Mt. Juliet portrait photography

Finally! Photos Of Their Own

February 20, 2013

My aunt and uncle have not had professional pictures made of themselves since they were married. WHAT? I could not believe it when they told me. Along with my mother, these two used to be the ones taking all the family pictures. I guess it’s true that the photographers rarely get pictures of themselves. I remember old black and white film in a Nikon and a lens in my face. Uncle Marc is especially good at getting a candid shot when you don’t expect it. Some find that annoying, but now I am right beside him grabbing those slices of life. They have also been an example of servanthood for me. Marc and Trudy have entertained me since I was small, and they have continued to love and support me throughout my life. I cannot count how many times I have called my aunt for medical advice and support. (It’s nice to have a medical doctor for an aunt). She is my mother when my mother is not available, and sometimes, my mother just tells me to call Trudy. I am so glad to finally be able to do something for them. A photo session of their own? My pleasure!

by MelanieG

Show Hide 0 comments

Picture Perfect Love

February 14, 2013

These are the Holkers, a strong Army man and his beautiful family. Picture perfect, right? When this family stepped out of the car, my heart leapt with excitement and I let out a cheer. They were gorgeous! I knew that if I could just trick these little ones into pausing briefly in front of the camera, we would get some great images. Laura was genius when she suggested an urban shoot in the heart of Nashville. There are so many different colors and textures downtown and she dressed the family in fun, bright tones. We ran around and snapped pictures while peeking in all the honkey-tonks. The kids were so excited to get a close-up look at the Nashville Star train. We ended the session with a stop at the candy store. It was a beautiful afternoon, and we had a great time together.

When their proofing gallery was completed, Laura sent me an emotional message. “I have to tell you, too. These pictures mean so much more to us than you’ll ever know.” She went on to say that her husband had just returned from his 3rd deployment (two to Iraq, one to Afghanistan), and this one had been especially rough. War, distance, and time apart can take a toll on a family and relationships. Love binds us together, but life’s circumstances sometimes fray the cord.

We all dream of picture-perfect love. But if we are honest, the real picture of love is a little worn around the edges, stained with a few tears, and wrinkled from our unyielding grip when life tries to pull it away. That is what love really looks like and it is beautiful picture.

1 Peter 4:8
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

by MelanieG

Show Hide 2 comments

Super Cool Photo Gifts #2

January 24, 2013

This amazing photo gift does not need much explanation. It’s chocolate. It’s chocolate with a photo. It’s chocolate with YOUR photo printed on it. WHAT? YES! When I discovered Cocoagraph, I knew I had to get one…or twenty. These were a big hit for my family this Christmas, but can you think of a cuter Valentine’s gift? Go now to their website while there is still time to order it before Valentine’s Day. They have different kinds of chocolate (including organic) and you can add nuts, berries, sea salt, and other yummy things to make your chocolate bar truly unique and customized to your liking. There are a few different sizes and styles, but I chose the “Life-Size” with the ’80s border that makes the chocolate bar look like a polaroid picture. With this one, you can add a message at the bottom to make it even more special. Want to know the best part? The chocolate is really good. WIN!

The kids enjoyed eating their own faces! HA!

by MelanieG

Show Hide 0 comments

Super Cool Photo Gifts #1

January 17, 2013

Now that Christmas is over, I can tell you all about the super cool photo gifts I gave to my family. I think these would also make really great Valentine presents. The first is a custom view-master! Remember these things? I loved mine. Before you could buy and watch movies at home, we had these. (yes, I’m that old) It was like being inside the book or movie with the view-master’s 3D pictures. I still love it.

This is my original view-master and all the reels I had. It’s still awesome.

Now imagine a view-master with YOUR photos on the reel! Even better!! I discovered this website called image3D where you can upload your own photos to create your own reel. There are many options for ordering, but I went with the classic viewer and made several reels for family members as Christmas gifts. Obviously, I have a lot of photos since I do most of the family photography, but these are also great for your Instagram photos because the images are cropped to a square.

This is my new viewer from Image 3D with the reels I made for family as Christmas gifts. You can choose other colors, but I wanted the classic red.

Here are examples of the photos I put inside. These two are my kids.

The image looks fuzzy through my camera, but it’s not when you are actually holding it up to your eyes. They use 2 copies of the photo you upload to make it look 3D through the viewer.

Just like the original view-master, these reels are made with 2 copies of 7 images. That means each reel has 14 spaces, but only 7 photos can be loaded onto one reel.

My grandfather who will be 91 in February LOVED this gift. I made him a special reel with all of the great-grandchildren in it, and I added names to the images so that he could remember each child better. My grandmother reported to me this week that he looks at it all the time. He does not have Alzheimer’s, but anyone at 91 with 8 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren could benefit from names being added to their photos.

Here is an example of how you can add text or names to an image. The text is also 3D, and it appears to be floating in front of the photo.

My grandfather was very fascinated with his Image 3D viewer, and he enjoys looking at his great-grandchildren every day with it.

My family had lots of fun with this nostalgic yet new way to share photos. I mostly gave them to my parents and grandparents, but I think they would be great for any age or occasion. Get those images off of your phone, and make some fun photo reels!

by MelanieG

Show Hide 1 comment

How to create shaped bokeh

December 28, 2012

Have you seen these pictures with the shaped bokeh? (blurred background light) Want to know how to do this? It’s super easy and a LOT of fun!

Supplies:

Camera lens or camera you will be using

Heavy black paper

exacto knife and/or scissors

cutting surface

pencil

stapler or tape

Assemble your supplies and lens. Trace the front of the lens you will be using and mark an outer circle 2 inches wider.

You could use the lens cap instead of the whole lens, but the lens cap may be slightly smaller than the outer edge of the lens. Just make sure the inner circle will cover the glass. You don’t want light creeping in on the sides.

Cut out your filter using the outer circle as your guide. Cut slits all around up to the inner circle. This allows the paper to bend back over the edge of the lens and still cover the front. Try to cut yours neater than mine. I have a crummy exacto knife but it’s pink and matches my pink tool set. I will keep it. 🙂

Cut a square in the middle of the inner circle. Again, mine is super messy. Do as I say, not as I do. Good.

Cut a rectangle of paper that is the same width as the inner circle. This one is a bit too wide, but I will trim it after the next step.

Cut the rectangle in half lengthwise.

Trim the edges of the two rectangles so that they fit within the inner circle. These rectangles should only be wide enough to overlap two sides of the inside square. These rectangles will serve as guides to hold our fun-shaped filter.

Staple or tape these two rectangles into place. One on top and one on bottom of the inner square. I would not recommend glue. I don’t want to get glue on my lens. Be careful with the staples. You don’t want to scrape your lens either. It would be a good idea to place a piece of tape over the backside of the staples to protect the lens from scratches.

Cut out a rectangle of paper that will cover the hole in the middle and will slide in and out of the two rectangle holders you just stapled/taped on.

FINALLY! The fun part is here! Cut or punch the shape of your choice in the middle of the rectangle that fits over the hole. If you are a scrapbooker, I need to borrow some paper punches. Thanks!

See my sad little star that I cut out by hand? It works GREAT! Obviously, if you have some paper punches, this would be another great use for them.

Now my handmade filter is ready to go over the lens!

Get ready! This is super high tech. Use a rubber band to secure your cool home made photo filter to your lens. Don’t laugh. It works, baby.

Now, you should refer to my previous post about fun with your Christmas lights to learn how to create bokeh. If you have read this, start snapping pictures! You will notice when you use your filter that your photos have a large vignette (faded to black edges). This is because you have reduced the light to only the center of the lens. I think it’s cool.