A Fresh Perspective

Oh my!  I have four weeks to go until I deliver baby number 2.  The realization has hit me, and definitely puts things into perspective.  It's been nice to have a consistent routine that's been working for us - on top of an already full household schedule.  The only downfall to my new domestic life?  Hubbie has been the victim of my numberous "break-through" try-it-on-the-fam-first recipes.  So far, so good.  Who doesn't love Giunness beef stew?  (I ask him to critique my photos, not my cooking!)  However, based on what I hear from those who parent 2 or more, I'm guessing this lovely rhythm we find ourselves grooving to will soon become a chaotic tempo with the arrival of number 2; and we'll be learning to dance to a whole new beat.  But are things really going to be as 'end-of-the-world' as they make it sound; and will it be all dire straits for me?  The thing about perspective is that it is subjective, and dependent on both context and experience.  And so, I'm keeping in mind that depending on where I stand, my point of view and perception of reality will be different.

"Self-portrait" - Photo taken on September 27, 2009

The same can be said about perspective in photography and the relationship between the camera and subject.  By simply taking a familiar object or scene and shooting from a different angle, can give you a unique and interesting photo that would have otherwise been bland.  This could be taking the shot from above, below, at the wide angle, or moving in tight with the subject to fill the frame.  Instead of taking a photo straight on, consider how converging lines, patterns, lighting, and shadows play in the frame.  It's amazing how a subject in a photo can change depending on the camera's position, aperture, and shutter speed.  Changing the perspective can convey depth, length, size, colour, shapes, and texture - and you will find your photos going from blah to fresh.  At first, it may feel awkward taking photos from different angles, as you try to see the end result of the camera's point of view, but you'll soon find that change is good.

Afterall, depending on where you stand things can look a whole lot better!

"Reflections on Bloor St." - Photo taken on September 4, 2009

"Stairs at the ROM" - Photo taken September 4, 2009

"Amanda" - Photo taken September 13, 2009

"Baby Bump" - Photo taken September 1, 2009

"JC" - Photo taken August 21, 2009

"Pink Cluster" - Photo taken August 18, 2009

 

"Reflections" - Photo taken November 22, 2008

"Wall of Windows" - Photo taken November 22, 2008

"Tassels" - Photo taken November 8, 2008

"City Hall" - Photo taken November 22, 2008

I'm No Paparazzi - But I Love Candid Photography!

Yes.  I'll admit it.  I read US Weekly. Not regularly I might add, but while at the dentist office I often pick up the magazine to peruse the latest photos of Hollywood's A-list actresses without make-up on (gasp!).  Guilty pleasure?  Absolutely!  Who doesn't love incriminating photos of the rich and famous?  (Mental note: make mention to hubbie that Jessica Alba is not THAT hot - its all that damn airbrushing.)

"Sing to Me" - Photo taken September 19, 2008

Now, I'm no paparazzi (for one, I don't stalk or harass people; and two, I've never been punched while photographing someone - nor do I plan to be); but I absolutely love capturing spontaneous moments.  Rather than a studio set up with staged lighting and proper posing, I find photographing people in a natural setting make the shot  more dynamic and meaningful.  There's a sense of comfort that enables people to let their guard down even with a camera around.  The best part is, since most of the time your subjects will be unware of you actually taking the shot - the end result is a complete surprise (Ohhhh my!).  Instead of focusing on the techniques associated with classic photography, candids provide us with snapshots and snippets of life in action as it happens before us.

"Twist" - Photo taken July 5, 2008

Taken with a point and shoot, Nikon Coolpix S210

Did You Just Take a Picture of Moi?!?!
 

To clarify, I'm not talking about taking voyeuristic shots (ie. taking photos without permission); but rather a style of photography that gives photos a more "in the moment" feeling.  I take my camera everywhere with me...well most of the time, at least when Yummy Mummy and pregnancy brain haven't caused me to forget my camera bag that sits at the front door.  (Yes...I still manage to leave without it sometimes despite the strategic location.)  What I've learned is that there are going to be everyday moments that you don't want to miss, so don't leave it to chance - always have your camera ready.

 

"Makayla" - Photo taken July 12, 2009

Another tip is to take shots as frequently as possible.  Just keep snapping away in continuous burst mode, because you'll never know what's going to happen next.  Like when the candles are being blown out on a birthday cake, or during a wedding ceremony and capturing the couple's first kiss.  Multiple shots increase your chances of getting that great photo that's full of surprise.  As well, I prefer to shoot in natural light and keep the flash off (no one likes to be blinded by multiple bulb flashes) - otherwise you may end up with the famous closed eye shots.

 

"No More Candy!" - Photo taken September 1, 2009

With candid photography in mind, remember to always look your best whether you're behind the camera or in front - because you never know what's being captured in that single frame!  Happy snapping!

For more candid tips, check out this article found at Digital Photography School: 11 Tips for Better Candid Photography.

"On the Dance Floor" - Photo taken July 5, 2008

Taken with a point and shoot, Nikon Coolpix S210

"Backyard Dance Beats" - Photo taken August 5, 2009 

"Poolside" - Photo taken July 12, 2009

"Spin Me Around" - Photo taken September 19, 2008

 "Tim" - Photo taken August 5, 2009

"Birthday Surprise!" - Photo taken August 16, 2009

"Matt & Amanda's Wedding" - Photo taken July 5, 2009

Taken with a point and shoot, Nikon Coolpix S210

"Over the Sand Dunes" - Photo taken August 20, 2009

"Katie's Baby Bump & Family" - Photo taken September 1, 2009

"Buddies" - Photo taken August 17, 2009

 

"Sandbox Sammy" - Photo taken August 17, 2009

"Strolling" - Photo taken August 20, 2009

"Falling Leaves" - Photo taken October 13, 2008

Capturing that Beautiful Baby Bump!

Morning sickness is a perfect example of a misnomer.  Whoever came up with the concept must have never experienced it - because it can occur morning, noon and night, making for good times all day long for the first 3 months of pregnancy or longer.  To top it off, amongst a million other symptoms, there's the: raging hormones (Who cries during an epsidode of MTV's 'The Hills'?); lack of energy (Sorry honey, I need my sleep for next 40 weeks!), and all that pain to look forward to during delivery (Epidural, please and thank you!).  Yet despite all of this, I love being pregnant - and I know a ton of other women who feel the same!

When it comes to maternity photography, there's something to be said about the beauty and intimacy that can be captured in a single frame featuring a growing baby bump and the miracle that transpires.  Yummy Mummies-to-be generally head out to a studio setting, with lighting, and backdrops, and get some shots of heart-shaped hands around that cute belly button.  All of which is fine and dandy.  In my case, I'm trying to avoid the typical maternity session to capture some really great initimate and fun frames of Mum and her baby bump.

This is a sample selection for Katie's Baby Bump & Family photo set.  We did her shoot in-home, without the use of flash or studio/strobe lighting.  All I had was my Canon DSLR, lenses, tungsten lighting (regular bulb lighting), and in some cases no artificial lighting at all - just natural sunlight.  Congratulations Katie and family!

"Katie's Baby Bump & Family" - Photos taken September 1, 2009

 

 

 

Full-time Yummy Mummy Katie and her Baby Bump!

I just got back from a baby bump photo shoot for Katie (a definite Yummy Mummy!) and her growing family.  Love, love, love the kids - Angelina and Daniel, who are going to be awesome little helpers when baby #3 arrives, and future superstar photographers!  I'm working on the photos now, and will post the set soon - so stay tuned!  Here's a little sneak peak...

"Katie's Baby Bump & Family" - Photos taken September 1, 2009

Defining Texture

Yummy Mummy or not, as every woman knows:  A girl's gotta make do with her hair texture and define the cut the salon stylist gave her with a little volumizing mousse, anti-frizz control, or defining pomade.  We use these styling products to give us the texture we're looking for, whether it's to smooth away those fly-aways during the winter season (hate, hate, hate static electricity!) or to boost those curls and give them more bounce.  We understand texture as a way of creating desirable structure to our hair; and can further identify these "fibers" with other characteristics such as soft, thick, smooth, rough, etc.

So what the heck does texture and styling products have to do with photography?

"Writing on the Wall" - Photo taken November 8, 2008

This photo was taken at Casa Loma leading up to one of the towers.  I love the colour/tone contrast, the linearity of the brick work, and the texture of the stones, cement, and wood pillar.  You can see that some of the bricks have smooth surfaces, whereas others are rough and have been chipped away. 

Well, on any ordinary day you can pick up a camera, have a focus point, click the shutter, and (voila!) you have yourself a snapshot of an image.  But, let's take it to the next level to get that truly fabulous shot by way of photo composition or, in other words, thoughtfully organizing visual elements to capture the emotional or aesthetic qualities of your subject.  The combination and arrangement of a multitude of these elements contribute to good composition, and ultimately lends itself to a compelling photograph.  Among the long list of visual elements (lines, tone, shape, form, etc.), texture is a favourite that I like to utilize and capture.  In photographs, texture adds dimension and can be areas of small patterns, shapes, tone or lines; or it can be the surface or characteristic of an object.  It's all around us from the smoothness of satin bed sheets (oooh la la!) to the grass at the soccer field where my son plays (go Timbits Soccer!). 

 

"Untitled" - Photo taken August 6, 2009

Light and shadow define the blades of grass on the soccer field.

When I took my son for a bike ride around the neighbourhood today, I was able to capture some examples of texture (see below).  As well, don't be afraid to get up close to the object or subject your photographing.  Your perspective through the camera lens of the lighting, shadows, tones, and lines, etc., will contribute to defining textures and patterns of objects in your shot.  So, whether your the photographer or you're being photographed, keep in mind the composition of visual elements - and be sure to make your hair look fabulously textured.
 

"Tire Shadow" - Photo taken August 31, 2009

The contrast of the black tire against the bright yellow wheel, gives prominence to its pattern and texture.  I love the shadow on the pavement that reflects the shape of the wheel and parts of the bike that weren't photographed.

"Tree Bark" - Photo taken August 31, 2009

The bright sunlight defines the deep cracks and peeling bark on this neighbourhood tree.

"Brick Work" - Photo taken August 31, 2009

I love the texture, tone, and contrast in the brick work of my house.

Click here to check out more photos of texture on my flickr website.