Portfolio Building

Practice, practice, practice. I'm sure everyone would agree that the only way to improve your skill is to practice. I've been long awaiting this opportunity. I have been planning several different portfolio building sessions. Yesterday was my first one. I had the good fortune of putting together the people, place, and props needed for a no-pressure chance to experiment with what I've been learning this past year. I am so pleased with the results!

Growing "like a weed"

They grow up sooo fast! It really seemed like not that long ago I was headed to my very first photo shoot... Katie's maternity session. Now sweet little Lily is 6 months old. She is smiling and rolling and just plain cute as a button. We had a great time at my favorite park, and It is amazing to look back on how much I've learned since that first experience. Thanks for being so patient Katie & Kale. I can't wait to do Lily's 1 year shoot in the fall!

The Miracle of Carson

Expecting parents Stacey and Dave had an early surprise when Carson decided he was ready to enter the world on April 21st, 2010. He was premature, but proved many people wrong when he left the NICU on his own time as well - early. I was more than excited to see this little miracle face to face. I had a wonderful time and I hope the pictures captured will express just how adorable he is.

Pictures in the Park

Okay, it was not a total loss... it was a BEAUTIFUL day! The sun was out without being hot and the breeze felt soo good. Since it was a no-show event, I spent most of the day chatting with my support crew- you guys are da bomb-diggity, and playing with Dawson. He was officially 18 months that day so it became, "Dawson's 18 month photo shoot". Lessons learned and I have decided to start asking for a retainer fee. I have changed the prices on my site, and no more CD's. Time to take myself more seriously... I need to be more business-like if I really want this to work. As much as I love my friends and coworkers, it's not helping to give it all away. Anyway, some pretty cool shots of Dawson...

Park practice

My neighbor/coworker/friend/hairdresser, Dawn had asked me to do some current pics of her kids. I was happy to do it, since we have a sweet little barter going. We agreed that Little Mulberry would be the best spot. On our way there, I realized that this would be a great test run for my "Pics in the Park" event. We really were both doing each other a great favor! Kids are funny, and a great challenge to keep you on your toes. Even though the clouds were more dense than I expected, I think we managed to get a handful of good shots. I hope things go well on the "real" run of shots at the park :)  .

Soccer in the sun

Wow, summer is here! It was hot, but man was it fun; my first outdoor sports event. My friend Rachel invited me to her daughter's soccer game. I could not wait to get there. My brother-in-law left me his f2.8 55-200mm while he is in Scotland. I knew it would be perfect for this. Shooting in the middle of the day is not the most ideal situation for a photographer, but it's good practice to roll with the punches. Definitely learned some valuable lessons on this one. Overall I'm satisfied. No award winning shots, but I got some good exposure. Rachel was a champ and handed out my card to the other parents :)  .

Little Lion Cub

When my neighbor (and surrogate sister) Jessey asked me to do Ansley's recital picture this year, I was excited but drew a blank for ideas. She was going to be a lion in "The Wizard of Oz". Usually I do a fair amount of research for each shoot, but a busy schedule and sick toddler hindered my prep time. What is a recital picture supposed to look like? I had a quick glance at last year's photo and got a few tips on what was unsatisfactory about it. One day it hit me... driving home from work, I saw the perfect patch in the sunset. On the corner of a simple pasture was a group of grass-like mini trees. In the golden sun, they reminded me of the trees you see in the pictures of Africa - how perfect for a lion! I was a bit nervous about making the suggestion to Jessey. We would have to park on the side of the street and hoof it up the hill.

Well, last night, our schedules aligned and brave little Ansley delicately did her best to make it through the thistles without tearing her stockings. Jessey was the perfect creative helper with a 42inch gold reflector. In the end all I can say is voila - I give you " Little Lion Cub".

(above) my entry for week 20 "faces & flowers" iheartfaces.blogspot.com