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Photo Feature Friday: Abundant Moments Photography Captures all of the L-O-V-E
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Program Mode -What is it?

Program Vs. Auto - IN THREE PARTS

When I teach this is the most asked question. What is the difference between all of the modes on my camera. Well every camera is different, but they all have different modes. And most have an Auto mode and a P or Program mode. Often the auto mode is a green rectangle or a green camera on the dial where Program is simply a capital "P".

Where/What is the P mode and the Auto mode on my camera?  Okay so see below - on the newer cameras you can see these modes and all your other pertinent info on the back of the screen (if you dont see it press the Q or display button on your Canon or Nikon) Or this info is on the dial. See below the auto mode is displayed differently but in all cases below is the green area - little camera, or rectangle with an A in it? That's your auto mode - and the P - right next to it or almost next to it is program.

Now what is the difference in these two? Not a whole lot, but sooo much! Okay loaded question, loaded answer. Auto, or as I call it when I teach "idiot mode" (which is not meant to be offensive, it is merely meant to indicate that you don't have to make any decisions and really are not allowed to make any choices in that mode) Is the green rectangle or camera or word Auto. It does everything for you - you literally point and shoot. Everything is automatic. Now in P or Program, you have some control. Not the kind of control you have in the other modes - (M, A, and S) but some. You are able to control 3 things-

ISO

Flash

Exposure compensation.

Okay terrific now do you know what those three things are?

Lets discuss.

ISO is short for International Standards Organization – the main governing body that standardizes sensitivity ratings for camera sensors. It’s a a term that was carried over from film. When you change your ISO setting, you’re adjusting your camera’s sensitivity to light. ISO settings can be anywhere from 24 to 6,400 (or higher), and these numbers have a direct relationship with the device’s sensitivity, so a lower setting makes it less sensitive and a high setting makes it more so.  ISO is one of the three factors that determine your picture’s exposure. Finding the right balance between these three settings is key to getting the perfect shot.

Finding the right ISO setting

First of all, you should know that a higher ISO typically translates to a noisy or “grainy” image, so as a general rule you want to use the lowest setting possible for your photos. Check out the picture below to see the difference it can make. 

A lower ISO will usually produce more color-accurate, aesthetically pleasing images, but there are situations where a higher ISO is desirable. The proper ISO setting really depends on the level of lighting you’re shooting in and the visual effect you’re going for, so rather than relying on one over-arching rule, consult this list of tips:

• If your subject is moving and you’re trying freeze the motion for a still, you’ll likely need a higher ISO setting to compensate for the high shutter speed and ensure your image gets enough light
• If you’re going for more of a vintage aesthetic and want to add a little bit of grain to your photos, don’t be afraid to bump up the ISO a few notches
• If you’re using a tripod to stabilize your camera you can usually get away with a slower shutter speed, which in turn allows you to use a lower ISO 
• If you’re shooting an image that doesn’t require a large depth-of-field, you can increase the camera’s aperture (thus allowing more light into the lens) and use a lower ISO
• If you’re shooting with artificial light (i.e., using a flash) you can typically get away with a lower ISO setting

You’ll probably need to experiment a bit until you hit the sweet spot, but while you tinker with settings, keep the following in mind: 

• Never trust your camera’s display. Don’t assume that your picture will turn out just because the tiny 2-inch preview looks adequate. Your shots almost always look different on your computer, and you probably won’t be able to spot noise on your camera’s small, low-resolution display. For this reason, we highly recommend that you zoom in a bit to check your images for grain. There’s nothing worse than taking a bunch of seemingly great shots only to discover they’re noisy and speckled when you upload them to your PC.

Speaking of display - where do we find the iso settings? Below we have both Nikon and Canon screens pictured.  In most situations, you can change the ISO in three places - on the screen on the back of the camera - the shooting screen if you have one, the menu in the interior of the camera, and the ISO shortcut key (found on the back of your canon camera) 

In part two we will talk about Flash!

Let me know if you want to inquire about private lessons or the like. Sometimes this stuff is easier to learn one on one and hands on.

Why Abundant Moments PART 2!

How do you decide which photographer is the right choice?
PART TWO

1. Experience
2. Price
3. Talent


Debra here - owner of Abundant Moments - your blogger today! 
2. PRICE
First of all if you are looking for the cheapest 8x10 out there, let me stop you right away.  If you want inexpensive grab your camera and go for it.  OR, there are college students or even high school students who do a great job for you - its just a bit of a crap shoot.  And, generally, it takes them a LONGGGG time.  So if you have nothing but time, and dont mind the possibility of shooting for a few hours to get one or two good shots, go for it.  Honestly you might get lucky!  But if you have a moving target (toddler for instance), impatient subject (teen, husband, toddler, newborn), or a LIFE (need to get things done LOL)  Then you might consider someone who can get it done for a little more $$$ and alot less time.  I cant tell you how many clients I have who come and we are done in 20-40 minutes and are constantly suprised at how many pictures we end up with that are just fantastic! 

So back to price.  Its not even about the price of the prints.  All people want is digital these days.  Doesn't anyone print images anymore? Well they do, but they get a groupon for a canvas print (that seriously never does the image justice) and want me to give them a high rez image so they can print them themselves.  Well here is the thing.  Ill sell you the cd with the images big enough you can print up to an 11x14.  But you have to buy $200 worth of prints first, and if you want a big canvas, you have to get it from me.  Why? Simple.  A. I want your money. But more importantly B. I took the picture, I own it, and when a photographer creates art they want it to be displayed in the best way it can be to show it off and do it justice.  I DON'T want a crappy print of my work on your wall. Period.  That makes me look bad!  And why do I have you buy $200 of prints? Well you aren't going to buy any from me if I just give you the cd are you? Then I make nothing but what you pay me for the cd.  So I came up with a number that allows me to make a living.  In order for me to make a reasonable amount of money I have a $350 minimum per client.  Okay lets break that down.  Why do I need to bring in $350?  Here is what goes into that-
Cost of my equipment - lights, backdrops, props, landscaping, camera, lenses, and upkeep of all of that. Then batteries, chargers, office supplies - computer, paper, printer, website fees, staff, display pictures, brochures, business cards..... good grief the list goes on.  

So why would you pay a professional when you are paying for so much more than the actual print? For the experience - from start to finish and an exemplary product.  So price - its a loaded question.    

Why Abundant Moments Photography?

How do you decide which photographer is the right choice?
PART ONE

1. Experience
2. Price
3. Talent


Debra here - owner of Abundant Moments - your blogger today! 
1. Experience
Abundant Moments Photography was built from the ground up in 2000.  Initially, I worked at portrait studios to supplement my income while getting my masters degree.  I shot friends and families pictures as "favors" and loved it.  Eventually, after enough people suggested "you should do this for a living" I began work at a professional studio.  I ended up managing a staff and a number of different franchise studios.  A decent job, but honestly not photography.  It was management.  I loved it though!  I did, however, want to get back to what I loved - shooting.  When I started having kids in 1996, I quit managing studios and did some home based things to make ends meet.  From telemarketing to day care I tried it all.  Finally I was in a car accident.  It was a bad one and I was laid up for a while not able to do much. After I recovered I used the $2500 of settlement money (really not much) to buy a trailer and equipment and set up a traveling studio.  I charged $50 and drove to their house, set up a full studio with props, shot a full session, then developed the film and brought back 4x6 proofs a week later.  No one bought pictures.  I discovered quickly that they weren't motivated to purchase pictures when I gave them all the 4x6s.  From there it grew.  So In 2000 I registered my name, and set up the business.  14 years later, we are doing terrific!! And actually the prices I charged then are within 15% of what I charge now - but now you get more for your buck! 

Understand though that experience is about MORE than years.  I know photographers that have been shooting for years but don't keep their stuff fresh.  This is critical.  I'm on intstagram and pinterest on on others websites constantly seeing what is "in" and new.  I want to know what is out there and what others like.  The experience makes my pictures a good quality and makes me quick and efficient, but it doesn't make me GOOD. See "Talent " for more on that.  

Here is one of the first shots I ever took in 2000 - 

  








Here's the thing.  I love that picture.  Still do.  And its a good quality. Nothing wrong with it.  Do I take better pictures now? Sure, for the most part, but honestly the difference is in knowing when to shoot, how to pose, how to get the expressions, how to treat the client, what to provide for the customer, what would I WANT?  I am of course focused on getting "THE" shot, but I also want to create an environment that makes people say - "This was a great experience - I want to come back." This is tough.  I live here - my studio is in my home - I have 5 kids. And for 14 years I have worked 40 plus (no kidding - every week) building this business.  WORTH IT!!!  But tough.  I guess what I am saying is that experience is important, but more than that its a feeling - a fit.  Are we right for you?  Lets talk and spend some time together  and we will find out!!

Come back tomorrow for part two!!! 

Spoonful of Bokeh & A Cup of Creativity

Dear Reader,

{Hi there! My name is Kaela. I am a guest blogger & a contract artist for Abundant Moments Photography. Nice to meet you & happy blogging!}

P.S. Apologies for the template glitches. This will be fixed soon! Thanks for reading!

------------------------------------------------------

Bokeh. Spoonful of Bokeh & A Cup of Creativity.  



Let's talk bokeh. What is bokeh? Where is bokeh? Why is bokeh?!

Photo Credits:

Abundant Moments Photography

bo·keh

bōˈkā/

noun

PHOTOGRAPHY

1. the visual quality of the out-of-focus areas of a photographic image, especially as rendered by a particular lens.

Bokeh is everywhere. (Especially if you forget to put on your glasses or squint your eyes just right.) Just add 'bokeh' in front of anything & it can happen. Bokeh trees, bokeh hair, bokeh lights, bokeh chicken.  

Photo Credits:

Abundant Moments Photography

The cliche 'light' bokeh.      

This was taken of a chandelier          

@ a wedding we shot.   

Photo Credits:

Abundant Moments Photography 

The 'not-so-cliche' eye bokeh.
Taken with a macro lens of my eye.            

Bokeh really can by everywhere.

So I am sure you get it by now. But anything can be turned into bokeh. ANYTHING. Photography is an art. 

To bokeh or not to bokeh? When should we use bokeh? When should we not use bokeh? There are plenty of styles when it comes to photography. Bokeh is one of them!

Photo Credits:

Abundant Moments Photography

This is a great example to NOT use the bokeh effect. That way you are able to take in ALL of the beautiful beach & the subject in one picture! 

Photo Credits:

Abundant Moments Photography

This is a great example of when to use bokeh! Sure, this picture would be great without the blurred background. But it just adds a touch of magic! Doesn't it? 

So in conclusion, bokeh is a great tool to use when taking photos. It is fun capturing those special moments & making them even more beautiful than it looked in real life. And with the talent & experience, you can create your own art through photography! Or you could just pay Abundant Moments Photography to do it *wink wink*. But really- the next time you get your pictures done, ask for some bokeh! Try something new! 

Sincerely,

Kaela

CLEAN STUDIO - NO CLOCK

Have you ever noticed how the studio doesn't have a clock? Its very important to me to not time my sessions.  When another client shows up, I touch base and assess.  I allow an hour (longer for newborns) even though typically we need 20-40 minutes so I have that leeway - I want my clients to be relaxed and have fun!  I do move fast - I shoot allot of pictures in a short period of time so I can catch "THE" shot.  You know the one - the throw the head back and laugh shot, the pout, the look - its the REAL expressions - they are the BEST!!!

Soooo for those of you who were in during the busy season - mid October through December, the studio was TRASHED!!! I apologize.  But we DEEP cleaned and organized, and though I have a few rooms, the attic and the garage to go, it looks SO MUCH better!! Check it out.

There is just nothing cuter than a baby just a few hours old.  So many discount the beauty and incredible opportunity of having a shoot in the hospital.  The best bet is to do a hospital shoot (so easy, I come to you and its INCLUDED in our first moments plan.) and THEN come into the studio within the first week of baby's birth.  THATS when these next pictures were taken....

HOSPITAL...

And then a few days later in the studio.... 

Isn't it crazy how different this little guy looks just a few days later???  Talk about growing and changing FAST! Maternity is one of those sessions mommies often bawk at as well.  "I'm too fat" - "I didn't do it with my older kid" - "I don't have time" - "I wouldn't know when to come! "  All good excuses - SO we include the maternity session for FREE with our baby plan.  Come on - you know you want a few pictures!  Look your face doesn't even have to be in it!!  Plus - BONUS - I have photoshop!!  LOL. 

Aren't these little guys adorable?  I love it when parents actually listen to me about the whole bright clothing on the kiddos thing!  It really DOES make a difference!  If you have questions about outfits, please don't hesitate to email , text or call.  We can walk you through what will work best for you.  

I love the snow in the background - of course now its melted and we have the brown in the background - STOP WAITING FOR SPRING as an excuse to not take pictures!!  Seriously the brown is a fun vintage look and if you combine it with some fun bright colors - POOF! You have a beautiful portrait. 

For a couple that says they HATE pictures, I would say they did great! This gal has SUCH a personality!  What a hoot the two of them are! 

 These guys were so fun too.  Gosh I don't remember being that young - But I DO remember being goofy! These two got that down to a science!

I have 6 parents albums I am putting finishing touches on right now, and I LOVE this page from a recent one.  Mom picked the wording based on a saying she had on the wall.  It really fits here!  I cant wait to see the finished album bound!

 One of my regulars (and a dear friend) brought her little guy by for a quick shot to announce their newest on the way.  What a treat to be part of this!!  So honored!!!

We are BACK!!! 

Im going to try and post daily to my blog - so here we go.  It was a busy weekend, and though I am thrilled with business being busy during my normally slow season, I am a bit overwhelmed with kids and business mixed.

So heres whats going on... I FINALLY got my Wedding website updated.  And we printed new price lists.  PROBLEM - I cant spell.  So there were 14 gramatical or spelling errors!!! Its okay I only printed 1000.  YUP 1000.  If you want a copy, let me know, I corrected the errors and will email you one.  But PLEASE go check out my updated site!

Above is a sample of one of the new images from last seasons weddings.  

What else? Well we have shot alot of newborns lately and this little gal is one of my faves - what a beautiful collage grandma purchased!  These collages measure 10x20 and come mounted.  Pick all your favorite images! 

I just have to show you a picture of this little angel.  Jackson has been a client for years.  Him and sis are an absolute delight!  Mom will tell you they are busy little kiddos - and they are - but so happy and sweet and every time they come and see me it brightens my day - and doesnt he look fantastic in his glasses?  These pictures were toward the beginning of the shoot, then we had to photoshop a bruise off his forehead from the tumble he took from falling off a chair.  LOL.  He's a monkey.  Arent ALL four year old boys?  Wanna see a shoot of him and sis around christmas? Check it out here.

Whats especially extrodinary about this senior is not his good looks (though he is quite handsome) or his fantastic sneaker collection (really quite impressive), but his incredible kind spirit.  I really enjoyed the time we spent togeather on our three shoots. Im actually quite sad we arent doing more! He is exceptionally polite and very thoughful.  I had the pleasure of meeting his best bud, girlfriend, sisters and mom and most definately know both where he gets it from (good job mom!) and how he effects those around him.  Hes just a treat to spend time with!  Take a peek at some of the pictures here.

Those of you who know me know I like the babies young - I call them "FRESH". I prefer to take thier pictures in the first week of birth. Well this little gal was only a few hours old!! She didnt even get her bath yet.  There is something SO precious, so incredible about a new life.  And what a privledge to be a part of it! 

Loveliness at Lone Summit

What an exciting wedding and an amazing couple!


We were at Lone Summit Ranch this weekend to celebrate with the couple in love, Rachel and Dave.  Everything, top to bottom, made the day perfect!  The food was phenomenal and Amber, who keeps the Ranch running, was completely on the ball as usual.  I can't say that I've ever had such succulent meat - pork and prime rib - before. Oh, and the rolls?!  We could smell them baking from the time we arrived at 11 to set up for pictures. YUM!


Rachel and Dave were fabulous.  A completely straight shooting couple who were just genuine and not afraid to tell you like it is.  Rachel had the most gorgeous hairdo (thanks Clint!) and was all around stunning!  I'm positive Dave would agree.

They asked so little from us specifically as photographers. We had our checklist in hand and followed it, but there was little need for actual direction with these two.  They were at such ease with each other, just completely comfortable and a natural fit.  We joked that they were already acting married, like an old married couple honestly.  They are so in love!  When I asked them, as I often do with couples, to talk amongst themselves when shooting their first private intimate pictures, we overheard one asking the other if they had bought dog food.  It was priceless!  The shots just created themselves.

As for the ceremony, we couldn't have asked for a more picturesque day. The enormous fluffy clouds really looked like they popped straight out of a painting.  The gathering was intimate, by no means a crowd, which made the entire event a little extra cozy.  Sometimes I like the smaller groups the best - just invite the immediate family and friends and you have all your closest people present to share the special day.  And believe me, the day was special in every detail!

I cherish the weddings that keep me grinning for days after!

I wanted to share some of my favorite shots that I printed to put in the album Rachel and Dave took with them.

You can also visit this link to their full slideshow.

 

A Moment Between Moments

You have to appreciate the wonderful, innocent lessons that children teach us daily.  I have five faces and personalities that get to impact me every day.

This summer in Vacation Bible School the kiddos learned and discussed "God-sightings."  The small, crazy, random things in life that make us pause and remember that there is a God who is bigger than all of us and who works in wonderfully magnificent ways.  We have to be open to receiving the blessings of these sightings; they can so quickly pass by sometimes.

Every once in a while I'll experience such a spotting in a picture I've taken or in the middle of a shoot.  Kind of an amazing, special moment in between all the other moments.  I'll pause and smile and send up a quick prayer of gratitude that God allows me to do this job.

There are a hundred of "God-sightings" in life.  For my kids, it may be a fluffy cotton cloud shaped like a dinosaur.  Or for me sometimes it comes in other unique things, such as when I realize I'm speeding a smidge and then see someone stopped by a police officer - it makes me grateful for the reminder and doubly thankful that I am not the one who was stopped!

I remember getting so annoyed with my mom when I was younger.  She'd constantly remind me to see the glass as half-full and not half-empty and to remember that every cloud has a silver lining.  I realize that we probably have all heard these cliches, but the reality of it is that there is truth within them.  Those minor attitude tweaks really can help us to see the positive.  And not only the positive, but the beauty and joy in life all around us.

I thank the Lord for the little "God-sightings," even in the silliest things of life.  Such as when I was taking a shower the other night and noted that all of my family's bath sponges lined up almost created a rainbow.  How neat it was to be reminded of why we have rainbows in the world and to simply be grateful to have running water and the ability to take a warm shower after a long day.

Take the time to pause every now and then and savor the little moments between the big moments.  The tiniest things in life may have some large lessons to offer.  Have you had a "God-sighting" lately? I'd love to hear about it!