Newborn Portrait Session

This week I was privileged to take pictures of this sweet baby boy, who is just shy of two months old. I was actually packing my bags after the shoot, and noticed the mother holding her infant in the doorway. The light was just right, and I was able to get one last shot before leaving. Some of my favorite shots are the ones that are not planned; the camera is simply in the right place at the right time.


Exposure: 1/100; Aperture: f/2.5; Focal length: 50 mm

Birthday Party Booked

I am pleased to have booked another birthday party. The party is a surprise for a woman who turns 60 this summer. It will be so much fun!

My customer, the woman's daughter, is very organized and has already thought through the details five months in advance. I'd like to think that I would be that organized this far in advance for a party that I was throwing... but probably not. :-)

The customer told me that she plans to make a coffee table memory book with the images taken at the party. What a great idea! She also told me that she will be glad to greet and mingle with the guests rather than tote a camera around, taking her own pictures of the occasion. That is one of several benefits of hiring a photographer. Let me worry about the details, making sure to photograph the guests and the guest of honor. The customer should just have fun and enjoy the moment.

Preserving Memories Through Words

To continue my thoughts on ways to preserve your kids' memories in addition to professional pictures, I want to share about a wonderful woman who coaches moms in their writing and journaling. I first posted this article to another blog last fall, and want to share it again on my photo blog.

The grow up so fast. As a parent of two young girls, that is the phrase that I hear most from family, friends and even strangers. We mothers may perform minor miracles – sew a hole in a beanie baby, play Tooth Fairy, and have dinner on time every night for a week – but there is nothing we moms can do to stop time.

We can, however, record moments in our kids’ lives to help us remember their younger years. One method – writing – sounds simple but is actually hard for many moms to do. Maureen Ryan Griffin, a writing teacher and coach based in Charlotte, North Carolina, leads monthly sessions called “Motherwords” for mothers and grandmothers that want to preserve memories about their kids and families in the form of words.

“Motherwords is about learning how to write to, for and about your family quickly, easily and from the heart,” says Maureen. “We practice techniques that will enhance your appreciation of the special gifts of motherhood, nurture your own creativity, and capture your priceless moments on paper to treasure always.”

Her class has some fans. One participant loves the class because it has provides time each month to write memories of her kids, and as a result, she watches her children more closely for moments she'll want to remember. Another mother likes the class for the community of mothers that share their memories and inspire her own.

Maureen came up with the idea for Motherwords after reading a newspaper article about a preschool teacher that carried a notebook with her and jotted down words uttered by her little students. She gave the words to each child’s parents at the end of each school year, and her efforts earn her a teaching award.

Maureen follows her own advice. Upon her daughter’s college graduation last spring, she gave her daughter a bound book of writings and pictures entitled 21 Years of Bliss (her daughter's nickname) that covered each phase of her life. Her daughter was thrilled—literally to tears.

In addition to teaching her writing courses for moms, Maureen is writing a book about the subject, due out in time for Mother’s Day 2010. This sample of the book’s introduction gives a gentle call to all mothers to write and preserve memories:

* Experience for yourself the fulfillment of writing for and about your children… whether or not you think you can write. (Or even like to write.)

* Whether you write in sentences or fragments, poetry or prose, whether or not you can spell or know where the commas go, write.

* Whether you write in a beautiful leather book with your child’s name inscribed on the cover, on scraps of leftover napkin, or on your computer, write.

* Whether you write several times a day, once a week, once a year on your child’s birthday, or once every blue moon when the mood strikes you, write.

* Your stories are your legacy. Put them in writing. Share them. You (and your loved ones) will be glad that you did.

For more information about Maureen and Motherwords, go to http://www.maureenryangriffin.com

Preserving Memories with "Handfuls"

Purchasing a portrait session for your infant, child or family is a wonderful way to preserve precious memories. After all, the kids really do grow up so fast! In the spirit of capturing these memories, I want to share about a small business that preserves the memories of kids in a different way - by using handprints and footprints.

I first saw one of Jenny Bertelsen's works of art in a friend's kitchen, proudly displayed on a simple plate stand. The sentimental type that I am, I knew right then I had to have one made of my kids' prints. I contacted Jenny, and made an appointment. Creating the print was quick and easy. The art comes in a variety of color and size options. I purchased larger pieces of art in addition to cute little footprint Christmas ornaments. I kept some pieces for myself and gave them as gifts - two years in a row - to grandparents.

Jenny's site is HandfulsHandprints.com. Her beautiful artwork, like photographs, will become more and more precious over time.

Another Joy of Photography

Part of my business strategy for 2010 that I menioned last week includes taking refresher courses in photography. I think that being a good photographer includes understanding what you don't know, and always being open to learning new things. For me, being in classes and taking pictures for customers or for personal pleasure help me keep my skills sharp.

What a good decision that turned out to be! So far I have taken two courses this year - an advanced flash class and an events photography class. Being around other photographers is fun, inspiring and educational. I love photography and have found a bond with my classmates and instructors.

Whatever your passion, embrace it. Learning about it, practicing it and sharing it is all part of the joy.

Joys of Photography

Saturday morning I got ready to go to a friend's newborn daughter's baptism. I am not a Catholic and was unsure if taking cameras are even allowed in church. Still, taking pictures is a part of me, and I threw my backup camera and my 50 mm lens in the car on my way out. I have missed too many shots that "could have been" because I wasn't prepared, and I didn't want that to happen today.

Charlotte had gotten the most beautiful snowfall the night before. As I started out to church, I was struck by the quiet, snowy scenes around me. The back country roads were slick but well worth the slow drive. I snapped a picture of a beautiful old tree to show what my little world looked like early that morning.

As it turns out, picture taking was allowed after the ceremony, and I was able to take some nice shots of the sweet baby and family. I was glad for an opportunity to use the 50 mm lens in conditions it was meant for. This lens was perfect for a low-lit church. I didn't have to use my big Speedlight flash, as the lens opens wide to allow for optimal light.

To me, the joy of being a photographer is simply appreciating the beautiful world and people around me through the lens of a camera. I was able to do that this weekend, and it was good for my soul.

Snowflake photography

While browsing the Internet this morning, I came across a web site which explains how we now know that no two snowflakes are alike. Wilson A. Bentley of Vermont became the first person to photograph a snow crystal in 1885. He did this with the help of a microscope and a bellows camera. According to the web site, Mr. Bentley photographed "more than 5000 snowflakes during his lifetime, not finding any two alike."

A lesson in photographic history and science, this is so interesting to me. I look forward to sharing this web site with my little girls!

Coming Soon from J. Rae Photography

This winter I've been working on business strategy. I want to have a more focused marketing plan, to add more choices to my family photography services, and to provide an even bigger value to customers. This will require an investment on my part, and I'm excited about the possibilities!

One of the additions to my business is that I now have access to a professional photography studio in Matthews, NC. This is a big plus during cold winter months, hot summer months, or as a creative alternative to the "natural light," outdoor photography that I enjoy. I'm also opening my home for customers closer to the Ballantyne area.

I look forward to sharing my new family and child photography services in the very near future!