And again!!

Is this better? I think its much better. OK, Im good.  :)

First Maternity Shoot!!

I am so proud to say I had the chance to do my first maternity shoot. Mrs. W was gracious enough to let me give it a whirl. I ran into some unexpected issues that I  could not resolve on the spot. First off, I need a wider black backdrop for more than two people. So, I hope my editing the back drop in looks realistic. Second, I could not get as much of every ones bodies in as I wanted cause I couldn't move far enough away in the room I was in. I could have used a different lens, but there was no way I was taking off my 50mm!!!  I need to learn to slow down more and not allow my thoughts to jumble. Thankfully I had written a list down. I need to take the time to look at my view finder after each shot.  I think I did better on keeping a consistency with my color balance. What do you say? Now, I will critique myself.

I like this shot. I had to edit in more white blanket cause I didn't have enough laid out for this angle. I am not content with the lighter color on the bottom left, but was not able to make it look right to me.

The only thing that I would change about this is to straighten the oldest's  head so its not slanted. They so darn cute tho!!!

needed better hand placement. Still cute. I liked it with little brother in the shot.

Love it!

Love love love this one!! Seriously, it turned out just like I saw it in my head!

I like this one allot too!

I love everything about this picture, but there is something I cant put my finger on in her eyes. I may go back and lighten them up. Otherwise, I think its a fun shot and I like the bold colors.

I'm sure the white is almost blown(its not, I checked my info readings), but I still really like it allot.

I don't know what I was thinking!! I am obviously not shooting at a direct angle on this and that is what I wanted! Arrggh. Still love it. Just eerked at myself for not looking in my viewfinder.

Like it all except the harsh shadows on the second oldest's face. Tried fixing it with a mask layer, and it looks better, but still not right.

I like this one. I love that each child is showing their own personality.

No complaints here!

If there is anything wrong with this picture, I don't think i want to hear it! I worked this one to death because I couldn't get Mom brighter with out blowing out the background.  But, I really wanted to make it happen. Two mask layers and allot of erasing. I love the composition and moms pose. The shirt is beautiful are her baby belly. I think she is gorgeous, inside and out.

and take two!!

Thanks again Cari!! I hope I can see those kinds of things next time. By the way, the bear was cream colored.

Tree be gone!

Darker

Darker, background only.

Total redo!! Does my blue sky look believable? Since grey was all Mother Nature was doling out that day!!

Little Miss Sunshine

Had my first official, but free, shoot last night. There was not a patch of visible sky and zero sun, so I was a bit unsure of how it would go. However, Lil' Miss had personality to spare and made it easy...if you could catch her! Thanks K for sharing your girl with me and trusting me with your moments.

This is the archway Miss Sunshine's Mom and Dad walked under when they got married! Symbolism.

Meet the newest member of the Gates Family!

Drum roll please! (and a slight eye roll from Mom) This is HuckleBerry! She came into our lives on Saturday and we picked her up on Sunday. She is a one and a half year old Blue Tick Hound. She is very calm and super strong. We are praying she is a good match for our family and that she doesn't bite any of my children show aggression. So far so good. Her previous owners could not spend time with her and took her to work everyday. HuckleBerry was the welcoming committee at their work and as such, she is very friendly and used to people. She is also super tolerant of other dogs. Cats...not so much. We took her for a walk last night and I was almost dragged alive under a car to catch a sneaky feline. Im ok. The cat needs therapy. We are praying that if this is not the right move that God will make that decision clear to us.

Fishing Day

The Green Way hosted a youth fishing day after having stocked their pond. Of course we went!  The kids had so much fun.

Look at those little puddums!

She is so thrilled to be posing for another picture! (sarcasm belongs here)

When I saw this picture I thought of the saying "Fathers, remember when you teach your son, you are teaching your son's son."

Yes, we have trees on this side of the mountains.

Is it just be or is he giving me the wonky eye?

Zip up your coat!!-Mom

Beautiful

 

Caught some fish and some cute moments.

Our day started out beautiful.

We caught our limit just as it was getting icky out.

 So far all our pictures look so serene and calm. Now for the real story!!

yep

*head nod*

We had to fish in shifts. seriously. not joking.

I put my camera above my head to get this one. Look who ended up in my shot! Its Flip, our worship leader!! Wow, he is tall. 

It was certainly a fun day and we have taken the kids back 3 times since when it wasn't so crowded. Some one needs to tap the 15 and up at the pond on the shoulder and remind them what a youth pond is for. Then proceed to slap said person on the head with the fishing pole they were using and shove the fish they caught in their.....socks!