La Petite Sirène Photography

Uh Oh

2010-11-29T00:08:00.000-08:00

So Sorry!

So I was thinking today "When was the last time I checked my blog?"

And I realized I really could not remember.

And that is bad, very bad.

So I do apologize.

Unfortunately I have been scrambling to finish up this semester.

I have two weeks left so I probably won't be posting much until it's over.

I am prepping for my class finals and my photo final.

This Saturday is our last studio shoot and I definitely need more time.

I hope everyone in the states had a great holiday and those not in the states, I hope you had a great week!

Stay safe everyone!

See you soon!

{Letty}

: ]

Family Shoots

2010-11-16T22:17:00.000-08:00

I had two family photo shoots this past weekend.

They went quite well in my opinion.

One family requested pictures of just the kids, the other brought along their two yorkshire puppies.

They were both great learning experiences.

I learned that with kids, I need to work quickly as they can get easily bored and tired and loose focus.

Even though it's information I already knew, it was an experience I would not trade for the world.

The second shoot with the puppies was also a learning experience.

Dogs in a photo shoot are much like children.

Work fast to keep their attention and best behavior.

I hope to be able to share pictures with you soon.

Have a great week everyone!!

Letty

TAMRON & BLOGHER GIVEAWAY!!!

2010-11-11T10:01:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone,

This post is for all my fellow photographers.

BlogHer is sponsoring a Tamron Lens Giveaway!

It is for the new Tamron AF 18-270mm F/3.5 - 6.3 Di-II VC LD Aspherical IF Macro for Canon or Nikon.

Whew, that was a mouthful.

So follow the link below and enter, enter, enter.

http://www.blogher.com/tamron-lens-reviews-and-sweepstakes?reviewer

Well, only if you want a free lens which so far, has received pretty good reviews.

Most common being that it is truly a versatile lens with excellent (15x) zoom.

Not to mention it is compact for what it is.

There are five different bloggers participating in the giveaway and from my understanding, you are allowed to enter in each one and twice!!!

Good Luck!!!

Letty

Fun Filled Fun

2010-11-10T23:46:00.000-08:00

So here are some of the very first shots I took with my new 50 mm lens.

It's definitely been a challenge adjusting to the fact that it is fixed.

No free rides with this one.

No, now I have to do the movin' and the groovin' with this lens to get the pictures I want.
(That line so didn't come out as smooth as it sounded in my head.)

Nope, it just made me sound like a nerd.

Haha, oh well, a casualty of blogging my thoughts as they come.

: ]

Have a great Veteran's Day for all those of you in the States that get the day off!

For those that are not in the States or don't get the day off, have an even better Thursday than those lucky kids that do!

Letty

Because We Can

2010-11-10T00:05:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone!!!

Hope you are all finding yourselves well this fine week of November.

I thought I'd take a second to tease you with one of my favorite pictures to date taken with my lovely new 50mm lens.

I'll be back later with some others just for fun and well because I can.

If any of you want to share any of your favorite photos, please do!!

Letty

(remind me to tell you a quirky story about this cat later)

Engagement Practice Shoot

2010-11-08T21:39:00.000-08:00

The following pictures are from the practice engagement shoot I did with my friends. They'll be getting married next year but any chance I get to practice with them I take.

These are edited the way the bride to be likes them.

Letty

Quickie

2010-11-07T23:30:00.000-08:00

So the photo shoot from this past Saturday turned out pretty well.

I definitely got lucky with costuming because my models brought some clothes that worked well with some of the stuff I brought.

I also got lucky because I did the make up on my models and since I had rehearsed it the night before, it turned out pretty well if I do say so myself.

Not to toot my own horn, but some of my crew members were asking if there was a make up artist there when they saw my girls.

Yes, I am proud of myself.

But anyway, I'm glad to know that in a pinch I would be able to pull something off in regards to make up (so long as it wasn't too elaborate of course).

Well, i'm sorry I won't be able to give you a sneak peek at the images.

Shooting the models was only half the shoot.

The other half still needs to get done.

And then I have to edit them together.

Fun!

But what I can give you a sneak at is the practice engagement shoot I did this weekend with two friends of mine.

So enjoy!! And as always, feedback is much appreciated.

Have a great week!!!

Letty
{LPS}

Oh No! Cramming!

2010-11-03T15:08:00.000-07:00

So I have this very open ended photo shoot this saturday for class.

Me no likey.

It is supposed to be a fine art photo shoot, loose on the fine art definition.

I am having a really hard time with this.

All our shoots until now have been very, well not open ended.
(i know it makes perfect sense)

One of the styles or categories she reviewed with us as possibilities was one of improbable realities.

Basically all images are photo shopped together to make one seamless photo of something that is highly unlikely to be true.

I am working on developing something along those lines.

I picture somewhat of a snow queen in pale silvery, white makeup with a flow-ey dress or a puffy eskimo type jacket.

But I have had such little time to really think about it and develop it.

Worse, I don't have confirmed models or make up artists.

I'm dying.

I certainly don't appreciate we only had one week to put it together since we weren't even told what the assignment was until this past saturday.

Cruel, in my opinion.

Had it need not involve people, it would not have been cruel.

But it involves people, and people are difficult to contact, confirm, and book.

So all I have to say is

OH NO's!!!

CRAMMING!!!

I really don't like to cram.

I'm off, to bite my nails off as my deadline bolts towards me at an uncomforting rate.

Letty
{LPS}

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T22:52:00.000-07:00

Hope everybody had a happy and safe Halloween!!!

Sneak Peek: Family Shoot

2010-10-29T23:47:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

Last Saturday we did a family photo shoot. Here's the sneak peek. If the colors seem a little off, please excuse me. My monitor needs to be calibrated and I had a hard time even with just contrast and exposure.

Have a great one!

{LPS}

New Equipment!!!

2010-10-28T13:28:00.000-07:00

I am so excited!!!!

I just ordered a Canon 50mm, 1.8 lens!!!

Well I ordred it on Monday but I tracked it today and it's almost here so it's only now sunk in.

Now why am I so excited?

Because it the first major piece I've bought.

So far I've been working with only one lens and that's the standard kit lens.

I've bought other stuff like my flash unit and software but equipment to help me branch out.

Anyway, I can't wait to get it and start playing with it!

Any reviews you guys want to provide on this lens if you have it or have worked with it?

I'd greatly appreciate it!

Have a great one!

{LPS}

Sneak Peek: Beauty Shoot

2010-10-21T23:42:00.000-07:00

A Futile Search for the Perfect Bag

2010-10-20T16:06:00.000-07:00

I have been searching and searching for a camera bag that fits my needs.

It has not been easy.

For some reason a stylish yet functional bag is rare.

I would think this is a no brainer.

So many people are looking to stylize their things.

I either find a bag that is functional but very boring.

Or I find a bag that very appealing and not very functional at all.

And I won't even get into price tags.

That's a whole other category.

I just want a camera bag that will fit most of my equipment but at the same time makes me feel like it reflects my personality and my photography style.

Black and grey do not fit that last bill.

If you've seen anything that may work for me, PLEASE share.

I'm almost ready to give up the search for awhile.

{LPS}

Beauty Shoot Quickie

2010-10-03T23:08:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we had a beauty photo shoot in school.

It was very crazy but so much fun.

We had models going in and out.

Make up artists left and right.

And at one point our group did a closed set because we had a girl take her bra off.
(no worries, it was not a nudity shoot, she was just showing her back but our teacher said if he [the photographer at the time] wanted the shot, it had to come off.
and really i agree, the image would not have been as strong if you saw her strap smack dab in the middle of her back)

Anyway, so it was a very long day followed by another long day of fun because today was my dear mommy's birthday.

I will be back with some more on the shoot as well as sneak peaks.

Have a great Monday!

{LPS}

Photo Quote of the Week

2010-10-01T00:23:00.000-07:00

A technically perfect photograph can be the world's most boring picture. - Andreas Feininger

So I have to apologize for being behind this week and for being short, but I've been so swamped with school work as well as freelance work (not to mention my work work) that I've hardly had time to sleep, let alone do anything else.

So my quick thoughts but very obvious and important message are as follows:

BE CREATIVE!

Keep it simple.

DO IT!

Yep that's it.

Be creative is obvious yet so important.

I know when I started out, I was so focused on getting my metering down and the composition and this and that

I didn't really pause to have fun.

I didn't make myself aware of whether the image was even interesting,
(and trust me there were many a time i should have checked)

Keep it simple, don't force yourself to be creative.

Now this doesn't mean that if you aren't feeling creative or can't come up with something to just give up.

What I mean is to think back to formalism.

Change your angle, change your lighting, change your depth of field.

Try turning your camera 45 degrees, so you aren't vertical or horizontal but diagonal.

Think of colors and shapes and lines. Draw those out in your images.

Shoot with the light in front of your subject, behind, to the side, above, below and every where else in between.

Do it. Whether you feel like it or not.

Whether you think of it or not.

Whether you can come up with or not.

It's like Forrest Gump says, "you never know what you're gonna get."

If you don't shoot it you won't know for sure.

And even if you do shoot it, you won't know what you're getting until you've done it over and over and over again.

----------------------------------------------

Ok so that wasn't very short.

But can you blame me, I just want to share everything I can with you.

Hopefully this makes sense.

Lots of Love and wishing you an awesome Friday!

{LPS}

What not to do

2010-09-22T22:01:00.000-07:00

When you are doing a photo shoot of four models and there will be no other photographer but you. . .

Make sure you

a) have more than one memory card

b) if you're going to use only one, make sure it's ridiculously large
(like 16G or more! actually i don't even know if they make them that big, hmmm. . .)

or c) if you only have one, take your computer to transfer files after each model.

---------------------------------------------

Yes, my friends, I did not do any of the above.

As a result, during the fitness shoot, I had to shoot in jpeg and I had to review photos after each model

to delete obvious discard shots
(such as the occasional overexposure and such)

as well as delete others which did not seem like great shots.

That was heartbreaking to me.

I hate deleting pictures in camera because you can't really experience the picture and know what's going on, on such a tiny screen!

Actually I kinda hate deleting pictures ever.
(and I know hate is a strong word, but I just really don't like that delete button at all)

But at least now I probably won't ever do that again.
(knowing me though, it probably will happen but at least not in the near future)

I do have teaser photos for you but I probably won't be able to load them until this weekend.

Sorry about that but school is getting pretty busy between this week and next.

Thank you for stopping by!!! Feel free to leave any thoughts.

Have a great one!

{LPS}

Photo Quote of the Week

2010-09-21T23:24:00.000-07:00

"I am not interested in shooting new things, I am interested to see things new." - Ernst Haas

I love this.

Mainly because it is the challenge I set for myself as an artistic photographer.

I challenge myself not necessarily to shoot new things,

but to see things in a new light.

I feel like I broken record with this subject but I guess it's just because it's a topic that's personal to me.

There are so many things around us to see.

And most of the time, we don't really see them.

Like the things we take for granted.

But when I challenge myself to these these things new,

I feel I gain a greater appreciation,

not only for the world around me,

but for the art of photography,

and the understanding of them both as well. . .

Hoping my pondering leads to some pondering of your own,

Have a great week!!

{LPS}

Sneak Peek: Headshot Photo Shoot

2010-09-19T23:33:00.000-07:00

So here are my favorite shots for the headshot photo shoot I did on Saturday.

The first two are of one of the people I've enjoyed photographing the most.

She was so sweet and made my job so easy.

The second two are of my second client of the day who also a joy to work with.

She was very easy going and easy to work with.

(wow, my word of the day seems to be easy)

Anyway, here they are straight from the camera, with the exception of some cropping I had to do to remove unwanted equipment in the shot.

And here's one that I just totally love for her facial expression and background.

Have a great week everyone!!!

{LPS}

p.s.

Fitness photo shoot teaser coming soon!

Quick Update

2010-09-19T16:00:00.000-07:00

The headshot photo shoot went pretty well yesterday.

I was careful to be sure I was in no way telling my fellow classmates what to do.

I will admit though, that my tone in the last hour to hour and a half, may have been a window for the same complaint.

But I will not apologize for that.

I was not, bossy or disrespectful.

I was merely assertive and succinct.

Can you blame me though?

We were supposed to be done at 2 pm and people were taking their sweet time.

We were not done til after 2:30.

We started at 8 and had nothing to eat all day.

Yes, I wanted to stay on schedule.

But, it's a learning experience.

Every session is.

I'll be back with sneak peaks soon.

For now, I'm off to do another session of the Fitness calendar shoot.

{LPS}

Learning Lessons

2010-09-17T22:39:00.000-07:00

So this past Sunday I received an e-mail from my photography instructor. She said she needed to speak with me.

I was scared.

She never told me what it was about, so of course I imagined the worst possible scenarios.
(i'd rather be prepared for the worst so if it happens, it's not a shock)

We scheduled our appointment for friday.

Yes, nearly a week of not knowing. I don't know how I made it through.

Anyway, when I finally met her, it was as I imagined.

Only, more shocking.

More than one member from my crew had complained I was bossy and pushy during our "shoots."
(we've only done practice ones with each other so far, so i don't count them as real yet)

And even one person from another group had told her the same thing.

While this may seem as very ordinary in the sense that there are many people in this world who are this personality, I am not one of them.

On the contrary, I am reserved and avoid drama.

So, I have been careful about not telling people what do when it is not my turn to shoot.

This italized part is important.

When I am not shooting, I am an assistant.

I shut my brain off and do as I'm told or as is needed.

When I'm shooting, you bet your rear I'm telling you what to do.

As photographer, that's my right.

If I need something done, that's what an assistant is for.
(And they know this too. It's part of the real world lessons our instructor teaches.)

Now I also want to clarify that I'm not disrespectful.

I don't mistreat my crew members!

So I am very confused as to what they are referring to.

Even more so because some of the things I was told about, those same people told me the opposite.

Some people who said I was telling them what to do, told me that I was helpful or had asked my opinion.

Not to mention the fact that everyone in my group has been very friendly with me. I haven't once picked up negative vibes.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ???

I just don't know what is going on.

I know I have been careful to make sure I wasn't telling people what to do.

But if I saw a fellow crew member struggling I would speak up and offer a suggestion.

If I was asked, I spoke.

If I wasn't, I asked for permission.

I know sometimes I can say things and they sound completely wrong from what I intended it to be.

Maybe that's my problem.

-----------------------------

Tomorrow is our first photo shoot with actual clients so I'm very glad my instructor decided not to keep brushing the students off as having a personality clash with me
(to further illustrate my side, she had ignored the first two complaints as such, as she couldn't believe I would actually be behaving in such a manner, but when the third person spoke she thought maybe I wasn't aware or maybe it was possible it was happening)

But back to the point, I am glad I am aware so I can be even more aware tomorrow.

It was never my intention to be bossy or come off bossy.

I'm sorry if I was misunderstood.

Tomorrow I will keep completely to myself and I will kill with kindness.
(not literally of course)

It's the only way I know how to handle this.

*Sigh*

So, I have to ask, what do you think about this situation? How would you handle it?

I'm not going to lie, I'm feeling lost and confused.

{LPS}

Fitness Photo Shoot

2010-09-15T22:29:00.000-07:00

Ok so here are some final shots of the photo shoot I went to a few weeks ago.

I was a bit disappointed in the shots I had because many were well composed but a little soft.

But I'm not complaining because at least I had an opportunity to shoot.

So with out further ado. . .

Comments? They're always welcome.

Oh, I almost forgot.

The guy who is in charge of this photo shoot called me today.

He asked if I would be available to shoot for him this Friday!!!

So, if all goes well, I'll be doing some shooting all on my own.

For time scheduled specifically for me.

I don't get those very often right now.

So yay!!

Have a great one everyone!

{LPS}

Photo Quote of the Week

2010-09-13T23:48:00.000-07:00

The difference between a good picture and a mediocre picture is a question of millimetres. - Henri Cartier-Bresson

This is a lesson I believe I have most definitely come to learn one too many times.
(and yet it hasn't stuck. . . hmmmm)

I have a tendency to do my cropping in camera.

So what happens when you are new and crop in camera?

Well, let me tell you.

You get mediocre pictures.

Rather than good pictures.

For example

Here we have another straight out of camera shot.

Lovely, sweet, rather endearing really.

Until you follow the flute.

Left side, lower corner.

Yep, that's a millimeter of flute i'm missing.

And this one.

I almost got an A on this project.

Except she threw this quote at me.

See on the right, I'm missing part of the agave.

Yes, it is a thing I like to do.

Sadly, I don't have much else to say about this quote.

Other than, it is very true.

. . . And it will probably haunt me until I'm an old, decrepit photographer who can't shoot anymore because of arthritis or osteoporosis or some other bone troubling disease.

(before you run away screaming from my blog, i say that not because i'm such an optimist but

because that's the only way i'll ever stop shooting. ah now it makes sense, bet you didn't see that coming.)

Hope you're all off to a great start this week!

{LPS}

Sneak Peek: Fitness Photo Shoot

2010-09-12T23:38:00.000-07:00

So here are some teaser photos from the photo shoot I assisted in a couple weeks ago.

They're a little dark since it was the end of the day and I usually rather go darker than lighter anyway since darker is a problem that can be fixed.

I'll post the edited images later. I might even post them before and after style.

Let me know what you think and remember they are straight from the camera.

Have a great week!

{LPS}

Photo Quote of the Week

2010-08-31T22:00:00.000-07:00

"PHOTOSHOP" - Everybody

Ok so it's not really a quote but I was working on some photographs from a photo shoot I assisted in over the weekend and I thought "This is my least favorite thing about photography!"

When I first started it was very much exciting to me. The things I learned to do and how I was able to sometimes transform my images, I was amazed.

So I obviously didn't mind spending hours editing.

These days, I despise editing.

I have so may things going on that it just feels like a chore.

How does this relate to the "quote" of the week, you ask?

Simple.

Editing means photoshop.

(or Lightroom for some of you, but i'm ignoring you for today's purposes)

Photoshop means many, many connotations.

Mostly bad.

Most people think botched artwork when they hear photoshop.

Something poorly done and even ghetto.

Yeah, that really makes me want to take my time editing.

And for a select few it means positives things which I am choosing not to dwell on today since I am only interested in the negative.

Yes, that's me, the optimist.

(actually i normally am, but today i choose not to be)

So back to editing.

It sucks.

I'm sure I'll think otherwise when all my work has been completed and I am once again filled with

Wonder,

awe,

and PRIDE

in the work I have done.

Until then, I shall be an unhappy camper.

Er, photographer.

{LPS}

P.S.

When I am back to my optimistic self and find myself with some free time, I shall fill you in on my recent absence and share my experience about the photo shoot I assisted in with some sneak peaks.

Byeee

Photo Quote of the Week - Among other Thoughts

2010-08-10T23:22:00.000-07:00

You can't photograph your thoughts.
- Stephen Johnson

I say nay to Stephen Johnson.

You CAN photograph your thoughts.

Photography is all about photographing your thoughts!

It's the visual expression,

the physical embodiment,

the.tangible.of.your.thoughts.

You photograph what you see.
You photograph what you hear.
You photograph what you smell.
You photograph what you taste.
You photograph what you feel.

You.photograph.what.you.think.

But you all know that.

Isn't it one of the reasons you enjoy photography so much?

I know it's one of my reasons.

Anyway, speaking of thoughts, here are some more of mine.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have been MIA yet again.

Life has been quite the busy bee for me these last few weeks.

But i start school on monday.
(nay, bring on the summer once more i say)

So I hope to get back into a working routine.

You know, for someone who was never a fan of the day to day routines,

I sure have grown to love 'em.
(sigh)

See you on the other side of the lens!

{LPS}

Sneak Peek

2010-07-25T12:52:00.000-07:00

So I booked a second maternity photo shoot.

But it was actually my first maternity photo shoot.

The first maternity photo shoot I booked

hasn't actually taken place yet.

Anyway, I think it went well.

Especially considering it happened pretty fast.

I definitely could have been better prepared.

I thought of alot of props that would have been great to have.

All part of the experience though.

So while you enjoy these sneak peek photos

I will go make that list and start editing.

*remember these are straight from the camera*

Update: Where have I been?

2010-07-23T00:15:00.000-07:00

Hey Photo People,

I am sorry I have been MIpA (missing in photographic action) for the past two weeks now.

Here's the low down.

My awesome boyfriend's dad was in a car accident last week so I was in and out of the hospital with his family.
(He is ok now, just bruised and on "house arrest" per doctors orders)

After that I spent the rest of the week catching up on the work I missed at work.
(great stuff i tell ya)

This week has been all about homework and research.

I was offered to do wedding photography for a friend next month.

Since I've never done anything like that, I wanted to be informed and be prepared.

Unfortunately it was all for not.

I was informed today that they hired a photography since Monday.

I love them and I'm not hurt or upset
(the wedding is in 2 weeks so trust me, i understand)

But I would have appreciated the heads up so I didn't spend the past week staying up into the wee hours of the night doing research.

Oh well. life's lessons. at least i know a little something about wedding photography now.

So this week's lesson my friends?

There's always an upside.

Even if the upside isn't the one you were expecting.

{LPS}

Photo Quote of the Week

2010-07-06T20:21:00.000-07:00

It's weird that photographers spend years or even a whole lifetime, trying to capture moments that added together, don't even amount to a couple of hours. ~James Lalropui Keivom

I very much enjoy this quote because it just makes me feel silly.
As photographers, we really do spend our careers capturing moments that even when added up
aren't much more than a few hours.
but i love that irony
(if it even is irony)
because it's not about what it adds up to
it's about what the moments mean.
to us as photographers.
as friends.
as family.
as people.
these moments can amount to lifetimes.

so the fact that we spend so much time capturing moments

that don't up to too much time in themselves

makes me laugh and only feel that much more proud of the moments
i do capture.

{LPS}

Creative Focus

2010-07-01T22:15:00.000-07:00

I have discovered something quite wonderful my friends.

Creative focus through the use of tilt-shift lenses!

yes.

it.is.awesome.

I am still doing research on this but from the tid bits I have read,

they are pretty handy to have.

great fun to use.

and produce one of a kind, ahhh-mazing results.
(yes, i did just use amazing with ahhh,
they're supposed to be that good.)

google the subject.

i.dare.ya.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

So while you go google 'creative focus' and 'tilt-shift lens' pictures, I am off to do some more "third party" research of my own,

you guys should really share any thoughts you have on these wonderful "new" contraptions.

{LPS}

P.S.
HAVE A GREAT FOURTH OF JULY!!!
STAY SAFE.

Photo Quote of the Week

2010-06-29T23:34:00.000-07:00

The negative is the equivalent of the composer's score, and the print the performance. - Ansel Adams

For the sake of this quote, I think I'm going to get straight to the point.

Remember that the image you choose to print and show case,
whether it be on your bedroom wall, living room coffee table or art gallery

IS just as important

as the picture you shot into your camera.

the reverse is also true.

the photograph you shoot into your camera

is as important as the final product.

as beginner's it is often easy to forget this association.

we want the start and end products to be one and the same.

on top of that, we expect it to look like the pros.

this.is.not.the.case.

the same careful thought and craftsmanship that goes into shooting your subject,

needs to be applied to the final product.

take the time to play in photoshop to make your photos the best they can be.

because even the best, (like Ansel Adams) can benefit from subtle features
(like color boost, or dodge and burn, or even just levels)

that photoshop has to offer.

{LPS}

Babies are not decorations.

2010-06-26T17:19:00.000-07:00

A few weeks back, I had mentioned that I would be doing my very first maternity photo shoot.

I have been trying to prepare for it by doing some research on the subject.

Among all the useful information I have come across, I have also realized something.

Babies.are.not.decorations.

I just don't understand the concept of photographing a baby in a bowl.

or nekked on a rug.

or hanging from a silk hammock.

I wont lie.

It frustrates me.

But I guess it's because I find a connection to more real photographs.

By that I simply mean photographs of real everyday moments, not studio.

I would much rather see pictures of babies in their cradles.

or their parents bed.

or their baby blanket.

or their parents arms.

So while I may highly dislike this area of baby portraits

I still want to understand.

Why do parents like those photographs so much?

{LPS}

Photo Quote of the Week

2010-06-22T21:03:00.000-07:00

I didn't choose photography. Photography chose me. -Gerardo Suter

I wonder. . .

I am inclined to believe this whole heartedly.

The more I think about how I have felt about photography the more I believe this.

My earliest memories of me with a camera date back to when I was about 10 yrs old.

I remember it was one of those disposables by Kodak.

I made it the point of this one vacation in Mexico to take

SURPRISE.snapshots

of all my family members.

Before that, I used to beg my mother to allow me to load the film.

and unload it.

and take all the pictures!

So i guess photography really did choose me.

Not the other way around.

What are your earliest memories with cameras?

{LPS}

Photo Quote of the Week

2010-06-15T23:23:00.000-07:00

The 'machine-gun' approach to photography - by which many [photographs] are made with the hope that one will be good - is fatal to serious results. - Ansel Adams

OK.

So this week I did not forget to provide you guys with another photography related quote.

aren't you proud of me, you know you are.

And again when I read this quote I felt compelled to share some thoughts.

mostly stemming from my personal experience with this concept.

Before I had taken any photographic instruction, I admit I used this 'machine-gun' approach.

I took many, many photographs of my subject with such rapid continuity that I was basically just hoping I got at least

one.good.one.

Highly ineffective.

While it is not a negative thing at all to take many photographs of the same subject, each 'repetitive' photograph should have a purpose.

Without it, you're just a sniper sitting in a tree with no scope and no visible target.

Each repetition should be serving some purpose.

Whether it's a change in angle.

in focus.

zoom.

depth of field.

whatever.

but your repetition should have thought.

it.should.have.aim.

like that sniper I mentioned earlier.

Otherwise, you're not doing yourself or your talents much good.

{LPS}

Thoughts on the Photo Quote

2010-06-11T23:18:00.000-07:00

Quick recap of the quote:

If you want to be a better photographer, stand in front of more interesting stuff. - Jim Richardson

To continue with my rambling from last post, I want to share with you some thoughts on this quote.

At first glance it may seem like this quote is simple and straight forward but if you look deeper you can see there is more then we realize.

For example:

it is true that if you want to be a better photographer you should find more interesting stuff to stand in front of.

or behind.

or to the side.

or under.

. . .What I'm just being creative here.

and that's precisely another facet of this quote.

.be.creative.

challenge your self to find more interesting stuff.

better photographs are better because not only have they spent time and energy into practicing to become better.

they also challenge themselves to go out on limbs.

to try things they may not have been so sure about.

example.

i sliced a very thin round of lemon some time ago.

and i challenged myself to make it interesting.

so i did.

see.

the seeds make it look like eyes. . .

ok. so maybe it isn't so great.

but i challenged myself with something i wasn't entirely sure of.

and that's part of the journey.

so there you have it.

i think.

this quote has more to offer than first meets the eye.

so look deeper and see what others may not see.

---------------------

i'm sure i had something more insightful to say regarding it

but there i've gone.

gotten all caught up in one thought.

and lost all the others.

oh well.

hope this helped someone.

{LPS}

Photo Quote of the Week

2010-06-10T23:45:00.000-07:00

If you want to be a better photographer, stand in front of more interesting stuff. - Jim Richardson

So I am most definitely ashamed of myself.

I promised myself that if I didn't have anything to offer you guys on any given day in any given week, I would at the very least have the Photo Quote to give.

I failed.

Epically.

Well maybe not quite so epically but, it has not been over a week since I have provided you with a quote to hopefully ponder over.

AND I'm not even posting it on a Tuesday.

(I had secretly made Tuesday the day to post, as an incentive to make Monday a happier day. . .

you know, because then I would be excited on Monday that photo quote tuesday was "tomorrow")

Anyway enough of my rambling, I apologize and will do more than try to not let it happen again.

Now since I believe I have more than lost your interest I will be back tomorrow with my thoughts on this particular quote.

I believe that it has the potential to speak great words of wisdom to young photographers beginning their photographic journey.

Like me!

Have a great one!

{LPS}

straps or STRAPS!

2010-05-27T00:20:00.000-07:00

I know we are all familiar with the standard Canon neck straps.

(Or even Nikon straps for that matter.)

You know, the ones that look like these.

Yes, I know we are all familiar with these.

They are stiff, uncomfortable and so plain.

Granted they are very durable. Trust me, I know.

(My Canon strap has taken quite the beating

during my futile attempts to soften the material.)

But still stiff, uncomfortable and plain.

Ugh.

So I embarked on a journey to find a softer, more comfortable and most definitely

funner alternative.

(I know, funner is not a word but I felt in this instance, it would be ok to make an exception.)

Behold the amazing neck straps from MyFunkyCamera.com.

(click on the image to see more styles)

Yes these straps are most certainly not plain.

I do not own one yet, but thus far the reviews have been great.

The inner linning is fleece (I think) for softness and comfort.

The outer lining is something decorative and fun.

In between is a light layer of padding for added support and comfort.

They have so many different styles and colors that I am having a hard time deciding which one I want to order.

I'm thinking this blue/brown scrolls one.

Be advised they are not on the cheap side. At $32 a piece, they make that Canon (or Nikon) strap sound pretty darn good.

But if you're using your camera for extended periods of time, you may want to consider trying these out.

Or if you just really like them, adding them to your birthday/holiday wishlist.

Or for those of you fortunate enough to afford it no problem, just picking out your favorite and enjoying.

Let me know what your thoughts are whether or not you own one of these already.

{LPS}

p.s.

i totally found my signature to sign off with.

yay.

Photo Quote of the Week

2010-05-25T21:59:00.000-07:00

If you buy a flute, you own a flute. So why is it that when you buy a camera, you're a photographer? - Anonymous

So normally I don't post anything after the quote ( I know, I know this is only the third quote, still you know what I mean) mostly because I find myself at a loss for words, however, today I have something to say.

As a developing photographer, I often feel so under-appreciated. When my family tries to refer me to friends and acquaintances, they often get a response similar this:

"Oh yeah, my (insert relative here) has a new camera and (insert same relative here)

takes great pictures!"

Ugh, so what you're saying is anyone with a camera is a photographer?!

I only partially agree.

Everyone with a camera has the potential to be a photographer. Now that I've immersed myself in photography, I see the differences between a person holding a camera and a photographer holding a camera.

(Trust me, I know it. I often find myself as the person and not the photographer, at least it feels that way, very frustrating.)

Hopefully, someday we can make people understand that owning a camera does not make you a photographer, just like owning a flute does not make you a flutist.

(Is that even right, flutist?)

{LPS}

An important lesson learned

2010-05-24T23:59:00.000-07:00

So I have spent the past weekend working away on editing and "perfecting" images I was "hired" to do (I say "perfecting" because nothing is really ever perfect and "hired" because I'm still not getting paid).

And what have I learned through these countless hours?

I have learned that you should never book more another job if you haven't finished the first one.

Well maybe not never, but you shouldn't do it if you aren't absolutely, positutely sure that you will be able to get them all done. . . within a reasonable timeframe. . . and a reasonable amount of stress.

Yes, so there you have it, and while I'm sure this may seem obvious, I think it falls under the "don't bite more than you can chew" category that we all like to conveniently ignore when we tell ourselves we can do anything.

(Even though we can do anything, as long as we pace ourselves and time manage well.)

{LPS}

Photo Quote of the Week

2010-05-18T13:48:00.000-07:00

A room hung with pictures is a room hung with thoughts.

-Sir Joshua Reynolds

Musicians!

2010-05-17T21:23:00.000-07:00

Ok so I checked my posts and realized I did not tell you about the first time I photographed people as "clients" (I say that in quotes because even though they really were clients and are using my images, I did not get paid).

One of my assignments was to photograph musicians with their instruments. We needed one group shot, head shot, and one of what ever we please. I asked friends if anyone would be willing to do this and one of my friends said yes and he invited another friend.

So what did I learn at this shoot?

ALWAYS MAKE SURE YOU ARE IN RAW MODE.

Yes I did not check to make sure I was shooting raw.This was bad because I also did not bring my reflectors (or fill cards). By the time we arrived to their campus to shoot, the sun was high and I had to deal with shadows.

Now I have quite a bit of post work to do.

So always carry your reflectors and quadruple check your camera settings.

Here's a snippet of the shoot.

**Remember these are unedited**

{La Petite Sirène}

Prom Pictures!

2010-05-16T23:02:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I photographed a friend and her girlfriend for prom. We did the shoot by the museum in downtown and even though there was little sun left because they were over an hour late, they still turned out pretty well.

Things I learned at this shoot are [1] I need to be checking my images more often, [2] I need to play with the aperture more (I tend to stick to shallow depths of field) and [3] I'm getting better at interacting with the people I'm photographing. I was able to relax and make them relax a heck of a lot faster than at my first photo shoot (the musicians one, did I tell you guys about that one? I'll have to check)

Yes it was fun and a good learning experience, most of all I have more work to add to my portfolio. Below is a sneak peak at some photos I took. I'm in the process of editing them now. Toodles.

{La Petite Sirène}

No success there...

2010-05-14T00:06:00.000-07:00

Today I found out I am still afraid of large crowds.

Yes, I went to our local Farmer's Market tonight and I found myself unable to just take the photographs I wanted to take. I have always been shy and over the last few I have improved considerably but when it comes to large crowds, I still hold back (so no success there).

So instead of doing what I love to do (photograph), I wandered off and chose subjects in a lesser populated area (yes, success!).

So my advice to you if you are fearful of crowds is start small. Find areas where there are less people or there is less traffic. Progressively move to areas with more people until you can finally go into a crowded area. For those of you that willing to take your fears head on, find something or someone to motivate you to jump right into the crowd. Or take someone with you to help you feel more relaxed.

But whatever you do, don't let it stop you.

{ La Petite Sirène }
P.S.
I think I may have found my logo. :]

Photo Quote of the Week

2010-05-11T15:28:00.000-07:00

Looking and seeing are two different things. What matters is the relationship with the subject. - Christophe Agou

Quote provided by PhotoQuote.com

Taking a breather to blog...

2010-05-11T00:42:00.000-07:00

So this week has been a very busy week. I have three projects due back to back, two of them group projects and one my photo final.

In the midst of all the chaos, though, two amazing opportunities have come my way. This Saturday I will be photographing for my friend's girlfriend's prom. I am so looking forward to it since it is her first prom.

Second, I will be photographing a coworker's baby bump as sort of a test shoot. If she likes my work, she will hire me for her "true" baby bump pictures (she's only 4 months right now so her bump is small). This will of course be my first maternity shoot so I'm busy doing my research for it in between homework.

Any recommendations?

-La Petite Sirène

I am not a photojournalist.

2010-03-21T22:59:00.000-07:00

So in my last post I briefly talked about the theatre festival assignment I did and I would now like to elaborate a bit.

We were to document the event just as a real photojournalist would, that meant taking down names of the people we were photographing ( 5 people or less thankfully), where they are from, what they were doing, why they were doing it and when they were doing it. In addition, we were to have cutlines (aka headlines) and captions ready for print. The part that was the most difficult for me, however, was that in photojournalism, all pictures must be a "complete sentence." This means there is a subject, an action, and I'm blanking on the third but the point is I am realizing I more of a fine art photographer. I take pictures for the formalism (shapes, colors, patterns, etc) and/or feeling. It was a challenge remembering that the picture isn't supposed to repeat what your captions are saying, they are supposed to provide new insight.

I processed the images this past week and was so glad that I had enough images that I could turn in. I'm not sure how many I took but I probably only had about a quarter of the total that were useable. I wanted to post some of the images, but I forgot that because the festival was made of primarily minors, I can't post any of them because I don't have releases from their parents.

While I didn't truly enjoy the experience, I am thankful for it. If there comes a day when I need to do photojournalism to pay the bills, I will know how to successfully do it and won't feel like a mermaid out of water. Best of all, I know now that I am not a photojournalist.

As always, I hope you have a terrific day!

-La Petite Sirène

Under Construction

2010-03-14T00:34:00.000-08:00

For my photo class this week, we were assigned to photograph the theatre festival that our school hosts for local high school theatre programs. I am not a very good people person photographer yet and I am certainly not a photojournalist so this assignment was particularly challenging for me. I did however try it, attempting to cover everything we were told to do and then some. I am not sure that I was able to get the shots I needed in order to complete the assignment and since I am not allowed to retouch them at all, I am not sure they are sufficient. I do need to process them, as soon as I do, I will post what I will turn in.

How do you approach jobs that are not your forte?

-La Petite Sirène

Toys

2010-02-28T21:00:00.000-08:00

The following images are from from my themed shoots. This one I had alot of fun with. I was moving at the time and in my packing and unpacking sessions, I came across alot of different toys from my childhood, toys that you would normally get in kids meals and such. I took some of these and went to one of the playgrounds at a local elementary school. I set them up and tried to to make them look like they were a part of the scenery as best I could. Others were taken at home. Any thoughts?

None of the previous images were altered or corrected.

Thanks for visiting!

-La Petite Sirène

Signs

2010-02-28T00:02:00.000-08:00

When I first started taking pictures, I would look to have some sort of theme to my photo shoots, such colors, concepts, objects, etc. I quickly discovered that it was not as easy as I thought it would be. There's a lot of repetition in the world and finding images that are significantly (or at least noticeably) different from each other was a real challenge. Of course I was more than happy to tackle this challenge but with only a limited time available to me to shoot, I had to drop my themed shoots and focus on developing my skills and in between that, finding my style. The following images are some of my favorites from one of my first theme shoots, I went on a "road trip" searching for signs, whether they be as ordinary as a car or more interesting than a dancing ostrich (I know great analogy ; ] ).

Once again none of these images have been altered or corrected.

Thanks for visting,

-La Petite Sirène

Mexico 2009

2010-02-26T23:54:00.000-08:00

The following images are just a few of my favorites from my recent cruise to the Mexican Riviera. None have been altered or corrected in any way (though some could probably really use it). They don't really have a cohesive theme, but I wasn't really interested in having one for this post. Please feel free to let me know what your thoughts are on these. Thanks for looking!

-La Petite Sirène

Introduction

2010-02-25T02:04:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

My name is Letty. I am a freelance photographer who has always had a love and appreciation for the things and joys that photography brings. However, I have only recently been able to really immerse myself in learning about photography and developing my skills.

This blog is intended to be somewhat of a portfolio of my preferred work and experiences along my photographic journey. I hope to someday be able to Make Captured Moments a Beautiful Part of Your World! *wink wink*

I really enjoy what I do and appreciate any chance I have at improving.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding my work or if you have feedback you would like to provide.

Have an amazing day!

-La Petite Sirène