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    • Kristen the designerKristen the designer

    Free Valentines Day Printable Templates!

    February 9, 2012 | Posted by Kristen the designer

    To help everyone celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, NAPCP is sharing some brand new free printables! There are 3 different downloads: 1) Watercolor gift tags; 2) Scalloped circle gift tags; and 3) Classroom valentines! Download one or download all 3! For the scalloped tag I used a Martha Stewart craft punch, but tags can also be cut into squares or circles if you don’t have a craft punch handy. To make the threading holes at the top you can use a regular hole punch. Additional supplies:

    - Thread: Baker’s twine from Michael’s Crafts
    - Cellophane bags: The Dollar Tree
    - Candy: The Dollar Tree
    - Paper (for all 3): Matte presentation paper from Office Depot, but could be several other types

    The classroom valentines are designed with space on the right hand side to mount lollipops and/or candy of some kind. They are perfect for kids to share with classmates! The 2 gift tags could work well with a Valentine’s Day gift for a teacher, or perhaps a friend or coworker.  So many possibilities, so feel free to go crazy!

    Click here to download the Water Color Gift Tags Template

    Click here to download the Scalloped Circle Gift Tags Template

    Click here to download the Classroom Valentines Template

    Happy Valentine’s Day!

    Kristen the designerKristen the designer

    Image Competition Closes February 17th!

    February 8, 2012 | Posted by Kristen the designer

    Hello!

    Don’t miss out on your chance to enter the January 2012 NAPCP International Image Competition! The competition closing date has been moved to February 17th at 11:59pm. The purpose of NAPCP’s Image Competitions is to recognize the accomplishments and creative excellence of our members, rewarding their talent with medallions, priority listing on our directory, vendor endorsements, member points, titles and professional recognition. Members each receive a total of 2 Competition Credits per Competition with their Membership. Details are online!

    Members, make sure to submit your best images here!

    Good luck!

    The NAPCP Team

    Above photo credits clockwise from top left: “Glitter,” Sara Lane; “Muse,” Vairdy Andrew; “Summer Blondies,” Amy Tripple; “Waiting For More Than a Kiss,” Kelly MacDonald.

    _______________________________________________________________________________________

    How To Select Your Best Images – By Karen Carey!

    In the spirit of pushing ourselves to become better photographers this year’s image competition will challenge you to discover and submit only your very best work.

    When choosing images for competition, my best bit of advice is to get tough on yourself. Have a critical eye and take as much emotional connection to your subject as possible out of your decision making process. With attention to detail, cull your photographs into categories and select your top two favorites in each category. Work fairly quickly and use this rule to help you with the process: If the image you are considering IS NOT a definite YES, then it IS a definite NO. Move on.

    Once you have your favorites in each category, select the strongest two overall images based on the elements that make a great photograph, like great composition, excellent exposure, provoking gesture and thoughtful storytelling. Take yourself out of the equation and ask for the advice of a colleague or mentor who is not emotionally invested in the subject. Sometimes we cannot see distractions or mistakes because we know the subject personally and have become emotionally engaged, rather than thoughtfully critical of the image.

    The goal is to find photographs that invite the viewer to linger long enough to become curious about and intrigued by the subject matter. Avoid distracting elements that pull the eye of the viewer out of the frame or cause the viewer to feel uncomfortable while lingering. Remember that all of the elements need to work together to yeild a high score. Dynamic expression can not overcompensate for awful composition or poor exposure.

    Best of luck! I’m so excited to see and evaluate your very best work! – Karen

    NAPCP Members can submit their best images here!

    Kristen the designerKristen the designer

    Happy Friday: Modern Nursery Inspiration!

    February 3, 2012 | Posted by Kristen the designer

    Modern Whimsical

    Modern Bright

    Modern Eclectic

    We did a post awhile back dedicated to vintage nurseries, so today we have a follow up all about modern nurseries! I stumbled upon a wonderful site the other day called On To Baby! It is an adorable website featuring all kinds of great tips, information, and gorgeous inspiration for moms from all walks of life. They had an amazing section dedicated solely to nursery decor so I decided to feature a few of their modern nursery shares today – but there are many, many more! All kinds of themes, colors and nursery styles to look through, along with inspiration for showers, birthday parties and everything in between. I also noticed a few NAPCP members featured on their site :) Enjoy!

    Happy Friday everyone!

    Linda De Los ReyesLinda De Los Reyes

    Fashion Forward Camera Bags!

    January 25, 2012 | Posted by Linda De Los Reyes

    The holidays are over and now that you have that fancy camera you’d been hoping for or have resolved to take that expensive DSLR out far more often than ever before, where do you keep it? What camera bag will work best for storing it or taking it with you? You know you need a padded bag for protection but which one? And are you really going to have to carry your purse and another bag?

    Well, I’m happy to report that over the last few years, camera bags have evolved. We are no longer limited to carrying around black, non-descript, rectangular, pocket-filled, zipped-up bags or backpacks (aka man bags). The choices for women have grown tremendously and we can now choose bags that not only have exceptional function (i.e., space for everything including a pocketbook, iPhone, lip gloss, keys, checkbooks, extra lens, filters, laptop, and more); they are vibrant, stylish and fashion forward. Camera bags that look like purses. Oh yes.

    Function and flair underlay many of the camera bag designs these days. Here’s what I’ve found and acquired.

    Lola bag by Epiphanie. This is my newest and sweetest acquisition. One look at it and you know what I mean by personality and style. This is the smallest of my camera bags and I anticipate using this one practically everyday. It’s large enough to carry my camera with vertical grip and a 50mm lens mounted, a 24-70mm zoom lens, a lens cloth, cleaning liquid, extra CF cards, camera battery, wallet and an assortment of other necessities (e.g., checkbook, chapstick, pens, iPhone, Digital Elph point-n-shoot camera, business cards, reading glasses). And did I mention that the interior is in lavender, rather than black? So much easier to find things. Epiphanie bags come in many sizes and styles. Check ‘em out.

    IT bag by The Joy Bag collection. My other most used camera bag isn’t really a camera bag at all. It’s a tote bag insert. If you’re not into purses, this is worth a look. Basically, the padded insert can be placed into any tote bag and – voila! A camera bag. This is the ultimate in flexibility. I use this when I carry a few more things like a mini tripod or my laptop or iPad or sweater (you get the idea) than what I normally put in the Lola bag.

    Jill-e Rolling Red Leather Bag is my storage bag. It holds all of my camera gear. It rolls around and saves my back. It is made of red leather. If you didn’t know what was in it, you wouldn’t guess it was a camera bag at all…just a nice red leather travel bag on wheels. In a different color such as black or gray, it appeals to male photographers as well. Jill-e Designs offers several sizes and models.

    Shootsac Lens Bag is my workhorse during shoots. This is the body-hugging bag I wear on-the-shoot that carries my extra lenses, car keys, iPhone, CF cards, etc. It’s lightweight and holds my lenses tightly so that I never worry they’ll fall out. I also have a couple of different covers – one is a solid bright red and the other is a colorful floral one – for a bit of flair. Oh and by the way, lots of guys appreciate this one, too, though probably with the standard black cover.

    Glee Bag from The Joy Bag collection. My other workhorse camera bag on-the-shoot. When I decide to carry two cameras where one is loaded with my 70 mm – 200 mm lens, this is it. With my camera and zoom lens in here, I don’t worry that I’m going to bump my camera into something while I’m shooting with the other.

    Different bags, different needs. There’s a camera bag for every taste, use and activity. In addition to the ones I own, here are a few more designers I checked out: Kelly Moore, Jo Totes, Emera, Ona, and Cheeky Lime.

    Kristen the designerKristen the designer

    January 2012 International Image Competition – Opens Today!

    January 16, 2012 | Posted by Kristen the designer

    Hello!

    Today, the January 2012 NAPCP International Image Competition opens at 8:00AM EST and will close at 11:59PM EST February 12th, 2012. The purpose of NAPCP’s Image Competitions is to recognize the accomplishments and creative excellence of our members, rewarding their talent with medallions, priority listing on our directory, vendor endorsements, member points, titles and professional recognition. Members each receive a total of 2 Competition Credits per Competition with their Membership. Details are online!

    They say a picture is worth a thousand words … and yours may be featured in our next press release. For the past two International Image Competitions, the winners announcement highlighted the names of the competition winners and received great exposure – collecting thousands of views, postings to other websites, and search index hits. Wouldn’t you like to see your name and photo sent over the wire too?

    Members, start submitting your best images here!

    Good luck!

    The NAPCP Team

    Above photo credits clockwise from top left: Stephanie Buckman, “Cuddle” • Natacha Silber,
    “Swept Away ” • Stephanie Pasutto, “Sunday Mornin ” • Arielle Langhorne “En Couronne”


    Karen Carey
    Karen Carey began her career over 15 years ago and has developed a distinctive style that honors her passion for artistry and excellence in her work. She is nationally noted for creating exceptionally moving images that celebrate childhood in a way that is pure and authentic. Combining an eye for strong, yet simple composition with exquisite mastery of light, Karen creates fine art portraits of children that are intimate and honest, bearing witness to the same passion, humor and sensitivity that she exudes in her own spirited personality. Her award winning artwork is hanging in fine homes and in fine galleries across the country, and can be seen on countless magazine covers and national advertising campaigns. In 2007, Karen began sharing her wisdom and creative approach with photographers at all stages of their careers through workshops, lectures and private mentoring. Learn more about Karen and view her online portfolio here. Professional photographers can find out more about upcoming workshops and engagements at here!

    Jen Hudson
    Jennifer Hudson is one of the modern generation’s visualists creating beguiling images that are both artistically stylized and meticulously crafted. She has an uncanny eye for high fashion, finding beauty, understanding the physique and the intricacies of the human body, the manner in which light will play in a scene and upon a subject, the delicate balance and rhythm of composition, and most importantly, how to powerfully portray human emotion.

    Founder of one of Fort Worth, Texas’, premier wedding studios and Olive Avonlea Couture Photography, located in Boston, MA, Jennifer is a savvy and energetic image-maker and entrepreneur. Achieving sufficient merits with her PPA Masters and Craftsman degrees in just three years, along with a host of trophies and awards in every category including ten Kodak Gallery Awards, ten Fuji Masterpiece Awards, and five WPPI grand awards, she is a celebrated talent in the PPA and WPPI ranks, and has exhibited work in fine art galleries throughout the country. Jennifer’s work has been published in many esteemed print and online as well as a host of regional professional photography publications.

    Jennifer is a dynamic and emotional illustrator of the human heart. With an innate ability to plumb the antique, the work is soulful; seeking the use of the forgotten or discarded, mechanical in nature, eerie and quiet. With a classical music and orchestral background, she breathes life into her inventions with an air of subtly that only inspired thought and a delicate, intent hand can achieve. Jennifer is currently working in Boston, Massachusetts. She is an international speaker and lecturer whose programs are sought after year after year by many professional public and private photographic organizations. She has just completed her latest major body of work entitled ʻBaptismʼ, a narrative series exploring a young womanʼs spiritual re-incarnation, and is currently working on her series entitled ‘Medic’ which explores the breadth of human relationships during illness and recovery. Jennifer’s work is currently exhibited and collected in many outstanding photography galleries and private collections throughout the country.

    Dana Pugh
    Dana Pugh has been documenting families since 2007 through her company Short and Sweet Photography. Her work has been featured in many publications and blogs, as well as on local television. She is a multi-award wining, charter member of the NAPCP. Last year, she was named their Child Photographer of the Year. Her award winning image was displayed in Time’s Square in New York City. Included amongst her clients are professional athletes, local celebrities and other photographers. Dana has had the opportunity to mentor other photographers from across North America and, this year, is offering workshops across Canada.

    Dana lives in Okotoks, AB with her unbelievably supportive husband and two beautiful children. The work that most makes her heart sing is her work documenting their life together.

    Additional Details

    ABOUT THE IMAGE COMPETITION

    The National Association of Professional Child Photographers (NAPCP) recognizes the accomplishments and creative excellence of its child photographer members. Image competitions reward talent with medallions, priority listing on our directory, vendor endorsements, member points, titles and professional recognition.

    DEADLINE & FEES:

    The January 2012 NAPCP International Image Competition will open 8:00AM EST January 16th, 2012 and close 11:59PM EST February 12th, 2012.

    Members will receive a total of 2 Competition Credits per Competition with their Membership. Additional Competition Credits can be purchased for $25 each. Competition Credits can be used in any single competition, and can not roll over to the following competition.

    CATEGORIES:

    Instructions/Disclaimer: Images for each category can range from maternity, family, newborn, child-specific events, sibling, etc. Category submissions are open to interpretation based on the Photographer’s perception. Categories are subject to change in future Image Competitions.

    1. Maternity
    2. Newborn
    3. Baby
    4. Child
    5. Sibling
    6. Seniors & Tweens
    7. Family

    JUDGING CRITERIA:

    1. Impact (40%) – the sense one gets upon viewing an image for the first time. Compelling images evoke laughter, sadness, anger, pride, wonder or another intense emotion. Story Telling also plays a part in overall Impact. This refers to the image’s ability to evoke imagination. What message does the viewer read, and what story does the image depict?
    2. Technical Merit (30%) – the quality of the image itself as it is presented for viewing. Retouching, manipulation, focus, appropriate depth of field, sharpness, exposure, and correct color are some items that speak to the qualities of the images.
    3. Composition & Creativity (30%) – important to the design of an image, bringing all of the visual elements together in concert to express the purpose of the image. Proper composition holds the viewer in the image and prompts the viewer to look where the creator intends. Creativity is the original, fresh, and external expression of the imagination of the maker by using the medium to convey an idea, message or thought.

    RULES:

    Eligibility: NAPCP’s International Image Competition is held twice yearly and is open to all current and active members.

    1. Competition entries must be the Entrant’s unassisted original work. This includes staging, capture, processing, and finish.
    2. Entries can not be a result of a workshop or a class assignment.
    3. Entries can only be entered once. Entering the image more than once will disqualify the Entrant.
    4. A maximum of 3 entries can be entered per Category.
    5. No where on the Image submission can the entrant’s name, logo or signature appear.
    6. Competition Entry should be labeled as follows: LastName_FirstName_YearA_Title

    Entrants agree that any entered photograph may be used by the National Association of Professional Child Photographers (NAPCP), in any of its publications, printed materials or electronic media, such as but not limited to any of its web sites or its affiliates’ web sites. Model releases must be available for all recognizable individuals in submitted photos. Do not submit these releases unless requested.

    Winning entries may be used in connection with the Competition and NAPCP for promotion in the future. Thus, winners grant a non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual, limited license to use, publish, reproduce, display, distribute, use for promotional purposes and cross-promotional purposes. Photographer retains all copyright for the images.


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