Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Angelic





I mentioned a few weeks ago I got together with some friends and fellow photographers for a day of fun and learning. I wanted to share a few of the images of our 'models' from the day. Kari wanted to try out her new super elegant wings and capture some images of the kids for a limited edition series she hopes to be offering sometime in the future. With some planning and enough interest, I would love to offer a limited edition series session with these as well. They are so elegant and I can't wait to see what Kari does with her sessions as well.

After we tried some studio shots we headed outdoors for some "angel in the woods" portraits. We found a spot where the lighting was absolutely perfect and we placed Sofie so the backlighting really showed off the wings. Simply gorgeous! You know you're with a bunch of women photographers when we are all oohing and awing about the perfect backlighting. LOL!

And...of course, you know, boys can be angels too! (CAN be is the key word there I think).

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Portrait 411~Photography as a Business

As part of my effort to include more posts related to photography, portraits, tips and information based on the art and trade of photography, I wanted to share a fabulous blog post by a friend and fellow photographer, Shannon Holden of Atlanta, Ga. I know people are always curious about how I became a photographer and what goes into the business side of this profession, and Shannon does a great job of breaking down some of the less than obvious aspect of photography as a business, but are important to consider none the less.

While I'm already behind in my goal to post these Portrait 411 installments on a weekly basis- I hope you'll take the time to enjoy Shannon's post, whether you're looking at doing photography on an amateur basis or have more professional aspirations. When you're done, take a look at some of Shannon's fabulous work. She is truly a very talented woman.

SHANNON'S BLOG POST HERE

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Playtime





I had a play date of sorts last week and it was so refreshing. Fellow photographers and friends Kari Mertz, Tammy Krummel and Adrienne Olsen met at my studio to play and practice some lighting techniques and other 'stuff'. It seems just having some time to play and talk can renew one's interest and I think we all left with some new ideas for things we can bring to future sessions. Adrienne modeled some vintage garb so we could practice some lighting techniques. Kari forgot her vintage camera props, but oh well, we got along just fine without. And of course Calvin is always a BIG help (yeah right). I didn't get a chance to shoot a lot with Holden at the hip, but I had fun any way. Congrats to Adrienne on the grand opening of her studio in Irene, SD.

Friday, May 7, 2010

Portrait Jewelry Makes a Great Gift for Mothers




I have a few items of portrait jewelry in my accessories store on my website.
These are items I have offered in the past and am no longer offering for sale, once these few remaining items are gone- they are gone!
Check them out- you may find the perfect gift for your mother, or for yourself! After all, we mom's need to treat ourselves too!

If you purchase an item, I will include the image/images from our studio for the piece- sized correctly for assembly into the necklace, bracelet, etc. (you do the assembly).
Good on images from 2009 and 2010.

I have a limited number- so if you're interested, act quickly!

Have a fantastic Mother's Day Weekend!

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Have you taken YOUR Mother's Day Photo yet??

As a mother of two sons now---I hope this isn't my future
however,this did make me laugh.
Have YOU taken your Mother's Day photo yet?



Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Portrait 411 ~ Catch Lights







For some time I've been thinking it might be fun to include a few blog posts related to photography, portraits, tips and information based on the art and trade of photography. I never feel that writing is my strong point, and finding creative writing time is at a premium with baby, but I'll see what I can do!

Whether you're a client that appreciates custom photography, are looking to take better pictures of your own child, or just enjoy perusing the web enjoying different photography styles, chances are you've noticed "catch lights" in the eyes of the model. Maybe you didn't know what they were called, or possibly even thought it was a mistake or over site, but catch lights are highly desirable in a portrait.

What are catchlights? Catchlights are that spark of light which is reflected in the subject's eyes and is usually round or square in shape. A catchlight adds depth, dimension to the subject's eyes and is a desired effect in custom photography. Eyes without catchlights look dull and lifeless. Next time you're glancing through a fashion magazine, take note of how catchlights are used to add life and spark to the image.

Catchlight position in the eye vary by light source type and placement. Typically, it is more desireable to have a catchlight in the upper quadrant of the eyeball than the lower, though as in any art form there are no set rules. The earliest portrait paintings of many great artists show catchlights in the upper quadrant, and thus it's thought this is partly the reason it is deemed more desireable that way today.

Catchlights also vary by the type of light source. A catchlight from a large studio softbox source will look different from the reflective catchlights found in the eyes of a model shot outdoors in natural light.

The light source most of us are familiar with is on camera flash. On camera flash produces a small pinpoint light centrally located in the pupil of the eye- this is generally not desireable in custom photography as it is not as flattering to the subject.

I've included several samples of catchlights. Next time you're enjoying a magazine or looking at your wall galleries, take a moment to note the various types of catchlights and how they add to the overall look of the image. Great catchlights are something your custom photographer has worked hard on achieving to make your image really shine!

Monday, May 3, 2010

Gracie



What beautiful big eyes Gracie has and she sure showed them off for her session.
Gracie came from Estherville for her session and I'm so glad her and mommy made the trip. Here are a few of the fabulous images from Ms. G's session.