A couple of questions

I was just curious as to whether anyone had went through any of the free courses at the Epson site I had previously mentioned? And if so, what did you think?

Along the side of my blog here under 'Inspirations' I have links to several of my favorites artists. I am hoping that you will share links here to some of your favorite art or artists as well. At the least we can enjoy some great work, at best we will find new artists to enjoy.

I look forward to reading what you share!

I have a new HOLGA on the way - yay! I'm very excited to see what I can do with this film camera. I am also in the process of gathering what I need to start my own darkroom - this will all be very new to me and I'm excited to learn what I can. I'll keep you posted on my progress!



~ Jessica

New releases from Nikon and BVP updates

January 28 Nikon introduced the Nikon D60, the new digital SLR, providing consumers with stunning quality in an easy to use compact design boasting 10.2 megapixels.

“The Nikon D60 makes stepping up to digital SLR photography easy for anyone, but is also a wonderful choice for photo enthusiasts looking for remarkable performance in a compact package,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for marketing, SLR System Products at Nikon, Inc. It simplifies use with new dual dust reduction, in camera editing, and creative options. It's 0.18 second start up and split second shutter response eliminates shooting lag which is a common issue with many point and shoots. It even shoots RAW images for those interested! It's also the first camera to be part of the "Eye-Fi Connected" program, an Eye-Fi initiative offering camera, media card and digital home device makers an easy means to incorporate the power of wireless connectivity and Web services into their products.

On the same day they also introduced the new AF-S DX Nikkor 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens, which offers Nikon digital SLR photographers exceptional wide-angle capability along with superb telephoto versatility. The wide-ratio zoom makes it suitable for a broad range of shooting situations, including indoor and outdoor events; streetscapes; and portraits and scenery, making it ideal for everyday use. It incorporates several of Nikon’s most advanced lens design attributes such as Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass, Silent Wave Motor technology (SWM) and Nikon VR (Vibration Reduction image stabilization), delivering the outstanding optical performance that has made NIKKOR lenses the choice of so many professional photographers.

They also introduced the new PC-E Nikkor 24 mm f/3.5d DE lens, the latest in a series of lenses with a tilt/shift mechanism that enables us flexibility to effectively manipulate perspective, distortion and focus.

And lastly, they have introduced the new AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED lens engineered specifically for extreme close-up photography, and perfectly suited for general imaging as well. The new AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED lens can focus at a distance of approximately 0.185m (.6 ft.) at its closest, and allows photographers to capture breathtaking close-up photography with reproduction ratios up to 1:1

To read more on any of this visit dphotos.us.



Closer to home, I am extremely excited to see Spring come. I am ready to get out there shooting more regularly. I already have a few shoots set up tentatively which will depend on the weather. The winner of my recent contest will allow me the wonderful opportunity to work with twin baby girls and their 8 year old brother. I also have a shoot with a little boy that is turning 2 this month as well as a first time maternity session with a newborn follow up!

And here are some pictures I took of my daughter in between storms recently -

Updates + helpful site

~Recent News~

Most recently I have finished up a senior session for a young lady at Philo High School. She wanted to shoot in her home which was a bit of a challenge for me so I had to make the best out of the situation. It has been my mission since that day to educate myself as much as possible about lighting. I have always preferred to work outside in the natural light but it's not always an option os I am submersing myself in everything that is lighting, lol! Here are a couple of shots from that day. They are a little more traditional than my typical style but that is what the client wanted.

~Helpful Resources~

I recently ran across a site that I thought might be helpful to some of us. Epson Creative Learning Zone offers free online courses in subjects such as Beginning Digital Photography and Photoshop for Photographers. The courses are set up so that you can work at your convenience. I think this is a great source of information for anyone just starting out! The courses change periodically differing each time. Right now they are offering the Photoshop course as well as a course on Feng Shui, Advanced Digital Scrapbooking, and Digital Music Essentials. Check back often to see what courses are available!

~House of Jules~

I'm very excited about the House of Jules features today!

This first piece is a dress that is IDENTICAL to the one I am wearing in the following pictures and it is very affordable!:

And another vintage 30's or 40's dress!

Everyone enjoy your weekend!