I'm not gonna lie, this camera stuff takes a lot of work!

I posted a while back about taking a photography class.  I cannot tell you how glad I am that I took it.  Being a social worker turned stay at home mom, venturing into photography was like trying to learn Chinese.  I was great when I was just using my iPhone, but a DSLR was so intimidating.  I felt I had all these pictures in my mind I wanted to create, but the buttons and dials were getting in the way. 

I searched out different class options online and found one through a local university.  I almost enrolled in it until I found a hands on class located right here in Norman.  Back in March, I enrolled in Photo Basics I offered by Fife Photography.  This class gave me the solid foundation in camera basics that I really needed.  I cannot say enough good things about Amber Fife.  She is such a talented photographer and is so giving with her knowledge and expertise.  I don't think it's very often you find a professional photographer sharing all her tips and tricks. 

I also took Photo Basics II to learn some more in depth controls of my camera.  Again, this class helped immensly in improving my photography.  On the final day of class we had a mock photo shoot to test out all of our know how.  It was an awesome location in downtown Norman with a gorgeous model, who I think resembles Katy Perry. 

The third class I took was a Natural Lighting Class.  I loved this class.  I love using natural light for my pictures, so it was great to learn how to take advantage of available light.  We also did a photo shoot at the end of this class on the OU campus with a handsome young model. 

When I got my camera, I really was just a mom who wanted to take beautiful pictures of my kiddos and surroundings.  Reading my manual and watching YouTube vidoes only could help so much.  I'm so happy to have found these classes.  They have really boosted my abilities and given me the confidence to take my hobby to the next level.  If you're interested in classes, here is the link.  And if you're reading this outside of the Oklahoma City metro area, don't worry some of these classes are offered online. 

Thanks Amber for your help and new friendship! :)

{ time to celebrate! | children birthday party photographer oklahoma}

Birthday parties are always loads of fun. Cute decor, fun games and yummy food.  Children are almost guaranteed to have a good time.  Sometimes it can be a little stressful on the parents, especially when it comes to having to take the pictures at the party. 

A few months ago, I posted about my nephew's cowboy party.  I loved being able to help out my sister in law by taking photos.  Since then I have taken pictures at two sweet little girls' birthday parties. 

Do you have a great party planned for your little one and need some help capturing all the memories? Let me know!  I'd love to!  (I'm also available for other parties and events as well!)

{ cute kiddos | child portraits norman, oklahoma}

I would guess most moms love taking pictures of their little ones.  Snapping photos of my three little boys helped spur my interest in photography.  For a while they were my only subjects.  They were pretty thankful when I started booking photo sessions because they realized the camera would be out of their faces for a bit.  :) 

Here are just a few of my favorite shots of my little muses.  I'm a lucky mom!

I would love to be able to capture your child's personality and freeze this moment in time.  As my boys grow, I am so thankful I have these memories I can look back on. 

Thanks sweet boys for being my willing subjects on this journey.  I love you each more than words. :)

{beautiful babies | newborn oklahoma photographer}

Newborn photography is definitely an art.  I've been fortunate enough to have a few friends let me take some pictures of their newest bundles of joy. 

Taking pictures of little babies is hard work, but it has such a great reward.  I love being able to give the family the images of their newborns.  Time passes so quickly, and it's wonderful to have those moments frozen in time. 

I would love to be able to capture these memories for you!  Visit the tab above for session information. Please, contact me if you are interested!

Long Time, No Post :)

And it's not because I've lost things to post about.  It's actually the opposite.  My hobby has really jump-started into a little growing side gig.  I am so excited! 

I've been averaging about  a shoot per week.  I've done several family shoots, a couple maternity sessions, some birthday parties, and one charity event starring a celebrity!! Wow!  I will try to catch up on my recent session and continue to post about my upcoming ones.

One year ago I could only dream about pursuing photography.  Back then my only camera was an iPhone.  :)  Now just eight months after getting my DSLR I am seeing this dream become a reality. 

And if you're interested in a photo session, don't hesitate to contact me.  :) I've started a Facebook page and post there often.  I am available for sessions in the Norman/Oklahoma City/Shawnee area.  Also, I travel back to the Tulsa area frequently and have scheduled a few shots each time I am in town. 

Photo Feedback: Garden Boys

Yay! It's time for another Photo Feedback hosted by Mom Tried It.  :)

The other day my husband decided it was finally time to till up our garden.  Of course, I had my camera handy to catch all the action.  As he was tilling, my little ones decided to follow him up and down every row. I probably snapped 20 shots, and I just love how this one turned out. 

I really felt this picture needed a monotone edit.  I think it helps give it a classic Americana feel.  I tried a few different actions to convert to b/w or sepia.  I finally settled on a Pioneer Woman's "Vintage" action and adjusted the levels.  I wish I could have reduced the vignette because it is still a little strong, but I have no idea how.  :)

Any pointers? 

(and I really have enjoyed the Photo Feedback posts.  I truly appreciate the comments and critiques!)

It's Amazing What That Little Learnin' Does!

I fell in love with photography about a year ago when I found the iPhone app, Instagram.  I took several pictures each day, edited them with numerous other apps, and posted them.  Other members would host challenges which taught me a ton about "rules" of photography, like colors, balance, framing, etc.  Those challenges helped hone my eye and were lots of fun to participate in. 

When I got my camera (a Canon T3i) back in October, I used my knowledge learned on IG to help take my photos.  If I got lucky and the stars aligned, I would get a great shot.  I've done a ton of reading and practicing over the last few months, and I really feel that I've improved.  But honestly, learning to shoot in manual mode has given me several headaches. 

I decided it was time to take a class.  I had read over and over about f-stops, shutter speed and ISO, but I needed hands on help because I couldn't seem to put it all together.  Thankfully, I found a local photographer who offers very affordable lessons.  After just one class, I think I've found that "missing piece".  Enter in the light meter.  It's amazing what that little meter has done for me.   :)Anyway, I've been practicing getting correct exposure (and experimenting shooting in RAW format). 

I took this picture of my son (correctly using my light meter ;) and in RAW).  I did not edit the colors or lighting.  I did use a Pioneer Woman's action to "bring out the eyes" and ran her "quick edge burn" and reduced its opacity on both.  Too much?  I'm still learning and would appreciate the feedback. :)