Violators will be Towed

Now that the weather is getting warmer, I've been experimenting with new locations for photos. 

When the Red Sox have a home game, it can be a challenge to find a place that isn't crawling with people. But when the Sox are away, there are empty parking lots everywhere! 

Who doesn't love prancing around a sketchy parking, dancing in front of a tripod lot like a weirdo? That's what blogging is all about right? Well it's all fun and games until you realize that said parking lot is on your boss's walk home...

Outfit: Dress- H&M; Cardigan- Gap Outlet; Shoes- Payless; Shades- F21; 

So my boss looked at me like I had three heads, and I shrugged it off. If you can't be a little goofy, what's the point?

An outfit, but mostly just cat pics

I finally got a new camera! It's my new job/ tax return present to myself. I decided a DSLR just wasn't realistic for me right now, so I upgraded to a nice point and click instead. I settled on the Nikon CoolPix L610. It might not be a DSLR, but with 16mp and multiple shooting modes and ISO settings, it is definitely a huge step up from my bare bones 10pm camera. My only complaint thus far is that it uses AA batteries and doesn't have the best battery life. 

Blouse- Evans via Gwynnie Bee; Cardi-Target, Jeans- Old Navy, booties- Minnetonka

Would you believe this picture was taken outside at 8pm? Amazing! It turned out a little more grainy than I expected. If anyone has tips for taking less grainy photos, let me know! Of course to practice with my new camera I've been taking pictures of my cat.

...Lots and lots of pictures of my cat.

Buttons and Cameras

This outfit is pretty representative of what I've been wearing to work lately. With temperatures mostly below freezing I've been choosing warmth over style. 

I've really discovered the beauty of button down shirts this winter. In the past I've had trouble with fit on button downs. It's hard to find one that fits over my hips and boobs, but isn't too baggy in the shoulders or waist. Thankfully, I've  found two flannel shirts and this chambray shirt that fit pretty well, and I've been wearing them constantly.

Outfit:  Pants- Forever 21; Shirt- Old Navy similar at Macy's; Boots- Me too; Cardigan- Target  similar at Old Navy

I've about had it with my camera. I've been thinking about/ lusting after a DSLR. However, I really don't want to invest a ridiculous amount of money in a camera right now and I don't actually know very much about photography. I'm leaning towards skipping the DSLR for now and upgrading to a nicer point and shoot.

Before I make the purchase, I wanted to reach out to y'all for suggestions. What type of camera do you use? Any suggestions for a user friendly camera that takes beautiful pictures?

Fuzzy

I would have liked to celebrate my blogversary with a fancy new camera, but that wasn't in the budget. Instead, I treated myself to a new tripod that is small enough to fit in my purse. I had high hopes that I'd be able to rig it up in my office and take some indoor outfit pictures. My office has great natural lighting, but not a lot of space so the pictures didn't turn out as well as I'd hoped.

They kind of remind me of the early days of taking blog pictures in my bedroom.

Outfit: Sweater- H&M similar from Old Navy; Skirt- Target; tights?; Boots- Me Too; Necklace - thrifted 

In my defense it has been beyond frigid in Boston this week. The thought of taking off my coat (and hat, gloves, scarf, legwarmers, two pairs of socks...) for pictures is just too much to bear. Taking fuzzy pictures in a fuzzy sweater will just have to do for now.

Family Pictures 2012

I'm back from vacation! Okay, okay I've technically been back since Sunday night around 1 a.m., but after 10 days without my guy and my cat I didn't feel like spending the last two days of my time off blogging.

I had a great time in Ohio visiting my family. I hate squeezing a year's worth of quality family time into 10 days, but despite snow storms, illness, and demanding work schedules we made the best of it. The best part of the trip? Getting our family pictures taken for the first time in over a decade.

My mom has had a really rough few years, so I wanted to do something special for her this Christmas. The last professional photos we had done together were so long ago that my sister was in elementary school, my mom was still married, and I still thought wearing white eye-shadow and black eyeliner was cool.

I found a Living Social coupon for Studio Polaris in Columbus and made an appointment with them. We had a fantastic experience and got a great deal on the photos. Our photographer, Kasha, was super friendly and helpful. She even rushed the order so the photos could be printed before I left the state. If you're in the Columbus, OH area, I'd definitely recommend Studio Polaris. This is my favorite photo from the bunch:

Me, Mom, Sierra

Don't I have a beautiful mother and sister? Yes, that's my mom in the middle. I know a bunch of you thought she was my sister in the pajama picture from my last post. (She appreciates that, by the way!) These three photos turned out great as well:

I can't wait to use my Marshall's/ TJMaxx giftcard to buy picture frames!


* I was not compensated in anyway for this post. I just really enjoyed the experience! All photos by Studio Polaris.