I shot two rolls of [Kodak 100 UC] and one roll of [Fuji Acros 100 B&W]. These were my two favorite film stocks in college.

While the Kodak 100 UC (UC stands for “Ultra Color”) is a fun and vibrant film stock – I realized that it was a bit too hot on the skin tones – especially with back-lighting. It held up okay in open shade, but I would definitely settle for a more neutral tone stock (like [Kodak Porta]) for future portrait work. I was just looking up the UC online – and apparently it’s now discontinued. I still have quite a few rolls left on 35mm AND 120 (Medium Format). I guess I better save those up for a rainy day!! (I’m assuming it got replaced by [Kodak Ektar 100] – the most comparable film stock I could find online).

[Fuji Acros 100 B&W] is my ABSOLUTE favorite B&W film stock for 35mm and Medium Format. It never fails to impress straight out of the camera – and always has the best contrast – without over stopping in the blacks. Of course I stick with my general rule of thumb to over-expose slightly, creating a rich and vibrant black and white that remains a classic for years to come.

The BEST way to pick your favorite film stock is to head to your local camera supply store (such as [Glazer's Camera] here in Seattle) – and grab a few different varieties. At one point or another I’ve tried almost every film stock Glazer’s had to offer (while in college). I spent countless hours chatting with the shop employees about each kind of film – what they were best for, and went out and experimented. When you stop by, make sure to say hi to Kevin or Eddy – they’ll take good care of you!

These images were all shot with my [Canon EOS-1V] and [Canon 85mm 1.2L] (I’ve decided to keep my 85 for a bit longer).

Check out my photographer friends who shoot film,
[Dan O'Day]
[Jonathan Canlas]
[Tanja Lippert]

Do you shoot film (full time, or on the side)? What’s your favorite film stock and why?? Leave a comment below!! XOXO

Makeup by, [Fresh Face Stace]

The first thing I noticed right off the bat is the leather is a LOT softer than the original Kelly Moore Bag. I liked this factor a loft – since softness is important to me in a bag! I immediately shoved all my camera gear inside, but quickly realized that it would not fit my 1DS series [Camera Body] straight out of the box. I just pulled out one of the dividers and switched it around so I had a bit of extra room – and voila! problem solved.

The best way to describe the features of this bag are to compare and contrast to my review of the [Epiphanie LOLA bag]. I was a bit disappointed that I could only fit TWO lenses and my body in the Kelly Moore Bag, whereas I can fit THREE lenses and a body in the Epiphanie bag. Regardless, I do like that I can get things in and out of the Kelly Moore Bag easier than the Epiphanie. If I really wanted to, I could stack two lenses on the left, but if I had a longer lens, like the [Canon 70-200mm] for example, I would only be able to fit TWO lenses comfortably.

The bag has some great features that I really enjoy. Lots of pockets, a perfect cell phone pocket on either end of the bag, and TWO straps that you can swap out easily with a clip. One is long so you can wear across your body – it easily adjusts – and the other is shorter so you can wear it over your shoulder like a purse.

It holds a selection of my favorite [Gear] comfortably. (One [Camera Body], [35mm], and [50mm] OR [45mm TSE] + a couple batteries). Plus the outside pockets were perfect for my [CF Card Case] and [iPhone]. It zips up easily with all the gear, plus enough extra room for snacks and small doodads.

I drug this bad-boy around our [Swink] event on Wednesday, and it performed beautifully!! I LOVE the fact that this bag is thin, and hugs to your body so nicely. It worked perfect for my shoot this day because I only wanted to work with two lenses, and it was easy to carry around when I wanted to streamline my gear. I would definitely recommend this bag if you are a two lens shooter, or just need a smaller bag to tote around – while the majority of your gear is stored in a bigger bag.

This bag would be perfect for concert shooters, going out to a party with friends, portrait shooters who only work with a couple small lenses, or at a wedding when you are carrying just a couple things for group shots and such. I really love the shape and feel of this bag, and it’s super fun to shoot with. Plus it’s shape is thinner (even though it’s about the same length and height as the Epiphanie Lola) and so could easily double as a regular purse, or when you are going to the beach, zoo, etc. and want to bring your camera gear – but not an extra camera bag.

Check out the rest of the [Kelly Moore Bags] and let me know if you have any more questions about my review – in the comment section below!

For fun, all images in this post edited with my favorite concoction of [Totally Rad Actions]!

*Collect ALL your catalogs, and un-wanted mail for a few days, weeks, or a month
(You’re going to need the info on the back when adding them to your do-not-mail list)
*Head to [Catalog Choice] & click “Find Companies”
*Start typing in one by one those catalog companies (i.e. Victoria’s Secret, Crate & Barrel, etc.)
*Complete each task and then recycle unwanted magazines and coupons

Let’s say your catalogs add up to about 5lbs of paper a month. If EACH person reading this blog (about 1,500 let’s say) does this for their un-wanted mail,
- that’s 7,500 POUNDS of paper we just saved!! Seriously, WOW. Only TOGETHER can we make a difference.

Now any more AWESOME ways to help the environment? Please share in the comment section!!
Check out Catalog Choice on [Facebook] and [Twitter]

PS, here’s another [Helpful resource] to remove yourself from unwanted junk mail. (Thanks Leo!)

XOXO

Here’s what Caitlin had to say about her session, “I had such an incredible, beautiful and sunny day with Michelle! At first I was extremely nervous about getting my pictures taken because I’m so used to being behind the camera instead of in front. But Michelle completely understood and made me feel at ease with her insurance and humor. By the end of the shoot I was feeling completely comfortable and was laughing throughout my shoot. Also, Jenny did the makeup absolutely flawlessly! I’m so ecstatic with the way the photos turned out, Michelle is AWESOME!” Thanks Caitlin!!

Makeup, [Jenny Bowker]
Hair, [Swink Style Bar]

All images from this post shot with the [Canon 50mm 1.0L]

PS, a note to Class of 2011! – Summer is just about SOLD OUT! Don’t miss a chance to get a session with us and Swink Style Bar on July 14th!
This WEDNESDAY!! Just a few spots left!!! Check out all the details, [HERE]

XOXO

Makeup, [Jenny Bowker]

Happy 4th of July weekend everyone! Be safe and have FUN!
XOXO

To book YOUR senior portrait session, check out our [Senior Portrait Website] and submit your information through our “Contact” page!

Here’s what Kelly had to say about her session, “I had an absolutely amazing time getting my pictures done with Michelle! Before my session, I didn’t know what to expect and was really nervous about getting my pictures taken. I was clueless about poses, outfits, and just about everything model-related. But, Michelle helped me out the entire time and made me feel so comfortable! She helped me pick the best outfit choices and gave me poses to work with. My session was soo much fun and I couldn’t have had a better time. Michelle is hilarious, so I was laughing throughout pretty much the whole session. Jenny did an awesome job on my makeup and the two of them together made me feel like a total diva. I loved getting my pictures done with Michelle and I am so happy with the way the pictures turned out!”

Makeup by, [Jenny Bowker]

Be sure to watch our FIRST Behind-the-Scenes video from a Senior Portrait session!! Subscribe to our [YouTube Channel] for more videos!
Also, Check out the official [Jenny Bowker Makeup] YouTube channel and subscribe for more videos!!

Meet Ruthie!! Our SUPER awesome and energetic Senior Rep!! I LOVED hanging out with Ruthie – we had some really gorgeous light, and rocked out my newest/recently discovered shoot location. Enjoy having a peek at her session, and be sure to ask her about photos with us. Ruthie is off on a million and one fun adventures/travels this summer, and I can’t wait to hear all about them!!

Enjoy! XOXO

Here is what Ruthie had to say about her session, “I cannot even begin to describe in words how much fun i had taking pictures with Michelle. After about ten minutes of being around her i felt like a was just hanging out and having fun with an old friend! She made me feel great about myself and the pictures she was taking of me, and completely comfortable in my own skin. If you know me you may know i am quite energetic, easily distracted, and a little hyperactive, and if you do not know me take my word for it. I feel as though Michelle captured that of me in every shot. My feelings showing through in the pictures are real and caused by the great laughs me and Michelle and even Jenny, who is awesome, shared during this shoot. I had such an amazing time and loved taking my pictures and spending time with Michelle!”

Makeup, [Jenny Bowker]

Up until about the end of last year, my 35mm f1.4L was my favorite go-to lens, but now I’ve found myself using my 50mm about 90% of all my Senior Portrait shoots. I think my style goes in waves, and right now I’m digging the magazine editorial quality/look and I’ve found the 50 to give me the best for what I need.

The [Canon 50mm f1.0L] is a VERY rare, and limited edition lens that was discontinued in 2000. Canon eventually released the [Canon 50mm 1.2L] which is a very popular lens among wedding and portrait photographers. Canon talks about their reasons for discontinuing production of the f1 due to sharpness issues, but I have always been in love with my lens. It is a tricky thing to master at f1.0 – but I rarely shoot at that aperture unless I’m doing a close-up beauty shot where I can focus and re-compose and make multiple exposures so I know one will be tack sharp. I mainly stick between f1.8 and f2.2 with this lens to ensure the best quality.

I would definitely recommend the [Canon 50mm 1.2L] over the Canon 50mm 1.8, but if you are just starting out and want a GREAT go-to lens, get the [Canon 50mm 1.4]. It is a great lens for starting out, but (for me personally) after about a couple of years the autofocus wore out. It’s perfect for getting started, but if you have the budget and want to invest in a lifetime piece of glass, go for the 1.2L.

Maybe one day I’ll invest in the 1.2L so I can retire the 1.0L, but if you are a collector of lenses, and want your hands on this amazing one of a kind lens, there’s one for sale at [B&H]. This lens is so rare now I NEVER see it on ebay, and this is the only one I’ve run across in quite some time. However, you can always RENT it on [Borrow Lenses] for a fun treat!

For more GEAR FAQ, please check out my [What Gear Do You Use?] post, or our [Gear Page] for ALL your gear questions!

This image below was shot with my 50mm f1.0L at f1.0 – I shoot with the [Canon 1Ds Series] which has 48 focus points, versus the 5 or so you get with a [Canon 5D]. Of course I was able to focus right on her eye, and re-compose just slightly, and took a number of frames to be sure to get one perfectly in focus.

If you have any additional questions about this post, please leave a comment below, and I’ll be sure to try and reply right in the comment section!
Thank you and have a fabulous weekend!

Makeup for Kendall by, [Jessica Belknap]

Swink is offering their services as part of a COMPLETE package from Michelle Moore – in an all day MINI portrait event this summer!! There are only 8 spots available – and they will sell out FAST! Check out the details, then call or email us to book your slot for this SWEET DEAL!

“MINI SIMPLE” Photoshoot with Michelle Moore //
WEDNESDAY July 14th, 2010 in Downtown Seattle
Hair Styling & Makeup provided by [Swink Style Bar]

What’s included,
Hair Styling & Makeup application at Swink Style Bar in Seattle
30 minute photo session with Michelle Moore in the South Lake Union area
Prepare to be pampered and bring your two best ROCKSTAR outfits!

Final products include,
An online gallery with your proofs
$100 print credit
2 hi-res digital files
Complimentary facebook images & yearbook photo!

Available Time slots,
SOLD OUT

To BOOK your appointment please [Email us] with your top TWO preferred time slots. Feel free to email with any questions!

(Appointment start time is when you arrive at Swink. Hair and Makeup will take 60 minutes, and then you will head over to where we will be doing the photos just a few blocks away. Session time will last about 30 minutes and cover two outfits. Swink asks that you please arrive with your hair washed and dry in order to have the best experience possible. Hair & Makeup is included in your session fee. Gratuity is not included for Salon services. More details will be provided upon booking your time slot. Space is limited and first come, first serve)

Hair provided for Tara by [Swink Style Bar]
Makeup, [Jenny Bowker]

Makeup, [Jenny Bowker]
Hair, Meghann Oliberos
Styling, [Stacy Zimmerman]
Model, Emily Hogan of [SMG]