The Bloom Collective - Low Light

The photo prompt this month for The Bloom Collective is low light. I have to admit that I do struggle with low light. My camera is usually tucked away nicely after the sun goes down and I typically don't bother to "document" our evenings. That sounds SO horrible to say because SO much of our life happens after the sun goes down and before it comes up. Sometimes ambient lighting is the only thing you've got + I promised to cut myself some slack this year with my Project 365. I'm embracing and loving low light these days and I'm so grateful for the team at The Bloom Forum for continuing to push me creatively!  

I took this image right before we kids were going to bed. It was pitch black outside and the only light on in the room was the lamp on their coloring table. It was just the coziest little set up and I knew I wanted to capture them together like this. You can stop by the Camera Mama blog to see my tips for photographing with ambient lighting. 

And be sure to check out The Bloom Collective to see more from this month's prompt - low light. 

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Squarespace Tips + Tricks

I switched from a Blogger blog to Squarespace at the end of last year and I could not be happier! I loved my Blogger blog (and the fact that it was FREE), but I needed more space and wanted to streamline my site. I searched around for  a while trying to figure out the best option for me and I always kept coming back to Squarespace. Squarespace is SO easy to use and modify and oh so user-friendly. I know a teeny-tiny bit of code, but I really had no desire to write code, change code or try to design my own site from the ground up. Squarespace allowed me to totally customize my site and make it just the way I wanted it. I honestly couldn't be happier. 

But just like anything new, there's a definite learning curve to the site. I've watched so many YouTube videos or googled more about Squarespace than I even care to admit, lol. But it's always been worth it and I have always been able to figure out what I'm trying to accomplish with the design of my site.

Today, I wanted to share some of my favorite Squarespace tips and tricks!

1. Press the "ESC" key to return to the backend of your site

If you are looking at your live site, you can press the "esc" key to open the editable version of your website (assuming that you are logged in on your computer). Love this little trick!

2. Summary blocks

I LOVE summary blocks and I probably use them WAY more than I should, lol. They are so easy to create and customize and I love that you can add links to individual images. Currently, I use a summary block to organize my blog posts on my website (see image below). I know gone are the days where people sit and read blog post after blog post, so I've tried to simplify my page and make my work easier to find.

3. Reply to comments in one location

This feature is phenomenal and is such a time saver. If you are in the backend of your website, click the "Comments" tab and then the "speech bubble" next to your commenter's name. A comment box will pop appear and then you can type and post right there from your comments page. Work your way down your comments and reply to all quick and easily! 

4. Customize your pages

Unlike other platforms, Squarespace page's are completely customizable. You can drag, rearrange and resize photos on almost any page. When you hover over an image, the image guides will appear around the photo. Just drag the "dots" on either top/bottom/left/right to resize the image. To create a row or grid of photos, just drag and drop the photos where you want them. So super easy.

5. Linked social media accounts

If you've linked your social media accounts to your site, you can easily add them right into your pages. No more having to pay a service to populate your accounts onto your page. I like to always include my Instagram account at the bottom of my blog posts with a CTA "follow" button. Squarespace is genius.

6. Mobile + tablet view

Squarespace is already mobile-friendly as it is, but being able to see how your site will appear on a mobile device or tablet is always a plus. Just like everything else, Squarespace makes viewing your site in these formats super easy. Click on the little triangle at the very top of your screen (right above your main header or image) and you'll see options for viewing your site on a mobile device, tablet or desktop. 

Are you a Squarespace user? Do you have any tips or tricks to make your blogging and website process easier? And if you're looking to change website platforms, I couldn't recommend Squarespace more!! xo

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What's in my camera bag?

I should start with a disclaimer that I'm just a wee bit obsessed with camera and equipment. I love seeing the different ways a lens can work for me and I love learning about my camera. I use a Canon 6D and have for years and I'm always finding new tricks and fun things this camera can do. 

I upgraded from a Canon Rebel T1i a few years back and I have to say that the Canon 6D is a FANTASTIC camera. When I was looking to upgrade, I knew I wanted a full-framed sensor (and not a cropped sensor like the Rebel had).  I was also looking for a camera that handled low light well without a ton of grain. Compared to the super expensive Canon Marks, the 6D was a way more affordable option and checked all of my "requirement" boxes. I have been 100% satisfied with my 6D (although in true camera-geek fashion, I'm already dreaming of my next camera)!

Part of purchasing a camera, though, is really taking the time to learn the ins and outs of the functions and how to make them work for your images. Learning how a camera works takes a ton of time and a load of practice, but the end results are so worth it. And the best part about cameras and photography in general is that the learning is endless. There are always creative ways to expand your knowledge. 

When it comes to lenses, I wouldn't say that I have a "go-to" or favorite lens. I switch my lenses out frequently and use them all for different reasons. I've practiced with them enough to know which one might be best for whatever shot (or client session) I have in mind. Here's a look at what's in my camera bag.

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Sigma Art 24mm

This is the baby of the family. I've only had this lens for a few months and it has been a big game-changer for all of my indoor lifestyle sessions. It's fast, sharp and good! This is definitely my go-to lens for almost everything indoors, especially newborns. The wider angle gives me plenty of room to compose my shot without chopping off fingers/toes/heads, etc. It also allows me to make sure I get everyone in the frame. It's a great lens for making a space feel much larger than it really is and is great for "lifestyle" images where a room or space contributes to the overall story. 

The only real "con" to this lens is the vignetting and distortion around the edges of images (which happens with all wide angle lenses). It's nothing that can't be fixed in post-processing, though.

If you are a lifestyle photographer or just want more "space" in your photos, I highly recommend adding this one to your collection! 

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Sigma Art 35mm

This lens is probably on my camera more than any other lens. I love all of my lenses for different reasons and truly  don't think I could pick a favorite, but the 35mm is a great "classic" everyday lens. It's wide enough where you don't feel like you're standing on top of your subject and works great in low light situations.

As far as focusing is concerned, I do feel like this lens (compared to the Sigma 24mm and 50mm) is a little sluggish. I've calibrated with the Sigma dock and it seems to be a little better, but this lens would be amazing if the focusing were faster. It also doesn't appear to be as sharp wide open (f1.4-1.8) than my other two Sigmas. Regardless, it's still a great everyday lens, and like I mentioned, it's on my camera more than any other lens. I've heard amazing review about the Canon EF 35mm, but it's almost twice as much as the Sigma.

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Canon EF 135mm

If you want some amazing compression, tack sharp photos and gorgeous bokeh, then the Canon 135mm is the lens for you! I LOVE using this lens at sunrise/sunset or whenever there's pretty light filtering through trees. The bokeh is beautiful and the subjects just pop from the frame. If we are going out for an adventure, I always bring this lens (and either the 24 or 35mm) with me. I also pull out this lens at the end of client sessions to give a different look and feel to the photos.

The 135mm is crazy sharp wide open (sharper than any of my Sigmas, I think) and the compression just can't be beat.

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Sigma Art 50mm

Clearly I have a love affair with Sigmas right? 
This lens was the very first Sigma I purchased after getting my 6D. I used the Canon 50mm 1.2 prior to grabbing this beauty and heard the focus, compression and sharpness of the Sigma was better (which I totally agree with!).

This lens, sadly, doesn't get enough use. After using the wider angle lenses, I kind of got used to the "space" and have a harder time transitioning back to a smaller viewpoint. BUT- after writing this post and looking back through (older) photos where I used this lens, I cannot wait to stick it back on my camera. It's an amazing lens for detail shots and portraits!! 

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When it comes to cameras and lenses, the options really are endless! It's fun to add a new piece of glass to your collection, but I always make sure I do my research and know why I want to add another lens (aka - try to convince my husband why I need another lens). What about you? What's your favorite lens? What's on your lens wish list??

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Why I love negative space + how to use it

Gimme all the space! 

I'm a BIG fan of negative space and use it often in my work. Negative space, or the "empty" space around your subject, works to place emphasis on your subject and removes any external distractors. From a storytelling perspective, it helps the viewer focus on the important visual elements of your frame. 

As a beginning photographer, getting comfortable with negative space can take a little bit of time. I think the natural reaction to capturing a photo is to focus close in on your subject and capture their entire face. Leaving a ton of "blank" space probably isn't your initial desire when starting out and may even seem bizarre.

One of the most important aspects of using negative space is to make sure both the negative and positive space (the subject of your photo) are well balanced. You want the photo to be appealing to the eye and seem purposeful. I like to rely on the "rule of thirds" when composing my shot and try to always make sure my subject falls within a third of the frame. 

When it comes to the negative aspect of my image, I love to use beautiful skies, white walls and interesting textures as part of my space. These palettes are easy on the eyes and really help to draw your attention to the story/subject pictured. When you use purposeful negative space in your composition, you help draw the viewer into the important aspects of your story.

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Why I love shooting in live view

If you have a live view mode on your DSLR, I highly recommend turning it on and playing around! It takes a little bit of getting used to, but lately, it's been my go-to for both my personal and client photos. And if you need some convincing, here are a few reasons why I love shooting in live view!

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1. Perfect focus

I shoot with a Canon 6D which has just a handful of focus points when shooting through the optical viewfinder. In live view mode, I'm able to use the control guide dial (the round dial to the right of your live view screen) to pinpoint the exact area I want in focus. The dial allows me to move my focus point anywhere on my screen and then focus right on that area. I've found this function super helpful when trying to focus on a subject that is backlit, when shooting in low light or when framing my subject. 

2. Better composed shots

Live view mode is great for changing your view and perspective. I typically always use the live view mode when I shoot looking straight down on my subjects. In live view mode, I'm able to compose my shots and get them exactly as I want them to look in camera. This helps a TON and keeps me from having to spend too much time fixing angles and cropping in post processing.

3. See exposure and white balance adjustments

When you're in live view mode and change your exposure or white balance, you can see the differences/changes on the screen. Again, I've found this super helpful when shooting in low light, backlight and ambient lighting. 

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How to take better pictures in the fog

It just doesn't get any better than a foggy morning. I love fog and I esepcially love photographing my children in the fog. The fog acts almost like a blank canvas and I love how the subjects and objects seem accentuated in the frame. 

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Fog can seem intimidating, but I promise it's really no different than any other "cloudy" day! Here are my tips for better pictures in the fog!

1. Increase your exposure compensation by +1-2

Just like a snow, fog tends to "trick" the camera into thinking it's actually brighter than it is, so bump up your exposure by 1-2 stops to make sure your image is properly exposed. Be sure to watch your shutter speed and maybe bump up your ISO if your shutter speed creeps below 1/100 or so. 

2. Place your subject in the foreground

The further away from the camera your subject is, the harder it's going to be to grab a good focus and get a clear, crisp shot. The more "fog" you have between you and your subject, the less depth your image will have. Placing your subject closer to your camera (or moving towards your subject), will give your image more contrast and depth. 

As you can see in the two images below, the photos vary in depth and clarity because of the distance between the camera and the subject (ie. my daughter + the bridge). Either effect is good! It just depends on what type of image you are after. 

3. Look for light + light rays

Fog acts like a softbox and you can often get glimpses of the sun's rays or beams of light coming down through the trees and background. Pay attention to your surroundings and play around with your camera angles to achieve different effects. 

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Baby Austin + Baby Brady | Raleigh Lifestyle Newborn Photographer

Oh sweet baby. Or babies, I should say! Two is always better than one and I was SO incredibly honored to be able to capture sweet baby Austin and baby Brady. Brothers. So very different, but so very amazing. I loved seeing how their little personalities were already showing even at 8 weeks. Sweet mama sure is lucky to have these little boys in her life. 

Being invited into someone's home and having the opportunity to spend a few hours with them  is always so amazing. I love getting a peek at the real life and I especially love being able to capture the love and emotion of a family.

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For newborn session inquiries, please contact me at stephanie@stephaniemakes.com or via my contact page.

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10 Everyday photos to take this year

"The days are long, but the years are short."

This quote is so very true and there's nothing like a quick glance through your older photos to really feel its sentiment. The photos of our everyday are always my favorite. They show a glimpse into our lives...the here and now...the messes and details...the current. Years from now, I know these will still be my favorite.

Today I thought I would share you with 10 everyday photos to take this year. I encourage you to pick up your camera and shoot your everyday if you aren't already. Maybe just one photo a week. Or a glimpse of your Saturday morning. Whatever you choose, you will not regret capturing your days.

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1. Daily routine

What's something you (or your family) do almost every single day? It might seem mundane and weird to photograph, but these daily routines represent your here and now...and I promise you they will probably be different one year from now. 

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The days of my two taking their daily bath together is definitely numbered. We're working on individual showers right now and these bath nights (while they drive me a little crazy) are definitely going to be missed down the road. 

2. Bedroom

Take a peek into a bedroom and capture it as it as. Remember the things on the floor, door, walls. These little messes are your everyday.

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There is so much I love about this shot of Anna in her bedroom. The mess on the floor, the notes stuck to her door, the headbands wrapped around her door knob, her "stylish" outfit. These are her here and now.

3. Details

What's your favorite detail about your life? Your favorite detail of your child? Photograph it. Document it. Remember it. 

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For me, it's feet. I love feet. All feet. Especially those of my children. They have grown and changed and grown and changed so much. I will never tire of those toes and the wrinkles. 

4. The kitchen

The kitchen isn't necessarily the first place you think to capture your everyday, but the kitchen is totally the heart of the family. That's where life happens. That's where people gather together. Think of your kitchen and document your life as a family. 

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The majority of our days are spent in and around our kitchen. We cook together, wash dishes together, eat dinner together. The kitchen is such a big part of our family.

5. Letters + words

Document a page of homework, a card, written letter. Focus in on the words and details. These change so very quickly.

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Like hands and feet, I love capturing the written words and letters of my children. I love to see their attempts at writing and spelling. Recording these little details is priceless.

6. Emotions

Emotions are sometimes difficult to capture, I think. It's not really natural to pick up your camera when someone is crying or throwing a fit, but our life isn't all smiles and hugs. We have tears and crying and fits over here too and they are just as important to document. 

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7. Finds

When's the last time you just walked around your home and observed? Look for leftover messes, creations, notes and play scenes that tell your family's story.

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Anna and her notes....sigh. She leaves reminders, letters to fairies, drawings, love notes and more on just about every surface and I could not love documenting them (or her) more. 

8. Sleeping 

I'm pretty sure the sight of sleeping children never really gets old. Capture the stillness and peace of a sleeping child. Document bedding, toys, lovies, pajamas and all the things that are the here and now of "sleeping".

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Naps are few and far between in our house now so I'm sure to sneak and steal a shot whenever I can! I always try to get my camera settings ready so it's quick and easy!

9. Habits

What's something your child (husband, pet...) does that drives you absolutely crazy? What's something you see happen day in and day out? Grab your camera and photograph it! 

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Sweet Drew can't reach the bathroom sink yet while standing on the ground so he always hops up on the counter to wash his hands. Soon he will be tall enough and this "habit" will be no more.

10. Nighttime

Life doesn't end when the sun goes down, but if you love shooting in natural light you sometimes just might feel like it does. Push yourself to capture a nighttime routine or a glimpse of your evening. 

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My two might be crazy during the day, but they tend to be perfect angels at night as soon as I say "bedtime". Here they were coloring together at their little table by lamp light. A moment in time preserved forever.

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5 reasons to go on a photo walk

Are you in a creative slump? Do you feel an itch to be artistic or creative, but just can't muster up enough juices to actually make something happen? I'm raising my hand over here in case you are wondering...  I feel like I get in a creative funk almost every January. Maybe it's the weather or maybe it's coming off of that holiday high. Whatever the cause, I'm determined to make the most of this so called slump. But how?? 

On days where I just feel "stuck", I usually find myself sitting and wallowing in my funk. I always have an urge to push myself creatively, but if you've been in a creative lull before, you probably know that it feels like you're never coming out, right? 

For me, photography is not only my passion, but my outlet. There's something about holding my camera and shooting that is freeing and relaxing. When I'm not out shooting, I crave my camera and light and images. The majority of my photos are usually of our day and my kids. But life is busy and their school days are sandwiched between the chaos of morning breakfast and a whirlwind of evening homework. That doesn't leave me much time for creativity and shooting (which you guessed it, leads to a creative slump).

So I decided a photo walk was what I needed and maybe it's what you need too! Here are 5 reasons you should go on a photo walk!

5 reasons to go on a photo walk

1. No expectations.

There are no kids to corral. No perfect lighting to seek. No annoyed faces to try to bribe for "just one more" shot. There are no expectations. You can just walk and look and explore. I found it was actually quite refreshing to observe the day, the light and the shadows. 

2. Experiment without disappointment.

Want to try a macro shot? Want to play with your aperture? Go for it! There's no one standing around impatiently waiting for you to get your camera settings correct. And if you need to try it 3 or 4 times, well, that's ok too! The part of walking and exploring I love the most is having the TIME and ability to experiment. I'm not out trying to get a snapshot of our day or a "perfect" image.

3. See a familiar environment in a new light.

Without limits or expectations you are able to look at a familiar place or setting in a new light. When you're out for your walk, look for new shadows and textures....and watch how trees blow in the wind or how quickly the clouds move across the sky. When you remove the element of expectation from your photo walk, you open your eyes to hidden gems and fun places you might want to return (maybe even with your kids in tow).

4. It's a fun change of pace.

Picking up your camera and heading out the door is actually really fun. You can walk in groups or explore solo. There's no right or wrong. It's just a fun way to switch things up and allows you the flexibility to shoot whatever and however you wish! 

5. Fresh air and sunshine are good for the soul. 

Enough said, right? Fresh air does the body wonders. It puts you at peace and relaxes your mind. It recharges your batteries and gives you new perspective!

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Heather + Trevor | Raleigh Lifestyle Maternity Photographer

These two. Sigh. So in love with each other and their soon-to-be sweet baby girl. I always love getting a peek into others lives and being invited into someone's home is so priceless. I met Heather (what feels like) many moons ago and she's just as a sweet as she looks. She is an amazing photographer and her minimalistic style is absolutely breathtaking. Her personality and design style carry over into her home and being able to capture both her and her husband together in their own element was amazing. Thank you, Heather and Trevor, for allowing me into your home! I can't wait to meet your sweet baby girl! xo

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The Bloom Collective - Simple

This year I'm participating in a collaborative photography project hosted by The Bloom Forum. I'm always looking for new and exciting ways to push myself creatively and I'm excited to see what this year (and project) has in store for me. The work of the photographers in this group is phenomenal and I feel so blessed to be a part of this group.

I took this image during our recent snow fall. It wasn't much, but seeing those white flakes falling from the sky sure was pretty. Drew was standing at the window watching it come down and I loved how peaceful, simple and still he looked framed between the curtains. I stood on a stool behind and placed my focus on his sweet hands. It's always the little things, like hands, that I love the most. 

Be sure to stop by The Bloom Collective to see more from this month's prompt - Simple. 

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He, She + Me - January

HE: started making his Christmas list January 1 • mountains > beach • prefers to eat cool whip straight from the canister • got a wart removed on his foot and barely blinked an eye • eats only the white of a hard boiled egg • has a crush on Amelia in his class and blushes every time we mention her name • is still obsessed with Pokemon, Pokemon cards, hit points and damage (whatever that means) • still yells for me to wipe his bottom (when does this ever end???) • says our dinner prayer most nights 

SHE: is the social chair of our family • hates waking up in the morning, but cries if you leave the room without her • sleeps in her bathroom and headbands and leggings • counting down the days until her birthday + making her birthday list as I type • wants a morkie • is a little obsessed with texting her friends from my phone + taught me how to send videos and drawings via text • hasn't played with one.single.thing she asked for for Christmas • missing her friends from school

ME: rejoicing that my Christmas tree is down + my house is starting to look "normal" again • cleaning out closets left and right • pretty sure I threw away a Dolce + Gabbana bag Scott gave me for Christmas (OMG) • putting together puzzles and finding it both stressful + relaxing at the same time • wondering if I should start Whole 30 again to get my body back on track • reading everything • hoping for snow, snow and more snow 

Project Mama + Me is a monthly project created to remember all the little bits + pieces of our everyday. Follow #projectmamaandme on Instagram.

Project 365

So I'm giving this 365 thing a go this year. I've done a number of different photo projects over the years, but I have ALWAYS been terrified of a 365. I mean, that's SO much pressure. But, instead of talking myself out of it and thinking of all the million reasons I might fail, I decided to just give it a go and not look back. I'm being very lenient with this project. My goal is a photo a day, but if that doesn't happen, oh well. My goal is to push myself creativity, to think outside of the box and to capture the mundane of our everyday. Wish me luck, lol! ;)

Follow along with my 365 here on my blog!

1/365: The quiet.

2/365: Morning sun + movies.

3/365: Steamy sunsets at the mountain.

4/365: Hot cocoa + sunflare.

5/365: Adventuring in the clouds on a mile high bridge.

6/365: Home.

7/365: Flurries.

8/365: A quiet break from the sledding.

9/365: Checking out the snow.

10/365: Those eyes. My heart.

11/365: Cozy.

12/365: Daily finds.

13/365: Looking down.

14/365" Jumping. All day. Everyday.

15/365: She sparkles.

16/365: Cozy conversations.

17/365: A boy + his dog. 

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Baby Wells | Raleigh Lifestyle Newborn Photographer

It's always such an honor to be welcomed into someone's home just as they have welcome a sweet new baby. I met the Wood family and adorable baby Wells right before Christmas and the session was just magical. Baby Wells was a blessing to this family and you could see the love and joy they had for both her and her sweet sister. Thank you, Wood family, for allowing me to capture these precious moments for you. xo

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For newborn session inquiries, please contact me at stephanie@stephaniemakes.com or via my contact page.

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How to simplify your workflow

Prior to taking clients, I'm not really sure I had a "workflow" process per se. It went something like this: upload ALLLL the photos - pick out a few favorites - edit & save - repeat - delete some to make room on my hard drive (which always took forever) - repeat.

I knew this process wasn't going to work with client sessions, so I had to come up with a plan to make this process easier, efficient and FUN! My workflow is still a work in progress, but for right now, I feel like it's pretty effective, and for the most part, relatively easy! Today, I wanted to share my process with you in case you felt stuck, frustrated or uncertain about your workflow!

Step 1 - Cull using Photo Mechanic software

I'm not sure where I read about Photo Mechanic, but it has definitely been a game changer for culling my client photos. All you do is pull up your memory card in the navigator and select the keepers. The program has the option for color-coding the photos, so I usually start by marking ones I think are keepers as a "1" (which marks them with a pink line as shown above). If I end up with a ton of keepers, I usually go back through and mark my very favorites with a "2" (which groups these together so I can efficiently view the photos I want to edit). 

After I've selected the photos I want to edit, I export them to my external hard drive named with the family's name and "originals" (ex. Smith Originals) to a new folder (always labeled with the client's names - ex. "Smith Family"). I keep all of my client photos on a 4TB external hard drive so they don't take up room on my computer hard drive. This just makes it so much easier for me and I don't have to worry about deleting files, making room or my computer running slower. 

Bonus: Photo Mechanic offers a free 30 day trial, so check it out if you're interested! I promise it will simplify your culling process!!

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Step 2 - Open originals in Lightroom + edit

I have my external hard drive linked to Lightroom, so after I cull my images, I just open them in Lightroom and start my editing process. I LOVE to edit, but I also LOVE to have my image set ready for my clients, so I try to keep my editing process short, sweet and consistent. I have a few favorite presets and a few presets I've developed and tend to use mainly those on all of my client images. You can read all about my favorite presets on my previous Photography Tip post! 

If I have "like" images or images taken in similar lighting, I usually batch sync my edits and then just tweak from there. I find syncing definitely helps to speed up the overall editing process! I also have a few presets that I've created myself which really helps with efficiency as well!

Step 3 - Export TIFF files from Lightroom

Once I've edited my photos in Lightroom, I always export the TIFF files to my external hard drive in a new folder (in the client's main folder) labeled "LR Export". This way if I have any changes or need to tweak anything even after I've sent over the main gallery to my client, I will have all of my original edits. I know these TIFF files are HUGE, but by this time, I've put a ton of effort into editing and I just feel more comfortable having all of my edits available to tweak as needed. 

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Step 4 - Open edited TIFF files in Photoshop + edit as needed

I know this probably sounds redundant and maybe a little tedious since I've already edited my photos in Lightroom, but I always love pulling my finalized photos into Photoshop and making any extra adjustments if needed. I feel like opening these edited photos and looking at them in a different program gives me a different perspective and I'm really able to access skin tones, color/clarity and the sharpness of the image. In Photoshop, I'm easily able to make any healing adjustments or simple blemish corrections.

After the images are all edited, I flatten the image and convert the color profile to sRGB to make them compatible with most printing companies. Both my Lightroom and Photoshop are set up to edit in Pro Photo RGB (which has the most range of colors), but I know that most printing companies can only handle sRGB colors, so I always make sure my clients receive this color profile. 

The final step in Photoshop is to save these completed images at high resolution JPEGS in a new folder labeled "Smith Print" (in the family's folder on my external hard drive).

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Step 5 - Create client gallery with Pixieset

Now that I have my edited photos saved as JPEGS, I upload them to Pixieset and create a gallery to send over to my clients. My package includes digital files, so this is a super easy way to send over the files to my clients! Pixieset allows you to set passwords for viewing and selling + also can link to external printing companies if you offer products + prints! I'm sure there are many other options out there, but Pixieset is free (up to 3GB)! 

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Step 6 - Resize + export marketing images

While I've got all of these images at my fingertips, my final step is to pull my favorite images from the session, resize them for my blog, Instagram and Facebook and export them to a new folder labeled "Smith Marketing". This REALLY makes the process so much easier when it comes to publishing blog posts or posting to social media! 

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And that's about it for my workflow! As I mentioned, it's a work in progress, but it sure does feel great to actually have a "go-to" system in place!!  What about you? Do you have a workflow process?? Please share in the comments if you do!! I'd love to hear how you manage your client (or personal) photos!! 

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A Mountain Getaway

We always try to squeeze in a mountain (or beach) getaway at the beginning of the year to rest, relax and basically just unwind as a family of four. It's always a little hard to leave home with everything still in "frantic holiday mode", but once we get there, we remember it's so worth it.

This year we traveled to Mountain City, Tennessee and stayed in an awesome mountain top log cabin. We had the place all to ourselves and I can't even tell you how many hours we spent reading books and putting together puzzles. The kids had their own loft area and we basically had to beg them to leave.

There is something so refreshing about mountain air and being away from everything. We had no cell service or no internet and it was so nice to disconnect and just "be" for a week. It was the perfect start to the new year! 

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Around Our Clocks - 10am

Happy Monday and welcome to this month's edition of "Around Our Clocks". This month is all about the 10am hour. On a typical day, my kids are usually in school while the rest of us are at work, but for December, things change a little since they are out for the holidays.  

With that said, though, 10am looks different on different days. Some days we are all still in our pajamas with books in hand; and other days we are rushing out the door to some event or gathering. Today, my kids spent some good time jumping on the trampoline and then came in for hot chocolate to warm them up. Just a simple shot of my sweet daughter and her hot cocoa snuggled under a cozy blanket. Ahhh, the joys of December break. 

Hope your Monday is off to a cozy and warm start, friends! Thanks so much for stopping by! To continue on the "Around Our Clocks" blog circle, click on over to Anna-Liisa Nixon's blog and see what her 10am looks like! 

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The Francis Family | Raleigh Lifestyle Family Photographer

Oh this family. Oh those smiles....

You have to love NC in the late fall. Even though most leaves had fallen from the trees, there was still a sprinkling of color on this unseasonably warm December evening. 

I've known this sweet family for years and have had the pleasure of photographing them a few times. I'm pretty sure they think I'm crazy with my ideas, but they roll with it and as always, we had a ton of fun. There is really nothing better than seeing the love and bond of a family. Thank you, Francis family, for letting me capture your joy. xo

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For lifestyle family session inquiries, please contact me at stephanie@stephaniemakes.com or via my contact page.

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3 Inspiring Photography Workshops

When it comes to photography, I feel like I just can't stop reading and learning and growing. I love how the learning possibilities are endless and how many different avenues you can venture down. Photography has become more than a hobby to me. It's my passion. It's my outlet. It's my adult way of still growing and learning. 

In 2016, I took SO many amazing classes from the most amazing artists and today I thought I would share my top three "must take" classes with you!

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The Art of Lifestyle Newborn

Elise Meader's class was a game-changer for me. Her breakout session from Clickin' Moms included so much detail and information and Elise just seems so "real". Her breakfout was so easy to follow and the fact that it only cost $50 seemed like a pure steal. While the class is geared toward newborn photography, the overall basis of the class is lifestyle photography and I found that everything in the class was very applicable to just about any client situation. One of things I love most about what Elise does and teaches is the raw emotion and true connection she seems to capture. The class includes a few editing video tutorials, as well as a "behind the scenes" video of a newborn lifestyle session. Maybe it was just where I was personally, but this breakout basically inspired me to give this whole photography thing a go and I couldn't be more grateful for everything Elise shared and everything I took away. 

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Everyday Beauty

I've mentioned this class before here on the blog and I still truly believe Ginger Unzueta is magical. She has a way with words + feelings that always leaves you wanting to be a better photographer, story-teller, person.... 

Everyday Beauty was a full participation, 4-week class offered over at Everything Bloom and it changed me on so many different levels. It helped me take a step back and look at my everyday life and the beauty around it. It reminded me why I love photographs + capturing our days in the first place...not to have the perfect shot in the perfect light, but to document our crazy, wild and sometimes weird life. 

Daily shooting is recommend for this class and Ginger also pairs the daily assignments with journaling prompts. The prompts aren't photography related, but they were magical when it came to self-reflection, peace and clarity. I loved connecting with Ginger and all of the people in the class. There was no judgement or criticism or feels of inadequacy. It was full of love, compassion, encouragement and kindness. This class was a soul-searching class with a photography base and I may have had a little post-class depression when the class ended. 

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The Sincere Storyteller: Capturing Your Life In A New Light

I had the honor of meeting Meg Loeks at Click Away in Seattle this past August. She was as sweet and kind as you would think she would be. I also had the priviledge of attending two of her classes while at CA and what she does is truly outstanding. Meg has a way with light and composition like no one I've ever seen before. I am always amazed at her photos and how she always uses the available light to her advantage.

Meg's breakout (offered at Clickin Moms) is packed full of information, videos, tips and more. Meg shares in-depth videos of how she makes her light work for her and situation and honestly, just watching her in action is pretty spectacular. The class also includes several post processing videos that really helped me get a better grasp on the ways to make Lightroom work for me. Most of all, this class showed me how to make the most of my home environment and how to better utilize the light around me. While I do love a good sunset shoot, the reality is that most of our memories happen within our home. Meg's class gave me the confidence to seek out light in my house and to capture our daily activities as they occurred. 

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Do you have any favorite classes or breakouts to share? I am always looking for inspiring classes. Share in the comments below! I'd love to hear your faves!

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The Mull Family | Raleigh Lifestyle Family Photographer

There is no love like the love of a family....

I was so honored to photograph the Mull Family one beautiful December evening. They are as sweet as they look and I could have easily packed up their two precious girls in my bag and taken them home with me. Watching the love and compassion of siblings, children and parents through the lens takes my breath away. There's something about being able to pause a moment of their life + their love that is just so special and I am so grateful to those who let me capture just that!

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For lifestyle family session inquiries, please contact me at stephanie@stephaniemakes.com or via my contact page.

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