Photography Blessings

I have been wanting to post for a while, but my internet connection has been unreliable and my phone seems to always mess up the post. First, I would just like to give a little thank you to my blog followers for checking in on occasion. :) I would never want someone to feel obligated to follow this blog, but it is fun to be able to share this process.

I have been blessed with some exciting photography things! I have an awesome, working tripod now and a very nice camera backpack to haul my things. Additionally, a family that I photographed recently gave me a thank you gift. That was not necessary, but, I will put it to good use. I got a pair of cargo pants- truly functional pants that should help me be able to keep track of lenses and lens covers while shooting. They are not the most flattering in a fashion sense, but legit!-- truly work worthy and I think will be very practical. I plan to use the remainder of the gift to register for an online photoshop class that begins in February- or maybe a one time, in classroom, 3 hour portrait class, also offered through the community education program.

I was outside making some phone calls the other day and these fallen leaves in my yard caught my attention and wouldn't let go! So, I grabbed my camera!! Then, I swirled the image in photoshop just for fun.

family portrait favorites

I have been wanting to post some of these family portraits shots that I took recently. I had an absolute blast photographing a few different families. I love that little pieces of knowledge are added to my belt with each session or opportunity to practice. Some lessons are hard-learned and that's why I'm thankful I am not charging anyone! :) For instance, there were some relaxed type family shots that I LOVE but were just too blurry to be of use. I was snapping away, and capturing candid expression but all that is for naught if I don't foresee light/movement problems or take a second to check the viewfinder. I'm bummed about it, but I learned.  I can critique different aspects of each photo, but I do have some favorites.  I will keep uploading to this post as I can.


In another family photo shoot, on a foggy day I got a few shots that I like---though still really struggling with getting a sharp focus. :/

Lots to Learn

Well, I first woke at 4, and now again shortly after 5. I have a photoshoot today with a family that has 4 little girls. I am so excited to get to practice some portrait work, yet so afraid I won’t be able to get a shot that meets their expectations/hopes. I still feel so, very limited and at the base of the learning curve with this thing!

Yesterday, I was able to photograph my friend’s children.  There were a few shots that I am really excited about and I can’t wait to see them on the computer rather than my LCD screen! I would like to be better at seeing potential problems as I’m shooting (like shadows, for instance.) I wish I was better by having a “bag of tricks” up my sleeve to pull people into the moment and get them to relax. I am not good at that in normal conversation!! How in the world am I going to be able to get them to do that with a camera blocking my face and rushed time constraints?!! And, there is still the whole lighting thing that is huge and I need to grow in. I need to learn how to measure light correctly and how to use a reflector. I need a reflector!  J

As a final note, for today’s text-only-entry… I went to Barnes and Noble last night with the goal of finding some “family photography” books to read.  I didn’t find much in that area but I sure enjoyed sitting on the floor at the bookstore and looking at some books of just portraits by professionals. I continue to be surprised on occasion at how some photographs affect me. It  can be powerful. My favorite from last night was a close up of a little girl (8yrs?) in India. It was zoomed in to her somber face that was resting on her father? Or grandfather’s forearm and hand. The hand was battered, weathered and scarred by age and possibly a hard life with a few new cuts. On the other side of her head was a baby’s foot, leg hanging down- obviously the man in the picture was holding a baby as well. Nobody’s face shows besides the little girl. I love how there is a story being told in that simple shot.