A personal share - tips for momtographers

{peek-a-boo}

My niece Tayen turned one last week and we went to her bday party on Sunday. We had fun, got to see my sisters and mom, got to love on Tayen a little bit. Ate some cake and some kick ass ice cream (You forget how good the real stuff is when you buy fat free frozen yogurt - the cheap crap - all the time lol)

I wanted to share with you some of the photos that I took, as tips for some of you moms and dads out there that want better photos for yourself.

My #1 tip is to turn off your flash. I'd rather compromise a little, and slow down my shutter speed or get some grainy images than get that flashy red-eye look! Plus, you get the bonus of capturing the actual motions of the day. (motion, not emotions.. well that too!)

Tayen is moments away from learning to walk. Literally


An excellent example by what mean by "motion". Letting the light from the window light the scene alone caused my shutter speed to slow down to the point where you could see her "ripping" up her birthday presents.

We bought her a piggy bank, complete with some change - yes grandma suggested it get passed and then *did it*. sheesh mom. LOL. Leave it to Aunt Lana/Uncle Gene to give the nice practical gift. At least I didn't give her Dave Ramsey for kids book (seriously, we have to save something for her SECOND birthday don't we??)

Amber and Cole bought Tayen a kitchen. Amber was hell bent on getting it put together before she went home. There was only one tiny minor breakdown when we couldn't find the screws. LOL

It was a hit.

Uncle Gene has this girl tribe thing kicked.

Happy Bday Tayen from crazy Aunt Lana (the cool aunt)

Btw, that's me. ;) See those cool dots in my eyes that give the photo "life"? That's called a catchlight. There just so happened to be a big window right in front of me with a blind, that softened the light and caused a reflection of the window to be in my eyes. It's a good thing.

Your assignment is to walk around your house and see what windows in your home let in soft light. Get out your camera, turn off your flash and experiment. It's only digital (or a little film).

If you need photos of your family, newborns, maternity or any event, just give me a call and let's set up a time!