I had the awesome opportunity to work with a long time friend and her family yesterday.  In total there were 22 people that showed up and they were so much fun to work with.  Since I come from a very large family it is always such a joy to see other families come together.  I definitely had a blast. :)

Thank you Berna to you and your family for working with me.  I had so much fun and really enjoyed it.  Wishing you all a lifetime of happiness! ~ xoxo Honey

Thoughts of You make all the Gray Skies Blue!  Yesterday's Outfit of the Day includes a couple of special guests, so click on the "Read More" button below and see who joined in on the fun with me.

My sons and I headed over to the St. Joseph's Feast - an annual mini carnival to raise money for the church and pre-school.  Since it had been so hot - I decided I wanted to dress comfortable.  See what else I wore and what my face of the day looked like as well.  Click READ MORE to see more pics and the video!

Yes, plus size ladies can still rock out a short dress.  While I love my Maxi Dresses - I love how a short dress can make any woman feel like they are flirty, girly and sweet.  I paired this specific ensemble together because I wanted to wear my Leopard Heels with an outfit that had a pop of color and didn't want to use it with pink.  I found one of my hair flowers and decided this would be an awesome fit and I was right.   I have always had the skin tone to pull off bright yellow shades and I absolutely love the way this whole look came out.  

Just this evening, I rolled out that my channel on YouTube will be celebrating 5 years in a few days and my blog will be celebrating 6 years in a couple of weeks... so I have definitely had my practice with different types of Photo and Video software over the years.   I am pretty comfortable with what I currently use now... though I am always on the search for something fun and user friendly.  Here are the questions for this month's task along with my answers.  Feel free to comment and let me know what programs you use and like too :)

1) What program(s) have you used in the past for editing your photos and/or videos? Can you provide a short review, likes/dislikes? 
Since I run my own Photog business, it seems as if I have been using Photoshop / Photoshop Elements forever.  I remember when I first started editing images... and used and old school Photo Editing program which at the time was expensive and did everything without utilizing the "layers" concept that Photoshop is so popular for today.  I have used everything from online editors like BeFunky to Photobucket but find myself coming back to Photoshop and I really have a hard time transitioning to anything else.  I feel if I stop using the software, I have a hard time getting back into it.  I think Photoshop is not technically "user friendly".  It does take some learning and getting used to - but once you do, the options for layers, actions and so much more are endless.  It's one of those softwares that you can constantly upgrade or update without actually having to buy new software, because so many developers are constantly developing cool editing features that you just have to install.  If I had to start all over again and try out new photo editors, I know that I would use Photoshop again and still back it 100%.

With regard to video editing programs... yikes, just like Photo programs, maybe even more... I have tried so many I can't even count them on my 10 fingers.   I started editing with Windows Movie Maker and was not impressed with what WMM offered.  I wanted the sparkle and the pizzazz that I seen for other vids... but still wanted something user friendly.  From time to time I do use One True Media, which is an online site for video editing and I still love their features.  Even after almost 5 years... I'm still a Pro Member and utilize some of their cool transitions and slideshows for projects I do today.  I have used Pinnacle for about a year and did really like the program.  It allowed me to do my chroma key and green screen without much issue... but the software itself took up a lot of space on my computer and slowed down, even if my video card is one of the highest to perform the tasks at hand.  I think the software itself had a lot of bugs and while I did enjoy the many options it had available, it was one I would not repurchase again and have not used it in over a year.  Currently I use two video softwares for editing:  AVS Video Editor, which is my main editor and allows me to do my basic and a few other awesome features and then my Slideshow editor which I use for photos (especially when doing tutorials) which is Pro Show.   AVS Video Editor was downloaded straight to my computer and cost me about $50 for unlimited use (basically forever) and the Pro Show I actually pay a yearly fee and use their online editing tool.  

2) What program(s) are you currently using for editing your photos and/or videos? Can you provide a short review, likes/dislikes? 

I think I kind of answered that one in the question above, sorry... thinking ahead of myself. lol

3) What are your thoughts on image editing websites; free or purchased?
Honestly, if you can find a free download or free editing site and it is easy enough for you to use and get the job done, I don't see that there is a problem regarding it.  More power to anyone that can produce anything they need and not need to pay for it.  As I mentioned before... when it comes to Photo editing, my go-to is Photoshop because I also use it for my business... but if I didn't need to - I'm sure I would still be utilizing a free editor.  With regard to Video editing... there are some fun ones out there that offer free services or a small monthly fee.   My problem with free services is sometimes you have to either host your own or you may have a limit on the amount you can and cannot do - so I rather go with a software, knowing that in a year - I can still find my videos or images if needed.  

4) What are your thoughts on editing videos directly on Youtube's website?
I have used that Editor once, before they made all the added affects and fonts and stuff.  I particularly didn't like it because of its lack of options - but I don't really have anything bad to say about it.  I like that the option is offered and I'm happy it is, because 5 years ago when I started, it was not an option or available to me.
 
5) What program(s) would you recommend for beginner bloggers? 
Hmmm... honestly, I say this pretty often and mean it when I do... Photos should tell a story, not the editing.  If you image is clear and accurate, there is no need for editing except for maybe some brightness... so basic programs like PicMonkey, Photobucket, Gimp and others will work and are completely user friendly once you get the hang of it.  When you learn your software, then you can play and have some fun (that's just my opinion).  With regard to video editing - use what you know you will be able to go to if your computer should fail or in the case you have any issues... you will always have a back up program later to fall back on just in case.  Basic software like WMM or even YouTube editor are great for beginners.  It's been such a long time since I used WMM that for me it is weird. lol But, the options are endless honestly.

6) What is your editing process like? Do you edit individual pieces or schedule a day for all your editing?
I usually edit all images I take the day I take them.  Everything in my mind is fresh and I can retake the images in the case lighting is not ideal.   Videos - hmm... I usually film a few in one day once a week, so I actually edit a video a day trying to make it so I'm not sitting down for 6 hours straight just editing... which honestly, if you do youtube videos, you know this is possible even if you don't want to do it.

7) On average, how much time do you think you spend on editing images and videos in a week?
For my photos - I probably take about an hour in a whole week, but I'm constantly taking photos.  For videos - each video averages 40 - 60 minutes to edit depending on what needs to be done and I edit videos about 2-3 days out of the week.

This was a pretty lengthy post - but I'm glad it was our task for March because I get asked these questions time and time again... it's nice to get it all out and written down.  If you have any questions and I did not cover or answer what you may have had in mind, please don't hesitate to ask.  I think I may have kind of rushed through this post a bit - so I apologize if it was a little weird to read. lol Lack  of sleep will do that to you!

Sprinkles, Glitter and Sparkles to all!
xoxo
Honey 

 

As I was heading over to the West Side that day... the clouds were rolling in and I actually caught a huge down pour about 7 minutes away from the location - so I was a bit nervous about the weather.  When I arrived, the sun had shown long enough to capture some beautiful shots of this lovely couple and as the sunset - I was thankful to God for providing me with another wonderful session.  Wishing Mike & Debbie a lifetime of love and happiness.  I truly enjoyed working with you both.  Congratulations!

This awesome creation is just $19.99 for the full sized Shutter Huggers and $15.99 for the Shutter Hugger Mommy which is the for smaller cameras like point and shoots.

As a photographer I found it very useful in my portraits.  It's an ingenious idea and is not only clever and functional - but it is also very affordable which makes it easy on any pocket book.  I love the fact that it was made to fit most lens sizes - which for me, is a big deal.  I also love the cuteness and of course, as a mother - that really plays a big part in photographing children.

Shutter Huggers were featured on Bethenny and are definitely worth all the hype.  You can collect so many different designs and as a photographer who spends a ton on equipment and my kit - this is definitely a must have if you are shooting little ones.  My children absolutely love it and it has been a great asset to my gear.

Thank you Shutter Huggers for sending me this awesome product to review.  To pick up your awesome SH in your choice of animal and friend - visit: www.shutterhuggers.com and add a new buddy to your gear.

xoxo
Honey

After I did my January Beauty Blogger HQ Task, I was asked several times about my Light Box set up.  It didn't dawn on me to take a photo of it while I was typing out my post - but I promised I would do an update on it and at least post one photo of what my set up looks like.  I'll explain a little about it and we can go from there. 

First - let me start off by saying that as a Photographer who shoots in a natural setting and on location, I never find the need to buy studio equipment or light boxes or even umbrellas and lights.  I use natural lighting when at all possible and even my makeup photos are taken with natural lighting - so I don't often focus on all of this stuff.  When I'm photographing products, I will take the photo on a nice white background (before I would use a damask print) and I shoot it out doors or right near my windows in my house to allow for the natural light to penetrate and illuminate my item.  I love natural lighting.  But - as most of you know, I run a business (several at that) and have children so a lot of the time, I am taking photos of products (reviews, etc.) at night.  That really left me no choice but to kick it in high gear and get something done.  I love using my flash light or the desk lamp (pictured) and add a make shift diffuser to it while I take the photo on a white background.  That's my lazy man way and it can cause shadow which is not ideal.  But - when I have some spare time, I pull out my little DIY light box.  It consists of items that are pennies because I got the box from a shipment I received, the tissue paper I had on hand in my craft drawer, the scissors and tape I also had on hand and the white paper was something I had around the house as well.  

I started by searching through my favorite photography websites to find out how to do a DIY Light box and found a ton of different tutorials.  I will not do a tutorial on this but it is really easy.  Simply cut squares into your box leaving the open end of the box facing you (one square on each side (left and right) and one on the top.  I covered them with white tissue paper (layered them in 2 layers) and that's it.  For your background - you want to take a white paper - something that is reasonably thick, like a cardstock thickness and tape it on the inside of the box.  If you don't want it to have the crease in it - do not press the paper flat - leave it at a curve and tape it down.  You can always decorate the box if you want - I just don't have the time so I leave it as is. 

For proper lighting - it is best to have a lamp at each section (right, top and left) to help illuminate the item as best as possible.  In my photo, I'm only using one lamp - because I'm using the other 2 for something else and couldn't take it for this post.  I will normally just use one lamp anyway - if I need to have extra light, I'll take my heavy duty LED flash light and shine it into the covered square section that needs the best illumination for the photo.  

After I took the photo of my DIY light box - I decided that the best photo to show how clear and crisp the image is with the light box would be to take out my Starlooks Palette and photograph that.  The colors are vibrant and you can see how true to color they really are when photographed in the Light Box.  Obviously if I was photographing during the day - I would not use it, but since it's 9pm here - I am using the light box.  If I took a photo of my Lorac Palette, while it would still be clear, I wanted you to see the color variation which the proper lighting will definitely bring out.

Like I said, this is more of an informational post than to teach you how to do it.  But after looking at the photo of my Light Box and my explaining to you how to do it, I think it should be fairly self explanatory.  Of course, if you want to buy one - that's great too, I just know I won't use it and this way I don't have to worry about throwing it out or damaging it because I only pull it out when I'm taking photos of products at night :)

Have a wonderful week!
xoxo
Honey

It has been a long but quick week.  Is that even possible?  What I meant to say that this week had gone by quickly, but it was very tiring... there - I think that made some sense. lol  A lot went on this week, I accomplished more than my fair share, that's for sure.  So before I get to rambling on and actually fall asleep at my desk - on to my Sunday letters.

Dear Ka'eo, my oldest son:  You have been a joy in daddy and I's life from the day we found out that we were having you.  I can't believe how fast these past years have gone by and I can't believe you are 9 years old already.  Happy Birthday my son - We had so much fun on Saturday and looking forward to a lifetime of fun and memories together.

Dear Ikaika - our new puppy... a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.  Hey doggy - thank you for being a part of our lives.  While we are happy to have you and you make an awesome addition to our Family, I would love some extra sleep - seeing as you get more than me.  So think about me and sleep an extra hour at least on weekends.  Thank you! ;)

Dear Workload.... Let me breathe. Okay, lets face it... work means money, right? But - HoneyXO has been so terribly busy and Wedding Season is right around the corner, which means I'm gonna be booking Wedding Shoots and Ceremonies a lot more often as well, not to mention - working on my blog and youtube.  Whew - talk about busy.  While I love and enjoy the money - I am overwhelmed with the thought and I have been working so much already - I'm on the point of exhaustion.  But - I guess I need to count all the positives and forget the negatives.  I'm lucky to have businesses that are thriving. :)

When the day may stress me out - there is one thing I know I can do... think about all the happy moments in life and this week, my family has certainly made a bunch of them.  Looking forward to many many more.  Wishing all of you a wonderful week.  Oh and the image I have at the top of this post is a little inspiration for the week. :D I took this picture a year or so ago and it always makes me smile.  It's those moments that remind me how lucky I am to live in Hawaii. xo

I haven't shared a photography post in a long time.  It's probably because ICC has been so busy that I have been turning down and referring out Photog gigs because I just don't have the time. 

On September 17, 2012 I shot the wedding of a lovely couple - Terry and Steve.  This lovely couple is from Florida and they were surely enjoying the Hawaii weather.  It was a wonderful joy to shoot their wedding.  The sunset was lovely and the ceremony (by Keli'i Arruda) was wonderful.  The couple was sweet and generous of one another and surely - In Love.  Here are a few shots of their special day that I wanted to share with you.

Wishing Terry & Steve a lifetime of love and happiness!
xoxo
Honey