Kelly Heasley’s PhotoBlog – Columbus, Ohio

Where do you go for inspiration? Because I was born at the dawn of the internet age, I (sometimes ashamedly) admit that I often find myself blog surfing. I know – not what you might expect from an “artsy type”; but there is much beauty to be found in the depths of this electronic haystack, and that’s exactly what I stumbled upon just a few minutes ago.

These amazing polaroids are by artist Elizabeth Soule. I don’t know how she does it, but she’s managed to capture a feeling, a memory I’m not sure is real, but one that is decidedly genuine. That’s the line I want to walk as a photographer. I don’t aim to document something with stark accuracy because precision is not the language in which our hearts remember. Rather, I want to capture it as it is felt by its most fervent participants.

It sure feels like it. My copies of Photoshop CS3 Extended and Lightroom are on the way! I’ll be probably be holed up in my studio for the next week, just playing around with all the new ways I’ll be able to tweak my photos! And ACTIONS! I’ve been waiting for forever to try out the Boutwells’ Totally Rad Actions and some of Kevin Kubota’s stuff. Oh, and I musn’t forget Nichole Van and Anna Jones.

For anyone out there considering becoming a Photoshop geek, consider yourself warned: IT’S ADDICTING!

My handsome husband and I went down to Beverly, West Virgnia earlier this month to celebrate Garth’s dad’s 60th birthday. I thought I’d post some snapshots. A day in the life of Miss Kelly…

Here’s the familar Lula in her private doggie bungalow. That’s an actual log cabin. A dog cabin, if you will.

“Whatcha doin’? Can I see? Can I play?”

Garth’s dad, Steve. His mad-scientist hair looks even more rad when it’s BACKLIT! Ooooo.

Garth with his mom’s giant remote control. He tried for hours to get this thing to work, and I don’t think he was ever successful. So sad.

Callie the calico cat. She’s in a basket on top of the piano. Her secret hideout from Lula. The ladies don’t get along.

Aasta (Garth’s sister) decorating the cake! For the record, Aasta has the greatest possible hair. It always looks like she just got back from the beach. Also, Aasta has the best possible personality. For the record, I like Aasta.

Birthday Boy.

Here’s a shot of the cake I made. That’s a Chocolate Layer Cake with Milk Chocolate Frosting made FROM SCRATCH! It took all day, but Garth’s dad who never asks for anything from anybody (he’s awesomely unselfish like that), wanted a homemade chocolate cake with a million layers. Ask and ye shall receive, Steve.

What a cutie! My friend Tami invited me to take these portraits of her friend’s daughter, Deidra, and I was delighted to oblige! Little Deidra just turned one, and these photos capture this wonderful season in her growth. The poor girl was soooo sleepy, but she was such a great sport! After just a little but of hand clapping and funny face making, she warmed up to me, and in no time she was smiling for the camera, looking generally adorable. Take a look at my favorites and don’t feel silly if you start giggling just looking at them! That just means you’re human.

Helpful tip for all the other non-moms out there like myself: don’t put babies in the snow. They don’t like it. And they will let you know.

*I’ve been working on my colorspace issues. These were processed using my old method, and so the colors aren’t that vibrant. I’m trying to fix it, though. Learning slowly. Slow and steady wins the race. Also trying to figure out sharpening for the web. There’s a fine line.