Happy 4th of July... Fireworks and Dust Storm...

It was iffy again... Last year we were rained out and this year we almost were dirt blasted out. A good dust storm rolled in about a half hour before fireworks, do we stay or do we go?! We stayed... Yippie, better to have 4th of July in July instead of October, like last year. :)

Happy 4th of July!! Bonus photo tip... tripod! :)

Happy 4th of July!!!

Have fun and be safe!

Bonus Tip: Take better fireworks pictures! Because the Fourth of July is right around the corner, we thought you may enjoy a few quick tips about shooting fireworks displays:

Bring a tripod and a flashlight. Because it’s dark, you’ll need longer exposures, so use the tripod to avoid blurry photos. The flashlight will help you adjust your camera settings in the dark.

Set your camera on either Fireworks mode or Manual mode. In Fireworks mode, the camera will take care of the settings. In Manual mode, set your camera to ISO 200, aperture f/8, and shutter speed between 5 and 15 seconds. Take a look at the first few shots to see how they are turning out and adjust accordingly.

Include a landmark in the photo. As the fireworks explode, they will light up a statue, stadium, park, lake, or whatever the surrounding area includes.

Take a lot of frames! You can take 100 photos and only keep 2 great ones. Be a ruthless editor; you only need one or a few shots to frame and share!
(xpphoto.comby Digi Pixels)

* Just a little plug... I love developing my photos with xpphoto.com. About 3 years ago, I was hired to take pictures and needed to have 3000 photos developed and quick... xp was awesome, helpful and we completed the job on time.

Gee Willikers!

Today, Hannah and I received an award from my dear sweet cousin-in-law. :)

Her blog is very heart warming, inspirational, and I learn from her blog. I also have been sent to many a great blog through hers and for that, and all the rest, Thank you!!

I am a little green with envy as well... Her and her sister are beautiful writers and are just over all wonderful people! (the writing is where I have a little envy. :)>)

Now I am suppose to give 5 of these awards out myself, so here it goes...

The first one is to Debi Cates... what can I say! I adore her blog and through her I have found my passion again. She also was the inspiration for "Photo Safari", which brought Hannah and I closer in a new way. And one day we will have lunch at Bluebird Cafe and have lunch!

So to you Debi,
YOU ROCK GIRL!!!

The second one is to Audrey... Just a ROCKIN' GIRL all the way around. I wish I was as sure of myself at her age as she is. :) She participates in the 2 Things Photo Challenge and the ideas she has come up with have been awesome. She is also a great bit of blog support!

To you Audrey,

YOU ARE ROCKIN!!

The third one is Stephanie, now she gave me the original award, but if she weren't blogging last Christmas and her blog hadn't passed down the family line, I would not have met all the wonderful and inspirational people I have.

So to you girl... YOU ROCK!!!

The fourth one is to Leah, another sweet cousin-in-law, and very inspirational as well. I have enjoyed reading all of it. Hannah has especially enjoyed seeing the boys. :)

So to you Leah...

YOU ROCK TOO!!

My fifth choice is... Mrs. U's blog... This blog is a recent find, but I can not seem to pull myself away when I start reading. :) This is also where I found the idea of the give away. LOVE IT!!!

Mrs. U, I don't know you as of yet, but you ROCK!!

To all the blogs I visit... YOU ROCK TOO!!!

Happy Father's Day!!

Wishing all the Dad's out there a very Happy and Peaceful Day!!!

Love to you all!

Us