Guinea Pig

So my wonderful babysitter extraordinaire has been wanting to learn all about photography....and has come to me for some advice.  Not that I am an expert by any means, because I am not....but I am happy to share what I have been learning.  A couple of weeks ago she wanted to go shoot with me so she could work on some things.  Man it's hard to be in front of the camera when you are used to being behind it.  And of course, I am much more critical when it comes to images of me.  But Debra is such a good sport and is so good about taking constructive criticism.  Here's what we've been working on.

Yes more pics of my kids....can't help it.

When I haven't shot for a few days....I end up going through my older pictures and editing them.  It's fun because I am always learning new things about the software I use. These were from when I took their fall pics.  Practice makes perfect right.  

Fall Costume Party 2009!

Thought I would share some pics of the kids and David in their costumes.  We aren't big fans of Halloween....but the kids and daddy love to dress up.  We enjoyed going to Church for the Fall Famtastic Party.  The kids played carnival games, enjoyed face painting, a hayride, and of course the bouncer.  Then we headed over to some friends house for another party.  David  is always such a good sport when it comes to dressing up.  He thought my costume I got him was hilarious.  Although he did spend most of the night with a pillow in his lap...the spandex was a little tight.  I wore a statue of liberty costume....sorry no pics.  That's what happens when your the photographer in the family.

Present for the teacher

Most parents give candles or gift certificates or bath and body works......I give pictures.  I am ahead of the game this year for Elijah's kindergarten teacher's Christmas gift.  She asked if I would take pictures of her niece so that she could give them to her sister for Christmas.  I was happy to do if for her.  Grace had for kindergarten and now Elijah has her.....and I am willing to bet that Micah will have her next year.

2009 "School Picture" Retake

I don't mean to be a photography snob.....but I kind of am. I just can't stomach spending at least 20 bucks a kid on pictures that basically only function as a documentation of another school year. I never really display these photos. So instead I thought that every year we would do our own "school pics". I explained to my kids that mommy is capable of taking way more fun pictures that none of their other friends would have. They still would get to say cheese for Lifetouch....which hasn't changed much since mommy went to school I might say...except maybe color of background. And I can still print pictures for way cheaper for my whole family. So the first time we attempted to get individual shots....not everyone was totally cooperating. This time attitudes were a little better but still a little painful to get my kids to even look in the direction of my camera. All in all I am very pleased with this years pics.

A Typical Evening!

I think we have to be the weirdest  parents around.  But we often find ourselves turning up the music and practicing our robots/hiphop/breakdancing....well that is daddy and kids....as mommy is usually behind the camera.  Thought you might enjoy being a pseudo fly on our wall.

Messing with Texture

So with any obsession....I mean hobby their is always something bigger and better to learn about....and purchase. Just recently I thought it might be good to invest in some textures for my photos. I have been playing but it's not as easy as it looked on the website I bought them from. But I have been having fun. Here are few pics from our shoot with our friends. It's subtle....feel free to tell me whether you love it or hate it.