Reflection and Favorites: 2010

I'm not sure what it is about this time of year, but I've gone from really disliking to kind of loving the end of the year.  It's a sentimental time, after all the wrapping paper has been put away and winter has really set in.  Maybe it's because of the movie When Harry Met Sally when New Year's Eve plays such a pivotal role in their love story or the fact that I love Auld Lang Syne (and Robert Burns, the poet who authored the piece that became the song).

The lyrics of Auld Lang Syne remind us to remember old times and cherish relationships.  A photographer who I really admire (and am honored to have taken her workshop) repeatedly reminds us photographers to do this as well.  It's easy to get tied up in creating, in the artistic side of this business and forget how important the brand and relationships we've built are.  Reflection also allows us to constantly grow and learn.  I'm proud of the photographer I've become, but even more proud that I've gotten so much better over time and constantly am seeking ways to improve.

Below, I'm sharing some of my favorite moments from this past year at For the Love Photography.  How blessed I am to capture these special moments and help people turn their memories into works of art!  Thank you for sharing in and supporting my journey.

To my mostly silent readers, please feel free to comment on this one.  :)



Happy New Year!

Ventura County Family Photographer: Smith/Mattesich Family

When you have the opportunity to get everyone in one place for the holidays, it's often a hectic but perfect time to capture a family photo.  I was thrilled when Sherry called and asked about a quick session because her family has been an important part of my life.  My brother and I grew up with her kids (who now have kids of their own!) and one of her sons is a wonderful pastor who performed our wedding.  You couldn't meet a nicer group of people and I am honored to take their family photos this year.


Enjoy!

Happy Holidays

Overheard as I attempted to take this photo:

Sit.
Sit, Friday!
Please stop moving your head.
Oh, don't look at me like that!
I'll give you a treat if you sit still.
Just ooooooooone more second...
No, sit!
Please?
You actually look pretty cute.
Sit, Friday!
Please stop eating your antlers.
I know it's silly. 
Please hold still.
You're still glaring at me!
I'm sorry, puppy.
I know you're not meant to have antlers.
This is going to look great on Christmas cards.
It's almost over, I promise.
Sit?



Thanks, girl.  Good dog.  :)





Happy Holidays from Scott, Jamie, and Friday the Reindeer!

Chicago Product Photographer: Caitlin Greene Collection

This session was a real fun, challenging departure for me from my regular portrait or event sessions.  Caitlin is a new friend in Chicago and a seriously talented artist who makes jewelry as one of her really amazing creative outlets.  She needed some better photos to showcase her beautiful pieces and so I tried my hand at product photography.

I can't pretend to be an expert in this area, but if you're interested in photography let me share some of what I learned.  If you're not, you can skip the next two paragraphs!  I hope this can help those out there who would like to take better photos of products for something you want to list (for example on Etsy or Ebay).

People are becoming more and more sophisticated in taking photos of their products, so you can't get away with posting blurry snapshots anymore.  To start, you can find lots of tips in books and online forums.  Some of my best advice came from the Strobist blog (tons of DIY and budget ideas) and Scott Kelby, who also sells books with a range of camera advice.

Since the backdrop was so simple, I ended up lighting these with just an off-camera flash in a softbox and a couple Cyber Syncs (a great alternative to Pocket Wizards if you're using them only occasionally like me).  I learned about Cyber Syncs through a photographer friend who uses them at weddings and for shooting real estate photos.  These were just so much better than using Canon's built in infrared to trigger my remote flash.

But enough about photography!  Here is a small sampling of some of Caitlin's gorgeous pieces, and if you like what you see you should head on over to her website to see more and for information about purchasing items.



Enjoy!