Glimpses Week 3 ~ Waiting for the Bus

This is part of a typical morning-the girls all bundled up and waiting for the bus. Since it's still winter, it's cold and dark outside. They stand at the window and watch the bus go by first, then a few minutes later when I see it coming back from the other direction, they go outside to meet it. So far, they both love riding the bus. I'm sure that will change one day, but for now it's working out well.

They always look so little walking toward it--at least for now they look little. I'm sure that will change one day too. Little brother and I stand at the door waving to them. I think he misses them when they are gone all day. At least they all get really excited to see each other after school, so I think they miss each other. Really hope that never changes.

Oh, and I realize I really need to wash those windows! Ugh! Can you tell that's where my kids stand a lot to look out the window. LOL!

Just another "Glimpse" of my life. Check out the Chic Critique Forum to see more!

Art...and business

In November, I attended a workshop with the Professional Photographers of Idaho. The first day we attended educational sessions on business, exposure, lighting, pricing, client connections, posing and print competition. In addition, we had a shootout with models, different lighting set-ups and backdrops sponsored by Silverlake Photo Accessories.

I was so excited to meet some of my area's photographers who I spoken with or emailed, but never met. The workshops were inspiring and tremendously helpful. Photography is a journey and I never want to stop learning this art. During the second full day, we heard from Master photographer JuliAnne Jonker who shared with us some art history and how to apply the influences of classical artists into our own style of photography.

Even though I have a story-telling, relaxed style, and use mainly natural or available light, I still want to know classical lighting techniques, posing principles and techniques for running an efficient and profitable business. It's not only important to me to create beautiful art of the children and families I photograph-art that will only appreciate in value as time goes by-art displayed in wall galleries and heirloom albums, but it's also important for me to remember all the business side of this. I am dedicated to my clients and providing them with an amazing experience, but I also love my family. They are who inspire me a lot in my work.

Therefore in 2012, I will be concentrating mainly on pursuing my "art" and fine-tuning my business to create one that works for me and my family, while also allowing me to provide THE BEST possible customer service to my clients. I know that for me, I don't need a lot of clients, but I do need and want clients who truly value what I offer. I may not be the photographer for everyone, and that's okay too. It's taken me awhile to realize and accept that, but I am going to be better for it. I hope you continue to follow along and see where this journey takes me, and how you can also be a part of it too!


PPI Shootout
And here are some of the images I captured at the PPI Shootout. Different than what I've been doing, but really fun to practice and learn with different portrait lighting set-ups. These models are really great too!

This first image was set-up using Rembrandt lighting-one light source was set up 45 degrees to subject camera right. It's also characterized by the triangle shaped light on the shadow side of the face. You can see this lighting in Rembrandt paintings. This model is actually another professional photographer, and he was fantastic as the subject in this little vignette set-up. Here's a link to learn more about Rembrandt lighting.

The other three images were created using continuous lighting with a really large softbox as the mainlight to the left of the subject and a smaller fill light to the right of the subject. I ended up having to shoot really wide open so there is a little blur on some of the limbs, but it was good to use some different lighting set-ups. Now I just need to practice at home!

I didn't capture a lot of digital images as I took my film camera and practiced more with it. I'm looking forward to getting my prints back to see what I captured. It's been years since I used film, but it's another way I want to challenge myself this year and work on my "art."

Glimpses ~ Week 2 | Idaho Lifestyle Photographer

Here is my second week "glimpse" of our everyday life. I realized that a lot of these images are probably going to include my little guy as he's such a part of my every day. I'll have to make a concentrated effort to capture his older sisters either before or after school and on weekends, as both are gone throughout the day. I really miss having them around too. I must admit it is sometimes easier only worrying about one at home when I've got a busy work day, but I love my girls so much that having them gone all day every day makes me sad too. Just another reminder to grab all the little moments I can and hold on to each one.

Part of J's morning routine is getting to watch a little TV while I get ready for the day, check email, have some quiet time, etc. His favorite shows include "cowboy TV", which is anything on RFDTV or The Pioneer Woman on Food Network. We have all those episodes DVR'ed so he asks to watch them. He also really loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. I love that he has a favorite blankie he cuddles with too. Each of my kids has their blanket. They don't usually take them from home unless staying somewhere overnight, but they can be found with them around the house. Ahh, glad I'm writing down these little details because I know I'll forget them someday. If you would like to see more glimpses into some other photographers every day lives or you want to play along, check out the Chic Critique Forum!

Glimpses ~ Week 1

T Family ~ Idaho Family Photographer

This is such a loving, caring family, and it was a pleasure to photograph them. Mom had received this session as part of my Mother's Day giveaway. They spent most of the time laughing and joking around, which made it very fun for all of us. Sweet baby "M" is the little princess of the family, and everyone was very excited to be welcoming another baby girl into the family soon too. They are all quite musical, so I thought it very appropriate they brought a guitar to play during their session. Thanks T family for a fun fall afternoon! If this post receives 20 or more comments this family will receive a complimentary 5X7 from their session.

Glimpses~ Week of Jan. 9 | Getting personal

Sometimes we get so busy as photographers documenting other people's lives that we neglect to document the details of our own lives. Really for me, I take plenty of photos of my own kiddos--they are my inspiration--I just don't have time to edit all of them and get them posted. Ha!

Chic Critique Forum is hosting a 52 project to help motivate all of its members to share the "glimpses" into our own lives. It's one of my goals this year anyway, so I thought it might be fun to try this. And it hopefully will keep me accountable to my goal!

If you would like more info or want to play along, you can visit the forum and become a member. It's a great resource! Check it out at http://chiccritiqueforum.com

Precious Baby L ~ Idaho Newborn | Lifestyle Photographer

This little guy was so sweet and precious at just five days new. He was fed and sleepy when I arrived so did a few posed images, then moved onto my favorite ones of him with Mom and Dad, and in his room. It was decorated so cute, with little turtles. These first-time parents are so smitten with their little guy. They have been wonderful clients, as I photographed their engagement session and wedding also. They have really become friends. Thanks for letting me capture all the newness and love of little L!

If this post receives 20 or more comments, this family will receive a complimentary 5X7 from this session. Which one is your favorite?

Welcome 2012!

Welcome 2012! I feel like I have so much to say, so much to do, yet so little time! I guess it's all about priorities though; and seems there are lots of those to narrow down too. Ha! I had a wonderful 2011, and met some great new kids and families, and photographed some repeat clients as well, so thank you to all who trusted with with capturing their memories last year. We spent a wonderful holiday season away from home with my family, and it was so nice to have lots of downtime with extended family and my husband and kids. After a busy fall, it was just what I needed. I've been mulling over several things, and because this winter time is slower for me-on purpose-I'm taking this time to formulate a plan for this year. A plan so that my number one priority-my family-comes first. And that when I do have clients-they truly feel like they are the only ones and my priority at the time as well. It's a philosophy I've always had, but want to be better at putting it into practice. I'm always completely dedicated to my clients during the session, and kind of get lost in all the fun of it. As a goal for 2012, I want to decrease my turnaround time for viewing/ordering sessions, and delivering final products to clients.

Recently, I looked back at my New Year's post from 2011. I think it's always good to look back and see how far we've come. I am pleased that I was able to meet all those goals for last year too. One thing I am working on more is creating S.M.A.R.T. goals-specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely.

As I determine the best way to conduct business in 2012, I know for sure I want to shoot for myself personally and blog more-the good, and the not so good parts of life. It's hard sometimes for me to know what audience to write to-is it only my family reading this? or my friends? or potential clients? other aspiring or pro photographers? Sometimes I feel like I have to put out only that perfect photo or write the perfect words, but I realized a long time ago that I am no where near perfect. So, I am going to try to not be so hard on myself and just be me-be honest-be real. I am curious though who is out there following my work-maybe it's only my Mom. I know she loves my work, but she has to, you know. :0) Anyway, please do comment. I love to hear from people.

What are your goals for the new year?

And just because a post isn't much fun without a photo, here's a little photo of my family, taken by the wonderful and talented Randi Davies. She's become a great mentor and friend, and I enjoyed getting to know her and shooting with her last year. Although I value all kinds of photographs because they capture a moment in time, I feel strongly about hiring a fellow professional to photograph my family at least once every year or so. And it's fun to be the one in front of the camera for a change instead of always behind it!