Shutter Sisters

break on through

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I’m impressed by this tiny sprig, breaking away from his peers and finding an opening in the wall. On the other side, his buddies are all bunched together and intertwined. But this tiny stem found an opening and grew toward the light. I’m not much of a risk taker, but there are times when I feel like shaking things up with my photography business. It’s an ongoing process to set myself apart from the competition while still staying true to my style. I often come up with wild ideas and plans, but most of the time my practical side wins out. One of these days though, I might just surprise myself and break away from the pack.

Have you taken any risks lately? Tell us about it and show us some proof!

garden mascot

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In an attempt to keep the bunnies from devouring my new garden, I borrowed a fake owl that would surely scare them away. I sat him next to the spinach, looking menacing with his huge yellow eyes and angry eyebrows. But the next day I looked out my kitchen window to see a large rabbit sitting right next to the owl and gnawing on some green bean seedlings, likely chuckling at my ridiculous attempt to frighten him. But despite the owl’s failure to do his duties, he stays put in the garden. I’ve grown a bit attached to him, I think. So instead he serves as a photo subject, backed by a healthy crop of black-eyed susans that match his eyes beautifully.

This is my first attempt at a real vegetable garden and surprisingly, it seems to be going well so far. What’s growing in your garden? Please share your photos with us!

stormy weather

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Just before a summer thunderstorm rolls in, I notice how the colors around me change into beautiful shades of slate gray and bright yellowish green. The combination of dark clouds in one direction and sunshine in the other creates eerie, but beautiful hues in the sky and fields. I can’t help but let out an audible ‘gasp’ and run for my camera. Although I welcome these ominous scenes and get a thrill from the threat of severe weather, I also hope these storms will pass through without causing any damage to people or homes. There’s a fine line between a fun summer storm and an emergency situation.

Keep your eyes peeled for the change in light and colors right before a big storm. But be careful! A picture is worth a thousand words but it isn’t worth risking your life.

Dynamic Diagonals

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Several years ago, as I became interested in photography, I stumbled across a blog written by future Shutter Sister founder Tracey Clark in which she gave photography tips and advice. I learned so much from her about the basics of successful photography and was so inspired by her passion for the subject. Her way of teaching is relaxed, confident and down-to-earth which seemed so refreshingly different from the stuffy photo blogs I had been finding. I specifically remember one of the first tricks I learned from Tracey that really got my wheels turning: diagonal lines create a more interesting image. This can be done by tilting your camera to shift the horizon line, or by seeking out subject matter that already contains diagonal lines. I studied graphic design in college and we often discussed using diagonal lines to create more dynamic designs. It’s a way to create movement within an image because the viewer’s eye continues to shift around the page. So Tracey’s suggestion to use it in photography clicked instantly with me. Now when I tilt my camera or find an interesting diagonal shot, I instantly think of Tracey and the way she helped spark my passion for photography.

Have you used this trick recently?

playing with perspective

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The Shutter Sisters often write about how to give our photos an extra boost by playing with perspective. We dedicated much of our book “Expressive Photography” to the subject of perspective and the important role it plays in successful and expressive photography. It’s an easy way to turn a snap shot into a more interesting and thought provoking photograph. Even though I know all about this subject, I often need a reminder myself. I love the above photo for two reasons. First, it is special to me because it is taken from my own viewpoint as I carry my little guy in a sling (which required me to hold the camera high above my head, point down and hope for the best). And second, because at first glance the shot may seem little confusing and make the viewer wonder what they are truly seeing. This can make for a more interesting photo. As always, our Flickr Group is a great resource. Here are some great examples of people playing with perspective in ways that may have you looking twice.

Have you played with perspective recently? Please share your examples with us!

the details

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As a new mom, the days and nights tend to blend together into a constant flow of diapers, feedings and laundry. I am one month into the job and am realizing that taking care of a newborn is a much bigger task than one can ever prepare for, but the bright spots are also much brighter than I could have hoped for. I am learning how important it is to capture the details of my baby boy during these days where my memory seems a little foggy. I don’t want to forget the tiny toes, soft skin and perfect lips of my little one because he already seems to be growing so fast.

I’m enjoying every tiny part and piece of my little guy these days. What kind of details are you focused on in your life?

anticipating the green

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The natural world around me is starting to make the gradual transition from browns to greens. It’s one of my favorite times of year to observe nature as it slowly emerges from a season of hibernation. It seems like each day brings a little peek into the springtime rituals. Tiny buds on trees, new blades of grass sprouting through the brown ones, and robins searching for worms. I am hyper aware of all these changes and feel myself assessing the progress daily.

This is the time of year when I stop neglecting my camera and start seeing my surroundings in a whole new light. Are you anticipating new spring growth like myself?

No Trespassing

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I often find myself driving along, breaking my neck to check out some beautifully rustic piece of land, only to find a barbed wire fence and “No Trespassing” sign. Why do the most intriguing spots to photograph belong to someone else? There are times when I will risk the possibility of getting caught to get a good shot, but most of the time I’m too chicken. Of course, having a partner in crime seems to help calm my fears a bit, but that’s not always convenient. And I am always on the lookout for beautiful locations to use for my portrait business, but tend to stick with public land in order to avoid the session getting cut short by an angry farmer or land owner.

So how do you find your favorite photo locations? Do you tend to stay with public spaces or are you brave enough to break the law for that perfect shot?

Waiting

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These days it seems like my life is on hold, while the world keeps spinning around me. For 8 months I have been keenly focused on getting to the finish line with a healthy baby. My day to day activities tend to be foggy lately, but I am always fully aware of this tiny person growing inside me. I know that our whole life is going to change and I am feeling very ready for the transition into motherhood. We are overjoyed to add a new member to our family.

But all I can do is wait…and wonder. Boy or girl? When will the baby decide to come? What will he or she look like? In any case, my camera will be ready to capture this time in our lives and the new addition to our family.

Are you waiting for anything these days?

Main Street

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The emergence of shiny new shopping centers and franchises over the last 50 years has no doubt taken a toll on some of the quaint downtowns of small town America. Many rural areas struggle to keep their original downtown areas viable while new chain restaurants and strip malls pop up near the highway or closer to new housing developments. I can’t deny responsibility for being among the population of convenience-seekers that contribute to this issue. But it does make me sad to drive through towns with so much potential and see that they are 75% abandoned. Yet, some Main Streets are thriving and have found a way to preserve that original charm, while keeping the amenities modern and fresh. So I often wonder why certain towns are able to revitalize their downtown areas, and others struggle.

In either case, I never get tired of photographing these historic spots. Brick streets, original lamp posts, antique signs and charming benches can’t be replicated with the same vintage feel. And those old downtown buildings have seen so much over the years. I know I’m not alone in feeling like I need to capture these areas before they are gone or unknown to future generations. I would love to see your images of small town America and hear your thoughts on what makes a successful revitalization.