Okay, so I missed the chance to enter this weeks challenge for “Focusing on Angles”; however, I still had a photo that I would’ve entered that I’ll still go ahead and post.  It’s a funny angle.  Crazy Brother #2 decided to get in the way of my camera as I was taking a photo of Brother #5.  Here’s the crazy brother of mine!  I’ll find another photo to add to this one with similar personality showing through…  Different person, but linked!

Also!!!  I needed to mention the new Referral Program that I’m starting up.  For every 3 photo shoots that you direct my way (make sure you let people know to mention your name!!!), you will receive a free mini session with ME!  After you’ve received the free mini session and have additional referrals, I’ll talk with you individually to let you know what you’ll benefit from.  It’s a great program!!!!

Just one…  Much too hard to pick just one!  But after much dilemma, I came to a decision and chose this one! 

So, a couple weeks ago, I had done a maternity shoot for a girl from church.  I haven’t had experience with those in the past, which is iwhy I thought it would be fun to do (finally).  I offered to do them for my portfolio and not charge them.  Of course she had said yes – a no brainer!  We did them in Old Town Helotes at dusk.  I had planned on getting that perfect light, and had set a specific time to meet.  The only thing was, the couple hadn’t shown up at that exact time (yeah, I’ve done this with several people and it always seems to be a race for the last light…whether it’s them or ME).  Great light, but it was very quickly dropping behind the hills and I was antsy that we wouldn’t get the light that was perfect at that very second in time.  They arrived, safe and sound; got out and started shooting. 

I’ve learned that each type of photography has certain ways of approaching the subject you’re shooting.  Each have their own challenges that present themselves.  Whether it be animals/nature, landscape, sports, weddings, portraits, etc…  AND in each of those areas, there are different levels and types that you can categorize further.  Portaits: individual, couples, families, engagements, bridals, seniors, babies, maternity, etc…  Each subject requires something more or has different needs.  With seniors, you have more energy, excitement, and enthusiasim; whereas, with babies, you are more calm and quiet.  Maternity photos…  Those are a whole other ball game.  I’ve had several friends that I’ve been around during their pregnancy and each seem to be different (and different moods/emotions) with how they feel during the pregnancy.  Anyways, I’ve learned that they require careful handling and need to be calm and very much without stress (at least that specific one).  I know that some can be a ton of fun, some serious, but all beautiful.  It’s all about her and her pregnancy/baby.  A delicate and special time in life.  Yes, this shoot was different and I’m glad her husband had been there to help with getting her to smile.  The smile was difficult to have surface, but when it did, I tried to utilize the time and shots I could get.  I did get a chance to snap some that I really love and could immediately tell that I caught a perfect photo moment.

I still need to post-process the photos.  I haven’t taken much time to really do anything with them, but quickly took a few minutes and just did a couple quick things in RAW and then switched them to jpegs.  So, don’t really critique much, I’ll be playing with them some more…  I didn’t even take them into Photoshop…  They are far from what I would like them to be, but I wanted to post a few.