Diva in Denim

OMG! What fun! Did I mention I only have boys? I love boys. I don't know really what I would do if I had a girl. But do I love, every now and then, to photograph a little girl. Especially one with long curly hair. I have several who visit my studio on a somewhat regular basis. Today, given the opportunity to dress a brave little girl (who tried her best to be a trooper with mommy not along for the shoot) in a variety of frilly dresses... my favorite shots were of her in denim! Like I don't see enough denim! With 70+ shots to choose from one would think I could pick at least one portrait of her in her princess costume...

Here are just a few of the many I liked. Thank you Heidi for being a dependable friend in our time of need.

What a Difference a Day Makes!

It's been more than a day, but less than a week since this little guy crawled around my studio. Only on the verge of taking steps but still very mobile. He had no intention of staying still or smiling to have his birthday pictures taken. We all know that this is often the case for a one year old. Today, with the help of his four year old brother, he was much more cooperative. Even more exciting, in the 5 days since he was here he learned to walk! Perhaps he knew something we didn't last week. He was saving his best picture taking smiles to show off his new skill!!

I Can't Believe It!!

Have you ever had a day when you just weren't in the mood? It happens to the best of us - no matter our age. Even a beautiful, blue-eyed, blond, curly haired boy who just turned one can decide that today is NOT the day to have his picture taken! That's why I work from home. So I can take my time. Let baby become comfortable, have a milk snack, and wait until the mood to not cooperate has passed.

Well... today the mood did not pass!! Imagine my total surprise when the few shots I did take (hoping for that split second when the look is just right) turned out like this! Still need to come back and try again Kerri :o)

Color? Or Black & White?

Mastering color and light is the essence of photography. And the world exists in splendid color even on the grayest of days! Perfect color is difficult to achieve with film or digital sensors. There needs to be be skill combined with the right equipment, and knowledge of lighting and settings, in order to produce a photograph that represents the scene that was intended to be captured. It is especially difficult to reproduce skin tones, keeping all other elements in balance.

I see and feel the world in color. And while there are pictures that call out to be converted to black and white, I find it difficult to turn every photograph into a black and white copy. I have the technology! Just not the desire. It is impossible to compete in the market without offering the option. But I much prefer to do just that... offer an option. As opposed to simply turning color gone bad into shades of non-color. Because as any photographer knows, black and white can at least save what may be an unusable color image.

I acknowledge that there are many very talented, successful artists whose black & white collections are magnificent and I applaud their talent. I have lesser regard for those who create such photos out of necessity (and it has happened to me on occasion). I wonder, for those black & white landscapes and portraits I admire, would I feel the same if I had seen the color version? Would you? Take a look at the beach landscapes below, taken in Beresford just outside of Bathurst, New Brunswick.