Breaking a Few Eggs

Sometimes in order to get this:

You have to go through a lot of this:

And yes, I do so enjoy the later ;)  It's my favorite part!

I ♥ All the Babies

I run into a lot of people that think that photographing infants is easy.  Now, I'll admit, for the first few months, this is more or less true, seeing as how they don't move much.  You do still have to take into account feeding, changing, naps, etc.  So planning is what it's all about when they're little.  But when they become mobile up until they become bribe-able, it's no easy task.  I do love the challenge though!

The most important advice I can give on the subject is just to let them do their own thing.  If they get cranky, stop, if they get hungry, let them eat, plan the time to allow for their agenda because there is no forcing a baby to follow yours.

They don't need to be perfect in order to be beautiful.  The little ones are perfect enough to shine through regardless if they are looking at the camera or not, sitting up or laying down, smiling or looking pensive, that's what makes the whole thing worth it.  At least for me.

Reverie Blog

Bringing glad tidings from one of my favorite photographer blogs!


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A Christmas Angel

Another little Christmas cutie.  Eva!

Introducing Christmas!

I haven't had a lot of time for Christmas shoots this winter (because they actually need to happen before mid-Dec to really get completed in time for cards and gifts, etc.), but I am getting some great ideas for next year.  With the hopes of having a new car AND more time on my hands, next year should rock for these kinds of shoots.

Jude contemplating which toy he's going to ask Santa for.

Introducing The Zimmermann Family

I ♥ families & cute kids.

Peek-A-Boo!

Had a couple of shoots over the last few days, one of which was boudoir, so no eye candy there, but the other was a family shoot so expect some goodies in a day or two!  For now I'll leave you with this little gem; Heidi enjoyed making me work for my pictures!

A Moment of Rumination

In light of my last blog post let me state something else, for the record.

I am proud.

I am proud of every moment I've successfully captured.  Of every soul I've managed to do justice.  Of every relationship I've epitomized, and every moment of parental joy I've managed to freeze.

These are the moments I revel in.

And I do not hesitate to share them with the world.  Beauty deserves to be communicated, not hidden.

Yup, Me Too!

I'm going to make a confession.  I'm nervous too.

Yup, when I'm on a shoot with you, I'm nervous.  I'm worried about everything from my camera glitching to my computer crashing, anything and everything that could go wrong between the time I book your shoot to the time you e-mail me that you received your CD and you're happy with the results is running through my head.  I feel like every shoot is my first, even though I've been doing this for years.  I feel like I'm not worthy, even though my body of work and my reputation says otherwise.  I worry that I'm overestimating myself, underestimating myself, etc.  It all runs through my head.  Then I take a breath, review my work, and it all runs right back out again.

I hope I never loose all of that anticipatory energy.  I like that it keeps me grounded and continuously striving to do better, to raise the bar.  I like that it makes me feel a sense of appreciation toward my clients.  I like that it denies hubris and adds a bit of humanity to all of my art.

So rest assured, when you show up for a shoot, and you're not sure what to do, and you're nervous and feel all self-conscience... so do I!  I may be composed and I do know what I'm doing, but I'm not going to lie, I still feel butterflies every time I shoot.

The Proof is in the Picture

I'm curious to know how clients feel about a lack of viewable content from a potential photographer.  I personally enjoy posting at least a couple of images per shoot I do, unless the very nature of the shoot is private, like many boudoir shoots are.  That said, I end up with a lot of viewable product for those interested in shooting with me to peruse and judge from.  When I'm shooting regularly, I'm posting regularly, and there is an obvious standard at which I'm holding myself to and that potential clients can expect similar results to live up to.

I've recently come across a lot of photographers that either a) post everything... including the bad stuff (which I'm not sure they realize isn't the best thing to do) or b) post next to nothing at all.  This is strange to me.  If you're working, shooting, you're producing, so where is the work?  Why am I not seeing viable, tangible results?  Or is it simply that the results aren't worth posting?  Or, in fact, are there no results to post because the hype is merely hype?  In a day where the market is flooded with half-rate photographers, this seems like a ridiculous tactic.  I'm not one to mince words, those that know me can swear to this.  I'm a no nonsense kind of girl and what I say, I mean.  The world of photography has become cut-throat and not when it comes to real competition, remarkably that's where bonds are formed, no, when it comes to false competition; those that wish to undercut the real talent in the photographic world.

So, is this a challenge?  Kind of, yes.  In those all too famous words of Jerry Maguire, "Show me the money!"

In other words, put out or get out.

Can I Get An Out-take?

Sometimes the out-takes can stand out and be just as amazingly special.  Mother and son sharing a sweet moment.

Introducing The Chiancola Family!

This sweet little family was a joy to shoot!  And look at that little mister; such a photogenic little face.

It's Another Contest! Read Full Post Please.

It's time for another contest!  The last one went extremely well and so long as the pleasantness continues, so shall the contests.  This time it we're going to switch it up and do a couples contest.  Any couple of a romantic nature can submit a photo and enter the contest (yes, we support ALL couples... so long as they involve two humans that is).  The contest will run from November 4th through December 2nd.  The winners will receive a free mini session with PSI and bragging rights.

All you must do is send 1 image of you and your hunny to poeticspectre@yahoo.com with both of your names (first is all that is needed).  Then when your photo is added to the album created for the contest, share PSI and ask your friends to "Like" the page (this is not required to vote, it is however, a nice gesture and greatly appreciated), then "Like" your photo to vote.  It's that easy!

Please read all of the rules and fine print at the end of this post.  Not doing so might lead you to being disqualified and that would be a shame.

Rules/Fine print:
~You must "Like" my FB page in order to submit a photo.
~Only ONE image will be accepted per couple, so make it count.   Image can be professional or nonprofessional, just make sure we can see faces clearly!
~Images submitted by couples will not be used for anything other than this contest and PSI claims no rights to them outside this one time allowance of use.
~Previous winners of PSI contests are not subject to entry.
~Mini session includes 5 (five) fully edited images on a CD in two sizes; for printing and web use.
~Free mini session is for couple portraits, up to TWO subjects only.
~Session must be booked within one week of notification of winning the contest, session itself can be scheduled for any time/date that is convenient for both parties. 
~Once booked only one re-schedule will be permitted with a min of 24 hour notice (weather interference doesn't count).
~Session is for submitting participant/couple, can not be transferred to friends or extended family.
~Session must take place within the Tacoma, WA area.
~All comments will be deleted from photos, so please don't be offended.  This is too keep negative language out of the equation.
~Savings of free session is aprox $35 but has no transferable or cash value.

Introducing Melanie; Senior Session

I'm so lucky, I get to photograph some very beautiful people.  I must admit, it makes me job easier.  Melanie, from a senior session this afternoon.  I have many more to sort through but I wanted to post a quick preview!

Introducing Eva!

Here's our Cute Kids Contest winner, Eva!

Introducing The Sharpe Family!

While shooting little Eva this morning we snuck in a family photo.  I will post more of Eva herself, our Cute Kids Contest winner, in the next few days.  She was a very good sport despite the slightly chilly conditions.  Mama and Papa are lucky folks.

Scouting Locations

Today Jude and I hopped the bus...

And checked out another potential shoot location for up and coming shoots!

He is truly the best little helper.

Win A Free Mini Session!

Please make sure to read the rules and fine print at the end of this post before submitting!

PSI is hosting it's first photo contest!  Yup, you read that right.  If interested please submit ONE image of your child or children to poeticspectre@yahoo.com.  An album will be created and photos added as submitted.  Then you just need to click "Share" on PSI's FB page and post it to your wall asking friends to "Like" the page and then vote for your cutie!!!  Please send name of parent and child with submission (so we can keep track of who is who).

Rules/Fine print: You must "Like" my FB page in order to submit a photo.  Only ONE image will be accepted per family.  Image can be professional or nonprofessional, just make sure we can see faces clearly!  Images will not be used for anything other than this contest and PSI claims no rights to them outside this one time allowance of use.  Free mini session is for child portraits, up to TWO subjects, one of which can be a parent or other sibling.  Session must be booked within one week of notification of winning the contest, session itself can be scheduled for any time/date that is convenient for both parties.  Once booked only one re-schedule will be permitted.  Session is for submitting participant/family, can not be transferred to friends or extended family.  Session must take place within the Tacoma, WA area.  Savings of free session is aprox $30 but has no transferable or cash value.

Introducing Camryn & Maddie

Sometimes a simple play-date can yield some beautiful shots.  Of course, it helps when the subjects are already super cute; Camryn & Maddie!

Do The Puyallup

The fair can offer a great backdrop for photos.  We got there a little late though, and it was pretty overcast, so I only managed a few shots in before it got too dark.  At least now I've got one more location/event tested and ready to go for next year!

Walk Before You Run

A reply in one of my mommy forums got me to thinking about photography and it's accessibility these days.  I think that due to the digital advancement in gear people have been led to believe that they should be able to take a professional quality photo simply by owning a nice digital camera, and then maybe even make that photo pop in Photoshop.  "The shots on the ads all look so nice, why don't mine?"  Because, you're not a photographer, you've just bought in to one of the greatest false addvertising campaigns of our generation.  Bear with me for a minute.

Can you pick up a 35mm film camera, adjust your film speed correctly (pushing and pulling aside), set your white balance, your aperture, know the DOF you're working with, gauge the light source and it's direction in relation to your subject and calculate your shutter speed to compensate?  Could you take that film into a dark room, develop the negatives, make some prints, even dodge and/or burn to fix a slight exposure difference in one area?  Did half of those words make you go "huh"?  Then fear not!  If you don't understand the basic science and math behind taking a photograph no amount of fancy equipment is going to turn you into a photographer.

Does this mean that you can't take a decent snap shot?  No, not at all.  There are a ton of books out there aimed at people who just want to take a good picture of their kids first day of school, or their dog on the beach, or the flowers in their gardens.  The key is learning to use the equipment you own.  Learn it backwards and forwards.  Even with your camera on auto settings you still need to understand the basics so you can compensate for lighting, compose and frame the shot, even to set some of those "auto" settings you need a little knowledge.

The other thing people forget is that photography is an art form.  Art supplies are easy enough to get a hold of; just because you don't have to mix your own paint or stretch your own canvases do you pick up a paint brush and expect to paint like Picasso?  Instruments can be found in a broad range of prices and for different skill levels; do you go put down some cash on Gibson L-1 guitar and expect to play  like Robert Johnson?  Perform Shakespeare like Sir Lawrence Olivier?  Sing Opera like Luciano Pavarotti?

And like with any art form there are varying degrees of ability.  You can have talent but no knowledge.  You can have knowledge but no talent.  You can have both or neither, and both in differing quantities.  We all know people that can take technically clean photographs, but who lack vision.  We've all got friends that can take really artistically framed shots, but who lack the know-how to guarantee appropriate exposure, and therefore the ability to reproduce results.

With that in mind, please respect those you meet that are professionals; those that can produce the desired results with quality and vision.  Don't buy into the multitude of GWC's (guy/girl with camera) who are flooding the market with less than par work, lowering prices and raising expectations.  Yes, your friend may be willing to shoot your wedding for free, but will you be able to print the results?  Will you even get them?  Your sister may beg to do your pregnancy shots, and want to wait until the last min... but once that baby is born you can't go back and re-shoot if you dislike the results.  Or if the memory card gets lost.  Or her computer crashes and she didn't back up the files.  Trust the professionals with your most precious memories, don't leave them to chance.

It took me a long time to count myself as a professional, hundreds of darkroom hours leaving me smelling like chemicals, years of shooting before I felt confident I could remain technically consistent in my work, being displayed and printed before I felt I had a valid claim on the title of "photographer."  And then years after that before I felt comfortable charging for my work.

But I digress:

Never stop trying to perfect what YOU have; camera, skill, knowledge, but also don't be so hard on yourself simply because our fast-food, drive-through banking, instant coffee and gratification nation has led you to believe you should be good at this.  It is still an art form that requires talent, it still requires training and/or knowledge to be technically good, and it still requires time to hone your skills.  As the saying goes, you must learn to walk before you can run.

Introducing Jude! Three Year Photos

Today I decided to kill two birds with one stone.  I had a new lens to test (and I ♥ it), and I figured why not do some official three year photos of Jude.  I take a ridiculous amount as it is so official birthday photos aren't really necessary... but an excuse to shoot his cute face is always welcome.  Besides, he's grown in to quite the little cooperative model.

{click images for larger views}

Introducing The Strongman!

What do you think?  With or without the flare?  This was really just a first attempt at something fun.

More of Mary

A couple more of Mary!  We actually shot primarily stock images while she was over so this will likely be all that I share on here from her shoot :)

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A Boy and a Turtle

As a Mother I have to admit that being a photographer is very handy.  Who else gets to studio light the simple moments like this?

Introducing Mary

I shot with an old childhood friend today.  Not that she's old, but we've known each other since we were itty bitty so in the grand scheme of friends we go way back.  We use to play Barbies together, which makes me smile.

I only had time to edit one this afternoon as I have a very patient little boy who would like to cuddle with me and watch "the bunny movie" i.e. Hop.  I will post more later this evening or tomorrow morning.

I also shot with the lovely Lori over the weekend, boudoir style, but before I share any of those photos (rest assured she looks HOT) I'm awaiting approval from her and her man on which they don't mind me sharing, or rather... which ones they'd like to keep to themselves *wink wink*

More of the Jarvis Family

A few more gems from the Jarvis family!

Introducing Moira

Once in a while we get lucky as photographers.  We get the opportunity to photograph a true "face".  What do I mean by that?  Take a look.

This is miss Moira, one of my dearest friends daughter.  She is not only a great kid she is strikingly beautiful and a joy to photograph.  I hope she'll do me the honor of sitting for me again in the future.