With that being said we all did this huge huff or sigh and this weight comes over us. No matter what happened in 2020 it is time for this couple to finally tie the knot! Since it feels like ages since I have seen them I can not wait to see this adorable couple again! 

In the past year they have had so many new events happen in their life such as buying a home and having their first child. Wow what a year! 

Now as they count down the days as do I. Not only because I become close to my couples but also because I am especially close to this particular bride for many years. She became a good friend when she frequently visited her grandparents which also happened to be my childhood neighbors. After many, many visits her family was at last moving to town! Although this seemed to be harder to spend time we still were able to see each other frequently in the hall and join in the best kickball games any child could ever imagine! 

Now she is all grown up and getting married to the love of her life and he fits so perfectly into her life and family! I know that I will be a beautiful and joyous day but she will have a moment when she wishes her dad were there to walk her down the isle, give her way, and meet her husband. Would like to let her know, that in my bones, I know your dad will be their with you in spirit and in your heart and he will one hundred percent approve of your life, choices, and most of all you husband to be and the father of his grand baby! 

I am so excited and anxious to capture this big beautiful day with all of you and it is almost here, FINALLY! 

I have completed a wonderful album now of the two special love birds Kea and Cory. It feels like a long time coming since they had their engagement session and I know that they felt the same way and were just happy to finally, at last, be married together in front of their family, friends, and God. 

Now this wedding seemed to be a very special one for me. You see I have had the pleasure of knowing Kea before there was a Cory, haha. Kea was one of my sisters friends initially but as we all get older and people go their different directions Kea grew mine. With her large heart, helping hands and maturity beyond her years and quite possibly even mine, even if we aren't that far apart in age. As I had graduated and it came closer for her to graduate she was one of my first "Senior Reps" and my she was a gorgeous one! As our friendship grew so did my love and respect for her. She no later became my trusted babysitter for my first born. As many new parents know it is so hard to trust anyone and not over analyze their flaws, but with Nakkea this was never the case and my oldest fell in love with her, possibly even more than Cory! So its safe to say after all the hard work and year of engagement when the I Do's came so did my water works! Cory is officially bound to Kea and her all of her wonderful features and family. 

So the wedding day went fairly quickly with minimal casualties (not really sure there was any) and although the cold weather showed up a little earlier than expected. The snow is said to bring fertility. Before the wedding these two got to say vows and notes of sentiment, although after it was all spoken it was the hardest for Cory to let go of her hand without a kiss. Doing s
o meant what to come never having to leave without kissing he and kissing her anytime he wanted would soon be his. In honesty he was getting so nervous that the bride sent something for him to eat, and no matter what he said I certain he did not eat it. haha but don't worry I didn't say anything until now.

 The wedding started sharp and and with small humor and periodic tears from the family and friends
watching this perfect couple become one, they were finally married! #finallyfitz Things truly went so smoothly that I could hardly believe a wedding has happened and tose are the ones we all love because it does truly mean that these two make a great team and united front. After greeting friends and family through the receiving line we did a quick couple pictures with the family inside as it was cold and snowing outside. Then we were off to the party and most followed the bride and groom there sharing every moment with them. Although I was able to sneak them out for a private moment holding each other outside to keep warm and to make gorgeous images to share their love with each other, and Cory got to kiss her again, and again. hehe. 

Off to the reception we all went that was again beautifully hand decorated by the couple with arranged seating for all of their guest to enjoy their new neighbors and family. As for Kea and Cory the did not do the traditional head table with the wedding party joining them, they did a much more romantic couple head table to share some private time and enjoy their first meal together as a couple with the occasional ting-ting kissing moment. After dinner the dancing started with father daughter dance and mother son dance, even though Cory's mom could not be there physically he had his step-mom join him with his mother in spirit for a heart warming moment.  

As the night continued with much dancing that most every guest hit the dance floor to a song or two we all then got to enjoy watching the bouquet and garter toss. As many singles made their sure way to the dance floor to catch the bouquet and garter we also got to watch Kea play a little blind trick on Cory which will forever be remembered. Instead of Kea being the first one to sit down on the chair as Cory was blind folded she rather had his brother and best man remove his trousers and have a seat. as you can imagine it didn't take long for Cory to realize that the hair legs were not Kea's! After a quick switch the Groom got what he wanted, the garter, and tossed it to the sea of forsaken men standing somewhere behind him.

After that my night was dwindling to an end but the party was still going on and much like their marriage will continue for years to come.

Congratulations Cory and Nakkea Fitzgerald!

here are the details

Contest Details:

There are two types of contests: a photo contest and a video contest. Walkers can enter the walker photo contest and/or the video contest. Leaders can enter the leader photo contest and/or the video contest. Rules and details are below:

The Walker Photo Contest

Walkers can submit their best photo (one submission only) taken during the walk to their walk leader. The leader will review all entries and pick 1 winner to submit to the main photo contest. These winners are also known as the "individual walk winners."

The main photo contest has two chances to win:

1. Scott Kelby will review all the individual walk winner’s photos and pick 1 Grand Prize Winner of the Walker Photo Contest and 10 Finalists
2. But your opinion matters too! So we also ask everyone who participated in the 2017 Worldwide Photowalk to vote on their favorite photo to win the People’s Choice Award. Voting details to come.

NEW! Youth Photo Contest

This contest is new and specifically designed for walkers 16 years or younger. The youth walker may submit their best photo (one submission only) taken during the walk. Scott Kelby will review and pick 1 winner of the Youth Photo Contest.

Video Contest

All participants (Walkers and Leaders) will be able to submit a short video (5 minutes or less) taken during their walk to be entered into the contest. Scott Kelby will pick 1 winner to take home the Grand Prize. Only one video submission per person.

Leader Photo Contest

Each Leader will have the opportunity to submit one of their walk shots into a separate Leader Photo Contest. One Grand Prize winner will be picked by Scott Kelby. One submission only, please!

Deadlines and Submission Detail

After your walk, come back here for submission details and links! Make sure you view the very important dates below:

Sunday,10/8 – Walker/Leader Photo and Video Contests Open for Submissions
Sunday,10/15 – Walker/Leader Photo and Video Contests Submission Deadline
Sunday, 10/15 – Individual Walk Winning Photos Selected by Leader and Submitted via a Form on worldwidephotowalk.com
Monday, 10/23 – People's Choice Voting Opens
Sunday, 10/29 – People's Choice Voting Closes
The week of 10/29 – Grand Prize, 10 Finalists, Leader Contest and video contest will be announced

So along with the awesome contest you get awesome prizes and here is a list of the prizes 

Grand Prize Winner(a $4,914.61 value)

• 1 EOS M5 EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens Kit

• 1 Pixma Pro 10

• 1 B&H Gift Certificate Worth $250

• 1 Drobo 5D3

  Our newest product launched late last month. A 5bay Direct-attached Storage solution

• 1 StreetWalker Rolling Backpack from Think Tank Photo

• $500 Westcott Gift Certificate

• 1 Max, Ultra, and Multi Accessory Kit

• 1-year Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps

• 1-Year Membership to KelbyOne

10 Finalists(a $716.63 value)

• 1 B&H Gift Certificate Worth $50

• $50 Certificate Off Any Drobo On The Drobo Store

• 1 Trifecta 10 DSLR Backpack from Think Tank Photo

• $50 Westcott Gift Certificate

• 1 Ultra and Multi Accessory Kit

• 1-year Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan

• 1-Year Membership to KelbyOne

People Choice Award(a $3,011.62 value)

• 1 EOS M5 EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens Kit

• 1 Pixma Pro 10

• 1 B&H Gift Certificate Worth $200

• $50 Certificate + Drobo Gear Off Any Drobo On The Drobo Store

• 1 Perception Pro Backpack from Think Tank Photo

• $100 Westcott Gift Certificate

• 1 Ultra

• 1-year Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan

• 1-Year Membership to KelbyOne

Youth Competition Grand Prize(a $2,137.61 value)

• EOS Rebel SL2 EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 Kit

• 1 Pixma Pro 10

• 1 B&H Gift Certificate Worth $50

• $50 Certificate + Drobo Gear Off Any Drobo On The Drobo Store

• 1 Trifecta 10 DSLR Backpack from Think Tank Photo

• $100 Westcott Gift Certificate

• 1 Ultra

• 1-year Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan

• 1-Year Membership to KelbyOne

Video Competition Grand Prize(a $2,248.00 value)

• EOS 80D Video Creator Kit EF-S 18-135mm IS USM Lens, Power Zoom Adapter, Microphone & 32GB SDHC Card

• 1-Year Membership to KelbyOne

Leader Grand Prize Winner(a $3,215.62 value)

• 1 EOS M5 EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens Kit

• 1 Pixma Pro 10

• 1 B&H Gift Certificate Worth $250

• $50 Certificate + Drobo Gear Off Any Drobo On The Drobo Store

• 1 StreetWalker Harddrive Backpack from Think Tank Photo

• $100 Westcott Gift Certificate

• 1 Ultra and Multi Accessory Kit

• 1-year Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan

• 1-Year Membership to KelbyOne

All are pretty great prizes for no cost to you for entering the contest! But if your heart so desires to make a donation or buy a shirt if you can or can't make it feel more than free to do so as this is all for a good cause! Or to sign up for the world wide photowalk click to visit the website!

P.S. If I am not accepted as a leader I plan on joining another walk and welcome all those interested in car pooling to another location to contact me. I have participated in previous walks which included two WI locations LaCrosse and Madison. 

Kate's crazy 1 8 So as you can tell I am not an avid blogger but I do occasionally like to brag about the clientele that I receive and the amaz-ballz images and locations that make it to being my favorite!

So lets get to it! This post is about, you guessed it, my Senior Rep 2018! For starters I would like to give you a little background as to how I know this beautiful young lady. I grew up with her, sorta. Kate is much much younger than me, not that 24 years young is old but when going to school it seems to be as you don't cross paths that much and lets face it a small town thats kind of rare to say. So she lived as I call it in my backyard, about 3 blocks or so... She use to come over with her older brother, whom was friends with my younger brother, to play kickball! She was definitely shy, never would guess that now. So as years went on we grew apart as any kids do. Until this "little Katelyn" started working at the grocery store. now that I am a mother of 2 you can imagine how often I saw her and our friendship grew again. And let me tell you she is worth every second! You know those people who are just so nice and friendly its scary?!? Yeah she is one of those!

So when we met it was no wonder she went above and beyond the details of what she was interested in. I always ask them to fill out paperwork so I get a little feel as to who they are before meeting with them. For describing herself in three words she said, outgoing, energetic, and kind. HHHHMMMM... you mean to say these were there all along coming to play kickball with much older kids than you?!? 

Katelyn is also an active member of high school choir, babysitting, playing volleyball, plus working at the grocery store and a newly acquired boyfriend, wink, wink, as he appeared in an image, seems to keep her more than busy as she completes her last year of high school. As we were discussing her plans for the future, she was confused as to what she wanted to do in the future. SHOCKER right?!? I think we have all been there or are there. She wrote down human services or lab tech on her papers a week previous to meeting and by then neither of them were what she was interested in. haha Katelyn if you're reading this we are laughing with you.

She tells me something that is going to put a new word or two to Katelyn's description, for hopefully more than just myself. She told me she would like to continue school as a Physical Therapist. Now my reaction is always good luck and envious of anyone going into the health care field as I couldn't do it. She continues to tell me as she underwent PT years ago and her Therapist was "the best!". She was there helping her work through the pain and didn't only laugh together, but cried with her through her struggle and triumph. She was there for her when all she wanted to do was stop and had her keep pushing through it. So this special physical therapist helped her through a hard time and became an idol, or a hero. So to Katelyn and her Physical Therapist I would like to add selfless and sympathetic to describe you!

So now that you are emotional from that (like I am) lets flip the script and talk about some of Katelyn's favorite things! So like many people in our area her favorite music is... Yup you guessed it, Country! And what country girl doesn't love some Culvers as its her favorite place! But hold the phone! Her favorite food is Chicken Nuggets and I'm sure she wouldn't mind some dipping sauces to go along with that. When asked about her favorite website, I know maybe I should ask apps now too haha, she said ding, ding, one of my favorites and my husband likely along with men out there's least favorite, PINTEREST!  Where she likely looks, and pins, her favorite clothes and styles of relaxed sport and VS/Pink.

Last, but not least. Katelyn's favorite quote, which will hopefully help her follow her heart and do anything and everything she every dreamed of. Even if it is one of the three career choices. Or all three! The choice is yours and possiblities are endless!

Don't worry about failures,

Worry about the chances you miss

When you don't even try. 

if you love these type of images then you are just like I! I absolutely love the little detail shots that make up one of the most beautiful days of your lives! most brides spend hours on all these unique details and I find it important to show appreciation of the hard work. If interested in these and more detailed shots contact me to book your wedding package as these are included in most packages!

As many of you know this is because like many we are having a very busy summer! We purchased a new home & have been seriously remodeling it! So with that being said I haven't hardly been able to even experiment with this summer weather which seems to be mainly rain and storms again this year! I don't know about you but the rain makes it so humid I can't stand it! 

So I have decided to expand my photography in a different way that seems to be the "thing" right now. I have purchased some preset actions to use on the new images. As I will be continuing my education this fall I figured it might be the way to go having studies I often become more of a light chaser than ever before!

Stay tuned to view the actions on some images in my give away session! 

Much love!
Cassy

So back from Vacation & going to watch my sister graduate from college! It was so much fun but can't believe how fast it seemed to go! I figured I'd share the places that I stopped on my round trip of 2,974.3 miles! 

Day 1
Our first stop was kinda close to home & mainly for the men in my life Moline, Illinois. You might be thinking, "What's there to see?" that's what I thought when it was suggested and then I was told... the John Deere Pavilion! Of coarse once a farmer always a farmer! This was basically just a tractor museum of some of the most famous and unique tractors John Deere makes. The best thing about this is that it was completely free to see! You were able to get into the equipment and see what the inside was like, the also had planting simulators, videos, escavating games, and so much more that short words on a blog can not describe. If you are a parent that has a child who loves tractors and equipment, this would be a definite stop to make to get the creative juices flowing. I think my son could have spent more time in there and he is only 2, which is close to the amount of time we spent in the museum part of the pavilion.

Next we went to the gift shop store, I know what your thinking a gift shop where everything is way over priced and break right away. This is not one of those gift shops. Yes, some things were expensive depending on what you were looking to purchase, but no more than you would pay for John Deere licensed apparel in other stores like Walmart, Farm and Fleet, Kohls and any other retailer you can think of. I don't normally let my son get much "big" items but we were on vacation, and with Grandpa. As you know Grandparents are good for one thing and that is spoiling, and beings that my son is the first grandson, you can only imagine the options he had to choose from! He ended up convincing my parents to get him a farm set, no not one with the cheap plastic animals, the one with the die cast metal combine, tractor, grain cart, semi, and semi matching trailer. Yeah, your thinking what I was thinking spoiled and expensive, especially compared to what he got out of his parents. LOL. We got him two John Deere tractor books to complete a series that his Daddy had growing up. Yeah, not the greatest but I swear we read tractor books ALL the time I needed a new one or two of them! 

We left there without a problem because he had new toys, which we had to open once to the car, and books for the rest of the long ride that my son was unaware of how long this trip would really be.

So as many of you know there is not much to do around here beside work, listen to music, what TV and movies, eat and shop. Which many of us know you can do all in a short period of time so it just goes to assume that I ask her what else she likes among these subjects.

She like many seniors have their favorite things now that they are a "defined" adult ready to enter the world. Some of her basic favorite things are country music, cause she grew up around here and it seems to be a rare occasion that someone doesn't enjoy at least some country music. Guessing her favorite artist you can assume it is a country music singer, and it is, Thomas Rhett. Along with this, it would just make sense that her favorite place to spend time is in the country. 

So what does she like to do when she isn't working, enjoying quiet time in the country and listening to her favorite music? Taylor is watching her favorite TV show, "Friends". She loves this show so much re-watching episodes are fine by her! But, when not watching "Friends", she also enjoys going to the movies but her favorite movie seems to be a rather older one, "Happy Gilmore" with actor/comedian Adam Sandler. 

Along with going out to the movies, nothing goes better with that then going out to dinner before the movie. If Taylor was out to eat, she would be searching the menu you for her favorite food, cottage cheese. Many think this is a side to the main coarse of your meal but not Taylor, it can be the main coarse! 

So Taylor like any teenage girl needs "girl time". So she does what girls do best. Shopping. Her fashion style is best described as casual to dressy, depending on the occasion. Taylor and her friends generally go to the mall, where it has a little of everything for all of her friends, where her favorite store "Rue 21" is located. Taylor tends to pick out cooler colors like green, blue, and purple to match perfectly with her natural curly red/auburn hair and her fair skin tone. As you may have figured her favorite colors are within these and are blue and purple! 

Her dream job is to be a registered nurse and what is better to get to her dream job than her plans after graduation?! Her plan after graduation is sign and work as a Full-Time Certified Nursing Assistant at Orchard Manor in Lancaster, WI. Then, continuing to advance her education in the nursing program at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College and possibly other colleges with required credentials. 

Her dreams are proudly supported by her boyfriend, close friends, and family who have been their through all her extra curricular activities, love of "Friends", and cottage cheese cravings! 

Congratulations Class of 2015!

I use to build my own website not going through hosting sites, but this made me happy I switched to Zenfolio 3 years ago. They created a client app for every version of phone you could image being able to use! This application you can download on your mobile phone and tablets to easily access your images and even download/order them if album allows you too! How cool is that!?!?! I love this new application, I have been using it for awhile experimenting how it works and what I can do with it before i shared it with all of you. Now I want this to be a 2 part process, so if you are willing to help me experiment and find any possible flaws in this application, I will allow you all access to your images (or friend/family's) with password to your album for a certain amount of time to see how this works for you being my clients.

Comment and tell me what your thoughts on this new app is, good or bad, I would love to hear your opinions!

http://www.zenfolio.com/z/product/toolkit/mobile-tools

So as for the most of you reading this the most common question I receive as a designer/photographer from clients is if a tip is expected. So let's break down the thought process of a tip.Tips Included: Tipping becomes common in food and beverage services. So commonly expected that it is add titled as "gratuity" the bill. This happens when catering is hired, but be sure to ask if it is included in the total bill. You may come across that one server who will bring you extra napkins during your dinner WITHOUT having to ask. What it means: Tips mean that the company or individual went above and beyond what was already expected! Especially if this is one that may not commonly be noticed or tipped like food or drink services such as DJ, Videographer, Photographer, Designer, Decorator, Personal Assistant. If your expectations weren't only met but exceeded making your life or wedding easier or happier or both, then by all means tip if you feel inclined.Everyone Tips Differently: Ever individual has different expectations, opinions, experience, and cost. Thus, everyone tips differently. So may feel the initial charge was larger than expected and might tip minimal or not at all, where others may take the tip into consideration when hiring/choosing services. Tips don't have to be cash: Cash is great and all but not the only way to show your gratitude for them going above and beyond your expectations. It can be a simple thank you note and gift card, maybe it is purchasing a prop or something you know you photographer loves/wants. It can even be that coffee mug filled with the brew they loved for the following day after staying up all night with you at your event and (maybe not so sober) party members. Tips Are Never Expected: But always appreciated. It's a professional pat on the back! ♡ If any of your vendors have not only met but exceeded your expectations, then by all means show your appreciation in whatever way, shape or dollar amount feels right for you. Gratitude, however expressed, is always a wonderful thing!

#1 Use Natural Lighting

Now I know as a photographer this one is backwards for me. But as a "selfie" taker, we control how much light we allow to effect us. So buck up and face the sun versus having it behind you. This will make your skin wrinkle free, flawless, and have no shadows in your images from any structure in your face.

#2 Find Your Good Side

I know this is always one of those funny lines in a movie but its true! Every single feature is a little different than the other. So take a couple shots from each side to decide which helps look better. who knows maybe you will learn that one eye closes more than the other or you smile crooked. Whatever it is. Learn it, except it, and practice it. Then only take pictures with that side of your face. 

#3 Don't Use Front facing Camera

I know this one is the hardest for me and I tend to still use the front facing more than I should. Who wants to guess where your face is when with all this modern technology you can see it while taking the picture! The reason for this is because the higher resolution is on the rear/ back facing camera and on many the rear is the only one that will give you a flash for maybe that little extra need of flawless lighting... Just make sure it is farther away from your face when using the flash because it may also expose your not-so-flawless skin.

#4 Raise Your Phone

This, as many people are starting to catch on, makes you look thinner. Along with making you look thinner you can also fit more people and objects into your frame. Say you are at the beach, you might want to include the background setting so people believe you. Not saying they won't, because I do! Still makes a great time stamped memory showing your location. 

#5 Pose

This last one may be the easiest because as established in #2 you found your good side. Now use it. Take many of your "selfies" in this same signature pose. maybe its a duck face, raised brow, puckered lip. Whatever it is choose one you like and do it commonly to not make everyone so odd and different (fake) looking. 

As many photographers learn along the way is posing their clients appropriately. In this image I posed my models poorly. Why? I first placed the women in front of the man. Not so awful of a mistake if done properly. Where I began to falter is placing him farther away from me then she was and raising him a level while keeping her lower. this perception creates her to look much larger than he is. Him being much taller than her also didnt help the this situation muchbesides he had more heighth to lean around her to be captured with out looking uncomfortable or scrunched appearance. This pose would have been fine still if I raised my height above them to make them appear even and equal. But being on stairs this was difficult with no way to be square with their faces and above without a ladder. I use my step stool often! This is why people take selfies raising the camera above them to thin their appearance and fit another person in the frame if needed, so one individual doesn't take up majority of the frame.... Something to think about next time capturing your selfie or maybe when placing family members for a photo on different height levels, hills, chairs, and basically anything that effects heighth.Hope you enjoyed reading, stop in next week for some selfie tips!

As for getting started, it really happened after my senior year high school. I captured an underclassmen Senior images with my Samsung, something or another, point and shoot digital camera. It went from there into college when I a freshman received 4th place in a photo contest.(Taken with my point and shoot I might add.) This is where my favorite saying comes in to remind those just starting out and getting interested that it isn't the camera, or the equipment, but the person using it to capture the moment and what they see just how they see it!

As for the all mighty question on camera and lens equipment that I use. I spent days, weeks, and yes, months figuring out what to purchase. No joke! I then decided to purchase a Mark II 5D camera body and a 24-105mm lens. These are both Canon. I stuck with the original American brand that has been around for years also because my father had old Canon film lenses that could be possibly be used if needed in the future. For those of you that don't know, film and digital lenses have different connecting ends but this can be adapted if entirely needed, with the exception that there maybe more vibrations, lens might not work to the full extent, and most importantly dusk/dirt collection more avid to occur. So I continued to add to my clientele using this "go to" set, and still use it often!

As I began to expand so did the need for a different lens, my main need was a lower f-stop or aperture (as my 24-105mm only went to 4.0). I wanted one that gave me a wider opening to create a shallow depth of field, or blurry background. I wanted this for my newborn photography mainly to create that sharp focus on the little angel and void any background distraction. Thus i purchased a 50mm lens that went to an f-stop of 1.8. For those who don't know much about a 50mm lens, don't worry I didn't know this either, this is the closest lens to the human eye. HOw cool is that! Now, focus on something directly infront of you. Now, notice how the area you are focused on is sharp and clear and just slightly notice using your peripheral vision the "blur" of the objects further away. Cool right! Now do the opposite and focus far away. Notice the object you just focused on close to you becomes "blurred"? This is the depth of field your eye sees. So when using this lens I literally am taking pictures with my eyes!

From there my business expanded into weddings, my brother's being one of them, and I purchased my next lens for my early 21st birthday gift. A 70-200mm IS lens with an 2.8 f-stop. Now this lens I use specifically for wedding ceremony, but I know many shoot wildlife with it. Both good options, but keep in mind it is extremely heavy to carry around all day. Trust me! I mainly bought it for the large zoom, not having to be in the way during a ceremony, and its low light compensation for those need shots in not the best lit places. It is an amazing lens, but as this being only a month and one week old to me, there is much to explore! 

Additional equipment besides my lenses I have a tripod for those long aperture settings to capture the silky look of water. (I want to get an off camera release cable to help avoid any vibrations in the future.) And one of my most valuable investments, I reflector 4 in 1 kit. This is used by an assistant to reflect light onto a subject in a specific area, warm or cool (love having the two options), a diffuser, used to shield harsh light, and a grey card used for adjusting your white balance. To me this 4 in 1 tool is a necessity if you don't have a studio and you plan to capture images in harsh light during the middle of the day, which lets face, that may be the only time your client is available. 

This is a special post for all my friends and soon to be mommys. If you are looking to have the first 24 or newborn session done, here is a little help and tips along the way.

●Let's Pencil You In!

To make sure you get the spot/time perfect for you, like many things, planning ahead is best! To have a baby and expect your favorite photographer to be available the following 24 hours-week is a shot in the dark. Schedule your newborn session PRIOR to your baby’s birth to ensure a spot on the calendar. Preferably contact your photographer during your second trimester and get penciled in. Then, shoot your photographer a call or email shortly after you deliver to schedule a time for your session. Even more special if we make the "call list" to announce the little ones arrival!

● When

Newborn session MUST be scheduled within the first 14 days of life. BEST time is between 3-7 days after their arrival. To make sure they are tired and sleepy enough to let us maneuver them to accomplish those sweet scrunched up newborn images. Babies do alot better withing the first 7 days of life, after that they discover the joy of stretching. After day 14, it is almost impossible to get them in a deep sleep that came so easily the first few days. Besides not having that sleepy baby image, you may get newborn acne, as easily as it is to edit problem areas, we prefer to do as little retouching as possible to baby’s skin.

●Where

The majority of the newborn sessions take place in the baby's home. This is where they are most comfortable and know the sounds and smells effect how they relax and sleep. If the weather is warm enough, and you are comfortable with it, we can take the session outdoors placing the baby in a big open field or maybe somewhere special to you. Worried about your house being a mess? Don't! you just had a baby! If you didn't have dishes, clothes, and baby items all through your home I'd think your weird. I don't need much space, just some window light. if needed, I will move furniture around to make more room, but don't worry I will put it all back.

●Lovely

Light Open all of the blinds and curtains in your home. This helps find the best light in your home for the portable studio to be in the best location. sometimes it ends up being a bedroom or kitchen, usually anywhere that has a large window. Nothing flatters like a natural light source, so use it whenever possible. This tends to a make sessions normally scheduled mid-morning or late afternoon when lighting is best.

● Turn Up The Heat

Keep your home warmer than normal during the session, a good 80°. Your baby loves to be warm and cuddly so they tend not to like me taking off their clothes for naked baby images. Turning up the heat is guaranteed to make the session go more smoothly and help them sleep better. Yes, I will be sweating profusely, but the baby will be cozy and that's all that matters. Turn up the heat approximately 15-30 minutes before your session to ensure the house is toasty warm. I will bring along a space heater to direct heat toward baby to stay warm. Having multiple baby blankets warming in the dryer will also help soothe the baby. They absolutely love that instant heat when be cuddled or fed!

●Loosen Up

In addition to turning up the heat another thing to do shortly before your session is loosen up clothing and the diaper. doing this helps avoid redness and imprints on the skin. Your little one will be naked in many shots, so it's important to have smooth natural skin; besides those adorable baby wrinkles!

● Tired 

Most images being captured work best if baby is in a deep sleep. To encourage this, have baby nice and exhausted. Keeping them awake when they normally sleeps seems awful torturous now but in the end it will be well worth it!

● Hungry

Like us, a full baby is a happy baby! Please feed and burp baby right before your session to ensure a happy and sleepy baby. More than happy to pause and take a break for re-fuel in of that little tummy, after all it is tough work being a sleeping model. ● Noise Control Please do whatever in your power to keep the noise to a minimum. If you have other children or pets that might create noise, try to find a sitter or family member to take them away for a few hours. If you would like them in some images, please bring them at the beginning or end of the session. Only those being photographed should be present to help maintain a calm environment.

● Relax 

Pretty comfortable holding and posing newborn babies. your baby is in safe hands. So yes, feel free to relax and leave the room. Maybe get some things done that new mommy can't normally, like a nap, shower, eat, and even quiet cleaning like folding laundry. All totally okay, trust me! Newborn sessions can be 2-4 hours long depending on your baby. Based on age, mood, sleepiness, and a full belly. Relaxing is the key, as baby will pick up on any frustration. Many mommys tend to become frustrated because baby is fussy or difficult. It isn't a disaster and we will get good images. Some are the best are when baby doesn't do wha we want. Baby not sleepy? That's okay! Awake newborn photos are beautiful too! Just remember that baby can sense stress and anxiety. it is of upmost importance that everyone stays calm and relaxed creating a mellow environment to get the images we are looking for.

●O Poop

Please don't be embarrassed and apologize if your baby decides to use us or our blankets as their own personal bathroom. It is perfectly natural and actually expected. All props, blankets, stuffers, and anything else you can imagine is washed with baby detergent after every newborn session. Things may get a bit messy so extra wash clothes, towels, and wipes are appreciated to help clean things up.

●Props

Of coarse you can use our collection of baskets, hats, headbands, and blankets. If you have heirlooms, toys, hats, props, etc. that you would like used, please gather them before your session. May not be able to use all of the items, although we will try, going through them with you and discussing what will work best before you session is best. Strongly recommend discussing ideas, props, poses, and other details with photographer no later than a week prior to your session so preperation an practice can be done if needed.

Miss something?

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When I am capturing an even I love to get a couple humor images showing a little background about the day. This is one of them. On such a windy day the groom was forcing the arch into the ground with all his weight because that would be awful to come crashing down on him and his Bride. This is proof that he cares about there future, even the smallest details, he did this for his love! Congratulations to a strong future together :)

For this exercise you may need extra equipment that you normally wouldn't use, this gets the knowledge and experimental juices flowing! You can often rent/ borrow from equipment stores, but invest in at least a tripod if you love this challenge because that is most important to prevent the camera shake. The new equipment you will need is a tripod and if possible a remote shutter release cable so you won't have to touch your camera at all. (I did not get one of these so you can try without also, Images of mine soon when I get home)

Now, mount your DSLR camera on your tripod. Set the ISO to 100, set the aperture to the smallest opening or the largest F-stop (ex: F/22), now set your shutter speed to Bulb Mode. For those not familiar with Bulb Mode, the shutter will be open for as long as the shutter button is held down.

Once your composition focus is set, press and hold the shutter button to hold your shutter open for a few counted seconds (literally count, or use that fancy phone to help with your time). Then check your image for lighting results. If the image is too bright/ overexposed cut you second in half, if its too dark/ underexposed add some seconds. Now shoot it again and again until the image is exactly what you like! Now, to expand this exercise one step further, change the scenario and lighting situation (this may be just moving a few feet into a shaded area) and see if you can get the image perfect to your specifications in less tries. This exercise will improve your ability to understand light levels at any given time and moment.

TIP: Now, to get the most interesting images that tend to become more viral there is a certain amount of movement in your frame. Moving clouds, crowds, and my favorite running water. the longer the exposure is the more blurred that movement will appear. if you have a solid neutral density filter your exposure can be even longer, creating a more extreme effect on your images.

CoMiNg SoOn: Firework composition post overlaying images to create a Independence Night Sky!

Thanks for reading and good luck on all your exercises!

Black and White

This challenge seems to the hardest for me! I love color and soft images with not much contrast so it is a real challenge! Although I love old images and have worked in b&w film development, this is much like it and seeing it after capturing. In this exercise you will need to turn your camera capturing mode to black and white. (not sure how use a little research skills and look in the manual or Google it based on your camera model) Yes I know you can change it in RAW and PS but this exercise is to get it black and white right in the camera before post processing images, look at it this way next to no post processing time needed.

At first this limitation may seem very frustrating, I know it was for me, imagine how it felt for people years ago. Doing this exercise helps see things you may have overlooked and in a completely different way, think in terms of shapes, form, and contrast. Composing this way will help improve the composition in color photography images immensely! When working in the Black and White Mode experiment with the contrast settings in camera or post processing to perfect the highlights and shadows in a good monochrome image.

Good luck and thanks for reading!

Create A Story

Rather than capturing your subject in one image, try a series instead. A series of a single subject, pinpointing different aspects. This can be simply zooming in to focus on it's finer details, or photographing it in different contexts/backgrounds. Creating a story defines the subject not just how it appears in a single moment, but how it changes and stays the same over several moments. This may also help you with lighting attention and craft in your story telling abilities!

Now, choose one subject and cover it completely, like a journalist would. This is where photojournalism comes into play! ;) Do this by photographing every aspect you can think of and throughout the day, week, or month. Include shots at different distances and using different focal lengths, include some close-up details and some wide compositions. After doing this comes one of my hardest tasks of minimizing images to a final ten which none are alike. Now that the images are picked place them in an order to tell a story. Subject matter example inspiration can be as little as a ball or as large as a town. Create and Tell A Story!

Are you feeling uninspired? It's time to shake things up! Try something completely different or at least out of your comfort zone. You would be surprised how small exercises and local classes boost creativity, learn new techniques, and refresh old principles! To give your brain a kick in the butt I am going to post a exercise every week for you to practice and make sure you share your favorite image on my guestbook!

#1. Change Your Perspective

Humans are people of habit which makes us photographers get in the habit of shooting eye level. As comfortable as it feels it gets repetitive and common to the people viewing your images. Switch this up by change the perspective where you are shooting. Climbing up on a ladder is my favorite thing to do for women to help the in camera shot and makes them look thinner, others is getting on your knees at level of a toddler or to add a dynamic element to an image to make subject look larger, and probably the most uncommon perspective to capture from is laying on the ground I do this one mainly when kids are playing in sand and leaves. I love to capture the same image at mant different perspectives to give me options during post processing. Is just changing where capturing from enough? Add a variety of angle from each one! Take one shot from below and one from above. Then, take one even lower, and one even higher, if possible. Then, step back a bit. Then step forward. Move to your right, and move to your left.

Taking the same picture from many positions adds variety and will help you understand the effect that perspective has on your images. Plus, you may discover a way of seeing something that you didn’t expect. If you practice doing this with every picture you take, it willstart tobecome habit as you begin to really understand the effect that perspective has on an image, which points of view work for which subjects, and how this can changr your shooting style from here on out.

As you can tell even at 10:30 am we still had soft enough lighting that there were not as harsh shadows then as the day went on and noon hour came the lighting started causing shadows and squinting. this is where I do the close your eyes and 1.2.3.  open and shoot trick. A good three shots where you will for sure get both looking. As for the shadow there is not much to do as a single photographer but angle them and hope it helps. If you have an assistant use the reflector and diffuser to help with the contrast.

I offer a one-on-one class with a model teaching how to use a reflector and diffuser, contact me for more information if interested in any classes. 

Lots. Of. Love.