Photography by Courtney White

It really was freezing...

2011-01-13T22:36:00.002-07:00

And it was snowing.

Really.

Like I was wearing boots, a heavy coat and a wool hat. My models were wearing...well, as you can see.

Models - you are amazing, and thanks for putting up with the freezing cold, and ME!

Enjoy!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-23T12:38:00.003-07:00

It has been a whirlwind time of busy-ness and I have neglected to post on my photo blog - I have been trying to keep up to date on my facebook page - and thus have let the blog slide a bit.

These little bundles of baby bliss are my niece and nephew - sweet little twins born the end of October. And they are truly bringing great joy to my family this Christmas season!

Enjoy!

SuperModel Party - Part 4 - Breeana!

2010-10-17T13:10:00.003-06:00

More beautiful faces from this super fun night!

Soul Purpose

2010-10-14T00:28:00.005-06:00

Sorry I had to go underground for a bit - it was necessary to clear out some things and re-establish my purpose.

My soul purpose (get it?).

What is your soul purpose? It's really rather interesting to think about, no?

So I am back in the public eye to clarify - my studio is done - phase 1 anyway. I am saying it publicly on this blog so that my 16 year old son does not need to be questioned about it at church again. He was all worried that his answer may lead to more letters from the city - you know, considering the history and all. He's a good kid, that one. Smart as a whip too. I reminded him that the city is our friend. And my business license is hanging on the wall. Relief.

So on to more exciting things:

A new price list is posted below (or on the tabs above). You can say "Finally!" I know, I hear ya.

I am deeply touched at the fan-ship I have on facebook. You all make it real for me, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I would love to shoot you all (you know, in a photography sort of way).

And...this could very well be the WORST picture I have ever taken. But it was taken with my cell phone in horrible lighting conditions (excuses!). I really am posting it just because I have to share the fun thing that Sydney and I did last week. We got a mother/daughter part on a radio program for the Mormon Radio Channel - totally serious, they paid us and everything. It was for a series on the Articles of Faith and this was episode 11 - the prototype which means, well...it's really important that we not mess up. Sydney even got to sing - an entire song - and she was so like - move over Miley Cyrus (okay that was me). She did so well, is she really this grown up? Sniff. So I took this pic from my microphone station where I had my own set of headphones on and could not move more than 1 foot from where I was standing.

It was really cold in there - just sayin'

Cheers!

New Price List...

2010-10-13T23:06:00.006-06:00

It's about time, right?

Here is my new price list. I like to keep it simple. It's just the way I am :)

Complete Model Portfolio - $2000
2 Outdoor and 1 Studio session - 3 Total sessions!
Includes: CD(s) with approx 300 8x12 crop/edited images
Headshot/Comp card creation
50 8x10 Headshot/Comp card prints
Make-up/Hair artist on site
Online password protected album

Basic Model Portfolio - $1000
1 Outdoor and 1 Studio session - 2 total sessions
Includes: CD(s) with approx 100 8x12 crop/edited images
Headshot/Comp card creation
20 8x10 Headshot/Comp card prints
Make up/Hair artist on site
Online password protected album

Studio Model Portfolio - $650
1 Studio Session - 3 hours
Includes: CD with approx 65 8x12 crop/edited images
Makeup/Hair artist on site
Online password protected album

Outdoor Model Portfolio - $400
1 Outdoor session - 2 hours
Includes: CD with approx 50 8x12 crop/edited image
Online password protected album

Studio Actor's Headshots - $150
1 Hour session
Includes: CD with approx 65 8x12 crop/edited images
8x10 Headshot creation with name and agency logo (black/white and color choice)
Online password protected album
Add prints - contact me for quantity pricing

Studio Corporate Headshots - $75
30 Minute session
Includes: CD with 10 8x12 crop/edited images

Family Photo Session - Deluxe - $400
Outdoor - Immediate Family only - no large groups
2 Hour session
Includes: CD with approx 45 8x12 crop images
1 11x14, 5 8x10s, 2 5x7s
Online password protected album

Family Photo Session - Portrait - $250
Outdoor - Immediate Family only - no large groups
1 hour session
Includes: CD with approx 20 8x12 crop images
5 8x10s, 2 5x7s
Online password protected album

Families - if you want to order more prints from your session, you may do so through your online album - additional print fees apply.

Want to have a SuperModel Party? Contact me directly for details.

Questions? Here are some answers:

Brides - consider yourself a model - see above packages.

Seniors - consider yourself a model - see above packages.

Families - I only schedule 2 family sessions a month. October is full. You will want to book at least a month in advance - call me to get on the calendar.

Men Models - You don't have to wear make-up...unless you want too.

Travel fees may be added, depending on outdoor location. Studio is located in Spanish Fork, Utah.

Wedding couples - I do not cover weddings. But I do wedding couple sessions. Contact me for details and pricing - I customize for ya'll - cause it's special :)

Kids sessions - I only work with children in studio or on location who are models, or are aspiring to be.

Newborn sessions - This is not my specialty and I strongly urge you to seek a photographer whose specialty it is - because it is a true art and gift to photograph newborns. You may be able to twist my arm, email me.

Email me: photographybycourtney@gmail.com

Supermodel Party - Part 3 - Cortney!

2010-10-13T22:54:00.002-06:00

More from the par-tay! We both have red hair and we have the same name - I am all thinking how fun that is. She's beautiful, don't you agree?

Cute kids!

2010-10-11T17:25:00.002-06:00

I love kids - I love taking their pictures. Kids are cute. All of them. These four especially (and their parents aren't bad either!). Here's a sneak peek of the McLaughlins - a super fun bunch and a fun time we had. Thanks guys!

My favorites...

2010-09-29T09:26:00.004-06:00

There are so many favorites I have to share today with these photos. I have to say really these are my most favorite triplets, and their Mom is really one of my most favorite friends. And I shot all these photos in my most favorite barn - really sometimes I just go drive out and sit by it because I love it that much. All the way around this really has to be one of my favorite photo sessions. Enjoy!

I'm a tease...

2010-09-27T13:01:00.002-06:00

I have just barely scratched the surface on this totally fun photo session with the Slye Family (my favorite triplets!). And sadly I must close my digital darkroom for the day and head out the door - it's the first big swim meet of the season (so I know you'll understand), but I had to put something up on my blog! I really cannot wait to show you the rest. So here is a big meanie tease...many more to come!

Supermodel Party - Part 2 - Cody!

2010-09-25T14:38:00.002-06:00

Cody admitted he hasn't done much modeling before, but then admitted he had a lot of fun. I am admitting, he's got a great look for camera and will encourage him to pursue! He's a jazz singer - and so I am pretty sure, in some form, we'll see his name in lights. Cheers!

Ashley - SuperModel Party, part 1

2010-09-20T16:50:00.002-06:00

This was way fun, like really, way fun. White Studios hosted a SuperModel Party this weekend - two photographers, 5 models, costumes, props and peanut M&Ms. I'm totally wanting to do more of these.

We are all supermodels at heart, don't you agree? I have so many photos to share from this session that I will have to split the posts up, so here is the first round - Ashley - gorgeous, what more can I say?

Pioneers

2010-09-19T16:32:00.004-06:00

Back in 2002, I had the opportunity to work on a film called "Handcart".

It was a strong, one word title that, it was hoped, would bring big excitement as had other strong, one word titled films...Titanic, Armageddon, Aliens perhaps?

It didn't exactly make the top ten that year, but it was a rather fun experience for me. My son Josh was seven years old at the time and he played a featured extra role of a little boy who had gotten lost on the pioneer trail of 1856 - which you can read about here.

Since the budget was a little on the low end, we had to be creative with costumes. I sewed some pants and suspenders for him and was an all proud Mom on the day of shooting.

While digging in the costume box this week, I found the blessed pair of handcart pioneerboy pants and greatly begged Jake, my now seven year old to put them on. And what do you know, they fit perfectly. And I really just had to have fun with that.

So here is seven year old Jake...acting like a pioneer?

I just took the pictures.

Life still happens in a studio

2010-09-08T18:07:00.002-06:00

I was nervous about starting up studio photography - especially for families and kids who are not used to being on camera. I was worried about props on the shelves and fuzzy tickle sticks while I was trapped behind a tri-pod. This is why I declared myself commercial.

But I reconsidered for Michelle.

Michelle is the talented one who painted my toddler's room. She's also our fabulous make-up artist for White Productions. She fantastically transformed beautiful people into even more beautiful people - for HD which is a whole new world for make-up - all while being 8 and 3/4 months pregnant. Michelle rocked our video production's world, and then three days later - she had baby Eli. So, you see, I really had to take their pictures, it was a must. And what I realized during this session is that it's really all going to be okay.

My tri-pod is still gathering dust, and I am free!

I love to capture life, real life. That's my style.

Studio or not. Enjoy!

Juggle juggle, rest rest...

2010-09-06T19:32:00.004-06:00

Yesterday I slept in until 11:00am. Today I slept in until 10:37. Tomorrow it's up and back at 'em at 6:00am. But I am okay with that.

Last week was a whirlwind of adventure. It began with nerves and ended with powerhouse excitement and sillyness that only comes from severe lack of sleep when you surround yourself with 1500 people and really AH-mazing food.

I am going to keep a lid on it all for just a little bit longer (I know!!) until I can send you a direct link on the web to the video project I produced through the month of August - because soon anyone can see it and I just can't wait. But for starters I'll begin the story...

Several months ago I began a path to find answers to some health issues my family was encountering. To make a long story short, I found the answer in essential oils. Not just any brand of essential oils. doTERRA essential oils - the only certified pure therapeutic grade essential oils on the market today. To put it bluntly, they are the best. And they work. Instantly. Safely. And amazingly effectively. I can say this because I have used other brands, but none of them have healed the way doTERRA oils have. I am blessed beyond belief to have the chief medical advisor of doTERRA living just down the street from me. Bless him for helping me help my family and begin my journey to natural healing in my home with essential oils.

A small crisis in our family (which is a story for another day) led me to make some hasty and risky decisions. Why not launch my photography biz into a full-blown production company? I mean really, it's either I take a risk or we keep on keeping on and that alternative was not okay with me.

It's funny to me how we are all on wavelengths. It's kind of like when you are thinking of a long lost friend and then just the next day they've added you on facebook. You know what I mean?

So as I was comtemplating the large investment I had just made into massive amounts of high tech new equipment - while washing dishes one Sunday afternoon in late July - I had an idea. It was an idea I couldn't let go, not until I acted. I usually insist that I do not work on the sabbath, but I dropped my dishes chore and jumped onto my email. I emailed Australia and told them my idea:

I love doTERRA essential oils. I am a producer. I can hire a full crew. What do you think?

They emailed me back within the hour: Let's talk.

Turns out my idea was in tune with their need. Talk about a jackpot wavelength.

We beamed, we brainstormed, we stayed up very late (that whole 16 hour time difference can be a beast), and we skyped until we had come up with brilliance.

Our idea was made into reality through amazing support and talent which I cannot express enough gratitude for. Really, you know, no one can be successful by themselves - go team! The finished project was presented to doTERRA corporate. They loved it so much they launched their convention with it. On the big screen. Last weekend.

It was so worth it.

And this is only the beginning.

In the meantime, I am back to dusting off the photography studio.

Because these little people are really what I am doing it all for anyway and there's nobody better to do a light test with, you think?

Nerves

2010-08-29T13:34:00.002-06:00

Have you ever been really nervous about something? I used to get nervous a lot when I was a kid - sometimes to the point where I felt sick. Sometimes to the point where I cried. Sometimes to the point where I got a headache. Sometimes to the point where I wanted to turn and run and chicken out.

But I never did.

Today I'm kinda nervous. This week is going to be a busy week. Our clients are coming in from Australia. I get to meet them face to face instead of conference calls with headshot faces via Skype - which, don't get me wrong, have been extremely pleasant conversations!

I can't wait.

I can't wait to show them the finished product.

August has been epic.

Bring on September.

But I'm still a little nervous. In a good way.

You know the feeling.

Happiness is...

2010-08-22T15:06:00.002-06:00

Eating Peanut M&Ms and drinking bottled water on set...

...with amazing, and talented people whom I have known for years...

Producing a video project whose content and message I am passionate about...

And hiring my hubs to direct it...

Twelve years ago Del and I had a dream to have our own Video/Film production company. This August of 2010 - our dream came true. A big thank you to our amazing crew as we completed the first week of shooting on our first gig for clients in Australia. I really cannot feel more blessed than I do right now.

Courtney White Photography has expanded to White Productions, LLC and we are open for business!

SOOC - more Canon 5D play

2010-08-13T17:42:00.008-06:00

If any of you didn't know, I am a perfectionist.

It's kind of a weakness, but I try to play it as a strength. In my photography, I insist on perfection. I will not even show a photo to a client unless it is perfect to me.

I will share this experience as to why I am a perfectionist...

A while back, maybe 2, 3? years ago back, I shot some photos for a family. I did really close up shots of each of the children and the mommy loved them. There were two photo choices for mommy of each child. One of the two choices of the beautiful blonde daughter was out of focus. I missed focus on her eyes - the most important place for focus to be - and it fell on the collar of her shirt. But because that was a better of the two, I had to include it - her smile was just so sweet. Then...it came time for mommy to order prints. She wanted 11x14s of those cute faces. So what happens when she chose the best sweet smile of her daughter when you enlarge it to an 11x14? Yes, you guessed it. I couldn't do it, I just couldn't give it to her. "Yes but..." I said, "Do you see? Her eyes are out of focus. In the other one they are in focus. I know she is smiling better in this one, but do you really want her eyes out of focus? I wouldn't if I were you." Yes, I'm totally serious, I talked her out of it. And she ended up getting the 11x14 in the other one and felt badly that I stunk as a photographer. After that I decided, I don't show clients un-perfect pictures. If I mess it up, I will be the only one who knows, and I will be grounded from peanut M&Ms for a month - which is really rather motivating.

So I have spent many hours, many years trying to perfect my images SOOC (Straight out of Camera). That means exposure has to be perfect. And editing will not take hours, or even more than a few minutes. THAT is so important to me as a photographer. THAT is what makes me ME - and that is what you get when you hire me - Your eyes will always be in focus - promise.

I have owned several cameras in my photographic lifespan - each one impressing me more as I upgrade. But I must say that the Canon 5D Mark II is just blowing me away and I just have to show you.

These were taken on the 24th of July - and I give my word that the only editing done on these were to resize for the web - pinky swear. Check out the wrinkles, check out the fabric, check out the color! Are you in awe like me? I know, it doesn't take much.

And just so you know, I have probably close to 1000 photos on the digital darkroom floor because I just plain got it wrong. Photos no one has ever seen. I may play a perfectionist on TV, but really, I am nowhere near perfect. Maybe I will make it into a coffee table book and call it, "The Un-Perfect ones" You think?

Sweetness...

2010-08-08T21:08:00.002-06:00

Warning: You may be tempted to reach into your computer screen just so you can experience this perfectly sweet little newborn. I've tried to write this post about four times with words like adorable, beautiful, special, breath-taking, teensy-tiny, and pink perfection - but I've decided words cannot express enough how I felt about photographing this sweet little baby girl. Quite possibly the highlight of my month!

A quick word to answer some questions to my inbox about my previous post: Melissa on her bike. That photo is real, and not photoshopped for anything more than some color enhancement. So how did I get it, you have asked? With my shutter speed set low - 1/60, I set my focus on the subject's face. Then with precise skill and coordination I was hanging out the side of a moving mini-van. True story. And that's how I didn't use Photoshop. Cheers!

Nutrition and Fitness Expert

2010-08-05T13:05:00.005-06:00

I love it when I get to meet inspiring people. You know the type: They light up a room when they walk in, they have a great smile, they are smart, fun and, well - they are experts! The inspiring part about inspiring people as that they have dedicated much of their time and energy - which equates usually to years - to being that expert. And they made those efforts to be that expert in order to be able to help others. And that is why I am so super excited to introduce you to Melissa Guthrie. She has spent many years studying nutrition and healthy living - and not only that! She is also a champion tri-athlete. This gal is also a fabulous motivational speaker. I have had the great opportunity to work with her to help her build a portfolio to use on websites, email flyers, posters, blogs, pamphlets - let us count the ways!

Here's the way cool part - Melissa is teaching a seminar on August 12th and YOU can attend! Here are the details:

AUGUST 12: 7:00 – 8:30 pm:

Pro-Level Athlete and Nutrition Expert and doTERRA Edge Team Member Melissa Guthrie will be the special guest presenter:

“A Healer in Every Home”
Essential Oil Class
Presents: Melissa Guthrie

“Achieving Optimal Fitness with Proper Nutrition & Essential Oils”

Melissa Guthrie is a nutrition coach and personal fitness trainer. She competed at the ITU World Championship in 2005, then was sponsored by Team Snickers, and is now the sports nutritionist for Team Chances for Children Arizona.

Thursday, August 12th
7:00-8:30 pm
The Grateful Pose, Yoga Studio
254 East Pages Lane
Centerville, UT

Admission is FREE!! Feel free to bring a friend or pass this information along to someone you know who might be interested. Questions?: (call/text) Janet (801)597-9587

21.1 Megapixels

2010-07-29T13:27:00.004-06:00

I really had to jump on to my blog today to tell you that I am stunned. I am in awe. I am speechless - and for me, that's big.

I got a new toy. The camera kind.

My hubs and I have been back and forth on this... We knew if we were going to go Pro (weren't we already?) we had to start playing with the big boys. Since I had previously been shooting with the Fuji S5 Pro, I was neither on the Nikon team nor the Canon team - although only Nikon lenses were the ones that fit on my Fuji - so I suppose I was partially partial to the Nikon.

But, it was the HD Video feature on the Canon 5D Mark II that convinced us it was to be our choice. 21.1 Megapixels after coming from 12.3 is really rather, um, amazing. HD Video -in a still camera - what will they think of next??? I am seeing major motion picture production in our future...perhaps? In the end I know we made the right choice because half of our very professional photographer friends said "Congrats!" the others said, "We hate you." So we know it's all good.

It's really impossible to truly show the value of 21.1 megapixels on the web. But I just have to tell you I have had an absolute ball lately counting the pores on my kids' faces at 200% - a blast I say! More to come!

In the studio - straight off the camera aside from crop and resize - I love you, dear Canon.

PS- I was able to sleep in this morning until 8:34 - for someone who has been up at 6:00am every day this summer - it's amazing what an extra 2 1/2 hours can do. This post today was brought to you by extra sleep. Cheers

I really am here...

2010-07-23T13:17:00.002-06:00

Really.

I just came by to post, to let you know I am still alive. And well. And still shooting...

Here is the scoop on me, because I feel I should offer an explanation as to what I am up too these days. I have an inbox full of confused people - do you still do family portraits? Are you only working with models now? What happened to your website, all the photos are gone! All of my apologies, I love you all.

So here it is...I do still shoot family portraits, but I am on a very limited schedule with these types of sessions. Right now I am only booking 2-3 a month in order to accomodate other types of photgraphy work I am doing. I will be posting a new price list on my website - check back soon.

My producer/director hat is back in place and fitting rather nicely. At this current time I am working more exclusively with video production (weeee!), and commercial photography - this includes models, business teams, headshots, products and multimedia marketing. I truly enjoy using creativity in this field to promote and help others. It's really, like, a total blast.

Once the ball gets rolling, and I can get more than a few hours of sleep at night - and I learn how to juggle - I will begin posting more regularly. And I'll show you everything!

I'm taking a little break

2010-07-03T08:24:00.003-06:00

In some ways it pains me to say that I am taking a little break. Because I really look forward to writing on this blog and sharing my life through my photography.

But it is imperative that...

all ducks need to be set in a row. Some T's need to be crossed. Some I's dotted. Some papers need to be filed in the red filing cabinet. The shiny black floor needs to be constantly swept (black flooring is very cool but gets rather dusty, you know). New equipment needs to be broken in. I need to adjust my producer/director's cap and make sure it is getting back on straight.

More importantly I need to hang on with both hands to the roller coaster handle bar. And it's very hard to blog when you are doing that!

But, I really do love this blog and sharing photos with you...

So maybe don't take it literally.

I may not really be able to stay away for very long.

You can check back every couple weeks.

You may be surprised.

Ooh Baby Baby!

2010-06-27T15:29:00.004-06:00

I'm busy.

Like really busy. It's swell.

I'm totally not being sarcastic. It's the best! I'm learning to be more organized. I bought myself a filing cabinet. It's red. I knew I needed to have it to put in my new studio - that it would go great with the shiny black floor and the white striped ceiling. I'm being completely serious, no sacrasm at all. You will get to see soon enough - how's that for a tease!

And because I have been busy I just have one photo for you today, just a quick out take from a baby model session I did in Portland, Oregon.

Cheers!

Vacation...

2010-06-09T18:14:00.002-06:00

Because really, everyone needs one.

When you are a Mom and you have to bring your children with you, and your husband has to fly back home after five days...vacation doesn't exactly mean what it is supposed to.

I am really quite tired.

But I had a splendid time in the great Northwest, and so did my camera.

Enjoy!

My niece's wedding...

2010-05-24T11:02:00.003-06:00

A little personal post today...

Exactly 11 years ago, Marcela came to America from Bolivia and became part of my family. She was the first niece I met on my hubs side of the family. She is such an amazing and beautiful girl who has overcome some immense struggles with her health. Her father, my brother in law, is embarking on a grand adventure this summer - riding his bike across the country to raise money for Shriner's hospital - in an effort to promote awareness and gratitude for all that was done to help Marcela in her recoveries.

But first things first...before Dad was allowed to leave on his bike trek, there was a grand wedding to be celebrated! It really is rather difficult to be a photographer when your cryin' the whole darn time - sheesh. Congrats to Marcela and Christopher - Te amo!

Here's a great idea...

2010-05-20T09:27:00.002-06:00

If you are a photographer, seek out another photographer whose work you admire, whose blog you love to visit, whose style you want all over the walls of your home, and whose friend you really want to be. Then - go shooting with them. This last week I had such a fun time going out shooting with Gayle Vehar. I have admired her work and style for years and this was a real treat for me - as well as an opportunity to update photos of yours truly (it really is very hard for me to have my picture taken, I am really rather picky and uncomfortable about it, just so you know). But - thanks to Gayle's brilliance, I now have new and updated headshots and profile pictures, all in great bright colorfulness and style. And the super fun was in swapping cameras because then I got to point it at her. Really - really - quite a fun thing my photographer friends - I highly recommend going shooting with a buddy.

Gayle's photography is beautiful, I really must insist that you visit her Mom and Camera blog. You will want to tune in often to see the stunning images she posts from her life (and you can even buy art prints - those lilacs, I'm telling ya!). But before you zip over to her blog, you can meet her...

and see the beautiful gift of art she gave to me and my girls. Splendid, isn't it?

Props...

2010-05-18T09:35:00.002-06:00

Sometimes, when you are out and about on a photo shoot, you find something really cool. Like a tree stump, or a nifty rock, a little peek hole, a pile of leaves, a trash can (??), or log perfectly placed over a little stream. The other night, I found this giant tire. I love it when I find a random prop that I did not have to haul out to a location. And it is a good thing this was so heavy, because I really wanted to take it home with me. But I figured another photographer will stumble upon it - best leave it for the next guy (gal!) Cheers!

Brandilynn

2010-05-11T12:00:00.002-06:00

I'm wrapping up the model portfolios from St. George and I am super excited to introduce you to Brandi - a beautiful redhead who was not only gorgeous, but extremely fun to work with. She braved rock climbing and creepy crawly sagebrush critters - all in bare feet - sheesh, the things these gals go through for the shots we photographers want. She was a great sport and I can't wait to work with her again! Brandilynn Pahl...

Megan

2010-05-09T19:42:00.002-06:00

Megan has the most amazing features - the contrast between her hair and skin - beautiful. She really could wear any color and get away with it - how lucky is that? She admitted to me that she was new at modeling and just starting out. Well, I can tell ya, she's gonna go far!

Also - I had to mention, have you noticed these girls in their high heels? Yes, they actually did hike around the rocks and sagebrush of Southern Utah in them. That, my friend is a true lady talent. They made it look incredibly easy as I stumbled along in my hiking boots - which is the plain as day reason why I stay behind the camera. Megan Wholey...Enjoy!

Rachel

2010-05-02T21:55:00.002-06:00

Rachel (aka Carrie on Model Mayhem), was the first model I got to work with. Immediately there were two things I noticed about her - two parts of her that I knew I had to accentuate in every image: her eyes and her hair. Gorgeous. Can I really say more? Meet Rachel Oaks!

Alyson

2010-04-27T09:29:00.003-06:00

While I have been spending so much time editing these images from the St. George workshop, I have been relishing on the fact of how much I truly love what I do. It is so refreshing to be able to use creativity and work with beautiful people! Being a photographer, working with models, allows me to put my directing skills to work (remember I'm a producer gal at heart) and I have learned there is an "art" to directing models. But I have also found that modeling (for the model) is a skill, a true talent, and Alyson has GOT it! She was such a talented model that pretty much the only images that didn't come out were because of my own camera flubs. Needless to say I had a very hard time choosing only a few to share with you. Meet Alyson Hutchins!

Shanna

2010-04-21T20:33:00.002-06:00

The location we were in Saturday morning was a slot canyon, and just happened to be used during the filming of "The Electric Horseman" starring Robert Redford and Jane Fonda - way cool, huh? It was a perfect spot for photography because even though the desert sun was high and hot, we had nice open shade to shoot in because of the high cliffs. Here is the next beautiful model I got to work with - Shanna Jackson - Enjoy!

Lauren

2010-04-20T14:33:00.004-06:00

The workshop I attended in St. George was a perfect match for me. I had never been a part of something like this before. For starters, our host, had picked out a location for each session. Once we all arrived (photographers and models) we set up camp which consisted of a place to hang wardrobe, tents for the models to change in, and tables for supplies and food. Then each of us photographers were matched with a model and off we went to shoot. We'd gather back together after several minutes and discuss what we learned, liked, disliked and wanted to share.

For me it was not only great to learn and improve on skills but to meet new, interesting and fun people! I always love meeting new people. Working with beautiful models made it so much more of a fantastic experience for me because, well, models love having their pictures taken so, for me, this was a grand time to be a true artist! So without further ado, I will introduce you to the first beauty - Lauren Snow...

My favorite:

Desert Beauty

2010-04-18T19:27:00.002-06:00

I'm back! Back after a brief but oh-so-fantastic time in St. George, Utah where I was able to meet six gorgeous models and help them build their portfolios (and mine too!). Images of these stunning girls will be consuming the next several posts and I can't wait to introduce you to them!

A BIG special thanks to Bryan Pocock Photography for throwing the workshop bash. It really was great fun and I learned a ton! Thanks!

Because three was not enough...

2010-04-06T18:13:00.006-06:00

I had to share a few more from our blustery "sprinter" (spring+winter) day in Salt Lake City. Such a fun, beautiful couple!

April Fools Wedding!

2010-04-02T13:27:00.002-06:00

There was really nothing foolish about the bride and groom lucky me got to work with yesterday. Upon awakening we found Mother Nature's little joke to be about 3 inches of snow on the ground, with impending stormy weather the rest of the day. While I will admit we froze our toesies (and ears, and noses and we won't even begin about our hands), Mr. Golden Sun played hide and seek with us for a couple of hours and made it really quite fun: warm, freezing, white balance for shade, white balance for sun, sunglasses on, sunglasses off, calm, still, whooooeeee everyone hold down your skirts cause here comes the wind!

Congratulations! to Mr. and Mrs. Brewer, who both have a very special place in my heart.

Wall Art by Michelle Renee

2010-03-29T16:04:00.005-06:00

I must admit that part of my decision to offer photography services of products is because, well, I just really like to take pictures of stuff I like (oops, I said stuff). And when I find a product I love, I really want to rave and rave about it.

I have to begin with Lisabees.

Lisabees designs (you can find her on Etsy!) are absolutely my most favorite home decor. I have a thing for painted wood blocks. Really.

When I was 12 I painted the word JOY on three different wooden blocks as a Christmas decoration, J - O - Y a letter on each block. I thought it was brilliant and for a 12 year old, pretty darn clever - I still feel a small amount of pride when my mother sets them out every year. Tragically, my crafting skills came to a halt at age 12, meaning, I just really did not improve no matter how many toll painting books and templates I bought. I gave up. When I saw Lisabees wooden designs at a craft fair, I fell in love. For now this is just the beginning because I have big plans to feature her designs in a post all it's own - so stay tuned because you really can't wait.

Until then, here is a teaser:

Today I get to rave and rave about Michelle and how she turned my toddler's room into a summer garden (befitting, don't you think?). I simply showed her my favorite Lisabees designs I already had, told her about the image I had in my mind - nothing too busy, but all around the edges so that I can still decorate with shelves and picture frames, it must match the special quilt Grandma Suzie made, must have ladybugs and I just really, really love curly cues.

I know the fact that Michelle got it all right on, and more! (those dragonflies were an adorable surprise), means she has a true knack and talent for this that I simply must gush about. She was able to stumble over my "do you get what I mean?" hopes and desires and paint exactly what I wanted. Exactly. She is a true joy to work with and one of the nicest people you may ever meet. For all of her contact info you can visit her blog here.

And now I get to show you how awesome her work is:

It was SO worth it

2010-03-23T16:35:00.004-06:00

I had every intention of posting bride and groom images today. But it was not to be. A rainy, very windy day in Salt Lake, along with an uncooperative wedding dress was a rather good reason indeed for postponing our session. I thought so anyway. So you will just have to wait to see the bride and groom next week. Now, I know you are excited.

Instead, today it's all about Wall-E.

Wall-E, quite possibly the real thing, now lives at my house. He dances, he sings, he shuffles around whining "Eeeeeevaaah!" and tilts his head in that adorable cute way. He does not, however, compact trash into cubes - Doh!

My 7 year old has been saving up for this Wall-E robot for a very long time. So long, infact that when he finally had saved up enough money for it, this Wall-E was not easy to come by. Thank goodness for ECrater, who not only had it in stock but would ship it sooner than the 7 weeks of those who had decided Wall-E robots were now out of style.

So with a gallon size ziplock full of pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters and a few stray dollar bills (all of my apologies to the teller at the bank), all earned with household jobs and birthday money, Jakers was able to purchase his beloved Wall-E robot. When it arrived in the mail, he was happier than Christmas and as he remote controlled it around the living room declared, "I bought this with MY money!" And doesn't that just make it so much sweeter?

Did I mention I am picking out paint for the studio this weekend? Considering chartreuse...totally.

Yay, yay, yay, it's a perfect day! A Mommy post...

2010-03-16T21:54:00.006-06:00

And here it is...the first real day of Spring. Or is it? I'm saying it is. Because I can only hope and assume that winter is over. Though it snowed several inches on Saturday, and...today is Tuesday, oh what a grand Tuesday it was! Hello warm sunshine, it is so nice to see you in all your 60 degree, yes-you-may-wear-short-sleeves-and-sandals splendor. If you leave me now, I will be crushed; and so will my almost two year old sweet pea who put on hard-soled shoes and spent the afternoon exploring the world she had forgotten since it was a long five months ago when she last saw the ground - really who remembers everything about 5 months ago when you are not even 2?

And the weather was infact so nice, the boys brought the legos OUTside, gave them a bath and spread them out on the sidewalk. And I am happy to report I have not punctured the bottom of my foot in over 12 hours due to the fact that all of these lovely little blocks are no longer in my house!

Really, it is a perfect day.

Western Botanicals - Product Photography

2010-03-07T10:54:00.003-07:00

It has fully been my intent to post more frequently, so I will apologize if the vampires scared you. They are now taking their place in the archives.

Today I am showing off a product photo session! I have to take a moment and admit that I am a bit of a naturopath (not to be confused with psychopath, but we won't go there). Several years ago my baby boy was hospitalized with a very serious illness. I watched my poor little guy go through four (yes, four) rounds of antibiotics, and get all kinds of steroids pumped into his body to no avail. He was finally sent home with medicine droppers and specific instructions. After a month, I knew there had to be a better way and I started to research alternative medicine. My mother used to tell me that she believed that God wouldn't put a disease on the earth that he couldn't cure, it is just our mission to find it. That has always stuck with me, and while I will not say that there is an answer for every disease (because I really just can't say that), I have made it my mission to find alternative ways to rid my family of illness through nature. Gratefully, this has been with much success!

So, I was super jazzed when I was asked to the Western Botanicals Production Facility to shoot product images for their presentations. My challenge: to make the stainless steel heavy machinery look interesting, intriging and very dramatic. Well, machinery doesn't exactly take direction very well (can you turn a little to the left?), so I had to be creative in my angles, lighting and camera settings. Here are some of my faves. And if you are interested in checking out more of Western Botanicals product line you can do so by visiting them here.

A little word about the above photo. I was able to catch this dazzling motion shot by adjusting my shutter speed just right. For an indepth discussion on how to do this, visit a very talented photographer's blog here. You can even ask her questions directly - very cool for you beginning photogs (or if you just want to see some really fantastic images).

Got a product? Want to shoot? Drop me an email today! Cheers!

Vampires, anyone?

2010-03-01T09:21:00.008-07:00

One of the wonderful things about photography is that it is an art form that can be embraced on many different levels. I am always seeking out other photographers because not only do I know they can show and teach me in so many ways, but because I just love to look at photography! While I have to admit when I was "just starting out", trying to define myself and my style, I was a...copycat (sigh). But I have since digressed and I truly value and respect the works of others and honestly, could spend hours browsing through it all. Thanks to the online world, this is easy to do. And thanks to my online world I have been thrilled with the contacts I have had lately through this blog. From New York to Hawaii, I have truly enjoyed reading the email coming in to my inbox and am even more thrilled when they attach a link to their albums - I'm like a kid at Christmas, yay I get to see more talented photographers' work! I love making friends!

This weekend I had the great opportunity to be a fly on the wall (a rather large fly, I am), and watch genius stock photographer Becky Rockwood at work. Becky is one of the most creative people I know and always comes up with the most exciting and interesting things to shoot. This time it was vampires (absolutely no relation to Edward, I even asked and was greatly scoffed at - sparkles forbidden!). I got to watch the transformation through the whole make-up process (those eyes!) and studio shoot. What a treat this was for me (I'll take it over chocolate any day!). Since I was a fly on the wall I got to take fly-on-the-wall pictures which I will share with you here. But really, you should take a stroll over to Becky's blog to see the real thing - especially when she took these blood suckers out into the orchard, spoooooky! And it's not even Halloween...

A little naturescape

2010-02-22T13:34:00.005-07:00

Here is one of those posts that I warned you about, where you will get little glimpses into my life, and where I will post pictures that have nothing to do with headshots or models or products, and I will blabber on about why I felt a great need to post them on my blog. So you've been warned.

Last week I heard a dragging sound as I was driving down I-15. I pulled off the side of the road to see that the entire bumper of our mini-van was, um, off and hanging by something (a thread?).

But whatever it was hanging by I could not find, nor could I find anything to tie it up with and this proved to be a problem as I was still about 20 freeway miles away from home. Since I really didn't think it would be safe to have my teenage son hang off the front of the van holding it in place - even though he actually offered to do this (such a good kid, that one), we positioned it to where it should be and used scotch tape to hold it in place. Yes, really. Never know what you may find in your glove compartment.

It held until about Springville and then that horrid dragging sound happened again. And then right around the offramp the mini-van started lurching. Lurching as a stick shift vehicle often does when the clutch is not pushed in all the way, however...the mini-van is not a stick shift (much to my dismay because I really find them much more fun to drive). We lurched and dragged ourselves home to my husband whose first question to me was...what did you do?

Okay, so I was out looking for new photo spots, you know, great places to take pictures? And I did indeed find some - a sweet grafettied wall, an old shack sinking halfway into a swamp puddle - what model would not want to be perched atop of these things? And then I had to relent and say, "Yes, dear, I did take the mini-van off road...again." But only for a moment and I did hear a crunch on the bottom as I went over a ditch, but anything in the name of finding that perfect photo nook, right? And really, that proves nothing as to the lurching! The lurching is all the car itself. It was most surely the transmission rebelling perhaps at my continuous journeys of taking it off road. Oh, dear, mini van, I'm sorry!

So we tied the bumper up with a piece of flourescent orange rope (we do things brightly at our house), and my husband tweaked the lurching so that it stopped, enough that we could be proud of our mini-van when we laid it to rest, and headed to the dealer. Three dealers actually - to find the best deal.

So, the mini van was traded, left as damaged goods to the dealer who promised us he would fix it up and make a sale. We left the dealer with a rather nice consolation prize...an SUV. An off road vehicle that likes to search out photo spots in remote areas. I am pretty sure we got the better end of the deal.

I spent my weekend off road with my new sport utility vehicle, taking it places I never dared even go with the mini-van. And in the process found a few more great locations for photos...really, I do live in a beautiful place. Utah, even when you are grey and colorless, I still find beauty in you. Now...back to work!

Corporate Genius

2010-02-15T10:14:00.010-07:00

I have the great opportunity to know business and marketing strategist, Rod Richardson. His ideas and suggestions are enlightening, focused and motivating. Several weeks ago I began learning from him through his one on one coaching services, and much of the new twist in who I am choosing to market myself now as photographer, came from his guidance in helping me see where my passion and true talents lie. Rod is smart (a whole heck of a lot smarter than me!) and has helped hundreds of businesses launch from mere ideas to multi-million dollar empires. I really could go on and on...

But, instead I will stop the gushing and introduce you to him. Rod gave me the priviledge of taking his smashingly, dashing, dramatic light photos in which I celebrate my first client in the new studio (Wahoo!)

Rod's got a plethora of fabulous advice and info all at the click of your mouse, and well, you really need to pay him a visit:

Rod's business and marketing strategy BLOG

And my personal fave, Rod's facebook page You know you want to be a fan!

No picture today - gasp!

2010-02-10T23:07:00.012-07:00

I know, it seems totally wrong to be writing a post on a photography blog and not include a picture. The truth is, the only ones I've taken lately are family birthday parties (yes, three of my children are born in the same week) and really they have nothing to do with anything more than snapshots with an on camera flash - embarrassing! So, today you just get me.

Did you notice? I changed it all up - black, white and red - new logo - really, not my set in stone logo, just what me and my brilliant son cooked up in Flash, and new content soon to arrive.

I know that last time I declared myself not a Lifestyle photographer anymore, but a Commercial photographer. I feel a need for clarification. I have learned a lot about that word lately - it really is a handy thing - one I should probably do more often. So, I am taking the time to clarify just what type of photography services I will now be offering.

Actor's Headshots - That one 8x10 image that sells your face - I totally get it. I've been there as an actor myself and then as a casting coordinator looking at 50 times 50 of them a day. They come in black and white (old school!), they come in color (new school), they have a border and your name. My new soft box is going to love the actor's headshot, I just know it. I will be offering these 8x10s in packages of up to 400 copies, all with your resume nicely printed on the other side (no need for staples I say!)

Model Portfolios/Comp Cards - Kind of ditto to the headshots except we will do a whole lot of style changes, spread the session over a few days if we have too and I will teach you beginners how to BE a model, be a professional on camera and make your photographer happy - these skills are ones you will use as you make your way into the business and continue working with other lucky photogs.

Corporate Headshots - Are you a big cheese in your company? Trying to be? Or have you written a book, have a blog, and you want a picture to put in that spot where, well, the picture should go? Usually these are black and white, in studio, one outfit (shine that suit!) and it all comes on disk. Easy peasy.

Bridals - I know! I said I wasn't going to do anymore weddings - (except for the gal in April who I pretty much call my niece), but brides really can fall into the "model" category for me. So I will be offering special sessions for brides - on location or in studio. These will not be your traditional stand up and smile with your train wrapped out in a beautiful fan. I'm talking an urban, cover model, magazine type of style. Sexy and sassy - that's what I'm saying. Totally over the edge. Capiche?

Products - This does not require people, it requires me with a camera, in my studio with stuff. Your stuff? I will make your stuff look cool. (You know, many years ago in Cali, I performed with an improv group called ComedySportz (really quite a highlight of my life), and there was this rule that we should never use the word "stuff". Or "thing". This because stuff could be, well...stuff? And thing, well...a thing could just be...anything. Too nondescript in improv. You say a word like "thing" and "stuff" and you have people scratching their heads - what kind of stuff?) If you are selling anything, specifically online, I have a nifty way to make your products bright, colorful and floatable, all in the name of .PNG. All products I shoot will be featured on this very blog with a direct link to your site - email me if you want to get in on this. We can totally work in our pajamas.

All things (things?) will become clear when I have finished my portfolio with galleries galore for you to view samples of my work to see if we just might be that match made in heaven.

For now you can see what I have thus far which really it isn't much, but if you go here, I can see your hit on my site meter and it will make my day. Can that count as my photo of the day?

So...what do you think?

2010-02-07T21:58:00.001-07:00

Still tweeking but...getting there :)

Nostalgia and moving forward...

2010-02-03T16:35:00.002-07:00

I was craving Washington today.

I was remembering tall pine trees, muddy shoes and volcanoes.

I was thinking of chasing my kids on the beach wearing long sleeves. It's cold there, and the waves are gi-normous. And people drive their cars out right onto the sand. Cool.

I am sure there will come a time when I will look back on being a lifestyle photographer and miss it.

But it is with this post that I declare myself no longer a family or wedding portrait photographer. I will no longer be scheduling these type of sessions. You may have noticed I have done some delete jobs and pages are missing where they once were, particularly my price list. It's all part of my transformation...

I now declare myself a talent, model and commercial photographer!

That's all, just declaring today.

But really, it's very hard for me not to just blabber on about all the excitement this brings me and all the cool stuff I am getting ready for. And really, that is what it is all about....doin' what I love. I am combining my experience as an actor, casting director, producer's assistant, extras coordinator, director and photographer into one. And I can hardly wait for the paint to dry!

A new blog and website are under way (forget resolution #2 for the moment), so you may find some weird things going on if you decide to visit me - as I rearrange, alter and get it just the way I want.

And now for the photo of the day.

Since I was craving Washington, I searched through my archives to find the lovely Mt. Saint Helens. Volcanoes intrigue me greatly and this particular one seemed to like to be active quite frequently during the time that I lived there - yes that is STEAM! If you look carefully, you can see the path that the eruption in the 1980s carved in the earth. It's angry lava flow destructed everything in it's path - and though here we are 20 years later - you can still sense that anger just by looking at it. And while the scars are still there, you also have to notice that beauty and peace has taken over.

I stood on a very narrow bridge on a rather windy evening to take this shot (really, if you are afraid of heights, I would not recommend it. I am not afraid of heights, and taking this shot made me consider it).

I still remember the feeling I had looking at this path of destruction. I was saddened at the loss of what must've once been a beautiful, peaceful lake and forest but also know life brings us lots of ups, downs and crazy loopholes (aka volcanic eruptions). It's a great feeling to seize the opportunity and embrace the beauty in something new. Cheers!

What can Lightroom do for you?

2010-01-25T17:10:00.004-07:00

I have been paying particular attention to New Years resolution #2 lately.

But first, a word about my bed.

I love my bed. It has taken me many years to get my bed to be just the way I like it. Soft and squishy, yet firm enough so as not to hurt my back or give me neck kinks, and it has to get warm FAST in the winter time. I crawl into my bed at the end of the day and I just melt in familiarity and bliss.

So, really, that is how I felt about Photoshop 7.0. It took me many years to get all my settings just the way I wanted, load and organize all of my actions, set my presets, brush adjustments and crop dimensions just right. Sure, I saw CS take over the Photoshop world but no...I stayed loyal to my comfy number 7.

And then, I broke free and downloaded a trial version of Adobe Lightroom 2. It was just for 30 days, just so I could "see" what all the hype was all about, and then I would continue to assure myself that familiar is better. That was the plan.

But I couldn't deny what could be done. It was like the first time my son put glasses on and declared that the mountains had trees on them! Sure, I could stick with familiar, and comfy...or take the giant leap into the unknown. But if the unknown could enhance my images like this, help me organize and keep track of my thousands of images like this, and oh that Adjustment Brush, you have stolen my heart! - then really I see that it is high time to go to school and LEARN!

Photoshop 7.0 - I know this will be hard to take, but I am upgrading and moving on. You will still have a very special place in my heart for teaching me how much I cherish things like, well, Curves.

As for my bed, I've dragged it through four moves in six years, it is staying put.

So here we have before:

And Lightroom-ed:

The golden pinkish highlights in the snow just really make me giddy. Cheers!

Testing, testing, 1, 2, 3...

2010-01-22T13:25:00.002-07:00

I have walls, and today I have electricity.

Okay, let me clarify:

The studio has been completely framed, one of the walls you can still walk through if you are thin enough to get through the frame job. There are lots of wires that now have been attached to little blue boxes in the exact location where they will offer electricity to outlets. Just wanted to clear that up since (see my resolutions) I will not be posting anything on my blog that has not happened yet. Shame on me!

My flourescent, artificial window light, soft box is begging me to be used. It is just a little hard to manuever it in my fully framed and half-heartedly electrical studio space yet. Especially with a giant saw and piles of insulation in the middle of it (we got the pink kind - is that the only color it comes in? Because I thought my husband was just being cute).

But, I really must get myself familiar with my new surroundings so that I can pull it all together at the very exact moment that I can pull it all together. So, here are some pictures I have taken recently with my flourescent, artificial window light, soft box. For you photographers, this is one light source. #2 is under construction and will solve my grey-looks-white issue on the background and give me a bit more fill. And then somewhere I am tossing an LED in for a kicker (back light - sorry, that was SO television talk).

Because I am not doing indoor sessions with models yet, you get the stand ins - pretty much whomever is within arm's reach in my house. They are great actors, aren't they? Please excuse scruffy baby girl with breakfast face, but you get the idea. Cheers!

Hazy Daze

2010-01-11T13:05:00.007-07:00

Dear Utah air quality, you stink. Just so you know.

Today, apparently, parts of Utah will have the worst air quality in the country. I bet there are people who remember when Utah never had an air quality problem (Brigham Young, perhaps?).

Some people blame it on the Californians for all migrating here (Mom and Dad, that means you!).

But either way, I just have to say that Utah, I love you; despite the air quality problem that you seem to sock us in with every January. Your mountains are beautiful; your lakes are heavenly (from a distance that is, Great Salt Lake knats are really quite evil and like to eat hair). And when I can see your blue sky, my days are just brighter. Did I mention I adore your sunsets and thunderstorms? Yes, Utah is where I live, by choice, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

So...don't do any outdoor marathon running today or your lungs might turn on you. Unless you want to drive to Park City where they pay the sky to be clear. And...beware of earthquakes. We just had our annual earthquake drill at our house. But that's mostly because we are Californians that now live in Utah. We do live on a fault line, you know.

Resolutions...

2010-01-08T10:10:00.007-07:00

As I was tucking my kids into bed last night, I began to think about New Years resolutions. What do I want to start off with fresh this year?

Firstly, tucking my kids into bed at an earlier hour. This is truly a struggle for me. Since this isn't a Mommy blog (officially) I will just leave it at that. But you can be sure I am resoluting for at least 8:30pm in 2010.

As a photographer, 2010 started off a bit rocky for me (aka previous post), and put me into a position of some deep thinking personally, and business-ly (yes, I made that word up). And while I was thinking, I decided that 2009 was a grandIOSE year and I need to celebrate that!

So here are a few of my favorite images from 2009 that I did not get to share with you on this blog because they seemed irrelevant to share at the time. But nonetheless, they are some highlights for me and well, I like 'em.

Firstly, Grandpa White with my kids. A special moment that makes this image a treasure of treasures to our family.

This was taken on the first warm day of the year when we blew up the kiddie pool and my baby realized water didn't just mean a bath (although why wear the dumb swimsuit? because Mommy thought it was cute). Who can resist a look like this? Especially when you catch it by accident. Candid shots are my favorite.

My feet in hot pink Crocs. Okay, photographers, how did I get the background to schmear like that (no no, not photoshop). I was following Bryan Peterson's tutorial in "Understanding Exposure". It is a must-have book for any photographer, especially beginners, and the tutorials are just plain fun. I was on a swing in this shot...get it? Wheeeeeeee!

I still don't understand this next one. Because every time I look at it I still can't get over the fact that everyone got out okay. Air show at Hill Air Force Base:

And lastly....sometimes you set yourself up for a shot that you have in your head. You get balloons, go to the pond, comb the peach fuzz on your baby's head and know exactly what you want. And then...you get something you never knew you wanted more than what you wanted. Has that ever happened to you? Happy 1st birthday to my little sweets.

Please forgive, I am thinking this did turn into a Mommy post.

And NOW (drum roll, please) for my 2010 New Years Resolutions, as related to photography, not Mommy-ness:

1) Become better. Better at composition, better at lighting, better at focus, better at white balance, better at interacting with clients, better at finding the beauty in nature, and better at being in business.

2) I will become a Lightroom WIZ!

3) I will not post on my blog about things I am "going" to do, but rather what has already been done.

4) I will value the respect of other photographers and hope they do the same. And I will appreciate more the help, advice and assistance that other photographers have given to me (you all know who you are and I just love ya).

5) I will join a local photo club.

6) I will define my style, narrow my market and specialize!

7) I will not drink large glasses of water while editing photos at my computer (keyboard, may you rest in peace)

So, there you have it! I am ready to ring in 2010 the right way, TADAY!!

Whose business is your business license?

2010-01-04T12:08:00.010-07:00

Everyone likes to get mail, especially around the holidays. So when I saw a letter from the city arrive just after Christmas, I was thinking....a Christmas card? how nice! - it was surely not my utility bill.

"Dear Me - It has been brought to our attention that you are operating a photography business out of your home without a proper business license...Please come to our office to resolve this issue immediately. Love, the city."

After I yelped a little bit, I scratched my head in utter confusion. Then I ran on the treadmill to work off some steam (the steam coming from the "it has been brought to our attention" part) A phone call to the city told me that someone had filed a complaint against me. That an individual had walked in to their offices, given my name and address, and filed an official complaint against me and my photography business. The city found I did not have a license to be doing what I was accused of and, kindly, sent me the Christmas greeting. After explaining myself and my current business situation, I came to understand that the city is my friend. The verbal complainer who will remain nameless, but I will now call the Stooper, is not my friend.

Isn't it comforting to know that there are people who are so worried about what you are doing, that they will take the incentive and contact authorities for you? Honestly, I feel grateful. For the experience I gained from their action was nothing I could have gained any other way. So, if you are a photographer or aspiring to be, may you never have a Stooper tattle on you, and in the meantime, because I feel it important to help fellow photographers, here are a few facts about business licensing:

Photographers are artists. Photographers are hobbyists. Photographers pay a lot of money for their equipment and spend a lot of time perfecting their talent. When photographers get really good and realize this is their passion in life, there is that moment when one may decide - Hey, I could make money doing this! And who doesn't want to make a little extra money doing the very thing they love to do!?

That moment can last a long time. It starts with portfolio building and doing lots of freebie jobs (I mean, you have to practice on someone right?). Usually you start with your family, your reletives, then friends, then friends of friends, maybe even neighbors and slowly your name gets out there and people start calling you and asking you how much you charge. This is the greatest way business works in the world of photography - word of mouth! It is powerful and, my favorite, friendly.

I am not going to tell you at what point you need to go to your city to get a business license. It has to do with a lot of details and questions that really can be answered by just going to your city's website. If you are a photographer who charges money (yes even to cover your costs), it is my advice to find out, from your city, if you need a business license. The city wants you to be in business, they are good, they are kind, they are right, they are your friend. They are not Stoopers. I also advise getting a fabulous accountant (if you need a referral, mine is the bomb - really), and perhaps an attorney as you just never know who could be peering over your fence.

My story ends sadly for the Stooper. It seems it was a sad waste of their time to make the trip all the way down to the city offices as I was not in violation of the complaint made against me. I don't really know what the intentions of the Stooper were, but my visit with the city, as a result of it, put me in touch with important, and very kind city people who now know about me and my business pursuits, and thought I was a gosh darn good photographer. So, if that was your intent oh Stooper, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

And now for the photo of the week: My kids, in a newly finished basement bedroom, next to the almost finished photography studio which I will be operating from my home and will proudly display my business license in a hot pink frame.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T15:01:00.002-07:00

2010 is here and I am so happy about it! I am expecting great things to come in my photography world this year, including an indoor studio which I am working on in every minute of spare time I have - which is a little hard to come by with three kids out of school on winter break and a toddler who is just always here and into everything. But honestly, I couldn't do any of this studio building stuff without the help and brilliance of my husband. He really could take a q-tip and build a shopping mall (brownie points if you can name that movie!) - but just to clarify, we met in a television studio. And wait until you see the results of the giant 4x4, fluorescent, natural light soft boxes he has concocted for me! I mean is there anything else that can make a photographer more excited!? I am stumped.

But let me take this very first post of 2010 to share this fabulous session in the snow with the Crandalls. You may recognize these beautiful girls from a few sessions back, and I was so super excited to take their family pictures this time around. Happy New Year!!

A gift for you...

2009-12-23T13:00:00.003-07:00

'Tis the season for gift giving! And I was just given this wonderful freebie gift from one of my favorite photoshop sites - MCP Actions So I, of course, must pass it on to you! This is a texture application that you run as an action in your Photoshop program. All the details about how to download, run, apply and make your pictures extra dazzling are HERE

Here's a little peek at just what you can do:

Original:

With MCP's texture application action:

This picture was taken by yours truly at the Santa Barbara Harbor last Christmas. Ahhh, ocean air and sunshine, how I do miss you so!

Happy Holidays!

Winter Time

2009-12-22T12:26:00.002-07:00

Baby, it's cold outside! Which is why I completely understand when business slows a bit in the winter time for outdoor photography. Who wants to trudge around getting snow crispies in your Sunday shoes; or hope your kids actually look at the camera and smile through their frozen cheeks?! I know, I totally get it.

But winter pictures can be fun if you dress for the occasion and work with nature. Maybe you have a cute scarf, or beanie hat with a pom pom on top? Or the man in your life has a verrrrry nice leather jacket? What about matching polka dot ski pants for the kids? Would you really wear all this together in a family portrait? Maybe not, but think of the possibilities if you get everyone out in the snow! Do you have a snow princess?

I am now scheduling sessions for 2010! 2010, that's the first time I've written that out...wow, it begins!

No fear, winter's here!

Photo Books

2009-12-11T10:54:00.004-07:00

I can't keep a secret. Not when I am so super excited about a product or service that I just want to shout it out to everyone! Since all of my photo sessions include a CD with all of your files in digital format, I cannot keep quiet about the wonderful things that I have learned you can do with these digital files.

Photo Books!

No, not photo albums with annoying sticky plastiky pages that lose their stick once you open them. No, not hard bound scrapbooks with envelope sleeves where you slide pictures in. I am talking about your photos actually printed into a beautiful hard bound book. I am talking about going to a nifty website, using easy peasy software to drag and drop your pictures directly from your computer into adorable templates that you can customize with tons of backgrounds, frames and fonts! I am talking about clicking on "Send", paying with a credit card, and having your beautiful hard bound books shipped directly to you so you don't even need to leave your snowed in home! Wah LA! Christmas presents for everyone! Or you might be like me and once you see them, decide you need to order extra because you want to keep them all for yourself!

So here's the details...
ProDigital Photos offers these AH-mazing photo books at AH-makingly affordable prices, and I cannot get over the beaUtiful print jobs they do on these book pages. Absolutely the most vivid and clear color press print imaging I have seen (and I am really quite picky about my images, you know). You can choose from different sizes (my favorite happens to be the 8.5x11, but I said what the heck and ordered a bunch of 5x7s which are adorable too!), and each one is fully customizable - you can do whatever you want. And if you really don't have a clue where to begin you can use their already created templates. How easy is this?

I know! Can you believe it? I just need to shush and give you the link:

Photo Books

And now you know exactly what to do with all those digital files!
Cheers!

Classy Senior in black and white...

2009-11-30T11:58:00.003-07:00

Every once in while I will have a session where I realize that the lighting, clothing options and mood would make for perfect classic black and white images. This was one of those sessions. Of course she'll get the color versions as well, but I just loved the black and white! Here's a sneak peak for Whitney!

Boyfriends make great props!!

Photo of the week...

2009-11-27T09:51:00.002-07:00

Indoor studio coming soon...to enhance the new branch to my business which you can read all about here. Gosh, I'm all giddy and excited about it! Launching in January 2010! Cheers!

Together Forever

2009-11-23T15:13:00.004-07:00

I felt extremely blessed to be a part of this special day, and even more blessed to be able to capture these precious moments for this beautiful family. They are such loving parents and I am so happy for them!

The Photo of the Week

2009-11-09T16:25:00.003-07:00

Because I love it. That's all. Just 'cause.

Outdoor Studio!

2009-11-06T14:27:00.002-07:00

I am so excited to share that my outdoor studio is ready for sessions! I have been working on this for quite some time - collecting pieces here and there and my first set - rustic country - is finished! I am offering $75 mini sessions in the space which includes: 1 hour session, up to 4 people, 25 images on disk (prints ordered seperately). Phase two is in the works as well as many more "sets" to come. Here is a peek at my first session using the outdoor all-natural light studio: Three beautiful sisters, how did I get so lucky?

Sisters...

2009-11-02T16:51:00.003-07:00

I love working with kids. I just do. Kids are beautiful. Kids are fun. These beautiful sisters were all of the above; beautiful, fun, cute and aren't their outfits adorable? It was a chilly evening at the orchard but we had a few fun surprises, starting with this! Deer don't exactly take direction very well, a rather frustrating bunch they were. We gave up on them after awhile and had our own fun. Enjoy!

A few more wedding ones...

2009-10-24T15:38:00.003-06:00

...just because I have been editing for the better part of the weekend and wanted to share a few more. Can't get enough of this beautiful couple!

A perfect day!

2009-10-22T17:28:00.002-06:00

As I photographer I could not have asked for a more perfect day today! I got to work with the most beautiful couple at Temple Square in Salt Lake City. I was blessed with perfect light and lovely fall colors. Here is a sneak peek for Randy and Jime - Enjoy!

I just have to give credit to the groom's sister for the last image. She pointed out the idea and I was all over it! I am so glad she spoke up, I'm thinking this is one of my favorites! (and she greatly assisted me in carrying my "gear"). Thanks so much, and here's to a great day!

I'm seeing a trend here...

2009-10-16T10:50:00.005-06:00

'Tis the season for family pictures! I mean, who doesn't want to get out in those beautiful red and yellow fall leaves? As I mentioned before, this is my absolute most favorite time of year (are you sick of me saying that?). I am now offering family mini-sessions (read all the details below) so you can check that family Christmas card photo off your list of things to do at this busy time of year. Did I say Christmas? Custom Christmas cards are coming soon!

Now, while you anticipate that, here is a sneak peek for the Hendersons! Enjoy!

There's that bridge again! I know, I know, I just love it too much.

Perfect Old Buildings..

2009-10-13T12:03:00.002-06:00

I am always looking for new locations to shoot. Two people, on the same day, recommended this building so I knew I had to go check it out. What is it about old abandoned buildings that are just so cool? They completely intrigue me and make for some nice urban, textured backgrounds. Here is a sneak peek of the Lomax family, I really had a very hard time deciding which ones to narrow it down to to post - I have so many favorites! I gave up deciding, you get all my favorites! Enjoy!

More fun with families...

2009-09-30T19:32:00.004-06:00

I really have not had much to say lately, as the families I have been working with have been so much fun I just wish to let the images speak for themselves. So I'll stop blabbering and let you enjoy this sneak peek from my session with the Flakes. What a fun bunch!!

The Chadwicks!

2009-09-21T13:34:00.002-06:00

This was a fun shoot, boys will be boys! I love this location in Provo because there are plenty of trees, rocks, and a nice big pond - all great backdrops for photos and all great places for kids to explore. Enjoy!

More Senior Fun!

2009-08-19T15:00:00.003-06:00

Aranda was the drawing winner back in June for a free senior session, and we finally got our schedules together to take these shots. I have loved my senior sessions lately. It is so important to capture that true personality so I try to take my seniors to just the right location. These turned out so fun, how lucky to get to work with such a beautiful girl! Enjoy some good hometown urban style...

Book your senior session now! $75 for 1 hour, as many outfits as you like in an outdoor location of your choice. This includes 25 images on CD and an online password protected album you can order prints from. I also create graduation announcements, email me for more info: photographybycourtney@gmail.com Cheers!

New baby girl...

2009-08-17T14:41:00.002-06:00

I have been proofing and editing this session for days because there were just so many cute ones to go through and pick from. This is my second session with the White family in Santa Barbara (no relation to me, but you never know?), and since I last saw them they welcomed a beautiful baby girl to their family. Congratulations! They are such a sweet family with super fun kids! Enjoy...

Beautiful Senior...

2009-08-11T16:07:00.002-06:00

My absolute most favorite time of day is sunset, and the light just after the sun has set at dusk. There is something so soft and mystical about it. So I was completely thrilled when my senior session requested the beach! I have to admit, I had way too much fun. How could I not with such a sweet, beautiful senior girl? Here is gorgeous Taylor, who actually already graduated and is on her way to BYU this Fall. Congrats!

Let the teasers begin!

2009-08-08T22:40:00.003-06:00

I am officially in the editing process from my sessions in Santa Barbara, and here is the first round. Two of the most adorable brothers you can ever imagine! My heart just melted as I watched this sweet six year old taking care of his three week old brother so carefully and always asking his Mom if he should wash his hands again (even if it was like three minutes ago - can he come live at my house?). Here are my faves of Connor and Cayden...

Back from the beach...

2009-08-06T22:53:00.003-06:00

I'm back! Oh what a wonderful week I have had in Santa Barbara and my hometown, Goleta, California. Goleta is often called the "goodland" and I must say it is very good indeed. I spent my childhood all the way through high school there and my parents still live in that same Goleta house. Part of my reason in going there was to help my parents pack up and go through 35 years of "stuff" as they are getting ready to make the empty nest move closer to the kids and grandkids. While I cannot wait for them to live closer to us and be part of our every day lives, I have to admit I am sad that I will no longer have a timeshare in Goleta the goodland. It really is a beautiful place filled with beautiful memories. I insist this will not be my last visit there ever.

I have lots of photos to proof and edit. I know many of you are anticipating teasers from my sessions with you and I promise I am in the works of getting them edited and online. Today, however, was laundry day. I hope you understand. As I am about to sign off for the night I had to share just one of my faves of my kids. How come it is that my fave usually ends up being the one that is taken while I am just testing the light? Funny how that goes. Cheers! And stay tuned for more!

Going back to Cali

2009-07-26T10:13:00.003-06:00

I'm off to California for two weeks! I won't be blogging much as I will be spending most of my time taking pictures, and spending time with family, and seeing good friends, and taking my kids to the wharf...hmm, perhaps I should buy more memory cards? I do still have a couple spots available if you'd like to schedule a session with me...but I am almost full so you'll have to be quick!

In the meantime, here are some more macro challenges...okay, some of them are easy. My camera is really my favorite toy, I could play with it alllllll day.

The Judds made a long trip!

2009-07-22T10:05:00.003-06:00

All the way from Arkansas! Now I just have to say that this family has a special place in my heart since these are my dear sweet friends from my college days. Their family has multiplied quite a bit since I had seen them last and I am the lucky one who got to take their pictures! Enjoy!

And just a heads up! I will be in Santa Barbara, CA for the next two weeks. I am scheduling sessions and still have some space available. Let me know if you'd like to snag a session spot...can't wait for the beach!

Kenzie

2009-07-16T19:18:00.002-06:00

I am trying to redesign my blog. It's kind of like when I get sick of the living room furniture and want to rearrange, or paint, or buy stuff I can't afford so I start hunting in garage sales. My blog needs a make-over, so just letting you know, if the look of it keeps changing on you, it's me - trying to decide just how I want it.

And on to better things that my blog colors! I'm sorry, but really, isn't she the cutest baby you've ever seen? Kenzie, the cutie pie, came all the way from Arkansas to get her picture taken and there are many more to come. Just had to tease ya!

Goodness Gracious

2009-07-05T18:52:00.004-06:00

And now a very brief lesson in shutter speed as according to me. Shutter speed is the amount of time your shutter (the little black curtain that falls in front of your lens and makes it appear dark in your viewfinder as well as makes that snappy ka-chunk sound) will remain open when taking a picture. The number you set is per second, so, in terms of the Air show photos awhile back, I wanted that number to be very high - 2000 which came out to actually be 1/2000th of a second - very quick! so that the planes appeared to be frozen in mid air. The lower your number, the longer your shutter will stay open. This can be tricky because usually, the longer your exposure, the more light you are letting in to your camera. But most cameras make this easier by allowing you to use "S" mode, where you control the shutter speed and the camera will automically choose your aperature - the amount of light it will let in. This works very well for those fantastic 4th of July fireworks! These shots were taken with my shutter speed set for about 1.5 seconds...doesn't seem like a long time but....

If you ever wonder why you keep getting blurry shots in your every day shooting, you may need to adjust your shutter speed. I always try to keep my shutter speed to at least 160 when photographing people, and at least 600 when photographing something that I know will be moving. As far as anything you want to look like it's in motion, just experiment, it's fun! How low can you go??

Cheers!

2009-06-29T19:47:00.002-06:00

This is the second year I have worked with the Lehi Cheerleaders, and I love 'em, such a fun bunch. Makes me want to rise and shout and...

Busy Busy Busy...

2009-06-11T13:29:00.003-06:00

It seems I have spent much time lately either behind my camera or infront of my computer monitor. For some of you who don't know, I create posters and lesson supplements for a website called Latter-dayVillage.com It's been almost four years since I started working with them and I am almost out of ideas - okay, just kidding. But I have been delved into my most recent project with them and that is the new Book Of Mormon Seminary Scripture Mastery posters (say that three times fast!). These were specifically designed based on my recollections of early-morning seminary and having to memorize those 25 complicated quotes. I wanted to create posters that could be hung in the classroom, and through the image and title alone would trigger in a student's mind what that scripture means. The uses for these posters can be anything from display-on-the-wall to flash cards. Here's a sneak peek. The entire collection can be viewed and ordered as an instant digital download product here.

Get it? The FALL of Adam....tell me you get it!

DO you see DO?

1/2000th of a second

2009-06-08T16:24:00.002-06:00

Try this:

-Put yourself smack in the middle of a crowd of about 100,000 people.

-Look through the lens of your camera and zoom in as far as you can, and frame it so you don't get any of the tall guy's bald spot in front of you.

-Without taking your eye out of the lens, turn yourself and your camera to the right to find the approaching Thunderbirds.

-Focus

-Set light meter and get readings.

-Follow focus and pan with the approaching Thunderbirds, keeping them in your frame.

-Press the shutter just before they are at the spot you want the shot taken.

-Drop camera (make sure it is harnessed around your neck) and cover ears, or the ears of your child. (Or you could get yourself some earplugs, but just so you know, in a crowd of 100,000+ they do sell out rather quickly).

If you can do all that in about three seconds, you will get this shot:

1/2000th of a second never looked so good!

Moab - paradise to me!

2009-06-02T19:45:00.003-06:00

I have a "thing" for rocks. It's kind of similar to my having a "thing" for dead trees. I have always loved rock formations and swore that if I didn't become that famous actress, I would become a geologist.

This last weekend my Hubs and I were able to break away from life and kids and go away! Because of his crazy work schedule and our crazy kids, we so rarely get to do this. I chose (it was my choice) to go to Arches National Park in Moab. It is pretty much my most favorite place to go (aside from Hawaii, but I still haven't been there yet so I can't exactly claim that.) I could just set myself down in that place and just stare and it really could never get old for me. I even found several spots where I plan to build my dream house (West facing, of course). Red rocks, blue sky and white clouds...I am not sure it gets much better than that! Here are a few of my faves that I plan to enlarge and put on my walls...when I have more walls.

Wind and Fun at the Barn...

2009-05-29T20:47:00.002-06:00

I am so glad the dark clouds decided to disperse just before this session and we didn't get rained on. This is my favorite barn and this may just be my new favorite family! While we had to endure some pretty harsh wind, (I am so glad I decided on the pinwheels and not the balloons for this one!) the kids were troopers and I couldn't wait to get home and see and share! Such a sweet family!

Manual Mode

2009-05-28T18:15:00.002-06:00

Manual Mode is what represents the M on the your camera settings. It is a rather scary M if you do not know how to use it. There is A mode where you can adjust the opening of your aperature - the smaller the number the more light is let into your lens. S mode is where you control the speed at which your shutter opens and closes - the smaller the number the slower it shuts. If you are not good at juggling the A with the S, then M can be really bothersome. But you shouldn't be afraid to experiment with that M, because the results can be MAH-velous!

My biggest rule in photography is that you don't have to play by the rules all the time. If I had shot the following image in A mode or S mode, or even Auto for that matter, I would have gotten shadowy dark kids and a nice picture of the sky behind them as I was down on some stairs shooting up at them. But in M mode you can control everything (I'm a control freak too)! Can anyone guess what I did to make this image look the way it does? Anyone? Anyone?

Yep...I have my camera meter on "center-weighted" and zoomed in on my subject's faces and set my exposure according to that reading. When I zoomed out to frame the shot my lovely histogram went bonkers blinking red lights, honking it's horn and vibrating like insanity to say - "Um, miss photographer, you've got it ALL wrong!" And I promptly shushed my histogram and took the shot, right into that blazing sunny sky. And this is what I get:

Sometimes you just don't need sky.

And the winner is....

2009-05-25T14:00:00.002-06:00

Susan (and her soon-to-be senior, Aranda) won the drawing for a free high school senior session! This will include the session at a location of your choice, 25 images on CD, and 1 8x10. Congrats! :)

Stop and See the Flowers

2009-05-23T07:37:00.002-06:00

Buying the house with the bigger yard meant many things for us. We could build that outdoor kitchen we've been dreaming about. My husband could extend the garage into an even more spacious shop for all his many tools and toys. We could have a monstrous garden that would feed us throughout the summer and fall months and maybe even the winter since I will become an expert in canning and freezing in just a few short lessons (anyone want to give me lessons?).

There was a minor detail that I was not thinking about when we got the house with the bigger yard. And that would be yard work. It slipped past my mind that in previous homes which we have owned, my husband mowed the lawn, and the rest of the yardwork fell into the hands of the yardwork fairy. That would be me (it's so much nicer to call myself the yardwork fairy). I would bestow upon whatever teenage boy in the neighborhood would like to earn a little extra money that week to whatever chore needed to be done. Weeding, edging, hauling rocks and just plain digging. Now that a teenage boy actually lives in our home, I have become the yardwork nazi barking off comments of do this and do that and didn't you just do that last week? Weeds grow fast in a bigger yard, you know?

This morning I will be heading to Laura Kay's nursery, my most favorite place to go when I want to drop some money on plants, and purchase several large bottles of "Kills All". Because who has time to read all the labels on weed killer to see which weed it kills and which weed it doesn't? I want to kill them all! And order my teenager to carry out the task. Oh yardwork nazi, I am!

However, a couple days ago, I was on an evening walk with my kids and we approached our house from the street. My eyes were darting from my front yard to each neighbor's yard I could see in my peripheral view and I began stamping the ground for buying the home with the bigger yard between two other homes with bigger yards who either hire landscapers, or are extremely talented at reading those labels on weed killer bottles. Some people just have that gift. My daughter cried out to me, "Mom! Come see these flowers!" Yes...more pink flowers have popped up in our yard. I was surprised to see more pink flowers after I was pretty sure that the particular bush they were sprouting from was going to be my first victim of Kills All. I just nodded and she insisted that I reallllllllly needed to come and see these pink flowers. Okay, but really, I think I've seen enough pink flowers in my yard, okay? So finally she had to pick one and bring it to me to get my attention. And my attention it did get!

These flowers are not more than the size of pennies. From a distance they look like nice pink flowers. I mean they are really nice, but nothing special. But when you get up close and personal with these babies...you have opened the door to a whole new advenure and wish deeply you were an ant, or a macro lens on a camera. I really do not think any two of these flowers on this (what I thought was a weed) bush, are alike. My kids and I spent a good 15 minutes examining this to make sure it was true. These flowers do not smell. So I invite you to stop and see the flowers in my yard. They are so very small that you don't get to see the rest of my yard with it. Three cheers for that!

More of the lovely...

2009-05-19T14:00:00.003-06:00

I just finished editing my session with Lanea. This beautiful girl just made my job so incredibly easy and was such a joy to work with. The hard part was narrowing down the best shots for her portfolio CD. Here are a few more images that I decided I had to share. Only six more days until I will be drawing the winner of a free high school senior session, so if you haven't already, leave a comment or email me and let me know you'd like to be in the running! Cheers!

Stopping Traffic...

2009-05-14T22:53:00.003-06:00

I was so giddy about getting home today and getting these images off the camera and into my digital darkroom, that now that I am ready to post my favorites from this session with gorgeous model, Lanea; I am speechless. What can I say? Except that, isn't she beautiful? I'll be quiet now so you can just enjoy...

Macro Mania

2009-05-11T12:57:00.002-06:00

Sometimes it takes a little while to really get to know your camera. I've had my 50mm Macro lens now for about 5 months and have not really, truly put the macro to the test. My life has been crazy lately as I have been getting my biz up and running again after a long winter and having a baby last year. But I do try to get out with my camera every day just to snap at least a few images. So, I was determined to master my new macro lens yesterday. Turns out it was way too much fun. Just think of the kind of images I will get when I am able to venture beyond my own backyard! So here's a little quiz for you....can you name the macro subject?? This post is easy, I'll give you the answers at the end (and if you guess weeds for half of them, you are right - remember, this is my backyard), but this is just practice, more tricky ones to come.

Here they are, in order: 1 - weed, 2 - dandelion, 3 - dandelion, 4 - apple blossom (yay my fruit trees took!!), 5 - hot tub, 6 - volleyball

A feel a pink theme going on here...

2009-05-08T10:18:00.002-06:00

Just a nice quick pinky baby for you today. And a word about locations. I am all about elaborate photo spots. Am I a hazard while driving? Well it wouldn't be because I text, but because half the time I am looking out the window for great locations to take pictures. I am lucky to live in such a beautiful part of Utah, close to the outskirts of the city and suburbs near some great country landscape. But really, you might be surprised at the kind of backdrops you can find right in your own yard. This, for instance, is right near my front porch. A handful of flat rocks that look like lilypads floating about a pile of nifty gravel. There are lots of little nooks and corners that work perfectly. Remember, you only need to fill your camera frame. And a little tip for you, the taller you are, pointing the camera down, the more of the space you utilize. For example, if I had gotten down to the level of my baby you would see a sprinkler head, a tree and the stucco wall of my garage behind her. But I stood tall over her and all I got was the lilypad rock. This is also a great way to get good light in the eyes, because your subject is looking up. More nifty photo nooks to come, I am exploring my yard on a daily basis. Cheers!

We have bloom

2009-05-07T08:35:00.002-06:00

Finally my tree bloomed. I have lived in my new home for exactly a year this week and missed blooming time last year so I was highly anticipating this tree's bloom, it could have been anything. And I must admit I was greatly surprised! This is the same tree I posted buds of a few posts back. While the buds were a dark pink, the blossoms are puffy light pink, a few of them almost white, little fluffs. Who would've thought? And then it made me think...

There are so many instances in our lives when we can't see the pink fluffs at the end. And sometimes that can be so frustrating, especially when you wait for a year to see them, and are teased by balls of fushia for a month beforehand. But when you finally see those light pink puff balls, it makes it all worth it. It makes it seem like the wait wasn't so long after all. Life is beautiful, even if we come across some snares while we wait for it to be that way. And so goes my parable of the pink puff tree, may you find peace in knowing that whatever your strife may be, in the end it will be worth it.

'Tis the season for Seniors!

2009-05-03T08:42:00.004-06:00

Senior year! I remember my senior year. A mish mash of life at good ol' Dos Pueblos High school in Goleta, California. Go Chargers! Blue and Gold! Good times.

Seniors make me smile, and I love to photograph them. Because, really what is a senior picture? It's saying, hey - look at me, I have made it through four years of the craziest time in my life. I am beautiful, I am smart, and I am on to bigger and better things! The senior picture marks a huge milestone in life (one that, I know, I look back at and say things like, "Wow, I used to be skinny."). But really, life truly begins after senior year, so many paths to choose!

To celebrate this exciting time I am offering a FREE* senior session to one of you lucky blog-readers. Please either post a comment or send me an email (if you're not into that whole logging in and blog-commenting) with your name, your senior's name, high school, and what makes your senior so special. I will draw a random lucky winner from the group on May 25th. Session will be scheduled in June in Utah County.

And in the meantime, a little peek at my session with Kylie, a beautiful senior whom I just love!

* Session includes a CD of 25 images, an online photo album and 1 8x10. Additional prints must be ordered seperately at regular print prices.

32 this morning, 62 this afternoon

2009-04-27T12:41:00.002-06:00

I am going to really ignore the fact that it snowed yesterday. Snowed so much so that it did indeed cover the ground and stick for about 24 hours. And then there was that whole wind chill factor. It probably wouldn't have been so awful except that my entire family got stuck in it while walking to church yesterday. And so this morning we have woken with sniffles and the desire to stay in our pajamas all day and I am considering breaking out the pumpkin bread recipe and christmas music. I mean really...is it almost May, because I could swear we are back to November.

So amidst the chicken soup aroma that is filling my house and the fact that movies are going nonstop while snifflers lie on the couch, I am going to tell you that I really do hope the weather report of 62 degrees this afternoon holds true. And I will just quickly brush away the fact that the temperature gauge on my minivan read 32 this morning. It would really be such a shame for these little buddlies to never bloom and just be frozen off their branches. You have no idea how I am looking forward to blooming time...

Spring has sprung

2009-04-24T12:09:00.002-06:00

I hesitate to say that because, after all, this is Utah, however I am going to wishfully think that we are past the freezing temperatures and the snow will stay in the mountains for the next 6 1/2 months.

Let's go fly a kite! I absolutely loved the sky yesterday so I had to capture this special moment and make sure I got lots of SKY in it! To do this I had to be very low to the ground and shorter than my 6 year old, but though I probably looked a little um, awkward shooting this, you can see, I got my sky.

I have yet to find a graceful way to get good subject shots with lots of sky. When nobody can see the resulting image they just look at you like you're nuts. I have literally kissed the ground at the reflecting pond at the Salt Lake temple, we're talking belly sucked in and flat on the ground, neck arched and camera tilted way up. And since that explanation will probably make you curious, here's the shot:

May the days continue to be filled with sunshine and may I ignore that the forecast is calling for rain...

Full Sun vs. Open Shade

2009-04-23T12:48:00.003-06:00

I've decided to give a little photography lesson today. Someone gave me this little piece of advice several years ago, including drawing a little diagram (which I will spare you as I cannot draw), and I use it constantly when I am photographing. Or, I don't. But here you will see the differences....

Full Sun...Have you ever been outside in the sun and taken a picture with your camera and lo and behold when you get the results back you have a gorgeous picture of the background and your subject is dark? There are lots of ways to overcome this challenge (aside from the obvious of not shooting in the full sun), so here are my tips:

1 - Place your subject with their back to the sun. Be careful as you may get some lens flares if you shoot directly into the sun, but if the sun is behind your subject then you can get even light on the face. At high noon this can be tricky, more about that later.

2 - Set your camera to spot or center weighted metering as this will check the light on your subject's face rather than if you use matrix metering (the default on most cameras) which will check the light from the entire frame.

3 - Don't be afraid to overexpose your shot. This is photography according to Courtney and not textbook. But this is what I do to ensure I get a brighter face. It will most likely blow out (make white) your sky and background, but I don't mind that look (some do, it's a preference kind of thing).

4 - Use a flash. I don't use a flash very regularly at all, but surprisingly, I use my flash more in full sun than in any other setting, particularly at high noon when the sun is directly overhead and you may get those raccoon looking dark eye sockets, so flash away.

If you can get out of the sun, find something called "open shade". Open shade is your golden spot, I am picturing a choir singing "Laaaaaa" and a grand orchestra "ta da!". Yes, open shade is where it happens. I am not talking about sitting under a tree. Nor am I talking about directly under a roof. Open shade is what happens when you can find something large (usually a building or structure of some sort) that will act as a giant blockage of your sun. The wider the blockage, the more shade you have and the more open space you have. The perfect spot for you subject is right on the edge of that shady line you see on the ground. Sunlight is fabuloso for color, as soon as you take that bright light away you lose so much of that sharp colorfulness and get into more blues and grays. Open shade allows the sun to still shine, just not directly on your subject(s).

Examples:
(I did not use my flash on either of these, taken at approx 2:00pm)

This first one was taken in full sun. I turned baby to face me so the sun is behind her and to my right. White blowout on the head and hair, however, nice exposure on the face, great light in the eyes. Camera settings: f-stop (A) - 8.0, shutterspeed (SS) 1/160, ISO - 100, focal length 46.0mm, center-weighted metering.

This second one was taken in open shade. I moved approx 15 feet toward the side of the house where the ground and subject was shaded. The lighting is much more even on background and entire subject. Camera settings: f-stop (A) - 3.2, SS - 1/320, ISO - 100, focal length - 50mm, matrix metering.

Both images had some tweakes with Photoshop Curves.

I actually love the white highlights that full sun brings as long as I can get the face exposed properly, because it's all about the face to me. I like my subjects to be "kissed in sunlight", a very gently cast and glow. Open shade makes for perfect exposures, but don't be afraid of the sun! Kiss away, okay?

Sprinter...

2009-04-16T16:45:00.003-06:00

That is my new name for the season we are experiencing right now. A little mix of winter, being as we got about six inches of snow last night, along with some spring that tried to show itself but was quickly shushed. My goal in going out shooting today was to get some colorful spring like flowers covered in snow. No such luck because by the time I finally got out the door, all the snow had melted off the trees and was quickly making drips and puddles everywhere. I took some back roads near my home in Spanish Fork, Salem and Payson and found some great locations that I can't wait to go back too when I have more willing subjects.

I shoot with the Fuji S5 pro, and one of the reasons I absolutely love this camera is the way I can get beautiful color straight off the camera. I was hoping for more blue sky but took what I could get. This was all about my style. I am really a close up face sort of photographer, or I am zoomed way out to encompass all the scenery. Rarely do I stop in between. And I just looooooove color! Here are a few of my favorites of the day...which ones do you like?

In this one they are kicking up snow from the ground, it's not really a great shot, but I love this little house (it's actually a bus stop) and I will be coming back to shoot here again for sure.

This complicates things...

2009-04-07T13:15:00.002-06:00

It's been five years since I've had a baby. It's been two years since I really had to watch a kid constantly so as not to hurt themselves or destroy something else. I was this close (holding up my finger and thumb til they are practically touching) to having the freedom of ALL my kids in school. And then I went and had another... But I wouldn't trade her for the world. And though she is now on the move, I must look at all the positive things like...I will probably be more obsessed about keeping the floors clean. While having a mobile baby is not a negative thing, it does put a kink into a mommy's life. Sitting at the computer while she happily plays at my feet is now a thing of the past. And I am guessing I am going to have to start bribing her too to take her picture as I now do with the rest of my kids. But still, it's an exciting moment. My baby has reached a milestone. I give her just a few more months before she is attempting to do that walking thing. And then we'll just see how well I can keep up with this blog...

Dead trees...

2009-03-25T09:40:00.004-06:00

For any of you that know me in my photography world, you know that I have a "thing" for dead trees. Or they are probably just dormant. There is something about the mixed up way their branches all reach upward with no pattern and no logic and each tiny branch has a window to the scenery behind it. No two dead trees are alike you know. Yet when they are all fully foliaged it's kind of like, yeah, so what, it's a tree, seen a million of 'em, thanks. Oh, how I love dead trees... Here are a few of my favorites:

This one was taken just outside my front door. Yes, this is my tree and instead of being horribly depressed that it was covered in snow after Spring had so meanly teased me, I decided to capture it instead. This was taken at first light in the morning, you can pretend it's December.

This next tree is just up the road from me near a canal ditch and a big field. I love the sunset sky behind it, my most favorite time of day (taken before the snow when March was being springy and I could walk outside at this time of night in just a sweatshirt.)

And these two are oldies but goodies from Southern Utah, meaning I didn't take them this week but last year on a trip. The first was taken in Snow Canyon near St. George, and the other was taken in Arches National Park in Moab. I just have to point out the pink clouds in the second one. I am so amazed that every time I go and shoot in Arches, I come out with pink clouds. It is amazing the reflection of those beautiful rocks. Or maybe it is some other natural phenomenon or camera glitch I haven't figured out yet? Just never white balance off the clouds in Moab, just to tell ya.

More plants from my childhood...

2009-03-19T07:55:00.002-06:00

Back to my trip back home where I took a camera tour of the house I grew up in...I have to mention the bottlebrush tree. This is a tree I have never seen anywhere else, ever. I am starting to think that it belongs only to my family and it may have been transported here in a small pot from Germany when my ancestors came over way way back. Does anyone know if this tree exists in Germany? This tree is interesting and swarmed with bees on most days. It also attracts humming birds like you would not believe. I would sit and look out the big window in our front room and watch the hummingbirds flitter up and away, they have a very slight, motor sort of sound. My mom would hang bird feeders in the branches to attract the birds and if we were lucky, orioles would come. They were my favorite. I never quite understood why it was called a bottle brush tree until I had babies, and bought a bottle brush. Funny, now I get it :) Cheers!

It's officially outdoor photography weather!

2009-03-16T21:27:00.002-06:00

I have been looking forward to this day for months and months! It was a bit windy but warm. The grass is sadly not quite up to speed with the springy-ness I feel, but it felt so good to get out into that warm bright light once again. These are officially my first pictures of Spring, can't wait for more!

Sepia-ness

2009-03-13T16:18:00.003-06:00

Every once in awhile I will get a client who will not want color pictures. They will want black and white only, or in this case, sepia. I love these clients. True, color photography is just my most favorite thing. But there is absolutely nothing wrong to me with tightening the reigns on good old fashioned timeless classic. Sepia can be defined in many different ways, but for me, it's a black and white with a touch of warmth. This little guy was the cutest little man I really think I have ever seen. When I walked in the door and saw this little man walking very carefully toward me in his sweet little tie I just let out one of my shrieks and said, I can't wait to take his picture! Turns out he wasn't really that excited about me at all....but here are some of his mom's (and me too!) favorites...

Birds of ... my house

2009-03-12T20:52:00.003-06:00

When last I was home in good ol' Goleta, California I took my camera and walked around my home. It is the same home my parents have lived in since before my existence, so a good 35 years of Bridgers' TLC has been put into it. Isn't it funny how things get so much smaller as we get so much bigger? I remember being in the garden with my Dad and thinking it was just massive and now...I'm taller than the fence. The backyard backs up to a creek. Not a nifty creek with rocks and soil, but just a big concrete storm drain with a chain length fence around it. When I was small, maybe 8 or so, I found a little "nook" behind a bush and infront of that fence and I would just sit and watch the little trickle of water go by. It was never much more than a trickle, California was in a drought for most of the 80s. The bush I sat behind had these amazing flowers on them that freakishly looked to me like peacocks. My Dad had told me it's called the Bird of Paradise plant. "Paradise" didn't quite fit to me because they looked like some kind of alien species and paradise is all about beauty right? But now as I was home and seeing them again in bloom I realized, there is a bit of paradise about them. My little hideout is a paradise I only wish I could stow away too these days. I don't fit in there anymore, and it's quite overgrown. I guess that's what happens when we leave home.