Plymouth South Shore Professional Photographer: Small Business Shout out of the Week: Smilin' Mike's Dojo of Champions

So by now if you read my posts you can see that I am sort of making it my thing to give a shout out to all the great businesses in town that I frequent.  Nothing is better than a personal recommendation to grow your business. So I am making it part of my mission to let people know of all the deserving businesses that I know.  We all definitely need to support local business.  It is great to have the convenience of shopping online, I know I do it a lot as well, but if we want to see our communities thrive we also have to support the places that we live and work. I met Mike from Smilin' Mike's Dojo of Champions before he started his newest Dojo location in Plymouth.  He was teaching in Randolph and a few other places and he was a stay at home dad.  Since I am growing my business the same way, I can tell you that it is not easy to spend all of your "down" time make a business work, but Mike has done it with finesse.  He has such a great way with people and his business is taking off like a rocket.  I can't think of someone that deserves it more.  I have seen Mike in action with kids and he is fantastic, so involved and engaging.  Once Lucy is old enough for Karate instruction she is definitely going here!

Mike has been teaching since 1997 and if what I see is any indication he's going to go a lot farther.  If you are interested take a look at his business.  His website is http://www.randolphkarate.com and his contact info is: dojoofchampions@yahoo.com or 781-963-9600.  Smilin' Mike's Dojo of Champions is located at  739 State Rd, Plymouth, MA 02360.

Plymouth South Shore Professional Photographer: Photography Tip for the week: What's the right photo equipment for the best picture?

So I spend a lot of time taking pictures both at work and at home...that's probably a given. I had three photo shoots this weekend (photos to follow).What I have learned over the years is this, you don't have to have the biggest and the best to get the best result.  In fact, two of my favorite lenses are the least expensive ones I own: 1. AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G DX Lens

2. Normal AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D Autofocus Lens

Both lenses were under 200.00 each brand new and I find them indispensable.  Fixed lenses make a huge difference in portrait photography.  They give you more control over the clarity of your subject and the ability to dial down your aperture enough to really make your subject come to life.  Even with a starter camera you will see a phenomenal difference using a fixed lens.  The 35mm lens is my most used lens and I love the way my images have changed since buying it.

Of course the bigger and better you camera gets the more difference you will see in the image that is produced as far as image quality goes, but I think you will be amazed at what you see by switching from a to something like this.  The onus is on you to do the work of moving around your subject but it is worth all the effort!

Plymouth South Shore Professional Photographer: Shout out to Local Business: Second Nature Social Skills

FYI, I like this business so much we are doing a Cameras and Cocktails Fundraiser with them on June 19, 2014 at 7pm.  Ask me for more details on that too! I went to Notre Dame Academy in Hingham. I love the fact that so many of the women I went to school with are doing great things with their lives and in their communities. Amy Gordon is a great example of that. She started Second Nature Social Skills on a shoestring budget with no office to speak of. She had an idea that would make a difference in the lives of those around her. I am so happy to say that it has taken off and she is making great things happen along with her team.

I love the way Amy talks about her own business on her website so I am going to put her words here to explain exactly what she does:

Imagine how much easier life would be for people if they had specifically designed navigational tools showing them how to get to through the next social challenge: at school, at work, in life, with their peers.

If they had someone that could just tell them what the answers were in social situations as they learn in school?

Second Nature Social Skills aims to make this possible by using a highly visual, direct and explicit teaching approach in making the abstract and "hidden" rules concrete. This makes way to increase social mindfulness for you and your family.

Our approach is always customized to you and family. Everyone is unique and our teaching is individualized for you and your family learning needs. Second Nature Social Skills embraces this because we understand how you need to learn. We provide individualized social life maps so you and your family can confidently navigate your own journey.

Amy specializes in Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Nonverbal Learning Disorders and Anxiety. She is highly skilled and involved in her community. I cannot think of a better person to talk about for this week. Keep up the good work Amy! I love what you are doing!

You can check out her business at http://www.secondnaturesocialskills.com or contact her and her team at 508.747.2663 or info@secondnaturesocialskills.com.

Plymouth South Shore Professional Photographer: Throwback Thursday: Before and After Family Photos

So we all have those family photos that are great and we would like to keep but they degrade over time.  This is one of my favorite photos of my family but it is yellow and starting to show signs of wear.  You can see though that there is a lot that I can do with Photoshop to make photos like that better.  What about choosing a selection of family photos and create a new album of digital images for an anniversary or a birthday gift.  That would truly be something that would be remembered!

Plymouth South Shore Professional Photographer: First Beach Photos of the Year!

So today was so not the day to be on the beach taking photos! Really that was yesterday, but we made it work and we had so much fun!  These kids were troopers and they had so much fun playing in the sand, they barely noticed how cold it was.  Their mother should be a stylist too! Look at the amazingly cute coordinating outfits.  I had a blast and I am so happy with our shots!  If you want to join in on the fun sign up for some family photos or join one of our mini sessions.  The first date is listed below in my trendy new postcard, thanks to the Sanford Family!

Plymouth South Shore Professional Photographer: A little Jazz..A little Photography...a little talk about taking candid photos!

So as the daughter of a jazz musician, I occasionally get to have fun taking photos of my mother and her fellow musicians out at their gigs.  I thought it might be fun to use some of their pictures to talk about how to take better candid shots.  So obviously when you are photographing a band, or a group of kids on stage (the list goes on...)  You can't change what they are doing and you can't change the limited number of angles that you have.  I have a couple tips on doing the best you can with a difficult shooting situation.

The first tip, when I go on any photo shoot, I set my camera settings ahead of time.  The benefit to this is that I am relatively confident that I am not going to miss any of the action.  If you are in the same room for the whole time (barring being closer and farther from changing light sources like windows) you can usually make sure you are happy ahead of time and just focus on composition.

The second tip is don't be afraid to move around the room.  Get as close as you can without disturbing others around you.  Not a lot of good pictures are had by just sitting in your seat and watching the show.

Change your perspective if you can.  Stand on a chair. Lay on the ground. If you are taking pictures of a dance group, try taking pictures of just their cute little feet all in a row.  Don't be scared to play around.  

Make one subject your focal point, take a picture of the singer and blur the band.  Take a picture of the guitarist when he or she is playing their solo.  Try to catch each person in their element.

Happy Shooting!

Plymouth South Shore Professional Photographer: Beach Mini-Sessions June 21, 2014! A few sessions still left!

Are you looking for that perfect beach photo!  This is a great idea to get a jump start on Christmas photos or plan Christmas in July! Don't miss out, I have a few sessions left!

Plymouth South Shore Professional Photographer: Small Business Highlight of the week: Tiny Boxes Boutique

One of my favorite places to frequent in Downtown Plymouth is Tiny Boxes Boutique.  Their jewelry and accessories are so stylish and fun.  You can always find something unique in any price range.  Also, Karen and her staff are super helpful and great to talk to. Many times I go in with no idea of what I want to get for someone.  I ask for suggestions, give a price point and I leave with something that my friends and family think is fabulous.  If you haven't been in here you need to drop everything and go shop immediately.

Since we are nearing mother's day rapidly and I know there is a lot of shopping left to do, it is a really timely suggestion!

Selection  includes silver jewelry, semi precious stones, fresh-water pearls, shells, beautiful real butterfly wing jewelry, recycled water and wine bottle pieces, hand blown crushed recycled glass, handmade fair trade items, crystals, mood beads, drusy jewelry,... Everything you could want.

Tiny Boxes is located at 31 Main St, Plymouth, Massachusetts 02360. Find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tiny-Boxes-Boutique/101048299939784 or on the web at http://www.tinyboxesboutique.com.

Just a glimpse inside from one of Karen's own pictures!

Plymouth South Shore Professional Photographer: Photo Tip of the day!: Dealing with Harsh Lighting

One of the biggest issues that I have come across is how to deal with less than ideal lighting situations, especially direct sunlight.  Direct sunlight creates a bunch of unflattering shadows on your face. Over exposes details so you have odd highlights and a multitude of other problems that just don't add up to a good picture!  Here are a few tips on how to deal with that: 1. If you can, photography in the shade.  Put people under a tree or under the shade of a building if it is at all possible.  Granted this is not always possible.  Sometimes you can't change the position you are taking the picture from and you just have to deal with it.

2. Another great way to deal with the sun is to use your flash to even out the shadows.  Fill-Flash will fill in the shadows and even out the tones on your subject.

3. If you have one, another really good option is a reflector.  You can use some different DIY reflectors on the fly to reflect the sun back at you.  You can make a reflector if you want to keep it really inexpensive.  (Glueing aluminum foil to poster board).  Most reflectors are affordable and easier to transport.  If you have photos coming up or you are in a pinch then the DIY method is a good one.

Plymouth South Shore Professional Photographer: Kentucky Derby Fundraiser to benefit the Rich Cronin Hope Foundation for Leukemia

So it has been a whirlwind of a weekend to say the least!  I was super excited to be working with Alden Park Bar and Grill at their Kentucky Derby Fundraiser to benefit the Rich Cronin Hope Foundation for Leukemia.  If you missed it this year be sure to keep a look out for it next year because it was the event of the season.  They nailed it!  Everyone had so much fun and came together to raise money for a great cause!  Looking forward to next year already.  Here is a peek at the some of the photos that will be up in our gallery for people to order.  A portion of the print proceeds will also be donated to the Rich Cronin Hope Foundation for Leukemia so don't miss out! To see the full gallery please go to this page: http://themirroredimagephotography.zenfolio.com/p167702491

Plymouth South Shore Professional Photographer: Beach Mini-Sessions are back! June 21, 2014 (Rain Date June 22nd)

Hi Everyone!  The nice weather is finally peeking through and I am in super excited to book the first beach mini session of the season.  If you have never heard of mini-sessions before, they go like this! You sign up for a 30 minute session, you receive 8-10 edited digital images plus one 8x10 print.  If what you really want is one good beach photo for the wall or for your christmas cards next year then sign up now!  The best part is, it's only $99.00 for the whole deal.  Sign up now, spaces definitely go fast!

Plymouth South Shore Professional Photographer: Throwback Thursday: My grandmother

So this week is a week for tributes I guess.  I am making this throwback Thursday post about my grandmother.  She was really the linchpin that held together the family.  She was one of the most giving and most outspoken women that I knew.  She passed in 2012 and is still greatly missed.  Even at 93 we would talk every day and she was sharp as a tack.  I used to call her in the middle of the night and on my way home from work just when I wanted someone to talk to.  She was a seamstress by trade, she took care of her family with love and grace and lots of Italian cooking.  This was her photo on her wedding day.  I restored the image and I am posting the before and after of the restoration.  I miss her everyday and I love her with all my heart!

Plymouth South Shore Professional Photographer: Small Business Highlight: Archiplicity, Inc.

So last week I chronicled on of the entrepreneurs in my family and this week I am going to talk about the other; my sister.  My sister (unlike me) knew what she wanted to do since she was in high school.  She spent long hours and gave up countless opportunities to socialize to build herself a thriving business in the field of architecture.  She founded her own company Archiplicity, Inc. in 2001 and has never looked back.  To her, exceeding her clients expectations is what she strives for.  She has a meticulous eye for detail and a impeccable taste when it comes to design.  In her own words, "Our philosophy is to create architecture that is simple and elegant. We believe design should be based on good proportion, simple, well placed details and a thoughtful response to existing surroundings."  I am inspired and encouraged by her efforts and how far it has taken her.  For more information on her business go to archiplicity.com, email her at info@archiplicity.com or call 508-789-7184. I have had the benefit of photographing a few of her projects.  Here is just one of them:

Plymouth South Shore Professional Photographer: Photo Tip of the Day: Most Flattering Portrait Angle

So I would say that pretty much all of us, me included, have something that they don't love about their appearance.  As a photographer, you are trying to not only take a technically good photo, but also capture people in their best light so that the results show the best of who they really are.  This doesn't mean that your photographer needs to know how to make you loose 25 pounds in photoshop or how to erase age lines to make you look 10 years younger.  You just need to know something about light and positioning.  The best angle I have found for almost every body type is to sit your subject sideways looking at you slightly over their shoulder with you taking the photo at eye level or slightly about.  Also when it comes to lighting avoid harsh sunlight or shadows.  Stand you subjects in the shade or wait for a partly cloudy day.  If you can't avoid the shadows, use your flash outside and in bright sunlight.  The flash will help to fill in the shadows that are cast at weird angles so that people are more evenly lit. Here is an example:

Plymouth South Shore Professional Photographer: In-Home Mini Sessions

When you think about family photos you probably think of those photos at the beach or in the park.  you get all dressed up and capture that moment.  What about capture those moments that you will always remember in your mind.  The things that you love to do with your kids when they are small.  Time always moves too fast.  One of the things that Lucy and I love to do the best is cook together.  We bake and cook and we dance.  We have a blast.  She is such a character and she always says, "Mommy, what do we need next?".  I just want to eat her up.  This is one of the moments I wanted to capture so that I could remember the moment.  What moments do you have like this?  Why not schedule something at your home? Take some pictures of your family in your element and then you can still take some photos of you together that are posed at the same time if you desire.  Here are some of my favorites:

Plymouth South Shore Professional Photographer: Priceless Baby Candids

Who knows what runs through the mind of a two year old! Each day is new and exciting (and challenging, LOL) I am working on putting together the presentation for my Intro to Digital Photography Class on May 4th and I wanted to get different pictures representing different aspects of photography.  One being aperture.  Portrait Pictures are always better with a lower aperture setting because your subject stands out more from the background and comes to life a little more.  Since I have a built in subject, I asked Lucy to pose for me and after several attempts, this is what I got.  Lucy lunging toward the camera with her bunny saying : "He do it, He take my picture!"  Just such a cute moment to bring a smile to my day!

Plymouth South Shore Professional Photographer: Shout out to another great Local Business!

Many of you may have no idea but I come from a family of entrepreneurs.  My mom and my sister both own their own businesses as well.  I think that definitely deserves a shout out to local women making big things happen.  One of the best ways to keep you town thriving is to support local business. Today I am giving credit to my mom who has taught me to not be afraid to pursue you dreams and to do what you love and the money will follow.  Much like my career in photography, my mother started her music business later in life.  She went back to school when she was 35 and opened her music school with her long time friend and colleague Paul Kinnear at 42.  Today they have a thriving school with lots to offer.  Music Lessons, Instruments and and other related musical goods, Ensembles, and More.

Middle Street School of Music has been open now for over 20 years and is, I would say, the main location for musical lessons in Plymouth and the surrounding towns.  For further information about lessons and more go to http://middlestreetmusic.com Middle Street at 508-830-1766 or middlest@verizon.net

In their own words:

The study of music has long been used to help instill confidence and build self-esteem was well as bringing great pleasure to both the listener as well as to the performer. It is upon this ideal that Middle Street School of Music was established in 1992.

At Middle Street School of Music our goal is to teach. We take pride in the knowledge that our staff represents some of the most respected music professionals. All of our music teachers have spent years of intense study, perfecting skills in their chosen field. They are prepared to take on the unique challenges presented with teaching both beginners and professional musicians.

Great Job to my mom and Paul for creating something wonderful!

Plymouth South Shore Professional Photographer: Photography Tip of the Day: Taking good family photos

I find one of the toughest things for people is to make a family photo look interesting.  When you go on vacation someplace nice you want to take a photo of yourself there to capture the moment.  However, lining everyone up in a line is usually not that interesting looking.  One of the easiest things you can do is to have people at different heights.  Even with just a few people it adds more visual interest.  Use something available like stairs at a famous building or rocks at the beach and have people interspersed at different levels so that you are filling the frame with interesting content or making it more interesting. With kids, another good thing is to provide snacks and drinks and time to run around.  If kids are grumpy and don't want to take a picture then give them 10 minutes to goof off and/ or have a snack.  It usually changes the mood right away.  I almost always have snacks and waters on hand a family photo shoots just to make life easier for people.  If you are planning a big trip, consider hiring a professional where you are going to take a photo while you are there.  It makes a once in a lifetime trip even more memorable. Happy Shooting!

Plymouth South Shore Professional Photographer: Happy Easter!

I know it is a little late, but here we go with one of my favorite photos from Easter!  We went to the Easter Egg Hunt at Emeritus Senior Living.  There were tons of kids there.  They did a great job though and the kids all made sure they left some eggs for the little ones.  Lucy had a blast.  They had decorate your own cupcakes.  The residents were so sweet and nice, I think they had a blast too.  I hope you enjoy Lucy in her Easter Dress as much as I do!

Plymouth South Shore Professional Photographer: BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF PLYMOUTH: Construction underway on new teen center

It is so nice to see things going on in Plymouth for local teens in our community.  It seems like there is never enough for kids to do that is fun in the area that won't get them into trouble.  I am excited to hear more about the teen center and see it when it is finished. http://plymouth.wickedlocal.com/article/20140418/NEWS/140417637