Friday, May 29, 2009

Sparkley eyes






Madison is such a cutie. He wasn't happy with me putting her on the grass at the park so we had a second session at the studio the next day. She was a trooper. I love how her eyes just sparkle. Her mom is just as beautiful and nice. We hit it off and were talking like we had known each other our whole lives. It was a pleasure photographing and meeting Madison and her Mama.
~jamie

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Family







This family won a silent auction photography package. I donated a print package to
The Arts Academy in the Woods. It is a wonderful high school dedicated to artistic young adults wanted to excel in their field of interest. They have everything from photography, to band, drama, dance and so much more. The students have a regular curriculum and then their electives are in subjects that interest them. It seems like a great school. Congratulations and thank you for supporting this wonderful school.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Mircle Babies






These two little guys were a long time in the making. If I remember correctly 9 years in the making. They are the luckiest little dudes in town. You should see their nursery. So so cute! And they have the most kind parents. I just love twin sessions. They are so much fun and Carson and Connor cooperated so well. Completely opposite personalities, but quite the team. Congratulations again!
~jamie

PS I just love the yawning!

Darcy & Jeffery





My cousin Darcy is engaged to a very nice man, Jeffery. My mom is a crafter and a card creator. She is making their invitations to the wedding. We needed a photo of them so hence our session. After a comedy of errors including Jeffery's glasses needing to be repaired, here our some of my favorites.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Joe and Kellie








Some very good friends of mine are expecting their first baby in just a few short weeks. Since they are friends, I took advantage of the situation and tried out a few new ideas on them. (Yes some people may think of them as guinea pigs, but I choose to call it friends with benefits.) Either way...I'm so glad they were accommodating because I could not just choose my usual 3 or 4. So many are my favorites. Thanks Kellie and Joe for indulging me and ENJOY!

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Photography LOVERS! ~here you go






To all aspiring photographers. Weather you're interested in just taking better photos of your everyday life or becoming a professional here are some things that have helped me along the way.

I became a professional photographer by accident. I was Vice President of Internal Operations for a large furniture company. I was laid off after working there for 8 years. I searched for a long time to find another position that I would enjoy and could have a career I would love. After a long search and photographing on the side for almost 2 years, my husband suggested I start taking myself seriously. He believed in me and my work and said to go for it. If it wasn't for the push from him, I don't think I would have dreamed of starting my business.

I read a TON! Understanding Exposure is a great way to learn about photography. It's a wonderful introduction and will give you a good basic understanding on how lighting and functions of your camera interact. Read your camera manual and then reread it again. You will find valuable information in there. I still carry mine in my camera bag.

I took as many classes as I could. I still attend seminars to keep up on trends and get new ideas.

Join a photography forum. Have your peers critique your images. I truly believe its an invaluable way to improve. Don't take the comments personally. Sometimes they are harsh, mostly helpful and you will discover things about your work, you never would have. People will give helpful tips and tricks. It was on forums that I discovered my personal style.

If you are interested in becoming a professional...There are so many people who can afford professional level equipment and can gain the same knowledge you can. You honestly have to be on your top game. You have to be 10x better than the people around you for you to stand out. You've got to discover what it is that makes you different. It's so easy for anyone to get a website or blog up and going. Search the web and you will see some amazing work and some awful work. You have to educate your clients. If your clients are educated, then your work has to be top notch. You won't be able to fool them, however they will appreciate good quality work and know the difference.

Practice, Practice, Practice. I'm still learning and evolving as a photographer. I don't want to be in such a rut that photography is not fun any more or that all of my clients have the same pose with the same prop on their walls. Every session is custom and I wouldn't have it any other way. I still love photography as much as I did when I was in third grade. I'm still excited to get my prints back from the lab. To keep up the fun, I schedule at least one experimental session just for me each month.

Keep shooting and love the art of it!
~jamie