Freebies, Tutorials, Back-to-School Photography Ideas

First,I want to give a "shout-out" to my friends for their "visits" and encouraging comments.  Getting a comment/message from you every once in a while makes me feel connected and happy. ;)

• Becky
• Robin
• Ann
• Karen
• Lynn

Now on to business...

If you struggle with including journaling in your pages, Elle's Studio is currently conducting a free 3-week journaling class directly from her blog, which will be useful to us all.  Thus far May Flaum and Ali Edwards have shared their thoughts and ideas on the subject.

Freebies:

• Grassy alpha by Sarah.
• Grade School alpha by KristinA 
• Note: You can pick up the Grade School kit for $4.88 only! 
• 
  
• Tiffany Tillman has a free quickapage/template at the Shutterfly blog. 
• Funky 3d Alpha by Sarah.
• Template by SBaird  at Two Little Pixels blog.
• Template @ Weeds and Wildflowers blog.

Photography
Back to School Photo Ideas
Many of us have children starting school in September.  And how appropriate that Angie Arthur from IHEARTFACES share with us her tips and tricks for getting the best photos possible.  The samples are fab and definitely worth a try.

Photography Tip: Manual Mode
For those of us with DSLR cameras that are trying to get off of auto and into manual mode, Persnickety Prints has a easy to read, visually friendly article that will get you started.


Photography Tutorial
How to create a high-key Image in Photoshop
Have you ever wondered how on earth photographers and designers create those high-key photo effects that you usually see in high fashion magazines?
If so, head on over to MCP Actions where Jodi has a tutorial that walks you through the steps.

Tutorial
How to Use Acrylic Elements on Your Layouts
While I was checking out Design House Digital yesterday, I came across this tutorial that gave me a few ideas on using acrylic elements on on a page.  I especially liked the journaling and painting under the acrylic ideas.  Go check it out and tell me which idea you liked best.

Gift Idea for the mamarazzi in your life.
Are you looking for a gift for your favorite photographer or mamarazzi? Maybe a birthday or Christmas gift? If so, I'd like to direct your attention to the Camera Lens Mug.  Doesn't it look like a real lens? You can buy this baby HERE.  9800

Freebies, Tutorials, Back-to-School Photography Ideas

Shark/Hurricane Harbor/Freebies/Photo Tips

Kaylie swimming underwater.

Liam swimming underwater.















Yesterday, I went to Hurricane Harbor with my Elizabeth and her son, Emanuel. It was a treat for the kids to have someone else come along for the ride.

It was a super hot day, so it was perfect for a water park outing. We arrived promptly at opening time (9:30a.m.) and got in the extremely long purchase-ticket-line, before getting in line to enter the park. This was a precursor of what the park held in store for us all day long.

The kids wanted to go on the Tak It Eze Creek which loops you in a 360 circle, but that didn't open until 11:00. We decided to go on the 4 Winds, but it was filled to capacity. There were no tubes anywhere to be found!

We then headed over to Discovery Bay where they got drenched under a bucket of splashing water that comes down every 20 minutes. I didn't get wet as I was taking photos. Liam rode the orange slide, while Kaylie went on the blue. Emanuel was too tall for the slides.

After a while, we headed on the Wave Pool at The Blue Lagoon. That was fun!

The Tornado ride had a waiting line of over 1 hour 30 minutes and Bada Bing ride had no tubes available. Hurricane Mountain had tubes so the kids rode the mountain 2 times.

We went out of the park to grab lunch, then returned and went on the Tak It Eze Creek (you guessed it! Without a tube!) 2 times. Emanuel wanted to ride the 4 winds, but again, there was one tube and the line was incredibly long. Instead we headed over to the Wave Pool once more for an hour then left.

I had to rush home to drop off Elizabeth and then make a mad dash for Liam's counseling appointment in Moorestown. We were late in excess of 15 minutes.

Afterwards, we had to go to Costco to get some groceries, which meant we got home around 8:00 p.m. Boy, was I beat from all the running around!

Here are some photos for you viewing pleasure.

FREEBIES:

CREATING KEEPSAKES has a ton of freebies. Go check them out HERE.
DAMAYANTI has a nature element pack.
Nini has some wordart over @ SUDDENLY ARTISTIC.
THE SIMPLE SCRAPPER has a template.
Vintage Labels @ FAR FAR HILL blog.
ELEMENTAL SCRAPS is having a daily download.

PHOTOGRAPHY ARTICLES

Focal Length by MCP Actions
Sunflare in Photography by MCP Actions. 9466

Shark/Hurricane Harbor/Freebies/Photo Tips