{Urban Session - Beautiful Momma & her Sweet Lil Lady}

Last night I had so much fun photographing  mother-daughter beauties!  We did an Urban session which was fun and kind of new for me.  I think I like it!  I think I want to do more urban sessions.  So much to see so little time.  I was on a high after this session and ready to do more in this landscape.  Here's  a little peak at our session!  Oh and I mentioned this on FB so this may be a repeat... but while we were shooting a cop pulled up.  Yeah, that's right...busted!  I wasn't trespassing and I was being úber respectful of the properties we were near.  I was pretty embarrassed in front of my client getting in trouble for shooting possibly where I wasn't supposed to but there was not a no trespassing sign anywhere. He looked at me and  asked if I  was a 'paid photographer'. I had to be truthful but I knew that prob meant I was in trouble. Then he asked for my card explaining that he and his wife were due with their first child soon and he was looking for a photographer. I gave him my info and said, 'Hey, I just met you, and this is crazy, but here's my number, so call me, maybe? ' Okay, I didn't say that. But I didn't get in trouble he just watched for a bit and then was in his way.  Had my heart racing.  I must say...if he contacts me...he will get a very nice discount.  He protects us ya know?   Had the share my 'scare' for the night.  Here's a peek below of my fun last night with my beautiful clients.

{'Is this what it's like to be a fairy, mommy?'} Commercial Shoot

What does a little girl with pretty burlap angel wings and a wishing jar do?  She flies, she dreams, she wishes and she plays.

'Is this what it's like to be a fairy, mommy?' Brielle gasped when I finished tying on her wings.

I was excited to see what Tabitha, owner of TFJ Designs, sent me to photograph for her store.  Aren't these wings adorable!?  And they're so sturdy too, which is ideal for my busy girl.  After the session, Brielle and the neighbor girls did a play where they used the Angel wings for Tinker bell.  So all weekend these wings have been tied to Brielle's back.  I love it!   She even went to Home Depot with a green petticoat, fairy wings and her hair in a bun.   She insists on having her hair in a bun everyday now.  Can't I please freeze her?  This is childhood and I don't want my little girl to grow up.

Beautiful fairy wings:  TFJ Designs

Wishing Jar:  TFJ Designs

Antique 1950's dress:  local antique store

Hair accessory:  Hobby Lobby

 

{Bloom Basics Workshop is back} Registration OPEN now!

Stephanie Moore and I are back!  Due to popular demand we are doing another 'Bloom Basics', on-line, 3 week course!  We're so excited!  Registration is a first come first serve.  Seats are limited so reserve yours before it fills up.  If you're a Bloom Forum Member head over to the forum and sign up.  If you're not a member you can sign up here.  Please let me know if you have any questions at all.  That's what I'm here for and no question is a silly question.  Looking forward to meeting you all!

Unsure if this is for you?  Check out what some former 'Bloom Basics' students have to say about the course {see the bottom of this post}.

Sample work of former Bloom Basics Workshop attendees.  

Here's what some of them had to say:

I can't say enough good things about the Bloom Basics photography course taught by Kara May and Stephanie Moore.  When I started the class, I was a true novice and hadn't operated my camera on anything more than "auto".  At the conclusion, I could not only take pictures in manual mode with so much more confidence than I expected, but I could also edit in Photoshop.  I'm able to adjust f-stop, exposure, and shutter speed while taking into consideration lighting and surroundings.  Kara and Stephanie encourage participation and are so helpful in all aspects of the learning process.  Their lessons included many videos so that we could also "see" how things are done, which is very helpful.  They would even answer individual questions with a personal video if you were struggling with some concept.  The class was so much fun, that I didn't want it to end and I am looking forward to the next class that I can take :)

-Kathy K.

 

Bloom basics was such a great workshop for me. Stephanie and Kara were amazing instructors. The daily lessons were very easy to follow and then throughout the day and weeks they were frequently on the forum to explain, answer questions, and show examples. They were very available through out the course of the workshop. When I started this workshop I was always shooting in automatic. Now I am shooting in manual and understanding the triangle to doing it!

- Amy P.

 

I absolutely LOVED the Bloom Basics workshop – the material was presented in a clear way and it built on itself everyday. Even though I read several books about exposure and practiced on my own prior to – it really clicked in the first few days of the workshop. Steph and Kara were amazing – so supportive and ensuring that all questions were answered thoroughly. I learned so much and am so thankful for the experience.

- Sharyn B.

 

With no hesitation, I can say that Bloom Basics with Stephanie and Kara was life changing for me and for my photography! I was able to learn SO much about the world of photography in such a short time and am forever thankful. Before taking the course, I knew how to shoot in manual, but didn't completely understand all the concepts associated with shooting in manual and never felt proud of my images. Thanks to the detailed lessons and active instructors, I now fully understand the exposure triangle, have learned what terms like "metering" and "composition" actually mean and feel confident shooting both inside AND outside (even in full sun!). Kara and Stephanie offered such valuable feedback - critiques were honest and helpful EVERY time. I cannot rave enough about both of these talented and caring instructors. What an amazing opportunity for me to have been taught by such wonderful women and photographers! If you are wanting to improve your pictures and experience an amazing opportunity, sign up fast! I wanted to share a shot I have recently taken to document how beneficial this course truly is.

-Katie P

 

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed your workshop.  I was on the fence about the commitment, since I have two little ones at home and rarely find time to do much of ANYthing for myself.  But was so glad I went with my gut and signed up!  I have had a DSLR since the birth of my first child three years ago, but was never able to find the time to sit down and learn how to shoot in manual.  My photos were just "meh" and I needed someone to just teach me the basic basics to get out of the snapshot rut.  I am definitely one that learns by seeing AND doing, with lots of practice in between, so reading books never really worked when trying to learn a new skill.  Your videos were extremely helpful and the way the class was set up was very easy to follow.   I was able to pop on when I could, as often as my daily schedule could allow.   You were both very good about responding to all our questions very quickly and presented material in a simple, yet very effective way.  But the talent you each have and brought to the class is unbelievable and I feel honored that you shared your tips, tricks and secrets with us!  I have been diligent about practicing since our class ended and have even started a photo project for 2013!  Even well before the workshop was over, I received compliments on the photos that I published on facebook or shared with family.  I feel like I have only scratched the surface, but can thank you for inspiring me and encouraging my enthusiasm for this beautiful art!  And one that allows me to capture precious moments and memories of my family and loved ones along the way.  It really has opened a door and changed the way I see things.  Thank you so much for this wonderful gift!!!

- Brita S.

 

I loved this online course! Stephanie and Kara were amazing at teaching us "newbies" the proper way to shoot in manual. Their material was to the point and so easy to learn. Often they answered our questions in a videos that would end up benefitting all of us. Their videos are very simple to follow along. When I first started this course I had ZERO experience using my camera in Manuel mode... now that's ALL I use. I would definitely recommend this. It's worth every penny!!

- Vanessa A.

 

{vintage. fall. my favorite.} commercial shoot: FaithWorks4U

Words can't express enough how in love I am with FaithWorks4U clothing.  Faith, is a designer genius who's brought back styles from the 1960's and 1970's.  I'm simply smitten with them.  I think she's tired of hearing that but I can't tell her enough how amazing she is.  Anyway, here's some of her designs available now in her shop - all ready for the fall season.

{Project 26 - 'jumping for joy!'}

For this weeks Project 26 I thought about the theme and was instantly reminded of our Mexico trip last year.  Since we're getting ready to go again I thought I'd post some pictures of the kids jumping in the waves last year.  My kids are so excited to go to Mexico each year they start packing weeks in advance.  This year I've convinced them to start with a packing list before tearing their rooms apart in an attempt to pack.  I think I have held them out so far - fingers crossed ;-)

Please be sure to click on all of the links to complete the circle of these talented ladies I get to meet with (virtually) on every Project 26 day.  Jessica Deane is one of my favorite photographers...check out her vision for this weeks theme.

{Announcing a Beginner Photography Workshop!}

I'm thrilled to announce a new workshop I will be teaching in late October.  The talented Stephanie Moore and I will be teaching a workshop for beginners called 'Bloom Basics'.  This workshop is aimed at teaching the basics of photography and how to confidently shoot in manual mode while achieving the end result you desired in your final image.  We'll walk you through all the technical aspects of shooting in manual mode, include video demonstrations, details on uploading and editing your image, and so much more.  Our workshop is for those who want to take better photos and understand how to properly operate all aspect of your DSLR camera and/or  those who want to eventually have their own photography business.   Please read the details below and well as the Q&A at the bottom.  I'm so excited to meet you all.  NOTE:  Seats are limited and sign-ups begin in NOW.  E-mail Stephanie at stephanie@stephaniemoorestudios.com to reserve your seat today. Thanks!! 

{Project 26 - 'throw back'}

It's that time already again!!  Project 26 and the fun theme of 'throw back'.  This theme can be taken in soooo many different directions.  I wasn't sure which way to go with it but I thought this recent session I did for FaithWorks4U  was the pretty fitting for this post.  I have many more from the is session that I'll be showing you in a separate blog post but I wanted to incorporate a couple of fun outtakes into's Project 26.   This was such a fun shoot. The kids, Jeff and I went to a local candy store - we explored, discovered and had so much fun.  The kids want to go back every weekend  and stock up on taffy and 'Zots' (remember those?), look at the cool vintage toys and gadgets and do some more photo booth pictures. I'm so glad they still have photo booths that are like the ones we used to use as kids - total throwback.  I think I need one for my house - my kids wouldn't get out of it.

Anyway, be sure to click through the rest of the circle and see the other talented photographers and their vision on this weeks theme.  Jessica Drossin won't disappoint with her post here.

{Project 26 - '1,000 Words'}

So we've all heard the saying 'a picture is worth a 1,000 words'.  And it's so true.  It may be cliche but it has deep meaning in many cases.  There were so many pictures I wanted to pull from prior weeks but I tried hard to use pictures from this week.  This week the kids and I built a fun 'living room' fort.  All I had that was light weight was 'white' and we grabbed several pillows to make it comfy and it turned out a quite girly unintentionally.  We have a 'feminine' look throughout much of our house when it comes to accessories so this is about as neutral as it gets lol.  But Ty was a great sport grabbing grey pillows from the couch and mustard pillows from the play room.  It was cozy at least. For homework each day I like the kids to read in a quiet spot, so Ty and Brielle ran to the fort to read.  Ty has read the Harry Potter series but Brielle hasn't so he started reading them to her.  Anyway, I thought this moment was fitting for this week's theme.  Reading in a magical fort - how much fun is that?!   All in all we had a blast building this and the kids haven't  wanted to take it down.  Brielle wants to sleep in it this weekend - the ground is super hard so I don't know how long she'd last.  But a family slumber party for a few hours in the front room could be fun.  I wish we could leave this up permanently too.  I'm sure we'll build more fun forts. My kids can't get enough of them!

Oh and guess where I found Brielle this morning when I went to wake her up for school?  She loves it.

After scrolling through this post click here to continue the circle. Jessica Drossin is full of creativity and I'm sure she'll have some amazing eye candy for us.  :)

{Project 26 - 'just me'}

Eeps!  It's time for another project 26 and this one was a tough one.  It's supposed to be a picture of me.  I struggle with being in front of the camera.  I'm not comfortable at all and in fact if I see a camera pointed in my direction I usually duck and hide.  I'm that fearful of being on the other side of the lens.  I wish I could get over it since I know my kids and someday grandkids will want to know who I was and what I looked like.  But still...I struggle.  So last night I finally did it...I got my iPhone out and my DSLR and stood (or sat) for a moment in front of the camera. This is 'just me'. Oh and yes, those are my scary feet...they are in need of a pedicure but I'm too cheap to get one. ;-)  and my feet are all banged up from years of abuse wearing heals. lol  Note:  these pictures break so many rules so please don't hate.    Oh and continue on to the circle and see what the other girls have posted - Jessica Drossin is sure to amaze.  The circle may be light today but should be larger in the next few days since summer makes it hard for some to post right away.

{Project 26 - 'Dream, Dream, Dream'}

This weeks Project 26 theme could go in sooooo many directions. The 'dream' theme fit perfect with what my kids have been talking a lot about this week.  Brielle in particular has had nightmares.  She talks about them the next morning.  So we started talking about how she can take control and turns those nightmares into dreams that make her happy and peaceful.  Then she blurted excitedly, 'I can catch my dreams'.   So we did this project's session with that in mind.  She giggled most of the time especially when we played with the stars and the hearts {they tickled her head and her face}.As I mentioned last week, we have a new addition to the group this week!  Sarah Lynn Cornish the talent behind 'My Four Hens Photography' has joined our group! Please click here to see her beautiful take on this weeks 'Dream' theme and continue through the circle of talented photographers.