Last weekend I had one of my digital photography classes at the studio and it was a big hit! I love teaching the class and seeing little light bulbs go off for people. It's like, "AHA! I can do this!". I have 3 more classes scheduled for this year.  The next one is in March and will also be a beginner's class. You can sign up here through EventBrite. 

For those of you who have taken the first class and want to go even further and learn more, I have an intermediate class on May 22, 2010. We'll be sending an EventBrite invite out through our email list. However, if you would like to go ahead and sign up now, please feel free to call the studio at (713) 255-2882.

Here's a little info about our beginner's class:

Looking for something new and fun? I have the perfect thing for you fellow shutterbugs. It's called the Fuji Instax. It's like a polaroid camera but the prints are a bit smaller. My sweet husband got it for me for Christmas. If you like what you see and want one of your own, you can buy it (and a slew of other groovy photo stuff) here.

As you might have noticed in the pics above, Finnian likes the Instax more than Sayer. Finnian has even started carrying it around and taking his own pictures. The Instax is also loads of fun when you go out at night! I stuck it into my purse recently and took it to a dinner party.

Now, go grab yourself one and have a little fun! When you're at photojojo, check out the cool seat belt camera straps too!

You have to take pictures of your children. They don't have to be amazing or taken by a professional. Just take some. Your memory is not as long as you might think and these moments are flying by. I had a session recently that drove that point home to me again. Meet Ellen and Charlie...November 2006.

and now, here they are in 2009. Can you believe it?

Ellen is the one who really took my breath away this time in terms of how much she's changed. She was a little girl when I first photographed her and now I guess you'd say she is a tween.

Finally, after a great shoot, it was time for the reward (or bribe? hey, whatever works right!)

Today I thought I would talk a little about some of the techniques that use when I photograph newborn babies. The images in this post were all shot in my studio. You may not be able to replicate studio lighting at home but, if you have a nice window with good light, you can get some great shots using a few simple techniques.

If you have a bright window, you can set up a little mini studio in front of it. Find a bassinet, boppy pillow or chair and place it right next to the window. You can cover the pillow with some simple fabric if you like. Move your pillow around until the light looks pretty. Shadows are good and can help define shape and give an image more interest. However, if your light is too strong or too much to the side it can be too dramatic and look harsh. You'll have to play around a little to get the right placement.

Tip #1- Get close. It helps to have a macro lens when you are getting close ups of fingers and toes. Play around with your camera and see how close you can get without it becoming blurry.


Tip #2- Use shallow depth of field to create a soft look and emphasize the subject.

Tip #3- Newborns make a lot of crazy contorted faces. Shoot a LOT! The more images that you shoot the more likely you are to get the perfect expression.

Tip #4- If you are trying to photograph little kicking feet, swaddle the legs up in a simple blanket to keep the feet together and still.

Tip #5- Take a moment to clean up the baby's nose, eyes and mouth. You may also want to use some lotion or baby oil on peeling skin. That simple step can save you lots of time afterwards in photoshop trying to get rid of distracting little flakes and crusties.

Tip#6- Less is more. If you want a clean and simple look, minimize distractors like clothing logos, bold patterns and colors. A simple, solid cloth background can be all that you need. Knitted or crocheted blankets work well too and the texture can be really nice.

Tip#7- When your baby falls into a deep sleep you can, if you're slow and careful, move them around a little to get them right where you want them. Be patient and go slow.

Tip #8- If you want the sleepy newborn look, you have to do it early. Our clients bring their babies in between 10-14 days. Once they start waking up (after about 2-3 weeks), it gets harder and harder to get that look.

Tip #9- Use Dad as a backdrop. Have him wear a simple shirt if you can.

Tip #10- Shoot from all different angles. To get up high use a step ladder or a chair.

Okay, now it's your turn! Off you go, it's practice time. I'd love to see what you come up with! Post links to your images in the comments section below. Happy Monday!