Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Episode 19 - Fancy Tigers and Friends



Thank You's:



Clicking Away:



  • I finished my Vacation socks, they just need the toe grafted and ends woven in.

Shenanigans:
  • We had a virtual knit night with Boston Jen, ACTually KNITting's Michelle, Prairie Girls Susie and Danie, and Sarah and Kristi from In a Sknit.
  • I got to hang out with Kristi from In A Sknit at Fancy Tiger Crafts in Denver. We caught a glimpse of Stephen West and had fun running around the store exploring and pretending like we can sew. I mention the Prairie Girls label contest.

Events:
Photography Stories:
  • I have had a few bumps in my business lately that have caused me to sit down and reevaluate how I do my job well. I have decided to make some pretty big changes and I am very excited about them, not only for my business, but for my family life.
  • I covered a baby shower and did a maternity session that I am really proud of, it was just what I needed to pick myself up and get going again. I also did a session for a family I have known for 18 years and it was an incredible experience.
  • I also photographed my Mermaid Song Shawl in my new basement.
Photography Tip:
  • Golden Hour - the lighting one hour after sunrise and one hour before sunset creates a beautiful, soft, golden halo on subjects. I have had to learn to photograph in the middle of the day, but my favorites always come from shooting in Golden Hour.

Monday, July 7, 2014

Episode 18 - Knitting in "Public" Week




Clicking Away:





Events:
Life Reflections:
  • I have been a little reflective on how relationships and knitting have some similar concepts for success. It might seem a bit cheesy, you can skip to 26:30 if you want :)
Photography:
  • I discuss some of the play photography I got to do on our trip, especially with night photography. 

Here are some settings I used on my camera to get really fun night shots:
    • Put camera in manual mode
    • ISO set low (100-200)
    • Aperture set in the middle, about f9-f11
    • Shutter speed set to 2 seconds - 16 seconds, depending on how much light was needed
    • Timer set to 2 seconds after I pushed the shutter
    • Camera set on a flat surface
    • If we were in the photo we added a flash as well



  • Photography of the tip - learn to use the camera that you have! Explore those settings you have never used before and see what you can come up with!








Episode 17 - Camp and Chimps




Clicking Away:



Events:

  • I also met Allie and Jonathon of MJ Yarns and LOVED Jonathon's color sense! 

Photography:
  • I finished the photography at the dance studio, including some really fun images of the instructor. To see some examples, head to my Facebook photography page.

  • I also did a really fun engagement session with a fantastic couple, I will be photographing their wedding in August!

  • For tips this week, I wanted to add a few tips about having someone else photograph you:
    • Have a knitting buddy
    • Don't be afraid to "chimp"
    • Motion = Emotion
    • Change something every time you hear the shutter click

Sunday, July 6, 2014

Episode 16 - Socks and Dancers




Clicking Away:



Events:
  • Estes Park Wool Market is June 5-8 in Estes Park. I will be wearing my hot pink Knitting Butterflies tshirt, so come and say hi!
  • I will also be at Stitches Midwest August 8-10, hanging with the Prairie Girls and In A Sknit girls!
  • Knit In Public week is coming up, I can't do an event this year but maybe next year!
Life:
  • This week I talk about Geocaching. To find out more about this fun hobby, visit Geocaching.com
Photography:
  • I felt very blessed to do dance portraits for a dance studio in my area. 
    • For this photo shoot, I used an external flash shot backwards into a reflective umbrella.

  • In this week's tip(s) I talk about how to help a friend take better pictures of you
    • Always have the photographer shoot from slightly above
    • Make sure to have your chin "Out and Down"