The Random Photographer Reborn!

When I received my first camera(film), I became a random photographer.  I took pictures of everything, windows, lint, people picking their nose, stop signs, walls, spoons, birds, leaves, you name it.  I just loved hearing the shutter go off with every push of the button.  I pretty much kept a camera of some sort around my neck all the time and had one in the car.  Everything was interesting and was a photograph to me. Well, as I got older and had children it changed.   I, like others only have two handS and caring for two children did not allow for a camera around my neck.   Besides that I would have misplaced the camera like I misplaced diaper bags and juice cups. Than digital camera became the new rage and my husband got a Canon Powershot Elf, it was 2 mega pixels and took a compact flash.   It was a small compact piece of metal and still hard for me to tote around with my kids.  I did still manage to take random images of things in different places, but the convenience was not there at all, and it was another thing I had to worry about losing.  This is where I thank Steve Jobs for the iPhone, yes, I said iPhone.  It brought new life for me when it came to random photography.  I now have a camera that I can use in case of emergency.   I can document my children's school events without looking like the crazy photography parent with every large lens and 60 pounds of camera bodies hanging from me.   Whether it is taking a random image of a plate of food or a trash bag in the corner of some abandon lot, I can capture it.   Now comes Instagram.  All this random photo art can be viewed instantly by thousands after you take it and you can also see other random works. You can even have it printed out.  One website is Statigram, it shares your stats, images, and also you can send for prints from their site.  There is so much for all to be creative with, no matter how busy you may feel.  Take some time and use that iPhone or whatever phone and create a random work.  Believe me it will make you feel good:)  Here are my random works of art all done with an iPhone.  Enjoy. 

All links to Instagram and Statigram will be blow images.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/instagram/id389801252?mt=8

 https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.instagram.android&hl=en

http://statigr.am/instagram-web-viewer

What a Portrait of ME!

I don't like to have my picture taken.  I look fat, and my face is to round.  My winkles are really bad and the camera adds 10 pound.   I'm just not photogenic.   As a photographer I have heard it all and unfortunately have said it myself.   Having the camera all to yourself for individual portraits can be a living nightmare for some.  Portraits have been an important part of mankind for centuries.  According to Webster's dictionary a portrait is a pictorial representation of a person usually showing the face.  The eyes say so much and portraits tend to have the subject looking straight into the lens.  I have done portraits with clients looking in and away from the lens.  It all depends on that persons personality and the mood at the moment.  Portraits can also showcase your surroundings or reflect things that are most important to you.  With individual portraits I like to talk and really get to know a client.  I want you to feel at home, and comfortable with me and most of all with yourself.  When we relax we let go of all the tension that holds us from our true selves.   Portraits were and still are a way of remembering a love one or documenting an event.   Presidents,  kings, queen, and commoners alike have had portraits taken  throughout history that we will always remember.  Everyone should have a portrait done of themselves at different stages of their life.  It's unfortunate that we are harder on ourselves then anyone else and we allow that criticism to hinder.    I see something unique and beautiful in everyone.   So when you book a portrait session with me you will see what other see when they look at you.  Pure beauty and nothing else.  Here are some portraits, enjoy:)

Preparing For A New Life: Maternity Sessions

Having a child is a wonderful thing.  It is so important not only to document your child after they are born, but before as well.   I love it when I show pictures to my children when they were still in my "tummy".   Being pregnant and photographing it for some is not something they want to remember.  The last month of pregnancy can be a challenge as well, but is the best time to show the babies growth in full glory.  It is true a woman does glow the last couple of month before bringing a new life in,  and capturing that is amazing.   I can tell you that when your children are older and see smiles and you holding or kissing the belly they were in is priceless.  Showing how wonderful it is to become a parent regardless if it is the first, second, or 19th time is a memory that a family will always have and cherish.   No matter how many stretchmarks you have now, fat you think you are, or how swollen your feet become, remember this is an opportunity to capture a moment that will soon grow into many more.

The Gorilla and Little Man

I was practicing some lighting and thought I would give my children a break from helping me test so I used  my trusted stuffed gorilla to test.  I always try to test lighting techniques that I think will work well with certain studio or location shoots.  This helps to see what the light will be like and also to be prepared for any other situation shoot wise that may come about.  Preparing is the key to a smooth and very confident shoot.  It helps the client relax when they see that you know what you are doing.  It makes you as the photographer relax which is very important to the whole process.    Later that day my son decided that he wanted to help for "free".   It makes it fun for  my children when I tell them they are my working models and pay them in something little that they like.  This time my dear son said he wanted to help for free.   What a doll.  Here are a few images from the testing.  Enjoy and always practice what you love:)

The Color Blue

From red to blue, why?  Just like when I changed to a completely red blog it was the meaning behind the color.  Red, bold, passionate, strong.  This is how I feel about the photography I do.  Now the change to blue.  The color blue has so many great meaning.  Some of which are inspiration, sincerity.  Blue is a calming color,  and is said to project confidence and strength.  All once again things that I believe are important to my photography to better myself and give the best to clients.  I hope you enjoy the color and the contents of the blog as much as I will.  Here are a few photos in the spirit of the color blue.  Enjoy.

2010 ENDED WITH A WEDDING

The end of 2010 was great.  I photographed Saharah and Bobby's wedding.  It was a beautiful intimate affair. The location was lovely both inside and out.  Thank you both, it is always a honor.  Here are a few samples.  Enjoy!

It's 2010 and it starts with Deja

I enjoy taking images of children.  It can be very interesting especially when they are infants and toddlers.  Having two children of my own and having taken loads of pictures of them you come to know that the attention level goes as soon as you set all of your equipment up.   Posing a 2 year old is not an options for most, but that is the fun part,  not posing.  You get the best shots of children when they are in play just being themselves.  Give them a toy, a blanket something that they are comfortable with and you are having a fun time with them and not a screaming party.  Always make it fun, set it up so that you, the family, and the child feel comfortable.   You want smiles from all and just a great experience had by all.  These images that I will share with you are from a session with Deja.  She is a beautiful 2 year old who loves her lollipops.  The session reminded me of taking pictures with my children.  We all had a great time as you can see by the images.  Enjoy everyone.