all photos and text (ignore the by mary jane above) by emily crawford of ethreeit.com

I’m convinced that almost every scene I happen upon holds the possibility for art. Some things instantly catch my attention, while other things appear only after assessing my surroundings–and pouring a little dose of imagination in to the mix, of course. It’s funny how your eye can be trained to notice things far more often than not. And with the latest craze of smart phones we can now capture almost anything we encounter, at anytime (if you’re ready and on the gun, that is). But only you can turn that something into art! Luckily, with the use of all these nifty apps we have available, we can create (and instantly share) the envisioned art that may have easily just stayed lingering in our minds eye! So I’ll let you in on a few things I look for when creating, as well as how I most often use my favorite photography app…Instagram!

Simplicity is positively negative…
I love simplicity and you will notice that most of my images are made simple by utilizing a LOT of negative space. This allows your viewer to focus in on the subject, as minor as it may be. I often use the sky or blank walls to produce negative space in images.

Pick up lines…
While I do appreciate a good pick up line, the only lines that really capture my attention are leading lines in a photograph. What is a leading line, you may ask? Basically anything in a scene used to guide your eye through the frame. Pay attention to objects that offer these leading lines—and they don’t have to be straight lines, curved lines are just as effective when used properly. The main idea is that your eye be lead throughout the frame, perhaps to a focal point. The last thing you want is an image with a lot of distracting elements that are randomly positioned, in which the eye just doesn’t know where to go!

Be my shadow…
Shadows, shadows, and more shadows! Pay attention to them! They are on the sides of buildings, on the ground, on tabletops. Use them to frame, to create contrast, or to add interesting lines to your pictures….use them however you’d like, but use them if they’re available!!

Leave them beaming…
Sunbeams and flare can always be creatively used! Sunlight is our friend…most of us just need to learn how to use it. This can be done through a little trial and error, and sometimes your mistakes will be your favorite ones!

INSTAGRAM!!
I know there are a lot of wonderful photography apps out there, and more are probably being released as I type, but I can honestly say that this is pretty much the only one I use on a regular basis and I love it! Sure, I’ll probably soon fall in love with other apps that enhance my Instagram pics–but I think the free version of Instagram is a great place to get started! I do have a few recommendations….

#1:
Don’t photograph from the Instagram app–use your iPhone’s camera to take the picture and then pull the image into Instagram. This will allow you more freedom and control in what you are trying to capture. Once you pull the image in to the app, you can then zoom and position the original image to fill the frame just as you want. SHOOTING TIPS: When shooting, shoot horizontal. Also, be sure to touch the screen in the area you want properly exposed.

#2:
Test all the filters Instagram offers! I have a few that I lean towards using (Toaster, Rise, Nashville) but I honestly don’t know which one I am going to use until I’ve tested them all out on the specific picture I’m working with. It all depends on the lighting and what I’m trying to draw attention to–each filter brings out something unique. FILTER TIPS: Play around with the contrast tool on the bottom left of the tool bars, as well as with the borders which can be toggled on and off. Sometimes I use them, sometimes I don’t. Once again, it all depends on the picture I’m working with. Trust your eyes’ first instinct!

#3:
Use the blur tool (sometimes)! I was elated when I noticed Instagram added the capability to blur, which can be used to create the tilt shift effect. There are two options here, the circular blur or the linear blur. You have the ability to increase or decrease the size of the blur, as well as control positioning. Once again, play around with the tool. BLUR TIP: Don’t use it just because it’s there–make sure it works for the specific image you are editing. Despite how fun it is to use, you can definitely overdo it! And sometimes it’s just not needed.

My dad and I have a running joke about the way he just loves to “one up” me in the realm of photography equipment. The day I came home with my first professional camera you could see the envy in his eyes. It wasn’t but a short time after, that I received a phone call from my dad. You could almost hear the smirk that surely rested on the other end of the phone line as he bragged about his latest camera purchase. Did he buy the same camera for himself?! Nope. He took it to the next level and bought the most recently released version of my camera, complete with improved features and functionality. And there was absolutely no shame on his end–of this I am certain! Just as there was no shame the following year when he bought the higher end version of my fixed 50mm. All of this was good fun.

But then came Mark. I had finally acquired my dream camera, the Canon 5D Mark II. My dad was a little jealous…but overall he was just excited for me, he really was. But the man couldn’t help himself. A short time later I got the call. “So, how do you like your Mark II?” I knew right then it would only be a matter of days. Maybe hours.

You can be certain that I’ve since looked at many beautiful pictures captured by his very own Canon 5D Mark II. But don’t you worry….the joke’s on him! He only THINKS that behind all of my best photography lies a fancy camera! What he doesn’t know is that some of my favorite photos to date are merely the result of an observant eye and an iPhone. Yep, an iPhone. And a 3rd generation iPhone, at that! Knowing this sure could have saved him lots of money over the years!

iphone photos as art is a post from: Photog Mommie

…all photographs ©Annemarie Bollman…

First things first – the winner of the Addy Lane actions is Michelle Cherrington! Congratulations – you’re going to love them!! Please email me to claim your prize. (mj@photogmommie.com) Thank you everyone for playing!

And now, another little spark of inspiration. I am so in awe of mamas that can stick to this and pull it off! Although I’m sure it is challenging at times, the end result is truly priceless!

Here are a few tips and bits of advice from my friend Annemarie on how she photographed her adorable son once a week for a whole year. She originally got the idea from Young House Love.

Camera/Lens? Canon 7D with 16-35 lens

Lighting? We aimed for all natural lighting – on the floor, near windows with shades open. I think that there was one that I forgot about in the afternoon, so I had to use flash that night and it didn’t turn out as well as the others. Looking back I should have re-shot week 13 on Monday.

Did you shoot on a certain day/time? We typically took the pictures in the late afternoon when there weren’t many shadows created on the floor. Since Burke was born on a Sunday, we shot his weekly picture on each Sunday. We could have picked any day really, but this one ended up working well for us since Brett was home and could help with getting him to look the right way.

Where did you get your backgrounds? I used everything and anything that would lay flat….receiving blankets (in the beginning when he was still teeny), blankets, sheets, towels, fabric. When we were out of town for the weekend, I would take advantage and use a blanket or quilt at the place we were staying. Near the end I had to borrow a few from friends as I didn’t want to have any repeats. Also near the end, it helped to tape whatever we were using to the carpet with masking tape so it would have a better chance of staying still as Burke moved all around!

What would be your #1 tip to someone attempting this project? Be flexible. As they get older, maybe be OK with them being in a little bit of a different pose. Getting Burke to lay still after he started crawling was hard work for us, and he wasn’t always the happiest baby for the shoots (see week 45). Be quick! Once they start moving, you’ll have to be quick to get a good (in focus) shot. Don’t expect perfection though. I think some of our favorite shots are the ones where he’s not 100% happy and smiling. It’s fun to mix it up a bit! Shoot a lot and pick the best one later.

Since hindsight is 20/20 what is one thing (if anything) that you might do differently? I would have been a little bit more flexible for my own sake. I did end up shooting a few of them on Mondays. Mommy brain made me completely forget a few times before it was too late, but I beat myself up about it. Besides that, I can’t really think of anything. It was a challenge, and took some time each week, but in my opinion, it was worth it. Our coffee table book of him from week to week is going to be something that we cherish for many years to come!

Now what mama wouldn’t want this! Are you brave enough to try it?! I hope so!!

a photo a week for one year! is a post from: Photog Mommie

all photographs by Christy Williams of Addy Lane

ENTER TO WIN a “Back to Basics” action set from Addy Lane!

It’s everything you need to take your ordinary, straight out of the camera images to the next level…with the push of a button… can be used with Photoshop or Elements.

To enter (2 easy steps):
1). LIKE Photog Mommie on Facebook – HERE
2). Leave a comment here saying you did so! That’s it.
3). If you’re already a fan, just leave a comment.

The winner will be chosen at random and announced here on the blog on Monday the 31st.

Christy Williams is the amazing photographer behind Addy Lane. She is a talented, giving soul who seems to have gracefully conquered being an artist, a mother and a successful business owner. She is an inspiration to me, and I know she will be to you as well! So keep reading for a peek into her photography inspiration, organization and her love for capturing the moments of childhood. Oh, and to see more of her beautiful photographs…

1) How has motherhood changed your perspective on the importance of historical documentation? Having regrets as a mom to teenagers has definitely given me new perspective now with my little ones. Looking back, there are chunks of time missing from my sons’ albums (and shoe boxes – there was no digital back then!) and it is perhaps the worst feeling knowing that I cannot get that time back. Now, with my young daughters, I wince if I let even a week go by without documenting them in some fashion, either creatively or with a point and shoot.
2) How often do you take pictures of your kids & are they planned sessions? Or on whim? When I first became serious about photography, everything had to be planned. But over time I realized just how much I was missing in between all the effort. Now, I just go with the moment and try to shoot a few times a week, even if its just the kids in pj’s eating breakfast. Even if something is happening in bad light I go for it. The everyday stuff is what calls to me now.

3) How do you organize and backup your photos? Over the years I have found that if the process for anything computer related takes more than a few minutes, I will most likely procrastinate and not stick to it consistently so I set up a system that keeps me super organized but only takes seconds to complete each time I shoot or fill up a card. At the beginning of each year I create a main folder for the year, and sub-folders for each month. I change my camera settings so that the files names never reset, this way I can continuously dump my cards into the current month and not have to rename anything. If there is a specific event for the month, such as a birthday party or Halloween, I may create a subcategory inside that month. The last thing I do is set up 1 Edit or Favorites folder inside each month so that as I edit my favorites, they can be saved to that folder for ease of finding at a later date. This makes creating albums and printing that much easier. When I behave, I back-up to two external hard drives, but do try to print regularly because we all know drives will eventually fail. A little paranoid about that!

4)What about time – running a successful business & also being a mother – how do you do it? Aside from my business, I also work outside the home part time in my primary profession within the medical field. Just when I think we have the logistics of our life all figured out, life throws a curve ball so finding balance is a daily struggle. I am an avid list keeper and keep a constant running list of to-dos. Its simple but this is my fall back when things get crazy: keep family first, money and everything else second. Pretty basic but it’s easy to loose focus sometimes with deadlines and the constant call of the computer/internet. An absolute must is scheduling time on my calendar for activities with the family. I am not the most spontaneous person so scheduling is essential. My biggest challenge is giving each child my 100% undivided attention (especially when all 4 want a piece of me at the same time) so I try to plan “dates” with each of them alone, even if its just a drive or hitting a fast food joint. Most importantly, I try to work on my business at night or when the kids are away, which means I have sacrificed things like being crazy successful with Facebook and social networking, but I am completely ok with that. Work will always be there, but this precious time with my littles will not last forever.

5) Was being a mother a driving force in your passion for photography – or do you think you would have found it regardless? It found me long before I had kids. My Grandmother was an amazing photographer. She was and is this mysterious, gentle soul. Incredibly quiet and reserved yet her photography was her voice. She was a hobbyist, but had mastered her cameras and developed the most beautiful prints of Hawaiian landscape and self portraits. My draw to the mystery of photographs and how they both spoke to and moved me started at a very young age, and evolved as I had my own children into that desire to capture beautiful images of their childhood.

6) What was the inspiration behind Addy Lane and how did it start? My first daughter, Addy was my inspiration. She was a new beginning for me. This culmination of my past and my present. So 6 years ago I began the journey into photography, and slowly built up my photography business. But I was becoming so overwhelmed by the business side of things and trying to be an amazing mommy and maintain a full time job all at the same time. It was too much, and my relationships were strained. At the same time I was finding that I enjoyed writing actions and learning Photoshop much more than working with clients. It became clear that I needed to move in that direction and hence Addy Lane was born. I have since stopped taking on clients, and am free to write actions on my own schedule and have found it to be so much more rewarding.

7) What’s the hardest thing about running a business and also being a mom? The hardest part is keeping myself on a schedule so that I don’t ever have to shoo the kids away and tell them “Not now, mommy is working”. Its so much easier to punch a clock and walk away from a job at the end of the day. When you have your own business, it is almost impossible to walk away and the temptation to sit at the computer all day and work is never ending.
8) What has surprised you most about being a mom? The intense feeling of being vulnerable. Looking into my baby’s face, I sometimes feel absolutely crushed by how much I love her, its like I can’t breath. Even after 17 years, the intensity of those feelings still catches me by surprise.
9) Can you share with us your favorite photograph of your kid/kids to date? And why is it your favorite? I love the image of all 4 of my kids, because it is the only real picture I have of all of them together. The generational gap in our home presents a challenge in gathering them all up for pictures.

10) What tips can you offer mamas who want amazing pictures of their children but can’t afford a professional photographer very often? Turn off your flash, and move your kids close to an open window with soft light and let the light fall on them from the side or at an angle. Those two simple things will make a huge difference. Most importantly, work on learning to use the settings on your camera, and with time and practice you will always be ready to catch the moment.
11) What camera would you recommend for a new mommie? My first SLR was a Canon Elan 7E, which shot film. Gasp! But a great starter camera would be a Canon Rebel body with a 50mm 1.8 lens. A budget friendly combo and much easier to learn about f-stops with a fixed aperture lens. Best advice would be not to get caught up in gear. Keep it simple. Its learning to use your tools manually and how light affects your subject that will make YOU take great pictures, not your camera.

Addy Lane Action Giveaway & interview! is a post from: Photog Mommie

When I’m photographing, I usually like to stay away from too many shadows, from the dark & murky, from the unknown… When I think of photographs – I always think of light. And the more, the merrier.

But, I got to thinking… There is always surprising beauty in doing something different; in breaking the mold of what you’ve always done.

So, I did it.

I took away the light and I let the darkness tell the story.

It’s completely amazing to me that something so dark, created something so sweet. I love the way the silhouette contours their sweet button noses, whisps of hair and chubby cheeks. And it does it in a way that light could never do.

This is really so simple to do – this is how I did it!

1.) Start with a fairly dark room – as dark as you can get it and still focus your camera.
2.) Put your subject against a white wall or hang a white sheet for the background.
3.) Position your light behind your subject – you could use a lamp without the shade and a really bright bulb.
4.) Expose for the bright light behind your subject.
5.) In post production, crop the head, convert to b&w & REALLY bump up the contrast!
6.) If you need to touch up – use a white/black paint brush.

Here is the set up I used – I know not everyone has a light box under their bed – but don’t let that stop you.

Here is the original shot that I got:

After cropping, converting to b&w and bumping up the contrast – I re-sized it and placed it on a 16×20 image for printing.

Here is Paxton – he looks a little like Mr. Magoo.

Here is the before of our wall…

Here is the after.

silhouette wall art is a post from: Photog Mommie

I’ve always heard that you never take as many photos of your second child as you do of your first…BUT I never wanted to believe it. I always secretly thought to myself, “That will never be me.”

But, it’s undeniably true.

It’s not that you love them any less or are any less in awe of their every move – you just have other things on your mind…like…”Is my two year old covering herself in my red lipstick or unraveling the entire toilet paper roll while I sit here and snap photos?”

And while there is no possible way I can take as many photos of Paxton as I did of Piper – I am still trying to set up a little shoot for him every 3 months.

These were taken in our living room in natural window light or in our front doorway. While I love the convenience of shooting right in our living room – I can’t wait to get the little guy outside for a shoot in a few months!

**all taken with my Canon 5D Mark II and 50mm, 1.2

ISO 2500, 1/200 @ f/2.8

ISO 2500, 1/320 @ f/2.2

ISO 2500, 1/320 @ f/2.2

ISO 2500, 1/320 @ f/2.2

ISO 2500, 1/320 @ f/2.2

ISO 2000, 1/250 @ f/3.2

ISO 2000, 1/250 @ f/3.2

ISO 1250, 1/250 @ f/2.0

ISO 1250, 1/250 @ f/2.0

ISO 1250, 1/250 @ f/2.0

ISO 800, 1/640 @ f/2.0

ISO 800, 1/640 @ f/2.0

ISO 800, 1/640 @ f/2.0

ISO 800, 1/400 @ f/2.8

ISO 800, 1/500 @ f/3.5

ISO 800, 1/640 @ f/3.5

ISO 800, 1/640 @ f/3.5

Paxton 3 Month Shoot is a post from: Photog Mommie

And that rule being – SHOOT IN MANUAL!

I shoot in Manual Mode – 93.8% of the time. But, there are certain times that I will use Aperture Priority Mode – and I’ll do it with my head held high. Because in the end, I really just want the shot.

What is Aperture Priority Mode (Av on the camera dial), you might ask? It’s a camera setting that allows you to set your ISO and f/stop and the camera automatically sets the shutter speed for you. It’s a type of automatic setting, but it gives you control over your f/stop (which is a bonus).

When will I use Av, you might ask?

Well…if I’m shooting a moving subject in a really complex lighting situation, one that presents a less than ideal variation of shade and bright sun, etc., then I won’t hesitate to switch it over. For instance, when Piper was running through the sprinklers – there was direct sun, light shade, dark shade, half/half, a strong back light, etc. There was no way I could keep up with the changing exposures and try to focus on her little moving body. It would quite frankly be impossible.

So I got over myself and put it in Av.

All of these images were shot with my 70-200mm @ f/2.8. The shutter speeds were coming in at 1/2000.

But, please note that I did use my exposure compensation as well. Because the sun was behind her, I knew the camera was going to make Piper too dark, so I added +2/3 of a stop to the camera’s reading. Since cameras can’t think – you have do it for them sometimes!

And if you’re not having any luck getting good ones of your subjects face – try the booty instead.

An exception to the rule… is a post from: Photog Mommie

Being a mom of 2 is one heck of a ride! It is wonderful, hilarious (at times), exhausting, amazing, miraculous, and did I mention exhausting?!

I had no idea I could love two little beings so much. It’s like a love explosion. My heart is so full!

And there is nothing better than seeing them in a photograph – together – looking halfway normal, maybe even smiling…

Since Paxton is the ripe ol’ age of 3 months – I knew it was time to tackle another shoot. Mark and I pulled every silly face and dancing jig out of our bag of tricks and we feed Piper enough goldfish to make her possibly sprout fins AND we still didn’t get anywhere!

So this is just a friendly reminder that “failed” photoshoots happen to EVERYONE. I find peace in the fact – that even if I just get one – juuuuust ONE – then it will be all worth it.

And if there isn’t even one…

Then there is always tomorrow.

You can see some of my outtakes below. Honestly, some of these really make me laugh – so even though it didn’t go as I had imagined in my head – all was not lost!

I was singing my best rendition of the Star Spangled banner. They were not interested.

It’s a bird, it’s a plane – nope it’s daddy holding up the backdrop!

Paxton, “I’m hungry!” Piper, “Did you say smile? Sure, I can do that!”

Piper, “More fish please!”

Paxton, “Really, mom.”

Out of focus.

Loosing it.

Really loosing it.

Just one more…

AND THIS IS THE ONE THAT I LOVE!

sometimes, all you need is ONE is a post from: Photog Mommie

I’m submitting this image for the Rock the Shot Forum June photo contest about DADS.

If you haven’t entered – you SHOULD!

The shot was captured at 1/800 @ f/2.8 (ISO 400) with Canon 5D Mark II – 85mm, 1.2

dads give you wings is a post from: Photog Mommie

So, you’re expecting!

It’s completely understandable that because you’re spending your life savings on car seats, strollers and a gazillion burp cloths – a professional maternity photo shoot might be out of your reach.

BUT…It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t document this most special time. After all, this is the time that your baby will be the most well-behaved and easy to pose. And all you have to do is look BIG (and maybe shower )!

Here are some tips to making your maternity photo shoot a success and one you’re proud to hang on your wall or put in your baby’s book.

**Since you need to be in these photos – plan to set the photos up and have your husband take them or have a friend come along, so your husband can be in them too (those are always my favorites).**

1. Big is Beautiful!
Since this shoot is all about the baby bump – don’t be afraid to let that belly get nice and round. You should try to plan your shoot around your 36th-38th week of pregnancy for optimum bump-tastic results.

2. Show off that belly!
This might go against all conventional wisdom, but wear something tight and revealing – at least on the belly. This will help to accent your beautiful bump, especially if you’re not planning on showing any skin. I’ve found that a solid color works best or even just plain black or white.

3. Use your hands!
Hands are so important when setting up these pictures (whether they are yours or your husbands) – they really help to accent the bump and create connection. Here are some different ways to use them.

4. Get a low angle!
This is pretty much the only time I will shoot up towards a woman (usually not that flattering). If you can crouch down and get a lower angle – the belly will look even bigger and stand out just amazingly. Try it!

5. Baby’s first CLOSE UP!
I love getting in close and focusing on just the belly at any angle I can think of…front, side, top…

6. Colorful, fun backgrounds!
Why not accent your beautiful bump with a fun background or the bright blue sky? You could even pull a color or pattern from the nursery – then the photo will be the perfect accent to the room.

7. Let Daddy get some lovin’!

8. Find that natural light!
Baby bumps are the most beautiful in natural light. My favorites are back light, open shade and of course window light. Don’t you dare stand in a dark room and turn on your flash. Your baby deserves better!

If you’d like more detailed information on exposure, lighting, etc. – I cover tons more of it in my FREE video series. You can sign up to see it HERE!

If you haven’t found me on FACEBOOK yet – let’s connect – CLICK HERE to LIKE Photog Mommie on Facebook.

how to photograph your baby bump is a post from: Photog Mommie

I am betting you have thousands of photos on your computer, am I right? And let me guess, you love them all, right? I mean they’re of your baby – so naturally.

But, how do you know if you have a MONEY shot in there? How can you possibility pick the ones you want to frame or put in a book?

Here are the TOP 6 THINGS I think about when I’m editing through photos and deciding what belongs in the diaper genie and what is worthy of a frame or a spot in a book.

1. Light
To me, light is the most important part of a photograph. Photography means “light writing” so if the light is bad, yucky, dark or unflattering then there is little hope for the photograph. I’m always looking for light that is soft, even, flattering and creates great vibrant color. Light is something you can’t change in post-production and my time is too valuable to spend my life trying (and so is yours).

2. Expression/Emotion
The second most important thing that I look for is expression! I want smiles or an expression that conveys some type of emotion, or makes me feel a certain way when I look at it.

3. Focus
I’m kind of a focus junky. I LOVE sharp photos. I rarely keep something that isn’t tack sharp unless it has EVERYTHING else going for it…(then I might consider it).

4. Composition
I do look for composition when I’m editing, but it is definitely lower on the list. Composition is something that can be changed in post-production with creative cropping. I will often shoot for focus and then crop later for composition.

5. Story-telling
I will keep an image if it works well with another image and helps to tell a story. This is especially true when I’m picking out images for a book.

6. JUST BECAUSE
This is a little bit like the phrase, “Because I said so.” On occasion there is a photo that you LOVE – and you might have the words to explain why. Maybe the lighting isn’t perfect, maybe the focus is off – but you love it. In your heart of hearts, you just can’t hit delete. So turn it black and white and call it art. Because you said so.

6 tips to narrowing down your photos is a post from: Photog Mommie