Sisters

What's the good of news if you haven't a sister to share it?
~Jenny DeVries

Before & After in Lightroom

Edgar, our beloved feline kitty is one of my most sought after subjects. Mostly because one he is very cute, two, extremely handsome, three, patient and four, usually willing. And that just makes photographing him that much more fun.

So here is a before and after of him hanging over our leather couch looking quite thrilled with having a camera in his face. Note his one ear has detected something other than the click of my shutter button.

The before is on the left as seen right out of the camera. And on the right, a little bit of tweaking in Adobe Lightroom. Some sharpening, blacks for enhancing and I added what is called a Preset to spruce up the overall colors, warmth and feel of this image.

And voila!

Image specs, Nikon d700, 50mm 1.4 lens, 1.8 aperture, ISO 640 , 1/40th of a sec. Preset used, Cleopatra by One Willow Boutique

The Happenings

I've been slacking in the blogging department. And not that I don't have sessions to share. Not that I don't have stories to write about. Or upcoming photo ops. There are many I would like to share. But life has been busy. Leading up to Christmas was somewhat insane. Let's just say, our Christmas tree did not make an appearance into our home until December 23. We had painting going on in our home. Lot's of painting. Lot's of mess. A big job. And I am happy to say it is done. I will add that if you are planning on having your home painted, please do well in advance of any holiday. I am not complaining. I love our freshly painted walls. Love the color. Love how we de-cluttered our home and rearranged furniture and started from scratch hanging any decor. Our home feels fresh and kind of new. At least for a 1912 farmhouse.

In the midst of December I acquired a new computer. The other, old computer I had slaved over for hours to keep going and not fail me with the thousands of images filling it every month was slowly dying and not keeping up. But needless to say....long live the Dell.
I am loving my new computer. It is a complete necessity for any photographer running their own business. Time spent in front of a computer uploading, organizing, editing, ordering pictures is a huge part of my business. Certainly my computer is like my assistant!! And I could never do without!

I am truly excited for 2012! Last year was amazing for me. With all of the people I met and developed friendships through by being their photographer couldn't be more rewarding. Feedback from clients throughout last year helped my business grow. It helped me develop as a photographer. To keep developing and continue growing are so important to me. I don't want to become stagnant as a photographer. I only want to become better. Try new things. Stay in my comfort zone where I am at my best but yet willing to try new photo opportunities; like studio lighting!

2012 is already looking like a positive and growing year for me. I am booking weddings, high school senior portrait sessions and family sessions. Even though winter is truly upon us, these winter months still keep me busy. I am using this time to try out new print products. Learn new editing software. Attend photography conferences. Update my social media and website. Basically, just stay fresh and stay inspired. The photography world is amazing. There are SO many ways to go about this business. And for now, I am fairly content in how it is treating me.

Leading into a side door that enters the Duke University Chapel in Durham, North Carolina.