Adoption of love

Over the last year, I have gathered my photos and those aquired by others, to make this short video in hopes it will help others to open their homes and hearts to an animal in need.

Our little Models

Baby Jali

Zoie

Rhea

Mckenzie

Macayla

Storms Dawn for a New Day

Personalize a free slideshow design

Space

Picture slideshow made with Smilebox

Winnebago Motofest 2010

Create a slideshow

In loving memory of Karissa Joy Hendrickson

Customize a slideshow

His Light Will Shine Upon Me

I pray to you dear Lord as your light shines down on me. It warms me when I am cold and protects me when I am scared. It shows me the way when the path seems dim.

When I pray to you, your voice I can not hear. But as long as I have your light, your message shall always be clear.

~MJ Marti~

Silhouettes

Yesterday I had the privilege to have a good friend of ours come over for a sitting at my home. Jenny and her daughter Madisen had some photos taken and I asked Jenny if I could do a shot of the two of them together. The photo you see is of them in front of a planet which I designed from scratch. The brush was made from one of the photos I had in my collection. I must say I was rather impressed how well it turned out. It is also an example of one type of work which will be displayed in my other blog. "Click this Layer that" is a sight where I will have photos for sale. It is not yet ready but hopefully will be soon.

Kids Against Hunger

There was an event held today at the Municipal Center here in town. "Kids Against Hunger" is an organization which helps feed starving children throughout the world. Our elementary school had all the students from grades K thru 5 come in and help fill packets with rice, soybeans, dried vegetables and flavoring. There was enough food in each pouch to support six meals. Both of our children who are students at the school, attended the event along with my wife and I.

The food is to be shipped out to the children of Haiti. In the few hours we were there, the students were able to fill nineteen boxes. Each box was able to deliver 216 meals with a total of 4104 meals ready to deliver in only a short time.

It gives you a good feeling knowing in some way how you were able to play some part in making those children a little happier. But what touches me most is that here we have children helping children which is something that we as adults can learn from.

There is so much pain and suffering in this world and you needn't go far to see that. Right here within our own borders, people are struggling trying to keep a roof over their families heads. I only hope that within my life time, if not my children's, that the nations of the world can unite and see the real problems that are all around us rather then obsess over money, power and greed. Man only uses ten percent of their brain in a life time, but if we look inside ourselves we can see that we are able to use one hundred percent of our hearts if we learn to to all just get along and help one another.

New Photo Morphing Program

I came across this program from Crazy Talk which allows you to make your photos talk and create facial expressions. I only have the trial version right now but I will be buying it when I have the money. Its very cool and their is so much you can do with it.

Winter brings beauty all around

On Jan. 19th I awoke to yet another day of white trees. The fog had been thick the night before and I knew this would be a perfect day for capturing some beautiful scenes. I hope you all enjoy them

The Beauty of Winter

Several days ago I awoke to fresh fallen snow and white trees everywhere. Though I have had my fill of all the snow falling and gloomy days with no sun light. Its days like this when I enjoy the area in which I live. Nature brings in a sign of how it can entice its beauty upon the world. I hope you all like this photo and have a pleasant and joyous new year.

Dabbing with Digital Art

I recently decided to give digital art a try. Having a fascination with space and the stars I looked up some tutorials on line. It took some doing and I have a ways to go but here is my first attempt at it. The planets look alright but I feel I need to work on the lay outs a bit more. I titled this one "Solar Storm."

New software for photos

I recently purchased software to improve my photos. Fluid mask 3 is a wonderful way to pull an image from its background as to the current one I am using in photoshop. This will come in very handy when getting around things like hair and trees. It gives your photo a more natural look when placed into a background of your choice without the rough cut look. I have to do more practice on it to get it down to a science but you can see by the image I have posted, how fun it can be.

Allergic to Penicillin

Thursday night I was laying on the couch. I had been fighting a head cold for a few days when Tammy brought me in a bottle of meds ( Augmentin) I had from a prescription two months prior for my ears. Little did I know that this drug was to be taken with prednisone to counteract the penicillin but I took one and after 15 minutes I began showing signs of a very bad reaction to this drug. I began itching on my hands. Then it spread to my legs, arms, neck and all over. Within a few minutes my body was covered lumps and my body turned beat red and sweating uncontrollably. Tammy called 911 and they were there within minutes. I began loosing consciousness and at times was unresponsive. Very scary to be laying on your bathroom floor wondering if this is going to be it for you. At times I thought I was and I never hope to experience that again. The next morning in the hospital they gave my a band for my wrist which states I am allergic to penicillin. In fact they are keeping me for a 24 hour observation just to make sure I would be alright. Its Friday night and I'm doing very well and can't wait to go home in the morning.

A Tribute to 9/11

I came up with this idea sometime ago and with the eighth anniversary here, I wanted to share with everyone a little tribute of my own to all of those who were effected by the travesty of that fateful event which changed the lives of so many. The message is clear and fits well with the photo. God bless us all

Studio Closing

It comes with great sadness that I will be closing down my studio October 10th. With the economy being the way it is and people watching their every penny, I am unable to continue with it and also pay the bills coming in to the shop. Tammy is also closing down her scrap booking part of the store as well.


However we are not completely gone from sight. Tammy will be selling her products online and holding scrap events quarterly at a nearby establishment and I will still do my photography on location at customers homes or local areas of interest. In time we are hoping the economy will turn around and we can once again open a new bigger store in another location in the area.


I want to personally thank all the wonderful people I have met while here and how grateful I am for allowing me to give them memories that will last a life time in their photos.

For you Mom. May 11th 1938 - Aug. 13th 2009

Make a Smilebox slideshow

For the Love of a Mother

It doesn't seem that long ago, the memories are so clear.

Sitting on your lap, and you holding me so dear.

Raising me was not easy, at times I got into trouble.

Even more I know I would sometimes burst your bubble.

But as I grew, so did my heart.

You gave me a new life, a new role, a completely different part.

When I was needed, I came forward for brothers one and two.

It hurts me knowing, I'm helpless in saving you.

So much sorrow for you, so much pain.

It's time to part the clouds, it's time to stop the rain.

When that day comes and it's your time to leave,

you will be met by our dearly departed Steve.

He will take you by the hand and tell you everything is alright.

A new journey will begin through heavens eternal light.

From then on I may not see you but I know you will be there.

Spreading love, joy and showing us, just how much you care.

Each night I will say a prayer for you and end it with amen.

Because someday I know we'll be together again.

To all family, friends and the hearts of each brother

I want to say how proud I am, She is my Mother.

Michael J. Marti

7/28/2009

Colors of Nature

I really enjoy getting out there with nature and capturing images for all to see. I will post more in time along with other things like birds, bugs and animals.