Enjoy your Labor Day Weekend

Enjoy Your Labor Day Weekend


I hope everyone has a break this weekend. Even if you have to "labor" on Labor Day, try to take a few minutes for yourself. Take a walk, get in a cat-nap or soak in the tub. Just do a little something for yourself this weekend.

Also, If you know a military member, take time to THANK those who gave us freedom to have a weekend of fun with friends and family. God bless you all and GOD BLESS the USA!

Shelly Perkins Photography
www.shellyperkins.com

Enter AmeriKidz Cute Kids Magazine Cover Contest !!!

Is your kid so cute he or she should be on the cover of a magazine? Well here's your chance to let your child shine !!

AmeriKidz of OKC Metro Magazine is sponsoring a new CUTE KIDS COVER CONTEST in search of the next CUTE KID to be featured on the covers of their Oklahoma kids magazine. Two winners will be chosen. (One winner from under 3 years category and one winner from 3 years to 12 year old).

Click on the LINK for entry form and more info. http://www.amerikidz.com/ok/prizepromos3.htm

You can also go to AmeriKidz of OKC Metro Magazine's Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/AmeriKidzOKC

or you can mail your entry to AmeriKidz of OKC Metro !

Send your photograph along with your name, address, phone, email, child's name and age to:
AmeriKidz Cover Kidz Search 13700 Alton Parkway, Suite 154 Irvine, California 92618

This year's deadline is October 22, 2012.
Shelly Perkins Photography
www.shellyperkins.com

AmeriKidz Magazine Cover by Shelly Perkins Photography

I wanted to share the latest AmeriKidz Magazine with you. I was blessed to not only get to shoot the cover for this fall's magazine but was able to use one of my kiddo's in the layout. Here's a link to view a digital copy in case you don't have a chance to pick up a print copy at one of your local retailers in the OKC metro. Don't forget to shop these local Metro Oklahoma vendors.

AND to save the best thing for last..... GO TO PAGE 20 to learn how to ENTER YOUR CHILD IN THIS YEAR'S CUTE KID COVER CONTEST !!!


click here for digital copy of Fall 2012 AmeriKidz OKC Metro Magazine
http://www.flippubs.net/publication/?i=124318

AmeriKidz Magazine Cover photographed by Shelly Perkins Photography, Fall 2012
www.shellyperkins.com

Guy Permanently Attaches Surveillance Camera To His Head

Wanted to share this interesting article about a guy who had a surveillance camera permanently attached to his head. Wow, I love to take photos but I can't image that I'd love to have a camera following me to the potty and all the business of the day. ha! Well I guess someone has to be the pioneer. Hopefully this won't become a standard.

(image by Prof. Camerahead Jessica Rinaldi)

http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2011-02/cyborg-captures-photos-highlight-how-surveillance-has-permeated-our-society

Back to School

Can you believe it's already time to go back to school? I always love when the kid's schedules are a little more planned but it always adds so many more activities to our days. Plus at our house having to keep up with students at four different schools is kind of crazy. I have my 12 year old daughter moving up to junior high this year. I can't believe she's already there. I still remember her running around with her adorable bouncy little curls. My youngest is in elementary school and my oldest studies at OSU. Then there's the mama. Yes, I'm going back to school full time again this fall. I'm finally a senior at the University of Oklahoma. Had I not changed schools, changed majors several times and had OU allowed my credits from New York, I would have graduated quite a while ago. It's funny how when you try to change your major and think you want to do something else in life, your heart always finds a way to tell you what you're supposed to be doing.

So yes, I'm back to my Fine Art Photography major and well, after all, isn't that what I am, a photographer?

When my father passed away in January I was so sad and I just didn't even want to get out of bed some mornings. While my Dad was still in the hospital and we found out he would be needing help with dialysis and his care if he were to ever get to go home, I told him I was going to quit school to help take care of him. He made me promise to go back. He told me how well I did and he knew I loved it. He didn't want me to change anything I had planned before he got sick for the spring semester. Little did I know at the time that a week later, he would go Heaven and I wouldn't be taking care of him anymore. My return to OU helped me so. When I felt like I didn't want to get up and do anything I knew I had to go to school because I had promised my Dad. Going back to photography school was helping me and I was doing one more thing for my Dad.

So here it is, Back to School time and Yes, I am going back to school too. A forty year old college senior. In this life, I have learned there are so many things to be thankful for and one of them is being back in college. I appreciate it so much more now than when I started as a freshman at the age of nineteen. When my kiddos think I am crazy because I LOVE doing my homework, hopefully I'm instilling the desire to learn and the importance of school and most of all, the importance of following your heart. Follow your heart and follow your dreams, whether it's going back to school, changing your job, having another child, or confessing your heart to the one you love. Life is too short to not do what love and love what you do. God bless ~ Shelly


.....about the photo.... I created this image of my youngest daughter for a magazine cover that will be coming out this fall. We did a couple of outfits and although this is not the one that will be on the cover, this is the one that I love the most. I wanted to share it with you and tell everyone to enjoy your time this fall as the kids (and mamas) go back to school.

Shelly Perkins Photography www.shellyperkins.com

What Impact One Hug Can Make ~ Wrestlers of the Olympics

I LOVE this image. I'm not sure who took it so I can't give credit to the photographer but wow, how powerful can one hug be? It's Iran wrestler Saeed Goudarzi, silver medalist, and U.S. wrestler Jordan Ernest winning gold.

Why can't life be this simple? Why does everything have to be so political? You can't even take your kids for their favorite chicken nuggets anymore without it being a political statement. It's ridiculous.

I'm already sick of the election because well, let's face it, the campaign has been going on for the last two years. Seriously I've started to believe any President should only be in office for one term. This way they could try to make improvements the best they could or not screw up it so badly that it takes the next two or three generations before it's a little better again.

I could write so much more here but I just really wanted to share this image and it not become a political rant because at this point, all political sides are screwy. It should all just come down to one thing ~ how are we going to make America a better place for our kids to grow up and raise their kids?

Kudos to the photographer! (as soon as I find out who it is I will credit the image) Kudos for not only a well executed image but also for seizing a moment that he/she knew could have so much impact on the world.

Be Still

Recently my family went on a trip to Hawaii. This was the third time I've been blessed to visit and I always feel like I grow closer to God both physically and spiritually. You can't be there and not feel like you're getting a glimpse into Heaven. God totally sent me there to get some answers.

If you know me personally, you know how crazy I am, I don't mean that I should be committed in a padded room, but I mean crazy with activities and the hustle and bustle of life. My family is always going here or there. We're blessed to have a great family, some great friends and people in our lives and able to go to the best church in my part of the world. With all those people we love, brings lots of activities. Lots of church activities, lots of lessons between band, dance, volleyball, gymnastics, scouts, you name it. With me it lots of college classes and lots of photography shoots and I'm always on the go.

I've been praying a lot lately about what's next in our lives. I've been thinking about when I graduate (yep, from OU with a Fine Arts degree), if I should get a "regular" job with a 9 to 5 work week with a regular paycheck and pension or if I should continue my passion in photography. I love my photography and I feel like God has given me this gift to see those things in the world which are beautiful. However, with the photography business comes the part of working for myself, having a job on commission, working for years without ever getting anything from social security when I'm old and in my rocker, no 401k's and no company picnics.

When I married my husband, Scott, we had to luxury of me being able to quit my job as a photographer in a studio, where I worked on a salary and commission, shooting portraits and weddings. I knew each week I would get a paycheck and it helped pay the bills and take care of my kids when I was a single mother. With Scott, I was able to continue in my passion for photography and make images and shoot portraits on my own time. I have been able to do the things I love. I was able to stay home with my girls. I was waiting for my husband when he'd come home from a trip and have dinner waiting for him. We were close but we were often far distances apart. Then my husband, who was an officer in the Air Force and pilot, got brain cancer. My world stopped.

Unless you've had a terminal illness hit your immediate, nuclear family, there is no way you will ever completely understand what I am saying. It will completely stop you in your tracks, overnight it will change your world.

Now being a Momma to three beautiful and bright girls, my main purpose in life is to give these girls spiritual guidance, help them to become self-reliant, protect them and care for them. That's it.

I love my husband and I'm happy to say he has so far beaten the original prognosis of only having months to live with this terminal brain cancer. However, I honestly can't help but wander what's on the horizon? I don't have the luxury of living in a little bubble while my husband hands over his paycheck and I hand out the money for bills. I can't help but wonder, what's next? I wonder what's next with his cancer? Is it going to come back? Is it going to be worse than before? Will I be able to continue helping him get better? Will I have enough money to pay for insurance and the doctor appointments? Will I still be able to pay for kid's college? Will I even have enough money for food and a place to live with my kids? These are things that people think about, when the reality of a terminal illness strikes. Before this happens, it's easy to plan for the future, when "we're old" and when "we're retired." So instead I just go and go and go and go. I go to school. I go to work. I go here. I go there. All the while, wondering what I should be doing and praying to God asking if I'm doing the right thing? Then I found this verse ~

Mark 4:39 King James Version (KJV) 39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

Sometimes when we are on our crazy roller coaster life, in search of the ole' mighty dollar, striving to be the best at whatever, or just trying to make a living but we can't find the answers we're searching for because we haven't slowed down to listen to God.

Peace.
Slow Down.
Peace.
Listen.
Peace.
Be Still.
Peace.
Okay God, I'm listening.


Shelly Perkins Photography www.shellyperkins.com

Vintage Blacksmith in Grapevine

Vintage Blacksmith in Grapevine

For all those western decor lovers and those who love the old west, I made this image with thoughts of times long ago. We've taken several family trips to Grapevine, Texas and really love the area. There is such a variety of things to do and living in Oklahoma, it's not that far for a great vacation.

Grapevine offers such a variety of places to visit, shops of all types and price range and things to do no matter what your age. If you've got a family full of kids, you'll probably want to stay at either Great Wolf Lodge or the Gaylord Texan. Been to both resorts and there's lots to do. If you're a shopper, then hit the outlets at Grapevine Mills. We bought my oldest daughter's prom dress, shoes and jewelry here. (BTW-she looked beautiful.) If you're like my husband and enjoy vintage like railroads and museums, or like me who and enjoy live artist exhibitions, go downtown around the railroad and check it out.

Here I go on my travel planner tips again ~ but I always like to share when I've found a great place for my family to visit. ;0) Made this image on our last trip ~ I love all things vintage and the idea of a simpler life. Enjoy.

Shelly Perkins Photography www.shellyperkins.com

Take the 30 Day Photography Challenge

Do you look shooting photos as much as I do? Do you take so many photos that you're bored with your work? Are you looking for a new challenge or new idea? Why don't you take a 30 Day Photography Challenge? I found this cute little challenge on a blog by Amanda Nicole Miller. Cute ideas ~ Have fun!

Shelly Perkins Photography www.shellyperkins.com

Love

Love is in the Air ~
I was blessed to spend the evening photographing two of my favorite people tonight. I created this portrait for them during a beautiful Oklahoma sunset. The temperature has been sweltering and even setting new records but we had a great evening shooting pics.

Shelly Perkins Photography
www.shellyperkins.com

Farming on Faith

While doing some research, I found this blog and wanted to share it with you. Click on the button or go to http://farmingonfaith.blogspot.com/. Great recipes and info on homeschooling, homesteading, homemaking from a Christian family. Have a great Thursday, Shelly

Shelly Perkins Photography www.shellyperkins.com

God's Beauty

We took our two youngest kids on vacation for their first visit to Hawaii. We stayed on the island of Oahu and found so many beautiful places. Many people just stay on Waikiki Beach, which yes is beautiful, but there are so many other places to discover. Finding an isolated beach, listening to the waves, feeling the sun reflect off the water made me feel so much closer to God. If God can make places this gorgeous on Earth, can you imagine how beautiful Heaven must be??

Shelly Perkins Photography
www.shellyperkins.com

Vintage North Shore

Here's a little image I created on our recent trip to Oahu.  I LOVE Hawaii and have been blessed to visit four of the islands.  I shot this on the North Shore of Oahu and lovin' the vintage truck, added a vintage feel to the colors.

Shelly Perkins Photography
www.shellyperkins.com

Enjoy Your Summer !

Hope you're enjoying your summer ~ Can you believe how HOT it's turned in just the last couple of days.  The weather has been so lovely this summer, esp. in comparison to last summer's record setting heat, but I knew it just wouldn't last.  After all, this is Oklahoma and the summer's are always extremely warm if not COOK THAT EGG ON THE SIDEWALK HOT!  Ugh!

Stay Tuned for Fun and Funky

I'm trying to update my website and blog with lots of new images and ideas.  My photography is undergoing some major changes ~ trying new styles and new post-processing techniques.  Lots of fun stuff coming and I can't wait to share.  I'm still LIMITING my photo shoots because I have this tendency to over-book and go a little crazy being way too busy.  Since my Daddy died a few months ago, I've really been trying to spend more time with my family and not constantly shooting pics of everyone else's family or working on my school work from OU.  I'm trying to put my family first. I'm only taking two classes this summer and not going on any huge conferences.  I'm still keeping up-to-date with some of the latest edgy looks and products.  OH I CAN'T WAIT TO SHARE (And get some new things for my house too).  So stay tuned ~

Shelly Perkins Photography
www.shellyperkins.com

New Online Portfolio of Children's Photography

Working on a new online portfolio ~  Check out the preliminary cut ~
at:  http://www.behance.net/ShellyPerkins

click on the link below:

Five iPhone Camera Apps You Want

Here's a link to check out ~
http://lightstoppers.com/top-5-iphone-camera-applications/
http://lightstoppers.com/top-5-iphone-camera-applications/

Five iPhone Camera Apps you don't want to be without ~

 Photo by Free Wallpaper:  www.freewallpapersdb.com

Shelly Perkins Art from Kids to Crazy

I've been very busy finishing up this semester at OU. I'm about to finish up my first year at art school. I've had a great time experimenting many different aspects of my photography. I'm usually a kid photographer by trade but working with other new emerging artists and being pushed by the faculty, I've found a whole other side to my work. By all means, many of these photos are not exactly everyone's taste but isn't that what art is all about? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

This summer I will be back to shooting more kid portraits and team pictures but also I'm working on several other projects that I may showcase through my personal blog. This blog is basically my online journal in my world. It's not a "site specific" kid photographer site but a whole hodge podge of what's going on inside that eccentric head of mine. I've been working on a few "alternative" works which are a little edgy and maybe a little disturbing to some. Okay I'll say it, some may just think the work is really strange. God has blessed me to see beauty is so much that others wouldn't and I really enjoy experimenting with many different genres in life. I was born an Okie, married a New Yorker and had the chance to be a New Yorker for about five years. I appreciate that not everyone is the same and many people are open to other lifestyles or types of photography.

So before I freak everyone out here, just look at my images and creations for what they are ~ works of art. Sometimes art is unexplainable and sometimes it is misunderstood. I'm just here to create and enjoy life. God bless you guys ~

Shelly Perkins Photography www.shellyperkins.com

Oklahoma Trips on a Tank Full

With summer fast approaching you may be wondering like me, how do I keep these kids entertained all summer?  Luckily, if you live in Oklahoma like me, there are many opportunities that this great state has to offer.  I've included a link to the Oklahoma State Department of Tourism where you can request free brochures and receive free coupons for children friendly museums and activities.  http://www.oktourism.com/literature-request/

From trips to the Oklahoma City Adventure District visiting the Oklahoma City Zoo or the Oklahoma Science Museum to trips to Frontier City Amusement Park and White Water, there is so much to do. Of course, the Oklahoma Aquarium and the Bricktown Ballpark are great destinations for summer fun but have you also visited Andy Alligator's in Norman or Leonardo's Discovery Warehouse in Enid? Looking for a cool place to eat with your kids that won't break your bank?  Check out Pop's on Route 66 in Arcadia or Meers Restaurant in Meers near Lawton and Altus. If you're near Stillwater of course you have to check out the world famous Eskimo Joe's.

My family travels frequently and we love to travel around Oklahoma.  You don't have to travel far or spend a lot of money in gas (which is going up again!!!) to find something to do.  I encourage you to look around Oklahoma before making your expensive travel plans for the summer and notice all that Oklahoma has to offer.  Is this a great state or what?

www.shellyperkins.com
Shelly Perkins Photography

Blast from the Past ~ from Chanel

Blast from the Past ~ from Chanel I LOVE THIS !!!

God's Beauty at Oklahoma Lake

The Wichita Mountains in Southwestern Oklahoma has several lakes and many gorgeous viewing areas. This is an image I created in the spirit of Ansel Adams and his idea for black and white landscape photography. I am not, by any means, saying I can duplicate his amazing talent but I'm learning and loving what I'm doing. I'm proud to live in Oklahoma where we have a diverse landscape from flatlands and prairies to hills and mountains. I hope you enjoy this shot of God's Beauty that I found at Ketch Lake near the Wichita Mountains. Shelly Perkins Photography www.shellyperkins.com

Moore Oklahoma's Buck Thomas Park at Sunset

I am blessed to live in Oklahoma with many amazing people. Moore is one of the great towns with great people and Buck Thomas Park is where many residents spend lots of time with their kiddos. Moore has been hit several times by tornadoes, as recent as last year. Many people lost everything they had but the people of Moore have rebuilt and gotten stronger. The people help each other and can rely on each other in times of need. I just wanted to make an image at sunset to show the beauty of the Moore area and God's graciousness on this land.

Shelly Perkins Photography www.shellyperkins.com

HAPPY APRIL FOOLS ~

Happy April Fools Everyone. Hope you enjoyed your day and was able to play a joke or two. I will be busy this week shooting photos for my final assignment with the University of Oklahoma. I may need a few models over the next couple weeks ~ facebook message me if you're interested. (All ages = non-monetary modeling work with possibility of no charge FB images)

Shelly Perkins Photography
www.shellyperkins.com


xray photographer image found at http://blackistheonlycolor.tumblr.com/post/7354921013 ~ check out his guy

WHAT SIZE OF PHOTO DO I ORDER ??

If you're having trouble deciding which size of portrait or art work to order, here's a chart to help you. Many people order 8x10's thinking that's a "wall" portrait, when in fact it's a table top or desk size photo. This chart will help you quickly decide what size is right for you but the best way to determine size is to measure. Use a measuring tape to accurately measure the area you plan to hang your new portrait or artwork and that's what you should order.

Shelly Perkins Photography
www.shellyperkins.com


graphics from http://pinterest.com/pin/226939268693028219/

Fun at the Nature Center at Lake Thunderbird

I wanted to share a few pics of our afternoon at the Lake Thunderbird Nature Center in Norman, Oklahoma. This is a great place to spend a little time with your kiddos. It is located off Oklahoma State Highway 9 on the south side of the lake. The center is free since Lake Thunderbird is a state park and is open everyday 9-5 except Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

The center has an official park ranger on duty to talk about the wildlife found in Oklahoma and locally in Cleveland County around the lake. The park ranger can also give you maps and point you to great hiking and biking trails or places to play in the water, even if you don't own a boat or a ski-do. The Lake Thunderbird Nature Center is a fun place to spend an afternoon.

For more info check out:
http://www.travelok.com/listings/view.profile/id.4386


Shelly Perkins Photography
www.shellyperkins.com

Please Join Me in EARTH HOUR on March 31st

Have you heard of Earth Hour? Are you still unsure of what Earth Hour is and how you can participate?? Check out this short video ~ BE A PART OF SOMETHING HUGE ~ EARTH HOUR





Shelly Perkins Photography
www.shellyperkins.com

Join EARTH HOUR on March 31st

Sohail Shehada's Ballerinas at JRB Art Gallery

I had a great time this evening visiting Oklahoma City's JRB Art Gallery located in the ever so-cool Paseo Art District. It was opening night for Sohail Shehada, who is an amazingly talented artist and professor at the University of Oklahoma. Shehada works with brozne, lead, clay, pastels and various materials to create his designs and is inspired by African culture, the supernatural, opera and ballet. His current exhibition Ballerinas is on view at JRB until the end of March. Shehada's sculptures captivate the viewer and leaves a person wanting more. I not only had the opportunity to visit with Shehada at the opening, but I also have the great honor of studying with him at OU. If you have a chance, take a trip the gallery to see Shehada's work for yourself. For more info about Sohail Shehada or the JRB Art Gallery go to: http://jrbartgallery.com/

Shelly Perkins, Oklahoma Artist
Shelly Perkins Photography
www.shellyperkins.com

White Daffodils on my Daddy's Birthday

Today was Daddy's birthday but it was his first spent in Heaven. What an amazing gift I found when I woke up and looked outside in my front yard. Last spring, my Dad and I planted a few spring bulbs and what do I see? Daffodils had bloomed and were swaying in the gentle Oklahoma breeze. It made me smile and remember planting them and everything that he helped me do. He always helped with the kids and around the house. Papa John, as everyone called him, was an amazing guy. I sure miss him but it also blessed my soul to see the beautiful flowers. Here is one of the white daffodils which were a gift to me on his birthday, sent from Heaven.

Shelly Perkins Photography
www.shellyperkins.com

The Oklahoma Aquarium Offers Family Fun

Recently two of my daughters and I were able to visit the Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks, Oklahoma for the first time. What an amazing place not so far from home. I've heard great things about the aquarium but never took the time to visit. It is a public, non-profit aquarium just minutes from Tulsa devoted to their mission "Conservation Through Education."

We had a great time and I would love to share a few photos from our visit. Who would have known that such an amazing aquarium existed in land-locked Oklahoma? If you are near Jenks, Oklahoma or visiting the Tulsa area, I suggest you stop in for at least a few hours and see what you've been missing. My girls had a great time and I'm sure we'll be back.

Pondering Thomas Eakins' The Gross Clinic

Thomas Eakins painted The Gross Clinic which is considered to be my many the greatest 19th-century American painting. This was such a controversial representation during 1876 and yet today when viewers gaze upon it, seems like a dated non-sterile surgical procedure in front of students.

I'm very compelled with this image ~ wondering what was going on in Eakins mind at the time of his painting and if he worried about how it would be received? I wonder how many other people at this time "got" his work? Do you think you would have GASPED in SHOCK if you were living at this time when viewing this work? Do you think you would have been compelled to step closer for a more in-depth look or run away with disgust? Hmmmm... Just pondering.




Thomas Eakins-the artist has been deceased for more than 70 years, therefore no copyright laws have been abused or broken.

Ode to Mondrian

Stuck

So these two photographers got stuck in the DFW Airport because of a delay. Instead of spending the night at the hotel they use their photography and film equipment to film while they entertain themselves. I needed a good laugh and wanted to share.

The Little Girl Who Was Forgotten

Husky says I Love You

Goodness, just had to share this video. It's totally true.
When I was in high school our family had a dog that would sing with my mother. I sure wish I had a video of it.

Farewell to my Precious Daddy

Today was my Daddy's funeral. Oh how hard it was but I'm so thankful for our family and friends who helped us through this difficult time. My father's services were held at Brown-Cummings Funeral Home in Enid, Oklahoma. They did a great job and he had a lovely service. We had the service in the chapel with a message from both my pastor and my sister's pastor, played some of his favorite music and showed a video with his photos through his life. There were many flowers around his flag-covered casket and two large portraits at each end, one of him alone and one that I recently took at Thanksgiving with his five grandchildren.

After the service, we went to the cemetery where the United States Air Force Silver Talon Honor Guard conducted full military honors. My dad had served in the Air Force both in Germany right after he graduated high school and again for years in the Air Force Reserves where he was part of Operation Desert Storm. The Honor Guard played taps and presented me with the flag which had draped his casket. Oh it was so hard to listen to the bugle with the sound which I had heard so many times before but yet this time was different. This time it was for someone I have loved my whole life. This time Taps were being played for my sweet Daddy, our Papa. My lip quivered and I wanted to throw up. Surely this was a dream in which I would awake but I didn't wake up and it continued.

My father had cancer for quite some time and through his last hospital stay which was about three weeks, I watched him go from a strong man I looked up to as he changed to a frail weak shell of someone I wanted to heal and protect. I still can't believe he's gone. I tried my hardest to become his advocate and speak for him as I was able to spend much of those precious three weeks with him.

I know my life will never be the same because I've lost someone so dear and special to me. I was a Daddy's girl and will always be. My dad helped us so much through our lives. He was a selfless man who would give anything to anyone who was in need. While my husband was battling cancer and receiving medical treatment on the east coast, he lived with my kids for six months so we could continue his treatment. My Daddy was a good man and I will miss him so much. Please pray for my family. My kids and my sister's kids loved him so much and are going to have a hard time with this. I just feel lost without him already. I want to call him like I did everyday and talk to him. I want to see his smile and hear his voice. I want to smell his shaving cream and touch his hand. I love him so much and will always love him.

I've managed to stay busy planning his funeral driving back and forth to Enid with my sister. I haven't had a chance to truly to think about and believe that I will no longer see him. I do have one comfort though.... I believe he was saved and has gone to Heaven. I believe that I will see him again someday. If you have faith and believe that you're a sinner and ask Christ for forgiveness and have faith, you'll be saved too. I have faith that I will see my Daddy again. I'm selfish though and wish I still had him here with me. I hope to make my Daddy proud through all the rest of my life. I love you Daddy.

My Daddy went to Heaven

My Daddy went to Heaven today ~ please pray for our family.

"The Scent of Lavender" painting by Shelly Perkins

Acrylic on Canvas.
16x20".
2011.
Shelly Perkins

I wanted to share a painting I made of the scent of Lavender. Lavender is cool, soothing, and calm. Lavender is all inviting and moving. I hope you enjoy my work.


Shelly
Shelly Perkins Photography
www.shellyperkins.com

Follow Shelly Perkins Photography on Pintrest

Click the link ~
http://pinterest.com/perkphotography

Cadillac Wagon vs Ferrari ~ Wow

The Cadillac Wagon vs Ferrari ! All I can say is WOW !

Top Ten Regrets of the Dying

Top Ten Regrets of the Dying

This is a really good read. Click on the link... it makes you think about a lot.

http://exposingthetruth.info/top-five-regrets-of-the-dying/

Happy Birthday Georges Seurat !

Happy Birthday to French Post-Impressionist painter, Georges Seurat, most famously known for "A Sunday on La Grand Jatte" or as some people call it A Sunday at the Park. The painting is juxtaposed of tiny multi-colored paint dots. The dots allow the viewer's eye to combine the paint instead of actually being combined and mixed on the canvas. It took about two years for the artist to complete the work which show various social classes of people enjoying the park. Today would have been Seurat's 152nd birthday and even in death, his work lives.

Tips for Great Holiday Photos of your Children by Shelly Perkins Photography

Can't afford to hire a professional photographer for this year's custom portraits? Well, let me give you a few tips so you can have some great photos to share with your loved ones this holiday season.

Christmas time is the one time when grandparents and extended family expect to see a new photo of your crew. This especially holds true for those older relatives who don't "Facebook" or do everything through their iPhone. So don't fear, I will give you a few tips to shooting new portraits of your kiddos that you'll love.

I have been photographing children for, dare I say it?, nearly twenty years. Wow! I just felt really old but it's one of the things in my life I continue to love and have never lost a passion for capturing new shots. I absolutely love children and I absolutely love to capture the bright eyed looks and smiles of the innocent. I am an artist and love to make custom portraits that aren't like those you sit on the X while employee #87 takes your picture for your $9.95 package.

I really try to put a lot of work into each and every shoot I do. Often times I scout locations for several hours, looking for a new place or a great new background for your custom portrait. This is something that you can do also. If you don't have time or extra fuel to waste, then look around your house or yard. You have different looks and little corners that other people don't have and you can use this to your advantage when taking your photos.

Get down on the same level as your children. Try several different angles and views for your pictures. If you shoot down upon your children, they'll look small and child-like. This is great for a certain look but also don't forget to get down on their level. This will provide a better view of your child.

When taking photos of your child and you tell your kids, "Just One More" then only take one more. I am so guilty of this but limit your photo time so your kids don't begin to hate having their photos taken. I was so proud of myself when I took photos of my children and my sister's children on Thanksgiving. I promised them I wouldn't take more than five minutes to make their portrait and that's exactly what I did. I had them all wear jeans and shirts in the same tone and let them go outside to play. It was windy and freezing, so I worked quick and they didn't complain too much this year. All the while, I got the great shots that I wanted.

So your kids absolutely will NOT take any kind of picture for you this year? Go to your computer and look through your photos you've snapped throughout the year. I bet you will find some great shots that you can put together to make a collage and copy to printer paper or make into a greeting card. So what if your kids were all wearing mismatched clothes? Convert your favorite color shots to black and white and it won't matter, plus it makes for a timeless look. Pull out several of those photos you've taken throughout the year to show a visual update of your children growing and changing throughout the year.

These are just a few tips and have lots more for taking great holiday shots of your children.

Shelly Perkins Photography
www.shellyperkins.com

Checking out Rick Sinnett's Work for Public Arts Project 66

I was able to meet Rick Sinnett this past weekend at The Womb Art Gallery.  Great guy and amazing artist doing some colossal things in Oklahoma along Route 66 and throughout the state.  He showed me his drawings which will stimulate the old wheat elevator that now houses Rocktown Climbing Gym in OKC.  What a great idea to not only use public art to revitalize an area but also to tie the state together.  I can't wait to see it and photograph this talented artist's work.  Thanks Rick for sharing your vision.

Xandi's SR 2012 Pics by Shelly Perkins Photography of Moore Oklahoma

Check out Miss Xandi's Senior Pics. This High School Senior from Northwest Oklahoma traveled to OKC for an afternoon with Shelly for some unique shots. Check out her video. We had a great time.

Thanksgiving is BEST when Shared with Cousins

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Unique Kid Portraits by
Shelly Perkins Photography
www.shellyperkins.com

Thanksgiving Weekend Photo Tips

Thanksgiving Weekend Photo Tips ~
Check out this link to taking better Thanksgiving photos.



http://photodoto.com/thanksgiving-photo-tips/
Photo and article by John Watson

MINI PHOTO SHOOT on Black Friday

Here's a little promo I'm doing ~ If you follow my posts or know my work you know I've gone back to art school at the University of Oklahoma. I'm having a great time at school but with my crazy schedule I've had to limit the number of shoots I'm doing. I've decided to do a few Mini Sessions this month and next to allow for those who want me to shoot their portraits some time with me as well as get an incredible deal. I'm going to offer a mini session photo shoot with the digital downloads of five of the images taken.


My first available date for this shoot is on Black Friday, November 25, 2011. So let your kiddos sleep in while you go shop ~ then come back and meet me in Norman for a quick, fun photo shoot. Like I said, THESE ARE EXTREMELY LIMITED ~ so call to reserve your spot ASAP.

Shelly Perkins Photography
www.shellyperkins.com

Every One Helps One Scholarship Campaign at the University of Oklahoma

If you're looking for a good cause to donate your money during the holiday season please consider the University of Oklahoma. Every One Helps One Scholarship.

To Beautify or Uglify

Check out this great link~ How to Beautify or Uglify a Face with a Camera Lens

http://gizmodo.com/5857279/this-is-how-lenses-beautify-or-uglify-your-pretty-face?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pulsenews

Portraits taken by Stephen Eastwood

Shelly Perkins Photography is on TWITTER

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