May 27, 2009
First Holy Communion Pictures
I had so much fun taking pictures of beautiful Bella on the morning of her first holy communion. She looked like a little princess in her dress and from what I heard she had a wonderful day. Thanks for letting me share your special day with you Bella! Here's a peak at some of my favorites.
Tips and Tricks: For Photographers
Start at the very beginning…
Camera Basics
Advanced Photoshop Tutorials
Make color POP in your pictures
Camera Basics
Advanced Photoshop Tutorials
Make color POP in your pictures
Start at the very beginning…
…a very good place to start. I decided that the first Tips and Tricks articles on my photo blog will start with some photography basics – photo 101, if you will. Although my original intentions were to talk only about more advanced aspects of photography, you just can’t ignore the essentials. From the very basics, to professional tips, I’m going to bounce around and try to cover it a broad range of topics for every level of photographer. No matter what your photography background - whether you’re a mom trying to capture better photos of you kids, or a seasoned professional looking for some more digital tricks – there are always ways to better your photographs.
There’s a lot of technical know-how when it comes to photography from understanding light itself to camera functionality. That’s awesome if you’re the personality type that loves the details -my hats off to you! I don’t consider myself technical or analytical – I’m definitely more a right-brained and expressive personality type. So, in my articles, especially technical ones, I am going to explain things how I learn best, in ‘Renee’ terms: in the simplest way possible with lots of pictures! And if things are just too technical to get into, I will refer you to specific articles on the web that I found helpful. I read up on a ton of stuff related to photography. There are a lot of great sources on the Internet and it can be grueling to sift through several articles on one topic.
When I link to other articles, please know that the particular page is probably one of many like it that I’ve read, but I choose it because out of everything I’ve read I feel that this particular source explained things thoroughly and I found it easy to understand.
There’s a lot of technical know-how when it comes to photography from understanding light itself to camera functionality. That’s awesome if you’re the personality type that loves the details -my hats off to you! I don’t consider myself technical or analytical – I’m definitely more a right-brained and expressive personality type. So, in my articles, especially technical ones, I am going to explain things how I learn best, in ‘Renee’ terms: in the simplest way possible with lots of pictures! And if things are just too technical to get into, I will refer you to specific articles on the web that I found helpful. I read up on a ton of stuff related to photography. There are a lot of great sources on the Internet and it can be grueling to sift through several articles on one topic.
When I link to other articles, please know that the particular page is probably one of many like it that I’ve read, but I choose it because out of everything I’ve read I feel that this particular source explained things thoroughly and I found it easy to understand.
Camera Basics
These days there are basically two kinds of popular cameras: the point-and-shoot and the digital SLR. What is an SLR camera? And aside from a point-and-shoot being able to fit in your purse (or pocket- sorry guys), what’s the difference between the two?
SLR stands for Single Lens Reflex. When light enters the lens of an SLR camera it is reflected by a mirror up through the viewfinder of the camera allowing you to see exactly what you’re taking a picture of. This was a big difference back in the film days. Remember looking through a 35mm camera viewfinder and lining up your family in the photo, only to find the print cut off Aunt Erma’s forehead? That’s because the viewfinder was completely separate from the lens of the camera – which means the camera was seeing a different point-of-view that what you were seeing through the viewfinder. The point-and-shoot cameras nowadays usually have a live view function so we can see exactly what we’re taking a picture of – thanks digital world!
Digital SLR cameras generally provide flexibility when it comes to lenses, more control in low light situations and depth of field, and faster picture-taking. All of these attributes can result in a more professional looking photo if you know how to use the functions of your camera. (I feel another article coming soon!)
Another big advantage to a digital SLR camera is it has a bigger light sensor. A light sensor is a chip in your camera which basically converts the light coming in the camera into the digital picture. The bigger the chip, the more light it captures, which means better resolution and sharper pictures. Depending on what type of camera you have, the size of the light sensor will vary, even between different SLR cameras.
Here’s a comparison of the different size sensors that Canon uses in their camera line-up. You can see the huge difference between the ‘Typical CCD Sensor size’ which is your basic point-and-shoot, compared to the professional ‘35mm full-frame’ sensor.
If you want to read more in depth about the advantage of a full-frame sensor, Canon provides a great explaination in this document. If that’s too lengthy for you, I also found a shorter article that explains the technicalities and shows the effect between different size light sensors. It goes over:
Don’t feel like the camera you have is inadequate because it doesn’t have a full-frame sensor. There are advantages and disadvantages to all cameras. Cameras with full-frame sensors usually cost upwards of $3000, are meant for manual use, are heavy, and would not be efficient to lug to the park with your kids.
The truth is, you can buy the best equipment out there, but if you don’t know how to use it, it would be a waste.
No matter what kind of camera you have, it’s important to use it’s functionality to the fullest. Start by reading your camera manual (yes, reading the manual!) and figuring out all that your camera can actually do. You’ll be surprised what point-and-shoots can do these days. Once you know what you can do with your camera, then you can actually put it into practice and you’re on your way to taking better pictures.
SLR stands for Single Lens Reflex. When light enters the lens of an SLR camera it is reflected by a mirror up through the viewfinder of the camera allowing you to see exactly what you’re taking a picture of. This was a big difference back in the film days. Remember looking through a 35mm camera viewfinder and lining up your family in the photo, only to find the print cut off Aunt Erma’s forehead? That’s because the viewfinder was completely separate from the lens of the camera – which means the camera was seeing a different point-of-view that what you were seeing through the viewfinder. The point-and-shoot cameras nowadays usually have a live view function so we can see exactly what we’re taking a picture of – thanks digital world!
Digital SLR cameras generally provide flexibility when it comes to lenses, more control in low light situations and depth of field, and faster picture-taking. All of these attributes can result in a more professional looking photo if you know how to use the functions of your camera. (I feel another article coming soon!)
Another big advantage to a digital SLR camera is it has a bigger light sensor. A light sensor is a chip in your camera which basically converts the light coming in the camera into the digital picture. The bigger the chip, the more light it captures, which means better resolution and sharper pictures. Depending on what type of camera you have, the size of the light sensor will vary, even between different SLR cameras.
Here’s a comparison of the different size sensors that Canon uses in their camera line-up. You can see the huge difference between the ‘Typical CCD Sensor size’ which is your basic point-and-shoot, compared to the professional ‘35mm full-frame’ sensor.
If you want to read more in depth about the advantage of a full-frame sensor, Canon provides a great explaination in this document. If that’s too lengthy for you, I also found a shorter article that explains the technicalities and shows the effect between different size light sensors. It goes over:
- Why the term ‘35mm’ is still used for full-frame sensors
- The ‘lost light’ from smaller light sensors
- Photo samples comparing APS-C sensor and full-frame sensor
- How mega pixels relate to all this
Don’t feel like the camera you have is inadequate because it doesn’t have a full-frame sensor. There are advantages and disadvantages to all cameras. Cameras with full-frame sensors usually cost upwards of $3000, are meant for manual use, are heavy, and would not be efficient to lug to the park with your kids.
The truth is, you can buy the best equipment out there, but if you don’t know how to use it, it would be a waste.
No matter what kind of camera you have, it’s important to use it’s functionality to the fullest. Start by reading your camera manual (yes, reading the manual!) and figuring out all that your camera can actually do. You’ll be surprised what point-and-shoots can do these days. Once you know what you can do with your camera, then you can actually put it into practice and you’re on your way to taking better pictures.
May 22, 2009
May 12, 2009
About Renee
Photography: It’s life. It’s a passion. It’s an outlet. It’s fun.
The start of photography in my life was simple – I love capturing photos. It all started with a heavy, metal 35mm camera and a darkroom processing film and waiting for the black and white image to magically appear on the paper. An exciting feeling to those who have felt it. A true art, demanding a lot of patience.
As the digital world of cameras arrived, I have to admit I was skeptical and ignored the new technology, at first. Then came mega-pixel after mega-pixel of amazing equipment, which I could no longer deny. I bought my first digital SLR, and have fallen in love with photography all over again. Like the excitement I found in watching a photo emerge in a chemical bath, I now find the same excitement in taking an endless amount of photos. It’s exhilarating to try new poses, exposures and angles, knowing that I am not limited to 24 frames of film. From formal to playful, traditional and modern, I love all kinds of different photos and simply enjoy capturing emotion into a single frame.
I still enjoy the post processing part of photography as well, even though it’s far beyond a darkroom. Now I am able to incorporate my computer design skills into my passion of photography – a match made in heaven for me.
Beyond my personal love for photography, I found that friends, family and people I didn’t even know recognized my photos and began asking me to take pictures of them – and that’s really how this journey began.
So, in this blog-world I hope to share with you this fun path of photography that God is taking me on. I will not only share my pictures and personal journey, but tips and tricks that I continue to learn.
Thanks and God bless,
Renee
Photo Session Ideas
Typical photo sessions are always fun, and you definitely need to capture those milestones with great pictures. But you don't have to have a milestone event to plan a session. It's really fun to do photo parties with friends, glam sessions, or playdates with your kids just because! Here are some ordinary and some out-of-the ordinary, fun events you can plan.
27 Dresses Glam Session
LADIES, we all have a special spot in the corner of our closet that stores them. Cute, simple, glam and colorful. I’m talking about the bridesmaid dress. The one that every bride promised you could wear again. If you’re like me, most likely you haven’t worn them to any other occasion, but still appreciate the memories you have from the day you strut your stuff in it. Why not get a group of your good girlfriends together for an afternoon of fun? Pull out those bridesmaid dresses and strut your stuff one more time! It just so happens that bridesmaid dresses look great in photos, especially a colorful mix of different gowns.
In honor of the forgotten bridesmaid dress, all chick flicks, and a fun afternoon with friends, plan a 27 dresses glam session with your best gal pals. The session includes an on-location photo shoot in the Grand Rapids area and a 5x7 photo for you and each of your friends.
Session Fee: $45 per person, four person minimum
Includes: On-location photo shoot in Grand Rapids area, 5x7 for each group member and unlimited online use of your favorite photos
Playdate
ONE of the best ways to capture your kids’ true emotions is while they’re having fun, so let’s have a playdate! We’ll meet up at your home, local park, or other location in the area, and let the kids relax and play while we capture some great shots of your kids in their element. That’s right, WE. Bring your camera along and I’ll show you some tips and tricks so you can use it to its potential to take better photos of all those precious moments.
Session Fee: $75
Includes: On-location photo shoot in Grand Rapids area, camera consultation and ‘how to’ session and unlimited online use of your favorite photos
Welcome to the World!
YOUR life is now changed forever. A new tiny miracle has entered the world and become part of your family. Those first few days of life with your new baby are so precious – and it goes by so fast. This session is right at your home, so you don’t have to travel with your new little one, and we can include any gifts or sentimental items in the photos to make them extra special. That way we can get pictures of the beautiful nursery you spent so much time decorating too! Pick out your favorite photo or photos to be incorporated in a custom-designed birth announcement for your friends and family. Custom-designed thank you cards are also available. This package is all about convenience for the new mom.
Session Fee: $135
Includes: On-location photo shoot at your home, 25 - 5x7cutom designed birth announcements and unlimited online use of your favorite photos
My Profile
WWW is just a way of life these days. With MySpace, Facebook, blogging and other forms of web communication being commonplace, why use an ordinary photo of yourself for your profile? Let’s capture your personality and get you some great self-portraits to post online for the world (well, WWW) to see.
Do a group My Profile party and receive a session discount.
Session Fee: $50, or $40 each for two or more people
Includes: On-location photo shoot in Grand Rapids area and unlimited online use of your favorite photos
Forever Friends
QUOTED by Day Hammarskjold, “Friendship needs no words…” Now allow me to finish. “Friendship needs no words…just pictures.” Plan a fun day with your BFFs, including a photo session to reflect the very best of times with the people you like the most.
Session Fee: $45 per person
Includes: On-location photo shoot in Grand Rapids area and unlimited online use of your favorite photos
May 11, 2009
Location
I work on-location in the West Michigan area using natural light and the beautiful Michigan landscape as my backdrop. From downtown Grand Rapids, to rural country-scapes and awesome West Michigan shores, it's easy to find great places to take pictures that fit your style. I'm open to travel any place that you have in mind, or can help suggest some locations that would work out well for your session - this could be at your home, a favorite park or one of several great outdoor spots in the Grand Rapids or greater West Michigan area.
Photo Gallery
Seniors:
Emily
Rafael
Rachel
Sam
Families:
Carver Family
Hop Family
Sheldon Family
VanPortfleet Family
Little Ones:
Camryn
Cate
Charley
Karson
Lily
Madison
Ryann
Wesley
Couples:
Joe and Jenne: Engagement
Maternity:
Andrea
Special Occasion:
Bella - First Holy Communion
Just for Fun:
Coming Soon!
Emily
Rafael
Rachel
Sam
Families:
Carver Family
Hop Family
Sheldon Family
VanPortfleet Family
Little Ones:
Camryn
Cate
Charley
Karson
Lily
Madison
Ryann
Wesley
Couples:
Joe and Jenne: Engagement
Maternity:
Andrea
Special Occasion:
Bella - First Holy Communion
Just for Fun:
Coming Soon!
May 7, 2009
Tiny Miracles!
My heart melts when I see babies this little. I love their beady dark eyes and soft perfect skin when they're so tiny. Every little movement they make is somehow the most precious thing you've ever seen. They are changing so fast in those early weeks. I felt like my daughter looked different almost every day in the first month. That's why it's so important to document those moments.
I had the pleasure of taking pictures of Charley (Charlotte) Grace. She was just about 5 weeks old in these pictures and she is such a beautiful baby. She looked so comfortable on the stack of towels during our session, we didn't want to take her off!
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I had the pleasure of taking pictures of Charley (Charlotte) Grace. She was just about 5 weeks old in these pictures and she is such a beautiful baby. She looked so comfortable on the stack of towels during our session, we didn't want to take her off!
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Baby photos
What a cutie! Meet Wesley James - 4 weeks old. I just love it when families want to incorporate sentimental things into baby pictures. Bridge the gap between old and new and add in sentimental family value, and you get a completely special picture. The pictures of Wesley on the white dresser are so cool - it was his mom's grandmother's changing table. And because his daddy is a big Michigan State fan, we had to incorporate the homemade booties and hat into the session.
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