Portraits
Jared in Downtown Denver
I met Jared at a journalism workshop this summer and was immediately impressed not only with his talent as a student photographer but with his work ethic and personality. When he asked me to shoot his senior pictures, I was honored. I also had a blast. We went to downtown Denver and found backdrop after backdrop that just let him have some fun as well as showcase this beautiful, eclectic city. Thanks, Jared, and have a great senior year!
Haley Senior Pictures
I so enjoyed shooting Haley’s senior pictures. Not only is she incredibly photogenic, but she and her mom made the time fun while we tried out some different settings. AND I just upgraded to Lightroom 3.0 and it has all kinds of new “looks” imbedded in the program. So, of course, I had to try out a few of those as well.
This effect is called “yesteryear.” I never thought I’d want to add yellowing to a photo, but I love the warmth of this effect.
And this effect is called “bleach.” I love the obvious names!!
There are now so many black and white options in Lightroom 3.0, but I prefer using my own preferences to achieve that softer look.
The “Direct Positive” is still one of the more fun choices for that edgy, modern look.
And, finally, most of the time I just let the model be herself. When she is as pretty as Haley, that makes my job so much easier!
Anna in Denver
My niece Anna is an incredible young teen. She has self-published a book, designed clothing and jewelry (which she sold and then donated to charity). And she is a joy to be around. She was in town yesterday on the way home from a family trip to the mountains and let me capture a few shots of her in my front “yard.” Thanks, Anna, for playing with me!
Mandy & Orion Engagement Photos
I had only met Mandy and Orion once before, but instantly felt that they were not only a great couple, but wonderful people as well. And at last week’s engagement session I learned that they are also a whole lot of fun. We shot in two locations, first in the more formal attire (so Orion could look dashing in his new suit and Mandy could show off her blue toenails!) and then at the nearby playground where the little kids were utterly fascinated by these two adults swinging and sliding and laughing. I was fascinated as well by their obvious love for each other. Their wedding is this weekend, and I can’t wait to post some of the wedding photos next week. Congratulations, Mandy and Orion!
And when Mandy slid headfirst into the sand, Orion was there to kiss the pain away. Now that is love!
Fathers Day Idea
I love to check out blogs and web sites for new ideas for photography. A relative sent me the link for a series of photos with little boys, and I loved the idea but decided to use some backgrounds to make it more “little girl” themed. And since we missed Abbie and Kelsie’s Mother’s Day photo shoot because of terrible weather, I figured I could make one for Kellie, the mom, as well and then they could go together. And we couldn’t forget the girls’ grandfather, now, could we? (He’s Bumpa!) Finally, I absolutely loved this shot of of Abbie soaring while Kelsie admires her from below.
Next up: an engagement photo session with the couple whose wedding I’m shooting this weekend (they were more fun than the kids at the park!) and then some from Nolan’s first official portrait session. (Spoiler alert: he is adorable!)
39 Weeks Pregnant
I want to thank Chris’s parents for their message to Nolan for this week. Not only are they great in-laws for Karlyn, but they already have a one year old grandson (whose mom will be writing next week’s post), so they already know how to be wonderful grandparents. I still have no idea—except that spoiling will play a large role.
This week Chris also played with us as we explored a couple of ideas I’ve been wanting to try out. Just in time, as the official due date is next Monday.
One last addition for Nolan: a bookcase for all of his books and toys. Okay, SOME of his toys.
This is the outfit that is already packed and ready for the hospital. I can’t believe it will fit him!
And since evenings in Colorado can get quite chilly, this little sleeper should keep him warm!
Finally, just a fun shot. (I think Karlyn is ready!)
38 Weeks Pregnant
We are entering the final stretch! Now that Nolan has moved away from her ribs, Karlyn is truly enjoying this time—and it shows. And she is sweet enough to share some of those moments with me. Yesterday, Nolan’s foot was literally pushing her stomach out! This week Nolan’s great grandmother in Washington state wrote the message; I am so glad we have technology like Skype so that she will get to “meet” her very first great grandchild soon after he is born!
And just because it’s fun to play in Lightroom, I tried making the “boy” theme dominate this next version of the above photo.
Baby You Can Drive My Car
…and other photos of an adorable one year old!
I first met Nicholas and his parents Melissa and Chip doing a newborn shoot. We couldn’t wait an entire year to photograph him again, so met right before Christmas for a six month session. This weekend I met up with the family again to help mark his first birthday. I cannot tell you how much fun it is to photograph toddlers (and crawlers!) as they never, never hold still. But the joy they find in absolutely everything is so inspiring and delightful that I end up with far more photos than I could ever imagine taking in just an hour. And Nicholas is a special joy, from discovering his dad’s baseball glove and his mom’s stuffed dog to driving his “new” car! Happy birthday, Nicholas!
The car is the perfect color for this cool special effect (as are Nicholas’s eyes!).
Okay, how can you help but love a kid who reacts like this to a camera? (Not to mention his grandparents waving pompons behind me.)
At first, Nicholas didn’t know exactly what to do with his “prop”. But after awhile, he didn’t want to let it go.
Some of my favorite photos are the ones we cannot possibly plan for. In the middle of our group shot, Nicholas decided it was time for an Eskimo kiss with his mom instead!
37 Weeks Pregnant
We are now going week to week, with Karlyn hoping Nolan wants to come on out and join the family and me wanting her to last another week or two at least so I can get a few more pictures! And it is going to snow tonight, so all the outdoor photos I’ve been wanting to take will just have to wait a little longer. Yes, it is May. Yes, it is starting to snow. Yes, I think Cabo sounds really, really good right now! But not nearly as good as meeting Nolan. Another person who can’t wait to meet Nolan is Janet, who took a turn guest writing his message this week.
Chris and Karlyn spent the weekend planting flowers and fixing up their yard, including the back yard—which is all ready for Nolan once he’s big enough to fit into the swing!
I’ve been dying to try a photo with a picture frame as a prop, and Karlyn is finally big enough to “fill the frame.”
Middle School Models
For the past two years, Cindi, a middle school yearbook adviser, has generously allowed me to visit her classroom, work with her amazing students, and share my photo knowledge with them. Their book is done (and fabulous!) so I really don’t NEED to keep visiting, but that doesn’t mean I don’t WANT to. So last week we set up an impromptu studio in their classroom complete with remote flash and a black backdrop and shot 14 “glamour” shots (all in less than 40 minutes). I played some with effects and even removed the braces from a couple of the kids just for fun, but most of the time found myself in awe of these dynamic, intelligent, fun almost-high schoolers. And thank you, Cindi, for the chance to get to know your kids!
