Winner of a Little Giveaway

Mike and I at the Cardinals game
this past weekend.

Just a quick note to announce the winner of a little giveaway I had last week. The winner selected by random.org is Suzanne Bigham Bundy. Congrats!

Suzanne, please claim your prize before 12 noon on Wednesday, September 11, 2013. To claim, just email me your address so I can mail you your prize package of goodies from me.

Thank you to everyone for playing and checking out my A to Z Workshop that is next weekend. I do have a couple spots still open, so it's not too late to sign up here!

Tyann Marcink
documenting life
tyann@marcinkdesigns.com

A to Z Beginner's Photography Workshop

overview

Hands on class that will begin with A, teaching all the basics of photography and post processing, all the way through to Z, saving and sharing your work.

"I knew enough to just get by, but now it was like opening a whole new world.

I think a lot of people who know very little about photography are hesitant to take a class in fear of being intimidated or not basic enough. However, I loved the approach you took. 

You presented complicated topics in a simple and easy to understand format, which accomplished two things at the same time: Built onto the knowledge some may have already had but at the same time educated others who are just learning."

- Kyle Quick, New Haven (Quick News Now)

Highlights of the class:

• aperture, shutter speeds, and ISO
• depth-of-field
• composition (i.e. family snapshots, kids sports, landscapes)
• camera settings
• post processing
• saving, storing, and sharing
• 2 photowalks
• constructive critiques
• lunch
• ONLY 12 SEATS AVAILABLE
• BONUS - Light and the Night {workshop}

PRIZES to be drawn just for my students!

• one copy of Photoshop Elements
• swag bags of lovely loot (details will be announced closer to the date, but I promise it will be good!)

"You are extremely knowledgeable, helpful, patient, and so easy to follow. You shared so many important tips/techniques that I hope I can remember all of them!!

You made all of us feel as if the photos we created were the absolute best you had ever seen. You gave us positive feedback as well as things to look for and try to do differently the next time - the best type of constructive criticism."

- Rekke Berges, Washington

What to bring:

• camera
• manual 
• notebook
• pen

Note: Don't forget to fully charge your battery and empty your memory card.

"If you want to learn about the basics of photography, it's a great class to take and well worth the time!"

- Susan Wilson, Washington

NEXT CLASS:

Saturday, September 21, 2013

9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Downtown Washington Post Office

Washington, Missouri

Complete 8 hour class + BONUS Light and the Night {workshop}

$129 Early registration

$179 after September 6, 2013

24 Hour Difference

Really, it all comes down to patience.

Wait for the sun.
Wait for the clouds.
Wait for the wind.
Wait for the flags.
Wait for the cars.

And then climb onto the hood of my Tahoe.

Captured the sun kissing the front bricks of the main branch of the United Bank of Union as the wind whispered through our national and state flags.

This took all of 5 minutes. Really and truly so.

The main branch of United Bank of Union, located at Main and Jefferson, Union, Missouri.

But 24 hours earlier, the bank looked like this...

United Bank of Union approximately 24 hours before.

Photography is all about the light. Have patience, and you will be rewarded...eventually.

If you are interested in my commercial or marketing work, please call me at 636.584.3864 or email me at tyann@marcinkdesigns.com.

Tyann Marcink
documenting life

Cardinals Tickets Giveaway

Who wants a pair of tickets to see the St. Louis Cardinals play the Chicago Cubs???

Witness the long standing rivalry from some awesome seats in the Redbird Club at Busch Stadium on Saturday, August 10, 2013.

How do you enter to win? Simply enter through the widget below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winners will be announced on the blog and notified by email within 24 hours of the end of the giveaway. The winners must contact me by 9:00 am on Thursday, August 1st, to claim their prize or the prize will be forfeited and another will be drawn. All prizes will be mailed unless other arrangements are made.

Tyann Marcink
documenting life
www.marcinkdesigns.com

Sweet Shot Tuesday - My Favorites from the G+ 2 Year Anniversary Photowalk in New Haven, Missouri

Tuesday is in just a few minutes. :) Sharing for Kent Weakley's Sweet Shot Tuesday.

There are particular aspects I like about each of these photos, but the fourth one, Shades of Blue just may be my favorite of the favorites.

I looked for Big Bird and Oscar,
but they were nowhere to be found.
Front Street, New Haven, MO

The measuring stick for the Missouri River
in New Haven. Yes, the river has been this high
in my lifetime (July 31, 1993).

The golden light descended upon the river,
but the ominous storm clouds were faster
and chased us out of town. Missouri River
at the New Haven boat ramp.

Shades of Blue - the Missouri River as dusk descends.

Storm clouds scudded away as the blue hour
encroached upon us.
The Missouri River at Washington.

Spring Snowstorm of 2013

It started like any other approaching winter weather - an advisory and then a watch from the National Weather Service.

But this storm would be different...

It's not winter here - it's officially SPRING!

Last week we enjoyed warmer temperatures, and I put away all of our winter coats, hats, and gloves. And then, I had to get them back out for some snow...

The view from my window half way through the day.
Instagram with Inkwell filter.

Not just any snow...but nearly 12 inches of snow!

It sure was pretty, though, watching it fall all day Sunday...piling up into a heavy, pristine white blanket...

Until 4:57 p.m.

That's when the power went out.

And where we live, that means there is no water either.

I can handle the cold house. No problem - layer on the sweatshirts and pile on the blankets. Let's get some McD's for dinner and play UNO by candlelight.

Noah reads to his brothers by flashlight.
Instagram with Inkwell filter.

But only so many toilet flushes remained...

We are new to the well water scene, so it did not even occur to me to fill the bathtubs with water so we can flush the toilets. That would have been pretty smart, huh?

In the morning, the power was still out.

Our house the morning after the snow had fallen.
Instagram with Inkwell filter.

So, we emptied the fridge and buried our milk and cheese. Yep, I had just gone grocery shopping the day before.

Noah buries the frozen food next to the driveway.
Instagram with Inkwell filter.

Thankfully, we live just a mile outside of town, so we hopped into the Tahoe to go visiting.

The Ameren trucks pulled up our road while we were preparing to leave for the day, so I prayed they would have power restored soon. The cause listed on the company website was wire damage.

To the rescue!
Instagram with Inkwell filter.

It took them all day. Literally. Power came back on around 5:30 pm last night, making it just over 24 hours without electricity.

It was one last little sledding hurrah for the winter...I mean, spring...

Did I mention we are on Spring Break this week?

The trees in the first photo? Here they are last year, same weekend:

Last year - March 23, 2012 - spring is here!

Tyann Marcink
documenting life
www.marcinkdesigns.com

Best Camera to Use and Resolutions 2013

A question many people will ask a photographer is: "Which camera is the best one?"

Well...there is a vast array of cameras available to the consumer, whether you are snapping family shots, a hobbyist photographer, an amateur, or a professional. In addition, there is a myriad of different lenses available for the cameras, each lens having either specific super powers or general super powers in what conditions and situations in how they perform the best.

So after you have culled through all the different options of cameras until you are bleary eyed and are just plain ready for someone to hand you a camera that is magically the one you need and desire..here is the answer to that deep question of which camera is the best...

Are you ready?

The answer will not only be eye-opening, but life-changing...

Here it is:

The best camera is...the one you have with you.

Yes, you read that right.

The best camera is not a particular brand, not a specific size, doesn't cost a minimum dollar amount to be the best one...it's the camera you have with you. A fancy DSLR with a sweet lens and nifty neck strap sitting snugly in your camera bag hanging on the coat rack inside is worthless (as far as capturing family memories) when you are watching your children build a snowman and the Kodak moment is about to slip away. The best camera just might be your smartphone in your hand.

Last snowman of 2012. Shot with HTC OneX smartphone, processed with Instagram filter Willow.

Surprised?

While going through my family photos for 2012 (as a part of my New Year's resolution), I realized that not a single photo in November was taken with my DSLR...every single family memory was captured with my phone. The snapshots may not be technically correct, but if I hadn't snapped with my phone, I wouldn't even have the bit of tangible preservation of the memory.

You may question "Why didn't I just grab my DSLR at those moments?" I asked myself the same question during those moments. And these were my answers:

• My good camera wasn't within reach before the moment would be over. (Shooting targets at Thanksgiving.)
• I just didn't feel like making people wait while I am grabbing the good camera. (Birthday cake being lit and song about to be sung.)
• I was already carrying too many items and had to prioritize. (Leading a classroom party for 4th graders, including games and snack.)
• The event or activity wasn't of such importance that my good camera was a must. (Playing with friends and making cookies.)

So on to my resolutions for 2013:

1. Take more everyday photos of my family.
2. Hand my camera off so that I can be in more family photos.
3. Cull through photos each time I download them from the memory card and delete any unacceptable ones immediately.
4. Back up family photos each month.
5. Create a photobook for the previous year, or more.
6. Print more photos, and print them big.

Would you like to learn more about taking better photos of your family? Join me this year at my Sweet & Simple Workshops as I help you learn more about creating photographs, simply and easily.

Sweet Shot Tuesday - St. Louis Skyline at Sunset

"St. Louis Skyline at Sunset"

The story behind the shot:

On Sunday my husband Mike and I had a day without the boys. The plan was to go school clothes shopping and just spend some time together. There were no particular plans for "spend some time together," so I made sure to grab my camera and tripod on our way out the door.

The setting sun made for great shadows. 

By mid afternoon, our shopping was finished, and we were checking movie times for the mall cinema. We just missed a movie by 10 minutes, so we scratched that idea. In the car, I googled "things to do in St. Louis" - here we had 7 hours to do something before we had to be home, and neither of us knew what to do.

Most things that came to mind either cost more money than we wanted to spend or were evening activities that wouldn't be finished until late.

So, I talked Mike into just letting me take photos. Photography isn't his "thing," but he knows it is mine and agreed to drive me wherever I chose to go.

My first stop was the Laumeier Sculpture Park. There, we walked around the different sculptures, and I got some new photo letter shots. There were a few new sculptures in the park since we had last been there (about 9 years ago), the most interesting one to me being the large eyeball. But being the middle of the afternoon on a bright, sunshiney day, the harsh light just wasn't the best for great photos of the sculptures.

After the park, we had a nice dinner, waiting for the light.

It's all about the light...

The difference between a great photo and an amazing photo is the light. You can have an extraordinary composition, but if the light isn't right, the photo is a dud.

So we waited...

It was a beautiful evening for fishing on the Missouri River.

...and waited...until the sun set, the sky turned blue, and the lights of the city came on.

The weather was pleasant, and no one bothered us. Being a Sunday evening, the Eads Bridge had low traffic, so shaking was minimal, except for every 10 minutes when the MetroLink rumbled through underneath us (at which times Mike would quickly step as far from the edge of the bridge as possible...just in case).

We observed the riverboat and helicopter tours along the river, the massive barges pushing their loads, and a few St. Louisans stroll past us and over the Mississippi River.

It was a fairly sweet evening.

"Peeking Through" - I thought this one called for a vintage look.

Are you interested in a fine art print? Please contact me today - photographic fine art prints are available as photographs, canvas art, cards, bookmarks, and more.

Are you interested in learning more about photography? Sign up for my newsletter for upcoming workshops and events.

And don't forget to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Google + for my latest work!

How it Went: {Workshop} Simple and Sweet Photography Basics

Before our photowalk.

 <---There is my first workshop class! I was thrilled that 20 photographers packed the presentation room at St. Peter's UCC last Thursday!

The skill range was from beginners up to serious amateurs, so I was a little nervous, hoping that I would be able to share at least one new thing for each person.

After my presentation, I answered a few questions, and then we headed outside. The sun was beginning its descent and was lighting up the clouds just beautifully. Our route took us to downtown Washington, pausing to snap photos of gardens and historic brick buildings. The sky was a gorgeous and dramatic background, making it easy for my class to find beautiful compositions.

Dramatic clouds to the east during the sunset.

The sunset was stunning as it lit the sky on fire.

I really enjoyed walking with the class, stopping every little bit to help them find the compositions and settings they had in mind. My favorite was watching as they put to use the knowledge I had just shown them in class.

Understanding and comprehending the relation between aperture and depth of field, as well as how the exposure triangle works, can be intimidating. But I think it "clicked" with some of the attendees.

With the overwhelming response immediately after the workshop from people who had not been able to attend, I am looking at holding the photography basics workshop again. And, I hope to develop a series of workshops that focus on specific subjects, like the moon, fireworks, bokeh, aperture and depth of field, composition, and post processing.

Are you interested in attending a workshop? Please join my mailing list! There is a link to the right ---> at the top of the blog to enter your email address.

Would you like to have one of my fine art prints for yourself? Visit my website www.marcinkdesigns.com to purchase one. Note that even if you don't see it on my website, you can still purchase it - just send me a message at tyann@marcinkdesigns.com. And don't forget to follow me on Facebook!

Self portrait after the workshop. :)

{Workshop} Simple and Sweet Photography Basics

A little {FREE} workshop covering the basics of photography, presented by me! Focusing on composition and the importance of light, with a little bit on aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.

Excellent opportunity for all ages of people who are interested in taking better photographs. Whether your favorite subjects are your family, vacation vistas, or the bears at the zoo, you will walk away with knowledge to improve your snapshots.

Bring your camera to play with during the workshop. Also a good idea to read your manual before and then bring it with you (I know, pretty dry reading, but totally worth it).

After the workshop, we will head out for a sunset photowalk so you can put your new knowledge to use.

Thursday, July 19th
7:00pm - 8:45pm

Tentative schedule:
7:00pm - 7:45pm {presentation with Q&A}
7:45pm - 8:45pm {sunset photowalk}

Location:
St. Peter's UCC of Washington
20 East Fifth St.
Washington, Missouri

If you would like to RSVP, see the Facebook event.

And the Winner is...

First, more about the art piece...

I am a fan of architecture and the St. Louis Cardinals. One afternoon, a friend and I decided to walk around Downtown St. Louis and capture architectural photographs. And this piece of art emerged from that walk...

The photographs are taken at Busch Stadium and the Eads Bridge, next to the Landing. After searching for the perfect quote to set off the photographs, reading through Jack Buck and others, I decided on the simple, yet poignant, "For the Love of the Game."


The "L" is from the smaller Stan Musial statue outside Busch Stadium.
The "O" is the Cardinal's logo in the wall of the stadium.
The "V" is Eads Bridge just a few blocks from Busch Stadium.
And the "E" is the glove from "Dizzy" Dean's statue.

***

Using the number generator on random.org, I was given the number 11...which is a comment by Diane Schultz. Congratulations, Diane! Email me at tyann@marcinkdesigns.com to claim your prize. Please note that if you do not email me by midnight, April 18th, I will have another comment number randomly chosen.

Thank you, everyone, for playing along and entering the giveaway. I sincerely appreciate your support and comments. Please note that shipping is always FREE on fine art prints, so don't hesitate to grab your own fine art print for yourself...or to give to someone you love.



You can visit my website at www.marcinkdesigns.com.

Leap Into Spring Photo Challenge {Easter/Eggs}

Don't forget to enter my giveaway for an 11x14 fine art print of the St. Louis Cardinals For the Love of the Game in celebration of opening weekend at Busch Stadium! See this post for the details.

---

Our family tradition to decorate Easter eggs:

1. Use crayons to draw squiggles, swirls, pictures, and words.
2. Dip into the PAAS egg colors.
3. Dry off the eggs.

We are so complicated, aren't we? Here is one of the eggs that I decorated. I had first thought to draw just my hubby and I on the egg, but when I accidently drew my head in the wrong place, it became a family drawing...which I actually like better than my original idea. (See our real family photo here.)

The boys colored it orange for me (I had no say in the colors of the eggs since I was snapping pictures), and it went into our arsenal for the big family egg hunt that is then followed by the deviled egg feast.

This photo is for the Leap Into Spring Photo Challenge {Easter/Eggs}.

St. Louis Cardinals Opening Day {PlusCircleSharePinTweet} Giveaway!

Opening day at Busch Stadium for the St. Louis Cardinals is tomorrow!!! And on Saturday, the Cardinals will receive their 2011 World Series Championship rings. Congratulations, Cards, it was an amazing series to watch!

To celebrate, I am giving away an 11x14 print of my wildly popular For the Love of the Game in your choice of a red or white background. Here is what you do to win:

Choose the red or white background and post a comment below on which one you want if you are the winner. Easy enough?

For additional entries:

Plus one this post
Circle me on Google+
Circle Marcink Designs on Google+
Share this blog post on Facebook
Like Marcink Designs on Facebook
Pin this post on Pinterest with your choice of the red or white background
Follow my Marcink Designs Pinterest board
Tweet this post
Follow Marcink Designs on Twitter

Blog about this giveaway

Use these buttons for shortcuts or see the sidebar on the right -->

Then, leave a separate comment for each of the things you did. Each comment is an entry into the drawing! Monday morning, April 16th, I will randomly choose a winner from the comments.

Good luck and show your love for the St. Louis Cardinals!

Leap Into Spring Photo Challenge {Sunshine/Light}

The sun was getting low in the sky, approaching the golden hour, and I was on my first walk with my very new 50mm f1.4 lens. I knew this little garden tucked away in our town's downtown area would be beautiful at this time of day and made my way over to it. The flowering trees and the streaming rays of sunshine did not disappoint me!

For the Leap Into Spring Photo Challange {Sunshine/Light}

Steam Engine No. 844

School was out, and the sun was already too warm for a spring day in Missouri. The steam train was coming through town, and we were going to see it!

Our first stop was the Fudge Shoppe on Main Street for a scoop of ice cream each to snack on. We made our way down towards the train station, found a spot on the old platform, and settled in for the train to arrive.

My 3 boys, 2 nieces, and 1 me.

Steam engine No. 844 was on its way to Shiloh, Arkansas in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. The train pulled cars filled with Civil War reenactors, as well as a load of war cannons. The tracks were buzzing with train enthusiasts of all ages, and the policemen were on their toes, keeping everyone safe.

Steam engine No. 844 in bokeh.

No one was allowed to wander the tracks, so capturing the engine straight on had to be done while walking...which wasn't too easy...but the third shot hit it. I must add that I was also holding my 4 year old's hand and herding my 6 and 8 year old at the same time as taking this shot.

The engine building up steam before rolling down the track.

As soon as we had crossed the track, the crossing lights flashed, and the bars came down. The whistle stop was over, and the steam engine had to be on its way.

The American flag waving proudly in the sunlight as the engine passes by.

Our afternoon excursion was over, and we headed back up to Main Street to our vehicle. I hadn't put away my camera yet, and I spied the barber shop's door open as we were passing by. Feeling brave, I peeked my head in and asked if I could snap a photo. The barber and the gentleman obliged me.

A barber and a gentleman.

Introduction

I know, it's about time, right? Finally, a blog for Marcink Designs! A place to share more of my beautiful photos and the stories that go with them.

I will also share some before and after shots of my photographs, as well as a tip here and there to help you grow and learn. [Disclaimer: Tips may or may not be about photography.]

So, here, on the left, is me! This photo was taken by the very talented and kind-hearted Slava Bowman when we were on a photowalk in Downtown Washington, Missouri. Just a quick snap in the doorway of Otis Campbell's of me and my Nikon D7000.

I am a serious hobbyist/amateur photographer. I mainly enjoy creating images of landscapes and architecture when I don't have the camera aimed at my three boys and dear husband.

The more I learn about photography, the more I love it. Last month I started a Facebook page for the photographers in my area to connect and share with each other (Franklin County Area Photographers), and I am having a blast getting to know others and being inspired by their photographic creations.

When I am not creating photos or processing them, I am:

• an amazing wife to my wonderful husband
• a marvelous mother of three boys, currently ages 4, 6, and 8 years old [that's what I am told]
• handpainting quilt clips and my line of children's room decor, the Little Elephant Company
• managing our vacation homes in Branson, Missouri
• creating photographic letter family names
• designing websites and graphics for local businesses and other vacation home rentals
• going on photowalks with FCAP
• and building friendships with my delightful friends.

Of course, there is more to me...every woman has some mystery about her. I am sure you will see glimpses of deep inside of me in my posts, photographs, and stories.

Me on my birthday this year with my hubby and boys. I took this shot with my handy wireless remote.

About the photograph below

This is the Waterworks building in Downtown Washington, Missouri. It now houses an antique shop and is nestled between the Missouri River and a set of train tracks. I took this photo after the sun set, as the blue in the sky was deepening. One of my favorite elements of a photograph, besides the blues of blue hour, is the starburst effect on lights. Here there are several - the light over the restroom building, the parking lot lights for the Riverfront Trail, and behind the trees on the right are the lights from the Washington bridge crossing the river.

I shot this while on a photowalk with two new FCAP friends a couple weeks ago. We walked around for nearly 4 hours on a Sunday evening, capturing several hundred photos. When I processed this photo, I first made it black and white then brought the color back into it just a little to give it more of a vintage feel.

Waterworks Antiques, Washington, Missouri