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!!!

New feature post.... look for it soon!

Just an FYI, I am working on a new feature post, "What NOT to do in everyday photography". This post will be a regular series in my blog. I will address simple mistakes everyone has made when taking a picture. I will show you what NOT to do, and then what you can do to avoid doing it again! Most tips are very simple and super easy to remember!

For example, have you ever taken a photograph of someone indoors, and you realized after the fact that it was completely washed out by the flash? Or how about when you take a quick snapshot of a giggling friend and it turns out blurry. Or perhaps you have taken a picture while at the lake or the beach and it was prettier in your mind than in your camera!!

I will take one subject at a time. Take a sample photo of what NOT to do and what it should look like done correctly. I will be using my Olympus digital camera to take the photos, so you will see that you don't need a fancy DSLR to take great looking pictures!

What I would like from you, my faithful readers, is either a suggestion on a specific subject you would like to learn to help you improve your photographic abilities, and/or photo submissions, you may submit photos that you personally have taken that didn't turn out the way you had hoped, and I will address the problem. You can email the submission or request to me @ bobbie@bobbielyons.com Be sure to include your name, describe what you wanted to accomplish in the photo. (You may only submit photos that you have taken personally, no vulgar or nude photography, I will need your consent to post them in my blog. I reserve the right to refuse any submission and delete submissions at any time without notice)

Subjects can vary from camera settings to editing tips and tricks! So keep a look out for the new series! Be sure to share the info with your friends too! Everyone has the ability to improve their photographic skills and I am determined to prove that you don't have to be a pro to be a good photographer! You will learn how easy it is to take great looking photos with your family camera!


Until next time my Snap Happy Friends!

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!!!

Baby Love....

I had the wonderful privilege of taking some beautiful photos of a sweet baby girl, baby "M". Her and her family are repeat customers of mine and I have come to really like this family. They are all so very sweet, especially the newest addition, baby "M". They are a young family, full of fun, love and happiness. I really enjoyed getting to know them better! This is exactly why I love this work so much! Not only do I get to be included in some very special moments for these families, but I get to meet new people and make great friends along the way!

Just call me Auntie

I was talking to one of my clients today and she told me that her small grandchildren who are so adorable, now refer to me as "Aunt Bobbie"! How sweet is that? I was honored to do their shoot a few weeks ago and had such a blast with them! I love how the relationship between my client and their family and myself seems to just develop effortlessly. It's such an honor to be allowed into their treasured memories and family events like new family portraits! It is truly a unique experience with everyone that I've worked with - and yet, I've loved each every one of them!

I just can't wait to see what the next few months will bring!