This past Friday, I went to the Center Grove Orchard with some of my GWC friends. The day was perfect - the weather was just right, there was so much to do, and I got to eat some delicious Cider Donuts. I also bought a pumpkin! Soon enough, I plan to paint it, so I'm pretty excited about that. 
Some of the awesome activities that we did during the orchard include the following:

1. Picking Pumpkins. I bought one for .78 cents - .78 CENTS. I was expecting it to be more, so when I went to pay, I was all for buying it. My friends and I had a lot of fun trying to find the best pumpkin; the only downfall to searching for them were the vines that were super prickly! Remember to take gloves when going to a Pumpkin Patch! 
2. Hayride. I love hayrides so much! It bummed me out a bit that this hayride was pulled by a tractor instead of a horse, but then again, I'm pretty glad because horses aren't meant to do that type of labor. Horses are meant to roam free, like the wind. On the hayride, we had the opportunity to get off in three areas: the corn maze, the apple orchard, and the pumpkin patch.
3. Corn Maze. It was hilarious trying to get through the maze. We entered in the Adult Maze and exited through the Kid's exit. I still have no idea how that happened, but it was still really fun!
4. Slides. There were so many slides to go down. I did not go down any because I wasn't feeling it, but my friends did! I caught some great photos and some videos that I'll compile later. 
5. Bouncing. There was this awesome bounce type thing there that was super fun! 

Yesterday, I went to the Ames' Farmers' Market with a couple of friends. The booths there were full of diversity - you had flower stalls, Taco trucks, beauty booths, Indian food, lemonade stands, and music artists. I really enjoyed myself! Here are some snapshots that I captured while there. All were taken with my Canon EOS Rebel T5.

On my photography portfolio, I introduce myself as a portrait and pet photographer by day and a wildlife and nature photographer by night. I love each photography genre individually because of the respective characteristics and opportunities brought about. Portraits: seeing a person's or family's personality shine through the camera. Pet: working with animals and letting their personality shine through. Wildlife: the spontaneity of animals in their natural habitat and the awesome feeling I get after getting some good shots. Nature: seeing the earth at its purest and simply being out in the elements make me happy. If I were to rank my preference for these genres today, I do not think that I could do it. I love each one for different reasons, and I think that getting rid of one would make me feel bad. However, I do partake in shooting one genre more than the others. I have been taking more portrait shots lately as I build my portfolio and try to create a side business while I am in university. Wildlife, nature, and pet shots come second, as a more relaxing type of photography for myself.  Below are some articles and blog posts that I have recently read pertaining to portrait photography. Give them a read!

1. How to Find Great Backgrounds for Outdoor Portraits

I prefer taking portrait pictures outside in nature or urban areas. This post by Andrew Gibson, over on Digital Photography School (one of my go-to photography blogs) shares tips on how to find the best places to snap some good portrait shots in the great outdoors. You don't always see picture-perfect spaces upon first glance; sometimes, putting on your photographer's eyes will change a space in a moment. Give this post a read and garner some inspiration!

2. 6 Ways to Take a Candid Portrait of Somebody You Know

3. 5 Tips for Taking Better Portraits in Nature

I write a lot of posts about photography for photographers. Today, this one goes out to you clients! After all, without you all, a lot of photographers would not exist. You all are the key part to photography businesses everywhere. So while we photographers have to worry about what gear we need to use or the perfect location or how we will edit photos, you all have something else to worry about: being the best you that you can be for a shoot. I understand how difficult that can be sometimes. Everyone wants to have the best hair and clothes, look and feel amazing, and bring their best to the shoot. But how can you always do that? Bad day or not, here are some tips that will help you bring your best self to the photo session!

1. Dress for the two Cs

2. Bring inspiration shots

3. Eat before a session

5. Plan your outfit(s) in advance.

Photographing people and animals are two different ballgames. Not similar at all. Well, let me not completely cross out similarities. It's just that animals can be extremely difficult to take pictures of. Even children are easier to photograph (unless, of course, they get distracted easily; then they are just as difficult as animals). Nevertheless, I love the challenge of getting that photo. If you are willing to be patient and practice, photographing animals (pets, in particular) is extremely rewarding. In this article, I want to share with you all some tips for photographing your feline friends. I'll touch on photographing canines and wildlife in a separate post.

Cats are unique creatures. They seem to defy the laws of gravity; they are extremely stubborn and seemingly enjoy ignoring their humans (and making sure the humans know that they are being ignored); they also sleep a heck of a lot. But they are also unique in terms of looks and personality. Because of these of this, you need to prepare to photograph them. Here are some tips below that I've found works well for me:

1. Do not pose, pose, pose.

This is mostly because the cat won't let you. At all. So if you had any sort of idea about posing the cat you are seeking to photograph, get it out of your head. Cats tend to do the opposite of what we want, so if you try to pose them, they will get up and run around. Or simply away from you. The only time you should pose is if its human is holding him/her. Then, feel free to. 

2. Have a box or a play area for them to crawl/hide in/behind.

You want the cat's personality to shine through, and that normally happens when they have toys to play with. What the cat might do is never for-sure, so you have to be prepared for everything. My cat, in particular, loves to run and drag balloons behind him, but he also enjoys crawling into his mini roll-around thing. You can get them active or away. And when you disturb their "away" place, you'll get interesting stares. 

3. Have places/things that the cat can peek behind.

I love photos of cats peeking behind walls, blankets, or purses. Check out some of my favorites here. And if you are lucky enough (or simply learn how to play their game), you will be able to get photos of them pouncing out at you after. My cat loves to do that!

4. Have something noisy or with a unique sound to catch their attention.

If the cat is distracted, the best way to get its attention is to make some noise. I can easily distract my cat with a bag of treats {but don't tease!} or scratching my jacket. Figure out what that cat is tempted by and use it to your advantage! Do not tease the cat though, that is really important.

5. Be quick!

Cats, once again, I stress, get distracted very easily. They do not want to please the human. Unlike their canine counterparts, cats think that humans are there for them. Do not get me wrong, I love felines. I have one of my own. All I am saying is that they are extremely spoiled! To them, it's their way or the highway. So be very quick or else you might miss that good shot.

6. Be prepared to move.

If your cat is not sleeping, then they are most likely moving. And if they are moving, woah buddy, it will be hard to stop them. If you are familiar with cats, then you know how sporadic their energy bubbles can be. So be prepared to be a "stalker" or "paparazzi" for the session.

7. Get down.

Photographing a cat at its level gives you much better photos. The cat does not look dwarfed out; they will look their actual size. Or, if you can, get below eye-level with the cat. My cat has a playscape, so when he is on that, I try to snap photos above, which makes him look larger.

8. Do not use flash, if you can help it.

Try to photograph in natural light. That is your best friend, in all types of photography. Typically, when you photograph indoors, your ISO is super high. Natural light will help combat that! Make use of what you have and seriously try to avoid flash. 

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to have my first kid photoshoot. It was a five-year-old boy, who is interested in modeling. His mom is a co-worker of my aunt, so her business came along by word-of-mouth. She asked me on the day of my open house whether I take portrait shots, so I showed her some of my previous work, and after about only five photos, she hired me on-the-spot. That was a pretty awesome moment.  Sometimes, it is easy for me to question myself and my work. I take a lot of pride in my photography, and I am always so nervous that others may not see it like I do or like it. But lately, I have become more and more confident in showing my work to people and being proud of what I do. I have a far way to go, but I'm pretty happy where I am right now, too.  To see the entire album, check out my client site. 

Tip #1

Tip #2

Tip #3

Creating a good photo starts in the camera. There is not enough editing in the world that can make a photo with poor composition, irreparable lighting, and no meaning behind it good. As a photographer, it is your duty to create a good photo straight out of the camera. The greatness is what can happen in the editing stage - you simply have to make it to that stage.

1. Adobe Photoshop Express

2. Fotor

3. PicMonkey

4. Pixlr

When you take your camera and shoot pictures, whatever photographs are produced are your property. They belong to you and only you. Your work is copyrighted as soon as it is produced. This goes for any type of creative or non-creative work: writing, books, drawings, pictures, music. Anything that comes from your mind and is available to be seen or heard by others is copyrighted. Unfortunately, despite this warning, there are still quite a few thieves out there that likes to steal other's work and portray that it is theirs. While you can take legal action if you find your work to be stolen, there are a few preventative measures that you can take. The best one (and my favorite) is watermarking.

What is watermarking?

Why should you use a watermark?

Examples of watermarks

While I enjoy all types of photography, pet photography is quickly becoming my number one. Not only am I able to surround myself with furry friends, I am able to capture some of the most candid shots because, let's be real, animals are really unpredictable. One moment you think you know what they are going to do and bam! The exact opposite happens. But the spontaneity is exciting, and I live for it.

1. Bring toys, particularly their favorite one. (Treats are a bonus!)

2. Bring in their humans.

3. Don't be afraid to get up close!

4. Get up on it. Or down. Or in its face. Or somewhere, anywhere, really.

5. Shoot in Black + White.

6. Keep the flash at bay.

7. Don't pose, pose, pose.

I have a particularly late graduation when compared to other high schools. Mine is June 7th. {Almost there!} With graduation comes many opportunities for photos, which I am beyond excited about. Unfortunately, though, I will be on the other side of the camera. I'll be the one walking across the stage and receiving my diploma! But I still have some tips for photographers; keep reading to learn about graduation day photography!

1. Know the rules for the venue.

2. Understand what type of photos your subject wants.

3. Make what you shoot into a story.

4. Don't forget the "simple" things.

5. Anticipate the moment.

6. Know your gear.

7. Prepare for horrible lighting.

I love Michigan. Let me forewarn you that that is a biased statement (born and raised here, hey!), but even those not from Michigan love it. We have the Great Lakes, beautiful nature, all four seasons (although I am seriously questioning that this year - spring, where are you?!), and Yoopers and Trolls (people who live in the UP and those who live below the Mackinac Bridge).  It is also one of the best photography places. 

Although I have only been to the Upper Peninsula once, I can testify how gorgeous it is up there. And it wasn't even during its popular summer season. The water is blue and gorgeous, the mountains are ideal photoshoot places, and nature is beyond beautiful. It's no wonder people love to go there for camping, vacation, and retirement. But let's not forget about Southeast Michigan, a place that not too many people credit for its beauty. In SE Michigan, we have the state capital, Lansing, the largest city, Detroit, a lot of diverse cities, Dearborn, Hamtramck, Pontiac, Farmington Hills are a few examples, and some of the most well-known universities, Michigan State, the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan Univesity, University of Detroit-Mercy, and Wayne State University.

All of this variety in Southeast Michigan allows for some very unique and worthwhile photo-ops. Just by where I live is Heritage Park (one of the places that I shot Amber's photos), a beautiful bridge over a pond along Halsted and south of 11¹⁄2 Mile (also a photoshoot place), and 12 Oaks Fountain Walk. Now imagine how many more photogenic places exist throughout Southeast Michigan. Check out the top 10 places to take pictures below. 

Best Places for Taking Photos in Southeast Michigan