I have been really enjoying all the photos that I have been doing lately.  What I have realized is that I have completely forgotten to blog the images and photo shoots.  I was thinking today...I had better blog something!  I got the opportunity to do a photo shoot for a adorable family today.  We did several different sittings but I really wanted to do this one...I think it turned out absolutely adorable.  I love it because I do not get to do many "theme" style shoots.  I do many family and individual photo shoots which are wonderful but I love it when I can incorporate some creativity into the photo shoot.  Thank you Anderson family for braving the cold to get some wonderful photos.

I am always so surprised at how much fun and enjoyment I have when I get to do a photo shoot.  I does not matter how many times I may have taken the same occassion...I cannot help but feel giddy that I am able to turn my passion into one that provides memories.  I got to take photos of this sweet lady as she begins a new journey by being baptized.  It is one of the first steps to growing up.  I love capturing this on film for the families to relive over and over.  But my favorite part of taking pictures is the ones that are unexpected.  I love it when I can capture the personality of the person in what I call outtakes.  Outtakes are images that they are just being who they truly are and forget about the camera.  I find something special and magical about capturing this.  This sweet girl was so full of energy and enthusiasm for everything around her and it showed in these images.  So remember to step back and let these people that you are trying to capture to be themselves.  You will be happy you did!

I have been quite busy these past couple of weeks.  Most would say that a good thing, right?  I tend to agree.  I got to do several photo shoots lately.  I simply love one in particular.  I got to do a large family photo shoot.  The shoot was kept super casual and fun.  They were a great group of people to hangout with.  There is something wonderful about being able to see large families come together and enjoy each others company.  Thank you Willey family.

When it comes to indoor lighting it can be a tricky subject.  Most of the time the lighting we use in our home is not very appealing.  It is often down lighting which casts shadows.  If we take indoor photos we often use our flash which causes harsh lines and shadows.  If you remember a few simple tricks you can get a beautiful photo every time.  First tip, open up those window treatments.  You can create a beautiful glow just by letting the outside light in.

Photography can be as easy or complicated as you want it to be.  I think that many people are afraid to dive into learning about photography because it can be overwhelming.  Who has the time to learn about ISO, Apeture, F stops (what do those really mean anyways).  I am hear to tell you there is a ton of things to learn about photography.  One of the MOST maybe even the MOST important thing to learn about photography is lighting.  Lighting is everything.  Your lighting it can make or break the photo.  I want to discuss the basics of lighting without getting technical.

Prom photo shoot.  They are getting dressed up and its the best time to take some special photos.