because I don't have anywhere else to post these...

12.02.2013


Just like every other female, I enjoy photography as a hobby. I bought my big-girl camera two years ago now, and I've been practicing ever since. The only problem is that it's really REALLY hard to practice your photography skills when you have no pets and no children and only your husband as a live subject to practice on. The fact that said husband doesn't like to move around very much makes it even more difficult. And the fact that my apartment has very little light.

That's why I get excited when I have the opportunity to take pictures of friends. It's not anything I do professionally, but I enjoy taking the occasional family photo for Christmas or birthdays, whathaveyou. The following are a few of my favorite shots from recent sessions.

It's easy for me to get discouraged when I look at shots from professional photographers. I have yet to figure out how to perfect that golden evening light, and I still stress out about posing. But I can't deny that I'm getting better and more comfortable with my camera. I guess that's really all you can hope for.

The first two are of my girl Leanna.

One-year-old birthday party.

Family Christmas pics

Some senior pics for my brother-in-law!

P.S. If you love photography, you absolutely need to check out 
my favorite photography site. Lots of great tips!
Helene in Between said...

these are gorgeous.
i still don't have a big girl camera and i need to work on that!

Susannah said...

These pictures are great!!! I just got a new camera and love taking pictures even more than I did before. :-)

Anonymous said...

I'm so jealous, I really really want a big girl camera! I want to learn to take pretty pictures like yours.

Kerry @ Till Then Smile Often said...

Those came out so good! Love the boy in the vest!

Curious Runner said...

I totally do LOVE your photography! Well done. I NEED you to come and take photos of my baby :)

Niken said...

that's why i have lots of pictures of random strangers. sometimes i just go somewhere (touristy spots or beaches), park my bike and pretend to be a tourist. tourists have excuse to take pictures of everything ;)
these are good!

LeAnna said...

I'm glad you have a big girl camera. And that you take our pictures. Amen.
Also, that barn IS AWESOME. Chippy red paint, does it get any better than that?! Those babies in their sweaters and vests are just too stinkin' cute, too.
Miss ya, chica!

Anonymous said...

These are good!

Tammy Jo said...

Those are super good!!!

17 Perth said...

Awesome photos!! Glad you didn't have anywhere else to post them so we got to see them.:)

Stephanie said...

I hope by "senior" photos, you mean senior in college because your brother-in-law definitely does not look 18. Great photos!! :)

Unknown said...

Awesome! Thanks for sharing! I'm crazy about photography and I love seeing other people's work!

Unknown said...

I think these are FABULOUS.

kristyn said...

OMG. The first one. And the fourth one. The best!!! You've got a good eye, girl. I'm a closet photographer, too (aren't we all?), but I'm too afraid to buy a nice camera and actually work on it. I feel like I'm slowly just becoming an Instaphotographer. Anyway, I love Helena La Petite's blog for photography tips! http://blog.helenalapetite.com/

Alicia | Jaybird: Home in Motion said...

These are so wonderful! Love that sassy boy in his sweatervest. No matter how expensive the equipment, it takes a good eye and diligent effort to be a great photographer and you've obviously got both in spades. Now let's both work on perfecting those beautiful golden hour shots!

jessanneharrop said...

I don't know what you're talking about, because these pictures are so great!
I don't think that you give yourself enough credit! :)

J is for Jessica said...

Yay for big girl cameras! My new years resolution is to get off of auto!

Anonymous said...

I can so relate to your "I don't have kids or pets" comment! :) I've been participating in a monthly photography project for a while, and most of the other participants seem to be moms. Nevertheless, I'm really enjoying looking for beauty in the things that make up MY day. It's amazing the bits of things that can inspire you when you're holding a camera. Your portraits of friends and their families are lovely, Amanda! I hope you continue to explore and share more of your photography!

Unknown said...

They are all lovely!

Rachel said...

I think you do a great job with photography, and I'm sure it's a long learning process too. For me, I just prefer to stand in front of the camera and smile than figure out all the scientific stuff about taking the picture!

Betsy said...

oh man, you capture such soul!

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