interview with janet

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Today's interviewee? Janet from A Little Bit of Everything (former known as Bella Skye Photography)!

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tell us a little bit about yourself:

I'm a teenage girl with a passion for multiple things: photography, writing, fashion, and God. I almost always have my camera with me, to take pictures of the smallest things. My pencil is always ready for me to pick up and use. Fashion is something I just got into; I love mixing together different clothes and accessories to create unique outifts. I love God and always try to become a better Christian. But that's just a snapshot of my life :)

1) when did you first become interested in photography?

When I started reading different photography blogs. I saw so many beautiful pictures and thought: "Wow, I wish I could take beautiful pictures too" so then I picked up my camera, then started going around taking pictures, and that's when I truly fell in love with photography.

2) what camera(s) do you use?

I use my Nikon D3100 and occasionally my old camera: a Canon point-and-shoot.

3) does your camera have a name?
Nope, my friends and I are still trying to come up with a name for it :)

4) any lenses? flashes? other equipment?
18-55mm kit lens and 55-200mm telephoto lens!

5) what's on your equipment wish-list?
A lot of stuff! 50mm or 35mm lens, macro filters, UV filters, polarizing filters, warming filters, lens hood, a tripod, and Florabella Photoshop actions (does that count?)! :)

6) what's your absolute favourite thing about photography?
That's actually a really hard question. I'm torn between nature and people. Being outside and photographing flowers and nature is heaven to me, but I love spending time with people and thinking of different poses and such. But I have to say, if I had to choose only one, I would pick.. actually, I still can't really choose lol :)

7) what's your favourite thing to photograph? people? nature? other?
People and nature! Like I said in the last answer, I can't choose :)

8) do you ever get referred to as "the girl who's always taking pictures (I know I do). If yes, do you mind?
Sometimes! I don't mind at all, I love photography and the fact that others know that is great! :)

9) what do you do to find inspiration?
I go on Blogger! There's so so so so many inspirational blogs and bloggers out there in the blogging world it's almost impossible not to find inspiration!

10) any tips you'd like to give fellow photographers/bloggers?
Hmm... a few ;) Always be yourself. Never give up. Don't get down when you lose a follower (it happens to everyone. I myself have lost at least 10 in my blogging life). And be sure to love what your doing!  

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Thanks for letting me interview you! If you guys haven't already, you should go check out her blog! :)

(p.s- new design? yay or nay?)

-Hope

the ups and downs..

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..of photography that is! I've been wanting to do a post like this for awhile, but never found the right time. Now that I'm on vacation, this is a perfect kind of scheduled post! :)

First, we'll start with the positive things-

pros

1. You see beauty in everything. Sometimes even a pencil sharpener. Ahem.

2. You get to capture that beauty, and show other people how beautiful a pencil sharpener really can be.

3. You get to show people how the world looks through your eyes.

4. That sense of creativity you get when you capture that perfect shot.

5. You're taking moments from your everyday life and freezing those memories to remember forever.

cons 

1. You are constantly seeing the world through a frame, whether it be your view-finder or your man-this-would-make-an-awesome-picture frame in your head.

2. Because of number 1, you often miss out on seeing things first hand.

3. There is an often I-feel-like-I'm-taking-the-same-picture-over-and-over-again lack of inspiration.

4. You use up a lot of memory on your computer.

5. You spend more time uploading, editing, and publishing the pictures then you do taking them.

The verdict? I'll gladly accept all the cons for the thing I love to do most! :) What do you think? Any you would add?

-Hope

interview with mary catherine

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Hey guys! For our 4th interview we'll be interviewing the wonderfully wonderful Mary Catherine (otherwise known as MCat) from Glittering Compositions!

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tell us a little bit about yourself:

I am fourteen years old, and I am the oldest of six children. I have brown hair and brown eyes, and I'm taller than just about everyone I know. When I'm not behind the camera, I love reading, writing, and singing. 

1) when did you first become interested in photography?

I got my first point-and-shoot back in 2007 for my birthday, but I didn't get extremely serious about taking good photos until I entered an American girl photography contest last year. I didn't win, but I was hooked.

2) what camera(s) do you use?

Just this past month I finally got a Nikon D7000, which I adore. 

3) does your camera have a name?

Yes - her name is Ebony. :)

4) any lenses? flashes? other equipment?

Not currently, but as I said I really want to get a macro lens soon.

5) what's on your equipment wish-list?

I would like to get a few more lenses, including a macro lens. I also want to get one of those adorable camera strap covers. 

6) what's your absolute favourite thing about photography?

I love that I can capture moments that would otherwise be gone. I feel that I can show God's creation in such a way that makes other people see how marvelous He is. 

7) what's your favourite thing to photograph? people? nature? other?

Although I love photographing my siblings and people in general, I love nature photography the most because you don't have to make it pose.

8) do you ever get referred to as "the girl who's always taking pictures (I know I do). If yes, do you mind?

I get called that a lot - but I don't mind. In fact, I was talking to a little girl last week that took ballet with my teacher last year, and I was telling her she should have known me before because I took a ton of photos at our recital this year. Her eyes kind of got a little realization in them and she said, "Oh - you were the girl with the camera! I might have been avoiding you..." 
Sometimes I get funny looks, but that's okay - the pictures are always worth it in the end.

9) what do you do to find inspiration?

I look at my favorite blogs. 

10) any tips you'd like to give fellow photographers/bloggers?

Don't ever be afraid to be the one with the camera. When you're writing a blog post, make sure that you're being YOU, and not trying to be perfect. People enjoy reading blogs that are written by REAL people, mistakes and all. 

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Thanks for letting me interview you Mary Catherine! :) Your pictures are amazing! :)

-Hope

interview with kate

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I'm sure you all know of today's interviewee, but if not, let me introduce you to Kate from Little Somethings!

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tell us a little bit about yourself:

I'm Kate -- dark brown hair, hazel eyes. I'm an Oregon native, raised around boats and the water. Photography is my one and only. It was quite an unexpected passion, but a wonderful one at that. I love long weekends, homemade chocolate chip cookies, summertime, the french language, and going to the beach. I dream of one day attending med school and becoming a Pediatrician. For now, just trying to make it through high school. It's very lovely to meet you!

1) when did you first become interested in photography?

Not too long ago, really. In October 2010, I purchased my very first DSLR -- a Nikon d3000 -- and have been completely hooked on photography ever since

2) what camera(s) do you use?

I currently use a Nikon d90 but also have my old d3000 tucked away as a spare. I truly love the d90 and would recommend it to anyone.

3) does your camera have a name?

It actually does not! I suppose I'd never thought of that before. Maybe I should give it one - I will call her Emma. That's my favorite name.

4) any lenses? flashes? other equipment?

I do! I've got three lenses (that I use -- I own a couple more): a Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8, a 35mm f/1.8, and a 50mm f/1.8. I've also got an SB-400 flash, a Dolica tripod, various macro filters, some warming and polarizing filters, and a wireless remote. 

5) what's on your equipment wish-list?

I am really wanting a wide angle lens! I'm currently saving for the Sigma 10-20mm.

6) what's your absolute favourite thing about photography?

When I take photographs, I get to see the world in a whole new way. I notice the beauty, see the little things, and I learn how to appreciate. I just love being constantly inspired. Such a wonderful feeling.

7) what's your favourite thing to photograph? people? nature? other?

I really enjoy photographing people, children especially. I really do not get the chance to all that often, though. For the most part, I shoot nature and love it.

8) do you ever get referred to as "the girl who's always taking pictures (I know I do). If yes, do you mind?

Oh, yes! I am always being referred to as such and no, I do not mind!

9) what do you do to find inspiration?

I find nothing more inspiring than nature and whenever I am feeling uninspired or down, I always head outside with my camera. Perks me right up. I also love looking through photographs on Flickr and various blogs to find a little inspiration!

10) any tips you'd like to give fellow photographers/bloggers?

My tip to any photographer is to learn how to shoot manual. It's the biggest favor you can do for yourself and for your photographs. Truly. My photos improved tenfold once I took the time to sit down and figure out what the heck ISO and aperture meant!

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Thanks for letting me interview you Kate! :) I'm sure we all agree that your photography is breathtaking! 

-Hope

happy 4th of july

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Although I'm not even American, I want to wish all of you who are a fabulous 4th of July! To celebrate, here's some red, white and blue for you. :)

-Hope

interview with danielle

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If you haven't already ventured over to the one and only Paper Heart, then I'd like to introduce you to the wonderful, and talented Danielle!

tell us a little bit about yourself:

I'm Danielle : photographer, writer, musician. My camera? Well, let's just say it's practically glued to my neck. Ink pen + blank paper = hours worth of filling the page with flowing words. Whether poetry, songs, or novels. Anything music related is amazing. I love it.

But most of all, I am a Christian. Jesus is my everything, He always comes first in my life. Without Him I would be nothing.

1) when did you first become interested in photography?

I don't remember the exact time or reason I became interested in photography – it just kind of came. I noticed that my passion for photography started while we were on vacation, I never put my point & shoot down! The following winter (winter 2010) I bought a more advanced point & shoot, the Nikon P100, and was absolutely in love. It was then that I realized how much I adore photography. Just last week I got a DSLR, and I'm falling in love all over again.

2) what camera(s) do you use?

Like I said in the previous question, I just got my DSLR last week. It is the Nikon D3000 and I couldn't have asked for a better camera. I also still have my point & shoot, the Kodak Easyshare M763, though that one doesn't get used much.

3) does your camera have a name?

I have been considering naming it, but at the moment, it doesn't. I would be afraid to look like a photography freak that named her camera! ;) But who am I kidding, I am a photography freak!

4) any lenses? flashes? other equipment?

The only lens I own is the kit lens that came with my camera – the 18-55mm. I also have a tripod, but it's not very good at supporting my new D3000. Haha!

5) what's on your equipment wish-list?

I'm really content with what I have now, but I would love to have the 35mm 1.8 lens.

6) what's your absolute favourite thing about photography?

Just one? I would have to say I love capturing beauty and creating memories, that is my motto for photography. Capturing the beauty of things around me, and creating memories by keeping the pictures to look back on.

7) what's your favourite thing to photograph? people? nature? other?

People! I love that every person is so unique. So, even though you are still photographing people, you have a different experience and different photos every time.

8) do you ever get referred to as "the girl who's always taking pictures (I know I do). If yes, do you mind?

I have never been referred to as that. Although, all of my friends know that my camera strap does not come off my neck! ;) My photography teacher once said that my “beautiful face has been replaced with a black box”.

9) what do you do to find inspiration?

Open my eyes. There is beauty all around, even a doorknob is beautiful in it's own way. One of the many talents true photographers have is being able to see beauty in everything. Whether it be the tree in your backyard, or the Starbucks cup you are holding.

10) any tips you'd like to give fellow photographers/bloggers?

Never give up. It sounds cheesy, I know, but I mean it.

You don't have a DSLR? Do the best to use your point & shoot.

You only have a few followers? Keep writing and you will get more.

Photograph for the joy it gives you and write for the pleasure of it. Don't surround it around how great of a camera you have or how many people read your blog. Do it because you love it.

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Awesome answers Danielle! Thanks for letting me interview you! Keep taking those amazing pictures of yours! :)

-Hope

interview with kiley

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Hey guys! While I'm on vacation you'll be seeing a few interviews with some of my favourite bloggers! The first interview is the one and only Kiley from Click and Capture Photography!

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tell us a little bit about yourself:

Heyy! I am a teen girl who loves photography, and takes pictures like there's no tomorrow. I love Jesus with all my heart, and my siblings and family are my daily support. I am not a morning girl but love staying up late, vacations are a favorite, nails, hair and makeup are lots of fun and blogging is an obsession. Babysitting is my (loved) job, and photography is high up there too, Starbucks coffee and late night movies=♥ I dare you to follow my blog and learn more about me. Nice to meet you.

1) when did you first become interested in photography?

A few years ago, my aunt who is only 4 years older then me, got an SLR. I thought it was the coolest thing! I shot around with it every time we got together but had no clue what I was doing. In early 2010 I went out and bought a more expensive point and shoot. Then in late 2010 I really starting wanting a SLR. In September a bought a used Canon Rebel XSi.

2) what camera(s) do you use?

Right now, I have the Nikon d3100, and a sony cybershot p&s. I love them both but defiantly use my Nikon more often!

3) does your camera have a name?

I tried to name by Canon Rebel Haley, but it never stuck. I guess I never named my Nikon.....maybe I should do that. ;)

4) any lenses? flashes? other equipment?

I have the Nikon kit lens, and the 55-200mm lens. I use my 55-200 just about 100% of the time. I'm trading my kit lens in for a 35mm f/1.8 really, really soon though!

5) what's on your equipment wish-list?

The 35mm, 50mm, lightroom or a higher version of photoshop, monopods, remotes, lots of things. The wishlist will never end. (sadly!) You can see my full wishlist here.

6) what's your absolute favourite thing about photography?

Capturing such fun moments! You can't remember every moment in life so capturing them in photographs is essential. ;)

7) what's your favourite thing to photograph? people? nature? other?

I really have never thought about a favorite, people ask me but I can never answer! I really like to photograph people but nature, food, and basically everything in site is a favorite too. ;)

8) do you ever get referred to as "the girl who's always taking pictures (I know I do). If yes, do you mind?

YES I do. Some people will say something like "your taking a picture of that....?" Sometimes it does bug me, but really its what I love to do so if they are going to be spending a lot of time with me I would recommend getting used to it. haha.

9) what do you do to find inspiration?

Search photography sites! A few of my favorites are Three Nails Photography, Photography by Nealy, Knox Photography, Bumble & Bloom, and Jessica Shae!

10) any tips you'd like to give fellow photographers/bloggers?

Don't be discouraged. It's a tip I give lots of people. Don't be discouraged about anything. Your photography, your blog, your little amount of followers, anything! :D

Thanks Hope for letting me post on here! ♥

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Thanks for doing this Kiley! It was fun! :) 

-Hope

live your life photography contest | july

It's that time of the month again! I can't wait to see what you amazing, talented people enter this month! The theme this time around is:

BOKEH!!! :)

Although I don't even know how to pronounce the word, bokeh is probably one of my favourite things about photography and when you capture that dreamy photo full of it, it deserves to be shared! Here are some examples:

Simple right?

This time we'll only be having 1 prize, so I'll choose 5 finalists on the 15th and then you'll get to vote for the winner in a poll! :) Here's what you could win:

This beautiful necklace was donated from FreshJewelryDesign!

RULES

You must be following my blog to enter.

The picture must be taken by you.

Each entry must link back to my blog, using either the button or a hyperlink.

All entries must be submitted by Friday, July 15th.

One submission per person only.
If there is more than one picture in the post, please indicate which photo you are entering.

I reserve the right to remove any entries for whatever reason.

Please link up with the post URL, not the blog URL.

If you do not have a blog, please feel free to link up using your flickr, photobucket, or other photo sites. 

**Please note that if you do use a photo site all the above rules still apply.**

<center><a href="http://hope-liveyourlife.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="live your life" src="http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff379/hopeturcotte2011/Untitled-1.png" /></a></center>

What`re you waiting for? Go find a bokehlicious (yes I do actually say bokehlicious) picture and enter below! :)

{P.S. - Happy Canada Day to all my fellow Canadian friends!}

-Hope