Being a Photographer | Guest Post by Nela

One of the things that got me interested in photography was how clear and unique pictures can be. 

I remember going through countless blog posts, admiring each individual's style and how they presented their photos. And I guess that's what really inspired me to become a photographer.

                                                                   Source: paigeoverturfblog.com via Nela on Pinterest

When I received my first DSLR camera, (I'll be honest here) I thought the pictures that I took were out of this world. I really did think that I was one of the greatest photographers out there. *laughs softly*. But only because of how clear the quality of the pictures were compared to my old camera. 

Needless to say, I still have a long way to go on my photography journey. There have been days when I don't pick up my camera to take pictures, and times when I always use auto mode for the camera setting.

 So you see, I'm no perfect photographer, but I have the heart of one.

                                                     Source: smileethatbeautifulsmilee.tumblr.com via Nela on Pinterest

In order to become a photographer, you must have a deep passion for it. You can't just go buy yourself an expensive camera, start taking pictures, and start saying that they're the best out there. That's not how that works. It takes time, patience, and lots of practice to really set yourself apart from other photographer wanna-bes. 

                                                     Source: 3.bp.blogspot.com via Nela on Pinterest

The other thing about being a photographer, is having a big imagination. You have to use your wits and creative senses to be able to capture the perfect moment at the right place. It helps if you're an avid reader, because from all the book-reading that you did, your imagination gets bigger and better as time progresses. 

                                                   Source: gardenviewcottage.tumblr.com via Nela on Pinterest

To be a great photographer, you have to be creative and unique. Because everyone wants to see something new each and every day. Something that will make their eyes pop open and praise your photos. Figure out your creative style by taking lots of pictures, think outside the box, but most importantly be yourself when you're snapping a photo-shoot.  

                                                     Source: sayingimages.com via Nela on Pinterest

Remember, each photo is uniquely different. No two photos are exactly the same {unless you copied one from the original, but that's just cheating. ;) } Just because the photo turns out a bit blurry or something, that doesn't mean that it doesn't hold a special memory from that moment. So keep that photo as a reminder in your progress in your photography journey.

     Of course there will always be room for improvement, but as photographers in training we must never forget this:

                                                                      Source: megan-thelifeofagirl.blogspot.com via Nela on Pinterest

                                         
 Keep that quote in mind the next time you take a photo. ;)

Hi! My name is Marianela (but everyone calls me Nela for short). I'm a writer, baker, reader, blogger, martial artist, and a photographer in training. You can find out more about me on my blog, "Beloved Star" and my cooking blog, "Nel's Home Cooking". Hope you have a nice day, and I look forward to meeting you. :)

Modest Fashion Tips - a guest post by Bree

Hi there, I'm Bree.

I am a freshman in high school, and among other things, a fashionista.
Let me tell you, I love fashion. We go hand-in-hand. The thrill you get from piecing together a unique outfit is like when someone compliments an artist's work. It makes your whole day a little bit brighter, and I'm all for happy days. :)

My only problem with fashion is keeping it modest. There is a lot of cute clothing at stores today that is adorable and immodest at the same time. And I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who has this problem. After a couple years of making the best of it, I've learned a few things, and that's what I'm going to share with you today.


Here's how this works: try the tests out, and if you have no problem with the first, move on to the second, and so on. If you do have a problem, view the solution in the solution section below the tests. :)


Tests:
(Note: these tests are just guidelines. They may or may not be right for you. Just experiment with them, and if you find something that works better, tell us!)

1. Fingertip test: Hold you arms straight down at your sides. Are your shorts/skirt at your fingertips, below, or above? If they are above, it's probably too short. See solution one.  
2. Mirror test: Lean down in from of the mirror, so that your back is parallel to the floor. Now look in the mirror - is any cleavage showing? This way, you will know how much someone will see if you are bending over in public. If anything is showing, it's too low. See solution two.
3. Jumping test: Do ten jumping jacks. Now drop and give me...just kidding. :P When you did those ten jumping jacks, did your stomach show? If so, your shirt is too short. See solution three.
4. Leaning test: Lean over and touch your toes, and have a sister or your mom stand behind you. Can they see your undergarments, or too much skin? You dress is definitely too short. See solution four. 
5. Transparency test: Look in the mirror at your shirt. Lift up your arms, and turn slowly around. Is anything visible from any angles? If so, it may be either too thin, too small, or just too open. See solution five. 
6. Tight test: Find the tightest spot in your pants, and see if you can hold an inch of fabric in that area comfortably. If not, they are too tight. See solution six. 

Solutions:

#1: Leggings are a great way to remedy this. And yes, I am talking about shorts too. :) Not only do leggings cover you up, they also are a great trend-setter. They are also rather inexpensive, and come in handy a lot. So this is definitely a good "investment", if you can call it that. ;)

#2: So your shirt is too low - is there really a way to fix that? Isn't it hopeless? No way! If you enjoy altering, (like me) then shortening the straps is a great idea, and very simple. Cut the straps to 1/2 inch longer than you want them to be in the end, turn the shirt inside out, and sew them up. (Note: this works the best with tank tops, but if you are daring enough to try it out with something else, I would *love* to see what you do!) Another way to fix this it to wear a higher shirt underneath it, or a large scarf.

#3: Find a good, long undershirt to wear underneath that top. You have to be careful with this, though. If your shirt is so long that it covers your bottom, it's overkill. I know it's a little awkward, but "divide and conquer" with your shirts. :) It works, trust me. 

#4: Once again, leggings. Read #1 for the benefits of leggings. If it's too warm outside, or your dress just wouldn't work with them, shorts also work, though not as modest. That way, if some accidentally sees beneath your dress, all they see is shorts. 

#5: Layer up! A tank top underneath, a sweater over top, a shawl around your shoulders and neck, there are a lot of different ways to work this. Be creative! ;)

#6: Get a new pair of jeans. Unfortunately, there isn't a better way to fix this, that I know of. (got a solution? comment, I would love to hear!) And it's unfortunate, because jeans aren't cheap. One of the best places to go when this is the case is the thrift store. I've found a lot of cute jeans there. And make sure you avoid the dryer, so they won't shrink on you. :)

Hope these tips helped y'all, and happy fashioning! I have found that I can appreciate fashion so much more when it's unique and modest. Got any tips of your own to add? Comment. :)

Bree is...all of 5 feet and almost 2 inches, wears pink, eats chocolate, drinks coffee, draws, blog designs, snaps pictures, listens to bagpipe music, plays with her russian pointe shoes, wears high-heels because she's cool like that, tries to piece together unique outfits, reads her Bible for inspiration, loves to spend time with Jesus, acts like a dork, likes to have picnics during the golden hour, drools over lovely and expensive cameras, sings horribly but has fun anyway, smiles shyly, and eats chocolate again. :) she blogs at tea & bree about her life, her writing adventures, and life as a southern "belle", and would be absolutely flattered if you would visit her someday. :) she also designs blogs because it's fun.

Announcement......

 I was going to wait until June 2nd to post this,but I may not have time since I have a busy weekend ahead of me.


                                           I'm going to be taking a blogging break.
 Yes,indeedy. I felt bad taking a break over a week and leaving this blog postless for that amount of time,so I'ld like for you all to meet the guest posters that will be posting from June 4th-June 12th.

                                      

                                  Nela from Beloved Star

                              Raquel from Gods Daughter

                          

                                  Bree from Tea and Bree 

                          Desiree from Ransomed Princess

                            

                                Rachel from Summer Breeze






    I personally can't wait to see their posts. =) Oh,and if you didn't notice I did a little bit of a design change.   p.s. don't forget the blog design giveaway in my last post. ;)  Have a wonderful night everyone.

new look giveaway only until June 2nd....

      
   As sort of a way to get my creative juices flowing I'm having a little bit a giveaway to anyone who wants a new look for there blog.

                          
     Spring is gone and summer is here leaving me with a big urge to give my blog a face lift and make it pop!
         But while I'm thinking up a design I thought I'd see if any of my awesome followers wanted a new design.



     What am I giving away?  A Blog design for the winner by me.

 When does the giveaway end?  June 2nd and noon eastern time.

How can I enter?  Leave a comment saying you'ld be interested in a new look for your blog and what color scheme you'ld like if you won.
        And as a side note I have a little announcement June 2nd to make as well,but go ahead and start commeting and have a wonderful Memorial day!

                                 This giveaway last from Memorial day - June 2nd  so hurry!!!