I call myself a wannabe photographer. I have one of those big, fancy cameras - but I am by no means a professional. While I think that my photos have gradually improved over time, they are still nowhere near where I would like them to be. I am trying to be patient and to learn with experience, however sometimes I can be my own worst critic.
Most days I will grab my camera while Cooper is playing to try and get that perfect shot of him - you know the one I'm talking about. The photo that is tack-sharp, perfectly exposed, has great composition and soft, natural lighting.
I'm not going to lie, it can be tough with a toddler! After I upload my photos I usually sort through them all to look for one picture that makes the cut - which I will occasionally share with friends and family on my personal Facebook page or post to Instagram to share with my Insta-friends.
I recently went back and read my goals for 2013. One of my main goals for the year was to take and enjoy more family photos whether they were "perfect" or not. And then I became disappointed with myself. My commentary as I go through my uploaded photos usually goes something like this, "Too dark, out of focus, hand is cut off, sun spots on the face, boring, bad lighting, etc., etc., etc."
So this afternoon, I loaded up Lightroom and took a second look at all of the pictures that I took this week that didn't make the cut. And then something happened! I ended up liking some of them anyway - flaws and all.
Here they are:
Why I love this picture now: I remembered that Coopaloops just heard a snowmachine drive down the street and he climbed up on the chair to see if it was his Daddy. He said, "Dada? Vroom!"
Why I love this picture now: I remembered that Coops was clomping around in an old pair of my Roxy shoes while I was making dinner. And it was adorable.
Why I love this picture now: It's not often that toddlers like water poured on their heads, let alone pour it on themselves!
Why I love this picture now: I remembered that Coops was putting the tiny pot on the tiny stove to cook something for his Lego guy. And I heard him say to himself, "Hot! Hot! Hot!"
Why I love this picture now: I remembered that this is the first Size 2 outfit that Cooper has worn! (He's growing up so fast!) Also, when I showed him his new plaid shirt he said, "Dada!" and pointed to all of Alex's plaid shirts in the closet.
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From now on, I think I'll give all of my photos a second chance. What about you? Are you happy with your photography?
Lovely photos of a beautiful boy
ReplyDeleteThank you Shirley. :)
DeleteThese pictures are all adorable. I'm the same way with my photography.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing Chandeen!
Deletethese are adorable, real life photos! There's so many that don't make the cut, that later down the road I look back at and wonder Why they hadn't...sometimes it's those pictures that convey the most emotion. I love the 1st one of him looking out the window and the one of him in your shoes, so cute!
ReplyDeleteGrace, I totally agree. Now I just need to open my mind up to accepting the pictures with the laundry on the floor in the background, etc. LOL!
Deletethese are beautiful...what camera and lens are you using? I am learning and learning.. I would like mine to look more like yours sometimes..are they edited? sorry for the 1000 questions..
ReplyDeleteLove, Mona
Hi Mona, thank you so much for your questions and comments.
DeleteRight now I am using a Canon 6D and a Canon 50mm 1.4 lens for the majority of my photos. Yes, I do edit my photos in Photoshop. I almost always use a Photoshop action called Classic Color (by Florabella) followed by an action called Hazy Haze (also by Florabella). The first action adds a little bit of color and contrast (I take my photos in raw so they need this). The second one adds a hazy top layer that I love - I find it gives the photos a soft, dreamy look. If that makes sense? Lol.
http://www.florabellacollection.com/
He is so cute and I can't believe how fast he is growing up. I love kids when they walk around in adult shoes (in this case it is Mummy's shoes) and the one looking out the window (always a favourite of mine). Remember emotional photos and memories hands down beat perfectly timed, correctly exposed photos but of course we would like both. Don't ever discard the emotional ones because whilst they won't win a photography award they will win your heart and mean more. Regards Kathy A, Brisbane, Australia
ReplyDeleteSo true, Kathy, so true. Thanks so much for your advice. :)
DeleteI love these photos. I hope when I have kids I get the camera out half as often as you seem to! I also loved the commentary you wrote about these photos - that's the sort of backstory I would want to record. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree. I think all of those sweet little moments get lost over time. I love having a little blog to record some of them. :)
DeleteOh wow! Someone stole your toddler and exchanged him for a little boy! He looks so old in these photos. Great job on the pictures!
ReplyDeleteKelly
All of those pictures are great Sarah! I don't see anything wrong with any of them! He is so handsome!
ReplyDeleteMeggie
Loved all your pictures of Cooper! What really brought tears of happiness were your remarks after the pics. Our babies bring us such joy. I have raised three boys and a Grandson (from birth). Not a day goes by that I am not thankful for the blessings of being their Mother. I love your blog! Bobbie
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