I’ve finally taken the next step with the website and launched a blogsite. What this means is that you’ll need to update your links! (So sorry!) http://www.echodayphotography.com
See ya there!
Update your links!
July 12th, 2010It’s a love story …
July 7th, 2010
… Baby, just say yes!
Now that I have that song stuck in your head, let me tell you about a fabulous new thing I’m working on: your love story!
It’s a contest! Send me the best snapshot of you and your significant other – your husband, your wife, your boyfriend, your girlfriend – and a brief history of the two of you as a couple. I’ll post the photos and histories here on the blog and the couple with the most votes wins a free session, $50 print credit, 10 web-sized photos for social networking and best of all, a soft-bound photo book containing 10-15 images AND your detailed love story! This is a prize valued at more than $200.
The catch? No catch, really, except you have to live in West Tennessee (from the Tennessee River to the Mississippi River, Newbern down to Memphis) and be willing to be photographed. Easy, peasy!
But I’m not engaged … It doesn’t matter if you’re a new couple or one who’s been married for 40 years, every couple needs a photo! You can make “Facebook Official” look even better, have photos for the newspaper engagement announcement, make up for not having wedding photos, mark an anniversary, announce an impending arrival or just celebrate couple-dom. You don’t need a reason to capture the love you share!
Ready? Set? Go! Send a snapshot of you and your love to echodayphotography@gmail.com – and don’t forget to tell me a little bit about you! Or, you can surprise your favorite couple by nominating them (and who doesn’t love surprises?)!
Contest rules (aw, man!): You must be 18 years or older to submit an entry; one entry per couple. Entries must be made by 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, July 31, 2010. Voting will begin on Monday, Aug. 2 and end at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 8. Winners will be announced by Aug. 12. Entrants must live in West Tennessee and must use their session by Oct. 31, 2010. This is also an anti-discriminatory zone; couples of any age, race or sexual orientation are welcomed to enter.
Back in the saddle
June 17th, 2010
It’s been nearly two months since I’ve touched this blog.
In the weeks I’ve been absent we had a major flooding event in Tipton County, I inherited a TON of responsibilities at my day job, my former mother-in-law passed away and we traveled to Alabama for the funeral, my children finished the school year and we went to San Antonio for vacation.
All of that from May 1-31.
My former mother-in-law’s funeral was held on the same day as Joshua and Erika, our beautiful bride pictured above, were married. Gwen, who assisted during that shoot and was going to second shoot the wedding, shot some great images for them and I am so thankful she was there to step in.
I almost feel as if May was in the way of my shooting. I had a maternity shoot scheduled for May 16; the night prior, the glowing mama and I nailed down a location and I was very much looking forward to shooting her photos. She was due in early June and had a hard pregnancy, which prevented a session earlier on. But, as May would have it, that shoot didn’t happen. Our session was scheduled for the afternoon, but the baby came early! He was born that morning. lol.
These past few weeks I haven’t picked up my camera unless I had to, with the exception of vacation snapshots. I usually read dozens of photography blogs, network with other photographers and work on my skills constantly, but I haven’t had the time to desire to even do any of that.
The flood and the increased responsibilities at work had me exhausted. One week I worked more than 90 hours, the other weeks I worked 60 or more. I now have help, thankfully, and can devote some of my free time back to my business. Gwen, who was my supervisor, left the paper to pursue other opportunities and with having to absorb all of her duties, complete all of mine and train two new writers, I was swamped. And oh so stressed. I was prepared to close this business because I thought my life, until I’d finally had enough, would revolve around the newspaper.
But I likely will not have to do that. And I am so thankful.
I’m eager to return to shooting and at this point would love to shoot some duets. If you’re in the area, give me a call: 731-612-2723!
Engaged: Joshua & Erika
April 24th, 2010
In November, Gwen and I shot photos at our co-worker’s son’s wedding. While we were there, his other son’s fiancée asked us to shoot her wedding and, of course, we agreed.
Having a fledgling photography business, I want to shoot as many sessions as I can. Gwen and I have tons of ideas and we made sure Erika knew we wanted to shoot engagement and bridal photos prior to the wedding. A week ago, we did it! It was a marathon double-session, and it was exhausting, but so. much. FUN!
Erika and Joshua aren’t getting married until May 22, so you’ll have to wait to see the bridals, but the engagement photos are a go!
In my last entry, I shared all of the scenery for the engagement shoot. Our locations were all in about a half mile of one another along Hwy. 59 West/Main Street in Mason, Tennessee. We had beautiful gothic-style arches, painted brick buildings and railroad tracks. And obviously, a very easy-going couple.
Poor Joshua was subject to primping by his bride-to-be and future mother-in-law prior to the shoot – he’d better get used to it (right, ladies?).
We started at the church, then made our way south towards the tracks.
Remember the blue wall? It looks kinda shabby, I know. But in photos, it rocks. I hope that in seeing these, Erika’s mom agrees. lol. When we said we were headed to the businesses she was a little surprised.
This has to be one of my favorites (below).
It’s no secret they’re in love – and have been since Erika was in the seventh grade and Joshua was in the tenth (Erika graduated with the Class of 2009).
Another run-down building, but the teal-ish paint made a teal-ish stripe in her dress pop.
Next up, the tracks! During our consult – which we actually did via Facebook chat (gotta love technology!) – we discussed several ideas and Erika asked for railroad tracks. Before she asked, I was tempted to toss the idea out there, but not many people are willing to play on the railroad tracks. But this was one gamble that worked out (and thank you, Gwendolyn, for finding some fabulous inspiration photos for the basis of this entire shoot)!
First, helping each other walking along the rails. Hand-in-hand, working together.
And then? A little sit-down. So, so sweet.
I love the way Joshua and Erika were up for anything we suggested! This is a modern take on the famous post-World War II shot taken of a sailor kissing a nurse in Times Square. Except, you know, in Mason, Tennessee.
Thank you, you two, for such a great session! We cannot wait until May 22.
Beauty’s where you find it
April 23rd, 2010
Meet Mason, Tennessee. Population: about a thousand, including approximately 200 inmates.
A former railroad town, Mason is now one of those towns that make you think the world is flat. When people leave, they don’t often come back. There is little commerce, save for the super dollar store, gas stations, Christmas Spirits Wine & Liquor and a few other businesses. There’s a fairly new Dollar General store, too.
Mason is also home to world famous restaurants like Bozo’s Hot Pit Bar-B-Q and Gus’s Fried Chicken – an MMM! on both accounts – and several older churches with beautiful architecture. When Erika and I discussed her bridal and engagement shoot, I knew I wanted some photos in Mason with the beautiful arches at Trinity Episcopal Church.
The church is what locals call “New Trinity” church, even though it was built in the late 1800s. The older version – Old Trinity in the Fields – is equally beautiful, but stays locked up.
The point? The arches are gorgeous. We got some great shots of Erika here as well as some cute couples shots.
I also knew I wanted to try to get some shots with this exposed brick wall. I spotted it one day while interviewing the mayor about infrastructure upgrades and federal grants.
Isn’t it a fabulous backdrop for an urban engagement shoot?
Apparently a store used to occupy this space, though it is now gone. Judging by the debris still remaining, the store had a lot of shoes in its inventory. Oh, and someone nearby sells drugs (see the shoes hanging from the power lines in the upper left?). We decided to opt-out because we have to climb down and into the lot and our shoes weren’t exactly practical, but I still love the wall.
While I was down there scoping out the wall and the church and lighting, I also found some gems I’d never really noticed. I’ve been to Mason plenty of times, but I’d never scouted locations for engagement shoots (as a reporter, we were chasing leads for stories, not scoping out the environment). You really can find some beautiful backgrounds where you least expect it.
Right next to the exposed wall are these painted exteriors. The blue would be PERFECT for a ring-kissing shot we’d planned. It’s actually a hair shop. The green building, I believe, is vacant. I sat Erika and Joshua in front of the teal building and a stripe from her dress just popped in front of that teal paint!
This yellow building is some sort of auto detailing and repair shop and is next to the teal building. We didn’t end up shooting any photos here because the owners were out and washing vehicles, but I’d really like to come back and try some shots here.
And right behind where I was standing when I took this? Railroad tracks. I wanted to try some on the tracks but didn’t know how Erika would respond; I didn’t even have to ask because she brought it up! Love it when that happens. And I love the photos we took on the tracks.
Mason is definitely not an attractive town, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have possibilities. We shot the entire engagement shoot here and came away with some wonderful photos!
Step outside the box once in awhile. As Madonna says, beauty’s where you find it.
Sneak peek: Erika & Joshua
April 18th, 2010
We had a fun (and long!) double session this afternoon with Joshua and Erika. We started out on the square in Covington with Erika all dolled up in a dress that is “seriously, five layers of poof!” as Erika said. We shot photos all over the square and at a nineteenth century church in Mason. Then, two hours later, we met up with her groom for some railroad chic engagement photos.
I really love the series and can’t wait to share, but until then, here’s something to tide you over. Erika and Joshua, Gwen and I had a blast hanging out with you!
Quick Tips: Sunny 16
April 6th, 2010
Spring is finally here and, though it provides an obstacle you have to learn to shoot around, the sun is back and better than ever! Exposure in full sunlight can be tricky and overwhelming, but someone very smart came up with the mnemonic Sunny 16 to help remember recommended aperture settings and shutter speeds.
The Sunny 16 rule is a method of estimating correct daylight exposures without a light meter. Simply put, when it’s sunny, change your aperture to f/16.
Great, now what about the clouds? Glad you asked:
When it’s slightly overcast, f/11.
Overcast? Go with f/8.
And heavy overcast, f/5.6 is your best bet.
A gorgeous sunset that you absolutely must preserve? Your best bet is likely f/4.
Of course, like most of photography, it’s a little more complicated than that.
Choosing a shutter speed
If you are using manual mode, which is usually denoted with an M on the dial of your dSLR, you can also choose your shutter speed. (If you’re working in aperture priority mode, your shutter speed will be chosen by the camera.)
Your shutter speed should be set to the (nearest) reciprocal of your ISO setting.
What this means is if your ISO is set to 100, your shutter speed should be 1/125 (since it’s closest to 100). On a sunny day with your ISO set to 200, your aperture should be set at f/16 and your shutter speed at 1/200 or 1/250.
Your shutter speed can be changed as long as you change your f-stop to compensate for it. For example, f/16 at 1/125 is the same as f/11 at 1/250.
Practice makes perfect
“Sunny 16″ sounds easy, right? Like anything, it takes practice. And you to help you practice, I’m now offering free Quick Tips reference cards! The cards are 2×3.5 inches in size, perfect for on-the-go. The first in the series is the Sunny 16 card, which can be downloaded on the Freebies page.
Did I mention they’re free? Because they are (and free is awesome!). Send yours friends!
Make sure you snag yours and keep coming back for more. I have a neat plan for keeping the cards together and attached to your camera, so make sure you check back for that in the coming weeks.
Beautiful Blooms + Friday Freebie
March 26th, 2010
I am exceptionally thrilled to see Friday this week!
At my day job, the last few weeks have been ridiculously busy between special publications and breaking news. This week I’ve had the chance to stop and smell (okay, photograph!) the flowers. The 50mm f/1.4 lens I recently purchased seems to love them and this is the first spring since my six-year-old son was an infant that I haven’t had problems with allergies (yet?).
This? Is exciting.
Though we have a busy weekend planned, I am excited for the so-called downtime. I love my co-workers dearly, but I need a break from the news for a couple of days. And this is why I’m glad today’s Friday! (And who doesn’t love a good Friday, anyway?)
To celebrate, I’m sharing!
This weekend I am offering some of my favorite floral photos for download to use on your computer as a desktop wallpaper or screensaver. This is only good until Monday morning, (just like the weekend, it doesn’t last forever!) so make sure to grab them while you can! (I’m using Delicate, the one pictured above, as my own screensaver. It’s such a pick-me-up at work.)
If you have allergies, this is an extra special gift because you get to enjoy all of the gorgeous-ness with no consequences (score!).
Have a good weekend – and happy Friday!
Quick Tips: Using Macro (for P&S users)
March 23rd, 2010
April showers bring May flowers, but we can still practice in March, right?
I shot the photo on the right in May 2006 with my Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z2. With its 4 megapixels and 10x zoom, it was a great purchase back in 2004! And I used that camera until it fell apart; towards the end I was holding the battery door closed with duct tape, Band-Aids, anything I could find with adhesive.
That said, I loved the macro option.
Macro is a type of close-up photography that magnifies an image to life-size or larger. The term ‘macro’ is now used loosely, but macro photography captures a subject at at least a 1:1 ratio. Many photographers use macro lenses when they’re shooting photos of flowers, insects, jewelry or even products.
I grew up looking at macro shots of flowers my dad shot when he was stationed in Okinawa. I always loved how sharp the focus was in those photos and the bokeh, which is the blur (or the quality of the blur) in the out of focus areas of an image, was always interesting to me. From those days grew a love for photographing flowers.
In fact, sometimes I buy flowers from the grocery store just so I can bring them home, dress them up and take their picture.
Macro photography with DSLRs often requires a special macro lens, which I can assure you is not inexpensive. But if you have a point-and-shoot, consider yourself lucky! Macro photos aren’t at all difficult. Switch to macro mode – the one usually denoted by a tulip – and start shooting those beautiful blooms!
Here are some quick tips for macro pics:
1. If you can adjust your aperture, do so. The wider your aperture, the better your depth of field; this will blur your background and keep your subject in focus (like the photo on the right). A smaller aperture will keep your background in focus.
2. Steady your camera to keep your subject in focus. If you have a tripod, use it. If not, you can steady the camera on a flat surface. Great advice, I know, but what happens when you want to shoot photos of a flower or a ladybug on a blade of grass and a flat surface isn’t nearby? Use your viewfinder (instead of the preview on your LCD screen on the back of the camera); holding the camera against your face also steadies it.
3. Play with composition and details. Capture different elements of your subject. It is not always necessary to capture your subject in its entirety. If you’re photographing flowers, you can close in on its stigma, stamen and the pollen inside its petals (see above). You know it’s a flower, even though you can’t see the whole thing. Get artistic!
4. Get in closer. Test your camera and see just how close you can get while still keeping your subject in focus.
All of the above photos were taken with a point-and-shoot camera, which is proof that you don’t need an expensive camera to get great photos.
Sneak peek: Jonathan & Christy
March 21st, 2010
Last weekend I shot the simple, sweet wedding uniting Jonathan, Christy and their children.
Christy, her daughter and new stepdaughters spent the morning bonding at the nail and hair salons, getting gorgeous before they became a family. Christy, I was told, even drove through the McDonald’s drive-thru with her veil on! So cute.
Though this was her second wedding, this was Christy’s first wedding dress (she was excited because she’d never had one before) and her oldest stepdaughter (MM) proudly helped her get ready.
A quick candid shot while getting dressed. Christy’s daughter MG is quite the ham! Her other stepdaughter, SM, had a case of the nerves, poor thing.
Before the ceremony, they played Kenny G on the iPod downstairs as well as up in the sanctuary. MM told us she is not getting married for 30 years - we’ll see about that!
Meanwhile, the groom and IG, his stepson, goofed around upstairs.
IG really, really didn’t want to smile. I have a feeling this is much more his speed.
The ceremony was attended by the family only, with the exception of two officiants, a videographer and me. Well, and the lovely Holly who manned the sound system. It was over pretty quickly and Jonathan swooped in for a kiss that lasted about a millisecond, then sweetly hugged his new wife.
Afterward, they prayed together as a family. I like how IG is trying his best to keep his eyes closed! Ha.
Jonathan and Christy, thank you for allowing me to be a part of your big day! I hope it is the beginning of some of the best days of your lives. (PS – You have four awesome children!)
And Christy, you looked simply beautiful. Congratulations!
