Workshop

I lieu of doing my own workshop this season (don't worry, there is a Fourth Light workshop in the future... just not sure exactly when) I jumped on board with my sister in law Jamie, tagging along on her first JAZ Photography workshop. She lined up some amazing models, scouted some amazing sites and did all the hard work for me so why wouldn't I jump at the chance to go lend a hand and share a bit of my knowledge while snapping away at these gorgeous girls?! It was so fun and of course, my sister did great leading the group and sharing her amazing talent with everyone. It was a great afternoon!!



And now.... for the pictures :0) Can I just say I was in heaven and could have snapped for about three days with these girls, talk about models, seriously!

Leila & Nina

Stinkin' adorable!! These two little girls were the cutest models. I was on chubby cheek overload after my session this afternoon, it was almost too much! Little miss Leila had poses all practiced up for me and I was SO flattered to know she was expecting my visit and she was prepared. Her ballerina moves were the best! Little sister Nina is such a happy little gal, so bright eyed and curious. I brought along a bouquet of tulips thinking the girls, adorned in their Easter best, would look especially beautiful holding a single flower and it worked out beautifully. The girls did their best and were absolute dolls!! Our shoot was an in home session due to the 100% chance of rain that tried to stop our adventure but as you'll see we weren't going to let a little rain stop us. Thanks so much momma' Alisa for having me over to capture such a wonderful time in your girl's lives. Your family is so beautiful and it was a treat to hang out with some girls for a change ;0)
Seriously, what a doll!



Having children nearly the exact same ages as these two, I knew it was going to be a challenge getting them in a picture together but big sis Leila just loves her sister so much. Every time we asked her to snuggle Nina, cheak to cheak, she'd close her eyes and say "Oh, Nina" in the sweetest way... just melts my heart!

The .P. Family

Well it rained today... a lot! But this awesome and adorable family trusted me enough to come out and brave the weather despite the utter downpour that greeted us as we began the shoot. These guys did great and are true Oregonians! What's a little rain... or two inches!

Once we got started our shoot was so fun. These little kiddos are so sweet and cute. The little guy, Cooper, just started walking and nothing was going to get in his way! Including me and my camera. I had fun just following him around and enjoyed the occasional snuggle as he tried to pass by. Little miss Gracie was perfect :0) Just as I suspected she might be. I really do love doing photos of little girls about this age, they just eat it up and love posing. It's always a great feeling when I get home and I know I have made new friends. Mom, Amy, and I chatted for about fifteen minutes after our session was done, just about life as mom's. It's so nice to know that no matter where you are or what you've been through during the week, another mom gets it. I really needed this little outing today so THANK YOU .P. Family for getting out in the weather!
















For having just mastered walking, Mr. Cooper sure could move!



And this last one of Gracie made me laugh as I pulled it up... I just LOVE a good laugh!

Bandon Wildlife Park - a Texture Tutorial

We celebrated my nephew's birthday at the Bandon wildlife park and I snagged a few fun pictures of the animals. I had taken a few shots of different textures from around my yard a couple of weeks ago and these animal shots were perfect for layering textures with.

To make your own texture overlays all you do is take a full frame shot of whatever texture you want (cedar tree, pavement, cement, chicken wire the options are endless). Open your subject picture and your texture picture in the same window of your photoshop (I am sure other editing software can do a similar layering technique) and layer the texture on top of the subject. Then adjust the opacity to your liking and I usually erase the texture from the face of my subject to keep it crisp and clear.

This first one I used a wood texture from a cedar tree and I decided to use it ever so lightly.



This one I just used the texture that was present in the surroundings, in this case the chain link fence, to add depth and variation to the shot;


So next time you are out and about, camera in hand, keep in mind the textures surrounding your subject. Think about how they might play into creating a more artistic shot whether it is simply adjusting your composition to include an element or in using a texture during the post processing of your images.