tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26583972445381597782024-03-13T20:31:09.958-07:00Alicia States, PhotographerAliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817226829470998950noreply@blogger.comBlogger207125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658397244538159778.post-9094919336332699502017-03-15T03:00:00.000-07:002017-03-15T11:02:42.300-07:00Taylor Family Portraits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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These guys are close to my heart (and many. many others' too, for sure!). I didn't know this at the time I took these, but they had not had professional family portraits done <i>ever! </i><b>Ever! </b>But now they have beautiful, love-filled portraits for their home (and family!).<br />
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This was a super quick, slightly <i>freezing</i> photo sesh in their cute back yard. There was a lot of laughing, and beautiful smiles. Family portraits don't have to be a pain to plan for; they can be spontaneous and quickly thrown together.<br />
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<br />Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817226829470998950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658397244538159778.post-85588055453924517012017-02-24T03:00:00.000-08:002017-02-24T03:00:02.906-08:00Let's Get Real {Fashion, Cows and Newsies}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>My husband is the fashion guru in our home. </b>I grew up on an island where most current fashion was impractical (in my opinion), not to mention we had limited options, and I have always been content with my graphic t-shirt and jeans. I wear a skirt to church and when I'm pregnant, but 80% of the time I'm in sweats. <i>My hubby on the other hand</i> is quite particular about what he wears (and <b>dang he looks good!</b>). If I ever do need to dress up, and actually care that everything matches or goes together - I will definitely ask for his opinion (otherwise he's learned not to offer unsolicted advice haha). <i>Who has the most fashion sense in your home?</i><br />
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<b>I<i> really</i> wanted a milk cow.</b> It was on my vision board and everything! I always thought it would be brilliant to have my own milk cow because you can do so much with raw milk and the babies are <b>sooooo cute</b>! My aunt has a farm that the boys and I love going to and she has goats, horses, pigs, chickens... and a milk cow and <i>holy smokes</i> that cow is <b>big</b>! So... for now I'm good.<b> </b><i><b>So</b> good</i>. But I'm not making any promises that one day my love for baby cows won't overcome all rhyme and reason and I won't end up with a real life milk cow. <b>Because I might</b>.<br />
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<b>I love exploring new cities</b>. Dangerous, right? Like I said, I grew up on an island and <i>all I wanted was to go to New York </i>because, Newsies. (Obviously.) After I was married at age 20 I had the chance to go to New York with my parents and siblings <b>and you better believe I took it</b>! And I loved it. My husband traveled for work until we had our first child and I loved going with him to see the different cities in our amazing country! There are still so many places I haven't been <i>just in the United States</i> that I want to see! Let along the <b>world! </b>GAH!!! And nevermind all the small towns and hole in the wall treasures that only the locals know about! It gives me butterflies just <i>thinking about it! </i>We do travel a lot as a family but I'm less adventurous with 5 little guys in tow. What U.S cities are your <b>favorite</b> to visit?!<br />
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<i>So, so, so random today. But there you have it! Truth. </i><br />
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<br />Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817226829470998950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658397244538159778.post-90954423950974808222017-02-20T03:00:00.000-08:002017-02-20T03:00:28.616-08:00Let's go to Kaua'i {Ke'e Beach and Dry Cave}<br />
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My <b>favorite</b> beach on Kaua'i is Ke'e Beach. If you can get there on a relatively calm, clear day <b>you will not be disappointed. </b>In fact, you will probably get toasted because you forget to reapply your sunscreen again and again because you're going to be there for so long!<br />
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It's at <i>the very very very end </i>of the road heading to the North Shore, you can't miss it. But! You might not be able to find parking either. Ke'e Beach is also right where the trail to Hanakapi'ai (Na Pali Coast) starts - and over the years it's gotten <b>packed. </b>There is secondary parking about 1/3 mile up the road but that fills up quickly too - so get there as early as possible (6am would not be too early). Once you figure out your parking situation and get down to the beach <b>it's totally worth it.</b><br />
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The water is clear and and great for snorkeling or just leisure swimming. Lifeguards are on duty. You <i>might</i> ok you'll <i>probably</i> see wild chickens walking around the beach (and everywhere else on the island). They're pretty harmless, but can be quite comfortable around people so I wouldn't (personally) encourage them by feeding them or anything. Just shoo them away.<br />
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Oh! And you might as well stop on the way (or way back if you're getting an early start) and see the dry cave across from Ha'ena Beach Park!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Kaua'i to-do-and-know List by Alicia:</span></b><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://snubakauai.com/" target="_blank">SNUBA</a> diving is great for families with kids over the age of 8.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://aliciastatesphotography.blogspot.com/2017/02/lets-go-to-kauai-skinny-on-fast-food.html" target="_blank">Available Food Chains</a> (in case you want something familiar)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://aliciastatesphotography.blogspot.com/2017/02/hele-on-to-kauai-dukes-kauai.html">Duke's Kaua'i </a>- Beach side dining and my personal favorite</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Ke'e Beach (and Dry Cave) - Good for snorkeling and leisure swimming </span></li>
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Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817226829470998950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658397244538159778.post-46878249197086448822017-02-17T03:00:00.000-08:002017-02-17T09:02:30.708-08:00Kasey, Fashion Portraits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Gah! This girl is stunning! And as real as they come. She has a mind of her own and won't hesitate to tell you how much she loves Krispy Kreme doughnuts or belt out Celine Dion! </div>
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I've know Kasey for a few years now. We met when she served an LDS mission out here where we live. She's pretty unforgettable with that smile and her <b>awesome </b>Texas accent! </div>
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I've been wanting to dabble a little more in fashion photography and it only made sense to work with Kasey! It was <i>cold </i>outside so we decided to take our photo session indoors and play with light. She was amazing to work with! She taught me a little about the modeling industry and what she is and <i>is not</i> willing to do for a paid job. aaaand Kasey <i>might</i> have been casted in Utah Fashion Week in Salt Lake City on March 14th and will no doubt crush it!</div>
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<br />Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817226829470998950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658397244538159778.post-88644181128220074852017-02-13T03:00:00.000-08:002017-02-13T03:00:10.764-08:00Hele On to Kaua'i {Duke's Kaua'i}<div>
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Hele on to Kaua'i,</div>
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Hanalei by the Bay,</div>
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Wailua River Valley...</div>
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...and Dukes Kaua'i where I go for the friggin' ono (<i>delicious) </i>mahimahi and Hula Pie. </div>
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My husband goes for the Teriyaki Steak (which may or may not be on the menu but he still gets it). You can even include the salad bar (which I do). (D<i>on't mind my crappy phone pics </i>and also, here is a link to the<a href="http://www.dukeskauai.com/menus/dining-room" target="_blank"> Dining Room Menu.</a>)</div>
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Duke's Kaua'i is named after thelegendary Duke Kahanamoku</div>
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This is a place I prefer <i>not</i> to bring my kids (but you could) because, personally, I love the atmosphere. "Beach side dining with Hawaiian decor" and some nights there is soft, live music. </div>
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It's a place for visitors and locals alike. After you eat, you can take a walk along the beach, or around the Marriott pools. I can be very romantic... or not... if you bring your kids. ;)</div>
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<i>Holla if you've ever eaten at Duke's Kaua'i and loved it!</i></div>
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And for your convenience... (because I <b>just figured out how to add a map! booyah<i>)</i></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Kaua'i to-do-and-know List by Alicia:</span></b><br /><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://snubakauai.com/" target="_blank">SNUBA</a> diving is great for families with kids over the age of 8.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://aliciastatesphotography.blogspot.com/2017/02/lets-go-to-kauai-skinny-on-fast-food.html" target="_blank">Available Food Chains</a> (in case you want something familiar)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Duke's Kaua'i - Beach side dining and my personal favorite</span></li>
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Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817226829470998950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658397244538159778.post-10150800570205321012017-02-10T03:00:00.000-08:002017-02-10T03:00:03.621-08:00Let's Get Real {Snapchat, S.A.D and Comic Con}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I'm bearing my soul here, guys!</i></span><br />
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<b>I am slightly obsessed with snapchat filters</b>. So is my husband. I will hear him <b>cracking up</b> at himself. Like, <i>die laughing</i> and it makes me laugh to see/hear him <i>losing it</i>! In all honesty some of those filters are disturbing and <b>freakin' hysterical. </b>Especially the ones with a voice changer.<br />
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<b>I spend way too much time on Facebook and Instagram. </b>I don't even know why... oh yes, I do - it's an addiction and, "Hi, I'm Alicia and I'm an addict." But seriously, one of my goals for 2017 is to disconnect more and be intentional when I do get online. I can already <i>feel the difference</i> and recognize when I need to disconnect and my sanity is already thanking me.<br />
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<b>I really think I suffer from S.A.D. </b>(Seasonal Affective Disorder) because January is <i>rough </i>and <b>I know I'm not the only one. </b>Tell me your secrets -<i> how to do you stay mentally healthy during the winter months? </i>I need to know.<br />
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<b>I love going to Salt Lake Comic Con. </b>We took the whole family to the very first one ever and I was hooked. I haven't quite gotten into cosplay but I'm <i>so close </i>to crossing over. It's a slippery slope, people.<br />
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<b>It's no secret I am a major geek at heart. </b>I love all things super hero, fantasy, sci-fi... From Star Wars to Halo (even though I can't work an xbox controller to save my life) to Disney to Twilight to Harry Potter and LOTR and everything in between. If you think I might be missing something - please tell me <i>right now </i>because I probably <b>need it in my life. </b>Thank you in advance.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Leave your thoughts in the comments! </span></i><br />
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<br />Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817226829470998950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658397244538159778.post-23537678884111434192017-02-06T10:17:00.001-08:002017-02-06T10:20:28.601-08:00Let's Go to Kaua'i {The Skinny on Fast Food}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Oh, Monday. You're the day I kind of dread because I have to get back into my morning routine (and mornings can get rough around here), and my hubs goes back to work and I have to get back into the daily grind. I mean, don't <i>hate</i> you, Monday, but I don't really like you. So here's what I'm going to do- I'm going to dream of being <b>on Kaua'i </b>every Monday and then, I <i>think, </i>we will have a better relationship because any day that I get to talk about Kaua'i <i>has to be </i>a good day.<br />
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So let's talk about Kaua'i.<br />
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When you think about Kaua'i what do you think about? Beaches? Napali Coast? Nature? Getting away from everything? A Cultural Experience? All of the above? Yeah. All of the above.<br />
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So here's the thing, Kaua'i is a <i>great </i>place to bring the family! I spent 5 weeks there with kids ages 1-9... <b>and they loved it! </b>Now, I didn't exactly get alone time, but that isn't why we go. That being said, Kaua'i is also perfect for a couple's getaway! Basically, Kaua'i is perfect for everyone! (Unless you don't like to fly then you're out of luck because that is the only way to get there!) So over the weeks, I'm going to share stuff I love to do with kids in tow and stuff we like to do without the kids.<br />
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One question I get asked a lot is '<i>Where is a good place to eat?' </i>And man oh man do I have a list for you! You can can <i>all kinds </i>of food on Kaua'i if you know where to find it. I'm going to share <i>what I like</i>. We might have different preferences (and budgets) so take that with a grain of salt.<br />
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HOWEVER, When I take my five boys out to eat, I usually take them to Taco Bell... yep, Taco Bell. <i>Because </i>it doesn't cost me an arm and leg and <b>I know my kids will eat it</b>, and sometimes that's all it comes down to. (<i>Plus, </i>I might have worked at the Kapa'a Taco Bell as a teenager.) I don't like (<i> I mean </i><b>hate) </b>taking my boys somewhere nice (expensive) and <i>new</i> (to them) to eat just to hear them complain and <i>not eat. </i>Don't get me wrong, my boys actually have a pretty impressive pallet and will eat different kinds of food, but if you have kids <i>you know</i> what limbo feels like not knowing whether they will or will not like <b>new food.</b> That's why I think it's important to know what your staples are especially if you want something familiar... like a food chain. <br />
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<b>So, </b>for the record, Kaua'i does have...<br />
Taco Bell<br />
McDonalds<br />
Panda Express<br />
Jamba Juice<br />
Burger King and<br />
Jack in the Box.<br />
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If you have another fast food preference, you probably won't find it. (By the way, Kaua'i also has a Costco and Walmart so you can stop holding your breath and relax. You'll have access to just about <i>anything</i> you might need. Except... well, anything Kaua'i <i>doesn't </i>have.)<br />
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Next time, I'll share a few places that <i>I</i> love to eat...<br />
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<i>What kind of food do you like to eat? Mexican? Thai? Hawaiian? </i><br />
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<b>The Kaua'i to-do-and-know List by Alicia:</b><br />
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<a href="http://snubakauai.com/" target="_blank">SNUBA</a> diving is great for families with kids over the age of 8.<br />
Available Food Chains (in case you want something familiar)<br />
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<br />Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817226829470998950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658397244538159778.post-87654399909601586882017-02-01T03:00:00.000-08:002017-02-01T03:00:03.890-08:00Creative Portraits {fog inspired}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My boys aren't always so great at listening and not bugging each other... but they <i>are</i> good at modeling for me (and they're <i>ridiculously</i> photogenic). It's a fair trade off, I guess. ;)</div>
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It's no secret I love playing with and using light! We get this incredible fog (inversion?) out here that not only softens, but literally blurs the light sources. It doesn't happen too often, and when it does I'm <i>always</i> itching to take photos!</div>
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After three years of dreaming about it, I <i>finally</i> took initiative to get some portraits done in the fog! And holy smokes, I kind of love how they turned out! The mood of the images is unlike anything I've created before, and I really really enjoyed creating something so different for me.</div>
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I took these on our street early in the morning before the fog started to lift. The boys' early morning, tired faces add to the feel, I think. We took and edited these on two different days, that's part of why there is a slightly different tone to them. </div>
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There is some photoshop enhancement to hide the mail boxes, homes and cars parked along the road. But I wanted to keep the shape of the tree in some of them. I used the clone and dodge tools. I changed the color balance to be very blue but had to mask their faces to keep most of their original skin tone (skin tone is something I'm trying to do better with). </div>
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Anyway, I'm pretty excited about these and would love to do more creative portraits that make you wonder what the story is, or just <i>feel </i>different than what I've done in the past. I little moodier, I guess you could say. </div>
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I'll be thinking of some other spins I can take with the fog... </div>
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...and the ideas are already starting!</div>
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Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817226829470998950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658397244538159778.post-12663557180926507362017-01-31T03:00:00.000-08:002017-01-31T03:00:28.856-08:00Kayleen, Maternity Portraits<br />
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This is my lovely cousin, Kayleen. Yep, I'll claim her! We're 5 months apart and grew up on opposite sides of the pacific ocean, but somehow we stayed good friends through the years. She's seen me at worst, for sure, and still claims me too! We've both moved around a lot since we've started families of our own, sometimes even living in the same state at the same time! That's always fun for us!<br />
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Over the years, she's been one of my top supporters and it was a pleasure to create portraits for <i>her </i>(and not just her cute kids)! Maternity portraits are amazing because we're celebrating a woman's changing body and ability to grow life! I will never not think that's amazing! Can't wait to meet her little guy!<br />
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And obviously, I couldn't resist the cute face she brought along with her!<br />
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<br />Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817226829470998950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658397244538159778.post-19005434408599352022017-01-30T06:00:00.000-08:002017-01-30T09:23:58.774-08:00Let's go to Kaua'i {SNUBA!}<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(That's me! The blondie that was in hula and didn't even know -or care- that she was so different.)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You may or may not already know that I grew up on the Island of Kaua’i. More specifically, my parents moved there in 1988 with three kids (I was 4) and are <i>still</i> living there. I’m sure you’ve heard of Kaua’i. If you haven’t, google it – </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">right now. </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Kaua'i is my childhood home and holds a very special place in my heart! </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why am I talking about Kaua’i on my photography blog? </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why NOT?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">More than ever (except maybe for when I was going to school at BYUH) people I know are visiting Kaua’i! (That’s awesome, just be careful!) I finally wrote up a master list of what-to-dos and where-to-eats to share with friends who wanted suggestions! When my boys and I spent 5 weeks there in 2016 I added to that list and even started an Instagram @kauaiwithkids . </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Anyway</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I thought it would be fun (and helpful?) to tell you about Kaua’i and highlight some of our favorite activities and places to eat.</span></div>
<br /><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There is </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">a lot </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">to say about Kaua’i so as I share suggestions with you, you can follow along and we will build a master list together. K? K.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Let's start out with my favorite activity on Kaua'i (that also happens to be the family business)... SNUBA with <a href="http://snubakauai.com/" target="_blank">SNUBA Tours of Kaua'i</a>. I've been SNUBA diving long before the recommended age of 8 years old! </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me again! (A long time ago!)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">It's a chance to really get the underwater experience without scuba diving (which has never appealed to me). No scuba tank on your back, but you also don't have to deal with a snorkel. You can swim freely (up to 20 feet deep) or hang on to the SNUBA raft for your comfort. Aahh! I love it so much! So do my boys! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>What kind of outdoor activities do you enjoy? What kind of food? Do you have plans to visit Kaua'i in 2017? What do you want to know about the island?</i></span></span></div>
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Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817226829470998950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658397244538159778.post-74042205870686718562017-01-26T03:00:00.000-08:002017-01-26T03:00:15.668-08:00Carol, Maternity Portraits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I don't always want to go play outside in the cold, so I've been
using the light I have available indoors. (My sliding glass doors to be exact).
This is a totally different feel and challenge than being out in wide open
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I like shooting indoors, studio style for a few reasons and
situations… 1- For individual portraits where I have more control over posing
and angles. 2- When it’s winter and I want to have a lighter feel to the
clothing (there is a time and place for gloves and chunky beanies). The winters
last way too long around here as it is and I get antsy for a spring/summer feel
to my photos again! 3-When I need better control over the lighting and want a
more dramatic/artistic feel to the image (using light).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Carol is my friend and a great sport to model for me while I tried
some different lighting techniques. I had some ideas and needed a willing subject
to help me out! Obviously, she’s beautiful and believe it or not she is
expecting her sixth child! She’s pretty much super woman! It was a pleasure and
honor for me to create maternity portraits for her with my own artistic touch to
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Having gone through five pregnancies myself, I have so much
respect for women and what their bodies are capable of. I know each woman’s
experience is different in great and small ways, but I truly admire pregnant
women. It’s no easy task even when a woman may have a relatively “easy”
pregnancy. It might sound weird, but I really do think pregnant women are
beautiful and should be celebrated. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I would love to see women in our society supporting and relying on
each other during pregnancies and postpartum. What would it take to create that
kind of community</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Anyway, that’s a topic for another day. If you’re interested in
learning more about how I took these images, I’m happy to answer questions. Otherwise,
enjoy! </span></div>
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<br />Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817226829470998950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658397244538159778.post-4073452001865380572017-01-24T11:25:00.002-08:002017-01-24T11:51:22.663-08:00Let's Get Real<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>I'm a wife first and always.</b><br />
As long as that stays in place everything else works out for me.<br />
<br />
<b>My kids suck the life out of me</b>... and I don't even mind. Those life suckers are <i>mine </i>and one day I'm going to consistently sleep through the night when there are no little bodies waking me up because they can't sleep or when they get home late at night and<i> I'm going to miss it </i>and <b>I know it</b>. They are my most important work in this life and let's be real - I'm probably going to screw it up. Because...<br />
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<b>I don't really know what I'm doing</b>. I mean, I kiiiiind of know what I'm supposed to do and my husband and I have the same long term goals so that makes all the difference but we are seriously taking the path less traveled here. We're raising FIVE BOYS! That in itself threw me a curve ball I wasn't expecting! We're definitely up for a challenge though, and I have every confidence we'll figure it out... you know, after we've made aaall kinds of mistakes! And lets be real - I can apply that to every aspect of my life.<br />
<br />
<b>I hate cleaning.</b> My husband is a very clean person, and has been dying a little inside since we got married (I'm sure!)... I mean, I <i>have </i>gotten better at it - but cleaning the same messes day after day after day after day makes me want to pull my hair out or find a reason to never ever ever ever be home. So our house is usually a well-balanced messy... except for the 5 minutes before my husband gets home from work when it's the cleanest it gets all 24 hours of a day. That my big compromise.<br />
<br />
<b>I <i>love </i>Star Wars</b>. I make no excuses. If you stop reading my blog and decide you no longer even like my pictures because of this I just want you to know that it will <i>only make me love it more</i>.<br />
<br />
<br />
Go ahead, <b>be brave </b>and tell me something <i>REAL </i>about yourself!<br />
<br />Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817226829470998950noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658397244538159778.post-25740643403343670192017-01-23T12:07:00.000-08:002017-01-23T12:07:29.052-08:00Marsing Family, Winter Family Photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VPegtDGQDTQ/WIZJ48ZFGPI/AAAAAAAAND0/1JChAq4PUSoVAZVUMp6k_AHLfJ_wPgSmQCLcB/s1600/MARSINGSJAN2017%2B254Alicia-States-Photographer-Utah-Family-Photography2017EFB%252B.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VPegtDGQDTQ/WIZJ48ZFGPI/AAAAAAAAND0/1JChAq4PUSoVAZVUMp6k_AHLfJ_wPgSmQCLcB/s640/MARSINGSJAN2017%2B254Alicia-States-Photographer-Utah-Family-Photography2017EFB%252B.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I adore this family. I've been taking pictures of these kiddos for
about 7 years now! We've done train tracks, gardens, and canyon parks (to name
a few places) so this time we tried something different! SNOW! I guess it was
meant to be because that morning we got a LOT of snow! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I was well dressed for the job with leggings under my jeans, and a
long sleeve shirt under a sweatshirt under a snowboarding jacket!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">It was an
adventurous family photo shoot and a time the kids will probably never forget.
Honestly, the kids did great! There were lots of laughs and even with as many
times as mom and dad told the boys not to throw snow they<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>just couldn't help themselves!<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></b>(And who could blame them!? The
snow was so <i>fresh!</i>)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Amber chose plaid patterns with blue, pink and cream colors. We
were going for a casual feel, and brought along a few quilts to keep warm in.
We spent about 45 minutes in the cold, which was just long enough! I <i>need to
remember</i> to really plan out my shots when in the snow to make the best use
of everyone’s time. Over all I think it was time well spent, but next time I’ll
be even more efficient.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I used a Canon 5D MarkII with a 50 1.4 and a Mark III with a
24-100 so I wouldn’t have to switch lenses. For the family shots I liked the
24-100 best and for the individuals I preferred the 50. (I sure love that 50).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I think it’s a great idea to have family photos done in each of
the seasons – especially when you live in a place like Utah that has such
beautiful, changing seasons! Then, once you’ve done all the seasons, let’s go
to Hawai’i and do pictures there! Mmkay? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817226829470998950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658397244538159778.post-85637891563857896572017-01-20T10:59:00.000-08:002017-01-20T10:59:28.426-08:00 Family Photos are THE WORST<br />
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<br />
You needwant (yep that's one word) family pictures taken. You have a new addition to the family, your children have grown <i>so much </i>since your last picture (if there is a last one), you've lost weight, your child is leaving home, your children are all back home for a minute, it's the holidays and everyone is <i>finally</i> together, it's a gift for mom, it's a gift for grandma... <b>there are so many reasons for family pictures!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
But even the <i>idea</i> of family photos can induce anxiety.<br />
<br />
<i>What should we wear?</i><br />
<i>Who to hire?</i><br />
<i>Where should we take them?</i><br />
<i>How do I convince my husband? (</i>ammiright?<i>)</i><br />
<i>What should we </i>wear<i>?!</i><br />
<i>Last time the kids were </i>awful<i>!</i><br />
<i>When in the world are we going to find time?</i><br />
<i>What about the weather? (</i>Only in Utah. :p)<br />
<i>How should I do my makeup?</i><br />
<i>We'll all need haircuts!</i><br />
<b><i>What should we wear?!?!</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
You might even avoid family pictures <i>like the plague.</i><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
I get it, I do! I have five boys and I break out into a cold sweat thinking about wrangling them for <i>and taking the </i>pictures (and then literally end up a hot mess by the end of the photo shoot) so <b>I promise! I get it.</b><br />
<br />
And I'm here for you 100%.<br />
<br />
But your kids are going to be so much better then you think (they <i>always</i> are.) You probably don't know this, but my husband (who is my second shooter on most family shoots) is a child whisperer. For seriously. I have a 100% success rate at getting pictures we will all love no matter how your morning goes or what mood those kiddos arrive in. I'll say it now (and I'll say it again at the shoot), <i>Mom - relax. All you have to worry about is looking good. Let me tell your kids what I need them to do. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Oh, your husband <i>hates </i>having his picture taken? Good. I can work with that. I also brag that 100% of the time, at the end of the session, the men comment "Well, that wasn't bad at all." (or something <i>really </i>similar). One of the 3 goals of my business is - get this - to make the photo shoot <b>EASY BREEZY FOR DAD / the men</b>. True story. It's <i>really </i>important to me that <i>everyone</i> has a positive experience.<br />
<br />
This is not my first time at the rodeo.<br />
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So <i>talk to me! </i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">Tell me what your fears and concerns are. Tell me the vision you have for your family photos and I will help you figure out the <i>least</i> painful way to get them done! We will make a plan (and <i>it won't be hard - </i><b>taking family pictures is what I do!). </b></span><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Be BRAVE!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
And message or text me. Seriously. Let's start the conversations and we will get through this <i>together</i>!<br />
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<br />Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817226829470998950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658397244538159778.post-58671383321009716852017-01-19T11:56:00.000-08:002017-01-19T12:04:27.961-08:00My BLOG is getting loved - intentionally.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My blog has been getting some one-on-one time (like a child who needs some extra attention). It got a makeover and was bumped up on my priority list (right below my 3rd child... bahaha just kidding.) But really, it's like re connecting with an old friend. And my old friend is awesome.<br />
<br />
Because I'm list maker (and so I can hold myself accountable), I'm listing the purposes of having a blog...<br />
<br />
First of all, to document and share<i> my journey</i> as a photographer (did you know I started this blog in <b>2008</b>!?)<br />
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Second, to share my photos.<br />
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Third, I have a blog so I can connect with others! I connect with clients and photog friends and we get to know each other better!<br />
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and Fourth, FOR FUN. I enjoy it - so it has a special place in my life and business!<br />
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One of my goals for 2017 is to <b>do things with intention, </b>and breathing life into this blog is something I intend to do this year (and forever after!)<br />
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<i>What are you doing with intention this year?</i><br />
<br />Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817226829470998950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658397244538159778.post-82059394424246597102017-01-18T15:31:00.000-08:002017-01-18T15:32:22.464-08:00Let's Get Real<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is me on a good day. A really good day (aaaand a little bit of photoshop). Meaning I miraculously got enough sleep (though there is only so much I can do about the circles under my eyes - but its me) and woke up before the boys and got a shower in before chaos ensued. My hair is washed and styled. My favorite long-sleeve tee is clean and my makeup cooperated. I needed new head shots for my photography business and after setting up the lighting I wanted to and the </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">camera settings, I let my 10 year old have at it. I actually got a few I like. It's a day of miracles, people!</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5mUH_ydyZM/WH_0sECrnOI/AAAAAAAAM4A/YRmlOfUuxvY89DMatGn_QoqQFvt2Uw3PQCLcB/s1600/IMG_6665Alicia-States-Photographer2017%252B.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5mUH_ydyZM/WH_0sECrnOI/AAAAAAAAM4A/YRmlOfUuxvY89DMatGn_QoqQFvt2Uw3PQCLcB/s320/IMG_6665Alicia-States-Photographer2017%252B.png" width="312" /></a> <span style="font-size: large;">I don't know about you, but it's <i>hard</i> being in front of the camera! Smile, how? Look where? Do <i>what</i> with my chin? <i>Gosh dang it just make me look thin. </i></span><br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ELkX1VMu9PQ/WH_1J3YmsKI/AAAAAAAAM4Q/ucY6SPqxXSoIW81VNLK6eBh_EefUFoI7QCLcB/s1600/IMG_6667Alicia-States-Photographer2017-3%252B.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ELkX1VMu9PQ/WH_1J3YmsKI/AAAAAAAAM4Q/ucY6SPqxXSoIW81VNLK6eBh_EefUFoI7QCLcB/s320/IMG_6667Alicia-States-Photographer2017-3%252B.png" width="317" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">We want to represent our best selves in photos, especially when everyone and their dog, literally, might see it thanks to social media! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A good photographer can make a big difference, but in the end, it really comes down to being okay with yourself. I'll be the first to admit, sometimes that's a hard pill to swallow! No one else's view of you is more skewed than your own. No one is more critical of yourself than you. (Nope, not even your mother-in-law). </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I know this sounds totally lame, but this was actually a hard things for me, and I've been avoiding it for <i>years. </i>But, I did it. So can you. We can do hard things and call them hard things . Whether that's getting your picture taken or applying for that job, or go after that dream... <i>whatever! </i>You are amazing. You can do it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817226829470998950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658397244538159778.post-29274623194171955032017-01-10T15:46:00.000-08:002017-01-17T17:49:55.236-08:00Zack & La'i, Engagements<div style="text-align: center;">
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This cute couple met in the warmth of BYU-Hawaii and are now here in Utah where we did their engagement pictures. Of course, we picked the coldest day of the season (it was two degrees that morning... TWO!) and got through the photo session with all of our fingers! We decided to do their engagement pictures in American Fork Canyon where snow was plentiful and people were scarce.</div>
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There was lots of laughing and giggling and smiling and more laughing! We were freezing (did I mention it was <b>cold</b>!?) but really did have a good time. I told La'i not to avoid wearing black, but she does what she wants and I'm glad she stayed true to herself! I like to make some suggestions but in the end it's my clients call on what to wear (or not wear) and I just want them to be comfortable in their own skin.</div>
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Each couple has their own style, and I try to reflect that! Each of my engagement sessions have their own feel and look. </div>
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My goals are: for my clients to have a positive experience, feel good about the session, get their images to them <i>quickly</i> and make it easy breezy for the guys. Check, check, check and check!</div>
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Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817226829470998950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658397244538159778.post-30542379891164697782016-11-28T06:30:00.000-08:002016-11-28T06:30:31.558-08:00How Professional Images Actually Help Your Memory<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Professional portraits are considered an investment because while we are told our brains save everything we hear, see, read, feel, smell, taste… we have not yet mastered the skill to recall those things at will and with utmost clarity. Try remembering the details of a face you haven’t seen in years… can you do it? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Without high quality images, I wouldn’t remember the details in the baby blue eyes of my now 9 year old - whose eyes have incredibly turned a shade of gold and green. I just couldn’t! Without high quality images, I would hardly remember the mischievous grin,and twinkling eyes of my younger brother who passed away over 10 years ago at age 20. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Images keep long distant relationships alive, and connect us to people we may never see again in this life (or may have never even met). Images keep stories real and memories closer to our mind’s reach. I despair to think how many priceless, precious moments have been lost to oblivion because no one bothered to record anything referencing them. How much more do we cherish the images of our babies - once they’re grown? How much do we cherish images of the best times of our lives - when those times have long since passed? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is far too easy to let time slip away thinking there is nothing significant about that birthday, that family get together, that random road trip, that whole year, or that Halloween costume. Or have you already experienced the pang of regret that you didn’t get pictures while she was still around or when you went to that one place that ended up meaning a lot to you… </span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-feb4bfc3-84df-6acb-a287-a5f91f25ea44"><span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Now let’s get your pictures taken! </i></span></span><br />
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<span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817226829470998950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658397244538159778.post-21345031953851179072016-11-23T06:30:00.000-08:002016-11-23T07:36:28.420-08:00Why I LOVE Family Photos!<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: large; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Creating timeless family photos is like...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Unleashing a little bit of magic </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">-</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: large; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">that mostly looks like the family you spend so much time with and know so well - </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: large; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">with a hint of </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: large; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>other worldiness</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">that makes you realize how amazing your life really is and</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>how lucky</b> you are to have these</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">perfect-for-you people</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">in your life.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: large; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As if your looking through a window you never noticed before and think, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Yes, I know </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">them</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, and I can’t believe how </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">beautiful</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> we are together.”</span></span><br />
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-feb4bfc3-84ca-6940-aa61-6570e1e4072a"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">THAT is what I love most about family photography. That is when I know our time and efforts together were successful!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span>Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817226829470998950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658397244538159778.post-48179160918011981182016-11-21T06:30:00.000-08:002016-11-21T06:55:11.215-08:006 Tips to Get Great Pictures of Kids!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; white-space: pre-wrap;">Kids. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Oh, kids.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">They can be exasperating to work with.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Let's be honest, a happy child is the most wild, free spirited thing you'll ever know and will hardly sit still or look at a camera long enough to say cheese. BUT if you know a few tricks they can be the most beautiful, magical creatures you've ever worked with! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Here's a few things I've learned that make photographing kids my favorite! (And they don't even have to smile...)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; white-space: pre-wrap;">Connect. You have to <i>have to</i> connect with them somehow. If you connect with them they will be more likely to respond to your direction. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Be FUN</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> - throw leaves with them. Play a game of making faces. High five them - a lot! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I think it's really important to know their names, and use it a lot! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Change it up.</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> K, now jump around. Look at mom. Make a silly face. Now give me your best smile! Now stop smiling and freeze…. Work with their short attention spans! They're guaranteed to get a little cranky (or maybe a lot) if they are expected to sit still and hold a, now fake, smile.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-diPZUyg0b5Y/WDD_kAIkMDI/AAAAAAAALOQ/dqpNpurWY64OjwIp9W5j86frfpoSdEAJwCK4B/s1600/IMG_0539Alicia-States-Utah-Family-Portrait-Photographer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-diPZUyg0b5Y/WDD_kAIkMDI/AAAAAAAALOQ/dqpNpurWY64OjwIp9W5j86frfpoSdEAJwCK4B/s640/IMG_0539Alicia-States-Utah-Family-Portrait-Photographer.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Give them breaks.</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Again, work with their short attention spans, and give them quick breaks to run around or get a drink or go to mom</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; white-space: pre-wrap;">4. <b>Encourage good behavior.</b> If mom and dad haven’t already bribed - I mean encouraged - them to be (generally) well behaved, then figure out some kind of reward. Small candies (with parents' permission) like smarties (NO CHOCOLATE) or pez work miracles. If candy is a no-go, simple rewards like hopping up and down can feel like a reward (and also goes along with "give them breaks").</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; white-space: pre-wrap;">5. <b>Don't make them smile in every shot. </b>Sometimes I like to tell the kids, "don't worry about smiling, just look at me like you're listening." Or, "don't worry about looking at the camera right now... why don't you look at _____________?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; white-space: pre-wrap;">6. <b>Follow them around</b>. Let the kid(s) set the pace for a little bit and follow his or her lead. Ask for their ideas, and go with them. </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; white-space: pre-wrap;">If there is a child who just refuses to cooperate you might be amazed at how they change when they feel like they are in charge! </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; white-space: pre-wrap;">Action shots are another great way to capture their personalities. Follow them around and snap away! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; white-space: pre-wrap;">No matter what you do, don't forget to breathe. Don't rush through the experience, try to enjoy it and create those portraits that will be timeless for them and possibly generations to come! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; white-space: pre-wrap;">You've totally got this! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>What are some of your tricks to get great pictures of kids?</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>What other challenges do you want to overcome in your portrait photography? </i></span></div>
Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817226829470998950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658397244538159778.post-78267906202296335292016-11-14T11:04:00.000-08:002016-11-14T11:04:01.831-08:00Hello, Old Friend!Apparently the last time I posted anything was in 2014. THAT'S embarassing! With all the different social media platforms available I've been rotating through them... and my blog was sorely<b> sorely </b>neglected. I'm sorry.<br />
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But not to worry, I have been taking pictures! To see some of my recent work, you can visit my website aliciastates.smugmug.com, facebook or instagram (@photosbyaliciastates).<br />
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Here's a little something recent to brighten your day!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yIcHcgTsMRI/WCoKIvyKEOI/AAAAAAAALBs/25YAryqj6NsVZ_RNzNrbGJ7k02_wi8sfQCK4B/s1600/291Alicia-States-Family-Photographerx1200.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yIcHcgTsMRI/WCoKIvyKEOI/AAAAAAAALBs/25YAryqj6NsVZ_RNzNrbGJ7k02_wi8sfQCK4B/s1600/291Alicia-States-Family-Photographerx1200.jpg" /></a>Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14817226829470998950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658397244538159778.post-42894297717690923792014-07-09T17:03:00.001-07:002014-07-09T17:03:43.871-07:00I love those feet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Toes for days!<br />
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I love these feet. I love the tiny ones and the bigger ones (though they are all still pretty small). I love that their toes look like little squishy balls.<br />
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Oh yeah, and their feet are <b>clean</b>! (But wouldn't <i>that </i>be an image with muddy dirty feet in my clean white bed!)<br />
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With 4 boys ages 1-7 this image is kind of a miracle in itself. They were cooperative, and even excited about it. I have an image similar to this of my oldest two that hangs on our wall, and they were happy to try to recreate the image with their younger brothers :)<br />
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But those feet! I love their feet! I am grateful for their feet.<br />
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Those feet that they stand on, run on, walk on, climb with, kick with (yes, sometimes each other)...<br />
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Those feet that will support them throughout their lives. Who knows what grand adventures those feet will take them on! Some they will go on together, others on their own.<br />
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Those feet. My GOSH I love those feet.<br />
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(Hey! Hey, guys! I don't know if you know this, but I love those feet...) :)Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145276105020839553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658397244538159778.post-3091869510117149682014-06-23T10:20:00.000-07:002014-06-23T10:20:10.177-07:00A summer of soul stretching and mind expanding! This really has been the summer for trying/doing/learning new things!<br />
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I absolutely recommend trying new things! It will stretch your soul and help you get in touch with YOU a whole lot better!!<br />
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LIFE BEGINS AT THE END OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE!<br />
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I've...<br />
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Planted an herb garden for the first time!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KmK1OzqyXNo/U6hhYvOTntI/AAAAAAAAAE8/BVa26lDpFAo/s1600/8711_10154348590450122_649094436590308778_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KmK1OzqyXNo/U6hhYvOTntI/AAAAAAAAAE8/BVa26lDpFAo/s1600/8711_10154348590450122_649094436590308778_n.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>Watched my kid ride a sheep in a Kids Rodeo (Muttin' Bustin'!) (Yes, their new experiences qualify as my new experiences too!)<br />
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Learned a new lighting/portrait technique<br />
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Took a road trip to, and visited the city of Denver Colorado for the first time. I saw some breathtaking scenes along the way - talk about stretching the soul and expanding the mind! We had so many new experiences simply because we were in a new city, and drove long new roads and highways!<br />
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Learned how to make flower crowns.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nQgYPldb5gs/U6hhYs5j6PI/AAAAAAAAAFA/MHMp3Kx96kY/s1600/10415601_10154340099950122_1154535392389692853_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nQgYPldb5gs/U6hhYs5j6PI/AAAAAAAAAFA/MHMp3Kx96kY/s1600/10415601_10154340099950122_1154535392389692853_n.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>Visited the brand new Museum of Natural Curiosity in Lehi, Utah with all four boys <i>by myself </i>(it was beyond our wildest imaginations and we loved it!)<br />
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I'm learning more about probiotics and was introduced to kefir, and it's been so fascinating to learn more about our bodies, they way they should work and how our society as a whole has gotten so far away from real foods! (Not a judgment, just absorbing all this new information!)<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8x1KESZKMo8/U6hhYT8Pw5I/AAAAAAAAAE4/nPCivDLlhew/s1600/10406796_10154291618090122_1890317213798657802_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8x1KESZKMo8/U6hhYT8Pw5I/AAAAAAAAAE4/nPCivDLlhew/s1600/10406796_10154291618090122_1890317213798657802_n.jpg" height="200" width="187" /></a>My husband and I went to the concert of the ridiculously talented and incredibly entertaining Lindsey Stirling - it's the first time we've <i>ever</i> been to a concert together and it was a life changing and incredibly inspiring experience!<br />
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This was a little bit before Summer officially started, but I learned how to make hand stamped jewelry! Can't forget that!!<br />
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I had the opportunity to teach 20ish youth (and some adults) about photography! It was <b>so much fun</b> for me and the first time I've been able to teach like that! Aah! It was great!<br />
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I've learned to cook some new Thai dishes! That's always fun (and dang delicious!)<br />
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Having new, positive experiences is what life is all about if you ask me! My boys (and I) have been thriving this summer as individuals and a family unit. Not saying it's been perfect or that my boys are well behaved all the time... because that would be <b>lying. </b> :) But, it's been pretty wonderful so far!<br />
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I've also been learning a lot about myself in the process! Wow. More on that later, but in a nutshell I've been learning how to truly love and accept myself the way I really am - and these new experiences have helped relearn what I love and what I don't care much for! I've actually surprised myself a number of times! Things I thought I liked... I really, honestly don't and I've realized things that I love! All the while getting to know myself better! I'm finding myself more accepting of my physical self and all my "social imperfections" that just make me - <b>me! </b>I'm imperfect! Physically, socially, mentally, emotionally... so is everyone else! (See I'm rambling now! But really, I'll try to write more about that journey! It's pretty incredible!)<br />
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<b>Try something new! Intentionally discover something about yourself! What makes you - you?! Because in all sincerity - <i>You're pretty amazing. </i></b><br />
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Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145276105020839553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658397244538159778.post-65975079479512971012014-06-11T18:08:00.000-07:002014-06-11T18:08:44.642-07:00My Little Princess... a photo projectI shared a little teaser in my last post of the project I was working on, <b>My Little Princess a Photography Project. </b>Remember I talked about learning new things? One of the things I learned to make was flower crowns, and I used them for this project. This is a <i>natural light : natural beauty</i> project that emphasizes softness in facial expression, natural lighting, soft colors and texture. This is a photo shop project as much as a photography (straight out of the camera) project. Adding and blending the texture is what I feel make these images more than just nice pictures, but <b><i>portraits</i>. </b>Pieces of creative art that would make someone want to hang on them on their walls. :) t's all part of the learning curve. Trial and error. Practice, Practice, Practice.<br />
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I am <i>super</i> pleased with these images, and hope you enjoy them!<br />
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<br />Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145276105020839553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2658397244538159778.post-58219493282284391462014-06-02T18:19:00.001-07:002014-06-02T18:21:09.636-07:00Rediscovering MeHave you ever done or experienced something so life changing that it kind of reawakens a part of you that has been dormant for... well, a long time? No? Go do it.<br />
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I'm at a good place in my life right now, (a calm before a storm? I hope not! knockonwood) and have been motivated to learn new things. I've been brave enough to start growing my own herbs, we're eating healthierish (yeah it's a thing), I've been trying new lighting/fabric/textures in my photography and I'm <b>loving</b> the results! Today I even set up my sewing machine!<br />
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It's no secret that I'm not fan of Winter, and <i>finally</i> summer is here! I <b>thrive</b> in the summertime!<br />
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I considered starting a new blog for the things I'm learning and experiencing... but let's be honest... there's a <i>pretty good chance</i> it will be badly neglected. So I'll share somethings here. Hope you don't mind!<br />
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And for your viewing pleasure... A beautiful little princess! (I've also learned how to make flower crowns and I'm in love with them!)<br />
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<br />Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145276105020839553noreply@blogger.com0