knittens

On being mindful...

I am always interested in hearing how other photographers go about capturing images.  I love seeing other photographers at work.  Do they snap one picture and move on?  Do they fire two or three shots in rapid succession?  Do they hold down the shutter release and take as many fps that their camera will allow?

I read a really great piece of advice not too long ago - "Wait for the moment". 

These words really got me thinking, and changed how I approach shooting.  Holding down the shutter was kinda like a "poke and hope" tactic (Ok, maybe that is the label my husband has deemed appropriate for my pool strategy, but it is appropriate here too), I'd end up with hundreds of pictures, and one of the just *had* to be good.  I'd dump my card, click through picture after picture, discarding all of them along the way until I found "the one".  This strategy had its upside - I knew I'd walk away with at least one good picture.  But there are so many downsides to this strategy, I've almost completely abandoned it all together.  I would try to anticipate the moments to the extent of snapping pictures before anything was really happening in hopes that something would happen and I would catch it. 

Now I prefer to be a part of the action, but still with camera at the ready.  I want to be a part of what is unfolding, not just a spectator, but a contributor.  I think adopting this frame of mind creates a stronger connection between photographer and photo.  I believe that each image has my imprint on it, and this allows the viewer to have a stronger bond with the image as well.  Its only been a few weeks since I've been attempting to wait for the moment.  And you know what?  The moments have come.  Sometimes they come flooding through, other times they are a trickle, but they are always there.  And you know what else?  I've been coming out on top with a much stronger ratio of joy to junk.

There is a difference between documenting changing the sheets on the bed with the girls and capturing the split second of pure joy and elation as I use the sheet as a parachute over their heads.  There is a difference between shooting a walk in the backyard with Tea and the moment when she becomes completely intent on capturing a "little bug".  Being cognizant of these differences is key and setting with the intention to be mindful is a must.

So now that spring is here and the earth is busy with its new cycle of growth, lets be mindful of our moments so we can not only grow to cherish our everyday, but also so that we can grow into becoming better photographers.  Please share with me moments where you have been mindful. I'd love to see them.

xo
meg

Our Weekend

We had an amazing weekend filled with friends, family, and fun.  What a perfect combination.  We had glorious weather, good food, and many mini adventures.

We had a ladybug cake which dyed all of our cheeks and tongues bright red.  We played in the sun, took long deep breaths of the sweet spring air, and chatted for hours.

We went home, collapsed on the couch, exhausted from the flurry of activity and too much time in the sun.  We had a light dinner and then a heavy night's sleep.  It was a magical weekend.

How was yours?

xo
meg

Fix It Friday

It is Fix It Friday over at iHeartFaces.  This is such a great way to see other people's take on a similar picture, and to try out some editing techniques to get a certain "look".  Here is the original...

And here is my take...

Ok, I did a ton of things to this because I kept changing my mind on how I wanted it to look.  Here is what I remember...

1) Cropped the image
2) Fixed the eyes (lasso, refine edge, unsharp mask)
3) Bring on the Eyes! (PW Action Pack 2)
4) Luma (Totally Rad Actions)
5) Boutwell Magic Glasses (Totally Rad Actions)
6) Ying/Yang (Totally Rad Actions)
7) Clarify (Totally Rad Actions)
8) Warm it up (Totally Rad Actions)
9) Magic Sharp (Kubota)
10) Heartland (PW Action Pack 2)

None of them are at 100%, unfortunately I was chasing around the babe while I was doing this, so I don't  know what all the percentages are, sorry!!

I also have to say that 75% of what I did was by following what Rachel did at American Mum. I greatly admire what she does with portraits and had to try it out myself.  Then I mixed it up a bit so that I could be at least 25% original rofl.

Can't wait to see what everyone else did!  Have a great day! 

Happy Friday!
xo
meg

Before and After

The ladies over at Shutter Sisters have asked for examples of before & after work when it comes to editing.  As an added bonus, they are giving away copies of Aurora, an editing program.

Before & after is something that I am always interested in seeing because I am always amazed how people can turn an already great picture in something amazing.  It also makes me feel good to know that the images I'm taking SOOC (straight out of camera) that don't necissarily come out looking amazing are on par with everyone else's SOOC images, and with a little bit of focus, they can really transform.  That isn't to say that there is anything wrong with SOOC.  In fact, I feel that SOOC often captures a certain kind of magic (ok, anyone else have Queen stuck in their head?) that editing can muddle.  That being said, one of the reasons I love digital photography so much is that there are endless options in the "digital darkroom" and every image I capture can really take on a life of its own.  Sometimes one life isn't enough and I have the image try on a few different outfits before I decide what it is going to go out to dinner in :)

What is also cool is that there are a lot of different trends out there when it comes to popular looks.  Though I have a special kind of attachment to that vintage feel, I am also a fan of that contrast look.

Right now, that high contrast bright eyed look is really popular, and I've been trying to teach myself how to do it.  I really like how bright the faces become, how vivid the colors are, and how fresh the images feel.  Yesterday I posted 2 pictures that I'd been practicing on, so I thought that perhaps they would be good examples of the before & after.

Ok, what is the deal with me posting this online?  There is much more "red" in PS.  The skin seriously looks gray to me.  Anyone know why this is? Maybe something with the color profile I am using in photoshop?  Well anyway, here I cropped, worked on the eyes, then a color boost for the clothes and background, and finally contrast.  I used mainly TRA in CS3.

And, this next one isn't really for the "contest" at Shutter Sisters, just another before & after.  I figured why not show both of them :)

I really hate to go on about the red channel, but there is a serious difference between how I edited in PS and how I see it on the web.  Does anyone have experience with TRA? Am I missing a step that I need to convert it for web viewing or something? Ok, anyway... here I worked on the eyes, boosted the green & blue and then added contrast and illumination.  Again, using primarily TRA in CS3.

I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone else's befre & afters! And now I have to go because we were all up all night long and now we're all feeling kinda sick.  Have a beautiful spring Thursday!

xo
meg

Earth Day

I love Earth Day.  I did as a child too. I loved that song we sang in elementary school - "Hey look me over, I am a tree, yards, woods, and forests all depend on me. (I dont remember the next part, but then it goes...) We can keep America green my friend from sea to shinning sea, if we only plant a tree!"

I've been working on my high contrast editing. I'm getting a little better at it, but skin is so tough.  I feel that the skin in yesterday's post looked green, and today is looks a bit gray.  It looks so much different in photoshop, then I post it on flickr/the blog and it seems like a totally different picture.  Oh well. I also tried to be a little more subtle on the eyes today so they don't look so... alien :)

I hope you all have a great day. I made some good progress on my paper last night, and I'm almost done with the knitting project that needs to go out by Friday.  Not bad!  Also, Thaya had her 2 year check up today.  She is up to 25lbs and is in 20% for height and weight!  We are so happy that all our hard work at gettng her to eat and monitoring her food intake has paid of.  I'll give you failure to thrive... *mutters about old pediatrician*

Oh, and by the way, head over to iHeartFaces and check out their giveaway.  You could win a credit towards a Blurb book!

I'm still here

I've been a bad blogger, and I'm trying to distract you from the fact with super cute pictures.  I've been super busy with the business, school, birthdays, and sleep deprivation.  Oh, and knitting (for money, not for pleasure *sob*, though they are almost one in the same). Papers will be done within the next 2 weeks, the business will be a little more organized in the next few weeks, and all of my knitting projects will have been sent out in the next two weeks.

Hmm, I'm sensing a theme. 

I have a job that could potentially bring a lot of business in the future, and I am in serious need of a projector.  Does anyone have any suggestions?  I'm looking at these two:

Canon LV-7265

or

InFocus IN2104

I am not sure.  Canon is an LCD which means better color, quieter, and it is also lighter - but more expensive.  InFocus still has great reviews, is less expensive, and has better sharpness/contrast.  I'm leaning towards the canon, but I would really appreciate any advice if anyone has experience!

Have a great Tuesday!  Go outside, it is amazing out!

xo
meg 

I ♥ Faces - Week 15 - "Self-portrait"

Has it really been a week since I've posted? It has, my goodness.  I've been busy busy.  School, birthdays, last minute visits from relatives, preparing for meetings with potential clients, and a new face for Tea & Brie.

That's right, lots of exciting things going on, including a new me.  Wish me luck :)

This week was a tough for me, as I am sure it was for many of the applicants.  I had previously taken a self-portrait for this Shutter Sisters' Superhero Challenge, and figured it would be a good idea to use it here as well.  Especially since there were some requirements that would frustrate me to no end if I tried to take a new one today.

Adults Category:



Have a great week, and hopefully I'll be back sooner rather than later!

IHeartFaces :: Week 14 :: Easter/Spring

Easter was very special for us this year.  Not only did we get to celebrate the holiday and spring with both sets of grandparents, but it was our first Easter as a family of four.  It was so nice to have our two little girls interacting, laughing, playing.  We had our share of sniffles, high fevers, and projectile vomiting, but honestly, what holiday is complete without at least one person being sick?

This was a moment of calm, one small instant of flurry of festivities which included the-search-for-the-easter-basket, the-egg-hunt, brunch, scrambling-to-get-my-homework-finished-only-to-get-an-email-5-minutes-before-it-was-due(but-10-minutes-after-i-submitted-it)-giving-the-class-an-extension, and long-talks-about-the-creation-of-my-business-and-marketing-plans.

So, I have a choice this week to enter the "amateur" category or the regular category.  I'm going to enter the regular category.  I think when you cross over from amateur to pro is often fuzzy - muddy with self-doubt, insecurity, uncertainty.  What better way to avoid all of that and jump right over the line than to act the part?

I hope you all had a happy weekend!
xo
meg

102 :: 365 :: Kisses

This is my best shot today for so many reasons.  First, both of them are starting to get used to the fact that the camera is in their faces about 90% of the time that I am around them.  Second, I got some new actions and have been trying to streamline my workflow.  I've been taking steps - starting to shoot in RAW, batch edits, shooting until either my card is maxed or my battery is dead.  I'm really pleased with how this turned out.

Where I am, and where I want to be are two different points, but they are getting closer every day.  I have started to fall in love with the little niche I've been hiding out in.  I do, however, wish that what I've been doing is a little more... well... commercial.  I'd love to be able to edit like this. I guess I just need to keep practicing and trying more of the vibrant color shots.

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend full of wonder and joy.  The past few days here have been unprecedented.  We laughed, played, explored, discovered.  Exactly what I am all about!

And, you will probably see some changes to the blog over the next few weeks as I try to get a "theme" going on.  I've got some exciting things in the works right now, and I just need to tie it all together!

xo
meg

Catch up :)

Been MIA because the family has been here and we've been busy busy.  It is always nice to be surrounded by such a flurry of activity when we have visitors.  Just stopping by to post some 365 pictures before I head to bed.  Got some new actions and I loooooove them, but haven't had much time to play around.  Will hopefully be back to blogging/commenting/lurking soon!

xo