In FRONT of the camera?

I'll start off by saying that I am not one of those photographers who is uncomfortable in front of the camera. In fact, I quite like it! When I had the opportunity to do a photo trade with Melissa, a fellow photographer, I was stoked to finally have some quality photos done with me actually IN them! I have hundreds of photos of my son, my husband, and my son and husband together...at this rate, Reid will wonder if I was even around! As much as I wish he would, my husband is not a fan of picking up the camera, even for snapshots. It's like pulling teeth, "Will, can you take a photo of us?" -insert loud sigh here- "Where is the camera?" -snap snap- "Okay, got it." (me looking at photos) "Uh...thanks, babe...." Here are a few from out session, and I just HAD to include a couple of the outtakes of Reid melting down. It was not all joy and puppy dog tails that day, but always, always worth it!

(Images courtesy of Melissa Thomas of West Ivy Studios based out of Reno, NV. THANK YOU!! We are pleased beyond belief!)

Best light - dawn or dusk?

Even non-photographers know that the best time of day to shoot is either 1 hour after sunrise or 1 hour before sunset. Riiiiight? Well, I beg to differ. Don't get me wrong, I love those times of day and they do provide a refuge from harsh afternoon sun. However, there is something to be said for a middle of the day shine. I have found, unexpectedly, that I really enjoy the light at the "bad" hours during the day. The key is to find shade or to make the harsh light work for you...not against you. It's not the easiest, but I like a challenge. I find that middle of the day light is vibrant, pretty, and brings a special vibe into my photos. I work with a lot of babies and children who just don't like to be awake at 7:30pm! We've made middle of the day shoots work for us, and in doing so, I have found a new appreciation for it.

I left my heart in San Francisco

Today was the most magnificent, gorgeous day in San Francisco. Sunny, 80 degree days don't come often in "The City" and it's hard for me to remember a time where I have been in SF without the cold and the fog. Don't get me wrong, the cold and the fog are part of the charm, but today I feel in love with a sunny San Francisco. I was lucky enough to spend 3 1/2 hours shooting the cutest little family in one of the most amazing cities in the world. As I turned my car to the east and headed back to Sacramento I decided that I need to come back. Soon. ...to be continued.