Sarah asked:
I'm really interested in your shooting techniques....the lenses you use and how you achieve such a super-clear, sharp image.
Hey Sarah,
I get this one a lot, but I always feel like "Who am I to be telling people how to shoot?" I still have so much to learn, but I'll give you the dish. Last year I realized that my camera's Manual Mode is my best friend. I was shooting in Aperture Priority Mode a lot but realized that I was using it as a crutch. My images just didn't have the feel that I wanted. Since I've been shooting exclusively in Manual I've seen a huge difference in my images.

My favorite lenses are all fixed. That means they don't have any zoom capabilities. The images produced from these lenses are clearer and crisper than those from a zoom lens. There are technical reasons, but I don't know what they are. (If you're interested, Google it!) I also like that I have to physically move around to get different angles rather than just zooming in or out with the lens. This forces me to get more involved with the subject. I do have a few zoom lenses but don't use them much. Anderson enjoys using the 70-300mm, but I think he just likes being up in peoples' faces without them knowing! Also, all my lenses are Canon. I know I've said this before, but I really believe in investing in high-end lenses rather than off brand versions. It really does pay off in the end!

Helpful Tip: Read your camera manual. I'm serious! If you've been a photographer forever it's a great refresher. And if you're picking up your camera for the first time you will learn all you need to know about operating it.

Jessica said:
I'm 20 years old and really don't know what I want to do with my life. Ha! I love photography but hate school. Can you give me some insight on what I should do as far as school if I want to pursue photography?
Jessica,
I feel your pain! My first two years of college were not the best, because I was wading through all those core classes. But once I picked a major I fell in love with school! Here's the thing, I'm really passionate about college and think everyone should attend if given the opportunity. For me, it's not about the academics as much as the experience. My college experience was eye opening, challenging, sometimes uncomfortable, exciting and wonderful. It wasn't just about the classes I took but more about the people I had the opportunity to meet. I grew up in a small town and had never really interacted with people who were different from me. Those four years definitely stretched me and made me a better, more open person.

That said, if you want to pursue photography my advice is to make it your major. I minored in it, because I didn't have the guts to be an "artist" at the time. But the great thing is that my communication degree helps me a lot with doing all of my own advertising and design, writing, etc. I would definitely choose a minor too. If you want to own your own photography business one day, consider a business minor. That's one area where I always seem to need help from others. :)

The most important thing is not to get discouraged! Stay focused on your strengths, and work hard to keep building them. Some things just don't matter in the big picture. For instance, my "Ds" in college algebra!!!

Since I'm talking about college I have to post this lovely old picture from my days at JU. This is: Sarah, Becky, Me and Pamela. We were all in the broadcast communication program together. Yes, I'm wearing a Black Kow Manure trucker hat. What?!

Thanks for the questions and your patience with my responses. I really try to answer everyone. Hope you are all having a great week! I'm gearing up for a busy May; my busiest photography month to date. Yikes! I'm a little nervous. I have a feeling Anderson will be cooking dinner a lot over the next few weeks. :)

We joined our friends Brooke, Chad, Jenny and Adam for Game Night last weekend. I'm pretty sure all three guys made fun of the Game Night idea at first, but we had so much fun making pizzas and playing Pictionary. It's been so long since I played Pictionary that I confused it with Charades at first. These people are hard core gamers though and quickly set me straight. Adam and Jenny actually went out and bought a huge whiteboard and easel. It was great!

Always the photographer, Adam stole the camera and took some flattering pictures of himself.

Anderson and Culver entertained us with beautiful music.

Pizza chefs hard at work. Note my heart-shaped pizza next to Anderson's left hand. Oh yeah!

The boys playing with Tucker, Brooke and Chad's first-born. Adam took this picture.

Baby on the loose!


Me, Brooke and Jenny.

He wanted to hang out with the ladies...who can blame him?!

Now for the family secret...
My mom and I don't exactly love cooking. Don't get me wrong, she's always been the dutiful wife and mom and cooked dinner for us every night when my brother and I lived at home. (Maybe once I have kids I'll be more disciplined about it. Um, yeah.) But when it comes to baking we discovered a secret from Grandma Shirl: Edwards Brand Pies. They are delicious. I'm talking "make-you-drool-all-over-yourself" good. My favorite is the key lime pie; Anderson loves the turtle pie. You can buy them in the frozen food section for $6.99, and they are better than anything I could ever hope to create. Plus, the time it would take me to make one of these pies is worth a lot more than $6.99. Anytime I'm responsible for bringing dessert to an event, I swing by Publix and pick up one of these. Grandma used to go the extra mile and put them on a pretty pie plate. Mom does that sometimes too. Not me-I know I'm not fooling anyone!! I just bring the cardboard box.

So, we brought the Turtle Pie to Brooke and Chad's house and talked about it all through dinner. I was starting to think we might have overdone the "pie talk" a little, but when Adam took a bite and called it "celestial", I knew Edwards had scored again!

Here's the best part. Grandma didn't really care about how great the pies tasted. I'm not sure she ever even tasted any. She bought them simply because they have Bible verses on the boxes. I love it!

If I could change my name, I would choose something like "Harlee". It's creative, confident, strong, not too girlie and sounds like it's meant for a person who doesn't conform; not even for a minute. I guess it's no coincidence that the Harlee in these pictures is all of the above...and she's only fifteen. Well, for one more month. I know I say this everytime I work with teenage girls, but I'm going to say it again. I did NOT look like this at almost sixteen years old! Maybe one day I'll post a picture to prove it. :)

Happy Monday! I hope you're all having a wonderful day.
A few things I'm loving right now:

1. Vintage-Inspired Swimsuits

Top row- Jasmine Guinness, Abaete, Kelly Brook
Bottom row- Dollydagger, Jasmine Guiness

2. Tim Walker Photography
Tim Walker is one of my absolute favorite artists. He's a London-based photographer whose incredible images have graced the pages of Vogue for over 10 years. I absolutely love his romantic, fairy tale style! Looking through his pictures inspires me to try new things and push the limits. Here are a few of my favorites:

Lily Cole, "Earthquake Damage", 2005

Eglingham Hall With Balloons, 2000

R-Diamonds, Antlers and Pearls, 1998. The deer head gave me a great idea for my house...don't tell Anderson!

The Dress Lamp Tree, 2002

L-Lily and Spiral Staircase, 2005

3. Fabric Flower Necklaces
I found several tutorials online for making fabric flowers, and I'm a little obsessed right now. Our living room has fabric scraps everywhere! I keep thinking of fun places to put them: curtains, tank tops, headbands...My next project is one of these beautiful necklaces. Maybe I'm getting a little too ambitious-we'll see how it goes!

Top row- This and That, Vintage Tulle Blooms, Sparkle Philosophy,
Bottom row- Fearless, Talk of the Party

A fun little PS- Rachel B. featured our guestroom on her adorable blog. She has a lot of fun design ideas and even an etsy shop, so go check it out. Leave her some blog love, too! Happy Monday. :)

Working with Adam and Megan a few weeks ago was a special treat for me. I did a maternity session with them back in November, so this time I got to meet their sweet little boy, Elijah! I know every Mamma thinks her baby is sweet, but this one really is precious. He's so happy and only cried once during our session-he was hungry. I didn't blame him. Sometimes I cry when I'm hungry too. :) His parents are extremely laid-back and patient, so I guess the little guy couldn't help but get a great personality. Megan and Adam, you are a blast to be around, and I'm so excited to work with you in the future and watch Elijah grow into an adorable little boy!!