Sunday, October 19, 2014

Newborn Editing

I love working with my sweet babies as you already know!  Wanted to share some before and after images ;)

Before



It is very common for newborns to have uneven skin tones and red spots on the body.  They also tend to have dry skin on the hands and face.  By cleaning up the skin and even out the skin tone you can give baby the flawless look they deserve to have ;)  I also like to clean up the backdrop by lightening the color and adding additional blur!

After


Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Finding My Niche!

Since deciding to take my photography passion to the next level in early May I have learned so much. I have learned how to take better photos, and to breath more and not be so nervous, I have learned what type of photographer I want to aspire to be, and so much!

So how have I learned to take better photos:

I typically have about a 15-30 minute drive home after a session and I always use that time to ask myself a few questions.  Like, how could I have made that session better, what did I learn from those clients, was I happy with how the session went.  I use these answers to make my next session better and my photos better.  I also, spend time reviewing the gallery and focusing on how I could make each photo better or how I could adjust my settings to produce a better image.

Doing this has helped me to produce better images at each session I go to. I also spend a lot time learning how to edit my photos better!

Earlier Session in May 2014                                                













After a few months of practice





















Before my sessions I used to find that I would be pretty anxious and nervous.  I always want to take the best possible photos I can for my clients and provide them with lasting memories they want to frame.  I have learned how to more effectively do my pre-session home work.  I spend more time communicating with my clients before we meet.  I use to think they would feel I didn't know what I was doing if I was asking a lot of questions but I now know that asking them what type of setting are you looking for, discussing best times to meet when kids are involved, or discussing what props what be used only improves the session and people appreciate it!




Lastly, I have learn what type of photographer I want to be!!

I get all warm and fuzzy inside when I schedule a Maternity or Newborn session.  I love going to the sessions and I find myself searching for new positions, lenses, props, settings, etc all the time! My newest addition to my newborn portrait sessions is a travel posing bean bag!

I also love capturing parents with their sweet, newest little family member.  The moments between mommy and baby or daddy and baby are so special.  Sibling photos, although more challenging are also so important!


Here is another example of how I have learned to interact with my clients better...

I create a Newborn Preparation Tips Sheet which helps parents get ready to have the baby photographed.  I session is typically held within the first 10 days of baby's and can last up to 2 hours.  It is important to educate the parents on how to help you have a successful session.  Of special note, my baby always comes first.  That is why the session can be long.  If baby needs a rest or to eat we do it!

I have several newborn and maternity shoots coming up!!

Stay tuned!!




Sunday, August 10, 2014

Before and After

I love the beauty of newborn sessions.  Baby's are so sweet and innocent so when I am editing my images I keep the image as natural as possible.  Small airbrushing to even skin tone, removal of dry skin or baby acne, and overall image exposure clean up is all you need!

Before:



After:

Another editing technique I like to do is edit my background to a dark color to remove distraction from the image.

Before:


After:

Monday, May 19, 2014

The beautiful Kelly & Kate


Had a wonderful session this morning with Ms. Kelly and her sweet baby girl Kate! Here is a teaser 





Sunday, May 18, 2014

Car wash!



Photoshop Elements 12

I am learning to use my new editor and wanted to share some of the results with you!  I'm not big on over edited photos and don't plan to use this as a crutch but it is nice to know I can brighten eyes, remove wrinkles (No one likes those ;), and even remove an object if needed.  See below!

ORIGINAL PHOTO:
 EDITED PHOTO:

As you can see I cleared up his rash on the face, removed the drool, and brightened his baby blues ;)

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Mother's Day!

I wanted to give my mm and mother in law a gift they'd remember!!


Corporate Photos

I work for a Property Management company and every now and again I get to shoot the interior or exteriors of our buildings.  Here are some photo's I took for work;


 

Family Beach Trip 2013

My sister and brother-in-law's family/maternity session in Rosemary Beach, FL!

 
 

Celia and Chris's Engagement

This was one of the first sessions I ever did!  Love them dearly and was honored to shoot their engagement photos!


 
 

My New 50mm Lens!

I am totally loving my new Nikkon AF-S 50mm 1.4 lens!!

Here are some fun photos I took of my hubby and 7 month old on Mother's Day!!