My new blog :)

I wanted to create a separate blog devoted solely to my pursuit of photography knowledge! I have just started the journey of learning how to take good pictures. Photography has always been fascinating to me, but I always saw it as something that was way beyond my reach. I thought, "oh, that is too hard. Too much technical jargon to learn. Too much time required to learn to do it right." But then I decided, if I learn even just a little bit, my pictures will be better than they WERE, right? And with every added tip and technique that I "master", they will get just that much better, right? So, I took the plunge. I talked my husband into buying me a Canon Rebel DSLR. It took me a good 6 months after that before I started attempting to shoot without full auto. Now, I scour the web (if I can get a spare minute or two) looking for tutorials, reading tips on lighting and composition, learning how to edit my photos in Photoshop Elements, and trying to absorb any information I can to help take my photography to the next level.

Some of my photography goals are to start a mini business where I take photos for friends (and friends of friends) for a very reasonable price. Right now, my "business" is set up so that, for a set amount, they receive a CD full of edited photos from their session plus a copyright release to print them as they wish.  My long-term goal is to sharpen my skills to the point that I could apply to be a photographer for Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep. This organization is very special to us. The beautiful pictures we received of our sweet Baby Bella from her short time on this earth are beyond invaluable to us. I can only hope to serve others in this way during a time that is so heartbreaking. I see it as a ministry and a way to honor Bella's life.

I have been so blessed to have some friends that have let me practice on them over the last few months. I have done 2 newborn shoots, a couple of 3 month olds, a couple of families, and an engagement session. I will be sharing some photos from these and future shoots as well as things I learned from each of them.

This blog will also serve as a way for people to get a sneak peek at their photo sessions and give my mom a way to see my work! :)