Here Fishy Fishy

I almost *never* use white. I dont particularly like it b/c there is no contrast, which is my "signature" in photography, I think. I also dont like the all-flat-lit super bright white, so I dont light my floor (this is one of those posts for the photogs who visit my blog, lol)

But this little guy seemed to be the perfect lil' one for the fishy set-up.

It pays to look up

I was photographing a super-cool senior recently when I happened to look UP. Though I don't know what it means (besides as one of my friends pointed out, it means a lot of ticked off parents b/c these things cost a ton)...I thought it was really cool. They are just tied above a street downtown....

I'm shameless

My friend Kristin, who is an amazing woman, mother and artist, has just (after MUCH pushing, shoving and nagging by her friends, including ME) launched her new business and has a gorgeous new website to show off.

I would LOVE to see some of her work in your kid's rooms! As soon as MY kids decide what they want, I will be having my boys room done.

So, without further jabbering from me....KidArt by Kristin

http://www.kidartbykristin.com/

Where is Batman?

My kids are dressing up as Batman and Robin for Halloween (and yes, I am Wonder Woman, so laugh your butts off, I dont care)...

I'm the only mom that dresses her kids in costumes and takes them into the slums to have their portraits made!

Anyway, here is "Robin"....seeking Batman I think...

You May Kiss Your Bride

No, I am not doing weddings, but nice try!

My cousin got married a couple weeks ago, and I debated for a long time about bringing a camera. I have this personal issue about a professional bringing his or her gear to an event where he is not working. I find it rude to say the least (heck, we all know how irritable I get when people bring cameras to my sessions, dont we?).

So, I decided I would bring my film camera and my fave yummy film that no one would possibly even like! (its very grainy and artsy, but people dont really "get" it)

So, "You may kiss your bride" came, and I leaned just a tiny bit into the aisle for one ceremony shot of my cousin, in her beautiful gown, glowing with happiness.

And tried not to laugh remembering all the stupid stuff we did we were 16!

Congratulations Diane and Steve, love you guys!

A Must-Watch

Feeling fat? Feeling ugly? Feeling like you could never be as beautiful as a model in a magazine? Um, watch this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYhCn0jf46U


Comment from Author:We asked a high-end fashion photographer to make her look as beautiful as possible for a cover/billboard (normal advertising request). I asked the retoucher to save his progress in files/layers, and that's what was used to create the animation. It's 100% real. Retouching took 4 full days. Make-up, lighting, and shooting took about 4 to 5 hours

By Example

I give you one of the reasons I like to focus on children pre-school age.....have you ever seen a 10 year old answer How Old Are You with this?

Love this!

Eve in the Garden

After my post yesterday I thought I should show an image of a Senior who was so terrifically in sync with me (scary thought, eh?) that she didnt hesitate when i said "hey take this apple and go stand in that poisen ivy".

Ok, it was just ivy, but it was funny.

So, J. being my "Eve in the Garden".

Beauty

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Thats what they say anyway. Recently I have been photographing a lot of High School Seniors. Gorgeous ladies with the whole world just waiting for them! I envy their youth and time, time which shouldnt be wasted.

Wasted how? Wasted by feeling badly about themselves. I hate hearing "I am fat"...."I hate my nose"..."I look stupid". I am looking at a fantastically wonderful woman and she hates her pictures b/c she has fallen victim to some inner voice that overpowers her self-confidence with BS!!!

I try to tell them, really I do. How in the real world there are people who cant wait to cut you down, make you feel ugly and stupid and worthless. Why help them out by doing it to yourself? Become comfortable in your own skin, learn who YOU are, not what you see in others. People project their own insecurities back on you!

These are things I've learned. It isnt that I dont remember being 17 and feeling the same way....but once I understood what a waste of time it was, I really wanted to go back and get that time BACK!!! But, I cant.

Today, I challenge you to do this: take 5 minutes, stand in front of the mirror, smile at yourself. Find something you LOVE about yourself. And spend 5 minutes complimenting yourself on that.

For me today, I think its my insight. Have to go find a mirror now.

Tick Tock

I have never had a client actually *have* one of these cool clocks so I could do this shot. No way am I hauling one in my car, either! There are limits to my art, you know!

This was actually a *very* cool table, I just took the clock off its wrought iron stand. Baby would not stand for being bare-bottomed on that cold hard glass, so we swaddled her for this shot.

So, tick tock, she was born at 9 o'clock!

NILMDTS

Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep is an organization that I hesitated joining. It is a charitable photography project which does Infant Bereavement Photography. I joined a few weeks ago but was not totally sure I would be able to go, if called.

Yesterday I was called to Children's Mercy. These are twins and one is not doing well. He and his brother are on their way back home today, and my thoughts are with them.

Please consider, if you are a photographer, joining NILMDTS (http://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org/). If you would like to make a donation, please visit the web site and see what you can do.