November Sunrise

We had a gorgeous sunrise this morning.

I had to drop everything and run outside in my pj’s to get these shots.

It’s a good thing I did, too because about 5 minutes after I took these photos all the color was gone.

Focal Length: 50mm
Shutter Speed: 1/1250
Aperture: F/3.2
ISO: 1600

 

Focal Length: 50mm
Shutter Speed: 1/640
Aperture: F/3.2
ISO: 1600

 

Focal Length: 50mm
Shutter Speed: 1/640
Aperture: F/3.2
ISO: 1600

 

Focal Length: 50mm
Shutter Speed: 1/200
Aperture: F/3.2
ISO: 400

 

Oh, and I have to mention that I shot these in *manual mode!  Squee!  I have been trying so hard to figure it out for a while now. 

After reading this post I started fiddling with my camera to give a try.  I didn’t have much luck until last night when everything just clicked.

So, first chance I got, I went outside to test my new knowledge.  Not too shabby, right??

*Manual mode is where you set your shutter and aperture values instead of letting the camera figure it out for you.  Previous to this I was shooting in AV mode, in which I would set my aperture value and my camera would determine my shutter speed.  The opposite of that is TV mode, where you set your shutter speed and the camera determines the aperture value. 

I’m really looking forward to really getting a handle on this.  I think this will really help to boost my photography to levels I’ve only dreamed of!

2009 Family Portraits

Last year, I began the tradition of yearly family photos.  Our last family photo had been taken in 2006 (by a “professional”) and it really wasn’t a spectacular photo.

We needed a change, and I was up to the challenge.

I rigged up a mini studio in my living room, set the camera to timer, and away we went.

We were pleased with the results, and this photo hangs in my living room to this day.  It even adorned our Christmas cards last year.

This year, I wanted more.  The indoor “studio” was nice, but I wanted outdoor photos with the colors of fall as our background.

We set out yesterday in our coordinating outfits (!) aiming for at least two good shots.  One for the living room wall and one for Christmas cards.

There were several that I liked, which is surprising, because I HATE having my own photo taken.  Although, I should say that my expectations weren’t extremely high.  I figured, as long as everyone was looking at the camera and not making goofy faces, we were good.

I was also lucky enough to get a few other shots:

The only thing that would have made this session a complete success is if I had gotten a good photo just of Aaron and just of the three kids.  Although, it wouldn’t have hurt to gotten a few with just me with the kids, but again, I hate having my photo taken.

Oh, and just for laughs, I took this of Emma after the session.  We let the kids unwind at the playground and Emma’s hair took on a personality all it’s own.

Priceless!

I am very happy with the results of the session.  This is definitely something we will continue to do.  Not only is it fun, but it’s great practice!

But on top of it all it was a great way to spend the day together.  =)

Cross posted here.

First Look: Matt’s Senior Portrait Shoot

 

Fall was definitely in the air yesterday!  It warmed into the 50’s for the first time in a couple of weeks. 

We weren’t the only one’s to take advantage of the nice day.  It seemed like everywhere we turned we saw groups of people getting their photos taken.

We had a great time and we got lots of great photos! 

Fall Colors

Another Sneak Peek!

I was only going to do one sneak peek at Kylee’s session, but I can’t help it.  I have to do another one.  I’m feeling rather inspired at the moment.  =)

Enjoy!

Sneak Peak at Kylee’s Senior Portraits!

Yesterday I had the honor of photographing my cousin Kylee for her senior portraits.  It was a fantastic afternoon! 

I was up really late editing last night because I just couldn’t stop!   I got a lot of great photos.

As promised, here is a look at her session!

 

Had a great time yesterday, Klyee and Aunt Schelle!  Thanks so much for the opportunity to take these photos!

Beautiful Finds on a Rainy Day

See all my photos on my flickr photostream.

Late Summer’s Beauty

 

Talk is Cheap, Free Speech Isn’t

This photo is one of my favorites from out trip to Nashville last month.  I just got around to editing it…it really wasn’t in my list of favorites until I started working with it. 

Oh, and I should mention that the title is derived from one of the stickers on the guitar.  But, really, I think it fits.

  

This is really the only “on the street” photo I have from our time in Nashville.  I wish I had had more time to walk the town.  Hopefully it won’t be too long before we can go back.

Clouds Galore

Look up!  You may be amazed at what you see!  =)