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.