Baby Bump

As a photographer I have always been able to fully appreciate the saying, "A picture is worth a thousand words". However, I've always said that a picture is worth a thousand words and a million emotions. There are just some pictures that make you speechless, and words cannot describe what you feel when you gaze upon it.

I have found my latest speechless photograph. I see such confidence and beauty every time I look at this photograph of her. She's fearless, yet, vulnerable. She is strong and soft at the same time. There is just so much to be seen I can't seem to find all the words needed to describe it.

The maternity shoot I was so privileged to take part in the other day was, by far, a very unique and special shoot for me. It was with one of my very best childhood friends. And we had such a great time together, laughing at eachother, giggling at silly things, ("do something cute with your feet Tiff!")  talking about our boys playing together, growing up, about us getting older, just having a really nice time.

One reason why this shoot meant so much to me is because when we were in our early teens she and I set up a 'studio' in my room and took two rolls of pictures of each other. We modeled clothes, changed out 'props', it was a full on fashion shoot! :) This recent shoot brought back a lot of really good memories.

I've always thought her to be one of the most beautiful women I've ever known, and this shoot proved it all the more!

XOXOXOX Tiff! I can't wait for our next shoot together!

An itch that desprately needs to be scratched....

I have had the privilege of shooting some amazing families and some really unique teenagers. I've also been privileged to be a part of some really special events, weddings, graduations parties, engagements, anniversary parties, etc. But, I have been itching to step up my photography lately. I am ready to expand my creativity. It's an itch, I am dying to scratch!

I want to do some more elaborate infant and child sessions. Larger props, whimsical sets, etc. I would love to be able to do some exciting new engagement sessions and family sessions with themes.

I have some really crazy ideas, and I just need to find the right families willing to play along with me in my weird and playful imaginative photographic world!

So, in order to get the ball rolling, I figured Fall would be the ideal time to start on my new endeavours and it would be appropriate then to offer a special discount to all my clients, new or returning, who would like to participate in more eccentric photo shoots.

If you are in the Rim Country area of Arizona, and are interested in doing a shoot with me I am going to offer a FREE session to the first 5 to book a "Wild and Whimsical Photo Shoot". You will then have the option to buy a disc or prints. But, the session itself will be FREE!!! It will last anywhere from 1/2 hour to one hour, on location, (Payson, Pine, Strawberry or close by) and will be loads of fun and guaranteed to be memorable!!!

Call me today to reserve your spot! 928-978-4619

Keep it snappy my friends!!!

Getting back on track!

Well, my vacation time is officially over with and now I am getting things back on track! I have a wedding to shoot tomorrow, photo's to finish editing, and orders to fill for headband and ties!!! Next week will be so busy! I love it though, it makes the week go by faster. I am so excited to be involved in some great facebook giveaways, so if you aren't already a fan of my page, be sure to stop by now and you will get first hand info on the great giveaways coming up!!! My facebook page is Snap Happy Photography

Don't forget to check out the awesome new Spa package I am involved with over at Pamper Me Spa Parties!


Keep it Snappy!!

Ever had one of those days?

Have you ever had one of those days where you feel like your kind of floating through the day? You know, like things are getting done, but your not completely sure how or who got them done, you just know it's done. You know you made phone calls, you know you sent out mail, you even know you ran all of your errands for the day, but it feels like someone else was in your shoes doing all the work! This probably doesn't even make sense to some of you, but I had one of those days today. In fact this week, so far, has been awkward at best! I know I've taken care of things, but I feel like it should be Monday and I should just be getting things going. Maybe I am sleep deprived, maybe I am lacking a nutrient... whatever it is, I am sure this is one of the weirdest weeks ever! I think, (although I hate to declare it), I am almost caught up!!!! WHOA! I'm not even sure I know what that feels like anymore, but I am taking a leap here, and proclaiming, that I have just about got all the 'need to do' stuff done! You all know what that means don't you??? PLAY TIME! Wahhooooo! Now I can focus on my new packages and new shoot ideas and hopefully get all my ducks in a row to be able to reveal things to you very soon! It's very exciting! You've already seen my new logo and new ad style and I really hope you all like it! I love the colors and the style. 

So stay tuned and stay snappy!!

My favorite subject....and a new logo!

  So thought I would reveal my new logo with this blog post. I am very pleased with it! I hope you all like it as well! I am updating various aspects of the business and this was the first thing I wanted to share with you all! Keep a look out for even more updates, and new specials!

Now, on to my favorite subject:

  Food, animals, flowers, bugs, nature. All of those subjects are fun in their own way to photograph. Each one has different obstacles and challenges to overcome. Each have a unique way of conveying the beauty of life. For many people, their favorite subject to photograph has personal reasons behind it. That is true for me. I love taking pictures of animals. They are all unique characters and I love how the expressions captured would otherwise have gone unnoticed! The simple sweetness and delicate nature of flowers has always captivated me when I photograph them. Event photography really speaks for itself.... it's always eventful! I never get bored when I am photographing groups of people at an event! But, despite all the fun I have when photographing all of those subjects, there is yet another subject that I love even more. In fact, I can't seem to ever satisfy my need to photograph this subject!

  I don't think there is a day that goes by that I don't photograph my favorite subject! My last count, which was several months ago, I have well over 2,000 photographs of this subject! Some of my best shots have been because of my favorite subject. I have learned new techniques, new styles and made new mistakes! I really feel that I have grown so much, as a person and as a professional, since I started photographing this subject.

  I am sure that by now, you've looked at the picture and figured out what my favorite subject is. It is my son. As a professional photographer, I love taking pictures of children and families. I love the intimacy of each picture. I love how the relationships between each of the individuals shines through in the photograph. You can see secrets being told to each other in just a glance. You can feel unspoken respect and love. You can feel unmatched faithfulness and loyalty. But, when I take a picture of my little man, all of those emotions are intensified!

  Of course, you don't have to be a professional to appreciate a good photograph or feel emotions when you look at it. I personally enjoy going to art exhibits and viewing other artists work. I still feel the same emotions. And, really, that is the goal of any artist. To move, motivate or otherwise inspire your audience.

  I am really excited about the upcoming events for my business. I hope that I can reach you, my audience, in ways you've never expected! I look forward to sharing with you my newest work and latest creations!

  Until then, don't hesitate to pick up your camera, record those moments and preserve those memories, keep it snappy!!!

NEW: Lady of the Month Spotlight Interview

This is the very first Lady of the Month Spotlight Interview! Each month I will highlight a very special business Lady. You will be able to learn about her, her business and get some creative advice, tips and fun facts!

So, for my very first Spotlight Interview we are shining the light on Nataly Kimball of Beautifully Elegant!


 What got you interested in making jewelry?

 I took a jewelry and metalsmithing class my first year in college. I immediately fell in love! I wasn't that great at first, but knew that if I kept at it I would eventually get better. This class got me hooked on jewelry making!

 How long have you been making your jewelry?

 I have been making jewelry for about 5 years now. It was a hobby for a while- I just made jewelry for myself and family.

 What is your favorite piece you've made?

 My favorite piece would be the summer fun necklace. It is my favorite piece because it was the first piece I made for my etsy shop. I love the colors and textures of this necklace. I would defiently wear this necklace all the time if I could.


 What other creative things do you with your time?

 I also dabble into a lot of other things like owl collecting, calligraphy photography, and graphic design. I am currently working on making my own greeting cards to sell.

 Where does your design inspiration come from?
 I know it sounds cliche, but my inspiration comes from all around me. I look at what people are wearing and certain ideas just pop into my head. I always carry a pen and paper just in case I get a great idea while I am out and about. I also follow a lot of great blogs that inspire me as well.
 If a reader wanted to buy your products, how can they find you and your store?
 www.beautifullyelegant.etsy.com
www.beautifullyelegant-beautifullyelegant.blogspot.com
@belegant05http://www.facebook.com/pages/Beautifully-Elegant/196477937055815


 Do you have any advice for young girls who are thinking of starting their own business?

 My advice would be to never give up on your dream. If you always have wanted to own your own business- go after it with all your heart. You can accomplish anything you put your mind to.


So, now that you have met Nataly, be sure to check out her Etsy store! She is an amazing woman with a passion for jewelry and an eye for fashion! I hope you enjoyed this Spotlight Interview with Nataly!

Finally back!

Hi everyone! Sorry it's been a while! We finally got our Internet back, the move went well, I am so glad it's over with! I am working on a new blog post, you will LOVE it! It's very exciting! I wasn't able to go around and take the photos of my hometown last weekend, but I was able to get a few shots of a local hot spot... Blue Ridge. It is absolutely stunning! So beautiful, the photos don't even do it justice. We were able to spend a few hours up there and have a family picnic. It was so much fun! I strongly recommend you take the time to go up there, if you are ever in Arizona. It is one of the most beautiful landscapes you will ever see!

Well, I better finish the new blog, so be sure to check back, you won't want to miss it! I have a lot of tricks up my sleeve right now, so, be on the look out! I have some exciting new projects I am working on, a new package that will blow your mind & an incredible offer you will want to take advantage of! Have a great Friday Eve!! Yay! It's almost the weekend!

Keep it Snappy!!

Accidental refreshment fires up the artist inside of me...

Well, I have been a busy bee, finishing up a few projects this week. I have some prints to order, discs to mail, and still more to edit and upload! My oh my!

I thought I'd share a juicy little snack from my latest outing with my son....

I just had to take a break from all the projects and run outside with him for a while.... it was well worth it!

He had a blast and I felt his energy and absorbed his giggles... I needed that recharge!

It amazes me at how, as an adult, I can get so caught up in my daily to-do list and all my projects, and forget how fast this time is flying by. I cherish every moment with my son and I must remember to take these outings every day with him, to remember where I am, who I am. He can, without any words, correct my course, lighten my mood, warm my heart and inspire my inner artist in ways that no one else can! I have found that my approach to work has shifted so much since he came along. He's made me a better person and a better artist. I love him for that and for everything he is!

Just to see him smile makes my day!

I watch him at play, he finds enjoyment in such little, insignificant things. He freely forgives, immediately almost! He lets his imagination take over. He sees no limits, no restrictions. He feels completely, loves intensely, and trusts wholeheartedly. He finds treasure every single day, views all things as new and exciting, and the explorer in him knows no boundaries!

If I could be more like him, in even in the smallest degree, I think I should increase my happiness a hundred fold!

If ever you find yourself slipping away from your goals, missing yourself, or in need of inspiration, go outside and play with your children. Really play. Don't let your adult-hood get in they way, let yourself, go! Put on that cape, fly around the yard like superman! Make those silly car noises as you drive them around in the grass. Put the camera down, the papers away, the phone silenced, the tv off. Loose yourself in their childhood, it will do you a world of good.... it did me!

Until next time, stay Snap Happy!

Composition - What in the world does it mean?

In the world of photography what does COMPOSITION mean?

Well, by definition it means, 'putting together'. Or think of it as organization.

In the field of photography, organization is key to good art. Like I always say, you can't take a bunch of food, throw it in a bag, shake it up and expect a delicious meal to come out of it.... it takes effort and work and organization. You have to know just how much or how little to add of each ingredient. Relating to photography, you have to have all the correct ingredients, put in the right place at the right time, at the right angle in order to have a good photograph.

Depending on the photographer you ask, there are rules to composition. But, really they are more like guidelines, since, sometimes breaking the 'rule' is what is needed to create the end desired product.

So, here are some of the guidelines, I suggest for those of you who are interested in developing your skills, to take each one and research, practice, practice, practice it until you are comfortable with it and find your groove. Keep in mind, there are more composition guidelines than I have listed, this is just to give you a start.

1. Rule of thirds. This is, in my opinion, one of the more important guidelines you must master and understand completely what it means and what it DOESN'T mean!
2. Pattern. Just like a meal with no spices is bland and boring, a photograph that doesn't capitalize on available patterns looses it's potential pizazz!

3. Texture. Closely related to pattern, you must fully understand what it is, and how to apply it.

4. Angles. If your angle is off just a touch, you can loose the whole effect to the photograph. Especially in portrait photography, angles can either enhance the subjects or create a less attractive appearance. So, be cautious, and again, practice, practice, practice! Some angles work, but only in certain light, and circumstances.

5. D.o.F. - Do you know what that is? Depth of Field. Look it up. Depending on what you are trying to accomplish, DoF will either enhance, or reveal your subject, or isolate it. It's not something that you can read about and simply have it mastered, again, practice!

One suggestion for those of you who feel the need to better your photography skills, either for personal use or if you are considering a career in photography, is get familiar with good photographers. Learn what made the greats so great, such as Ansel Adams, Alfred Stieglitz, Dorothea Lange, Bernice Abbott, Anne Geddes, Edward Weston, Henri Cartier-Brensen, Richard Avedon... to name a few. Don't repeat their work, but feed off of their greatness, soak up their legacy. Have fun! Don't make it harder than what it is.

As far as my collection goes, I look forward to adding to my portfolio this Summer. I will be doing a lot of portrait work, but I have also set out to enhance my landscape portfolio. So, look for it this Summer as I do, I will be putting into practice the composition guidelines in this blog post. Let's see how well I do this year, following my own advice!

A good photograph, doesn't happen by chance. It's the product of good design and technique.

That's the way I see it anyways! Until next time, stay Snap Happy my friends!