Play time at the park | Chandler Photography

Thanks to these little ones, I have discovered some fun play time at Tumbleweed Park in Chandler.  I didn’t even know this play structure existed.  I also didn’t even know that it could be so hot in April!  I got lots of exercise chasing them around with my 200 pound camera with my 70-200 lens attached (or maybe it was more like 400 lbs).  Nichole was ready for a snapshot at any moment-like she had been watching the movies and studying the moves of those being photographed.  She pivoted, turned her head, straightened her back, popped out her hip, etc.  It was a riot!  I loved to watch her catch the camera pointed at her. Then there was Joe who was jumping, climbing, running and hiding like the camera didn’t exist.  I hope to always be young at heart!

A little graffiti | Queen Creek, AZ Photographer

What says, “I am proud of you!” more than a little graffiti on a  home?  Yes, this was a home.  The other side was obviously the entrance (or maybe the entrance was plastered in addition to the graffiti to REALLY make a point?  : )

Studio for sale

Just in case you have been looking… this is for sale in Superior, AZ- right where you want to be, I’m sure!  Nevermind that the backyard is close to falling off a little edge-they have filled some holes with mortar, everything should be fine.  : )

Learning about straight out of the camera (sooc) | Queen Creek Photographer

After a conversation yesterday with Kelli of France Photography we were both pretty determined to get our custom functions just the way we want them.  In the process we got curious about picture styles in our 5D Mark II.  Today, I put it to the test so I could know what changes when I select a different picture styles and what happens when I adjust the contrast, color, saturation, etc. in the camera.  The results…

This type of conversation (what is considered sooc) was also being discussed on a forum lead by the awesome Wendy Schultz and the recommendation was given to shoot raw+jpg and then compare side by side.  Turns out that those adjustments, changing the picture style, ONLY affect jpg images.  If you shoot in RAW, you won’t see different picture styles (as far as I can see- wouldn’t you agree though?), but you do have the power to make those adjustments in Lightroom, ACR, etc.  If you shoot in jpg, you will see the difference. For the images above, I chose the standard style, boosted the contrast to +3 and boosted the saturation to +3 and changed the color tone to +2.  I obviously boosted the saturation a bit on the ridiculous side of things but I wanted to make sure I could clearly see a difference.  Check out that turquoise sky.  : )  Oh and btw, how about the name of the business!!??  If you are wanting to shop at this store, which I don’t blame you if you do, you simply need to visit Superior, AZ. 

Love to learn!  So, the morale of my story is… if shooting in jpg, registering different picture styles is worthwhile!

Dan | Queen Creek Photographer

Dan the man (well, closer to 14) was in my studio the other day.  What a handsome fellow and quite funny!  I was playing with lighting, using the window light and flash to fill.  I am currently in love with this session because I adore this teenager look, his smile, love the soft background, the side lighting, and that blue tie.  Is it always the last session you love most?  Oh, and he chose one of my favorite colors-GREEN.  Did he do that on purpose?  ; ) 

The Deli | Queen Creek Photography

This may not have much to do with photography but my lunch the other day was delicious and since I had my camera with me I took a picture of their menu.  Have you ever been to The Deli?  If you haven’t, it is certainly time for you to try them out!  There are so many things I love about them, where do I possibly start?  I love their unique combinations to create awesome dishes!  I love that they use local vendors!  I love that their logo, their design, their restaurant and all that they represent is simple, clear and direct.  I love their chicken/corn chowder soup.  I love their napkins.  I love their jar of utensils on the table.  I absolutely love their bruschetta!  I love that they are tucked in a strange place but need not worry because their food and service brings in a crowd!  I love their ice cream.  Shall I continue?  ; )  We have enjoyed our dates there, both with friends and as a couple.  They are located on San Tan Blvd. east of Power Rd.  Go try it out!

Headshots | Queen Creek Photography

Another opportunity to do some real life grown-ups!  Sasha has a heart of gold, I could see that the first time we met!  Her devotion to family is incredible, I sorta wished she was in my family!  ; )  Our goal was to capture her true self, her real smile and her relaxed approach to business and friendship.  She made the session so simple and unique, I was able to get to know her and a little bit of her background.  You know what was even more amazing?  …Her ability to make a decision!  WOW!  I liked her goofiness, her light heartedness and her real-life-ed-ness.  I know, my words are sometimes questionable but how else do you describe it? 

Mommy | Mesa, AZ photography

I was lucky enough to be the one to snap her headshots.  She has been seen in the movie Joseph and in Emma Smith: My Story.  She is updating her pictures and guess what-she would offend me if she used somebody else.  Ha, kidding.  I won’t mention her age but I will say that she is almost 30 years older than me (and I’m 34).  : )  She looks fantastic and is embracing her age.  She never wants her hair colored, doesn’t want any magic done on Photoshop-she just is who she is!  My mom is older and wiser-how’s that? 

Workshops and mentoring plus so much more…

I have talked several times about the lovely Kelli France of France Photography and her workshops.  She is an amazing business woman with talent galore (not to mention she is beautiful).  I have completed her mentoring workshop and it was tough work but COMPLETELY worth every minute and penny spent! She is a photographer based out of Colorado Springs but has built her business in other parts of the country as well.  I admire her ability to keep all things balanced and orderly, I admire her vision and her drive to be successful-she will help you to be and do the same! She is continuing her workshops and has a wait list going so get your booty on the waitlist if you have any interest in making photography a business or taking your photography beyond hobby hood (nice word, huh?).  You won’t be disappointed! 

Kelli also creates templates.  If you have ever tried to put together and designed templates for pricing guides, brochures, etc., you may realize that there are better things to do with your time (of course you realize after 20 hours into the project with nothing complete or close to being complete).  I am way too critical of my own design and therefore I can’t bring myself to investing hours and hours and hours and hours and hours (you get the point) into creating brochures or catalogs, etc.  I have done a few and I love them but I would much rather be out shooting something spectacular and leave the design to those who are more talented than me.  Kelli has these Couture Kits available to purchase for your business…   

So, if you are looking for a business mentor, a kick in the butt to get your business off the ground or simply some great ideas on how to stand out, go visit her Francipants Academy site and see for yourself!

Flash Class

Another 2010 goal COMPLETE!  I wanted to do a flash workshop and learn some cool lighting techniques.  It was a workshop by Wendy Schultz-just love her style and her superb teaching abilities!  In this picture we were learning how to use the corner of a room like a reflector.  She was showing another student some functions while I continued to practice my shots.  Learning to correctly use flash both on camera and off camera is a balancing act.  All I can say is time to practice, practice, practice!  My mind was opened to a whole new world-new possibilities.  Now, if only I had the Canon Speedlite 580ex II!  The flash I use is great but a few things are limiting: it has a 90 degree angle where I can’t swivel it all the way around, I can’t put it in manual mode, and when I need to adjust the compensation I have to fumble with my menu instead of pressing the exact button right on the flash.  I learned a great deal with it and again… my wish list goes on!