Spring Has Sprung

Happy Friday to you all.  My husband and I are busy getting the house ready for my Sister In Law's visit.  She is flying into Vegas from Minneapolis.  I am looking forward to a fun week with her.
Take a look at the new ship, Quantum Of The Seas,
 that Royal Caribbean is building.  It will feature the first of it's kind Virtual Balcony cabins which are an inside cabins with real time views of the ocean and the ports.  Very innovative idea.  The Quantum Of The Seas will debut in November of 2014.  It's sister ship the Anthem  will follow in 2015.
http://www.royalcaribbean.com/quantumoftheseas/?cid=ps_agt_ggl_1642

With Spring finally here it is time to start thinking about those summer vacations.  Here is a list of the Top Ten Beaches in Florida from our friends at The Travel Channel.
http://www.travelchannel.com/interests/beaches/photos/top-10-florida-beaches?refcd=n-def&nl=TCN_042413_subfeat1link3&sni_mid=75263&sni_rid=75263.411.880187&c32={C29AEB17-8FA9-4D01-BE8D-FD3116504E34}

Here is an article that will help you get better wildlife pictures.  This will help you the next time you visit a zoo or animal sanctuary.  These tips will work for Pet Photography as well.
http://www.photographyblogger.net/7-tips-for-better-wildlife-photography/
Here is some shameless promotion for my Artist Cousin, Pam Sims.
http://www.nelsonstar.com/entertainment/198344511.html
Here is another Photography Blog that I would recommend by my Facebook friend Valerie.
http://valeriejardin.wordpress.com/2013/03/17/photo-gear-and-books-that-i-love/
Here is today's Thought For The Day:
"It feels good to hear someone say Take care but it feels so much better to hear some one say I will take care of you"  courtesy of Positive Outlooks.
Thank you for reading my Blog!

Becky McGuire, CTC, MCC
Vacation Travel Specialist

612-490-0359

http://www.redbubble.com/explore/tvlgoddess

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26332264@N03/sets/

http://www.facebook.com/tvlgoddess
http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/becky

Road Trip To Idaho

Day 1-We got up at O Dark 100 (early) and drove East through Kingman, AZ and then took 93 North past Hoover Dam to Boulder City, NV.   We stopped at the Coffee Cup for breakfast.  We found out about this place on one of the episodes of Diners, Drive Ins & Dives.  It is famous for it's Green Sauce  so we had to try it on our omelet and it was wonderful as promised.   Here is a link to their website:
http://www.worldfamouscoffeecup.com/
We spent the night in Ogden, UT.
Day 2- We got up early, again, and headed North towards Kellog, ID.  We saw a sign on a Junkyard that said "We Have Everything You Want, If We Can Find It.", too funny!   We passed by snow capped mountains ranches.  After we passed through Pocatello, ID we drove through plains that turned into rolling hills.  Once we got into Montana we were back into the beautiful snowcapped mountains.  We got to Kellog in the afternoon so my husband had time to trade in our gas guzzling suburban for a more fuel efficient GMC Pickup Truck.  We had a nice dinner and got to see some of the town of Kellog, ID whose claim to fame is that it is the home of the world's longest Gondola.  It looks like it is a very popular ski destination.

Day 3-We slept in and started on our journey back.  We took mostly the same route back except for a scenic drive on Montana 93 South through the Bitterroot National Forest.  We drove along the Bitterroot River with beautiful mountain views.  There were remnants of a recent Forest Fire along the way.  We turned off on Montana 43 over the Chief Joseph Pass to the little town of Wisdom, Montana.  We had a fabulous lunch at the Crossroads Bar & Grill.  We drove through the Big Hole Valley back to I 15.  We spent the night in Idaho Falls, ID.  For more information on the Crossroads check out this article:
http://www.thecrossingbarandgrill.com/history/
Day 4-We headed South back through Utah with it's red rock formations. We reached Las Vegas late afternoon.  We had dinner at a wonderful restaurant called Viva Zapata on Craig & I 15 and then settled in for the night.  For more information on Viva Zapata check out their website;
http://vivazapatasrestaurant.com/

Day 5-We checked out of our hotel and took a tour through The Neon Boneyard Park.  It was a walk down Memory Lane for us.  We had lunch at The Texas de Brazil Steakhouse which is all you can eat so we were stuffed!  Here is link to their website:
http://www.texasdebrazil.com/

We made at stop at Sam's Club and drove back through the desert home.
Today's Thought For The Day:
"It is folly for him to rule over others who cannot govern himself."  Publius Syrus.
 Thank you for reading my Blog!

Becky McGuire, CTC, MCC
Vacation Travel Specialist

612-490-0359

http://www.redbubble.com/explore/tvlgoddess

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26332264@N03/sets/

http://www.facebook.com/tvlgoddess
http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/becky

Posing Tips For Family Portraits

With Easter coming up, I thought I would devote this blog to helping you get better pictures at your family gathering.  Below is a picture of some of my Grandkids taken last December.

One of the advantages to being in a camera club is the opportunity to learn from other club members.   Below are some tips from my Photography friend, Mark Freier.  Thank you Mark!

So the sister is bringing her family for a group shot. She sends a "by the way" saying she would also like you to do her daughter's graduation pictures at the same time (great).

What are some of the things you need to ask:

How many are going to be in the group photo? It is important. If she said there are going to be 5, then you can picture in your mind how you are going to pose them. You can look on the Internet for group pictures of that number. Be careful, because if one doesn't show up, that changes the arrangement. If 6 show up, that is even worse.

The big day is here:

They start to arrive. You may want to have some coffee for them or something for them to do while they wait for the others to arrive.  With the technical part out of the way, you can relax and get that group shot that will make everyone happy (except for the sister because she didn't smile on any pictures). It happens!!

You are happy with what you have, and it took less than 10 minutes because you were prepared.
If you want more tips for photographing groups of people check out this article from our friends at Picture Correct.
http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/tips-for-taking-family-portraits/
 Today's Thought For The Day:
"We can only know others by ourselves."  by Robert Louis Stevenson.

Thank you for reading my Blog!

Becky McGuire, CTC, MCC
Vacation Travel Specialist

612-490-0359

http://www.redbubble.com/explore/tvlgoddess

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26332264@N03/sets/

http://www.facebook.com/tvlgoddess
http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/becky

March Mania

It is a rainy day here is the low desert of Arizona which does not happen very often.  The good thing is this will help make the wild flowers bloom in the desert.  A usually barren landscape is suddenly alive with color.  I will be out shooting when the weather warms up.
Here is a link to UTube with some videos of some of the beautiful flowers of the Arizona deserts"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnpOkP7Se5s

Here is a great video on how to use your flash and ways to use a reflector when shooting outside in harsh light.
http://video.ultimatephotoguide.com/video/000935_essential-lighting-techniques/?utm_source=Newsletter+-+02.28.13+UPGHowTo&utm_campaign=Newsletter022813&utm_medium=email
I had a nice surprise yesterday.  I received a beautiful bouquet of flowers from a client who is also a friend to thank me for planning her trip to Europe.  Many Thanks Karen!
Speaking of Europe, if you are planning a trip there, now is the time to start planning your trip.  The space sells out very fast in the summer.  Personally, I think Fall or Spring is a better time to go because prices are lower,  the weather is cooler and it is not as crowded.  Call me if you have any questions.

Another nice surprise was having out 1935 Ford Cabriolet Streetrod  voted in the Top Twenty cars at the 1st annual Pirate's Cove Car & Bike show.  Pirate's Cove is in Needles, CA.  It is a very cool place with a Jimmy Buffet kind of vibe.   It is a great place to visit if you are in the area.  Here is a link to their website:
http://piratecoveresort.com/
I have had some requests for prints from the Balloon Festival in Lake Havasu.  You can order prints of any of my shots on Red Bubble.  Here is a link:
http://www.redbubble.com/people/tvlgoddess/works/9885429-balloons-over-lake-havasu
In honor of International Women's Day here is the Thought For The Day"
"There is no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women."  by Kofi Annan.
Thanks go out to Kris Radford for passing this one on to us.
Thank you for reading my Blog!

Becky McGuire, CTC, MCC
Vacation Travel Specialist

612-490-0359

http://www.redbubble.com/explore/tvlgoddess

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26332264@N03/sets/

http://www.facebook.com/tvlgoddess
http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/becky

Fun In February

Sorry that it has been so long since my last Blog. My husband, Tim, has been laid up with a bad knee so that has kept me extra busy. He might have to have another Knee Replacement which is not fun.
Last weekend I was able to attend the Rock A Billy Reunion Car Show. It is different than any other car show I have been to. It features a Pin Up Girl Contest. One of the sponsors is a Tatoo Parlour so there was a lot of people with "Body Art". Here is a link for more information about the show.
http://www.lakehavasurockabillyreunion.com/

I was able to shoot the annual Winter Blast Pyrotechnic Show. It is sort of a trade show for people in the industry so you get to see all the new and different Firework displays. Here is a link to some of my shots.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/26332264@N03/8490391428/

Here is an article explaining how you can customize your settings on your SLR camera
http://www.popphoto.com/how-to/2012/11/20-simple-ways-to-customize-your-camera
This article will help you when shooting landscapes.
http://www.photographyblogger.net/four-ways-to-create-balance-in-landscape-photography/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+photoblggr+%28Photography+Blogger%29
If you like the convience of printing your photos at home, you need to be aware of the importance of the paper you use. I have been told you should you use the same brand of paper as your printer. Be sure it is Photo Paper. I like the matte finish and satin better than the glossy but this is just a matter of taste. Check out this article for more tips on choosing your paper:
http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/choosing-photo-paper-for-photography-printing/
For those of you in the Midwest there is still space available in March for a vacation to Ixtapa, Cancun, Punta Cana or Jamaica. If you would like a break from winter give me a call.
Here is today's Thought For The Day:
"Nothing can make our life, or the lives of other people more beautiful than perpetual kindness." by Leo Tolstoy
Courtesy of the Happiness Project.

Thanks for reading my Blog!

Becky McGuire, CTC, MCC

Vacation Travel Specialist

612-490-0359

Photography Blog

For all of you who are still shooting on Auto only, this article is for you.  It will explain all those mysterious symbols on the dial of your camera.  On some cameras there is a Scene Mode that has some of these as well.  Take a walk on the wild side and try some of these settings.
http://digital-photography-school.com/finding-your-way-around-the-mode-dial?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+DigitalPhotographySchool+%28Digital+Photography+School%29
Photography articles use a lot of jargon that can be confusing when you are trying to learn how to do different Photography techniques.  This article will help you to understand the terms used in Photography Industry:
http://digital-photography-school.com/deciphering-photo-jargon-learn-to-speak-photographer?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+DigitalPhotographySchool+%28Digital+Photography+School%29

I am truly amazed by some of the new Smart Phones that are out on the market.  The camera quality is very impressive.  I know a lot of people who have quit using their cameras and use only their phone to take pictures.  This article will give you some tips to improve your shots using your phone or your camera.
http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/top-10-mobile-photography-tips/
Now that you have taken all these awesome photos, you will want to print them out.  You can have them done by a photo lab or print them at home.  For me, I like the instant gratification of being able to print them at home.  Be sure your printer is a Photo Printer. Make sure you are using a high quality photo paper and you are using the correct settings.  If you are in the market to buy a new Photo Printer here is an article that will help you pick the right one.
http://dpmag.com/how-to/tip-of-the-week/pick-the-perfect-photo-printer-2-11-13.html?utm_source=newslettertotw&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=DPTOTWeNews_021113
If you looking some ideas for your next Photo Shoot,  click on the link below for some ideas.
http://digital-photography-school.com/deciphering-photo-jargon-learn-to-speak-photographer?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+DigitalPhotographySchool+%28Digital+Photography+School%29

Today's Thought For The Day:
"Great Photography is about depth of feeling not Depth Of  Field." by Peter Adams
Thank you for reading my Blog!

Becky McGuire, CTC, MCC
Vacation Travel Specialist

612-490-0359

http://www.redbubble.com/explore/tvlgoddess

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26332264@N03/sets/

http://www.facebook.com/tvlgoddess

http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/becky-mcguire.html

February Feature

I hope your week is off to a good start.  I am starting to work on our income taxes which is not my favorite task.  I have it all sorted out but I need to add up our deductions.  I will be glad when the job is done.
Here is an article about using your on camera flash.  I very seldom use my flash anymore because it has such a harsh light.  Once you understand the different types and colors of light this will make more sense to you.
http://www.dpmag.com/how-to/tip-of-the-week/five-on-camera-flash-tips-2-4-13.html?utm_source=newslettertotw&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=DPTOTWeNews_020413
Here is some inspiration for all of you who live in the Northland. 
http://www.photographyblogger.net/30-pictures-of-snowy-winter-roads/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+photoblggr+%28Photography+Blogger%29
This article is about a Photographer who drove from the East Coast on sections of the Historic Route 66.  This is a trip I would like to take.  There so many cool little towns on Route 66 and there are lots of old buildings to shoot.  I am adding this trip to my bucket list.  Enjoy:
http://www.tamron-usa.com/enews/archives/2013/jan213_gerrity.php

Here are some examples of some great Black and White photos.  You notice a lot more detail when without the color to distract you. 
http://www.photographyblogger.net/beautiful-black-and-white-photos-by-keith-dotson/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+photoblggr+%28Photography+Blogger%29
Today's Thought For The Day:
"When people bother you in any way, it is because their souls are trying to get your divine attention and your blessing." by Catherine Ponder
Thank you for reading my Blog!

Becky McGuire, CTC, MCC
Vacation Travel Specialist

612-490-0359

http://www.redbubble.com/explore/tvlgoddess

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26332264@N03/sets/

http://www.facebook.com/tvlgoddess
http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/becky-mcguire.html