Making It
There are certain milestones in my career where I’ve been really proud of my achievements. When I feel like I’ve “made it”. When I’ve booked a certain number of weddings. Working at an exclusive venue. The first time I got my work published. Being asked to work with amazing coordinators and vendors. Seeing my pictures on national television. Booking a job I really, really, really wanted.
Today marks another milestone. I was so excited to get an email asking me to be a guest judge at I Heart Faces. They’ve had so many amazing guest judges and I’m so honored that they asked me! You can read the interview here.
Happy day!
Are You Smarter Than A Two Year Old?
As parents of toddlers (and older kids know) getting your kids to pose for pictures is next to impossible. Right before Brayden turned 2 he started saying, “No pictures, Mommy!” anytime I would get the camera out. I would have to do sneak attacks to get any pictures of him.
We’ve been having some normal two year old issues lately. Tantrums, using the word “no” excessively, and doing whatever I tell him not to do. That got me thinking about using the tactic of reverse psychology on my kid. And guess what? It works. Like a charm. It gets him to eat. It gets him to go potty. It gets him to clean up his toys. And it’s even how I get my hugs and kisses. Last night I tried it out at the pool to get some pictures of him and, just like I thought, it worked like a charm again. I’ve been doing this for about two weeks now and I’m really hoping it doesn’t wear off. Please tell me it doesn’t wear off!
Here is, “Whatever you do DO NOT bring Mr. Turtle over here!”
*** All images shot with Canon 5D, 24 – 70 2.8 lens
2.8, 1/500, ISO 125
Here is, “Whatever you do DO NOT splash me!”
2.8, 1/400, ISO 125
And last, but not least, “Whatever you do DO NOT smile at the camera!”
2.8, 1/400, ISO 125
What’s In My Camera Bag – 24 – 70 2.8
The very first lens that I ever bought was the Canon 24 – 70 2.8. That thing never left my camera and it was my go to lens until I discovered my love for prime lenses. This is the lens that I recommend to everyone if you are ready to invest in a pro lens. It’s not cheap (is anything in photography?), but it has a really great focal range. It’s pretty wide, without being too wide. And it zooms in, without being too tight. When I go on vacation I take two lenses – my 50 1.2, and this lens.
About a year ago I noticed that it was back focusing pretty bad so I stopped using it. I just thought it was old and probably beyond repair. Last week I decided to take it over to Canon to have it looked at and for $110 it’s as good as new. I used it for a bit on a family session earlier in the week. It’s going to be fun to have it back for weddings!
By the way, these pictures are of photographer Krista Secoda and her family. I met Krista earlier this year when she came to do a mentoring session with me. It’s so much fun, but also nerve wracking, to take pictures for other photographers! Check out her work! She’s a great photographer!
What are YOU shooting with?
The most common question I get asked is what is the best camera and most affordable camera and lenses for a mom who wants to take better pictures of her kids. It’s a hard question for me to answer because:
1) I’ve always been a pro Mom*tog. I was a photographer before I became a mom.
and
2) I haven’t shot with every DSLR out there. I’ve been shooting with the 5d for a long time. Before that I shot with the 30d, 20d, and a Rebel (I have no idea what version that Rebel was, but it was back in 2005). I don’t have any experience with a lot of the DSLR cameras out there so I can’t give them a fair review.
So, here’s my question to you Mom*togs. I want to know what you shoot with and what you like / dislike about it. I only want to hear from true Mom*togs. Not Mom*togs that are pro photographers or want to be pro photographers. I want to know what moms are shooting with and why.
Ready, set, discuss!
Good Things Come in Small Packages
I’ve been going back and forth with the idea of getting a studio space. A pretty space that’s all my own where I can shoot and have a client meeting area. I’m just not sure if I’m ready to make that sort of investment. I have a perfectly good office space in my house. In fact, it’s one of the main reasons we bought this house. I can work while B plays right in the next room. I don’t have to get in my car to go to work except for shoots. It has a separate entrance and it’s cute. It’s just TINY!
My friend Jamie sent me a picture she took while I was taking her nephews newborn pictures last weekend.
My shot:
*** Background from Drop It Modern
You can see what a tiny space I have to work with and how minimal my setup is. Proof that anyone can do this in your home. All you need is good light and a camera.
So, while I may want that bigger space, I guess I don’t really need it. But, I will keep wishing and dreaming about it.
Happy Friday!
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