Today was a swim meet day, not just ANY swim meet day, but a busy and crazy invitational swim meet day.  We were up VERY early.  We had a [just a] few tears.  We had one little munchkin who was NOT happy about jumping in a cold pool at 7:30 in the morning  (can’t blame her…).  And, said munchkin, took about 20 minutes into the 15 minute warm-up before she finally got in…..but soon enough everyone was wide awake and ready to go!

I think it was a very good day.  We had a few good swims, nothing record breaking.  But in my book, as long as I have two little girls at the pool and one [difficult] munchkin who actually got IN the pool without [too many] objections or tears, I call that a VERY successful Saturday!

With a dad who is a high school swim coach, swimming is a pretty big deal around these parts.  The girls are young, and still don’t have much of a competitive spirit, but they are good sports and I think they are becoming quite the little sports-women!!!!

A few peeks into our morning!  We start it off with a coach who is just happy that his [most difficult] swimming munchkin actually got wet during warm-ups!

Until next time!! XOXO!!!!!

Way back when – in the year 2008 – I spent my days hanging out with this little one while my husband and other two kiddos were at school.

I miss those days.

Recently, I have been trying to get caught up in my photo books and am starting with 2008.  And I have spent a lot of time going through the 8000+ (NOT kidding) photos I took that year.  I had just purchased my first dSLR.   About 2000 of those 8000 pics were of leaves and flowers and water drops.  And the other 6000+ were of my three little munchkins.  Many were overly processed in Photoshop with heavy vignettes, oversaturations and strange “creative” effects.

The composition may be lacking.  The direct flash may be unflattering.  The processing may be overkill.  But the moment is there.  And it is a moment and a time I never want to forget.

Things are a bit different now.  I take less snapshots and more “portraits”.  Which is not necessarily a good thing.  As I progress in my photographic journey, I am much more critical of myself and have a hard time snapping moments just because they are moments.  I find myself hesitating when the background is cluttered or when the light is unflattering or when my kids are wearing stained, unmatching clothing and haven’t brushed their hair  in a few, um, days.

But as I am going through my thousands of photos from years ago I am reminded of why I started loving photography in the first place!  And I am realizing that my quest for continually improving my work has actually started taking me away from what is really important.  I love photography because I love capturing moments – whether they are “perfect” moments or [very] imperfectly perfect moments.  I don’t want to lose a single one of those moments.

So here’s to more snapshots and more imperfections and lots more memories!!!!!  Happy Friday!

Until next time!!! XOXO!!!

Newborn photography is one of my absolutely FAVORITE types of sessions.  I know, I know,  I know…..you have heard it before, but I will say it again!  I just can’t get enough of those teeny tiny little people!  I love their smell.  I love the way you can just tuck them in your arms like a little tiny package.  I love their noses and toeses and everything in between!  I love how we want to kiss their toes and take photos of their squishy back-ends.  I mean, there aren’t many times in most of our lives that those are one of our most attractive features!  HA!

But newborn photography is hard.  It really is.  I can spend almost 6  hours on the session itself – between travel and the actual session.  Newborns have no schedule whatsoever.  There is no way to make a newborn happy when they aren’t, other than feedings, changing or cuddlings.  So each session has a LOT of down time.  And that doesn’t include the time it takes me to prepare for the session, pack up for the session (they need lots of STUFF!) and then, of course, culling and editing and more!  But that is part of the gig, and I still love it just the same.

The other thing some people (including some photographers) don’t realize is that many of the more creative “poses” and props in newborn photography are really a lot of smoke and mirrors.  That doesn’t mean their work is fake or less impressive.  In fact, I find it extremely impressive!  What it means is that many of the poses and props, if done incorrectly or by someone who does not know what they are doing, can be very dangerous because there is really is MUCH more going on behind the scenes than some individuals realize.

Oh yes, did you catch what I said?  Some poses can be DANGEROUS if done incorrectly or by someone not experienced or trained.

Let me give you an example – those poses, where the baby is hanging in a sling?  Or hanging from a branch?  Or hanging pretty much anywhere?  Well folks, hate to burst your bubble but those babies aren’t  literally “hanging” anywhere.  At least they never should be!  Those amazing photographers such as Carrie Sandoval and Kelley Ryden and Keri Myers – just to name a few – are extremely safe because they actually aren’t letting any of their babies “hang”.  They are using assistants and often lots of photoshop to give their photos the impression of hanging while not actually letting your baby hang at ALL.

Oh, and sadly (and scarily!), I have actually seen photographers who are HANGING BABIES!!!!  AWK!!!!!!!  If that baby falls?  If that baby gets injured?   Well, I don’t even want to think about it.

Another example – those photos with babies  posed – sometimes almost teetering –  on props such as rocking horses, or benches, or tables or chairs or anything that has the potential for a fall. Those babies are NOT actually teetering on anything.  They are either being held or spotted by at least one if not more assistants or the photographers are creating a composite (combining two or more photos) photo in Photoshop to give the appearance of a baby teetering on an object while never actually putting them ON the object.

Please, PLEASE –  NEVER let a photographer take a photo of your baby on anything where the baby can quickly stretch and fall to the ground.  Those poses are ONLY safe if there is an assistant (or two!) with their hands ON THE BABY at all times.  And if they try?  Grab your little one and run for the hills!

This is an example composite photo.

Obviously, newborns can’t hold up their heads with their hands.  If you try, they will droop and look awkward.  The only way to achieve this type of pose is by having an assistant holding the head and then the arms and then combining the photos in photoshop and erasing out the assistant hands.

So, you see, there is SO much more to newborn photography than many people realize.  Some photographers do an amazing job at creating these types of images.  Some photographers tend towards more natural poses and less props.  I use a few props, but I will never be hanging a baby.  It is just not my thing.

When choosing a newborn photographer, not only choose someone whose style you love, but also make sure if they are going to try any of these types of poses, that your baby is, first and foremost , SAFE!

If you want to see an interesting tutorial in doing a hanging baby on a scale pose – check out this article on Inspire Me Baby.

Another great resource for newborn photography is You Tube!  There are tons of newborn posing videos.

Oh – and lastly – did you hear about my New Year, New Baby Promotion?!!  NO???  Well, if you or someone you know is having a baby in the next couple months – please CLICK HERE to read about an amazing deal!!!! Hurry!  Time is running out!!!

Until Next Time!!

XOXO!!

But one of my favorite posts to read are the ones where the photographer shares a peek at their “behind the scenes” stuff.  You know, what’s in their bag, what programs they use for editing etc etc.  I like getting a glimpse into their secret stash, and hear why they use what they use and why they love what they love.

So here’s my STUFF!

Camera – Nikon D700 (with D90 backup)

Yes, I am a Nikon girl.  But honestly, the only reason is that my first DSLR camera was a Nikon D40 that I found at a great price.  And since I knew Nikon, and I was getting an arsenal of Nikon lenses,  I just stayed with the Nikon line.  I think Canon’s are amazing cameras too.  I loved my D40, but quickly upgraded to a D80 and then a D90.  When I started doing weddings, I finally took the plunge and upgraded to the D700.

And what can I say about the D700?  Simply amazing.

The D700 has a full frame sensor.  There are so many reasons why I love it, but the main reason I upgraded was that its performance in low light is beautiful.  I have been at many weddings where flash during the ceremony is prohibited.  And many churches can be quite dark even on the brightest day.  My D700 lets me crank up that ISO and still only see negligible noise.

(ISO 3200 baby!!)

I also just find the D700′s overall image quality to be amazing.   And my images have a more three dimensional look to them.  I am no techie, so I can’t give you any educated explanation as to what exactly is different and why, but just suffice it to say I am a very happy D700 owner and I have no plans to upgrade any time soon.

Lenses

As I mentioned, my first DSLR was the D40.  I had the 18 – 55 kit lens and quickly added the 55 – 200 telephoto lens.  These lenses are great if you are just using the camera for personal use.  But they aren’t considered professional lenses, and they definitely have serious limitations in regards to image quality in low light situations.  However, these lenses were wonderful starter lenses.  I used them for many of my favorite photos of my kiddos.  And I absolutely think they are perfect for anyone starting out in photography.  But when you are ready to call yourself a professional, it is time to invest in professional quality lenses.

Sigma 50 1.4: This is my baby – my [by far] most used – most loved lens. As you will see, I am a prime girl.  Prime lenses have a fixed focal length. If you want to zoom in – you walk closer.  If you want to zoom out, you walk further away.  Prime lenses are known to be a higher quality than a zoom lens (one that you can zoom in and out without moving your feet).  And that is one reason why I invested in prime lenses.

The other reason is that a prime lens (usually) has a much larger aperture.  Without going into a long and technical explanation, the larger your aperture (in this case, the Sigma can open to 1.4 (small number = big aperture), the more light your lens will let onto the sensor and the better quality your images will be in low light situations.  And take my Sigma 1.4 and attach it to my D700 and you have a pretty amazing set up for the most challenging lighting situation.

The 50 mm focal length is considered a “normal” lens, which really just means it sees things the way we see them in real life.  Which just makes it a great all-purpose lens for so many situations.

Nikon 35. 2.0: This is a great lens.  It is a wider angle lens and works great for indoor shoots when I don’t have a lot of room to back up – such as newborns.  The aperture isn’t as large as my 50mm, but it usually is just fine for my application.

Nikon 85 1.8: This lens is a wonderful portrait lens.  It has a longer focal length, and is often hard to use indoors when you are in tight quarters.  The aperture isn’t as large as my 50mm, but at 1.8 it is pretty darn close.  This is a wonderful lens when you actually want to be a bit further away.  I often use it during engagement sessions.  I like to let couples to interact between themselves like I am not there.  With the 85, I can add some physical distance to me subject.  And this often is great way to make subjects feel a little more comfortable and, therefore, be a little more themselves.  Although I love the 85 1.8, I have rented the 85 1.4 and have to say it is simply incredible.   If I ever decide to upgrade to this lens, I most likely will be using this focal length a lot more than I do now.

Tokina 100 2.8: This is my macro lens.  It is just a fun lens to play with.  It works great for ring shots or shooting teeny tiny newborn toes.  And the 100mm focal length is great for a little more reach when needed.   It does have some trouble focusing sometimes, but it is quite sharp and beautiful when it does!

I use this lens the least.  It is “fun”, but not as practical as I had hoped.  I have been considering selling it to get a wider angle lens.  We’ll see, the jury is still out on this one……

Lighting -

SB 900: I use an SB900 flash when necessary.  I do not do a lot of off-camera flash, I usually use this lens for indoor sessions when necessary.  I try to bounce it to the side to give some more natural directional light.

Reflector: I also have a 42″ 5 in 1 reflector that I use ALL THE TIME.  I almost always use the white side.  It is wonderful for creating those gorgeous catchlights or just for bouncing a little extra light onto the subject so you can actually SEE the subject’s eyes (no more black holes where the eyes should be!).  It works great in backlighting situations!

Bags

I use a Domke F2 to carry all my stuff – all my lenses, flash, batteries, CF cards even a snack or two and a bottle of water.  It isn’t huge, but it works for me and is easy to get stuff in and out of.   However, I don’t usually carry this bag with me AS I am shooting.  It is just too cumbersome.  I usually leave it in the car and put the essentials in my Shootsac.

Software/Computer

I do all my importing/culling and initial editing with Lightroom 3.  It is a program designed for photographers.  I have been using it for a couple years now and I still have so much to learn but I love it and definitely recommend it.

I do my final editing with Photoshop CS5.  This program was just a TAD overwhelming at first….but somehow I muddled through and now feel quite proficient.  As with Lightroom, I know I also have much to learn.

I recently upgraded my computer to a 27″ iMac.  Yeah baby!!!  The iMac is amazing.  I did a LOT of research before taking the plunge, but from everything I have read, the Mac is just a better system for photographers.  And it IS!!!  It runs LR and CS5 like a charm.  I can open multiple images in a snap.  I have never gotten a “not responding” warning (which happened ALL. THE. TIME with my pc).  I am still have a hitch here and there as I try to muddle through some of differences between it and a pc, but I think I am a convert.

And then there are back-ups.  I learned this one the HARD way when my pc AND my external hard drive died on me 2 years ago smack dab in the middle of senior portrait season!  The pc was a goner.  LUCKILY, the external hard drive was able to be fixed and I recovered my lost data.  I did lose lots of edited jpegs, but THANK GOD, I still had the original RAW files.  I also had all my past sessions backed up on DVDs so I never lost everything.  But it was a huge pain to re-edit sessions over and I had [just a few] tearful moments of frustration.

Now I have my 1 TB iMac with two 1TB external hard drives.  I still back up completed sessions onto DVD.  I also have a subscription to Backblaze.  Backblaze is an online backup service that continually backs up my data to their storage site.  Should I have a catastrophe and lose my files here, I can just contact them and they will restore EVERYTHING!  Definitely wonderful for the peace of mind.  And at $50/yr it really is a great bargain.

Education

Lastly, I wanted to just give some great places to go if you want to learn or improve on your own photography:

Digital Photography School:  This is probably where I learned the most when I started out.  There is a plethora of articles about everything and anything related to photography – from understanding the basics of the exposure triangle, to tips on how to handle different types of photo shoots.

Flickr:  There are forums on Flickr for pretty much anything you can possible imagine – from gear, to business, to flowers, to water drops.

My favorite forum probably is “Starting a Wedding Photography Business”.  There are photographers in this group that that are some of the most amazing photographers you can imagine.  Although it is technically called “Starting” a wedding photography business, it actually has become geared towards more established photographers.  I am not kidding when I say this group is definitely a “who’s who” in wedding photography.  Some of the active participants are literally the most sought after wedding photographers in the WORLD.  It is a closed group, so you need to apply and show you are an actual working wedding photographer, to be accepted, but it is definitely worth your time.

I Love Photography:  When you really want to improve the quality of your children/family/newborn images, THIS is the site to visit.  It is also a “who’s who”, but in child/family/newborn photography as it has some of the most amazing photographers in the world actively participating.  And if you take the time to not only read the volumes of information available in their archives, but also start posting your own images for honest critique, you will definitely be on the road to taking your images from a standard “snapshot” to a true professional portrait.

I also love that this forum prohibits any business discussions unless you have applied, and been accepted, into their pro forums.  The group strongly believes you should not be charging for your work until you can turn out professional quality work.  The pro standards are high, but once you are accepted, you know you have access to a community of amazing and experienced photographers.

Understanding Exposure:  This is a book that I recommend to anyone who says – I want to learn how to use my camera!  It does a wonderful job of explaining the basics of the exposure triangle.  And before you know it, you will have your camera off your auto settings and into full manual!

Phew!!!  Well, I think that is about it.  Hope you found this interesting and/or helpful!  Any questions please don’t hesitate to ask!!!  I LOVE talking photography!!!!!

Until next time! XOXO!

I love holding newborns.

I love smelling newborns.

I love cuddling newborns.

And I REALLY love photographing newborns.

Since the first few months of the year aren’t usually a busy time for standard types of photo session I thought I would offer a little promotion to help me get my newborn fix!!!

Any newborn session scheduled and taking place during the months of January/February/March will received 50% off the session fee PLUS 2 gift prints (one pose, any size 8×10 or smaller).   I also include one digital image (same pose) sized for printing announcements.    Additional prints and other products can be purchased separately.

And if you know someone who is about to have a baby, I offer gift certificates in any denomination!  This could be the perfect gift for the new parents!!!

I like to schedule newborn sessions during the first 5 – 10 days.  I will tentatively schedule the session date based on the baby’s due date.  Once the baby is born, contact me at your earliest convenience to finalize the date.

I do all newborn sessions in the parent’s home.  I bring all the backdrops and props needed.  My sessions can run anywhere from 2 – 4 hours.  Newborn sessions have a lot more downtime than other sessions as the little one often needs breaks for feeding, changing or just some cuddling.

If you are interested in scheduling or would just like more information.  Please contact me at irenesmithphotography@gmail.com or 814|671-4067.

Until next time!!!! XOXO!!

And it is the stuff that I will miss so much…

Yikes.

With the craziness that consumed my late fall and early winter, other than one sneak peek, I never posted any other photos from this senior session!  It definitely wasn’t my intention.  So I will not only post some pictures, but also write a blog post!

I met Aurora at McConnell’s Mill State Park which is north of Pittsburgh, PA.  I love that area.  I actually used to live just south of the park, in Cranberry PA, WAY back during some of my single days.  In fact, my then-boyfriend (now husband) and I hiked there a few times.  Such a beautiful place!!!

Aurora’s session was scheduled toward the end of the senior season, in early November.  As you can imagine, that time of year can be cold, wet and miserable or it could be warm and very fall-like.  We absolutely LUCKED out that Sunday afternoon as the weather was absolutely GORGEOUS!!!!!  Although, I do have to say, the downside to perfect fall weather in November is that everyone and their brother think a hike at McConnell’s Mill is a great idea!  So it was a bit crowded and sometimes a little overwhelming.  I know I would have a hard time trying to pose for photos with a crowd of people all around me!

But Aurora did an amazing job.  We started out down the creek, away from the crowds, and climbed around on the rocks with the Mill in the background.  We eventually made our way to the Mill and along some of the gorgeous hiking trails.  And ended the session up in a picnic area with some beautiful late afternoon sunlight and a few lingering fall colors.  We even got just a few photos by the covered bridge.  But holy-schmoly, we REALLY had to dodge some traffic and wait for a break in the never-ending flow of people to get that shot!!!

Onto the photos!

Thank you all so much!!!  It was so nice meeting you and your family and I wish you all the best!!!

Until next time!!  XOXO!!!

One of my most popular products for family and children sessions has been the 10×20 storyboard.   These products are completely customizable.  I create a few design options, but the client is welcome to make changes in regards to changing the photos and changing or removing the quotations.  All my prints, sized 11×14 or larger, are mounted on 2mm styrene.  This gives the print rigidity which is very important for framing.  If you try to frame a larger print without mounting (or without getting it professionally framed) it will start rippling over time.   The mounted storyboards can be framed or even displayed on an easel.

This is a mounted print displayed on an easel:

This was a storyboard that was framed.  I just LOVE when clients order this frame – it is absolutely gorgeous in person!!!!!

I also LOVE LOVE LOVE canvases!!!!!  I got one for myself this summer after I had a mini-mini beach session with my girls on our Hilton Head Island vacation.  This is probably my favorite image of them EVER.  I ordered it in a 20×30 size.  SWOON!!!!  I hope to get another one, with all FIVE of us in it (if that EVER happens).

One of my Pittsburgh clients ordered a 16×20 canvas from her son’e 6 month session.  She has a similar canvas of her older son at that same age, and wanted to display them together.  I just love how it turned out!!!  He is such a doll-baby!!!

Lastly – I wanted to show a peek of my spiral photo books.  I love these things!!!!  Clients can choose up to 30 images for the book along with one for the cover page.  The covers are thick and rigid and the pages are beautiful prints.  It is such a great way to share you session images with friends and family.  It is also just a great little album to keep for posterity!  This was a book I did for one of my senior girls – Cassie.

If you have any questions on any of my products, please shoot me an email or give me a call!

Until next time! xoxo!!

But I thought wrong!

I had few last minute sessions, a bunch of orders to fill and deliver, an online “finding the light” photography course to finish and then, of course, there is the tree cutting and decorating, cookie making, gift planning/buying craziness thrown in. Phew!!  But it is all good and now there is some serious downtime in my very near future that I am definitely looking forward to!

I had a WONDERFUL year.  I had so many amazing new clients and I felt so honored to work with each and every one of them.  I learned so much over the past year which again affirms my belief that “the more you know, the more you realize how little you know”.  I have so much more I want to learn and improve on next year!!!  I have so many ideas and and new projects floating around in my head – I just hope I can get the time and motivation to work on them all.

Last year, I was approached by the Pennsylvania Adoption Exchange about a program they were going to implement in 2011.  They wanted to try to improve their website that showcases all the kids awaiting adoption.  They realized that the photos they had of many of the kids were, shall we say…unflattering.  They were often grainy, blurry snapshots that didn’t showcase the personality and beauty that is found in every child.  So they were asking professional photographers throughout the area if they would be willing to donate their time to take some photos of waiting children.

My first thought, being the bleeding heart I am, is that “how can I possibly do this?”  I will want to take each and every kiddo home with me!!

But then I thought “how can I NOT do this”.  Honestly, it is the very least I can do.

On a very cold, November day, I met a sweet 16 year old girl for her session.  Since we only needed one good photo for the site, and since it was COLD and spitting snow, I tried to get her session done as quickly as possible.

After I left our quick session, I just kept thinking about this girl.  She was quiet and sweet and it just broke my heart.  What she wants this holiday season has nothing to do with video games, cell phones, cars, clothes or any of the other “things” a typical 16 year old is wishing for.  What she wants is a family.  A family to eat dinner with, talk with, and just be with.

And then I thought about my own kids and how incredible lucky they are.

I thought about our Thanksgiving with piles of food and fun with a house full of grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

I thought about our annual Christmas tree cutting expedition which also includes grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins.

I thought about our crazy Christmas Day activities which includes gifts under the tree, a 1 hr trip to one set of grandparents/aunts/uncles/cousins and then a 1 hr trip back to see more grandparents/aunts/uncles/cousins.

I thought how incredibly lucky my kids are that they have a PLETHORA of family who throw so much love onto our girls that they can’t even comprehend that there are some kids out there who don’t even have a family.

This year, my kids actually had a very short list for Santa.  My Kallie asked for pjs, undies and a bookmark.   My Christina asked for an ipod and a few small items.  They are excited about Christmas – like any kid would be!

But I truly believe they are much more excited for all the FUN than for all the gifts. I definitely know that all the things that they love and things they will remember for many years to come have nothing to do with “things” at all.  They will remember moments, they will remember trips, they will remember parties and they will remember family.

Merry Christmas!!!

I met Virginia at one of my favorite session locations – Two Mile Run.  Even though I have done many many sessions there, it always amazes me how completely different each and every session still can be.  It all depends on the time of day, the season, whether it is sunny, cloudy, windy etc etc.

Virginia’s session was pretty much ideal.  She is a beautiful girl who was so natural and relaxed in the front of a camera.

In addition – it was almost like we special ordered that afternoon’s weather and the big guy delivered!  It was a late afternoon session and the sun was hiding behind some light clouds.   Having this natural “softbox” gave us deep, rich colors and the ability to shoot in a few locations that usually don’t work later in the day because the sun is positioned right in the subject’s eyes.

Then, about halfway through the session, the sun peeked through!  And there is something about late afternoon sun suddenly streaming through the clouds.  (In fact, I was almost SURE we would see a rainbow.  And wouldn’t THAT have been amazing!!?)  However, I won’t complain.  The warm sunlight provided the absolute most perfect lighting for our backlit, field shots.

I really enjoyed meeting Virginia and her mom.  They were so nice and so much fun.    I had such a great time and was absolutely thrilled at the photos.  I just LOVE my job!!!!

And now onto some peeks!!!!  Perfect!  Don’t you think???

Thank you all so much!!!!

Until next time!  XOXO!