3 Simple Tips for Photographing your Kids.

Hi There!

Thanks for joining me here today. I wanted to share with you several tricks on how to better capture your children on camera. Whether that be on an iPhone, dSLR, still camera, etc.

Tip #1:
Leave them exactly where they are!! Haha, if you want to photograph your child it's usually when they seem engaged or doing something super cute. So leave them that way. Just move around them so that you find the background that best works, which leads to my next tip.

Tip #2:
Find a great background. Something that can tell a story or ties in with the picture. Like for example if your child is playing at the park position the prettiest trees in the background or the playground. Make sure it is neat and free of clutter!

Tip #3:
This is probably the most important one and that is LIGHT! If you're shooting indoors I suggest positioning yourself in front of a window. So that the light will be pointed directly in front of your subject. Now if your shooting outdoors it's always a good idea to find some shade or shoot with the sun behind your subject. This tip takes a bit of practice but soon enough you will find the lighting that your prefer and is most flattering.

Hope you enjoyed these and definitely try 'em out!

Elaine

My Creative Outlet

So lately I've been extremely stressed. Trying to take care of two little ones and myself all on my own is just taxing. We're officially 4 months in to this deployment. In that sense I feel pretty refreshed and relieved. 'Cause that means we only have about 2.9 months left. Hahahah.

I'm constantly trying to find ways to release my stress. Photography is probably my most beneficial outlet. Not only does it allow me to decompress but I get to capture beautiful memories of my boys in the process.

I have several exciting things planned for when daddy gets home from deployment. I won't be sharing them 'til just yet though.

Here are some pictures from today. Hope you enjoy.

Wave Church

Ive had the privilege of shooting with the photography team at wave church during some special events theyve held. I thought I'd include a couple of the images ive been able to capture while there. Hope you enjoy!

Grasshoppers

It's been quite a bit since I posted my last entry. It's funny how lots has happened but at the same time not. Maddox is starting preschool this September, we've gotten into a routine, spent time with friends and family, sent daddy several care packages, and Travis has had multiple surgery follow up appts. Everything looks great and the boys and myself are just trying to make the most of the summer. We played in the backyard this morning and found this ginormous grasshopper. Travis kept pointing at him and Maddox kept preventing him from getting closer. Here are some images to show.

Happy Monday!

See ya soon then...

The end of this year to be exact. Oh how i'll miss you. You're hugs and kisses, you're loving voice, and all you do around the house. I'll miss watching movies on the couch and texting you to bring some pizza on the way home. 

The kids will miss you for sure. Your silly jokes and wrestling. You're an awesome man all around. 

Praying that although we're apart physically God keeps us connected spiritually and emotionally. Praying we can grow together and individually but definitely not apart.

Love you more than you know.

See you soon then...

Travis' First Birthday

I can't believe it will be a whole year since you've been in our lives. When I try to think back of a time before you it's almost unimaginable. This first year of being your mom has been such a whirlwind of emotions. I feel so excited and proud of all you have overcome in just this short little year of life.

You've taught me oh so much about life, faith, and even myself. I'm definitely much tougher than I give myself credit for. I remember thinking back and how we'd dream about what it'd be like to have another baby. Then I found out I was pregnant. Then you were born and we faced some of the hardest moments and greatest victories of our lives.

I was so scared when we heard the news about your birth defects. I felt robbed. Robbed of a blissful post-delivery experience. I remember crying in the recovery room because I could hear other babies and I was baby less. You had already been sent off to the CHKD nicu. It was so painful but little did I know that God was mending the whole situation. In this short little year you've had two successful surgeries. And are thriving and doing so well.

I do not know what the future holds but I'm so grateful for you. I love you so much. My prayer for you this year is that you continue to grow and develop to you fullest potential. I pray that God always be the center of your life and that you love Him with all your heart. I pray for your protection and I speak health and abundance over this little life of yours. Happy 1st Birthday Travis!

Maddox Turns 4

We had Maddox 4th birthday party last week. It was at our house and I really wanted to try making the decor myself. I love crafting and creating. I think thats why I enjoy cooking and building stuff because it's sort of an outlet for me. I also like serving people.

Anywho we didn't have a huge crowd of people but just the right amount. I had rolls and bagels along with deli meat for sandwiches. I also had some Digorno for the kids (not shown in the images). I didn't want to set up the more perishable stuff until people had actually started to arrive.

I did make the party hats as well using scrapbooking paper or cardstock (from michaels and ac moore). For party favors I packed some play doh in tissue paper. Everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves and we did too. I'm grateful for all those who came out to celebrate. Most of the serveware I got from Homegoods(which is my SPOT) on clearance.