Lucky Bella Photography

Goodbye Blemishes; Hello Glamazon

2012-01-26T12:12:00.000-08:00

I.Love.Actions. They make my workflow faster and for the most part; are able to help me perform more efficiently. I recently purchased the Glamazon set from La La Land Design and holy friggin smokes; Hello Amazing! Unlike the Wish Makeup Counter, these actions give you way more control over highlights, colors and opacities. They're versatile but still easy to use. There is even a hair smoother! <--Life Saver

Here is an example of Before & After just so you can see there awesomeness:

I only used the eye and skin tool and you can see the difference. I was able to basically change her eye color with this tool!

I love a more natural look but you could definitely get all "Toddlers and Tiara's" with these actions too! Interested in purchasing this set or connecting with La La Land Design? Check out their Facebook page and make sure you download their freebie for new fans too!

La La Land Design Facebook

I won something?

2011-12-23T22:33:00.000-08:00

I was super blessed to win a contest and score some amazing actions from La La Land Design {www.lalalanddesign.blogspot.com} I'm in love with their Summer Romance collection and fell in love with all three of these actions. Which one if your favorite? --Christine

Layla {Boudoir}

2011-11-19T20:39:00.000-08:00

My heart gets frothy at the thought of romantic tasteful boudoir photography. It's even better when it's my own. I barely had to touch Layla's beauty to make her look the way she does. She is simply captivating. I hope you enjoy looking at these as much as I enjoy sharing them.

Beauties

2011-11-11T14:38:00.000-08:00

Don't I have beautiful friends!

The Cass Family

2011-11-11T13:53:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure of spending a couple afternoons with the Cass girls for these, in my opinion, amazing images. My friend Katherine contacted me to take some pictures as a present to niece for her birthday and I got to tell you, her niece is one of the most pleasant girls I've ever met. Smart, beautiful and really has her heads on her shoulders. I could only hope to have a daughter like her when Capri gets that old. We took these pictures with their horses and had a blast doing so. This is one shoot I won't ever forget!

2011-08-31T13:08:00.001-07:00

Young Family {Maternity}

2011-08-21T21:25:00.000-07:00

Are you kidding me? Most beautiful maternity photos ever! A beautiful belly made for some beautiful photos. Such an open minded easy family to work with! I really enjoyed my time with them and hope my family turns out as good looking as theirs!

The Kerby Family

2011-08-21T21:19:00.000-07:00

Desirae is my good friend and I always enjoy the comfort of taking her extended family photos. This time though, it was her side of the family and it was also my first time meeting everyone that I had heard so much about. Her mom was such a funny hoot and we had a nice evening strolling Seattle and capturing these shots!

The Hamblet Family

2011-08-16T11:32:00.000-07:00

I got to capture this family on their own estate in Olympia, Washington. They have two acres with cows and a beautiful red barn. We got to take advantage of all the beautiful angles their estate offered with different backdrops galore! What an easy family to work with! They were open minded and truly enjoyed each others company.

Flower Baby

2011-08-13T15:35:00.000-07:00

As my editing skills get better, I love going back to favorite to re-work them. This one, of Tesslynn is one of my top 10. The colors, her simple expression, everything about this image makes it a favorite. I used Oh So Posh's Simply Charming @ 65% in Photoshop on this one.

Baby Aysen

2011-08-05T01:46:00.000-07:00

It was such a warm crisp the day we took these. He was such a well behaved newborn, just relaxing and catching some zzz's the whole time. The only thing he didn't let us accomplish was resting his head on his hands....He just wasn't having it.

How to: Pictures that Sell

2011-07-25T18:29:00.000-07:00

I've been getting a ton of inquiries about how to take crisp creative pictures for websites like Etsy, Ebay and Craigslist to help further their site traffic and I wanted to help everyone in one shot. Taking pictures with your cell phone doesn't have to disable you from taking awesome pictures either. Read this article to find out more to get more bang for your Craigslist buck!

Here are some GREAT tips on how to take quality images without being a pro! ::

LIGHTING

If you can find a way to use natural light, do it. Set up your shot near a window (or near a white wall if it reflects enough window light).

If you have a yard and the weather’s nice enough to shoot outside, drag a card table out back and set up an impromptu studio. Early morning and late afternoon light will be easier to shoot in than harsh, direct, noontime sun.

If you can’t use natural light, be sure to use the white balance function on your camera. You can also use image editing software like Photoshop to clean up your photos after the fact. Play with the color balance to take out any color casts you may have picked up from artificial lighting, and lighten the photos if they’re too dim. This is particularly important if you’re trying to show the color of your item.

Using a flash may work for tutorials and larger items, but won’t work for small items like jewelry. You can try to tape a little piece of white tissue paper over your flash to avoid glare.

If you have a cardboard box lying around, you can make your own soft box. You’ll be amazed how playing with lighting can improve your photos.
BACKGROUND

Keep your backgrounds as simple as possible.

If your worktable is ugly but it’s the only place you can set up, cover the surface with some nice paper from the art supply store. Tablecloths work fine if their well-ironed; wrinkles will distract the eye.

For tutorials, light backgrounds tend to work best. Color can work if it’s not too distracting and doesn’t clash with what you’re photographing.

For small items such as jewelry, you can use more interesting backgrounds. Use vintage books and industrial surfaces to show off you jewelry on Etsy, and it works great. Wood, paper, cloth and metal can all add a little something to your images.

For tutorials and larger items like clothing, you’ll have to pull back to get everything in the shot. Make sure the rest of your studio/ apartment/ mobile command unit isn’t visible in the shot. Set up by a blank wall and use it as a backdrop.

Be aware that if you have windows or mirrored surfaces in your shot, your reflection will show up as well. Don’t forget to put some pants on unless you want to become an internet phenomenon.
HOW TO SHOOT

Use a tripod even if you think you have enough light. When you’re taking photos of small objects, a little camera shake can end up blurring major details.

For small items, get in as close as you can. Make the viewer feel like they could reach out and touch it. Use the macro setting on your camera.

If you have an SLR, you can pick up a couple of close-up filters- they’re a cheaper alternative to fancy zoom lenses.

More importantly, don’t get in so close that your camera can’t focus. Good sharp focus is more important than filling the frame.

Since you’re going to use these photos on the web, you can always take the photo at a higher resolution and use Photoshop to crop in tight. You’ll probably still have resolution to spare when you’re done.

If you’re taking pictures of a tutorial and need to show your hands performing a step, get a friend to help you out. It’s just too hard to get a good photo of your own hands, unless you make yourself an amazing head-cam.

Photo Credits: rings: Gemmafactrix, deer shirt: Pretty Raccoon, others: Kelly Jensen. Featured necklace by Lusterbunny.

Favorites

2011-07-23T18:49:00.000-07:00

Some of my favorite things! If you love vintage, modern and floral, then we have a similar heart. Do you have Pintrest? If so, lets connect. I love DIY, decorating and organization, so if you have any great ideas, send them my way!

Park Friends

2011-07-22T21:35:00.000-07:00

Capri and I always have fun playing with Regan & Kennedy at the park. Such sweet girls with great hearts! I got to the park kind of late today, so I was surprised they were hanging out. It's always nice to see them there.

A Hidden Gem

2011-07-21T14:03:00.000-07:00

So I have a few shoots that I haven't fully edited for multiple reasons: one being, I thought I would have a lull in business and use it to "fill the gaps." The other being, that I wanted to wait until I got extremely comfortable with Photoshop so I could really go to town. I'm in no hurry to jump the gun on my goodies! Regardless, here's one I really love of Candice! She's such a true beauty and we have lens chemistry like we're high school sweethearts.

Oh So Posh Photography

2011-07-21T10:16:00.000-07:00

Lidia is amazing! She has overcome SO many obstacles in her life. She's also a photographer giving away an amazing action set! Oh So Posh Photography is giving away the amazing Bohemian Symphony Collection to 3 lucky winners! Go enter to win!.

Oh So Posh Blog

Bees

2011-07-17T13:27:00.000-07:00

Violet is such a pretty girl! This girl loves bees! All we had to do was tell her we spotted a bee and she headed right over. At one point we had to stop her from picking one up! Isn't her tutu the cutest?!

Lulu Hadden Park

2011-07-14T12:39:00.000-07:00

Lucky me, Capri was being very cooperative for me to get a couple snaps of her. I was actually bribing her with the playground that was right behind me; every 5 minutes or so she would wander 5 more feet towards the slide :) Though she chipped her tooth a while ago, she has the cutest smile! She's such a doll!

My Lovely Daughter

2011-07-12T19:37:00.000-07:00

On very small occasions Capri will let me photograph her. The camera to her, is now like "time out." She runs for the hills or makes herself a mess when she sees me coming with my camera. It's a shame, she's soooooo cute!

Jamaal & Brittany's Propsal

2011-07-11T13:35:00.000-07:00

Jamaal contacted me about capturing his proposal to his girlfriend Brittany and I couldn't pass it up! She had no idea it was coming and it went so smoothly; all of us we're tearing up! What an amazing shoot and even more, what an amazing couple! I wish them the best!

Jamaal & Brittany's Propsal Pt.2

2011-07-09T23:09:00.000-07:00

Aren't they beautiful? This couple has an AMAZING future ahead of them! So excited for them! I still feel lucky to be a part of their moment.

Sunflower Clips

2011-07-08T17:29:00.000-07:00

I've been working hard on these sunflower hair clips! They're lined in felt to protect newborns and for overall comfort. Not included in these pictures are a light pink color also. I'm so excited to get my etsy.com "store" going. I love making things and being crafty. If you're on etsy, add me to your circle! I would love your comments on these. There is some white stuff over the gems that wasn't fully dry and showed up in my pictures :(

Candice Hyland

2011-07-06T20:25:00.000-07:00

Candice Hyland has one of the most divine faces I've ever photographed! {besides Capri} We had fun listening to Nicki Minaj and No Doubt, running around this random yard with some of the most captivating surroundings. Considering we both have kids it was amazing we had a chance to just enjoy what we were there to do, shoot. I couldn't have imagined a better photoshoot!

4th of July Beach Fun

2011-07-06T14:48:00.000-07:00

I spent the day with some lovely ladies over the 4th of July weekend and had a great afternoon at Camp McKeen park. Naya and I shared my camera getting some of these fun pictures from the day!

The Wayman Family

2011-06-28T12:07:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful day for photos! Martine, whom I coordinated the session with choose this little hidden gem of a place. Though the sun was creeping on us, we got there soon enough for some great lighting. The grandkids of this bunch were probably the most well behaved, polite kids I've ever worked with. They were delightful and fun!

Farmers Daughter

2011-06-27T12:42:00.001-07:00

Kissing *

2011-06-23T17:40:00.000-07:00

Lovely Flower

2011-06-22T16:54:00.000-07:00

Ben & Desirae

2011-06-21T11:23:00.000-07:00

Elijah Family

2011-06-21T00:52:00.000-07:00

Thompson Girls {4th of July}

2011-06-19T14:17:00.000-07:00

We ran around Scenic Beach State park taking fun photos of Lilly while she frolicked in the grass and played with her mom, Lora. Of course, with Washington state's weather, the day was beautiful and than turned cloudy quickly. Thankfully I had two beautiful ladies to make up the difference!

Gangster

2011-06-17T23:22:00.000-07:00

Oh Hello little gangster girl who kept asking me questions during a photo shoot today.

Zoe's Senior Portraits

2011-06-17T12:53:00.001-07:00

Zoe's Tennis Portraits

2011-06-16T22:54:00.000-07:00

Noah @ the Park

2011-06-16T15:06:00.001-07:00

Bad Dog!

2011-06-16T13:32:00.000-07:00

Sailor enjoys chewing on my furniture and today I busted him!!! I took him out back :-)

Tesslynn

2011-06-15T22:03:00.000-07:00

Tabatha & Cody

2011-06-15T19:22:00.000-07:00

Manchester

2011-06-14T08:13:00.000-07:00

Skylynn at the Park

2011-06-13T23:41:00.000-07:00

Sunset in Port Orchard

2011-06-09T23:06:00.001-07:00

Skylar

2011-06-09T14:01:00.000-07:00

Just another day in the park!

Spring Fields

2011-06-07T01:33:00.000-07:00

This is from a very recent shoot, but I just wanted to give a little teaser! I made a point to add only photos of her amazing smile! This session produced some stunning images! Candice makes it easy, I just have to click. :-)

Lupita Ascencio

2011-06-07T00:06:00.000-07:00

Lupita is so beautiful! She has such an angelic face and was up for just about anything for the pictures. Everyone has a vision of how they want their pictures to look, but sometimes just keeping an open mind about how the shoot goes leads to very fun images. Her son, Christian was like any other two year old; wiggly! He was a spot and was easily bribed with Cheerios!

Villalobos Girls

2011-05-30T23:49:00.000-07:00

{My favorite girls} Just an afternoon sitting around turned afternoon driving around Bremerton looking for lush lawns. I literally knocked on five doors asking for permission to shoot on their steps/lawn/flowerbed. No one ever did answer their door, so we got bold, and these shots are the result. I was going through them listening to the new Adele album so they turned out a bit "glowy." I love, love, love hanging out with these girls, and even more I enjoy taking their pictures.

Hair Clips

2011-05-30T20:01:00.000-07:00

While my husband and I were in Paris over Christmas I bought {tons} of faux flowers. Inspired by my ever crafty friend Andrea, I created these hair clips. Anyone that knows me knows floral and sparkly define my style, and I feel like these capture my personal taste. Tell me what you think. They work with my english hats and just as is in my hair. In the post above this one, they're also used in Candice Hyland's hair. I love how they almost look apart of the vine.

Castle Park

2011-05-28T10:46:00.001-07:00

Capri's Table

2011-05-27T20:39:00.000-07:00

Here's a table I finished a couple weeks ago that I made for Capri. I even added a special inscription tag for Capri on it. I was considering selling these on etsy.com. Would you buy something like this? I would love comments, good or bad, I love trying to better my "product."

Desirae & Violet

2011-05-26T01:32:00.000-07:00

Desirae took me to Scenic Beach state park for the first time so we could take some test photos for her family photos next month and Holy Smokes, friggin beautiful! Thankfully my husband, Taylor had Capri so I could really give my attention to the girls. There were so many fun cubby holes and foliage to use as backdrops that it was almost overwhelming and distacting for both Violet and I. None the less, I enjoyed the evening sun and conversation with these pretty gals!

Johnathon

2011-05-26T01:01:00.000-07:00

A guy who can actually do a round house kick and still look classy. Johnathon is my hero, and no, I'm not misspelling his name.

Port Gamble

2011-05-23T19:44:00.000-07:00

Port Gamble is one of my favorite local places. Apparently it's also one of the most haunted areas around and have fun ghost tours during the Halloween season. Maybe Capri can get a part time job since shes already a terrorizing monster? However, we spent a short afternoon in Port Gamble just to get out of Bremerton and soak in it's views of the Puget. It was overcast and kind of dreary (nothing new) but we made the most of it. Also, these weren't the best pictures I took that day, but they really expressed what was going on and were the most fun. The one of Capri and Taylor holding hands was taken in this amazing cemetry with dates going back into the 1800's. The two of them standing there, holding hands and without smiling, to me, really captured the moment.

Port Gamble General Store

2011-05-23T19:15:00.000-07:00

While we were visiting Port Gamble we stopped in the Port Gamble General Store & Cafe. I love how nastalgic and eclectic this store is. They have an amazing hodge podge of fun gifts and useful things for around the house. Also, for the like minded citzens of Kitsap county, they have a lovely selection of lunch entrees and vino in the cafe. Rumor has it they'll be serving dinner soon too. Yum! So if you're up and around the Kingston/Port Gamble area, this is a stop you're sure not to miss! You can check out their website here http://portgamblegeneralstore.com/

Here some info and hours I pulled from the website:

10:00AM-3:00PM Cafe 9:00AM-5:00PM Store
beginning June 3rd through Labor Day
Sunday -Thursday the store will be open until 6:00PM
Friday & Saturday the store & cafe are open until 8:30

Full service dining~ breakfast and lunch served 7 days a week
Espresso
Expanded candy selection
Hand dipped milkshakes in a variety of flavors
and a fresh selection of gifts, housewares, and souvenirs!

Beautiful Capri

2011-05-15T19:29:00.000-07:00

My poor daughter gets the full force of my camera lens and half the time we are successful, and the other half we're not. On this gorgeous Washington day the sun was hitting my porch perfectly and Capri graciously posed for me. Though we live in the heart of Bremerton, our house is a real gem amongst them and we have such a nosalgic front porch area that's a great back drop for sunset photos.

Spring

2011-05-10T22:15:00.000-07:00

This beautiful flower is blooming in my garden! :)

Eagle Creek

2011-05-02T22:04:00.000-07:00

Taylor, Capri and I went camping with a few of his dive buddies out at Eagle Creek one weekend. First we had to drive out to the launch site and then take a boat to the actually camping "area." The dogs and Capri got to run around, get dirty and find their inner wilderness. Everyone, dogs included had to take serious bathes afterwards.

Grand Canyon

2011-04-01T08:11:00.000-07:00

On our cross country journey from Panama City, FL to our new duty station in Washington, we stopped by the Grand Canyon and took a day to explore and enjoy the sites. It was still chilly while we're traveling but it was nice to avoid the summer crowds. I shot most of these out of the passenger side window while my husband was driving. We had such an amazing drive even though it was so long. Our dogs, Odie and Sailor did great except for the throw up and treat crumbs everywhere. Not awesome. :)

Navy Diver

2011-03-27T16:17:00.000-07:00

Taylor spent six months in Panama City, FL as a fleet returnee going to dive school. I couldn't get good photo's of the actual graduation but I pulled off a few after the ceremony. The other gentleman posing with Taylor is our good friend Aaron. He was going to scuba school just as Taylor was leaving dive school. After living apart for so long, and dealing with life on a submarine; this was a welcome day.

Tyla Laurel

2011-03-25T13:57:00.000-07:00

The always beautiful Tyla lent me her face and enjoyed some beach time with Capri. What a great way to spend time with two great girls. I took these photos on the beach in Boca Raton, FL.

Haven Christine

2011-03-15T15:23:00.000-07:00

I had the joy of shooting Haven and my own daughter Capri for a little morning session in Boca Raton, FL. The girls are so close in age; it was a delight watching them interact. It was warm and sunny morning and i enjoyed chasing them around the yard, smelling flowers and learning new toddler lingo from Haven.

Beach Time

2011-03-08T22:51:00.000-08:00

Texas Love

2011-03-06T14:11:00.000-08:00

Sidewalk Chalk

2011-03-05T19:05:00.000-08:00

I thought I would take advantage of the South Florida weather and let Capri play with some sidewalk chalk while I took some pictures of the surroundings. Thought we were outside for awhile I was only able to get a couple. At one point while Capri was "drawing," I turn around and shes coloring herself with the chalk. Typical.

Capri Sonja

2011-03-02T18:48:00.000-08:00

Just some beauitful pictures of a beautiful girl.

Janeczka V.

2011-02-07T08:09:00.000-08:00