Do you have a pet living in your home or just an outdoor pet that your child plays with on a daily basis? Parker County Mama Rebecca Walker owns Lucky Paws Housecalls...Rebecca is a mobile small animal veterinarian serving Aledo, Weatherford, west Fort Worth and surrounding towns. She has some great tips on how to keep your kids safe from parasites that family pets can carry.
. Hookworms and roundworms can be harbored by your dog or cat and transmitted to children. It is thought that 30% to 50% of dogs and cats carry gastrointestinal (GI) parasites. Dogs get infected with hookworms and roundworms by walking places where other dogs have defecated. The eggs and larvae end up on your dog’s feet then your dog licks his feet and infects him or herself with these GI parasites. If your dog licks his anus and then licks your child, or if your child pets your dog then puts his/her hands in her mouth, he or she can become infected with these parasites.
• Dogs can get ticks that spread lyme disease, anaplasmosis, rocky mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, and tularemia, which can affect people if the ticks detach from the dog and attach themselves to your child.
• Cats get infected with hookworms and tapeworms by hunting prey. Even if your cat lives indoors, the ingestion of one house mouse can expose your cat to GI parasites. Cats with a flea infestation can also spread cat scratch fever to children.
How Can You Prevent the Risk of Spreading Parasites to Your Children?
• Keep your dog on monthly heartworm preventative all year. This medication helps to prevent hookworms and roundworms in your dog. In addition, keep your dog on topical flea and tick control all year.
• Scoop the yard where your dog defecates at least weekly, ideally daily, as worm eggs and larvae found in stool can contaminate the environment.
• Have your veterinarian perform a fecal analysis on your pet’s stool at least once per year. This ensures that the preventatives have effectively protected your pets.
• Keep your cat on heartworm/flea prevention year round. This medication eliminates hookworms that could be potentially spread to humans in the household. It also kills fleas, which can be culprits in spreading cat scratch disease (cat scratch fever).
• Teach your children to wash their hands before eating, especially if they have recently handled their pet.
Lastly, don’t forget about Rabies. In Parker County, it is required by law that pets be vaccinated for Rabies once per year. Keep your veterinarian issued rabies tag on your pets collar and save the vaccine certificate in a safe spot.
Give me a call if you have any questions or need to get caught up on the above recommendations. Lucky Paws Housecalls can come out to your home or you can come see us this Saturday July 16th at Tractor Supply in Weatherford for our LOW COST CLINIC.
www.luckypawshousecalls.com
Thank you Rebecca Walker for sharing your insight and valuable knowledge about caring for our pets and keeping our kids safe!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
10 Ways To Lower Your Electric Bill
It's summer time in Texas and that means one thing.....it's HOT! I thought a post about the top 10 ways to lower your utility rates. When doing research it made me realize a couple things that I can be doing as well.
Set Your Air Conditioner For 78 Degrees or Higher
If you are someone who loves the house at 70 degrees, you may want to rethink that idea during the summer months. Since an air conditioner cools at the same rate no matter the setting, think about how much more energy you’re using to cool it down to 70 degrees especially when it is reaching the upper 90’s outside. With that being said, the “industry recommended” minimum temperature is 78 degrees during the summer months. By sticking to these guidelines, you’ll stay cool (enough) and will help maximize your energy savings.
Programmable Thermostat
According to the Energystar.gov website, you can save about $180 annually by using a programmable thermostat (Note: this figure only applies if using the thermostat correctly). Programming temperature changes throughout the day will allow you to maximize the usage of an air conditioner to coincide with the outside conditions (night vs. day). It will also help you by automatically adjusting the temperature up when you are away at work or school (no sense in cooling an empty house for 8+ hours a day). If you are forgetful like me, this tool is an easy way to automate your savings. Just don’t forget to change the programming for each season!
Air Conditioner Maintenance/Filters
Proper maintenance of your air conditioning can ensure that your system will operate at its optimal efficiency level. The more efficiently it runs the less energy/money you waste. The best time to maintain your system is in the winter or spring, before the heavy usage of the summer. You might even get a better deal this time of year since the a/c repair guys aren’t as busy. Proper maintenance can also prevent many small problems from becoming big, expensive ones later. In addition, change your air filters monthly. A dirty air filter can cost you money because it blocks the air flow, causing your unit to work harder to push cool air through your home. A clean air filter will save you money on energy costs and prolong the life of your air conditioner.
Start Grilling
With your a/c working overtime to cool the house down just from the heat outside, why add even more heat in the kitchen? There are two easy suggestions. First, use a crockpot or toaster oven instead of the oven or stove. They use less energy and they don’t pump as much heat into the kitchen. Second, since it’s a little cooler in the evenings get outside and grill. In addition to energy savings, grilling is also a healthier and quicker way to eat – it’s a win-win!
Ceiling Fans
Fans are an efficient way to make a room comfortable without having to lower the temperature. The air circulation they provide evaporates moisture on your skin, causing you to feel cooler. The combination of fan use and prudent management of your a/c settings will result in overall energy savings. If you do not have ceiling fans, they can be easily installed in any room with an overhead light. You can pick them out at your local Home Depot or Lowes for less than $100 (or more if you want a fancy one).
Use Shades/Blinds
One way to cool your house is by not letting the heat in. Shades and/or blinds provide a great barrier to the outside heat, and not require any electricity usage. If you currently have shades in your home then during the day, remember to keep them closed, especially when the sun is beating down in the afternoon. If you do not have shades or blinds in your home, they can get pretty expensive, so at least try to cover the windows that get the most sun exposure. Another option is solar screens, which block out 90% of the UV rays while still allowing you to see out your windows.
Plant Shrubs/Shrubs
Another way to save on energy costs is to create shade around your home by planting trees or shrubs. It is best to plant them near windows and on the sunnier side of your home. Just be sure to plant them at least one foot away from your home’s wall and from any full grown plants. In addition to planting them around your home, you can also save money by planting them around your air conditioning units. A shaded unit can actually improve its efficiency by as much as 10% compared to a unit in direct sun. Just be sure not to plant too close to where they can block the unit’s airflow.
Seal Up Your Home
Your home could be losing electricity through air leaks in doors or windows and through bad insulation. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save as much as 30% of energy usage through proper insulation and air sealing. That could be a nice savings off your bill, especially during the hot summer months! In order to see if your home is losing electricity, you should conduct a home energy audit. This is something you can do yourself or you can hire someone to do this for you. If you choose to do the audit yourself, then you may want to check out Do It Yourself Home Energy Assessments. There is information that can help guide you through your own energy assessment.
Change Laundry Habits
First, wash clothes in cold water. It will save on the energy required to create more hot water. Another idea is to dry your clothes at night. When drying your clothes during the day, the dryer exhaust heats up the house, which in turn causes your air-conditioner to run more. By operating your dryer at night, the house won’t heat up as much and you save on your cooling bill.
Switch to a Lower Electric Rate
The easiest way to lower your electric bill is by switching to a lower electric rates. Since the Texas electricity market has become deregulated, many companies are able to offer competitive pricing for consumers. When you’re shopping for a lower electric rate, decide if you want to power your home with a fixed or month-to-month energy plan. A fixed plan will enable customers to lock down a low rate for a fixed term while a month-to-month plan gives customers the ability to take advantage of energy rates as they drop.
Written By Alicia Snowden Brunson
A local Parker County Mama Realtor
You can check out here website @ http://www.myrealtoralicia.com/ or her blog myrealtoralicia.blogspot.com
Set Your Air Conditioner For 78 Degrees or Higher
If you are someone who loves the house at 70 degrees, you may want to rethink that idea during the summer months. Since an air conditioner cools at the same rate no matter the setting, think about how much more energy you’re using to cool it down to 70 degrees especially when it is reaching the upper 90’s outside. With that being said, the “industry recommended” minimum temperature is 78 degrees during the summer months. By sticking to these guidelines, you’ll stay cool (enough) and will help maximize your energy savings.
Programmable Thermostat
According to the Energystar.gov website, you can save about $180 annually by using a programmable thermostat (Note: this figure only applies if using the thermostat correctly). Programming temperature changes throughout the day will allow you to maximize the usage of an air conditioner to coincide with the outside conditions (night vs. day). It will also help you by automatically adjusting the temperature up when you are away at work or school (no sense in cooling an empty house for 8+ hours a day). If you are forgetful like me, this tool is an easy way to automate your savings. Just don’t forget to change the programming for each season!
Air Conditioner Maintenance/Filters
Proper maintenance of your air conditioning can ensure that your system will operate at its optimal efficiency level. The more efficiently it runs the less energy/money you waste. The best time to maintain your system is in the winter or spring, before the heavy usage of the summer. You might even get a better deal this time of year since the a/c repair guys aren’t as busy. Proper maintenance can also prevent many small problems from becoming big, expensive ones later. In addition, change your air filters monthly. A dirty air filter can cost you money because it blocks the air flow, causing your unit to work harder to push cool air through your home. A clean air filter will save you money on energy costs and prolong the life of your air conditioner.
Start Grilling
With your a/c working overtime to cool the house down just from the heat outside, why add even more heat in the kitchen? There are two easy suggestions. First, use a crockpot or toaster oven instead of the oven or stove. They use less energy and they don’t pump as much heat into the kitchen. Second, since it’s a little cooler in the evenings get outside and grill. In addition to energy savings, grilling is also a healthier and quicker way to eat – it’s a win-win!
Ceiling Fans
Fans are an efficient way to make a room comfortable without having to lower the temperature. The air circulation they provide evaporates moisture on your skin, causing you to feel cooler. The combination of fan use and prudent management of your a/c settings will result in overall energy savings. If you do not have ceiling fans, they can be easily installed in any room with an overhead light. You can pick them out at your local Home Depot or Lowes for less than $100 (or more if you want a fancy one).
Use Shades/Blinds
One way to cool your house is by not letting the heat in. Shades and/or blinds provide a great barrier to the outside heat, and not require any electricity usage. If you currently have shades in your home then during the day, remember to keep them closed, especially when the sun is beating down in the afternoon. If you do not have shades or blinds in your home, they can get pretty expensive, so at least try to cover the windows that get the most sun exposure. Another option is solar screens, which block out 90% of the UV rays while still allowing you to see out your windows.
Plant Shrubs/Shrubs
Another way to save on energy costs is to create shade around your home by planting trees or shrubs. It is best to plant them near windows and on the sunnier side of your home. Just be sure to plant them at least one foot away from your home’s wall and from any full grown plants. In addition to planting them around your home, you can also save money by planting them around your air conditioning units. A shaded unit can actually improve its efficiency by as much as 10% compared to a unit in direct sun. Just be sure not to plant too close to where they can block the unit’s airflow.
Seal Up Your Home
Your home could be losing electricity through air leaks in doors or windows and through bad insulation. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save as much as 30% of energy usage through proper insulation and air sealing. That could be a nice savings off your bill, especially during the hot summer months! In order to see if your home is losing electricity, you should conduct a home energy audit. This is something you can do yourself or you can hire someone to do this for you. If you choose to do the audit yourself, then you may want to check out Do It Yourself Home Energy Assessments. There is information that can help guide you through your own energy assessment.
Change Laundry Habits
First, wash clothes in cold water. It will save on the energy required to create more hot water. Another idea is to dry your clothes at night. When drying your clothes during the day, the dryer exhaust heats up the house, which in turn causes your air-conditioner to run more. By operating your dryer at night, the house won’t heat up as much and you save on your cooling bill.
Switch to a Lower Electric Rate
The easiest way to lower your electric bill is by switching to a lower electric rates. Since the Texas electricity market has become deregulated, many companies are able to offer competitive pricing for consumers. When you’re shopping for a lower electric rate, decide if you want to power your home with a fixed or month-to-month energy plan. A fixed plan will enable customers to lock down a low rate for a fixed term while a month-to-month plan gives customers the ability to take advantage of energy rates as they drop.
Written By Alicia Snowden Brunson
A local Parker County Mama Realtor
You can check out here website @ http://www.myrealtoralicia.com/ or her blog myrealtoralicia.blogspot.com
Friday, July 1, 2011
Photographing Fireworks
Photographing Fireworks
It's Fourth of July Weekend! Are you going out to see a firework display? Maybe you are feeling a little daring and are doing it on your own? Either way, you may want to try and capture those fiery works of art, to scrapbook or even hang as art in your home. Here are some tips for you!
1. Use a tripod.
Since it's dark out, and trying to press the shutter button at just the precise moment is just about impossible, you will need a tripod. A tripod will allow you to leave the shutter of your camera open for longer than an 80th of a second, the recommended slowest aperture on your camera to hand hold and still get a sharp image. Don't have a tripod handy? That's okay. I have used tables and walls before. You just need something to hold your camera steady on.
2. Long Shutter Speed
What does this mean you ask? Well, you will want the shutter to remain open for a longer period of time so you can get that sparkle of the fireworks to show up. Longer shutter lengths will capture more light over a longer period of time. If you camera has a bulb mode, try using that. This allows you to leave the shutter open as long as you have the shutter button depressed. Having a release cable comes in handy with this method, to help prevent camera shake. But don't leave it open too long. Then you will have an overexposed messy looking image that won't be pretty at all. Usually, opening at the time of "fire" and closing just after explosion is all the time you need. The grand finally is much harder to time, so practice those exposures before hand to get a good sense of how the fireworks photograph.
Here, I left the shutter open to get my daughter "writing" with a sparkler.
3. Use a shorter focal length
if you have ever photographed fireworks before, you know how hard it is to predict precisely where they are going to explode. Using a shorter focal length will allow you to capture more of the sky, and not miss the beautiful fireworks. Once you have had some experience getting the shot with fireworks in it, try experimenting with a longer focal length. This is especially fun if you have a zoom lens. :)
4. Use a lower ISO
ISO refers to film speed, or how fast the film can capture the image, but we still use it today in the digital era. It is better to use a slower ISO, one around 200 or smaller, to get clean shots, ones without any digital "noise".
5. Turn off your Flash!!
If you put your camera in manual, this won't be an issue for you, since it will only fire if you "tell" it to. If you leave your flash on, it will not illuminate anything, except what is directly in front of you and within a short distance. So, you might be illuminating the smoke of the fireworks too, or someone in front of you.
6. Use Manual mode
This is that letter M on your camera. This allows you to set your aperture (size of the shutter opening), your shutter speed, and your ISO. Also, use manual focus, or your shots may be very blurry since your camera will have trouble focusing in low light.
Most of all, be safe this Fourth of July! Have fun and send in some pictures you took to share!
Pamela Powell is a photographic portrait artist in Parker County Texas. Pamela received her BFA in art-photography from Sam Houston State University and is a member of the Professional Photographers of America.
You can view more of Pamela's fine portrait work by visiting: http://pamelapowellphotography.com
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Pool Or No Pool?
When it comes to local Real Estate Parker County Mama Alicia Snowden Brunson can offer a bit of good advice when it comes to adding specialty structures to your property. Summer is here and a question on many mom's minds is should we dive in and build a pool? Before you take the plunge here are some things to think about.
1. How long are we planning on living in this home? Plans change all the time, before you invest several thousand dollars in to building that dream pool you should make sure that you will be there long enough to enjoy it. The last thing you want to do is build a pool this summer, only to move the next.
2. Where does my house fall in my neighborhood? Are you the biggest, nicest home in your neighborhood? If so you might want to reconsider investing more money into it. If you are the average sized home in a neighborhood and you plan on living there for five or more years, it's probably a great investment!
3. Don't expect to get your money back when you sell. Build a pool so you can enjoy it, but don't build one expecting to increase the price of your home.
4. The value a pool brings depends on the buyer. Pools in Texas are usually a great selling point, some buyer's specifically look for a property that already has a pool. However, some buyer's will not purchase a home simply because it has a pool, while others are willing to pay more for a home with a pool.
All in all, summer memories playing in the pool are priceless and putting in a pool is a great decision for many families. Pools provide great entertainment during these hot Texas summers. Just make sure that before you jump in you have realistic expectations of your investment.
Alicia Snowden Brunson has been a licensed Texas Realtor since 2003 and has seen the market completely change. She enjoys the challenges that real estate brings, it's definitely something different every day. Most of all she loves working with people and helping them achieve their real estate goals, "cliche I know but it's really true! Working with buyers and sellers, the thrill of negotiating that deal, and putting all of the pieces of the puzzle together, there's nothing like it! I would love to assist you, your family & friends with all your real estate needs big or small. I'd love to hear from you!"
Thank you to Alicia for her real estate insight & support for http://www.parkercountymama.com/. Make sure to take a look at her website http://www.myrealtoralicia.com/ or http://myrealtoralicia.blogspot.com or even connect with her on facbeook, Real Estate By Alicia.
1. How long are we planning on living in this home? Plans change all the time, before you invest several thousand dollars in to building that dream pool you should make sure that you will be there long enough to enjoy it. The last thing you want to do is build a pool this summer, only to move the next.
2. Where does my house fall in my neighborhood? Are you the biggest, nicest home in your neighborhood? If so you might want to reconsider investing more money into it. If you are the average sized home in a neighborhood and you plan on living there for five or more years, it's probably a great investment!
3. Don't expect to get your money back when you sell. Build a pool so you can enjoy it, but don't build one expecting to increase the price of your home.
4. The value a pool brings depends on the buyer. Pools in Texas are usually a great selling point, some buyer's specifically look for a property that already has a pool. However, some buyer's will not purchase a home simply because it has a pool, while others are willing to pay more for a home with a pool.
All in all, summer memories playing in the pool are priceless and putting in a pool is a great decision for many families. Pools provide great entertainment during these hot Texas summers. Just make sure that before you jump in you have realistic expectations of your investment.
Alicia Snowden Brunson has been a licensed Texas Realtor since 2003 and has seen the market completely change. She enjoys the challenges that real estate brings, it's definitely something different every day. Most of all she loves working with people and helping them achieve their real estate goals, "cliche I know but it's really true! Working with buyers and sellers, the thrill of negotiating that deal, and putting all of the pieces of the puzzle together, there's nothing like it! I would love to assist you, your family & friends with all your real estate needs big or small. I'd love to hear from you!"
Thank you to Alicia for her real estate insight & support for http://www.parkercountymama.com/. Make sure to take a look at her website http://www.myrealtoralicia.com/ or http://myrealtoralicia.blogspot.com or even connect with her on facbeook, Real Estate By Alicia.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Local Art Studio Aspiring Little Artist In Parker County
Nestled down in the little city of Aledo is a special place helping local children learn to draw & paint. The Stone House Studio & Gallery is a unique place for art. Owner Pamela Gordimer grew up an artist's daughter and began painting in her mother's studio at the age of six. Over the years Pamela continued to develop her skills as an artist and knew that she wanted to continue to share her talents not only with adults but with children of all ages!
You can find exact class information & times on the Stone House Studio & Gallery Website. http://stonehousestudioandgallery.com/ Make sure to tell Pamela that Parker County Mama sent you!
Enjoy! Ms. Gordimer is also a proud sponsor of http://www.parkercountymama.com/
Thank you for supporting our website!
Rebecca, Parker County Mama
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Tips for great vacation pictures
Before you head out on that super fun vacation this summer, why not do a little homework so you can come back with album worthy pictures to show off to your friends? Here are some tips to help you do just that!
Did I remember that?
Create a checklist of all your camera supplies, so nothing gets left behind. Pack your camera, memory cards (or film if you shoot film), battery charger, extra battery, camera bag, camera strap, camera manual (just in case!), any lenses you may want to use, etc. These are pretty obvious, but replacements can get expensive in certain places. And since you brought it along, be sure to always have it on you. You just never know where or when a perfect picture opportunity might happen!
Where are the best photo opportunities?
Before you leave, look at vacation planners and on-line sites about the area, to see what some of the best photo opportunities are, such as a famous sign or other landmarks. You will also get some inspiration as well.
Create a story
They say that a picture is worth a thousand words, so, many pictures should tell a story, right? Only if you have the right pictures. ;) Look for unique subject matter that might not be found anywhere else except your vacation destination. Find fun details at the places you go. Look for interesting compositions in your viewfinder. These make fun storytelling images.
Be sure to capture details such as restaurant signs that you ate at, maps of the subway you rode, menus at the local coffee shop, etc. These will also help you remember where you went, because someone will ask! It also might be wise to take a small journal with you so you can jot down funny sayings, or memorable experiences that will help enhance the pictures and help tell the whole story that the pictures might not be able to.
Get the whole picture!
Not only do you want detail shots, you will want to take some scenery images. These are the ones that will set the stage for where you went. Shoot wide, and even try a panorama (multiple shots that are stitched together). The detail shots will complement them and fill in the well, details! ;)
Did Mom go on that vacation?
Don't forget to take pictures of the people on your trip as well! Capture them in front of signs, at the table enjoying the local flavor, enjoying the rides and sites. And, try to get a group picture. There is most likely a timer on your camera, so use it. You will be very happy you did. Find a table, a park bench, anything to set your camera on safely and set the timer. Also, hand that camera off to someone else every now and then. You, the photographer, need to be in pictures too! You will be very happy years later that you did.
Do I have to smile?
No you don't! Some of the most memorable pictures are the ones where everyone is enjoying themselves, capturing life as it happens. So, let the kids be kids and it's okay if they are not looking at the camera.
Have a safe and happy summer!
Pamela Powell is a photographic portrait artist in Parker County Texas. Pamela received her BFA in art-photography from Sam Houston State University and is a member of the Professional Photographers of America.
You can view more of Pamela's fine portrait work by visiting: http://pamelapowellphotography.com (coming soon!)
Did I remember that?
Create a checklist of all your camera supplies, so nothing gets left behind. Pack your camera, memory cards (or film if you shoot film), battery charger, extra battery, camera bag, camera strap, camera manual (just in case!), any lenses you may want to use, etc. These are pretty obvious, but replacements can get expensive in certain places. And since you brought it along, be sure to always have it on you. You just never know where or when a perfect picture opportunity might happen!
Where are the best photo opportunities?
Before you leave, look at vacation planners and on-line sites about the area, to see what some of the best photo opportunities are, such as a famous sign or other landmarks. You will also get some inspiration as well.
Create a story
They say that a picture is worth a thousand words, so, many pictures should tell a story, right? Only if you have the right pictures. ;) Look for unique subject matter that might not be found anywhere else except your vacation destination. Find fun details at the places you go. Look for interesting compositions in your viewfinder. These make fun storytelling images.
Be sure to capture details such as restaurant signs that you ate at, maps of the subway you rode, menus at the local coffee shop, etc. These will also help you remember where you went, because someone will ask! It also might be wise to take a small journal with you so you can jot down funny sayings, or memorable experiences that will help enhance the pictures and help tell the whole story that the pictures might not be able to.
Get the whole picture!
Not only do you want detail shots, you will want to take some scenery images. These are the ones that will set the stage for where you went. Shoot wide, and even try a panorama (multiple shots that are stitched together). The detail shots will complement them and fill in the well, details! ;)
Did Mom go on that vacation?
Don't forget to take pictures of the people on your trip as well! Capture them in front of signs, at the table enjoying the local flavor, enjoying the rides and sites. And, try to get a group picture. There is most likely a timer on your camera, so use it. You will be very happy you did. Find a table, a park bench, anything to set your camera on safely and set the timer. Also, hand that camera off to someone else every now and then. You, the photographer, need to be in pictures too! You will be very happy years later that you did.
Do I have to smile?
No you don't! Some of the most memorable pictures are the ones where everyone is enjoying themselves, capturing life as it happens. So, let the kids be kids and it's okay if they are not looking at the camera.
Have a safe and happy summer!
Pamela Powell is a photographic portrait artist in Parker County Texas. Pamela received her BFA in art-photography from Sam Houston State University and is a member of the Professional Photographers of America.
You can view more of Pamela's fine portrait work by visiting: http://pamelapowellphotography.com (coming soon!)
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Tips For Taking Pictures In The Bluebonnets
It's that time of year again! Bluebonnets are everwhere, and us crazy Texans are out with our children to take pictures of them. There are a few things to think about before plopping your children down in the midst of one of these beautiful fields.
- Most of the fields we can see along the interstates and highways. It is very dangerous to take pictures here, and not worth risking the lives of your little ones and yourself. Instead take the back roads, as this can be less dangerous. Always be on the look out for traffic.
- Another danger of bluebonnet fields are snakes. Please be sure to use caution!
- When in the field, be careful not to trample on the flowers, or pick them. Leave some for others to take pictures in, and this will allow for bluebonnets next year. Blubebonnets are an annual, so they need to drop their seeds in order to bloom again.
- When photographing your children, you want to keep your photo session simple and fast. Don't take too many pictures as it could easily wear them out, and make your next photo session even harder.
- Keep clothing simple as well. Busy patterns on clothing distract from the bluebonnets as well as your children's faces.
- Try photographing in the early morning, as children are happier and less cranky then. This also allows for fewer shadows on their faces. Also, try different angles, like getting down low or taking the picture directly overhead. If they get fussy, take a break and try again later.
- Take a friend with you and take turn engaging each other's children, so you each can get happy smiles from your children. Peek-a-boo or another of your child's favorite hand games are good way to get them having fun. Favorite songs and a favorite toy are also good tricks to have along.
- Most importantly, have fun yourself. If you are stressed out, it will make them anxious as well, and then no one will have a good time. Keep a smile on your face and be silly!
Written By:
Parker County Mama Pamela Powell, who is photographic portrait artist in Parker County Texas. Pamela received her BFA in art-photography from Sam Houston State University and is a member of the Professional Photographers of America. You can view more of Pamela's fine portrait work by visiting http://pamelapowellphotography.com/ (Coming Soon)
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