Fab Photography Finds (and Freebies!)

Posted on February 27, 2010

I have been working on a post about exposure and its components for about a month now. And I’m sorry it’s taking me so long to get it up, but it’s a little overwhelming; there is so much that goes into exposure, so much to explain, and you don’t want to bore people with seemingly endless posts about technical things, right?

But today, well today is all about fabulous things I’ve seen around the Internet lately! Not at all boring, right? Oh, and there are some freebies too!

My 25 Biggest Mistakes, Two Photogs
This one’s been floating around the web this week. It’s really a great insight into the biggest mistakes photographers make, mostly in business practices but also in being too risky and not making good, sound decisions.

How to Price Your Work, Biz Ladies via Design Sponge
While this one is quite lengthy and asks you to do math (sigh), it really is a helpful read for those of us who price our goods and services willy-nilly. Bottom line: You’re not worthless, neither are your time, your services, your products.

21 Tips for Amateur Wedding Photographers, Digital Photography School
Basic things you need to know before you start shooting weddings. I like number 13 – displaying your shots at the wedding; it’s a nice idea in theory, but not always feasible.

San Francisco Maternity, Ashley McNamara
I always envy Bay Area photographers because I’m landlocked and don’t have near the options they do in regards to locations. I love the locations used in this maternity shoot – the corrugated tin wall, the playground, the beach. Oh, how I love that beach shot! It is absolutely stunning. And it makes me miss my former home (the East Coast).

Some of my other favorite West Coast photographers? Of course, the ever-fabulous Diyosa, whom I’ve known (online) since my son and her oldest daughter were infants (since ’04), En Pointe Photography and Jessica Claire.

Abby & Zach’s European Day After Session, Stacy Reeves
Day after sessions at the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower and Venice? YES, PLEASE! Even better was the Parisian proposal for the photographer. Now that’s what I call a fabulous client/session.

New client booklets, Asian Bees Photography
The blog by Memphis photographer Annabella Brandon is a new read and I’ve loved every minute of it! About two days after I subscribed to it, my friend Christie Jarvis told me I need to check out her blog. lol. Already doing it, ma’am! Last week she debuted these awesome new booklets – you have to see them!

Basic Tips for Photographing Pets, Sherry Osbourne/PhotoBlog
I have a chihuahua who subscribes to the same belief as the indigenous people of Mexico, that the camera steals your soul. She refuses to have her picture taken and it disappoints me. Perhaps I need to follow Sherry’s advice and wear her out first? The shot of her beagle Pearl’s paws is my favorite – so sweet, like little baby toes!

And since you’ve been ever-so-patient, some freebies I’ve found!

Sarah at My Four Hens Photography has just released new actions – and four sets of freebies! Go visit and snag the My Four Freebies, My Four (More) Freebies (scroll down), Even More Freebies and Soft Spring sets – a total of 18 free actions. While you’re there, check out the other actions she has for sale – they’re great (I’m currently eyeing the Little Yummies set!) and they’re also 50% off right now!

Now back to that post on exposure – oh, and vacuuming and dusting!





Glorifying Him with my true gifts

Posted on February 23, 2010

A job should employ God-given talents in a way that glorifies Him. — Marvin Olasky

Several years ago I was struggling with my emotions, my purpose in life. I was unhappy, plain and simple; I craved change, but resisted the change that was happening to me. I’d lost myself and was swimming in a sea of darkness, unable to find the light.

This is often the worst thing that can happen to people. If you don’t know who you are, you don’t know your purpose, you don’t know what you have and you don’t know what you’re missing.

During that time I read Rick Warren’s book, The Purpose Driven Life. And before I start to wax theological, let me just say this book did not help me find myself or my purpose. In fact, I was more lost than ever before, but I realized that each of us has a God-intended purpose, a calling, a gift.

One of my gifts, it seems, is telling stories. It’s what I do all day, every day.

Two years ago, I had the pleasure of telling the story of a beloved friend’s faithful leap into her photography business. Emily was a graphic designer at the paper and resigned in 2007. It’s a decision she doesn’t regret.

“I was worried, but God has showed me that I made the right decision,” she said. “This is the first time I feel like I’m doing the full will of God in my life as far as my career goes. Everything’s coming together and I’m becoming who God created and intended me to be.”

Emily’s gifts are photography and patience, something I truly lack.

As I start this new endeavor and continue employing my God-given talents, I’m reminded of my shortcomings. I know who I am, I know where I excel, I know my passion and I know my purpose. I love babies, I love children, but taking beautiful photos of them is not my specialty. The best newborn photos I’ve ever taken were of my sweet niece and nephew (see above; that tiny newborn is now a rambunctious two-year-old!). I work better with adults and so my focus is couples and maternity photography.

Thankfully, God has blessed this area with some wonderfully talented child and family photographers:

Emily Peyton Cook Photography & Design
Phil Ramsey Photography
Brandi Mignard Photography
Matt King Photography & Design

Each has talents beyond measure and I’m sure they don’t need my praise or referrals, but I wanted to share. I know what my gifts are and I would not be glorifying Him if I tried to make believe the gift was in infant and child photography. I might not be able to help you, but I’m doing my job if I can point you in the direction of someone who can.