Take Better Photographs of Flowers Today

Now that spring has fully sprung I wanted to share with you this gem of an article I found on the net one day. It's really directed towards taking photographs of roses, but can totally be applied to any flower. Good stuff!

Proud Mommy!

Zelda Bell's Birthday is today...she's 1! I waited to introduce her on here because her birthday was getting so close and today it came! I'm going to share quite a few photos with you right now because she has been such a GIGANTIC presence in my life for the past year. She is spoiled rotten-more than my own kids could have every dreamed of being. Zelda is a blue doberman. I know you most likely haven't heard of a "blue" doberman before...probably only of a black or red one. Well, not only are there blues out there-there are fawns too. I think both types are to die for! Adorable creatures!!! Dobermans have a terrible wrap, but they are the sweetest family dogs in the world! They are loyal too!! Don't get me wrong...they look fierce and can be if need be...but their main goal in life, if trained right, is to live up to all their owners expectations without fail. Check out some photos of other dobermans here. Check out more on this breed of dogs and why they are perfectly safe for you and your family here.

So...the following are photos from the first few months of her little life. More recent ones to come...when they're taken.

This one was from the night we brought her home-12 weeks old. We didn't name her for over a week. We thought of Ginger, Delilah, Queen Rhonda & some others, but ended up with Zelda Bell. Zelda means grey-haired warrior princess so maybe that explains some of why we picked it over the other names. It didn't quite fit her when she was a little cute pup...but now that she is bigger it serves her well. She used to lay down and fall asleep like this-she wouldn't move at all...even if you tried to wake her.

She was constantly confused with a weimaraner before her beautiful ears were cropped. You can see how that mistake was made just by looking at this next photo of her.

My absolute favorite photo of us together-you know baby & mommy! So what if I'm not her real mommy-I feel like I am! Oh...and this was a self portrait! lol

Ah...this day is a day I remember very clearly. Zelda's 1st time in our swimming pool at home. She was a riot! She was so scared. She had went completely under and this photo was of her just as she popped up and gasped for air. I had been hearing stories from everybody around me about Dobermans dying from drowning...something about their upper body being too heavy for them to lift out from the side of a pool on their own. We were trying to help her learn where the steps were in our pool so if she ever fell in she would know how to safely get out. She was scared of the pool for a long time after this episode. Don't worry...her fear of water has subsided-she loves her showers even climbed in my bath the other day. She's fascinated with bubbles!

My all time favorite photo of Zelda period! Isn't she gorgeous?
Look at the paws on her! We knew we'd be in for it when she grew up.And then she was changed forever. Yes, I felt bad about it-still do so back off with the "how could you" drama! Seriously...it was soooooooooooooooooooooooooooo sad to watch her be in pain. I don't recommend cropping. :( This photo was during the "cone" week right after surgery. You can even see the stitches on her ear in the photo. Oh...and our training her in the pool...it turned out to be a smart idea because the first day home from surgery Zelda accidentally fell in the spa-all the way under too. I know-I was going insane. I wasn't far from her and saved her as quick as I could. I think she was dizzy from the meds wearing off. I called her doc and he said she'd be okay even though the ears got wet. The chlorine would kill any bateria. Oh my-we've been through a lot with this girl.

Onto the wrapping of the ears stage. Once weekly for months and months and months because 1 ear didn't want to cooperate-still doesn't cooperate full time.

Just a photo to show how teeny tiny this little sweetheart was to begin with.Those ears looking pretty good, but only staying up for a couple hours at a time on that one stubborn side.More wrapping...It seemed endless & pointless! She was 8 or 9 months old in this photo. You are probably noticing a difference in her coloring by now. She started getting darker around this age. People don't know what color she is. They're always coming up to me and asking is she black or red or tan or what? It's funny. Everybody recognizes that she is a doby, but nobody knows what color. I hear people whispering about her...that must be the feeling movie stars have to go through. At least everybody is saying how beautiful she is-at least when I hear them! :)

More another time...I've got to go cuddle up with the birthday girl for a while! :)

Interesting Take on Shooting in Color vs Black & White

I thought this was a great way to explain this concept.

Wedding Photography Tips - Black and white photography explained

I Love, Love, Love This Photo!

I love most my photos, but this one of Amanda's shoot...this one has something extra special about it. I tried it a bunch of ways...I love them all. Who knows exactly why? It's hard to explain. I just love it! Here are three conversions I thought fit it well.

A Unique Website

David Jay

Revisiting My Past Work

I revisited my past work today to try some new edits on. I have to thank Jen Weaver once again for sharing these actions and a lot more with me! If you've followed my work you will recognize the setting and model below from the "Darkness Becomes Her" series I did a while back. The model is my magnificent sister Stephanie. I like the new edits and hope to get to work on some of my other favorite photos from this set in the near future.

I like how she looks regal in this one...the sepia tones glowing ever so lightly~

The empty stare is what gets me in this shot...and the neat "lomo" action works well to complete the high vibe this photo gives off~

Just gorgeous...the sky is real...believe me! it's not a dramatic addition...
just nature being so nice to us~

An overlay and a midnight action takes this eerie photo down an even darker path~

Wedding Memories

My dear friends Nydrie and Tony were married last Saturday. I've known them and their families for many years now and was so elated to see them come together in marriage after twelve + years of dating. Congratulations you two! From the ceremony to the reception every detail was carefully planned out and it showed. I loved the beautiful color choices of brown and blue. It was a striking combination.


This couple was so adorable to watch throughout their celebration...they never once stopped smiling! Ear to ear smiles all day long!

Interesting tidbit of info...my husband's birthday was the same day! Happy belated birthday hunny! :) Nydrie and Tony were so sweet to remember my husband's birthday and announce it at the reception. We couldn't believe they did that...too awesome!

This window in the church had my eye almost as much as the stunning bride.
It was truly breathtaking~

The gorgeous triple berry cake. It tasted as great as it looked~

The delicate details made it even more memorable~

The ceremony~

The funnest couple...smiling the whole day I tell you~

Which Are You?

"Some people make things happen...Some people watch things happen...Some people say what happened. Which one are you?"~Unknown Author

A Fresh Duo

Sallee Photography out of Dallas Texas is impressing me today. I listened to this cute & spirited couple give advice during the Young Guns presentation at WPPI earlier this year and just revisited their website today. I love their album designs...especially the sample they show of their senior album. Check out their website, blog and way awesome promo video. They offer fresh-energetic style...so enjoy!

A Great Philosophy to Live By

"Love the people who treat you right. Forget about the ones who don't."
~Author Unknown

More of Lovely Amanda

Lovin the bold colors~

A weathered rose technique~

A true beauty..red background makes Amanda pop in this photo~

Lovely Amanda

More senior photos...this time they are of the lovely and talented Amanda. She was brilliant in front of the camera knowing just the right time to change her pose and expression. Could it be because she is an aspiring action photographer and knows what to do on both sides of the camera? Quite possibly! Thanks for giving me a chance to photograph you Amanda...I hope you and your mom fall in love with some of these.

Keep me posted on your work in the coming years too! :)

This one is my pick for favorite out of these first few edits-even though I truly like every one of them so far~

(click on images to enlarge)

The color version~

A "smart" look makes this photo~

Up close & personal~

A classy pose~

Dreamy & Angelic~

I'll keep editing and see what else I come up with...

Sweet Sisters

Love this shot-so what if it's posed? It's cute!

Following directions perfectly~

Darling...all the love between them showed~

Digital Backgrounds

Here's Brooklynn-the youngest of the beautiful blond sisters I photographed early last week. I decided to go digital with these first two because of the expression and pose of little Brooklynn. She was actually chasing a balloon when these were taken.
Safe to say she has the "curious" look in these.

This expression was too cute not to include.

Her clever "Home Alone" interpretation.

Introducing Easy Going Ella

Here's Ella...she's easy going...smiley and super fun! Madison is her big sis...you may remember her photos from this blog.


A cutie all the way~

In Color~

Fun Stuff~

"If I Must"

Live to be the "Whole" you...not just a "Part" of you!

"If we bought something and it functioned at ten percent of its capacity,
we would not hesitate to return it for something fully functioning.
And yet, many of us have lived for years as a fragment of our full selves.
Are we that patient, have we settled for something a 'part' of us believed
was 'enough' or are we merely asleep, just walking...still walking?"

~Unknown Author

Think about that. Seriously. How come the hustle & bustle gets so many people down? Because they go ahead and let it! Don't let it get to you. Slow down, take a deep breath and find your joys! They will bring you to the "WHOLE" you that you were intended to be. Not sure how to do this? Start giving more of yourself to those around you. Really start seeing people for who they are and not what they do or who they're with or who they know. Listen, learn and love! Those things are what will bring you closer to the complete you. It requires daily upkeep to get it going and that isn't easy, but it can be accomplished.

A new week starts tomorrow...a new you can start today!

Senior Portraits of Beautiful Natalie (Last Set)

Senior Portraits of Beautiful Natalie (#2)

Only one more set to go! Check back for the last set later.

Again...this one here is a favorite of mine in this set.

The flower/branch texture added to the next three photos is actually a Photo Duds product by Beth Forester.
You can download this freebie plugin here.

I adore this black and white version.

Some texture on the plain black background gives this one a sophisticated look.

Women Photographers Rule!

When I was in Vegas for WPPI I met a few really fun and talented women and I want to share them with you! Women photographers are growing...I hear it's about 51% women & only 49% men nowadays when not too terribly long ago it was virtually ALL MEN. WHOA girls...that's a win-win for us!

Here are the wonderful women I met who happen to be great photographers too. Check out their work when you get the chance...it'll be well worth your time.

Natalie Norton was one of them. Her awesome blog also serves as her photography website. It's a great place to visit when you want to feel soothed and hopeful. Her blog is full of positive messages and genuine feelings. It's one of my favorite blog stops during the week. I would describe Natalie's style as being classic and fresh. Natalie lives in Hawaii if you ever need a great portrait & wedding photographer.

Natalie and I actually met on the internet a couple weeks before WPPI when I discovered her blog page on the web through my friend Jen's blogspot. Jen (yet another talented photographer in NJ) posted this blog with two of Natalie's articles in it. This was the the first article. And the second was this one. What a small world!

Emily Smith is another friend I met at WPPI. We hit it off from the start-had a lot in common with each other. Emily's "Keepsake Images" rock! I adore the variety of photos she takes and the edgy style of some of them. Emily happens to be the closest to me; she lives near Death Valley, Ca if you need her services.

Marjolaine of "See through me Photography" is a wonderful portrait photographer. Her work with little ones is what stands out to me. She is originally from Paris, but is currently doing her creative work in Washington. I love the flow of her dreamy website. Marjolaine's style is completely unique and so very elegant...love, love, love it!

It was great meeting all of you and having that wonderful dinner at almost midnight (remember how long it took us all to find an open place-YIKES) during WPPI! Keep in touch friends!

Senior Portraits of Beautiful Natalie

What a fun time we had! Thanks for being so easy to work with Natalie...you were wonderful!

(Click on images to enlarge)

This first one is a favorite of mine~The sweet smile and gorgeous blue eyes are captivating in this one~
A couple creative texture edits of the same photo~

Two more fun edits of a different expression~

























More to come-very soon!

Meet Miss Madison

Miss Madison is the most fun & spirited little girl I've ever met! I was able to photograph her and her two little sisters last week for the second time. The last time was right before the Christmas holiday when I did their family's photo session & custom Christmas cards. Come back to check out Ella & Brooklynn's (the little sisters) photos later this week.

Madison's eyes are just sensational! Don't ya think???

This was a tough decision for me, but I think this is my favorite shot from Madison's session.

And in black & white~

One of her puckering up~

Looking up~

The sweetest~

A classic~

Muted & subtle tones editing gives this one a "cool" vibe~

Looking good~

A textured & very high contrast portrait manipulation~

A Numbers Challenge Offered by Jane

Remember Jane's ABC Photography Challenge to herself? She has decided to do a numbers one and wants you to join her! If you're up for it...email her and let her know.

:) :) :)

50 Must-Take Wedding Photos

Came across this today and thought it was a great check list to keep in mind when shooting a wedding.

I would add these to the list:

Bride's Wardrobe-

-dress
-shoes
-purse
-veil
-engagement ring
-macro of brides jewelry

And Don't Forget These-

-bride with maid of honor
-groom with best man
-name of wedding & reception location
-dinner/buffet served
-guest book/engagement autograph photo
-cake knife & toasting glasses
-natural lighting at the event (use a tripod, no flash)
-DJ
-bartender
-wedding planner/host/coordinator/ushers
-each guest table

Have another idea not listed? Send me a comment to add it.

Happy Wedding Shooting!

By Tony Benn

"Most things in life are moments of pleasure and a lifetime of embarrassment; photography is a moment of embarrassment and a lifetime of pleasure."
-Tony Benn

Been Enjoying This, But Today It's Officially Over!

Had to share Jane's idea with you. How clever was it of her to do an "ABC Photography Challenge"? She got to "Z" today and it's the cutest! Love it!!! Check it out and take the ABC Photography Challenge yourself if you dare...and remember to share it with me if you do.

Aren't Saturday's the best?! :)

For All You History Buffs

Clickiddiedoo if you choose. A cool time line here and some more interesting details such as the world's first photo here!

10 Tips on Taking Great Pictures

These are according to Kodak...and they are so basic it's almost painful, but you may get a kick out of the refresher. Ha!

Happy Friday! :)

Wedding Collage

A wedding collage page I designed from the last wedding in March. Enjoy!

My Little Lad

All natural light coming in from a window. No flash. Used a reflector and in camera softening.

Add in the classic "over the shoulder pose" and you have my little lad doing what he does-for me!

:)

The Question I'm Asked Daily

Why did you pick a Nikon and not a Canon? Everyday...without fail. Why? I spent months and months researching and asking others what their preference was and why. It didn't help. If Nikon had an edge on one thing, Canon had it on another. For me...it came down to how the camera felt and functioned in my hands. That simple. When I buy my next camera I will go feel them out and choose the same way. I have already had a chance to shoot with the wonderful new Nikon D3 and know I'd be happy with it right from the start...but, I will give Canon a fair shot when shopping. The D3 at the moment can't be beat...with the base sensitivity ISO reaching 6400! Can we say...shoot in darkness with no grain! Yeah!

Seriously...if you're like me and a little uninterested in getting overly technical, but want to know the main differences in these two camera brands take a look at this comparision which is easy to read and follow. Once you think you know all there is to know...go hold the camera, shoot with it and decide for yourself which feels best to you and which functions best in your hands. I say rent it or borrow it first, then buy!

What Can We Learn From a Dog?

I was babysitting a cutie pie named Shawn the other day for my friend and Shawn napped almost the entire time I was there...the only company I had was Mr. Dexter here. Don't let this photo of him relaxing fool ya...he was as rambunctious as they come! He happened to take a liking to me which made me feel pretty darn good.

I spent a bit of today at the dog park with my very own Zelda Bell (the fun-loving doberman I just can't get enough of-you'll see her soon I'm sure) and it made me think of how important dogs are to humans and how their actions, however simple, could applied to human kind. This is an article I read once that lends a little bit of advice on what we can learn from the dogs in our lives.

Things We Can Learn From A Dog

"Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.
Allow the experience of fresh air &
the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.
Let others know when they've invaded your territory.
Take naps & stretch before rising.
Run, romp & play daily.
Eat with gusto & enthusiasm.
Be Loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent,
sit close by & nuzzle them gently.
Thrive on attention & let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On hot days, drink lots of water & lay under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around & wag your entire body.
No matter how often you're scolded,
don't buy into the guilt thing & pout...
run right back & make friends.
Bond with your pack.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk."

Author Unknown

My Friend Jen Weaver

I had to take today to say a little something about my dear friend-Jen Weaver of Jen Weaver Photography. If you're in the New Jersey area and are looking for a "heart & soul giving" photographer-she is who I recommend you should go with. I'm being honest here. She puts everything she has into everything she does and the results are always FANTASTIC. Not only does she do a great job at being the best photographer she can be, she is truly a giving and thoughtful friend too! Just take a quick look at her blog and you'll see how many tips & tricks she provides for other artists so they can go to one place and get the goodies instead of spending hours and hours researching in hopes of finding what they're looking for. Her newest blog on "Creative Common Textures" is just an example of how helpful this great woman is! Thanks for those textures Jen!

Jen always finds time to leave me an encouraging comment or email about my latest work and I am so very grateful for the gift of her genuine spirit in my life. Way to go JEN WEAVER!

This One Gives Me Chills! (Follow Up)

The eerie edit...pretty close to what I envisioned.

Mistakes

"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep."
Scott Adams

This One Gives Me Chills!

"Thoughts are the shadows of our feelings-always darker, emptier and simpler."

Fredrich Nietzsche


This photograph of my son instantly hit me as thought provoking. I like the dark and the light side of it. The way the shadows hit his face, but still show the form of their origin. The "mood" of the photograph is what makes it all the more interesting to me. The intensity of the stare combined with the obvious young age of the subject...bringing the heaviness of a man to a little boy's world. I don't know-this photos gives me chills. There is another edit in my mind's eye in the works that is sure to bring the rest of you chills as well. We'll see if I can make my thoughts become reality...but lets save that for later.

“An optimist is a person who sees only the lights in the picture, whereas a pessimist sees only the shadows. An idealist, however, is one who sees the light and the shadows, but in addition sees something else: the possibility of changing the picture, of making the lights prevail over the shadows.”

Unknown Author

It's the truth

"Photographers deal in things which are continually vanishing and when they have vanished there is no contrivance on earth which can make them come back again."

Henri Cartier-Bresson