Pretty Pixel Photography

Reese!

Remember this tiny newborn? Well now she's 6 months old and as cute as can be! I love LOVE photographing babies, and this age is my favorite! They're cute and cuddly, they smile and babble, and they can sit and not run away from you. haha. Enjoy!

I heart Faces: Beautiful Black and White

I occasionally enter the weekly photo challenges on I heart Faces. Well, they just started a new thing, where they have a monthly challenge as well. AND this one has prizes! So I thought I'd give it a go! First place winner gets $100 and also a winner will be chosen at random to win a new lens! So, here is my entry.

Do I think it will win? Nope! But I love it just the same! To learn more about I Heart Faces contests, click on the image below.

Engagement!

I don't do many engagement sessions, so I was really excited for this shoot! I took Sherri's family pictures last year, and now she is getting married! I had soooo much fun taking these pictures, I think they were sick of me at the end :) Enjoy!

Congratulations you two!! You've got your hands full!

Get your camera off of auto!

Lately I've been thinking of writing some tutorials for this blog. But what do I write about? Shooting? Processing? Composition? Before I do any tutorials though, you need to know the basics. If you have a DSLR the first thing you need to know is how to shoot in manual! Turn your dial to "M" and leave it there until you have it mastered! It's tricky and will take lots of practice, but learning to take pictures correctly has been the best thing I've ever learned in life!

To get you started, here is a fantastic tutorial all about shooting in manual! http://www.clickitupanotch.com/2010/09/shooting-in-manual-the-basics/

Another great site: http://my3boybarians.com/31-days-to-a-better-photo/

Or have you checked out the Pioneer Woman's website? She's not only an amazing cook, she's an amazing photographer. Reading her tutorials is what got me started! http://thepioneerwoman.com/photography/category/basic-photography/what-the-heck/

Just why is this the greatest thing I've ever learned? Because now I am able to take beautiful pictures of my children all.the.time.

...and with practice, you can too.

Photo Booth!

Last Friday night, I was asked to take pictures for a Valentine's Party my church was having. At first I was hesitant, but then I had the idea to do a photo booth and I was really excited to try it out. I bought a white background, made some props, and also grabbed a few of my daughters dress up clothes. My goal was to do something new and fun, and to avoid a "prom" picture. It was a hit! It was so fun, and everybody seemed to really get into it. Here are a few of my favorites.

I did keep all of these props, so if this looks like something you would want at an event just let me know! I'd love to do it!

Baby Branden (and some other familiar faces)

I had the opportunity to photograph my favorite kids the other day, but this time they had a new baby brother to add to the mix! Baby Branden turned 3 months, and it was his time to get in front of the camera! I really love these kids, and I love how their pictures turned out!

Also, isn't everyone LOVING this weather right now? It's so perfect! This time of year is why I live here! Let's get to taking pictures before it goes away! I'm now taking bookings for March. Book now, they will go fast!

At the end of the session he even fell asleep for us! I just love sleeping babies.

Sweet dreams!

A photo shoot for MY kids!

Yesterday my little boy turned 6 months old. I had originally planned to go somewhere outdoors and take his pictures, but yesterday I got hit with a nasty cold and didn't feel like doing anything. When I did get a little burst of energy what did I do? I did what every normal mother does, set up a photo shoot for my children! (right?) haha. I always take pictures of my boy on the 19th of every month so I later can make a scrapbook of his first year. I did the same thing with my daughter, but still have yet to finish her scrapbook. Ahh...someday. Anyway...

I had this set up to take pictures of my boy, and was shooting away when my daughter starts to whine that SHE wants to take pictures too! I said, "Okay but you have to get dressed and let me do your hair", and to my surprise she was ALL for that! This never happens. And although she only stayed about 5 minutes in front of the camera, she sure knows how to work it!