Belated Lessons from the Third Shoot

One evening way back in April, I spent a few hours traipsing after my friend Debbie's precious family with my camera.

It  just hit me I never posted any of them here!

We had scheduled and rescheduled the shoot at least twice trying to work around the weather and other conflicts, and we had to do it in the evening when the kids were tired, but I'm pleased - and I think she is - with the way they turned out.

Then there was another delay. 

Before I had a chance to really look at them, my friends and family  pitched in and bought me a new computer for my birthday - a Mac! - which meant I had to load my editing software, not to mention learn how to use the computer.

(I'm not complaining, believe me!)

But Debbie is truly a saint and never complained. 

That's no excuse for me, though. I learned from this shoot that no matter what happens, I need to make my client's photos a top priority. 

I need to have a quick turnaround, no matter how saintlike and patient they are.

I also learned...

... bubbles might be tough for 4- and 5-year-olds 

 ... let the client know they are off the hook for trying to get the little ones to smile, and to just relax and keep looking at me

... if possible,  schedule the shoot in the morning when little ones aren't tired, but if that's not possible, follow them around and catch them doing what they enjoy (I'm glad I wore tennis shoes!)

Debbie, thank you again so much for letting me spend time with you and your beautiful family!!

Stumbling Down a New Path

A black and white Instamatic started it back when I was 8 years old...

with the first click, I was hooked on photography.

But never did I imagine I would - or could - make money from it.

It just proves that even when you hit your 50's new doors may open that you weren't expecting. 

(Take it from me... do not be afraid to step through them.)

Two photo shoots are behind me now. 

I hope there are more, but even if there aren't, 

I'm grateful for the experience and the chance to learn more about photography and myself.

Here are a few photos from my first shoot (taken at Flat Creek Estate) plus some lessons learned along the way...

My computer is even slower than I thought it was.

I don't have a lot of patience. (See #1)

I like Lightroom more than Photoshop Elements, but I see the need for both.

I take too many photos.

That wouldn't be an issue, if I didn't have decision-making problems.

My inability to stop editing isn't limited to my writing.

Photographer/blogger friends are lifesavers!

Listen to your clients - they have great ideas!

Hearing your clients say they love the images is a wonderful (relieved!) feeling.

Having great model/clients is a huge blessing!

I love playing with photos!

My second shoot was supposed to be outside in a park, but the gale force winds nixed that option and although we managed a few outside in a sheltered area between houses, most of them needed to be taken indoors, stretching the ability of my equipment.

But despite the challenges, most of them turned out really good, with a dozen sets of eyes all open and a dozen mouths smiling, all in relatively good lighting. 

From that shoot I learned there's still so much I need to learn. 

(And that luck has a lot to do with it!)