Taking a stand...

I came across an article on a photographer that took a stand on photographing "ugly" clients. I decided to head on over to her blog to read what it was all about. I always say beauty shines from the inside out. She is sending a message for sure and I agree bullying is NOT cool!
The Blog and Her Post
By the way,  I didn't know of her or her business until this article. But, stop on over and take look at that stunning work!!! It rocks!

Summer...

Summer is ending and I am not ready for Little Man to head back to school. I feel like our summer has gone by in a flash. But, signs are all around us that school is just around the corner. There is the back to school sales, teacher assignment letters, fall sports practices starting, etc. Everywhere you look there is a sign that summer is ending. So, how do you all handle this time of year?

On another note, we had our camp. This year it was ART camp. It was a great day for it and I am pretty sure the kids had fun. Might have to post some photos for you all to see in the future.

Speaking of photos Little Man is getting some printed that he has taken to enter in a contest. Excited for him. I love his eye. It's got something magical to it, of course it could be that I am his Mom and just a wee bit proud of him.

Next week, I will be back to posting on a more regular basis. But, don't expect anything too regular until September. (Keeping it real)

Have a great day everyone!

Photo Friday

So, for those of you that look forward to my Friday Photo posts when I do them, I am hoping to get back into the tips or sharing of some great photo places around the web on a more regular basis again.

Little Man is working on photos he has been taking this summer, I will share them come fall. I want to keep them under wraps right now as he is planning on entering them in a contest. I love his eye and take on photos. Sometimes I sit back and think, I wouldn't photograph it quite that way. But, then I look and see what he has seen and captured and I go WOW, that is cool.

Those of you that are following along, who has used my tips? How have the pictures turned out? What questions do you have so far? I have an assignment for you. Have fun with it!

Assignment: Go into your garage (yes, I said the garage) and place your little ones just inside with them facing out toward the outside. You will stand on the outside and capture them. In there, the light is constant and gives you a large window of light to work with. It's indirect light and with that you can achieve some pretty cool results. You could also use your front porch if your garage sounds too weird. :) This is a softer light and you will see can create some beautiful results.

Summer Nights and photos...

I LOVE summer nights for photos. Why? The light is so pretty, so magical. Get that hour before sunset and get your camera out and go capture your kids.
Of course, if you have a blanket, a bowl, a field and a newborn. You can have this...

If you have a little one you can have this...

But, remember they don't always have to look at you!

Now, go and have fun! :)

Capture It-The Program Modes

Afraid of Manual? Trust me when you learn it, it will be your best friend. Until then there are other modes on your camera. Let's take a look at those...

Full Auto Mode: Your camera is in charge. Really? You want to let that be in charge? I guessed not, that's why you are reading right?

Portrait Mode: That tells your camera that you want your subject in focus and the rest can be out of focus.

Sports Mode: Faster shutter to freeze action.

Landscape Mode: Long depth of field. You want it all in focus.

Macro Mode: Very close up shots. (Short depth of field)

Shutter Priority: You choose the shutter speed.

Aperture Priority: You choose the aperture.

Manual: The KING of them all. You are in total control. (I'm a control girl, I admit it.) You set it all, aperture, shutter, ISO the whole works.

You want to get to Full Manual mode?  Keep checking in on the Capture It Series. :)

Capture it! Review and extra tips

Here are 3 things you need to soak in for future posts. These are links to my previous posts and a few other tips.ISO
On sunny days your ISO will be at 100. But, on overcast days or indoor you will have to be higher 200 + depending on the lighting that you are working with. I notice that with window light (depending on how much I have) I shoot with 200-400 for my ISO. Unless I have some strong window light.
Aperture
I tend to like my photos to have a focus on the subject and blur out the background, so I tend to shoot with my aperture lower or as they say, shooting wide open. :)
Shutter Speed
Tips on what your shutter speed should be:
Sleeping baby- depending on the lenses length you can do 1/60 (on a 50mm) to 1/125 for this.
But the other end of running, swinging, etc. you will need 1/500 and up. Remember your camera will detect camera shake. So, keep yourself steady. You can make your body into a tripod. :) I like that better than bringing one along. ;)

Take these all in to prepare you for the future posts to come. :)
Do you have questions on these? Ask away. Because next we will be moving on to program modes and what they can be used for. Then we will move on to light, etc. etc. By the way, chime in on what you want the etc. etc. to be. :)

I came across this quote and thought I would share...ponder this when you pick up your camera next time.
"Photographs are not made by cameras, which are only tools. We make images with our hearts and minds. What must be brought to photography is an ever-open and seeking mind." - Arnold Newman

Capture it- Shutter Speed (3/25)

Shutter represents the time that the shutter remains open when taking a photograph. The shorter the shutter speeds the better they are at freezing fast moving objects. It also doesn’t allow as much light in, therefore you should have lots of light to make this work. Think sports on a sunny day.
Long shutter speeds can be used to blur a moving object or also let more light in. When shooting, it’s always best to keep your shutter speed as fast as the light allows.

So what do you do in a low light situation? You adjust your ISO and lower your aperture, this will allow you to get the correct exposure and still keep your subject “tack sharp” which in the end is what you are going for. This is what I do to adjust to get those night football shots. I'll show you an example once we get the computer taken care of. We've had a bit of an issue and let's just say it's a great lesson in patience, being prepared, and being thankful. Once things are good to go again, I will be sure to get a picture up to show you how even in low light you can take sharp pictures.

Capture it- Guest Post Elaine Gates Photography

What do you shoot with?  What’s in your bag?  What would you like to be in your bag?

I shoot with a Nikon D700 & D300

Nikon 70-200 2.8

Nikon 24-70 2.8

Nikon 50mm 1.4

Nikon 60mm 2.8 (macro)

Nikor 10.5 fisheye

Sb900

Pocketwizards

Sb600

How long you have been shooting?

4 years

How long you have been in business?

Officially 2 years

What inspires you?

Love inspires me most, relationships, beautiful light

How long do your sessions last?

Senior sessions are based on packages but normally 30min-2hrs. Family sessions are normally around an hour. Newborn sessions can take up to 3 hours depending on how easily we can get the baby to sleep and stay asleep.

What pre-planning do you do with your clients?

Usually once someone books a session I ask them what sort of session speaks to them, do they want to see themselves having fun in green grass, a large field, a cool urban setting. Its important to get the location right so that the wall portraits work well in their home and with their style.

Any lighting besides natural light?

You bet, I have some studio lighting for the studio work, I use speedlights for weddings and some portraits.

Do you use Photoshop? Lightroom?

Both!

How did you learn photography?

I just picked it up and learned along the way, photographing my own family gave me the push to do this for others.

Have you found any great places to shoot sessions?  Any new dream locations you are dying to bring clients to?

Yeah, I am always looking for new places that speak to me, which no one else is using. I still love the tried and true locations that everyone loves, I just like to shoot them differently with my own style.

How would you describe your style?

I love beauty and art. I like beautiful pictures that are well composed and perfect technically.

When you aren’t taking pictures, or editing, what are you doing?

Spending time with my family, knitting, reading…

What was the turning point that made you want to want to “do this.”?

I think one day I realized that this was my passion and I couldn’t change it… I spent a good year telling myself that I only wanted to do it for fun and to get out of the house and it snowballed into this amazing business that I am so passionate about. I feel this is my gift, what I was meant to do.

Can you share a story about your funniest photography shoot?

Weddings are always interesting; there usually is always a guest who keeps me entertained with their crazy antics. Once there was a best man speech that made me laugh out loud for days every time I thought about it…

I love being the fly on the wall watching peoples special days unfold; Documenting it so when they open their album they can relive it.

I think photographing my own children is borderline hilarious. I am so cool and collected with everyone else’s children but photographing my own makes me into one of those moms…. My girls have grown to love it, my oldest loves the time I spend with her, she loves seeing herself and I think she is growing a passion for photography. She always has fun ideas, and outfits! I spent about 4 months planning my holiday card portraits, my poor husband has to put up with all of my stress with coming up with a concept, and helping me build props for it…

What advice do you have for people searching for a photographer?

I think the best thing for people to do is find someone who you love their work, and especially with weddings you need to “click” with your photographer. If you don’t love me when you meet me, then there is another photographer out there for you. I want my clients to be 110% happy from start to finish; my goal is to make you not only my client for life, but a friend as well. The thing I love the most is building relationships! That right there is my passion. I also feel strongly that people shouldn’t settle for a sub-par photographer based on cost, cut corners other places, not on photography. You will never regret the investment!

Anything else you’d like to share with us? You are welcome Elaine!

I am so thrilled for you that you are starting out on this new journey. Thank you so much for interviewing me!! Xoxo

You are welcome Elaine! Wishing you the best in 2011.  Here are some samples of her work that she sent over for all of you to view.

To see more, visit her website. http://www.elainegates.com/

Capture It- Be Inspired!

When you are starting to look at improving your photography and making it better, I think you need to look at people's work who inspires you. Find someone that you connect with their work. Look at it. What makes you drawn to their work? What do you notice? I am not saying to copy them. But, just look at what you love about their work. Sure somethings you might want to try. But, don't try and make someone else's style your style. We are all unique and that's what makes us great.

I go along a very fine line with Little Man. I want to teach him more about the camera, but I want his eyes to remain his own. I don't want to make him see what I see.  I want him to keep his own creativity. I want him to bloom in the way he should...with his own eyes. So, my advice learn how they accomplish things, but keep your own eyes.

We had some friends over to sled during the winter and Little Miss E. was one of them. I took this photo of her after I was told that she doesn't smile for the camera. Really? I have proof she does. :) I adore this little girl.



Sledding fun.

Up tomorrow is another local photographer Elaine Gates. So be sure to stop in and check out her work!

Capture it! - Andrea Marie Photography Interview.

Andrea Marie Photography recently moved into the area. She is amazing and I am delighted to say she will be photographing my family this Spring. (YEAH!) I am so excited to have our relationship captured. Even though being in front of the camera is not my favorite place to be. That's another post in itself. Here is a little interview with Andrea and some of her work. Enjoy reading and looking--I am sure you will.

What do you shoot with?  I shoot with a Nikon D700

What’s in your bag?  My D700, my D80 as back-up, Nikon 50mm f/1.4, Nikon 85mm f/1.4, and Nikon SB-800

What would you like to be in your bag? A set of pocket wizards so I don’t always have to rent them for weddings!

How long you have been shooting? Since I was in high school…I was Photo Club President & a yearbook photographer

How long you have been in business? 6 years

What inspires you? Love, Beauty, Relationships, Happiness, and of course…my family!

How long do your sessions last? From 1 ½ hrs for a portrait or family session to 3 hrs for newborns

What pre-planning do you do with your clients?  We talk about what they should expect from the session, I offer styling and location suggestions based on what type of portraits they would like, and I get to know a little bit about them so I can do my best to capture their true personalities.

Any lighting besides natural light? I use a reflector sometimes, and for weddings I use on and off camera lighting

Do you use Photoshop? Lightroom? Yes, both!

How did you learn to photography? I was taught film photography when I was in high school and learned digital photography on my own. I also had the opportunity to work for some amazing studios in D.C. that taught me a lot, especially about weddings.

Any new dream locations you are dying to bring clients to? Yes! I want to do a session(s) on some beautiful fields or meadows, at a farm, and at an orchard!
(My note: Andrea, we are happy to make any/all of those dream locations with you at our session!;))

How would you describe your style? Contemporary portraiture. I always want my clients to look relaxed in their photos, like they were unaware that I was even there capturing the moment...to allow true emotions and relationships to be expressed. I also love getting those “money shots” of my clients looking their best, relaxed, in the best light, in their best outfits, and smiling right at the camera.

When you aren’t taking pictures, or editing, what are you doing? I am spending time with my two daughters or crafting! (My note: Her daughters are STUNNING!)

What was the turning point that made you want to want to “do this.”? I was working in Corporate Finance after college and felt I needed to bring some creativity into my “grey cubicle” life. I decided it was time to take the plunge!

Can you share a story about your funniest photography shoot?  Recently I was photographing some friends in Arizona and I was too much “in the zone” to realize I had backed into a cactus.  I thought they had gotten all the “pokies” off my back-side until I sat down on one when I got into the car!  It hurt, but it was worth the shot. : )

What advice do you have for parents who are looking for a professional child photographer? Look for a style you like, someone you know you can trust, someone who is good with kids, and someone who is willing to sell you the negatives. (My note: Those are just some of the very reasons that we picked her to photograph us!)

Anything else you’d like to share with us?  Don’t let the “golden photo ages” of your kids pass you by!  The newborn stage when they are sleepy for all their pictures goes by so quickly, and when they can sit up but can’t crawl or walk (around 7 months) is another one that are AMAZING times for a professional session. (My note: We have waited too long to get our whole family photographed. You all know that I photograph Little Man a TON! But, my relationship with him was not always captured. Our family realtionship has not been captured enough. So, even though this spring he will be missing teeth in the photographs, we are still capturing us as a family. Because missing teeth is part of growing up and well he's cute anyway! I just think, when his teeth come in, it will be time to capture us again.)

Here is some samples of her work:

 Because I know you want to see more. Check her out at andreamariephoto.com
Thanks, Andrea and looking forward to working with you! :)

Photo Tip- Understanding ISO

ISO measures the sensitivity of your image sensor in your camera. The lower number means the less sensitive your camera is to light. These are the pictures that come with less of that grain. The higher number means your camera is more sensitive to light. This can lead to more of that grain look.

If you shoot in low light situations, it will call for higher ISO. What you have to look for is to keep your ISO as low as possible. You can do this by learning the relationship between ISO, shutter speed and aperture.

There are cameras (DSLR's) that can perform well at high ISO's. That's a blessing to photographers who shoot in those darker settings. But, most important is knowing the relationship so that you can use your camera to the best of your ability.

Once you have a real understanding of how the three work together, your shooting ability will change. You will then be able to take on challenging shots and do so with confidence.

I highly recommend reading this book.

You can get your own copy here

Photo Tip (Aperture)

The guest blogger is going to have some major sharing to do once we get the computer glitches out of the way. Technology--sigh!
But, to hold you over I thought we would have a discussion on:

Aperture or “F-Stop.”
We adjust the aperture to control the amount of light reaching the sensor. We also adjust it to how much depth of field we want. Do you want the background to be blurry or sharp?
*If you want that blurry look to your background and keeping your subject sharp in front, then you want a larger aperture (smaller number, F1.4 or 2.8).
*Want more of the background to be sharp and not blurry then use a smaller aperture (higher number, F5.6 or higher).
Take the time to experiment with these. Remember there is a learning curve. Making mistakes can lead to greater understanding, so don’t give up. Also, remember to be patient with yourself. Once you have your shooting style all the settings will become second nature to you and you'll know just what to do without even thinking! :)

I am hoping to get videos on here for you dealing with these things. Would that be helpful?? Chime in and let me know.
The winner of the design? Well, that's coming up....

Sorry for the delay...Guest Blogger...

Today, I gave the guest blogger a day off. We talked about it and there were other things that filled our week this week and so, we made the choice to post an old picture.

This was from last year and it was a picture that he felt so good about because someone asked him for note cards for their son for this. Thanks S! :) It meant to him that people were looking at his work. That they liked what they saw and thought it was good enough to share with others. We all look for the reassurance. I am anxiously waiting for us to be able to go out and see the green grass like this and enjoy the warm fresh air.

He'll be back next week with a new picture. Until then, enjoy the old one. I say, it's an oldie but a goodie! :)

EXPOSURE!

Nope, I am not talking about skin people. Although, I feel summer is coming too quick and my skin seems to be getting more and more pale. This is about that camera and your exposure. People often want to know how to have great pictures. Well, it all starts with a proper exposure.

So, now you ask how can I get that? Sometimes my pictures come out so dark and sometimes they are too light. Well, that's because you are leaving the settings up to your camera. Your camera isn't human, it can't see things like we do. So, it's bound to make a mistake. Oh sure, we make them too. But, when you make them on your own, you can learn about that mistake and try not to make it again.

So, what do you do? Move that dial over to manual. I know it's a scary place to be. You have to control things. But, of course if you like to be in control, this is the place for you! :) Once you have learned how to shoot in manual, you will better understand your camera and get better results.
A few simple starter steps:
1. Get that camera out and move that dial over to M. Great, that's the 1st step.
2. Get someone or something to use as a subject and find a shady part of your yard, house, park, alley, whatever pleases your soul. If it's overcast, anywhere will do just fine. (More about that another time).
3. I don't care if you have a Nikon, Olympus or Canon, put your lens opening to 5.6 (f/5.6).  Now, adjust your shutter speed until you see that you have correct exposure. Then, focus on your subject and ta-da you just made your first manual exposure!

Photography is still about good light. A good exposure is making sure the right amount of light is hitting the sensor.

There are four ways to change the exposure:
1. Change the fstop on the lens.
2. Change the shutter speed.
3. Change the iso (film speed)
4. Change the lighting.

More on all of that another day!

Guest Blogger Friday: Topic: Valentines...

Just so you all know this idea was originally from: the crafting chicks. This year he is doing something different for the valentines and today's post.

To complete this he had to:
1. Take a picture of my phone.
2. Photoshop that picture and learn some new things in the process.
So, this week, I taught him more in photoshop than photography. I walked him through the steps by showing him. Deleted what I did and had him recreate it. He's proud of his valentines. He should be he worked hard on them and he was excited to learn new things in the process.

Incase you missed the details in this picture:
The calendar was changes to February 14th, time 2:14PM, the photo was changed, and it had his name for the network. But, since this was going to be online and I only refer to him as Little Man, I deleted that. There are cut out around the phone part.

The treat part of them is melted crayons. He made girl colored ones for the girls and then tried to make sure he did favorite football team colors for the boys. I love how thoughtful he is. :)

One last thing he wants me to post: GO STEELERS!!! :) And he asks that you all cheer for them.

Guest Blogger, a recipe, and photo topics -Whew what a Friday!

Little man is sharing a picture of some cookies that he enjoyed after playing in the most recent snow.  Coming inside to cookies and hot cocoa has become a tradition. These are Oatmeal Toffee Cookies.

Those of you that know these are hungry already. Those of you that don't, are totally missing out! :)  But, because you should not miss out on such cookies. I say, make some of your own.

Oatmeal Toffee Cookies

(Recipe from Hershey's Kitchens and can be found by clicking here or just looking below.)

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened
• 2 cups packed light brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups quick-cooking oats
• 1-1/3 cups (8 oz. pkg.) HEATH BITS 'O BRICKLE Toffee Bits
• 1 cup MOUNDS Sweetened Coconut Flakes (optional-we don't add these as we are not coconut people)

Directions

1. 1 Heat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease cookie sheet or line with parchment paper. Beat butter, brown sugar, eggs and vanilla until well blended. Add flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; beat until blended.
2. 2 Stir in oats, toffee bits and coconut, if desired, with spoon. Drop dough by rounded teaspoons about 2 inches apart onto prepared sheet.
3. 3 Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool 1 minute; remove to wire rack. About 4 dozen cookies

FYI: Photography things I have on the docket to cover based on what has been asked so far:

• Tips on using a DSLR--this will be multiple posts!
• Where to begin with editing? (Beginners based and again multiple posts!)
• Nailing exposure (Oh my, this is really more for a one on one session with a camera in hand. But, I will see what I can do for you via a blog.)
• Workflow (I can cover the basics, but I always think this is more of a personal style than a formula.)
• Tutorials on: Popping the color, Enhancing the eyes--honestly folks this is more about finding good light than post processing. But, we will discuss that.

Any others to add to my to do list? Shout them out.
Have a great weekend everyone!

Craft ideas for the week-Silhouettes and photo wreath valentine style.

Craft/Photo idea of the week. You know those silhouettes that the make at theme parks of your children that you can buy? Well, look no further than your camera, a window, and a photo editing program to make your own low cost. Not to mention you can then print more than one and give them as a gift.

If you want to learn how to make it, you should stop over to the Crafting Chicks. Besides, if you have not seen there blog before, you will be in love with it. At least, I am. Just follow this nice little link over there: How to make your own silhouettes
While you are over there, you should check out her photo wreath valentines day style. It's oh so cute!
Happy Crafting! :)

Since there was no questions...

I could have totally taken the day off blogging. Yep, I could have. Instead (this time), I am going to share that one of my goals that I have on my list for 2011. (I do mean I have a list!)  It is to document my family better (in pictures and words). I also want to keep up with it on a more weekly basis. I have decided that I needed scheduled time to do this--making an appointment to do so like I do for everything else. This time isn't going to magically appear for me as I may have had myself thinking before. :) 

How about you? What are some of your goals? If taking more pictures is one of them, how about some tips on doing that better? Anyone want those tips? Specifics for me to cover? Jump in and let me know. I am willing to cover that topic, too. Happy Thursday!