Happy Halloween!

I'm telling you people. Learn how to use your camera so you can do shots like this.



Photo Stats: ISO 3200, F/1.6, 1/160
Post Processing: (Totally Rad Actions) Claire-ify 9%, Lux hard 76%

Camera is on me

You know that trip I took? Well I went to see a photographer friend of mine. It was actually the first time we had met. We both took the same online photography class (the one that I encourage everyone to take--just look in my section "for learning photographers). We had gone back and forth on the forum and became friends. So I went to see her--just to get out of town, but also so she could capture my family. And she did--she nailed it.

There are two Entries.

Look HERE

and

HERE.

THat Moment

I tell you this--dropping everything you were supposed to do, and spending savings that was supposed to be savings, and driving thousands of miles in just over one week--is worth it for a shot like this.

July

I mentioned before that I take almost a picture a day. I've decided to start posting my highlights from the month in hopes to inspire you to learn to use that camera that you bought. Buying a nice camera doesn't make you automatically take nicer pictures, just like buying a nice violin wouldn't make me play any better--i still don't remember anything from 4th grade orchestra. So take a class.

*side note I will be teaching Photography at the Kimball Stake Family Vacation up at camp Geronimo--for those who are going:) (the Thursday class)

My shots

Last year I took a picture a day for the whole year. This year, I am not as diligent. But I do pull out the camera for moments I want to remember. And I'm glad I pulled the camera out for these.

My Camera

I loves my camera. I love these. This is why I wished every mother had a good camera--and more importantly, took classes to use it. I can't capture this stuff for other people, because it just happened one afternoon. You can't set up pictures as candid as these. I seriously love them.

It's not for the money

Shots like this make me so grateful that I decided to buy a used camera 5 years ago--and pay all that money to take classes.

Anywhere

You can take an awesome picture ANYWHERE. My friend bought a bus, and she brought it by and took us for a ride. I LOVED IT IN THERE. For real. I would love to do sessions inside. The lighting was lovely. And the textures were yummy. And kids LOVE it. Check it.

Another one

I have so many great shots from out San Diego trip.

Here's another one, I totally had to crop it to get all of the distraction out.

I love it.

Out takes

Here is one of my shots from my 365 project. Picture a day for a whole year. I love the reality of it. I rarely show the outtakes.

Kizzy Screen shot

There is something about capturing this little girl. When she is looking at the camera and smiling, it just doesn't feel right. But looking off, faced away. It works for her.

How big?

So the only question is:

HOW BIG DO I PRINT THIS?

Feeties

I shot these at the beach in Carlsbad. I can't decide which one I like better. So what do you think?

Stylin

This is a screen shot off of my MAC. I am too lazy to upload all of the pics. But I love these shots. They got some leggings/arm warmers from a cute place on Etsy and so we were doing a little shoot of their goods.

Little shooter

My talented Pennsylvania photographer friend Rebecca Coyle shot this pic of my daughter while we were at a park. She was in town for a few days. I love it.

Buckets

When we went to visit my parents this summer, the girls walked down to the creek and gathered rocks. My mom suggested that my dad make them some buckets to keep their rocks in. So he did. Aren't they the cutest things ever? Just old 10# cans.

Poolside

I've decided this is where I want my next family photo. Now if I can talk a photographer into being a lunatic like me and get into the water with their super expensive gear to get a shot like this then everything will be just fine. What are the chances?

P.S.Shots like this are why I think EVERY mother should buy a good DSLR and REALLY learn to use it, because most photographers wouldn't think of this, or be around for a moment like this.

P.P.S. I did this in color and loved it, but then when I processed it like this I made an audible gasp. Me loves.

Fuzzy Ballerina

Something about this shot just makes me warm inside.

Caught my eye

The pictures we took on Fathers Day right before church turned out exactly like rushed pictures right before church would. So we tried again. And as I was editing, these caught my eye. They need to be printed. BIG.

There's something in there

I never thought my daughter looked like me, but I think she does a little in this shot. My husband took it. Isn't it lovely?