Archive for the ‘Daybreak Photography’ Category

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studio lighting… {South Jordan, Utah Child Photographer}

March 1, 2010

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And now…for all my photographer friends out there…

I am posting a pull back shot (as promised)!

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This is my new studio space I recently set up in my unfinished basement.  You can see that my husband built a faux floor for me (which I love!).  Behind that I have my backdrop stand set up.  I usually keep my Westcott TD5 Spiderlite right up against my floor (as shown in the picture).  The light is raised in this picture because I had just finished taking the picture of the Bub at the top of the little ladder.  I adjust my light height depending on the relationship to my subject.  The previous studio pictures I posted were taken in my front room next to a large picture window.  So, you can see that there is greater contrast to the pictures without the large amount of natural light.  There are 2 windows in the space I am shooting in now, but as the new studio space is in the basement, not much light comes in through the windows.  I have contemplated the idea of getting another light to act as fill.  I think it would soften the look of the images and allow me to photograph more than one person at a time.  Anyways…  In this set of pictures, I am shooting just to the left of the light.  My lens was lined up next to the front of the softbox.  If you have any additional questions about my lighting set-up please let me know!

-Mindy

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Posted in Child Photography, Daybreak Photography, studio photography | 1 Comment »

classic… {South Jordan, Utah child photographer}

February 27, 2010

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I have been motivated to read from the classics.  I have always considered myself a well educated person.  I loved school.  So much so that grades and educational status took on a kind of defining form.  Starting in elementary school, I was enrolled in the accelerated programs, where I remained through my high school years and even into college.  I clearly remember, as a freshman in college, attending the first few class sessions of the ASU honors program required class.  We met in a small room, with a large oval table.  I quickly learned that the class curriculum was definitively atheist, the professor anti-Bible/anti-religion.  I made the decision to drop the class, which therefore resulted in the withdrawal from the honors program.  I was really sad to lose the “honors status” that had been a such a large part of my educational experience.  I saddened me to realize that in order to be considered “enlightened”, one must put aside a love of God, a testimony of the Bible (or at least create a pretense of disbelief to satisfy the curriculum/professor).  Now, as an adult, I realize that despite all the higher level thinking and education I received, that I really do not have a strong liberal arts education.  I had not ever (until I rectified the situation last week) read a Charles Dickens’ book.  Or Jane Austen.  Or Charlotte Bronte.  etc. etc. etc.  So, I have begun my quest to read great classic literature, many of which promote love of God, demonstrate strong moral character, and are based upon solid principles.

So, for now, I will share a quote from the book I am reading at the moment:  “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Bronte

“If all the world hated you, and believed you wicked, while your own conscience approved you, and absolved you from guilt, you would not be without friends.”

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Posted in Child Photography, Daybreak Photography, Homeschool Ideas | 4 Comments »

Sewing & Ironing {Daybreak Child Photographer – South Jordan, Utah}

January 18, 2010

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BJ and I started setting up the studio on Saturday.  On my to-do list for today is to start sewing my backdrops.  That is going to be a big project, but the backdrops will be so much nicer once I am able to hang them from a rod and have a rod for a weight at the bottom.  It will save me from ironing.  This is a big deal to me because I pretty much avoid ironing at all costs.  In fact, if it weren’t for BJ, I probably wouldn’t even need to own an ironing board.  That is how often I iron.  If it needs to be ironed, I don’t need to wear it.  But, the creases in the backdrops are bugging me.  I even ironed them.  But, since I currently have to store them folded, they get creases again.  So, I am excited to sew them, iron them once and for all, then get them hung.

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Posted in Child Photography, Daybreak Photography | 2 Comments »

Self-Portrait {Daybreak Photographer, South Jordan, Utah}

January 12, 2010

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I thought is was time to update my picture on my “about the artist” section of my website.  The picture currently on the website is a serious picture.  And, since I am usually smiling in real-life, I thought I ought to get a new picture.  So, using the good old tripod/self-timer (or the Foof’s little finger on the shutter-until she had to run off for a snack or potty break, etc.), I set out on a mission to get a new picture.  Well, being self-critical (as most of us are in pictures), I am not sure that I love it.  But, I am smiling.  And I do think the backdrop is pretty awesome.  I actually had to crop out the Bub’s head and his little hand, which was holding mine.  Life as a mother/photographer….    :)

Oh…and if you were wondering where I have been the past week or so….  Well, we moved.  Again.  We were lucky enough to find a beautiful home just around the corner from our last house.  The liveable space is about the same as our last house, but in this house I have an entire unfinished basement to use for storage and…my new studio!  Wahoo!  I REALLY want to be down in the basement getting everything set up just how I want it.  But, I figured that I really should finish unpacking boxes first.  I have yet to find the girls’ panty/sock drawer box.  Yikes!  Rest assured that there were some dirty ones on the laundry baskets, so I have been able to keep them stocked simply by doing many loads of laundry in the meantime.  But, if I don’t discover that box soon, I think I will be making a trip to Target.  So far I have all the kids rooms set up, organized and clean as well as the front room.  But, the kitchen, loft and master are still scary.  So, enough chit-chat.  I’ll be off to unpack….

Posted in Daybreak Photography | 2 Comments »

Resolutions… {South Jordan, Utah Child Photographer}

January 4, 2010

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Tonight, we had our family home evening and made our resolutions for the new year.  Mae Mae made a goal to read 100 books by June and started working toward her goal right away.  She read 6 books tonight and is ready to go back to the library to pick out more.

I like to set goals at the beginning of each year.  I like the determination I feel to better myself.  Some people don’t like to make resolutions as it is hard to keep a goal for an entire year.  I don’t look at it that way.  Not all of my goals even require action every day of the year.  Some are just short term goals.  I guess it takes me back to the days when I was in young women’s.  When I made a goal to work toward and actually accomplished something.  It is so easy to let time slip away and realize that the time was wasted.  No improvement was made.  So, I am thankful for the tradition of New Year’s Resolution and for the motivation I feel to become a better person.

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Posted in Child Photography, Daybreak Photography | 1 Comment »

Fancy Foof…. {South Jordan, Utah Child Photographer}

January 3, 2010

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Posted in Child Photography, Daybreak Photography | 1 Comment »

More Favorites… {South Jordan, Utah Newborn Photographer}

January 1, 2010

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Posted in Baby Photography, Daybreak Photography, Newborn Photography | 2 Comments »

New {Daybreak Newborn Photographer, South Jordan, Utah}

December 31, 2009

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I know I said I was done with photo shoots for the year, but you can’t schedule babies.  This little guy was born 2 weeks early.  So, here I am editing on New Years Eve.  BJ is sitting next to me playing a video game on his computer.  I had grand visions of starting a new tradition with the kids, allowing them to stay up until midnight partying the night away with us.  But, then 9:00 came.  They were grumpy.  I was done.  Off to bed they went.  Now, here we sit.  On our computers.  Pretty boring.  I know.  I don’t think New Year’s Eve will ever be the same now that we moved away from Sarah/David and family.  They are the funnest (is that a word?) New Years party people I know.  I miss the games, the Martinelli’s, the party hats, the firecrackers…and especially their family.  Maybe someday we can live by each other again…please?

Anyways,  I am only halfway through editing his session, but had to share a few favorites so far.  I ADORE his chubby cheeks and squishy lips!  Earlier, the Bub was sitting on my lap while I was editing and every new picture that I opened, he would sit back and say, “Awww!”  Apparently, he thinks this little guy is just the cutest thing too!

Well, cheers to 2010.  Here’s hoping the New Year will bring success, happiness and peace!

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Posted in Daybreak Photography, Newborn Photography | 3 Comments »

New Backdrops/More Sledding! {South Jordan, Utah Child Photographer}

December 31, 2009

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Since one of the most common search engine keyword phrases that people use to find my website are “fun places to sled in South Jordan, Utah” (random!), I thought I would actually post the locations to the sledding hills that we love.  The extreme hill (seriously…my brother-in-law actually takes his kids over there with their snowboards sometimes) is located on 10200 S., just west of 4000 W.  on the South side of the road.  It is located at the farthest NE corner of Daybreak.  The kiddie hills are just west of the swimming pool in the Eastlake section of Daybreak.  I’m not sure of the address, but if you google the address for Eastlake Elementary, you will get there.  Just east of the school, across the street is the swimming pool and tucked in behind the pool/tennis courts is the soccer field (a.k.a. sledding hills).  Okay….so there you have it.  Our favorite sledding hills for you to enjoy :)

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I got several new backdrops for my up-coming studio.  Can I just say how excited I am?!?  I never would have thought that I would be a studio type of girl.  I just love capturing children exploring the world around them.  Nature provides such a beautiful backdrop…why would I ever want to shoot indoors?  Then, I moved to Utah and nature is even more incredible!  I was in HEAVEN.  Then…winter.  I realized that if I wanted to be able to work all year long, then I would need an indoor space.  One thing led to another and here I am.  Preparing to open a basement studio.  And…crazy enough.  I LOVE it!  The girls were super excited, claiming which backdrop they wanted to model in front of first, coordinating outfits, etc.  We spent about an hour and a half yesterday afternoon playing and I have so many new “all-time favorite images” just from our little photo-shoot yesterday!  We had so much fun that the girls were begging me to take more pictures of them today.  But, then a friend called and invited them to go sledding…and off they went.   :)

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Posted in Child Photography, Daybreak Photography | No Comments »

Inspired… {South Jordan, Utah Photographer}

December 14, 2009

My sister HOLLY spontaneously flew into town on Saturday to go to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert with Tressa, Becca and I.  It was pretty much the best girls night ever!  Becca & Brandon are moving to Texas this weekend so it was also a bit of a farewell too.  Texas is just SO FAR AWAY!  We picked Holly up from the airport and went straight over to Temple Square.  Originally, we planned to go out to eat before the concert, but after standing in line for over a half an hour, we decided to eat afterward.  We found our seats, which were on the main level, just in front of the organ.  The concert was incredible.  Natalie Cole was the guest performer.  There were dancers, bell ringers, and a children’s choir.  Overall, it was a huge production. Thanks to Tressa for sharing her tickets with us all!

Another fun part of the togetherness weekend was “talking shop” with Holly.  After taking a break from photography for a couple of years (aside from teaching workshops), she is getting ready to re-start her photography business, offering only newborn sessions.  And…you should see her newborn pictures.  They are AMAZING.  Anyways, while she was here, we discussed studio set-up.  I just upgraded to a Westcott continuous lighting system and am getting the hang of it.  Here are a few of the first pictures I took with the lighting:

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Holly is converting one of her bedrooms to a studio and was showing me some of the great ideas she has come accross to create an amazing studio space.  It has gotten me really inspired.  Because we are extremely limited by the weather here, I have been considering setting up a studio in my home as well.  Now I have a ton of great ideas and am getting super excited about the prospect.  Obviously, I need to wait and figure out where we will be living first  :)    But then….

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Posted in Child Photography, Daybreak Photography | 7 Comments »

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