Stacy and Jason

Rain or shine, snow or sleet, or 30 degree weather didn't stop Stacy or Jason from braving the cold for their engagement pictures. If you don't know what cold is, then you have never been to Connecticut. Home of freezing winters and random snowfalls. It was cold outside but Stacy and Jason kept each other warm and bundled for their engagement shoot. Check out their pictures from today's session!

 

How To Make a Cheap Studio Set Up

If you follow my other blogs, you know by now that I will do anything to save a dollar. So when it comes to my photography I don't spend hundreds of dollars on my backdrops and floor drops when I don't have to. I do not consider myself a professional photographer in any way, but after three years of doing it as a side business and a hobby I do consider myself a pretty decent photographer.  When I have a new idea, my children are my guinea pigs until they get old enough to tell me to take a hike, but until then I use them. Plus they will be make great black male pictures when they are older :)

With it being so cold outside I am unable to go outside and take pictures, so I have been improvising and using what I have in my house. I received my studio light set for Christmas but didn't have any backdrops or floor drops to use with it. So instead of spending a ton of money on something I could make myself was silly to me. So instead I make three set ups for under $25.00.

I bought $0.50 heart Valentine Day wrapping paper and tapped it the wall for my first set up.  I already had the bean bag, you can use any chair or blanket you want.  For my wooden look I bought one large piece of paneling that was originally $14.00 but a small piece was broken on the bottom so they gave to me for 50% off. I then had them cut it in half, not thinking it would be for a wood on wood look but just so it would fit in my car. Good thing I got it cut! The last look I made was made out of discounted Wall Paper! It is textured and very vintage looking. Here are some of the shots I got from my cheap and do it yourself studio setup.

Shopping in the clearance section of Lowe's, really pays off! :) If you have an idea or creative way to capture a great shot, leave me a comment. I love hearing from my readers! 

Tracy and Mark Engagement

If I didn't know what being in love looked like, I do now. I shot Tracy and Mark's engagement session in Chester Connecticut at Cedar Lake. A place you would normally bring a towel and your swimsuit. Not today! What do you get when you combine a motorcycle, laughter, and two people madly in love? An amazing engagement shoot that's what! Here are a few shots of today's session!

Army Babies

My husband served in the Army National Guard for over 20 years. As a Christmas present this year and way of saying Thank You, I took these pictures of our Children in his Army gear. I know there are many Fathers who don't get to see their children because they are deployed fighting for our Country. I am extremely blessed to be able to have my husband home every day and be able to be with me and our children. To all the men and women who serve our Country I want to personally Thank you for all your hard work and services. Our Country is a better place because of you. Thank you and God Bless.

Fun with Studio Lights

Little kids play with their Christmas toys and so do big kids. This is Christmas I got the all time gift, a studio light set! I was so excited to try it out. I love doing photo shoots outside and where ever there is natural light, but sometimes I like to try new things inside especially when it is cold outside. I had my first opportunity to work with my studio lights with my new baby girl and my cousin's girlfriend. It was so much trying different lighting with different backdrops.  I still have a lot to learn but the experimenting part was fun. Here are some of the shots I got with my new lights! 

Baby Craig

A New Year, New Beginnings, and New Babies! Baby Craig was my first shoot of 2013 and I couldn't have asked for a better baby to bring in the new year.  Baby Craig loved the camera and loved posing for it too. I was so honored to have him be my first baby of 2013.  Check out Baby Craig and his family!