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Tuesday, June 18, 2013

a peek into snap shot delight & a giveaway!

My latest class Snap Shot Delight goes live this Friday, June 21st! I've had so much fun creating this class and am excited to share all of my favorite creative tips and techniques  for taking photos. I can't give everything away but I wanted to share a little peek into one of my lessons on capturing details- below are two of my favorite EASY ways to take macro photographs.

P.S. I'm giving away 5 free spots in the class! Scroll to the bottom of the post for details on how to win!




Did you know that you can reverse your lens so that the back points outward and the front points inward? Its a really economic alternative to buying an expensive macro lens- there are all kinds of adapters and reverse rings for the process. Using a reverse ring is the "correct" way to reverse your lens but I actually don't own a reverse ring! Years ago I was teaching myself to take macro photographs and I had every intention of ordering a reverse ring for my camera but I started experimenting with taking photos without an adaptor. I tend to break lots of rules and am always trying to find fast ways to get results so I started experimented with reversing my lens and then tightly holding it in place to take macro photos. It worked so well for me that I never got around to ordering my reverse ring!
The key to this technique is holding your lens as tight as possible so that you are not letting light in. It is also best to have a steady hand since focussing depends on you and how close you are to the subject matter.

I typically have to take a handful of photos to get something that I like and I do a lot of fiddling with my light to get a shot that I am happy with. 

But the result is pretty darn wonderful and after practice, really easy and great for on the go macro photos!



These days there are ALL sorts of really neat bells and whistles you can incorporate into your camera phone photography, it seems you don't even need a fancy DSLR camera!
My favorite tool when taking macro photos with my iphone is a "macro cell lens band". 
 It's basically a rubber band with a built in macro lens (a plastic magnifying glass) it works with any mobile phone and is SUPER easy to use to capture the tiniest of details! 

I own a couple of these little bands and try to keep one in my purse and one the in car so I am able to take a macro shot at any time!



The result is BEAUTIFUL macro photos that are perfect inspiration for color, texture and pattern!


Class is on sale for $30 until June 22nd!
For all the details on Snap Shot Delight head on over to my SHOP



I am giving away 5 free spots in class! 
Leave me a comment- tell me your favorite subject matter to photograph
I'll randomly draw 5 names and announce the winners this weakend!


Class is on sale for $30 until 

280 comments:

  1. This looks great! I learned something from you preview. Thanks for the contest.

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  2. What a great tip, Alisa!
    Thank you.
    I like photographing details. :)

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  3. Oh I so would like to win a spot in this photo class!!!

    My husband is the expert photographer, and I've always been attracted to photography. I just can't remember all the technicalities to take excellent photos... The kind of photography you do with all the "short cuts", is more my style being a more intuitive photographer than an accomplished one.

    What I like to photograph are close-ups of texture of anything I run into and see, but also portraits of people unawares... I love people and their expressions.

    I loved your create daily class and all the prompts of photography helped me improve my approach and techniques.

    Thank you for the tip of those bands, I'm going to try and find some now for my android phone!!!

    Take care Alisa, à bientôt!!!

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  4. Anonymous12:47 AM

    I started to learn to include myself in pictures. Me who allways hide behind the camera. Otherwise I love to take soft dreamy photos of my soruondings and most of all, my lovley sons.

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  5. The lens reversal is so cool!! I love painting country pictures with vintage houses and garden of blooms..Thanks for the opportunity

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  6. For me, it's not the matter of what I shoot, but how: Quick and easy and as natural as possible. I refuse to use a flash. I'd rather turn on the light or even light a few candles- guess,that's because I never learned to use a flash/my camera properly ;)

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  7. I love taking picture of my dogs (or well, my parents dog!) and flowers. I seriously LOVE flowers and getting as close as I can. Especially when I still had a balcony to grow things on I took photos on a daily basis to watch them grow.

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  8. Anja Schwaß1:33 AM

    I´m always looking for funny perspectives. I´ve never heard of this macro lens thing befor. Thank you for sharing your experiences.

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  9. I like to photograph windows and old buildings.
    Thank you for giveaway :)

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  10. I love to look at, and attempt to capture, the detail of tree bark, the moss growing on old twigs, bumble bees and dragon flies, colourful flowers..... and I try to take natural looking photographs of my family too but without a great deal of success.

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  11. I love your blog and your work. You always have wonderful ideas and pictures. Thank you for sharing all this with us.
    I took part in your online class sketchbook delight and I loved it!
    What a nice idea to raffle places in your photo online class !

    I would like to learn more about photographing small things and about the whole process of searching and finding good motives.



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  12. Flowers seem to be what I take lots of pictures of....love getting up close ...

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  13. Anonymous1:59 AM

    Oh Alisa, you are such a rock star and I am a groupie. I have a girl crush on you, sorry. Thank you for sharing your heart and talent with all of us! I love to to capture sentimental moments...whether it's a close up of my kid's childhood tire swing, my granddaughter's first experience with a pumpkin, or believe it or not...a favorite dish. (I love people with food) I would be thrilled to take your new class! Thanks for the opportunity!

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  14. I take all sorts of photos, but I especially like capturing the textures and feelings of old buildings, barns and equipment. Capturing worn and rusty beauty.

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  15. I love to photograph nature. Thank you for this wonderful giveaway.
    Susan

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  16. I love photographing random quirky details in whatever neighborhood I am in. For example, there's a house where someone put googly eyes on the cactus plants in the yard. Generally silly, funny things that strike my fancy. :)

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  17. Flowers. Their simple beauty always makes me smile. Thanks for the great tip about reversing the lens - I'm going to have to try it. Also, thanks for he chance to win a spot.

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  18. I mostly take pictures of special occassions, but I try to make more of everyday life.

    I only have a point and shoot camera, will that be enough for this class?

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  19. You are always so inspiring and always think outside the box to make and do incredible things!!!!!

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  20. Those two tips are amazing and the photos you created are stunning! I will have to try them asap! Thanks for sharing that and hosting this great class.

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  21. I like to take pictures of the unexpected in busy city centres. Like a fern on a wall in a small ally or an unexpected garden behind a brickwall. I also like to go on walk in nature and take pictures. I will be moving from the highly populated Netherlands to the North of Scotland in a few months. So I'm concentrating on cities at the moment, my next home will be less populated but nearby a lot more nature and beaches.

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  22. Anonymous2:56 AM

    I love to take photos of nature...flowers, trees, birds....the countryside...I love to read your blog...thanks for lots of inspiration Alisa!

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  23. Other than of course my kids -food! I adore photographing food and baked goods, probably more than I do eating them! When I order food in a restaurant I can never resist a quick snap shot. :)
    Have a great day.
    Katie x

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  24. I love to take pictures of anything that happens to catch my eye but, even though I have taken a couple of classes, I can't seem to "get it". I would love the opportunity to take this class....thanks for the chance. I have always admired your skill in photography!

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  25. I guess I do birds, interesting things in nature and flowers the most.
    I can't wait to try the macro lens reversal! Thanks!

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  26. What a great tip Alisa! And thank you for this awesome opportunity. I love to take pictures, especially of landscapes, flowers and my cats.

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  27. I loved these tips! I'm so getting the magnifier lens for my iphone!
    It may sound familiar to you, but the thing I like most to photograph is nature, I like playing with the depths, the objects and light and capture really beautiful details. Always from Nature! :)

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  28. I've wanted a macro lens for so long, I cannot wait to try reversing the lens later on today!!!

    I usually obsess over photographing certain things for a while. In the winter, more landscapes, or any detail covered in snow. But right now, when there is a new flower blooming in the yard every day, it's definitely flowers. It's nice to hear so many others photograph flowers too :)

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  29. I think my favorite subject is documenting my works-in-progress. Crazy. I know.
    Oh and thanks for the little phone macro lens link. I just bought one. Never heard of such a thing before.

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  30. Hi Alisa,looks like another great class! I like to take pictures of part of things,like feet or a wing of a butterfly. I don't know too much about taking pictures so this class would be perfect for me. Thanks for the chance to win a spot.

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  31. I love your macro shots - unbelievable! These tips are great! Thank you!
    I love taking pictures of nature to use for inspiration in my art.

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  32. thx for these great tips! i love taking photos of flowers and trying to capture bokeh. i also love taking shots of texture and beautiful landscapes.actually, i will take a pic of most anything that strikes my fancy, much to the dismay of my impatient 13 year old! lol thank you so much for the chance to win a spot in your class. although i have never gotten to take one of your classes, i love what you offer and one day, i will take them all. ;*)

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  33. I take pictures of everything!!!! : )

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  34. lovesonic4:03 AM

    My favorite thing to photograph is any kind of structure, traffic lights, cranes, wiring at train stations, buildings with fire escapes and metal balconies, I especially love taking pictures from inside a moving vehicle or train and I actually embrace it when you can see reflections in the window, weird I know :)

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  35. I like photographing urban scenes!

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  36. Anonymous4:18 AM

    My favorite photography is macro and I love taking nature shots rather it is flora or fauna~close ups of animal eyes is always intriguing.

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  37. I'd like to win.
    I like to style and photography my breakfast...

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  38. I love taking pictures, so count me in please!AriadnefromGreece!

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  39. Lately my favorite thing is rocks and birds! Thanks for the chanceto win!

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  40. I love to take pictures of nature in the city. I would love to live in the country but with to kids going to school, i am attachted to where i live now. So i miss nature. But i've learned to find nature close by. So i run in park and take my camera with me. ;)

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  41. I love nature and dogs. They seem to always end up in my photos!

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  42. Love the tip you shared! Your class sounds amazing - would love a chance to win a spot!

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  43. My very favorite things to photograph are my 5(!) children. I just moved up to a dslr from a point and shoot last weekend and I have no idea what I'm doing yet. But I've got lots of fun subjects to practice on all the time!

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  44. Anonymous5:08 AM

    I like photographing my kids (and grandkids!) and my embroidery projects. (P.S. Your blog is always a breath of fresh air!)

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  45. Anonymous5:15 AM

    I like photographing landscapes. Class looks great! --Meg

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  46. Those little cell lens bands look pretty cool! I love to take photos of flowers, nature, my girls. Thanks for the chance!

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  47. Hi Alisa, I love taking pictures of flowers! I always learn so much from your classes and website. Thanks for the opportunity to win a free class.
    Beth

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  48. Thanks for reverse lens tip, you did get so gorgeous picture. I will try these....thanks. I so like to see your pictures because they are interested in subject matter and I love how you get the »white« in them, so they are so nice contrasted. So nice. I'm not close to that but I wish to be closer....so work and practice for me. I totally love to take pictures of details from architecture and old coloring doors with the imperfections and yummy, yummy details.

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  49. Anonymous6:00 AM

    Looks like a great class. I love to photograph contrasts, colors and textures

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  50. Delphine DOUCHE6:02 AM

    I love macro, of material (especialy old painting cracking, wood, flowers, textures) and thank you for the opportunity to try something different (never thought of reversing lenses ;)
    Delphine

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  51. WOW! Alisa...thank you for that amazing tip. I love macro photography and have been eyeing an expensive macro lens for a very long time. I'm going to try this!

    As for my favorite subject for macros - insects and flowers.

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  52. I love to photograph nature. Mostly water on plants and details of flowers.

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  53. Fantastic! I love photographing my family ❤

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  54. Great tips...I'll have to try it sometime. I love taking photos of my shoes when I'm travelling to document where I've been. It's funny how I've even convinced my husband or sisters to join me sometimes.

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  55. Thanks for the tip on reversing the lens. I had heard about this but your explanation was perfect -- will definitely try it!! I like snapping food and things I find in the forest.

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  56. This looks fun. My almost 11 yo (birthday is on Sunday) wants to take this class with me, so we just might. ;) I love taking pictures of my three kids. Love 'em to pieces.

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  57. Flowers and more flowers. In Georgia in the spring and early summer there is always some wonderful blooming.

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  58. i love to shoot many things but my most favorite is to travel to a new town and walk along, off the beaten path, and snap shots of whatever makes my heart dance. It could be writing on a wall, a flower, a door hinge, a person, a texture, a shadow...i look for beautiful, ordinary things that seem to capture my heart (and then my lens).

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  59. I would love this class because I'm always taking pictures with my iPhone even though I just got a new camera for my birthday. I love photographing nature, children and my pets.
    I would love to learn to use my new camera better. Also to take better photos for my blog.

    Thanks for the preview and for the opportunity to win a spot in your class.

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  60. This class looks amazing! I typically shoot photos of my family, but love flowers as well!

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  61. I love taking photos of my son and pets all day long, but I also love taking close up pictures in nature... mushrooms, moss, leaves, etc!

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  62. Elena6:54 AM

    I love to take pictures of my little niece! And of the home and land I grew up on.

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  63. Right now my favorite subject to photograph, other than my family, is trees. I love the texture of the bark and the patterns made by the leaves. I don't have a great camera but love to use it to its max!

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  64. Sunrises or sunsets

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  65. Anonymous7:03 AM

    Turn the lens and holding it is the craziest (fantastic!) thing I heard about photography.

    I like taking pictures of insects these days which makes me scared being called a freak... would be okay anyway, no?

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  66. Looks like this class is going to be a lot of fun! I had no idea about the phone camera lense thanks for the tip :)
    My favorite thing to photograph is fruits, sunsets, and flowers
    check them out on facebook
    Luzmaria Palacios Photography

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  67. Anonymous7:05 AM

    Love your work!! My favorite thing to photograph?? Anything that catches my eye as I look around. Spontaneous I guess.
    xx
    Gaye

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  68. My favorite subject matter to photograph ? Everything that have a little of poetry inside

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  69. Anonymous7:11 AM

    Favourite subject = my son!

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  70. Great ideas, thanks for sharing them! I would love a photo class for summer, it's the best time of year to snap!

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  71. My favorite subject matter is water. Although I'm no where near any water when ever I get around it I take tons of photos!


    Thanks for the tip on the macro band for the phone!

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  72. Just went and bought a microband - I have the Olloclip but this seems so much more convenient...
    I signed up for your class already - can't wait!

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  73. What a neat class! I love taking photos of my kiddos and flowers! Great giveaway...would love to win a spot.

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  74. Thank you for the great tips! I just looooooooooooove taking pictures in ways that gives the viewer a chance to take a different look at something that we often see. Like a close up or just part of somthing. To focus on a certain detail....
    Your course seems awesome!!!!!!! :)

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  75. Oh my gosh! I have been wanting to get a macro lens, but they are sooo expensive. I love your reverse macro suggestion. Going out to try it in a few minutes. Will have to look for the band for cellphone too. Thanks a bunch for the tips!

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  76. I love your tips! Thank you so much for keeping us inspired. I primarily photograph my art but I would love to expand my skills to inspirations and photos to use!

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  77. Forgot to tell about my favorite subjects - hmm, I love to photograph flowers, insects, birds, architecture i find interesting, rustic scenes, my kids( though they don't like to cooperate sometimes)and family, anything at the beach (though unfortunately I don't get the chance to do that very often). We are still planning on a move to your neck of the woods - Astoria, Seaside, etc.- as soon as we can get it together.

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  78. In some ways, everything is grist for the mill when I've got the camera out!! However, I probably have way too many shots of flowers and rocks/lichen/moss....

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  79. i love this idea!!! i am snapping photos all the time. i had a house fire in april and lost every single picture i had ever taken. (minus the few on my memory card in my camera that was in my purse and the low quality prints i can get from my fb photos). they were all saved on jump drives in my "fire proof" box. it was not fire proof. so i'd give anything if i could go back in time and take photos of my children when they were smaller. they are by far my favorite things to shoot. and nature. i live in arkansas and we spend at least one day a week on an outdoor adventure.

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  80. I love taking macro photos of flowers! Thank you for these cool tips!!

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  81. I love nature shots; flowers, birds, turtles, etc., as well as food we prepare. We just bought a new camera and I really need to learn the basics of it! This is a great giveaway.....

    deb

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  82. Such great tips! I LOVE to take photos of my kiddo, but not just the regular photos, I love to take super close-ups of her eyes, ears, etc. I also love flower photos, and well, anything really.

    Thanks for the opportunity to win your class!

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  83. I love to capture anything that is colorful!

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  84. I love to be outdoors so taking photos of nature inspires me!

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  85. Thanks for the great tip! I love to take photos of anything when the sun illuminates it and makes it look magical.

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  86. These two tips are very creative...I'm sure a whole lot more goodies await us in the full class. Thanks for the giveaway, Alisa.

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  87. flowers! and montana mountain landscapes!

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  88. Great and surprising tips:) Thank you!
    I'm just starting my adventure with photography, but I have learned that I find the greatest pleasure in taking children photographs - especially portraits.

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  89. Hi Alisa, Thanks for the information on the Macro Cell Lens Band - amazing!! I am always intrigued by architectural details on buildings. Rebecca B.

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  90. I love these tips!

    I like to take pictures of architectural details, especially gargoyles and grotesques. I also like unusual architecture that I can find around town, like old animal drinking fountains from the 1920s and old doors and wrought iron fences.

    Thanks for the opportunity to win a spot in your class!

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  91. OMG this class looks so fantastic!
    Flowers have become without a doubt my fav subject to photograph!

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  92. I love to photograph flowers and trees. Lisa L.

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  93. Hi, I have always wanted to take macro shots of flowers. I haven't been able to get them to be as beautiful as I had hoped. I would like to take pictures of birds too. All kinds of things. I just wish I wasn't afraid of my camera!!!

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  94. Every thing and any thing... They call me "Japarazzi". Would love to win a spot in your wonderful class!

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  95. Love these tips...I have never seen the rubber band for i-phones...cool! I love taking outdoor photos using natural light. Thanks for the chance to win a spot in your class...exciting!

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  96. Sounds like a fun class. How kind of you to give away 5 free spots.
    Susan Libertiny

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  97. I am a fan and would like an opportunity to learn more about photography. Can't wait to try your macro hint. Thanks

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  98. My favorite all time subject to photograph is my wonderful grandson, Brayden. He is only 15 months old and so expressive--he's such a hoot!! Love your blog and hope to win a spot in this class,
    God Bless,
    Pat, A Remade Life

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  99. Hi Alisa, thank you for that amazing tip. I'm going to try this! This is a great giveaway!!I like to photograph people and flowers. Thanks for the opportunity.
    Alex

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  100. Hi Alisa my favourite subject when shooting out and about is patterns created by objects such as some colourful fruit or the pattern of rain on the window

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  101. Not to be boring, but my favorite thing to photograph is my kids!

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  102. How awesome, I never knew you could do that!!!
    I am a beginning photographer so I mostly take pictures of nature, old buildings and my dogs.

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  103. I love to photograph anything that captures my fancy! I do portraits, babies, landscapes, details, street, architecture, textures! Is that like the master of nothing?!

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  104. I love to shoot macro ... anything! Food, flowers, jewelry, etc...

    Thanks for this giveaway! I'd love to win!

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  105. Great tips! I love to take macro photos of flowers in my garden, and I love to go to my local beach (South Coast of UK) in all weathers for inspiration:)

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  106. pretty addicted to get shots of bees and butterflies landing on flowers in my garden. thanks for the macro tip...SO gonna try it!

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  107. You always have such fun ideas! I love to photograph interesting cloud formations.

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  108. How do you come up with the best things!!?? I personally LOVE to photograph flowers and insects.

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  109. I'm already registered for the class and can't wait for it to start!
    My favourite things to photograph: flowers and landscapes.

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  110. My favorite things to photograph are my pets, flowers and food! I absolutely love photography and my family calls me the Family Photographer. I apparently get it from my grandfather. :)

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  111. These days I love to photograph flowers and architecture. Thanks for the free photo tips! I'm excited to try the macro trick.

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  112. I would love to win a spot in your class. As a new mama, my favorite thing to photograph is my 7month old son. He has the most killer big blue eyes and I just can't get enough of them. I want to capture every moment of this life of his that is just going by so fast.

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  113. Well I have an 21month old grand daughter (our only grand child)... SO!

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  114. hi alisa, i am an artist from germany and i like your blog veeeery much!!!
    i followed your "watercolor bliss" course, it was so much fun to do :)
    my favorite subject matter to photograph is my husband :)
    i do this for nearly 20 years now, sometimes more sometimes less.
    i like to see how he "changes" over the years :)

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  115. JoAnn Stevens10:06 AM

    I love to photograph flowers! I use them a lot in my artwork.....flowers are an endless supply of inspiration.
    Thank you for the opportunity Alisa!
    JoAnn

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  116. I love taking photos of my dogs and places that travel too on vacation. You always have such great ideas.

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  117. Anonymous10:13 AM

    Wow how's that for inspiration! And now that my garden is in full bloom! Oh I hope I win a place! Good luck to everyone! Sophie from Cyprus

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  118. I love taking pictures of my daughter, but it's hard with her moving all the time.

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  119. Anonymous10:28 AM

    My favoite subject is my cat - Jasmine. She is a challenge to photograph as she is solid black. Thank you for the great tips! I would love to learn to use my phone camera better. Gloria

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  120. furbelowsforfoundlings.tumblr.com10:43 AM

    You name it and I want to photograph it... It's been such a wonderful passion that has recently bubbled up for me. I have a point and shoot that offers manual settings so I have been challenging myself lately to only use them when walking around and capturing my surroundings. The Lake Michigan shoreline was my first muse. Now I am wooing New York City to be my next one...

    Really enjoy your site and your inspiration. Thanks so much!

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  121. I love to photograph quirky details that might have gone unnoticed. I also like to photograph chairs that are outside. Where I live, in the SF Bay Area, lots of people put old furniture out on the sidewalk for others to take. I sometimes see chairs that seem so incongruous on the lawn or amidst the flowers. They are my favorite subject matter.

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  122. hi alias thanks for this opportunity to win a space in your workshoip -- I have enjoyed several of your online workshops -- its hard to say what my favorite subject is -- I just take pics of whatever strikes my fancy at the time -- I must say I am less of a scenery person and more of an interesting architecture type of person -- I can always tell which pics I have taken and which ones my husband has taken lol hope I win

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  123. Anonymous11:23 AM

    I never knew you could do that with a lens. Great tip. I like to shoot my teenage son (when he'll let me) or my cat. Jane S

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  124. Well, Alisa, I'm sure you know by now that I just love your classes and you so I am so excited to see this one ~ photography is another love of mine! :) And, oh, my...while I love snapping pics of flowers, the beach, birds, and so many things...well, my sweet Westie, Tucker, is my fave subject to focus on!

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  125. I like to photograph the food I make and put notes on the back of the photo about the recipe!

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  126. I love macro photos of everything! Its all in the details :)
    Great work!

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  127. Maria Maresca11:50 AM

    Flowers, trees and little findings during our everyday explorations.

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  128. I can't wait to try that macro trick! I love to photograph flowers & old stuff, like barns, doors & rusty junk! thanks!

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  129. A free onlineclass-place? What a great thing.
    I am passionated to make pictures. So I was realy surprised to see how bad things went, wen I try to shoot selfportraits with electrical light...
    Is there a trick?
    Cynthia

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  130. Tracey12:06 PM

    At the moment I am obsessed with taking random photos of my home. It is the first home I've ever owned and I've just sold it to move to a new city. Planning on creating a little book about where I've lived.

    Love your art. Your sketchbook is so inspiring!

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  131. I forgot to mention what I like to photograph. My favorite subject matter is nature. Especially my garden.
    Susan

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  132. This class looks so great and just the excuse I need to buy a new camera. Thank you so much for this opportunity!

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  133. After reading your blog post this morning, I ordered a macro band. Can't wait to try it out. My favorite subject to photograph is my grand kids. I would love to win a spot in the class. Thanks for having such a great blog.

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  134. Well, I totally just spent a half an hour taking macro photos of stuff around my house! I've never tried flipping my lens like that before - it works pretty well! It's amazing the amount of detail you see! I took some close-ups of the gemstones in my ring; I've never seen them that up-close before! crazy!

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  135. Enjoy the creativeness and you have an amazing eye.

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  136. My top 3 subjects to photograph are => 1) Nature: flowers from the arboretum, the ocean, or trees in the park. 2) My cat. 3) My boyfriend.

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  137. Amy Lynn1:03 PM

    Love your photography techniques! Such beautiful blog photos :)

    My favorite subject to photograph is architectural/industrial details. It's so fun to see what kind of patterns and shapes are everywhere around us :) (at least by me in the city!)

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  138. I d love to win
    I m already learning from just a preview

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  139. I love to photograph nature (especially macro) and my family.

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  140. Anonymous1:50 PM

    I love to photograph shadows - of people, trees, buildings, etc.

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  141. Great class Alisa! and great tips!!

    I'd love a spot in your class...

    I enjoy photographing insects :)

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  142. I love taking pictures of my granddaughter. She just loves to say "Cheese." Nature is a very close second. Thanks for this contest!

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  143. I love to photograph different textures. And anything green & growing!

    Thanks for the giveaway!

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  144. I love to photograph people up close and personal. Sometimes I go for really intimate feeling portraits and other times I go so "macro" the composition is downright abstract! Hope I win a spot! ;)

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  145. I love to take photos of things that catch my eye & inspire me. And of course my sweet girls :)

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  146. I LOVE taking pictures of flowers and of people. I love to capture emotion that I can quite render when drawing

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  147. Lynn (lynnita.bonita@gmail.com)4:23 PM

    Wow, Alisa! Thanks so much for these tips and what a blast it would be to win a spot in your upcoming class! I don't have a 'favourite' thing to photograph but, if I had to choose one thing, it would be food - in all its beauty! Thanks again for the chance and good luck to all!

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  148. Awesome!! I love taking macro pics of moss or tree barks or things that you just wouldn't normally notice the details on. I love taking regular pics of anything that catches my eye especially pops of fun color or something unexpected.

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  149. I live in Japan, so I love taking photos of my environment to share with friends back home (in Canada -Vancouver Island, so sort of neighbours). I have recently taken a self-portrait course, so have had so much fun looking for interesting backgrounds around my town. It is really inspirational to be part of a Flickr group and share photos and I think my photography has improved.

    I started a blog at the end of April and would like it to include a lot of photos, but want to work on my style more. I so absolutely love the photos that you post of your art, your family, the Oregon coast, your daily life. I would love to get better at recording family life, too! And I really need to add more colour into my surroundings. Taking photos has made me so aware of things I would like to change in my home. Your photos are always so full of light and colour and I find that inspirational.

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  150. My favorite thing to photograph is my family!

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  152. I love taking pictures of toes! I love drawing, photographing, painting my toes! I love photographing my toes in the environment! Covered with sand is the best!

    I hope I win a spot!

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  153. Thanks so much for this chance to win a spot!! I only have a point and shoot, is that ok?

    I take pictures daily of everything, I love the everyday things and the unposed pictures of the kids.
    What really makes me happy though is pictures of the sunrise/sunset/trees/clouds/flowers/houses/barns anything nature I guess.
    What I need to learn more about besides these awesome tips you just gave is action shots. Like my son playing soccer/bball, I always get the picture too late or too blurry and would love a picture of the moon.
    Thanks so much again, I've always loved your photos and can't wait to learn more from you.

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  154. flowers!! altho, i love getting the birds that land on our deck too, and the squirrels. the bunnies run away to quickly for me to get good shots, they are from too far away.

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  155. That's easy! I love photographing my children! After that it would have to be food.

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  156. reese romero6:01 PM

    I like taking pictures of old buildings, signs, doors, windows, anything old.

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  157. I love taking photos of my kids and nature:)

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  158. KarenLS6:11 PM

    I love taking pictures of flowers.

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  159. Very cool. I wonder if you could make one of those bands yourself? My favorite subject to photograph is my cat :-).

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  160. Wonderful tips! I love photographing things from nature and interesting architectural features, all of which I use as inspiration for my other artwork.

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  161. I love taking pictures of my garden, vines, and sunlight peeking through the trees.

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  162. just spent a few days taking iphone pics in NYC. Lots of doors, textures, architecture. Really want to improve my skills.

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  163. I like photographing kids outside. Or getting shots of stormy skys.

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  164. Very cool. My favorite things to photograph (currently) are birds nesting or feeding in our yard. I'm not a professional, and only have a Cannon power shot, but I'm pretty happy with the amateurish results I get. I'm just now beginning to explore techniques, lighting, etc. I bought the camera to take pictures for eBay and Etsy, and I'm trying to improve my skills for that as well. I want to begin staging, so I'm really enjoying looking at creative sites like yours.

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  165. Very cool. My favorite subject matter these days is my daughter. Thanks for the opportunity to win a spot in the class!

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  166. My favorite subjects are my 2 little girls and, well, yes, flowers! Thank you so much!

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  167. Dawn H7:07 PM

    I was just out trying this today!! My favorite subjects are families, moms playing with their kids and sports. I would love to win a spot in this class to change it up aittle!! Thanks!

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  168. Anonymous7:11 PM

    Hi Alisa,
    What a gorgeous blog....and gorgeous photos! I found your blog about a week ago, and I am in the process of reading it cover to cover!
    I, too tend to "break the rules" and am always looking for new/unique/unusal ways to put my own spin on things.
    This class looks wonderful. I enjoy capturing my kids and dogs with my camera. Thankyou for all you do to inspire and motivate other creative souls!!

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  169. Hi Alisa! I love, love, love to take nature shots... macro especially. Thanks for the opportunity for the class!

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  170. I am always so amazed by how some picks look so effortless and mine not so much!
    I love anything about the beach!!!!

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  171. Thank you for these tips!!!
    I like to take pics of flowers these days. But what I love most is looking for hearts in nature!!! Just found one today! <3

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  172. I love insects and flowers. Together? Heaven!
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/29840835@N06/2991127474/
    this is a pic I took a couple of years ago.
    thank you!

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  173. My favorite subject is flowers and if there is a bug in them, all the better! I love getting close to caterpillars, butterflies, bees, and geckos. I love capturing a very crisp center of the flower with my macro lens. Flowers with dew on them are also beautiful to photograph.

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  174. When I first saw you were offering a photo class I thought, "Won't work for me - don't have a fancy camera yet." BUT then I saw the macro bands for the phone and other tips and got excited! My favorite subjects to photograph are our boys. . .

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  175. Hi! I love photographing flowers and nature. You can get amazing shots!

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  176. Your course looks wonderful and I am always looking for ways to use my camera differently. My favourite thing to photo is cake! I'm going to try your macro lens back to front trick for some closeups of my latest creation - rainbow cupcakes.

    Thank you so much for offering a chance to win, and good luck everyone entering!

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  177. I love to photograph kids and real close up of flowers. I got a canon rebel and look forward to learning a few tricks and tips.

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  178. I would love to learn more about photography - and have always loved your photos and pics.

    I believe a good photo can be of just about anything - the trick is to take a good photo! Easier said than done.

    I love taking pictures of scenes and nature............

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  179. I love photographing flowers and birds! Both make me happy! :)

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  180. Anonymous10:20 PM

    I love photographing flowers. Thanks for putting this class together. It will be my first photography one.

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  181. People, definitely, people! love capturing moments!

    Thank you for adding beauty to this world! Love what you are doing....

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  182. I love photographing raindrops in unique ways just to see if I can capture this special moment... because it is rare indeed.

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  183. I like photographing my daughters, and views from far above. I'd love to learn your photography tricks and shortcuts, you always have such lovely portraits of your family- I'd want to do that too!

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  184. I love capturing photos of my boys, as well as "what I'm doing now" kind of pictures :)

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  185. I love to find unique textures in unexpected places
    with macro photography!

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  186. I love portraits, but I also like to take good photos of my projects.

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  187. Thanks for offering this! You are always such an inspiration. I love photographing textures and unusual juxtapositions of colours, the things that most people take forgranted or do not notice... they are always a source of inspiration for my fibre-art work... and of course I never will tire of photographing my kids!!

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  188. Thank you so much for this opportunity!
    I would love to be able to photograph flowers and bugs, all kinds of little creatures!
    Alisa, I love your art!

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  189. Anonymous1:52 AM

    Well, besides photographing my child I like to go outside and take many photographies with nature as a subject.It is always inspiring...the best photo my child outside somewhere...

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  190. Anonymous2:16 AM

    Hi Alisa,
    Thanks for the chane to win!
    I love to photograph rocks!
    Stephanie (in Paris, France)

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  191. I just love to take photos of clouds :) I'm definately taking your photography class, these are absolutely fantactic tips :)

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  192. Meredith2:58 AM

    My favorite thing to photograph...in the last two years has been my children. I love to experiment with cropping their faces and interesting angles!

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  193. I love that lens band! It might be an outrage for a professional photographer, but to me it's brilliant.

    I'd love to make nice portraits, but honestly I'm much better at landscapes. Or details.

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  194. I love to shoot sports..great challenge! I'd love to take a class from you, thanks!

    Shine on!
    Kelley

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  195. this class seems to be so interesting and inspiring! I would love to take great colorful pictures for drawing inspiration. I love your art!!!

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  196. oh there are so many things I like to photograph, from the worked on pages of my journal, to my little girls feet in her cute shoes, street signs and still shots in my house

    adored that little tip with the lens will be trying it for sure!!

    fingers crossed you pick me!

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  197. I was given my first camera when I was in the 6th grade - many, many years ago. I have loved photography ever since. I enjoy taking nature pictures, and in looking through my photo files it seems that flowers are my favorite subject. I have enjoyed the classes I have taken with you and would love to win this giveaway and take another!

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  198. Cool Rain in a Summer Storm4:51 AM

    I love your work. This looks like a great class. I love shooting flowers and would love to learn how to get those detailed shots with clarity.

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  199. I love taking shots of flowers and cats! Thanks for these easy macro tips!So helpful and ingenious :-)

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