The most beautiful girl in the world...

Or one of them at the very least! I actually talked my 12 year old into doing a photo shoot with me, and I was so excited! Here are some of my favorites from the shoot:
Look at those incredible blue eyes:

Love this soft and sweet smile:

 Trying some posing techniques with the hands (it felt a little silly since she's only 12)

 Love all of the light in her eyes(and that smile!)

 I tried some fun lens flare here:

 Some more posing practice and her "model pout":

 I like that she still looks 12 in this one-even though it's a little on the hazy side, it may be my favorite of the day!

I found (via Two Peas In A Bucket and Jill) the most fantastic resource for learning photography, and it's FREE:  Youtube! Here is a tutorial on Eye Placement in photographs, and lots more great  tutorial videos.

Project 52...Week 3...I dreamed a dream

I skipped a week, so, when I felt I had an appropriate photo,  I decided to go back and post, so I'll be caught up. Confusing enough? Anyway, I caught this shot of my son sleeping with the dog:

and this one (love those gorgeous eyelashes!):

I am linking up to:

Project 52, Week 4: Self Portrait

I know, I know, I skipped week 3...I will get back to it when I get the chance. But for now, here is my photo for the Week 4 challenge:

Taking a backlit photo of yourself is hard! I used a twig as my focal point, and then jumped into position (trying to make sure I was on the same plane) as quickly as possible.It's a little hazy, but it was one of the better captures. CC always welcome!

I am linking up to:

Project 52... Made With Love

This week the challenge was to take photos following the theme of "Made With Love". So as I was taking my Christmas tree down (I was trying to leave it up for Valentine's Day, but the hubs wouldn't have it ;-) ), I took a photo of my Christmas gift:

From my adorable nephew:

His mama is a pinterest freak like me!What a great gift, one of my favorites this year!

Thanks Porter!

Project 52..Week One..Resolution

I definantly want to participate in challenges to improve my photography over the next year, and when I saw the "Project 52" that they are starting at My 3 Boybarians, I thought that would be the perfect way to challenge myself to use my camera over the next year (Project 365 is just too much for me-I always give up by February). One photo per week just might be manageable for me, though.
 The theme for this week is "Resolution". My biggest resolution is to lose weight this year, with a goal of 45 pounds. What does shoes have to do with that, you ask? They are my big motivator. I want to get a fabulous dress to go along with them for my little brother's wedding in April, and I don't want to feel like a chubby girl on stilts ;-)
THE Shoes:

Question:
What kind of dress would you suggest to go with these shoes? For an intimate daytime wedding in April? (We live in TN, so it may be warm(ish)-I am guessing and hoping mild weather-around 60's to 70's). Any suggestions or thoughts welcome-and I always welcome Constructive Criticism on my photos. Thanks!
The challenge I am linking up to:

So I Ordered This...

It's a White Balance lens cap from Amazon. I saw it mentioned on a blog, and I thought for less than 5 bucks, it would be worth a try. Any one have any experience with these, or tips on how to use it?