Craft Your Heart Out

I found these fabulously fun Valentine craft ideas at “Sign Up Genius” and want to share them with you!

A simple heart shape can be created out of almost any material and says love in any size and color you desire for your card. 

1. Sweethearts – Use candy to create and paste heart shapes on your cards and packages. Conversation and cinnamon hearts work well for these.
2. Blended Hearts – Using markers or colored pencils, create areas of bright, blended colors across a page of white or colored cardstock. Then cut hearts from the best parts of the paper to attach to handmade cards and to use as gift tags.
3. Magazine Hearts – Find your favorite colors and interesting patterns from pages of old magazines and start cutting all sorts of shapes and sizes.
4. Mosaic Hearts – Your local craft store has colorful stones and glass pieces made specifically for creating a mosaic. Want a full nature experience? Paint hearts on stones you find while adventuring outside.
5. Tissue Paper Hearts – You probably have leftover tissue paper in different colors and patterns stashed away. Cut out a variety of shapes and sizes to embellish cards and notes. These are great for paper mosaic cards as well.
6. Stringing Them Along Hearts – Use string, ribbon, or yarn to create hearts as well as cupid and arrow designs.
7. Bubble Wrap Hearts – Cut whimsical hearts from the squishy packing material to paste on cards or artwork.
8. Torn Hearts – Try a variety of papers and colors and start tearing for very natural and interesting heart shapes.
9. Heart Stamps – They’re always available at the craft store, along with ink pads in favorite Valentine’s colors.
10. Heart Art – Use watercolors to paint beautiful hearts on paper or card stock. Then get creative with materials like glitter, stickers, puff paint or markers. Gift your masterpiece to a special someone!

Gather the kiddos around the table and have some memory building fun!

I am a Southern California based Portrait and Fine Art Photographer who sees the world a bit differently.

You can view more of my work here > Donna Edman Photography.
If you’d like to book a Family Portrait or Couples Session
I’d be honored > Contact Me
or call me (714) 746-2418

Together, we can capture YOUR LIFE, One Image at a Time!

Brighten Your Day ~ The Color Purple

Do you know that colors can evoke emotions?

Purple is half-blue, half-red, and our understanding of purple lies somewhere in between the serenity of blue and the passion of red.  Purple both calms and stimulates our bodies, putting us in the right place for introspection and focused insight.

It fosters creativity by awakening our senses while promoting the quiet necessary to make intuitive, insightful observations. Purple creates a harmonious balance of awareness and peace.

How about that.  Now ya know!

As we begin this new year, find some purple! Spend time in introspection.  Be intentional to create an inward-outward balance.  May you experience awareness and peace.

For more colorful Fine Art Images
for your living and working spaces,
check out my galleries here:

Fine Art Galleries

I am a Southern California based Portrait and Fine Art Photographer who sees the world a bit differently.

You can view more of my work here > Donna Edman Photography.
If you’d like to book a session or commission a fine art photograph,
I’d be honored > Contact Me
or call me (714) 746-2418

Together, we can make YOUR LIFE beautiful, One Image at a Time!

Grandma Iva’s Christmas Candy

In my precious blog, “Family Christmas Traditions in 2020” I listed one of my favorite traditions is making cookies and candy. My Grandma Iva was an avid baker and candy maker. I’d like to share with you one of her most unusual, and deliciously sweet, candies.

I have many fond memories of making these with my mother, standing side by side at the kitchen counter, chatting, assembling ingredients, feeling the closeness of my mother’s love.

Grandma Iva’s Old Fashion Potato Loaf Candy

1 small boiled potato, mashed
1 -2 one-pound box powdered sugar (depends on potato size)
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup nuts (I like pecans!)
1 cup chopped or split dates

Mix potato and enough sugar until consistency of pie crust.  Cover bread board with wax paper.  Roll out into a rectangle on wax paper.  Spread with one layer each of peanut butter, then dates, then nuts. Roll as a jelly roll, removing wax paper as it is rolled.  Wrap tightly in wax paper and refrigerate until firm.   Slice.

Wishing you and your family a holiday filled with love and yummy treats.

I am a Southern California based Portrait and Fine Art Photographer who sees the world a bit differently.

You can view more of my work here > Donna Edman Photography.
If you’d like to book a session, I’d be honored > Contact Me
or call me (714) 746-2418

Together, we can Capture YOUR Life, One Image at a Time!

Making Holiday Memories

In my previous blog, “Family Christmas Traditions in 2020” I listed one of my favorite traditions is making cookies and candy. My Grandma Iva was an avid baker and candy maker. I’d like to share with you one of her most unusual, and deliciously sweet, candies.

I have many fond memories of making these with my mother, standing side by side at the kitchen counter, chatting about her making these with her mother, assembling ingredients, feeling the closeness of her love.

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Grandma Iva’s Old Fashion Potato Loaf Candy

1 small boiled potato, mashed
1 -2 one-pound box powdered sugar (depends on potato size)
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup nuts (I like pecans!)
1 cup chopped or split dates

Mix potato and enough sugar until consistency of pie crust.  Cover bread board with wax paper.  Roll out into a rectangle on wax paper.  Spread with one layer each of peanut butter, then dates, then nuts. Roll as a jelly roll, removing wax paper as it is rolled.  Wrap tightly in wax paper and refrigerate until firm.   Slice.

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Wishing you and your family a holiday season filled with love and yummy treats.

I am a Southern California based Portrait and Fine Art Photographer who sees the world a bit differently.

 

 

You can view more of my work here > Donna Edman Photography.
If you’d like to book a session, I’d be honored > Contact Me
or call me (714) 746-2418

Together, we can Capture YOUR Life, One Image at a Time!

Family Christmas Traditions in 2020

This year certainly has been an opportunity to focus on family togetherness. Here are ideas to review the year and embrace traditions, old or new.

First, set aside a time for everyone to sit down together and create a list of how you’ve grown as a family. It’s meaningful to chat and see these ideas in writing.

What did you do this year together that was new or special? Have you started a family tradition? Perhaps it’s eating meals together again at the table. Perhaps you began riding bikes or playing board games or creating crafts or learning an instrument. Have you simply been more “fully present” with your loved ones?

For our family, it has been a year of the unexpected and of blessings. Here are 10 of my favorite Family Traditions!

1. Give a tree ornament that represents your child’s interest each year, and then save them to present as a special gift when they leave home.
2. Make a Christmas Playlist of your favorite songs.
3. Make a pillow case with Christmas theme fabric, used only in December each year.
4. Create Christmas cards and wrapping paper.
5. Make cookies or candies from a family recipe (or create your own traditional recipe), only made in December.
6. Make a Family Bucket List for things to do by the end of the year.
7. Have a Christmas Movie Night to watch a favorite holiday movie only watched in December.
8. Drive to see Christmas lights.
9. Attend a Christmas Eve service or read the Christmas Story from the Bible and sing Carols.
10. Create a Family Portrait!

If you are looking for more Christmas Tradition ideas, Carly the “Mommy On Purpose” has a great blog. You can read her entire list here: 30 Memory Making Family Christmas Traditions To Start In 2020

This is been a year of uncertainty and yes, even a bit crazy. But… It has been a year of togetherness and a year to build traditions!

Wishing you and your family a holiday filled with love and traditions.

I am a Southern California based Portrait and Fine Art Photographer who sees the world a bit differently.

 

You can view more of my work here > Donna Edman Photography.
If you’d like to book a session, I’d be honored > Contact Me
or call me (714) 746-2418

Together, we can Capture YOUR Life, One Image at a Time!

 

Being Thankful this Year

Well, this has certainly been an different kind of year, hasn’t it. Are you planning a traditional Thanksgiving get together with family or friends around the table, a Zoom event, or volunteering in your community?

No matter how we plan to celebrate, the important thing is to be grateful for what we have, especially this year. There is always something to be thankful for.

Perhaps you’d like to join me in “30 Days of Thanks” on my Facebook page or start your own daily post. https://www.facebook.com/donnaedman/

Remember what you love most about past Thanksgiving Days?

For me, it’s making traditional foods, ones only made for Thanksgiving Day.
Here is my recipe for “Impossible Pumpkin Pie” that I’d like to share with you.
Easy, Peasy & Tasty!

However you plan to celebrate Thanksgiving this year, be encouraged to give thanks, to share a little something with someone else, and to make memories … yes, even in this crazy year!

I am a Southern California based Portrait and Fine Art Photographer who sees the world a bit differently.

You can view more of my work here > Donna Edman Photography.
If you’d like to book a session, I’d be honored > Contact Me
or call me (714) 746-2418

Together, we can Capture YOUR Life, One Image at a Time!

Tell Your Halloween Story!

Photographing Your Child in Their Costume

Most often, we photograph our children in their Halloween costumes as a quick afterthought as we are dashing out the door.  This year, tell a story!

As you and your kiddos are planning what they will wear, think about a story you can tell.  Your photo story doesn’t have to be well directed or the environment staged. It doesn’t even need to be on Halloween night.

Here is one we did with a cell phone, on the fly as the kids were simply playing in their costumes.  

“When Super Heroes …”

What story will you tell this year? Show me. I’d love to see!

Post it on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DonnaEdmanPhotography

Has it been “a while” since your last Family Portrait Session?
Call me! Let’s create Family Portraits that you’ll treasure for generations.

You can view my work here > Donna Edman Photography.
If you’d like to schedule a session, I’d be honored.
Call Me (714) 746-2418 or click here > Contact Me.

I am a Southern California based Portrait and Fine Art Photographer who sees the world a bit differently.
Together, we can Capture YOUR Life, One Image at a Time!

“You Must Be a “Kid-Whisperer!”

This message made me laugh. A “Kid Whisperer.” Hahaha!

Here’s what Sondra sent to me:

“Donna,

I have followed your work for years. Though I haven’t had the pleasure of being photographed by you… yet; I hope to next year. 

I realized looking at some of your kid and family photos and reading what your clients have said about their sessions, you must be a “kid-whisperer!”  How you can get kids to do what you ask and end up with such fantastic photos is amazing.

Please continue to share your entertaining and beautiful work with us. I just wanted you to know that you are a true artist.

Sondra”

As most of you know, I simply love being with kids. I hold my early mom-years as a special blessing and still love being a mom to our adult children and, of course, now our grandchildren.

I think there really is something about that intuitive connection with kids. Just never heard it as being the “Kid Whisperer.”

If you have been thinking about creating Family Portraits, and are not sure how your kiddos will behave, now is the time!

Call me … “The Kid Whisperer.”

I am a Southern California based Portrait and Fine Art Photographer who sees the world a bit differently.

You can view more of my work here > Donna Edman Photography.
If you’d like to book a session, I’d be honored > Contact Me.

(714) 746-2418

Together, we can Capture YOUR Life, One Image at a Time!

3 Tips to Create Awesome Photos!

Have you ever wondered why some photos look mysteriously better than others?  Anyone can take a better picture.  All it takes is insider information and practice.  With 3 Tips, I’ll show you how to start creating awesome photos … right away.

Whether you use a cell phone or fancy DSLR camera, focus and composition are key.

Tip 1  ~ Focus

On a CELL PHONE, tap &  hold on the screen where the subject is located in your image. There will be an indicator that auto focus [AE/AF*] is on.  Depending on your phone, you may need to back up or step forward, zoom in or out.  You can also adjust the lighting by swiping up or down on the exposure indicator.    *Auto Exposure/Auto Focus

• 

On a DSLR or SLR camera, press the shutter button halfway down, let the camera auto focus, and then click to take the picture.

• 

Be intentional about focus.  It’s the basic foundation of a good image.

Tip 2 ~ Rule of Thirds

The Rule of Thirds is the first and most basic composition element.  This simple principle will help you to create well balanced and interesting images that are pleasing to view.

Start by dividing your image into three equal sections both horizontally and vertically.  Place your subject on one of the lines or where two lines intersect.  Place landscape horizons on the top or bottom horizontal lines. The choice of placement will be determined by whether the top or bottom 2/3 is more interesting.

The placement doesn’t have to be exact.  Just close. 

You can also crop the image to create a Rule of Thirds, but do your best to create this in-camera as you take the photo.  This will allow the use of as many pixels as possible, creating a more clear image.

Tip 3 ~ Leading Lines

To enhance the engagement of the viewer, the second important composition element is the capturing and placement of lines. Actual or implied lines will lead the viewer’s eyes  throughout the image. Lines can be straight, curved, or even spiral.

Take a look at this picture of a mountain road.

Do your eyes begin at the bottom, and then travel up and to the right?  Do you wonder what’s around that curve?  By using these familiar converging lines, you as the viewer are now engaged with the image.

Now look at the shell.  Where do your eyes start and end? In the center on in the corner? It doesn’t matter where they start, but that they are moving through the image.

. . . . .

I hope these 3 Tips help on your journey to create awesome photos!  Reach out if you have questions.  I want to encourage you to see beauty in the world around you, capture it in photos, and share your images with others!

I am a Southern California based Portrait, Fine Art and Commercial Photographer who sees the world a bit differently.

You can view more of my work here > Donna Edman Photography

Let’s Chat! (714) 746-2418
Or send me a note. Donna@DonnaEdmanPhotography.com

I sure look forward to seeing your photos!

Who Do You Look Forward To Seeing?

After this time of social distancing and staying at home, who do you looking forward to seeing?

I would guess it’s being with the people you care about.  Perhaps it’s your friends, your parents, your siblings, your kids who are away from home.  If you’ve been overwhelmed balancing working at home and schooling your children, you might even look forward to seeing those pesky co-workers.

What I’m most looking forward to is being with my kids and grand kids.  I’m used to seeing The Littles twice a week after school, helping with homework and simply playing together.

I’m also looking forward to the joy of photographing families.  I just love being around kids.  I think it’s to experience the joy they see in simple things ~ when they have the freedom to be themselves.

Let me share a few images from a recent session with this fun family. The girls were having a ball and the parents enjoyed the time as much as they did.

During “play time” we captured portraits of them simply being themselves.

Tell me who you are looking forward to seeing.  I’d like to know!

 

I am a Southern California based Portrait, Commercial and Fine Art Photographer who enjoys seeing the world a bit differently.

 

You can view more of my work here
DonnaEdmanPhotography

If you’d like to schedule a Portrait Session, I’d be honored.
Contact Me