Corel PSPX2 - Scripts (actions) Tips

Just wondering how many reader's would be interested in learning about scripts and tips for working with Corel PSPX2?

I had a hard time when I first got the program trying to find scripts (actions) for it. So through trial and error, I found a couple of great tricks I thought I would share, if there was an interest.

The program is much more reasonable then some of the other photo shop software's out there. I find it works just as well, if you have time to make some recipes.

Let me know by leaving a comment!

Wedding Bells - I Heart Faces Contest Entry

"Growing up sucks. Not all kisses are magic, and most boys do not live up to your expectations, but there are those times when everything, I mean...love, romance, relationships, it all falls together perfectly and it's incredible."

There is something to me, that is so intimate about this image. It's as if they're in their own little world. Yet, they are surrounded by a crowd. Not a care in the world, just living for the moment.

If you want to see more 'wedding bell' images - head on over to the blog, "I Heart Faces". Each week they feature a new theme and photo contest. Special guest's vote on their favorite image from all the entries.

This week, the infamous J* is on hand, viewing all of the wonderful entries. I'm sure she is going to be overloaded with some amazing stuff. If you haven't been over to Jasmine Star's (J*) website...run, don't walk! Not only is her wedding images fun and fresh, her branding is just magical. Don't know how the girl does it, cause no joke, blogging is a full time job...lol...but some how she does it all. Head over to both web site's to be inspired!

If you would like to see more images from this wedding - just scroll down a bit!

Funny Business

Just wanted to give a quick head's up that maintenance is being performed on this blog. Nothing should really be disrupted, but if you see anything funny - just know it will be back to normal shortly. Thing's are being resized and changed, so image's may not be up to par right now. Hope to have it all taken care of in a jiffy!

'Moonlight in Vermont', errr New York ; )

I remember when I got married, I had hired a photographer that was a 'poser'. He was fantastic, don't get me wrong. But he posed us...the entire night!

Now, posed pictures you need. It documents the event. But when you're in the moment, it tends to be a bit distracting. "Look up, place your hand here, look at each other." You get the idea. Sometimes 'posed' looks nothing but un-natural. Sometimes they rock though.

When I received my pictures back from my photog I was delighted. I loved the outcome. But something strange happened over the next couple of months. I began to re-visit more and more the pictures our guests had taken. They were magic to me. Filled with emotion. Were they 'picture perfect'? No. Did they tell the story? YES! Some images were blurry, some with horrible composition, the exposure none existent, and still in my eyes, they were perfect. They were real. They were raw. They were all the moments leading up to the event. The moment's that people usually don't witness when in the second. The layer's of secret's that each image captured was amazing. The background. The shared smiles between guests. The look in people's eyes. The excitement of the moment. It was real.

Recently my family had the honor of attending a wedding of a good friend of the family. It was on a yacht which traveled the gorgeous Hudson River. It was something right out of a novel. While on the boat I was taking snapshots here and there and ran into the bride in the captain's room. Elegant, refined, Audrey Hepburn-esque, old hollywood glamour looking. STUNNING!Upon pleasantries she had mentioned the fact that she was tired of posing for the photographer. She had mostly wanted candid's. So I let him do the dirty work and I had a ball catching the candid's.

The wedding had a very vintage feel. Intimate, romantic. Simplicity at it's best. The bride and groom in love, sharing their first few moments as husband and wife, with their privileged guests to witness. Pure bliss.

The images below are a sneak peek behind the scenes. The experience, the journey, their beginning. I took a very photojournalist approach to these. You'll find when viewing, the longer you look at the image, sometimes the more you will find. The layers perhaps are better then the defined moment. Sometimes it's the surrounding moments that you were so unaware of that become the most beautiful.

I found these images amusing and heartfelt. Some images work, other's don't. Some are candid, some are posed. But they all have one thing in common, they tell their story.

And so it goes...their story, their moments, their life.


Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Lynch.

Love...isn't it grand?

If you have time and want to see more, check out the slideshow on the website under "Client Viewing"!

The Happy Hatter - I Heart Faces contest

I caught this sweet capture of my new baby girl last week. She just turned two months. I can just eat her up. Yummm...



Isn't the hat darling? I just love it. You can find a link to the seller (very reasonably priced, I may add) in my last blog entry under the title 'If the Hat Fits'.

If you have a image of a child in a hat, post it at the "I Heart Faces" website's weekly contest and join the fun!

Yay! This photo placed in the top ten for this contest and received an "honorable mention."

If the Hat Fits.... - Photography Props

I have a secret...well she was my best kept secret until now.

Many of you have asked about the hats that are featured on my web site and I have come to the conclusion that I will have to share my source.

Recently I had the great fortune of coming across a photographer's dream. A woman named Jackie who creates couture hats. Her creations have a way of making you 'awww' and giggle out loud. Fun and fanciful!

The hats are reasonable priced (starting at $8 and up). The great thing about her creations are that no two hats are alike, which I personally love. You get an original, unique piece each time. The beanies are my personal fave's. They fit nice and snug on a baby. What's also great is that most of her creations are hand sewn on (with exception to a few). This means that you can take the design (at a later date) and switch it to another hat to fit a toddler.

Jackie's new 'baby prop' line is called "Springtime Annie" and you can find her designer creations on her Etsy store front "If The Hat Fits" (web address to follow).

What's also nice is that Jackie will customize your order to your specifications. Do you have a favorite dress, tutu or petti that you need a hat for? She's your woman. The hat's would be adorable for a birthday girl, holiday or photo shoot.

The great news is my readers will receive a special 15% discount off her already low prices. Just mention the code word "Happy Hatter" in your convo to her before purchase.

Below are some images of her creations, which don't even do them justice! Check her out and let me know what you think in the comment section.

Here's her link:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6333441&ga_search_query=ifthehatfits&ga_search_type=seller_usernames

Sleeping Beauty:



My girls!




Unique headband Jackie created. Fits both baby and toddler....

and also a pooch...sorta ; )

Where my obsession all started...my first hat from "If the Hat Fits".

Ms. Jilian

Just a tiny sneak peek at some of your images. Had fun shooting you (ha ; )