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From the Treetop Photography bio picture
  • My name is Tamara and I take pictures…

    Photography is so much more than capturing an image, pictures capture feelings and our history.  I am so privileged to be able to do what I love and give back to others at the same time.  My hope is that my work will remind families of the important things-the little moments memories are made of.

    I hope you enjoy reading my blog and perhaps find a little inspiration.

    Follow Me on Pinterest

[on courage and motherhood…] fort worth photography

“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.”
Eleanor Roosevelt

It takes courage to be a mother.  As moms we face the fear of making mistakes, not having all the answers or simply not being “good enough”.  It takes courage to put another life ahead of yours, giving up your own dreams at times so your child may achieve theirs.  It takes courage to love so unabashedly that the mere thought of your child in pain brings you to tears.  It is courage, that after the end of a very long day of diapers, crying, meetings, dinner and homework, pushes you to read that bedtime story and kiss those cheeks goodnight.  It’s courage that gives the special needs mom the strength and unending patience her job requires.  It is sheer courage that stands up to misinformed teachers, caregivers, neighbors and glares at the grocery store.  And it is immense courage that gives strength to the mom who watches her child endure chemotherapy and faces unfathomable decisions.

Yes, the job of mothering is not for the faint hearted.  It is the most important job on earth.

My mother is one of the most courageous people I know.  She had courage when she moved to a foreign country to be a missionary.  She had courage when my sister’s birth mom changed her mind about the adoption yet called for a ride home from the hospital.  In spite of how painful she knew it would be, Mom cared enough to help this poor girl get home.  During that fateful car ride she decided that Mom, was indeed, the mother for her daughter.  I wonder what would have happened had she lacked the courage to give that ride?  My mother has shown me what true courage is, but never more than this past winter.  She faced a life changing health crisis with as much grace and dignity as I have ever seen.  She was BRAVE beyond words in the face of an uncertain outcome.  Her faith and courage inspire me.  She never for one moment doubted God’s love or plan for her.  I am so grateful for my mother’s health and courage.

To all you “mother warriors” out there, and you know who you are,  know that you matter.  You are appreciated and loved and you are COURAGEOUS.

me and mom….

May 12, 2012 - 7:13 am

Patricia - Love your post. Beautiful pics of your Mom.

May 11, 2012 - 9:49 pm

paige - tamara!!! your mother is stunning!!!!!!
what a glorious radiant beauitful woman
& her story makes her even more beautiful!!
you are blessed

May 11, 2012 - 5:04 pm

Mom - My sweet daughter, what a blessing to have such beautiful words spoken. I am so extremely proud of the women/mother you have become. You are the true essence of the words “mother warrior”. What an honor to have God place you and Paloma in my care. I pray I continue to be an example of God’s goodness. Thank you for my three beautiful grandchildren. Best gift EVER, no material possession can compare! So proud of you honey! I am very honored and loved.

May 11, 2012 - 3:54 pm

martha schuster - an absolutely beautiful post tamara….your mom is a beautiful lady who raised a beautiful daughter. happy mother’s day to you both. xoxoxo

May 11, 2012 - 12:52 pm

Gina - what a wonderful mother you were blessed with. happy mother’s day. loved this post.

[R A D I A N T…..] exploring fine art maternity portraiture

A few images from a recent session with the beautiful mother-to-be.  She truly defines the word “radiant”.

Does maternity portraiture intimidate you?    Learn how to pose and style maternity in a whole new way.

R A D I A N T / Exploring Fine Art Maternity Portraiture , more details to come….

 

May 1, 2012 - 10:02 pm

Amy C - WOW!! These are amazing. She is stunning! What a perfectly round belly, too :)

[FTT Artist's Workflow I & Textures II debut..] photographer resources, actions & textures

 

Our new actions and textures have debuted along with a brand new shop!   Click here to shop!   I hope our new storefront makes your experience a bit simpler and more enjoyable.  Everything is at your fingertips including a page just for tutorials!

Thanks so much to everyone that participated in the giveaway!  WE have a winner….drum roll…..  AMANDA DESKINS,   you are the winner!!!  Congrats, we will be contacting you via email to send your actions, textures and arrange your one on one session.

Below are a few images edited with the new textures and actions.  A HUGE thank you to my fellow photogs who so graciously allowed me to share their images edited with FTT actions and textures.  You may find more from these talented photographers in the shop’s before & after gallery under “kindred spirits”.  Be looking for more before & afters soon.

I just have to say thank you so much for your support, it means the world to know that my art is appreciated.  I worked very hard on these new digital tools and I sincerely hope they will take your work to a new level.

Mandy Lynne  http://www.mandylynne.com/

Martha Schuster  http://iseethemoonphotography.com/blog/

Jessica Vaughn  http://www.jessicavaughnphotography.com/

 

April 30, 2012 - 5:58 pm

Amanda Deskins - Thank you again! I still can’t believe that I won! I’m just super excited and can’t wait to meet you via skype. Many Blessings. Amanda Deskins

April 27, 2012 - 10:40 am

martha schuster - congratulations tamara!!! the whole site is beautiful!! i know how hard you worked! cheers!!!!

[It's a giveaway…] photoshop actions, photographer resources

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED-WINNER TO BE ANNOUNCED ON 4/27

Happy Monday everyone! Well, the date is quickly approaching for the debut of my very first action set- The Artist’s Workflow/the texture series vol I! The release date is 4/27/2012. The new FTT Vintage Textures & Overlays II will be released as well, and here is your chance to win it ALL!

Giveaway includes-

  • FTT Vintage Textures & Overlays I (if you already have these you will receive a credit toward our next action or texture set)
  • FTT Vintage Textures & Overlays II **new**
  • FTT The Artist’s Workflow / the texture series vol I (for use with PSE 9/10, CS2 and above) **new**
  • 1 hour online instruction session with Tamara (via Skype)

Here’s how to win-

  • Like our Facebook page
  • share the above image on your Facebook wall /or/ pin this image on Pinterest (download image here)
  • leave a comment on our blog with a link showing your pin or Facebook wall post
  • you will be entered twice if you do both, but only if you post TWO separate comments
  • no more than two comments are allowed per entrant
  • deadline to enter is 4/26/2012 at 11:00 pm CST.

 

Prize cannot be exchanged for cash. Instruction session will encompass basic texture use and the new action features. Winner will be chose by a random name generator. If you do not have access to Skype, yahoo IM may be used. Session is to be held during the month of May at an agreed upon time and date. You must have Photoshop elements or CS2 and above to benefit from instruction session. We reserve the right to cancel or alter giveaway rules at any time during the giveaway. Winner will be announced on this blog and notified via email on 4/27/2012. Prize is for digital download, no physical product will be sent. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. You are providing your information to [From the Treetop] and not to Facebook. The information you provide will only be used for the action giveaway.

April 26, 2012 - 11:05 pm

Johnna Caplan - Your such an inspiration – love your art! Shared on Facebook and Pinterest! http://www.facebook.com/johnna.caplan

April 26, 2012 - 10:05 pm

Raul Alejandro Velasco - I can’t wait for the new textures! Please enter me in your contest! :) APRIL 27th!!!!

April 26, 2012 - 9:27 pm

Joanne - Please count me in! Love your work~

April 26, 2012 - 8:32 pm

erica moncada - Shared on Pinterest and on my Facebook page!! Love your photography and art work!!
https://www.facebook.com/ericalmoncada

April 26, 2012 - 8:23 pm

erica moncada - Love your art work!!! Shared my excitement with millions of Pintresting people!!!!
http://pinterest.com/pin/163888873910062097/

April 26, 2012 - 4:43 pm

Jenny - I shared you on my facebook :) thank you so much for this lovely giveaway I’m a big fan! http://www.facebook.com/heartofalion26

April 26, 2012 - 4:36 pm

Jenny - liked you on facebook! thank you so much!

April 26, 2012 - 2:55 pm

Crysta Walker - Shared on my facebook wall!
https://www.facebook.com/#!/CDUBNMJ/posts/215931358521953

April 26, 2012 - 2:54 pm

Monica Martinez - Posted it on my facebook page http://www.facebook.com/monicamphotography

April 26, 2012 - 2:53 pm

Monica Martinez - Here is my pin http://pinterest.com/pin/34832597088243437/

April 26, 2012 - 2:53 pm

Crysta Walker - Remarkable textures! I pinned on Pinterest!
http://pinterest.com/pin/205336064230691450/
Thanks for the opportunity!

April 26, 2012 - 2:51 pm

Debbie Branda - I “like” fromthetreetop” on FB…..also “pinned” the photo onto my pinterest boards…http://pinterest.com/pin/68961438014393752/

April 26, 2012 - 2:30 am

Amanda H. - Finally got my pinterest! ;) My first pin EVER– http://pinterest.com/pin/25614291600907961/

April 26, 2012 - 2:22 am

Amanda H. - I think I did this correct. ;) I love everything about FTT! Hoping to win! -fingers crossed- Thank you for the opportunity!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=969112848244&set=a.947793721944.2252120.32306175&type=1&theater

April 26, 2012 - 1:10 am

Madison Williamson - Haha found it (:
Pinned it! http://pinterest.com/pin/236579786645552557/
Thank you so much! Love your stuff and hope to win (:

April 26, 2012 - 12:45 am

Julia Christopher (Holman) - I have “Liked” your Facebook page and gladly pinned you to my boards
http://pinterest.com/pin/147422587772499120/ I never win anything but hey, at least I got in before the deadline… Your work is so beautiful. It inspires me everyday to think outside of reality and dare to dream.

Julia

April 25, 2012 - 11:13 pm
April 25, 2012 - 11:10 pm
April 25, 2012 - 10:34 pm

Marieke b - Oh goodie goodness. Too scrumptious to keep to myself, as tempting as it may be. Shared on FB with everyone (not just my friends) as well: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1069816509

April 25, 2012 - 10:30 pm

Marieke B - oh my what a discovery! scrumptious textures and overlays. yes please! http://pinterest.com/pin/187180928232895861/

April 25, 2012 - 10:26 pm

Teresa Norris - Shared on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=394209377286618&set=a.144701255570766.19188.118865721487653&type=1&theater

I’ve already liked you for a long time :) Would be so excited to win these prizes…thank you for the chance!

April 25, 2012 - 10:19 pm

Teresa Norris - Pinned here: http://pinterest.com/pin/93942342197436931/
And SO excited to have a chance to win…love ALL your inspiring work, and love my first set, and will love these, whether I win them or buy them!

April 25, 2012 - 6:09 pm
April 25, 2012 - 6:07 pm

Brandie - I already LOVE your page! Like just doesn’t cover it;) I shared from your FB post on my page. http://www.facebook.com/brandiepahl

April 25, 2012 - 11:34 am

michelle beard - PINNED!!!! http://pinterest.com/pin/57843176434273995/

April 24, 2012 - 6:49 pm

Donna good - Thanks so much! Love your work!

April 24, 2012 - 5:03 pm
April 24, 2012 - 5:02 pm

Cody Krogman ~ Photography - I liked your page! Thank you for the giveaway…the actions look amazing!

April 24, 2012 - 1:25 pm

Vera - I follow you on fb and I posted the picture on my page: https://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/profile.php?id=571961174

April 24, 2012 - 12:55 pm
April 24, 2012 - 12:51 pm

Heather S - Liked your page, thanks for the giveaway!

April 24, 2012 - 11:33 am

Teresa Schmid - I pinned the above photo/ad on Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/pin/49469295877145990/

April 24, 2012 - 11:32 am

Teresa Schmid - I am already following From The Tree Top on FB!

April 24, 2012 - 10:35 am

Patricia - I’ve liked on Facebook for awhile. Would love to win some new textures.

April 24, 2012 - 10:34 am

Patricia - Shared on Pinterest!Oh, I’d love to win!
http://pinterest.com/pin/28429041368027736/

April 24, 2012 - 5:58 am

Lynn Roberts - Thanks for the giveaway competition! Crossing my fingers!!
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1193977739

April 24, 2012 - 5:56 am

Lynn Roberts - So beautiful! Can’t wait to try them!! http://pinterest.com/pin/153755774748402298/

April 23, 2012 - 11:26 pm
April 23, 2012 - 11:21 pm

Shawna Pearce - Pinned it!!!! Fingers crossed I win!!!! http://pinterest.com/pin/190277152976609237/

April 23, 2012 - 11:17 pm

Shawna Pearce - Here is my fb link!!!! I would absolutely love these!!!!
http://www.facebook.com/In.the.Moment.Photography

April 23, 2012 - 11:06 pm
April 23, 2012 - 10:35 pm

Amanda Deskins - Shared the contest on facebook for entry 2 here: http://www.facebook.com/amanda.deskins

April 23, 2012 - 10:31 pm
April 23, 2012 - 9:37 pm

Andrea Machado - shared on fb: https://www.facebook.com/fabi74uru

April 23, 2012 - 9:35 pm
April 23, 2012 - 9:18 pm

nadia - http://pinterest.com/pin/203717583114587185/
love these actions!!

April 23, 2012 - 9:02 pm
April 23, 2012 - 8:59 pm

vickie - http://www.facebook.com/bestrodeo

I love your photos I hope one day mine will be as good as yours

April 23, 2012 - 8:57 pm

Vickie - http://pinterest.com/pin/216595063299050480/

I shared it on my FB too

April 23, 2012 - 7:43 pm
April 23, 2012 - 7:42 pm

Paula B. - Just became a fan on facebook!

April 23, 2012 - 7:07 pm

stevie - love, love, love this! Pinned!

http://pinterest.com/pin/272538214920301716/

April 23, 2012 - 6:41 pm
April 23, 2012 - 6:14 pm
April 23, 2012 - 6:14 pm

Julie - LIKED your page already :)

April 23, 2012 - 6:05 pm
April 23, 2012 - 6:03 pm

adela rodriguez - I liked on Fb,Beautiful textures,would love to try them out!!!

April 23, 2012 - 6:03 pm

Mindy - I’ve liked your page for forever! <3

April 23, 2012 - 5:58 pm

Heather L - I liked on facebook!!

April 23, 2012 - 5:58 pm
April 23, 2012 - 4:02 pm

Chelsea Humphreys - Thank you so much for the giveaway! These are beautiful! Here’s my pinterest link: http://pinterest.com/pin/224054150181929722/

April 23, 2012 - 3:58 pm

chelsea humphreys - I face booked it! https://www.facebook.com/chelsea.humphreys

April 23, 2012 - 2:33 pm

Tasha - I posted on Pinterest as well! Here is my link!
http://pinterest.com/pin/127156389449253447/

April 23, 2012 - 2:32 pm

Tasha - I posted on facbook!!! Can’t wait until these come out they look Beautiful!! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1513713759

April 23, 2012 - 2:21 pm
April 23, 2012 - 2:19 pm
April 23, 2012 - 1:26 pm

Jowi - Shared on my FB wall(from your post)

April 23, 2012 - 1:26 pm

Starla Groves - I pinned :) but I can not figure out how to get the link here on my Iphone but I promise I pinned :)

April 23, 2012 - 1:24 pm

Sammie B - Shared on Pinterest : http://pinterest.com/pin/27162403972782900/

April 23, 2012 - 1:23 pm

Jowi - Shared on Pinterest! http://pinterest.com/pin/205054589253961070/

April 23, 2012 - 1:16 pm

Nikki Mulkern - I would love to win this. I pinned to pinterest.
http://pinterest.com/pin/16255248625245141/

April 23, 2012 - 1:12 pm

Starla Groves - https://m.facebook.com/starla.groves?refid=8 I hope I’m doing this right :) shared on my facebook

April 23, 2012 - 1:12 pm

Bridgette Burr - Pinned! Showing more love! Thanks again :)

April 23, 2012 - 1:12 pm

Bridgette Burr - Shared on my FB wall :)

April 23, 2012 - 1:07 pm

Ammie - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=10000085322546 Facebooked it. Love these. Can’t wait.

April 23, 2012 - 1:04 pm

Patsy Davis - pinned for more love!!

April 23, 2012 - 1:01 pm

KellyAnnePhotography - I Pinned it! Source: Uploaded by user via Kelly on Pinterest

April 23, 2012 - 12:59 pm

Patsy Davis - Shared on facebook!! Love it!

April 23, 2012 - 12:51 pm

jessica beamgard - Here is my post on FB I cannot WAIT to see them all!
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150985964259126&set=a.72615444125.99163.54589984125&type=1&theater

April 23, 2012 - 12:49 pm

jessica beamgard - Here is my pin!
http://pinterest.com/pin/200269514649858602/

April 23, 2012 - 12:48 pm

Katy McKinley - I shared it on Facebook (from your post).
http://www.facebook.com/mckinley.katy

April 23, 2012 - 12:45 pm
April 23, 2012 - 12:42 pm

Dawn Lopez - Happy to Pin this! http://pinterest.com/pin/98727416801570783/

April 23, 2012 - 12:42 pm

Dawn Lopez - I’m so looking forward to this! Posted to FB http://www.facebook.com/itzdawns

April 23, 2012 - 12:37 pm

Tiffany L. - Shared on Facebook as well: https://www.facebook.com/tiffany.lafond (but it already shows you that I shared, doesn’t it ;).) Thanks again!

April 23, 2012 - 12:35 pm
April 23, 2012 - 12:34 pm

Brandy Cline - http://pinterest.com/pin/279223245617321258/ Shared on Pinterest!

April 23, 2012 - 12:33 pm

Tiffany L. - Here’s my Pinterest link: http://pinterest.com/pin/182606959861281753/

Thank you so much for a chance! *Fingers crossed!!!*

April 23, 2012 - 12:31 pm
April 23, 2012 - 12:31 pm

Brandy Cline - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1037364554 Facebook wall!!!

April 23, 2012 - 12:29 pm

Lisa - Beautiful textures! Here’s hoping I get to try some new ones out.
http://pinterest.com/pin/169448004700092003/

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