Calling all MOM Photographers...

I KNOW you are out there!

You are the mom that wants to capture every moment of your child's life because you understand that time doesn't stand still...you want those photos to not only represent a memory, but ultimately you'd love for that image to tell a story on it's own...

So many times we just grab that camera and start clicking away, hoping to get one shot...

Other times, we're purposeful and set up the scene...

Some of us have discovered certain ways to get an angle that we desire...but then what?

If you are anything like me, by the time I figure out what I want and how to get it, I've either lost the moment and/or I don't take the time to figure out all the camera settings necessary to get the perfect photograph...

So what do you do?

I know many of you out there have purchased programs (i.e. Adobe photoshop elements) in hopes of trying to process those images that are special to you, only to become completely overwhelmed and lucky to even figure out how to open up the image in the program in the first place.

This post is for those of you that would like to not only figure out your big, black piece of equipment, but also would like to learn some basics of photoshop so that you can turn ordinary shots into something you can hang on your wall...that will stand alone, to tell the story of that moment in time.

If you are such a person, would you consider the following?  Below I have listed some questions...a survey, if you will.  Would you take some time to answer these questions and reply either in the comments of this blog, or an email or as a message on facebook to me?  I would love to help you get started on the pathway to getting the images that you envision...

SURVEY:


1. First off, would you be interested in getting some camera/photoshop instruction? 


2. Number the following in the order of importance to you with regards to instruction.  #1 being most important, #5 being least important.


___Camera settings (shutter speed, aperature, ISO) getting out of AUTO mode
___Photo editing in photoshop elements (contrast, cropping, brightness)
___Photo processing continued (adding textures, grunge, air brushing, etc)
___Digital Scrapbooking and creating wall art with your photos and/or holiday cards
___Composition, setting up your scenes to capture moments


3. Do you learn best with one on one instruction or working in groups? or just online instruction?


4. What is a good time allotment of learning that wouldn't leave you feeling overwhelmed, but would give you enough to feel like you could do it on your own? I.e: a half day workshop or just an hour or hourly sessions over a few week period?

Depending on this feedback, I'd love to provide you with some quality instruction that will allow you to come away feeling empowered with new knowledge and the confidence to make your ideas come to light!

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Kickin' it Off

I know how fortunate we are...

I don't take it for granted, not even for a moment...

My husband's place of employment is a blessing.

Granted...work is work...and it can involve long hours, traveling away from home, frustration and stress...

But, in the end, my husband would agree, that we are so thankful for Cranel, Inc. They have not only treated him with generosity and opportunity...they have become an extended family...and for that we are grateful.

It is with great privilege (and a whole lotta fun thrown in) that I get to photograph different events throughout the year at Cranel functions.  January starts the kick off of the new year...and I was able to be apart of the start up meetings, Awards Banquet and some bowling fun to top it all off...

Not only do I get to take a glimpse at what my husband does during the day, but I get to hang with the people he interacts with daily...I have made good friends, shared many a laughs and enjoyed new cuisine as well:) 

Thank you Cranel for allowing me such great opportunities, where I have such fun doing "work"...and for taking such good care of my husband as well...You are a company for which to work hard!

Here is just a taste of my couple of days with all the folks!

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Unique Eyes

 As I've gotten more and more into the world of photography, I've noticed that everyone has their own style...It's not that far off from every writer have a certain literary way about them...or an architect that creates an octagon cabin while another creates a solar panel phenomenon.

I have loved viewing the works of MeRa Koh & Jasmine Star...I've met Rachel Vanoven (via facebook) and other aspiring and professional photographers...each with their own style and grace.

Being a people pleasing, gotta do the best sort of person that I am...I'll admit that I struggle when I see other photographers doing so well...when they capture a shot that I can only dream of...but, at the same time, when I see images and say, "Oh, I'll bet Jasmine took that one..." or "Yep, That's a Rachel"...I know that they have achieved a way of "creating art" that depicts WHO they are...and therefore, they are recognizable to others...

How neat is that?

I only know that as I continue to learn and practice, I'm working on my own style or "signature" of photography. I aspire to one day have people recognize "who" I am through a photo or two...but, until then, I keep tweaking and dabbling here and there...

I am thankful for so many that have allowed me to take their photograph and "see" them through the eyes that God gave me...Taking the photo is the first part...seeing people through my crop lens...

Then comes the artsy part...the determining how colors and textures work together...it's a whole other canvas on which to work...

Here are just a few samples of things...how my eyes have "seen" them...Before and After (with actions and textures and photoshop delights:)




So, if you are an aspiring photographer...have fun and practice..."see" things with the unique eyes that God gave you...and use the tools you have to create beautiful images as only YOU UNIQUELY can

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Newborn Delight

As we all were scurrying around during the holidays, eating at our family get togethers, opening presents, constructing our lego cities, sucking on candycanes and choosing which christmas cookie we were going to devour....Christine was bringing forth her most favorite gift of 2010...

Christine and her family moved in next door to us a little over 3 years ago.  In that time, we've not only gained some great neighbors, but a little playmate for my youngest daughter and now, this new sweetness:


I knew her due date was right around the holidays, but none of us expected for this little guy to actually arrive on that exact number!  He was right on time...a little Christmas miracle.

And so, if you live near me, you know that my camera is pretty much attached at my hip...so when I found out, I literally ran into their home one morning after the bus...followed right behind the furniture people bringing in some new couches...(don't mind me...I'm just here for the baby!)

Because I am sensitive to mommies (being one myself) I did ask her if I could schedule a time to come snap some pictures of her newest addition and she was thrilled...not so much for the pictures I believe, but her little girl was begging to play with my Little Munchkin (and vice versa)...so it worked out perfectly.

It had been a hard December for the family...2 of their 3 dogs were gone and it was a sad time...Christine's husband even said, "This little guy is the best thing that happened this month!"  I would agree.

Please enjoy a few more shots here and then be sure to pop over to the facebook page for a larger album of pics!

He was just tickled to be here I'm thinking!
 Such sweetness...couldn't resist that little cap!
 Here are his little eyes wide open...he LOVES to be held...such a cuddler I think he will be!
Thanks again Christine for letting me barge into your home last week:)  I so enjoyed our visit and our little girls hanging out!

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2010 Christmas Cards

I LOVE family photo shoots...

No, really...I LOVE them!  I enjoy meeting new people and reconnecting with old friends.  I love snapping pictures and I even love going home and editing them in a gazillion different ways!  It's just a fun thing for me.  I know it sometimes appears like work, and granted, when I have laundry piling up and we've had Mac-n-Cheese for the 3rd time in a row, it does seem a little like work when I have to get a slew of photos finished and burned to discs...

But, all in all...I just have fun.  I had no idea what God was going to do this year with regards to photography.  And I'm still waiting and watching to see what He will accomplish this year through me. 

I am thankful for the love, for any amount of talent that I may possess...I'm thankful for the equipment and programs and for dear friends that have helped me figure out what a lasso and paint bucket actually do in photoshop:) 

Along with all those family photo shoots...I also have a love for combining them all to tell one story.  Some call it scrapbooking or maybe wall art...I don't know...it's just what I do...it's all the storyboards and pages...and yes, even the Christmas cards...

I thought I'd post a few samples of this past Christmas card designs...There are quite a few more posted on facebook, so please feel free to hop over. 



I loved the colors this year and the input from families that wanted their photos displayed in such a neat way!
Thank you all for entrusting me with capturing slices of your family life!  I count it a privilege!

Happy New Year!

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Blog Archive

How can I reach you?

The best way to contact me is either through Facebook Messaging or emailing me at ctphotomemories@gmail.com

I can't wait to hear from you!
"Teach us to number our days, (savor the moments) so that we may gain a heart of wisdom" ~Psalm 90:12

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