Some tips for everyone!

Hello everyone! So as I get ready to leave, I wanted you all take in mind when choosing a photographer for family, maternity, children.. etc portraits. Also why you should choose a local photographer rather than a chain one.

So I guess the 3 major points I’d like to make are that:

1) Photoshop is amazing, period. But, you have to begin with a good photo. And yes, a better camera takes a nicer photo but you need to know how to use it. I get many comments that I must have a really nice camera. I do, and it takes phenomenal photos. But, if I used the auto setting and had no idea how to light my subject they wouldn’t be as good.

2) Photoshop enables you to edit your photos in so many ways!! Some people may prefer the original image. I personally love lots of color in my pictures, although occasionally I like the vintage look. You have to find a photographer whose style you love, and know what kind of a look you’re going for.

3) Custom photos cost more than Walmart, Sears, JC Penney, etc., because you are getting a custom look (you can choose the location of your photo shoot, bring your own props, have your own “theme”, etc) AND because all this tweaking in photoshop takes time. I have included two photos below. One is straight out of the camera (whish is still nice) and the other is after a bit of tweaking in photoshop. The first one is what you might get in the local chain store, but the other is what you can get from a local photographer.








ANd last but not least, if you are in the Stuttgart area just want to point out some local photographers who you might want to check out. Definitely do the research and compare, but I think you will come out happy with any of the following:

1)Gaby Richards Photography- view her work through FB on her fan page
THis is an amazing friend with amazing natural talent. Gaby learned side by side next to me. She is an absolute pleasure to work with. (family/children/maternity)

2)Jonathan Lau PHotography- view his work on his fan page through FB
I have worked side by side with Jonathan and all you will say when you see his photos are WOW! He is just starting with building his family portfolio but he does amazing modeling shoots.

3)Tanya Price PHotography- view her work at www.tanyapricephotography.com This girl is absolutely amazing. She is a dear friend and a mentor for my family and children photoshoots. Definitely someone i will be eternally thankful to.

4)Imagine Photography by Kimberly Dodd-you can view her work on her fan page on FB. Even though she is new to this game, she has taken an initiative to become such a fast learner and is currently doing awesome.

And the X-Man returns!

My buddy Xavier will be returning every month for the first six months of his life. It should be lots of fun to see him grow! THis is his second shoot and we are already seing the changes.

Fun & beautiful!

So this is my neighbor who was just full of energy and lots of fun! Even though this was her first time doing any type of shoot like this, she did an awesome job! kudos to her!!

Teeny Tiny

This was a much anticipated photoshoot. We had thought about doing it earlier, but for one reason or another we didn't do it until now. Which now, I am glad because this baby was full of smiles!

Unity and Love

ONce again, I love the fact I get to meet all of this wonderful people in my community. THis family was just the sweetest. Just the love shared amongst them is so inspirational.

Family Matters

It is always such a pleasure to see family interact and show their true love for themselves. I have such an amazing family myself and am so extremely happy with them. To see other people just as happy gives me all kinds of warm feelings. I love it! This family was just full of love and harmony. You could see it in their eyes the way they saw each other. I LOVE MY JOB!!

Turkish Beauty

Every now and then I find an aspiring model with just unforgivable beauty and the heart of a saint. This girl was just absolutey a joy to work with. Not only does she have the looks, but definitely the brains. A super intelligent young lady who I was honored to photograph. Shout out and many thanks to my assistant Gaby who woke up early on Sunday morning when I phoned her last minute. Gracias Gaby!!!!

Loving my Journey

A great and very talented photographer told me you never stop learning. THat is why I always consider myself a work in progress. LOving every step of my journey, learning every step of the way. I had mentioned before that photography has allowed me to meet some amazing people. I say it once again. I went to a workshop to continue my learning progress and am just so blessed to have met amazing people there. People just like me, sharing my passion for photography. Not to mention our teacher. I am speechless at how amazing he is. The workshop was such a breathtaking experience for me. I have learned a lot and have a hunger to learn even more. I put into actions the knowledge from the workshop. I am just so very excited to see all of the results. This model was just super nice and sweet-- not to mention beautiful and professional. She was just a sweetheart that I know is going to get so very far and I hope she remembers me when she makes it in the big time.

Tiny and Beautiful Beginnings

Oh what joy it is to see new life! As unpredictable as Newborns can be, they are definitely one of my favorite subjects! It is like they are a piece of clay and I can mold them how I want. LOL. Baby Xavier was absolutely a pleasure to work with. Had an awesome time with him and his parents, great people!!

Family Outting

Talk about absolute cuties! These two kids were just a joy! They kept me on my feet and running around with them. Loved, loved, loved every moment of it!

Fun, Fun, Fun!

Wow, this photoshoot didn't go as planned. LOL. Germany weather is officially crazy weather. First, the rain didn't look like it was going to allow us to follow through with our plans. And just when we thought we had to make the drive home, sunshine and blue skies. Then just when we are about to do wardrobe change, rain and hail. LOL. I must give all of the involved, lots of props. The models were super professional. My bud Rodney that drove out from Ramstein to come help was just the sweetest and greatest help! Thanks to everyone for the patience!

Simply Young and Beautiful

This young lady was so sweet and so willing to do what i asked her to. I am just wondering how her daddy is going to handle her growing up and being so beautiful. LOL.

Stunningly Handsome

Ahhh, talk about beautiful people. This guy not only was so very professional but completely down to earth. Keep an eye out, he definitely will be a famous model, even more so than he is already now. He was such a pleasure to shoot with.

April's Flowers

Interesting and amazingly beautiful flowers that April has. I love looking at the distinct and unique places where it brings out the personalities and love of every family. I laughed so much during this photoshoot. They got along so well and the jokes just made my job much more easier and pleasant. Thanks Bowden Family, you rock!

Family Time!

Yes, since spring is continuing to show off its blossoming flowers, family time is always so much more fun. Talk about amazing genes! This family was just so down to earth and so very good looking. Once again, had such a fun time walking around the park.

Spring's Beauty

Ahhhhh, Spring is definitely here. Love to do photoshoots in the outdoors during this time of year. NOthing like taking photos of amazing and such interesting people. Had such a relaxed time and chat during this photoshoot. I just love my job!!! I get to enjoy the company of wonderful people. Thanks Angelica! You are awesome!

Enjoying the nice weather

A day in the park with the kids on this nice weather. I am so loving it. Can't wait until the beautiful and gorgeous German flowers come out to do some nice portraits of my kiddos.

Beautiful Beginning

Maternity shoots are always so much fun! Especially when the couple are real troopers and let me do as many fun and cute poses as I'd like. This couple was no exception. Had a great time and a great walk in the park. The Sun came out for us. I was happy about that!

New Beginnings

I had so much fun with this shoot. It began when she was only about 12 weeks pregnant. We did a shoot each month to show her growing belly. I learned so much throughout the journey. They were all just such a joy!!

A walk at the Park

I had so much fun with these girls. THey were so easy to work with and were just as sweet as can be. I felt super short next to them, but it's all good. LOL.

He's got the Look

ONe very good friend and very photogenic dude, Marques. He was such a pleasure to work with, did everything I asked him to do. Definitely had a great time with this shoot!

Excited

Okay everyone, so I finally got the website up and running. Since I did put this blog as an option I thought I would do just that---blog. I feel so very honored to have met such wonderful people through my photography. You all have inspired me in so many ways. I have learned so much from each and everyone of you out there. So I will be trying to keep up this blog as much as I can. Thanks for checking it out!!

The future depends on what we do in the present. - Mahatma Gandhi

All American Beauty