Month: December 2015

TOP 15 OF 2015 I N S T A G R A M

Uncategorized

IG 2015Instagram has been so amazing to us this year. Our account @Dear_Photographer is near to reach 2k already. Our community is growing, and we love to have people host our account and have them share their Daily Inspiration along with sharing their Personal work and stories. We have a special ARTISTS SPOTLIGHT on Monday in which we have a Q&A with someone from the community nominated by the week’s host.  We also share our TOP HONORS every weekend selected from the Daily Inspiration.  

We are so incredibly thankful for those of you that use our hashtag #dearphotographer , Which has over 14k shares right now. We hope that you continue with us on this journey, and that we get to see so many new artist blossom in the next year.

Here are some IG accounts that blew us away this year. In no particular order:

 

 

@3littlechiefs 

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@the_borrewedheart

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@Forestandfieldphotography

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@thecuelife

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@meg_nlo

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@omgitsjustkt

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@lauralensonlife

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@susanbrooksby 

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@brittleighhhh

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@Lurvalles

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@kellyjaco3

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@twistandshutter IMG_20151231_120030

 

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@phrecklefacephoto_20151231_121127

TOP 15 OF 2015 F A C E B O O K

PHOTOGRAPHY

 

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We had SO many amazing shares to our Dear Photographer Facebook timeline – between weekly faves and themes – it was so difficult to narrow it down to TOP 15 of 2015!

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Stephanie Mason Photography

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Melina Nastazia Photography

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Rose Amelia Photos

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Karen Osdieck Photography

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Somer Hoffman Photography

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Holly Nicole Photography

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Little Farm Photography, LLC

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Brooke Ashley Photography

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Ellen Elizabeth Photography

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Kelly Rae Photography

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LB Photography

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Performer Photography

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My Three Sons Images

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Melissa Glynn Photography

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Kristin Hallak Photography

We look forward to 2016 and seeing even more of your awesome pictures! Thank you!

 

10 Facts with Facebook Guest Judge 12/28 – 1/3 | Be Freckled Photography

FACEBOOK GUEST JUDGE, PHOTOGRAPHY

befreckledphotography

The freckled face of English coming at you from behind the lens of Be Freckled Photography.  Yes, English is my real name.  I’m a portrait photographer that focuses primarily on high school seniors, but will sometimes dabble in couples or glamour.  We recently made the move from Germany to Tokyo, Japan, where I am re-establishing my urban style in a great setting.  I’ve been shooting since 2013, and typically have a Nikon d700 + 85mm f/1.8 in my hand, although a recent 135mm f/2 DC purchase may knock the 85 off the camera.  I’m so excited to be this week’s guest judge over on the Dear Photographer Facebook page!

Website. Facebook. Instagram.

 

10 Fun Facts about Me
1. I once tried to count all of my freckles by marking them off with permanent marker.  Mom was not happy.
2. I love my dogs so much, I have them tattooed on my forearms.
3.  I often forget how short I am until I see myself in photographs.
4.  I never learned how to multiply numbers.
5.  My business pricing ensures that no 5’s ever come up. I just don’t like that number.
6.  If reading novels at home could be a profession, I’d be a millionaire.
7.  I have an irrational fear of falling off of things.
8.  My husband is much funnier than I, so I steal his jokes.
9.  My dog’s full name is Ninja Pirate Assassin Druglord Don Julio.
10.  My dream is to run a shelter that supports itself as a petting zoo.

Now that you know more about me, how about that weekly theme?!  I contemplated a “midnight” theme in nod to New Year’s this week, but let’s be real; staying up that late is not all that easy sometimes.

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Excited to see your image shares!

New featuring Momma Got Soul Photography

MONTHLY CONTRIBUTOR, PHOTOGRAPHY

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Every child begins the world again…. ~Henry David Thoreau

 

In Celebration of the new year, I thought I would share some fresh images of a new life, less than 48 hours old. This was my first Fresh 48 session, and I am in love. Soft squishy goodness, gorgeous window light, what is not to love?

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I love everything from the story telling aspect to the kissable chunky cheeks.

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and just like with new baby….

We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day. ~Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Happy New Year!

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Dear Photographer featuring Allie Wilson Photography

DEAR PHOTOGRAPHER, PHOTOGRAPHY

alliewilsonphoto

 

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January 2012 … one of my first paid jobs

 

Dear Past,

Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and try. It’s the first time you’ve ever picked up a camera. Your work is….not so great. But we all must start somewhere. The important thing is to START. Get messy! Make mistakes! You will not regret putting out mediocre work as much as you will regret not putting out any work at all.

Dear Present,

Please try not to compare yourself to other photographers. Admire them, be inspired by them, but don’t compare. They are not you. They don’t see the way you do, feel the way you do, or live the way you do. Only you can be YOU. Embrace the artist that you are. You have a voice, you have a vision that is uniquely you and deserves to be celebrated. You are on an incredible journey of learning and self-discovery. Don’t limit that by doing only what others are doing. Keep experimenting. Keep making mistakes. Keep pushing and creating something new EVERY DAY. Keep being you.

Dear Future,

I hope you still think you are as terrible of an artist as you do now. It is the only way to continue to grow. I hope you never stop trying new things. I hope you never stop learning. I hope you never, ever, put the camera down.

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 About the photographer:
I’m Allie, a lifestyle and documentary photographer. I am wife to Mark for 5.5 years and mom to Norah, 4 and Henry, 1. We live by the beach in Southern New Jersey. I’ve loved photography since I was a little kid but have just this year started taking myself seriously as an artist. Besides photography, I love to paint and read, go thrift store shopping, and have pajama-dance-parties with my kids. I love Regina Spektor, cholula sauce on everything, and floral prints.
Website. Facebook. Instagram. Flickr.

BE INSPIRED Session featuring Crystal Clear Images

BE INSPIRED, PHOTOGRAPHY

crystalclearimages

Is this personal work / client work?

This session was client work. The family has been with me as clients from pretty much the very start and I’ve captured several special life moments for them. I was excited to capture her pregnancy in a romantic, elegant way.

What about this session was the most memorable?

The most memorable part of this session was how excited the little girl was to be a big sister! Not only that, but I just love mom and daughter’s red hair. They are just beautiful to photograph.

Where there any hurdles?

The day of their session was very chilly, overcast, and wet. Luckily, it didn’t rain during the session, but we were all pretty cold. I was very happy that mom was willing to get into the water considering how cold it was that day!

Your best photographer / session advice?

The best advice I have for sessions is to first find out as much as you can about what your clients wants as an end result prior to their session so that you can ensure to meet all of their expectations and then set a goal to go above their expectations and they will return to you every time.

What gear was used to achieve these?

These images were shot with a Canon 70D and 85mm f1.8 lens. All natural light.

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About the photographer:

Crystal is a Colorado Springs native, a natural light portrait and wedding photographer, specializing in children and families. She is a wife and mother to five children, who are her inspiration. She enjoys outdoor activities, reading, spending time with her family, and her creative outlet with her photography business. She has been creating art through photography professionally since 2012 and has enjoyed capturing the joy in life’s moments years before that.

Website. Facebook. Pinterest. Instagram.

 

 

REDEFINE | STILL LIFE FEATURING ANGIE MARIE PHOTOGRAPHER

PHOTOGRAPHY, REDEFINE

 

angiemariephoto

“There is only one sun. We can’t all claim to only have one way to use the light, but we can REDEFINE how we choose to express it.”

Why are you passionate about this topic?

Still life is without a doubt my biggest passion in photography. I love taking everyday objects and making them into something more. I love the creative process and the many challenges it brings. It’s constantly making me think outside the box, and forcing me to step outside my comfort zone. I’m clearly obsessed with still life and I’m okay with that.

When did you first learn this technique?

Flowers were the starting point in my still life journey. They were so simple to style and photograph, and I really enjoyed the creative process. After working on flowers for over a year, I decided to take on a few photography projects that consisted of nothing but still life. I started to really notice my still life calling come together during that creative time. That’s when I began to transition into an artist.

What are the tips you would share with anyone trying to achieve this technique?

Still life is about taking the most ordinary of objects and transforming them in the most simplest of ways. It’s all in how you shoot. Here are a few guiding tips I recently shared that will help when it comes to shooting the simple & minimal of still life:

 

  • Think simple, not over-the-top. Less is always more. (I have to remind myself of this constantly)
  • Styling can be a hassle, especially if you don’t have a clear vision for what you’re working with. Pick an object and style it with one or two different pieces that will compliment it in style, color, and texture.
  • Placement is vital. Consider the rule of thirds when it comes to placing your objects in certain areas, but remember to break the rules when necessary. (that’s the fun part)
  • Shoot from different angles. Think of your space like a picture frame – work your camera around the object and try shooting it from all four corners. (shooting from above is my favorite)
  • Don’t rush the creative process. Works of art take time. Going at a slow pace will be your greatest advantage.

Remember, there are no set rules. Whatever your inner artist is telling you, listen. Whatever your vision might be, follow it. Always be open-minded.

What were the challenges for you in the beginning?

I’ve faced so many challenges throughout my still life journey, and I know I’ll continue to face many more. My most difficult of challenges seemed to stem from my lack of self-worth, both as a photographer and as an artist. A difficult one I faced was thinking I had to have a certain brand of gear or a certain kind of lens before I could pursue my still life dreams. For the longest time, I got in my own way thinking I needed more to do more. The secret to my success was in my hands the entire time: my kit lens. I quickly realized I didn’t need the most expensive camera or the latest lens to create what I really wanted to create. It’s not about what you have – it’s about how you use it. That’s the simple beauty of it all.

(images shot with my 55mm kits lens in natural light)

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About the photographer:

Angie is a Lifestyle Photographer and Still Life Artist from the sunshine state of Florida. She is a storyteller of the mundane with a passion for still life, the ocean, and every ordinary thing.

Website. Facebook. Instagram.

Still Life Theme Top Honors & Features | Chosen by Facebook Guest Judge Focused Dreamer Photos

FACEBOOK GUEST JUDGE, PHOTOGRAPHY

focuseddreamerphotos

I want to start by saying thank you so much for having me this week as a guest judge. I have loved looking at all of your images this week. Still life photography is my escape, my stress reliever and I loved seeing you all give it a shot this week.

My top 5: {in no order!}

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Lili Yuslianti Nis – I love this shot. I love the warmth, and the simplicity. It just flows for me.

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Cindy Cavanagh: Photographer. Storyteller. Artist– what’s not to love about this photo? The pink, the cupcakes, the milk, the coordination  in the image. This picture would look adorable in a bakery somewhere.

12342603_1493059467667454_5439257883683094643_n Sally-Ann Taylor, Photographer– this is STUNNING. I am tempted to buy a beach house just to have an excuse to hang this picture in it. I love the cool colors, the airy feel and that beautiful shade of teal!

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Cara Hodge Photography– I’m a sucker for simplicity. This photo is perfect. It’s simple and yet still tells a story. Who was eating breakfast? Are they coming back? Did they know they left some behind? A good photo is pretty, a great photo tells a story and leave you with more questions than answers.

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Performer Photography– this shot has me wishing for fall all over again. I love the lighting, the shine on the apples (seriously, did you shine them?!). I am really drawn to all the circles in this image as well.

And last but not least, my top honor goes to Ainsley Raye Photography

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This image is perfection. The grouping, the composition, the editing. I could see this shot hanging in my mother’s kitchen. Great shot Ainsley!

 

Thank you all to everyone who took the time to participate!

10 Facts with Facebook Guest Judge 12/21 – 12/27 | Mountain Pearl Photography

FACEBOOK GUEST JUDGE, PHOTOGRAPHY

mountainpearlphoto

Hello! My name is Jen and I am the face behind the camera at Mountain Pearl Photography, an on-location portrait, wedding, and birth photographer located in the gorgeous Missoula-valley of western Montana. I have been shooting on a Sony since 2010, with my go-to lens being my precious 85 1.4. I am extremely excited to be this week’s guest judge over at Dear Photographer this week!

Website. Facebook. Instagram.

 

10 Fun Facts About Me:

  1. I am a wife and a mama to four hilarious children.
  2. I am a birth doula.
  3. I have a marketing and design company.
  4. I grew up on Long Island, NY but have lived in Montana for 10 1/2 years.
  5. I love chocolate, maybe a little too much.
  6. I love pizza more than chocolate (could be considered a problem).
  7. I love to sing, but probably shouldn’t.
  8. All of our children were born at home with a midwife.
  9. I cry at every single birth I attend.
  10. I love black and white images so much.

 

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Can’t wait to see your photos – Jen

 

On 365 featuring Daphne Laput Photography

MONTHLY CONTRIBUTOR, PHOTOGRAPHY

monthlycontributorDAPHNELAPUT

365s sound insane if you think about it.

A picture a day for an entire year? Yeah most days we probably pick our cameras, but not all. There are days nothing happens, or we’re sick, or the kids are being jerks, or we’re exhausted, or it rains all day, or….

But a 365 is fun for that reason. If gives you a reason to pick up the camera, to look for that moment worth capturing and a way to look back on the year – from just seeing the daily to,seeing how your work has grown.

I did a 365 for 2015.

I won’t say I captured every day, I didn’t, but I got most of them.

 

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So, a couple tips.

-> Find inspiration. Whether it’s a 365 group, a page with weekly themes or just a blog with a bunch of contributors you admire – take what you see and learn from it.

-> Hold yourself accountable. Try to pick up the camera. Yesit might not happen every day,but look for those little moments. Personally, I try to “sum up” our day in one image. If I don’t get  it that day? I look for a hint of it in the following day and still count that image towards the day I missed.

-> Bring the camera, everywhere. It’s  much to get the shot if you have the camera on you. ;) Don’t let the fear of being “that mom/photographer” get in your way. These are your moments.

-> Try new techniques. Freelensing, different processing, working with wider or more closed apertures, focusing on shadows, focusing on light, double exposures. Find techniques that interest you and attempt them.

-> Plan. You probably, generally, know how your week is going to shake out. Look for those events that offer a photo op. Look for interesting light in your surroundings and plan to use it another day.

365s are work, but they’re also for you and only you! If it’s not working or you’re not enjoying it, don’t force yourself. You can always restart. You can always alter it.

But I promise the results are worth it.

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