I have had some major inspiration lately and as a photographer I feel RENEWED! It sounds silly and really quite cliche but once in awhile, you need to have one of those sessions that just kick butt. This past weekend, I had not one but two of these! Sometimes, it takes these sessions to remind a photographer (and small business owner in general) that you do not need to justify your work or pricing and you are worth every single cent and compliment. Even if family and friends see my profession as a "cute hobby" or a passing trend, every now and then a client reminds me that this is so much more.
Nine years ago, I was a high school senior dreaming of living on the West Coast ("check!" only I am a bit more north than I had imagined) and was planning on owning my own salon (ok, no "check!" there). I went to cosmetology school straight out of high school and was bound and determined to cut and color my way to riches. Well, obviously, that didn't quite work out as planned. Half way through, I realized that was NOT the industry for me...quite simply said, I did not enjoy being in a room with that many high maintenance ladies. I then decided since I adored my niece and nephews (and really all small kiddos) I was going to get my degree in Early Childhood Education...and I did follow that through. Shortly thereafter, I had my own babies and realized how ridiculously QUICKLY they grow and I wanted to capture every single cute facial expression, outfit, stage, and milestone. That created my love and passion for the art of photography.
I seriously jumped into the business aspect and started working on my portfolio without knowing a single thing about business or even the specifics of my camera. I had some fantastic client's that encouraged my work and I felt the drive to keep on, and learn as I went. Two years later, I feel so blessed to have people still trusting me to take their photos and capture their memories. I can see the improvement in my business sense and in the technical aspects of my work...and I hope others can as well. For the first time since I started on this crazy journey, I am starting to feel like I am worth the cents and compliments! Thank you to all who have encouraged and appreciated what I do :)
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Friday, April 13, 2012
Feature Friday, Featuring Room to Grow!
This week's Friday Feature is so fun! It is featuring a business called Room to Grow.
Room to Grow is based out of Blue Ridge, Georgia and offers adorable little boy ties, banners, halos, and more!
These ties are seriously cute! They are fabulous for use as an actual tie or for use as a photography prop (of course)!
Room to Grow has a Facebook page that will give you all of the information you need to order one of their adorable products!
You can contact Room to Grow by email at capturethemoment.mathis@gmail.com
Check out Room to Grow's fan page HERE!
ADORABLE!
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Sneak Peek! {The Ross Family}
This cute little family showed up this morning in fun colors! Mom & Dad definitely stay busy with these little cuties! We worked around the chilly temperatures the best we could and used the lovely (and rare) sunlight to our advantage as much as possible!
I thought I'd get a little sneak peek before we head out for Easter festivities! Thanks Ross family!
Friday, April 6, 2012
Feature Friday, Featuring MeganKathryn Photography
I
am so excited for this feature as this lovely lady has been a personal
favorite for awhile now! Today's Feature Friday is featuring
MeganKathryn Photography, out of Fort Myers, Florida. Megan specializes in Seniors and Couples, as well as some Lifestyle Photography.
Her passion is Stylized Sessions! When she mentioned this she said, "I think I was born to use my artistic eye in creating a fun themed shoot for my clients!"
I think that her passion and creativity is apparent in
each of her fantastic shots!
Please check out the rest of her work at:
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Eeek! Boudoir!
Also, there are very few people who feel comfortable enough to allow me to use their stellar shots in my portfolio so I will be offering a handful of FREE boudoir sessions in exchange for portfolio use! If you or anyone you know anyone is in the Lacey/Olympia area and is willing to be a model, contact me for details!
My AHP website has a direct link to The Sultry Collection's website and you can also find it by clicking HERE.
Please share my Facebook page (HERE) and spread the word! There is nothing like empowering your body and feeling sexy!
There will also be no more postings concerning the boudoir side of business on this page as it will have it's own blog shortly! Thank you so much for your support!
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Wow You Must Have A GREAT Camera!
Speaking on behalf of photographers everywhere, I felt like this had to be said. Now please make sure to not take this personally, because I know so many people have said this to fellow photographers as well as myself... but saying that your photographs are great because we have a nice camera drives us a bit crazy!
Basically, saying that a photographer takes beautiful photographs because of their expensive camera is like saying a chef makes delicious meals because he has a fantastic oven.
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| Photo Credit: http://www.thephoblographer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/d7000_18_105_top_l.jpg |
Now, while it is true that our great big expensive cameras help us a great deal, there is oh so much more that goes into it! You know that little "M" on the dial on the SLR...that stands for "manual". Using manual mode is (in itself) really a lot of work. It takes us months, sometimes years, to perfect it...and I know that I am still trying to do just that.
Also, every time we hold that expensive camera in our hands, we have to take the time to critique the lighting. The angle, the exposure, the highlights, the shadows, the reflections (and whether or not to use and where to place reflectors) and then adjust those manual settings accordingly. We then have to take into account the position of the subject, the placement of every single aspect of that subject, how the lighting is hitting that subject, what is going on behind (and in front) of that subject, and create a focal point before we can even press the shutter button.
Also that reminds me of another misunderstood photographic concept. When you receive photos that have a very blurred background, that is referred to as bokeh and it is something that is indeed very calculated. In fact, it is hard to create that perfect bokeh and when we do we get pretty excited! So if you want shots that are of nature, take a snapshot...portraits are focused in on you :)
After we take that shot it isn't over. We come home or to our office and eagerly load the photos onto our computer and start one of the longest processes...editing. We adjust the warmth, the brightness, the shadows, smooth things, enhance other things, and so on until we achieve that beautiful final product.
I had to draw a bit of light on this "touchy" subject...all I ask is before anyone takes for granted how the camera "magically" creates your beautiful portraits, take the time to realize all that goes into it. I pour my heart and soul into creating photos that are beautiful enough to hang on your wall, not just click a button...and I love every minute of it.
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| I wish I could give the creator credit of this one, it has been circulating on Facebook for sometime and I found it appropriate for this blog :) |
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Feature Friday, Featuring Amy Evans Photography
This week I am featuring Amy Evans Photography, based out of Chico California! Amy specializes in on-location child and family portraiture. I snooped around on her website and found some truly fabulous photos! Her love for kids is evident in each and every child portrait.
When asking Amy to tell me a bit about her business, this is how she replied:
"I love capturing the relationships of families and creating works of art
for them to keep forever. Children fascinate me with their own
unique personalities. I feel like I could follow a little child around
and take photos of what they love to do all day. I especially love
working with tweens, it's a neat age where they change so quickly from
childhood to adolescence. I have an interest in photographing children
and adults with disabilities. It's something I hope to work with more in
the coming years. I strive to keep my images fresh and neat, and love
to provide my clients with exceptional quality and service."
I think that wraps it up wonderfully! If you or someone you know is in the Chico, CA area please contact Amy to schedule your session!
(530) 592-0626
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