*Update* “someone” erased this Merry Christmas post last week so I apologize for the repeat. Instead I will wish you all a Happy New Year. I hope your 2010 is full of many blessing and laughter and dreams coming true
Thank you to all of my faithful readers, past and future clients. I can’t wait what 2010 is going to bring. I know it’s going to be AH-MAZING!
There are a million or more posts out there about SEO. SEO for your site and for your blog is important but, it’s only half the battle. Page load speed is of major importance these days. As pages get bigger and have more content, they load slower. So here are 6 ways you can speed up your Wordpress blog.
One of the better known techniques for speeding up WordPress is to install the WP Super Cache plugin. It caches your site for super-quick loading. It’s as simple as that. Install it and forget about it (and then promptly remember it when you wonder why your design changes aren’t showing next time you edit your theme files!).
If your site is loading slowly, look at how many plugins you’re using. If the answer is more than ten, look at the plugins you’re using and ask yourself whether you can integrate them directly into your theme.
While you’re at it, also ask yourself whether you really need the plugin. If you can do without it, do.
One of the reason for slow loading site is images, therefore every image should be optimized for web. Simply said, if you’re using Photoshop, there is an option to ‘Save for Web’ which you can use to reduce the image size.
If you don’t have Photoshop or haven’t been using the ‘Save For Web’ option you can improve performance using the Smush.it plugin for WordPress. This plugin will run every image you upload through the Smush.it API which strips all unnecessary data (not quality) out of your images.
The best option is to use a plugin: the Optimize DB plugin does what it says on the box. It will optimize your database and remove all post revisions with a one click interface.
Image rotators or slideshows that use flash slow the load time of your blog. Instead of using these flash plugins, try using the WP-Cycle plugin instead. It does the same thing as other flash versions, but with substantially faster load times.
I know that most of us want as much info on each page as we can get. But if you want your blog to load faster (especially photo blogs), more posts slow your page load time. Trying changing your posts per page setting to 3-5 or use post exerpts. You can change your posts per page in your wordpress settings panel under ‘read’.
What are your tips for speeding up your blog?
At an attempt to get more personal on my blog I’m going take up my friend Michelle’s request and post what I deem good gifts in my stocking. I know exciting right. C’mon, humor me and just read it. I think secretly deep down this list is for Carson to get some good ideas since he kinda needs help in the stocking dept. Just sayin’. Love you babe! ;)
Things I like in my stocking, in no particular order:
Things I DON’T like in my stocking, in no particular order:
And because a post is better with a picture-here is one I took on the weekend while doing a christmas family session.
I met Carmen when she was 12 yrs. old. She was a jr. high student in my husband’s youth group. She hung out with a group of girls, as most girls do her age,  but there was something different about her. She was confident, a leader and despite what was going on in her life she was focused. I only wished when I was her age I had the same confidence and self esteem. At youth we had different bible study groups and Carmen was in the one I led. She questioned a lot, she asked questions that made me think. She was a loyal friend and I knew this girl was going to go far. I didn’t worry about Carment at all. Since I’ve known  Carmen she has always been interested in the arts. She acts and sings in many performances at our local theatre. I’ve only seen 1 of  her performances when she was a teen and I was amazed of how comfortable was on stage. She’s a natural.  I lost touch with Carmen after we moved to Vancouver for a few years. I had seen pictures of her on Facebook acting in various plays over time but that was it.  A couples months ago I ran into Carmen at American Eagle (where she works) when I was shopping for an outfit for my own photoshoot. She contacted me a week later to ask if I would do her headshots. She will be auditioning for a few plays in New York City and wanted some headshots to take with her.  I was on cloud nine when I got off the phone with her. It was her old youth  leader in me that so thrilled to know that Carmen is pursuing her dream. I had such a great time connecting with Carmen again and catching up on the last 4/5 yrs. Not only is she acting between working and school but she also sings in an all girl band. Seriously,  keep an eye out for this girl. I know she’s going to go far.
Carmen wanted her headshot to look a little more relaxed and natural. I have to say I very nervous. This was my first headshot session ever and I wanted to do a great job for her.
Here a just a few of my favorites!
We did a few traditional looking headshots to be safe. ;)
Wowza! Carmen is stunning. I just love her smile!
Simone ~Â Contact Me!
Kelowna Photography | Kelowna Photographer | Okanagan Photographer Blog
A few weeks ago I photographed the Neufeld Family at Still Pond in Wilden. When I found out that there were 3 boys in the family I was prepared to strap on my running shoes, get my full intake of caffeine and break a sweat. Well none of that was necessary with this family. The boys were all so well behaved and listened to direction perfectly. It was so nice to see brothers who got along well and the oldest brother was so sweet to his two younger bros. I should be mention that Stuart is (one of) my husband’s boss’ so I knew I would have to do a great job or else… I kid. I kid. His job was definitely not on the line. This is such a sweet family and I was honored that they asked me to photograph them.
Enjoy!
Simone ~Â Contact Me!
Kelowna Family Photographer | Kelowna Family Photographer | Okanagan Family Photographer Blog
by Simone
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