You better get to know it better

I’m taking a quick break from the long line of photos I’m editing for my line sheet and etsy update. Running behind as always. Sigh. So sorry for letting MOSS‘ loyal followers down. I’ve been wrapped up with filling orders that I’ve been neglecting web updates for awhile. I know, it is bad

I can be a little obsessive with taking photos. I’ve been known to take hundreds of product pics and not use a single image from that roll. I’m no professional photographer, mind you. I just like good photos (i.e., photos that are well balanced in composition and are visually rich). Maybe if I take photography lessons, the process wouldn’t be as long or as painful. But alas…. No time and no dough. So I just go by some tips that always work for me. Here are some of them:

- Try positioning your focal point away from dead center on a frame. Place you subjects slightly to the left or right, lower or higher than the middle of the frame.

- Work with natural light. But when you do, make sure you don’t shoot in direct sunlight. The shadows can be really harsh, cutting out detail. Conversely, shooting in the shade will give you a bluish wash that can be hard to correct.

- Neutral backgrounds always work best. I love using bluish gray

- Face subject towards light or light should be 45 degrees in relation to subject.

- Invest in photo editing software. When I worked as a graphic designer, I hated this so much but now it saves me every time. I have a photoshop formula that I might be willing to share for a trade

There it is I hope they serve you well. Here is a pic of the photo I was working on from above.

I should post the raw (unedited) version of this photo too but I don’t have access to it right now because… I’m blogging from my phone! This is like a major technological advancement in MOSS headquarters. I can now blog while cooking, waiting for my daughter’s bus, from the checkout line at the store, etc. WOWZA!

I was lucky enough to inherit an iPhone (3 then 4) from 2 of my very generous pals. I must admit that I love it! Especially the camera. It takes 5.0 megapixel pictures, which is about as good as a point and shoot, and it’s got a built in flash. Now I know that that’s not really much to get excited about, here’s where the app called Camera+ comes in I won’t go too much into details of the app but you can click my link to it (see previous sentence) to see what a powehouse it is. That and the ability to post on social networking sites right away is just plain ol’ awesome!

Here is my month in iPhone pictures (all photos taken with iPhone 4 and edited with Camera+)

My older sister, Chrissie and I love the world market just because of their international snack aisles. This is THE find of the month! Tunnock’s Chocolate Mallow Teacakes!!! They are beautifully round and the marshmallow inside is soft like a smore marshmallow. I loooove them…

I am not a very good cook but I am on a mission to perfect the homemade pie crust. What to do with all those “experimental” pie doughs when there is not enough fruit? Roll it out, spread with good jam, sprinkle sugar and viola!

Mayumi and my granmdma (best baker in the world!) ate it all up so I guess I am not so terrible in the kitchen

Since I am on a food roll… check these out!

My friend Niluka, who is Sri Lankan, made these for us. They are called Appas or Hoppers. They are basically a cross between a crepe and a pancake (made with coconut milk!) and are made using a lightly oiled special pan that gives them that lovely bowl shape. Niluka cracks an egg in the middle of some of them and serves them with chutney. They were so delicious and so beautiful. They look like little edible lace bowls. Thanks, Niluka! You and Surin (other good friend who is an awesome cook) feed me well

This month has also been so much about seeing family and enjoying the outdoors. Chrissie got married last month and we had a lot of family from out of town coming to visit. It was nice getting to show people our beautiful state. Here is Mayumi enjoying the cool river water at Multnomah falls.

I always love it when my 2 sisters are in town

Chrissie, in her bachelorette party finery!

Me and Kathy, enjoying the festivities of said bachelorette party Karaoke night

This month has left us very tired but happy, well fed and content.

Now its time to get ready for fall meaning school for the little one and lots of work for me (ahhh! holidays are coming). Maybe blogging will be easier now that I have a phone to take pictures with.

Alberta Street Fair Poster

I was so very sad to hear that the Alberta Art Hop was to be cancelled for good. But I am glad to be back on Alberta this year, joining the Alberta Street Fair instead Come out and join the fun! There will be over 150 participating vendors, food, music and activities for the kids. MOSS will be located between the 22nd and 23rd blocks. Hope to see your bright, shining faces there