A weird Aperture tutorial! |Queen Creek Child Photographer

One thing I love about my job is how I fall in love with each of my clients. I met these two cuties a little over a year ago...and just love seeing them and their sweet mom.

What I especially love is when I receive pictures from clients with pictures of how children I've photographed have grown and the beautiful captures that are caught.

Secret: The cutie on the left is where I found my inspiration for my Cam's haircut. The haircut that I hear more compliments on and I have to always give credit to the real inspiration...the cutie sporting the tutu.

What I love about this picture is it's full of fabulous composition and is a great example of following rule of thirds. To read more on rule of thirds, scroll down a few posts.

Now...there was reason behind the random titled blog post. The mother of these cute girls took one of my first "Getting to Know Your Camera" class.

The "meat and potatos" of this class is learning how to understand how Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO work and relate while using these concepts in manual settings...

P mode- Program

A/Av mode- Aperture Priority

S/Tv mode- Shutter Priority

M mode- Manual

Ultimately, the best way to learning how these concepts relate is practice using them in manual mode. Meaning, just playing around to understand what happens when you shoot with a shallow depth of field and a fast or slow shutter.

The beauty of the digital camera is you can shoot crazy amounts of frames and not be out a dime from film lost. Back in my film, 35mm days, not that I really knew anything...I literally would go out with a pad of paper and write down the settings for each frame and then run to the nearest one hour developer... and try to learn from there. But honestly, I knew NOTHING!

Anyhoo, my client recently sent in this picture with a very sweet email to brighten up my gloomy day. How sweet is that!

One thing she did include was that she was at a playplace playing around with her settings when she decided it would be easier to switch to A/Av, aperture priority mode.

Yeah...I was excited for her. Excited for not just switching to green mode but still being open to learning by shooting in Av mode. Honestly, aperture priority is a great place to start. Why? Well, your aperture/f-stop/depth of field is what gives the creative element to a picture.

How you ask? Well, your aperture determines how blurred your background is. Which ultimately is what everyone wants. How the blurred background adds to a fabulous picture is it blurs out the unimportant details in the frame to allow full attention to the focus of the picture.

Many of my clients that try to get that blur get frustrated as there is detail still included and not blurred as much as they'd like. Now, here is where I'm going to get lazy in my explanation...

basically it depends on your lens, along with the focal distance of your the background from the focal point in your frame. You really can't get that nice blur or bokeh... without opening your aperture wide open , achieved with a prime or fixed lens. Nice apertures typically range from f1.2 -2.8, depending on your lens. The lenses that come with cameras are considered kit lenses and limit you. The widest aperture is often f3.5 or f4, again depending on the lens and this aperture is only available when your lens is zoomed completely out.

Meaning, a 18-55 mm lens will probably have an aperture of f3.5-5.6. So, you can open up your aperture to f3.5 at 18mm and f5.6 is the widest available at 55mm. In order to open your aperture to f1.4 or 2.8, you would need a higher quality lens. Prime/fixed lenses are best for this. Why? Because they are available at a low cost while offering superior quality in clarity and shoot fast in low light. A lens with an aperture of f1.2 is super fast in low light.

(negative side not: not all Nikon cameras are compatible with prime lenses! be sure to research lens compatibility first!)

95% if the time I shoot with prime lenses, 35mm f2 (have a secret crush for the f 1.8), 50mm f1.4 and the 85mm f1.4. I do have the 17-55 mm f2.8, but it doesn't get much play as it doesn't offer near the quality of my primes and struggles in low light. The funny part is, it's the big lens. When I bring it out, that's when I see eyes pop as it's big. Then I often hear, "Oh, that must be your best lens." To which I reply, " Not really! It's good for that wide angle feel but my fav is hands down my prime lens....the less impressive looking small lens."

One thing to learn about getting sharp pictures is knowing your aperture and choosing the best for the subject being shot. Now...here is where my english turns japanese, or any foreign language, that means nothing without a translator. The more shallow your depth of field, the more room for error in clarity and/or selected focal point accuracy.

When I saw the picture below, I giggled! It's adorable! And the composition takes this picture to the next level...the level of printing, framing, and/or scrapbooking. Not the level of just thinking it's cute, can't delete but limited to never leaving a CD or DVD along with oodles of other pictures that never see the light of day.

One thing I did notice is where the clarity landed, and how it most likely fell off where the person photographing had the focal point selected.

The focus fell on the little girl's hand. Why, well...I'm sure the photographer told the camera to focus on the little girl's head but that's not where it landed.

Why? Simple...children move! The child moved off that focal point and the focal plane stayed but the child didn't! Rare right...HA...NOT! That's children. BUT...she is still in the focus range, not perfectly sharp but in the focus range. Which tells me she shot at a more realistic aperture for keeping details of the little girl in focus.

Me...I like to shoot wide open but it's not always realistic when the child is nicknamed "Speedy". Then I will close down my aperture to maybe a f2.8 or f3.2, allowing more forgiveness for movement and not loosing all clarity.

Okay...now I think I actually hear crickets chirping! Is anyone still reading? If not, I don't blame you! I just went total dorky, bookworm on you! But, I did try to not be too technical. Which leads me to...there are photographers out there that might be reading this totally laughing at my description but...I tried. There is a TON that goes into aperture but for me it's best if I cover this in person with hands on practice. So, I'm going to stop here.

Remember this...if it takes a while to grasp clarity in your pictures and getting them to where you are proud of them...BE PATIENT! Learning photography takes time. It DOES NOT happen over night. It's not learned/solved in a Q&A process. It's a journey. It's a journey of soul searching and math put together.

It's a journey that takes you to the level of appreciating life and learning how to better capture the details that make life memorable. Always remember, shoot what you like and be proud of it. Most importantly, show it off!

And...if you need translation for this wacked out post....let me know! Email me through the contact page of my website.

Meet Sherman | Queen Creek Bug Photographer

A little background...
My dear Camryn is a bug fanatic, bug enthusiast, bug stalker, and bug lover. She has some sort of bug radar in her and has this ability to find the tiniest bug right when we're in the middle of doing a mad dash into a store when it's 115 degrees outside, or quickly rushing into an appointment we're late to, or interrupting dance class because she saw a bug walk 15 feet in front of her. No joke, today her dance teacher brought me a bug that Cam HAD to have but wouldn't put down during dance.

When she spots a bug, she literally stops dead her tracks, drops to her knees and picks up the bug. It doesn't matter where she is...she just STOPS! While it's absolutely adorable, it is frustrating as it's not always the most convenient. Why....because I'm always juggling a baby, stroller, diaper bag, holding one to two hands or pushing a basket when she HAS to stop. But then I remember how I loved bugs when I was little. My grandmother once said that bugs didn't stand a chance if my twin, Pam, and I were around.

That's Cam.
But, one way I've been trying to keep my home from becoming a bug refuge or permanant resting place for bugs/worms...is telling her we have to leave the bug or his/her mommy won't be able to find it. It worked for a while but now she just says that the bug wants to be with her forever and never leave (said in the most dramatic tone of course)!

Now to backtrack a few days, when we left for the mini shoot of my niece, Cam found another bug...shocking I know. I did the standard,

ME~ Oh isn't he cute! Okay, now say goodbye so his mommy can come find him!"
cam~ But mom, I DO love him. I don't like his mommy! I love him. (now holding the bug)
ME~ No, seriously Cam...PUT. DOWN. THE. BUG! NOW!
Cam~ But I love him mom.
ME~ I know Cam, but we can't take EVERY bug with us and I WON'T willingly have a bug living in my car.
Cam ~ (now getting in the car after putting the bug down) I'm not very happy mom. I don't like not having the bug. I'm angry!
(enter Cash, my realist)
Cash~ But Cam, the bug needs his mommy. You would be sad if you lost your mommy.
Cam~ But the bug wants to snuggle with me.
Cash~ (giggling) That's silly Cam, we don't snuggle with bugs. Do we mom?
ME~ No Cash, we don't snuggle with bugs. Their dirty. (insert my germ phobia, add to list of girl's therapy issues) We just look at them.
(I'm now backing out of the driveway)
Cam~ But mom, I love Sherman.
(me quickly stopping in the driveway)
ME~ Oh! He's Sherman. Let's take a picture of Sherman.
Kaeleigh~ (niece) Wait! You just were leaving the bug but now you want to take a picture of it because it has a name.
ME~ Yep! The first bug she's named! How cute is THAT!?!

Here is the fabulous Sherman! With a broken leg though and sleeping! (wink wink)

My Camryn does have a cute little bug house. For the past week, this house became the final resting place for a large moth, several earwigs, tiny beetles and a small cricket. I came into the television room to Cam rapidly shaking the house and calling out to the bugs to wake up....repeatedly! Today we had the talk about how her bugs sleep a LOT! And she thought it would be a good idea if we put them into the backyard for them to wake up and play. So, we released them.

My Cam...she really puts a BIG smile on my face.

Personal UPDATE:
First, I want to thank all of you for the sweet emails starting as early as 6 am (thank you Jodie), the phone calls through the day and hearing from my sweetest friend who moved far away, Maggie.

Thank you...thank you for caring. While yesterday's post was bit dramatic and probably looks more doom and gloom than needed, my stomach was in tight knots from the slap of reality we faced. And without totally putting it out there, everyone is healthy...so life is good. When it comes down to it...we have three beautiful children that keep us grounded and remind us of our blessings. We also have incredible friends that are there for us unconditionally...you all are my friend.

Thank you and I'm smiling now!

Tell me it isn't true! |Queen Creek Baby Photographer

Pleeeeeeease tell me my baby isn't really 7 months old!?!

Just yesterday I was asked if Easton was 7 months old...to which I quickly replied, "No, he's 6 months." And then, I did that random look to the left look and began to stammer out...um, he IS 7 months old. Oh no....that can't be. But it is!

For this month's shoot...I went with the ONLY the diaper look! And I'm sure one day, he will look back and think his diaper is so out of date!

My baby...with his favorite toy! And...just so you know...it IS official! I am obsessed with him. I've grown to be that mom that saves 30 frames of pretty much the same picture...because I am that obsessed with him.

I fear for the girl that comes into his life...she will have to go up against me! If I stay on this path... I for sure will become one of those moms in a Lifetime movie! Ha!

The best part of his 7 month shoot...it was the first time he pulled himself up. And I caught it all.
He is honestly the happiest baby! He giggles at the sight of me and makes me giggle.
On another note:

I'm in a horrible mood. Like a really sad mood. I heard some terrible news a couple days ago and I think it just set in.

It's not the kind of news where a life is threatened, or the walls of someone's life if caving in or something beyond repair. It's just the kind of news that my husband and I dreaded to hear...the kind that makes me so upset I could cry. I'm just sad. I'm sure I'll get past it...I KNOW I will. But for now, I am having a pity party. The best part is I'm way too stubborn to let news like this get the best of me. My attitude in life is what goes around comes around...and I'm hoping for things to come around to us soon.

And while my blog is not only for business purposes, it's my daily journal..it's for my random ramblings, it's for my proud mommy moments and it's just a place for me to be ME.

So...here you have it...here is a post where it is totally all me. I promise I'll come back with a happier me! And...I'll bring back a picture of Sherman! Thanks for giving me this moment.

Tonight I'm working and rockin' out to some Black Eyed Peas, Randy Travis, Taylor Swift and sweet Jack Johnson! How is that for a random Itunes playlist! But I'm soooo lovin' it!

Formally introducing! | Phoenix Newborn Photographer

8 days ago, my twin sister delivered her second child...and I was able to be there!

Introducing...

Isabelle

7 pounds 6 oz

19.5 inches

Her long awaited arrival was filled with uneasy nerves as there were several bumbs in the pregnancy ... we began to count down the days to see her arrive safely. And she did make a sweet debut that leaves us thankful for God's miracles.

Now, for a little trip down memory lane... my sister 8 months pregnant.

And my niece, Isabelle...right after she arrived.

Isabelle...7 days old.
And I can guarantee I did NOT look this good a week after either of my pregnancies. I know I'm biased, but I think she looks stunning and showing off her proud mommy glow.

Here's a secret...while I share mostly color portraits on my blog...I'm truly a b/w lover. But, I'm incredibly picky about b/w conversions..and I mean obsessively picky. Occasionally, I'll come across a picture that I think it deserves only a black and white presentation.

The requirement, it must have a timeless and innocent feel to it.
While my sister was rocking Isabelle, I was captured one of her first of many smiles.

I'm thankful, thankful for God's miracles, thankful I was able to witness another birth and left incredibly jealous for the welcoming of another precious baby. I tell you...I could have enough children to fill a classroom.

I love pregnancy, I love delivery, I love babies and I simply love children.

Oh snap! | Queen Creek Child Photographer

For the entire month of July, my niece has been visiting from Kansas. Sadly, she'll be going home in a couple days and I was able to have her with my for a few days.

For these few days, I've learned:

~oh snap! is a cool phrase and not actually telling me to snap.

~cell phones are actually part of a teenager's body...another limb.

~when I was in school, it was cool if you could type really fast...now it's cool if you can hold an entire conversation in less than 45 seconds via texting.

~Disney channel to a teenager is like news is to an adult...extremely informative

~AND most importantly, how wonderful and unique my niece is.

While I was outside and she was in, she finished cooking meat on the stove. When I was getting ready, she got my daughter dressed and hair brushed. When my son was fussy, I found her in his bedroom reading him a story. When my daughter was playing pretend, she volunteered to be the baby. AND she did all this without being asked...or told...she simply did it. AND she is 14 years old.

My niece, Kaeleigh, is a wonderful young lady and I can't even begin to imagine the success ahead of her with the path she's already started on.

My only regret with her here...I didn't get near enough camera time with her. But we did fill it with loads of giggles, chats, remembering and did manage to squeeze in some laundry folding together. I just love my niece...my first niece.

(shot 30 minutes before sunset)ISO 160 f 2 SS 1/3200lens 35mm

When we were planning our camera outing, we definitely wanted to include the girls. When I asked them if they wanted to join, they actually said they wanted their picture taken....I giggled outloud when I heard this. And they were off picking their wardrobe. I just love my girls!

What's to come!

~my sister's newborn session

~and a new friend named.... Sherman...interesting name for a unique friend.

little giggles | Queen Creek Child Photographer

Taking my girls pictures isn't always the easiest...when trying to photograph the little moments of their days, I pull my camera and they quickly drop their heads, duck and run. Hmm, my husband always laughs at me and says how one day they'll need therapy for how they grew up in front of my camera.

Why...well, I'll confess, I can be that mom. That mom that bribes her children with candy for a picture, threaten with whatever and throw the occasional lie that a butterfly is on my camera just to get the look.

But this day, I thought...this is where I need to remember to have my children be included in having their say in the fun for getting their picture taken. Trying to remember to ask the girls if I can take their picture, what they might want to do when getting their picture taken, make it a Simon Says game for getting the other ones picture taken, have a mini photoshoot while doing their favorite whatever... I just try to think of anything to make it fun. I want my girls to look back at their childhood and not think that I loved my camera more, but that I loved capturing their essence, innocence, playfulness, toddlerness, sassiness and their love.

Here are my girls...playing with balloons. And this filled oodles of fun camera loving time while getting their giggles, hugs, patience and curiousity.

These girls are true inspiration for my love for photography.

On another note:

Today I made a major mistake. Today, I thought I could play hairdresser with my sweet Cash's hair. Today I crawled to my hair dressing bestie for forgiveness for seriously screwing up my daughter's hair.

As my husband asked me what in the world I was thinking...all I could say was it all started with a simple trim for some dead ends. As her hair was uneven, I kept trying to fix it. Now....well, I'll just write it resembles a bad Dora the Explorer cut, minus bangs. It's bad....like...really bad. There is a reason why I have someone do my daughter's hair cuts. There is a reason why I should only use scissors to cut coupons or art projects.

These pictures are literally the last proof of Cash's long hair. Now, here is the answer to my girlfriend's question...

Yes, I did learn my lesson.

The coveted one | Phoenix Newborn Photographer

I tend to leave my photo shoots with a problem... I leave with at least one picture I'd kill to have of my family, or just one of my darlings.

This one is one of those.

This special sneak peek if for the very sweet W family. I've been thinking of you all these past couple weeks.

I hope you enjoy this picture of your very precious baby.

What is exposure?

These past two months, I've taught a handful of classes on understanding your camera.  When teaching how to understand a camera,  learning the basic photography concept is a must.  

What I've loved is meeting several women that start the class, leaving with a huge respect for their very nice camera and all that it's capable of.   Each one of these moms leaves the class as a "momtog"....mom/photographer.  Which honestly, is how several of today's big name photographers started out...simply as a parent wanting to better capture their children and/or life.

If you own a DSLR (digital single lens reflex) camera, then you most likely have heard ....

"That's a really nice camera.  It must take really nice pictures?"  I always chuckle when I hear that...um, yeah...it's aaaaaalll the camera.  Hearing that makes me think...  telling a chef, "Your food is really good.  You must have really nice pots and pans?"

The basic concept of photography is exposure and how it's created.  Without getting super technical, exposure is all about three concepts.  And how they interrelate.  I'm also leaving out how these concepts apply to metering.

1.    ISO

2.   Aperture

3.   Shutter Speed

While it's still hard for me to see myself as a photographer when I have a loooooong list of photographers I admire and I'm still unsure about me carrying that title as that would mean I'm in the same category as those "big dogs."  But I do decide my exposures and I don't shoot in auto mode.  My camera is my tool and I think for it.

One of the girls in a recent class asked about settings for my pictures as visual examples for her.  While I understand the importance of hearing these numbers as a visual teaching method, it's not always the best for learning settings. At least, not until how the exposure concepts relate and work together.  Learning photography is overwhelming and is not a concept that can be learned overnight...photography is a trial and error learning process.  The settings used for one picture are specific to the lighting available, direction of lighting and determining how to use exposure to convey the message captured for that picture.  And unless another picture is set up exactly how that picture was created, the settings most likely won't work.   It's after going through trial and error of slowing or speeding up shutter speed,  opening up or closing down an f-stop and increasing ISO...that settings will make sense.  But, I completely understand how helpful it is to see another photographer's settings as I often ask friends what their settings were. Why do I ask?  I'm curious how the lighting was used and how the settings related to create that exposure...I'm kinda a dork that way.   I've always been that student that craves the what's and why's of everything.  

So, after that seriously long write up...I was thinking since I've had several woman leave my classes ready to start learning how an exposure is created, I would start including my settings with picture....here and there that is.  Also know, if you're ever curious, email me or leave a question in the comments and I'll be sure to include it.  I am always more than happy to help.

Now before the pictures...for those that don't know about rule of thirds...it's basically a rule that directs a visual artist how to create an image that's appealing to the eye. 

(there is a definition, I'm just not feeling too motivated to write it out.... I know, the big L  A  Z   Y!)

BUT do remember, that not all images follow the rule of thirds as it's always fun to break rules and it can push an artist creatively.  I love shooting both ways...rule follower and rule breaker!

To understand rule of thirds...basically place the focus of your picture on one, or more, of the four crosshairs of this layout.

Here is an example of following the rule of thirds.  

The dog and the baby...landed on or near two of the four crosshairs.  Now if I really wanted to have my teacher hat on, I would have showed you a picture where the mother, baby and dog were perfectly centered in the frame and it would be seriously BORING to your eye, compared to this picture.
My sister...again rule of thirds.  I know, the focus points roughly fell on two of the four points.

Here is an example of Aperture...blurry background, depth of field.  It's what everyone wants in their pictures, at least that is the bulk of the questions I get.  How do I get the blurred background?   

I left the detail in the little girl's face, opposed to really blurring her out...her expression added to the showing off of her bling. 

ISO  400  F2.8  Shutter 1/320

lens 17-55 mm  f2.8

Shutter Speed

I'm not going to give too much explanation on this.  It's how fast the shutter closes.  
ISO 100  f1.4  SS1/3200

lens  85mm f1.4

Again, aperture.  

(indoor swiming pool)  

ISO  800   f2.0  SS 1/640

lens  85mm f1.4

ISO  (film speed)  

(shot indoors in low light)

ISO  1600  F 2.8  SS 1/2000

lens  17-55mm f2.8

EDITING

I do little editing to my pictures.  When I edit, I edit to merely enhance my pictures. I don't get too fancy but have been known to occasionally.  

Here is a picture straight out of the camera (SOOC).

Here it is edited.  
(shot a little bit before sunset)

ISO  400  f2.8  SS1/500

17-55mm f2.8

SOOC
Edited

(shot indoors)

ISO1250  f2.8  SS1/800

lens  17-55 mm f2.8

Okay, did this make sense to anyone?  Do you even care!?!  HA!  Let me know if it's clear as mud and I'm sure it doesn't help that I'm not going into much detail.  

All I can write is photography is a mouthful...it's A LOT!  I aged a TON these past three years as I've put in several long nights reading books, on the internet and having my camera glued to my hands.  Hence, the permanent dark circles under my eyes.  But I wouldn't regret it one bit, I love photography. Now I'm just learning how to balance it with my family priorities!  And I stress learning.

Tomorrow I have my next class. For now, I will be scheduling once class each month. If you're interested in class dates and the details on one....send me an email at tamiproffitt@yahoo.com.

And just one!

This one makes me smile!  I love little moments like this.  

I'm happliy wrapping up a couple galleries.

Get's me smiling!

When I first opened up birthday week contest, I soon had an email from a fellow photographer, Jen Taylor, that made me smile...BIG!  Without writing out her entire email, there were two things that brought on my giggling grin.  

1.  Seeing this picture of her adorable daughter and her personally designed, ultra cute outfit.

2.  That she would love for me to come to Minnesota to photograph her daughter!  This was where I beamed...beamed my big pearly whites all day.  Why?  When a peer in my industry asks...it just renders me speechless.  I honestly didn't know what to say...  But I sure had a lot to say to who ever called me that day...I couldn't stop sharing the flattering news to anyone who could hear.  

Here's the fun part, Jen and I met almost a year ago at a photography workshop in Seattle.  She was one of the first girls I met there. 

Okay...here's a little storytelling.  First, the workshop I attended had I think 30 attendees.  It was big.  The first night was a meet and greet night for everyone.  I, of course, arrived late.  And arrived with blisters from the shoes I pranced through the city in.    

Before I went upstairs to the meet and greet...business had to be taken care of.

1. bandaids for feet from front desk

2. go to the ladies room

As I went up the stairs, I think I might have been the very last girl to arrive. And,  I arrived feeling like the new girl to an all girls school.  So, I entered and made my way to the very back of the room.  It was there that I met an incredibly nice group of girls and Jen was one of them.  

It wasn't until an hour into the evening that I realized my undergarments were not only hanging out, but hanging out because they got stuck in the zipper of my jeans!  Um yeah....I couldn't even scurry to the darkest part of the room to fix this, I just giggled outloud and quickly fixed it.  To this day, I simply laugh!  

Jen...I'm not sure if you even remember this.  But if you do, we're giggling together.  

_____________________________________________________

Finally....time to get to business.  The winner of my blog contest.  Drum roll please.  

:::::::Number 4::::::::

Picture number 4 received 89 votes...holy cow!  That is one fan club.  Now, to the mommy and daddy of this super cute trio...let's get to chatting about our new venture.  I have a few fun ideas.

Four amazing women...

and ONE amazing little girl!

I'll just begin with ....

I think I just had my all time favorite shoot ever!  Here are a few reasons for making the TOP favorite list...

~amazing women...and all strong women

~two women I proudly call my friends

~women sharing and cherishing their love through four generations

~pure honesty

~endless sweetness

~AND one gorgeous bride that is one of my dearest friends!

The stunning bride, Tehya...a girl that has proven to be a role model for all mothers, never short on love for others, dependable during all times, an example to her son, and unconditional in her friendship. She and I met about 8 years ago...and here we are today...again, I am blessed by the friendships in my life.

One fun fact on Tehya, she is stellar on details.  Here are three details that came in together.  While one of these things doesn't belong...it does and I loved the celebration of it.  The bottle and glasses lined the window sill...but that will be for another post.

Her something blue...again, stellar with details.  She dreamed up this sweet creation and easily put it together...super fabulous if you ask me.
One of my favorite little girls to photograph.

If you met Tehya, you know this is a familiar look.  She is truly a happy girl

What makes shooting these girls ultra special for me...this sister duo is what really makes my business tick and tock.  Tehya is my tick...she keeps me grounded in life and at sessions. Her sister, Mariah... is my tock. She is also my brain. 

Mariah is the back end of my business. Many of you may have already met her from working with her in scheduling, putting your orders together, designing wall layouts, cards, and receiving your orders. If you haven't met her, then yes... now you can finally put her sweet voice to a face.

From left to right, Mariah, Tehya and their sincere Grandmother.

While I still believe that wedding photography isn't my thing...it is beautiful. It's captivating to be a part of such a monumental day and capturing it all.

There were an abundance of moments caught on this special day...at this point, these pictures will probably be making blog debuts here and there!  And I'm sure when they do, it will be an eye full.

Up next:  

Tomorrow, announcing the winner from my birthday week contest.  While I pretty much know the count...I want to be sure to have the exact count.  Just need one more day to get that down.