At Children’s Mercy you can find blankets in the room that say, “Made with Tender Loving Care for Project Linus-providing security through blankets”. The nurse said they have a big stack and every child gets a blanket of their own to take home. I think that is so touching, I can’t image how scary it is for children to stay in the hospital. Just thought I would share, they have distributed two million blankets to children in need since 1995 and accepts donations and blankets.
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I am sitting here eating the Easter candy that would not fit in Nick’s basket and proofing. I wanted to share something I ran across.
One of my favorite photographers is Blair Blanks. She creates newborn images that are out of this world. She wrote this piece about some aspects of creative photography that people may have questions about. She gave me her permission to post, this is really informative.
“Make no mistake, my work is unique! I have a style of my own and it is somewhat uncoventional. My clients are usually looking for something fresh, stylish and more contemporary than what many “traditional” photographers offer.
That being said, there are some things you may notice when looking at my work that is different from what you might be accustomed to…
“Tight Crops” – This means super close close-ups where often the face fills most of the frame of the image. These images are about the eyes, and often the top of the head is not included in the image. I meant to do that!
“Not-So-Smiley”- So many of us have been brought up to believe that a smile is a requirement to make a great photo. So not true! I love a pensive look as much as a big grin. I meant to do that!
“Let’s Be Negative” – Negative space is when the subject is placed off to the side of an image and the rest of the image is empty—this is done for artistic impact. I meant to do that!
“Left of Center”- The most boring position for a subject in a photograph is smack dab in the middle! I know, I know, not what you always thought, right? Trust me! There is a little something in design called the Rule of Thirds that we photographers often employ to enhance visual interest.
The rule states that an image can be divided into nine equal parts by two equally spaced horizontal lines and two equally spaced vertical lines (like a tic-tac-toe board). The four points formed by the intersections of these lines can be used to align features in the photograph. Aligning a photograph with these points creates more tension, energy and interest in the photo than simply centering the feature would.
Hunh? Trust me, your child does not need to be right in the center of an image for it to be a good portrait! I meant to do that!
“The Light in the Eyes” The hallmark of good portrait photography is good lighting, and the hallmark of good lighting is something called a “catchlight,” – a reflection of light in the eyes. I love big catchlights! I purposely position my lights for the best and largest catchlights, especially for close-ups. Flip through any parenting or glamour magazine and look at the eyes—what do you see? Big bright catchlights! A lack of catchlights leaves the eyes looking flat, dull and lifeless. I meant to do that!”
Sneak peak! Should be finished with these in a few days, guys! My favorites are always the most simple. Mom, the “legs” image would not have been complete without the painted toes! Check out the little hand dimples in the first one, she is so adorable.
Have you guys seen these Babylegs? They are so cute. Target carries them now, as well as Lillebelle on The Plaza. I am at Target much more often than The Plaza these days. They have them for girls AND boys. My husband pointed out that they do look like baby legwarmers, but you have to admit that they are stinkin’ adorable. Much more adorable than the legwarmers we wore in the 80’s. Pair them with a diaper cover (search eBay) and you have a perfect portrait outfit.
I have always thought downtown Warrensburg was charming. I haven’t been there for 13 years or so, since college. (Wow, it’s really been THAT long.) The Pavillion was new and a really nice venue for the reception. A few faves among the traditional shots.
