5 ways to get out of a creative rut

If you've ever had a creative block, you probably know they are no fun at all. It feels like the days and weeks drag on forever and sometimes you truly convince yourself you will never do anything creative again. Creative blocks are like a downward spiral and you can easily get sucked into just being "in a rut". I find myself stuck in a creative funk a few times a year and I've been through them enough to know that I WILL get out of this and I WILL be creative again. When I'm lacking inspiration and motivation, one of these little strategies usually will work for me and maybe they will work for you as well! 

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1. Try something new

A lot of my favorite images have actually come from being in a rut and deciding to try something new. Grab a prism, ziploc bag or copper pipe and play around. Maybe experiment with macro photography or low-lighting. Think of something you've never tried before and give it a go. 

2. Go on a walk

Fresh air and sunshine are good for the soul. Take a walk around a park and just observe. Bring your camera if you feel like it, but remember that you aren't there for a photo or perfect image.

3. Pick up a photography book

Books are a great way to spark your creativity. Pick up a new photography book or magazine and be inspired by all of the eye candy. Mark a few favorites and study them to figure out what you love most about those images. Is the light, shadows, composition? Make a list of your favorites + a few new things you might want to try! 

4. Start a new photography project

If you don't try to get out of a rut, you can easily just stay in it for what feels like forever. Misery loves company, right? Instead of waiting to just be creative again, get creative! Don't set the bar too high. Pick something fun, easy, simple and achievable! Maybe try a photo-a-day project for a week. Or maybe decide to capture the sunset for five days. Anything you try will be way better than wallowing in a rut.

5. Step away + take a breath

Sometimes you just have to put down the camera and step away.  You can't force creativity and if you're not inspired at all, then you probably need to take a little break. It's good to put the camera down every so often and just "be". Be present. Be aware. Be grateful. Take the time you need to recharge your batteries and then pick up your camera when you're ready!

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5 tips for photographing your home

Home is where the heart is and you should photograph it! Just like so many other things of life, our home speaks to the here and now. It's a glimpse into your life and days. 

Here are my top 5 tips for photographing your home! Enjoy + then grab your camera and get snapping!

1. Use a tripod + timer/remote

If you want nice bright photos, well then, dust off that tripod and set it up. Using a tripod will allow you to slow down your shutter speed while keeping your exposure high enough for well lit photos! 

2. Turn off the lights + open up blinds/curtains

Natural light is always best for photographing inside your home. Try to let in as much light as possible. Lamp light and overhead ceiling lights give off a color cast that will drive you bonkers in post-processing. 

3. Move the clutter

You don't have to go crazy and clean your house all day to photograph it. Just move piles of laundry to the side and straighten up counters. Less is more when it comes to images.

4. Set your exposure to ISO 100 or 200 + overexpose by +1

A lower ISO will keep your photos crisp and sharp (but if you love a ton of grain, then by all means, bump up that exposure!). Since you are using a tripod for your images, you can keep your ISO pretty low. I also recommend overexposing by at least 1 stop for bright and light photos! 

5. Set your f-stop

For full room photos, I like to set my f-stop between f5.6-6.3. This ensures that I will get a good image full of detail. For close up or detail shots with a blurred background, use a wide open f-stop, such as f1.8. 

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Bethany + Peter | Raleigh Lifestyle Photographer

"There are many paths in life. But the longest of them all is the path to the heart. If you resist this path, you will take lifetimes to find it again. If you surrender and embrace it, you'll be home."

I seriously can't get enough of this session. I met Bethany through a local Raleigh creative group and I was tickled pink when she invited me into her home and let me capture her with her sweet husband, Peter.

These two know the drill, man. It was kind of like I wasn't even there. They were so sweet to each other and I loved being a fly on the wall while they chatted and cuddled.

They were even brave enough to venture out in the drizzle with me. Nothing says cozy like a chilly, dreary day. 

Thank you, Bethany and Peter, for letting me spend a few hours with you. You all are the best.

Let me capture you with the love of your life. For session inquires, please contact me at stephanie@stephaniebryanphoto.com or via my contact page.

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5 tips for better indoor photos

Photographing our life in our home is my very favorite way to capture our everyday. We are all self-proclaimed homebodies over here so we spend a lot of time at home. Taking photos indoors can definitely be tricky and learning how to maximize the light and areas within your home is a must. I truly believe magic can happen in any home or place, so if you're shaking your head saying there's no way to get good photos in your home, then I'm here to tell you  you're wrong (and what to do to make those magical photos happen). Here are my 5 tips for better indoor photos.

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1. Study the light in your home

Before you even pick up your camera, take a week or so to learn the light in your house. Figure out which way your house faces and then determine which rooms get the best light and when. Walk around and peek in each room throughout the day. As soon as you "spot" the light, you'll know it! Keep a little cheat sheet of your house until you know the light pattern inside and out.

For me, I know the front of our house faces northwest so the sun rises at the back of our house and sets in the front. I kind of just keep this in my back bottom and try to utilize the space of our home based on the light. If, for example, my daughter is getting ready to do her homework, I might suggest she sits at our dining room table (because the sun is setting behind her and I can get a fun sun flare). 

2. Know your camera settings

Even if you have a super well-lit home, you're likely still not going to have as much light as you would have outside. Know your camera settings and how to make them work for you. I tend to shoot wide open (aka - using a large aperture like f1.8-2.2) + bump up my ISO to make sure my shutter speed stays about 1/150 or 1/200. Some times my ISO creeps up to 1000-1200, which might bring more grain into my photo, but will ensure my subjects and any movement in my photos isn't blurred. 

4. Turn off any indoor lights

Unless you are purposely shooting with ambient lighting, I highly recommend turning off any indoor lights. Indoor lighting gives off a warm, yellow color cast and can add harsh shadows and unwanted colors to your subjects and surroundings. 

I always turn off ALL the lights when shooting indoors - lamps, closet lights, overhead lights, hall lights. Your family might think you're crazy, but I promise it will be worth it!

4. Push the piles of clutter to the corner

Life is messy and we all have piles of laundry, toys, etc. scattered throughout our homes. That's part of life and should be photographed as well. But if it doesn't tell or add to the story you're trying to tell, then push the clutter out of the frame. It doesn't mean your life is "picture perfect"...it just means that the laundry piles or stacks of books has nothing to do with your son and daughter tickling each other. 

5. Look for interesting compositions

Once you start looking at your home, I promise you will never see or photograph in it the same. I am always on the lookout for interesting compositions, leading lines, textures and more when I capture an image. Interesting compositions can take an average image to an extraordinary image! I love to frame my subjects and feel like it really helps to tell the overall story of our day. I'm always peeking in at my kids through door frames, windows, mirrors, etc. Get creative and have fun!

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5 reasons you should be shooting in RAW

If I'm honest, a few years ago I kind of didn't even know what people meant when they said "RAW" files. I knew they weren't talking about my JPEG files, but I really had no idea what it meant to shoot in RAW. I mean, it took me forever to teach myself manual mode, so branching out to RAW files seemed waaaay too scary. Sound familiar?

Let me be the first to tell you that RAW definitely DOES NOT equal scary. It equals AMAZING and if you have been on the fence about switching from JPEG to RAW, then I am here to convince you to go for it.

So what is a RAW file anyway? In a nutshell, a RAW file is an unprocessed image. It's the image as seen by the camera's sensor and it has not been processed by the camera. 

So why should you shoot in RAW?

1. You are in full control

When you shoot in JPEG, you let your camera do all of the work. Your camera reads the image, the light, the shadows, the colors, and then decides what goes, what stays, what should change. In RAW, the camera's sensor reads the image as is and then YOU can adjust where you feel necessary. 

By shooting in RAW, you have full control over your image. Did you blow out your sky because you wanted your subject properly exposed? No problem - you can fix that in Lightroom or Photoshop. Did you accidentally underexpose your subject? No worries - you can fix your exposure in post-processing. Basically, when you shoot in RAW, you are able to choose what details need to be tweaked or restored. You are given full creative rights to your photo and you can make it pop in whatever ways you desire!

2. Fix over or under-exposed photos in a snap

Since your photos haven't been compressed by the camera, you can easily fix underexposed or overexposed photos. It seriously only takes one second to fix an improperly exposed image. 

3. Appropriately adjust your white balance

I try to set my white balance prior to my shot, but sometimes I forget or sometimes the moment happens so quickly I don't have the time to change my settings. Just like exposure, you can easily adjust the white balance in either Lightroom or Photoshop.

4. Save the detail in your images

When you shoot in JPEG and your camera interrupts and compresses the image, you loose the detail of your photo. With a RAW file, you can easily tweak and sharpen the image (or parts of the image) to your liking.

5. Original file is untouched

When you shoot in RAW, the original data is never changed. All of the adjustments or edits you make to the file are just telling the post-processing program (Lightroom or Photoshop) how to read the file. Once your edits are complete, the new file is usually saved as either a JPEG or TIFF file, but you will always have the original version.

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Lightroom Tips + Tricks

The first day I downloaded and opened Lightroom I swore I would NEVER open it again. I was SO confused and really had NO idea where in the world to even begin. I watched a TON of videos for Lightroom tutorials and read as much as I could to figure this program out. And when I got stuck, I googled it and kept on learning. I by NO MEANS consider myself even a teeny bit of an expert when it comes to Lightroom. Everything I've learned is through a process of trial and error and I'm still learning. I've tinkered and tweaked the sliders enough to "kinda" know what they can do for my photos. I say "kinda" because it is literally a trial and error a lot of the times. There are certain tools I use on almost every photo! My go-to Lightroom tools are:

• Lens correction - I apply this on every single photo to remove vignetting and distortion.
• Radial filters  - Radial filters are amazing because you can apply them to just one aspect of your image. I love to use radial filters to lift shadows, correct exposure on a certain area and/or decrease highlights.
• HSL panel - I spend most of my editing time in the HSL panel. I've found this panel to be most helpful when it comes to correcting skin tones and the coloring of images. 
• Sharpening/noise reduction - I use these tools to make the image pop a little more (sharpening), while also smoothing the skin (noise reduction).
• Brushes - Like radial filters, local brushes are great at apply one editing tool to a certain aspect of your photo. My go-to brushes are: iris enhancing + teeth whitening. 

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I'm very much a visual learner and I always do better by "seeing" than reading, so I thought I would do a quick editing video to show you how I use my favorite Lightroom tools, as well as to share with you some of my Lightroom tips and tricks. Here's a before + after of the photo I will be editing in Lightroom. Enjoy!

Lightroom is an amazing editing program and I know I barely even skimmed the surface of the wonderful editing tools available. It amy seem overwhelming and daunting when you first open an image and start editing, but I promise it gets easier the more you play around and practice. As I mentioned, most of my "processes" have been developed just from trial + error and I'm sure I will continue to modify, change and grow as I continue learning more about this program! 

What about you? Do you use Lightroom to edit? What are you favorite tricks? 

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Around our clocks - 12pm

Happy Monday, friends!
The "Around Our Clocks" blog circle continues and today we are all sharing a glimpse at what our 12:00pm looks like. Noon during the week is pretty dull and boring. Both kids are at school in the middle of class and Scott and myself are usually just working away at our computers. The weekends, however, are a totally different story, so I chose to document 12pm on a Saturday. We LOVE being outside and our weekends typically consist of us checking out our local parks and getting some fresh air. The kids pretty much chase each other around most of the time, and as you can see, the weekends involve lots of exploring and adventuring. 

Thanks so much for stopping by today! To continue on the "Around Our Clocks" blog circle, click on over to Anna-Liisa Nixon Photography, South Florida Documentary Family Photographer and see what her 12pm looks like! 

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3 reasons to take your camera everywhere

Yes I'm that crazy lady in Target snapping photos of my kids running down the aisles. Why? Because it's my life. Target is my life. Running errands is my life. Chasing two kids around everywhere is my life.

Pulling out the BIG camera in public does feel weird. I admit it. But I still do it. No one even blinks an eye if you pull out an iPhone and snap away on the side of a road, but as soon as someone pulls out the big deal in a store it's all eyes your way. But the thing is...they aren't looking at you. They are looking at what you are photographing. Big camera = big deal to a lot of people, so just go about your business and snap those photos of your kids being kids. 

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Here are the top 3 reason you NEED to bring your camera with you wherever you go.

1. Life doesn't just happen in the comfort of your home.

If you're like me, you probably feel like you spend more time out running around than you do at home. That's your life and you should document it. Library stops, Target runs, dinners out. Don't be afraid to capture all of the moments of your day and life. 

2. You'll appreciate the little things.

With your camera in hand, you start to see things differently. You see light and shadows; you see hand holding and happiness. You notice lines and framing. Ultimately, you start to appreciate the little things that you may normally overlook.

3. You will capture moments you would have otherwise missed.

Have you ever been out and about and wish you would have had your camera? Yep. Happens to me all the time. I've never brought my camera and wished I would have left it at home. There are so many moments I've captured just because I had my camera. 

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January in photos + some thoughts

A Project 365 is scary and daunting, but I'm determined to make it work for me this year. I'm trying to keep the BIG PICTURE in mind, which is to document our everyday. The in-between moments. The small snippets of our life.

It doesn't sound like much, but a photo a day is harder than you would think. This project has definitely been more challenging than I had imagined. We are usually up and out the door before the sun is all the way up and then are creeping back home as the sun is setting. That doesn't leave much "time" for well-lit photos. I've had to rely more on ambient lighting than I ever had before, but you know...it's working out just fine. Our life doesn't just occur when the lighting is nice and pretty and perfect and capturing those moments is what this project is all about. I'm learning to make the most of the time I have and am trying to appreciate all of the little ins + outs of our day. 

You can keep up with my Project 365 by clicking the "Project 365" at the top of my site, or by following this link. 

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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