Hello fellow blog readers and friends. Greetings from Hoosier land...otherwise known as Indiana. It's Friday night and I'm enjoying myself thoroughly here in my hometown with friends and family. I just returned home after a fun night with my parents and the kiddo's. We drove into downtown Indianapolis to check out the final four festivities. Our Butler Bulldogs made it into the final four this year so our town is hoppin' right now. It's so awesome to see all of the excitement for another one of our Indiana teams so soon after the Superbowl events. We have a spectacular city and I'm proud to call Indiana my "home." My Dad has tickets for the final four games this year and he is taking Brennen with him. Lucky DAWGS! Brennen has no idea how blessed he is. This city is going to be rockin' and rollin' tomorrow night once the games begin. Fun stuff! We went to Dick's sporting goods today and got all of our Butler fan gear for the games. It was a mad house in there to say the least. Not only that but I looked like something the cat drug in yet managed to run into everybody and their brother while there. Never fails - whenever you look like crap - you see everyone you know. Today was no different. It was great to see everyone though - even though I looked like I'd been thru a "hell hath no furry tornado." :)
FYI...the real reason why I'm writing tonight is to let you guys know a quick tid bit regarding my blog tomorrow. My web gal, Amy, is migrating my blog over to a new blog address which might take several hours tomorrow (Saturday). Therefore, if you visit the blog at all tomorrow and it is down, you'll know why. You might have to check back later in the day or evening once the migration has taken place. The new blog address after the migration is complete will be http://www.angelicagracedesigns.blogspot.com/ Blogger updated their servers and such which required us with FTP publishing to update along with them. Please mark your bookmark for my blog accordingly after tomorrow so that you can still find me after the migration. Hopefully everything with transfer smoothly and we won't have any glitches. :)
I know I said I wouldn't blog until next Tuesday but my web gal thought I should post a heads up for each of you in case you come to the blog and have problems viewing it tomorrow. Therefore, I'm borrowing my Dad's laptop and blogging. It has been an absolutely beautiful week here in Indiana. We've had 80 something degree weather and sunshine since we arrived. All of my resources really nailed my weather requests before our arrival. LOL! I've been able to visit with girlfriends, veg out with my parents, see some of my parents dear friends while in town, and just enjoy being home overall. Dad and Cathy have fed us like they were feeding an army everyday. They've cooked for us, taken us to my favorite restaurants that I've been craving since moving to Florida and baked good ol' brownies as well. I'm in heaven. I've missed being home and this week is exactly what I needed.
Brennen spent the day in Carmel with a good buddy of his and had a ball. He's had sleepovers with all of his cousins and bounced off the walls since arriving back home. I paid a visit to my favorite cupcake shop, Holy Cow Cupcakes, while up in Carmel today. I got to see my friend/store owner, Karen Sutton, as well as grab some of my favorite cuppies while in town. YAY! We spent the night reminiscing with my parents last night. We ran by the firehouse and visited with some of my Dads best buds for a bit. Again, great to see everyone. Across the street from that fire house was where we did some of our reminiscing. There is a park - called Garfield park - in that area of town. Inside that park is a hill that we all call "Tickle Belly Hill." As a kid, my parents used to drive me over the hill as fast as the car we were in would go and it would give you the biggest butterflies in your belly. As I got older, my Mom owned several corvettes over a certain amount of years. We'd get over in that area on rare occasions but when we did, she'd always take me over the hill in the vette(s) for the fun of it. That hill and that park in general bring back so many memories for me as a young kid. So...this time...I decided to introduce it to my own kids. Needless to say, they loved it. Kenidi especially. The first time I took her over it, she kept signing the word "more." LOL! It was hysterical. I'm so very thankful for childhood memories that can be passed on to my own children now. All that reminiscing had me going by the house I grew up in as a kid, the house my Dad and Cathy lived in as I was growing up, the elementary school I attended from K-2nd grade and so forth. Maybe the moving out of state brought it all out but something in me just needed to see those places one more time. Strange I know. However, it gave me comfort - almost a confirmation that yes...Indiana and many of its cities are still my hometown even though I reside in Florida full time now. There is just something about "home" that helps fulfill the soul when it is needing replenished. Even though we live in Florida now, I'm so blessed by the family I have and the friends I have which help complete this town that I call my real "home." Without them, home means nothing.
For now, I am going to finish watching this movie with my parents and then hit the hay. We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow. For most of the day, we'll be at our old house in Center Grove doing some touch up work before any new/future occupants move in. And for those of you who understand this joke...NO, I'm not in jail. YET! LOL! Check back with me after I've been at the house all day tomorrow. Most of you are on stand by - just waiting for a potential collect call from me from the county lock up. HA HA! So far no appearences have been made. As long as it stays that way, we'll be good to go. Wink wink! ;)
As I said before, I'll be back to regular blogging and sharing my newest photography images come Tuesday. Stay tuned. Thank you for your patience. It's greatly appreciated.
PS...My next round of beginner online photography classes that I teach are starting on May 1st. Seats are filling up. If you want to register or would just like to get info on them, goHERE to do so. We would love to have you join us in the next class. Much love, Angie
Just had to post this for all of my Hoosier friends. One of my Indiana friends emailed it to me and I had to thank her for the blog content. LOL! I hear it is pretty chilly back home in Indy. Don't hate though - it is pretty chilly here in Florida this week too. They have had a series of "cold fronts" recently and another one is upon us this week. It has been in the 50's and 60's recently. It is hysterical - and I do mean hysterical - to see the locals all bundled up in full fledged winter coats when it is 60 degrees here. Brennen and I got to laughing at the attire around town the other day because everyone was so wrapped up in these huge winter coats. Back home in Indy, when it is 60 degrees, that's like Spring time for us. So here I am, being an unfit mother and letting my child wear shorts to school while every other Floridian child is in jeans and winter down coats. Kenidi's school went so far as to send out a mass voicemail yesterday telling the families that they could wear jeans tomorrow due to the "cold." We cracked up. "Cold." 5 degrees is cold. Not 60. LOL! Either way, I am missing the normal 75-85 degree temps here. According to the weather man, we won't see that again until at least next Tuesday. My beach days are numbered until after that I guess. :(
Right now I have been concentrating on getting past the H1N1 junk, kicking the helldacious migraine it left me with (Thank you to my Indiana neurologist for coming thru with a prescription last night that will hopefully kick that), then helping my Mom look for an apartment/condo and a job down here, as well as kicking off the new Angie Seaman Photography class that began Monday. The class sold out once again over and above the my normal allotted seats. What a blessing all of you are! I am thrilled to be working with each of you and even more grateful for the new friendships being established thru this class. For those of you who missed this particular class, the next round of beginner photography classes start on March 1st. You can locate the sign ups via the "classes" link by clicking HERE for my website. Registration has already been opened up and is underway. Feel free to purchase your seat now. I'll be offering a weekly LIVE chat with these new classes that was never offered before with past classes. The chats will be a visual chat where you can see and hear me via your computer screen and headphones. I will also be able to hear you and ask questions you might have as we go along. I hope for the LIVE chats to be a great way to teach you how I post edit certain things. Good times ahead! Get your seat while you can.
And speaking of photography classes, I'm hoping to announce a BIG surprise for this year. A big surprise in the way of offering a weekend workshop - photography workshop - for beginners here in Naples, Florida. Details are still to come as I finalize my thoughts and plans for this sure to be fun filled event. I do know that it will be 1.5-2 days of shooting with live models around downtown Naples, urban sessions, and hands on teaching from me regarding how I shoot and why I shoot the way I do. The workshop will also have nightly beach sessions where we practice how to shoot on the beach as sunset falls behind us. In between all of that, we will have group break, lunch, and dinners where we discuss what we are learning and answer any open ended questions you might have along the way. So...until final details are announced, start saving your pocket change and plan ahead for a great weekend chalked full of photography and learning. I can honestly say that I've learned more via the workshops I've attended in person than I have any other way since beginning my photography journey. The workshops have been like "college" for me. Truly! I pray I can offer that same knowledge to each of you who might attend the workshop. (which is at this time - planned for the end of September 2010) Stay tuned...you DON'T want to miss the registration for this event. And for those who have attended my classes before, there will be a special discount just for you. YAY FUN!
For now, I'm off to eat dinner with my family and then get the kids wrapped up and ready for bed. Until the next post, enjoy your week.
This is the last chance to sign up for the next round of beginner photography classes via Angie Seaman Photography which starts tomorrow. (Monday, January 4th, 2010) Some of you have already registered and if so, then you should have received my confirmatiom email back confirming your seat in class by now. If you are interested in taking a beginner photography class that teaches you the basics of beginner photography, how to use your camera and its settings, etc., then this class is for you.
You do not have to have a digital SLR to participate in our class. Any point and shoot will work as well. We will discuss the pros and cons to both styles of cameras as well as the ins and outs for both designs. For a few more details on the class, click HERE. If you are ready for a basic, beginner, photography class...go HERE to sign up. Once there, click on "portraiture," then on "classes." From there, you can walk thru the registration process. Should you have any questions, please feel free to email me directly at Angie@AngieSeamanPhotography.com. This will be the LAST CLASS OFFERED AT THIS PRICE. I'm planning to do some different things for the new year ahead. Therefore, should you want in on this price, now is your chance. All of our past classes have sold out. Don't wait...we'd love to have you.
I am once again offering the next round of photography classes via Angie Seaman Photography. This is just a reminder that the next set of classes begins January 4th, 2010. (this coming Monday) Some of you have already registered and I confirmed your seat in class if you have. Registration is still open with a few spots still remaining. If you are interested in taking a beginner photography class that teaches you the basics of beginner photography, how to use your camera and its settings, etc., then this class is for you.
You do not have to have a digital SLR to participate in our class. Any point and shoot will work as well. We discuss the pros and cons to both styles of cameras as well as the ins and outs for both designs. Next, the course is done online. There are no specific times each day that you must check in or anything. You will be given private access to a forum/discussion board where you could log in at any time throughout the day - as much or as little as you'd like. You make your own schedule with it. Some people check in everyday, others just check in a couple of times of week. We have one lesson a week that is posted on a certain day. Once posted, you are then given an assignment to do which pertains to that weeks lesson. All questions and notes will be posted on the forum for everyone to read so that we are all learning together. It is a very laid back atmosphere with no/zero pressure. You can participate as much or as little as you prefer. Of course the more you participate, the more you learn. You have one week to turn in each assignment. I then "constructively critique" your assignment and let you know how great the shot is and/or how you can improve for next time. Some students were really involved, some hung out and chimed in from time to time, and then there were some who didn't say much of anything on the forum but checked in for the lessons and the "silent" learning throughout the four week time period. I am on the board/forum everyday so I'm always there when someone has questions or needs additional help. As for what I'll discuss or teach during the 4 week class, here is a list of topics that we'll go over and learn:
1) Getting tight and close with your images 2) Uncluttering a photograph 3) Framing your images in camera 4) Composition (rule of thirds) when shooting 5) ISO 6) White Balance 7) Changing up your angles 8) Aperture Priority Mode 9) Avoiding and forcing the flash 10) Your cameras highlight warning & what it means 11) Learning your histogram 12) Exposure compensation 13) What is burst/continuous mode? 14) Shutter Priority mode 15) Graduating to "manual mode."
...and many other topics along the way.
Here are some of the comments and feedback I've received from past classes:
"This class has been amazing! I used to consider manual settings as impossible and scary but now that's my 'go to mode' and my camera is constantly set on it! All of a sudden my camera can do so much more than I ever realized it could... and that's all thanks to Angie! She is an incredible teacher, she's so encouraging and was willing to help whenever I had questions. I am so much more confident when using my camera now, and I finally know what all the numbers mean! I can't recommend this class enough, it's SO worth it!" ~Caroline
"Simply stated, this class was priceless. Angie has a unique way of explaining photography terms in everyday language that is easily understood. She is open and honest in the way she approaches photography. And she is encouraging and extremely "hands on" through out the entire class. The class forum is unlike any other I've ever been apart of. It's simple and easy to use. Angie invites questions of all sorts and answers them completely for each student. Angie Seaman is very gifted and artistic. She loves art, she loves life, and she loves sharing with the world through her pictures. Above all else, I've learned that "beauty is in the eye of she who holds the camera!!" ~Amanda in Texas
"This class ROCKS, as Angie would say!!! I have a Nikon D60, and have for the last year, I learned more about the options/menus of my camera in the first week, than the entire time i owned it!! I was able to tackle things, that I would have not tried, and really enjoyed it!! Angie is a great teacher, she is easy to communicate with and speaks in "human" terms, when it comes to teaching.. I was very happy taking this class, it is has been a great experience and very rewarding!! I am even more addicted to my camera than I was before, and I actually know how to use it, now!! Haha!" ~Christina in California
"Angie Seaman really knows her photography! She is a passionate teacher who is able to connect with all of her students. The forum is well organized and easy to use. I highly recommend taking this class. It is truly a gift that I have given myself. I encourage you to give yourself the same gift and sign-up for Angie's photography class! You are an amazing teacher and I love how you take complicated topics and turn it into manageable chunks for beginners to understand. I enjoy reading your writing and your personal photography is beautiful. I love how this class was organized as well. You can tell that you put a lot of time and effort into this class. Thank you very much! I would recommend this class to anyone and everyone. Plus, I can't wait to take other classes that you offer. I will continue to be a loyal reader of your blog and I am always available to give feedback to potential clients or customers." ~Bernie in Maryland
"I don't know if I can sum up how wonderful this class was in only a few sentences...I'll try. This photography class was hands down amazing! I was a little hesitant to sign-up for an online class thinking, how much can I really learn through the Internet?, but I totally proved myself wrong with how much I have walked away with. Before I was terrified of every button on my DSLR and now with Angie's stellar lessons and consistent feedback I feel more confident in capturing our life's important moments. Thanks again Angie...please keep me on your e-mail list if you should do a next level up class (okay you have to do another...no pressure)." ~Meg in Texas
"I am a busy mom of four kids. My lack of knowledge with my camera prevented me from trying anything other than point and shoot situations. Time is of the essence and I also needed someone I could trust to show me the ropes (not someone trying to sell me products or with their own "spin"). Enter Angie Seaman photography classes! Through Angie's class I learned what makes a photograph great, how to read all the settings on my camera (this was BIG for me) and it also took the intimidation out the huge manual for my camera. This class is easy to understand and simple to follow. I recommend to anyone wanting to sharpen their photography skills in a short amount of time. Thanks Angie!" ~Kristin
If you are ready for a basic, beginner, photography class...go HERE to sign up. Once there, click on "portraiture," then on "classes." From there, you can walk thru the registration process. Should you have any questions, please feel free to email me at Angie@AngieSeamanPhotography.com. This will be the LAST CLASS OFFERED AT THIS PRICE. I'm planning to do some different things for the year ahead. Therefore, should you want in on this price, now is your chance. All of our past classes have sold out. Don't wait...we'd love to have you. Blessings, Angie
