Karen Moore Photography: November 2009

Monday, November 9, 2009

Studio Lights!

I have really wanted to get a set of studio lights for sometime. Don't ask me why - I normally shoot using available light, and have always felt it was my niche. In fact I believe I have uttered the phrase "I will never own studio lights." Though as a mom, I do like to have a studio portrait of my kids from time to time. I have even taken them to kiddie kandids because it is a GREAT CHALLENGE for me to photograph them. I have to say the photographers there were really patient with my kids and I liked that. I did not like that I only had 5 shots to choose from - especially when they were all subpar. So I'm expanding my business to include family portraits, headshots, etc with the use of studio lighting. So far I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! And having a ball with everyone! The only thing I'm not that keen on is the paper. It's ripping way too easily (especially with kids dancing on it), and it's pretty cumbersome. I am going to get some new fabric, and that will be cool. All of my equipment is easily portable...so "have lights will travel."

Here's some recent fun with my kids, and it turns out I can get a great shot of them. It only takes about 200 to get there!

I love how soft the light feels - even though he's bumming around in sweats and a comfty shirt, these still are fun....and he's being himself!

My first "sitting" went really well, and had a ball shooting these guys.

She was so much fun! Getting her to smile was easy, just had to let her be a little goofy and she felt real comfortable in front of the camera.

He just a cute little stinker!

So my son is normally a pill about getting his picture taken, but it seems he needs to always take one with our guests!

Love getting Halloween costume portraits! We spend so much on these costumes for who to see...the neighbors when we trick or treat?? This was a custom Snow White, and was so pretty.

There's that stinker again...as a skunk!

....and Beyond!

The Higgins family got some portraits done as well. I was surprised when their daughter wasn't really into getting her picture taken. For some reason I thought all little girls would love to get their pictures taken, but not so. She was being as sweet as pie, but not giving me a great smile. Her mom chimed in and said she loved games, so we started "Simon Says," and she fell right into her adorable self. Good girl!!

Their son needs no encouragement, and is the cutest, sweetest boy ever!!

Anyone interested in studio portraits, please give me a jingle! Have a great week!

Steve and Catherine

So this blog is about my friend Catherine and her fiance Steve. Great looking couple, and so so so cute together. She's the chatty one, and he's the quiet one....or he just can't get a word in! HA! Kidding!

I have known Catherine for a very, very long time, and our relationship has changed a lot over the years.
First, I was her dance teacher, then we were teachers together, then I took some of her dance classes, then she became my client....my biggest client actually! She gave me my first break into photographing their dance studio portraits this past July. I really appreciated her giving me a chance :) All the while I have always considered her one of my dearest friends, even though she is nine years younger than me. I adore this girl, and am so proud of her! She and her mom (who I absolutely love) own Impact Dance Center in Cypress, which is formerly Kindorf Dancers (where we all met!). Still blows my mind to see her as a business owner, teacher, director, etc. etc. I am going to shoot their wedding in January, and I don't really know how I'm going to get through it without bursting into tears. I can't even watch a dance she has choreographed without getting choked up.

We spent the afternoon at Yorba Regional park hoping for some awesome fall leaves for them to play in, but they had been raked! We enjoyed the warm light, and beautiful colors. Who says Californians don't feel the seasons?