ok, after four years of self teaching and bugging photography friends, I think I may be starting to get the hang of it. . .maybe?

I had a photoshoot this past Friday morning and, after editing the pictures Friday night, I feel like some of these pictures may be my best ever.  I have felt that way before and, thankfully, always find areas of improvement.  I'm sure I will feel that way again soon after some of my photography mentors email me back their critique of my shoot!  ;)

It's always a good thing to keep learning, that's for sure.  That can sometimes be discouraging though.  Especially after spending four years of here and there self-teaching (youtube videos, websites, books, magazines), bugging a couple photography friends with questions and being a tag-a-long on their shoots.  My main job has always been (and will always be) Mom so I haven't had the large block of time to devote to my growing passion. . . photography.  But, over the years, I've relied on nap times, late nights, other little breaks from grandma's to work on my hobby and learn my craft.  It does help that I've had a very supportive husband who doesn't hesitate to help me out by surprising me with bigger and better equipment as the years have gone along.  Still, it's been frustrating because I've ALWAYS wanted to take classes, go to trainings, or just at least be able to have alot of time to devote to learning and practicing.  FINALLY. . . I think my patience is starting to pay off.  I've got the awesome camera, the top of the line lenses, but just now I think I might be getting a good understanding of how to use them.  Finally.  But still a long way to go.

My latest shoot, with my friend Sandra and her gorgeous girls, was so fun.  We all had a blast.  The way a photoshoot should be!  Not stuffy at all.  Not posed at all.  Just pure fun.  (and quick too - just an hour photoshoot.) And, I think from seeing the pictures I came home with, that is why it all came together so nicely.

Bottom line. . . this photography thing can sometimes be extremely frustrating to get.  Especially for an extreme perfectionist.  I am so glad that it's finally starting to sink in.  Yay!

You know. . . the kids will both be in school in August. . . and, my husband has already put the idea in my head by telling me, "you need to open your own studio".  Of course it helps to have another sweet friend in my corner as well urging me to do so.  And it helps now that even she has the photography bug!

So. . . maybe so.  Maybe that will be in my future one day.  For now, I am just happy to have gotten some good shots for Sandra and her sweet family.

Here are some of my favorites from last Friday. . . .(oh, if you are friends or family with Sandra and want to see the entire shoot. . . go here to view all 75 pictures online.)

If you or your family are interested in family photos please see here for my photoblog and contact me to schedule!