Jenna's Bridals

Love to All,

midRae

Dori's Newborn Photos

Baby Mady

Baby Mady was my first newborn session and the only thing that keeps going through my head is that babies are hard.  Mady's mom and dad were amazing and I want  to thank them so much for giving me this amazing opportunity.  Mady was also very cute and adorable, but that little girl has some really strong legs.  I had a blast!

Such a sweet baby girl.  And full of spunk!!  Watch out mom and dad she will soon have us all wrapped around those cute little fingers.

In the mean time can I just tell you that I am in love with this sweet little girl. 

Love to All,

midRae

Carmen's Family

Love to All,

midRae

Family

I wanted to share and show the world

my most favorite wall in my whole house.

It's my 'Family Wall'.

And as my family grows, which it definitely is,

my 'Family Wall' can grow with it.

See if you can figure out my thinking,

in the way that pictures and photos have been arranged.

Love to All,

midRae

Can you see the light?

Lighting can make a photo or break a photo.  And it is up to us as photographers to use the lighting available to us to achieve the end result that we are looking for.  I have gone through the last 7 years knowing in my mind that taking photos outside, on a cloudy day, will give you the best results.  Why?  Well I don't know or at least I didn't know, but I could see the difference in my finished product and I loved the look of any photo I took on a cloudy day, the colors seemed to be so sharp and just right.  I also knew in the back of my mind that late afternoon, dusk, or sunset could also give me the look and feel that I wanted in a photo.  Again, why?  Well as I said earlier, 'I don't know?', but photography class lightened some of the unknown regions in my brain and made things make sense, at least a little bit.

So here is my little explanation about lighting.

There are four different characteristics to lighting and they will all help you to make others love your photos and to make yourself love them even more.  Understanding the characteristics and how they show up in a photo can also let you make the same subject look many different ways.

The four characteristics are:

1. Intensity - the amount of light.  Is it bright, bright, or softer?  Look at the intensity and decide how you want your subject to look.  Study photos that you have taken and see what appeals to you the most.  Most cameras can compensate, especially when there is not enough light.
2. 
   
   Directional - this type of lighting we can control, either by moving our subject or moving ourselves.
3. 
   
   Degree of Diffusion - lighting may be direct, less diffused, directional diffused, some shadow - soft, or fully diffused - like on a cloudy day or in direct shade.  Cloudy days are completely diffused lighting, every thing is even and soft, no hard edges. 
4. 
   
   Color - different types of lighting will give you a different color cast, for lack of knowing what else to call it, to your photos.  A candle will give you rich red tones, sunlight will give you a cold blue light, while tungsten, the lights we put into our fixtures, will give you a red/yellow tone, and florescent lighting will give you a blue/green tone.

When taking photos we need to look for the lighting that is available, is it cold or warm, and know exactly what we want to convey in our pictures.  An example is taking a photo in the early morning or late afternoon light will produce a warmer, more reddish color, while taking a photo at midday will give you a more colder, or bluer cast to your photo.  Again, we need to decide what we like and what we want to convey.

Now we can move on to '3 Point Lighting'.  Sounds fun doesn't it?  The deal with '3 Point Lighting' is to use the light that is available and it is most readily used when taking portraits.  The three different points of lighting are:

1. Key Light - sets the mood
2. Fill Light - fill shadows
3. Hair or Back Light - separates the subject from the background

By using these different types of lighting you can convey a lot of different moods and feeling in your photos.  The most used and dramatic of these types of lighting is 'Key Lighting', in the photo below each face is lit by a different type of Key Lighting.

The four different types of  'Key Lighting' are:

1. 
   
   Short - Formed by creating a shadow on the camera side of the nose but not past the lips.
2. 
   
   Broad - Creates shadow on the side away from the camera.
3. 
   
   Glamour/Paramount/Butterfly - Light is directed to the nose, creates a little butterfly under the nose shining down, and gives a look like the old black and white moves from the 50's.  Glamour.
4. 
   
   Rembrandt - A Triangle of light on the cheek, more dramatic and more attractive.

'Three Point Lighting' will most likely be used in a studio setting, but if you are aware of the light when you are taking photos you will be more likely to place your subjects in a more pleasing setting.  This can be achieved outside by moving your subject or the camera, or inside by using the lighting that you have available, whether that be a lamp or a window.  There are many ways of getting light that you want, you can also use bed sheets and cookie sheets to reflect which will act as a fill light.  You may also note that when light is directed at the face from below, pointing up, it will convey the feeling of evil, but if you place the light shining down onto the face it will convey goodness. 

Fill Light is used to fill in shadows and is created by the key lighting.  Hair and backlighting will separate your subject from the background.  The direction that the light comes from is where the inspiration comes from.  You can also achieve a spark of light in the eye with directional lighting, which can convey an impish or alive impression, whereas no light in the eyes conveys a feeling of lifelessness.

So that is what I have learned so far when it comes to lighting.  I know, it's a lot and I am still trying to figure it out myself, remember I took lots of notes that I can always go back to.  When I watch movies I look at the faces and see how the lighting is used.  This photography class has changed how I look at faces.  Right now I find it hard to pick out exactly what type of lighting is used, but I am sure that as I keep looking it will become easier.  The point is to look at the lighting around you and as you take photos of the people you love, be aware of the way the lighting is affecting the way they look.

Remeber to ask yourself, 'Is it flattering or is it making them look like an evil, dead vampire?'  My vote is to always make them look as young and pretty as possible, they will love you for it.

Love to All,

midRae

Elements are.....

what makes a photo pop, standout, grab you by the eyes, and keeps you coming back, what drew you in, is very obvious, visual structure is obvious in the frame.

Composition is the pleasing arrangement of elements within the frame of a photograph and it's up to us, photographers or photographer want-to-be's, to make this happen.  I think we all understand, up to a point, that there is just something about that photo that keeps bringing you back. You are not sure exactly what that something is but it just feels right. 

As I said in my last post, I will explain, at least to the extent that I know and understand, what the Elements are that are needed for a pleasing and even great composition.  Please remember that I took this homework assignment literal and these photos, that I am about to share (beware), are not my favorite's, I have done much better in the past.  Along with still trying to get the exposure correct I have OCD and I am not afraid to use it as an excuse.  I am usually a very literal person and I am terrified of ever doing anything incorrect.  I can be creative and love color, sunsets, and can usually see things in an artistic manner, but when I am given a specific assignment, you will get what that assignment was.  No artistic midRae in the mix. 

Onward!!!  Be brave folks.

The first thing you need to ask yourself and answer if possible are the following questions:

• Whole or Part?  Should I shoot them all, wide, close-up, etc..
• Vertical or Horizontal?  Try both.
• Framing?  What's in, what's out?
• Background?  Make sure to see everything, look.  You don't want weird things happening.

And now to our first element:

Spot:  a central, most dominate, simple pinpoint, draws the eye, central focus point.

This is an example of Spot photography with Dept of Field.  It also shows Texture.

Line:  series, create line, simple background

This is an example of Line and Texture.

Shape:  prominate structure, bigger, fills frame, mass, simple background

This is an example of Shape and Contrast.

Texture:  surface visually interesting, touch the object, walk through.

It's a little hard to see in the particular picture, but the house is covered in asphalt shingles, my idea of a good example of Texture.  But you may not want to walk through this place.

Pattern:  repetition, repeat, strong visual.

This is an example of Pattern, Repetition, Shape, and Line.

Contrast, Value, Tone:  various levels of light, contrast dark to light.

This one is pretty obvious.  Contrast, Self-portrait if you want, or not.

Color:  create interest, color is a strong element, gives appeal.  Make sure that one or more colors dominate.

Color, but also Spot.

So there you go a few example of how you should never take photography literal.  But they are all good examples of each of the Elements.  The only thing I can say as a new photographer is take lots of photos, practice, practice, practice.  With practice you will learn what is pleasing and what isn't.  I think we all have our favorite kinds of shots and the trick for us is to make it appealing to others.  We also need to remember that a lot of the times we react to a photo with emotions, the photo will have an emotional attachment for us.  Something speaks to us.  We hope to make our photos speak to others and touch them just as they have touched us. 

Just like my photos of 'Grandpa Trees' speak to and touch me.

Love to All,

midRae

The Accidental Photographer

A Few Asked

And here I go.

Over the month of February, actually it was only four Wednesday's, I took a photography class at our local University.  Now as the instructor told us, we went over one semester of information in 6.0 hours, and I have to agree with him that it was a lot of information to absorb.  Thank you Milford High School teachers for teaching me how to take notes, and take them fast.  I admit that I still have a hard time feeling completely comfortable with Aperture's and when to change them, it depends on what I want to show but I guess I am still trying to figure that out, although I do understand Shutter Speed and what you can get with either a fast or a slow speed.  I think I have grown in my abilities to take photo's and to understand what makes a good photo, now I just need to find the time to practice, practice, practice, and practice some more.

Our first class we went over the different types of camera's, SLR (single lens reflex) and digital.  We also covered Aperture's, Shutters, Depth of Field, ISO, Types of Lens, Lens Effects, Focal Length, and Composition.  WHEW!!!  I need to take a breath.  We also talked about SEEING.

Seeing? You ask.  Well seeing like a photographer, thinking like a photographer, seeing colors, seeing shapes, seeing light and it's effects, seeing texture and detail, seeing motion, seeing people and their differences, and seeing places.  When it comes to seeing, that big fancy camera does not matter, the knowledge of technology will come with time, what does matter is how and what you see.  On a side note, us a tripod or monopod, you will get much sharper and clearer images.  As Mr. Smith, our instructor told us, we want to be able to have a good or great picture going in to editing, good in means good out, bad in means no amount of editing is going to make it a great photo.  Look for the photo opportunities and don't be afraid of taking lots and lots of pictures.  Also you have to be willing to delete the bad and not so good photos.  I personally find that a little challenging.  It feels like I am deleting something important, I am working on getting over that.

We went on to discuss that even if we take amazing photos, if we are not willing to share, display, publish, or show our work no one will see all of the amazing things that we have captured.  Do you have a box of photos under your bed that no one ever gets to see?  Well, bring them out for the world to see.  Be proud of what you have done and share, even if it is only with the family.  I promise, I have more than my fair share of photos that I would love for no one to ever see, but we need to show it all, that way when we have something beyond amazing our family, friends, or the world will notice and tell us.  Then we can do it again.

We then moved on to discussing Elements.  Elements are what make a great photo.  It's what drew you to the photo, the visual structure and what pops.  Look at a photo and ask yourself what is pulling you in to that photo, what is keeping your attention, what keeps bringing you back.  

In my next post I will give you a list, short explanation, and my photo on what each Element is.  I have to say that with this assignment I took everything he said literally, I have since learned that not everything has to be literal.  You will understand as you look at my photos, I could and have done much better work by accident.  It's a little challenging when you are OCD and hate to do anything wrong.  Literal should become a bad word in my vocabulary.

Love to All,

midRae
The Accidental Photographer

What's Up?

I bet you've all been wondering that exact thing.  Well, let me tell you what's up.

Not much.  Really.  People talk about the January boredom and let down, well I am here to tell you that it has continued on in to February.  Our poor minds.  We really need to get things hyped up here, don't we. 

Seriously folks.  My life has not been that boring but I always wonder, 'Why would anyone want to read about my life?'  It's not like I am saving the world, and I am not a profound or amazing thinker or writer, maybe a little of my weird humor sometimes, or off on wonderful and exciting journeys, although my life is mostly wonderful, and we are blessed with pretty great health for myself and my family.  We are just your average, nondescript family.  But apparently some folks like to read the boring stuff, so I will share. 

This past week I have been working hard to get back into working out and jogging.  A few nights I managed to jog most of my three mile goal, but I did have to walk a few of those laps.  I've been jogging at the college, great indoor track by the way, and I try to do 30 laps.  Last week I averaged 30 laps of jogging with 8 laps of walking.  Not too bad, until last night.  Not a good night.  I managed to do 20 laps, with muscle cramps in my calves and the knee screaming the whole way.  I think I walked about eight of those 20 laps.  Pretty sad and frustrating.  And I have to confess that the knee is still screaming out in protest this morning.  Ibuprofen here I come.

I have also been adding in my Biggest Loser Boot Camp DVD this week, which is an hour long workout and very intense, OK I only had time to do it once, but it's a start.  I love this workout but I have not been doing in very regularly since I hurt my knee back in July, and I have to confess, two days after doing this workout it hurt just to try to sit on the potty.  OUCH!!!  Just a little bit sore, but I love it!!  I mean I really love it!!!  And I really want my body to stay toned, I love having muscle, it's so cool.

I then did the Biggest Loser Yoga DVD, but only for 30 minutes.  Kicked my behind, but loved it too!  I have really been missing my workouts.  And Yoga is good, real good.  Maybe my muscles are so tight and cramping because I have not been doing the Yoga or stretching out.  What do you think?  Probably is the word that comes to my mind.

Then I added in a new photography class this past week.  Granted its only one night a week, and only for an hour and a half, but I do have lot's of reading and homework to do.  I love it though.  With only one class behind me, in which the instructor gave us 1/3 of a full semester of information to learn, I have learned a lot.  I have learned that I have managed to do some pretty OK stuff, by accident.  Seriously, completely and utterly by accident.  Hopefully I can now do some by design.  Anyways, homework.  I need to take 9 different photos depicting 9 different elements or concepts, before this Wednesday.  I can do that!!!

Off we go to this Saturday.  Taxes for some of the family.  I somehow have been nominated to do everyone's taxes, every year.  I think it's because I'm the one who always buys the tax program for their computer and does their own.  Don't get me wrong, I love to help out family and to save them money.  And I always feel bad if they have to pay back.  Or if they even are lucky enough to be a zero.  I just love to see my family and friends do well and make good.  I want them all to have a little extra to help with some tough times.  But I thought about this yesterday and decided I need to realize that it's not me who decides and is to blame if someone has to pay the taxman.  I'm just the one who can type and has a computer. 

Anyways, Sunday was midMan birthday.  WHOO!!! HOOO!!! WHOOT!!! WHOOT!!!  YEAH!!!  He really wasn't that excited, poor soul thinks he's an old man, and he's going to be a grandpa this year.  We have got to cheer him up!  We did have a little family fun on Saturday and we all sang, and had way to much food, and way too many treats, and let's sabotage our weight loss goal.  I do that every weekend, crazy fool that I am.  I really need to stay out of the kitchen.  Anyways, I love my midMan, and wish him many years of happy fun as a grandpa in the future. 

And speaking of weight loss, I have been working real hard to record and keep track of all that I eat.  I have a couple of books that I carry around with calorie counts in them and am recording it all in a journal.  I always do really well during the week, but when the weekend comes I loose all of my will power.  It just runs away and hides.  I ask you, 'What to do, please tell me, what to do?'

So, yeah, that's my week.  I warned you, pretty boring.  But most days I am very thankful for being boring.  I am a creature of habit and routine.  I like to know what I have planned and pretty much keep to the plan.  I have decided though that I need to change thing up a bit, still trying to figure out how, so that I can get my workouts in every day.  Right now it is looking like I may have to get up at 4:30 in the morning, and I really really do not want to do that.  But I will figure it out.

Love to All,

midRae

7 Day Photo Frenzy.

I have been participating in the '7 Day Photo Frenzy' over on facebook this week, and I have had a lot of fun showing a little bit of what 'I think I can do.' ha ha ha ha lol  I am not a professional by any means, and there is so much for me to still learn, but I love photography and I will never regret getting my camera, except for those hikes when it get's just a little bit heavy.  Any ways, I just wanted to share what I have.  Some photo's I have posted previously so don't get too bored.


Here goes!


Sunday's Theme - Youth

Monday's Theme - Friendship

Tuesday's Theme - Hobbies

Wednesday's Theme - Simplicity

Thursday's Theme - Black & White

 

Friday's Theme - Landscape

 
And Saturday's Theme - My Choice - Which one shall I choose, which one shall I choose?
 

 
Please enjoy.
 
Love to All,
 
midRae

Pleasant Pheasant's

So most weekends midMan and I go on our little rides to see what we can see.  And we always see something. 

A couple of weeks ago we saw this:

Isn't she beautiful?

Then we saw him.

Even more beautiful.

Some times it just doesn't seem fair that the guy animals are always so much prettier than the girls.  I think the girls should always be more prettier, (is that right?).  More pretty, more gorgeous, more beautiful, I don't know.  But what I do know is that all men should definitely tell us that we are always the prettiest and the most gorgeous of them all.  At least if they know what is good for them.  And no, our butt will never look fat in those pants!

Love to All,

midRae

Three Views

VIEW #1:  The Original

VIEW #2:  Sepia

VIEW #3:  Color Punch

I personally like View #3, the color just fits in my mind, but as we know most minds are not like mine, remember, I've got a weird one.  What do you all think?  Leave me a comment, I love constructive criticism, at least most of the time.  Let me know which one is your favorite and also see if you can find the little surprise in the tree.

Love to All,

midRae

I did it again, didn't I?

Yup, that seems to be what I do lately.  I disappear.  My midMan can't even seem to find me lately, and tailEnd can get a little lonely if I'm not right there with him.  Poor baby boy, I can still call him that even if he is bigger than me now, it's been a little lonely.  

But.......

I have been working diligently on my Resolution List, which you can read HERE.  I have accomplished item #1.  Yes, I did it.  I had the surgery on my knee last Thursday and all seems to be going well.  They even smoothed out my bone a little so that the knee should be a lot quieter than it has in the past.  I tend to grind when I walk, I know, I know, just a little too much information. 

Right now I am back to work, iced and propped up on a box, and told by my boss, 'NO Walking, unless you have to go to the bathroom.' (I overdid it yesterday and my whole leg decided to swell a little bit.)  Isn't my boss great?  Who has a boss that tells them to just sit and do nothing?  Guess what?  I do!!  He's pretty cool.  Lucky me, both the bosses rock!

So enough about the knee and on with a few photos I took a couple of weeks ago.

I love the feel of this one.  It came out so warm.

The oldest child of mine thinks this would be a great background for some portraits.  I agree but to bad that I haven't any to take.  I don't dare yet until I learn a little more.  Resolution #4.

Wheat in the winter.

  I just can't seem to resist.

  And what else am I going to take a photo of,
while midMan is checking out the local population of mule deer,
which I have taken thousands of pictures of already,
and I am left to sit and ponder the side of the road?

Love to All,

midRae