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Here you will find all sorts of things: tips and tricks, book reviews, stories of my adventures, client features, and so much more!
To Carlsbad and Back: Day Two
Day two of our Mini Road Trip we spent exploring Carlsbad Cavern National Park. Depending on how fast you walk, this is at least a half-day event. It took Christopher, Joshua, and myself 3 hours to hike down the Natural Entrance and around the full Big Room, taking the elevator back to the surface.
To Carlsbad and Back: Day One
Day one (two weeks ago tomorrow) in our first mini road trip of the summer involved getting up at the crack of dawn (the norm for our house, by the way) and loading the car with our final few items before grabbing breakfast at McDonald’s for the boys and a Blake’s breakfast burrito for me. Then we finally hit the road for Carlsbad, New Mexico.
The Adventure Begins...
Tomorrow the boys and I leave on our first mini road trip of the summer. We’re headed down to Carlsbad Caverns, and a few other places along the way for an upcoming photo project. We’re going to be camping out while we’re down there, which is also exciting for the boys. I’ve been camping multiple times in my life, especially as a Girl Scout Trainer, teaching other Leaders how it’s done. I’ve also been to Carlsbad and the surrounding area before, although it has been a few years.
Defining MY Ideal Client
Over the course of the last two years, I have been working to become a Certified Wedding Photographer through The International Academy of Wedding Photographers. This is an online school with courses in wedding photography taught by some of the biggest names in the industry. We go over all sorts of things: using off-camera flash, branding, photo editing, posing, workflow, and so much more. Part of the reason that I am working toward this certification is so that I can learn how to provide you guys the best services I possibly can.
Easy Posing Tips and Tricks for the Everyday Person
In the art of photography, photographers are responsible for taking three-dimensional (3D) objects and creating a two-dimensional (2D) piece of art that can be framed and hung on a wall. In theory this sounds quite simple: you get everyone posed, and you click the shutter button on the camera. But, in reality, it isn’t so simple. There are some things you can learn to do to help your photographer out, though! Here they are:
East Side Band-o-Rama- Valencia High School, Los Lunas, NM
Last night I attended the Valencia Band-o-Rama concert at Valencia High School. The concert featured performances by Tomé Elementary, Bosque Farms Elementary, Valencia Elementary, Peralta Elementary, Valencia Middle School, and Valencia High School. The point behind this particular concert is March is Music in Our Schools Month, and we celebrate this by putting on a free, community-wide concert to remind people of the value of learning music in school.
Copyright Ownership vs. Right to Print
One of the questions that I find myself addressing quite often is, “Will I get copyright of my photos?'“ This is, and isn’t, a simple question to answer, because the answer varies based upon each photographer and how they run their individual business. First, let’s define some terms:
Mr. Cash's Promotion to Sergeant- Belen, NM National Guard Armory
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Nicholas Cash since we were Freshmen in High School, and I have watched as he served six years of active duty in the U.S. Navy after we graduated high school. He has been stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, as well as Yokosuka, Japan and was able to travel the world with the Navy. After he was honorably discharged several years ago, he and his wife and kids settled back here in Los Lunas to attend college and begin their civilian lives. But the call of country and service were always in the back of Nick’s mind.
Brent and Victoria Gillespie- An At-Home Family Portrait Session in Albuquerque, NM
This little cutie turned 9 months old at the beginning of February! Sorry, guys! I don’t use children’s names in order to help protect them. His parents, Victoria and Brent wanted to have portraits taken of him and of their family for Valentine’s Day to celebrate how much he’s grown, and to send off prints in their Valentine’s Day cards for their friends and family.
Amateur vs. Pro: What's the Diff?
It’s recently become more and more clear to me that most people don’t know a whole lot about what professional photography is, or what a professional photographer (like me!) does. That’s why I’ve written the last couple of posts, but I wanted to provide you all with some context for this course of education before I go too much further, and y’all think I’ve lost my mind (clearly my children have stolen it and sold it on the black market).
Alexandria Sharpe- A Maternity Session at Popejoy Hall- UNM
This is one of those love stories that I absolutely adore! Alex and her husband met IN BAND at Valencia High School! These two are high school sweethearts, and were expecting their first baby- a little girl!- in December (I’m really late writing this post! Sorry guys!).
Putting Together a Wedding Day Timeline
I sometimes have a problem remembering that not everyone was a Girl Scout, and learned how to put together an event like I did. I have a bad habit of assuming that people can automatically lay out a timeline for an event- without writing it down!- and make it happen on schedule. I planned several dozen events for Girl Scouts over the years, so it almost became second nature to me. Today, I’m gonna share some of that insight with y’all!
"That's a Nice Camera!"
It’s something I hear- a lot. Especially when I have my monster 150-600mm sports lens on my camera body so that I can shoot from the back of the room or from across the field. Someone- usually a gentleman- will call out, “That’s a nice camera!” My go-to reply has become, “Thanks! I taught it everything it knows!” I know it’s a snarky reply, but it’s true! I have taught my otherwise inanimate camera how to take photos.
VHS Basketball
Of all the sports that are routinely played in American high schools, basketball is the one I happen to know the most about. And, because of this, I was able to fully appreciate watching our VHS basketball teams play last Saturday against LLHS!
Workshop with Maura Jane Photography
I am always working to learn new skills and techniques, tips and tricks, and business management so that I can do my absolute best to serve you guys, so when Maura of Maura Jane Photography hosted her first workshop last November, I had to attend! Maura is someone that I’ve admired and looked to for inspiration in my own work, as well as a friend and fellow photographer.
ACS CAN Day at the Capital- Santa Fe, New Mexico
A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to escort a small group of students to Santa Fe, via the RailRunner from Los Lunas to attend the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network day of lobbying at the Roundhouse in Santa Fe. Whew! That was a mouthful, but the day was incredible!
My Obsession with Beauty and the Beast
By now I’m sure y’all have noticed that I LOVE to read (current read is ‘Gone with the Wind’ by Margaret Mitchell). I’ve written a few blog posts about the books I’ve read and my favorites. As far back as I can remember, I’ve loved to read. And Belle’s love of reading is one of the main reasons I love this movie so much!
VHS Soccer
Soccer is the most popular sport in the world, with the U.S. hosting several professional teams, and most nations in the world hosting a National Team. And, I’m sure that any true soccer fan can list off all the stats of his or her favorite player and team.
Beatrix Potter's Art
Artists are always asked a few standard questions about their art: ‘What inspires you?’ and ‘Who inspires you?’ Well, I’m still figuring out the complete answers to those questions, but I can tell you that one of the artists I love most is Beatrix Potter.
Family Update!!
Good Morning! I figured today would be a great day to give y’all a family update, especially since I haven’t done that in a while.