Fifty Two Pages | iPhone Photography + Shultz Photo School

Kendahl, I love the idea of your project, but wouldn't I get better photos on my nice expensive DSLR camera?  

Well, sure.  Of course you would! (given you know how to use it...)

But how practical is it to take your big DSLR everywhere you go?  Heck, I'm lucky if I can even grab it fast enough inside my house, let alone remember to pack it and take it with me when I go out.  I mean how easy is it to fish it out of your bag, turn it on, get your settings correct, and snap away at that perfectly funny moment in the target check out line?  Not.

One of the core features of Fifty Two Pages is that it is all done on your phone.  

The photos are taken on your phone.

Edited on your phone.

Put into a collage using an app on your phone.  

Shared with friends and family through social media apps on your phone.

And ultimately will be sent to print in a 52 page bound book, through an app on your phone.

The purpose of this is accessibility.  What is the one thing we all have with us throughout the day?  (you guessed it..) Your phone.

As some of you know, I used to work full time for a local professional photographer.  I owe any and all of my photography and editing skills to him.  Kyle has a passion to teach others (specifically parents) how to take great photos of their kids.  That's where Shultz Photo School was born.  In his own words:

"What I am going to teach are the key concepts that make the largest impact on helping you experience the pure joy of creating meaningful images and capturing fleeting moments that would otherwise fade in our memory."

When I was in the dreaming stages of Fifty Two Pages, I sought out a bit of his help.  If I was going to have moms taking and sharing pictures of their kids, I wanted to teach them how to do it right!  Sure, capturing the moment is the most important part.  But, a few simple photography tips can help you capture those moments in a photo that you won't  ever forget.  When I asked him if he'd be willing to put together a little iPhone Photography lesson for me, he said he actually already had a series on  Camera Phone photography in the works!  

Funny how things work out like that, huh?  :)

So, Kyle just released his first of a series of lessons and I'm so excited to share it with you: Camera Phone Photography Tips (Part 1)

Here's a couple photos I snapped today using his tips.  It's simple stuff, guys…but it really works :)

1. Typical Shot - Too much negative space:

2. Fill the frame:

3. Choose a better perspective:

4. Rule of thirds: 

5. Edit Color/BW

Well, my foot is asleep and both kids have woken up from their naps so I must finish up.  Life is funny.  

Go check out his lesson, and I promise you'll notice a different in your photos immediately!

Olive Ruth | 1 month

Weight: 9 lb 8oz

Length: 21in (estimated)

Likes: 
You love to be swaddled.  All day, every day.  If you are fussy, all we need to do is swaddle you up and most of the time that calms you right down.  (However, you really aren't a fussy baby at all!)  You know what you want and as soon as you get it you are happy.  You took and loved your soothie pacis from day one and also love your swing.  You spend a lot of time in that thing!  

You love it when your dad sings to you.  Dave Barnes and Andrew Peterson are your songs of choice!  You just smile and watch him as he sings.

Oh, and you love to eat.  Love it.

Dislikes:  
Just like your brother, you do not like to be burped.  We try and try and most of the time can't get a burp out of you.  The only other thing that makes you mad is if you are cold.  You don't hate your bath, but if I don't wrap you up quick enough afterwards you aren't very happy. 







Milestones: 
Sleep.  You love to sleep.  Most people ask if your eyes are ever open!  Yes, they are…but not often :)  You sleep 3-4 hours at a time.  

We got pretty lucky when it comes to good sleepers/eaters.  You are very scheduled and eat about 3.5-4 ounces every 3-4 hours.  You sleep in between. :)  We are working on a bit longer stretches, but can't complain at all about where you are at now!







Firsts: 
Smile!  You aren't crazy expressive yet, but I did catch a picture of your first big old smile and it was pretty darn cute!


You do a lot of sleeping and laying around (ha!) but I put you in a rocker last week at church that had some toys dangling from it and within seconds you were reaching up and batting at them.  I guess mom and dad need to get you a little more interaction! 


Bath with your brother!  It was quick and you weren't very happy, but we got it done and even took a picture to prove it. 






Fun Fact: 
It's been so fun to see you and your brother interact.  The first thing he does when he wakes up is run into the living room and say "where sis?"  It's cute.  And when he gives you kisses you just stare at him.  

Happy 1 month Olive Ruth, we love you!

Fifty Two Pages | Nov 18 - Nov 24

It's monday.  Which means it's time for Fifty Two Pages!  

Please join us.  You won't regret it.  I promise.

It's a project on being intentional.  It's a project on making memories and keeping them alive.

It's your memories in Fifty Two Pages.

(If you are new here, you can find all details on  FAQs page...)

Here's some answers to your most asked questions :)

What App do you use to make your collage?
I recommend PicStitch to create a collage right on your phone. 

You can download the PicStitch app here:

Pic Stitch - Big Blue Clip, LLC

What App do you use to edit your photos?

PicTapGo - Totally Rad! Inc.

It's a great (inexpensive + totally worth it) photo editing app with endless filter options.  My favorite part of the app is that it allows you to create and save your own "recipes" of your favorite edits so you can use them again and again.

How do you get those Dates on your collage?

I use photoshop on my computer to add the text.

However, to keep things super simple, I recommend using one of the following apps on your computer that all you to add and save text to your photos:

Over - Potluck 

InstaQuote Pro - add text captions to photos and pictures for Instagram - Red Cactus LLC 

Font Free - Text Overlay for Photos - Brandon Abbott 

Typic – Fonts and Filters for Instagram - Hi Mom S.A.S

My Nov 18 - Nov 24 Page:

Go ahead and Link up below!
(or #fiftytwopages on IG or facebook)

thrivemoms guest post

If you head over to the Thrivemoms website, you will see there's a brand new look, and a new addition to the "our team" page.   And she looks a little familiar :) 

I'm so excited to have been asked to join this amazing community of moms.  I've had fun giving the website a little makeover and am looking forward to the opportunities to connect with and share advice with fellow mamas.

They asked me to introduce myself and share my "mama story thus far" on the Thrivemoms blog today.  Go check it out. 

(and if you're a mom, sign up for the newsletter while you are there --- you won't regret it!)

22 year old me...

How often do we pray this prayer?

"Our Father, who art in Heaven..."

I remember growing up we would repeat the same prayer before bed each night..."Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep..."  But one night I remember asking my mom if that was the prayer she said when she was a girl.  She said yes, but that they also said the Lord's Prayer.   She started to recite, "Our Father, who art in Heaven..."

From time to time I asked my mom to repeat this to me.  I remember trying to memorize the words...but usually forgot (or stopped trying) after "give us this day our daily bread." 

I don't know why that stuck out to me.  I don't know why I got caught up at that verse.  But still to this day...though I know the rest...I get a little tripped up with the words after "daily bread". 

He does.

He gives us our daily bread.

He promises us what we need.  For that day.  Nothing more and nothing less. 

When Bryan and I were newly married, we lived in a small apartment on an even smaller budget.  I worked in a city over an hour away and drove to and from each day.  He student taught all day and worked all night to make a little extra money.  We sat down one night and I started worrying about the what ifs.  What if you don't get the job you are going to apply for?  What if we have to keep working like this and never see each other?   What if our car breaks down from all the miles I'm putting on it?  What if we can't afford a bigger apartment?  What if our student loans start coming in and overcome us?  What if...what if...what if...?

Bryan told me that night that I have to stop living in the land of what ifs...I can only live in today.  And today I can ask that God will give us this day our daily bread.  And know that he is faithful.  And know that he gives good gifts to his children.  And know that He directs my steps and knows our future.  Even when we don't.  

Bryan was right.  He's a pretty smart dude.

...but I've been finding myself traveling back in the land of what if's lately.  

 What if we don't ever sell our house?  What if Olive has a flat head like Ellis and has to wear a helmet?  What if people don't like my designs and nothing sells?  What if Christmas doesn't look like it has in the past because we can't afford a lot of gifts this year?  What if I'm not working hard enough with Ellis on things he should be learning?  There are so many more.  

And it's silly stuff, guys. 

So, after fretting in the land of the what ifs for a few days, I've decided I've got to stop.  This time I'm giving myself the pep-talk :)   And I'm giving it to you to.  

I can look back 5 years ago and tell 22 year old Kendahl that in 5 years you will have 2 adorable, healthy children.  Bryan will have a steady job doing what he loves and you will live in a cute brick house with a big back yard.  You may not have all the things, but you will be happy.  And you will be loved. 

I can only imagine the great things I will look back and tell 27 year old Kendahl in another 5 years.

What are you worrying about that you need to let go of?  

What are the "what ifs" in your life that you are letting fog the "what is"? 

Because the "what is" is that God will give you enough for today.

4 Weeks Old

4 weeks old.

Olive Ruth is 4 weeks old.
Wasn't I just writing a post about how I wish I were no longer pregnant?

She's losing her newborn squishiness already.  And I can't think about it or I get sad.
...but, she's filling out and getting these adorable, cheeks that I just can't get over.

We are so thankful for the joy that she has brought to our lives in four short weeks.

God is good.

Ellis Hay | 1 Year

***Side Note: This post is LONG overdue.  I was sitting down to write his 18 month and about had a heart attack when I realized his 12 month wasn't ever posted.  So...here it is...very, very late.***  

Weight: 21.5 lbs
Length: 31 in

Likes:  You play peek-a-boo with yourself all day long.  And by all day long I mean all day long.  You will play with anyone and everyone.  My favorite was when you played with an older lady at Joanns and she wasn't having it.  Finally you said "where-de-gah?" (where'd he go?) with your big smile and laughed at yourself enough times that the lady finally cracked a smile.

You love to read books.  Always have.  But you will sit and read to yourself over and over.  You turn the pages very fast and "read" the words all in your own little language.  It's pretty darn cute.

Your basketball hoop on the front porch.  You will chase the ball and "shoo" over and over.

Dislikes:  When we try to make you snuggle.  You really aren't into sitting still pretty much ever :)

Most vegetables.

When your puppy runs away from you.

Milestones: 

You are walking like a pro.  You took some steps a few days before your birthday, and by your birthday party you were toddling around like it was your job.  It's so fun to see you figuring out new skills.  And your little waddle walk with you butt out is probably my favorite thing ever.

Eating habits are about the same.  As long as you have cheese and bread, you are a happy camper.

You officially dropped your morning nap.  We are down to one nap, people.  At first I was not okay with this, but the more we get used to it, the more I don't mind it.  You will nap for 2.5-3.5 hours, so I really have nothing to complain about.   And it allows us a little more freedom during the day.

Words.  They are starting.  Still mostly just sounds, but you are discovering your voice more and more and it's so fun to watch.  For now, this is your vocabulary:

ball

mom

dada

woah!

Hi

Bye bye

ni-night

sta (stanley) 

moo

quack quack

woof woof

more

all done

and my absolute favorite:

 "What's that?" as you point at everything in the room and wait for an answer. 

Firsts:

Birthday.  Obviously :)  Your party was so much fun.  You are one very loved little boy.  I hope you always know that.  Your mama had big plans for a themed party with all the bells and whistles, but the pregnancy sickness kinda got in the way.  It was still a very lovely day with lots of fun details and most importantly, lots of family and friends.  You played and laughed with all your little friends, and you rocked your suspenders, handsome dude.    I'm thankful for these great pictures to help remember the joy of the day.

Ellis Hay, you are our pure joy.  God truly blessed us.  You are strong willed, completely crazy, and 100% boy.  You are silly, creative, and have the best laugh.  You can throw a fit with the best of them, but you always give your mom and dad a kiss at night that warms our hearts.  You have taught us so much.  We are so grateful for you and can't wait to continue watching you grow.  We know a whole new kind of love because of you.  Our firstborn.  Our little mister.

Happy Birthday, sweet boy.  We love you so, so much.


(all photo credit to Shultz Photography)

Fifty Two Pages | Nov 11- Nov 17

It's monday.  Which means it's time for Fifty Two Pages!  

Please join us.  You won't regret it.  I promise.

It's a project on being intentional.  It's a project on making memories and keeping them alive.

It's your memories in Fifty Two Pages.

(If you are new here, you can find all details on  FAQs page...)

You guys!

I was so happy to see how many of you decided to join me last week for the first week of Fifty Two Pages!  I loved seeing all of your collages and am already getting excited about how many of you will have books full of your favorite images by the end of the year.  You guys rock!

Along with the collages came a few questions that I thought I would highlight here to help you all out:

This project is great!  But shouldn't I wait till January to start?
This project is supposed to be simple and fit easily into your life.
So, if waiting until after the holiday rush is best for you, do it!

However, here are 2 reasons why I think you should start today!

1. Most importantly, I really want you to get those photos off of your phone and enjoy them.  The longer you wait to start, the less likely you are to do it.

2. If you start now, your fifty two pages will be finished in time to order books and have them delivered my Christmas next year.  You can have them to show off at your holiday gatherings, or even buy small copies for Christmas presents for family members.


What App do you use to make your collage?
I recommend PicStitch to create a collage right on your phone. 

You can download the PicStitch app here:

Pic Stitch - Big Blue Clip, LLC

What App do you use to edit your photos?

PicTapGo - Totally Rad! Inc.

It's a great (inexpensive + totally worth it) photo editing app with endless filter options.  My favorite part of the app is that it allows you to create and save your own "recipes" of your favorite edits so you can use them again and again.

How do you get those Dates on your collage?

I use photoshop on my computer to add the text.

However, to keep things super simple, I recommend using one of the following apps on your computer that all you to add and save text to your photos:

Over - Potluck 

InstaQuote Pro - add text captions to photos and pictures for Instagram - Red Cactus LLC 

Font Free - Text Overlay for Photos - Brandon Abbott 

Typic – Fonts and Filters for Instagram - Hi Mom S.A.S

Now to the fun part :)

My Fifty Two Pages | Nov 11 - Nov 17

My past collages:

Let's link up!  Add your collage below!

Lions and wolves and foxes and bears, oh my!

...it doesn't quite have the same ring, does it.  Oh well, I tried. 

I just wanted to make sure everyone knew that my "Wild Animals"  and "Baby Animals" Instant Download Art packs are up in the shop and just waiting for you to go snag them! 

Each of our animal packs shown above include four 8x10 instant downloads for the low, low price of $12!  (normally $16)

These could be great gifts for the upcoming holiday season or the perfect addition to your little boy or girl's bedroom!

And, that's not all...

"What about a discount code??!"

Well, I'm glad you asked!  Hop on over to see the Oh, Sweet Joy 2013 Holiday Guide to find a very special discount code for 15% off of your purchase!

Don't wait!  Order now!

(cheesy infomercial over...)

Big Boy

Everyone told me that as soon as I had the new baby, I would come home and Ellis would immediately look older.

He's only 18 months, guys.  He can't look like a big kid overnight. 
He still wears footy-pajamas for crying out loud!

Oh how I wished it wasn't true.  I didn't want my baby to not be a baby anymore.  

But they said it would happen.

...They were right.

My baby is a big boy.

Today he climbed onto this chair all by himself and grabbed the crayons.





He then spent almost 20 minutes (yes, my attention-span-less child) coloring.  Well, mostly just taking the crayons in and out of the box...but none the less.

He sat/stood/kneeled in that chair like he had done it forever.





He's so big.

I can't stand it.

Oh, how I love him so.