Yes, I’m still alive.

I’ve been trying to push myself to step back and take more than my standard vertical (mug shot) portraits. This was from the park the other day - this park is filled with row upon row of these great old olive trees, and I’ve been wanting to try shooting here for a long time. We happened to be there at sunset, and I was attempting to figure out how to use lens flare creatively. I got some cool examples of flare - but Bella’s positioning was not as good. This one has no flare at all (I had moved so it was blocked by the trees). Her pose was a total fluke - but I loved how it turned out.

1/250
f6.3
iso 100

At five she still sucks her thumb - reminds me that although she is so big in so many ways, she’s still just a little girl. This is one of those pictures that just speaks right to my heart.

This was another speedlight play in really low light - bounced it and dialed the FEC down to just get a bit of extra illumination. Actually added grain in this one - first time for everything:)

PS: Anyone know how to get a five year old to stop sucking her thumb without pain, or shame?:)

I’ll admit it, I have a hat addiction. Right now it’s a winter hat addiction, which is fairly silly, considering I live in one of the hottest places in the United States. Not much call for warm and wooly hats here. Still - I cannot help myself. I see them in the store and my mind always jumps right to imagining what cute pictures I could take. Within seconds I’ve justified the purchase and my hat collection grows and grows. This addiction actually extends to all children’s clothing, footwear, accessories. If I thought I was obsessed with cute togs before - I had no idea what was to come. I can’t seem to stop myself.

Any of you other photographers have this problem?

Tech Info
ISO 200
1/160
f3.2

This was supposed to be Bella’s photo shoot to get a Christmas picture for her daddy(finally got the one posted above). Bella wasn’t cooperating, she wanted off the chair and Julianna wanted on. Once she climbed on I noticed the obvious, it was a perfect match for her outfit! This is the ONLY pic I got of her looking at me. I love it when life just works like that.

Too lazy to look up tech info tonight - but will if anyone wants it:) Off to bed!

Seems so wrong that it is this green in December, I’ve been here 7.5 years and I still can’t get used to it. So excited I finally got my petticoats - expect to see tons of petticoat pics in the upcoming weeks…Jules has a pink/brown one as well.

Tech Info:
ISO 200
1/125
f2.8

Tech info
ISO 100
Av mode
1/2500
f4

So, every now and then I get lucky and I get a chance to practice my obsession on other people’s children (which is good, because - quite frankly - my own get a bit tired of me coming at them with the camera). I’m going to try and share some of these pics here whenever the parents are willing to give me permission to show off their kiddos.

For tonight, meet baby Les. I was supposed to take birth photos for his mama - but Les was in a big hurry and decided to come during rush hour. I didn’t even make it to their house until he was over an hour old. Too make up for missing the birth (my first missed birth!) I offered to go back and take his newborn photos. I’m going to post a few of those, as well as a slideshow I did up for his Mama.

I hope you enjoy.

Click HERE to download the slideshow.

Tech Info:
Iso 100
Av mode
1/2000
f4

I just added a whole bunch of photoblogs and photography websites to my links section. I’ve got a ton more in my bookmarks to add, but I wanted to share some of my favorite photographers with you all. These talented people inspire me every single time I see their work, they’ve been my teachers, my guides, given me something to work towards. I hope you enjoy!

If you know you’re one of my favorites and you’re not listed here - don’t worry, I’ve got plenty more to add in the next little while:) If you know of some fabulous photographers with blogs or websites that you don’t see listed, please comment and share them with me.

Tech Info:
Av Mode (full sun on the beach scares me)
1/640
f 2.8
+1 exposure compensation