Lisa Ward Photography

Ty @ 4 months

2012-01-18T11:48:00.002-07:00

Meet Ty.

He's so tough.

Having a bald spot must be rough.

But don't you worry little guy.

You have good looks...

and you don't even have to try.

Megan and Alan are our great friends (and previous next door neighbors). Ty is their third son.
I captured these photos in a 10 minute span at my house. White sheets on a bed next to a window made for a great set up.
My favorite light source for indoor photos is window light.
Using window light to my advantage is a great way to get great catch lights in the eyes.

Ty was so good for me and as you can see, the camera loved him!

The Newest Talbot Family Member

2011-12-17T13:18:00.000-07:00

Meet the Talbot Family.

They just welcomed Rhys into their family.

A sweet new baby boy... what a perfect gift for this time of year.

Rhys has:

Tiny fingers.

Tiny toes.

A tiny yawn and a wriggled up nose.

A full head of hair

and a Daddy that rocks.

Rhys is so lucky...

can't you see?!

He is only 12 days old

and is happy as can be.

Rhys was a dream to photograph. He was wide awake the whole time. My friend, Stephanie kept Rhys happy with little drink breaks. I made sure to bump up the heat in my house for the photo session because I didn't want the baby to get cold. This was my first time using my kitchen as a "studio." I dragged my table to the middle of the room. I threw my nice white comforter over the table and on top of that I put another white blanket over a Boppy pillow. I had so much fun and feel that I rocked this session using just my 18-55mm kit lens! I did this photo session around 10am. My sheer-like window curtains acted as a filter for the morning light. Oh, and I must give a shout out to Me Ra Koh and her new book, "Your Baby in Pictures." I had Stephanie flip through the newborn baby section of the book and select the photo recipes she wanted me to capture. I'm happy to report that I got the shots! It is an awesome book that walks parents through the steps in capturing memorable photos of their baby's first year. Me Ra Koh gives easy to follow steps for parents with a point and shoot camera or a DSLR camera.

The Bowers Family

2011-12-08T08:32:00.001-07:00

Meet Jacob and Wendy.

They are the parents of these five adorable children.

Bryson is the oldest and the ONLY BOY!

Breanna is the middle child.

Jaycee and Kaycee are obviously twins.

Wendy, you are SO pretty!

I couldn't decide which version I liked better, so I posted both.

Wendy and her 4 girls

Jacob and his boy

Life with 5 young kids can be crazy

One big happy family

Gorgeous Young Women

2011-12-08T01:37:00.001-07:00

The Young Women's President in my ward contacted me to see if I'd be willing
to help her out with a special secret project.
This secret project was for their upcoming Young Women in Excellence Program.
It was such a fun photo shoot and it felt great to
leave knowing that I captured the kind of photos they wanted.

The young ladies I had the privilege of photographing are so gorgeous!

10 Years Old

2011-12-08T01:14:00.001-07:00

This girl had a Sweet Shop themed birthday party. What a lucky girl!

Darling Girls

2011-11-27T17:54:00.001-07:00

This photo shoot was SO fun! The girls were full of personality and showed off their great smiles!

Words of Wisdom

2011-11-15T16:42:00.003-07:00

“Never stop striving for the best that is within you. Never stop hoping for all of the righteous desires of your heart. But don’t close your eyes to the simple and elegant beauties of each day’s ordinary moments that make up a rich, well-lived life.” -President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Cache Valley (taken through a fence) - Oct. 2011

(As a photographer, I feel that I'm quite good at finding beauty in even the simple things.

When I find/see something that is interesting, unusual, or beautiful, I try to stop and point out to my family.

And if my family isn't with me, I try to stop and take a picture so I can show them what I saw. )

“The happiest people I know are not those who find their ‘golden ticket’; they are those who, while in pursuit of worthy goals, discover and treasure the beauty and sweetness of the everyday moments. They are the ones who, thread by daily thread, weave a tapestry of gratitude and wonder throughout their lives. These are they who are truly happy.” -President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"On average, children laugh 400 times a day, while adults laugh about 15 times.Why the gap? Did we lose something? Have we forgotten the way we used to be? Why is it that children seem to cope with life’s oddities better than adults? Perhaps it’s because they do not fully understand. But I think it’s simpler than that—they laugh. As we grow older, we get far too serious. Watch children play. They don’t need expensive toys to entertain them. Everything is fun. They are spontaneous. Only when we become adults do we start to get boring. Do we need to cultivate a different attitude? Humor is in the way we see things, the way we think. It’s an attitude, not an event. Perhaps the key lies in becoming more childlike." ~ Gary K. Palmer

"When a woman has a kingdom heart, she has an active understanding of what matters most to the heart of God. She lives in the balance of passion and contentment. She learns to love well, give without regard to self, and forgive without hesitation. The woman with a kingdom heart may have a duffel bag full of possessions or enough treasures to fill a mansion, but she has learned to hold them with an open hand. Hold everything with open hands. I don't think we are ever allowed to grab hold of anything or anyone as though they matter more than the kingdom of heaven. When you hold relationships with open hands, then people come in and out of your life as gifts of grace to be cherished and enjoyed, not objects to be owned and manipulated. And then when you hold your dreams with open hands, you get to watch God resurrect what seemed dead and multiply what seemed small."- from the book "A Beautiful Offering"

Words of Wisdom

2011-10-05T22:25:00.006-06:00

“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly  satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to  do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep  looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know  when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better  and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it.  Don’t settle.” ~ Steve Jobs

Lens Love

2011-09-22T16:51:00.002-06:00

Check out that depth of field! I love my 55-250mm lens!

1st Grader

2011-08-24T17:50:00.000-06:00

This boy is so happy to be in 1st grade.

He's attending a new school this year and is excited to have some of his church friends in his class.

His teacher seems awesome and other parents have told me how great she is.
We're so excited for Brian and for all the wonderful things he will learn in 1st grade.
Bring.It.On.

"Promise me you'll always remember...you're braver than you believe and stronger than you seem and smarter than you think."
--Christopher Robin to Winnie the Pooh

Words of Wisdom

2011-08-19T12:02:00.002-06:00

"The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak." --Hans Hofmann

"What is done cannot be undone, but what is lost can sometimes be found."

“There is a place deep in your soul where a little seed rests. This seed is your amazing potential. Each time you push yourself, each time you breathe a true deep breath, each time you reach your hands to the stars, you nourish that little seed and feed your soul.” - Karen Tye

“The day came when the risk it took to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to bloom.” - Anais Nin

“We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?  Actually, who are you not to be?” – Marianne Williamson

"There is more to life than increasing its speed." Mohandas K. Gandhi

-Ira Glass

My Little Grasshopper

2011-08-02T22:29:00.003-06:00

This little boy

turned into a grasshopper

just for an afternoon.

One slip up and POOF...

he's my sweet boy again!

Braxton - Class of '11

2011-07-06T22:16:00.000-06:00

Meet Braxton.

He is a recent high school graduate.

Braxton is one smart guy who has a scholarship to study law.

It is at a very exciting time in his life and I wish Braxton the best of luck.

Wow... Babies are Flexible

2011-06-15T10:34:00.000-06:00

I had no idea that 6-9 month old babies were so flexible.

Maybe Katie has a future in gymnastics?

Your Baby in Pictures is a fabulous new book by Me Ra Koh that gives parents a step-by-step guide in photographing their baby's first year. What I love about this book is that there are milestones that babies reach every 3 months that should be photographed.

Lifestyle: Telling The Story - Week 4

2011-06-12T22:01:00.067-06:00

Week 4 Assignment

Part One: Thematic and Conceptual Shooting

Much of our approach thus far in the course has been on creating photo essays (a series of photos that tell the story.) This week we want to focus on telling a story in a single image and intentionally creating a “message” with the image. Theme/concept helps us explore what our photo is ABOUT.

In the conceptual shooting tutorial we walk through a process of shooting with theme.

1. Identify your concept/theme. (what your photo story is about)

2. Identify a scene. If you don’t already have a specific scene in mind you can use the recommendations for developing a story board to create some ideas.

3. Shoot intentionally with your storytelling skills! (Keep in mind all that we have learned in the course about point of view, less is more, good composition, conflict, etc.) Can you create a strong message and story in one image?

4. Post your thematic/conceptual photo.

Need some ideas? If you’re stumped, consider some of the following to generate some thoughts: emotions: love, humor, adventure, imagination, determination. props/activities: dance practice, dress-ups, dating, school/study, exercise. Concepts: parenting, discipline, work, play, shopping, food, treats, celebration…

Part Two: Getting in your pictures

Post one self portrait image. Set the timer, use a remote, or hand the camera to someone else. This exercise accomplishes two important things. 1. We want to develop the habit of making sure that we record ourselves in the story of our life, and 2. We typically need to visualize the photo we want before we take it since we’ll be in it. Its a great exercise in taking a shot in our mind and making it happen.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this class. I have learned so much. I will continue to practice the concepts I've learned in my photography. Composing posts for my family blog is one of my favorite things to do. I'm not promising that all of my images will be perfect storytelling images, but I feel that in time, I will learn to slow down and strive to capture the decisive moments. I think the biggest thing that I've learned in this class is to change the perspective when photographing. Perspective makes all the difference. A big thank you to my wonderful photography teacher, Brooke Snow, and to all of my classmates for your time in critiquing my images in this class and for your kind words.

Part 1: Thematic and Conceptual Shooting
Determination is the concept I was going for in this picture. My baby girl has finally outgrown her army crawling phase and is now crawling like a big girl. I'm glad I chose to frame my fast crawler in the doorway. I must admit that it was just a happy accident that the horizontal lines in the bottom portion of the door act as leading lines to her eyes. My baby looks so proud and confident captured here in mid-crawl... a definite decisive moment. I chose to make this picture black and white so the viewer will notice her expression immediately and not be distracted by the baby's colorful clothes and surroundings.

Determination ISO: 100 | 1/250 sec. | f/5.0 | 55-250mm

* (Brooke's review: You have a really great conceptual image! Perspective is excellent- you're down at the same level as her -this is really powerful for this image because we're focusing on her crawling and we are seeing the same point of view as she is in this scene. Excellent job on choosing your point of view. Excellent composition as well. You've got her framed in the light and simple doorway in the background. We are drawn to areas of contrast. And because of the nice simple doorway in the background, she really pops out with her dark hair and eyes. The composition here is awesome. You have nice leading lines towards her and you've caught a great decisive moment where she is in mid-crawl which is great for what you're trying to portray in this image. You also have a really great sense of symmetry. Sometimes we can use these doorways to provide a sense of framing but it is important to keep in mind a sense of balance. This is when centering the subject makes a powerful image and provides dynamic balance -your image has the pull of leading lines and perfect symmetry on each side. You've left enough of the rock wall showing to provide symmetry, which is hard to do. Putting this image into black and white was a powerful choice in editing because it draws the viewer into her particular expression on her face. Had this image been in color, the bright colored clothing and the colorful rock wall would have taken the viewers eyes awhile to process the pattern and texture. So by putting this image into black and white, you've made it simpler for the viewer to enjoy and focus in on what is happening in this scene.)

Part 2: Getting in your pictures
I set the camera to the proper settings and then handed the camera to my husband. He stood on our back patio steps and captured this picture when I looked up at him. Looking closer at this picture, I now realize that I have a merger coming out of the left side of my head. Also, I was wondering if having part of my arm showing is distracting? Should I crop the picture in closer, or just leave it alone? I think I could have prevented these issues if I would have turned my body so that my back was flat against the siding of the house and looked up at the camera. Do you have any other suggestions to make this a stronger picture?

ISO:100 | 1/250 sec. | f/5.0 | 55-250mm
* (Brooke's review: Lovely self portrait, Lisa. You always have a great smile and are fun to interact with. This is a great shot taken by your husband. You have catch lights in your eyes. You talked about a merger, but I don't see that area as a merger. You may think it is a merger because of the contrast of light and dark. You have a lighter wall against a darker ground, both having different texture, but it works/looks great. The arm doesn't bother me at all but you can crop it out if you'd like, which is actually something you may need to do if you want to print this in an 8x10" size. Great shot, shooting from up above is always a flattering angle.)

Lifestyle: Telling The Story - Week 3

2011-06-07T00:07:00.006-06:00

Week 3 Assignment

Part One: Conceptual Contrast

This week we are going to seek out opportunities for conceptual contrast. This is the contrast of subject elements within our frame. It could be contrasts such as big vs. small, wet vs. dry, dark vs. light, man vs. nature, old vs. young, or a million other options. You could go for a walk and seek out contrasts, or intentionally put them together with subjects you already have in mind. You don’t have to justify your choices, but you must have two elements that when juxtaposed create some type of contrast.

Please post three images. Your contrast can be the same in all three, or it can be different, but I want to see your creativity with the use of Point of View and make sure you use the Less is More principle by having nothing but the story in the picture.

Part Two: The Decisive Moment

The Decisive Moment is that moment (rare moment) in which the composition of a photo and the message or emotion of the scene reach an apex. We can achieve that moment through 1. Intentional Interaction or 2. Patience. Waiting. Anticipation.

This exercise is meant to help us slow down and be intentional with our work. Whether or not we actually capture that fleeting moment is not as important to me for this assignment as the idea of developing a habit of pausing and being very intentional about when we actually click the shutter release button. I want us to learn to be really really picky!

For this exercise you only get three shots! Yep! Pick them wisely! Shoot something meaningful to you that you love. But you only get three shots. How does this limitation help you consider composition, point of view, framing, and of course, the timing of your image more than the ability to continuously fire?

Please post your ONE favorite of the three shots.

These assignments are challenging. I am enjoying the challenges. Each week, I feel my photography is improving. I plan to continue to practice these assignments once class is over. It is important to me that my images can tell a story.

Part 1: Conceptual Contrast

My husband and I took our kids camping for the first time this weekend. It was exhausting even though we only stayed for one night. But it was so worth it because my 6 year old kept saying, "This is my favorite day ever!"

Restriction vs. Freedom ISO: 400 | 1/200 sec. | f/11 | 55-250mm

* Brooke's Review: Nice use of depth of field- you have the focus on the fence and you can tell that even with the slightly blurry background, you can tell that there are mountains back there. The low perspective you shot from is excellent because it is not always an angle that people see things from. You also used the less is more principle as well - you've narrowed things down into the photo - you also positioned the fence post near the edge and you have nice thick leading lines that lead your eye right to the fence post. So the composition of the image as for as line and design work out well.

Soft vs. Rough ISO: 400 | 1/80 sec. | f/11.0 | 55-250 mm

*Brooke's Review: Depth of field is really lovely here and it emphasizes what you are going for - the grass actually appears softer than it really is because of the high focus on the thistles. Less is more is in your favor also - there is nothing distracting in the image and you were able to narrow it down to just the important parts of the image.

My husband LOVES camping and as for me, I'll tolerate it, but it's not really my thing. But I did enjoy the view of the valley from the campsite.

Happy vs. Sad ISO: 400 | 1/40 sec. | f/5.0 | 18-55mm

*Brooke's Review: Super creative! I love how you chose to show the contrast of how you don't like camping and your husband does. The use of all the different food elements is just super creative. The clean and simple background and it helps to draw our attention into the subjects.

Part 2: Decisive Moment

It sure is hard to get a three year old to hold still. To get this shot, I told my boy to practice his frog jumping.

ISO: 400 | 1/320 sec. | f/5.0 | 55-250mm

* Brooke's Review: If you are successful in capturing decisive moment shots with a 3 year old, that you can capture decisive moments of anybody! This is a great exercise in teaching us patience and also helps us notice our interaction with our subject in order to get that decisive shot. I love how you pointed out here that you told your son to practice his frog jumping - you gave him something to do - his interaction elicits great expressions for decisive moments - it's not just him following instructions, he has a task to do which results in different expressions rather than the conditioned smile. I love the point of view because you are down low and on his level. You've got a nice clean background and have used the less is more principle too. You have successfully captured a decisive moment. The expression on his face tells us that something is about to happen, but we aren't sure what will happen.

Cold Feet

2011-06-03T12:49:00.000-06:00

You want to do what?!

Oh, you want to take me for a stroll around the block.

I love getting out of the house.

My nose is cold.

Oh, Mom... you forgot something!

You forgot my socks! My feet are freezing!

Lifestyle: Telling The Story - Week 2

2011-05-31T00:06:00.003-06:00

Week 2 Assignment

Part One: Point of View

I want you to shoot something/someone you love to photograph and take your best shot.

Now… look at that shot good and hard. Now, I want you to create 20 more images from a different Point of View. Come in super close, shoot with different lenses, lie down on the ground and shoot up, get an aerial perspective, shoot through something for framing, as many perspectives as you can find etc. etc. Take at least twenty shots.

When you are through with this exercise look at the images in comparison with your first shot. Are any of the other perspectives stronger? Do any of them tell a different story or different part of the story?

Please post your first shot (the initial reaction shot) and your 3 additional favorite perspectives.

Part Two: Less is More

This will be an exercise in reduction. I want you to photograph a scene (with or without people). Now break that scene down into as many smaller scenes as possible. Take at least twenty shots. Keep reducing until you can’t reduce any further.

How does the collection of the individual images communicate differently than the first initial shot?

Please post your first shot of the scene and 3 additional shots from the reduction exercise. (Telling the Story in three images… as described in the Less is More tutorial).

This was a tough week for me. I watched the tutorials twice and tried my best. I for sure need more practice in more fully executing these concepts.

Part 1: Point of View

ISO:400 | 1/200 sec. | f/6.3 | 18-55mm

* Brooke's Review: A pull back shot of someihing that you love. You've been able to really peel apart this playground to give us a new point of view.

ISO: 400 | 1/160 sec.| f/6.3 | 18-55mm

* Brooke's Review: You used depth of field well and have captured an angle that a child may see right has they are getting ready to sit down on the slide.

ISO: 400 | 1 200 sec. | f/6.3 | 18-55mm

* Brooke's Review: Nice abstract photo. Great sense of color and depth of field. The lighting is really nice and we just see a little bit of the playground. It works really well to feature the subject in the upper third of the frame.

ISO: 400 | 1/200 sec. | f/6.3 | 18-55mm

*Brooke's Review: The rope travels down from corner to corner. I feel the image could be stronger if you focused more on the round black plastic piece in the corner rather than the middle of the rope - that way the rope can serve as a stronger leading line and will have a stronger pull towards the round black piece.

Part 2: Less is More

ISO: 400 | 1/25 sec. | f/3.5 | 18-55mm

*Brooke's Review: Cute room! This a great pull back shot that shows off the setting.

ISO: 400 | 1/4 sec. | f/5.6 | 18-55mm

*Brooke's Review: Great use of depth of field.

ISO: 400 | 1/80 sec. | f/5.6 | 18-55mm

* Brooke's Review: Push the purple fabric piece out of the way so it does not distract the viewer from the awesome texture of the basket.

ISO: 400 | 1/25 sec. | f/5.6 | 18-55mm
* Brooke's Review: Love this shot. This is great hidden perspective you're shooting from. The light coming in from the window is just lovely.

The difference between detail shots and less is more: Detail shots- we only shoot one type of subject and
Less is more can have more than one subject in the image. The less is more principle derives from the idea that we shouldn't have anything in the photo that doesn't help to tell the story and also that we can tell littler stories by sometimes peeling things away. Detail shots are a subunit of less is more shots... as much peeled away as you can possible get. Less is more is finding sub scene from a larger context.

Patio Art

2011-05-30T22:37:00.002-06:00

Lifestyle Telling The Story - Week 1

2011-05-23T20:07:00.021-06:00

Currently, I am a student in a online class, Lifestyle Telling the Story. One of my favorite photographers, Brooke Snow, is the instructor. I took Brooke Snow's Photo Basics class at her lovely home last summer. I loved how she simplified the concepts and how everyone in class cheered each other on in our progress.

I expect nothing less with this class. I am thrilled to be learning how to tell a story with the images I take. Just from the class tutorials I watched this last week, I learned a few tips to consider in taking more creative shots.

Week 1 Assignment

Part One: Character/Details

With the concept of a shot list in mind, pick a “character” you would like to document. Write down what details you could photograph to tell their story, and photograph those details.
*For example, I could pick my son as my character and photograph his favorite books, toys, and his little cowboy boots. Be creative with your composition. You don’t have to actually have your character in these shots if you choose not to. Please post 3 character “details”.

Part Two: Character/Conflict

I want you to capture your character with the element of conflict. Think about using the idea of “environmental” photography to help tell who your character is. In essence, you want to capture your character either doing something, working at something, or in the midst of a visible emotion. Post 1-2 Character/Conflict images.

The character I chose to photograph is my three year old son. He is 100% pure boy, right down to his determination in completing random stunts. I discovered that I must act casual when photographing my son in order to get "the shots." He follows instructions pretty well, which was nice. When he randomly started jumping off of the front door stoop, I thought I could get a neat looking "jumping shot." I think I finally figured it out by the last shot. I cropped my last two images tighter to try and eliminate any distractions. Do you think I was successful? Please comment and let me know.

Part 1 - Character/Details

ISO: 400 | 1/800 sec. | f/5.6 | 18-55mm

* Brooke's Notes: Good job placing him in the sky, which makes it so there are no distractions in the background. This looks like a silhouette shot. If want to expose the photo more for him, you'll need to override your meter reading - your camera is seeing all of the bright light in the sky and you'll want to expose for that rather than for him. But if you're going for a silhouette, than you definitely have the outline happening her, although I think it would probably be a stronger image if you were to just bring up the exposure a bit so the viewer can see the expression on his face better.

ISO: 400 | 1/12500 sec. | f/5.6 | 18-55mm

* Brooke's Review: Try a different perspective/point of view - Incorporate leading lines from bench and brick wall by taking this shot standing in front of the wall and bench and have the subject turn and face the camera. The use of leading lines helps to draw the viewer's attention more strongly to where it needs to be and overall creates a stronger composition. Leading lines help to draw our attention to where it needs to be.

ISO: 400 | 1/640 sec. | f/5.6 | 18-55mm

* Brooke's Notes: It's good to have a simple background, like yours, so the viewer can

maintain his attention on the cute little feet.

Part 2: Character/Conflict

ISO: 400 | 1/640 sec. | f/5.6 | 18-55mm

* Brooke's Review: Your leading lines pull us into the subject. It works to have the doorway placed where it is in the frame so the viewer knows what he is jumping out of.

ISO: 400 | 1/640 sec. | f/5.6 | 18-55mm

* Brooke's Notes: I like this one even more, probably because the perspective is so much lower that it gives an increased drama to what is happening. Shooting lower also displays more of the height of his jump. Perspective is one of my favorite things and anytime we can choose a perspective that is different than the default of standing, we're automatically going to increase the power of our images.

Metering

2011-05-13T16:29:00.000-06:00

These two pictures were taken last night within seconds of each other. I took the first picture and realized that I should have metered for the sky (to make the sky look as dark blue as it truly was at the time.)

Before metering:

See the BIG difference metering makes?!

***Both of these pictures are SOOC (straight out of camera... no editing.)

After metering:

Then I walked around to my front porch and took these pictures. Again, I learned that I had to meter for the sky so that the sky will show it's true colors. ***All these pictures are SOOC too.

Before metering: After metering:

These sunset tree silhouette shots make me want to go try some silhouette shots with people in them!

Blooms

2011-05-13T16:02:00.001-06:00

Check out my Mother's Day flowers:

2011-05-13T13:33:00.000-06:00

Super High

2011-05-07T20:20:00.002-06:00

Tyler is always asking to be pushed "super high" on swings.

It's a big thrill for him.

Katie enjoys the swing too.

We haven't pushed her "super high" yet.

Country Boy

2011-05-07T19:47:00.000-06:00

Sunny, Partly Cloudy with Blue Skies...

2011-05-07T17:14:00.000-06:00

that's what the weather has been like here for the past week or so.

I'm not complaining! It's about time for spring!

There is still snow on the mountains though.

As long as the snow stays on the mountains and doesn't fall in my yard, I'll be happy.

Your Baby in Pictures - Eating

2011-04-29T14:28:00.002-06:00

This series of pictures is what I'd like to call

making a messy meal worth it... maybe

Her 1st bite ever of a real banana

What a happy little eater.

Uh oh! Maybe I spoke too soon?!

Okay... lets see if the Cheerios will cheer her up?

Nope :(

What's wrong sweetie pie?

Oh, you're tired!

I'm glad you ate.

Sorry eating made you so tired and sad.

Your Baby in Pictures

2011-04-11T14:49:00.001-06:00

I had no idea that 6-9 month old babies were so flexible.

Maybe Katie has a future in gymnastics?

Words of Wisdom

2011-04-06T16:29:00.002-06:00

"Sorrow looks back. Worry looks around. Faith looks up."

"One who smiles rather than rages is always the stronger."

"Bad taste is simply telling the truth before it should be said."

"No one should negotiate their dreams. Dreams must be free to fly high. No government, no legislature, has a right to limit your dreams. You should never agree to surrender your dreams".

-Jesse Jackson

"Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead." ~ Louisa May Alcott

"To achieve your goals and remain successful, you must be willing to step over the line and fully commit to change."  ~Tosca Reno 

"No one does everything perfectly all the time, although it may sometimes appear that others do when you're watching them from the outside. Success does not come from perfection; it comes from consistently moving in the right direction, which eventually brings you where you want to be, and that is something you really don't need to fear." ~Tosca Reno

"You can do anything, but not everything." ~David Allen

"If I were to be the heroine in my own story, what are the kinds of obstacles that I would choose to overcome?  Be brave."  ~Melody Ross

Details

2011-03-24T15:27:00.000-06:00

SOAR! Photography Exercise #2: Defining Details

2011-03-23T15:56:00.002-06:00

The SOAR Photography Exercise #2 is all about Defining Details.

So I drove a couple miles down the road to visit my grandma, Shirley Hallstrom.

See these hands... They have been through over 80 years of life. These hands have cared for and have blessed the lives of many many people. This woman married young and had 6 kids of her own by the age of 31. She has 26 grandchildren and over a dozen great grandchildren. She is one of those super friendly ladies that you just can't help but love. She loves people and serves others as much as possible. Can you believe she is still out working at the age of 80? She is a substitute teacher all over the valley.

Grandma wanted me to take a picture of the palms of her hands because they don't look as old as the other side.

Here is a picture collage that I made for her. His collage is filled with pictures of her posterity. My little family of five is lucky to live near Grandma. Everyone else lives several miles, and states away. So this collage is pretty special to her because when she looks at it, it makes her feel like she is surrounded by her entire family.

Grandma is a widow. Her sweetheart died 7 1/2 years ago. She misses him.

Here is an oil painting she created back in 1978. It was a gift to her husband, Don Hallstrom.

Grandma is a fabulous artist. She loves all forms of art, especially watercolor and oil painting. I have been told that my artistic side came from this amazing lady. One of her dreams is to write and illustrate children's literature. She would love to be a published author and illustrator. Writing poetry is one of Grandma's favorite things to do. She enjoys writing poems and collecting quotations. As a gift to family and friends, she likes to type up her poetry and favorite quotations, printing them off on colorful card stock paper, and writing a personalized love note on the back.

Tyler is my three year old. Those eyes of his, how his works his smirk, along with that with his adorable little voice, and you have the makings of a true trouble maker. This boy gets away with more than any other kid I know. And you don't have to tell me twice, as his mother, I am the biggest one to blame.

See that peanut butter trail? I wonder who could have done that?

Not me! I'm innocent!

Daddy get home soon!

To My Sweet Baby Girl:

2011-03-17T12:56:00.005-06:00

Y O U

are s o

l o v e d

You are M Y

sunshine

You are like

NO o t h e r

You are my

shining

s t a r

Enter THIS Giveaway!!!

2011-03-17T11:42:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite photographers is offering a spot in one of her workshops. Don't pass up this opprotunity to win a FREE spot in a workshop!

Come check out the Workshop Jungle Featured Review on Brooke Snow at www.WorkshopJungle.com and win yourself a FREE spot!!

The Joy of LOVE - Part 5

2011-03-17T11:28:00.000-06:00

Day 25- When You Love Them the Most

Sam works very hard for his family. I love how he's meticulously putting together this wooden swing set, making sure that it's safe for his kids.

Day 26- Bromance/ Best Friends

Brian loves to hang out with his best friend, Caleb.

Here they are enjoying one of their favorite drinks, hot chocolate.

Day 27- What They Say

That cry of is saying, "Mommy, can you make my gums stop hurting? My first tooth sure hurts!"

Day 28- The Future

This picture says it all. Brian sure looks up to his dad.

The Joy of LOVE - Part 4

2011-03-16T17:06:00.001-06:00

Day 19- When They're Gone

Tyler gets to watch whatever he wants on TV when Daddy and Brian are gone.
He can totally relax and kick his feet up.

Day 20- When They're Home

When everyone is home, my kids still make it outside to play. Sometimes, we're really relaxed and let the kids play in the rain. They more mud they can create, the better.

Day 21- Hands

The mouth behind those little hands is saying, "No more pictures, Mom!"

Day 22- Face: Portrait

Here's my man, Sam! I love him.

Day 23- Facebook

This was taken back in 2008 at Staci and Kyle's wedding. This was the best self portrait I could get of

me and my man. Looks like my little man made it in the picture too. Too bad he's squished between us.

Day 24- Where

Sam and I met almost 9 years ago. We first met in The Galley (BYU-Idaho's cafeteria.) My husband is a pretty quiet guy, so people are shocked to hear that he was the one who approached me and introduced himself. To read the whole detailed STORY about us, our time dating, engaged, and so on, click HERE. I'm glad we took a picture in front of the entrance over 2 years ago because that cafeteria no longer exists.

The Joy of LOVE - Part 3

2011-03-16T15:42:00.000-06:00

Day 13- Routine

After lunch, Tyler takes his blue sippy cup of milk in his left hand and his blue sailboat bag full of cars in his left hand and heads downstairs for some good 'ole tv time.

Day 14- Wedding Band/ Jewelery

Here's my pretty engagement/wedding ring. I don't have a wedding band anymore.

I lost it in the snow years ago. I'm still sad that my wedding band is gone.

Day 15- Kiss

Just givin' my girl a little smooch!

Day 16- Together

Tyler and I love to hang out. We have fun together.

Day 17- Staying In

When it's raining, we like to stay inside and watch kid shows on tv.

Tyler loves to take off the couch cushions for the occasion.

Day 18- Going Out

Katie and I went on a walk after dropping Tyler off at preschool.

These horses just so happened to be hanging out in the field as we walked by.

The Joy of LOVE - Part 2

2011-03-14T18:17:00.000-06:00

Day 7- Generations
Here are my kids with their Great Grandma Shirley (my grandma.)

Day 8- Love From the Heart

Tyler LOVES to eat! Here is his gift from the heart... an "empty" plate and proof that he sat there and finished his peanut butter bagel.

Day 9- Passions/ Hobbies

Tyler has this thing for cars... especially cars that can fit in his pocket like this one. He likes to line up the cars, crawl around with car in fist and "drive" them.

Day 10- Space
Here's my little princess enjoying her favorite space... her bedroom.

Day 11- Dreams

I bet he's dreaming of cars, trains, and airplanes.

Day 12- The Eyes
Anyone else out there jealous of my boy's lusciously long lashes?!
How come boys seem to end up with the long lashes?

SOAR! Photography Exercise #1: Doing the Deeper Work

2011-03-11T10:21:00.000-07:00

The SOAR Photography Exercise #1 is about doing the deeper work. Here's what Me Ra Koh instructed us to do: "The first SOAR! Photography Exercise is a Self Portrait Photography Exercise. You will take TWO Self Portraits. One image will have you in the photo. The second one will be an object that symbolizes you. Both Self Portraits are meant to document where you are in your journey of life. When you think about this present season of life–this monumental moment in your journey of being committed to SOAR!, being on your way to become a successful photographer…How do you feel? Are you excited, afraid, alone? What colors are you wearing? If we saw your true insides, what would they look like right now? What object would symbolize this time in life? What angle would you shoot it from and why?"
_______________________________________________________________________________

Here I am. I applied for the SOAR! Scholarship for the past two years. I was not chosen as a SOAR Scholarship recipient. Last year, I followed the SOAR! Blog and was totally jealous of the three women that won. I wished I was in their shoes, working hard, going to workshops, doing photo shoots, getting business coaching, building their photography business. I did a couple of the SOAR! exercises but then my excitement for completing the SOAR assignments fizzled out once my baby girl was born in May. Taking care of my family of five is so much work. I knew that taking care of my family was the most important thing to do at that time. But 2011 is a new year. A year for SOARing. My baby is more independent now, my oldest child is in all day kindergarten, and my 3 year old is so photogenic. Good things come to those who wait, right?! I am completely on board to challenge myself, to study, to retain the information I learn about the technicalities of my camera, and to come to know myself and how I want to run my photography business.

So, this year I am studying as hard as I can. I am facing challenges head on and that is why I chose to shoot this image head on. I feel excited. I feel energized. I tend to wear brighter colors now. I feel my personality creeping in to the way that I photograph and how I interact with others. I am proud of myself and all of the leaps I have made already. I feel more patient, more fun to be around, and more confident. On top of all of that, I have big plans for this year. Do you want to know what my plans are? Well sheesh! Do you thing I'm going to tell you everything right now? No way. You'll have to follow along. I'll be sure to post my progress on this very blog. Join me. Encourage me. I love comments!

Here is the object that symbolizes me at this time in my life:

A sponge. It's not just any sponge, but a sponge so full of soap and water that there is a continuous stream of water coming out. I think of the sponge as my brain and the water as the information I have learned over the course of my life. I have soaked up so much information, especially on the subject of photography, that the information is now spilling out in forms of success. I have placed photography as a high priority in my life. I have studied different aspects of photography and now feel all the studying is paying off. I am starting to feel more confident behind the camera and that I can work on getting more creative shots instead of worrying about the technical side of photography. The soap represents an eraser, to erase the unnecessary things cluttering up my thoughts, my energy, and my enthusiasm. I am working on creating a daily routine that will allow me to be more productive. I want to have a daily two hour block that I dedicate to photography. When that two hour block is clearly defined, it will allow me to see that two hour block as sacred and to not allow other aspects of my life to interrupt that time. I'm also filling my life with my favorite things. I'm taking note of how I feel after certain activities, television shows, even how my surroundings affect my thoughts and attitude. And I am taking mental notes of how the relationships I have with others can be improved. The soap reminds me to prioritize my life.

Please let me know what you think of my first assignment. Comments are greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Words of Wisdom - The {21} Challenge Edition

2011-03-09T14:17:00.000-07:00

"Enjoy the process."

"The journey of a thousand miles
begins with a single step."

~ Lao-Tzu

"Don't let the fear of failure discourage you.
You are a power for good.
You will make the world a better place."
~ Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"We may be very busy, we may be very efficient,
but we will also be truly effective
only when we begin with the end in mind."
~ Stephen R. Covey

The man who has no imagination has no wings." ~ Mohammad Ali

"Love the moment and the energy
of that moment will spread beyond all boundaries."
~Cortta Kent

"Action

is the foundational

key to all success."

~ Pablo Picasso

"Develop success from failures.

Discouragement and failure are two

of the surest stepping stones to success."

~ Dale Carnegie

"To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong."

~Joseph Chilton Pearce

"Flaming enthusiasm is the quality
that most frequently makes for success."

~Dale Carnegie

"Live out of your imagination not your history."

~ Stephen R. Covey

"In order to succeed your desire for success

should be greater than your fear of failure."

~ Bill Cosby

" Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman,

before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish into air."

~ John Quincy Adams

"Success is dependent on effort."
~Sophocles

"Do not dwell in the past,
do not dream of the future,
concentrate the mind on the present."

~ Buddha

"It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan."

~Eleanor Roosevelt

" The greatest discovery of my generation is that

a human being can alter his life by
altering his attitudes of mind."

~ William James

"Strong reasons make strong actions."

~ Shakespeare

'Energy and persistence conquer all things."

~ Benjamin Franklin

"One must not lose desires.

They are mighty stimulants to creativeness,
to love and to long life."

~ Alexander A. Bogomoletz

"If you think you can win you can win.
Faith is necessary to victory."

~ William Hazlill

"If you believe in yourself
and have dedication and pride and never quit,
you'll be a winner.

The price of victory is high but so are the rewards."

~ Paul Bryant

Words of Wisdom

2011-03-09T13:56:00.000-07:00

"I can do hard things."

"Change is good."

"I've got the power."

"When your choices are in alignment with your vision, your values, and your soul’s purpose, they contribute to your power.
The more that you bring your choices into alignment with your values and your soul, the more power you will have." -- Hiro Boga

“Doubt is a signal of the creative process. It is a signal that you are doing something right–not that you are doing something wrong or crazy or stupid. The sickening chasm of fear that doubt triggers to yawn… is not a huge abyss into which you are going to tumble, spiraling downward like you are falling through the circles of hell. No, doubt is most often a signal you are doing something and doing it right.”

-Julia Cameron

"Life is hard, but life is simple. Get on the path and never, ever give up. You never give up. You just keep on going. You don't quit, and you will make it. There is only one way to happiness and fullfillment. Jesus Christ is the Way. Every other way, any other way, whatever other way is foolishness."

- Elder Lawrence E. Corbridge

The {21} Words

2011-03-09T13:42:00.000-07:00

Journey

P o w e r

Effective

Imagination

Energy

A c t i o n

Develop

Creative

Enthusiasm

L i v e

Desire

Magical

Effort

Concentrate

W i s h

Attitudes

S t r o n g

Conquer

Mighty

Faith

V i c t o r y

Me

2011-03-09T09:16:00.000-07:00

Amy Rhodes snapped these photos of me at The Garden Party.

My Favorite Photo Tips from Me Ra Koh's website

2011-03-07T13:53:00.001-07:00

1. Blur the Background with the Right Camera Settings: (taken from The Nate Berkus Show website)
a. Point-and-Shoot: If you are using a Point-and-Shoot, set your camera to the shooting mode where there is a woman’s head (Portrait mode). This will automatically change your camera settings so that when you focus on your subjects, the background will blur behind them.
b. DSLR: With a DSLR, you get more freedom in manipulating your camera settings. Set your camera in A mode (or Aperture Priority/AV mode), and roll your dial until you get the lowest f-stop your lens can give. The lower your f-stop the more buttery, blurred your background is. I love buttery, blurry backgrounds because it puts all our attention on the subjects. It’s especially helpful when you are shooting in a kitchen. With a blurred background, it doesn’t matter if there is a stove and fridge behind your family, like the Chromolux family photo that you saw on the show!

2. Black and White or Color?
Nowadays: I love how black and white draws attention to the emotion or a single expression. Everything else in the world fades away, and all we see is that little guy’s eyes.

Words of Wisdom - Feminine Wisdom Edition

2011-03-07T13:14:00.008-07:00

I Will Not Die an Unlived Life

I will not die an unlived life,

I will not live in fear

of falling or catching fire.

I choose to inhabit my days,

to allow my living to open me,

to make me less afraid, more accessible;

To loosen my heart

until it becomes a wing,

a torch, a promise.

I choose to risk my significance,

to live so that which came to me as seed

goes to the next as blossom,

and that which came to me as blossom,

Goes on as fruit.

-Dawna Markova, I Will Not Die an Unlived Life

"The moment a woman comes home to herself, the moment she knows she has become a person of influence, an artist of her life, a sculptor of her universe, a person with rights and responsibilities who is respected and recognized, the resurrection of the world begins."  ~ Sister Chittister

"Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand - and melting like a snowflake." ~ Marie Beynon Ray

"As long as we recognize the power within us, we will continue to have choices, and we will continue to lead. The source of that power can be the other people who guide us. It can come from the knowledge that courageous women throughout history paved the way for us. It can come from our roots an our families, which give us the strength. And it must come from within ourselves - from our faith, our accomplishments and our values. Know your power. When you do, others will know your power too."

~ Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House, USA

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."  ~Eleanor Roosevelt

"Compassionate action starts with seeing yourself when you start to make yourself right and when you start to make yourself wrong. At that point you could just contemplate the fact that there is a larger alternative to wither of those, a more tender, shaky kind of place you should live." ~ Pema Chodron

"What do friendships mean for women? A landmark UCLA study suggests friendship between women help us manage stress. They soother inner ups and downs, fill emotional gaps, and help us navigate difficult times.... and they do even more.

The scientists have found that time with our friends can remedy the kind of stress many of us experience on a daily basis. This study suggests that women respond to stress with a cascade of brain chemicals that cause us to make and maintain friendships with other women. It's a stunning find that has turned five decades of stress research upside down - most of it on men and their fight or flight reaction to stress. So reach out to your women friends!" (Contact us at info@thewisdomconnection.com for a link to the full study.)

"There is a goodness, a Wisdom that arises, sometimes fitfully, sometimes gently, sometimes awkwardly, sometimes fiercely, but it will arise to save us if we let it, and it arises from within us, like the force that drives green shoots to break the winter ground, it will arise and drive us into a great blossoming into the aliveness of it all, into that part of ourselves that can never be defiled, defeated, or destroyed, but that comes back to life, time and time again, that lives - always - that does not die." ~ China Galland, The Bond Between Women: A Journey to Fierce Compassion.

"It is amazing how fast doors open to us 

when we dare to take control."

~ Catherine Ponder

"I learned that inspiration does not always come like a bolt, nor is it kinetic, energetic, striving, but it comes into us slowly and quietly and all the time."

~ Brenda Ueland

"In this fast changing world, the pathways to success and fulfillment will rely on web-based networking, non-linear thinking, relationship-based approaches, and intuitive knowing - all fundamental parts of feminine wisdom. Imagine what might be possible when our wise feminine leadership is unleashed."

~ Karen Buckley and Fay Freed

"There cannot be too many glorious women." ~ Marianne Williams

"Crucial to finding the way is this: there is no beginning or end.

You must make your own map." ~ Joy Harj

"Our planet is in desperate need of women who love themselves. Women who use their time, energy, and resources to design life-affirming solutions for the challenges confronting humankind. Women who give birth to relationships of equality, strategies of peace, institutions of justice, and households of compassion."

~ Patricia Lynn Reilly

"When I dare to be powerful - to use my strength

in the service of my vision,

then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid."

~ Audre Lorde

Private Garden Party with Me Ra Koh

2011-03-05T00:44:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago, I found out that I was invited to a very special event: Me Ra Koh's Private Garden Party. If you know me, you know that I LOVE a party, I LOVE photography, and I LOVE Me Ra Koh!

Side note: For those of you who don't know who Me Ra Koh is, check out this link. Me Ra Koh is a celebrity photographer, a published author (I just pre ordered her latest book, "Your Baby in Pictures,") and she is a correspondent on The Nate Berkus Show who shoots photos live on the show. She gives great tips. Also Me Ra Koh and her husband came up with the idea for the SOAR! Scholarship.

Those invited to the party had to be a previous SOAR! Scholarship Applicant (like me), a SOAR! blog follower, a previous CONFIDENCE workshop attendee, or other women photographers (pro or beginners) who want to get into a group of supportive women. The first 65 ladies to sign up to this FREE event were in!

When I first saw this invitation on her blog and realized that I was invited, I just knew I had to find a way to be at the party. As I read more details, I could feel the wheels turning in my head and my smile getting bigger. My brain was thinking, "Las Vegas?! I've never been to Las Vegas. I want to go check out that city. Yes! Jenny lives in Las Vegas. Right after Presidents Weekend?! Sweet, Brian already has a few days off of school and I'm sure Sam could take a couple days off of work. Hmmm... I better go call Jenny and see if she'd be up for my family coming for a visit." So Jenny tells me that she'd love to have us come visit. We had so many details of the trip all planned out before Sam even got home from work and I could mention this wonderful, can't-pass-up opportunity. Sam had to "think about it" for a couple of days. On Valentine's Day, he informed me that he'd be able to take off work and that we could go to Las Vegas. YIPPIE!!!

MGM Grand Hotel Valet Parking

The big day came. I'd been corresponding with one of my SOAR Sisters, Lynde Alvarez, over email a couple of days before the party. We decided that we would meet up at the MGM Grand Hotel and wait for the limo shuttle together. I drove myself to the MGM Grand Hotel and met Lynde. It was our first time meeting each other and I'm glad that she let me tag along with her. She led me to the WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photographers International) Trade Show (I had a free pass for the Trade Show) and we walked around for ten minutes before going out to wait for the limo shuttle.

There was a great vibe going on just waiting for our ride to the party. I enjoyed putting names with faces (several of the ladies I recognized from their profile pictures on the Soar Sisters Facebook page.) I met Julie Watts (inventor of the brand new Photo Pantz... genius idea) Melisa Draper, Jennifer Sharon, Rhonda Kane, Christine Barker, and Amy Rhodes. Oh, and on the bus, I sat nest to and chatted with the Vice President of Rangefinder Magazine, Lauren Wendle.

Our ride to the Garden Party - THE Limo Shuttle

The Garden Party was so fabulous. Good food. Great inspiring speakers. I especially enjoyed what Lynda Kennedy had to say. All the women in attendance got a few gifts too. I'm excited to claim my prize soon. I wish this afternoon could have lasted longer. I had fun getting acquainted with other women photographers.

photo courtesy of Rhonda Kane

Me & Amy Rhodes

Metering the light off my hand

photo courtesy of Rhonda Kane

Photo taken by ME!

The picture above is my favorite picture I took during Me Ra Koh's photo coaching session.

Dane Sanders, a famous photographer and author, was also in attendance.

He did some photo coaching as well.

Me & Me Ra Koh

The highlight of the Garden Party was meeting the host, Me Ra Koh! A week before the party, I participated in a free teleconference call with my Soar Sisters, the women of The Wisdom Connection business coaching services, and Me Ra Koh. I answered three questions on the teleconference and Me Ra remembered who I was! I told her my name and she just smiled and said, "Oh Lisa! So great to finally meet you!" We gave each other a quick hug and my new friend, Amy snapped this picture really quick.

The two hour party went by so fast. I decided to wander around the WPPI Trade Show for another 30 minutes before heading back to Jenny's. I picked up some free tote bags and magazines. I stopped at a photo booth for a minute because there was a presentation going on. The 50ish year old man doing the presentation called me out of the crowd to help him demonstrate some bride and groom modeling poses... talk about awkward.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Las Vegas. I love spontaneous road trips! I love hanging out with family and meeting new friends that share my passion of photography. A special thank you goes out to my husband for doing all the driving to and from Las Vegas.

Words of Wisdom

2011-02-26T19:57:00.000-07:00

"Powerful candids are by definition revealing. They give us hints about inner workings but leave room for imagination about who the subject is and how they are motivated."
-Robert McNeely, White House Photographer

"The only way to get through to the place of confidence is to walk through the curtain." - MeRa Koh

"If you really want to do something, you will find a way.  If you don't you'll find an excuse." 

SOAR! Teleconference with Me Ra and The Wisdom Connection

2011-02-25T23:02:00.001-07:00

Here are my notes from the Teleconference that was back on February 18th:

SET BOUNDARIES - Don't surf the internet after 10PM looking at other photography blogs. It makes you feel discouraged.

THE FIRST STEP. Each woman that submitted a SOAR! application video came out of the dark and let the world know of their dream... to have a photography business of their own.

The SECOND STEP. Don't put all of your effort in building your photography business into the wee hours of the night. Let your kids see the ups and downs of you building your dreams. God is going to give you a vision of your dream. Hard days come. Don't second guess yourself. Believe and tell your kids what your dream is. An idea is to hire a babysitter for 4 hours a week twice a week. There is no shame in that.

ME RA's ASSIGNMENT: Write a paragraph that answers the question: What does it mean to shoot like a woman/ approach the camera like a woman? Email your answers to mera@merakoh.com

Here's what I wrote for Me Ra's assignment:

"As a woman, my mind seems to be racing of all the things I have to accomplish in my day. So when I want to stop and take a photo, I pick up my camera and my mind switches gears to thinking:

-Where is the light coming from?

- I then change the white balance.

- I meter off my hand.

- I take the picture quick before I loose "the moment."

- I cross my fingers hoping that the pictured turned out.

It gets overwhelming to remember what is most important in taking a photo. I want to get to the point where I've mastered the camera settings, especially manual mode, and that I can work on getting more creative photos." - Lisa Ward

* Side note: Follow the SOAR! blog and leave the 3 Soar Scholarship Recipients comments on the blog.

Wendy Zippwald is the SOAR! Coordinator and a photographer. Check out Wendy's photography website/blog.

SOAR! Weekly Events on the Soarority Forum
These events are meant to empower and encourage women.

Ask and Learn with a Professional Photographer- 1st Thursday of every month from 6-8pm MST.
* You can email Wendy Zippwald if you'd like to suggest a photographer. wendy@merakoh.com

Images for Inspiration- 2nd Week of Each Month. We will have a new category for you to post images to inspire others. If you can, please include your photo recipe, including ISO, Shutter Speed, Aperture, and Lens used.

Ask and Learn with a Previous SOAR! Applicant or Confidence Workshop Attendee- 3rd Thursday of every month from 6-8pm MST.

Monthly Photography Exercise- Due the last Tuesday of Every Month. This is where you will post your monthly SOAR! photography exercise results. (The exercise that the SOAR! Recipients do during the second week on the SOAR! blog.) Two to Three will be Critiqued by Pros!

Christine Baker created an very detailed video on the Soarority Forum that tells how to navigate the forum.

Notes from Karen Buckley of The Wisdom Connection:

TIME TO REFLECT. Notice your breath. Look out to December 31, 2011. Imagine your heart feeling full and satisfied because you fulfilled your business dream. Here are some questions I'd like you to answer: (I pushed 1 on my phone to "raise my hand" and answer the questions out loud on the teleconference. It was fun to share my answers. My answers are italicized below.)

#1 What is one step you can take this year towards your business dream? I am planning on taking Brooke Snow's Advanced Pro Photography online class this year... most likely in the fall.

#2 What is one way I can hold myself back this year? I can hold myself back this year by continuing to view other photography blogs late at night. I get somewhat discouraged at looking at other's professional photographs, but I try to stay positive and realize that I too can capture great photos with more practice and more education in photography.

#3 What is one phrase that you can say to yourself to help you stay encouraged this year? I've been reading Julia Cameron's book, "The Artist Way." In the book, my favorite affirmation that I read and will now say to encourage myself this year is: "As I create, I will be led."

Words of Wisdom

2011-02-16T12:48:00.000-07:00

“For most photographers, placing someone in front of something whether an icon or simply some exterior, unconsidered location is their idea of a portrait etc. This is not mine. The purpose of this picture, and many other of my images, is to know how to fit people into their environment, rather than haphazardly placing them in front of it. Having the figures within the space rather than in front of it, makes all the difference." - Mr. Smith

Goals  are the first step to business success. Jim Rohn believes that "If you  go to work on your goals, your goals will go to work on you. If you go  to work on your plan, your plan will go to work on you. Whatever good  things we build end up building us."

 - Albert Einstein 

The Joy of LOVE

2011-02-11T21:46:00.001-07:00

I'm enjoying the free online photography class, The Joy of Love. The instructor of this class has been sending the students an email every day. The email has a topic for us to photograph. We are to photograph the ones we love. You'll notice that I have the most pictures of Tyler. It's not that I love Tyler more than the other members of my family, it just so happens that Tyler is the one I'm around the most during the day and he is the most willing person for me to photograph. Here are my results so far:

Day 1: What They Do

Tyler LOVES eating plain bagels covered with a thin layer of creamy peanut butter.

Day 2: How They Look

This is Tyler's look of LOVE... messy hair, chapped lips, and all.

Day 3: Then & Now

Can you tell this is the same boy? I sure can.

Day 4: What They Wear

Tyler got these camouflage boots for Christmas and wears them almost everywhere.

Day 5: Love to Hate
I'm glad Brian has socks to wear. I just wish he'd find matching pairs of socks to wear instead of his mismatched huge socks.

Day 6: Who They Love
My boys LOVE hanging out with their dad. They especially love eating breakfast together.
The boys usually run to the door to greet their daddy after he's had a long day at work.
(Brian is covering his eyes because he was tired of me taking pictures.)

More photos to come soon!

FREE CLASS - The Joy of Love

2011-01-30T14:34:00.000-07:00

Join me in this free photography class.
Class starts tomorrow.
Click HERE to find out more and to sign up:

The SOAR! Scholarship

2011-01-20T12:14:00.003-07:00

The SOAR! Scholarship is awarded to three women that are each aspiring to start up their own photography business. The recipients receive tons of prizes including: a new DSLR camera, lenses, instructional DVDs, business coaching, Confidence workshop attendance, website and logo design, and MORE! The recipients also BLOG once a week to journal about the assignments they are given and the progress they have made. I applied last year and got turned down, so I applied for the SOAR! Scholarship again this year. I spent a long time coming up with what to say in my video portion of the application. I wrote down ideas and ran them by Sam and my little sister, Laura. Laura helped me to come up with what details I should include in the video:

Click here to see my SOAR! Scholarship application video.

In addition to the video, I also had to fill out an online application. I was proud of myself once I submitted my application and for recording my video all by myself too. I applied the week before Christmas and have had a heck of a time waiting to see who the three lucky ladies were going to be. I had my fingers and toes crossed that I'd be one of the lucky ones. So yeah, last Friday, I found out that I did NOT win the scholarship. Was I disappointed? For sure. Did I cry? Just for a couple minutes. What did I do to help myself get over it? I dubbed that day "Pajama Day" and allowed myself to relax. I worked on some crafts, played with my kids, oh and went out (in my jammies, boots, and baseball cap) to rent the movie, "Despicable Me." We had leftovers for dinner and I vegged on my couch. I even made a few new friends on Facebook from the Soar Sisters page. So, I gave myself that day to sulk and feel sorry for myself. Now, I'm over it.

I've decided that even though I didn't win the SOAR! Scholarship, I'm not going to let it bring me down. I am still going to get the most out of the resources that I already have. I plan on following the SOAR! Blog. I will challenge myself by doing the same assignments the recipients receive. I will blog my results on my photography blog. I will ask questions. I will learn to be more confident in myself, my camera skills, and my ability to start up my own photography business.

I want to grow as much as possible this year. Now I'm not talkin' about me growing up (a.k.a. getting taller) because we all know that ain't happenin'. I'm talking about growing into a better person. A more healthy and happy person. A person who has tested her limits and is able to get out of her comfort zone. A person who is curious and will not let criticism from others bring her down. A person who sets goals and reaches them. A person who loves her husband, family, and friends, a most importantly, loves herself.

I keep getting the song, "Just The Way You Are" stuck in my head. There's a few things that I'd like to change about myself, but for the most part, I love myself just.the.way.i.am.

A wise man once said, "BLOOM where you are planted." That is exactly what I want to do this year: BLOOM. I've decided that is the word I want to focus on. I even made these crafty wooden "BLOOM blocks" with some friends last weekend. Each set of blocks turned out differently, but they were all beautiful. Here's how my blocks turned out. I have them proudly displayed on the window sill above the sink in my kitchen.

Here's to the start of a year of BLOOMING and SOARING!

Look Thinner in Pictures!

2011-01-15T11:55:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Me Ra Koh and The Nate Berkus Show, I now know some tips I can utilize in my own photography in how to make people look thinner in pictures. Here are the tips taken directly from The Nate Berkus Show website:

Get secret tips on how to look thinner in photographs from professional photographer Me Ra Koh.

They say the camera adds 10 pounds so who doesn't want some secret tips from a professional photographer on how to look thinner in pictures? Me Ra Koh was on The Nate Show to show Nate and the entire studio audience some great tricks to posing for pictures.
1. Scooch the bum. If you are seated for the photo, don't sit back and cross your legs. That's a sure fire way to have your thighs front and center while your head seems oddly small. Instead, scooch up to the edge of the seat and lean in to the picture.
2. Angle your shoulders. To give your body perspective when standing, angle your shoulders. Put your weight on your forward foot, and engage with the camera by leaning a little forward. You'll naturally elongate your neck avoiding those unfortunate double chin pictures.
3. Get a little bossy! Make sure the person taking the picture gets some height. Don't let them shoot you on an even angle. Get them up on a curb or a step to give a bit of a downward angle on the shot. It's your picture after all, make sure you look your best.
4. Lean In. If your having a family photo taken, have everyone stand at an angle, and then lean into each other. Exaggerate the leaning which will feel odd but show warmth in your photo. The more you lean in to the person beside you, the warmer and leaner you look!
5. Avoid busy patterns. If you know you are going to have your picture taken, avoid busy patterns like plaids, stripes and logos. They tend to make your body shape look boxy. Instead, wear solid colors. Most of all, wear what you feel most beautiful in; it will show in the photo!
6. Avoid the same colors. If you are having a family photo done, mix up your colors and you will look smaller in size. For example, if you are all wearing white, it’s hard to tell where you end and the kids begin. (not what you want.)
Nate posed with an audience member to put Me Ra’s tips to the test. Check out their before picture:

And then this one, after they learned Me Ra’s ways to look thinner in pictures:

Me Ra Koh loves cameras, kids and parents, and spends her life bringing them together. Her work and Photo-Recipes have been featured on national television several times, including the The Oprah Winfrey Show. You will also be seeing Me Ra on The Nate Berkus Show this season! You can talk to Me Ra on her blog at www.merakoh.com

Kangas Family Photos

2011-01-12T20:06:00.005-07:00

On a snowy Saturday morning in December, I meet up with this family of seven. After scoping out the light inside and figuring out the proper camera settings, I went to work. Here's my friend, Jen and her girls looking oh so gorgeous:

And this girl is one of the cutest little first grade girls I know. My boys LOVE HER:

And here's my favorite pictures from that photo shoot:

I must say that this was my first time doing a photo shoot in the snow. I am pleased with how it turned out. Thank you to this family for being such good sports in the cold snowy weather!

Live, Laugh....

2010-12-23T19:08:00.001-07:00

"Live. Laugh. PHoToGRAPH." -The Larson Lingo

Candied Pretzels

2010-12-23T19:05:00.003-07:00

CANDIED PRETZELS are so yummy and so easy to make. Thanks for sharing the recipe, Marcie!

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees,
2. Lay out pretzels on a 9x13" pan,
3. Put one Hershey Hugs candy on top of each pretzel,
4. Put tray in the oven for 2 minutes,
5. Place an M&M candy on top of melted chocolate,
6. Place tray in the freezer for it to harden.

Brian @ 4 1/2 years old

2010-12-23T19:04:00.003-07:00

I took these pictures last October. Brian is wearing his play pants. The holes in the knees may look bad here, but they are much worse now. Boys will be boys!

Katie's Newborn Picture

2010-12-23T19:01:00.003-07:00

photo by: Lisa Ward

Katie is 2 weeks old in this photo. I took this picture in my dining room because this is the room in my house that gets the best light. I just moved the table and chairs over, threw this colorful rug of mine on the floor, gently placed Katie on the rug, and viola! I still want to attempt to get more pictures of her as a newborn, you know to showcase her tiny hands and feet. Wish me luck. I'm new at taking "professional" newborn photos.

Brian's New Hot Wheels

2010-12-23T18:59:00.003-07:00

We surprised our preschool graduate with a gift...

Brian absolutely loves his new bright green Hot Wheels bike and helmet! This bike is a big step up from the tricycle he'd been sharing with Tyler. (The tricycle is in the background of the pictures.) Brian is always asking for us to take him on walks so he can practice riding. It's fun to see him ride with his friends. He's becoming more confident in bike riding and before we know it, his training wheels will be off!

Happy Father's Day

2010-12-23T18:58:00.003-07:00

Photo by: Lisa Ward

"The greatest trust that can come to a MAN and a woman
is the placing in their keeping

the life of a little child."

-David O. McKay

Short Summer Rain

2010-12-23T18:54:00.002-07:00

Teach Me to Walk in the Light

2010-12-23T18:53:00.003-07:00

Teach me to walk in the light of his love;

Teach me to pray to my Father above;

Teach me to know of the things that are right;

Teach me, teach me to walk in the light.

Come, little child,

and together we’ll learn

Of his commandments, that
we may return

Home to his presence, to live
in his sight

Always, always to walk in the light.

Father in Heaven, we thank

thee this day

For loving guidance to
show us the way.

Grateful, we praise thee with
songs of delight!

Gladly, gladly we’ll walk
in the light.

Words and music: Clara W. McMaster, 1904–1997. © 1958 IRI. Copyright renewed 1986.
Obbligato by Darwin Wolford, b. 1936. © 1989 IRI
Children’s Songbook See also Hymns, no. 304
Isaiah 2:5 - O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the Lord.
Ephesians 5:8 - For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

I Am A Child of God

2010-12-23T18:51:00.002-07:00

I am a child of God,

And he has sent me here,

Has given me an earthly home

With parents kind and dear.

I am a child of God,

And so my needs are great;

Help me to understand his words

Before it grows too late.

I am a child of God.

Rich blessings are in store;

If I but learn to do his will,

I’ll live with him once more.

I am a child of God.

His promises are sure;

Celestial glory shall be mine

If I can but endure.

Lead me, guide me,

walk beside me,

Help me find the way.

Teach me all that I must do

To live with him someday.

See also Hymns (1985), no. 301, for a four-part arrangement in a higher key.

Psalm 82:6 - I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.

Mosiah 4:15 - But ye will teach them to walk in the ways of truth and soberness; ye will teach them to love one another, and to serve one another. D&C 14:7 - And, if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God.

Silly Sticky Sucker Face

2010-12-23T18:32:00.002-07:00

My boy won this huge lollipop at school! Go Brian!

FREE Canvas Print

2010-12-22T12:36:00.002-07:00

I thought others would be interested in this. Canvas prints are WAY nice and you'd pay well over $15 for an 8x10 print and a nice picture frame to put it in. Click HERE to find out more!

Holiday Card Photo Tips from Me Ra Koh

2010-12-03T17:05:00.001-07:00

Me Ra Koh was on The Nate Berkus Show today. She gave tips on creating family photos for holiday cards. Here's a link to the tips:

Shutterfly has AWESOME Holiday Cards!

2010-12-03T02:13:00.002-07:00

Dazzle And Shine Christmas 5x7 folded card

Shop Shutterfly for elegant custom Christmas photo cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

Amy + Nate = Married!

2010-10-23T16:12:00.002-06:00

My sister, Amy is a married woman now! She married her sweetheart in the Salt Lake Temple.

Brooke Snow's Advanced Pro Workshop Scholarship Application

2010-10-14T17:42:00.002-06:00

Ten years ago, I took my first photography class. The class was only 8 weeks long. I took so many pictures in that short amount of time. My teacher pulled me aside and told me that I had an "eye for photography." He suggested that I take more photography classes in the future.

Fast forward two and a half years. I was about to start my third year of college. I was looking for a new major. One summer day, I thought back on how much I enjoyed the photography class I took back in high school. I remembered the encouraging words of my teacher and decided to change my major from art to photography. Since my college days, I have taken a couple of photography classes and have done several photo shoots for family and friends.

I am passionate about photography. I love looking through a camera's viewfinder, composing a shot, and pressing the shutter button. Hand me a camera and in just a few seconds, I can freeze a moment in time. Now that is powerful! I love having that kind of power. Creating captivating visual memories for people is so important to me. I want people to feel that their lives are exciting and are worth recording. And I want people to trust me to capture their fleeting moments in photographs.

I would like to attend Brooke Snow's Advanced Pro Workshop because I'm craving more information and inspiration in my photography.

I think that The Advanced Pro Workshop would help me gather tips and tricks to use in my photo shoots. Also, I think that attending this workshop would teach me poses that will make my clients more comfortable in front of the camera. I want to feel totally confident when going into a photo shoot. The Advanced Pro Workshop is the perfect next step in my photographic journey.

Great Photography Tips

2010-09-18T10:45:00.002-06:00

Watch this: Photography Tips Video

Notes from BROOKE SNOW's Class

2010-08-31T09:40:00.002-06:00

I went to a class taught by a professional photographer, Brooke Snow. The class was titled: Ten Tiny Tips that will Dramatically Improve Your Photography. Here are the notes that I took from the class:

Beginning notes:

Establish a knowledge base of photography
   - master using your camera and understand the functions and the effects it has on the images
   - Read photography books
   - Take a photography class

Practice taking pictures and shoot intentionally!
   - slow down, even if you miss the moment you were trying to capture
   - shoot often

Train your eye
   - spot issues in your own work
   - rules should be learned and not broken
   - (my own note) look at other photographer's work and be able to explain why you like their images

The Importance of Photography
   - Happiness can increase by keeping happy memories vivid. Viewing your own photographs can flood the mind with happy memories of your life.

"What you record on earth is recorded in heaven."
     ~ Wilford Woodruff

"We should be a record keeping people. Record the story of your life."
      ~ Spencer W. Kimball

"Those who keep a personal journal are more likely to keep the Lord in remembrance in their daily lives."
      ~ Spencer W. Kimball

*** TEN TINY TIPS THAT WILL DRAMATICALLY IMPROVE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY

Tip #1: LEARN TO SEE THE FRAME

-Look through the viewfinder and scan your eyes around the frame (especially the edges) and ask yourself these questions:

What in included in your frame? What is excluded in your frame?

Watch for cut-offs.

Avoid cropping at joints.

It's more pleasing to the eye to:

- crop at the midpoint of an arm, leg, etc.

- crop the top of the head

- don't crop off the chin

Tip #2: WATCH FOR MERGERS AND DISTRACTIONS

- Look through the viewfinder and scan your eyes around the frame, looking for mergers and distractions at the background. Reposition yourself or the subject in your photograph if necessary.

- Take the picture right the first time so you don't have to spend as much time editing

Tip #3: CONSIDER THE RULE OF THIRDS

- heads centered in the middle of the frame generally are boring to look at.

- As you are looking through your viewfinder, divide your frame into thirds and place your subject at an intersecting point.

- When photographing a landscape, decide if you want to showcase the sky, the mountains, or the foreground and frame it accordingly as you shoot. If you want to showcase the sky, frame atleast two thirds of the sky in your viewfinder.

Tip #4: CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE

- be creative

- heavier people can look thinner if you shoot from above. (ex. have the person sit on a lower step than you and have them look back at the camera.)

- get a child's eye level when photographing children

- when you view a great professional photographer's work, ask yourself where the photographer was standing when he took the shot.

Tip #5: GET IN CLOSE

- take two steps closer once you set up your shots

- closer shots create more intimacy

Tip #6: REMEMBER DETAILS

- when shooting an event, remember the details of the occasion.

- photograph buildings, street signs, landscape, food, etc.

- detail shots help to tell the story of the event

- it's fun to look back at detail photographs of previous places you've lived

Tip #7: THINK LIKE A KID TO GET GOOD KID SHOTS

- shoot from a kids' perspective

- get down at their eye level

- for kids who don't follow a photographer's direction well, play games with them to help get true expressions (ex. "Simon Says" is a great game to get kids to cooperate)

- Imagine outloud with kids... get into their world. Expressions on kids' faces when using their imagination creates authentic moments.

- Involve kids when doing a photo shoot. Let them see their pictures once you take them or even let them take a picture or two themselves.

- sing

- don't overstimulate (if you need to start to whisper, sing, etc. to get kids to pay attention to you.)

-talk to kids... ask "find out" questions (ex. What's your favorite food? Who's your favorite princess?)

- allow them to relax and be themselves (suggestion: photograph in a kid friendly environment and allow kids to play as you photograph them.)

-have fun people behind you (suggestion: if you are at a kid's level (down low) and you want your fun people (like the parents) to help you, have them get down low with you.

Tip #8: GOOD POSING HELPS PEOPLE LOOK THEIR BEST

suggestions:

- put weight on back foot

- bend your leg closest to the camera (ladies bend leg closest to the camera when doing leg pops in kissing shots)

- keep your arms off your body (bend arm)

- sit on the edge of your seat (better posture and makes your thighs look thinner)

- if you have two of something, put them on different planes (ex. put one arm over someone's shoulder and one arm on your hip)

- to reduce seeing a double chin, have person lean forward or the photographer can shoot from person

-avoid full front posing (widest view of a person)

-group shots - put heads in closer together and connect through touch

Tip #9: CHOOSE LIGHT FIRST, LOCATION SECOND

Finding the light:

- watch for dapples on the ground (patchy sunspots in the shadows on the ground)

- look for open shade (even light)

- shoot with the sun behind the subject

- look for natural reflectors (cement, white walls)

- window light adds shadows, drama, dimension, and provides catch lights in the eyes

- Become a student of light by studying images and see the characteristics of light. Ask yourself: Where is the light coming from in this image?

Tip #10: BE A GOOD EDITOR

- if you want people to think your a fantastic photographer, only show your best work

- use the proper camera setting to take the picture right the first time so you don't have to spend so long editing your images

2010-08-26T09:14:00.001-06:00

I took one 8 week photography class my senior year of high school and three photography classes in college. I must say that I learned more useful information in the class I just completed, Photo Basics - Master Your Camera, than I did in all the other classes I've taken in the past. In the other classes I've taken, the teachers did not ask or make sure that all of the students really felt in control of their camera. They taught more of the characteristics of great photographic composition and how to develop film in the darkroom. I enjoyed learning this information but felt that alot of my images were captured out of pure luck. Now, I must say that I'm finally beginning the master of my camera. I finally understand the basics of the photographic triangle: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. I also learned more about natural lighting and ways to solve lighting issues. I can't believe that it has taken me so long to learn this! Here are the images I took for my homework and shared with the rest of my class:

"Who Cares?" Aperture

Storytelling Aperture

Singular-Theme Aperture

Implied Motion

Frozen Motion (see the blue frisbee flying in the air?)

Panning (I bribed Tyler with M&Ms to get him to run on the sidewalk for me.)

Lines

Simplicity

Pattern (This is my 3 month old, Katie.)

By knowing what settings to use to achieve the look you're going for in an image, the less time you'll have to spend editing.

* For more information on the class that I took, click here.

Amy + Nate = Engaged!

2010-08-20T10:51:00.007-06:00

This is my beautiful sister, Amy and her fiance, Nate. They are getting married on October 9, 2010 in the Salt Lake Temple. We had lots of fun taking pictures. These two are so in love and aren't afraid to show it. Congrats, you two!

Design & Color

2010-07-19T09:38:00.002-06:00

These are random pictures I took in my house. Can you tell I love red?!

Zion National Park - July 2007

2010-07-03T18:44:00.001-06:00

Katie's 1 Month Glamor Shots taken by ME!

2010-06-29T21:41:00.005-06:00

I haven't been back to church yet since Katie was born. This last Sunday while everyone else was at church, I got trigger happy taking photos. My photographer friend, Kristin Brown, gave me some tips on newborn photography. I set up my "studio" on our guest bed conveniently positioned right under a window. I used the light from the window to get these photos. For my first attempt taking studio-like newborn photos, I was pleased with how they turned out. Katie was SO good for me. Here are some of my favorites:

Attention MOM Photographers:

2010-05-05T19:52:00.000-06:00

Mom*Tog blog is giving away an UNmanual. Instead of suffering through hours of tediously going through the manual your camera came with, why not learn the same things in less time?! The UNmanual is concise and is written in plain English. Forget all the charts and fancy words that make you frustrated and want to give up learning the camera. Click here and enter to win!

Sarah - 2 1/2 Months

2010-04-14T22:54:00.002-06:00

Before I show you the face of my darling niece, Sarah, I must show off her stylish blue flower clip made by Stella Pearl:

While all the boys were outside, Jenny and I went upstairs into my baby's room for a quick photo shoot. We covered some couch cushions with a bright colored bed sheet. Sarah was a good sport for us. I'm really excited to meet my baby girl now!!! Too bad I have to wait 7 1/2 more weeks. Okay, that's enough about me. Now it's time for some of my favorites shots I got of Sarah in our 30 minute photo shoot:

Nikon D80 Giveaway

2010-03-18T15:52:00.001-06:00

Alexis Miller Photography has a Nikon D80 Giveaway going on right now!!! If you want to enter, click here for more info. Today is the last day to enter, so HURRY!!!

A Thought from Jesh

2010-03-12T11:05:00.005-07:00

This is from Brooke Snow's blog today:

Completely inspiring and revealing to what the core meaning of photography can and should be.

“I believe it is possible a new genre of photography could emerge, focusing on the celebration, strengthening and renewal of relationship between people. Photographers deliver a product whose purpose is to remind people of what is most important to them. When that service is provided at the shoot itself, a powerful combination of factors collide to create something truly beautiful.”

– Jesh

Project 365 - Days 29-35

2010-03-05T12:37:00.001-07:00

I do not have enough room on my basic Flickr.com account to load these on to my SOAR Sister Project 365, so I'm loading them on here instead. I still have more photos to post. Maybe soon, I'll upgrade to Flickr's Pro Account?!

SOAR! Photography Exercise #1 - Self Portrait

2010-03-05T00:51:00.001-07:00

(This first paragraph was taken directly from the SOAR! Blog)

Directions for Photography Exercise #1

The first SOAR! Photography Exercise is all about “Doing the Deeper Work”. This is a Self Portrait Photography Exercise. You will take TWO Self Portraits. One image will have you in the photo. The second one will be an object that symbolizes you. Both Self Portraits are meant to document where you are in your journey of life. When you think about this present season of life–this monumental moment in your journey of being committed to SOAR!, being on your way to become a successful photographer…How do you feel? Are you excited, afraid, alone? What colors are you wearing? If we saw your true insides, what would they look like right now? What object would symbolize this time in life? What angle would you shoot it from and why?

So, where am I in my journey in life?! Life has treated me well. I'm a 27 year old wife and mother of two boys. I'm expecting a baby girl in June. I'm a stay-at-home mom and love spending my days with my boys. My husband is awesome and surprised me with my first DSLR this past Christmas. I wasn't expecting a big gift for Christmas, and just burst into tears (tears of joy) when I unwrapped my camera.

Photography was my major back in college. I've had some encouraging professors and one professor that made me feel like I would never "get it." I tried hard not to let that keep me from learning more, but it's hard to let go of negative feedback and move on. My own self doubt in my capabilities makes it hard to progress too.

Over the past 8 years I've continued to study photography. I took a Photoshop Elements class last year to refresh my editing skills. My favorite photo editing program is Picasa 3. It's very user friendly and I feel that I have mastered it. I should reteach myself Photoshop Elements though because I know that there is way more I can do with that program. Over the years, I've done numerous photo shoots for family and friends.

Here's my self portrait:

I'm full of mixed emotions. I'm excited to see how far I can push myself this year. I'm afraid that I will spend too much time studying photography, photographing, editing, etc. and not have as much time with my family as I'd like. I feel alone when it comes to funding my business and learning how to run a successful business. But despite all these feelings, I still have my thumbs up and a smile on my face. Why? Well I've got to keep a good attitude. A good attitude will keep my spirits up, especially as I stumble, dust myself off, and move on. I will keep moving forward.

Here's the portrait of an object that best describes me at this time in my life:

Yup, that's right my friends... I feel like a remote control. I feel like I have the POWER to succeed but that someone else (like my evil twin) is pushing my buttons. Up until now, I've let others' comments and opinions rule my journey in photography. I can't decide what I want/need out of photography to make me happy. I need to push my own buttons instead of having others push them for me. I need a mentoring and a big boost of confidence to jump start my journey this year. Wish me luck!

i WON (kiNDA)

2010-03-01T17:18:00.003-07:00

Thanks to ALL who VOTED for ME! I did not get the most votes, but I was in the TOP TEN! I have been invited to an informal Q&A at Brooke Snow's house in a couple weeks. I'm SO EXCiTED!!!

*** VOTE FOR ME!!!

2010-02-23T10:23:00.000-07:00

***VOTE FOR ME to win the "For the Love of Photography" mentoring giveaway!!! Only one vote per computer and voting ends this Sunday, Feb. 28th at 11:59 p.m. Just click HERE, scroll down on the poll and click on Lisa Ward. Brooke Snow is one of my favorite photographers and I REALLY REALLY want to WiN!!! Thanks in advance ;)

Tippy Toe Training

2010-02-17T18:44:00.003-07:00

feb.12, originally uploaded by my1funcamera.

My newest baker buddy! He's training on his tippy toes!

day 28/365

2010-02-17T18:40:00.003-07:00

day 28, originally uploaded by my1funcamera.

This is how my boy wears his fancy TV watching glasses.

day 10/365

2010-01-29T15:03:00.003-07:00

day 10, originally uploaded by my1funcamera.

Here's a picture of today's afternoon snack... a homemade chocolate chip cookie sandwich :)

day 9/365

2010-01-28T10:23:00.002-07:00

day 9, originally uploaded by my1funcamera.

This is how I felt this morning when my boys tried to drag me out of bed.

day 8/365

2010-01-28T10:22:00.002-07:00

day 8, originally uploaded by my1funcamera.

This is a close up of a section of my camera bag. I love bright colors!

day 6/365

2010-01-25T20:09:00.003-07:00

day 6, originally uploaded by my1funcamera.

This is what the sky looked like right outside my front door at sunset.

Encouraging Words

2010-01-25T18:18:00.001-07:00

"Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve."
- Napoleon Hill

Rosanne + Rafa = Engaged!

2010-01-24T23:51:00.006-07:00

My sister-in-law, Rosanne is getting married in May! I met Rafa last weekend right before I took their engagement pictures. These two were fun to work with. I must say that this was my first photo shoot using my new camera and I was a little nervous. I am quite proud of myself for being brave and using manual mode. (In the past, I've always used auto mode.) Here are some of my favorite shots from our quick 30 minute photo shoot:

day 5/365

2010-01-24T12:01:00.003-07:00

day 5, originally uploaded by my1funcamera.

These tulips make me think of spring!

day 4/365

2010-01-23T00:44:00.002-07:00

day 4, originally uploaded by my1funcamera.

i LoVE my family!

day 3/365

2010-01-22T20:14:00.003-07:00

day 3, originally uploaded by my1funcamera.

SNoW + an OvERLy EnerGeTiC 4 year old + a little help from Mommy = a TRue MaSTeRPiEce :)

Just a Thought

2010-01-21T21:38:00.002-07:00

“Let your work determine your clients. Don’t let your clients determine your work.” -Marc Climie

day 2/365

2010-01-21T21:30:00.002-07:00

day 2, originally uploaded by my1funcamera.

Don't look back, just keep moving forward!

day 1 - SOAR Sisters 365

2010-01-20T15:57:00.004-07:00

I'm challenging myself this year. I joined the SOAR Sisters 365 group on Flickr.com My challenge with this Project 365 is to take a picture every day for a year and post them online. I don't think taking a picture every day will be too hard for me, but I can't guarantee that I'll post the picture online every day. I may have to post a week's worth of pictures at a time. This will be a good challenge for me and should really boost my creativity. And just think, by the end of the year, I'll have a photo journal of a year in my life. Anyway, here's my entry for day 1. This is my favorite two year old watching Elmo's World before naptime. I like the color and black and white version of this photo, so that's why I'm posting both.

I Can SOAR!

2010-01-14T11:17:00.002-07:00

A few weeks ago, I applied for a photography scholarship for women called the SOAR Scholarship. I had to fill out an online application and submit a two minute video of me explaining why I feel I deserve the scholarship. It's too bad I found out about the scholarship less than 72 hours before it was due. I still thought the opportunity was too awesome to pass up and I'm so glad that I gave it my best shot. Last Friday night, they announced the three women that won. I'm so happy for these women and can't wait to follow along on their journey in becoming a professional photographer this year. The winners have received new camera gear and will receive business coaching, mentoring, and will attend a few workshops throughout the year. In addition to all of that, they will be writing weekly blog posts on their progress. There were over 260 applicants and over half of us have formed an online community on Facebook called Soar Sisters. I will learn from these women and soar along with them with my photography! If you want to read more about this, check out these websites: Me Ra Koh Photography blog and SOAR! Scholarship

My Favorite Christmas Present

2010-01-11T22:46:00.005-07:00

I totally was NOT expecting a big Christmas present this year. My husband, Sam did a great job keeping this gift a secret. I had no clue that this lovely piece of technology was sitting in a box all wrapped up in my house for a couple of weeks.

Right when I saw the box with the camera in it, I started crying!!! I've been wanting a DSLR camera for a couple of years. Recently, I started reading the manual and have been having fun experimenting with the different shooting modes. Keep your eyes peeled for some eye catching photos coming soon! Thanks, Sam for my favorite Christmas present ever!!! You're the best!

(This picture was not taken with my new camera. Gee, well I guess that's pretty obvious since I'm wearing my new camera around my neck!)