One WIllow Presets

Marcy Lopez Photo Shoot

It has been awhile since I have posted: July to be exact, but the end of summer was busy with exciting photoshoots and traveling. Leaving me, of course with little time to post on my blog. The fall came and went with apple picking, grad school, work, God Belongs in My City, and so many other great moments. Now we are entering winter-filled with holiday dinners and celebrations. I hope you are enjoying the seasonal preparations of tree lighting, warm apple cider,  and gift shopping. However, try not to be too busy to take photos of each memorable moment. Images last a life-time.

Street 2 Street Photo Shoot

With that said, if you are interested in photography as a hobby and are looking for various editing techniques, I encourage you to visit One Willow Presets. She has great presets for both Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop.

Check her website and see for yourself!! 

Photo-shoot at DUMBO park

As many of you know, I have decided to take my love for photography to the next level and expand my portfolio with portraits of all kinds. From family, to maternity, newborn and engagements. My heart is extremely grateful for all those who have supported me and encouraged me over the past few months. Thank you for pushing me in the right direction. With that said, I had a photo-shoot on Sunday at the DUMBO park. Beautiful park and a great place to take pictures. Definitely adding this location to my bag of tricks :). 

Well, when I got there I checked out the area and found an awesome graffiti wall that I will def use in the future (thanks for the tip -u know who you are ;). 

I took some practice shots on the hubby (my in-house modelo) and can't wait to try it out on a few others. Steven tried so hard to make me happy by being in the fotos, even though I know he secretly wished he could be behind the camera. How could I resist taking pictures of such a beautiful man, inside and out?

Soon enough, the Mr and Mrs came with their adorable little 3 year old and it was an hour of fun with the camera. A very active little boy that does not like taking pictures, but we were able to get a few shots in. Marjorie and Roman are the sweetest couple and were very patient models. They were gracious enough in allowing me to take pictures of them. Thanks guys!! 


We walked around and found a few places to take photos. The best part was being able to have the view of the bridge, city, and water as a natural background. Who needs a studio in the summer when you have a view like this! 

However, we did have a sandal that went for a little swim and did not want to be rescued. But Marjorie was bold enough to roll up her skirt and snatch it back. Marjorie was grossed out by the water, and who wouldn't be in New York City. You just never know what you might find. But she was a brave soul and stuck it out, but not without a good laugh. Marjorie is a trooper and has a wonderful spirit to make anything fun! A moment to capture :) 

Here are just a few pictures that we took and survived the editing process. 

Thank you guys for being such amazing models and next time I will bring a little something extra to bribe Amaelian :). 

There is something about this picture that I absolutely love. I can't put my finger on it. I was trying to take a picture of Marjorie but saw Amaelian playing in the background and knew I had to take this picture. I wasn't sure how it was going to turn out, but I love it.  

Vintage colored prints are probably my favorite! The color, the bridge in the background, and grassy feet all make this shot a cute one. Not to mention that 3ft cutie! 

The lovely Vail Family

Father and Son

Mommy and little man's toes! 

Interested: Check out www.sanabriaphoto.com and www.sanabriaphoto.smugmug.com 

Photoshop and Lightroom 3 Review

I have decided to challenge myself on the "ins" and "outs" of photography. My first project was to do as many trial runs of editing programs as I could possibly stomach. The first task was photoshop elements 8. I loved the ease in which I was able to edit my photos, from layering, to brushes to desaturation and bringing out only one color. Definitely worth the $99 dollars they are asking for, if you are interested in really taking your photos to the next level. The capability of editing that photoshop elements has for an amateur photographer like myself was awesome. And if you are savvy enough, you can google promo codes and get at least $20, if not even $30, off the program and leave the checkout with paying only $59.00.

However, this is not a workflow program. Editing only one picture at a time. Opening each file, one at a time was definitely an annoyance. Yes, Adobe Bridge is great to store, label and organize photos, but it takes so long to edit. Especially, if you are not doing anything but a single slide on the saturation scale or a slight punch of color. 

Overall, for the price, awesome program and if you are teaching yourself (like I do with just about everything in order to save money) you can check on-line for numerous amounts of free video tutorials. If you are willing to pay for a free tutorial, check out Adobe Photoshop elements website and subscribe to their mag for $60 bucks and you have access to ALL their online tutorials, which I think is actually pretty affordable. 

Now for my current love. Yes. I have become a bit biased. My 4th day of my Lightroom 3 trial and it has got to be the most amazing program I have worked with thus far. A totally different beast than PSE 8. It is meant as a workflow, which it does amazingly. Organizing files, importing them from other files on your computer is great. Not to mention their exporting!!!!! OMG. If you are anything like me, I export to flickr, facebook, picassa web and now smugmug. TIME TIME TIME. Each uploading process through their individual site takes an uber long time. When I would decide to walk away from the computer during the upload process, I would find the infamous "ERROR" msg. Not fun. 

Well, Lightroom has excellent Plug-ins that make it easy to export to any one of these sights. I can't brag enough about the ease of these exporting tools. If you are pressed for time, such as I, then this is definitely a great tool to have. So great! A smile once I see that the upload is complete for over 100 photos, after only a few minutes. Oh, and did I mention the watermarking tool. You can upload simply your name, or get sassy with an especially made graphically designed watermark (i am not there, yet).

So much still to explore with LR3, but the last awesome part of the program are the presets. You can download presets from other sights that photographers have so graciously posted or create your own. Taking a simple photo into something artistic. The colors just seem to pop from the press of a button. The desire to keep the essence of the picture, while adding a "little extra something". Whatever that something might be, well that is up to you the editing photographer. 

But I am addicted, nonetheless. Well, at least until the trial run is over and we will see if it is worth the $299. Once you try it, I am sure you will too. Pair LR3 with Adobe Photoshop Elements 8 and you have a great editing library. 

Flower photo taken at Botanical Gardens in Brooklyn. 

Other photos taken by me in Italy. 

For more photos please go to: 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sanabriaphoto/

or www.sanabriaphoto.com

Ode to Summer

We started the season heading to Phili to watch a soccer game: US Men vs Turkey-so excited! But as we were driving, I couldn't help but think about some of my loves- one being the Sun.

I am totally enamored by the beauty that only the Sun can bring out. Feelings of wanting to spend time with family and friends in the great outdoors, the transition from Sharaz to Pinot Grigio, the picnics, the bronze glow from tanning, and ofcourse that wonderful feeling of shopping and finding the perfect sundress to go with just the right sandal. Let us not forget to pair that up with a straw summer bag. Oh what a feeling!!!

Happy Memorial Day weekend everyone, as we toast to the beginning of many cool summer nights in 2010!!




Note: photo found on Flickr.com

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Carpe Diem!!!!

So, April was a super busy month. Between work, grad school and life, I have not had any time to write on blog.  I must say, managing a blog is a job within itself. How people do it everyday?? I will never know.

My last post was about how I was thinking about being a dog owner. Well, ladies and gentlemen, I must say that I loved every minute of watching Pebbles. The cutest Yorkie ever!!!! However, I was not happy about potty training. Definitely not a the best part of babysitting. We bonded and had wonderful moments of running around the house, biting everything in site and chewing on my VOGUE magazines. Now, for those that know me... I was not a happy camper when it came to my magazines, but when I looked at that face, I just melted.
The end result, I am not ready to be a dog owner.
A love from a distance  will satisfy me nonetheless :).

April came and went and I enjoyed moments with family and friends, not mention school, school, and more school. The countdown has begun and I am almost done for the semester and ready for the next project at hand. Which leads me to what I have been waiting patiently to tell everyone!!!

I have decided to heed the counsel of my friends and family and start my very own photography website!!!
Carpe Diem!!! Seize the day, build up my portfolio, and see where the wind blows.
Thank you all for your love and support and please visit my website: www.dmsanabriaphotography.com

Let me know your thoughts!!!

NOTE: I am looking for anyone who loves pictures to serve as my subjects for portraits :). Any takers?? please contact me via email: info@dmsanabriaphotography.com

To Love a Dog or To Not Love a Dog... That is the question.

So I am sitting here at 10:58pm on a Monday evening, crying my eyes out. Why, you might ask? I have just finished watching Marley and Me and I cannot believe how this movie has brought me to tears. From the beginning, and through out the movie, I was falling in love with a dog without even realizing it. I won't ruin the movie for those who haven't seen it yet, but I will recommend that you don't wait a second longer. If it is on demand, order it. If you have Netflix, put on your queue as #1. If you are the type to just buy movies, then make your next trip to Best Buy and add it to your collection.

Now you must understand why this is totally crazy for me. I have never really been much of an animal person, so I was not prepared for what was going to happen at the end of movie. To be totally honest, I even knew the ending before watching and was thinking to myself "OK, it is not going to be that bad. I don't like dogs like that anyway." My rationale is because I am part of the population of people allergic to just about anything with dander, dust etc, etc. It has been a plight that I have had to bare year after year and therefore, I have never had to opportunity to connect to any animal.

I must admit, that over the past few years, I have grown a liking to dogs. Not to mention the fact that I find myself a little green with envy. As I was watching the movie, I saw how much a dog can add to someone's life. Dogs are there during every moment you experience in your own life. Moments of loss, and moments of great joy. Those late nights when you can't sleep and those early mornings when all you want to do is sleep. I have seen friends and family fall in love with their dogs and wondered how could that be possible.

All this to say that .... drumroll please.....

I have actually been considering the small possibility of being a dog owner. Yes, people, I have admitted and accepted the fact that I LOVE DOGS. Of course, I am still on the fence as to whether I am ready to be a dog owner. Which is why I will be dog-sitting for Diane and Danny (love you guys) during spring break. What an adventure that will be!!! 5 days with an adorable little Tea Cup Yorkie, named Pebbles (of which is totally hypo-allergenic).

One favor I ask of you, the reader, my friends....please check up on how we are doing next week.


To Love a Dog or To Not Love a Dog...the answer to that question is how can you not!!!!!

WTHeck!!!!???? Another snow day??!!

Not that I am complaining about having a day off, which is definitely a great perk when you work for the New York City Department of Education. However, as you can see, the view from my balcony is not so pleasant. Come to think of it, I really should have put away those lounge chairs, not mention the cushions. Oh well, another excuse to shop for new things when Spring finally arrives. If it ever does!!!! 

I will say, that I have been itching to travel to someplace warm, but who isn't these days. Right about now I would love for this to be the view out of my window, instead of snow-covered lounge chairs with "wanna be" grass. ***SIGH***

Isla Bonita!!!!!!! 

ps: I should maybe use this extra day to clean out that balcony... mmmmm

maybe not =}

Happy Snow Day Fellow New Yorkers!!!

Henri Nouwen

"The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing... not healing, not curing... that is a friend who cares."

Henri Nouwen

                                                              

The Return of the Prodigal Son

REMBRANDT Harmenszoon van Rijn

(b.1606, Leidan, d. 1669, Amsterdam)

(Cover of Henri Nouwen's Book: The Prodigal Son)

Some of you have heard me rant and rave about Henri Nouwen, but in case you don't know... 

Henri Nouwen is probably one of my favorite authors and thank you to the friend who introduced me to him (you know who you are). His passion for humanity and love for God has inspired me in so many ways. The internationally renowned priest and author, respected professor and beloved pastor Henri Nouwen wrote over 40 books on the spiritual life. he corresponded regularly in English, Dutch, German, French, and Spanish with hundreds of friends and reached out to thousands through his Eucharistic celebrations, lectures and retreats. Since his death in 1996, ever-increasing numbers of readers, writers, teachers, and seekers have been guided by his literary legacy. Nouwen's books have sold over 2 million copies and been published in over 22 languages.  (http://www.henrinouwen.org/.) 

Of the many books that he has written, I have read The Prodigal Son, Reaching Out: The Three Spiritual Movements, The Way of the Heart, The Wounded Healer, Inner Voice of Love, and The Life of the Beloved. Each one bringing great transformation to my life and truly opening my eyes to humanity, compassion, forgiveness, my relationships with others, and so many deep questions that at some point we have wrestled with.

A Taste of Nouwen....

"One of the most satisfying aspects of writing is that it can 
open in us deep wells of hidden treasures that are beautiful for 
us as well as for others to see."

"Spiritual reading is a discipline to keep us reflecting on our 
lives as we live them."

“For as long as you can remember, you have been a pleaser, depending on others to give you an identity. You need not look at that only in a negative way. You wanted to give your heart to others, and you did so quickly and easily. But now you are being asked to let go of all these self-made props and trust that God is enough for you. You must stop being a pleaser and reclaim your identity as a free self.”

“Much violence is based on the illusion that life is a property to be defended and not to be shared.”

Ummmm... How can you not be moved to read one his books based on these small nuggets!!!!!

I have currently finished reading Spiritual Direction: Wisdom for the long walk of faith. The difference between this book and the others is that it is a compilation of his works, but written by two authors using the voice of Nouwen. Did I struggle in the beginning with reading this book? Yes, because I wasn't sure if it was going to be authentic to Nouwen. However, it turned out to be just as insightful and enlightening as any of his other books. They tackled questions such as, "Where have I been and where am I going? Who am I? What is Prayer? Who is God for me?"

After each section, there is a time for reflection and journaling, which I felt was so needed. So many times we rush through books without truly taking the time out to pause and digest what we have just read. We are so quick to move on to the next book without allowing the essence of the book to truly change our lives.  

My challenge to you: If you are hungry to live life a little differently than you have been, if you are craving for transformation, or you are hungry for some spiritual enlightenment? Well, this is the author for you. He is definitely not an author whose books I would complete in one sitting. On the contrary, I would enjoy his insight on life, take a few weeks to soak in all that he is trying to share about his personal experiences, in order for our lives to be a bit more enriching and rewarding.  

Happy Reading!!!!!

Day after Valentine's Day

Love is in the air-even the day after Valentine's day! Sitting on the couch, after having his tummy filled with milk, my nephew enjoyed resting on Tio's chest. Who wouldn't love being all cuddled up in that corner?!

On another note...

In my last post, I mentioned that I was going out to have brunch with some friends at Clinton Street Bakery. Well, I did and waited for 2 hours for a table!!! The cook even came out at some point to yell that he was cold because people kept coming in and out of the restaurant. A little unprofessional, but the host was so accomodating and patient. Through it all he still had a smile and gave out pancakes slices, which were delicious, nonetheless.

Was it worth the wait? Yes, but only because I was able to chat with great friends and catch up on life. A total New York experience: good food, great friends, and a few impatient customers.

So, even after all that...I still love New York!!


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I Love New York!!!

New York City: what's not to love or hate. It is definitely a consant struggle. The bumper to bumper traffic, the endless potholes, no parking no parking no parking, jay walking, and the crowded, smelly trains that make you want to scream.

However, there are those rare occasions where you find yourself walking the streets at night and suddenly you smell the roasted peanuts, you are surrounded by the bright lights, and nearby lovers stroll the park hand in hand. Let's not forget the free furniture that can be found on garbage day at the curb. One minute I am throwing my couch away and the next minute someone is carrying it off to their humble abode.

It doesn't take much to love New York, but oh how quickly the anger rises and suddenly you are wishing you lived in the suburbs on a quiet street.

So what am I feeling for New York today? Well, love is in the air as I plan the weekend with the hubby and I am excited to wake up tomorrow and WALK to Clinton Bakery for some brunch with good friends. What can I say... I LOVE NEW YORK!!





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Controversy over the Shack

Ok, so I have just finished reading the Shack, by WM. Paul Young, and I must say that I have been touched on so many different levels. However, it has been brought to my attention that there are many that seem to be upset with the novel and are reaping controversy within the Christian community. After reading the book, I was definitely hungry to read more of the Word of God and was hungry to want to seek His face. Now, correct me if I am wrong, but isn't that what "inspirational" reading material is called to do-to inspire you, in some way, to move to action. 


Are there parts to this FICTIONAL piece of work that I might not totally agree with? OF COURSE! Regardless, there is still some truth. It seems that so many people are trying to find something wrong instead of truly seeing God in everything. If there is disagreement on the truthfulness of the book, then there must be continued disagreements on the countless sermons, commentaries, and books that have been written by man. 


As human beings, we are flawed and we will never truly understand God because we are not God. Our theories are flawed, our love is warped, our hearts are filled with so much garbage that we will never truly be able to speak 100% truth. Why? Because we are imperfect, but it is through the grace of God that we are here on this Earth and He is the only one whose love is perfect, whose truth is all powerful and all we can do is continue on this journey until we meet with Him one day :). 


Is controversy good? Yes. It calls people to think and pray and seek truth. We should not believe everything we read, but instead, seek God for ourselves and allow Him to reveal His truth to us. As we seek that truth, let us also not judge one another and build walls, but let us rest in what He has called us to do: to love and serve one another. 


So my challenge to you is to seek God in your own personal walk, and as you love and serve those you encounter.