Monday, June 18, 2012

new blog ...

So a week ago i made the decision that with all the changes going on in my shop it was time for a new blog so if you head on over to ... www.oohprettyshinyphotography.blogspot.com ... & remember to add it to your blog feed, follow or simple ask for updates to be emailed so you can stay up to date on all things pretty & shiny! 
just click on the link & head on over to my new blog ... happy monday everyone! 

Thursday, February 23, 2012

reaching a facebook milestone ...

So i hit 2,000 "likes" on facebook ... yeah i am pretty excited. These are the moments where we giggle a little & act like a 15 year old again. But seriously it's amazing to think that many people love my work. So to say thank you to all those followers, the people who have left me comments, shared ideas & just generally been awesome i have put together a little giveaway. Ok so it's a little bigger than little & there are some seriously awesome items available (thank you to all the wonderful wonderful people who are donating). Anyways some of the prizes are so awesome i want to enter myself ... But i can't so one lucky lucky person could walk away with all of the items below!

So before we check out the goodies here are the rules ... You must leave me a comment here on the blog post (if you are having difficulties let me know. You must also head over to the various facebook pages of those sharing their pretties with you & give them a little love! 

For an extra entree ... share this giveaway on your facebook page & leave me a comment letting me know you've done so. 

For another extra entree ... share on your blog & leave me a comment letting me know you've done so.

For another extra entree ... tweet the giveaway. 

& lastly for 5 extra entree's head over to my etsy shop & purchase an item. 

Phew ok now that's over & done with there's one last thing ... If the winner (who will be chosen at random) isn't local & unable to collect on either of the photo shoot prizes i will draw another winner who is local to receive those. 

& lastly the giveaway will run for 2 weeks ... yeah baby ... that's 2 weeks of chances to win!! 

1 ... a mini shoot with moi (that would be me ... love.laugh.believe) ... the shoot is worth a whopping $250 & the winner gets a 30 minute shoot with a minimum of 10 editing images on a disc. The shoot must take place by August 31st 2012 & cannot be credited towards other products. 


2. Your choice of either a 10x8" or 8x8" fine art photographic print from either of my 2 etsy shops ... ooh pretty shiny or levansphotography. 

3. A gorgeous 5x5" fine art photographic print titled "i'm sorry i'm leaving" from the stunning photography shop of Violet Bella. 

4. A $100 gift certificate with TLC Photography ... her newborn photography blows my mind!

5. A stunning watercolour painted especially for the giveaway by Jody Edwards ...
This little feather is from a Roughed Grouse - - similar to a wild pheasant.
Feathers mean so many different things to different people, whether it be spiritual or decorative, these little studies look great anywhere. 
It is 4"x6", painted on 140lb Cold Pressed Arches watercolor paper. Ready to frame. This is a detailed, delicate original, by Artist Jody Edwards. 
You can see some of her paintings in Ted Danson's character's office on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. Jody's art is collected worldwide. 

6. A wonderful action created for this giveaway by Kristybee Photography (an amazing photographer) called peace ... it's so so pretty. It can be used in both Photoshop & Elements.

7. A "define me tee" by Oh So Chichi ...
Define Me Tee's are completely custom, personalized, and unique.  Define yourself, your children, spouse, family, hobby, group, bride, groom, mom, dad, anything ... I'll create it!  They make a great addition to a family photo shoot, reunion, or special event.
(& yes that is Jacob wearing his ...)

8. A set of 10 wonderful textures designed by Joel Olives (another amazing photographer) & yet to be released for sale to the public ... perfect for enhancing your photography.

9. A gorgeous newborn headband designed & made by Christina Beckett Photography ... a wonderful gift for a pregnant lady, a little diva's first headband or a wonderful addition to your photography props.

10. A stunning Ella Woolner original mini ribbon drawing from 'Ribbon and Bows series'. Paper size is 8x11cm and and drawn on 150 gsm cotton handmade paper, with rough edges. Drawn in blue crayon and signed by the artist.

11. 1lb of Double Mint Cookies-n-Cream fudge from Ladybird Fudge (yes i know you're drooling) ... 

12. A stunning photographic print from Blue Oiseau Photography matted to fit a 7x5" frame ... 
This little butterfly (le p'tit papillon) loves to visit my lavender.
Title: Le p'tit papillon
Size: matted to 5x7
Finish: metallic

13. One of my favourite etsy stores Xenotees kindly donated one of her gorgeous items (i actually own this) ...

Womens Pullover/Animal group Nouns
This is a list of over 100 animals & their collective nouns - some you may have heard, but most of these will be new to you, and really fun to learn. 

An "unkindness of ravens", a "knot of toads", a "romp of otters", a "warren of rabbits", a "sleuth of bears", a "tower of giraffes" or a "business of ferrets"? You Bet, and many MANY more... They are a blast to read & memorize

ABOUT THIS TOP:This is a lightweight Raglan Pullover made of a Tri-Blend (50% Polyester / 25% Cotton / 25% Naturally occurring Rayon) fabric. Polyester retains shape and elasticity; Cotton lends both comfort and durability; addition of Rayon makes for a unique texture and drapes against the body for a slimming look. Raglan sleeves, Loose-fitting on top & snug around waist.

Hope you like everything you see & thanks again for sharing in my love of all things photographic. Be sure to stop by my facebook page, love to hear your thoughts. & there will be a cheat sheet of facebook pages from the giveaway for you. 

Good luck the winner(s) will be picked from random on March 8th!!

Monday, February 20, 2012

the nelou & laura show + week 28 = "simplicity"

some more simple things in life with week 28 of the nelou & laura show ...
me . nelou

it's the simple things in life that make me happy ...

jacob giggles ...
these actions ...
a present for myself ...
the sun is actually shining ...
looking forward to a relaxing (i say this now) week ahead!

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

the nelou & laura show + week 27 = "green"

hands up if you favourite colour is green ... 
nelou . me

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

always ...

happy valentines day!

Monday, February 13, 2012

it's the simple things in life that make me happy ...

finding my inspiration ...
this tote ... 
finally got season 2 of downton abbey in the mail today ... 
poppytalk handmade (the market place) ... 
one step closer to knowing where we might be moving to!

Sunday, February 12, 2012

the nelou & laura show + week 26 = "fragile"

We made it to the half way point ... that totally gets us a whoop whoop happy dance! 
& week 26 = fragile!
nelou . me

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

my something white ...

So Elle Moss Photography has once again inspired me ... she is hosting a 30 day photo challenge (you can check it out on her blog) & day one was "white". Well i can't lie but day one was 2 days ago, i am a little behind but since the theme of white is what inspired me to take these photos i am totally including them as part of the challenge. Plus i am head over heels in love with them ... go figure. So i needed to share with you guys :) Hope you're all having a wonderful hump day!

Thursday, February 2, 2012

inspired by ... part II

So in part I i introduced you to one of my favourite photographers ... miss elle moss photography ... she really is an exceptionally talented woman. Anyways today i want to share a much more recent source of inspiration. Photographically i knew her gorgeous work (i mean how could you not it's stunning) but personally it was only this past summer i got to know her & i am so incredible glad i did. 

Introducing the one & only Joy St.Claire ... picture taker of all things pretty & gorgeous & whimsical & dreamy. In the time i have know Joy i have watch her explode onto the fine art scene ... & i mean literally explode. You know how sometimes it takes just one thing, well Joy got to experience that one thing & now she's flying. It really doesn't take a genius to see why, the question is more why it took so long?
You ever look into a picture & feel like there's a journey you are waiting to take? Every time i look at one of Joy's photographs i feel like i've stepped into something special, a journey back to childhood or fairy tale adventure. It's like Narnia except it is on the pages of a book, this is real life. I am constantly inspired by Joy's nature photography, her exceptional use of colours & textures in creating stunning works of art constantly amazes me as again she opens the door to her reality.
Through Joy i have found my belief that i can succeed in achieving my dreams, she is full of words of wisdom (even if them come in the form of a you tube video), advice & her work lives up to her name & fills me with joy. Yes i went there but then you knew i would. & honestly what's left to say but who knew asparagus could be so inspiring?
Check out more of Joy's work on Etsy!

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

inspired by ... part I

So i want to share some people with you ... not that they're my own secret people or anything but people who inspire me photographically & to be the best that i can. People who support me, who i can turn to for advice & well putting it mildly give a whole new meaning to the word talent. 

Part I is dedicated to an incredible talented artist ... she's one of those ladies who can rock all photographic genres. In the beginning i knew her solely for her portraits, amazing surreal (sometimes self) portraits. I can't even begin to understand how she sees the things she does, it astounds me when i see new work appearing. Her ideas would seem so out there on paper, but she puts them together in a way that everything works like it's meant to be. Ok yes you've guessed who this fabulous lady is ... the exceptionally talented Elle Moss Photography. 
I admit it, I'm going to town on the adjectives, delving deep into the depths of my vocabulary to come up with new words worthy of such a wonderful lady. & maybe i am gushing a little but i can't help myself. You see the thing about Elle isn't just that she knows how to take pretty pictures but the time she's willing to put back into helping others. I am incredible lucky to have gotten to know the lady behind Elle Moss over the past couple of years, through Etsy & the internet. She has become someone i can turn to for advice with my photography, pushing me to achieve my dreams. 
& her photography doesn't stop at portraits, the whimsical & dream like feel continues into other genres such as her portrayal of nature & her incredible still life's. It's no surprise that her work has been featured in a large number of publications, exhibitions across the globe & is displayed in the homes of various celebrities. Her dreamy, whimsical, breath taking photography & her own fabulous self inspire me daily in my quest (yes i said quest) to sell my fine art full time. She is where i home to be one day & i thank her for being someone i can turn to for help through my own photographic journey. 
You can view more work by Elle Moss Photography in her Etsy shops:

Monday, January 30, 2012

it's the simple things in life that make me happy ...

my new imac (it's so purdy) ...
curry (it's totally my favourite food right now) ...
loving this shop for jacob ...
cute as a button ...
it's snowing outside my window!

Saturday, January 28, 2012

the nelou & laura show + week 25 = "pattern"

So we finally got caught up & then my computer crashed ... so yet again we are behind but i promise we will be back on track faster than you can say jack robinson ... so here we have week 25 (almost half way) & pattern ... enjoy!
me . nelou

Friday, January 27, 2012

happy friday ...

so my computerS (yes plural i now have a pretty shiny new imac) are back up & running after a very stressful couple of weeks. That means i will be back to blogging next week with lots of exciting stuff including portraits, some more b&w ... & other random stuff! Anyways me & Mrs Duck here just stopped by to wish you all a happy friday & a wonderful weekend!

Monday, January 16, 2012

why we back up ...

So this really wasn't my plan for today's blog ... it involved lost of pretty pictures & talk of exploration & experimentation & well the fun stuff. Last night my beloved lifeline ... ummm i mean laptop crashed! Yes i am not a happy wee bunny ... but keeping my fingers crossed it will survive (right now it's "reparing permissions"). & i can't lie it is something of a traumatic experience ...

But i am not freaking out ... why you ask? Because (drum roll please)... i back up my work onto external hard drives & my time capsule! Not only do i back up my work but i back up my actions & my templates & anything that if i loose not only could it cause me to break down like a hormonal teenager but financially it could hurt me. Yes having to purchase a new computer is not something that was on my list of things to do this week but the hurt is a whole lot less knowing that my photos of my son are safe, & years worth of sweat & tears (yes you know you've been there too) are good to go. I don't have to go explaining to clients that the shoot they paid for is down the drain.

& whilst i don't get to leave you with something pretty & shiny ... like a cupcake, or my sons gorgeous smile ... i do get to sleep tonight knowing that whilst my computer my die tomorrow i still have what really matters.

ps. send happy thoughts the way of my computer & hope that tomorrow there will be something gorgeous for me to share with you!

Sunday, January 15, 2012

experimenting in the frost ...

This coming week is going to be all about "experimentation" & exploring photography (amongst other things). A little down time has given me the opportunity to explore & have some fun & step outside of my photographic box. Yesterday morning i was able to take a walk in the gorgeous frost & these are the results of my walk ... i love the mix of abstract & light & i'm indulging my current b&w obsession! 

Friday, January 13, 2012

happy friday ...

"A great photograph is one that fully expresses what one feels, in the deepest sense, about what is being photographed."
~ Ansel Adams

Have a wonderful weekend everyone! xx

raining umbrellas ...

A wonderful photographer i know (she really is wonderful i promise) ... also runs an online creative e-course. & i figured i would share it with you ... because it's january & i know we all get the post christmas blues, maybe a little inspirational slump. So anyways take a look at it ... it's all kinds of fun, not to mention you meet some great artists. 
So if you're interested in learning more about this course ... head over to Simply Hue & click on the Raining Umbrellas creative e-course tab (don't you just love the name) & sign up. Plus this coming session is over 25% off. 

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

all things pretty ...

this is an original illustration by my incredible talented friend ella ... we went to school together & she was amazing back then, well a "couple" of years later you know she only got better! I love how soft & feminine & beautiful her bows are. Check out her blog & her website for more gorgeousness & go like her on facebook because we all need more updates on her pretty!

play time ...

The one advantage to have some down time is that i'm getting to play around with old work, images that whilst i love composition wise i'm not totally happy with the edit. In the past year i have grown tremendously (& yes yes i do believe modest is such an over rated quality) & my style i feel is really coming into it's own. I'm finding much more of myself in my work & i love it. So i'm going back over old work, experimenting, trying new things & walking away happier because of it. Do you ever do that, revisit your old work? Anyway i wanted to share a few of those with you from my trip to Provence in July of 2010. & hopefully soon you'll see some of these available for sale on etsy or possible my society 6 shop which i really must tell you all about later this week ... don't let me forget! 

Monday, January 9, 2012

it's the simple things in life that make me happy ...

my camera collection ...
this blog ...
i want this print & tee & hoodie & everything ...
running ...
snuggles with jacob!

Sunday, January 8, 2012

the nelou & laura show + week 24 = "new beginnings"

So it's the first week in January & we're back on schedule (big pat on the back for us) ... this weeks theme was "new beginnings". 
nelou . me

*photo credit: Lynn Timmons 

So i leave you with 2 things ... 
1. can you guess the book in my photo?
2. suggestions for themes in the weeks to come!

Thursday, January 5, 2012

hopes & dreams for 2012 ...

I'm not big on resolutions ... in fact i hate them! Why wait until the 1st day of the year to make a change like that, do it now, this moment & follow through. So instead i want to share with you the hopes & dreams of some incredible inspirational people! 

"My dreams and plans for 2012 is to spend the majority of my time working on my painting collection, to build a body of work so I am able, hopefully, by mid year to get an agent and have a gallery show."
     ~ Ella Woolner

"2012 to me is a year of opportunities. A year that will bring me to new heights in my carreer. On Jan 1st, I sat down and made my list of achievements for myself and my business in 2012 and my biggest goal on my list is to "Stay true to my style and what I wish to evoke from my art". The rest will follow."
     ~ Eva Ricci

"For 2012 I hope I can still work with what I love the most, photography. My dream is to become a full time wedding photographer in North Carolina. I hope I can see my family in Brazil more often, get a dog, enjoy more warm days and spend some time at the beach with my husband.
I wish people would help each other more, the world would truly be a better place."
     ~ Caroline Lima-Benusa

"After 10 years of practice & possibility, 2012 is the year that I will learn how to be a yoga teacher. 2012 is an opportunity to take my knowledge to a whole other level, and to continue as a life-long student. For 2012, I hope AND dream to share lots of time & memories with those that I love, and to help others smile more often "
     ~ Victoria Klein

"Twenty Twelve for me is a year to live in the moment. To seek and create joy in the everyday. A year to breathe deeply, love deeply, and laugh deeply."
     ~ Serena Nicole Chapel

"2012 is all about authenticity and simplicity in my life and business! For me achieving this goal means living everyday with focused intention and attention to that which is most important in my life, truly inspires me and makes me feel genuine joy and a sense that what I am doing is exactly what I am suppose to be doing. 


Specifically in my design biz I've realized that I do not have to try to attempt every new marketing tactic, social media site, latest trend, follow the advice of every person who seems to have achieved success, etc. Instead, I will focus on those "mentors" whose message and business knowledge are truly inline with my definition of success, values and goals for my business.

I wish for you & everyone joy, peace, prosperity and an abundance of happiness in 2012!"
     ~ Tania Welch

"Well, yesterday I was writing about gratitude, so I guess that my wish & aspiration for this New Year that just came is to continue feeling this way.

Gratitude turns everything into enough and I just can't think of anything better than that. I don't have specific goals to share or at least that I feel are worth mentioning and occupying ... word space. I wish mostly for more openness in people's hearts & minds, less disease, more cures, less abuse, more recovery, less hate, more love, peace on this Earth.


I'd like to find ways to be able to do even a tiny little bit into contributing for a better world each day and by that I don't only mean our advanced societies. I'm thinking about every human being, on every place of the globe.

I guess that's it my dear, thank you so much for inviting me here to take part in your post. Happy, blessed year to you and your family!"

& mine ... well in 2011 my dream of a little boy came true. In 2012 it's all about the pretty pictures, & achieving my dreams photographically. I want to focus on my fine art, it's where my heart lies & it's where i want my photographic career to be.

What are your hopes & dreams for 2012?

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

a marbled godwit ...

Until 5 minutes ago i had no clue what a Marbled Godwit was ... thank you for your help Kristi ... & happy hump day to everyone!
ps. It's available for sale on etsy ... 

Monday, January 2, 2012

the nelou & laura show + week 23 = "years end"

i hope you all had a fabulous new year (& we're finally up to date ... yay) ...
nelou . me

& this weeks theme ... "new beginnings ..."

it's the simple thing's in life that make me happy ...

new beginnings ... 
modern family (it's pee your pants funny & so so true) ...
cuddles with the munchkin ...
these stunning ceramics ... 
new ventures!