Tuesday, March 24, 2009

A Photo Tip I Learned

I've been reading some different books/articles on photography lately. Today I got a clip in the mail from my mom that had different photo tips and I had to grab my camera and try out a few things. The best thing I learned today, was to avoid direct sunlight. It helps reduce shadows. I love a lot of light in my pictures, but I've been getting frustrated about them being washed out. I'd always thought the more light the better, but the article recommended looking for shaded areas, or taking pictures inside by a window, or on overcast days. It still gives you plenty of light without washing out whatever you're taking a picture of. It was a lot of fun today, and I love how a lot of my pictures turned out.

Up close Linc.

Yay, no shadows! The sun was out when I took this one, so I moved her into the over hang and tried some shots there. The shade worked like a charm.

How can this picture not break your heart? I've posted a few more sad ones for you too.


Poor sick Owen. He's been feeling so bad, but it's made him extra cuddly. Hmm, if he weren't so miserable, I think I'd like to keep him like this.


I'm the sympathetic mom who when my boy came crying to me about getting hit in the mouth with a light saber, had to snap those beautifully sad eyes before I gave him hug.
It's funny that O is smiling in this picture, because usually he freaks out if you turn him upside down.

My favorite Owen angle, by a window.


Clone Trooper Blaster.

Logan's Lego Clone Trooper Blaster wing. (try saying that five times fast!)

A boy with a mission. (This one was taken in direct sun. Sometimes I like how they turn out too.)


Lincoln has a face (gotta love it) that is very hard to capture without shadows. I was very excited about this one. I thank the overcast weather, my new best friend.


Love that boy.

One little drop.


Okay, I'm being real and posting what I REALLY look like on a day without make-up, or straightened hair......sorry. What can I say? I'm a stay at home mom, so my kids love me no matter what right? Anyway, while I was playing with my camera today I figured out the 'ten seconds to scramble into place' button and had to play with it. This was not my only attempt, but it was the best I could do. The boys thought it was hilarious watching me race into place. It was pretty windy today, and so this is the only shot you're going to get. It got a little crazy.

9 comments:

Mike and Carrie said...

You look great. You've got it, flaunt it! When I was your age I felt the same. Honey, enjoy it now because it doesn't get better. =(

SAHMs rule!
Thanks for the photog. tips.

Britney said...

Oh yes, an overcast day and/or open shade is your friend!!! I attended a photography workshop a few weekends ago and she said that your porch (out of the direct sunlight) inside by a window and in the garage are the best places in your home for nice natural light.
keep it up!

The Roylance Family said...

Darling pics! Thanks for the tips, I would love to take better pictures of my boys. We have a good camera, I just don't know how to use it! As far as your set up goes for your blog, I'm not the smartest computer person. I had Rachel Ratchford help me set up our blog and I remember in one screen she said you have to make sure something in the layout is changed, but I can't remember what! You might want to ask her? Sorry;)

Jonesy Rae Photography said...

Yay!!!! pictures of linc's eyes with no shadows! That is an accomplishment in itself! Congrats. :) And good job on a picture with you in it. two of my friends puts self portraits of themselves in their blogs atleast a couple of times a week. I'm still working on that bravery!

Theresa said...

Yes it is true...open shade can be your best friend!! That one of owen is a definate keeper!! LOVE IT!! Great job!

hope said...

I love morning, just before the sun gets over the trees, too. I have been wanting to get out with my camera again. It's itching me!!

Beth said...

Oh my gosh, I love the one of Owen angled up... beautiful!

The Sullengers said...

It's so great you take so many pics! Your kids will look back on them and love them!

nicole said...

We need a new camera!! What great pictures. I guess thats why I always have to have MIssy take ours. She trades me for her haircuts so I hope she needs it done lots, right? I love your picture! you are just as beautiful as I remember when we were Young, and well....in High school. haha:) Of course we are still very young!! I miss you:)