Addyson & The magic of Dodge & Burn

I had a fun shoot with baby Addyson on Thursday. It was my third time taking her photos since she was born. Her mom is getting an album with photos of Addyson growing up. We went down to her grandma's house and did the shoot out in the yard. The house was beautiful with flowers everywhere, not to mention that Addyson loves the camera (and the camera loves her too)! This shoot was especially important because she has just learned to sit up by herself. I think that for the next shoot, I had better be ready to chase her around, she is growing so fast!

In the two photos below, you can see the difference that a little extra care can do in photoshop. The process is called "dodge & burn" and it originated in the darkroom. It only involves darkening & lightening of specific parts of a photo. It's a lot less time consuming now that we have digital photography, but a necessity, I think, for a more dynamic black & white photograph. I use the "dodge & burn" process on all of my black & white, and tinted photographs.

The top photo is the one that has been worked on, and the bottom photo is just after it was converted to black & white.

Above: After dodge & burn
Below: Before

Crystal & John

This past Saturday, I went to Marion to shoot Crystal & John's wedding. I had taken photos at the same church before, but now it seemed more beautiful than ever. The reception was held at the Depot in downtown Marion. It was my first time there and I was very surprised at how nice it was. I just love old buildings, they have so much character!

Jacey's Portraits

Monday, I met with Jaycee & her brother Tanner to take their portraits. Jaycee is three years old, and her mom wanted us to do a portrait shoot with her, since I did Tanner's when he was three. She was the cutest little girl & she looked just like her mother. Jaycee was pretty shy at first, but was comfortable with me taking her photos before long. I just love to photograph little girls in their summer dresses. Jaycee had several different dresses to wear, which was good since she spilled bubbles all over the one in this photo!

Kristen's Maternity Portraits

I met with Kristen Buchanan the other day to take her maternity portrait. She is due in about two weeks. We took some with her husband, Anthony, and some by herself. Anthony was a very good sport about the whole thing and I think it shows in the photos!

Recent Bridal Portraits

I've shot two of my bridal portrait sittings this week, with one more tomorrow. I'm so excited to show them off!... BUT I can't yet. I'll have to wait until after their weddings, so their grooms won't see them. I took the photos at Springmaid Mountain in Spruce Pine. It is such a beautiful place. They have huge pastures full of horses & beautiful ponds. It is one of my favorite places for weddings. If you haven't been up there, you're really missing out! Here is a link to their website:

www.springmaidmountain.com