Get Better Photos with any Camera

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Your Camera Loves YouMy new book, Your Camera Loves You: Learn to Love it Back! ships next month! (Eeeeeeeek!) The idea for it started years ago while teaching an introductory class about photography and digital cameras, and has blossomed into a full-blown book published by the incredible team over at Peachpit Press (seriously—they are sensational!).

You can get your hands on a copy by pre-ordering from Amazon, Barnes&Noble, or Peachpit. The best part? You don't have to wait long before it ships—it's coming out in less than 4 weeks! (You can find and like it on Facebook too!)

Also—the next two editions of the camera class (the one that inspired the book) are coming up!

Friday, Aug. 12 from 1-5pm Wednesday, Oct. 5 from 5-9pm (This one is a special edition evening class—don't miss it!)

Mark your calendars! Contact SCC's Continuing Education Department at 402.437.2700 to sign up!

Here's a video to give you an idea of what to expect in the book. Enjoy! :)

Down the Aisle: Laura + Evan

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As the pastor said during his sermon yesterday, "A prescription for a happy home begins with a great marriage." Conveniently, Laura and Evan happen to be in the business of home selling and prescription filling (she's in real-estate and he's in pharmacy). Their love for each other, combined with the love they share with their families, makes for pretty good medicine in the most primo of all locations—their hearts. :)

I have such a soft spot for grandparents... :) How cute is this Grandpa?

Laura was enjoying herself... lots of great laughter photos! :)

With a crowd like this, I am happily reminded just how much I truly love my job (even on days where the mercury pushes 100 and the humidity soars). Hugs to you all!!!!! :)

Down the Aisle: Rachel + Jeff

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When you plan a summer wedding in Nebraska, taking a gamble on smothering humidity comes with the territory. Suffice it to say that yesterday's weather had no mercy (as in, none whatsoever). Thankfully Rachel, Jeff, their families and the entire wedding party were great sports. Thank you all for your cooperation! I'm heading out the door to celebrate my birthday (cake anyone?), but couldn't go without sharing some images for the new Mr. and Mrs. Dias! :) Enjoy!

Here, makeup artist extraordinaire Natalie Bartling gives Rachel a wedding day glow (that held up like none other despite the smothering humidity!).

The band On the Fritz rocked the reception!

Voicemail Happiness

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Birthdays are a big deal when you're a kid. We may not remember when we turned 1, but our parents probably do. Turning 5 was another milestone, and you knew you were cool when you turned double-digits. When I turned 13 and became a teenager, I actually wrote a note to my parents apologizing in advance for whatever drama my teenage years might hold. (Who does that!?)

Turning 15 meant you got a learner's permit (mine came with a typo that made me 24 instead).

Turning 16 meant you could finally drive without your dad in the seat next to you, grinding his teeth every time you let the clutch out too quickly (or not quickly enough). (Pst! Love you Doad! :)

Then you turn 18. 21. And—30.

Then, you just turn... wait? How old am I again? I'm lucky if I actually remember my birthday when it arrives...so to figure out how old I am, I usually have to resort to math. That—or ponder the age my siblings are, and then add the correct number of years. :)

So this year, I've done the match, and apparently, I just turned 32. I'm grateful for all the Facebook posts, cards, twitter/text messages, and—voice mails. Particularly these three:

My mom was the first to call today, which makes me smile. How sweet is her voice? I love her to pieces. (And now you know that my parents call me "Pumpkin.")

Bday Singing from Mom (mp3)

This one is from my aunt. I love it when she (and the rest of my family) calls me "Kharita." (This is, of course, in addition to "Pumpkin," which is reserved exclusively for my parents' use.) My aunt was followed by mi Abuela (grandmother)—who calls me Princesa (as well as "Kharita) and speaks to me in Spanish. I treasure it. She also sent me a card, like she has every year for as long as I can remember. Her handwriting is impeccable and instantly recognizable.

Bilingual Birthday Wishes (mp3)

Then, my brother-in-law, Adis, called and put little Haris on the phone. The sound of his sweet little voice saying, "Happy birthday Khara!" made my heart melt.

Birthday Wishes from Haris (mp3)

That was so much fun. I'm already looking forward to 33! :)

Your Chance to RockYourWorkflow for only $39!

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My Guide to a Wickedly Fast Workflow has been flying off the shelves our server since I launched it last January. If you've been waiting to get your hands on a copy, now is a great time! For a limited time, it's available for only $39 (regularly $89) courtesy of the folks over at PhotoDough. I've gotten a lot of questions about the software I use and recommend. My favorite combination includes Lightroom, Photoshop, and InDesign. But the guide is about so much more than software—it's about the philosophy of building a wedding package with your clients' best interest at heart, ultimately making their lives (and yours) easier. It's about setting up a system so that no one (you or your clients) has the chance to drop the ball and delay the process. And it's about the potent combination of efficiency and effectiveness.

You can download the first 2 chapters to see for yourself, or you can hop on over to PhotoDough and get it while the gettin' is good! :)

I hope it truly changes your life! Here's what other folks have had to say:

“I thought my workflow was ok—but after reading the guide’s tips on how to cut images down, how to design and set up a winning wedding package, my workflow has been blown completely out of the water! No wonder I hated the whole process before!” —Carly Rodgers

“Being new to the business, I was overwhelmed at what seemed like never ending post production.  I’ve read about photographers finishing in 8 hours… but no one was telling me *how* to do it…  Until now! Khara’s guide laid out everything… from leaving the wedding, to ordering the album. She even talks about the steps she takes before the wedding to make sure everything afterwards is seamless.  My New Year’s resolution is to have proofs and album design back to the client in one week!” – Lauren Mingus

“I just put the finishing touches on the edit from this past Saturday’s wedding thanks to Rock My Workflow this season!” —Sandra Regier

Workflow Guide Sale

They're Back!

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After completing her Ph.D in Oregon (and an internship in Iowa), my sister Gina, her husband Roy, and their son Dominic are proud Lincolnites again! I stopped by to help them with the aftermath of the move, and couldn't resist a few shots (with my beloved S95 compact camera). Dom is at the age where in order to get him to lay down with his head on the cushion, I had to ask him not to lay his head on the cushion. Worked like a charm. I'm onto you Dom!

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Dom is such an expressive little guy... he always makes me laugh. :)

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After a nap, he wanted some mama-snuggle time...

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So glad you guys are back!