The Nelson Gaggle

PSF - Such a long wait

2009-06-18T20:30:00.002-04:00

I love spring. I love the flowers and the blooms on the trees and the smell in the air. I plan more flowers each fall so I have new things to photograph in the spring. But Mother Nature saved the best for last, my lilies. They are the last and the most beautiful, at least to me. Each color seems to bloom at a different time but when they are all out in full force, their smell is heavenly.

This week, the orange greeted us.

Looking forward to my star gazers.

Oh and I have my fingers crossed for Mama Geek!!

PSF - Nature

2009-06-11T20:09:00.002-04:00

I love nature. Love scenes. Love landscapes.

This flower was calling out to me to shoot it:

Only then did I realize there was a bug.

I hate bugs. They can live in the world and I leave them alone, provided that they keep a huge distance and they are not in numbers.

But they are fun to shoot:

PSF - They Like Butter

2009-05-28T20:13:00.003-04:00

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

We were camping over Memorial Day weekend and having a good time walking around the campground. Miss E came across a field of Buttercups. Of course I told her that if she held it under her chin and it glowed yellow then she likes butter.

But of course she loves butter.

Then later, she decided to try this trick on her brother.

He loves it too but thought that this game wasn't as fun as his sister did.

PSF - Behind

2009-05-15T17:30:00.003-04:00

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

Man I am far behind at updating this blog. Things are busy but good. Last class has started and tomorrow I go to graduation. I have my first paying gig this weekend (working on my side-biz) and my youngest ~~baby~~ toddler turns two on Monday. Its almost summer and my 1st grader will soon be a 2nd grader.

Luckily I am trying my hardest to capture it all with my 365 project/blog.

I will try to update this blog more often as well. I know I slack. So here are a few recent ones in the mean time

Baby and me - who needs a serious haircut.

She asked me to take her pic today, can't say no to that!

And my handsome, sweaty man who loves to camp and ride bikes.

(Not really) WW - Catch up

2009-04-15T14:26:00.002-04:00

Haven't posted in a while. Just got finished my thesis and I am starting to come out of the fog called school. So, here are a few shots for my (almost) WW.

Looking for some warmer weather.

New bedroom for the girls is done.

My goof-face girl.

The cherry tree on the brink of bloom.

Karate boy who just got his orange belt.

PSF - This is Me

2009-03-19T20:17:00.003-04:00

This is me

This is me with my new glasses

Which look very much like my old glasses

Lately I haven't been feeling much like me.

I have been working through my Master's Thesis and it just sits heavily on my shoulders until its done. I am not sure why it has consumed me this much but until its done I will feel its weight.

I have been feeling really down on my photog lately. What I thought was an awesome great deal on my new L lens has turned into big frustration. I am either not getting it, my camera is dying or my new beautiful lens is not all THAT. I am thinking its my lack of skill. Plus my kids are done, done and done with me and I need some subjects to practice on so I should really open up some time for clients but see previous entry about large weight on my shoulders.

I also work and take care of three little ones.

I hope I will be back to good 'ole me soon.

Drop of Springtime

2009-03-18T10:42:00.000-04:00

Theme Thursday - Laughter

2009-03-05T08:08:00.003-05:00

My older daughter thinks it is sooo funny when I wash her hair and put it in a pony tail. This time I decided to bring my camera into the bathroom to grab a few shots. After I washed her hair and proceeded to let it fall into he face the giggling started.

And lasted most of the bath.

(not so) WW - Masters Thesis

2009-03-04T09:30:00.001-05:00

PSF - Something on your Face

2009-02-26T21:46:00.004-05:00

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

If her siblings are doing it, so should she. Tonight she had to have a Popsicle like them. Its amazing how grown up she is all ready and how much she gets away with at a younger age.

Even with a good scrubbing, her face is still orange.

I Heart Faces - BW

2009-02-25T08:37:00.004-05:00

Just a snap for the weekly BW theme on the I Heart Faces Blog.

My daughter waiting in a long line to finally see the Little Mermaid. The highlight of her Disney trip. I loved being in the sun for a brief moment, even though it was so cold there.

PSF - Elmolympics

2009-02-20T08:00:00.003-05:00

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

It was a close race last night at the Elmolympics. Getting the bronze was little Hokey Pokey Elmo who was the favorite for the toddler carry event. The silver medal goes to big Hokey Pokey Elmo who was the favorite in the dancing event but lost the gold metal when the batteries unexpectedly died mid "left foot in". The gold metal goes to Tickle Me Elmo TMX who provided hours of entertainment for toddler in the "push over and pick me up" event. Fun was had by all, except mommy who is tired of hearing "ELMO ELMO ELMO". Even Mickey Mouse is now, "Elmo".

PSF - Glass

2009-02-13T07:43:00.003-05:00

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

I treated myself with something I have wanted for a while. I was resigned to pay retail for this beauty but lucked into finding someone who was selling their two-week old machinery due to indecision. He was faced with making a decision between two camera brands after buying one and being gifted another. Lucky for me, he went with the other and I scooped up a deal.

This lens is so heavy that I fear I will drop it. I also need tons of practice cause what I once new about my camera I have to relearn. But I bask in the yummy sharpness that I hope to acheive one day when the kids are not running around like headless chickens:

WW - My Desk Pal, I call him Brian Jr.

2009-02-11T11:04:00.000-05:00

PSF - Ice Skating

2009-01-29T21:12:00.002-05:00

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

Snow with ice on top, what a lovely combo. Yesterday we woke up with the most beautiful white topped with the most shiny and glistening ice. I wanted pics, of course. I trudged out to the trees to get some of the ice covered limbs and skipped and skidded the entire way. Luckily I didn't drop my camera.

So I go in and call it a success. Today, ice still on our driveway and deck. I grabbed my handy shovel and started trying to chip away at the frozen tundra. I must have looked like a real fool sliding all over the place. It would have been easier if I had my old ice skates. But I didn't even make a dent. However, I did clear the deck steps so that I don't have to carry the stupid dogs each time they want to potty. But I captured one more of my patio table while I was at it.

WW - Snow Princess

2009-01-28T10:48:00.000-05:00

PSF - Have Bag, Will Travel

2009-01-16T11:35:00.002-05:00

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

Packing up the family for a week's vacation. (well as soon as I get off the computer playing with pics) We are taking the kids on an airplane ride, something we haven't done in a few years. I am looking forward to some family time but not necessarily while corralling my gaggle thru airport security. Wish us luck! (and I will be sure to throw in a few vacation pics during the week)

PSF - Birthday Necklace

2009-01-08T21:00:00.002-05:00

My oldest daughter is a jewelry hoard. She love all things girlie, dresses, tights, earrings, dance shoes and necklaces. She's also learning about birthdays. Her's is coming up in March so we have been talking much about where she would like her party. However, that means everyone's birthday is coming up. Well, actually my hubby's is next week. However, she thinks my birthday is next week as well, even though I have told her a gazillion times its in May. I guess she is still grasping the aspect of time.

Anyway, as my present she 'made' me this necklace crafted with pipe cleaners. However, she won't let me wear it!

PSF - Happy New Year's Obsessions

2009-01-02T10:43:00.005-05:00

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

Happy New Year to all! Hope you had a great night. We went to dinner with friends and then slept in since the kiddos were at the Grandparents. Woo!

So new year comes new obsessions in photography. The first is I am gearing up a new website/blog and new logos and working on getting a portfolio together. What that means is, starting in 2009 I will attempt start taking on 'clients' (which really means friends) to start Portfolio Building sessions. If that goes well, maybe...just maybe, I will take on professional clients. Yes...I am thinking of taking the plunge, but just PT only (not to mention until June I will be finishing my MBA to include a 50 page thesis, so needless to say, I won't have a ton of free time). I just need new subjects to practice on cause my kids are tired of the looks of my camera. I am beyond nervous but I really need to start someplace so slow and steady it will be!

The second thing is I am going to do a 365 project for the year. Since I take tons of pictures each and every day anyway, I thought I would put together Project 365 of 2009.

I will be keeping track of these both on Flickr and on a separate 365 blog that I created.

Project 365 Blog

Oh and I will NOT be doing all Self Portraits for this project. I plan to take one shot each day of anything I want. :) No one wants to see that many pics of me anyway.

So....big year, big obsessions, big goals. Wish me luck.

PSF - Holidays

2008-12-25T20:59:00.003-05:00

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

We are Jewish and celebrate Hanukkah. However, my hubby's family is not. We go to their house on Christmas Eve and Christmas day each year. Often these two holidays fall at the same time.

This year my son is old enough to light the candles himself.

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to all out there in the blogsphere.

PSF - I get to play too

2008-12-18T20:06:00.003-05:00

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

This can be a tough time of year for those of us who do not celebrate Christmas. The lights, the songs, the santa its all much fun for the kids. My son is getting old enough to understand our heritage and the fun of Hanukkah. My daughter isn't there yet and is very into the Christmas this year. So we have been talking about getting Hanukkah gifts, lighting the Menorah and playing dreidel. I wrapped and put out each of the kids 8 gifts so they can see them much earlier than I normally do to get them excited. But I also wanted to do something else festive for the kids. I bought this Star of David light in a beautiful blue and hung it in my window above my electronic Menorah.

Its so beautiful hanging in my window. Even the baby liked to play:

My daughter is getting excited to open her presents. But we still love driving around and spotting Santa and Reindeer and beautiful twinkle lights.

My Not-So-Professional Lighting Tutorial

2008-12-18T14:40:00.024-05:00

This is my very non-professional lighting tutorial for those who have asked me how I do my lighting. I will preface this by saying that I did nothing to these shots. They are basically SOOC except for a convert to jpg from RAW (except for the ones taken in Auto) and resized down for viewing but if you click on the images, they will open bigger.

So we will start off with two pictures of me looking goofy.

#1 This me me using my camera in Auto (gasp) with my pop-up flash in my dirty mirror:

#2 This is me with my Speedlight (Canon 430EX). I wanted to show what it looks like on the camera. I have one white diffuser that I keep on my camera 90% of time. If I am outside I take it off and use the reflector that is built into the top. I keep the flash pointed toward the ceiling or angled slightly back behind my shoulder to minimize the shadows and get that bounced look.
Goofiness over. Here are some examples. My daughter on the couch.

#1 On board flash. Its very harsh. (although this example doesn't do the harshness any justice)

#2 With my speedlight on ETTL (which is Speedlight-speek for Auto). Notice its a nice warm color. This was taken on Manual with ISO 200 1/125)

#3 With my speedlight on M. I find that I can crank up the power of the light. There are fractions on the back of the light. 1/1 is the fullest power and its BLINDING. Then it goes down in increments 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16 - you get the picture. This is where you have to play to get it right. When you have more light, you can reduce your ISO and increase your SS which helps with noise and blur. So I tend to use it around 1/4 or 1/8 power and keep an ISO of 200 which is what I used in this shot. The light in M is also whiter and less warm (which can be good and bad depending on the look you want).

Here are some more examples from a more willing subject model. This is my son's Build a Bear, Fred.

This shot was taken in Auto with my on board flash. That means the camera selected an ISO of 400 with 1/60 SS based on lighting. My 'studio' is a small room with little light. Therefore the flash has to compensate a lot. This looks quite harsh.

Since I don't like those setting, mostly because that SS is way too low for fast moving kids, that's where manual and the speed light comes in. This shot was taken with an ISO of 200 and 1/160 SS at an F/4.0. I tend to shoot at these settings often. Now I could have cranked up the speedlight as it is slightly too dark for my taste here. However, that's something that you have to adjust as you use the speedlight, unless you have a light meter, which I don't. However, looking at the quality of the light it produced, there are less shadows and a nice warm glow.

Here are two pictures of my new studio lights. I have one softbox that I keep camera left high and pointed down. Then I use the umbrella for fill on the side.

I use the softbox for my main light. I like the way it looks and I think it produces nice catch lights. As you can see above, I position it above the subject and pointed down. I have this light set to around 1/2 power. I am currently using the sync cable that came with the light to hook directly to my camera. As I mentioned, its a small room and I don't wander too far from the light. For the second light, the fill umbrella, I set it to about 1/4 power and I am utilizing the infrared sensor. This means when the first light is triggered by my camera, the second light detects that flash and will also flash. The only draw back to this is I cannot go above about 1/250 SS as that second flash won't be fast enough to catch it in time.

Here is an SOOC shot of my bear using my lights. The subject is fairly evenly lit, even though I could still move my fill light around some to get different effects. The biggest benefit to shooting with studio lights are two-fold. 1. I can shoot at ISO 100, 1/200, f/8. This works so well for multiple kids/people in one frame. and 2. You can keep your settings static throughout the entire shoot. Which, again for kids, is really really really nice. I can shoot off 20 exposures (once I get the lighting correct which I am still practicing) in a matter of minutes. Since my kids have very short attention spans, setting the camera/flash once and taking as many as I can in a short time is a real life saver!

One last closeup for good measure. Unfortunately, with this model you can't see the beautiful square catch lights that the softbox produces, but you can scroll down and see the photos I posted last week as examples.

Hopefully this was detailed enough to be informative. This is my first tutorial so I may not have explained everything as well as I could. Please feel free to leave me questions if there is something that you would like me to explain further.

Theme Thursday - Holiday Memories

2008-12-18T08:31:00.002-05:00

I thought I would post pictures of the kids' first Hanukkah for this week.

This is 2002 with my first born. Mr Z. He was 6 months old here. He couldn't sit up yet and was fascinated with the presents.

This is 2005 and we have two. Miss E was 9 months old yet and starting to walk. She loved the lights.

This was last year, 2007. Miss V's first. She was 7 months old and already showing us her stubborn side.

Goofing off in the "Studio"

2008-12-12T08:11:00.003-05:00

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

I recently bought some studio lights. I had literally one nanosecond before the kids melted down and refused to sit still for me to play. I really need some more cooperative ~~victims~~ models.

But I have to say shooting in a 'studio' is really fun and challenging. I just need to get the hang of light placement. So if anyone has any tips for me, please feel free.

Oh and I have had a bunch of people ask me for a lighting tutorial, so I promise I will get to that real soon.

I'm not all that great at BW conversions so I am practicing.

Handed the camera to the 6 year old son to grab this one. He did great.

Look at those big browns.

Theme Thursday - Holiday

2008-12-11T08:04:00.003-05:00

We are having lots of fun in my house getting ready for the big Holiday. Here are some ways we are celebrating.

My son challenged me to a fierce game of dreidel.

He's beating me by taking all of my pennies.

Then I get kicked out of the game by the 3 year old.

The baby gets a turn putting the flames into the candles in their Menorah.

Then she wants to play with my electric one.

The older two put together their Menorah puzzle.

Then the tears come out when the youngest can't ruin their puzzle fun.

One final shot of all their loot wrapped and ready to go.

The kids are very excited for the 21st (and we are too).