Not so sleepy boy | Babies

My latest session was with the sweetest little 1 month old boy and his proud mommy and daddy. Like many baby sessions, it didn't turn out exactly as planned because Baby E just didn't want to stay asleep.

Sometimes you just have to go with the flow, so that's exactly what I did! We had some fun with a few props, like a toddler size tie that look so adorable on him, and then got some super sweet family shots while mom and dad comforted their boy.

Honestly, some of my favourite shots are the ones that are not posed, when "real life" things are happening. Yes baby was crying, but that shot of mom holding him close and rocking him gently just can't be forced or posed.

I hope you like!

Sweet Sisters' Session | Children

These two adorable girls were in my studio last week. Three year old Ainsley and six month old Jade loved the camera. And let me tell you, three is not an easy age to photograph. Toddlers Ainsley's age are often preoccupied with anything else but the camera. But luckily, I have a few tricks up my sleeve, and Ainsley ended up loving having her photos taken.

As for sweet little Jade, at six months old she is the perfect age for photos because she isn't crawling yet and she has some super cute smiles (especially when her big sis got behind the camera to make funny faces and play peek-a-boo with her!)

I had tons of fun with this session, and even got to use my new banner made by the incredibly talented Sweet Peas & Honey Bees Boutique! Check it out! And stay tuned for my next blog post because I am going to use another one of my fan's suggestions and write in more detail about capturing (and keeping) the attention of my littlest models :)

Editing secrets | Photography Tips & Tricks

A couple weeks ago I ask my Facebook fans if they had any suggestions for blog post topics. I got a few really great suggestions and I'm going to talk about one of them now. I was asked to write about beginner photo editing. I'm not going to get into all the technical details of photo editing, but I think it's a great opportunity to talk about my editing style. So here you go!

Post processing is a huge part of photography. Yes there are photographers who don't do post processing at all, such as Zach and Jody Gray for example. They teach how to get it right in camera, which really is every photographer's goal. It is not always that easy to do though, due mainly to equipment and light limitations. To get it right in camera, you have to be able to control exposure and white balance most importantly, but also know how to manipulate the scene to get the final product to look the way you want it to. This often means using special tools like reflectors, off camera lighting, filters or a slew of other, often expensive, pieces of equipment.

So, for those of us who are just starting out or who can't afford to invest in those things (yet), that's where Photoshop (or other photo editing software) comes in. You can do anything with Photoshop really. You'll often hear people say "you can Photoshop that, right?" in reference to adjusting or changing how they look. And the answer is often yes, but that doesn't mean it's the right thing for your photos.

My editing style is still evolving, but I have found that I am leaning towards "clean edits", meaning nothing fancy, nothing overdone and as little editing as possible. When I started out in this business, and I discovered Photoshop actions (a recording of a series of commands to which you apply a name. You can play the recording back to apply the action to any photo. You can purchase and download actions created by others or create your own), I admit that I sometimes overdid it. The subject's eyes were a little too bright, their skin was a little too soft or the colour was a little to harsh. As I learned to use actions in moderation, I have found that there are certain ones that work for my photos, but don't change the original image too much. Instead, they enhance the image and make it look even better than the original.

Here is an example of my editing process, without getting too technical:

• Adjust white balance and exposure in Adobe Camera Raw (a Photoshop plugin that allows you to edit RAW files - so you can do basic edits there without losing any important information from the image)
• Open image in Photoshop and crop if necessary. I try to crop every photo the way I want it in camera.
• Remove any distracting background objects, skin blemishes or other unnecessary things in the photo using the clone tool or the healing brush. I decide what to remove on an image-by-image basis, because some things are just part of the scene while others are not important to the story being told.
• Adjust Levels. This increases or decreases the highlights and shadows in the image, to add contrast. I try to balance both so there are no blown out parts or loss of detail in the shadows.
• Apply an eye brightening action. Sometimes I do this in conjunction with a portrait action that also softens skin slightly and removes redness in skin. I adjust the opacity on each level as I go to make sure I'm not overdoing it.
• Apply a subtle action that pops the colour in the image. I have several different actions that I use for this, depending on the photo and how much I need or want to add that colour pop.
• In most cases, I'm pretty much done at this point so I just sharpen slightly and save the image.
• Sometimes I will do a black and white conversion, if I feel the photo will work as B&W. Or I will play around with other more creative actions to see if anything else will work, like vintage, haze or colour boosting actions.

That's it! After that I save as high resolution jpeg for printing and also as a low-res jpg with my watermark for posting online. Here are a few examples of some recent photos and how I edited them.

For this photo, I darkened the black background so that the family really stood out. Then I popped the colour and sharpened it. That's it!

This is one of my favourite recent shots. After I brightened it a bit, I had to remove some red from baby's skin, then I softened it a bit and brightened her eyes. Then I applied the colour pop action and sharpened it.

This image of this beautiful bride didn't need much post processing. I used the clone tool to remove a distracting sign on the wall in the background, I brightened her face and added a little warmth to the whole shot. Then I ran the colour pop action and sharpened.

The main thing is not relying too much on post processing, because not only does it take away from the subject(s), but it takes a lot more time. It can be fun playing around with different editing styles, but in the end I want to make sure my clients have photos that they can be proud to display on their walls regardless of how they are edited. And my editing style is constantly evolving as I learn new techniques. Photoshop is a very powerful tool, and I am nowhere near an expert on it. It's a lot of fun the learn!

If you are still with me, I hope you enjoyed my little lesson. If nothing else, I hope that it helped you to understand the work, time and care that goes into creating all of my images. xo

Spring has sprung | Why now is the time to get some photos taken

Spring is finally on its way! This week the weather has been amazing for March, but I'm bummed that I haven't been able to get outside much because I haven't been feeling well. I did get out yesterday with my daughter and we had tons of fun playing in the snow and mud.

Now that it's getting warmer outside, I'm itching to get out and take some photos! I've been doing indoor sessions throughout the cold winter months, but as soon as it's warm enough to go outside without looking like a marshmallow, I want to get out there!

I have talked to a few people who have told me they are interested in getting photos taken, but have mentioned that they want to wait until there are leaves on the trees. Well, I just want to point out that it's not necessary to wait until then. Oh there is nothing at all wrong with having lush green trees as your backdrop, but just because the trees are bare right now does not mean you can't get some amazing and beautiful photos.

So I'm going to give you some reasons why spring is a perfect time to get photos taken outside (and some reasons why outdoor sessions are always better):

• Right now, with the late afternoon sun lower in the sky, it's not too hot and I don't have to wait until 8 or 9 p.m. to get some of that yummy, golden light that is the best for photos.
• There are no MOSQUITOS! (and if you are living in Saskatchewan, you know that is a huge plus!)
• I've got tons of ideas for creative and interesting locations that don't necessarily involve trees at all. Think old fence, brick wall, long dirt road with the big blue sky above.... I could go on.
• We could do a themed session. I've got lots of ideas for those too. Easter is coming up, so maybe an Easter egg hunt, or puddle jumping!
• Kids look super cute dressed up in their rain gear ;)
• I'm always collecting new fun props that we can use, like a cool old chair, colourful umbrella or toys to keep the kids having fun.
• We can go on a search for new spring life! The buds are just starting to sprout and the birds are chirping. I'm sure we could find some cool natural props to make your photos even more beautiful.
• I can be way more creative outside than in my studio. With more space to work with, an endless number of backdrops (even in just one location) and natural light, you are guaranteed to get more variety in your photos. Plus, everyone knows how hard it is to get children to sit in one place for any length of time. Outside, I can chase them around while they play and get some amazing candid shots I'd never be able to get in the studio.

There, I think that covers it. I LOVE taking photos outside (if you couldn't already tell), so I will always suggest that to potential clients. There is just something about finding that perfect light, capturing the catch light in someone's eyes, not having to force everyone to squish together in front of a backdrop.

Don't get me wrong, I am so glad I have my studio because Saskatchewan weather is unpredictable and I am learning so much about lighting, posing and using props. But my first love is natural light photography and if it's nice outside, I want to be out there enjoying it!

I hope if you are thinking about booking a session with me, that you won't wait until summer because there will be leaves on the trees then.  Remember, I offer more than just photography services. I am giving you the chance to make some memories too.

On that note, I'm going to leave you a couple shots from this week. First is my daughter riding her little quad outside for the first time, and the other is one of my favourite photos from my latest session (the winner of my giveaway!) Enjoy! :)

And the winner is ...

I'm so excited to announce the winner of my 350 fan giveaway! The Rafflecopter widget chose Kim Oliver out of just about 200 entries! Contratulations Kim, you win a free photo session, set of two accordion books, crocheted baby beanie from Jellybean Accessories and a $20 credit to Sweet Peas & Honey Bees Boutique!

Thank you to everyone who took the time to enter! I am now nearing 400 Facebook fans and I am hoping to keep going up. When you live in a small town it is sometimes hard to spread the word about your small business, but I am so lucky to have been able to build up a fabulous fan base, and that's just through Facebook.

I have lots of ideas for future promotions and giveaways, so I hope you'll stick around to see what's coming. And don't forget to say "hi" when you stop by my page. I love feedback and I get excited whenever I see that I've got a new comment on one of my photos or a post from a fan on my wall. Also, check my blog periodically for more photos, information and updates.

Thanks again for making my first big giveaway a success! A HUGE thank you goes out to Jellybean Accessories and Sweet Peas & Honey Bees Boutique for being a part of it. It was so much fun and I can't wait to do it again soon!

I'm in love! | Custom frames

Ok, I admit it, I have not always put a lot of time and effort into displaying my photographs.

I have embraced my ability to capture so many moments in my life and I can't bear to leave them hiddin on my computer hard drive. So I have photos everywhere in my home, on every wall.

Even so, most of my photos are not displayed in a way that really shows them off. I have mostly purchased frames from places like Wal-Mart. You know them, the ones that are generic and plain and either brown or black. AKA Boring.

That is, until now.

Now I am even more excited to display my photos because I received my new custom frames! All I can say is WOW. They are so beautiful in person! Honestly, I can't stop staring at them.

I'm soooo happy that I have samples to show clients. Now you can see for yourself how well made and pretty they are, and how they make your photos stand out like they should.

There are so many reasons why I wanted to start selling these shabby chic frames (and side note: I just love anything that's shabby chic, just cause it sound so darn cool hehe). Here are some of the features that make them amazing:

• There are 8 designs, plus several storyboard designs and 22 colours. If there's a colour or size that I don't offer, we can customize a frame for you!
• The frames are made out of 100% recycled material.
• You have the choice of non-glare acryclic, chalkboard, whiteboard or even a mirror insert.
• Hanging hardware is included, both horizontal and vertical.
• Most importantly, because you should be able to show off your photos in a beautiful frame!

Clockwise from top left: A close-up view of the back of the frame. Sawtooth hooks for both vertical and horizontal display, and bumpers so it hangs neatly; Just a small sample of the designs and colours available; 5x7 Cherish in Pale Yellow; 22 vibrant colours for you to choose from!

Some close up shots of the distressed edges. You have the option of non-distressed edges as well.

If you order frames through Jennifer Blake Photography, I'll even include a print from your session with each one!

If you want to see my samples, come see me at the Rosetown Trade Show on March 31st at the Elk's Hall. I'll have my frames, plus my colours swatches for you to check out. I know you'll love them as much as I do!

A cowboy, two ballerinas and a heartbreaker | Children

I usually post my sneak peeks on Facebook, but I decided to try something different for this session and post them on my blog. The best thing about posting photos on the blog is that the quality doesn't suffer like it sometimes does on Facebook. But don't worry, I'll still be posting lots of photos on my fan page!

This kids were a ton of fun to photograph! Their awesome mom brought along all kinds of different outfits to play dress up and I got to use some of my props too. I was able to really see their personalities; the girls dressed up in their dance clothes and the oldest brother as the cowboy of the family. Even though the littlest guy wasn't too excited about having his picture taken, I managed to catch a few smiles and boy he is gonna break some hearts when he gets older! What a cutie :)

Here are just a few of my favourites from the session. Man, sometimes it's hard to pick my favourites! Enjoy!