Whoo-hoo! I'm so excited to be adding a new feature new to my blog!
Every Wednesday I'm going to share a tip that will help you learn to take photos that wow! You won't need professional equipment or years of experience ... these are going to be tips and ideas that are easy to do, but can make a big difference in your own photography.
Here's my one disclaimer: For all you parents out there, it is HARD to get the "perfect" picture of your own child. Yes, even I struggle with this, I admit it! This is why y'all don't see very many pictures of my own girls ;)
The great news is that there is no such thing as "perfect"! So, just relax, look for the natural moments, and go with it!
Welcome!
Welcome and thanks for stopping by! Christina Conklin is a natural light portrait photographer specializing in newborns, children and families in the Cypress, TX area. Become a fan of FSP's Facebook Page and you will see your sneak peeks there too, as well as a few extras! It's easy to share your portraits with friends and family this way.
Christina is honored to be a volunteer photographer for The F.I.L.M. Project, gifting free family portraits to families battling cancer.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Wow 'Em Wednesday {Fill the Frame}
One of the best and most simple techniques for taking a picture that wows is to FILL THE FRAME of your viewfinder with your point(s) of interest. Doing this will draw the eye straight to the subject, creating a more intimate feeling, and eliminate all that distracting background clutter.
Now wait a minute ... before you put your camera's zoom to work, put your feet to work! Depending on your camera’s lens and zoom capabilities, zooming in simply enlarges your image and crops it to fit your frame, which can sometimes result in a grainy picture. If you actually move in closer to your subject, your picture will have much more detail and wow factor.
This is Avery's favorite book, so what I really wanted to capture was her reading it, totally intent on the story, while highlighting the title at the same time. I definitely did NOT want you to see the mess around her!
If you've had a photo session with me recently, you may notice that I don't have one of those super, big, long, heavy, crazy telephoto lenses. You may have also noticed that I move back and forth ... a lot! That's because my favorite lenses are called prime lenses, and they only have one focal length - no zoom. So I have to zoom with my own body. I love shooting this way because of the intimate impact I can create.
Here's another example of how you can create that intimate impact I was talking about. Say I don't really care about the book she's reading, but I just love her sweet face and those long eyelashes. Well, you know what to do ... fill the frame!
So, think about what you want to capture. Focus in on just that. Rock it!!!
I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to hear what you think, and/or see examples of your tries at filling the frame!! So leave me a note either here or on Facebook. Good luck!
Now wait a minute ... before you put your camera's zoom to work, put your feet to work! Depending on your camera’s lens and zoom capabilities, zooming in simply enlarges your image and crops it to fit your frame, which can sometimes result in a grainy picture. If you actually move in closer to your subject, your picture will have much more detail and wow factor.
This is Avery's favorite book, so what I really wanted to capture was her reading it, totally intent on the story, while highlighting the title at the same time. I definitely did NOT want you to see the mess around her!
If you've had a photo session with me recently, you may notice that I don't have one of those super, big, long, heavy, crazy telephoto lenses. You may have also noticed that I move back and forth ... a lot! That's because my favorite lenses are called prime lenses, and they only have one focal length - no zoom. So I have to zoom with my own body. I love shooting this way because of the intimate impact I can create.
Here's another example of how you can create that intimate impact I was talking about. Say I don't really care about the book she's reading, but I just love her sweet face and those long eyelashes. Well, you know what to do ... fill the frame!
So, think about what you want to capture. Focus in on just that. Rock it!!!
I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to hear what you think, and/or see examples of your tries at filling the frame!! So leave me a note either here or on Facebook. Good luck!
Sunday, June 27, 2010
The W Family {Children and Family Photographer in Cypress, Texas}
Check out the beautiful family I got to meet yesterday morning!
They were tons of fun, full of energy, and super sweet.
They were tons of fun, full of energy, and super sweet.
Seriously, could these kids be any cuter??
Get this: Their grandma owns a children's clothing boutique! (I must admit, I'm a bit jealous.) Here's a picture of little miss MM and her doll wearing beautiful matching dresses.
Oh, how I love this last shot. I can just see it enlarged on a canvas gallery wrap, can't you? Too sweet!
Thanks, W Family, for a great morning!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Precious Family {Cypress, Northwest Houston, family photographer, child photography}
Do you recognize this little cutie?
You may have seen her on the first page of my website ... or maybe on my business cards. She's such a doll, and I was so thrilled that her mom brought her back for more pictures, this time with the whole family!!
This is her adorable brother who is literally JUST starting to walk.
In fact, as I was trying to get pictures of the kids together, he decided to venture out on his own. He took a few steps, stopped, took a few more, and then a few more, and before we knew it, he had walked farther than he ever had before! I was so thrilled to have been there to capture it!
This is SUCH a precious, sweet family, and I am so thankful I had the opportunity to work with them again!
You may have seen her on the first page of my website ... or maybe on my business cards. She's such a doll, and I was so thrilled that her mom brought her back for more pictures, this time with the whole family!!
This is her adorable brother who is literally JUST starting to walk.
In fact, as I was trying to get pictures of the kids together, he decided to venture out on his own. He took a few steps, stopped, took a few more, and then a few more, and before we knew it, he had walked farther than he ever had before! I was so thrilled to have been there to capture it!
This is SUCH a precious, sweet family, and I am so thankful I had the opportunity to work with them again!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
New Special! {Cypress, TX Maternity, Engagement Photographer / Photography}
Do you know a newly engaged couple or an expectant mom? Faithful Steps Photography does more than just children and families! In honor of these special moments, if you book an engagement or maternity session for July, you will receive a free 8x10 and a free 5x7!
Monday, June 14, 2010
Princess L {Cypress, TX Northwest Houston Children's Portrait Photographer}
I'm in LOVE with this little sweetie!
Isn't she gorgeous?
She was so incredibly sweet, cute, and well-mannered. What a dream! But I just couldn't resist being silly and sticking my tongue out at her. I'm sure this is not the picture that her mom and dad will choose to have enlarged and gallery-wrapped over their mantle, but I love it.
Happy 3rd birthday, precious girl!
Isn't she gorgeous?
She was so incredibly sweet, cute, and well-mannered. What a dream! But I just couldn't resist being silly and sticking my tongue out at her. I'm sure this is not the picture that her mom and dad will choose to have enlarged and gallery-wrapped over their mantle, but I love it.
Happy 3rd birthday, precious girl!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Cool Stuff! {Custom Portrait Photography in Cypress, Texas}
Did you know that in addition to ordering prints, you can also get some fabulous, high-quality custom items from your session? Here are just a few of the ways I love to display photos:
Mounting Options
Enhance your images by having them mounted to display as pieces of art! There are many, many options, and all can be customized to meet your needs.
My personal favorites:
* Styrene Board, which is a heavy plastic substance 2mm thick. I love this for displaying photos on easels. It makes the image sturdy enough to display alone, but thin enough to put in a frame if you choose.
* Standout is a thick, but lightweight board finished with a black plastic edge. It comes ready to display with hanging holes on the backside, so no frame needed! It comes in two different depths (3/4" or 1 1/2") so your photo can really "stand out"!
Float Wraps
This is a beautiful way to display images. Float Wraps add dimension by extending out from the wall. They are unique in that they appear to be floating on the wall with the main focus on the image! Create a modern display with a Float Wrap wall collage that is ready to hang once removed from the box!
Accordion Mini Books
These are the perfect items for you to use as mini folios and brag books, and they make great gifts! They are available in a wallet and a square 3x3" size, with tons of cover options. Accordion Mini Books also come with a plastic frosted slipcover, so you can throw them right into your purse or bag!
(Note: There is a minimum order on this item of 3 identical books.)
Since each item is completely customized to meet your needs, please contact me for pricing.
Mounting Options
My personal favorites:
* Styrene Board, which is a heavy plastic substance 2mm thick. I love this for displaying photos on easels. It makes the image sturdy enough to display alone, but thin enough to put in a frame if you choose.
* Standout is a thick, but lightweight board finished with a black plastic edge. It comes ready to display with hanging holes on the backside, so no frame needed! It comes in two different depths (3/4" or 1 1/2") so your photo can really "stand out"!
Float Wraps
This is a beautiful way to display images. Float Wraps add dimension by extending out from the wall. They are unique in that they appear to be floating on the wall with the main focus on the image! Create a modern display with a Float Wrap wall collage that is ready to hang once removed from the box!
Gallery Wraps
Gallery Wraps are available printed on a fine art canvas or as a metallic or lustre photographic paper, which enhance the look and vibrancy of your image.
Your image is wrapped around a wooden frame available in 1-1/2" and 2-1/2" depths, and you can mix and match lengths to create the perfect custom size.
These include a matte laminate to protect the Gallery Wrap from scuffs, scratches, and cracking. The laminate also provides UV light protection.
Framing paper covers the back of the gallery wrap with metal hangers and corner bumpers, or choose the wire hanger option without paper backing. Your Gallery Wrap will be ready to hang on the wall the minute it arrives, and adds such a classy touch!
Accordion Mini Books
These are the perfect items for you to use as mini folios and brag books, and they make great gifts! They are available in a wallet and a square 3x3" size, with tons of cover options. Accordion Mini Books also come with a plastic frosted slipcover, so you can throw them right into your purse or bag!
(Note: There is a minimum order on this item of 3 identical books.)
Since each item is completely customized to meet your needs, please contact me for pricing.
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