Homeschool Book

A few weeks ago I saw a photo book deal posted on Money Saving Mom and so I decided to jump on it and make a photo book with all of the My Father's World Kindergarten key words.

This makes it simple to sit down and review the letters and the key words on a regular basis.

Since there was a $30 off coupon code, I only had to pay shipping, which was $9.

I've made many photo books in recent years, using whichever company happens to have a great deal, so I've seen lots of styles and a variety regarding quality. 

Paper Coterie, which is where I made this book, has the BEST QUALITY I've ever seen thus far! 

I'm not in any way getting paid or rewarded for posting this;  I just wanted to share this with all of my friends so that you know if you want TOP-NOTCH, crystal-clear photos and quality paper, this is a great company to try!  I am continually amazed at the quality of this book every time I read this to the kids.  It's made me willing to pay a little extra to get any future photo books here rather than settle for the cheap books that have grainy photos and thin paper and distorted color.

Thanks to our many trips to the zoo in recent years, I had lots of animal photos to choose from.  There were a few things I didn't have pics of, so I used some free stock images from online for those things (quail, fox, etc.)

My friend Amanda took this awesome photo of zebras when she went to South Africa last summer. 

I liked that the photo book program allowed me to move the letters around and put text in various fonts and formats anywhere on the page.

So, if you want something extra special for your spouse, grandma, mom, dad, or kids, keep your eyes open for sales and discounts at this site!

Cooking With Kate--A Recipe for Cute Pics

A Recipe for Cute Pictures

First you find your inspiration, whether it be a theme, a place, or a cute prop,

like this teeny tiny apron I found in our Closet Thrift Store in the basement. 

I don't know who gave it to us, but it is darling!

 

In advance lay out everything you need for the "recipe"

by brainstorming how you can piggyback off of the cute prop...

Add your cute little darling to the mix, and you will definitely have the most important part of your recipe!  Be sure your little one is well-rested and fed beforehand so the mood of the shoot is cheerful and not filled with tears.

Let your little one have fun!  Be less about posing her/him and more about watching him/her and catching her/his delight and exploration....

Put all these ingredients in a pan called SIMPLE.  You want to simplify your background and exclude anything that would be a distraction and take away from the photo instead of adding to it.

Add a dash of humor and a pinch of fun on top by being silly or singing their favorite song....

...and bake in an oven of LOVE!  Remember the camera looks both ways...a photo is never just about what is in the picture but about how you FEEL about what's in the picture.  These are not just pictures of Katrielle, they are pics of this Mama's heart too....

Ta-Da!  Follow this recipe for super-sweet pics of your little ones!

Photo Fun

Here's what I've been up to with my new camera. I've seen dramatic growth in my photography skills over the summer. I've read tons of books, tons of articles, and have practiced daily or near-daily. I no longer shoot in dummy-mode and rarely use a flash. I absolutely love taking pictures and I'm getting lots of calls these days for people willing to pay for family photos. I even booked my first wedding too! (I'm sooooo nervous! Please pray for me! Weddings aren't something I want to do for very many people but this gal has promised not to be a bride-zilla!)

I've also been asked to do our church's directory booklet, which I'll start next Sunday.

My nephew, Jedediah, is such a darling! 

Justus and his look-alike friend Eli from church.

As for all the photos of all-boy families and the cowboy hats, what can I say?  I live in Wyoming!

Single women ought to head this way!