Top 25 Photographer Moms: 5 of 8

When Photography Became an Important Part of My Life

Photography became an important part of my life when I became the mom to three  children under the age of two. My son was 16 months old when my identical twin girls were born and, simply put, I needed an outlet away from my newly expanded, and chaotic, family life. Also looking for something to claim as my own, entirely outside of the realm of "mommy", photography quickly went from "hobby" to "passion" for me. I found myself switching out fiction for photography books while also surfing photography-related websites more so than mommy ones. What had started out as a simple hobby and outlet for me had completely transformed into a passion as I strove to learn all that I could about my camera, the mechanics behind taking the "perfect" photograph and how I could become a better photographer.

What Makes a Great Family Photo

In my opinion, emotion "makes" a great family photo. Posing, props or even the perfect outfit will not speak nearly as much to a viewer as a glimmer or smiling eye will.  

A Tip for Taking Photos of Kids

In the words of my very wise mother, KEEP YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR! Photographing children is a very challenging task. I find that rolling with the punches and allowing them to be themselves, rather than fighting with them in order to get the posing just right, produces happier photographs (and happier children!) in the end.

Three Favorite Posts

My 3 favorite posts from my blog are ones that are peppered with that "keep your sense of humor" motto that I spoke about above.

1. Baby books gone bad
2. A mom for all seasons - NOT!
3. Believe

When Photography Became an Important Part of My Life

I took a photography class at the beginning of 2004. I didn’t really know what I was getting into but it didn’t take long for the camera and I to become close friends!

What Makes a Great Family Photo

Genuine interaction and emotion.

A Tip for Taking Photos of Kids

Give them something to do that will keep their attention and allow you to capture them somewhat still! Whatever you do, TALK TO THEM to engage them and get their attention. My favorite way to capture my son is to get out some of his toys where I know there will be good light and then play with him and talk to him and occasionally pick up the camera and photograph. Then put down the camera and repeat! A fast shutter speed helps, too!!

Three Favorite Posts

1. Why I Photograph in Manual Mode
2. My Basic Processing in Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3
3. My Most Favorite Lilacs

When Photography Became an Important Part of My Life

Photography first became an obsession in school. I loved all aspects of art, but photography gave me the ability to capture the way I saw the world around me instantaneously in any style I wanted. And it gave me a way to easily communicate how the everyday places and things inspired me.

What Makes a Great Family Photo

A great family photo needs one simple happy element. Regardless of your location, your wardrobe, or the gear used, if you can get the stiff "everyone say cheese" shot over with and get the family hugging, laughing with relief, and just smiling at each other...then your great family photo happens. It's almost always the moment after the official snap of the camera.

A Tip for Taking Photos of Kids

My best tip for taking photos of kids is to let them interact with you. Avoid "setting up" the shot, and just go with the flow...this works best on a location like a park, backyard, or beach. Let them show you the bright leaf or pretty flower they've found while you shoot, and get those moments of wonder or delight or exploration tight in your lens.

Three Favorite Posts

1. Something New
2. Can't Beat Backlit
3. Begging to Be Photographed