Captured Photography

I'm a Guest Blogger! - Phoenix Styled Photography

Hey Guys!  I'm super excited this morning because I just saw my guest post on the wildly popular crafting blog  I Heart Naptime.  Have ya heard of it?  If not, you gotta go check it out!  It's full of creative ideas for absolutely everything ... crafts, sewing, baking, decorating ... everything!  This morning, in fact (after checking out my post) I found a tuturial on giving a plain t-shirt a vintage make-over.  LOVE it!!

Anyway ... my post has some photog tips for bloggers and includes some fun images from a recent styled shoot I did for 'I Heart Naptime's' creator, Jamielyn.  She created the adorable lace cuff that inspired the shoot and I really had blast putting it all together.  

I know I say that about everything ... because photography is one of my heart songs.  But this kind of shoot, along with some other projects I'm working toward, feels different.  Mostly because I've been doing a lot of thinking lately about who I am as a photographer and really trying to find ways to finally follow what my little creative heart has been telling me.    

I think that every photographer has a certain style and point of view and I'm realizing that it is so important to embrace that style and shoot what I love.  It's also okay for your style, MY style, to change, to evolve and to grow.  With each evolution I think I get closer to the point of view I want to express.  It's awesome, exciting, and a little scary.

Anyway ... here's a little sneak peek of an image from the I Heart Naptime shoot, styled and shot by me:  

Hugs!

Lace cuff: I Heart Naptime, Grey Cardigan: Styles for Less, Ruffle Tank: Kohl's, Grey Pearl Necklace: Thrifted, Jeans: Model Owned.

Capture {Ties & Tutus} - Jaxon and Brett - Phoenix Child Photography

This has been a busy month of mini sessions for my Ties and Tutus contest and I have really loved every minute of it!  

This was my first sibling session of the month and I seriously could have shot hundreds of images of these adorable brothers!  They were so fun to photograph and I loved how their little personalities easily popped out after just a few minutes of silliness on my part and a few colorful jokes of well, a boy's favorite thing to laugh about (I'll let you fill in the blank - you totally know!).

I loved what we got of them ... especially together!  

And don't forget guys ... the Tie and Tutu images of each contestant will be posted in a special gallery on my FB Page at the end of the week.  You can cast your vote beginning May 1st by 'Liking' your favorite image or images!  Stay tuned ... three more little cuties to come!  

Hugs!

Chloe - Capture {Ties & Tutus}

 
 
 

 
 
Can I just tell you that I am having such a blast with my contest this month??!  I've shot 6 adorable kiddos so far and each one of them has stolen my heart!  I have just LOVED seeing these little cuties all dolled up and looking so precious.  They truly are such a gift. 

Meet Chloe ... the daughter of a dear friend of mine.  Mom wanted "in" on the contest and I knew exactly where I wanted to do the session when she called.  We have this cool grassy area near our home that fills with wild flowers during the spring.  It was a perfect spot for such a sweet little girl and I was so glad I had the chance to photograph her.

I have one spot left for Saturday, 4/23, at 4pm ... let me know if you want to fill it!

Hugs!       

In 30 minutes - Phoenix Child Photography

 

  

 

 
 

Time goes by really really fast.  Sometimes it goes so fast I don't even know how I spent the day.  Do you ever feel like that?  It seems my to do list gets forever longer and time goes by faster. I will never get everything done.  But I heard a talk recently that reminded me that sometimes it's important to set aside the "to do" list and work on the "to be" list.  

So today .... for just a few moments ....  I set aside the dishes, the art projects, the laundry, my untidy bedroom, the computer, and the cell phone and worked on being a good Mommy.  Jax and I just played and it's pretty amazing how much I could BE in just be in 30 minutes. 

I can be funny.

I can be engaged.

I can be a seriously precise pillow thrower.

I can be silly.

I can be creative.

I can be a tickle monster.

I can be playful.

I can be loving.

I can be thankful.

I can be a good Mommy.

Set aside 30 minutes (or more!) this weekend and discover who and what you can BE.  Probably more than you think, I'm sure!

Hugs!

Capture {Ties & Tutus} - Dayna - Phoenix Child Photography

 

Meet Dayna ... my first contestant in my Capture {Ties & Tutus} Contest.  Isn't she a cutie?  I think my youngest actually has a crush on her.  She's only a year older, what's the big deal? 

Anyway, this little one was SO fun to photograph!  And, I loved that almost her entire family came to watch the shoot.   Dad was holding my reflector, big sis fluffed the tutu, and Mom and another Sis helped Dayna to smile and laugh for the camera.  We all had a blast! 

And seriously, can you even stand how adorable her outfit is?  I would {really} be in MAJOR trouble if I had daughters ... they would for sure be wearing clothes like this everyday!  Don't get me wrong, my boys' scabby knees and their screen printed tee's are awesome and all ... but it's just not the same kind of fashion statement, ya know??

Voting for the cutest tie or tutu will begin at the end of the month ... so join in the fun ... I have just three spots left!  And MAYBE just MAYBE you'll win a free Capture{Family} session!  

Post a comment or shoot me an email at tbgarvey@cox.net right away!!

Hugs!

My Fav's - Fun, Fashion and Home

Hey Guys!

Before I go into tonight's post ... I wanted to give ya'll a quick update on Capture {Ties & Tutus}. I've had great feedback and tons of inquiries about sessions.  Yea!  But, I still have a few more openings so email me or post a comment if you can't wait to join in the fun!  By request, I'm also offering sibling sessions - just let me know it you're interested and I'll get you pricing!

In my blog challenge last month, I realized that as a creative person, I'm constantly seeking new ways to express myself, as well as always trying to surround myself with things that inspire me.  And, I thought my blog should represent that!  Playing with fashion and decorating my home are two things that I have tons of fun with.  Here are a few of my FAVs right now ... and a couple tips to go with it.  Maybe you'll get inspired too!

 
1.  Okay ... I know it's not REALLY possible to be in love with a shoe.  But, seriously ... I love these shoes!  My last pair of nude shoes were NOT this cool and had some kind of weird early-90s design on them.  These?  Well, they're hot AND super practical!  Some of my fellow stay-at-home-Mom readers may be thinking that heels are only for weddings and church on Sunday.  To you I say - NO WAY!  I wore these babies to breakfast with my Sis, to the school for my son's class presentation, and to the grocery store to pickup pizza for the kiddos.  And let me tell ya ladies, my hubs loved every minute of it!  I spent less than $20.00 on them at Shoe Carnival - go get yourself a pair!

2.  So right now, my living room is like a dumping ground for all the furniture in our new home that doesn't have a special place.  It is so lame!  But I've got an amazing picture in my head of what it's going to look like and two of these yummy velvet chairs arrived this week from Kirkland's to start completing the picture!  I absolutely adore the color, the texture and shape of these chairs!  And, they are one the inspirations for the design theme in my home.  I can't wait to pair them up with a cool industrial/vintage coffee table and a linen sofa!

3.  Accessorizing is overwhelming for a lot of women ... but I love to take a ho-hum outfit and make it POP by adding a few accessories.  My favorite right now is this aqua colored bead/flower bracelet from Styles.  It was less than $5.00 and it goes with everything!  I haven't found a color yet that I can't wear this with.  And, the flower makes me feel super girly!     

4.  My last FAV was a moment I shared with my son, Cole.  Today he had is first "class presentation" on one of HIS favorite things - the Wolf.  He was so excited to turn in his project and even more excited when I showed up to hear him present it to his class!  He spoke into the microphone like a pro and even fielded questions from his classmates.  He made this ASU Communication Grad so proud!  Way to go buddy!

Got questions?  Need some more inspiration?  Post a comment and let me know what you're thinking! 

Hugs!

Capture {Ties & Tutus} Contest - Phoenix Child Photography

 
  

A few weeks ago I was poking around on some of the blogs I follow.  Before long, one link led to another and I eventually stumbled upon a super cute photography blog with a post called Ties and Tutus.  I couldn't find the link again to give credit, but the post got my little creative wheels turning about my April giveaway! 

So stinkin' excited to announce my April contest giveaway .... drum roll please!

 ANNOUNCING THE FIRST-EVER CAPTURE {TIES & TUTUS} CONTEST

Wanna know the details?  Oh my gosh ... this is gonna be so much fun!!!   Here ya go! 

Enter Capture {Ties & Tutus} by booking a super-mini session for your son or daughter (ages 6months to 12years) wearing an adorable tie or tutu.  Your session will be 30 minutes in length and will include 7 personal copyright digital images for $50.00.  

At the end of your session, I will snap an pic of your child's tie or tutu and this image will be entered into the contest.  The contest entries will be posted on my blog and Facebook page so that you and all your friends will be able to vote on the cutest and most adorable-est tie or tutu.  

The image with the most FB 'Likes' (votes) will win a FULL Capture {Family} session - a $250.00 value!!

Contest sessions can be booked April 4th through April 30th and voting will take place the first week in May.  

Remember, the winner will be based on the cutest tie or tutu with the most votes ... so pull out your sewing machine and hot glue, or just get shopping!  Find or create the cutest tie and tutu you can and make 'em bright, colorful, and super creative ... anything that will make your entry stand out! 

I can't wait to see what you come up with!!

Ready to book right now? Post a comment or Email me right away!! 

Hugs!

We Have a Winner!

 
 

CONGRATULATIONS VICKI CLEMAN!

You just won my March Grand Giveaway!!  Sooo excited for you!  Vicki is my AWESOME realtor, friend and fellow hiking buddy.  She entered the giveaway by 'Liking' my Fan Page and by sharing the contest link with all her FB friends!  Thanks for the shout-out Vicki!  Check out Vicki and her Hubs at Full House Realty ... really really love these guys!   

Now, just in case you were wondering how long it took me to get out of the Canyon?  Jamielyn of the adorable crafting blog, iheartnaptime, guessed it RIGHT ON!  The answer was 10 HOURS ... and by the way, I did the entire hike with a killer sinus infection!  At one point, I was planning my escape out of the canyon by helicopter or mule ... NO kidding.  Instead, I just cranked up the tune-age on the ipod Cole loaned me and jammed my way out the best I could.  It was tough stuff, but a seriously empowering, amazing, 'girls rock' experience!  I loved it!  Everyone should add this adventure to their bucket list.  I can't wait to go back again! 

Ok, getting back on track ...  for guessing correctly, Jamielyn received an extra entry into the contest!  Thanks for participating Jamielyn AND to everyone else ... even those who came in at the last hour!!  I love you guys!!

This month's giveaway is going to be so much fun!!  I can't wait!!  (I know I say that about everything, but I LOVE this stuff!!)  I'm giving away ANOTHER FREE FAMILY SESSION.  If you've got kiddos, grand-kiddos, or friends with kiddos (that pretty much covers everyone, right?) then you'll want to stay tuned! 

Hugs!

The Final Countdown - Monthly Giveaway

Hey guys!!

The clock is ticking down and there are only TWO DAYS LEFT to enter my March Giveaway first announced here!

This month, I'm giving away a $30.00 gift certificate from The Pretty Poppy!  These gals are super talented stay-at-home Moms that make the most adorable jewelry ... including their one-of-a-kind, hand stamped necklaces and charms.  I LOVE mine ... it has my boys' names stamped on it and I wear it with almost everything!

If you haven't entered yet ... what in the world are ya waiting for?  It's FREE money for jewlery!!  Shersh-ya!!

Don't forget, there are four ways to enter and you CAN do all four!!

1.  Like my FB Fan Page.

2.  Share this post with all your FB friends!

3.  Add my link, www.bethanygarvey.typepad.com, to your own blog.

4.  Guess how long it took me to hike out of the Grand Canyon this month!  What a blast of a trip that was!!

Once you do one or all of the above, come on back here to post a comment and let me know what you did and so I know you've entered the contest!  

I'll announce the winner on April 1st ... I can't wait to see who it's gonna be!

And, before I sign off for the night ... here's one of my favorite images from the session I did this weekend.  My favorite part of the shoot, by far, was when the bubbles came out!  Guaranteed giggles in a bottle!

Hugs!!

 

Photog Friday - Take Better Pictures using Shade

Okay okay ... I know it's not actually Friday.  But in my head, I'm always on time, prompt, and meet all of my own deadlines.  So, let's just go with it and pretend that I didn't miss my Friday post deadline, K?!!  Besides, Photog Friday sounds way better than Photog Saturday anyway!

Today's Photog Friday is all about taking better pictures in the shade.  This is one of the first techniques I learned as a natural light photographer.  Shade can be one of your best friends if you shoot outdoors and especially if you are photographing people.   Shade can give you smoothe even lighting and helps you avoid bright spots and harsh shadows on your subject's face.

The trick is to find and use the right shade.  The best type of shade is called "open shade."   Open shade is the place where light and shade meet to create an evenly lit space.  You can find open shade by looking for that line between the shade and the light, then placing your subject completely in the shade - but FACING the light! 

Think porches, walls, buildings, alleyways, overhangs ... anywhere there is complete shade right next to strong light. 

Let's compare a few images I took recently to give you a better idea  ...

 
For the image on the right, I placed Cole in the shade of a tree.  But, see all the spots on his face and his shirt?  This is called dappled light (fancy word, huh?) and can happen when you place a subject under a tree.  If the tree is not dense or thick enough, bits of light will peek through and make spots all over your subject.  Not cool.

On the right, I took a photo of Cole in full sun ... see how intense the shadows are?  Too much contrast in all the wrong places.  There is definitely a time and place for full sun shots and you can make them work ... but this is a great example of when it doesn't work.  For sure!

Now let's look at a couple images I took using open shade.

 
Awww ... so cute!  But here's what went right and what went wrong.

On the image on the left, I placed Bryce in the shade, but too far away from the source of light (the sun).  I still got great light in his eyes, but had problems with his skin tones because there was just not enough light bouncing onto his face.  See how his skin looks kinda red and magenta?  I also had a problem because I placed him next to a red door ... oops!

The image on the left was taken under an overhang and I placed the kiddos right next to the edge of the light.  The shade gave me very even lighting and the sunlight bounced right off the ground next to them.  Their skin tones were almost perfect and I had very little to edit.  Yea!

One last tip.  Shooting in the shade does produce images that have a bit of a blueish tone.  This can be solved a few different ways, one of which is to change the white balance setting on your camera.  My camera does great on Auto White Balance and changing it with each shot is just one more thing for me to think about.  So, I choose to just warm the image up a bit in Photoshop.  Always so much better!

I hope this helps!  Now ... go and try it out for yourselves and let me know how it turns out!  Or, let me know if you have any questions!  This is way fun for me and I'm always glad to share my tips!

Hugs!  

PS.  If you like what you see and what you're learning ... don't forget to head on over to 'Like' my FB Fan Page!