One Saturday

As I stretched my arms, I heard a soft whisper. "Shauna," she said with a tinge of excitement that lingered. Was I dreaming? I slowly opened my eyes with a squint. The morning sun was shining through my bedroom window. As my eyes began to focus, I realized my mother was hovered over me. "Good morning, sweetheart," she quietly whispered. By the tone of her voice I suddenly realized it wasn't a school day. It was Saturday, my favorite day of the week. Saturdays consisted of motorcycle rides, mud fields and Barbie dolls. Although most nine year old girls had grown out of playing with Barbies, I decided that I still enjoyed make believe. Especially since Barbie had so many fashionable clothes.

"Shauna," she said again, as she sat on the edge of my twin sized bed. Finally, I rolled over completely on my back and looked at her. With a concerned smile I replied, "Good morning Mom!" Her gleaming smile hinted that she had something important to share, and her body language suggested she was anxious to share her big news- I was just as anxious to hear it.

"I have something exciting to tell you," she said as she leaned down closer to my face. At that instant my mind raced. The smell of coffee on her breath insinuated that she had been up for a while. I wondered if she had been waiting for me to wake up, but out of impatience decided to wake me herself. "Tell me, Mom," I said anxiously. She took a deep breath and exclaimed, "You are going to be a big sister!"

At that moment my entire life changed as the excitement of becoming a sister consumed my whole body. Being the only child for nine years was great, but the thought of being a big sister was even better. From that point on I knew the bond I would develop with my future sibling would be a connection that couldn't be shared with anyone else. 

Watching my little brother, Connor, develop into a young man has been amazing. Over the years Connor and I have had many special memories, ones that only we share. Those moments will forever be embedded in my heart. As he approaches his senior year of high school I am ecstatic for all of the exciting memories it will bring him. I feel honored that I have had the opportunity to photograph him at such a memorable stage of his life.

Connor, thank you for being exactly who you are. I adore you (and look forward to the memories that await us)!

This is just a few photos from our 1st session. I plan to have many  more shoots with Connor this summer. Lucky me ;)

I JUMPED (head first)

Now that I'm learning how to be a business woman I've been faced with making some rather scary (yet exciting) business decisions. Although making decisions to better my photography business is a rewarding process, the initial emotion I feel is fear. I have a fear of making a bad decision, or not getting the results that I am looking for from the choices I make. It's like jumping out of a plane. Although you decide to take on the adventure, you soon realize that the adventure is in conjunction with many significant risks. Jumping out of the plane offers a thrilling journey but the anticpation of landing becomes a quick reality. Jumpers desire a smooth, painless landing, one that leaves them satisfied and safe. When I jump into a decision, I seek a smooth landing as well. I'm often anxious that the landing will not be as smooth as I hope, fearing that I will be left unsatisfied, or in a worse position than I first started.

Last Thursday I made the scariest business decision yet! Although I anticipate more intimidating decisions in the future, this one has the record- at this point, any way.  Why was it so scary, you might wonder. Well, I'll tell you: EXPENSE. Yes, as in expensive. Quite frankly, I've decided to take on a huge expense I've decided to take on a huge investment.

As many of you may know, I have been shooting with a Canon Rebel xTi. My camera has truly been a blessing. It has allowed me to persue a passion I did not predict would unexpectedly floursih into a business. I appreciate all that it has done for this young passion of mine, and I am thankful to my husband for purchasing it for me 5 years ago- thanks Honey. Although my camera has had much to offer, the time has come to move on. And up.

After reading hundreds of reviews and spending countless hours in front of my computer reasearching which camera I wanted to purchase, I've finally make a decision. I'm ready to share it with you:

I ordered a Canon 5d mark II.   YIKES!

OMG, mini panic attack! Ahhh :) Ok, so as you can probably tell, this decision is thrilling- but I'll admit, it has not come easy for me. I've wanted to upgrade for months now but failed to realize that choosing just the right camera would be so strenuous. I've been torn between the Canon 70d and the 5d mark ii. I've gone back and forth forty-eleven times (I made that number up to express the magnitude of the amount). At the end of the day, the decision came down to choosing the camera I know with all my heart I'll be the happiest with. I never want to look back and say, "I should have gotten the ___." So, I did some serious soul searching and with the support of Brandon I made the decision to go with the 5d mark ii. YIPEE! Although I'm overly joyed by this new piece of equipment, I still face the fear. I reassure myself with thoughts like, "If I don't invest in myself, who will invest in me?" or "If I don't take a risk I won't be able to get where I want to go" and of course, "If I don't have a BA camera how am I going to take BA pictures?" These are just 3 of the many thoughts that I have, still after ordering it last week. (Side Note: All cameras of this model are backordered. They are made in Japan but because of the earthquake, shipping has been delayed. I'm "tentatively projected" to get my camera in 2 weeks. Oh, the anticiaption!)

Making such a HUGE jump is scary, yes, but even more than that it's fullfilling. I am consumed with excitement knowing that I am growing as a photographer and a business woman. Taking on the risk can be intimidating, but I am determined to take on all the challenges that accompany developing myself and what I want to become.

I introduce my full-frame, 21.1 megapixel, 50-25600 ISO, 3.89 fps BEAUTY:

“Do not fear risk. All exploration, all growth is calculated. Without challenge people cannot reach their higher selves. Only if we are willing to walk over the edge can we become winners.”

Colson | Newborn Session (+ BTS look at "On Location")

In addition to sharing photos from my latest newborn session, I've decided to walk you through what an "on location" newborn session looks like for me. Being that you know how I prepare for infant photos from a previous post,  I now want to take the opportunity to share what I do once I get myself (and my overly prop-packed Volvo) to that sweet little baby's house. I suspect that what I do now will continue to change as I learn what does and doesn't work for me. What works for me may not work for you. I love the idea of sharing and tweaking. I share and you tweak. I will most definitely admit that I've tweaked what others have shared to fit my style and needs. As life long learners that's what we do. 

On the Shoot  (Newborn Session) :

• Mom & Dad talk: As I refrain from knocking down the door to get inside to see that wittle bitty baby, I take a moment to mentally prepare in the driveway. Once I contain the excitement I go in and talk to mom and dad. I express my excitement and appreciation and tell them what to expect for the day. After that, I bring in my props.

• Finding good light: Once I have all my props unloaded in the house I go on a hunt... a hunt for light! Good, natural light. I check in front of all the doors and windows throughout the house. Before I go into the house I check to see what side the sun is on. The sunny side guides me in determining the best window or door to use as my natural light source. 

• Moving furniture: Yes, I rearrange the house. I apologize in advance to mom and dad for turning their once nested house upside down. In an attempt to capture good photographs they gladly sacrifice.  I move any furniture out of the way in order to set up shop. I've even moved a dining room table (Wanna see? Find the baby on the scale photo from this post)

• Set up shop: Now that I have my naturally lit spot in front of a door or window chosen, I set up my bean bag and blanket backdrop. The bean bag is essential! I was so thankful when I stumbled across a newborn photography blog that shared that secret. I use the back side of dining room chairs to hold up the blanket. I'm hoping to invest in a backdrop holder soon.

• Finding walls/floors for backdrops: After I've gotten the bean bag in place I do more hunting. I look for other spots to take photos. I check for walls and floors that would provide adequate backdrops for photos using baskets/buckets. Be creative and have fun with it.

• Heater: Before I get the baby into position I set up a space heater in front of the bean bag. I do this because cold babies = crying babies. Sometimes, I undress the baby in front of the heater as well. They like it to be as similar to mommy's womb as possible. It's not a bad idea to have mom and dad crank up the heat an hour or two before the session. Be prepared to get your sweat on. 

• Handling the baby: OH, my favorite part! Once everything is in position and I have a plan, I warm up my hands (after they've been washed, of course) and get the baby ready for the session. When handling the baby I do everything slowly and gently. Babies do not like to be cold, so when I move them from place to place I keep them close to my body, just like mom. Sudden movements can easily disturb their sleep. Every movement during positioning must to be soft and slow. I do a lot of "shhhhing" to keep the baby calm. It works! 

*** Warning: There is a 99% chance you will get pooped or peed on, possibly both  :)

Happy tweaking! 

Check out Mr. Colson. He was such a good baby. Congratulations Kristy and Brian, you are so blessed to have such a beautiful baby boy. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to capture his first days of life. 

Stay tuned for an upcoming blog post on my editing process and techniques. 

If you have any questions about what I've shared, please leave a comment. I hope to have another FAQ post soon :)