April 27, 2011

Announcing Beginner Photography Workshop | St. Louis

Are you a mom who just got a sweet new camera and wants to learn how to take amazing pictures of your little ones? Or do you know someone who does? Sign up for the upcoming Outside the Box photography workshop - a fun workshop for beginner DSLR camera owners.  What's a DSLR camera?  Basically a camera that you can change lenses on.


We are very excited to announce a new St. Louis Photography Workshop for beginner DSLR users. This workshop is intended for moms who are interested in achieving better pictures by learning to use all of the functions on their cameras and understanding how to make those pictures happen. If you are frustrated with your results or intimidated by your camera; if you continually set your dial to the green box automatic mode; then this is the workshop for you. Its time to take control, empower yourself, learn manual mode and get your camera outside the green box.


What is it?
Four hours on a weekend.
Two instructors to teach you, and give you undivided attention and support.
The setting is comfortable and relaxed.
We take you through the basics of photography...the very basics.
We teach you the technical mumbo-jumbo then help you to make sense of it.
We show you what makes a great photograph happen.
We turn you loose on our child models to photograph, to make the lesson stick.
We review the photos for opportunities of improvement.
We'll even be there afterwards for support.


Please check out the site at Outside the Box Photography Workshops for upcoming St. Louis workshop dates. Or become a fan on on the Facebook Page.

April 25, 2011

Pets

The boys really want a pet.

It can't be a fish because they say it has to be something they can cuddle. By cuddle I think they mean something they can sleep with at night.

Lately they have been pushing for a mouse or hamster.  It did not go over well when I explained to them that they would not be able to take a mouse or hamster to bed with them.

We are no where near ready for a dog so the boys are just going to have to settle for temporary "pets" that they find outdoors...

It's Pet Week on I Heart Faces this week.  We don't have a pet but the theme extends to non-pet animals so I've linked up with this picture.
www.iheartfaces.com

April 18, 2011

I Heart Faces: Wind

 We were "cleaning" up the yard today.  I let the boys water the grass (they had soaked each other within minutes).  Then they helped me pick up sticks in the back yard.  Their way of helping was to pick up clumps of dirt and throw them at the house.  Dirt bombs.  Boy heaven.  They were fascinated by the plumes of dust that would fly through the air.  I got thirty minutes of peace and quiet. Mom heaven :)

The I Heart Faces theme this week is Wind... I'm submitting the above picture.  Dirt in the wind, ha!

April 11, 2011

While You're Away...

Hey Big Brother!

Want to know what we do while you're off learning important stuff at school? You'll never guess...



...we dance around in underwear and play catch with balloons. (mom wears pants though. always.)

April 6, 2011

The Stork Lady Kids' Consignment Sale | St. Louis

Have you heard of the Stork Lady Sale?  I've heard rave reviews from friends [Stork Lady groupies?] about it for a few years now but have never actually gone to it.  I didn't know what I was missing.

Earlier this week I was asked to do pre-sale photos of the sale and WOW, this thing is huge!  I think I saw more strollers there than at a Disney World theme park.  I was a little too focused on getting the job done to window shop but after getting home and reviewing the pictures the shopping bug kicked in.  My 5 year old was also eye balling the pics of all the toys - he might be even more stoked than me to go shop.

A few pics of the sale...


The sale is open to the public Thursday 9AM to 7PM; Friday 9AM to 6 PM; and on Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM (most items are 50% off on Saturday!).  The sale takes place in the old Macy's at Crestwood Mall. You can get more information at www.StorkLady.net or check it out on  Facebook.  

Happy shopping!

April 5, 2011

A Different View

We had beautiful weather this weekend so off to the park we went!  This guy is in love with the swings right now.  Right past the slides and playgrounds, straight to the swings he goes.  "Push me", "higher!"

Taking pictures in the harsh mid-day sun is challenging.  Blown out, overexposed pictures and squinty eyes are constant obstacles.  But you can change your view and make the best of it.

Here's your basic straight on picture. A little boring


Get up higher... Maybe angle the camera (don't do this for all your photos or you'll get a crick in your neck viewing them) :)

Get down low...




Even lower...

Try another angle, it helps tell a story. Like the day daddy practically dumped him out of the swing...
(really it just looks like he's practically falling out he was laughing and loving it)

A different perspective...

I like that I  have more than just a picture of him in the swing.  I like that I have a story of pictures of the  time when he loved the baby swings.

So, in summary, out-maneuver the sun; change your angles; tell a story.

E