Photo Quick Tip: Hydration

I know this sounds so silly, but I'm VERY serious about this one. I always try to carry a water bottle with me on every shoot. I even have a section in my camera bag that is dedicated to this little necessity. If I ever start to feel cloudy during a shoot . . . meaning I'm loosing my creativity. . . I'll take a quick water break. 1 min to take a drink and clear my mind. I ALWAYS jump back in more alert, more aware and more creative. ALWAYS.

Along these same lines, a good thing you can do to just be cool, like me :), is bring a few extra water bottles along with you. PARTICULARLY to weddings. Often you're out shooting mid-day in the hot hot sun. You'll notice your bride and groom are starting to droop. . . and WHAM you come flying in to the rescue. Hello bonus points. Hello fatty tip! :) But really, HELLO GOOD IMAGES! How can a bride wearing 499 lbs of sparkley poof dress really be expected to look beautifully natural in an image that's being shot at 12 noon in 100% humidity? GIVE ME A BREAK! So next time. . . help a sista out.

Oh, and if I could find them, I'd buy you all a water bottle like this one. . . and the spandex get up to boot. . .



Happy Shooting and Happy 4th of July!!!

It's July!

It's officially July, and you know what that means. . . it's time for cake of course! July is my birth month, and around here birth months are pretty special ones. I LOVE BIRTHDAYS!!! So WATCH OUT!! It's time.for.FUN!

Be sure to check back soon, because July is going to be FILLED to the brim with EXCITEMENT here on Pics and Kicks: beautiful images, giveaways galore, session discounts and awesome photo tips to boot! We may even have a guest blogger or two drop in to give us the scoop on their mad photo ninja skillz . . . See you soon!

Happy July!!!!

**Quite a few of the giveaways will be time sensitive. . . as in the FIRST to comment will "take the cake" (frr), so now may be a good time to add me to the reader of your choice. My subscription method is Google Reader. Subscribe to Pics and Kicks through Google Reader here.

Me on the Web.

I have two great articles over at Digital Photography School right now. In case you'd fancy to gander on over and check 'em out, here's the info:

Baby Time

Avoiding Camera Shake

What's In YOUR Bag? Update.

For those of you who have been using my name in vain these past few weeks in the absence of my What's in YOUR Bag? segment, I offer my sincere apologies. I've been so swamped and for the sake of my children and, well, let's just face it, my sanity, something had to give! BUT! Never fear, there are some AWESOME things a comin' in the next few weeks and months!

In the mean time, have a great weekend. Make some time to PLAY with the people you love! I'm of the opinion that people have forgotten how to just play and have FUN, which makes being an adult really.really.stupid. Richie and I will be having a phone and internet fast until Monday, so we can play as hard as humanly possible for the next 2 days with NO distractions. Yahoo!! I'll see you then!

Happy Shooting!

xo,

N

Let's Talk.

Have you left a comment on a Picks and Kicks post in the past that asked a specific question? In the past I answered comments via email or on the "questioner's" personal blog. Over the last few months, I've been answering questions via comments on the original post so that other's have access to the answers as well. I also hope to encourage more of a conversational type comment stream.

If you've asked a question and thought I blew you off. . . well think again! Go back to the original post where the question was asked, and you may just be surprised that your query has already been covered. :) If for any reason I missed it, I apologize! Comment again with a reminder and I'll get right to it! (The same goes for emails. If you haven't heard from me, please please please, send me a reminder. Because of the vast number of emails I receive daily, if I can't get to the email immediately, it's often so rapidly down the list of emails it falls off my radar).

FYI: when commenting on Pics and Kicks, and you're logged in to blogger, you'll see a box that says: "Email follow-up comments to:". If you check that box, you'll receive email updates when another comment is added to the SAME post. It's a good way to know when I've responded without having to check back until you see the response.

May I Take Your Order?

Hi blog-a-licious blogger friends,

Last week I posted, Your Input: What's In Your Bag? I'll admit it folks, I was disappointed with the response! There have got to be other photographers who you dig. I KNOW there are blogs where you're a regular lurker and are dying to know what kind of equipment they use to get those buttery delicious images. So, I'm giving you one more chance! Let me know which photographers you'd like me to contact for future installments of What's in Your Bag. You may also let me know a specific question you'd like me to ask the photographer you request. I'm not making any solid promises, but I'll do my very best to honor all your requests. Those of you who did comment last week, THANK YOU! I'm working on getting the scoop!

Comment below with your "order!" AND remember, anonymous comments are a-ok!

Have a great Sunday!

xoxo,

Natalie

Dear Natalie: Gear.

Hi Natalie,

I am interested in buying my first DSLR camera. Do you have any recommendations for a beginning photographer? I don't have a ton of money to spend, so I'm trying to find something around $500.

I also would like to get a camera that has a removable lens. I'd like to try out some of the compositional tips you've been posting lately. I'd also be interested in any lens suggestions you'd have as well.

Thanks, Natalie! I hope you're having a great week!
Jesse

Well, this is SUCH a loaded question. The Canon vs. Nikon duel to the death is never ending. I own both a full Nikon set up and (as of recently) a Canon set up as well. Here are my feelings on camera selection:

You've got to begin by defining your goal as a photographer:

If you are planning on "just" being a hobbyist or even "just" moving toward semi-pro, and particularly since you said that you don't have a lot to spend, I'd point you toward Nikon. Maybe a D40. . . . HERE'S WHY: they have an 18-200mm Nikkor lens! With a range like that, particularly as a hobbyist who doesn't really plan to invest a whole lot of money into camera gear, you really can't go wrong with just the one lens. That will save you oodles down the road.

That said, if you do have even an inkling toward going pro at some point. . . I'd have to say go with Canon. . . the Rebel series is a great place to start. The reason I say this is that at this point, though I am feeling the winds of change, Canon's lens selection is just off the chart in comparison, and if you're really planning to go all the way you're going to want/need a good brotherhood of lenses to back you up and at this point, Canon's where it's at. THOUGH I WILL NEVER DENY MY NIKON HERITAGE NOR PUT IT TO SHAME! I LOVE MY NIKON!!!

ULTIMATELY:

The number one piece of advice I have when buying starter gear is this: don't worry so much about the camera body. . . invest in the glass. . . buy lenses that rock.

Hope that brief answer is helpful Jesse!
I could go on and on and on AND ON about this,
but I'm packing up for my trip to the Mainland and I'm goin' nuts.
Let me know if you have any other questions.

Happy Shopping!

xoxo,

Natalie

Whatis IS YOUR Bag Natalie Norton?

Sooo. . . we're going to do things a little differently this week for the What's in Your Bag? installment. BECAUSE, I bought a new bag! That I'm thrilled with!!

Welcome to What IS Your Bag Natalie Norton?

Meet the Tamrac CyberPro Express! I am in love with this bag for so many reasons.

1. It has wheels! If you didn't know, I have Degenerative Disk Disease in my spine, which apparently not everyone thinks is degenerative nor do many consider it a disease. The only real concern is that I'm only 26. . . and I've had problems with it since I was 17. . . NOT NORMAL. HOWEVER, to me, basically it means I shouldn't lift heavy stuff. Or get pregnant again for a long time. Gol. What a tangent. . . so the bag has wheels! And I LOVE THAT!
2. It is lap top compatible!!! Wahoo! As I'm doing more and more weddings out of state and need my Macbook, Earl, to ride along with me in style, this is a HUGE bonus that I wasn't even thinking about during the hunt. This feature was so a deal clincher.


3. It can hold more junk than Hurley's trunk. Lenses galore, two large camera bodies WITH BATTERY PACKS ATTACHED WHILE SPORTING 70-200mm ZOOMS!!! It also has room for my external flash and 3 or 4 different lenses. . . 4 for me since I'm moving over to the world of WIDE PRIME and they're all small.

4. Carry on compatible. Need I say more??

5. All the other typical junk:

• large pockets for ac adapters, cables etc.
• weather protection
• fully padded
• bla bla bla

I LOVE THIS BAG!! It's a little pricey (I bought mine for $279.95. . . but that's because I walked right into a Ritz and paid retail so I wouldn't have to wait. . . I'm sure you could find cheaper online) but SO worth it!!

Now all I need is a bag for shooting. . . I'm skipping back and forth between Boda and ShootSac. Your thoughts?

Stay tuned for another episode of What's in Your Bag? to hear how I FILLED said bag!

And don't miss past installments of What's in Your Bag?

Jasmine Star
Michael and Anna Costa
Ed Pingol
Allison Cox

Happy Shooting and have a great weekend!

xo,

Natalie

Your Input: What's In YOUR Bag?

Image found via: Creative Imaging News

Hi one and all. I'm wanting your input on photographers
you'd like me to do What's In Your Bag? interviews with.
Who are you dying to get the scoop about? Who inspires YOU?
I'm pretty darn good at getting people to dish. :)
Comment below.

Happy Shooting!

xoxo,

Natalie

*Edited to include: If you're too shy to ask. . . feel free to comment anonymously!

Lens Giveaway from Jessica Claire!

That's right, buy a Shootsac (designed by photographer extraordinaire Jessica Claire) this month (May) and be entered to win the lens of your choice!


Check it out here.

Dear Natalie: Composition.

Hi Natalie!

Your photos are always so beautiful. When you're doing portraits (especially family portraits & when working with children) do you suggest poses for the people you are working with? What's your secret to keeping your photos looking natural and nicely composed?

Hello Friend,

That's a great question as well as a wonderful compliment! THANKS! For the most part I try VERY hard to create natural looking images. I really strive to capture the essence of my subject. I love to capture moments. REAL MOMENTS with REAL EMOTION. That's my favorite thing about being a photographer. I also think that's what sets me apart from many other photographers out there. . . That said, I would be lying through my teeth if I didn't admit to posing pictures. PARTICULARLY for a couple/family/bride who may not be very comfortable in front of the camera. Some direction will certainly put your subject at ease.

Here's the formula. Start with some direction, like this:
Obviously they didn't just walk up to that PERFECT place all by themselves and get into that PERFECT position without a little help. . . or a lot of help . . . from me. BUT whenever I do things like this, I'm looking for something ELSE. Something OTHER THAN the pose I've created. I'm searching to find the shot within the shot. . . the shot within the contrived pose. Like THIS:

A REAL moment. Sure I encouraged it a bit, but then I stepped back and waited for the magic. I love this shot, minus the mad edge burning. . . I need to loose that. . .but I'm definitely too lazy on a Friday afternoon to mess with that.

So there's the formula with adults. Kids? TOTALLY a different story. TOTALLY.

You'll NEVER find me posing a kid. AT ALL. It would SO backfire. With kids you just stay patient and grab what you can when you can. I'll encourage them, you bet your bottom dollar. "Hey, look inside my lens and see if Tinker Bell is still in there. She came for a visit this afternoon." Or "Hold Daddy's hand, he's feeling lonely and needs some special love from you!" Or "Don't smile. . . don't you DARE smile." That's when you end up with shots like THIS:

This isn't the greatest shot ever, but this little honey's mom and dad told me that they don't have ANY pictures of her smiling. . . and well, I got like 40 . . . so something in this equation is adding up. . . and quite nicely.

Well there you have it. . . short question, LONG answer.

xoxo,

Nat

PS- Happy shooting!!!

What's in YOUR Bag Allie Anne?

Meet Utah photographer Allison Cox of Allie Anne Photography. Allison and I go way back, to ELEMENTARY SCHOOL in fact! We lost touch for years but reconnected at the Jonathan Canlas Workshop in March. What a HAPPY HAPPY coincidence. This girl is A.MAZING. Not only is she an amazing mother and friend, but she is a fantastic photog. She CONSISTENTLY produces quality images. Very fine art and totally timeless.







Well, without further ado, here's my interview with Allison. . .

ME: So, what's your MAIN camera body?
Allison: My Contax 645 film camera. This is my baby :) I use it for almost everything.

ME: What do you use for backup?

Allison: My Canon 5D. Also a great camera. I like to have it on hand where ever I go.

ME: You shoot both film and digitally. I want to hear your favorite things about each medium. Let's start with film.

Allison: Aw, film. What can I start with? There are so many great things about film. One of the biggest things I love about it is, I don't have to do much post work and they always look fabulous (straight out of camera). I don't like to spend hours on end on the computer, so it's great that I can use 99.9% of my shots and not have to edit them much. The depth, saturation, and color is really unbeatable. Also, I like that it's tangible, something I can see and feel (weird, I know.. but I just like that about it). Film is just classic; it will never go out of style.

ME: Ok, now what about digital?
Allison: I have to admit that I love my digital camera. I love the instant gratification of seeing my images right away. It's so fun and easy. I also (sometimes) like to play around with my images in photoshop and see what I can come up with. It's just fun. There are definitely advantages for using digital -- it's cheaper! I use my digital camera around the house a lot photographing my daughter. It's very handy :) I also use it for weddings/bridals/ and pretty much everything as a secondary camera.

ME: Tell me about your lens selection. Which lens can't you live without? Why?
Allison: I actually don't have a huge lens selection. I'm a pretty simple gal. I don't have oodles of equipment.
ME: I'm glad you brought that up. I wish more beginning photographers would realize that they really don't NEED a whole lot of equipment to get rockin' images. I've never shot with more than 2 lenses at any given time. I'm planning on buying a third here pretty soon, however it's not a necessity, just a perk . . . anyway, so tell me about your extra gear.

Allison: I totally agree. I have:

• Contax: I only have one lens for my contax 645 which is the 80mm f2.0 that I've had for years. I love this lens. I have gotten great shots with this lens time after time and been so happy with it.
• 5D: For my 5D I just have two lenses. The 24-70mm f2.8 and the 85mm f1.8. These two lenses are really all I need for now. I love the versatility of the 24-70. since it's my only wider angle lens, I use it for everything. So, to answer your question... I guess I can't live without any of these lenses since they're all I have at the moment!
  

ME: Any other camera toys you dig?

Allison: Yes, the Holga. I've had my beat up Holga since my first year of college and I absolutely love it. I recently purchased the 'diana' -- which I'm growing to love more and more. These cameras are so unpredictable and lovely.
ME: Because of you, Jonathan and Leo, I've really become a fan of the Holga. I'm buying one next week in fact!

ME: What else do you bring to every shoot?
Allison: I don't leave the house without my light meter. I'm not the most technical person, but I've learned that this little tool is a must have if I am to get good results using film.

ME: What's the best piece of advice you ever received about photography?
Allison: It would probably be something along the lines of -- shoot what makes you happy and what keeps you inspired.
ME: That's GREAT! I couldn't agree more! I wish more photographers would keep that in mind. That advice is worth its weight in gold.

Be sure to check out Allison's blogs: old and new alike.

Allison,

Thank you so much for sharing with us!
You are a bright light in the world of photography
as well as a great friend
I'm so glad to have rediscovered!
May everything that's wonderful be yours!

xoxo,
Nat

Don't miss previous issues of What's in YOUR Bag? So far we've heard from:

Jasmine Star
Michael and Anna Costa
Ed Pingol

Check out the interviews here.

My 2 Cents: Google's Blogger.

Warning: this is going to be a big load of bla bla bla, so proceed if you will and hopefully you'll find it helpful.



Ok, so it's high time that I did a review of my blog service of choice, Google's Blogger.

First let me give you a splash of history.

I started Pics and Kicks back in June of 2007 . . . 6 days later my little brother Gavin (21yrs) passed away unexpectedly in his sleep. Clearly I took a blogging break. I bounced in and out of the blogosphere until about September/October. Things picked up slowly to where I was posting about 1-3 times a week, then by December/January I'd become pretty near a religious daily blogger. At this point the blog was "just" a blog. Not necessarily photocentric. That picked up around late February early March.

My numbers:

Just to give you an idea, according to my analytics back, in February when I really made the push to blog daily I was getting around 90 unique visitors a day.

FEB 15, 2008: I had 137 visitors.
Fast forward 2 months:
APRIL 15, 2008: I had 1,050 visitors.

The climb has been rapid, steady and pretty much jaw dropping. I know that for some that's not really even mentionable, but I've got ants in my pants I'm so happy with it. . . It's been growing consistently and my average is getting higher and higher with each passing day of steady readership. SO THANK YOU for coming and coming! I truly am SO GRATEFUL! Hopefully I'm adding value to your life. . .that's the goal. :)

NOTE: If you are a professional of any kind trying to
manage a blog for business, you can't NOT have a tracking system.
Check out Google Analytics.
There are others as well, but this is what I use. . .
because, well it's GOOGLE!

Why did I choose Blogger?

Well, honestly because it was the only thing I'd ever heard of. I didn't know a dang thing about blogging. . . no clue. NONE. So I went with Blogger because it was free and because I'd heard of it. Last June I was a tiny little budding photographer with a dash of experience and a load of enthusiasm and no CLUE where I was headed. A blog sounded like a good idea, so I went for it. I am SO THANKFUL that I did. My blog has been SUCH a blessing in my life, both personally and professionally. It literally held my hand through those months after Gavin died when I just didn't know what to do with myself. It's helped me get my name out there in the industry and helped me connect with friends new and old alike. It's part of my daily grind and I love it.

Why I love Blogger?
1. Well. . . it's free. FREE! That's pretty remarkable for a service of this magnitude. Not a penny, not a dime, not a nickel, not a quarter. WOW. I mean yes, there are services you can pay for, or so I've HEARD. I haven't had the need for any of them, so I don't really know. If you're wiser than I in this arena, please by all means comment below and enlighten us.

2. Getting started is a breeze. It's SO USER FRIENDLY. Your grandma could get started with a blog in under 10 min. I'd wager a pretty penny on that.

3. It's GOOGLE. Google. People, if Google hasn't proven their superiority to you by now, you've been living in a cave.

4. It's SO fast and easy to post, comment, moderate and manage posts. . .


What don't I dig about Blogger?

1. Well, I'll be honest. I don't love what it does to my pictures. They do not look "right" when they're uploaded. They look SOOOO much better on my computer before uploading and SOOOOOOOOOO much better in print. But that's because I can compare them side by side. A client will dig what they see on the blog because they haven't seen the original. So this really isn't an issue in most cases. . . it just really gets the perfectionist in me all up in a tizzy. . . but they say there are pills for that. ;)

2. The outside advertising platform. I'm not trying to make money off my readers. You'll notice there are NO ADDS here on Pics and Kicks. . . if I ever do decide to start advertising. . .it will only be for products that I TRULY think you'll benefit from and if that ever happens, I'll probably have to switch to another system, because correct me if I'm wrong, but with Blogger, I don't think you can choose specific companies to advertise on your blog. I think Google just assigns them to you... to me, well that's tacky. If I'm going to advertise something to my readers, it's not going to be random, it's going to be a relevant product that I feel like I can get behind 100%. The end. No debate. PERIOD.

What you should know:

Picks and Kicks will be staying with Blogger for the long haul. Well, at least as far out as I can see at this point. I am working on a custom blog right now that will showcase my portfolio and be more of a client base. BUT don't you worry, Picks and Kicks isn't going anywhere. There will ALWAYS be an arm of Natalie Norton Photography that is purely dedicated to photographers, aspiring and professional alike.

Stay tuned for a follow up post on resources you can use to make your blogger blog really shine. If you have any resources you'd like to share for the post, please email me at natalienorton{at}gmail{dot}com.

It's Official.

Design Credit: Jake Kongaika

Ok folks. It's official. I'm off to Utah/California from the end of May to the end of June. I've got some exciting things lined up for my trip, but I'm reserving some time for portrait sessions!! AT A SPECIAL PACKAGE RATE!! The dates I have available are FILLING UP FAST, so if you're interested, please email me at natalienorton{at}gmail{dot}com to reserve your date. Also. . . if you live in UT/CA and have a blog of your own. . . I would love you to the moon and back for linking to this post :).

ALSO, I'd love to have a lunch date with some of you faithful readers of Pics and Kicks! We can chat up photoshop, gear, business, family, love. . . elephants for that matter! I'm an open book. Zupas anyone? I dream of Tomato Basil at least twice a week . . . YUM! More on the lunch date to come soon!

Me on the Web:

Well ladies and gents, the long awaited time has come. Scurry on over to check out the follow up to last week's article on DPS (Blog Power). The follow up article is entitled, Building Your Blog: 10 things to consider when building your rockin' photoblog. If you have any intention of getting going with your own photoblog, you're gonna la la love this one right up.

Happy Shooting!

xoxo,

Natalie

What's in YOUR Bag Jasmine Star?

Hello my cyber-galactic photography friends. I'm VERY excited to announce the beginning of a new series of posts entitled What's in Your Bag?

In case you're interested, I'll be sure to give you the 411
at the end of the post on what inspired this
new series and what you can expect from it in the future.

Today we'll be hearing from the LOVELY Jasmine Star of Jasmine Star Photography.

Photo Credit: Mike Colon.

If I had to give 3 words to describe this rock star photog they'd be sure to center around her remarkable grace, her stunning class and her heap of refreshing talent. She was beyond gracious throughout our back and forths in preparation for this post (as well as the help she's been giving me for the highly anticipated follow up to Blog Power over at Digital Photography School). Be sure to take a second to check out her impressive bio from the link on her website. Could this girl get any cooler? I think not.

Without further ado, let's hear from Jasmine.

Me: What's your primary camera body?
Jasmine: Canon 5d.

Me: What's your back up camera body?
Jasmine: Canon 5d.

Me: What lenses do you shoot with?
Jasmine: I swap lenses all the time, so I don't really think I use one particular lens more than any other. Here's some of my favorite gear.

*The 70-200IS, 2.8...a ceremony favorite. This lens is buttery and when it locks into its focal point, it's just awesome!

Here's my dynamic duo...


*16-35, 2.8...This lens gets super wide angles and is an awesome story-telling lens...by this I mean it can truly capture an entire scene in a single snap.

*24-70, 2.8... This lens is pretty much a solve-all as it can be used pretty much in any capacity. It was my first lens and I truly love it as it's like an old teddy bear that I can't get rid of. When I first started, it was all I had and it was SO good to me! :) It's only downfall is that since it's so great within its range, I found myself not walking--or getting involved--with what I was shooting. Now that I'm shooting with prime lenses more often, I'm getting a much different feel to my images because I'm physically more involved with the scene...


The Trifecta...these are my homeboys!


*85mm, 1.8...This is the perfect portrait lens. I can't fully express how much I love this lens...ugh...it produces the creamiest images ever! I often bring this lens out during the ceremony when I want to shoot wide open from a slight distance...I love it!

*50mm, 1.4...This is my rock. I use this lens ALL the time. It just has a way of hammering out consistently sharp images and an awesome background fall-off. However, if I had to choose between the 1.4 and the 1.2, I'd most definitely get the 1.2! I can't wait to upgrade (**hint: the 1.2 will make a great anniversary, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, birthday or Groundhog's Day present!**) Also, I shoot most my detail shots with this lens, so it's pretty much a gold mine!

*28mm, 1.8...My newest baby and oh how I love him!! This wide-angle lens is just the funnest and coolest lens ever...it doesn't have any edge distortion and can be shot with a glorious 1.8 aperture! I LOVE prime lenses!!

NOTE: Jasmine has finally upgraded to the 50mm, 1.2!!
She says, "I shot with it for the first time on Thursday night
for an engagement session and I can't say
how much I LOOOOOVE this lens.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE.
I'll be blogging a full review of it early next week!"

Me: Which is your sexy favorite, and how often would you say you use it?
Jasmine: 50mm, 1.2. If I had to, I could shoot an entire wedding with this lens. It's amazing!

Me: Any other gear you've got that rocks your world?
Jasmine: I love my Pocket Wizards! They're the best when trying to photograph the reception. I always use an off-camera light source for receptions, so the Pocket Wizards are my best friend!

Me: What would be your words of wisdom for photographers who are looking to buy a new DSLR system? What do you think is the MOST important thing to consider?
Jasmine: Ask yourself what's the most you'd spend on a camera. Then add $700 to that amount. Often times, spending a little more than you THINK should be spent is just the thing you need. Having that bit of fire under your bottom is just the thing people need to take their business to the next level.

Me: What's your favorite restaurant?
Jasmine: I'm a true food lover, so anyplace that has good cooking is fine by me! :)

Me: That last question is so that I can be sure to take you there for lunch next time I'm in CA.

Jasmine: LOL!!

Thank you Jasmine for your generous heart
and your willingness to share so much, so willingly.
You are a shining star (no pun intended...ha!) in this industry.

xoxo,

Natalie

**Please note: If you have follow up questions regarding this post, please include them in the comments below. If I am unable to answer them all, I will compile them and send them over to Jasmine for her response. Please don't inundate this poor gal with inquiries. She was EVER SO KIND to give us the scoop in the first place, let's not add more to her already LOADED plate. Thanks!

THE 411: I have been so excited for this series to make it's shining debut! I get frequent emails, like sometimes 5 or 6 in a single day, and generally in the double digits within the week, from aspiring photographers asking me questions about gear. I do my very best to offer a personal response to each of you, but as a crazy momma who had 3 crazy boys in 3 crazy years. . . my time is clearly limited, thus I decided I needed to come up with somewhere I could field these inquiries.

This will be a weekly series. As I've made a decision not to post on Sundays, as that's my church and family day, What's in YOUR bag? will be my weekend installment each week. I hope you dig the idea as much as I do!

Happy Shooting!

It's a Bird, It's a Plane.

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a . . . toilet plunger? Seriously folks. I cannot look at this Gary Fong Lightsphere without thinking I need to run off to plunge my toity. I get questions about this little guy. . . the plunger. . . not Mr. Fong. . . all the time. I don't have one, so I'm not equip to offer a valuable answer. I can tell you that it gets mixed reviews in the industry, but often too many egos are involved in industry reviews to get a straight answer.

Soooo, I'm asking you. . .

What do YOU think of this toity tool. . . er . . . the Gary Fong diffuser?
Have YOU used it?
Should WE run out and buy one anytime in the near future?

Happy Shooting and Happy Friday!

Nat

* Post Edited to Include: Thanks to Carly at Photog Tips & Resources for letting me know about this review of the LightSphere by photographer Jessica Kettle.

Cost Aside.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Have any of you photographer people shot with the Canon Mark III?

How about the 5d?

Any of you familiar with both?

Your thoughts, difference in cost aside. :)

Thanks peeps!

Happy Shooting!

xoxo,

Nat

Dear Natalie.

Dear Natalie,

I'm just curious about lighting ... do you take special gear with you when you take photos outdoors? I live in Florida and a lot of family/friends love having their photos taken by the beach. I just have a hard time taking photos with the sun being so harsh during the day.

Frustrated in Florida,

I shoot in available light. I very very rarely even use my flash. If you're having a hard time dealing with harsh light, I'd suggest trying to step into the shade. Or shoot later in the evening (or early in the morning) when the light is slightly softer but more importantly it's warm and coming down at an angle (rather than directly overhead) so that you don't have a problem with harsh shadows under the eyes and nose.

Although I don't shoot with flash very often, there are a few flash techniques you can try if you are forced to shoot mid-day. For the sake of time and interest I'll share one here that can easily be adapted to other situations. The bottom line is, if the subject is back lit or the sun is directly over head, you're going to be forced to use fill flash. You'll need to fill in the shadows on the subject's face with the flash. To get a handle on this, you'll set your camera to automatic, that way your camera will automatically use the fill flash if you're shooting directly into the sun like that. Then you'll want to do a few test shots. I say start relatively close to the subject and fire off a shot. Because you're shooting at the beach, you'll find that the reflective power of the sun bouncing off the sand coupled with the power of the flash at this range will most likely be too much. Check the lcd to be sure your subjects aren't blown out. Take a few steps back. . . same thing. . . a few steps back and try again. You'll start to get a sense of distance required to get enough fill to get rid of shadows and not too much so as to blow out facial structure. From there you can start to play around with manual settings (and external flashes set at particular intensities) and proper exposures to get an even more impressive result. But this is a great place to start!

Good luck and Happy Shooting!!

xoxo,

Natalie

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