Still Learning

For most photographers, text on photos is nothing new. I however, am a slow learner when it comes to anything technological. I am currently taking an online course that gives me not only the hows of editing, but the whys. I have to know why I'm doing what I'm doing or it just doesn't make sense to me. I do love the look of text on photos on occasion, so this was a fun and helpful thing to learn.

Editing has become much more fun and now I can quickly and successfully  post process photos too -- not just Murray.

Remembering moments, not days...

Sundays| Sarnia Lambton County Lifestyle Photographers

After a busy morning of getting ready for church, attending church, and often having coffee with fellow church members, we like to spend the afternoons relaxing or playing outdoors. Today was especially beautiful -- and perhaps one of the last gorgeous fall days we will have this year.
The guys played a little one on one.

 

Then it was time for some fun on the tire swing and in the leaves.

 

I love those splayed out little toes!!

Bub peers down from his perch atop the monkey bars.

Off for a hike through the field and to the creek.

I'm pretty sure were no socks in these boots.

Walking the the furrow was much easier. Still a little bit of fall colour on some of the trees.

I cross the creek? I wonder how deep it is?

Whew! We all made it!

Aww, Mom!! No posy pictures, please!!

What a gorgeous afternoon!

Because we remember moments not days...

Crafty Girls| Sarnia Lambton County Lifestyle Photographers

Our girls love to make things. Peach is always getting craft books out of the library and they will spend afternoons making things. When they're not crafting, they're reading.

Because we remember moments, not days...

At the Junk Store | Sarnia Lambton County Photographers

There is a junk store near where our children take their French classes. The place both fascinates and gives me the heebie jeebies, but not enough to prevent me from an occasional wander with my camera in hand.


I'm going to have to head over there after we've had a good snowfall, just to see what it looks like!

Remembering moments...

Birthday Photos| Sarnia/ Lambton County Children's Portrait Photographers

It's beginning to get way too chilly outside to do photos -- unless of course they're for Christmas cards or you simply like winter photos.

I decided to try some inside in what I call my natural light studio. It's actually our living room, but at this time of the year the sunlight that falls into it makes it perfect for indoor photos.

Here is a sneak peak of Miss N's 11th birthday photos:



Because we don't remember days, we remember moments.

Cattail Love | Sarnia Lambton County Children's Portrait Photographers

Because we remember moments, not days, I couldn't resist posting these images despite the fact that I had mommy brain that day and didn't check my ISO before shooting. I'm glad they were my own kids and not a client's.

My baby girl is going to be seven soon. Seven! It's incredible how time flies and they seem to grow up before your very eyes. Squirt (her nickname) has an insatiable imagination. I'm sure in these photos, she was talking to the cattails and imagining a whole new life and world for them. I love my baby girl's imagination and hope she hangs onto it for life, but I'm also glad I was able to capture this moment in time.



Because we remember moments not days!

The Learning Curve Year | Sarnia/ Lambton County Photographers

This year was the year for several learning curves for both Murray and I. Some were related to photography itself and others were related to the business side.

Without further ado and in no particular order:

1) We will never take on a church directory ever again. It's simply way too much work!
2) Make it very clear to your clients what your pricing is and why.
3) Always, always, back up your shoots immediately, or don't delete the card until you have.
4) Watch where you put your horizon line.
5) Check to be sure your subjects haven't moved between setting them up and adjusting your camera.
6) Not everyone has to smile all the time.
7) There is good bokeh and bad bokeh and I've seen enough of both to know the difference.
8) Shooting indoors with little to no natural light is very difficult, but can be mastered.
9) Anyone with a digital camera thinks they're a photographer -- and perhaps some are/could be.
10) Always check your settings on your camera before you begin shooting.
11) Even the best photogs edit and enhance their photos to give them that edge that just doesn't come SOOC (straight out of camera).
12) Generally a non photog however, cannot tell the difference between a SOOC photo and an edited one.

Well, that being said, I'm sure there is more I can add (when I think of it), but that's already a pretty long list.

Some positives:

1) Doing our church's directory certainly gave us lots of experience and in all kinds of weather conditions too. Now I just wish We could do a few winter shoots!
2) We've met and continue to visit, learn, and share with all kinds of other fabulous photogs.
3) I pretty much know my camera inside out.
4) I discovered my favorite areas of photography.
5) I'm getting much better at photoshop.
6) I can not go a day without seeing a photo in something or someone.

Through the much less busy winter months, Murray and I will spend some time re-evaluating our goals and direction. I can't see not picking up my camera daily.

Finally, because a post is much more interesting with a photo:




Remembering those learning moments...