I grabbed my camera the other morning after sitting on the back porch with my coffee. K came through the door to join me and I noticed how beautiful her eyes shone in the morning light as she approached me. I couldn’t resist taking her picture for the bajillionth time.
At one point I switched the dial to “Auto” just to see what would happen and the flash activated, I assume because it was somewhat dark in the house and she was still inside. I got two pictures of her with the flash and it was so interesting to me how different her eyes looked in those shots.
I kept snapping, but this time not in auto, and I captured her gorgeous baby blues again, as well as a bit of her attitude. (But that just comes with the territory lately…)
This weekend I had a photo shoot and I was a little nervous since it was with someone I know, but she is more of an acquaintance and so I do not know her kids that well. Her youngest is 19 months and frankly, he was a bit hard to “catch” or capture, shall we say. And her daughter’s personality did not really shine until we went to the play area at the park where we met.
I’m telling you all this and writing it out for myself to remember, that right now, this can still be hard for me at times. I do not get ALL the technical stuff of taking photos. Sometimes I just wing it. And someone reading this may say, “Well then I would never want you to take my photos” and that is fine. Everyone who does this is in their own place. I know the basics I feel I need to know to get decent photos and I have Light Room and Photoshop on my side. 😉
But it is still intimidating and overwhelming for me at times and just like any artist, I start to doubt myself and my abilities and I think and wish and feel I should be better. That I need to be better.
So I am not sugar coating it at all. I’m still learning and experimenting and filing away tidbits from all of my experiences and the beautiful people who are trusting me with their memories.
And I would like to thank God that I am finding my way in this photography journey in the digital age and that it is quite easy to hit the “delete” button. 🙂
p.s. I won’t even get into comparing myself to others because, well. WOAH.
I think your pictures are really rather good, and I’m not just saying that! That you’re honest that it’s still a learning process is awesome. Imagine HOW GOOD your pictures will soon be once you’ve mastered all the technicalities!
Oh goodness, I can relate to comparing yourself to others and all of things you said. People wouldn’t ask you if they didn’t like your stuff–so keep going momma! I always think it’s so much harder to do kids you don’t know because you don’t have a relationship with them. You have to quickly build one in the time allotted! That’s not always easy. I think you did a great job, though!
K’s eyes are gorgeous. Love the no-flash version.
I totally get the insecurities you have. I’ve been asked to take photos of family and friends, and I always feel bad because I’m no where even close to a professional, and I think a lot of my good shots are just pure luck. As soon as my husband is done with his masters, I’m going to take a photography class (or 3).
I think your photos are great– I’m inspired to take some classes myself. Whenever I get photos taken of my daughter and me, I always choose someone that is still learning, the underdog so to speak. I love to see how they grow within a year or two after they’ve shot us.
By the way your daughter is absolutely gorgeous–and yes I just want to smooch her face on the without flash.
You’re doing an amazing job 🙂
Mandi
Just keep shooting, shooting, shooting. It’s a continual learning process, and you’re doing AWESOME.
Just remember that everyone has their own style, so comparing is not worth it. 🙂
I think you just have to keep practicing. I learn so much just from seeing the way you frame pictures and reading your blog. Keep at it, I can only imagine how hard it must be to photograph someone elses kids.
I think that it is awesome that you are taking this step. Good for you, you are very talented. 🙂
We did family pictures last week and Ben was not cooperative at all. I feel for all you photographers trying to get good pictures of uncooperative kids. As a parent I was frustrated–can’t imagine being the photographer!
I think it is great that you are sharing your honest experiences. I’m sure it will give confidence to people starting out in this. 🙂
I can relate to the photography thing! It’s about being honest with your clients – I don’t charge because I have no training and I do it for fun – and enjoying yourself. I think your pictures are gorgeous! You are doing great.
And K, what a darlin’. Seriously.
I love this because it’s so honest…it’s hard! I’ve only done photos for friends so far and I still get a heavy feeling in my tummy every time I go to upload pics. Did I get enough good ones? Did I totally screw it up?? We all get better with practice and experience. I think you’re doing a great job!
I love your honesty here. I, personally, think your photos are amazing! I’m just learning to take my camera off of auto and to manipulate the manual settings, but I know that I have a long way to go still.
Your photos are always great. And I think flash is always terrible. Natural light is best.
You just took the words right out of my mouth. I dont understand the technical stuff so doubt my ability and just click away.
I figure if I take a gajillion photos, one or two sould look ok……..
…she is ridiculously cute.
I’m so right there with you. Well, minus the talent, part. But with the “not on auto” part. It’s hard!
I love that you’re following your spark and learning’s you go. The “through it” way is the very best, yes?
(So proud of you, friend!)
I am just finding my passion for photography as well and there is so much to learn in this digital age but it is worth learning. I enjoy it like you do and I am so very thankful for the delete button! 😉
It is so hard when kids won’t participate! Even seasoned photogs have rough days when they doubt themselves, so just keep learning!
I am so proud of you to do this. I wish I could..but just cannot do it. I don’t know why. gah. You are awesome my friend. xo
if you love it, don’t give up on it or worry about what others think.
I made the mistake of being worried of what other people thought and it ruined photography for me.
Now all I do is stress about it, don’t stress or worry and keep shooting.
🙂
(i can’t believe she looks so big now! Our girls got so big, too fast)