A long time ago, I would say about 12 years ago, I became interested in photography. I was attending college at The University of Texas at Austin. At that time I was pursuing a degree in Nutrition to become a Dietitian (my other passion) so I didn't really do much with my photography interest besides purchase a 35mm film SLR camera. I thought it was the greatest camera back then. Christmas 2007 is when I got my current camera - Cannon digital SLR. I love digital! After getting that camera I wanted to learn more about photography, but life got busy with trying to start a family and having to endure infertility, the loss of the twins, the whole ordeal with the sextuplets and then our surprise, miracle baby. After the arrival of Kayla, I was inspired to pursue my long awaited passion of photography. It was just the right time. It all started with a desire for those cute newborn photos I wanted of Kayla and never got with Rachel and Haley, but we could not afford them so I tried to do some on my own. You can see that post
here. The pictures came out ok, but of course I wanted to improve my picture taking skills even more. So I started teaching myself by reading a photography book, watching youtube videos and just practicing. I also edit my pictures with a free editing program I found online. I have taken a few steps further with my photography by purchasing a speedlight (external flash), a backdrop stand and 3 different backdrops. I am finding out that photography is an expensive hobby!!! Being a beginner, I have only purchased relatively inexpensive stuff. My biggest purchase was the external flash, but it was under $80. The flash is great and has made a big difference in my pictures. The picture below is not an example of the use of my nice camera and flash. This picture was taken with my old point and shoot.
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| My camera/flash, backdrops and photography book |
Taking pictures is one of the best ways to capture those memories that you don't want to forget. I plan on taking many pictures of my girls. I don't want to miss anything. I'm excited about the memories I will get to capture and am happy to be doing something that I truly enjoy. Since I am a stay at home mom (grateful that I can do that), I have the opportunity to use the little extra time I have to enjoy photography. I don't know if I will end up with a business (not ruling it out), but I will continue to gain experience, be creative and just have fun. I am excited that I do have a photo shoot coming up for a friend of mine. Her daughter is having a birthday party and she has hired me to be the "photographer". So I did a practice photo shoot with the girls using the backdrop (black and white damask) that I will be using at the party. Here are the photos from that. They are still far from professional looking, but I love them. I really like the backdrop. It's my favorite and its so girly. Love my girls for doing another photo shoot for me. They did a good job!
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| Rachel, Kayla, Haley (not too happy in this one) |
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| Haley |
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| Haley |
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| Rachel |
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| Rachel giving me her half smile |
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| Rachel and Haley |
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| Kayla |
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| Kayla |
I hope you won't mind some constructive criticism here (BTW -- my first post, although I've been following your story since before the sextuplets were born). Although the backdrop is attractive, it's too busy. It draws the eye from the subject(s), which should be the kids. Your daughters are beautiful and deserve to be the focal point of the picture. Plain (unpatterned) backdrops work best.
ReplyDeleteYour family is in my prayers nightly. Congratulations on having such beautiful daughters.
I don't know anything about photography but your children are beautiful and so like your husband, especially Haley. Their outfits are so cute, well done Amanda you are a wonderful mother - I have followed your store since inception and I really enjoy your updates and wish you all well.
ReplyDeleteRegards
Catherine
What free editing software are you using? I'm newer into my photograph hobby and need something.
ReplyDeleteThe program I am using now that I got free online is Picasa 3. I have also used Picknik, but its gone and has been replaced by PicMonkey. I like PicMonkey and may use that more until I get Photoshop Elements 10 within the month. Hope one of these programs work for you.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Lori S. I live in Cypress. Once my son went to a party and there was a photo session. It had props for the theme of the party (Western) so each child was individually photographed with a western hat, vest and a little sign that said Happy Birthday NAME (bday childs name) Each child received their own pic and the birthday child had one for each guest! It was so cute! Good luck!!
ReplyDeleteI love your photo's!! Like you I am attempting to get better with photography and you have given some great ideas!! The girls are just beautiful and growing up!!
ReplyDeleteHello my name is Nina and I can't tell you how I found your blog but I have enjoyed reading the progress of your three beautiful girls! I wanted to share with you a site with online photography classes. My daughter started her photography career with Jessica's Sprague classes. At the age of seventeen she has learned a lot from Jessica and is running a very successful business. I know you are a very busy mom, this may be perfect for you. You can take her classes on your own time. You can check her site out at:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.jessicasprague.com/
What Jessica's classes started for my daughter:
http://www.capturesthebeauty.com/
What a wonderful family you have, your girls are beautiful.
All the best to you!
Nina Giacobbe
I also have been following your story since before your sextuplets were born, but have never posted.I am so happy to see Haley and Rachel doing so well,and now there is little Kayla! Lucky girls, lucky you.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Readerlady re: the backdrop- my daughter is a photography student in college, and they suggest having a plain black, a plain white, lacy plain backdrop, and a pattern for plain subjects- the latter which excludes these beauties!
Thanks for the comments and suggestions! I do know that I should have used a plain/solid color outfit with the black and white damask backdrop, but I didn't have matching solid color outfits for all 3 girls and I wanted them to match.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos of such cute girls. Amanda you have a real talent - you have captured them so well, and each one of their personalities shine through!
ReplyDeleteAmanda, you could get the girls each a white sundress at Old Navy or Target- those would look really cute with this backdrop. They'd get a lot of wear out of the dresses with the warm weather coming too...photography is all about experiment in...difficult with three very little ones...great job!
ReplyDeletecute photos! if you are interested in photography, a really great book is Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. i learned a lot from this book!
ReplyDeleteI am also a secret follower. I've loved watching your family grow. And seeing your love and faith. Your are an inspiration to me.
ReplyDeleteI am also a photographer as well. I mostly do natural light photography, but it is something I just love, as you do. I wanted to say I personally like the cute outfits you put them in and also the backdrop! It's all very cute! The only thin I might have done is have the girls sitting further away from the backdrop so that it's not as in focus and the become more of the focus. They are such beautiful little girls! How lucky you are to have three beauties to practice on! :)
If you ever need someone to talk photography, I'd love to chat. I'm no expert, but sometimes it helps just to chat with someone with the same love for it.
tjlphotos.blogspot.com
I enjoy following your journey. Like you, photography is my passion, and I am trying to pursue it, while enjoying my stay-at-home-mommy status. Have you considered getting the 50mm/1.8 lens? It's around $120, and has made such a huge difference in my pictures. It gives that great background blur, because of the low aperture. Also, PicMonkey is a great free photo editing program on google to help with lighting and contrast. Good luck! Your pics look great and the girls are precious :)
ReplyDeleteI too am a secret follower (I like that phrase lol ). I have been following your blog since you were pg with the sextuplets. You've had a difficult journey and I've prayed for you many times.
ReplyDeleteI don't know diddly squat about photography except it's all about lighting. However, I wanted to let you know of a great group of ladies who are passionate about photography. Check out talk.sheknows.com look for 'Snap happy photographers'. They have other interest groups as well. Good luck with your new hobby!