Tuesday, November 8, 2011

568 IHeart: Photography Tips & a GIVEAWAY!


I get a lot of questions about organizing every single day, but I also get another question SO frequently that has nothing to do with organizing at all...

"Can you offer any tips on taking great photos?"

The reason I haven't really addressed the question in the past is because I don't consider myself an expert in photography in any way.  I pick up my DSLR, try a couple of settings and feel lucky to get some great pictures.  I honestly have little clue what I am doing, I just fake it well!

So I am beyond fortunate today to have a professional stepping in to offer a GREAT giveaway to you!


Kristen Duke is a professional photographer in Austin, TX, and I am just taken away by her incredible work!


She offered to lend me a helping hand with my camera, by sharing with me her e-Book, Say No to Auto!



I already feel like I know my camera SO much better.  She offers up three simple steps to understand camera settings and a clear understanding of HOW to use those settings when shooting in a manual mode!  Never thought I would shoot in manual, but now thanks to her book, I am not scared to go for it!

The first thing I noticed and LOVED is that she actually shows you where to find all of the settings and buttons on the camera itself.  That alone is helpful, and she focuses on both Canon AND Nikon so it is tailored to those that shoot in either!

She talks about all of the terminology surrounding photography like shutter speed and ISO and offers up easy to understand definitions of all!  Then, she walks you through different scenarios so you can understand HOW to use your camera settings based on the environment.  She even touches on lighting and how to shoot based on where your light source is coming from, which was a huge help for me!

Her book is for the beginner {which was PERFECT for me!}, or someone that has been trying to understand their manual settings for awhile.  There are so many books out there that highlight every little thing you can learn about your camera, and while they are fabulous, for the beginner they can be very overwhelming.  Kristen's book has 17 pages that offer all it takes to understand the 3 basic steps to understanding manual camera settings.  She believes that once the basics she offers are understood, then some of those more detailed 100+ page photography books will make much more sense.

Her book is offered in either an electronic E-Book or a hard copy version!



Today, Kristen is offering up a giveaway, so you can learn more about your camera, photography and enhance your current skills!  And if you can't wait until the end of the giveaway to get your hands on a copy of her book, you can purchase now and she will refund you if you win!


Here are the details:
  • Giveaway is for a hard copy book {$20 value!} and a BONUS workshop e-notebook which chats about finding the best light, lenses and gear, posing suggestions for candid and smiley shots and some basic Photoshop techniques with screen shots {$25 value!}
  • Giveaway is open everyone! {anyone outside of the US will be given the E-Book vs. the Hard Copy due to shipping rates}
  • Giveaway is open from Tuesday, November 8th through 9:00 p.m. central time, Monday, November 14th, and the winner will be announced right here on Tuesday, November 15th.
  • One winner will be selected using random.org.
  • Please ensure I have your blog or email address so I have a way to contact you if you win.

To enter:

Thanks everyone and good luck!


Psssst!  She is giving away one of my Household Binder Everything Printable Kits on her blog, check it out here!

568 comments:

  1. I liked her FB and I am now following...love her photos!

    christinefieser@gmail.com

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  2. I too have LIKED her Facebook page. What a great start it would be for a novice like me!! mrandmrsk1@bigpond.com (Adelaide, Australia) Thanks...

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  3. i like Kristen Duke Photography on FB!

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  4. I would love to win this!! I have had a great camera for almost two years and I have no idea how to use it properly...

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  5. I liked her on FB and am now following her... thanks again!
    Joy Hofer

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  6. I "liked" Kristen Duke on FB!! :)

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  7. I liked her on Facebook. And would Love to win her book! Lord knows I could use the help with my Nikon.

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  8. I liked her! And not just to win.....I really do like her work!

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  9. I "liked" Kristen Duke Photography on FB!

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  10. I subscribed to Kirsten Duke's posts!

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  11. I liked her on FB! I've been a fan of hers for awhile :)

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  12. And I'm a subscriber to her blog!! Thanks so much for hosting this give away!!

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  13. I also subscribed to her posts. Thanks.

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  14. Subscribed to her posts!

    I would absolutely love this book, I've been trying to figure my manual settings out forever because I know how much Auto takes away from the quality!

    kimberly(dot)kotlowski(at)gmail(dot)com

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  15. I liked her on FB and I am now following her blog too!

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  16. I 'like' her on Facebook =)

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  17. I am learning!!!! finally! I actually shot some photos this weekend in manual mode. I went out with a local photographer (my hubby works with her hubby) and she shared some tips.

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  18. I like her on FB and would LOVE the tips!!

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  19. I have liked her facebook page and subscribed to her blog.

    melissajennings@live.com.au

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  20. I liked her fb page and subscribed to her blog. This would be a great win!

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  21. Subscribed to her site and liked her on FB. And I REALLY like her site! Can't wait to get lost there like I am here!

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  22. I would love this, I am way to comfortable in "auto" :)
    aadrolet (at) gmail (dot) com

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  23. I subscribed to her blog and really want to learn to not shoot in manual mode.

    beckywick@hotmail.com

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  24. I LIKE Kristen Duke Photography on Facebook! What a fantastic photographer she is!!!

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  25. I like Kristen Duke on FB and would love her tips!

    charlene.wilhelmsen@gmail.com

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  26. I am also now following her blog!

    pryncessgirl82@gmail.com

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  27. I liked her on FB!
    queen stacey 25 @ gmail . com

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  28. I liked Kristin Duke on Facebook! I certainly could use the tips!!

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  29. I signed up for her blog as I just got a SLR for my birthday!
    queen stacey 25 @ gmail . com

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  30. I liked Kristen's FB page! She does awesome work. Bridget Nolan

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  31. I "liked" her on FB. She does great work!!

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  32. I subscribe to her blog! Love how much she loves what she does and enjoys capturing families! So interested in what she has to say in her book!

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  33. I also subscribed to her blog. Can't wait to get some tips. Bridget

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  34. Oh my! I forgot my email! Its
    bmh_35 at hotmail dot com!

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  35. I liked her FB page . Love my Nikon.

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  36. So excited for this give away. Need photo tips! Reeni140@yahoo.com. I have liked her on FB

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  37. I liked her on FB and added her to my feed. She takes BEAUTIFUL photos!

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  38. Awesome giveaway!! I liked Kristen on facebook.

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  39. subscribed... love her what to wear - such great ideas!

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  40. I LIKE Kristen Duke Photography on Facebook!

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  41. I subscribed! drpritch (at) verizon (dot) net

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  42. I'm a fan on facebook! drpritch (at) verizon (dot) net

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  43. I love Kristen Davis's website! She does beautiful work.
    Ruth

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  44. I like Kristen on Facebook!

    katiek7411(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  45. I like Kristen Duke Photography! Her blog looks very fun! Great giveaway! :)

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  46. Awesome - buying it for my husband for his birthday!

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  47. I liked her on fb.

    cricketleg at gmail dot com

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  48. I signed up for her notifications.

    cricketleg at gmail dot com

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  49. I liked Kristen Duke Photography on facebook.

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  50. I "like" Kristen Duke Photography on facebook!

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  51. I subscribed to Kristen Duke Photography posts.

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  52. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  53. I like her on FB :)

    blessedmama02(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  54. Thanks Jen for the opportunity to win- I am a novice at the DSLR and have at times thought that manual was all too hard- Kristen's book looks great- I have liked and subscribed as required.
    Sue xx
    suemahaffie@ozemail.com.au

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  55. I subscribed to her blog and I follow her blog too :)

    blessedmama02(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  56. I liked her on FB!

    katehurlbut@msn.com

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  57. I like her on Facebook and am following the blog!

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  58. Out of all the giveaways you have had {some I entered, some I did not} this has to be the one I want to win the MOST! I am so stuck on how to use my Nikon D3000.

    I liked her on Facebook, and I also took a peek at her blog! Awesome!!


    laurierill08@hotmail.com

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  59. I subscribed to Kristen Duke's Photography blog.

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  60. i did both! just broke away from shooting in all auto about 3 months ago so this will be awesome to have!

    and as a side note i just found your blog last night via pinterest and can i just say i have thought about you and your house ALLLLL day long. im a little obsessed now and may become a serious stalker! i cant wait to one day be as organized as you!

    since i just had a baby boy your stuff is right up my alley considering i want to start his lego collection this christmas. i will start out ahead of the game with your system!

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  61. I like her on fb and would love some tips!

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  62. I liked her fb and am following her blog!

    I have a Nikon d7000 and have not jumped into manual mode yet---this book sounds perfect for me!

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  63. I look forward to receiving her updates in my email! Great giveaway - Thank you!!

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  64. Liked her on FB. What beautiful pictures she takes! :)

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  65. I "liked" Kristen Duke Photography on Facebook.

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  66. I liked Kristen Duke Photography on FB.

    nsciambi@gmail.com

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  67. I subscribed to the Kristen Duke Photography blog.

    nsciambi@gmail.com

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  68. I liked her Facebook page and hoPe hope hope I win. I am in desperate need of some coaching!! Ahedberg4278@yahoo.com

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  69. I liked her on facebook and subscribed to her blog. Great!

    debdrisl@gmail.com

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  70. I subscribed to her feed! Love the ebook! kimberlymroach@yahoo.com

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  71. I like her on FB!

    Becky B.
    www.organizingmadefun.com
    Organizing Made Fun

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  72. I visited Kristen Duke Photography and subscribed

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  73. I 'liked' Kristen Duke Photography on Facebook and I 'love' the images she captures!
    jbauldree@earthlink.net

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  74. I LIKED Kristen Duke Photography on FB!

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  75. I SUBSCRIBED to Kristen Duke Photography

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  76. I like Kristen Duke Photography on FB! :)

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  77. I'm a new liker of Kristin Duke on facebook :)

    chicchick_02 {at} hotmail {dot} com

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  78. Now all I need to do is actually go buy a camera...mine has been broken and I've just been using my iPhone!! Not the best quality there LOL

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  79. I subscribed to the Kristen Duke Photography blog. :)

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  80. I already follow her blog and read her posts! I love her work!
    paulandnancygarner(at)gmail(dot)com

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  81. I liked her of facebook and follow her blog!

    ckchurch@sbcglobal.net

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  82. I LIKED on FB and subscribed to the blog!!

    Crystal Ewell
    crystalewell(at)gmail(dot)com

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  83. i subscribed and liked Kristen Duke Photography on FB!

    Nicole@penniebaby.com

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  84. And subscribed to her blog via Google reader.

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  85. I Liked on FB and subscribed via google reader :)

    lourdez11(at)gmail(dot)com

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  86. I like Kristen on FB! I would so love to win this. I have a great camera; I just don't know how to use it!

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  87. I liked Kristen's Facebook page! Thanks for the opportunity to win this awesome book!

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  88. I subscribed to Kristen's blog!

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  89. I follow her blog.
    mary_samp@yahoo.com

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  90. I am now following her blog via email. :)

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  91. I liked Kristen Duke Photography on FB! Thank you so much! gillianlee03 (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  92. Liked her on FB, but truly LOVE her work!

    werun2@charter.net

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  93. I "liked" Kristen Duke on Facebook.

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  94. I like her on FB

    Denise (asprinkleofthis.blogspot.com)

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  95. I subscribed to Kristen Duke Photography.

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  96. I'm a subscriber

    Denise (asprinkleofthis.blogspot.com)

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  97. I subscribed to her newsletter! So excited. Hoping to win this for the hubster. :)

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  98. lanefamily5@comcast.net liked Kristen Duke photography FB page

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  99. lanefamily5@comcast.net subscribed to Kristen Duke Photography's Blog

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  100. Thanks for the awesome giveaway! I "liked" Kirsten Duke Photography in facebook!

    golden(dot)reflections(at)yahoo(dot)com
    golden-reflections.blogspot.com

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  101. I am a subscriber on Kristen Duke Photography.com

    golden(dot)reflections(at)yahoo(dot)com
    golden-reflections.blogspot.com

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  102. I subscribed to her blog!

    corinotton@yahoo.com

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  103. "Liked" Kristen Duke Photography on Facebook

    thetruckerwife at gmail dot com

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  104. I subscribed to Kristin's blog!

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  105. I like her on Facebook. Thanks for this great give-away! :)

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  106. I'm following Kristin

    dragonjk1 at yahoo dot com

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  107. I am not a facebooker, but I subscribed to her posts! Thanks for the opportunity :)

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  108. I subscribed to her posts, hope to learn something cool.
    THanks.

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  109. I subscribed to her blog. I would love to learn more about taking great photos.

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  110. Gosh... I need this so bad. I'm stuck in Auto.

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  111. I liked her on FB

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  112. I liked her on FB
    lrwalker1@hotmail.com

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  113. I subscribed to the Kristen Duke Photography blog.

    luvz1025@gmail.com

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  114. Just liked her on FB! amyshopping@earthlink.net

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  115. Check and Check!

    Besides the organizing tips and advice, I am drawn to your blog because your "lucky shots" are helpful and quite nice.

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  116. I subscribed to her blog.
    lrwalker1@hotmail.com

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  117. i like "kristen duke photography" on fb.

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  118. i am subscribed to kristen dukes' blog post updates.

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  119. I liked her on facebook! italianchick77@gmail.com

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  120. I also subscribed to her blog! :) italianchick77@gmail.com

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  121. I'd love to win this!
    Patty

    lachniet at msn dot com

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  122. Thanks for this opportunity, Jen!
    I like Kristen's page on Facebook, and also subscribed to her website!

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  123. Wow, what a great giveaway!! I would love to learn more:)
    I liked Kristen's Facebook page. My fingers are crossed to win!
    jodylynnp@ntl.sympatico.ca

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  124. I subscribed to Kristen's blog - I can't wait for the updates!

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  125. And I subscribed to her posts :)

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  126. I liked Kristen Duke photography on Facebook.
    Michelle.q.guthrie@gmail.com

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  127. I subscribed to Kristen Duke's photography blog.
    michelle.q.guthrie@gmail.com

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  128. I subscribed to Kristen's blog.

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  129. I liked her on FB! what great photos!

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  130. I liked her on FB under the name Sally Daffodil.

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