Pete and tricks for shooting in sunlight

So, I've had a couple people point out that I haven't taken a lot of pictures of Pete lately. Mainly because he's been kind of sickly. He had some tummy problems last month, and then got F-I-X-E-D, and had some complications and had to wear the cone of shame for 2 weeks. So he has had it kind of rough.

But, as I mentioned on my pro-blog, I had to order a replacement lens because the motor in one of our old ones went out, so I figured he would be a good subject to test out. And as I was looking at the photos I took, I noticed that I had several different types of lighting situations in our back yard, and the different effects it gave.

And I have to note: this is big for me. I don't really love any of these pics, other than the fact that they are of sweet Pete. And I rarely show anything but my best pics, but I thought this was a good lesson.

So, first I was being lazy and just snapping a few to make sure it worked. So I was in bright, direct sun:

Yes, even Pete does not like direct sunlight. And usually whomever you are taking pictures of won't like it either. Not only is it pretty unflattering, its tough to keep you eyes open. Exhibit A above.

So, next I moved him to an area on the porch shaded by the house. Colors are more vibrant, and you get a much more even light.

Now, I've told Pete that he looks like a hyena when he holds his ears back like that. But apparently he doesn't trust me, so I took a photo to prove it to him.

Now, on a normal basis I would be happy with the pic above (minus the hyena-ness). But I couldn't get him to stay, so I had to move to plan C to get him to loosen up. His new favorite toy, basketball on a rope.

What I did for this photo was expose for his face-- meaning I changed the settings on my camera to make sure his face was correctly exposed. It blew out the background, which some photographers would say is a no-no, but it doesn't bother me. And I like the nice soft look it gives the picture.

That's all I've got kids. See you next time :)

The Impossible task...

Photographing my family. I don't know what it is about photographing family, but for some reason your own nieces and nephews give you the time of day. I guess it's that they're so used to you, and used to you having the camera glued to your face, but they never pay attention. On the other hand, photographing your family is fun because everyone else (grandma and grandpa) have no reserve and do the goofiest things to get the kids to look! Sometimes I wish that I could secretly take pictures of all of them. Of my dad jumping around, making noises that I've never heard him make. My mom acting like a monkey. Seriously, this is good stuff.

Photo Lesson: When photographing small children that don't yet know how to look at the camera and smile, have someone stand directly behind you to get the babies attention. Many times parents/helpers will stand to the side of you, and then all the photographer gets is a series of photos with the kid looking in a different direction. For the picture above, hubby had to hold a wind chime directly over my head to get Beckett's attention. I feared a bit for his life, worring that it would be dropped on him, but it all turned out well. Oh the things we all do for a good picture :)

That's all I've got for now! xoxoely

Can't Get Enough

I just finished editing Lauren, Brad & Bens photos. I know I've already done a post about them, but I just had to show a couple more because they're such pretty people :)

Photo Lesson #(we will say) 5: Have confidence. I did this shoot right after work, so I rushed over and was feeling a little overwelmed. Of course Lauren is so sweet, and made me feel comfortable in her home, but I was still feeling aprehensive about shoting in a place I was unfamilure with. But this photo shoot has turned out to be one of my favorite! It can be intimadating to go into a place that you've never been, and move things around, find good light, and ask people to move in diferent positions, but with a little confidence, things can turn out better than you even thought possible. And the more confident you are, the more confident your subject will be in your abilities.

OH so cute Clara

First of all, I have to say that I love the name Clara. And Claire. Except that I think Claire is of limits for our future little nuggets. Claire Fair. Yep, it rhymes. But maybe we could get away with Clara...

Anyway, Clara lived up to her cute name in the photo shoot this weekend, only 6 weeks old and check out that smile! My heart is melting into a little puddle :)

Along with photography, I'm also introducing announcements! I love when my two passions meet--photography and design. What could be better, a one stop shop! This is one I threw together for Clara.

Photo Lesson #I can't remember: Explore (with permission of course) your photographic location. I got a little nervous when I first came to this clients home because the room that she said got the best light wasn't catching the best light at the time. So we explored, and we pulled back the curtains in her older daughters room, and wha-la! Great lighting, didn't even have to use the new studio lighting equipment that I lugged in!

Busy Weekend

What a jam packed three days! On Friday afternoon, the lady in laws and I packed up and headed to Dallas for a shopping overnight trip! It was so much fun, but now we are broke until the end of the month! Oops, sorry dear hubby...

When we got back, I had 2 photography sessions scheduled, and then our drain decided to get a clog and it flooded our garage :( But we have it all taken care of, nothing was ruined, just a little stress.

None the less, I still had two great photo shoots. I'm really excited, because I set up a home studio in my dining room, and I think it worked really well for this family portrait!

My last shoot was of J.J. & Seth, they've been married for almost a year, but wanted to get some wedding portraits done. They are so fun, just love them (background look familiar??).

Photo Lesson #4: Although it went well, don't schedule 2 photo sessions on a Sunday afternoon after you've gallivanted around Dallas for a day and a half...your legs do not appreciate you for it!

The Appletons

The Appletons, doesn't that just sound so sweet? It makes me think of Ewan McGregor Standing in a field of Dafodills proclaiming his love to Sandra...okay, so it was Sandra Templeton...and it may have been tulips, but still, that is what I think of.

This couple loves their dog as much as I love mine, so we took him along for the session. He's a great pup, too, such a good attitude about sporting a tie :)

Photo Lesson Number Three: Don't leave your photo bag next to a tree when taking dogs on photo shoots-- we had some close calls there.

Dirty Laundry

What a weekend! It was relaxing and busy, all at the same time. I only accomplished 3 1/2 of the ten things on my list. But the most important, #5- do something seet for my husband, and #4 - have a great photo shoot got marked off the list, so those were the most important. I did get to go garage saleing (#1) and picked up some good stuff, and I got some of the floors cleaned (#1). We still have sawdust from the pergola EVERYWHERE!

The photo shoot went great, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the couple. They are super sweet, and super fun, and beautiful people (which makes my job easy), and love the Lord, which is apparent in how they were explaining how they want their wedding to be. And, they were such good sports when I trounced them all around OKC to take pictures. 

Our first stop was a cute little laundry mat, which leads me to my next photo lesson: 

Beware of the people you meet at laundry mats. We met some interesting characters while we were there taking some pics. I figured we could just hop in, take some pictures, and be out quick. But the very friendly man we met there was very interested in what we were doing...as well as my camera equipment...as well as our entire history of life...as well as showing us how well he could whisle...as well and telling us about being on the radio. Which was all good, it just made the experience interesting. And even more interesting was the lady to yelled at cussed at us for getting in her way. So, maybe we should only do laundry mats on weekdays when they aren't so busy.

Photo Fun!

I'm really excited because I have several photoshoots coming up soon, and I can't wait to get out there and start shooting! And it reminded me that I need to get on the ball and put some of my more recent picturs on the web site. I've atached one of my favorite from a shoot a couple of weeks ago, isn't it cute??  They were super fun, and had such good attitudes as I toted them all around Oklahoma City.

I've been learning from each of my photoshoots, and I'm going to try to keep a log that I can look back and remember how far I've come, and because I'm pretty sure that Candice and I will be the only one's who ever read this, I don't mind making personal notes to myself :)

Photo Lesson to Self Number One: Pace Yourself

Keep photoshoots from about 1.5-2 hours (unless bringing hefty snacks and a tent to take a rest for a good while because your feet hurt like no other). I think the excitement of nice weather and the first shoot of the season gave you too high of expectations. Try 2 or 3 great locations instead of 9 or 10. I know you, self, you tend to want to do everything, but I think it's more important for you and your client to leave the shoot in high spirits and excitement, as opposed to both parties being exhaused.

Mini Lesson: The silly nose glasses=unwanted hair in key picture taking parts of the face...try out your props next time.  xoxoely