Say "No" to Auto: 3 Basic Steps to Understanding Manual Camera Settings {Giveaway}

Have you ever taken a photo on the Auto setting of your camera and ended up getting a super dark picture? Not what you were expecting and definitively frustrating,  isn't it? Do you own an expensive camera but always use the Auto mode instead of Manual?

I personally have always admired photographers and the art of taking beautiful photos but it wasn't until after I had my son that I grabbed our DSLR and started taking TONS of photos.  I quickly realized that it doesn't matter what type of camera you have, to take beautiful photos you need to know what you are doing!

I was super excited when I read Kristen Duke's book "Say No to Auto".  Her short and sweet book is perfect for beginners and it goes right to the point. It gives you enough information and super key tips and details to stop using the Auto mode on your camera for good.

Kristen's book is filled with great example photos with their unique ISO, Aperture, and Shutter Speed settings. That's a great way to see how she captured her photos and to learn from the examples.   By answering 3 basic questions she helps you navigate through the manual setting on your DSLR camera and understand how to work with ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed settings.

What I love the most is that this is not a super complicated and long 400 page manual. It has 17 pages and it is easy to read. Perfect for a busy parent on the go.  It is also small enough to take with you when you are outside shooting, plus it doesn't matter if you own a Canon or a Nikon camera as there is a page with color coded examples for both brands.

If you are looking to stop using the Auto mode in your camera and start taking beautiful photos then I recommend you check out her website and her book.

Buy it: You can purchase an e-book version of her book for just ($10) on her website and you can then print it at home or you can purchase the hard copy for $20 (shipping included). 

 
Win it: One very lucky reader from anywhere in the world is going to get an e-copy of Kristen's book. Click "Read more" below to see the Rafflecopter form to enter.

Approaching Toddlerhood

As I woke up this morning I saw my little not so little one and suddenly realized that we were fast approaching Toddlerhood! He was standing in his crib laughing and gave me the biggest smile after saying "ma ma ma ma" and lifting both his arms in the air to hug me.  

It seems like it was yesterday when we brought home a little 8lbs baby that we were able to  hold in one hand. Now my arm burns after holding him for just a couple of minutes!  Time goes by FAST!  

Being a mom has been amazing,  truly a blessing and I wouldn't change it for anything. There have been so many new experiences and the opportunity to really slow down and learn things again while seeing everything from my little one's eyes. Priceless!

During my pregnancy I spent hours reading baby books and getting ready for his arrival.  I read a lot of books about birthing and the very first few days after the birth. I remember we were so focused on the impending birth that when I was about 7 months pregnant and I had a meeting with my doula she pointed out that I was worrying too much about the actual birth and that the birthing process was just the very beginning.  She suggested to stop worrying about that process and to focus more on what was next.  What we were doing AFTER the birth.

She was right! The actual birth was 14 hours and after those intense hours everything that happened next was all NEW and a lot more exciting that the birth.  Spending those very first few days and months with your baby are all a new and wonderful experience that is 100% unique and special and I really wish I have spent less time worrying and focusing on the birth and way more time on what to expect after having my baby.

During my pregnancy I managed to read: What to Expect "The First Year" by Heidi Murkoff,  Your Baby's First Year for Dummies, The Modern Girl's Guide to Motherhood by Jane Buckingham, The Mother of All Baby Books: Canadian Guide to Baby's First Year by Ann Douglas and a few other books I don't remember right now.  Most books I read were all very similar as they all gave a lot of information about the first months and what to expect up to a year.

A lot of the information on the books I read was repetitive and very similar and I remember at times skipping chapters with almost identical information. I am not saying they weren't helpful, I just think I should try some more variety next time around! Something I quickly found out with my son was that all babies reach their own milestones at different times that are unique to them.  The books can all tell you something but you will see it all happening when YOUR baby is ready so that is something to be aware of.  No need to panic, you just need to be patient!

Now that my son is less than two months away from leaving "Infancy" and reaching "Toddlerhood" I am sitting here eager to read and get some more information on what to expect during the next stage. I frequent many forums and websites with "monthly" milestone reports but I am also looking to fill my eBook reader with books that are worth reading.    Here I come to YOU to ask for recommendations. For all of you out there that have read books on what goes on after the first year. Any recommendations?  I may get: What to Expect: The Second Year because I know the series, but any other books that I must read?

Really looking forward to some good recommendations!!! :)

Barefoot Books Review *Closed Giveaway*

Bed Time Story Time (Reading: Bear About Town)

I recently had the opportunity to connect with the wonderful people at Barefoot Books and I was honored to review their books.  Barefoot Books has been around since 1992 and it started when two moms decided to join forces and make a difference sharing great children's literature.  They wanted to share beautiful, creative and colorful books that would spark children curiosity and instill respect for the planet and the environment.  Very inspirational!