Chic Critique Forum | Photographer Idol Submission

In the previous blog post, I used this image to describe my style and methodology.  It was taken just this summer and it still lingers in mind despite other photographs I have taken.  When the opportunity presented itself to share an image that exemplified my style I gravitated to this photo once again.  It gave me great joy to showcase such a gorgeous girl in a manner that was true to her personality.  Once I had found the light, everything else seemed magical.  I love that her skin tones are just as creamy as they are in real life, that there is a twinkle in her eye, that she is wearing the hair accessory (versus the hair accessory wearing her), and that the composition draws you in and makes you pause.  Who is this girl?  What is her secret?  Where is she going?  How can that be me?  When a photograph elicits an emotional response then it has fulfilled its purpose.  I am grateful for the opportunity to share my vision via Chic Critique Forum (http://chiccritiqueforum.com/) and the Photographer Idol Contest.  I hope that you stay tuned to see if it is chosen as part of the top ten!

Reminder:  You can follow me on Facebook (*e photography) or visit my website (ephotography.ifp3.com) to learn more. 

Q&A

This is the type of portrait that makes me stop and stare.  The model is so serene, confident and luminous.  (You can click on the picture to see a larger version.)

This was taken as part of a commercial shoot for The Bow Chick.  (If you love this hair accessory be sure to check out http://thebowchick.bigcartel.com/product/mint-coral-collection-the-lily-ann - this is such a gorgeous piece in person!)  I am also including the before and after photos for this particular image because I have gotten a few questions recently about how I transitioned from a hobbyist to a professional. 

How I think about my camera, composition, light and editing:

I crop “in camera” 99% of the time.  This means that I frame the image in the camera prior to taking the shot versus cropping the image into something different on my computer.  Although I like negative space in my photos I chose to fill the frame with my subject because I wanted the viewer to focus on how the accessory creates a “look”.  I could have put the headband on the ground and snapped a photo but it was important to me to create a feeling instead of a two-dimensional image of the flower.  I also tend to place my subject with the light behind them so that it creates a soft frame around them. I want my editing to enhance my photo, not fix my photo.  It took me a long time to learn how to get the right exposure straight out of the camera and it is always a priority for me.  As a novice I struggled with this and I tended to over-edit.  (I laugh when I look back at photos that I used to think were awesome.)  Any editing I do now is purposeful.  Some of my edits are “clean” and some are more artistic.  It depends on the client and the intent of the session.  Either way, I stick to my aesthetic and produce photographs that make me happy.

Never forget that it is the vision of the photographer, the capacity to take quality photographs and the ability to edit those photographs that ultimately creates an emotion on behalf of the viewer.  A great camera does not magically produce great photos.  Ever. 

The best advice I can give is to shoot constantly, learn your equipment, invest in quality lenses, find a mentor (or two), educate yourself and ask for feedback in a forum comprised of other professionals.  There is a wealth of information in the cyber universe – just don’t get overwhelmed.  It takes time to improve and I am still learning and growing each and every day.

I genuinely value your support, business and feedback.  I hope that this has given any aspiring photographers a start in the right direction – Good luck!

A Better Tomorrow

The caption reads “Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow”. 

This I shall do.

I’ve had a tremendously gratifying year in my classroom both academically and on a personal level.  Caring for my big kids at school and my little people at home has limited my time behind the lens but being the best educator, mentor and mother is my number one priority.  That said, I’ve been shooting nonstop, working with other photographers, refining my editing style and updating my website.  I literally can’t wait to meet the families who won the giveaway earlier this year and meet new clients.  We are going to make some beautiful images together!

 Things that will be helpful for you to know prior to booking a session:

1.     I enjoy “setting the stage” and creating a particular look for a shoot.  I will be using a professional stylist for certain sessions and/or shooting in unique locations.  If you are open to having an adventure we are likely to exceed your expectations!

2.     I am going to be true to you as a customer and myself as an artist and not overbook my calendar.  When I first started my business I was eager to please and it cost me a tremendous amount of time, money and stress to deliver a product.  I felt rushed and I worried that the quality of my work was being compromised.  I am terrible at saying “no” but I am committed to making time for us to meet, style your shoot, and meet again once your gallery has been completed. 

3.     I want to share your gallery with you in person and help you identify the best ways to preserve your favorite photos.  The options can be overwhelming and it will be helpful to look at sample items for inspiration.

4.     Lastly, the session tab and the gallery tab on the website gives a detailed description of what to expect from your session.  This includes cost.  Getting your photo taken by a professional is an investment and should be treated as such. 

Here’s to a busy summer filled with family, fun and photography!  Hope to see you soon!

Out With the Old and In With the New!

Regarding 2011…
2011 is one of the most significant years of my life due to the loss of my father. There are not words adequate enough to define how iconic, generous, fascinating, loving, exceptional, intelligent, disciplined or remarkable he was. He is the single greatest man I’ve ever known and I physically ache from missing him. On a lighter note, I have many fond memories of the past year including the launch of this business. (Ironically my very first blog post is about my father.) It is from him that I learned to love art, and I am grateful for the opportunities I was given as a child to explore and create. Photography has always been of interest to me and I have had a camera in hand so long that I can’t pinpoint how long it’s been. (I still have negatives of photos taken as an adolescent and I treasure them dearly.) In my parents basement there are shelves of photo albums; my entire life in pictures. How could I not be inspired to continue this tradition? Once I had children of my own the camera simply became an extension of my body and the rest is history. (Please note – I have read a vast amount of information, sought mentoring, practiced daily and I learn something new every time I shoot. Shooting “professionally” is still scary sometimes and the decision to do so was not made lightly. I am committed to creating photographs worthy of your memories.)

In respect to the holidays, we had so much fun I was concerned that my children would literally die from excitement! We adopted the ever popular “Elf on a Shelf” and he was quite a little character. One morning we woke to find him in the Barbie convertible with his arm around Barbie. (Who knew that elves were sexy?) He also got into stockings, the pantry, light fixtures and the cookie jar (please see below).

In respect to projects, my daughter constructed two gingerbread houses and I am going to duplicate one of the ideas again next year. At her school, they used empty milk cartons as the foundation for graham crackers – genius! Christmas trees were upside down ice cream cones and powdered sugar provided just the right amount of snow. We also tried an idea from Pinterest using oil pastels and water colors but it didn’t work as expected. The goal was to trace and color her hand with the oil pastels then paint with water color overtop. The oil and water should have repelled each other to make a neat effect but it wasn’t as cool as the example I found online. (FYI - We are going to try again using canvas paper instead.) We also made a swag (another idea inspired by Pinterest) that was created from punched out paper that had been decorated and written on. The example shown is mine and I wrote down all of the things I was thankful for this past year. I like how the words aren’t quite discernible to others but very significant to me. Lastly, I cooked my brains out over our Christmas break and I tried some awesome new recipes. (There is a cake in our refrigerator that is so good you would gladly eat it off the floor.) I also made what my daughter now calls “Taco Cupcakes”. The photo isn’t fantastic but I thought you’d like to see why they were given this very appropriate name.

Regarding 2012…
Be on the lookout for some unique photo shoots, new products and the further evolution of e photography. I constantly think about the fundamentals of photography, composition of photos, lighting, subjects, spaces and places to photograph, editing…truly this list is endless. I only hope to have the time and technical skills to physically create everything that I see inside my head. I am excited to share my journey with you and I appreciate the opportunities I’ve been given to help you preserve some of your greatest moments. During my school year I am not able to devote the time I would like to this endeavor. Please do not mistake my lack of posts for lack of desire or lack of business. It is simply a lack of time that tethers my aspirations. (Maybe my resolution should be to cut loose the things I do but do not need to do so that I can do more of what I want to do.)

In closing, I hope to see more of my old friends this year and meet some new friends along the way. Until then…Happy New Year!

Tooting My Own Horn!

As mentioned in a blog post a few months back, I was given a tremendous opportunity via a dear friend. It turns out that I had taken photographs of her artwork (TinkerDot Designs) for her store on etsy. (If you haven’t visited etsy you are missing out on a whole world of amazing handmade items.) To make a long story short, the author of ‘Starting an Etsy Business For Dummies’ noticed a photo that would exemplify how to photograph merchandise with props to help a buyer better visualize the size and use of a product. The author asked if she could use the photo but I hesitated because I knew I could shoot it better for the purpose of the chapter/book. The only glitch was that the photo needed to be sent to the author in 24 hours or less and so I scrambled to get “the shot”. The photograph was everything I hoped it would be and it is now featured on page 137 of the book. I have to say that I’m pretty darn proud! The best part – the darling little girl is my very own beautiful daughter. (She thinks that she is pretty darn cool too!)

Mama Mia

Wowza! This shot could be my favorite from a recent maternity session and I have only just begun to edit the gallery. This mama is simply breathtaking.

On the Horizon

I am in love with this photo for so many reasons. First and foremost this couple is like family to me. Aside from that I really like the “noise” (i.e. grain) in this particular shot. I typically prefer crisp photos but this specific photograph feels more timeless to me with a little grit in it. I also can’t help but feel that this newly engaged couple is looking ahead to a future filled with adventures that they are ready to experience as a unified team. Their slight smiles seem to indicate that they alone share a secret that we will never know. Even though I was standing on the beach, it is evident that there is an intimacy that I was never part of. Isn’t love grand?

In case you’re curious, this is the full shot prior to being cropped:

The Fishin’ Hole

I can’t say what the magic formula was for this session but I had very little editing to do. The morning light was divine, this family was ridiculously lovely, our location was picturesque, and the two little boys had big plans for fishing and exploring. I had meant to take a few family photos but I just couldn’t stop shooting! I am including a small chunk of their gallery because I have too many favorites - particularly the one featuring the frog that we caught over and over again. Poor thing, I hope he didn’t croak! (So sorry, I just couldn’t resist…)

Happy Earth Day!

Technically yesterday was Earth Day but I was taking photos and spending time with friends and could not post until now. Three little girls spent the afternoon with me and we planted pansies in celebration of spring. I am continually inspired by nature and Earth Day was the ideal occasion to play in the dirt and talk about things we can do to make the world a better place. Shouldn’t everyday be Earth Day?

How Do You Like Those Apples?

Mama said that money doesn’t grow on trees
and sadly mama was right.
Mama said that I had too many shoes
even though mine felt tight.

Yet I wished for shoes galore,
hoping they’d grow on trees.
And don’t you know they actually do?
Now I can have all that I please.

The Explorers

This could very well be my favorite photograph. Not only I am enamored because it includes my children; I happen to love the textures, the light, and the feeling it evokes. I have more photos to edit from this particular adventure but I couldn’t help but share this image. I hope that we have a thousand more opportunities to explore and make our own fun outside of the house and away from the television. Here’s to playing outside!

Listen!

It must be March Madness! Book a session prior to 4/8/11 and receive 25% off your print order.

Not Your Average Post

I recently had the pleasure of photographing pillows (tinkerdotdesigns.etsy.com). I have been a fan of this particular artist for many years and I am thrilled to help showcase “Not Your Average Girl” to new customers. The big news is that one of the photographs will be published as part of a chapter in a book about starting your own business and displaying your items in a setting! This gives the audience better perspective about the size of the item and ways to use the product in their own lives. I am thrilled to make a small contribution to this project and I will share more about the book in upcoming months. (FYI - This book is part of a well-known series typically outfitted with a yellow cover...)

All for Art & Art for All

As mentioned, I am featuring photographs of artwork created by tinkerdotdesigns. Each piece is whimsical, colorful and suitable for any décor. The original works of art are created using mixed media and prints can be purchased in virtually any size. (FYI - Magnets are also available and they make fabulous gifts.) Please note that some of my photos are only close ups of certain areas on a painting. If you’d like to see more, please visit tinkerdotdesigns.etsy.com - enjoy!

With This Ring

This seems to me the perfect analogy for building a new life together; a nest that will house a new couple. And fragile though it may seem, a well-built nest can weather any storm, protect a family and unite the partners who work to maintain and strengthen the nest year after year.