Always Trying New Things!

So even though I have decided that I want my business to be limited to Maternity, Birth, and Newborn (with a possibility for infant milestones) I know that I am still getting the hang of things and the best way to hone your skills is to practice all the time. Does that mean I should only shoot what I am looking to sell? No way! How can I predict my camera's behavior in different situations if I haven't actually used it in different situations?

A coworker of mine is also a runner and he has a very early morning marathon this Sunday. He asked if I could come and try to get some shots of him during the marathon. Of course I told him I would absolutely love to! Of course after agreeing I started to think, oh goodness I have very little experience with sport photography. I don't know how to shoot in the dark! What if he just runs right past me and all I can catch is a blur?

Well the first thing I did to settle my fears was to ask a very good friend who I know has great strength shooting dim scenes to accompany me with his own gear. That way if I happen to just fail miserably, I know my friend will catch some great shots. He also is a great teacher and has been a huge help to me on past shoots. Now what I need to do is A LOT of reading about the art of catching dimly lit sports scenes. The next step will be to try and fit in some practice time before Sunday.

I am crossing my little fingers that I can apply the new things I have learned and come out with more images than I am expecting. I feel like I always go into shoots rushed and stressed and feeling completely unprepared. I know that most of that is me and I have to figure out a way to raise my confidence so that I can stop worrying and focus on the task!

Practice, Practice, Practice! Learn! Experiment! Learn More! Practice More! Get Better!

I have taken so many steps forward in the development of my business lately. I registered (finally!) with the Houston Center of Photography for their Certificate of Completion program. I have to test between difficulty levels, have to submit a portfolio before receiving my certificate, and have a great line-up of classes/workshops ahead of me. As I matter of fact my very first class is coming up very soon! I absolutely can't wait. The class is a remedial class just about using a camera and learning all of the settings. I am purposefully starting at the WAY bottom because I want to learn all that there is to know. When I have finished the certificate program I am going to pick an official name for my business, obtain a logo, and register as a real and true legitimate business. I am so looking forward to that day. I would love nothing more than to own a studio but I know that if I work hard enough I can make this business a success even without a studio.

One problem I am encountering is a lack of detail in the important features of my images, namely the face and eyes. I have been told and have learned from research that a big part of that is the fact that I still shoot in JPEG and not RAW. Next Tuesday I am doing newborn pictures for my God-sister whose maternity photos I did in the summer. I plan to shoot 50/50 and see what a difference it makes. I have bought a TON of new props and a great bamboo rug for a backdrop so I really have high hopes for this photo shoot. So much is invested in it.

Transitioning into Fall

It's that time of year again, the rush of the back to school madness has subsided a bit. High school kids are all planning for homecoming, the Holidays will soon be on their way, and Halloween is right around the corner! Every one is busy busy!!! I am getting a new 10-35mm lens soon and I am hoping to have it in time for the Homecoming season. I would really love to have the opportunity to shoot some great couples and group shots for the local teens on their big day. I did a little advertising on Facebook but that can only go so far of course. Hopefully if I am persistent enough word of mouth will bring me some work. One can only hope! I definitely have 2 maternity and 2 newborn shoots in the works, neither of which am I permitted to discuss yet. Secretive mommies!!! I sure can't wait though!!!! Anyone who lives in the Houston area and would like to make an appointment with me please feel free to email me at ashleynicolephotography2012@gmail.com

Practice With Texture and Color