Logo/Blog design giveaway

As many of you have probably noticed, my logo and my blog change more often than the seasons! There are 2 reasons for this: #1 I love to keep things fresh. #2 I love creating. No, I am not a graphic designer but I design all of my own stuff and I love doing it. SOO my point is, I am going to direct more of my creative energy towards others out there who are looking for their own style but don't know where to start.

I will be selecting one person for a custom logo and blog design.

 If you or someone you know is interested, please contact me. Include basic information about yourself and a blog/web address if you have them. Tell me what style you are looking for, color schemes, ideas, etc. I will be choosing one person on New Year's eve and I will announce the winner of the giveaway on my blog at the same time as I announce the winner of the monthly drawing. I can't wait to hear from you!

Free Photoshop Actions!

Introducing....

my first ever action set!! *my apologies for the deformed cupcake;)

 I wanted something that I could use to quickly spice up my photos. So I sat down at my computer and these delicious desserts were concocted!! I hope you download them and try them out. Also, feedback is appreciated. Let me know how you like them, what you use them for, any issues, etc. They are also really cool on black and white photos, with the opacity taken down a bit. Have fun with them!!

Download HERE

{and that's a wrap...er, a Rapp!}

First I must say that I am now in love with a green building in downtown SLC. Second, I'm not loving leaving the warmth of my home at this time of year, and third, my husband is amazing. Let me explain:

It was FREEZING, I'm saying F to the R to the EEZING for this shoot! These kids couldn't have smiled if they tried, their mouths were frozen! So my husband David stood on his head, and by george, it worked!

What a brave little bunch of kids! They were so incredibly sweet about posing for me even though they were close to tears. We made it quick and got out alive;)

The little one wasn't feeling very good and he tried SOO hard not to smile for me or look at me for that matter, but my camera peak-a-boo game almost got him to crack. Which is funny because most kids just look at me like I'm a total idiot. No comments on that please;)

Heather, thanks so much for bringing your beautiful family to me and for being so flexible. Your gallery is ready:)

Zach.and his parents too.

Holy cow this kid has so many expressions! He really kept his parents on their toes during the session!

I love photographing new little families. It's so exciting.

Thanks for a great half hour guys! Your gallery is almost ready:)

{just a couple of New Zealanders}

Meet Josh and Latisha. 

They are so funny. I was down in Santaquin for another shoot and they asked if they could have a quick shoot with me so we headed out to the tracks.

For the record, these aren't engagement photos! Just for fun, right guys?

Tisha, I hope you like these, you are gorgeous. You should really model.

You too Josh. If being a chef doesn't work out at least you have something to fall back on!  LOL I've heard you make a mean dish.

Thanks for a fun and freezing 15 minutes guys! Next time you're in the states we should do it again!

{The Hone Family}

I've been taking this little guy's pictures since he was a newborn and I'm so excited that his parents finally got to join in on a session! What a good little sport, it was FREEZING out!

He REALLY BADLY wanted the reflector Davey was holding. Can't you tell?

You are the cutest little family. Thanks so much for letting me be a small part of your lives. xoxo

{gray boy and his girl. part 2. the wedding}

I don't even know how to begin blogging this wedding. I have been sitting here for hours putting together collages, trying to narrow it down to my favorite images but not being able to decide which ones I can do without. I wish I could have taken you all with me. I want to blog this so well that you all can get a feel for just how amazing this day was. I don't think I will able to to, but I'm giving it my best shot.

          The day started out at the Las Vegas LDS temple.The weather was B-E -A-utiful! When they walked through those big white doors, they were glowing. They are so cute and so in love.

The support and love family and friends displayed for Nate and Chelsea was definitely strong.

 The group was so great to follow my lead and did everything I asked. They were so much fun and had an amazing sense of humor..and if you know me at all, you know I appreciate that!

 Nate and Chelsea are so cute. I cannot stress it enough! LOL They are such good sports and always willing to try my ideas. 

Um, SHOES?!? Purple is my new favorite color!

The reception was fantastic. Chelsea and her Mom got resourceful and went online and found ideas for the decor and made it all themselves. You so cannot tell! It looked amazing!! From the ribbons tied to the palm trees right down to the details on the table centerpieces.

I felt kind of bittersweet when it was over and they got in their car and left. It was such a fun day, I could have done it twice, although the Vegas sun was dropping as quickly as the temperature! I am so happy for these guys and I definitely will be stalking their blog forever! Love you guys! XOXO

Blogging Tips

Here are some pretty sweet HOW TO's if you've got a blogger blog and have the courage to play around with your HTML code. Just remember to back up your template before making any changes just in case you might make a mistake. Trust me, it happens. Feel free to check out the following tutorials and contact me if you have any questions. Happy blogging!


Add a linkbar under your header
Change the background to be different from the main section
Add a background image
Widening your post section to accommodate larger images

{Ello There}

I just about DIED when I stumbled upon this little Etsy seller! If you want your wedding invites and save the date's to stand out, you have to print through these guys. If I could do it all over again just to be able to send these little babies out, believe me I would! Check it out!

{camera for sale}

It's time again for an upgrade! My Rebel has served me well but I am ready to move to the next level. This camera is amazing, user-friendly, and a great camera for beginners as well as advanced users. I got her in April of this year and she has been very well taken care of. So, here's what I'm selling:

• Canon Rebel XSI 12.2 mp DSLR
• Canon 18-55 mm EF-S lens
• usb cord
• RCA cable (to hook up to a tv)
• neck strap
• user manual/software
• 2 batteries & charger
• 2 HDSC memory cards(4 GB and 8 GB)
• Victorinox Swiss Army backpack
• USB memory card adapter
• ONE photography mentoring session(1-2 hours), models provided
• ONE photoshop mentoring session(1-2 hours) YOU MUST HAVE PHOTOSHOP:)

 This really is everything you need to get started if you are wanting to get into pro photography. This is a lot cheaper than if you were to try and buy all this stuff on your own. Plus I will teach you how to use the camera and how to take portraits.

$1000

Tell your friends and family and feel free to contact me with any questions. Thanks and have a great day!

*Note:This is a package deal, I'm not selling anything separate. Thanks!

{..Preview X3..}

I am a very very busy bee and have so many fun things in store..

Stay tuned..

{December Drawing}

This month’s drawing will be held on New Year’s Eve!

Entries are being accepted all month long!

You may enter multiple times by doing the following:

*join the group on facebook and leave a comment(1 point)

*become a follower of this blog and leave a comment(1 point)

*add the button to your blog and send me a link(1 point)

For each point your name will be dropped into “The Hat” and two names will be drawn at random and announced via facebook and the blog at 12:01 am January 1st 2010!!

The 1st place winner will receive a sweet gift certificate for a 1-2 hour photo session at any location within Cache, Box Elder, Salt Lake, Tooele, Utah, and the surrounding counties(as in, I will come to you!). Disk of appr. 40 high resolution edits will be included along with a password protected proofing gallery for 2 months!

The 2nd place winner will receive HALF off any session of their choice! Oh Snap!

So for those of you who missed out on last month's drawing, here's your chance to WIN!!

I love you all! xo