Listen up Momtographers

If you follow me on Facebook you have probably figured out that I LOVE to take pictures. My husband calls me the "Paparazzi" when ever we go anywhere with the kids and my dear cousin Lori, most recently refered to me as "Nana" meaning I am following in the footsteps of the one lady who took more pictures of me and my sister growing up than my own parents. I still remember Nana's old wind em up rectangle shaped camera, and I still remember her thumb prints in just about every shot. I so love these sort of memories because it makes me think about my childhood, how far I have come and how much I love being able to capture a special moment.
So I take pictures....And pictures....And okay fine MORE pictures. I make no apologies people. I love me some photo taking.
So recently I made a little tiny purchase for myself. A Canon Rebel XT along with a 50 mm lens. I call it my post Christmas/ post Valentines/ pre- St. Patricks Day/ pre birthday/ purchase to myself. I NEVER buy stuff for me (who) so I was trilled when I found a great used Cannon and a great local photo store for my lens.
I AM IN LOVE.
And to add to the LOVE I recently took a course geared towards Mom's who are looking to learn more about their DSLR as well as tips on how to take better photos of our kids.
THE CLASS WAS AWESOME.
And so was the teacher, and fabulous Momtographer Erin Jackson withMadison Lane Photography. So good news for all you Momtog's... She will be holding another class on Sunday, May 1st from 1-4:00.
This will be the last class she is offering before she goes out on maternity leave! You can Email her at madisonlanephotography@gmail.com for more info.

Here area few pictures I have teken recently after I took her class. 

All the neat tricks in these photos, you too can learn.



My six year old Evan and his big smile.





My five year old Ryan and his amazing sweet face.




Two boys who own my heart.

 

The bribery I used for them to cooperate.





Day of class, practing shots on flowers and got another classmate in the photo by accident. 
Yet I love the way it came out. 





The neckline on my wedding dress I wore 8 years ago.  It was what drew me to the beautiful dress in the first place.



Teddy Bear in Bushes. It never would of occurred to me to take this picture before.  Now it is one of my favorites.

Seriously I feel like a pro now.  Well, okay not quite a pro. But it is so nice to have more knowledge now and to offer up to my future chatter peeps the ability to take professional grade photographs on their products or services. 
So make sure to check out Madison Lane Photography for more on Erin and her services and if you can't get to her class this time around you can read about some great photographing tips she offered up as a guest writer back during the holidays, http://lakeside-chatter.blogspot.com/2010/12/picture-perfect.html

While The Baby Sleeps

This was just too precious (and creative) not to share.... 

Brief background.  A very creative Mom snaps pictures of her daughter when she falls asleep.  

If only I had the same imagination...

Click on the link below for more photos.  Enjoy!!

http://www.buzzfeed.com/burnred/while-the-baby-sleeps-281t

Picture Perfect.

So I welcome guest writer, Erin Jackson with Madiosn Lane Photography who happily agreed to give us some much needed photo taking tips and suggestions.  Thank you Erin!!  I will defiantly be taking her suggestions, and her class which starts in January.

Quick Tips for Better Holiday Pictures.

Some of you may have a digital SLR camera on your Christmas wish list, but you don’t have to have a nice camera this holiday season to take better pictures of your kids. Try following these easy tips to make the most of your holiday memories!

1.  Make it fun: My first rule for my clients is to have fun. Children photograph best just being themselves. So instead of making your child say “cheese” or stand posed, trying capturing your kids playing in the leaves, running in a field, putting an ornament on the Christmas tree. These unplanned moments make some of my favorite photographs.

2.   Get to your subject’s eye level: Typically we all take pictures from our eye level looking down at our children, but don’t be afraid to get down on your knees at shoot at your child’s eye level. Not only will your children be more receptive, it will give your photographs a whole new perspective.

3.   Fill the Frame: So many times we will take pictures where our subject ends up being a small part of the frame. Don’t be afraid to get really close to your subject and use your space wisely. Make sure you are filling the frame with subjects that tell a story. If it’s not important, don’t include it!

4.  Color: Children photograph best in color. As we enter the winter season, this is a great time to incorporate fun and colorful accessories into our photograph. I’m a huge fan of knit hats and scarves. The textures and colors work great on everyone!

5.  Go outside: Your photographs will instantly improve if you just do one simple thing and head outside. I know it’s cold, but you cannot ask for better light than the sun naturally diffused by clouds. Taking pictures first thing in the morning or late afternoon makes for some of the best lighting, and good lighting equals great pictures in photography.

If you have an SLR camera and want to learn more tips for taking better pictures of your kids and also how to use your camera to its full potential, Madison Lane Photography regularly offers a Mom’s Photography Class. Please become a fan on Facebook or email the studio for more information at madisonlanephotography@gmail.com.

Madison Lane Photography is a boutique studio serving the Charlotte, NC and Fort Mill, SC areas. I take an all-natural light, lifestyle approach to photography, and I specialize in newborn, baby, children’s, family, maternity and seniors photography. My style is simple, fresh and fun. My sessions are unplanned as my goal is to capture you being YOU! I’m a mom of two boys {and a baby on the way!} and wife to a southern gentleman. I love all things chocolate brown, Chik-Fil-A lemonade and fresh clean sheets.

Photography Blog

http://www.madisonlanephotographyblog.com/

Family Blog

http://www.confessionsofasouthernmom.com/