Playing Around

I have my first photo shoot tomorrow with my new camera (a friend's 6 puppies!). I was playing with lighting tonight and used some willing- and not so willing subjects... thought you'd enjoy seeing the test shots.

Oh Mr. Kelby

My all-time photographic inspiration guru , Scott Kelby, was in town yesterday for a conference. We had a little tax refund money left, so Jason approved the spending, and I got the amazing opportunity to not only sit through a 7 hour conference where I saw 5 different lighting solutions and photo shoot (with models), but then my guru took and showed how he would edit them and add effects to make them "pop", but I also got to actually meet him and personally thank him for sharing his wealth of knowledge (and got my book signed). :) My mind was BLOWN. Sure, I've known a lot of the "little" tricks, but oh how your mind forgets when you don't play in photo software every day. Especially now with a new toy, now I feel I can do the camera justice and really make some kickin' wicked shots! I want to clean out a corner of the basement and set up a studio down there. SO inspired!

RIP

I have officially (finally) parted ways with my digital pro camera. It is a sad day and I feel like I lost a good friend. The dust had settled on her case, and after 6 months of laying in limbo hoping I'd one day be able to revive her, I let her go. But this story doesn't have a sad ending. For she has a replacement. Thanks to a friend who was upgrading and switching his loyalty to Nikon (cough, cough), I got a super deal on a wonderful new friend- a Canon 50D. For those who know nothing of the semi-pro cameras, just know that this is a beauty. The last of the titanium (read: heavy) bodies and just 2 years old. Happy early birthday, mothers day, and anniversary to me. If you or anyone you know is looking for a baby, high school senior, family, or wedding photographer, let me know!! I'm available. :)

Some recent cute moments

Returning Hearts

In just over a month from now, Jason and I will be heading to Louisiana with a group from our church to attend the Awana Returning Hearts event at Angola Prison. I know it sounds strange, but we are really looking forward to going to jail. This is an amazing ministry- enabling inmate fathers to spend the day with their kids. We are looking for more volunteers to help at this event. If you want more information, e-mail me.

 

From the Lifeline website: Our goal is to restore leadership within the family, provide hope and purpose for inmates and break this generational cycle. In the end - Awana Lifeline equips churches and parents to build a legacy of hope in Christ for children of inmates.
 

To sign up, go to http://www.awanalifeline.org/#/get-involved/serve-angola and click on volunteer application.