGAa5nHLF1zNx1H_oIFOpsRDe4GPNf_q_aMFsaF89o93QFIA/s1600/Robbins2011-332aaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikhDjOz-mdGOLTbWxFzewF77M7ROPCj8OpzEYAayQAW5jQZTsS5po9PlNdmqEUN_hWunvSeqhwQCrWekATfH4pm8FNLZsFGAa5nHLF1zNx1H_oIFOpsRDe4GPNf_q_aMFsaF89o93QFIA/s1600/Robbins2011-332aaa.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqYQ-SNcuq47oyORPz5KGW8SxDs2ajF1B-v0Jy3sCvJaz7pQUMeAeac3xNjHt7H8rVxuid-dl98R2P4ym-0UP75hkgK5Y6uYBDePOXl9qOr5Jv1C_ItgGLmWp6brec0hgEBGNBvpAJw_M/s1600/Robbins2011-430aaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqYQ-SNcuq47oyORPz5KGW8SxDs2ajF1B-v0Jy3sCvJaz7pQUMeAeac3xNjHt7H8rVxuid-dl98R2P4ym-0UP75hkgK5Y6uYBDePOXl9qOr5Jv1C_ItgGLmWp6brec0hgEBGNBvpAJw_M/s1600/Robbins2011-430aaa.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbnnopVXpt9WY_s2-aqHcX4LThTwgMZ7v-skUvstL67cu-4SXl4jtX4N8LmR6m5WcHnM_-YU2xtmiTTg_4q-equaXuMHEIjG0ATfsAPk-IXtyghQmBBjrV0DTH9uFsmzOo6HgccbMNVyw/s1600/Robbins2011-463aaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbnnopVXpt9WY_s2-aqHcX4LThTwgMZ7v-skUvstL67cu-4SXl4jtX4N8LmR6m5WcHnM_-YU2xtmiTTg_4q-equaXuMHEIjG0ATfsAPk-IXtyghQmBBjrV0DTH9uFsmzOo6HgccbMNVyw/s1600/Robbins2011-463aaa.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_buL4UltZZtYoreaA5KNSLxT-EFHhrILiDTbTr9NLEUjylAuASqRhpxiFE0vylc31s7VBUGevldFKfUuyQ7M9BQTQUTF8vTuyFPeOAsELLqErN-6ArDEdnK9tt8BEW1iWRLzodP7scw/s1600/Robbins2011-486aaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_buL4UltZZtYoreaA5KNSLxT-EFHhrILiDTbTr9NLEUjylAuASqRhpxiFE0vylc31s7VBUGevldFKfUuyQ7M9BQTQUTF8vTuyFPeOAsELLqErN-6ArDEdnK9tt8BEW1iWRLzodP7scw/s1600/Robbins2011-486aaa.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ6E6Fl9_w651FOHWwo6cTlXSmcAawnNObLJcE6Fs_ERCq402zuVzd_vuoCw7ImJQY5cIIhRTydcfQhJN2L_RC5hKzyiZ67vP1O8pdWBxHGoIgySPDoi9dzj7HBitVmMqWXaMScYvOeqY/s1600/Robbins2011-655aaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ6E6Fl9_w651FOHWwo6cTlXSmcAawnNObLJcE6Fs_ERCq402zuVzd_vuoCw7ImJQY5cIIhRTydcfQhJN2L_RC5hKzyiZ67vP1O8pdWBxHGoIgySPDoi9dzj7HBitVmMqWXaMScYvOeqY/s1600/Robbins2011-655aaa.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Muihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14697699891173422303noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683234887181261751.post-79585211804143034192011-11-22T00:06:00.001-06:002011-11-22T01:01:39.073-06:00The ReasonWhen school started this August, I was able to get back to work on my photography business, something that I had been looking forward to for a VERY long time. I had specialized in commercial stock photography for the last decade (oh my god, I that makes me feel old!). With the change in the economy and the changes in the stock industry, as well our new start in Texas, the time was/is right to change my photo niche.<br />
<br />
My favorite, favorite things about photography is working with people so closely; building the relationship; the excitement & fun of the shoot; and then, of course, the payoff —<br />
<br />
...the look on their faces when they get to see the images that were created.<br />
<br />
In the past few months that I've been back to working on my business, I've been so consumed with THE BUSINESS of business (which is indeed very necessary), wallowing in infrastructure, business planning, marketing, networking, blah blah blah.<br />
<br />
I was really not enjoying myself, and wondering, "What am I doing??" And though all the details have not been hashed out to my standards, and all the samples and websites and blog pages and social networks, etc, are not where I want them to be, I decided to jump back behind the camera, ready or not.<br />
<br />
I'm so glad I did.<br />
<br />
All the reasons I love photography has flooded back. The adrenaline is pumping, the passion is back and I love love love what I do.<br />
<br />
Thank you Nancy, for being my muse.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
~ Mui Chao<br />
Photographic Artist<br />
<br />
<br />
_________________________________<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Actor/Model Portfolio Shoot of Nancy</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Nancy had transitioned from modeling to acting, having appeared in commercials and network television series such as "In Plain Sight," "The Lying Game" and more. Her portfolio was gorgeous; very fashion and beauty oriented. She wanted to show more range. Below are but a tiny sampling of the amazing shoot we had, demonstrating strength, confidence, trustworthiness, softness, and vulnerability.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Nancy's makeup skills were a huge contribution. I can't wait to shoot with her again, as we play with different roles, looks and expressions. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><i> </i></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4PMC__Mq0GwoMhN9brV3rrA5BuAh3D1-0HadsXMV942LjsKYg-J4N5PtTQ9xj3IYKJ4PUAWHrajvmrqRH9l0xluVpHmi5gggflXM9hYmO1t7XVYcpnj2OFxk832S1YAKjRdHYDhs6vI/s1600/Nancy1057ret-wma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4PMC__Mq0GwoMhN9brV3rrA5BuAh3D1-0HadsXMV942LjsKYg-J4N5PtTQ9xj3IYKJ4PUAWHrajvmrqRH9l0xluVpHmi5gggflXM9hYmO1t7XVYcpnj2OFxk832S1YAKjRdHYDhs6vI/s1600/Nancy1057ret-wma.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detective Nancy :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3EIvAK7yyxSOVyqYNrtf2BLbexdfD0Vw-LGR2W45Lq2-wL0bcX1ZHwhZFXpxBgZF-pnjiIgSmguCUKYQSaa_L12gDYIzEd0_-bJ55TR76tJdMBW-vhhU8lwN7Lwlwfd1JsUb1GuO8X8/s1600/Nancy1208ret-wma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3EIvAK7yyxSOVyqYNrtf2BLbexdfD0Vw-LGR2W45Lq2-wL0bcX1ZHwhZFXpxBgZF-pnjiIgSmguCUKYQSaa_L12gDYIzEd0_-bJ55TR76tJdMBW-vhhU8lwN7Lwlwfd1JsUb1GuO8X8/s1600/Nancy1208ret-wma.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The friendly financial professional</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKia4dGJV9G1XfXPyBh7J2pHbJhpPHZN3iLrf6o7-e_ckk5u-_7hsjsV30aTNZoA8pjydOVBI4T6PQaeRSU5u2Qd4b9np7tTJgx1snABtWN2SLYtt1HEpx1i8MBu21VHBDcxVfeTCclbw/s1600/Nancy1296ret-wma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKia4dGJV9G1XfXPyBh7J2pHbJhpPHZN3iLrf6o7-e_ckk5u-_7hsjsV30aTNZoA8pjydOVBI4T6PQaeRSU5u2Qd4b9np7tTJgx1snABtWN2SLYtt1HEpx1i8MBu21VHBDcxVfeTCclbw/s1600/Nancy1296ret-wma.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soft & Pretty</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmslMxY-eXHGQ6Bb1zQtjT6ZZSbH0RjQqgk0SRWeh8N_DblU3FbmzhivhzdeMrAubNALYbEK3ZgYv_6uIDbuyKkoJtIXSHUxbHq8zSiIZFmogWdGaQbX0LLXX2dLBsli1mT-S9zYhFhsE/s1600/Nancy1341ret-wma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmslMxY-eXHGQ6Bb1zQtjT6ZZSbH0RjQqgk0SRWeh8N_DblU3FbmzhivhzdeMrAubNALYbEK3ZgYv_6uIDbuyKkoJtIXSHUxbHq8zSiIZFmogWdGaQbX0LLXX2dLBsli1mT-S9zYhFhsE/s1600/Nancy1341ret-wma.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emphasizing the Asian side of her heritage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5rWQYDe3-yghFGTCgWneUV8Bdww5EFHd9Z81KfvBFpo5Yfq0U62fu7K8H361C2_S8XQnr5Epd5XR2ECY6_72vi1z9U73hrsTg4Aegko8jfQb0_iwo-en_ADQunFKrtLfAEeEAKOtVF0/s1600/Nancy1350ret-wma.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5rWQYDe3-yghFGTCgWneUV8Bdww5EFHd9Z81KfvBFpo5Yfq0U62fu7K8H361C2_S8XQnr5Epd5XR2ECY6_72vi1z9U73hrsTg4Aegko8jfQb0_iwo-en_ADQunFKrtLfAEeEAKOtVF0/s1600/Nancy1350ret-wma.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2whv3aMgdkANzCa6U7aG6K7m-TlDUFBMywaD7H28EB5rbPI9icFtoE5tz__PEKxvDFyv7Z9PjnZG9Ywr95R61k54CGzckJZ2Db8B-1mfOIxSQ8lSLTtZw8c5t__S22wbE5HlJdKS82Yc/s1600/Nancy1465ret-wma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2whv3aMgdkANzCa6U7aG6K7m-TlDUFBMywaD7H28EB5rbPI9icFtoE5tz__PEKxvDFyv7Z9PjnZG9Ywr95R61k54CGzckJZ2Db8B-1mfOIxSQ8lSLTtZw8c5t__S22wbE5HlJdKS82Yc/s1600/Nancy1465ret-wma.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fashion & Attitude</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEjPfBhgWI1Ex-Op878Q7bW22fx2xFF1FqKOLbzrwCSDUmsEUkvCU3ca2Lgal5dK9YOSN_ZofClYQmkdkInwbxDJRqvJphilIrNQwIRSImcL6ziMe3VrAAU5L0SDiKNi5ADYh2JGKpyk0/s1600/Nancy1568ret-wma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEjPfBhgWI1Ex-Op878Q7bW22fx2xFF1FqKOLbzrwCSDUmsEUkvCU3ca2Lgal5dK9YOSN_ZofClYQmkdkInwbxDJRqvJphilIrNQwIRSImcL6ziMe3VrAAU5L0SDiKNi5ADYh2JGKpyk0/s1600/Nancy1568ret-wma.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Casual & Approachable</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirXL4t5Wd3PIH0fjIVXr3mKzY2i33SPaj_8NRatHCRuaS_oP4KrEzd5oee78iK0jzKbIlH86oq-mf8Wge2qC5jvxKVlWy7ZGSVapunqjtEiQnRf5PZfMjTFZTFLIDMOAMPVCLAG-6xyWg/s1600/Nancy1659-wma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirXL4t5Wd3PIH0fjIVXr3mKzY2i33SPaj_8NRatHCRuaS_oP4KrEzd5oee78iK0jzKbIlH86oq-mf8Wge2qC5jvxKVlWy7ZGSVapunqjtEiQnRf5PZfMjTFZTFLIDMOAMPVCLAG-6xyWg/s1600/Nancy1659-wma.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The friendly neighborhood mom (in real life & on TV)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Muihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14697699891173422303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683234887181261751.post-14134416025679297252011-11-21T00:48:00.001-06:002011-11-22T01:00:56.624-06:00C+J's Autumn WeddingIt's amazing what a little cool weather can do for people's spirits. We are no longer holed up in air conditioned building, hiding from the heat. The neighborhood and parks are teeming with kids and families enjoying the fresh air; couples are strolling through shops out and about; and the beloved pets also get more opportunities to get out of the house!<br />
<br />
One of the greatest things about the cooling of the seasons is that weddings are abound! A wonderful friend of ours held a lovely ceremony last weekend (congrats!!) and the bond between them was just infectious. I was not their photographer. For the first time in a long time, I was simply a guest. My kids were lucky enough to be asked to be the ring bearer and flower girl. I didn't take very many pictures (I had my hands full handling my tired littlest one and also didn't want to insult the hired photographer in any way); but I couldn't resist taking a few snaps early in the evening. Enjoy.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcYFV80-_7387Cbw9eLI0kMuwT6sKDTfJx95hqzyUhhtZhiXZoQvycpM6T2YS3BrwiGXy_l1sjMO8o7YpePNXapg9el5SRyK746_jv4v4LKxOipoJH3eRs2BUkMT0ZzHttkhsdIKII7k4/s1600/Zuniga-bridalwma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcYFV80-_7387Cbw9eLI0kMuwT6sKDTfJx95hqzyUhhtZhiXZoQvycpM6T2YS3BrwiGXy_l1sjMO8o7YpePNXapg9el5SRyK746_jv4v4LKxOipoJH3eRs2BUkMT0ZzHttkhsdIKII7k4/s1600/Zuniga-bridalwma.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful bride</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoobNJMOrtTc3dFD7fCl0gSEqEN594R-S_W-0tlzqEOdNUBmQ56AdIm7hoBJpOAI2nUwpzRN9G1pQuL5jXjtR5PATB8Rgxp7HEDfPNgYrU2sskqU5zrG8yFhnkRuN-h2eaaDccUKsyteo/s1600/Zuniga-kiera-montage-wma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoobNJMOrtTc3dFD7fCl0gSEqEN594R-S_W-0tlzqEOdNUBmQ56AdIm7hoBJpOAI2nUwpzRN9G1pQuL5jXjtR5PATB8Rgxp7HEDfPNgYrU2sskqU5zrG8yFhnkRuN-h2eaaDccUKsyteo/s1600/Zuniga-kiera-montage-wma.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sweet & shy flower girl</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span id="goog_1194010421"></span><span id="goog_1194010422"></span>Muihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14697699891173422303noreply@blogger.com0