WW: Willing a Smile

It's been a dark couple months in our nation, filled with loss and unspeakable sadness.

Today as I listened to the low rumbles of a distant storm, I found myself lost in thought. One led to another... until I realized I had let it in.

Dark thoughts are like a cancer. They can fester and grow and before long they have infected every part of your being.

So, for sanity's sake I had to redirect my focus to the happier parts of life and I came across these iphone photos from a couple weeks ago.



They serve as a reminder of the beautiful blessing of human connections and lasting relationships that go beyond this life.
 

I hope that you will squeeze your loved ones a little tighter tonight.

Offer up thoughts, prayer or donations for our fellow Americans and friends suffering, particularly in Oklahoma today...

And remember that, "The most important things in life aren't things."

Spring Finale & Free eBook [Nurture Photography]

I can hardly believe that we're already at the end of our Spring Challenge. Thank you so much for your participation. I know that these deadlines and prompts can be challenging, but they really push us to venture outside of our comfort zones and stretch our creative muscles.

In my opinion, although the rules of the camera are important to master they are only half of the photography equation. The other half consists of learning how to properly execute your vision and knowing when to allow your creativity to trump the rules. As an artist it's ok to let inspiration and discretion guide your photography choices.

I'm constantly learning and growing and trying new things. As I trolled through my archives of work in search of my favorite spring photos there were none that stuck out more than another. Some previously favorited work now appeared just mediocre. But I realized that it's merely a sign of growth and all of my photos tell a beautiful story about my progression as a person and a photographer.

I've enjoyed watching the growth in each of you and I hope that you will continue to challenge yourselves. Thanks again for joining our Spring Challenge.

 

As our way of saying thank you we have The Nurture Photography Spring 2013 Tips and Tutorials eBook available as a PDF Download.  It contains tips, tutorials and freebies shared throughout the challenge and can be downloaded to your computer or handheld device. Feel free to pin it, tweet it or share it with your friends!

I’m teaming up with Rebecca of Bumbles & Light and Kristi of Live and Love out Loud for another inspiring adventure as we photograph our way through spring with the Nurture Photography Challenge - a seasonal photo challenge series chock full of tips and tutorials, inspiring weekly prompts, personal feedback and encouragement.

Just a few details:

All are welcome regardless of skill level, camera equipment or geographic location.

Share your favorite images inspired by our weekly prompts each Friday and grab our lovely button while you’re at it!

<a href="http://www.projectalicia.com/p/spring-challenge.html#.UUhuoRxnqEE" target="_blank"><img src="http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/oo34/iowalish/Project%20alicia%203/NurtureSpring2013Button250_zpsb4d9a776.jpg" border="0" alt="Nurture Photography Challenge - Spring 2013 Edition" width="185" height="185"></a>
The linky will remain open from 9am Friday – 9am Thursday CST. Don’t forget to visit and comment on the previous entry in the linky list.

We’re sharing the photography love and showcasing our talented photographers by pinning some of your lovely photos to our Nurture Photography Inspiration Board.

The Nurture Photography Challenge has taken to Facebook! Stop by, “like” our new Facebook fan page, ask questions and share your work on our wall as well.

We love Instagram just as much as you do! We’ll be on the lookout for your beautiful winter photos, so be sure to use the #nurturephoto hashtag. We’ll share a few favorites on Instagram each week, sending a little bit of love your way.

I am Size Zero.

I am not typically one to stir up controversy. I tend to avoid certain topics such as religion and politics altogether. While I'm not opposed to differing opinions, sometimes it's just easier to stick to safe photos or lighthearted topics. But I do have thoughts and occasionally feel the need to throw together some sentence structures. So, I would like to preface this by saying- you may not agree with me and I'm ok with that.

There has been much discussion of late concerning Abercrombie & Fitch. While I agree some of their marketing tactics are inappropriate for anyone who has a moral compass, I'm struggling with the idea that they must cater to all sizes.

Being a petite size 0-2 most of my life, clothes shopping is something of a dreaded chore. Rarely can I walk into a store and come out with a perfect fit. Typically shopping ends empty handed in complete and utter frustration. Sure there are some children's lines that may fit me, but does a women in her 40s want to walk around with embroidered flowers or rainbows? Most adult clothing companies do not pander to a 5 ft tall woman. Pants and skirts almost always have to be altered which only adds to the already outrageous price tags.

Now to my point... There are many stores that cater to big and tall or large sized women exclusively. I have often longingly admired the classy clothing in the windows of Lane Bryant, knowing I would never be able to wear any of the clothing and would probably be subject to ridicule should I step foot within those doors.

I used to shop at 5-7-9 because they kept petite 0s and 2s in stock and I could usually find dresses I didn't swim in or need to have tailored. They didn't carry plus sizes- it was a store for petite girls. Unfortunately, the ones I shopped at went out of business and there are no stores near my current residence. They have a look book online, but only sell at their local shops. You can see if there is a location near you here or here. Although they sell only smaller sizes, I don't recall them ever making headlines.

Admittedly I seldom shop at Abercrombie & Fitch (because it's rarely successful, the clothes are overpriced and their music bugs me), but I really can not understand what all of the fuss is about.

The latest video shared on Huffington Post that is going viral, encourages donations of Abercrombie & Fitch clothing to the homeless. Perhaps meant as a comical response to A&F's CEO marketing to the "cool kids", it seems like a ridiculous ploy to get some attention from the recent media frenzy.

I have always donated my clothes to thrift stores or homeless shelters, and I would venture to say I'm probably not the minority. Most fellow Americans do the same. So, suffice it to say many less fortunate "uncool people" (by CEO's definition) are already enjoying the A&F threads.

The definition was extracted from a 2006 quote by Jeffries and perhaps has been dissected to death. He recently shared these thoughts, "I want to address some of my comments that have been circulating from a 2006 interview. While I believe this 7 year old, resurrected quote has been taken out of context, I sincerely regret that my choice of words was interpreted in a manner that has caused offense. A&F is an aspirational brand that, like most specialty apparel brands, targets its marketing at a particular segment of customers. However, we care about the broader communities in which we operate and are strongly committed to diversity and inclusion. We hire good people who share these values. We are completely opposed to any discrimination, bullying, derogatory characterizations or other anti-social behavior based on race, gender, body type or other individual characteristics."

There are all kinds of stores out there. And this one markets to a certain kind of person just like Lane Bryant or Big & Tall.

We are all different shapes and sizes and I see nothing wrong with companies narrowing their scope of consumers.

But above all else, who cares! Of everything going on in the world, this deserves the least amount of attention. Let's move onto more important things...

WW: Capturing Memories

This past week I petitioned the family to help with a shoot for a tutorial I was asked to do. It was met with a few moans and groans, but in the end even the kids who openly share their hatred for all things photography, traipsed through tall grass and fire ant hills to capture a few photos. I can't think of a better mother's day gift.

You may be under the false assumption that busy toddlers or screaming infants top the list of challenging photo ops, but I know differently. I'd take on a small child over my stoic faced, moody kids any day. Now that they are disillusioned with the camera and not afraid to voice their strong opinions, I have to step up my game. Family photos have become quite the task, but I'm more determined than ever to document our lives.



So often we would like to be included in a photo, but find ourselves alone- without a friend or family member there to hand the camera to. And months or years go by- before we realize we don't exist in our albums. Sometimes we want to enjoy our beautiful family on the walls but a professional photographer just isn't in the budget. Or maybe it's a fear of stepping in front of the camera. Whatever the reason, it's time to stop finding excuses and jump in the frame. Time is fleeting and our kids aren't getting any younger...

The great news is- with such amazing technology and gadgets these days, it's never been easier. So, in an attempt to help others who are struggling with this, I put together a simple tutorial. You don't even have to own a fancy camera or tripod for most of my tips. The bottom right photo was taken with an iphone and timer app.

Stop over and learn just how easy it is to step in front of the camera. You may be surprised. (Just click on the link below.)

Ten Tips for Family Selfies

This is Wordless Wednesday. Or in my case, Not so Wordless. You can grab my button in the sidebar but it is not required to participate. Just grab any photo and come link up! And if you'd like to connect with other WW participants, click HERE or one of the thumbnails below. It's a fun way to meet some new folks!

Nurture Photography: Ten Tips for Better Family Selfies

This week's Prompts for the Nurture Photography Challenge are Home/Pink.

Living in eight different states, including multiple moves during my teen years, I've learned that nothing in life is permanent and that home is where the heart is.

We're still acclimating here in South Carolina and have just ventured into the home buying process again. Although it feels a little unsettling at times, I'm thankful to have my family by my side. No matter where we are or where we end up, they have my heart.

So, today I'm going to share photos that represent what "home" means to me as well as tips for capturing beautiful family selfies. It's certainly not always the easiest task, but definitely a technique worth learning. With just a few simple tools and a little practice, you'll be jumping into your family photos in no time!



Whether you have active toddlers that scarcely sit still or hormonal tweens that detest cameras and photo shoots, you have to power through. Days. Months. Even years will fly by before you know it. And as the family photographer it is your job to document regardless of the circumstances presented you.

As you can see, my children are older and definitely fight me on photos. Their faces say it all, but I try to remember that I'm documenting whether they smile or not. They also are not so keen on hair or clothing choices being made for them. It certainly makes photo shoots a little more challenging. I'm learning to choose my battles carefully.

Ten Tips for Better Family Selfies

1. Acquire the appropriate tools to make selfies easier. And be prepared. Keep batteries charged or cords handy. Know where your tripod's camera mount is located. These are simple things that can really trip you up or ruin a perfect photo opportunity.
 

I rarely leave the house without these tools. I keep the cords and power inverter in my car so that I can charge when needed. I do, however, have two camera chargers and almost always have one battery charging at the house. The inverter has come in handy multiple times in a pinch though. I also own two tripods and almost always have one with me while I'm traveling. And I keep my point and shoot as well as my iPhone nearby.

Although I love the phone for the convenience factor, it still falls short for low light settings and shutter speed. My little light weight Canon Power Shot is a great choice over the big DSLR from time to time, such as amusement parks or sight seeing.

There are so many gadgets and gizmos these days to make photography easier. I love my remote wireless clicker and gorillapod and clampstand. (You can see it in action below- Tip #8.)

Please note: This is merely a suggestive list of tools. If you do not own all of these items, read on. There are so many ways to get great selfies without a tripod or big camera these days.

2. Use a reflective surface. Mirrors, windows and shiny objects make for interesting photo ops. They work with any camera and it's an easy way to include yourself in the photo. You may want to clean the surface before shooting to prevent unnecessary post editing.



This photo was taken on our boat and I love how it captures the beauty of the lake, Little Man in action doing what he loves as well as a glimpse of me.

You could also capture your shadow. The stormy weather that unveiled this beautiful double rainbow also made for some very cool lighting.
 

3. Find a steady surface. A tripod is ideal for selfies with a DSLR or Point & Shoot camera. However, it certainly does not require a tripod. There are times that it's not convenient to carry or you may not yet own one. No worries. Just find a flat surface to rest your camera on. Look around your house. Use a table, a couch, a counter, even an ottoman or piano bench will do the trick. It works in nature as well. Use a stump, a rock, even a rail. Keep your eyes peeled. Sometimes you have to get creative.



You may remember our Edisto Adventure from January when we had freakish weather in the 80s. We took a boat to the uninhabited Otter Island and spent a day without any running water or plumbing. We were the only people on the island- definitely an amazing experience. Before we left I wanted to snap a family photo so I propped the camera on a backpack. It took a few tries and although there is a lot of negative space, I love it and it worked out perfectly with the text I chose to add to the top. You can see it here.

4. Find the light- Perhaps one of the most important aspects of photography. Unfortunately some of the best photo ops happen in the least ideal light. So, do your best.

If you are shooting indoors make sure to find a light source- a large window or skylight. I've even been known to open the front door to shoot photos. Make sure to position your subject towards the light if possible. This goes for all types of cameras, including the smart phones.

My favorite time to shoot outdoors is in the Golden Hours when the sun is low in the sky, producing soft, dreamy photos. You can read my 5 Tips for Shooting in the Golden Hours here.

But if you are shooting in bright, midday sun- try to find a porch or covering of some kind so that the light is not as glaring. Reflectors are not exactly ideal for selfies, so you have to get more inventive. Test one of your kids before you jump in there.
 

Utilizing the light correctly can really make or break a photo shoot.

5. Use a timer or remote clicker. Before I acquired my remote wireless clicker, I had one with a cord and I was very limited with distance. Before that I relied solely on my camera's timer which worked for years. Very well, I might add.

I must say though, I really do love the wireless clicker. If you don't already own one, I would highly recommend it- a great addition to your camera bag. Some of my favorite photos were taken using a clicker. Get your camera lined up on your tripod or flat surface. I recommend manually focusing on your subject and then switching to auto right before you jump in the shot. You're not always going to nail focus, though. And that's ok. They don't have to be perfect. Just make sure to take plenty so that you have a variety to choose from.



The wireless clicker is perfect for unposed shots as well. It's a great way to capture interactions effortlessly. Just set up your camera exactly where you'd like it and start clicking. You can click as many times as you'd like. It may be a good idea to check after a few to make sure the settings are right and that you are in the frame the way you envisioned.



You can capture some really sweet, candid moments. And genuine smiles! :)



6. Try different perspectives. For this shot I positioned the camera above us angled down.



This may actually require a tripod unless you have an industrial strength slingshot to hang your camera from. This shot works best with a wide angle lens or point and shoot camera. Pokey is in her own little world and I love that I've captured this moment.

You could also position your camera from a different angle or zoom in more to give your photo a new twist. If you have a DLSR, set your camera to a big aperture (f/2.8 or smaller) and focus in on the details, giving shallow DOF (which will blur out the background.) Don't be afraid to experiment.

Another way to get interesting photos is to use a different eye. Try handing the camera over to the kids. Mine never cease to surprise me with their inventive perspectives. If you have smaller children, teach them the basics- the importance of holding the camera still, where the button is, etc. You're sure to get some creative photos.

7. Plan ahead when possible. Pay attention to your surroundings when you're out and about. If you see a beautiful location, take mental notes or snap a quick photo.
 

You may not have a lake nearby, but no matter where you live, there is beauty to be found. So often we drive by fields or lovely groves that would make for perfect photo ops, but we don't give it a second thought. If you are actually planning a family photo, I would suggest you do a little preparation before the day of your shoot. Pay attention to the weather and light patterns. Think about some coordinating clothing. And try to take your photos in the early morning or late evening light.

8. Use creative phone gadgets. 
You can always hold your phone out in front of you. The iPhone 4s and 5 now offer the front facing cameras which at least lets you see what you are photographing before you release the shutter.

But there are so many other ways to get fun iPhone photos these days using different gadgets. You can have Fisheye, Telephoto, Wide Angle and Macro photos with this lens set. Or how about a clip-on polarizing filter for your phone? You can find more clever ideas here.



My favorite new toy, hands down, is my gorillapod and clampstand from PhotoJojo! Lightweight, easy to throw in my purse and only $30. Brilliant invention. The tripod is flexible and can work on top of surfaces or be maneuvered around posts or branches. The clampstand is universal and works with all smart phones.

Try setting the stand on the ground to get interesting perspectives and focus on small details...



There are so many selfie apps out there now it's almost overwhelming. TimerCam, Zoom & Timer, PhotoTimer to name a few. But I sampled several and have found the Photo Timer+ to be my fav so far. You can select the amount of time between frames and the number of photos up to 10. It's simple and straight forward and has worked well for me.

If you don't have the gorillapod or a smart phone stand, try using the selfie apps by propping your phone. It could make for some interesting photos.

9. Don't forget to have fun. 



There seemed to be more smiles when the kids were wee little things. These days they don't come as easily. So try to have fun. This was a friendly game of mercy. Not the most ideal backdrop but the faces are priceless.

10. Rewards go a long way.



Rewards. Bribes. Call them what you will. The mention of ice cream or money usually make my kids pretty cooperative. Don't let their faces fool you- they really did enjoy their sweet treat. And they scored a little of my chocolate fudge, brownie waffle cone as well.

Once you're taking beautiful selfies, make sure to share them! There's a giant photography community out there made up of folks just like you that love to share photos and be inspired by others.





They'd love to see your family selfies. So, join instagram, eyeem, or flickr and start uploading your photos!

I do not profess to be an expert on the subject of selfies, but I know it's important to step in front of the camera from time to time and I feel compelled to share what I know.



Yesterday I learned of a young mother in Utah who died giving birth to her 6th child. It was heart wrenching and difficult to listen to the words of her young, teary children who survived her. Yet another reminder how precious our time is here.

Whether you have a few pounds to lose, are having a bad hair day, a new eczema outbreak or have nothing to wear-- I promise that years from now when your family is looking through your albums none of that stuff will matter. All that will matter is that you are in them.

No one knows when their time is up, so stop putting off photos with your kids. They don't have to be glamour shots, just grab a camera and take some candid snaps. It's one of the best legacies you can leave your family.

So, next time you find yourself on your own- without a friend or family member there to snap your photo- you can stay back behind the camera or jump in the frame. What will you choose?



I’m teaming up with Rebecca of Bumbles & Light and Kristi of Live and Love out Loud for another inspiring adventure as we photograph our way through spring with the Nurture Photography Challenge - a seasonal photo challenge series chock full of tips and tutorials, inspiring weekly prompts, personal feedback and encouragement.

Just a few details:

All are welcome regardless of skill level, camera equipment or geographic location.

Share your favorite images inspired by our weekly prompts each Friday and grab our lovely button while you’re at it!

<a href="http://www.projectalicia.com/p/spring-challenge.html#.UUhuoRxnqEE" target="_blank"><img src="http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/oo34/iowalish/Project%20alicia%203/NurtureSpring2013Button250_zpsb4d9a776.jpg" border="0" alt="Nurture Photography Challenge - Spring 2013 Edition" width="185" height="185"></a>
The linky will remain open from 9am Friday – 9am Thursday CST. Don’t forget to visit and comment on the previous entry in the linky list.

We’re sharing the photography love and showcasing our talented photographers by pinning some of your lovely photos to our Nurture Photography Inspiration Board.

The Nurture Photography Challenge has taken to Facebook! Stop by, “like” our new Facebook fan page, ask questions and share your work on our wall as well.

We love Instagram just as much as you do! We’ll be on the lookout for your beautiful winter photos, so be sure to use the #nurturephoto hashtag. We’ll share a few favorites on Instagram each week, sending a little bit of love your way.