Just to be Clear

I was thinking, hmm, wonder if anyone ever visits my blog anymore. Well, they do. So I wanted to make a quick post here so it is clear where you can find my work. I haven't been blogging for a long time. I may start back in the future, undecided there. However, for now please visit me on my website or on facebook:

http://www.michellehrinphotography.com

Thanks for taking a look, I hope I can work with your family and provide a custom photography experience you will treasure!

MCP Interview with Audrey Woulard

Just a quick post to share one of my frequented places to get great information if you are a budding photographer like me or a seasoned pro. One of my favorite recent articles on the MCP blog is their interview with Audrey Woulard. Her work is amazing and I aspire to it. I love how she captures children naturally and her skill with the camera and lighting. Shooting at such a high aperture and keeping the part of the subject you want in focus and moving fast with children is much harder than anyone would imagine who hasn't tried it. Especially with a prime lens that doesn't zoom in and out. It's something I've been working on myself lately. Here's a link to her interview.

http://www.mcpactions.com/blog/category/interviews/

New Website Launch

I'm proud to say my new website is pretty much complete. I'll still be tweaking a few things throughout the week so if you visit and it's acting up that is why. However, I wanted to go ahead and put it out there since some interest has been generated in more sessions after my most recent newborn work. The website will definitely be the new go to place to showcase my work. Thanks for your interest. Visit at:

http://www.michellehrinphotography.com/

Web Site Coming Soon

Today I purchased my domain name and a flash site template. I can't wait to start building it and publish the end product. I really think it will allow me to showcase my work nicely. It will also allow clients to view their gallery on the same site. Seriously excited and hope this gives me the ability to ramp up for Spring. I'm torn about continuing to blog but I'll find my way. Newborn session on Monday, can't wait!

Prime Time Practice

Got a new prime lens but forgot to add the hood and UV filter to the order. That's what happens when two babes are in the background while you are clicking add to cart! Anyway, that means I'm paranoid to shoot with it much in fear of damage. Yes, I'm protective and particular. I can NOT wait to use it on an upcoming newborn session though.

I have been reading, webinar watching, creating inspiration sheets, experimenting in editing and shooting like crazy lately. You'll see me change a lot on this blog, facebook and my free little website right now. I'm finding myself and my style and trying to use these intermediate tools to the best of their and my ability. Eventually my goal is to have one professional site and my facebook page.

That said, everything is a balance. A balance of striving toward improvement but having fun along the way. Ultimately, I'm doing this because I love it. Another balance I've noticed myself struggling with lately is technical pursuits vs. emotion and style. My style of photographing my children, people, nature and anything in general has always been natural, non-posed and just doing what strikes me at the moment. I'm a sit and wait for the moment kind of girl. That has produced the best images for me over the years. A session doesn't exactly provide a perfect atmosphere for that but that style can and will still shine through if I am just me. After all, that's all I can be.

It's easy to fall into the trap of trying to be like others you admire and losing what makes your work a part of you along the way. I love looking at others work and notice I do connect with those who have a style like mine so it is good to see perfection in the industry greats and strive toward continuous improvement. Again, BALANCE! I'll leave it at that and sign off for now.

Happy Valentine's Day

A few sweet Valentine's Day cards and photos of my boys and their cousin!

Sophie Magazine

Just a quick post. Have you seen Sophie magazine while you are out and about? It's distributed throughout Western NC and is a great read for women. They sponsor a photo contest each month. I've submitted a few here and there and got one published! I haven't seen it yet but a friend told me. It's a landscape picture. Pretty cool, now to get my copy!

An Adored Boy!

These two adore their son and he's just as sweet as can be! It took a while to get him to warm up but once he did he was all BOY. Thanks for the challenge!

The Journey

I've decided I'd like to blog some about the journey I'm on. I have one foot in the water but I'm not ready to jump in! I need to practice, practice, practice. That's what I'm doing. No one starts at the top and no one builds a business and brand over night. The manner in which I get the best practice is through doing a session. There's no way to anticipate what exactly may occur, interactions with participants, location, light, etc. without just doing it. I'm learning like crazy right now and hope to be able to continue to put my skills to the test and further develop.

Do I want another lens and a better camera body as well as my own custom site and logo, well heck yeah. I have to go through this process at my own pace though to get there. As an ex Marketing professional I realize the importance of brand and professionalism but unfortunately I don't have the budget I did in the corporate world, hehe.

Additionally, I also have to continue being the best Mom I can be to my boys during the process. They are still babies and need me a lot and I love it! I am inspired by photographers that I admire and seeing where they started and where they are now. Everyone has their own journey and tackles it in a different manner. This is how I've chosen to "skin the cat" so to speak.

That said, this month has given me the opportunity to develop with 4 sessions of different types. You'll see one more family session posted soon. I have a few more on the horizon as we move into Spring.

Party of 5!

Just a few blog boards of my 1st family session. I was SO scared because it was 5 people and I know Lynn has rambunctous boys. I was right, it was crazy but oh so much fun. More fast paced than I could have ever imagined and put the use of my ability to work my camera quickly to test! Oh and did I mention that it was very cold once again. Mason was hilarious and a total ham. He was directing me on what to do and had some good ideas and kept me laughing. The boys just ran and ran and ran and kept posing and I just kept snapping. I think we got some good ones and I got another session under my belt to help me learn and grow. Thanks James family, you were great!

Yesterday's Sunrise, breathtaking!

And we have a launch!

That's right! I finished my website. Here's the link:

www.wix.com/michellehrin/photography

You can also now "like" me on facebook if you want to show a little love and spread the word. See the like button on the side of the page or just search Michelle Hrin Photography.

I have two sessions planned in the next couple weeks. Both families! Can't wait to work with each of them as they are lovely Mothers whom I respect and each of them have beautiful vibrant children that they adore.

Finally, thanks to my husband for taking a self portrait of me to use on my "About" page of my web site. I pick location, poses, adjust all camera settings, he clicks, I edit. Haha!

Chase and Tanner showin some LOVE!

Yet another freezing photo session but so much fun! These were taken on my property with the wind whipping and our hands freezing. Despite the cold, Chase looks radiant and beautifully happy with her fiance Tanner. Can't you just see the love they exuberate especially when looking at each other? So happy for you two. Congratulations! See more under the Love tab at the top of my blog and also on my new facebook page - Michelle Hrin Photography.

Beautiful, Perfect, Newborn, Reese

This was my first newborn shoot! I enjoyed it so much. It was truly an honor to be able to take pictures of this beautiful girl. Thanks to her parents who trusted me to capture their 2nd daughter on her 7th day in this world. There is nothing better than spending a few hours holding, working with and basically staring in awe at a newborn. New life is amazing with all the possibilities and wonderment it holds.

Happy New Year

I don't have a fabulous New Year's picture to share as it's nasty outside =). Here's to 2011 and all the possibilities it holds. I'm looking forward to growing as a Mother, Wife and Photographer! Tomorrow I have an opportunity to meet a new precious life and take on my 1st newborn shoot. Nervous, excited, thankful and ready to jump in. Can't wait to share some images soon. I hope everyone had fun ringing in this year. I know I did!