Progress, You Never Stop Learning

When I first started my photography journey in 2008, I felt confident that I was on a journey that would lead me to many learning opportunities. I was right, and I still feel like I can learn more about my craft.

Here is a photo from my very first Engagement sessions from 2008. I was really proud of this image, and I still am today. But other photos I took during this session could have been improved upon. Not to mention this was before I learned how to shoot in manual mode, I was shooting in either aperture prior or TV mode. Sometimes that works better, but since all of my classes at Pittsburg State University required manual I learned quickly that you really have the most control in manual.

Here is a more recent photograph, that I took in studio. I can honestly say that I have come a long way. I know how to better use my camera, I've learned how to use a studio, and I've formed amazing relationships with other photographers. I can't fathom where my life would be without Photography. For those that may not know, I'm also a Nursing major. I've been applying to Pittsburg State University's Nursing program for three years now. I had taken all of my prerequisites, I did not make it into the Nursing program this spring, which was a blow. But I'm thankful that I decided to take Photojournalism I, and the teacher told me I had potential. I continued with Photojournalism II, and after receiving my "rejection" letter, I set up an appointment with my Photojournalism professor and added a Communication major, with an emphasis in Photojournalism. I thank the lord every day that he placed people in my life to help me along this path.

I'll end with another recent favorite photo of mine. I hope to continue growing and learning as a photographer. It still amazes me how much I have grown since I started.
 

Watermarks

At some point every photographer will have to make a decision, do I need to watermark my photos? I have never been a fan of them, I honestly couldn't tell you why, I just didn't think that my photos needed to be watermarked. I've changed my stance recently, and it was for a simple reason, marketing. Sure, you expect your clients to show off the images and to shout from the rooftops who their photographer was, but it isn't always so. I'm trying to grow into a larger client base, and I really felt that one way to do that was to watermark. Especially any photos that I post to my Facebook page, it gives exposure. There are other reasons to watermark, such as keeping people from claiming your photos as their own. I did a bit of research before coming to this decision, and while there a valid points on each side, I decided that watermarking was something I would try. So in case you didn't notice last post was the first time that I started watermarking, and I don't regret the decision.

Fall Couple Photo Session with Leah and Nick

School has really picked up lately, we basically have a little more than a month left and most days I have at least one assignment due. But, that doesn't mean I can't find time to take a beautiful couple out to enjoy the fall colors for a photo shoot. There is only one problem, the location we picked had very little fall foliage in the trees. Leah and Nick were troopers though and we decided to have some fun with our little photo shoot.

Sure the leaves on the ground were colorful, and it made for a cute little photo. I've got to tell you, Leah was my first ever apartment roommate and I've known Nick for a while. These two are so cute together and their love just shines through in every photo. Like the next photo, where my beautiful couple had to jump over a small stream to get this shot. I love it when I can capture a semi-non-posed moment, because to me this truly shows a couple at their finest.

After braving the jump back over we decided that it was time to head back to the cars to head home, though we really didn't follow through, and we ended up getting a few more cute shots on the way back to the car like the next photo. If you've never tried capturing a photo that wasn't posed, I challenge you to try. I called Leah's name and was poised like a lion about to pounce and catch her turning back to see what I needed.

 
If you live anywhere near the Pittsburg, Kansas area I highly recommend stopping by Wilderness Park in Frontenac, Kansas. It truly is an amazing piece of property with miles of trails and a lot of opportunities see wildlife. I had a lot of fun on this photo shoot with these two and I'm glad that we were able to work out a time that worked for everyone to get together .

So Leah and Nick, thank you once again for being such great sports about the cold, as well as making you jump over water to get the perfect shot. You two are an amazing couple and I couldn't have asked for better models.

Having Your Own Project

I own a very small photography business, if I'm lucky I have a client once a month. But on top of that, I'm enrolled in three Photography classes so that's a lot of where my skills as a photographer get used. Sometimes I get overwhelmed, and don't feel like taking photos for days. I've learned that in those times I can not touch my camera once, or I can focus on my "project". I have heard from various people that you need to have a project that is entirely your own, its something that you get enjoyment from shooting and don't have any deadlines or clients. For my recent project, I've really taken to macro photography. So the other day I went out with my trusty camera and 50 mm lens, as stated in a previous post you can flip your lens around and create a macro lens. I didn't set out with any intentions in mind, that is part of the fun, and came up with some good shots.

 I love dandelion fuzz, it makes for a great macro prop. I love the water drops on this fuzz and the bokeh of the other fuzz makes it interesting.

One of the issues with using a flipped lens is that you have to be very careful not to move once you've got your focus. Even a millimeter of movement can change how the photo looks. It takes patience, and it might take a few shots to get a good one, but they come out beautifully when you put a little effort in them. Their will be some softness that will come with the photo but you can make it look good like with the previous photo, it almost looks like a painting!

I got as low to the ground as I could to look at the world from the eyes of a small critter, I came across a piece of bark that really caught my eye because of all the holes and texture it had.

No matter what your project is, make it your own, and have fun with it. Don't let it be a chore, and if you can don't have a set plan of things you want to shoot, or if you do don't forget to let loose and do something out of your normal pattern. You don't know what you'll find!

When it Rains on Your Photoshoot

Let's face it, you can plan for a lot of factors when photographing a client, but one thing you can't always count on is the weather. It's always best to have a back up plan in the event that the day of your photo session calls for inclement weather. Sometimes though it can be fun to take photos in the rain, just like I did for a session with a dear friend of mine, Leah Clark.

Rainy day photos can be a lot of fun, and they make you think outside the box to get pictures just right. Though it is always best to have an indoor location as a back up plan in the even that it is just too stormy to really be outside, I really suggest trying first to see what you can come up with. Leah and I had a lot of fun with her umbrella, they're great props and with the right, one can add color to a scene.

We lucked out and had a few moments where the downpour slowed to a drizzle and were able to capture a few photos of Leah in downtown Pittsburg. Though it only lasted for a few minutes we were able to get a few outdoor shots that we wouldn't have gotten otherwise, and Leah was such a great sport about ditching her umbrella even though a few drops were still coming down at the time.

Some quick tips when shooting in rainy weather, make sure your gear is in a safe spot where it won't get drenched. I have a bag that is water resistant and made sure that it was closed up tight whenever it was sitting outside of my umbrella. I usually bring along a towel, This is useful to wipe off any gear that does get a little wet, or to wipe away excess moisture from a table or railing so your client doesn't get wet. Just remember to have fun, and don't let the rain ruin a session.

On the topic of Contests

I have always been on the fence about entering my work into contests; I also have always been my toughest critic. When it comes to Photography contests I used to shy away because I never felt like my work was worthy enough to win awards and that it was just a waste of time and possible heartbreak. This recently changed with my involvement in my University's Student Association of Photography, I also would like to credit my Photojournalism teacher, because he gave me confidence in myself and in my work. I recently entered two photos into a contest for a Art Festival that I'm attending with my Photography club, and I am a finalist in their Still Life category.

I named it 'Neural Pathways' because it reminded me of the neurons in our brains that connects part of our nervous system to another part. I honestly am surprised when I do win, or even chosen as a finalist. I've come to find that some of my favorite photos that I have an extreme attachment to are not the winners. This image was different though, while it isn't a personal favorite of mine, I do really enjoy the way this photo turned out.

For any photographers I have a quick tip for those that are interested in Macro photography; if you have a 50 mm lens you can turn the lens around and it becomes a Macro lens. This is how I achieved this photo, and it isn't easy because you lose all electronic function of the lens and you have to manually move your distance so you can focus. The other part that is difficult is that you have to hold the lens in place and keep the camera steady enough to not lose your focus that you probably worked hard for.

I want to end with some advice to others that may struggle with the same feelings that I struggle with. Have someone who has some experience with winning awards for their photographs or someone with more experience than you look over any photos you are thinking about submitting. This may be harder for some than entering the photos into the contest. The people you have look over your photos can give you great tips and advice, if they give you criticism don't think that it reflects poorly on you. We are constantly learning, and the best thing you can do is improve upon any criticism you receive. Lastly, try not to judge yourself too harshly if you don't win the first contest you enter. I know that I did, and I took it to heart but it only meant that I needed to improve and understand that every judge is different and one photo that loses one contest, may win at another. Just keep trying, keep learning. and keep improving yourself.
   

Pre-Wedded Bliss

Shooting my first wedding, my nerves were high and I just kept telling myself, "you've got this." The day was perfect, and with the weather that had been predicted we couldn't have asked for better temperatures and calm breeze. Deanna looked stunning, even before she donned her beautiful wedding dress. 

 

Though tensions ran high, would it really be a wedding without them, Deanna worked through them with grace and poise. She had friends surrounding her that helped by doing whatever they could to make sure the wedding went off without a hitch. 

The details of her dress really are amazing, and she looked gorgeous and beautiful while wearing it. 

Though it may have taken a bit longer than expected to get the Bride into her dress, her bridesmaids did a wonderful job in keeping her calm, cool and collected. 

I really enjoyed spending time with the Bride and her Bridal Party before the wedding, they made it fun and easy to get amazing shots taken of the bride getting ready. Thank you Deanna for being such an amazing bride, for being patient with me as worked through the hiccups.

Gearing up for a weekend wedding

This week I've spent time going through Bridal Magazines and Pintrest boards to get ready for my first big wedding. While I've previously been a photographer at two weddings,  I consider this my first because I feel more experienced and knowledgeable in the field of Wedding photography. I am very excited to join Michael and Deanna on their journey to become Husband and Wife. We also had an engagement session, way back in February, and they were troopers through the cold wind that was constantly ripping through our location and bringing Kleenex to wipe our runny noses.

 They are such a beautiful couple and their story is even more touching. They met in Elementary School and though they ended up going their separate ways the two found each other and Michael proposed to her on their Elementary School Playground.

They planned an outdoor wedding, and while the forecast currently calls for rain it is my hope that God will bless us with beautiful weather.