theme winners, and july 2009's theme!

Like Cindy, I too am screeching in here at the last minute. :) Summer is such a busy time!! For that reason I've decided to take a bit of a break in July. We're going to call July's theme {summer} and ladies, you are under no obligation to participate this month if you don't have time - but if you catch a great photo or two that speaks "summer" to you, post away! The site will remain open for you to share your captures. We will not be hosting a contest in July or putting up Mr. Linky, but will resume our theme contests in August. And for those who enjoy the contests, we will be offering our first PRIZE (at an $84 value) for the 1st place winner!! So stay tuned next month for details on that.

We had some beautiful contributions to our before/after theme in June - which made it very difficult for us to choose only 2 for our winner and runner-up. We loved so many of your entries and enjoyed viewing them, not only to appreciate the great photography but the creative editing that many of you used to enhance your photo. Thank you so much to everyone who participated!

Here were our picks:

Theme Winner: Hana Lynch

Before:

After:

To read about Hana's editing process, click here.
About Hana:I've had a passion for photography since my first was born 6 years ago, however, I just bought my first dSLR less than three months ago! I love photographing children and capturing those priceless moments that you might not think to photograph. I love using natural light and very rarely use a flash in my "real" photos. There's just something beautiful about natural sunlight that cannot be reproduced with a synthetic flash. I'm still a newbie to photography and I am learning new things about my camera and photo composition every day. When I'm not taking pictures (which doesn't happen often), you can find me sewing boutique children's clothing and baby gear for my kids, local boutiques, and my online Etsy shops. I am a SAHM to my son (6) and two daughters (3yrs and 14mos). I am also the wife to my wonderful firefighter husband!

Hana's blog is Sew Inspiring, and she can also be found at her 2 Etsy shops, MaeBelle Originals and PeanutButter and Ella Baby. You can also see more of her photography on her Flickr page.

Congratulations Hana!

Theme Runner-Up: Sarah (The Animator's Wife)

Before:

After:

To read about Sarah's editing process, click here.

About Sarah:
Sarah is married to a Hollywood animator, the mother of 4 busy children (1 adopted SPECIAL needs child and 3 biological children) and keeper of a home outside of Los Angeles. Her interest in photography began just 8 months ago when her husband gave her a DSLR camera for Christmas. That interest has bloomed into a full-fledged passion for capturing life as it happens. She has always loved words and the power of storytelling and brings that same purpose to her photography-- to tell a story as only a picture can.

Congratulations Sarah!