Oh - it has been so long since I updated my journal, or really even spent any time at DA, and I apologize for my absence!!
I won't make a bunch of excuses as life is busy for us all - but I will say that I have been very busy on another photography site. I've sort of fallen in love with Google+ ... I really didn't think it would happen when I first joined there - but it has. The Photography community there is just amazing and the people are incredible! High quality art and just a really great vibe about the place!
I've learned so much being there, and It's sort of become my new "home". I still love DA, and all of my friends here that haven't moved over - I miss you so much!! It's just hard to fit so much into the hours of the day!
However, I'm hoping to start spending a bit more time here again, post a few photos, and just reconnect with some people.
So, in the mean time, I'm going to upload a few photos that I've taken over the last little bit - including some from a recent trip to Arizona where I met up with about 30 Googlers that I've met online for a photo walk. We had a GREAT time and we went to a lake and shot all afternoon, and then all evening! It was so much fun, I didn't want it to end!
So, what else is new?
Hmm - recently I bought a new lens . I got a Nikon 105mm Macro. It set me back a little bit - but boy - do I love it! I'm having a lot fun exploring the new world of macro photography! I'll get around to posting some of those eventually too!
So, I hope you are all doing fine my friends! I've missed you, and I'll try to stop around more often!
::Useful Links::
A List of Links for tutorials/info that I've found to be useful!
Basics of Pen Tool [link]
Making Photoshop Brushes [link]
Adding Borders in PS [link]
Depth of Field [link]
PS Borders [link]
The Pen Tool [link]
Watermarks [link]
Making Textures [link]
Layer Masks and Colour Gradients [link]
GavTrain Photo Training [link]
Manual HDR [link]
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::Special Works for Me!::
`anmari has been spreading her infectious positivity throughout our community for over 6 years. Throughout this time Ana has been at the core of all things devious, passionately developing an eclectic gallery, helping organise devmeets, participating in chat events and also recently completed dedicating her time as a Community Volunteer. We are absolutely delighted to bestow the Deviousness Award for May 2013 to `anmari, congratulations! Read More
Sta.sh
i just gave them space
super wonderful works that I saw this week 
and recently received featured in this new digital magazine 
Tired 
Do you mind if I ask...what is the "trick" to becoming involved in the photography community on Google+? I have an account, but I didnt really see how one could interact with anyone other than those you accept as friends. I think Im missing something. Tumblr confuses me as well...I think Im getting old...
It's a very simple system really. YOu circle the people you want to watch. THey can choose to circle you back or not. Basically, I add people who's work I really like, and those who I have good interaction with.
I find these people reading the posts of the people who I circle, and if someone is interesting, I check out their pages.
For example - I have about 1600 people in my circles - but WAY more people circle me - I dont' have to circle them back - but if they interact with me and catch my attention I'll check out their page and if I like what they offer I'll circle them back.
You can only circle 5000 people - so it's a good idea to be selective in who you circle. Plus, going that high would make your stream crazy!
The real trick: be interesting, post original content, TALK to people- just jump into conversations even if you dont' know anyone. It's very well accepted and if you do it you'll get responses and soon people will start to know you.
What is your name on there? I'm Sandra Parlow if you want to look me up.
On Google+ Im David Hellard. Ill look you up! Thanks