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. 

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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. 

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

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

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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. 

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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.

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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 ...)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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

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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.

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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!!

giveaway ... WINNER

& the giveaway winner (the number was generated by random.org) was ... drum roll please ... 

Angie at Noodle 'n Thread.

Thank you to all those who entered & i hope you're in the midst of a wonderful weekend! This morning i did a ceramics class (going back on monday so much fun) & now we're off down to the "valley fest" for you know burgers & stuff!

it's giveaway time ...

So as some of you may know (& i still get a little giddy thinking about it) but i have collaborated with the fabulous Kat of Polarity (& Olive Bites fame) to turn 3 of my favourite prints into a locket:

from atop the hill . winter wonderland . all the fun of the fair

& these aren't just any old lockets but (& in Kat's very own words): 

"This amazing magnetic locket set is created from a recycled steel auto part that I have fabricated with love and propane into a magical, interchangeable locket set!"

Anyways of course i have one, & i love it. Ok maybe love isn't strong enough a word about how i feel when it comes to this because it's so unique & different & special. 

So of course i have decided to give one away ... & now the hard part (although i think it's pretty easy) ...

For one entree each ...

one ~ head over to "ooh pretty shiny ...", take a look around & come back here, leave me a comment about your favourite print, or a memory you associate with one of my pictures or well just something interesting.

two ~ tweet about my giveaway (@levansphoto) & leave me a comment back here.

three ~ head over to my facebook page, like it (we're all about sharing the love here) & leave me a comment (over there &/or back here).

four ~ tell the world about my giveaway ... on facebook, your blog or where ever. & of course come back here & leave me a comment.

& for an extra 5 entrees ...

five ~ purchase something from my shop & in the message to the seller let me know you've entered the giveaway. 

So many many ways to win. The giveaway ends on friday October 7th  & i will be announcing the winner chosen from random on the 8th! 

my weekend's starting early ...

As you read this i am either on the road heading down to Garmisch or already there enjoying the Alps! Since me & the hubby some how still manage to have crazy busy & opposite schedules we're getting out of town for a few days of family time & pretty picture taking. Anyways i hope you all have a fabulous weekend.

ps. my wonderfully talented friend Nelou has recently opened her photography shop on etsy & is hosting a giveaway on her blog ... worth checking out!

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

the chance to win a fine art photography from "ooh pretty shiny ..." ...

i'm in love with bags right now from here ... & here ...

so many new ideas running through my ever decreasing brain ...

i want this print ... 

started packing my bag!

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

dreaming of snow ... 

a great weekend of photo shoots ... 

i fell in love with this coat ...

contemplating a facebook giveaway just not sure what to do ... but this giveaway is still running ... 

feeling the little dude tickling my belly as i write this! 

drum roll please ...

So a little over a week ago i ran a giveaway with Jen, the chance to win two 10x8" photographs currently unavailable in our shops. We had some amazing & totally from the heart, brutally honest answers (i could have easily given everyone a copy) but there could only be one winner.

Using Random.org the winning number was #7 & this was the comment left to us:

Photojnke said...

Your photo reminds me of how I felt so left behind when my husband died, I felt so many things guilt, sadness, loss, missing the love and friendship I thought would always be there. That is where that photo takes me. As for Laura's, it reminds me of the little things left behind to appreciate after the loss, those things mean so much. It really gives you something significant and precious to hold onto.

They would both go next to my beautiful mirror in my bedroom, I will include pix if I win!!!

Oh and I want to win because I love your work, and you keep Introducing me to these other amazing artists, I love being surrounded in art, especially photo art!!! July 22, 2010 1:19 PM 

I hope she loves the prints as much as we do & i'm excited to see them on the walls. I think you know there will be further opportunities to win prints from both our shops. 

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

running & lifting & cross training & sore muscles & feeling great ...

pretty hair ... 

pretty top ... 

a wonderful giveaway with Jen Kiaba ... 

sitting on my butt ... doing nothing ... & having absolutely no guilt attached to it!

giveaway time ...

I am super excited about this blog ... & for a while there's been an idea in the works ... a giveaway ... between me & the incredible fabulous Jen Kiaba. I know i know i've mentioned her a couple of times before but well i love her work so we figured we'd a special giveaway. The chance to win two 10x8" fine art photographs, one from me & one from Jen. Two photographs that are currently unavailable for sale in our shops. Personally (& i know am a little biased) but i think she is a pretty awesome giveaway. 

Jen is one of those photographers who inspires me, not to mention being one of my "go to" photography peoples. She creates these wonderful whimsical dream like images that could be straight out of the books of Lewis Carroll or C.S Lewis. She can create the kind of images i can only dream of. 

So for one lucky winner you could be hanging both the photographs below on your wall. & all you have to do is tell me why you should win these prints or what you would do with these prints if you win. For an extra entree you can head over to Jen's blog & do the same there. & for another chance of winning you can tweet about the giveaway @levansphoto @jenkiaba. Please include your email address in your entree so we can contact you if you are the lucky winner! All entrees must be received by July 29th ... good luck! 

Going Home to Roost ...

Back in february the fabulous Bonnie over at Going Home to Roost blogged about lil ol'me. Now this was kinda a big deal because well she has a wonderful blog & it was a total surprise. & yes naturally there was a whoop whoop happy dance going on. Well now i am doing a giveaway on said wonderful blog for the chance to win any 10x8" or 8x8" from my shop. The giveaway runs from now until Sunday night & all you do is head over to her blog & leave a comment saying which photo(s) are your favourite. Easy peasy lemon squeezy!

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

spending some quality time with the camera ...

a giveaway on this blog ...

one day left of voting (i'm number 5 ... hint hint) ...

trying to think of a reason to splurge on this ...

making plans for a weekend away with the hubby!

definition of a photographer?

You know i see photographs every day ... some good, some average & some just plain bad but all from people who call themselves "photographers", but how do we define a photographer?

pho·tog·ra·pher

–noun a person who takes photographs, esp. one who practices photography professionally.

& Wikipedia defines a photographer as "a person who takes photographs using a camera."

So keeping all this in mind wouldn't that suggest that anybody, & anybody who picks up a camera is a photographer? I have a degree in photography, i've spent many years "learning" the art & now i'm selling my work, does this make me ay more of a "photographer" than joe blogs next to me taking holiday snaps of his screaming kids?

Now i would never claim to be the next Ansel Adams or Richard Averdon, but i figure i know a little bit about taking pretty pictures & when i see people advertising themselves as a "photographer" when they're work is mediocre it frustrates me. Now i know it shouldn't but it does.

So now i want you to tell me what it is that makes someone a "photographer" ... & maybe i'll even throw in a prize for the best answer!

anatomical detail giveaway ...

So i'm a couple of days late in announcing my winner ... sorry, life got a little in the way! But thanks for all the wonderful comments, we all have reason to be proud of our bodies, some obvious & some not so much. We are blessed with our uniqueness & i loved hearing what everyone had to say about themselves.

& now for the winner ... it was tough as i heard so many tales about our body ... from incredible brave to funny to silly ... but all the honest truth! So now for my winners ... & again i can't decide who to go for so i have 2 winners, both of whom get their choice of any 10x8" or 8x8" fine art photograph from my shop:

Heather of Camp Cupcake Designs who's scars prove her strength, & show the world she's a surviver.

& Tali of Talis who loves the parts we don't think about & finds the words i couldn't to do so.

Hope you all are having a wonderful start to the new year.

name that photograph ... winners!!

So the winner is ... well there are two! Mana Moon Studios who called it "Darling" & Laungnome who named it "jennifer CONElly" ... both made me giggle so both will have 10x8" fine art photographs on their way to you at the beginning of the year. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas.

& don't forget to check out the second giveaway still running on my blog not to mention the offer currently available to my fabulous facebook fans.

anatomical detail ... & a give away!

So i was thinking in the shower (it's one of those place perfect for thinking ... like the car ... i have some of best ideas there), tonight after my run, about how sore my legs were. (There is a point to this story ...) & my legs aren't my "favourite" anatomical part but they are strong. They "pound the pavements" (excuse the cliche) on a regular basis, they've made it through a half marathon & keep me going through a busy bartending or serving shift. So i should be proud of them, they can run 5 miles without even hurting & that's something.

So then it got me thinking about all the parts of me (stay clean people) ... about how we spend our lives putting ourselves down, trying to be someone we're not, idolizing the photos of the rich & famous. & as a photographer, who sees beauty all around me it's ironic that i find it so hard to see in myself.

So I'm setting a challenge & having my first give away all in one ... the prize is your choice of any 10x8 or 8x8 fine art photograph from my shop but in return you need to leave a comment telling me the "good" things about you. & it must be good, positive & the funniest, most honest answer wins. I want you to put yourself out there & be proud of everything that you are ...!!

So here goes ...

I have boobs (yes i said boobs), a waist & hips ... i may not be the next Kate moss or Gucci girl but i would have rocked renaissance paintings.

I love yes i said love my eyes ... they are green (& apparently hazel sometimes ... if you'd believe my husband, we don't). I have to wear glasses because said eyes don't function terrible well ... but this 1. allows me to change up my appearance on a whim (such a wonderfully English word) & 2. when you wake up after "that night" & the world remains all fuzzy it's a wonderful relief.

My Mum blessed me with wonderful skin ... it is this skin that has people asking me if i still live at home with my parents, gives me rosy cheeks & even the occasional freckle. I'm that person who has the huge ass zit on their forehead that no one else sees but me!

& finally each & every scar on my body ... because whilst the story beside them may not be good they make up who i am now & i can't change that neither would i want to!

& now it' your turn to tell me about your best parts ... what makes you you, what you're proud of & aren't afraid to tell the world about ... & you have it till January 1st to do so! Leave it in a comment along with your email address so i can contact the winner.

I wish you all a wonderful holiday season!!