tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5370936627615618792012-02-09T16:02:40.994-06:00A place to share my view of the world through my camera lens.Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.comBlogger631100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-54152583137420600702011-06-27T12:00:00.001-05:002011-06-30T23:45:15.957-05:00

After not waiting so patiently the result's for The World Famous Topeka Zoo's finally came in.  We are very excited to announce we were award 2 3 first place awards and a second place award.  We know for sure that this photo took first. The next two we know that one took first and the other took second we just aren't sure which one is which. We don't think it's so bad that 3 of the 4

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-83679103312125774202011-06-15T13:23:00.000-05:002011-06-15T13:23:10.949-05:00

Our local zoo, The World Famous Topeka Zoo, is having a photography contest.  The deadline was today and I can say that the following four photographs are at the zoo awaiting their judging.  

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-14325679385066084052011-06-07T14:21:00.000-05:002011-06-07T14:21:24.800-05:00

We are proud to present our Senior Rep for the class of 2012, Derek! Be sure to schedule your photo shoot soon so you too can have amazing photos just like these.

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-62017833200377205232011-06-06T13:07:00.001-05:002011-06-06T23:14:13.535-05:00

Well it's time to reveal what we showed at Tinkham Veale Upstairs Downtown Gallery. We'd like to thank everyone who came out Friday to support all the artist in Topeka.

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-2334726980369256442011-06-01T21:06:00.001-05:002011-06-01T21:11:59.075-05:00

I stress out horribly over picking out a photograph for a contest or to hang in a gallery.  The other night I took to Twitter for help in picking out our two prints for the art walk.  They did such a great job, or at least I think they did, that I thought I'd come to you for help this time.  I have a little more time, not such a last minute thing.  The zoo is holding a photography contest and the

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-43234992852017929462011-05-31T10:37:00.000-05:002011-05-31T10:37:07.766-05:00

Tinkham Veale! We will have two pieces, but you'll have to come out to see what they are or wait until after the show, to see what they are. The opening of the show will be Friday June 3, 2011. This is conjunction with First Friday Artwalk. We will be in the area, the gallery is small so we may not be in the gallery proper the whole time, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM to meet and greet folks. We hope to

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-42395504526086946852011-05-26T14:44:00.000-05:002011-05-26T14:44:17.981-05:00

I know it's been awhile since I've written anything here. I've been focusing my attention to the Facebook Page. I need to get better at balancing the three factions of our social media. Now on to the real reason I'm writing. One of the people I follow on Twitter and Facebook posted a great article about photography pricing. I wanted to share a snippet from the article with you. Why Does

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-23486773358878028702011-03-23T15:12:00.000-05:002011-03-23T15:12:28.706-05:00

We are super honored to have been given this award.  It's our first!!  The amazing ladies over at Crafty Life and Style bestowed it upon us.  Now to share seven fun things and pass it on to 15 amazing blogs.  (Note only one half of Shields Photography is up for sharing things.) 1. Mel drinks almost a gallon of faux sweet tea a day.  It's sweetened with sweet and low. 2. At work, everyday, at 1:

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-20218854208418796122011-03-16T19:22:00.000-05:002011-03-16T19:22:14.838-05:00

I told you last night that I would show you today how I got the photo for the pillow.  Well here we go. I started with this picture. I ended up with this picture. So how did I do it?  With NikSoftware Silver Efex Pro2 plug-in for Photoshop CS4.  I first processed my RAW file.  For more on how I do that you can click here.  I opened the jpg up in Photoshop. Then I clicked on the Silver Efex

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-21902611737545123292011-03-15T21:03:00.001-05:002011-03-15T21:05:40.018-05:00

If you came over hoping to find the new Iron Craft Challenge, it's moved here.  I hope when I get this figured out for real that I can post a tutorial for you all to make one yourself.  But right now I just want some feedback.  What do you guys think of this? I made it with one of my own photographs.  I tinted the picture yellow because that's the color of fabric I had on hand.  The white lines

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-81894421394008603412011-03-12T08:00:00.000-06:002011-03-12T08:00:01.693-06:00

I know we are really already on the web because we have our little blog here.  But we have our own website now.   From there you can purchase any of our art photographs directly from us.  We only accept payment via Pay Pal.  You can also learn all about our portrait services.  If you are in our area we'd love to hear from!

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-42572331438899932812011-02-08T08:00:00.000-06:002011-02-08T08:00:00.653-06:00

I thought I'd share our top 20 photos from our flickr streams.  The top ten from this stream http://www.flickr.com/photos/meekshields/ and the top ten from this stream http://www.flickr.com/photos/lightweaver1/  You are more than welcome to go check out our streams at anytime.  There is always new photographs being added that doesn't always make it over here.                  

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-35804236715328713712011-02-05T08:00:00.001-06:002011-02-05T08:00:10.337-06:00

So they didn't name us but some of our photos were on TV during the local news cast from the zoo!  Very exciting for us. VIEW VIDEO

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-9806119390912846592011-02-02T08:00:00.000-06:002011-02-02T08:00:18.868-06:00

Today is day 3 of being in the middle of winter hell.  Monday we had icey rain that kept me from going to work. Tuesday brought about a lot of snow and today is supposed to be so far beyond cold it's not even funny and winds blowing a gale.  The last two days both of us have been home.  Here are some photos of me out measuring the snow. This was at 3 in the afternoon Tuesday. 7 inches of snow.  

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-4117979824197243002011-01-31T10:58:00.000-06:002011-01-31T10:58:56.654-06:00

I love Twitter and the fun things that can come from there.  The discussion started last night about the area artists getting together in a Co-Op / Tweetup kind of thing.  Well from that a new Flickr group was formed.  If you are in the Topeka, KS area I urge you to join and share it with all of your friends in the area.  Topeka Artists

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-31905713193346778892011-01-31T08:00:00.001-06:002011-01-31T08:00:08.633-06:00

No this isn't the start to a 90's rock song (Can't Live Without Your Love and Affection ..... Nelson..... Oh come on I know I wasn't the only one listening to it).  It's what I have in my camera bag that I love to pieces.  This isn't lenses or the camera body but the other stuff that makes taking photographs easier, better, etc. First up Reynolds Oven Bag, Turkey size.  Please don't stop reading

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-49121000375515048902011-01-30T09:10:00.000-06:002011-01-30T09:10:49.702-06:00

I know it's Sunday and I was supposed to announce on Friday.  I know, I know, I know bad me. :)  So here's the deal, the weather was finally nice and well I've been enjoying that before another round of the white stuff hits.  I've also been working behind the scenes to bring you guys a more enjoyable website. Now the winner of the month long sponsorship............. I HEART NAP TIME    I'll be

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-70848549891137768662011-01-24T08:00:00.003-06:002011-01-24T00:06:59.377-06:00

I get asked a lot about my workflow.  My workflow is completely different from the other half's workflow, neither is right and neither is wrong.  It's just what works best for each of us. First off I take my card and battery out of my camera.  The card goes into my computer and the battery goes into the charger.  Key thing to remember here is put both back into your camera when you finish.  I

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-4606010487114405252011-01-21T08:00:00.020-06:002011-01-21T08:00:04.418-06:00

Let's share our ideas with each other!  The only rule is you had to create what you are sharing.  Other than that go for it!  Since this is the first week there is nothing to spot light but, next week I'll be featuring some of my favorite ideas.  Show me your best! Be sure to grab the button on the right hand side.  Next week's Iron Craft challenge is coffee cup sleeves.  I've got a couple of

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-49733584025422564472011-01-20T08:00:00.005-06:002011-01-24T19:23:18.038-06:00

I'm so excited to share this news with you all.  Friends of The Topeka Zoo, FOTZ, recently published their yearly calendar.  We are thrilled to announce that we had 18 photographs in the calendar. Front Cover: January March April: May July August November Back Cover

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-35952031814206348002011-01-19T07:36:00.006-06:002011-01-23T19:27:56.338-06:00

First off I'm sorry for slacking the last couple of days.  I haven't been able to sit in my chair long enough to write.  But I'm BBBBAAACCCKKKK!!  So now on to what this post is really about. I spoke last week about joining Iron Craft.  It's like Iron Chef for crafters.  Which is right up my alley.  This week's challenge is bunting.  Not up my alley. :(  Not sure what bunting is? Photo from The

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-31568977092446909192011-01-14T08:00:00.021-06:002011-01-14T08:00:13.798-06:00

I was struggling with what to post today.  My brain wasn't engaging.  I mean after all Friday is supposed to be whatever I want hence, the name Whatever Friday.  It didn't matter no creativity was flowing from my fingers.  So I went to Twitter and one of my followers ReArting, wanted to see a collage of some of my favorite photos.  Well some of my favorites are of the giraffes at the local zoo.  

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-19484144576394345082011-01-13T08:00:00.000-06:002011-01-13T08:00:02.526-06:00

I suck!!  I haven't been getting my camera out and snapping away.  I forget when I don't have a project, sometimes I forget when I do have a non-photo project going on, to get the camera out and push the button for the heck of it.  So I have just a few pictures to share with you. Jan. 2, 2011 Dinner!!  I made fajitas this night.  Yummy and I sort of captured the smoke coming off of it. Jan.

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-83389270925894469502011-01-12T08:00:00.023-06:002011-01-12T23:07:35.733-06:00

If you have been reading the blog this year you have seen the photo projects that I've been posting.  I am doing this because I'm a craft junky.  I love to make stuff!  I thought if I posted project ideas that would get me in the mood to get some stuff done.  It has, I'm almost moved into my sewing/craft room.  I made a scarf yesterday.  It's been snowy and cold here and figured I needed one.  To

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-75733285694938618772011-01-11T08:00:00.003-06:002011-01-11T08:00:09.086-06:00

Did you know there are two flickr streams for Shields Photography?  Did you know if you find a picture on either one of them and just have to hang it on your wall we can do that for you? Flickr stream #1 some samples from that stream are: Flickr stream #2 some samples from that stream are: If you find something that you just can't live without you can contact us here on the blog or you

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-44430469498739785772011-01-10T08:00:00.002-06:002011-01-16T14:23:46.336-06:00

I get asked a lot what kind of camera do I think someone should get.  Remember on Monday when I said my husband thought Raw vs Jpg need a flow chart?  That question needs a flow chart, an input and output chart, and a dose of psychic ability.  Unless you are my BFF I probably don't know enough about what you want to do with your camera to answer that question well. So what camera do I tell

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-80614482203018004872011-01-07T09:00:00.001-06:002011-01-07T09:00:10.636-06:00

I uploaded some new photos to flickr.com last night. Here's a sneak peek at what went up. These are from the Emporia, KS zoo back in 2009.  I know I'm just now getting to putting them up on flickr.

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-72643302415681436412011-01-07T08:00:00.003-06:002011-01-07T08:00:02.732-06:00

In case you missed it on Sunday I had the great opportunity to guest blog over at Crafty Life and Style this weekend.  Head on over and see what I talked about.  Guest Blog Leaders in Ad Space Giveaway: 1. The Idea Room with 7 referrals 2. Crafty Life and Style with 6 referrals 3. Be Different Act Normal  with 3 referrals

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-88156220252574914702011-01-06T08:00:00.003-06:002011-01-06T16:02:47.739-06:00

I know this is supposed to be the week in review of my 365 project but here is the truth, my 365 project is failing at the moment due to the flu.  So I promise next week's post will be loaded with loads and loads of pictures.  None of them will be flu related. :-) Instead I'm going to give away some ad space on my blog this month.  I've thought of different ways to do this and here is how it's

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-8212081199020203262011-01-05T08:00:00.001-06:002011-01-24T19:24:12.192-06:00

It's Wednesday and you know what that means it's time for photo projects.  I haven't done any this week.  :(  I am still working on getting moved into my creative space.  Did anyone do any of the ones I listed last week?  If you did share with us your thoughts on them.  Here are this weeks ideas: Camera Lens Pet Photo Bag Easy Photo Display

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-36966715813556003292011-01-04T08:00:00.002-06:002011-01-04T08:00:00.546-06:00

The other day at The Idea Room she had a random facts about herself up.  I thought it was a fun idea so I borrowed it.  Here we go...... I love all kinds of pasta.  I don't think I've met a noodle that I didn't like.   My husband is gluten-free.  (This makes the first fact kind of a mute point.) I have no biological children.  I have two step children and a host of kids I've worked with at the

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-2895653851594439822011-01-03T08:00:00.001-06:002011-01-03T08:00:09.646-06:00

I had this great post in the works for this topic.  While I was writing it though this came through my twitter stream  Raw Files in Photography .  It was exactly what I was going to say only better.  Dang it that's always things go.  I think that I have this great point of view and someone else has snatched it up.  The other half of Shields Photography suggested a flow chart was what was really

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-37390643013880445562011-01-01T08:00:00.001-06:002011-01-01T08:00:08.677-06:00

For a rousing 30 posts it's not hard to find the top posts but I thought I'd share them anyway in case I have any new readers. 10.  Exciting News 9. Starting New Years Day 8. Food Tuesday 7. Week 0 of 365 Photographs 6. Blog Changes 5. Photo Project 4. Finding Your Style - Finding Your Photographer 3. What Have I Been Doing? 2. How To Set Up A Facebook Fan Page And the number 1 post I made in

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-964807335748170702010-12-31T09:00:00.000-06:002010-12-31T09:00:07.798-06:00

Let's look at my first try with the LED lights.  At this point I've had them for a little over 24 hours and had shot a total of 4 photos with them prior to this test.  So let's see the control photo (please note these are not my best, they normally wouldn't be shown but they do provide some idea as to how the lights preform) This is straight off the camera.  I shoot only in RAW, so this is

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-10343982102168087552010-12-31T08:00:00.003-06:002011-01-01T23:28:04.189-06:00

Friday's from now on will be whatever strikes my fancy.  Who knows what may be here but hopefully it'll be something that interests you. This week?  Review of my Christmas present.  I got two Promaster Mini LED Camera Lights.  I got the 9 LED  and I got the 28 LED versions.  They have bigger ones available but those were the two that the hubs saw me looking at. So let's start with what you get

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-18324234295103267972010-12-30T08:00:00.001-06:002010-12-30T08:00:04.662-06:00

Well the first of the year hasn't arrived so it's not really the start of the 365 photographs.  I am though trying to get a blogging schedule figured out for the upcoming year.  So this is when the photos will be posted that I've taken for that challenge.  This will keep from overwhelming you guys or keeping me up all hours trying to get my photo done in time to get them on here.

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-4715240992430548072010-12-29T08:00:00.001-06:002010-12-29T09:14:30.723-06:00

I hope to set Wednesday aside to share a photo craft with you.  Not all of us are scrapbookers and sometimes just putting a picture in a frame won't cut it.  I don't have any projects done and I don't have any ideas for one right now either.  But it's a goal of mine to do that for you guys.  I'm bad about not doing anything with the my photographs and I have to solve this.  Hopefully this is part

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-52688663738482695972010-12-28T08:00:00.001-06:002010-12-28T08:00:02.363-06:00

I don't have a lot of tips for food photography.  It's not really my thing but I do want to do more of it, because well it always looks cool.  :-)  I figure any photograph I takes improves my skills a little.  I do have a photo to share with you. I took this photo at Zoobilee.  Now it's not the only photo that I took that night but, it made it into the zoo's magazine!  Which made me very happy.

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-62666452714950186102010-12-27T08:00:00.002-06:002010-12-27T13:23:27.839-06:00

I was reading over at HoneyBear Lane about her goal to "Say No To The Mom Uniform".  She wants to find her style.  We all need to do this, if we don't know what our style is.  What does this have to do with photography?  Glad you asked. Every photographer has a style.  Your style and your photographer's style need to match up.  Neither one of you will be happy otherwise.  If you are a

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-61407690906700078642010-12-26T20:30:00.002-06:002010-12-26T20:49:20.963-06:00

The Christmas Holiday is over.  I have a cold but other than that it was a wonderful time.  I got a new sewing machine.  I was in need of one. The picture didn't show up so if you want to see it click on the link. (This one isn't mine but it sure looks like it, including the cabinet.  I found the picture on google from this website) Now I have this machine:(It's a Brother SQ 9000 So far I'm in

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-83691280329240177722010-12-26T18:12:00.002-06:002010-12-26T19:34:38.263-06:00

I'm going to participate in a 365 photo challenge.  It's not for anyone or anything other than to snap more photos, get better, and have some fun.  I'm going to post attempt to post each one of the photos.  Some may not make it because of privacy issues but I'll post as many as I can.  Wish me luck! lol

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-23877959658433963032010-12-08T19:40:00.000-06:002010-12-08T19:40:57.284-06:00

As you can tell from the fact that I haven't blogged since August that I have a hard time doing this.  So I've decided to change things up a little bit.  I'm not just going to blog about my photography.  Maybe I'll find someone who wants to guest blog!!  Wouldn't that be exciting?  :-) I'm going to try to share more information about photography in general and some creative things to do with all

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-52991714515678326082010-08-20T13:57:00.000-05:002010-08-20T13:57:01.911-05:00

So I love the zoo.  I really love the giraffes.  I don't know why, maybe because they aren't loud.  At the Topeka Zoo they are just inside the gate.  I can spend hours there.  Watching them, talking to them, taking pictures of them.  They are just precious.  But enough about my love of this animal, today I want to talk to you about one super special giraffe at the Topeka Zoo. Only July 11, 2010

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-39681162124357679372010-07-05T19:12:00.000-05:002010-07-05T19:12:43.724-05:00

There has been lots of discussion and questions on how to set up a fan page.  So I've making a mini tutorial here for everyone who needs help. Step 1: Sign into your personal Facebook account or create a new one, just follow the on screen steps. Step 2: You'll be taken to your feed page.  It looks like this. Step 3: Now we need to create a page.  There is a link on the left hand side you

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-1233760963753408012010-06-22T10:37:00.000-05:002010-06-22T10:37:00.149-05:00

I have lots to share with you guys but, I'm not going to write a novel so I'll spread it over a few posts.  I've been horrible about getting here and keeping things updates but promise things will turn around. So what's the great exciting news?  One of our photos was chosen to be used as the cover art for Friends of the Topeka Zoo's summer issue of Zooreka.  Zooreka is the magazine that goes out

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-23128488409746847342010-06-13T00:43:00.000-05:002010-06-13T00:43:00.334-05:00

I'm just popping in to let everyone know I haven't forgotten about you.  I've been re-working the artfire store.  We will be offering free shipping on all of our items shortly.  There are 15 more to go and then we will be adding a lot of new photographs.  I also promise to get back to blog more often.  I don't want anyone thinking we've forgotten about them.

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-91919362661786828872010-06-04T13:25:00.000-05:002010-06-04T13:25:29.325-05:00

I'm doing another Friday Fix-It.  The rules have changed though, someone was using a submitted photo as their own.  Totally not cool!  Any way on to the submission. Original: My version of it: So no how I did it.  Lightroom again this week, it's just quicker for these basic edits that I'm not making selections and layers on.  Of course the first thing I did was rotate the image. Now I'm just

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-10937612165507473982010-06-03T11:21:00.000-05:002010-06-03T11:21:18.615-05:00

This last week has been filled with exciting prospects for our little business.  When you take something for a hobby to a part-time business it can be a little scary.  We went to taking photos for fun to donating photos to the school to doing photos for friend and then biting the bullet, after much begging, to a part-time business.  But this week has proved to be worth it all. We have two

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-88894946858365112022010-05-26T15:25:00.000-05:002010-05-26T15:25:29.322-05:00

I made up a schedule, even put it on my Google calendar so that it would give me little pop ups to remind me what I'm supposed to do next.  That's wonderful when you can stick to it.  I however I am not so great at sticking to it. I'm supposed to start my "work" day at 10 AM.  I'm not a morning person and knew this so I wanted to make sure I was well awake by the time I was supposed to start.  

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-32247034151461092172010-05-25T14:38:00.000-05:002010-05-25T14:38:56.338-05:00

I found these questions in an article online. I thought the best way to make myself accountable to my goals is to answer them right here so all the world can see it. 1. What’s holding you back from starting your photography business?  Nothing!  I'm out there but probably not as out there as I could be.  I don't have business cards or brochures out anywhere locally.  That's what I need to do.2.

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-34755195651494761462010-05-24T15:53:00.000-05:002010-05-24T15:53:27.065-05:00

I had such a great time taking these family shots just before Christmas.  We had to wait for the snow to melt and decent weather day but I think they came out great!  The spot they picked was just wonderful though!  Then even brought the family dog along. That tree behind them is one of the coolest trees I've ever seen! This is one of my artist renderings.  I had been waiting for the right

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-7568715001739623252010-05-23T20:49:00.000-05:002010-05-23T20:49:46.503-05:00

This photo is of the old Buildex plant outside of Ottawa, KS.  There is a whole concrete plant just sitting there rusting out.  I found the Buildex website the other day.  They are still in business but have relocated their plant.  This one just sits there waiting for someone to fire it up again.

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-79723643419552571342010-05-21T10:30:00.001-05:002010-05-21T10:31:39.505-05:00

This week I decided to participate in I Heart Faces Friday Fix-It.  I did it all in light room. Before: After: The first thing I did was adjust the white balance.  I left it in auto mode because they looked fairly good and I knew I could go back and adjust it more if I needed to.  Then I upped the vibrance to 17 and saturation to 26. I did a little luminance smoothing to take a little of

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-17174424200534753572010-05-20T20:46:00.000-05:002010-05-20T20:46:44.288-05:00

So I've started a series of photos about the past.  They all are of things that were once used a lot and are now tossed aside or only used to show the historic value of them.  The first photo has been shown on the blog but I'm going to show it again and tell the story behind the shot. Each photo will take you directly to the artfire listing for purchase.  All photographs in this series will sale

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-89271430820269643472010-05-16T17:42:00.000-05:002010-05-16T17:42:04.996-05:00

I'm thankful that this week I have no photo sessions scheduled and no client meetings.  It's a first that's for sure.  Why you ask?  Well I made a bet with twelve second graders that if they read 500 books they could pick a color and I would dye my hair that color for the last week of school.  Well they did it.  Tonight I'll dye it purple and proudly wear it for the next week.

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-30462628047750010462010-05-16T13:28:00.000-05:002010-05-16T13:28:35.400-05:00

Let me know what you all think. Well.....

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-82401061136869427602010-05-12T18:19:00.000-05:002010-05-12T18:19:57.052-05:00

Tonight at 7:00 PM, 7:30 PM, 8:00 PM, 8:30PM there will be some great deals announced via our Twitter account.  Be sure to be following http://twitter.com/shieldsphotos to grab these great deals.

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-11261868154853490492010-05-06T07:30:00.001-05:002010-05-06T07:30:00.460-05:00

Need your senior photos done this summer?  Want your senior photos to look like you?  Give us a call!!  We are currently booking summer senior portrait sessions.  If you schedule your appointment before June 1, your shoot can happen any time during the summer, you'll get a free album of 25 of your favorite photos!

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-42802903353947734692010-05-03T20:05:00.000-05:002010-05-03T20:05:39.329-05:00

I had so much fun doing Destiny's senior photos last fall. Like what you see?  Give us a call to schedule your senior photos NOW!

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-79379240851045256872010-04-28T19:47:00.000-05:002010-04-28T19:47:00.252-05:00

We are now available for portrait sessions.  We'll be updating the pricing page in the next few days with the information.  Currently we are gathering releases from past clients to include in our gallery.  Watch our Facebook page to see some of our work. A little information when considering us for your portrait needs.  We are natural light photographers.  We do not have a studio so this means

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-44921372034049375442010-04-26T19:06:00.000-05:002010-04-26T19:06:00.679-05:00

That's about all I can say today.  I didn't expect anything out of my little adventure yesterday.  I did it just for the heck of it.  I mean I have always had goals with my photography.  I just didn't think there were so many others who supported it.  I sold a print, have 30 followers on Twitter, and almost 50 fans on Facebook.  I even got my husband in to it and he's culling his photos to add to

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-87351583185453220992010-04-25T21:09:00.000-05:002010-04-25T21:09:25.990-05:00

I set up an artfire.com account.  I loaded a photo.  I set the price.  Guess what happened?  I SOLD IT!  That's right folks I sold a photograph.  I'm so excited.  I'm now culling photos for sale.  I've posted one other which I will share here shortly.  I've offered it in a lot more sizes than I did the first one.  These photos appeal to a certain type of person but I hope some of the others will

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-537093662761561879.post-47878667187955784872010-04-21T21:38:00.003-05:002010-05-20T20:35:23.822-05:00

You may now purchase this photo at http://www.artfire.com/users/melphoto

Melissa Shieldshttps://profiles.google.com/102506291942103161736noreply@blogger.com0