Bits of Life :: MCP Project 52 Week 8

It's week #8 for the MCP Project 52  and this week's theme is "The view from here..."

Our youngest is definitely "dad's helper" and was so excited to help reattach the plumbing after some home improvements were made. It was evening so I used the available overhead kitchen lights and a light across the room that somehow put a spotlight on the wrench at just the right moment. I love this because it really captures who he is, what makes him happy, and this would be a favorite "view."

Applied a preset action in Lightroom, settings adjusted, and then minor finishing touches added in Photoshop to brighten and sharpen.

©2011 Circle of Life Photography Do not copy or print.

For my MCP Project 52 images: http://www.flickr.com/photos/48520968@N03/

and the entire group of images submitted: http://www.flickr.com/groups/mcp-project52/

Bits of Life :: I Heart Faces "Fix-It Friday" #88

It's time for another "Fix-It" Friday from I Heart Faces~ these edits are so fun! This was a another quick and fun edit~ I love testing new presets and trying to take an already great image to the next level. This week's image (below) was taken by Angie:

original~ image by Angie Arthur Photography


Circle of Life Photography "Fix-It Friday" edit

How I did it: I started in Lightroom with a just-released Pretty Preset "Undo Overcast Day" to brighten and warm up the image, made some minor adjustments and overall brightened the image. In PS5 I ran Portraiture, MCP's Touch of Light/Dark on the eyes/face, and sharpened, cropped~ that's it!
I cropped out the barrette~ it's cute, but I think it distracts and cropping allows you to focus on her face~ love her wistful look~ dreaming about spring perhaps? Or maybe Justin Beiber...? hmmmm, anyway, have a GREAT Friday!

www.iheartfaces.com

Circle of Life Photography on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CircleofLifePhotography

Bits of Life :: I Heart Faces (#86)

www.iheartfaces.com

Last week I had a few minutes to hop over to the I Heart Faces site and was excited to have a chance to participate in editing one of the Fix-It Friday images (okay, so this was the 86th Fix-It Friday and the first time I actually got to do one... better late than never I guess?!)  This was a fun edit and didn't take much time. This week's image (below) was taken by Rachel:

Details on how I edited:
I started in Lightroom with Pretty Presets "Orange Wallflower" to brighten her pretty red hair and warm up the image, making some minor adjustments and overall brightening the image. In PS5 I ran Portraiture, MCP's Touch of Light/Dark on the eyes/face, and MCP's Mini Fusion, again making minor adjustments. Sharpened, cropped and rotated the image and that's it! Love her wispy curls and the how the colors pop in this sweet image.

image © I Heart Faces, edit by Circle of Life Photography

Bits of Life :: MCP Project 52 Weeks 6 & 7

Weekly submissions for MCP Project 52~ can't believe it's been 7 weeks since this started! It has been so much fun to try and come up with something creative to relate to the weekly topic~ even the kids are into it :-) All of my images are photographed using only available window light, with a preset action applied in Lightroom, settings adjusted, and then minor finishing touches added in Photoshop to brighten and sharpen. Enjoy and feel free to post a comment on your favorite!

For my MCP Project 52 images: http://www.flickr.com/photos/48520968@N03/
and the entire group of images submitted: http://www.flickr.com/groups/mcp-project52/

Please do not copy or download these images~ all images are copyright 2011 Circle of Life Photography. Thanks!


Week 6 theme: Words

in honor of a special day this month :-)

©2011 Circle of Life Photography ~ Do not copy or print.


Week 7 theme: Open Your Heart
Our oldest kiddo and I collaborated on this one~ we both loved the saying in the wrapper! She was disappointed to have missed the oreo cookie session the other week, and today her brothers weren't around, so guess who ate the candy heart?

©2011 Circle of Life Photography ~ Do not copy or print.

Bits of Life :: MCP Project 52 Weeks 1-5

A few weeks ago, Jodi from MCP Actions announced that she would be putting together a flickr group for photographers and enthusiasts to post one image each week, based on a proposed theme. I've seen a lot of photographers start (and sometimes complete) 365 projects, literally taking and posting an image every. single. day. Um, I don't know about you, but I find that a tad overwhelming!

I know myself~ that would last about two weeks for me~ mayyybe three, and I'd ditch it altogether. But once a week seems very do-able, a nice break from portrait work, and I have had a lot of fun thinking up something unique for the weekly topic.

All of my images are photographed using only available window light, with a preset action applied in Lightroom, settings adjusted, and then minor finishing touches added in Photoshop to brighten and sharpen. After today I will begin posting the weekly image as I create it~ but here is a recap of the past five weeks~ enjoy and feel free to post a comment on your favorite!

For my MCP Project 52 images: http://www.flickr.com/photos/48520968@N03/
and the entire group of images submitted: http://www.flickr.com/groups/mcp-project52/

Please do not copy or download these images~ all images are copyright 2011 Circle of Life Photography. Thanks!

Week 1: Something Around the House
...and how I start most days :-)



Week 2: Illustrate a song~ I chose "Sugar Sugar" by the Archies
Inspired by my kids' candy jar~ placed in the sink and using only natural light.




Week 3: Shades of Grey
Our chocolate lab Henry's favorite spot. Was originally trying to do something with the snowflakes in the window when he plopped down to check out what the squirrels were up to. Perfect timing with the natural light coming through~ can hardly notice those kid finger streaks on the window!


Week 4: Soothing Repetition
Week 4: Amazing how quickly my kiddos offered to be a part of this photography session!
And asked to repeat this over and over and over... too bad they won't cooperate any other time :-)



Week 5: Muse
Muse is defined as a guiding spirit and a source of inspiration. My trust in God's plan for my family, my life and business is something I muse about daily~ I am blessed beyond measure and am learning to give freely and know He will always provide. I listen and find direction/meaning in the Scriptures and music, and am energized by the expression of Christ's love from amazing friends and family who surround me.



If you are interested in participating in MCP's Project 52 feel free to jump in!