Beyond Snapshots.

I'm currently reading a book called "Beyond Snapshots: How to Take That Fancy DSLR Camera Off "Auto" and Photograph Your Life like a Pro" by Rachel Devine and Peta Mazey and I am loving it! Although I already use manual mode on my camera, it's always good to review and I really enjoy reading about other photographers tips on how they get the shots they do.

This book has lots of wonderful information on their exact settings used to get certain pics and oh so many pretty images. It's inspiring. So I just wanted to share it with you all today, in case anyone is looking for a good book to get started shooting in manual or to further their photography and get the creative juices flowing.

Coffee and chats.

 If I was able to have you all over for coffee and chats, I would tell you...

...how much I am LOVING my new french press (see below), I've never had anything that makes coffee at home, but I think the coffee from this tastes amazing. Rich and creamy. Plus, you can make as much or as little as you want. It's been such a nice treat to have coffee at home.

...how thankful I am for all of the sweet comments, emails, and tweets I've received about this post. You all truly make life more wonderful.

...how crazy the difference between "in shape" means when comparing yoga and running. I thought I was in great shape because the yoga has left me pretty toned, but after running for the first time in awhile (because of this), I am so. sore.

...how as much as I love Texas and adore the people we've met here I have been really homesick lately. I think part of it is the fact that I know in Kansas the leaves are changing and the temperature isn't spiking back up to 90 this week. Bah humbug.

...how proud I am of Dave for learning TWO brand new languages. Hebrew and German...makes my head hurt just thinking about it.

If I was able to have you all over for coffee and chats, what would you tell me?

September Sponsor Intro and Giveaway!

I'm so excited to introduce to you all of the wonderful women I had sponsoring me in September! Please take some time and go show these ladies some love! And if you're interested in grabbing a spot for this month you can do that here. The Featured Ad has opened up and I'd love to have you!

Ok, enough from me, let's move on to these gals, who I asked what their favorite thing is about Fall...

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 PS~ One of my October sponsors took this picture of Daina...how talented is she?!

Hi! I'm Daina. I moved to New York City in 2003 to attend NYU and instantly fell in love with my new home. Years later, I still pinch myself as I walk through the city to make sure I am not dreaming. The energy, people, and sights are unlike anywhere else. I feel very lucky to be a New Yorker! I blog about my adventures and life in the greatest city in the world. Stop by- I would love to hear from you!

There are so many things I love about fall! Sweaters, tall boots, the changing leaves in Central Park, picking apples upstate with my boyfriend and his daughter, cozy scarves, pumpkin bread... the list could go on and on!

Blog ~ Facebook ~ Instagram

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Hi! I'm Tracey. I make jewelry, keep house (sometimes poorly), drink tea, read lots of books, and share life with my husband and twin girls in Maine. I love simple jewelry, nothing too frilly or fussy for me :) A lot of my work is inspired by quotes, books and poems. They are great reminders of the good things in life. I'm managing a family and a growing business - trying to make it all work & learn some things along the way!

 For Fall I'm most excited for a family trip to the orchard where we get the best hot apple cider donuts!

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

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Hey I'm Allyssa, blogger of Breakfast at the Zemke's and etsy shop owner of Olive + Birch. I'm a momma, a wife, a crafter, and cook. My etsy shop is a recent endeavor I've taken on and I'm absolutely loving it. I sell custom printables for holidays, nurseries, and the home. So drop by my blog and say hi or check out my shop and take a look at my fun printables.

I'm most excited about the smell of spice during the fall. Spice candles, spiced treats you name it. 

Blog ~ Etsy ~ Facebook

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Lu & Ed makes monsters fun-ctional! You can feed a Mon-stor© laundry, toys and more! They love to help you clean up the floor! I started making Mon-stors © three years ago, and haven't stopped since!

What are you most excited for this Fall season? Hoodies. I love hoodies. I think I have like, 15-20 different hoodies.

Shop ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

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I am Sam [no, I don't like green eggs and ham], a 23 year old residing in Austin, TX with my boyfriend of 5 years, Raymond, and our sweet pup, Guero. My blog is where I write about my incredibly mundane life, the things I love [and sometimes hate], my friends, family, and most importantly my new-found faith with the big man upstairs. The Real Pretty chronicles my journey to becoming the best woman I can be, through His guidance. I'd love for you all to stop by and say hello!

I am most excited about lighting my scented candles, throwing on my Merry Christmas pajamas, and curling up on the couch with my loved ones to watch old home videos [yes, we still have a VCR], and our favorite holiday movies!

Blog  ~ Twitter  ~ Facebook

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AND...a few of the lovely ladies above were sweet enough to give something away to one lucky reader...winner takes all! Including a pair of these gorgeous earrings that I wore in this post!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

At your service...

Sometimes in life you have to take a leap. It's ok if you're dreams seem really big and a bit scary, but we must always keep working towards them, a little bit at a time...remember this post?

Well one of my dreams is to be a legit photographer. I have loved taking pictures of anything and everything ever since I got my hands on my first camera as a present from my Grandpa and Grandma...my Grandpa is into photography himself and so he's always encouraged me to never stop taking pictures. My Mom still has stacks of pictures of the most random things I photographed back in the day.

I would love to offer my photo sessions at no cost until January 1st, 2013! This offer is for anyone! Email me for package info...

If you're not in Austin, but really want me to take free pictures for you that's not a problem! I'll just need you to cover my travel costs and we can work it out.

If you're a photographer yourself, I would love to second shoot with you! Email me with the details.

Have a cute little coffee shop that needs pictures for your website, facebook, etc?

In need of professional pictures of your products?

Have an adorable pet?

Want some rockstar Senior pictures?

(PS~ these were taken two years ago, with my kit lens and before I studied photography and how to use my camera...)

Musician with a show you want documented?

Kids birthday parties, maternity pictures, you and your love, capturing the first moments with your newborn baby, or even if you just want pictures of yourself...done, done, and done.

My email address is homeiswithyoublog (at) gmail (dot) com ...I can't wait to hear from you!

**Also, we'll be in Knoxville, Tennessee the last two weeks of December. So if you're in the area and are interested in setting something up during that time, make sure to get in touch with me! Our trip is already filling up fast.