Playing with Texture

I am playing with some techniques, really trying to define my style. Tell me your thoughts.

Another sweet "vintage" photo of Hannah

Hannah's Baptism. Portfolio Building #1

Here is the first of my freebie pb shoots! I am so thrilled with how these turned out. Stayed tuned as my goal is to complete 10 portfolio building sessions total, so 9 more by May 1st! I already have 5 more scheduled. Once I complete all 10 I hope to have my website up and running with all my new portfolio pics and officially be open for business! Ok, back to real reason for this post ... pecious Hannah Catherine.

OK, I was super nervous about this session because it was for Hannah's Baptism. I knew I had to get there early to take some photos outside in the natural light. Babies and lots of clothes dont typically photograph well, so I was worried about her gown, but these turned out beautifully. They ended up being a little different than I had originally envisioned because of the lack of space around the church, but I still really love them. Her grandparents were my little assistants and she was SO perfect. She was wide awake and even held her rattle for me. Too cute. It also helps that she is the most beautiful 2 month old baby with the bluest eyes you've ever seen! Here is a sneak peak, Aunt Monique. Thanks for letting me use these to build my portfolio and to promote my business.
The first five are from outside as they are by far my fav.

This one is so vintage looking with her little bonnet. There are so many cool techniques I could do, but I just love her eyes and couldn't resist just going color.

I love grandparent/grandbaby shots.

Dark church + funky yellow color casts = thank God for black and white photos :)

This shot is so great bc it captures a hilarious moment. Hannah jerked and the holy water nearly drowned her!

It wouldn't be an event if Aunt Monique didn't cry. She's such a pro she doesn't even go into the ugly face.
Isn't she just beautiful!

Proud big sister Hallee and big brother Hayden

Manual Practice Shoot

This was my first practice round shooting in Manual Mode. Man, I have so much respect for real pros. It was tough, but here are my favs. They all looked best converted to Black and White, which I love! Is it possible to love rich vibrant colors and black and white, lol? I already have 5 takers on the free sessions. 5 more to go!

Easter

We had a great 2nd Easter with Mia Grace. She knew exactly what to do! It was too cute! I also took the opportunity to play with some different subjects other than Mia, so you all know I can take pics of other kids too:) I love the pics of the boys! Here are a few of my favs.

picking a dandilion to blow!
Examining the "loot"
My favorite from this bunch! Not one silly face and so natural looking.

Oklahoma (Life)

Mike and I got to get away on our first trip away from Mia Grace (We survived!). We had planned to go to Arkansas with Matt and Kelsie and do a little backpacking, but we had several little mishaps before leaving. First, Kelsie's flight from California was cancelled, then I found out my grandmother and favorite person in the world (http://loveaffairwithanangel.blogspot.com) was not doing well, and to top it off, the Arkansas got over a foot of rain! So, needless to say, we changed plans and headed to Oklahoma instead, which cut our drive time in half. We camped out in luxury, took a few short little day hikes, ate awesome meals over the stove, and had amazing conversation over a smokey :) fire. It was a total blast and Mike and I can't wait to go on plenty more trips with Matt and Kels. Love you guys! Here are the favs from the trip. As you can tell, Matt and Kels were my little practice models.

The gang. On our way down the "mountain". taken by a random guy, not too bad except we have no feet! Processed Crystal D. style of course.

Relaxing by the lake (secret shots)



Our second day hike

By far my favorite pic of the trip. Look at those colors I pulled out of that rock!
Mike actually took this one. Good job, I love it!
On our way up Mount Baldy (a gigantic mountain :) )

My second fav of the trip (close race with the feet pic). I love catching candid shots and I love this old school texture look.

Model Matt ... He and Mike kept us girls laughing the whole time
Gimmicky I know, but we couldn't resist.

the Zoo.

Aunt Loree and I took the girls to the zoo for the first time. We had such a great time and couldn't have dreamed of better weather. It was overcast with a slight breeze. Ashtyn and her friend Peyton came with us and braved the two little ones. We really had so much fun! Here are a "few" of my favorites from the day. It was hard to choose because I took so many.

This is my favorite picture of the day BY a mile ... it could be one of my all time favs. Look at Emilee Ann's face. It is hysterical. I am putting an 8x10 of this on my bathroom mirror, so I will wake up with a smile every day! Sorry I made you take so many pictures Emilou. Click on top of the picture and it will enlarge for your FULL enjoyment.



This is Emilee's classic smile. I'm glad I caught this candid moment, instead of another CHEESE face!

A fav for sure.

Aunt Loree let Mia Grace sit on TOP of the stroller.
Emilee touching a bird!


Ashtyn's making her smile!

Look at those raised eyebrows