Amazing Grace Photography

This Blog is Moving!

2012-01-03T10:38:00.001-08:00

Amazing Grace Photography Blog is moving to http://amazinggracephotographyga.wordpress.com/.

The K Family - Warner Robins Family Photographer

2011-12-06T13:51:00.000-08:00

Just Married! Jenna & Stephen - Middle Georgia Wedding Photographer

2011-11-13T18:00:00.000-08:00

Another beautiful wedding and adorable couple, down in Dublin, GA. Thank you Jenna and Steve for letting me be a part of this momentous occasion!

Just Married! Richard & Cathryn - Macon, GA Wedding Photographer

2011-11-11T08:52:00.001-08:00

What FUN wedding and couple! This beautiful wedding took place at none other than the Fish N Pig! :) You wouldn't expect such a beautiful location from that name, but it truly was!

Jennifer - Warner Robins Senior Photographer

2011-10-07T16:04:00.000-07:00

Another fun senior! I found a new location that I absolutely love! Thank you for letting me be a part of this wonderful time in your life!!!

Just Married! Tiffani & Donovan - Warner Robins Wedding Photographer

2011-10-07T15:54:00.000-07:00

What a blast with this wonderful couple at their wedding! Thank you Tiffani & Donovan for sharing this wonderful occasion with me! I had the honor of shooting their engagement and their wedding. :)

What is your style?

2011-09-23T07:34:00.000-07:00

I remember asking about style when I first got into photography. I didn't really know what my style was, or how I was supposed to find it. I knew that there were certain photographers that inspired me. I remember someone telling me that I had to FIND my own style through shooting (trial and error you could call it). I already knew what editing styles I liked, I just needed to figure out how to achieve my own technique and determine if I was more of a "posed" or "photojournalist" shooter. First off I didn't want to just flat copy someone else... I loved their work, and knew that particular "look" is what I wanted to achieve... but I needed to make it my own.

Someone recommended that I should put together a posing guide for myself. I went online to the photographers I was most inspired by and pulled some of their photos into my posing guide. I studied this guide, even took it with me on shoots to refer to if I needed. I knew NOTHING about properly posing a person when I first got started, so I needed my security blanket. Heck, I still use that thing at times, because I still don't feel comfortable trying to pose people without some help. What I do try to avoid is taking one of those photos and totally recreate it... I don't use the same location, background, props, composition ,etc. I don't try to make my photo look 100% like someone else's. Sure, there are some poses that have become sort of a "tradition" - like standing on the railroad tracks. But when I pull a pose from a photo I like, I try to reinvent it - tweak it.

There is nothing wrong with using your inspiration for learning purposes -- over time you will learn the technique and figure out exactly what YOUR niche is. Not everyone automatically knows everything there is to know about photography - technical side, composition, posing... and we may never know everything... I'm learning knew things every day... and we all start somewhere.

S&S Photo Backdrops & Floors 500 Fan Give Away!!!

2011-09-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

We here at S&S Photo Backdrops & Floors are so excited to see our fan base growing! We are having a 500 fan give away to celebrate and say THANK YOU to our fans! I remember when he hit 100, I was ecstatic. To watch our business grow like this is a wonderful feeling! My "baby" is growing up.

So the rules are as follows:

1. You must "like" each of the participating vendors on Facebook and post here that you did so. THIS IS YOUR ENTRY.

2. You can get another entry by posting the giveaway in your status. Leave a second comment (with a link to your page) that you did so. This will be your second entry.

3. You can get additional entries for each purchase you make from the vendors during the giveaway, just make sure you leave a separate comment for each item purchased.

I will draw a different winner for each item, so there are more chances to win! If your name is drawn twice you will with both prizes. The more entries, the better your odds.

The give away will run from 9/13/2011 - 9/24/2011. The contest will end at 11:59 PM EST on the 24th.

VENDORS:

S & S Photo Backdrops and Floors - 54" x 5' Matte Polypropylene Backdrop or Floordrop with a design of the winner's choice (solid colors excluded) - $50 value. Winner required to pay shipping.

WEBSITE

FACEBOOK

Skeeterbug Props - Stork Pouch - $25 value.

ETSY

FACEBOOK

Creative Process Photography - Handspun Newborn Elf Hat with Extra Long Tail & Tassel - $38 value.

WEBSITE
FACEBOOK

Posing Beanbags Photography Pros - Portable Beanbag with Prop Bag (Color: Sky Blue) - $44 value.

ETSY
FACEBOOK

There are 4 vendors, so you have 4 chances to win!

Shooting in Low Light Conditions

2011-08-30T13:07:00.000-07:00

One of the biggest challenges photographers face is not having enough light. Especially when shooting weddings, concerts, anything indoors...

"You just spent $500 on a fancy digital camera, so why do your pictures of your kid blowing out the candles on her birthday cake look so terrible? The answer is that indoor, low-light photography is not always as simple as point and shoot."

There are several things one can do when shooting in low light... First, you can always bring in more light. External flash, strobe lighting, reflectors, etc are all ways one could increase the light in an indoor space.

But while using a flash seems to be the obvious answer to low light situations, they have their downsides. Not only does a flash interfere with the "moment"... it also tends to flatten images, distort colors and wash out skin tones. It also tends to provide "uneven" light on and around your subject. This problem is especially true with the cheap, built-in flashes on most compact digital cameras. When using a flash, the best kind to use is an external flash, commonly known as a speedlight. The pro's will tell you to just nix using your pop up flash all together. A speedlight with the capability to rotate or tilt the flash in order to bounce it off the ceiling is a good way to balance the light. Another good use of an external flash is to mount it off camera.

If no "external light source" what do you do? The first thing pros will suggest is to ratchet up your camera's ISO or "light sensitivity" setting. Traditionally, high speed film (ISO 800 and higher) was better suited for low light photography. Unfortunately, where high speed film produced enlarged grain, which could often be used for artist effect, higher ISOs on digital cameras tend to just produce color noise -- little specks of red green and blue scattered across your image.

Most point and shoot cameras, even those with manual controls, won't produce quality images above 400 ISO. The solution then is to use lower ISO settings, but that means you'll be facing a new concern -- long exposures.

Noise Reduction Software

High ISO setting tend to create unacceptable levels of color noise in the finished image. There are some ways to get rid of color noise after the fact. Photoshop ships with a noise filter which will smooth your pixels by blending surrounding areas together.

Unfortunately, for all but the most basic situations, the results won't bowl you over. Dedicated software like Noise Ninja ($35-$80, depending on the license) can produce much more dramatic improvements with very little blurring or other side effects. It isn't cheap, but if you do a lot of low light photography, it's a godsend.

Overexpose to Reduce Noise

Another way to reduce noise in a photo is to slightly overexpose your image to the right of the histogram (works especially well if shooting in RAW) and adjust the exposure down in post processing.This works okay for low light situations, and the main thing is to only overexpose to the point before you blow out your whites. If you blow out the highlights in the image, you won't be able to get the detail back. Most cameras have a "blowout warning" that will flash on the screen if you are too far overexposed.

The image below is your histogram. The left image is a normal exposure (the middle of your meter.) The right image is a slight overexposure, but not to the point of blowout.

If you expose to the point of blowing out your highlights your histogram will look like this:

Reducing Motion Blur

Long exposure times increase the chance you'll blur the shot, whether through the subject's movement or yours. Here are a few tips for blur-free shots:

Start with the largest aperture your camera allows. Use aperture-priority mode if you have one and set f-stop down to f/1.8 or the lowest available.
Set the ISO higher (and overexpose to reduce noise as described above).

If you have a zoom lens, zoom out as much as possible. More light will hit the photo sensor and exposure time will go down.

If the exposure time is still greater than what you can handhold, use a tripod, or anything that will keep your camera still.

Consider something small like the Gorilla Pod, a small, flexible tripod which will fit nicely in the average coat pocket. There are several sizes available, some of which probably won't fit in your pocket but still aren't as cumbersome as full-size tripod.

If you don't like to carry even a tiny tripod with you all the time, don't worry - there are plenty of solid objects that can fill the role. Just hold your camera up to anything that doesn't shake - a lamppost, a tabletop, a wall - and press on it to keep it still while you take the photo.

To reduce the shake that results from pressing the shutter button, use the camera's timer function. Most cameras will have a two-second delay timer that works great, especially on long exposures.

If you have a surgeon's hands, you can try hand-holding even long exposures. Pick a solid stance with your legs slightly apart (like two legs of a tripod). Brace the camera against your face and hold your breath while you press the shutter. Be sure to zoom in on the resulting image to check for blurring!

Balance Your Whites

The next challenge you face in low light situations is the lighting. In most cases you'll be shooting in artificial light -- the chandelier above your dinner table for instance.

Light temperatures from incandescent bulbs or florescent overheads can cast yellow or blue tones over a scene. Sometimes, this can have a nice warming effect (in the case of incandescent light). But other times it may not be what you're looking for.

The solution is to adjust the white balance in your camera. Most digital cameras offer a variety of preset white balance settings which you can experiment with. If all else fails you may be able to customize your own settings. Keep in mind that if you're shooting RAW images, you can always change the white balance after the fact using software.

Timing Is Everything

Here's our general guide to exposure times (assuming the widest aperture possible). You'll need to experiment to see what works for you.

Christmas lights: 1/4 to 3 seconds of exposure.
Cityscapes: 2 to 30 seconds.
For a night sky with star trails, use the formula: exposure = 600s/focal length of the lens in millimeters.

http://howto.wired.com/wiki/Shoot_Better_Low-Light_Pictures

Photography is my Heart & Soul

2011-08-26T07:53:00.000-07:00

John 15:1-2 "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vine-dresser... every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.”

Art, photography, music... is my heart. I've grown up with a passion for these things and a large artistic ability. I want to use this ability for good and to do God's will. This is part of why I came up with my business name (and the fact my middle name is Grace...)

I don't want to be your run of the mill, charge an arm and a leg photographer. ;-) Don't get me wrong, I need to be able to bring in enough income to support my business and family, and one day retire when I'm old and feeble, but I don't want to get rich off of this. I'm also hoping that the other side of my business (selling backdrops) will eventually be enough to carry my photography business so that I am able to provide my services for less. I want to reach out to people who may not be able to afford professional photography, and provide awesome quality images for them.

I want to get involved in charities like OPLove, and reach out to the local DFCS office to provide pro bono services to high school seniors in foster care. I want to provide lower-cost wedding photography to reach people who don't have bookoos of funds to splurge on their big day, but still need to document that special time.

God gave me my gifts and talents, and I want to use them for others, not just myself. The area I live in is not a rich one. It is extremely under-served, and I want to join our church's ministry to reach our community... to change lives and the city we live in.

Pose Me Baby Giveaway!

2011-08-23T12:56:00.001-07:00

For details: http://lovelifefamilyphotography.com/Blog/2011/08/10/time-for-yet-another-great-giveaway/#comment-149

It’s a Good One too!!! Yay!!!

You know you wannna win!!!

I am trying to get my shop off the ground..(so to speak )

Pose Me Bay on Etsy opened it’s shop on July 17th 2011!!!

I see LOTS and LOTS of people checking it out.. Making it their Favorites.. But no one is diving in..

So here is my plan ;o)

The winner will get a Code to check out with that will make it $o and 0 cents..

In return… Please Review Pose Me Baby on Etsy

PHOTO CONTEST: Win a FREE 54"x6' Vinyl Backdrop!

2011-08-15T13:29:00.000-07:00

PHOTO CONTEST TIME! We are looking for backdrop photos of fall scenes, Halloween scenes, pumpkins, scary old houses... email high resolution photo to sandsphotobackdrops@gmail.com with the subj: Fall Foto Contest for a chance to win a FREE 54" x 6' vinyl backdrop. You may enter multiple photos for multiple chances to win! We will randomly draw the winner on August 31st. Photos entered become property of S&S may be used in our design galleries.

www.sandsphotobackdrops.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/S-S-Photo-Backdrops-Floors/170029106378550

Moving From Hobby To Business With Your Photography

2011-08-12T11:34:00.000-07:00

by Virtual Photography

Full Article at:

http://virtualphotographystudio.com/photographyblog/2010/04/moving-from-hobby-to-business-with-your-photography/

The statistics overwhelmingly show that people love their cameras.

77% of U.S. households own at least one digital camera.
Almost 120 million cameras were sold in 2009, with digital SLRs having a 30% growth in sales.
The average consumer takes 72 digital photographs at each event they attend.
They share 55% of all photos taken by email.
And 40% post their images online at sites like Facebook and Snapfish.

So why not take something you love anyway and turn it into a business? Maybe not a full time business, but something you can make money at here and there.

1. What are your goals? My personal photography goals are to go into a full time, successful career in the field.

2. Choose the right name for your photography business. I chose Amazing Grace Photography for a couple reasons. I am saved by God's amazing grace and want to give him the glory. I want to branch my business out into charitable opportunities like OPLove and providing senior shoots to foster children. And lastly, my middle name is Grace. I'm a hobbyist at this point, looking at turning this into a small business. I'm not looking at trademarking my name, etc. However, once I start marketing to turn a profitable income, I will need to register my business with the local area/state.

3. Look at it like a business. Find mentors in your specialty or niche. Want to go into weddings? Find a few where you love their work; follow them online, attend their classes, and meet them at tradeshows. Use them as your guidance to grow.

4. Get proper camera equipment. Sure you can show up at a wedding with a consumer grade digital SLR and a lens or two. But what if you drop the body, or the lens freezes? To be a professional, means great equipment and plenty of backup. You don’t always have to buy – why not rent lenses until you find what you want and can afford.

5. Use tools and software to give your photography an edge. There are many things that can help you become better at photography by being better at the business side. Photoshop is a definite must for photographers. Expand from there.

6. Practice your photography. Because most consumers have access to fairly decent camera equipment, you’re competing with a ton of amateur photographers. You have to not only stand out from the crowd, but completely WOW your potential customers. How can you create something beyond what your competitors are doing?

7. Price your photography like a professional. There is so much more to pricing your photography than choosing a random number. You have to take many things into account. Will you be able to afford better camera equipment? Is the rent of your studio covered?

Middle Georgia Wedding Photographer - Macon, Warner Robins, Surrounding Areas, GA

2011-08-11T13:29:00.000-07:00

Amazing Grace Photography - S&S Wedding Photography
S&S Wedding photography is a new branch of Amazing Grace Photography. Steve & Sarah, stepdad and stepdaughter - we have teamed up to provide double coverage on your big day! We don't want to miss a beat.

Your wedding day should be as special as possible! As your photographers, we understand the importance of catching every detail, every moment, and every smile. Contact us if you are seeking creative wedding photography. We promise to do my best to capture your day, and will deliver a final product of memories worth keeping.

Schedule a pre-wedding consultation. We arrive 1 hour early to your wedding day to get as much captured prior to the cermony as possible. Professional equipment with the knowledge to use it right. You wedding day is safe in our hands - you will receive lasting keepsakes for your precious day.
http://www.amazinggracephotographyga.com/

Wedding Packages starting at $500.

2012 Grads Portfolio Building Special: Middle Georgia, Macon, Warner Robins Senior Photographer

2011-08-02T09:09:00.000-07:00

For a limited time only! Through November 30th I am offering a portfolio building special for senior portraits.

NO SESSION FEE + FREE Web-quality CD! LOW-COST print packages available. Minimum order requirement waived.

Multiple locations available - NOTE: some locations include a location fee such as the Cannonball House, or the use of a studio. Visit my website or contact me for details!

Baby CJ - Warner Robins Newborn Photographer

2011-06-14T10:35:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful time with Alicia and CJ! This was my first time using my new backdrops, 50mm lens, and adobe lightroom! It was such a fun shoot, and despite the fact he didn't want mama to put him down, we got some great photos!

How Do You Know You are Ready to Start a Business???

2011-05-10T12:55:00.000-07:00

Posted by

websorceress

Am I ready to start building a portfolio? This can also be interpreted as, am I ready to start a business? Simply because most people who wish to start building a port will be advertising and their intent is to start a business........

The simple answer is NO.........how can I say that without even seeing your work? Because you asked...........
Because in order to start any type of business, here is a check list..........
.
1. do you have the right equipment to do almost any job your asked to do?

2. Do you have the knowledge to use that equipment to it's fullest?

3. Do you have the knowledge to solve any problem that arises during the shoot. i.e. too much sun, wb is off, child won't stop crying, every shot is underexposed and you have no clue why, etc, etc, etc............if you know enough of this profession you can solve just about anything.

4. Do you truly understand why you chose the settings you did, or did you just 'bring the meter to 0'? Or heaven forbid, put the camera in auto? *Here is a cool tool: a camera simulator. http://camerasim.com/camera-simulator.html

5. Have you checked with your local laws on a few things, such as can you take a client to a local park for a shoot? If you plan on working out of your home, did you check with the local zoning laws? Check with the township on license's?

6. Did you talk to a good tax guy?

7. Did you get additional liability insurance? Not just for your home, but while you on location?

If you talking about starting a business, you better have all your business ducks in a row........you can work your 'business' as a hobby for awhile, it can take a long time to get established and working it as a hobby will work for most for the first year or several years if your not established yet...........working as a hobby has it's own set of rules, talk to a good tax guy.

I say a GOOD tax guy, not the guy next door who just got back from H&R Block...........

How do you know when your ready? You don't have to ask..........you know.

1. Take your time, learn this skill well.

2. Shoot family, friends and friends friends........do not charge..........you can use some for a port but these are learning shoots..........use them for that specifically.

3. After a few years, you just may be ready to build that port with real people or models. Use ONLY your best images in a port. By now, you should be able to tell the difference between a good image and a bad image.

4. MOST OF ALL. By the time your ready to become a professional photographer, you will have built your confidence. This is as important as your knowledge and equipment............I didn't say get cocky, you will never stop learning photography, just have confidence in your own work...........remember there is always someone who is better then you are, it will always be that..........

I see so many with new cameras who shoot some very nice stuff.......I have also seen many 4 year olds or teenagers shoot the same type of photo.........does this tell you anything? Many of the beginner images that come out pretty good, you got lucky, the camera did the magic.........if you can't explain how something was shot, why, show where the direction of the light is coming from, see bad color/shadows/exposure and know ways to improve an image........accept the fact you are a beginner and have a lot to learn...........this is why we are here, to help you. We are not bashing you, we are trying to guide you and keep you in the right direction........be grateful for our existence, you would be paying an awful lot of money to get some of the stuff you get out of this group, elsewhere............

With all of this aside, have fun and learn while your having fun, you'll know when your ready to open shop............!!!!

SOURCE: http://www.cafemom.com/group/17/forums/read/14001322/Anyone_who_wants_to_start_a_business

Emily's Going Away Shoot

2011-04-27T12:25:00.000-07:00

So my sister in law is going in to the Navy, and for her going away present we did a photo shoot. She leaves the first week in May.

Best NewB Photographer Advice

2011-04-27T11:29:00.000-07:00

So I'm a part of a great photography forum, PhotoMoms. I have learned the ropes from them and gotten some really great advice over time for going into this business. I just wanted to share a few things I've picked up, and am still working on even personally. I don't consider myself a professional in the business yet, I myself am still portfolio building. But I feel like I'm really beginning to understand it thanks to these ladies.

1. Learn manual (Good resource: Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson). If you don't have a camera with manual capabilities, invest in one. Auto-modes do the work for you. You are the artist - you run the camera, not the other way around. Even advanced P&S's have manual capability if you don't have the funds for a DSLR. And a good way to learn each part of the exposure triangle is semi-manual modes like Aperture or Shutter priority.

2. There is a difference between portfolio building and an AWAC (ameture with a camera.) One should not charge for photos done during skill or portfolio building. You should consider it an investment to your education. Also, until you have grasped the full knowledge of photography - shooting in manual and getting consistent results - exposure, focus, etc, understanding composition (http://www.digital-photography-school.com/digital-photography-composition-tips), and even more importantly lighting (http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/03/lighting-101.html) - charging is a no-no. Now when I say charge, I mean make a profit. It is different to ask people to order prints through you so that you can make sure they are printed at a professional lab (like Millers aka Mpix.com) and not Walmart or Walgreens, etc. Any reputable photographer doesn't need Walmart representing their work! Another way around this is to deliver their photos in an Mpix album where they can place orders themselves without paying you, VS just giving out a CD.

Now what we call an AWAC is someone without the above knowledge who just picks up a camera and prematurely "starts a business"... one, you need to understand not only the above aspects of photography, but also business itself. A business plan, a grasp of paying taxes, etc. So to sum it up: you may already have a good eye, but it doesn't make you a pro. You need to be able to smoothly master the technical aspect and the artistic eye TOGETHER before you should go into business and take people's money. And you need to have a good concept of running a business. You need to have contracts, model releases, etc. You cannot post images of another person online (legally) without a model release. And it needs to be written. They can be all nice and say it is fine, you don't need it, but then they can turn around and get mad at you and sue you. ALWAYS get a signed model release before posting images.

3. Revisiting a bit of above: DO NOT USE WALMART FOR PRINTS. As a photographer you want your prints to represent your work - word of mouth is the best marketing tool. So you want accurate prints. Use a professional printing lab, like Millers. Here is why: http://www.taraleephotography.com/site/#/information/why-i-don%27t-give-away-discs/

4. On board flash = Harsh Lighting. Invest in a speedlite, or external flash. Vivitar makes generic external flashes for less. If no funds for a speedlite, they make cheap diffusers for on camera flashes that helps tone down the harshness of the light. But inevitably you won't get the results of a speedlite.

5. Generic can save you TONS of money. Tamron and Sigma make some great generic lenses. The Tamron 17-5mm f2.8 (fixed aperture ROCKS) is like $700+ cheaper than its Canon counterpart. Vivitar is another good generic name. Not saying they are 100% the same as a Canon or Nikon, but they definitely get the job done.

Announcing our Backdrop Contest Winner!

2011-04-18T07:38:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Terra Barlow! Her brick wall photo won the backdrop contest. She will receive a free backdrop of any size and design!

Contest Entry Closed

2011-04-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you for your submissions! The contest is now closed. Submitted photos will be posted by Monday, April 4 for voting on Facebook. Like a photo to vote! Voting will be open until April 15.

Photos will be available for double voting on Amazing Grace Photography's FB page and S & S Photo Backdrop and Floor's FB page. The winner will receive a free printed backdrop of their design.

Backdrop Contest Update

2011-03-09T10:17:00.000-08:00

Here it is 3 days! before the deadline for our S & S Photo Backdrop and Floor Contest and we haven't gotten ONE! submission. I am going to extend the submission date to March 31, 2011 at 12:00am EST and we will go from there on the posting date, voting time, and when we'll announce the winner.

As a fun way of getting things going, and to get design ideas from potential clients, we'll be holding a photo/design contest. To enter: submit a high resolution image of a custom backdrop design from one of the following categories with your name and/or business name and email (subject: S & S Backdrop Contest: List Backdrop Category & "Graphic Design" or "Photo") to SandSPhotoBackdrops@gmail.com. You may also include your business's web address for credit on our website! Make sure to leave us a comment on our blog also! They will be posted for voting, and there will be two winners - one in graphic design, and one in photos, who will receive a print of their backdrop design in the size of their choosing (as long as the photo is large enough to fit said size). All designs submitted may be used in our inventory, and credit will be given to the photographer/designer on our website.

You may submit more than one image for multiple chances to win! Each person who submits an image gets a 10% off coupon for their first order! NOTE: One coupon per person, not per submission.

Backdrop Categories include:

Wood Floors
Brick, Concrete, and Stone
Checkered Tile, Rugs, Fur, etc.
Vintage/Damask Style
Doors, Walls, Windows...
The Deep South
On Location Scenes (Indoors and Outdoors)
Graffiti, Shapes, Patterns, and Textures
Animal Print
Flowers, Hay, Grass
Sky and Clouds

Keep in mind these drops are 54" wide x 5'-9' long, so portrait orientation for your photos or designs is a must! Please submit your designs by March 31, 2011 at 12am EST. Designs will be posted on the Amazing Grace Photography FB page and the S & S Photo Backdrop and Floors FB page for voting by April 4, 2011 - like a photo to vote. Voters may submit their votes on both Facebook pages to be counted as two votes! Voting will be open until April 15th. The winners will be announced on April 18th.

DESCRIPTION: Our backdrops come in 5 sizes starting at 5' in length up to 9'. They are 54" wide. The material is a sturdy matte polypropylene that can be rolled for easy storage. We can print any custom design on our backdrops. These drops are images (either photos or graphical designs) printed with a large-format printer onto a matte surface (the material is similar to that used for banners.)

The Reason I Haven't Been Blogging in a While... (CONTEST!!!) Win a FREE Backdrop!

2011-02-28T08:16:00.000-08:00

...is that my stepdad and I are working on our custom backdrop business! Within the next month we hope to be up and running. He's ordered a wide-format printer, and I'm working on our webstore. We'll be selling photo backdrops and floors made of a Matte Polypropylene material, 54" wide and anywhere from 5' to 9' long. We're having a photo/design contest to get things rolling!

Backdrop Categories include:

Wood Floors
Brick, Concrete, and Stone
Checkered Tile, Rugs, Fur, etc.
Vintage/Damask Style
Doors, Walls, Windows...
The Deep South
On Location Scenes (Indoors and Outdoors)
Graffiti, Shapes, Patterns, and Textures
Animal Print
Flowers, Hay, Grass
Sky and Clouds

Keep in mind these drops are 54" wide x 5'-9' long, so portrait orientation for your photos or designs is a must! Please submit your designs by March 11, 2011 at 12am EST. Designs will be posted on the Amazing Grace Photography FB page and the S & S Photo Backdrop and Floors FB page for voting by March 14, 2011 - like a photo to vote. Voters may submit their votes on both Facebook pages to be counted as two votes! Voting will be open until March 31st. The winners will be announced on April 4th.

Learn Photography Resources

2011-02-11T09:12:00.000-08:00

So most of what I've learned has been "self taught" through online resources and books. I wanted to share some of these resources with other inspiring photographers!

My #1 Photography Resource: Bryan Peterson
He has two books (so far I've only read one, about to start on the 2nd): Understanding Exposure, and Understanding Photography Field Guide. Less than $20 on Amazon.com.

He also has his own online photography school, a little more costly, but worth it if you have the cash! http://www.ppsop.com/index.aspx

#2 is Michael the Mentor - he has free basic photography tutorial videos on his website, and more in depth DVDs for sale for less than $50. http://www.michaelthementor.com/

#3 is YouTube. Chances are if you want to learn about something, there's a video tutorial on YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/ I've found tutorials on how to use my camera, lighting and composition, photoshop, etc.

And last, but NOT least! #4 is CafeMom. Yeah, if you're a dude, this one may not be for you. You will probably get eaten alive. But there is a group called Photo Mom's, and I have received wonderful advice, constructive criticism, and answers from these ladies. Several of them are professional photographers with AMAZING work, and I take their advice very close to heart. http://www.cafemom.com/group/17

Twin Senior Shoot - Macon & Warner Robins Senior Photographer

2011-02-10T17:21:00.000-08:00

It was cold, and started to rain on us, but these two were troopers and everything turned out just fine!