My Baby Sunflower

I planted a couple of sunflower seeds for the first time this year. They only grew to about 12 - 18 inches high. Little things but oh so cute. I laid on the ground and shot up at the flower for these shots. The sky was such a vibrant blue that day. I thought the yellow flower against the blue sky would really look nice.

Free Portraits!!

The announcement is finally here! A Giveaway!

There has been some thing on my heart for the past year or so. I have been wanting to do something with my talent that would be a blessing to others. Something that I could do, that in turn would help out someone else or just be a blessing to them, make them feel good about themselves.
To be able to make a difference in other's lives. Inspired in part by the HGTV show, Deserving Design, I have decided to offer a free portrait session with $100 worth of free print credit to one deserving individual or family each month.
The type of individuals or families that I will be looking for will qualify as one of the following.

1. Is in need of help.
2. Is deserving of something special being done for them.
3. Has been through a difficult time and overcame it.
4. Is currently going through a difficult time.
5. Is giving to others or has been a blessing to others.

There will be a theme or specific category each month. Nominations will be taken for one month. The winning portrait session must be taken the next month in one of the following counties...Camden, Gloucester or Salem county. The winning individual does not have to reside in one of these counties but the photo shoot must take place in one of the pre-mentioned counties.
The chosen individual(s) must sign a model release and allow their story and images from their portrait session to be posted on my blog, website and portfolio for others to be inspired by their story. To nominate someone you must email the following to JaneBingham@gmail.com
*your name, email address and phone number
*Nominees name, email address and phone number
*The reason the nominee is deserving
Subject line of the email should state "September Giveaway"

exclusions
**You can not nominate yourself**

**Other professional photographers and their immediate family do not qualify**

This is a trial plan and I have the right to discontinue at any time if I do not receive enough qualifying nominations or if becomes a hardship to me due to either health or finances.

The category for this month is...High School Student. Do you know a high school student who has been going through a difficult time or has and overcame it? This could be financially, emotionally, physically ect... Maybe you know a high school student who has been extremely giving to others? A high schooler who stands out for something they have done that is good... The individual should be going into 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grade of high school. School starts this week in my town so I thought this would be a good category to start with this month.

Nominations will be taken through the month of September. The chosen high school student will have their free photo shoot done during the month of October.

So get those nominations in!!

Pet Mouse

New Camera + New Lense + Lightrom 2.0 = FUN

I took my new camera out for a spin. I was just taking some interesting shots of the kids playing ball last night. All editing was done in Lightroom 2.0. Other photographers, if you haven't checked the new Lightroom out yet, then do it!
Oh, and yes that is a cast on my daughter's arm. She broke her pinky finger.

Red Chard and Carmalized Onions

I've never cooked red chard until recently and boy am I glad I did. This was easy and delicious!

RED CHARD AND CARMALIZED ONIONS

1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 bunch red Swiss chard, rinsed and chopped
1/4 cup kalamata olives
2 tablespoons capers
1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt, or to taste
freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 lemon, juiced

In a cast iron skillet, cook onions in olive oil over medium-high heat until they begin to brown. Stir in brown sugar, and continue cooking for a few minutes. When onions are brown and tender, stir in chard and olives. Cook until chard is slightly wilted. Stir in capers and salt, and continue cooking until chard is completely wilted, about 3 minutes. Season with black pepper and squeeze lemon over the top.

Teaser

I am working on details of something special. Look for the exciting announcement coming soon!!

MONSTERS!!!

I know, I know, I have been MIA again. I'm sorry to all those who have written asking if I am okay because I haven't posted to the blog lately. Yes, I am okay. Things have been extra busy with the kids home from school this summer. Also, we have been renovating. We are in the process of moving our kitchen from one room to another room. I have been doing almost all of the work myself with a little help from my husband here and there. We have also been renovating a bathroom and a couple bedrooms. Too many projects at one time!
I have been trying out many new vegetarian recipes I want to share. Look for those coming up soon.
Right now I want to share a website I recently was introduced to. http://curlyqcuties.com/
On this website you or your child can design your own monster. Once it is designed and paid for, it is made just for your child and sent to them. How cute is that? Monsters aren't so scary anymore when you have one of your own! Check it out.