📸 San Diego Comic Con Photography Tips

Whether you are using a big ol' fancy DSLR or a handy iPhone, it doesn't matter you can get great pictures with BOTH! My number one rule for shooting cons is DON'T let your battery die! Otherwise you are out of the game. I charge my cameras EVERY night regardless of what the battery indicator says. Usually I just let them die, but for SDCC I don't want to risk it.

Here are my favorite tips and tricks for getting great photos with any camera!

22 things in 2022 ✅

I think that making my 2022 aspirations more precise will be helpful to me to move them into habits throughout the year. Along with new goals for myself personally, I have them for my company. I want to start educating myself more and making a difference where I can. I want to get back to traveling and I want to be more creative! I'm excited to use the Dailyo app again this year to hold me accountable each day! Here are 22 things I want to do this year!

FallOrado Leaf Peeping

In the vein of my last post, this weekend, I made my Sunday count by taking full advantage of the Autumn weather and scenery that has begun to spring up in Colorado aka FallOrado. It is time to go leaf peeping!

#100cupsofcoffee Update + Photo Challenge!

NERDS!!!

I am sooooooo excited to tell you that I got my first complete edit done on 100 Cups Of Coffee! BIG shout out to Kendall for getting that done for me! She is an amazing local Colorado nerd that I met...you guessed it through this very blog! This site has brought so many amazing and talented people into my life!

Now next steps! I'm going to go back through one more time and add more details, maybe do some rearranging and then Kendall will go through and edit again.

During the second edit process, fingers crossed I can get my updates done in a month, by March we will be looking for BETA readers! Interested?! Let me know in the comments below!

I cannot wait to have a few of you test the waters for me! I plan to add a few more cups to the blog in February as a little teaser!

After I hear what you think, feel free to comment on ANY of my cups, I'll work on my proposal for agents and publishing houses. I cannot believe after almost three years, I am getting SO close!

NOW for even more fun! I want YOU to share your cups of coffee with me! I've created a photo challenge where we can have a cup of coffee together everyday!

Let me explain how to participate. Here are your daily prompts:

Mug Monday - Share your favorite mugs! Perfect for my day off and my HUGE collection!
Tuesday Travel - Where are you drinking your coffee today? Do you have a travel mug?
Wednesday Wisdom - Let's get deep today! Share something!
TBT - Forgot to share a cup? Today is the day!
Fri-YAY - Let's celebrate the weekend!
Caturday - Coffee and cats my two favorite things! Dogs welcome too!
Sunday Funday - My Saturday and the best brunchin' day!

Don't forget to tag me on Instagram: @thenerdygirlie and #100cupsofcoffee. The challenge NOW! Participate everyday or only your favorite day!

I cannot wait to see YOUR delicious coffee photos + share even more of mine. I feel like I have been slacking! Thank you nerds for all your amazing support throughout the years. I cannot say enough how much it means to me!

Figuring Out My Place In Time And Space: #100cupsofcoffee

First and foremost I'm a Nerdy Girlie, so of course this journey towards one hundred cups of coffee wouldn't have began if not for one of my favorite fandom of all time, the television show Futurama. In season five, episode eleven, One Hundred Big Boys, the main character Philip J Fry, along with the rest of the cast, receives a tax refund of $300. Fry decides immediately that with his refund he is going to purchase and drink one hundred cups of coffee and he does so in a twenty four hour period. 

This is one of my favorite episodes I have seen the million times but upon re-watching it one night again for the um-teenth time, I decided the next morning when I went take a sip of my morning coffee, that that cup would be my number one. Without knowing it, I began a journey of self discovery that I never knew I’d been waiting my entire life for. 

Since that first cup I have attended my seventh San Diego Comic Con where I sat on my very first panel, I have fallen madly in love with the city I live in, LA and most importantly, I've finally fell in love with myself. It's taken me almost three months to drink one hundred cups of coffee and in that time I grew more than I ever have in my entire life. 

Most of these cups were drunk alone, some of them were shared with my favorite people and the last one which pays homage to the Futurama episode that started it all, also pays homage to someone I never knew I always looked up to, who I can't believe I had a chance to have in my life and who showed me how to “be the love” everyday and enjoy and cherish the moments spent with family, friends and alone. Everyday I try and be the person that my Aunt Sheryl always believed that I was and am. 

I never thought that I would go through a divorce. I certainly didn’t go into my marriage with that intention in mind, no one does. But here I stand fourteen years later. I’ve finally learned to follow my heart. Do what is best for myself. To learn who I really am and to become the person I was always meant to be. During these three months of drinking coffee, there were HIGHS and there were LOWS. Everyday I pushed through, everyday I learned a new lesson and everyday I discovered that I am the strong person I’ve always wanted to be but never thought I was.

This journey started off about a fandom. Through one hundred cups it evolved. I swam through a lonely darkness, I pushed through the heat. I cried a lot of tears into those cups. I found myself repeating past mistakes. But I am happy to stand here at the final cup with all the time I’ve taken for myself in each sip. I’ve learned to recognize the pattern in myself and to stop it in its tracks. The past was lessons, not mistakes. I now know want out of life and have grown to express what I don’t. I never wanted to be alone, I tried my hardest not to be. Then I stopped trying and when I finally made that discussion for myself is when I didn’t feel alone anymore.

So I've deiced to go back and write about each cup. I want to start sharing those stories with you here. I might not go in order, I might not do everyone cup, but I want to share with you the journey I've been on and hopefully inspire yours.

Aspire to inspire others and the universe will take note. - WRDSMTH

Read ALL of my #100cupsofcoffee posts HERE.

Follow me on:

Instagram // Twitter // Bloglovin // Facebook // Pinterest // G+

{I am forever Figuring Out My Place In Time And Space. Learn and grow with me by reading my other heart felt and often over sharing articles!}

My 8 Photos Of Happiness

B of You Fancy Me Mad tagged me to take part in 8 Photos Of Happiness started by Ariel. I’ve been super focused lately on self happiness and the things that make me stay positive in a difficult situation. So when B tagged me, I couldn’t feel like anything could be more perfect to share at this moment.

Photography has been the cornerstone of my life for as far back as I can remember. Instagram is like my baby. I LOVE expressing myself through photos. I always enjoy scrolling through my photo albums. I do it all the time. Looking back on past happiness reminds me to stay happy in the now.

1.  Ballet - When one of my good friends invited me to do something I've dreamed of my entire life...my first thought was...I'm too old! She convinced me otherwise and I've been working on believing that ever since. My very first ballet class was in April of 2012 and my very first pointe class was February 2013. When I moved to LA I stopped. Then YESTERDAY after a year, I finally went back. It felt amazing. The class kicked my butt for an hour and a half and we even had a LIVE pianist! I about cried. I am SO happy to be back and I loved that I felt it a bit this morning because I pushed myself so hard yesterday!

2.  Breakfast - I was never a morning person until I started my blog. I've always been a breakfast person though. Now I really enjoy getting up early and taking myself out to breakfast. I had this fabulous meal just the other day. It's so peaceful in the morning and mind clearing. I like being able to take it slow. But basically breakfast could be every meal of my day...just saying! Also #100cupsofcoffee!

3.  The Beach - Another peaceful place for me. I could literally sit on the sand all day. With or without music. The view, silence or the music are all inspiring to me. You'd think I'd be there all the time living in LA. But sadly I'm not. I think I need to change that quickly.

4.  Music - Music has always been important to me. Since as far back as I can remember it has been in my life. The first song ever I remember hearing was Need You Tonight by INXS. So you can safely assume 80s music was and is one of my faves. 90s, 00s and now. A Silent Film, The Filthy Souls. I am so lucky to live in a town where I can get my fill of music on the daily.

5.  My tattoo - I don't remember when I said I wanted a tattoo or that it was to be the Deathly Hallows. I do remember Harry Potter being my gateway into nerdom. I was already in love with aliens, Jurassic Park and Star Wars, but Harry Potter pushed me over the edge. I went to midnight showings and book releases. I read them with friends and cried when it was all over. Having a visual piece of that love with me at all times is joyful.

6.  Pie - I always remember pie being in my life. Many years I would ask for an apple pie for my birthday instead of a cake. When I discovered Republic of Pie in LA, it became like a second home and opened my eyes to other pies. I love hanging out there, I love writing there and I LOVE taking my favorite people there.

7.  Walks - Another place I like to go for escapism. I retreat into my music and into the "wild." Being a blogger you are inside a majority of the time starting at a screen. I LOVE blogging, but it is also nice to look at the real world too. Things always seem more clear after a great walk.

8.  Pumpkin Season - PUMPKIN SEASON IS COMING! September is almost here and everything pumpkin is right around the corner! I cannot wait to eat everything pumpkin, smell it all and see all the orange! I love the change in the season, Autumn is the best. My favorite pumpkin thing? Pumpkin chai latte!

Now join along with me in 8 photos of happiness! What do you need to do? Let me tell you:

• Thank your nominator/s and link them in your post.
• Link the creator (Ariel’s little corner of the internet).
• Post your 8 photos of happiness.
• The photos can be anything that represents a moment, object, place or feeling that makes you happy.
• Add a brief description of the photo, why you chose it or let the photos do the talking!
• Spread the happiness and tag up to ten other bloggers!

And now the tagging:

• Being Geek Chic
• Le Fancy Geek
• E-Rad's Cantina
• Girl On The Roam
• xo Mia
• Darling Stewie
• Liz Locksley

Even if I didn’t tag you, feel free to do your own post or share in the comments below! SPREAD THE HAPPY! xx

San Diego Comic Con Instagram Photo Hunt 2015

As you all MIGHT know, I have a lil obsession with an app called Instagram. I adore all the photo a day challenges users create. So in 2013 I decided to make one for my MOST favorite time of the year San Diego Comic Con!!!  2014 was the second year and was a continued success and I always have so much fun. I just HAD to continue it again for the third year!

Come join me and the rest of The Nerdy Girlie team in the hunt!

What I did last year was make the image below my iPhone's home screen to remind me to take photos! 

Example on how to caption your photos: 

{1. FREE! Loving all the #FREE swag! #SDCCPhotoHunt15 #FREE @thenerdygirlie}

I will be checking the hashtag #SDCCPhotoHunt15 on Instagram throughout the con and will be sharing my favorites shots with you throughout SDCC via Instagram and Twitter and on The Nerdy Girlie blog after the con is all said and done!  

Don't forget to use the hashtag #SDCCPhotoHunt15 & tag ME {@thenerdygirlie} so I can see ALL of your awesome photos! Get creative and most importantly have FUN! Let the hunt begin on Preview Nigh Wednesday July 8th!!

Download the iPhone 6 wallpaper!

Download the iPhone 5 wallpaper!

 Download the iPhone 4 wallpaper!

Coffee And Cameras: Finding The Light

{Previous posts:  Editing, Selfies, Composition, Inspiration}

Photography is ALL about the light. Light is everywhere! Harness it and use it to make your images stand out clear as day!

*Light in your space*

I shoot a lot of images in my apartment and I am lucky enough to have a HUGE window that lets in tons of light. Find the room in your house that lets in the most natural light and set up there.

I have a few favorite plain backgrounds that I like to use for product shots and different set ups. I find moving them to where the light is makes for the best shot possible.

Background Ideas:

• Poster boards - in all patterns and colors
• Tile floors
• Carpet
• Bedding
• Furniture {desks, couches, tables, chairs, counter tops}

TIPS: Using a white poster board as a reflector can bounce even more light into where you are shooting.

*Shooting outside*

The BEST time to shoot outdoors is "Magic Hour," the two hours before sunset. Light is low in the sky and super warm and flattering.

Magic Hour also gives you lots of shady spots to shoot. If you have to shoot during mid day, shade is your best friend. It helps keep things from getting TOO bright and can help your subjects to stay cool and not squint into the sun.

TIP: Whenever I'm shooting outside, I always look for a shady place with a nice clean background. Let your subject be the star of the shot.

*Out and About*

I am ALWAYS the one Instagraming my food! I cannot help but try to create a beautiful image of something so yummy! Look around for interesting surfaces and of course light!

Did you find this post helpful?  Is there a certain topic you would like me to tackle in the future?!  Let me know in the comments below and don't forget to share if this post helped you!  

{FOLLOW me on INSTAGRAM}

Coffee And Cameras: Finding Inspiration

{Previous posts:  Editing, Selfies, Composition}

Finding Inspiration on Instagram is so easy and one of my favorite things to do!  In this edition of Coffee & Cameras I want to share with you how I stay inspired. I am always working to create images I am proud of that people want to double tap!  Here are some of the ways I do it.

1.  Hashtags.  This might need to be a post in itself.  I think hashtags help a lot in the Instagram community.  I LOVE organization and the hashtags do just that.  They organize everything you like into neat tidy lists.

Pick a word or phrase and hit the microscope at the bottom of your screen.  Type in your designated hashtag and search away.  I can lose myself for hours in searches.  It is such a simple way to find new accounts to follow and see different ways of thinking, when it comes to creating a photograph.

A great weekly one #WPH....{weekend hashtag project} is run by Instagram and I always find the photos they end up choosing for their blog inspiring.  The exercise always pushes me to want to be as good as the ones they pick.

You all have seen this image up on Insta all over the place.  I think it appeals to me so strongly is because it is the definition of me.  I'm a bit of a homebody, I love my coffee and I love being cozy!  It took many times to get it just the way I liked it and even then I was nervous to post it.  BUT being nervous is a good thing...so I did it and I'm happy I did.

2.  @Instagram Suggestions.  I don't follow every suggestion from Instagram, but they know their community and always feature someone worth looking into.  A person working the app differently and creatively.

A few of their features have become my favorite accounts:  @the_line_up, stopping strangers on the street for a quick portrait session is completely outside of my comfort zone, which means it could be a good thing!  Would you do it?

@polina_che, I fell in love with her photography of floras, but come to admire her sense of style and consistency.  If you look at my Insta, it is not very consistent looking.  As a brand, you wouldn't know straight away looking at a photo that it was mine.  That is something I would love to develop more in the coming year.

@nikolaikrusser, I've always been a fan of ballet and seeing it captured on "film" mesmerizes me.  Finding entire accounts dedicated to the art is a must follow for me and inspires me outside in my own dance life, which in turn inspires the photos I take in my normal life.

3.  What are the people you are following liking?  Have you ever gone to your comments page and clicked on the "following" tab at the top.  If you do you will see a list of what people you have chosen to follow and what they are liking.

The images are quite small, but I like that.  It makes me pick and choose which images I want to view closer.  The small images pull me in and make me want to see more.  That is exactly what I want for my own photography.  I want it to jump out at the viewer and make them want to like it.  Don't you?

I love the high saturation on this image.  I love the large amount of blank space and I love that it captures exactly how that day was.  Living in LA can be a bit overwhelming, but when you step back from a situation and look at what makes the something unique you can discover what you didn't know you could ever feel.

4.  Photo A Day Challenges.  I've been a participate in the Fat Mum Slim Photo A Day Challenge since 2012.  Before that even I was pushing myself to create one good image a day, but I didn't ever think it could be more than that.  Since then this particular photo a day challenge has been apart of my daily life.

I find myself pushing myself everyday to create something worthwhile, interesting and different.  Sure some days I get lazy, I don't like what I've come up with or I just don't like the prompt.  But it always keeps my brain thinking and observing my surroundings.

I am going to admit that sometimes I just am in love with an image I create.  Is that weird?  I guess not since that is what I strive others to feel when they seem my images.  This one was one of the very first of FMS photo a day challenges of 2015 and I just love it so much.  It feels like me, but not actually showing me.

Pink, Union Jack and my Lamplighter "tattoo."  Nerdy & Girlie.  That is what photography should be, you in an image without having to actually see you.

Did you find this post helpful?  Is there a certain topic you would like me to tackle in the future?!  Let me know in the comments below and don't forget to share if this post helped you!  

NEXT TIME on Coffee and Cameras:  Finding The Light

{FOLLOW me on INSTAGRAM}

Coffee and Cameras: Composition

{Previous posts:  Editing, Selfies}

Composition is what makes your photography interesting.  Everyone has their own style, but in this Coffee and Cameras date, I want give you some ways to step out of the square Instagram box and find a new view on your photography.

{Centering}

I think that centering a shot is the most natural thing for a person to do when starting out in photography.  Centering makes a photo nice and neat.  You can understand what the photo is about and appreciate the details.  The shot on the right was even featured on the Republic of Pie's Instagram!

TIP:  If I am centering something in a photo, I am also trying to do something different as well.  A large blank space, bright colors or the special pose.  Don't be afraid to center your photos, but don't be afraid to step out of the box as well!

{The rule of 1/3s}

The rule of 1/3s is a way to take balanced and interesting shots.  Placing the subject on one of the points of the grid below lets the eye move naturally and comfortably through a shot.

TIP:  Turn on iPhone grid.  Settings | scroll down to Photos & Camera | scroll down to Grid | Slide on.  Using the grid as a guide can help until you obtain the natural ability.

{Look UP}

How often do we look up really?  As a trained photographer even I have a hard time looking up sometimes.  When you do, you can get a look at something we don't see everyday.

TIP:  Look beyond the clouds.  Art, buildings are signs a good start to mixing it up creatively.

{Look DOWN}

The same applies to looking down.  Which I have to say I do more often than not.  I am completely guilty of the shoe shot.  I love shoes!

TIP:  Patterns, colors or something unique all perfect ways to capture what we walk over each day.

{From Above}

This might be the hardest of the shots to conquer.  We as photographers have to step to of our comfort zone of being on solid ground and potentially invade someone's personal space. Two things we as humans have a difficult time doing, especially with a stranger, or sometimes even someone close to us.  

TIP:  Once you begin to get creative with your shots, you will become more and more daring.  You will realize that it really isn't that difficult after all and your shots will begin to show your boldness.  The first time is always the most difficult.

{From Below}

Another hard angle to crack, but if you have time and someone you trust, or even yourself, you can get this!  

TIP:  The camera is your mirror.  Move it until you feel you have your best angle.  Below is not the most flattering shot for anyone, but it is fun to try something new once in a while, especially if there is something above you or your subject that is interesting to look at. Talking to your subject helps as well...get them comfortable and be comfortable together!

{Framing a shot}

Can you literally frame your subject with something?  Doing so can draw the eye into exactly where you intend for it to go.

TIP:  You are always the one in control of your photography.  Tell the story you want to tell.

Did you find this post helpful?  Is there a certain topic you would like me to tackle in the future?!  Let me know in the comments below and don't forget to share if this post helped you...but wait there is MORE....

As a photography nerd I cannot help but adore all of the awesome products on Photojojo's site!  They have graciously given The Nerdy Girlie readers a coupon code: NerdyGirlie2015.  Just enter it at checkout to have you can take $5 off any purchase over $10 until 3/20/2015!

NEXT TIME on Coffee and Cameras:  Finding inspiration.

{FOLLOW me on INSTAGRAM}