I was fortunate enough to be present when this little girl made her entrance into the world, and enjoyed every minute of seeing her again just 6 days later. Welcome to the world, sweet Evelyn!
hello spring!
April 22, 2012 Leave a Comment
So happy to kick off spring outside with this very lovely family! They just so happened to drive in from Virginia to hang out with us last weekend…and I loved getting these sweet girls in front of the camera!
going back to the end of 2011…
February 13, 2012 Leave a Comment
The end of last year went by in a flash and I guess Valentine’s Day is a good a time as any to share the love I captured in many a family in the late summer and fall of 2011. Thanks to these families and all the others who made last year such a joy for me! Enjoy the photos…
colleen :: a senior session
February 13, 2012 Leave a Comment
This (incredibly gorgeous) Austrian exchange student got a taste of being a senior in high school in the states with a fun winter! senior photo session. We had so much fun…and I had a great time tromping around in snow boots on a session!
O Christmas Tree!
November 30, 2011 Leave a Comment
December is tomorrow! Our tree is up (thanks mostly to my girls for their lovely decorating)…and every year, I look forward to gazing at the tree with every other light off in the house. With that in mind, I wanted to share a couple o’ tips on how to capture your tree in all it’s shimmery wonder ::
For DSLR users, this will mean kicking your camera into Manual mode.
:: First, and most important of all :: Turn OFF your flash.
:: Then, crank your ISO as high as it will go. The higher your ISO, the more light you are letting in and because your flash is off. This is what you want.
:: Next, and again…in an effort to let that light in…lower your shutter speed. Typically, for family shots and such…you want a shutter speed around 1/100 or better. Sports shots, 1/500 or so. Shutter speed is basically, how fast the shutter “clicks”…so the faster that happens, the less light you’re letting in (and the more you’re stopping motion). To get your tree in the “best light” (ahem…pun intended), you want a sloooooowwww shutter speed to let more light in. So, drop it to around 1/50 or 1/30.
:: Keep in mind, this scenario will not have you right down the middle on your exposure meter. You will be way off to the right…and that’s just fine!
:: Now, this is where things get shaky…literally. When your shutter speed is low, images have a tendency to get blurry. This is where you either break out a tripod…or if you’re lazy (like I can be), make yourself a tripod. Hold the camera steady, get your elbow tucked into your gut, take a deep breath…let all the air out and then hold your breath and take the shot.
I know this spoke mostly to DSLR users, but if you’ve got a point and shoot…just turn off your flash. You can also turn up your ISO on most point and shoots (will likely be called ISO-HI). Hold your camera very steady (more deep breathing 
) and take your shot… You will still get a very lovely photo of your tree… whether it be kid-constructed or interior designer-inspired.
Thanks for letting me share with you! Enjoy this Christmas season!
2011 Christmas Card Designs
October 7, 2011 Leave a Comment
I am happy to introduce the 2011 Christmas Card Designs (drum roll…)…
These are high-quality, press-printed 5×7 cards and include envelopes. They are also two sided…allowing you to add more pictures or a special message on the back side.
I am also excited to announce new pricing for this year’s collection! (don’t worry…it’s good news)
They are still sold in sets of 25, but there is now quantity pricing. Here’s how it goes ::
- 1 set of 25 :: $45/set
- 2-5 sets of 25 :: $40/set
- 6-10 sets of 25 :: $35/set
Extra special bonus :: I am offering 10% off your order if it is placed by November 15th (cross it off your list before Thanksgiving).
For a closer look at the designs, visit the gallery at : www.bellflowerdesign.smugmug.com
As always, please contact me if you have any questions!
hello old friend (and family)…
September 12, 2011 Leave a Comment
I so love catching up with friends when I’m “at work”. These guys are one fantastic bunch! So good to see you again…
josh :: a senior session
September 12, 2011 Leave a Comment
What a great session this was! I had a great time getting to know Josh and one thing is certain…this guy has got a bright future ahead! Have a great senior year Josh!
molly :: a senior session
August 27, 2011 Leave a Comment
It’s unfortunate the sun is setting earlier these days. I was having such a good time hanging out with the the-one-and-only-and-very-gorgeous Molly…
they grow up fast
August 22, 2011 Leave a Comment
One of the best parts of what I do is getting to watch families grow. I was so happy to see this beautiful family and their little guys again. My…how fast they grow.
