I've moved!

My new photography site is http://www.nickiejean.com/ and my site dedicated to helping moms and aspiring photographers is now http://clickinchicks.wordpress.com/ I hope  you will stop by and take a look!

Nominate An Amazing Mom!

Are you a mom or know a mom who has a passion for photography?  Do you know a mom who could use a break? (I know, we could all use one!)   I'm so excited to offer one free seat just for YOU!  One mom will get to attend my photography class,  Click!  Taking Better Pictures of Your Kids for free.

Moms are always giving and I want to give back to moms.  To nominate yourself or another mom just send an email to nickiemullin@gmail.com and tell me why you would like to attend the workshop.   I'm looking for a mom who has always wanted to learn photography and maybe can't afford a class.  A mom who could use some good news and bring a smile to her face.  If you're that mom or know one, please nominate yourself or her.  Nominations must be in by Friday, November 11th, by 10pm.  The winner will be announced Monday, November 14th.

Winner must be able to attend the workshop on Saturday, November 19th, 10am- 2pm.  Held at the Working Place, Metro Rose Square , 290 Yenlo St., Wasilla.  Winner must also have a D-SLR camera.

Click here for details about the workshop.

What Does Photography Mean to You?

I'm watching Rick Sammon on Creative Live and he asked the question, "What does photography mean to you?"   Photography to me, is a way to be creative, it also allows me to capture memories of my children and I love the joy I feel when I photograph all those happy smiles. 

Rick goes on to give a challenge.  Whatever photography means to you, capture that.  So for me it would be a picture of creativity, memories and smiles.  The picture below is something different for me.  I usually always have a nice even light on the face but I wanted to experiment with the light.  Here is what I captured. What do you think?  My advice, don't be afraid to experiment.  That's how we grow as a photographer.

Whenever I'm taking pictures I'm always looking for that smile.  Not that fake cheese smile but the real, genuine smile.  My advice, don't ask your kids to say cheese.  Talk with them, tell them jokes, act silly. 



Here is my challenge to you.  What does photography mean to you?  Then capture that.  I would love to see what you come up with.

Keep clicking,
Nickie

The Golden Spiral

I love it when I learn new things.  Especially when it comes to photography.  Yesterday, I took my daughter to Target and snapped some shots in the red circle.  When I was editing the image below I noticed I had unintentionally used the Golden Spiral.

What is the Golden Spiral?  Well, I could tell you a long mathematical explanation, but it's so much easier to say that it's a formula to make you picture look more pleasing.  See diagram below.  Image provided by wikipedia.



That's why pictures of shells, flowers and staircases look so nice to the eye.  I'll be explaining this more in my class.  This is just one of the many composition rules I teach.  Click on the Photography Class tab for more class info.  Have any other photography questions then just shoot me an email.

Keep Clicking,
Nickie

Photo Tip Friday #4, Try a new perspective

As a photographer, I'm always looking at the background.  Is there something distracting? Or how can I use the background to enhance a picture. One of my favorite things to do is bluer out the background like the pictures below.  You do this by setting your aperture to a low number.  Mine was at F2.8.  

See how the yellow flowers have blurred and the girls just pop out?  I love it!  Recently, I've noticed that I've been using a lot of the same perspectives.  One day, I was watching a video by one of my favorite photographers, Brooke Snow. In her video she included the foreground in her photo.  It dawned on me, that I don't do that much and a new perspective is what I needed.  I love this next picture.

 I included the flowers in the foreground and blurred them out.   I love the effect and texture it gives the picture.  It makes the girls look like their being swallowed up by a field of flowers.  Now, not only am I looking at the background but also focusing on the foreground.  The foreground can really enhance your picture.  Give it a try!

Keep clicking,
Nickie

Hatchers Pass Family {children's photographer, Palmer, Alaska}

I decided for the fall to do a family mini shoot and I'm so glad I did. I had the best time photographing this family.  The boys were full of smiles and fun.  How could I go wrong?  Enjoy!

Fall Special

Hey, all my friends.  I'm doing a limited family fall special.  I will be at Hatchers Pass on Monday, Sept., 19th.  I have three spots available.  They will include five family photos all edited on a cd.  The cost is $75 and the time slots  are 4:00pm, 4:30pm, and 5:00pm.  You can call to schedule your session at 775-4333 or email nickiemull@hotmail.com.  Beat the rush get those christmas card pictures ready now.