Shutter Sisters

let the light in

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When I shot this polaroid the other day, I knew the sun was just outside frame and that I could end up with an overly blown out image. But still, I went for it and I’m pretty happy with how it turned out. The flare ultimately helped me capture the emotion I felt that afternoon, which was the ease and warmth of a nice 20 minute vacation while my baby girl napped in the stroller.

Lens flare by definition, is an imperfection. A flare is an artifact caused by a bright light source in the image or shining into the lens. It usually occurs when we shoot into the sun or when the sun is just outside the frame. However, there are times when flares are used deliberately, for the sole purpose of adding drama, energy and realism to the shot. Hmm.

This image I shot and the whole concept behind flares got me wondering if we can also accept our imperfections as special traits that add realness and uniqueness to our personalities. Can we let the “light” into our lives by accepting our flaws and embracing our unexpected magic?

Today, in celebration of light, flares and imperfections, share with us those images in which you let the light in. Where the lack of contrast made up for more softness… Where lens flares, streaks and dots revealed dreamy, unworldly and otherwise unknown perfection.

fish out of water

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These early days of motherhood have been quite the challenge for me when it comes to my photography. Truth be told, (I don’t know what I was thinking…) I did not expect that I would be spending so much time at home, and that I would be shooting more at home as well.

As it turns out, I’m feeling like a fish out of water! Shooting at home is totally out of my comfort zone. I’m noticing that it feels very strange for me to photograph my home, my belongings, my family… I realized that all these years I have been focused on capturing only the outside: my travels, people, models on location, etc. Staying close to my heart is making me feel vulnerable. Do you ever get that? I suspect good expressive photography can come out of exploring these emotions. But I definitely need some warming up, which is why I’m sitting with this delicious book for inspiration and guidance.

In the meantime, since many of you are masters at documenting your lives, would you share with me some of your best domestic shots today? Show me those jackets hanging by your front door, the light coming through your window, your walls, your meals, even those dust bunnies under your bed. I want to be inspired by the real deal. Show me how to open up.

creative footprint

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I’ve been busy nursing my baby girl and therefore I am currently a sister of a few words and even fewer shots! But I wanted to share with you a thought that’s popped in my head lately: “Photography is our creative footprint.” Isn’t that true? It’s our unique mark… It’s the evidence of where we’ve been and what we’ve seen… It’s the special trace we leave behind.

So leave us some footprints today showing where you’ve been recently! I haven’t left the house much in the last month and I certainly will appreciate you taking me for a stroll! 🙂

ooh baby!

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It’s true, sisters! My baby girl is finally here and I am completely in love! But let’s be honest: I am also more than ready to kiss her with my brand new 50mm 1.4 lens 🙂 I cannot tell you how long I’ve dreamed of taking baby photos with shallow depth of field and loads of softness…

But lens aside, since I know so many of you are total pros when it comes to photographing babies and children in general, I’d love for you to share with me some of your favorite kiddo shots, as well as tips for photographing them. I need loads of inspiration to get through these nursing days, so don’t be shy now. Share your most delicious baby shots and tricks with us today.

Before Dawn

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“I’ve always liked the time before dawn because there’s no one around to remind me who I’m supposed to be, so it’s easier to remember who I am.” Story People

I am a big fan of the afternoon light and the so called “golden hour”. But one of the greatest things I’ve also come to enjoy as a photographer is the time just before dawn. Now, big shoots are scheduled early in the morning to allow time for setting up before the sun is out. And even if I am flying solo, shooting for myself, I find great peace in tip-toeing out of the house when there is barely any light and driving to the beach or whatever location I’m headed to for the day. Something about the car all packed with gear, that first cup of coffee, a scone to go, thoughts and images swirling gently through my mind, creativity, clarity, freshness, the crisp air, the sky brightening slowly and the silent drive…  I feel whole. I feel right.

How about you? Are you a morning shooter, an all-day-play kind of girl or you’d rather sleep in and save energy for an afternoon delight?

Regardless… Today, why don’t you share with us some shots of your favorite time of day?

Lotus of Possibility

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Lotuses have been influential in many cultures across the world from ancient times until today. They represent the human soul, purity, rebirth and enlightenment.

For me, most of all, lotuses represent possibility. I started using the lotus as a personal omen when I embarked on my creative journey years ago, and ever since then, its symbolic meaning has supported me in the creation of my dream life! (notice the lotus motif always there :)) The lotus reminds me that if I reach for the light, it is possible for me also, to rise above the muddy waters and create something utterly beautiful. Sigh. I do believe in that.

So you can understand why I am so excited to announce my collaboration with Bel Kai designs for the Shutter Sisters Capture Colllection! I really hope that this little lotus I photographed in Bali a few years ago, can go many places and be a reminder that anything is possible when we reach for the light. Besides, it is so pretty! I can’t get mine off my neck!

And since this is the month of treasures here, you’re in luck! All you have to do is leave a comment between now and Sunday at midnight PST, to be included in the random drawing of a “Possibility” necklace. But if you’re so inclined, please do share an image that reminds you of possibility as well.

a little danger goes a long way

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No great art has ever been made without the artist having known danger.
Rainer Maria Rilke

The other day, I stumbled upon this quote and immediately jotted it down. It made me think about how I approach my photography and how I can elevate it to the next level, maybe even call it ‘a-r-t’.

Real danger lies right in there for me. In fact, if I catch myself trying to make “art”, not to mention “great art”, I freeze. What I love about Photography is actually the opposite of that. I fell in love with the medium, because it freed me. It distracted me from the greater goal and allowed me to simply get lost in the wonder of capturing a moment.

Still though, who am I to challenge Rilke, right? 🙂 And when I think of it, the fact that Photography is an experience of ease for me is what allows me to face the risks I constantly need to take, in order to get those shots that come to me in my dreams. Danger is still there. It is in the thrill of taking on a new client, in producing and shooting an assignment, in the boldness of approaching strangers, and in how I climb on the fence or lay across the cement floor, just for the sake of a better angle. My best memories and results are truly from times when I took a risk, when I faced a little danger, when I went in with abandon and conviction, trusting that it was worth working through the fear, in order to get the mighty shot. (Above: first time shooting fashion with animals!)

So, can you share with us today, what danger looks like for you? Whether it is taking a risk with your equipment, your angle, your technique or even your personality, show us how you work it!

the perfect pair

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Somehow my eye has been noticing all sorts of things that come in pairs lately. Sometimes they make for the perfect combination (like the couple above! don’t you think they are just too cute?) and other times they are just plain odd.

So whether you’re looking at lovebirds, food, shoes, friends or dogs and their owners… How about sharing those images that show all the interesting ways in which things are paired together around us?

bonus song: Better Together by Jack Johnson

Hello Gorgeous!

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Last year, my friend Kelly Rae asked me if I could take some photographs of her, that would make her feel beautiful in her new pixie haircut. I was honored, of course! As photographers, I think one of our best gifts is to be able to capture the beauty we see and and reveal it to those around us. I cannot think of a better thing to do, but to make someone feel seen, gorgeous and happy in their own skin. And isn’t she a beauty through and through? It was easy peasy. That is why I love my job 🙂

With that said, it’s time for a June Mini Photo Contest. That means it’s time for you to share your best image that fits our theme this week. And today (guess!), it’s Hello Gorgeous!

So show us what you’ve got between now and Sunday night at midnight PST over in our OWP Flickr pool and leave a comment here with a link to your shot. Only one image per person please and only those images shared through links in the comments here will be considered. There will be one “Grand Hello” winner that will receive a 36X24 canvas (Hello!) and 2 runners up that will win a 20X24 canvas compliments of Hello Canvas, of course! Winner will be chosen by best interpretation of the theme. Good luck!