Mastering your DSLR

I get a lot of inquiries about teaching moms how to better use their cameras. So I have been working on putting together some information to maybe offer a course on getting to know you camera. While I was looking for resources that are already available, I ran across this fabulous informational site created by Canon.

I think it's a great starting point for moms who have just purchased a DSLR (Canon or not), and want be able to use it more than just in automatic mode. Part 2: Using Camera Features for Better Photos is very informative, and even through the camera dial information is more specific to Canon cameras, can easily be applied to other brand cameras, since most have similar features under slightly difference names. Like the Mode dial for both Canon and Nikon use "P" from Program mode (automatically exposure, but you set the white balance, ISO, etc). But Canon uses "Av" for aperture priority and Nikon uses "A", Canon uses "Tv" for shutter priority and Nikon uses "S". The basics of photography like depth of field, shutter speed, apertures (F-stop), white balance, ISO, and matering will apply regardless of the type of camera you are using. The more you learn how to use the features of your camera, the better the results you will get. It's not the camera that makes the picture, it's the photographer.

Part 3: Choosing Lenses for Different Types of Photos is a good section for those who understand their DSLR, and are frustrated at the limitations of the lens the camera came with. When moving from a nice point and shoot digital camera to a DSLR, you give up the convenience of a wide zoom range in a lightweight package. To get a closeup of that bird at the zoo you'll need to invest in a telelphoto lens. And to get a picture of the whole group of kids at the birthday party in your tiny dining room, you need a wide angle lens. To more you come to understand, the more you realize that you could spend thousands of dollars outfitting your $600 camera!

I love Etsy!

Since my girls were babies, I have enjoyed outfitting them in handmade and custom clothing. I have done commercial photography for many designers, and although the custom boutique communty used to be very strong on Ebay, it seems that Etsy has taken over as the "place to be" for custom clothing. I love shopping there for hand-knit caps that I use as photography props, as well as unique gifts. Just tought I would share some of my photography that I've run across on recently on Etsy (and the great designers we've worked with):

Boutique NRF NY


Ollie Girl!


SugarbelleChic

LullabyLamb hats

Blu Moon Design

Sweet Digital Package

While the weather outside is unpredictable, my studio is cozy and the perfect place for your winter portraits. And to sweeten the offer, I have decided to offer a special winter digital package. For only $475, you receive a 1 hour portrait session in the studio, a CD with 20 full resolution digital images, and the rights to print them up to 8x10 in size. The offer only applies to children's and baby portrait sessions in the studio (outdoor, newborn, family, and Celebrating Adoption sessions do not qualify). This offer will end on March 31. Contact me to schedule your appointment, spaces are limited!

In Print!

Last winter I took some photos for some authors of a children's book--for the "about the author" page. I was excited to find a copy of the book in the mail today. And even more surprised to find that my image is huge--the whole top half of the back cover.

The story was written and translated by a Russian-American grandfather, and edited by his granddaughter. It tells a traditional Russian fairy tale, adapted for American audiences. Check out the book on Amazon. I am excited to see it published, and I hope it does well for them!

2? I don't believe it...

This little cutie was the very first newborn I photographed... and now she is two years old! I can't believe how quickly time flies. Here she is enjoying some peaceful outdoor time, without her big brothers ;)

Warm Winter Days

Yesterday was one of those surprisingly warm winter days--the ones I always believe fool you into thinking spring is around the corner, but really are just the calm before the big blizzards. The kids were playing outside and the setting sun made for beautiful natural light, so I grabbed my camera and snagged a few closeups.

Baby Grand

I am always excited when clients come with ideas on how they would like to incorporate something personal into their portraits. These new parents suggested we do their newborn session at their house to make use of their 1928 Steinway piano--how fun is that, a "baby" grand? The light was so nice in their home, I was able to do the entire session with pure natural light.