MomShots

I have two things I want to discuss. Quickly.

The first is Photocamp Utah 2010. I’m super excited about going this year. I’m not speaking so I won’t be stressed out about it but that also means my ability to meet people is going to require more work on my part. I am not really shy but I don’t tend to meet people easily. So promise me you’ll seek me out and say Hi, OK?

Registration opens for Photocamp Utah 2010 on Monday, January 11, 2010 at 9am. The fee is a totally reasonable and awesome price of $15.00 I’ll try to post another reminder on Monday so everyone who wants to gets a chance to sign up.

This year the venue will be located in the Salt Lake area. It is going to be fun, entertaining, exciting, educational, inspiring and all around fun (I am aware that I typed fun twice). I hope that if you are in Utah you will make the effort to go.

Second.
This is my MomShots Tip of the Day…
I wanted to mention that during these winter months we often have overcast days and grey skies. I am of the belief that grey skies are wonderful for taking photos in. I love the soft light and shadows that fall. You will still have slight shadows in the same places you would if you were taking a photo in bright daylight, they are just softer and less harsh. I think those softer shadows tend to add some dimension and texture. I know that not all photographers agree with me on this. It’s my opinion and I’m sticking to it!

These photos were taken on an overcast day in Washington in early December. My parents designed this osprey t-shirt and we needed some model shots for their blog. I like this grouping because of the silly attitude that Ulysses is showing. I love shots like this!

So next time the sky is cloudy run outside and take some photos and see what you think!

Third.

I know I only said there would be two things but I thought I’d throw in a third just for good measure.

We have had a couple of wonderful guest posts and there are a few more lined up. All levels of photographers are welcome. All levels of experience. All levels of talent. All levels of interest… Etc. Am I getting my point across? This blog would be greatly enriched by your personal stories, photos and thoughts on photography. I even have a guest post coming up that is going talk about photographing pets. Since pets and children have so many of the same challenges I’m excited to see what her thoughts are on the subject!

Send me an email if you have any interest in being a guest blogger. I would absolutely love to meet you and help share your images and thoughts.

I got asked to be a guest poster over at another one of my favorite sites, I Never Grew Up. She does a theme each day and Thursday is the day her site focuses on the arts. I decided to write about how photography, usually a single person spectator sport/art, does not have to be. You can easily get the whole family involved. This builds art appreciation, friendship and great memories.

I hope you will click here to read my article and if you have any other suggestions for building family unity through photography I really hope you will take a second to comment. I am trying to compile a list of fun family activities using this artform so your input would be greatly appreciated either here on MomShots or after the post on I Never Grew Up.

blogger on Make and Takes great site. Check out the post I wrote called 5 Easy Steps to Taking Great Pictures of Kids.  It was really fun to write.  Thanks for the chance, Marie!

Greetings all—my name is Anna, and I’m a mother and photographer blogging at HankandWillie. I’m delighted to be invited by Jessica to contribute the occasional post here at Momshots!

Photo day for Hank & Willie and a friend. Weather was below freezing and children were miserable. Note chocolate-bar-as-bribe in my hand, bottom left. Note also that it is not having desired effect.

So folks, it’s December. I have no idea how that happened, but here’s another bulletin—Christmas is THREE WEEKS from tomorrow. Never mind the shopping, have you done your holiday cards yet?

That’s a superhero face, in case you aren’t fluent in the expressions of four-year-old boys. Also not using this one.

For us moms who love pictures, this is our SuperBowl. I’m still figuring out which image to use for ours—and believe me, these boys didn’t give us many choices—and what it’s going to look like—make my own? Use one of the designs at the excellent design and printing companies out there, like Posh Peacock, Tiny Prints, Moo? Try the new and improved offerings at the photo-sharing sites like Smug Mug, Shutterfly and Snapfish?

Looking for ideas on making your card uniquely yours?  Try these nine fantastic tips for making your own creative photo cards at Martha Stewart, or head to ShutterSisters and read their great series, Great Greetings!, on taking better photos and sharing great ideas about holiday cards. And for further inspiration, check out their Flickr pool for finished holiday cards and photos. Where else have you discovered great resources for making, designing and printing holiday cards? Share it in the comments below!

And if you’ve got your photo, but it needs a little something before you create your final card? As my gift to MomShots readers, I would be happy to try a little Photoshop magic on your photo this year.  So far this year for friends’ photos I have:

A) Swapped heads on a lovely family for optimum smileage

B) Removed a silver picture frame embedded in the head of a handsome preschooler

C) Done basic contrast/curves boost and color boost (Falls under the category of “make it better and brighter!”

D) Done black and white conversions

E) Done vintage and faded conversions

If you think you need help with one of those areas and if you think I might be able to make your photo look better than it already is, send me your original, unedited high-resolution file.

But remember, pictures that tell the story of your family don’t have to be perfect to be great!

The fine print

Send me your photo at hankandwillieATgmail.com by 12/8 and make sure you put Hank & Willie/MomShots in the subject line. And, if you send me a photo, it is fair game to post the before and after on H&W and here at MomShots, but I won’t use names if you don’t want them published. If I get too many to work on, I will select a random few—it is just three weeks before Christmas, after all, and my Christmas card isn’t going to make itself!