Meet Taunya, she is fun, outgoing and knowledgeable.  Naturally your perfect source to plan your next vacation.  I learned about Taunya because I photographed her business headshots.  I asked her if she could share with you some helpful info and some of the best places to go.

Taunya says, “Traveling has never been more important than it is today. More folks want memories instead of things. Traveling not only allows you to create lifelong memories, it allows for you to immerse yourself in other cultures. When you visit destinations outside your day-to-day life, you learn about others, what their experiences are and you learn a little about yourself as well.

Right now, my recommendations are in Europe, Iceland and Scotland are fantastic options and on the radar for lots of folks. Especially to see the Northern Lights.

If you want to stay a little closer a nice warm Caribbean destination is always an easy and relaxing trip.

Either way, I recommend booking as soon as possible, pricing are going up and we are booking out until 2026 on lots of these trips.

So, where do you wanna go?”

For more info or how to get in touch with Taunya, follow the links below.

https://www.facebook.com/livelovedrinktravel

https://www.instagram.com/livelovedrinktravel

This Article Courtesy of Adobe

Capture Your Newborn’s Magic through the Lens of a Professional 

The birth of your little one is an enchanting time filled with love, awe, and delight. Naturally, as parents, you yearn to preserve these priceless moments and keep them alive forever. While smartphone cameras have come a long way, they still can’t compete with the talent and artistry that a professional photographer can bring to your baby’s first photoshoot. 

 In today’s post hosted on the Julie Ann M Photography blog, We offer five compelling reasons why hiring a professional photographer is indispensable for capturing your newborn during this most magical time. 

Pros are Creative and Visionary Experts 

A professional photographer possesses technical know-how coupled with an artistic eye that can turn ordinary snapshots into timeless masterpieces. They understand how to create stunning images, use lighting effectively, and apply various techniques to highlight the best aspects of each photo. With their artistic touch, a professional photographer can capture the essence of your newborn in a way that no smartphone camera can emulate. Moreover, professional photographers have a deep understanding of newborn behavior and safety. They are skilled at posing your baby comfortably and safely while capturing adorable expressions and intricate details. 

Save Time with an Expert 

Time is incredibly precious for new parents. Amidst feedings, diaper changes, and sleepless nights, finding the energy or time to take high-quality photos of your newborn can be challenging. By hiring a professional photographer, you can unwind and savor your baby’s first days without the added stress of trying to document every moment yourself. Professional photographers also come equipped with the necessary tools and props to create beautiful images quickly and efficiently.  

This Is a Worthy Investment 

While it may be tempting to save money by taking your newborn’s photos yourself, hiring a professional photographer is an investment that will pay off in the long run. The high-quality images produced by a skilled photographer will stand the test of time, allowing you to revisit your baby’s first days whenever you wish. Furthermore, professional photographers have access to top-of-the-line equipment and editing software that can enhance your newborn’s photos even further. This means that your baby’s images will not only be beautifully composed but also professionally retouched and polished for a flawless finish.

A Stress-Free Experience 

Hiring a professional photographer to capture your newborn’s precious moments can relieve you of the pressure to document every detail yourself. As new parents, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the desire to preserve each moment for posterity. By entrusting this responsibility to a skilled photographer, you can focus on enjoying your baby’s first days without the added stress of trying to capture every milestone on camera. 

Get Crafty with Your Final Images 

When you’re ready to share your final images with family and friends, consider using a platform like Adobe Express, which offers a wealth of tools to help turn your precious memories into beautiful and personalized keepsakes. Here are some of our favorites: 

 ● Capture Their First Days: Create a heartwarming photo video of your newborn’s first days, perfect for sharing with loved ones and reminiscing together. The Adobe Express photo video maker makes it easy to compile precious memories into a captivating story. 

● A Charming Announcement: Celebrate the arrival of your baby boy or girl with a delightful baby announcement. Adobe Express baby announcement templates simplify the process, allowing you to create a unique and heartfelt announcement in mere minutes.. 

● The Best Baby Calendar: With the Adobe Express photo calendar maker, you can effortlessly design a stunning and personalized calendar featuring your final images. This user-friendly tool offers a wide selection of customizable templates, allowing you to showcase your baby in a visually captivating way. 

 Hiring a professional photographer for your newborn’s photo shoot is an investment that will provide you with stunning, timeless images that you and your family can cherish for years to come. With their creativity, vision, and expertise, a professional photographer can capture the magic of your baby’s first days in a way that no smartphone camera can replicate. So, why not treat yourself and your newborn to the gift of professional photography? The memories you’ll preserve will be well worth the investment. Whether you love an elaborate setup or something simple, Julie Ann M Photography can customize the perfect session for your sweet little one. Reach out today! 

This article courtesy of Adobe  

I wanted to explain the artistic process it took to create this portrait of my son. I am an intentional photographer; in that I plan and make choices to create photography that is uplifting and beautiful. I studied art and design for my degree, and I understand the variety of options there are to create something artistic. Even my lifestyle images are mostly set up and then I wait and watch for the expression I am looking for. 

1. I wanted to photograph my son with his violin. 

 He has spent a lot of time practicing and growing in his abilities. I am proud of him and want to remember this little moment in time, when he just successfully completed two performances. One at our church, where he played “Away in a Manger”. And the other where he was part of a string ensemble at Rhapsody Music in Anthem.   (Rhapsody Music is great, and I highly recommend them!)

2. I wanted a natural background. 

I started looking for settings on my morning walks and I quickly found foliage where there were round, soft seeds blossoming. Looking at the final image these round seeds resemble music notes, and they fill the frame with so many of them that they look like they are a floating melody. 

3. I watched the light. 

On the day of the mini shoot, my intention was to walk down toward the original bush that I found. I noticed other similar plants close to my home and found one in perfect placement. The sun feels overpowering at times in Arizona, and I like to photograph in open shade. This plant was so large, and others around it that it cast a beautiful large shadow. Our back wall was acting as a reflector and filled the shadow with soft light. 

4. The photoshoot lasted 5 minutes. 

It was so short because I was prepared. My son’s shirt was pressed, and he changed into it right before. I had a good idea of what my setting would be and set them pretty close. I had my stepstool on hand. As I started posing my boy, I had him play the violin like he would normally do. I looked and clicked at different angles. I don’t remember why he laughed at this one, he’s a funny kid so he probably said something to make himself laugh. As I watched him play, the leading lines in the background of the bush caught my attention. I got up on my step stool and looked down. I asked him to bring his violin slightly down-and voila! I got the perfect shot! 

5. Why is it the perfect shot? 

The main trunk of the plant by his elbow leads your eye up. It curves and bends in an organic way. Like the melody of a song goes up and down. The white seeds are scattered throughout covering the background. And finally, the branches behind his bow match the bow. They have the same long, thin, brown colors to it. My boy has his eyes closed in concentration and enjoyment of creating music. 

I love creating images, especially using natural light.  Do you have a budding musician that I can photograph for you?  I would love to work with you in creating a sweet image of a moment.