Another sneak peak

I took Ashley out for another round of pictures this afternoon. The weather was perfect for the first hour, nice and bright but overcast. And then the clouds opened up and hit us with a torrential downpour. We stopped in for a drink and some onion rings, then headed back out for a few more shots before the sprinkles started. It was a pretty productive day, by I'm not completely taken by any one picture. I tried to work something on a nearby railroad bridge, but was at a loss on how to use the lines. Any HHCC is welcome as I am sure we will go out again. Also, the color feels a little off, but I can't put my finger on what it is. It's almost too bright, but when I lighten it up it feels too dark. And all the lines feel overwhelming in black and white. Then again, maybe I am just tired!

My other model

My youngest sister Jamie was a huge help when I was scouting locations for Ashley's senior picture shoot. She hammed it up for the camera and even "posed" a few times for me. I didn't expect to get much out of the afternoon, but was pleasantly surprised by a couple of the shots.

I used Ren's Milk and Honey action on these two. I think she was actually fixing her hair in this first picture, but I liked the real smile.

More of my sister

I am still wading through the nearly 400 shots I took of my sister Sunday night. When you only get about an hour to yourself each day it takes an awful long time. So here are a few I edited yesterday and today! HHCC is always welcome.

50mm, 1.4

1/100

f/3.2

ISO 100

50mm, 1.4

1/1000

f/1.4

ISO 400

used Ren's milk and honey action

50mm, 1.4

1/160

f/4.0

ISO 400

50mm, 1.4
1/100
f/5.0

ISO 400

I can't believe it's been 3 months

My little baby is three months old (well, almost 4 now). In the last few weeks he has grown a ton, putting on several pounds and getting longer by the day. He no longer seems like the newborn I brought home. Here are just a few I got of him recently while also trying out my new white background. As always HHCC is wanted and appreciated.

Sneak Peak

I took my little sister Ashley out for the first of what could end up being several senior photo shoots. I am by no means a professional photographer, but I have fun and my photos are good enough for my family, so in the end it works.

That said, I always am eager to learn more and would love some HHCC. I know some of you take amazing senior portraits and have much wisdom on the topic.

Here are just a few of the nearly 400 pictures I took tonight. I only had about an hour to look through and edit so this is what I came up with.

50mm, 1.4
ISO 400
SS 1/500
f/4.0

50mm, 1.4
ISO 100
SS 1/500
f/1.4

50mm, 1.4
ISO 400
SS 1/500
f/4.0

It only took one shot

And thank goodness because one was all I got. Ok, so I really managed to get off four shots before both boys decided they had enough of the camera, but hey, 4 really isn't that many. Thankfully, one was almost enough. I know it isn't perfect, but for now I will take it. If anyone can give me some pointers on how to avoid the shadows (or fix them in PSE4) with white backgrounds it would be greatly appreciated.


After the little guy went down for his napped I bribed the older one with Smarties to give me just another 5 minutes. Again, not perfect, but I'll take it.

ISO 400
SS 1/100
f/5.6

ISO 800
SS 1/100
f/2.5

Money well spent

I took my birthday money and finally bought a white backdrop (it's actually marine vinyl). It was seriously the best $30 I have spent in a long time. I still don't know exactly what I am doing, but I got a couple of usable shots just goofing around tonight. I can't wait to try it when I actually have some decent light (and a willing model). Although, I do have to say that for the first time ever Nick was very cooperative for almost 5 whole minutes. That doesn't happen often in our world. So, here are my first tries with a white backdrop. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.





50mm, 1.4
ISO 800
SS 1/80
f/stop 2.5
Ran through Ren's Julie's Curse