Families are Forever

This family is just amazing and the kids are so darn cute! I would have loved to try a few different locations but we were trying to fit the shoot in between the bouts of pouring rain! But despite the deluges it was a fun fun fun evening!

Baby's First Photo Shoot

There is nothing like a photo shoot with a baby ... they can be so cute and cuddly but then there are those times when they are, to use one of my grandma's old phrases, full of spit and vinegar. I was so fortunate with this shoot ... Mom and baby came fed well and rested so for the first part of the shoot baby was alert and happy ... after changing into the second outfit Mom decided to feed the baby again which was totally a smart thing to do because the second half of the shoot also went superbly well as baby relaxed and actually dosed off for some really beautiful shots! Mom and Babe were so fun to work with and so cooperative it was a great day and a wonderful photo shoot!

Notes from this shoot ... 1. Contrast is nice, get some more blankets and pillows in different colors so that babe does not blend in with her surroundings. I can change and the backgrounds I cannot always control what clothes are brought.  2. Get some more props too ... The basket was a tiny bit small ... maybe a bigger basket, a cute red wagon and a cradle of some sort. Of course it is the photographer not the props that make the shoot...lighting, composition, etc... but the props don't hurt and I have found that Mom's (and Dad's) really like them!

I know I posted a LOT of pics  below but she was just so adorable I couldn't help myself! Enjoy the cuteness!

First Wedding

Recently I shot my very first wedding. I cannot tell you how much fun it was!!! I studied and practiced for days and weeks and months and finally the big day was here! It was such a thrill, and not like work at all, to capture the moments that will last a lifetime and beyond. The couple was amazing, the venue gorgeous and the weather superb (if frustratingly sunny for the photos) not too hot with a happy breeze!

I posted quite a few of my favorite photos ... Yes, I took many more that I didn't post, No, I didn't post all the expected pictures but the ones that spoke to me as a photographer and YES, I made tons of mistakes ... and learned so much ... and still my clients where totally happy!

Things that I learned... I need to take my time! When taking photos I need to take a minute to compose them in my head, not to be be afraid to re position people,  and to not let people with their own ideas or who think they are better/smarter/more experienced than me intimidate...I need to just take charge and do it! I am the one being paid to take the photos! It needs to be my work ... that being said a good idea is a good idea and if someone has one I will not be afraid to take it and run with it :)

I also learned to check my lighting check my lighting and check my lighting again!

I learned to take more group shots ... I wish I had more of all the Bridesmaid and bride. I have some that are superb but I wish I had taken more...we were rushed for time and I panicked moving on to the next thing too soon.

Oh, and I learned I really really need photoshop or, at the very least, photoshop lightroom!!! Love them!! Picassa is GREAT but it does not have all the capabilities of the other. 

So with that I hope you enjoy looking at the photos below! 

 There is really nothing quite like a Southern Wedding!

 Above is a one of their engagement photos I blew up so that they could make this as a decoration...