Fife Photography

Thankful Thursday

2012-02-09T23:07:00.001-06:00

What am I most grateful for life this week?

Fun Hobbies.... CROCHET ROCKS!!! :) :)

Delicious Cookies that I pretend are healthy...

Adorable husband who listens when i tell him i want love letters. Currently those take the form of random notes and statistical humor. But hey, it's a nerd's truest form of showing love, right? Here's one of his cute emails he sent, to tell me i was on his mind.

Kissing my boys good night, even if they're already asleep. Nothing much sweeter than that.
Seeing all these beautiful prints coming in, and knowing they'll bring joy to my client friends.

Find something to make you thankful today! I promise you'll be happier. And smiling is healthy for you. :)

Beautiful People ||Norman, OK Newborn Photographer||

2012-02-08T15:42:00.000-06:00

It's magical for me to see my clients see their images for the first time.

There is something within me that is completed by creating images for people that are beautiful and timeless and comfortable and casual. I see people in a way not everyone sees themselves or others, and it's truly an honor to make that vision for all to see. There's a light about people, and i love being able to tap into that light and help people discover themselves.

Lately, I have loved helping clients find places in their home for my images to go. Don't try to tell me you don't have boxes of old photos under a bed somewhere or gigabytes of digital pictures just sitting on your computer with no motivation to sort through them. We all have too much to handle. So i make it easier for my clients and help them find the images that SING to them, and let those be featured in their home. Most everyone buys the disc for safekeeping, so nothing's lost. And the emotional burden about what to DO with the images is gone. Win.

As print orders have poured in, i decided i HAD to photograph them. Not even all fit! Most of the prints below have a plan to be displayed on their walls in a grouping--- visual candy for them to see EVERY day in their home, to remember what a blessed life they live. It's exciting for me to help that become a reality.

I wish i could just cover my walls with their images (especially the babies!!!)

I have the best job in the world, being able to look at such smiley faces all the time. :) :) I love you all, thank you for being such wonderful clients!

Want to get your creative juices flowing? Check out my pinterest pin here: http://pinterest.com/pin/89649848802168819/

The options are ENDLESS. :) :)

Behind the Scenes with BRC Photography

2012-01-25T17:58:00.001-06:00

My good friend Benita Cloward and I have hung out a lot lately (translation: i get to be a passenger in her car for some major photography fun & late night movies), and I love her infectious laugh and strong personality. I offered to get some behind-the-scenes images for her 101 workshop last weekend, and it was great to FINALLY see her gorgeous new home and property.

Jewelry: Sage Premium Denim Bar
Sweater: Noblita, Sage Premium Denim Bar
Jeans: Rich & Skinny, Sage Premium Denim Bar
Model: Tiffany N.
Hair & Make-up: ONEnineteen Beauty, Annika T.

Benita, you are gorgeous and spunky, and i love life with you in it. :) Look forward to many roadtrips in the future. :) :) Hugs!!

Online Photo Basic Class in SESSION!!!

2012-01-23T20:56:00.001-06:00

Whew! After months and months, it's finally paying off. I have started my first Online Photo Class today!!

Students will watch videos each week, with homework assignments, and post homework to get feedback, and able to ask questions. After having taught in person for years, this has been an entirely different experience. But I'm thoroughly enjoying it so far, and enjoying my students.

With going online, i'm able to reach people miles and miles away across the country, and it's awesome. If you or anyone you know is interested in taking the class, let me know. Once this pilot class is completed, and I've made any needed changes, this class will be open to the public! :)

I can't believe all the balls I'm struggling to juggle, but it's nice to see some falling into their places.

Yay for big steps! :)

Happy Monday everyone!

Student Photo Critique

2012-01-17T14:17:00.000-06:00

Hey! It's been a while since I've posted a student critique on the blog. We all are just busy learning and shooting. I must have a sweet tooth today, because these cupcakes look delicious!

First of all, Jana's exposure looks great. I can tell she knows how to get something sharp. But in this first photo, the bottom right cupcake which is MOST in focus is cut off, which makes my eye lead to the cupcake to the left. That cupcake not being in focus leads my eye back to the right cupcake, and my brain is confused where to look. BUT! She took aNOther image....

This is perfect! By pulling back just slightly, she's left breathing room around the cupcake, and it's still tack sharp. Then i'm able to notice it has chocolate on it, unlike all the others. My brain is very happy, and my taste buds just want a bite. That was a successful correction, Jana, and great image.

Thanks to all you students who posted this week! I'm excited to look at them with you!

Hood Family

2012-01-05T14:32:00.003-06:00

This adorable family used to live here in Oklahoma! When Kendall was pregnant with her first, she was superwoman, doing so many things and so talented. I got to photograph her first baby: A boy!! Now they live farrrr away near Boston. My luck they were here visiting for Chrsitmas and we got to play for a session on Tuesday. Great people, so glad to see you guys!

Goodbye 2011!

2011-12-31T21:35:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year!

This fall season has been one of the greatest growing experiences-- taking on all shooting/teaching/mothering while my dear husband fully dedicated himself to his phd. Most wives have their husbands gone from 8-5 or later, but for me this was a BIG adjustment. Coordinating the kids around client meetings/shoots was like spinning 10 plates.

I have been overwhelmed with blessings of being busy with clients and students this fall: Shoots, album designs, client correspondence, bookkeeping, taxes, teaching classes, designing brand new classes and classroom media, print sales, website/blog management, marketing, weddings, consultations, packaging, archiving and file backup, equipment maintenance.... the list goes on and on. I do enjoy each small project, but I find that i was so busy taking care of the little details, i couldn't conceptualize how to move my business forward. All my resources have been used up in small things.

I wish i had been more diligent sharing all my amazing experiences with you, but i will just have to resolve to do better next year.

My Favorite Quote of the year, encompasses all i feel:

How much luckier we are—

and how much more happiness we experience—

if we can fall in love with the life we’re living.

--Adair Lara

I think the change happened when i listened to my heart and what i truly brings me greatest joys. Here are the monuments of my 2011.

Favorites of 2011

I am visual, and i never could find links i would email to myself. I can store fun ideas to do with my kids, quotes, and inspiring images. Follow me here.

Focus Discovery: Custom Newborn Portraiture.

i am just entranced by newborn images, and the poses... oh, it makes me so happy. And i feel so grateful to feel completely at home with newborn photography.
my work will be featured in a doctors office here in Norman, OK.... I'm so grateful.

I finally have a hobby again!

I used to have so many hobbies when i was young: roller skating, reading, .... All i do is feed/care for kids and photography. It's refreshing to have a different creative outlet: Learning to crochet for newborn props... headbands, etc. So fun!

Sole Ownership of the biz.

Already mentioned... with the hubby gone ALL day, and sometimes till 9pm, i had to find sitters for all my shoots/appts/editing. But i've found i'm a better mother by separating. When i'm with my kids I'm WITH them, physically and mentally. I've been blessed with 3 ladies especially who care soooo well for my babes. I could not do this without them.

Truly happy when i serve.

focusing on others, their needs, makes me so happy. Forget my worries/stresses and find ways to make family/friends/clients happy.

I procrastinated this post for a whole month... just overwhelmed at the thought of trying to choose favorites of 2011, or even one from every wedding and portait i've shot this year. THAT was quite a daunting task. So rather than not do anything because it's not perfect, i just chose some recent images i've posted to facebook. In no particular order, and definitely not all-inclusive.... here are some images of people i've had the privilege of playing with this year.

And i stumbled on this beautiful video that i hope will make you happy as well...

to all of you, have a blessed New Years day.

Till next time... love, amber.

Have you missed me?

2011-12-17T22:30:00.002-06:00

What a crazy few months this has been!! I promise i will be better at blogging! I have just been SO blessed to be SO busy. And pretty soon you'll see a lot of what i've been shooting here on the blog. Have a peaceful Sunday!

Heaven's Newest Angel

2011-10-15T17:16:00.001-05:00

What i loved the most, was her sweet buttery voice, speaking with calmness and clarity and vision. And that those who were around her knew she knew what was best. She helped plan her funeral, and she was the one to choose pictures for everyone to remember her by. You can see her session here.

I only got a glimpse of this incredible girl with an enormous heart. God surely has one of his finest angels again.

We love you, Stevy.

Our prayers are with your family... we love and miss you.

Aero-planes and superheros

2011-10-12T23:30:00.000-05:00

Who knew old bath towels and $1 styrofoam airplane could be so much fun? :) All three of us had fun flying around the house. We are an unstoppable team.

Whose game are you playing?

2011-10-11T13:06:00.003-05:00

As I prepared to write my last Fuel Your Photography article for a while, an idea came as I was playing with my son. My journey these past few months has been very rewarding, and i think this is quite a good summary of where i've come so far. We get so caught up with trying to beat out or catch up... it's good to step back and gain perspective. Feel free to check it out over at FYP. I hope you enjoy, :) amber

Whose game are you playing?

“Haha… You lose!” my 4 year-old son taunted. He had seen the characters of his favorite TV show playing games of ping pong, and created his own version using my wooden spoon and a play golf ball.

The funny thing is, he has no clue how to play ping pong.

No matter if I missed it or hit it, if I knocked it between his feet, under the couch and to the opposite wall… his response was still: “You lose.”

When it comes to photography, how many of us are in that situation—we get the message “you lose” from all around us. We aren’t booking enough, we don’t have enough Facebook fans, we’re not attaining a high enough sales average, we’re charging too much, we’re charging too little.

We even hear those words from within our own head. Maybe we didn’t nail that one shot the client wanted, maybe we’re not confident enough, or believe our pricing is right, or don’t have the gear/props/equipment we think we need. The most poisonous accusations of all are the ones that can come from within.

The question is: Whose game are you trying to play? Are we letting the ever-changing tide of others’ opinions dictate our happiness or productivity? Are you constantly swinging at who-knows-what, and only coming up feeling empty and discouraged? The taunts of my 4 year old may not seem intimidating, but the voices (or the silence) of others can leave us paralyzed, and our creativity extinguished.

So what can I do? First of all, decide that it’s okay. It’s okay not to keep up a frantic race to nowhere. It’s okay to be on a slower path to “success” than some shooting star. You can find fulfillment and satisfaction now—you don’t have to wait for some magic ticket.

Next—start changing some habits. Here’s a brief list to get you started.

Watch yourself. Pay attention to how you feel on different blogs/sites—if it helps you want to be a better person, and happy to be a photographer, it’s good. Nourish your creative self there. If you feel jealous/comparing, envious/belittling/critical… leave it alone (for now).
Take a week off of social media. You’ll be amazed at how much you can get accomplished when you’re not obsessively checking and wasting time. Maybe there’s cool things to find out, but are they really that important? You can even try checking your email just ONCE a day. Novel idea, I know.
No looking at other photogs prices. I know you do it. You first see what they charge, and see how often they’re shooting. You think, I should be able to charge that amount, or they’re not that good to be charging that much. Or you go restructure your pricing. For the next week, don’t do it.
Go DO something. Fill your time/schedule/mind with volume of creating good things, and opportunity will come. You will be amazed at how everything begins to fall into place once you’re prepared and happy for it.
Learn something new. There’s something exciting about struggling a new hobby/activity and having those experiences of breakthrough that are so exciting. You will remember when you felt that way about photography.
Have real conversations with real people. Don’t just talk about photography, but about their lives and hopes and dreams. You will be amazed how refreshed you can be and perspective you can regain when you can remember the world holds a lot more in it besides f-stops and 8×10s.
Do something nice for no reason. Tie a candy bar to a friend’s doorknob with a post-it. A giving heart sees people in a different way, and people will begin to recognize it. They won’t know exactly why, but they will want to be around you. And that’s when your clients become friends—a natural outgrowth of you just happy being you.
Self-Check. Periodically ask yourself: Why are you doing this? Are you in it for money? For artistic outlet? To meet people? To write a book? Your motives will most likely change over the years. When you’re honest with yourself and your intentions, you’ll find everything is clearer to find your current definition of success.

Be kind to yourself. As you change the very way you think, you’ll be happier and more satisfied with your life NOW. The voices you let into your head from what you read/see/hear/think has an effect on you every minute. Habits are hard to change. It’s not an overnight process either. It takes time to attune yourself with your positive voice inside you. Choose one item from the above list, and I promise you you’ll be on the road to feeling happier.

I chuckled as I realized the ultimate irony of the game I was playing with my son. While he was running frantically around, swayed by every which way the ball went, I was the winner.

He was the one running to the far side of the room. He was making random shots that hit the side walls, never reaching me. He would be the one to retrieve the ball when it landed dead between us. Not only did I enjoy every hit I managed to make—and some were truly awesome—but the swings I didn’t make contact with the ball didn’t matter. I just enjoyed where I was and was ready when the next opportunity came.

And when it did, I hit it across the room.

Choose the rules of YOUR game, and then go play it. Just as Steve Jobs redefined an industry by setting his own rules, you can find your own game to play. As he said, “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” Decide what your definition of success is, and hopefully it will bring you genuine happiness. Choose your steady course towards that, and let go of the voices which steer you away. You will replace those voices with ones cheering you on, inspiring you. As you begin to clear the noise and choose your game, everything will feel clearer, and you’ll feel the strength of others excited for you.

You choose the voices you listen to—you determine your destiny. Play YOUR game.

Models for classes = awesomeness. ||Photography Classes in Norman, OK||

2011-10-10T08:49:00.000-05:00

I love teaching classes when models can come for our students to photograph. If you are interested in coming to model for any of our classes, please drop us a line!

A Father's Love

2011-10-08T21:56:00.003-05:00

There is something so sweet as a father and his son... a special bond.

Hat in Action

2011-10-04T14:33:00.001-05:00

And here's my hat on the adorable Ruby... 5 days new. :) Wasn't planning to use it (with the BLUE in the yarn... ) but couldn't resist just TRYing it out on her!!! ;)

What's your hobby?

2011-09-29T14:22:00.003-05:00

It took me a while to realize that while spending soooo much time on photos and the business of photos, that i didn't have anything i did for fun (besides eating anything sweet and watching movies... but i'm not sure those count as hobbies :P ). Over the years i lost my long list of "hobbies". So i decided to find a new one...

Crocheting.

I am determined to get it. I checked out books and DVDs from the library (i'm sure i could check out you tube). It's been a fun experience just doing a row or two at night. It goes along with my experience with Simple Abundance and Artist's Way. I DEFINITELY need to do a post on that soon. In-stinkin-credible. :)

For now, enjoy what i did just for FUN! :)

Moving Past Jealousy

2011-09-26T09:14:00.002-05:00

We have a great article up over at Fuel Your Photography. Great resource with daily articles-- go check them out. We have our September article that i never shared with you all. I hope you enjoy! :)

Moving Past Jealousy

Often we hear about a pseudo war: Seasoned Photographers vs. Incoming Newbies.

There are 2 sides to the issue: Those that are angry cameras are put into the hands of the masses, and those who are okay with the shifting market.

So many photographers who view themselves as successful yet not solidly so, see these new photographers coming into photography making mistakes just because they’re ignorant and no one’s told them otherwise. In fact some of the mistakes are ones the seasoned photographers made. Granted, there are many things new photographers can do, such as obtain a tax id, business license, charge sales tax, keep books and so on. But if they are genuinely doing their best to play by the rules, why are we trying to hit them before they’re even on their feet?

Do you want to know the secret? Whether they realize it or not, so many photographers are upset by these new photographers because…

…we are all jealous.

Now, not many photographers realize it—they may be angry, or upset, or bitter for some reason, but in the end, it comes down to jealousy, which is a manifestation of fear. We are jealous of the new-found talent, their passion for what we are burdened down about, at the continual praise they receive. Even if you yourself are quite new, you may look at other fellow newbies and see their “success” against the lack of yours.

Julia Cameron, in her book The Artist’s Way, covers a vast majority of topics, one of which is jealousy. “At its root, jealousy is a stingy emotion. It doesn’t allow for the abundance and multiplicity of the universe. Jealousy tells us there is room for only one—one poet, one painter, one whatever you dream of being.”

We see the immediate and lavish praise new photographers are getting from their friends and family, for photos that in our view aren’t even good. We foolishly think them getting praise for their journey is diminishing our ability to receive praise. They are receiving what we think we are deserving of.

But jealousy is lethal, if not corrected. Jealousy is taking poison while waiting for the other person to die.

So what can we do?

Cameron suggests to make a Jealousy Map: turn that emotion into ACTION.

3 columns: who you are jealous of, why (be specific), and an action to move you forward to your goals and out of jealousy.

Make a plan of action to conquer that jealousy, and then get to WORK. You’ll be amazed how much time you spend worrying about what other people are doing, and if you just do a small list of tasks, the act of DOING solves your problems much faster than you ever imagined. In Julia Cameron’s words, “…action holds the key to our freedom.” There is power is getting out there and DOING specific things to drive you closer to your goal.

Rejoice in yourself, and let others have their successes. Someday you’ll get to a point where you can even be glad for them and their accomplishments. Their success won’t feel like a threat to you. Besides, aren’t we here for the enjoyment of photography in the first place?

Pretty in Pink

2011-09-16T18:32:00.002-05:00

This adorable flower girl was just irresistable. I couldn't help myself taking pictures of her all night long!

She even helped catch the bouquet!

Ashley

2011-08-27T21:01:00.000-05:00

I caught these after class once a little while back. This is my intern Ashley. Who looks this good, seriously? It was Hawaiian day at work, i think-- and she looks this good. Definitely not normal. She's so helpful and full of awesomeness. So glad to have her and my also awesome intern Anna. I love you guys!!

Twinkle Lights

2011-08-06T23:53:00.004-05:00

Today's amazing bride put together an amazing day almost single-handed. She's incredible. Check out these centerpieces and lights... just wanted to post one quick shot before bed. I love shooting in Norman, OK because i can be home to take my son to a birthday party after shooting a wedding. So happy to have great clients, and wonderful family. :)

Thank you, Melissa and Larry. You two are wonderful!

Venue: St. Joseph's Catholic Church on Porter/Acres
Big thanks to Becky for assisting and Jay for second shooting. You guys rock.
...and extra kudos to me for actually blogging day of! :) :)

Thanks for stopping by, friends!

Team Stevy

2011-08-02T21:30:00.000-05:00

I'd like you to meet Stevy.

This beautiful 16 year old was part of Justin and Tori's wedding-- sister of the groom. I met her briefly on the wedding day, but was impressed by her sacrifice and caring heart, despite being so very sick the wedding day.

We missed her beautiful voice on the wedding day since she was too sick. She had been diagnosed with bone cancer and lukemia when she was 14 i believe. Watch her strength through that here.

She was in remission.

But while Justin and Tori were on their honeymoon, they received the worst news of all: the cancer had returned (osteosarcoma), in Stevy's lungs. And she would not survive a third lung surgery. So they left for San Antonio to take her to Sea World and do a bunch of other fun things. The doctors say to let her do as much as she wants and she has no more restrictions. She has had so many fun things to do, including a roping benefit, and countless friends and family support around her the past weeks.

I was honored to take pictures for the Cellum family, and luckily kept my composure while tears were shed by her dearest loved ones. I could just feel a spirit of love and kindness... i can't describe it. She is one amazing young woman.

What i love the most is her sweet buttery voice, speaking with calmness and vision. And that those who are around her know she sees life with clarity. She's helping plan her funeral, she's recorded songs she's sung, and she's choosing what pictures she wants for everyone to remember her by. She loves and smiles as much as she can. She is surrounded by so many people who want to do anything they can... just anything.

I am honored. We love you.

A Woman remembered

2011-07-31T09:42:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine had both her parents pass away very recently. I cannot imagine the sorrow and the difficulty of such an experience. I have given smiles and hugs, but never known what more i could do.

i received an email asking about recording this sweet experience... her mother always loved funerals, and wished more people would photograph them for families to remember. I got a glimpse of the strength and life of this mother... her strength and her spunk. I would be so lucky to have such things said of me as were shared by her graveside ceremony.

:) hugs to you all, friends.

Student Critique

2011-07-18T13:26:00.003-05:00

(p.s. i forgot to publish this last week!! I'm so scatter-brained. :P Enjoy!)

Our photo today comes from current photo basics 1 student Casey.

We talked in class about the rule of thirds, which in this shot, his eyes are running along the bottom line, so good job. As a reminder not every photo needs to follow the rule of thirds, but you'll find that a lot of your photos will have that element in it, even without trying. Casey said he had to have a really slow shutter speed because it was really dark, but with his camera ON the carpet, and his cat holding still, he was able to get a sharp picture.

If you steady yourself against a table or doorframe, or floor, you'll find that you can shoot slower shutter speeds without getting camera shake (where NOTHING in the image is sharp, when some parts should be).

There a number of good things going on in this image. There's nice light in the cat's eyes, great depth of field (background blurry while the foreground is tack sharp), and there's a fun warmth to the top in contrast to the coolness of the blue carpet. The window light from the left side creates even more texture on the carpet. And the cat looks completely comfortable. Just what i'd love to do, lounge around. :)

great job to Casey, and all the students who are posting their pictures. Way to go, guys!

Homework example: Interruption of Pattern

2011-07-15T21:51:00.003-05:00

(Those of you who wanted to see examples of what i was talking about in class... continue reading. :)

Here's a photo of me by a star student... you can see i'm interrupting the pattern of the brick pillars and the pattern of the horizontal brick.

Next that you can see the photo i mentioned in class... the one short thermos breaks the pattern of both height and color. Your eye goes to that, then to the red lid on the top left. If all the lids had been red, it might have stood out more from the white wall... but overall, well done image. :) I like it a lot.

Congratulations!

2011-07-09T22:29:00.001-05:00

To these adorable newlyweds... :) Thanks for everything. We're so happy for you!

Lucky...

2011-07-06T23:19:00.002-05:00

Check out this adorable spread i shot at an engagement party a week and a half ago! Soooo adorable, and super yummy. :P More pictures to come...

Saturday fun.

2011-07-02T23:25:00.002-05:00

i found buried treasure today.... what did you do?

Cameron & Jennifer: Engaged

2011-06-20T21:31:00.003-05:00

Can't believe i didn't blog this engagement session. It was a beautiful evening, and good-looking couple, which is ALWAYS a great combination. In between the red and purple outfits, Jennifer changed, and had placed her grandmother's ring down in the bathroom on campus! We all had a heart attack, but she returned and it was right where she left it. Such a beautiful and special ring, I am sure she will enjoy it for years and years to come with fondness.

You know what the most touching part of this experience was? The song we used for their engagement video... they loved it so much they had someone sing it during their wedding! I LOVE when i see a couple enjoying what we do, and being an influence for good in others' lives.

Congratulations you two, wedding pictures to come soon! :) :)

What Matters Most

2011-06-17T09:11:00.002-05:00

These are some of my favorite quotes... we need to all learn to slow down a little, and make time for the things that matter most. I hope you enjoy.

Grateful to live.

2011-06-07T10:28:00.000-05:00

Check out this artist and cancer survivor's project... really a neat and profound idea.

Happy Anniversary: Amber + Chas

2011-06-03T13:33:00.000-05:00

As fast as time passes, every now and then i'll remember my beautiful brides and weddings of years past, and remember how grateful i am for such people in my life.

I happen to be backing up this wedding right at the time of their anniversary, so i thought i'd share. Dustin and i both got to shoot for this wedding, which is a rare treat. Here are two shots, two artistic choices. They were shot within a just a few minutes of each other.

You'll notice first the drastic difference in the sky. When you expose for the faces (in shadow) the sky will be so bright, it look white in comparison. The only way to get the nice sunset colors and still get light on their faces is to bring in lights, which is exactly what Dustin did.

I put the specs below for all my photo friends out there. :)

ISO 320 f2.8 1/100 85mm

ISO 160 f5.6 15mm(fisheye)

Both are great artistic choices, and i'm glad they got both by having us both shoot. I'm so blessed to be married to a great husband & we can share talents together.

Happy anniversary Amber & Chas! Hope it's a great one :)

Pointing and Eyebrows

2011-06-01T09:25:00.000-05:00

My darling husband rarely took a normal picture before he met me.

And now, 6 years later, i only sometimes get him to be normal. His favorite pictures are pointing ones. He also loves to sing silly songs around the house at the top of his lungs. :) Our 4 year old has followed perfectly in his footsteps. You can imagine what craziness you'd find walking into our house. But we embrace the funness of it.

Here he is, goofin' around after a photo shoot... :)

Couldn't ask for a better husband. He just took the kids for an entire WEEK to Washington so I could get caught up with the business. It's been marvelous, but i'll be glad to have all my boys home again!!

I am so lucky...

2011-05-31T21:33:00.000-05:00

...to be married to such an amazing man. :)

(we set the camera on some deck thing for this dinner cruise and put it on timer... it turned out better than ALL the pictures we asked other passengers to take of us. You'd think if pushing the shutter was all you'd have to do.... but nope. :)

Jennifer: Bridals || OKC

2011-05-30T15:11:00.000-05:00

In the state capitol, we had the day planned in case our infamous Oklahoma weather decided not to behave. Luckily for us, it was gorgeous, and we even got some beautiful outdoor shots at the end! Jennifer and her mom knew i wasn't from Oklahoma when i was so confused why the purple flowers were called red blossoms. :)

Engaged

2011-05-27T18:16:00.000-05:00

I randomly saw this blog draft that never posted... just thought i'd share to make you smile. I love guitars... maybe one day i'll try again.

You should hear our intern Anna sing and play. She's amazing! :)

Heaven's Newest Angel

2011-05-26T14:45:00.001-05:00

I share this post and this image with permission of baby j's parents.

After a flurry of texts, I was praying the entire way as I rushed to the hospital. I have never done this before. Would i do her justice? Would she be developed enough for pictures? I have thought about doing this for years, but never felt it was time.

I was calm and collected as i came in to the hospital. As much as i prepared myself for it, I was stunned at how small and delicate her tiny body was. I was so grateful i had one of my student's macro lens in my bag from the wedding the night before. Her beautiful hands were just absolutely perfect, and i felt so blessed it all came together so i could do this for this family.

I would have loved to share so many images... she was just that beautiful. Utterly perfect.

It wasn't until after i finished that i saw the mom, a friend of mine. We hugged and cried together. There is nothing i can do or say. But my hands can help her remember the moments she had with her sweet baby.

Please don't forget what a blessing it is to take a deep breath in.

...to hear your child cry.

...to have your family member call you AGAIN to ask/remind you something.

...to feel the wind on your face and see the clouds in the blue sky.

...to hug those you love.

Learn to love your life. And love those around you. Life is too short.

baby j was too perfect... God needed her back. I pray for her family, and every other family facing the death of a loved one. And for all of us to embrace what we do have.

Hugs, my friends.

Beautiful Bride

2011-05-25T14:58:00.002-05:00

{{ So glad most of us are safe from the tornados... we'll keep the rest of the country in our prayers, as well as the families of those passed away in the past few days. }}

On a happier note, congratulations to Jennifer and Cameron... now that the wedding is over, stay tuned for some bridals! I am in love with her dress. :) :) :)

Storms are brewing.... be safe!!!

2011-05-24T12:46:00.003-05:00

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/oun/enhanced.php

Let's all pray for each other that we'll stay safe.

Kerri Bridal Session

2011-05-21T10:10:00.000-05:00

I saw this feed into facebook, but it's not pulling up on the blog.... that's so strange! :) Enjoy if you haven't yet...

As I'm clearing out our hard drives I realized we have so many sessions and weddings that never got posted! So here we are, almost a year after the wedding. But these images are too good to never share. Dustin did a great job with her bridals and wedding. You can also check out their engagement session that i shot.

What i come home to...

2011-05-20T15:46:00.000-05:00

Ladies, want to know an amazing secret??

AUDIOBOOKS.

Yep, all you have to do is get your husband addicted to audiobooks. He'll clean for hours every day, home decorate, and build you desks and tables from scratch. You'll have a long list of tools to purchase in the process as well, but i promise it will be worth it.

Besides, it's fun to come home to a clean house, kids in bed, and your hunk of a husband in his "man cave."

Busy Busy Weekends...

2011-05-18T20:22:00.000-05:00

The last few weekends have been so full... and the next few will be as well. Springtime as a photographer sure is busy. Luckily, the kamikaze june bugs haven't comeout yet.... those things scare me!! No casualties yet. ;) Graduation is coming up.... i've been blessed with some great seniors this year. :)

Kerri + George: Wedded

2011-05-13T10:18:00.000-05:00

Gorgeous light, cute couple, and lots of smiles. Who could ask for more? Great job shooting, Dustin.

Feel free to check out: Kerri's Bridal session, Engagement session. If nothing else, scroll to the bottom of this post to see the last shot.

So fun. :)

Thanks for stopping by, friends!

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T09:56:00.000-05:00

Whether you're a mom of 5, just one, or single, we are all part of a womanhood. We have in our nature to nurture and love. Thank you for all the goodness in your heart. Tell the women in your life that you are grateful for them. Happy Mother's Day.

Newborn Twins: Denver, CO

2011-05-06T10:16:00.000-05:00

Meet these adorable babies... twins! And they couldn't look much different (besides those babies born black and white of course!). Baby girl was tiny tiny, and dark hair like her daddy, while her "little" twin brother is lighter-haired and identical to his mom's baby pictures! I happen to be the sister of daddy, so I'm also thrilled to finally have a niece!! She coos while she sleeps, non stop for minutes at a time. It's the most tender thing I think i've seen.

These babes were born on Christmas Night, and spent a long time in the NICU before being allowed to come home with oxygen tanks. Imagine a newborn (for all you moms) times that by two, and put long cords that are always attached for EVERYthing you do around the house, and even when you leave your front door. These were done when they were... 8 weeks old? But they were just not ready to come home much earlier! We'll take what we can get.

Luckily, the doc gave us permission to take the oxygen off for their session. :) It meant easier time moving them around, and less distractions in the pictures. The white outfits are for their baby blessings. Enjoy, friends!

Stunning Time Lapse

2011-05-04T15:26:00.003-05:00

I have not done much video, and no time lapse ever, but i was struck by the beauty of this footage. There is something incredible about this world that we live in. I am grateful for every day, for every sunset (Read more about my thoughts on sunsets and life here).

I hope you have a peaceful day. (Watch this in HD and hit full screen!)

Timelapse - The City Limits from Dominic on Vimeo.

What makes you smile?

2011-05-02T08:50:00.001-05:00

All of us have hardships.

Sometimes it's illness and we don't know how many sunrises we're going to see. Sometimes it's loneliness, and we feel overwhelmed at the impossibleness of making it on our own. Sometimes it's discouragement that gently wraps its chains around our foot and ever so slowly pulls us down before we even realize what's happening. Maybe it's anger that wells up at injustice never satisfied. Or heartache of lost love leaving a hole that will never be filled again.

Whatever it is that weighs your spirit down, I want you to do something for me. You're most likely sitting down reading this. I want you to take your hands, imagine balling it all up from inside you like a bedsheet you just pulled off your bed. Ball it up, and then place it on the floor next to your feet. Let it sit there for just a few minutes.

Don't worry. Nothing will happen.

Breathe in and out, and i want you to think of one thing that makes you feel good. What makes you smile, what makes the knots in your stomach relax? Think of one, or two... whatever comes to mind. And i want you physically smile about it and say outloud, "I am happy because..." There is power in that statement. Repeat as many times as you want.

(If you're in the library or somewhere else.... promise me you'll do this when no one else is around anymore!!!)

Now, it's time to pick up your bundle. It will be okay, but remember why you are happy. We are all in this together. You can make it.

And you know what? You may just find that your bundle is a little lighter.

Smile.

Katie + Jeff

2011-04-30T11:32:00.000-05:00

I finally got to meet Katie and Jeff a few weeks ago for their engagement session... and i'm excited for their wedding in just a few weeks. Katie's parents and brother and brother's girlfriend came in for the booking and took care of everything. (And her brother and his new fiance are now going to be Fife Photography bride and groom as well!! Love it.)

If you've never been to Oklahoma, you are missing out. We have wind like no other. Well... i guess most of us mid-western states are pretty flat with crazy wind. But it seems to peek out to drive us photographers crazy. Luckily, for the most part we found places and times enough to get pictures without Katie's hair being all over the place.

I have to say, winner of the day goes to Katie's wonderful friend who drove over to a random falling down barn/shed for permission while we started in downtown Norman. Unfortunately, we never got permission, but the daredevils they are, we hopped a fence.

Much to my horror the fence between us and very large cattle didn't reach all the way across. And the bride was wearing RED!!! They were all amused by my anxieties. When i was shooting one with horns started staring me down behind me and started moving toward me. My assistant Ashley decided not to say anything because she knew I'd freak out. Luckily i was not skewered or even charged at, but boy was i glad to be on the other side of the fence when we were finished. Whew! I am such a wimp. I should have taken pictures to prove how gigantic and menacing those cattle were.

Glad i'm alive to have the photos, as well as be around for all my other awesome clients. Thanks for a great session, and thank you Ashley for assisting!

Fashion: Ruby

2011-04-28T16:59:00.002-05:00

I met Ruby 6 days after i had my last baby, and she had a cute round tummy herself. Now more than a year and a half, our boys are old enough to roam our houses and make terrible disasters. Amazing how fast time flies.

The two of us have talked for a while about taking pictures, but now we have a quick deadline. Ruby is having an article published about her fashion... being chic but modest at the same time. Of course she needs photos!

Dustin and i got to shoot together, which doesn't happen too often with our kiddos!! Ruby, you are gorgeous. Thank you for being so incredibly easy to photograph!!

Easter Joy

2011-04-25T13:52:00.004-05:00

There's something beautiful about seeing new dresses and suits for Easter. It's wonderful to catch the smiles and joy when kiddos are looking so sharp. I also love to shoot in people's homes, because they can see and remember their homes even better. I hope everyone had a Happy Easter. :) :)

Happy Easter

2011-04-23T23:19:00.002-05:00

What's in YOUR easter basket this year?

This little man was so adorable during his session this week. He was so snuggly with me!! I tried to convince her to swap her my 19 month old, but for some reason she wasn't interested.

Thank you to all our wonderful friends and family and clients and students. We love you all, and are so grateful for you. Thank you. God loves us.

love, the fifes.

Happy

2011-04-13T22:23:00.002-05:00

I just realized there are soooo many shoots i haven't blogged about yet! Many more to come, but i just wanted to say how happy i am with what i get to do... my clients make me so happy, and i feel so blessed to get to meet so many wonderful people. :) Thank you all! Good night!

Dancing Queen

2011-04-08T22:16:00.001-05:00

Sweet snack for working in the office... All thanks to winning a social dance competition 10 years ago. I was lucky they still took the gift certificate!!

I just might have to post pictures sometime of me from my ballroom dancing days...

Sweet tastes of jamba. Yummm!
You want to know what was really embarrassing? With my gift certificate, it came to like 73 cents. I was the only one in there, and business was going slow for them.

I look in my change purse and I see only 2 quarters and a bunch of pennies. And I just recently took out my bills for the fair with the boys.

Sheepishly I told him I'd have to get the smaller size because I didn't think he'd want to run my card for $.73. He said it was fine, and I piled all my change into his hand. I think it came to $.61 or something. After about a minute later, 3 new customers walked in the door.

Had it not been completely empty when I arrived, he probably wouldn't have taken pity. Or I would have gotten super flustered and felt bad for making a scene. Either way, I walked away unscathed from the whole experience, still in love with my jamba juice.

Who else loves jamba?

I'll definitely be giving an extra tip next time I'm in...

Perks of teaching

2011-04-07T19:39:00.003-05:00

I have loved teaching the past few weeks, while my adorable husband has been able to spend more time with his phd and his boys.

Tonight Crystal Boles took this shot of me during class. Isn't it sweet?? I'm sensing a new profile picture coming on... :)

Happy weekend

2011-03-25T20:11:00.002-05:00

Thought of the day...

"God has not brought you this far to fail."

Words of a mother. I can't wait to get this book. Looks so inspiring.

Have a happy weekend, and just remember, He will help you accomplish miracles.

God bless, amber

Baby Announcements

2011-03-21T17:55:00.000-05:00

Let me show you this adorable little baby, displayed so beautifully on new die-cut baby announcements! For some reason, i forgot to photograph the back! :P

It was a cute template, super easy and super fast.

loooove me some linen texture.

For our babies, we did a digital comp on 4x5 photos...
What did you all do when your kids were born?

Happy Friday!

2011-03-18T17:21:00.000-05:00

I hope you're all excited it's Friday!

We broke out the kiddie pool... And the kiddos were freezing!!! But they enjoyed every minute of it. :)

What are you all up to for the weekend??

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Photo Classes

2011-03-17T15:32:00.002-05:00

I find it so rewarding to see people learning to use their cameras. Those are years of their lives that can be remembered better than they would have been without our classes. I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to learn, and i joy at seeing things finally click for our students.

We learned how to turn this brick wall...

Into this yummy softness. :)

Can't wait to see how you all continue to grow, and meet all of you wanting to learn. See you soon!

:) happy almost-weekend!!!

Photo Critique

2011-03-16T17:08:00.003-05:00

I am so proud of all our students. I am thrilled to see the growth in all of them. Here's one i chose to focus on this week, by Blake Shropshire.

First of all, i love the tender expression/moment that the bricks lead my eye into. Color has an advantage in this photo, the bright yellow flower pop and the cheery pink shirt. The lighting is nice falling on her face, and i love her hair folding back behind her. And i love the texture of the bricks.... i'm a sucker for texture!! :)

I would suggest moving slightly to the right and letting the bricks take up the left 2/3 of the shot, so there wouldn't be as much distracting elements in the background. Or get on a step ladder and shooting down, letting it go from brick to the gray fence? Just a thought. I don't mind the pop of green, but the pole and house (?) behind bring this photo out of a timless moment and onto the side of the house.

Great work, Blake! Can't wait to see more. :)

Chasing Sunsets

2011-03-15T22:04:00.001-05:00

We have our monthly article up at Fuel Your Photography

Do you ever feel like you're burning the midnight oil and even then, it's never enough?

Does this remind you of someone else? Please help them out by passing this on their way. We can learn from each other, and learn to see the joys this life truly can bring.

Hugs, my friends!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

BlogPress

2011-03-14T22:11:00.001-05:00

I have just discovered an amazing little app that I think will change my life forever... I'll make a full post about it once I've played around a bit. And you will be so happy!!! :) :)

(my handsome brother holding one of his sweet baby twins, when I was out in CO to photograph them 2 weeks ago. I think she's already got him wrapped around her finger.)

Good night, my friends! Thanks for stopping by!

Hot date...

2011-03-14T22:02:00.001-05:00

At 3 in the afternoon. ;)

Finally got to see Harry Potter in the dollar theater. :) :) Forgot how long it's been since we went on a date! Where do you all like to go on dates??

Lunch at taco cabana was great... $3 snack for me, full late lunch for my honey.

Yummy red and normal chips... And a salsa bar. My fav is the tan-colored one. :)

Forgot to snap one at the movie. :)
Gotta squeeze these dates in!

With all these "spring break" tendencies, we have to remember to make it to teach photo classes this week! :p

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Hello, dear friends

2011-03-11T21:23:00.003-06:00

Thank you so much for everything you are... you are mothers, high-schoolers, teachers, students, grandparents, fathers, brothers... you are artists, photographers, doctors, physicists... we all have different backgrounds and different loves. We have pains and sorrows, joys and triumphs.

Most importantly, we have each other.

If you haven't heard by now, Japan was hit with 8.9 earthquake and tsunamis that have killed hundreds. Here in Oklahoma, fires have spread today and areas were evacuated. Weeks ago we had snow storms that shut states down for days. These can be scary times.

Times of immense destruction pushes the important things of life to the forefront: the relationships we have; those we love.

I want to do 2 things:
1. Thank you for being who you are. The good you do sends out ripples that touch many lives. Don't stop helping and serving and loving. Your kind work/look/touch can cure unseen sadness in others.
2. Tell someone you love them. Stand up and go to the other room and give a hug to a family member or pet. Email/text/call/skype/chat. Just don't wait.

Looks like i never posted an article we wrote for fuel your photography last fall when we almost lost our son. For now here it is over there.

For pictures like the one below check them out here.

My heart and prayers go out to all those affected by these disasters.

Go, give someone a hug.

Photo Basics 1 Photo Critique

2011-03-08T22:47:00.004-06:00

For those of you who have watched our student photo critiques in times past, you'll notice something different about this post. This is not a video. :)

In the past 2 weeks, I've photographed 4 babies and been in Oklahoma, Colorado and Arizona, and all the while my dear husband has held down the fort with both boys. Somehow i came home to a clean house with all the dishes done. Man, he's amazing. It's good to be home.

First of all THANK YOU!! I was so proud of you all seeing how many of you uploaded pictures. That makes this momma proud. :)

I wanted to get our photo critique up before class tomorrow night... This photo was taken by Natalie Greenroyd. I love that she took our assignment, and told a story with still objects. Both versions are entertaining. And it's fun that she included 3 objects instead of 2, telling the hear/see/speak no evil story.

Great depth of field, Natalie. Nice family of colors... the monkeys work with the countertop. The background has some elements that distract a bit, but they're not as noticeable as when you get to the second picture...

Where you see the outlet cover on the left, something on the right...

This is a good skill to work on-- choosing what you'll leave in the frame, and what you select to leave out. Always crop in your camera, not later on. When you leave out those elements, suddenly, the context (countertop) is taken out, and all your left with are the objects and the story they are telling. Both these images could be just slightly brighter. But you're in the right ballpark.

I like the second image kinda feels like a hide and seek game too. :)

Great work, Natalie, and great work everyone else too! Can't wait to see you all in class.

Pretty as a Princess

2011-03-01T23:04:00.007-06:00

I was blessed to photograph two kiddos in Aurora, CO last week. I'll share more about the twins in another post once their session is processed, but i just wanted to post one or two before i head off to AZ thursday to photograph another baby! I love tiny babies.

Both mommies are Fife Photography Brides, and it is such a fun thing to see their families growing. :)

What a blessed life I live to capture these special times. I am grateful for every one of you who entrust me with these moments. They become the fabric of my life as well.

Hugs, Amber

Advanced Lighting Class (Way Late)

2011-02-22T17:34:00.002-06:00

So this took place in October and I am just now posting these....sorry. Hope you enjoy them. These are pics I took for our last lighting class (or lighting demonstration week).

Perfect Timing, Perfect Weather

2011-01-29T11:50:00.003-06:00

This beautiful couple was able to squeeze me in before their rehearsal dinner yesterday! We had fun down in Bricktown, OKC for their engagement session, and in just a few hours i'll be off to their wedding!! Thanks to the awesome Anna for coming along for some footage of me shooting, and being a great assistant as well! See you all again in a few hours!!

Who knew we'd have 70+ degree weather in January!! We stayed cool in the shade. :)

Kristen + Cory: Bridal/Groomal Couples Session

2011-01-11T19:31:00.000-06:00

Just got back from the airport a few hours ago. Had a great trip, visiting friends and family. I am refreshed and excited with so many ideas. :)

But you're not here to hear me babble... Bring on the pictures! (Seriously, Amber, you haven't even posted in 2011 yet!!!)

Well, this is a great post to start out the new year. Kristen and Cory came down from Stillwater for a special portrait session... just the two of them. Together in love.

I adore photographing this couple. There's something extremely romantic about her brown curls and his tanned skin. If you missed it, they rocked their engagement session (and i just HAD to use them for an article on Fuel Your Photography!).

There's also a glow about them... their commitment to each other. Thank you, my friends. I LOVED the yummy light, and your cute smiles and love. :)

Social Media Christmas...

2010-12-28T19:34:00.002-06:00

What would the birth of the Savior be like in with social media? Meant to post this sooner. We're having too much fun! Merry Christmas all!

We have a winner!

2010-12-25T22:31:00.002-06:00

Sorry for not posting on time! :P We've had a great day as a family, as i hope you all have too! Merry Christmas, everyone!

Winner is: ~JordanandSamantha

And all other commenters get a code as well! Please email us info {at} fifephotography {dot} com to get your download code!

Merry Christmas all!!

Teaser from today...

2010-12-18T23:45:00.003-06:00

One gem before i head to bed. It's been a long day! Thank you to everyone for being part of such a wonderful wedding. :) :)

Christmas Giveaway: CD Album

2010-12-16T19:01:00.006-06:00

From Me to You: the Gift of Music.

I wish i could give each of you a gift for Christmas-- I physically can't possibly do that. Especially if you live FAR away. :) Luckily, i have a dear friend with a talent that i can share with you, and 6 of you will end up very happy.

Let me introduce you to a dear friend of mine, April Meservy. Her premiere album has come out, and she has gifted me an extra CD to share. And i have chosen you, my friends.

Beautiful Album Cover.
Not shot by me, but I have been lucky enough
to photograph April twice, and it was such a pleasure.
Ironically, ALL those images are eluding me tonight.
But i am determined to get this interview up!!

Here's the 411:

Go check her out.
Her website: www.aprilmeservy.com
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/AprilMeservy
Go see her on tour in January: WA, ID, UT, AZ, TX.

Go listen to her album on the player, and tell me which song you like most! (Comment on our BLOG, even if you're reading this on facebook. Giveaways on fb are a no-no.)
Feel free to say whatever cool thoughts you have to say about this awesome woman.

One lucky winner will receive her full album in the mail from us here at Fife Photography, and 10 other lucky winners will receive a code for immediate download of a song: 5 for "Truth Speak" and 5 for "Will She?" And you have the lovely April to thank for this. She is just amazing.

Winners announced December 24th Christmas Eve!! :)

Want some more happy time while you listen? Scroll down and read our interview. She is the most pure of heart and tender friend.

Enjoy.

DID take this one. Isn't she beautiful??

Fife Photography: You have done some amazing things for so many people-- Tell us about some of the benefits you have been involved in.

April: I like being involved in benefit concerts because you can make a difference for someone or something. As a musician, I am often scraping just to get by so I can’t always make as much of a financial donation to causes I believe in as I would like. But I do have a passion for music and that is something I can give – my voice and heart. A few of the benefits I have particularly enjoyed doing have been for United Survivors of Epidermylosis Bullosa, Hurricane Katrina Relief, Haiti Relief (w/Red Cross), the Perpetual Education Fund, Operation Smile, and causes like that.

I love the impact music can have in my life. How does music make your life better?

April: Gosh, that’s a hard one to answer. Music makes my life better in so many ways. I think that depending on what I’m in the mood for listening to certain songs can do different things for me. Sometimes music can help me meditate or bring things to mind that I really need to think about. Other times it has the ability to get me pumped up for something or makes me feel like dancing. Particular songs have helped me to grieve and other ones have helped me laugh. I love to collect good music of all kinds and from all over the world because it expresses different things for me. Music is incredible.

When did you first discover your love of music?

We know you have a beautiful voice--- do you write any of the music yourself?

April: When I was young I spent hour after hour in my room singing along with songs that for one reason or another really spoke to me. Music moved me so deeply – it had such power in my life. That’s when I developed a passion for singing and music. The desire to write came a little later as I realized that I had been so deeply impacted by particular songs that I almost felt as if I had written them. They felt so personal to me – they said things that I wouldn’t have known how to express. It amazed me that someone could voice what I couldn’t…and so well. I thought – if I feel so deeply connected to this song - then how would it feel to be the one who wrote and sang it? The idea just blew me away. I really wanted to be able to do that.

Where do you get your inspiration?

April: Well, kind of from everywhere - moments of happiness, sadness, adventure, from people around me, and from seeing life in new ways from one year to the next. So much can happen in 24 hours – from one sunset to the next. We transform over time. A lot of the inspiration that came for these songs grew simply out of what I experienced- as well as out of the experiences of others whose lives have deeply touched mine. I have met such wonderful and courageous people and I’m grateful for that, because they teach me.

We, your adoring fans, have been excited for a long time for this album to come-- what do you want to share about this journey; what have you learned in the process?

April: Well, I had a few goals for this album. One was to give the songs that seemed to come a moment...a space that seemed natural, intuitive, and true to the way I heard and felt them. I wanted the music to speak with honesty and clarity. And another goal was to create a national-sounding album on the budget of an indie record with the goal in mind of making and recording music of the same quality you'd expect to hear coming from a major record label. I wanted the songs to have soul and feeling and yet not be held back or inhibited by hasty or sloppy recording.

The process of trying to achieve that was amazing. Amazingly challenging and amazingly rewarding. My associate producer, Brent Jenkins, really helped me stick to my goals. I really learned the importance of holding on to the original vision and inspiration I had for this album in the midst of many challenges. I consider that a great blessing. I just kept coming back again and again to this feeling that I needed to follow what my heart was telling me…and that everything would work out. I also learned how anxious God is to help us in what we are trying to do. He is the most amazing collaborator ever.

Tell us something that you're grateful for, and anything else you would like us to hear. :)

April: I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has been so supportive of my music and who has encouraged me in the process of making this album. I really love being a singer/song-writer but at times it has been kind of scary to put so much of my heart and experience out there. So it has meant a lot for me to hear that people are connecting with it. I’m thankful God has given me songs to sing, air to breathe, and unfailing support throughout the journey.

So for repetition's sake.... one more time, here's the 411:

Go check her out.
Her website: www.aprilmeservy.com
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/AprilMeservy
Go see her on tour in January: WA, ID, UT, AZ, TX.

Go listen to her album on the player, and tell me which song you like most! (Comment on our BLOG, even if you're reading this on facebook. Giveaways on fb are a no-no.)
Feel free to say whatever cool thoughts you have to say about this awesome woman.

Santa's Helpers

2010-12-13T09:55:00.001-06:00

There's been a lot going on in our new studio in the past few weeks. We now have a beautiful brand new wall in our entryway!! I have construction pics mixed in with client's folders, silly me.

But for a finishing touch, we brought our beautiful white tree in to bring the Christmas Spirit to all of you. It was just magical for our 3 year old to set it up.

I bought it after Christmas on clearance for only $7!! Yes, i am proud of my find. Unfortunately, when it was time to go home, he was devastated he the tree wasn't coming too.

So yes, we are now the owners of 2 Christmas trees. I let him choose, and it has colored lights. Colored lights are tacky, but he thinks they are the best thing since Thomas the tank engine. Or whatever his name is. He's a train. Whatev.

The second tree was full price. That makes 2 for almost half off, right??

Norman, OK :: Evans Family pt. 2

2010-12-10T19:23:00.000-06:00

Norman, OK photographer :: Evans Family, pt.1

2010-12-08T19:24:00.000-06:00

This military family chose to come back to Oklahoma-- Their beautiful daughter will be doing senior portraits with us in the Spring... i can't wait. She is just a doll and so easy to shoot. I don't think i have had a Dad get so into the pictures EVER. What a fun family. I was in stitches laughing half the time. Thanks for a wonderful day... the leaves were just beautiful!

One more post to come of their OU garb for Christmas Cards!

Sweet Baby

2010-12-07T14:10:00.002-06:00

I think i love this sweet baby Amelia. What a precious little button. Many more to share... just one i love right now. :)

Not so traditional...

2010-11-29T19:19:00.002-06:00

Love when I get to play with super fun people, and have yummy light to show them off with. :) These guys kept me laughing their whole session, and were so easy to please.

Of course we got some happy ones with everyone smiling at the camera, but we got some great fun ones too!

What kind of fun things do you like to do for the camera with your loved ones? Any fun family portrait ideas you want to try? :) :)

Smith Family :: Norman, OK

2010-11-20T14:59:00.001-06:00

This little princess gave me a run for my money! I got a lot more exercise than i do with high school seniors. :P But we had a blast, and big thanks to Candace for assisting! We enjoyed getting her to warm up to us, and we got some great smiles along the way!

Philip purchased this session as a suprise for his wife Tara for her birthday! I am so glad she's thrilled for the pictures. What an adorable family you have, and i can't wait to see these up on the walls of your home!! :)

Free textures: 3 days only!

2010-11-19T08:07:00.006-06:00

Go here to download a neat set of textures... but hurry! They're only available for this weekend!

And then hold onto these until the spring when you take our photoshop class. Time TBA soon!

Today's Me

2010-11-18T23:54:00.003-06:00

I am amazed by all these women i see in the photography world. Some are fashion queens, some are modern and chic. But me? I prefer black pants and plain modbe shirt. My style is simple. I don't spend hours pouring over fashion magazines... i think sometimes the styles look pretty silly (*can i say that??*), though there are things here and there that catch my eye.

I was a photographer long before i was even thinking about motherhood. But now with my 2 kiddos, i am thrust into a new season of photography: being a photographer mommy. Balance is always escaping us mommy photographers. There are dishes to wash, food to serve, houses to pick up, and quality time to give. Someday i'll look back on these years and write a book about all my wisdom i've gained.

But in the meantime, amidst the phone calls, and the studio renovations, photo editing, shoots, interviews and emails, i can't feel peace if i haven't given that extra hug to my toddler for coloring so well, and laid on the carpet with my baby high above me giggling. If i don't make time for my little ones, the life-blood of my happiness of photography runs thin.

i promised myself i would try to take some photos of myself playing with my boys. So here i am in all my glory, un-showered and over-tired. 1 wedding album finished with 3 to go, 3 shoots to edit, 8 hours of intern interviewing down with 3 to go, and i have rewashed the last load of laundry twice.

But such is life, and here I am.

This is my absolute fav shot of the day.

I was feeling adventuresome, so i tried for both boys. Does hair count?

Attempt number 2. By this point baby had enough, and i wasn't going to risk $5k of camera to a wiggly one year old.

I want to point out that i took these TODAY and i am posting them TODAY! (i have 8 minutes until midnight) I just finished a family session edit, and wanted to reward myself.

Photos have less calories than ice cream.

Though that sounds tempting too... :P

p.s. photographers: how do you take self portraits with your big dslr's?? I know you can do them-- i've seen you! I guess i just need to work out a little more to hold that lens out there, lol.

6 days New :: Norman Newborn Photographer

2010-11-10T13:54:00.000-06:00

This beautiful baby was absolutely perfect for her session. Mom came with all kinds of goodies... even a little pink stool and fairy wings. I know if i ever have a girl i WILL go broke. There are so many adorable things you can do for little girls! :)

Rochester NY Session: Blakely. Cute as a button.

2010-11-09T10:19:00.000-06:00

I have to say, i am blessed and thrilled when friends ask me to come take portraits for them. Such is the case with Liz Garfield Thornton. Her little button is as cute as can be, with big soft eyes, and perfectly shaped face. Both Liz and her husband work in the schools, and i am thrilled with all the good things they are doing. The world needs more people like Liz and Kevin.

Despite just moving in to a new home, they let me come and shoot. Although we had days of rain, the sun came out to visit! We even some sunshine at the very end of our session for some nice outdoor shots.

Blakely, you are adorable, and have wonderful parents. I look forward to seeing you again! :)

Location Hunting: 3 Techniques to turn Boring into Beautiful

2010-11-06T13:59:00.000-05:00

Never posted our most recent article over here! Check it out on Fuel Your Photography, or continue reading below! :)

Just before we relocated to Norman, OK, my husband Dustin called a few local photographers to get a feel for the dynamics. Dustin asked one photographer where some good places in Norman were to take photos, and her reply was, “oh, there’s nowhere to take photos here. You have to go up to Oklahoma City.” We were a little disappointed, but mostly confused at her response. There have got to be places to shoot! We had visited for a few days some months before and loved what we saw.

Fast forward to over 2 years later, and besides wedding locations, we rarely go anywhere BUT Norman to shoot! There are gold mines all over the place, but you have to have eyes to see them.

Allow me to share just one example: since moving from a small office on Main Street to a storefront location closer to our home, we now have a few changes in scenery. Before, we could step out the back door to beautiful brick, grunge, and graffiti. Although we don’t have the variety of urban shooting (I’ll save that for another article), we have nearby fields. Here is a stretch of road along the 5-minute commute from our home to our office.

Pretty exciting, huh? Just follow me, and I promise you will start to see your surroundings differently.

I have driven by that stretch of road for 2 years without even giving it a second glance. However, when my bride asked for fields last week, I wanted to find somewhere close by. Now, put on your magic glasses and see if you can imagine turning this circled little spot:

into this:

You would think they’re standing in a romantic field of sunflowers, in the middle of the mountains. In reality, cars are whizzing past and a cop even stopped to see what we’re doing – he thought we were “up to something” because I had moved trash out of the way. Hilarious!

But you think, “how did you ever think to create that?” To tell you the truth, I learned about this in my junior year of high school. My good friend had her senior portraits done and I was captivated by her picture in a field of flowers. To my dismay the next year, as I got my senior pictures done at the same location, there were about 3 feet of flowers. Total.

Conclusion: you don’t need to hike into the mountains!

Here are 3 techniques to turn locations from “boring” into “beautiful”:

First, Step Closer

The closer you are to your subject, the more the background melts away. They could be standing in front of a dumpster, and it would still look beautiful because you don’t see it – it all blurs into fuzzyland.

Second, Layer It Up

If you take your camera sideways into some grouping — whether it’s flowers, or wheat field, or trees, or wooden crates — you create a sense that it goes on forever and your subject is enveloped in it. You give the grouping a greater presence than it has in real life. This takes the mood and energy that you can feel about something and make it a visual reality.

Third, Straight On

Shooting straight on to a seemingly boring location can bring out elements of design or repetition you didn’t see before. The layers of different foliage create different hues and values, which become more design elements than individual trees or weeds. Just like stepping closer can bring simplicity, stepping back can do the same. Choose one piece of the scenery and make sure you include (and not include) what will help your vision to generate that simplicity.

So there you have a few tools to start learning to use any type of location. Go for a drive and start to see your own stomping grounds in a new way!

Check out Fuel Your Photography for all kinds of great tips and articles!

Kristen + Cory = Engaged

2010-11-05T13:29:00.004-05:00

From one of our bridesmaids at her sister's wedding, to a bride herself, Kristen is a doll to be with! She was on the ball helping her sister Dannah keep her wedding day together in any way she was needed. Well, all the helping out paid off! This beautiful woman is already getting everything settled for her own wedding this December! She and Cory were so fun... i couldn't stop shooting! We lucked out on some beautiful weather-- the next week was just rain and more rain!

Does this couple look familiar? You might have read our Fuel Your Photography article here... it will help you in scouting for locations, whether you're a photographer, or the one getting your pictures taken!

You two are so in love. I adore you both. I can't wait for bridals and the wedding! :) :)

Advanced Lighting Class Rocks

2010-10-30T18:26:00.002-05:00

Check out this behind the scenes shot from one of the student's iphones. Thanks, Teresa! :)

And then Dustin's shot, using flash to counter the sunset from behind. Isn't he aaaawesome??

Rochester, NY Session: Sagen Family

2010-10-20T15:44:00.000-05:00

I think my favorite thing is getting hired by friends to photograph their beautiful friends. I love photography, and love taking beautiful pictures of people, so getting to do it for people i already love is even better! Franchesca and i go waaaaay back to Girls' Camp years.... ;) ah, memories.

Though we had rain, this cute family braved the cold to go to a beautiful spot. If i could dig up around this and have it shipped to me in Oklahoma, i totally would. It's a small little preserve area not far from my childhood home in NY. Who knew there were such neat spots so close by? If i had only started photography a few years earlier, i might have discovered some amazing little locations!!

Well, as charming as the older kids were, the cold plus rain made littlest one not a happy camper. So we traveled over to their nearby home to finish. Warm in her own home, those smiles came out immediately. We all had a blast, and i loved having my mom as my assistant! She anticipates the needs of others and was always a step ahead of me.

And congratulations to this family... on your newest member! Baby Sagen, i hope i get to meet you someday!!

Internship Opportunity!

2010-10-13T15:18:00.001-05:00

So here's the deal: our former intern Katie is having a baby :). Unfortunately, that means that we are without an intern :( But that also means we have an opening :). So: we're writing this to call for applications! Here's the info:

What?

3 possible internship opportunities are available: (1) a business intern, (2) a teaching intern, and (3) a web intern. Duties for each position are as follows:

1. Business Intern. This person will be primarily responsible for preparing the photos for client viewing after a shoot. This includes selecting the top photos, applying artistic effects to all photos, uploading to our online server, burning CDs, photoshopping images, etc. Optional duties include second shooting, participating in business meetings, and telling Amber and Dustin how awesome their photoshoot was.

2. Teaching Intern. This person will be responsible for assisting and/or teaching classes, answering questions, giving feedback to students, and critiquing during photo practice.

3. Web Intern. This person will work with Dustin in fixing errors on the website as well as implementing new web features.

Who?

If your heart rate exceeds zero beats per minute then you are a potential applicant. (Wasn't that so much less cliche than saying, 'anyone with a pulse'?). In other words, no photographic expertise is required, only availability. Certain qualities are of course a bonus, including teaching abilities, artistic sense, and computer programming experience. However all training will be provided by Amber and Dustin. In other words, even if you haven't taken all of our classes, or even some of our classes, you are encouraged to apply.

When?

Starting immediately. Tenure depends on which internship: the business and teaching interns are required to commit to a year. The web intern is required to commit to 18 months. All 3 positions are volunteer-based.

We will be accepting applications until Friday October 22nd.

Where?

The application process will take place wherever you are. We invite you to visit this page to complete the application process. After the application deadline, we will contact you with information about how to meet with us in person.

Why?

With each internship comes a valuable opportunity to learn. For the business intern, he/she will learn how to use lightroom and photoshop, as well as advanced imaging and post-production techniques. For the teaching intern, as they always say, the teacher learns more than the learner. For us, teaching has advanced our photography skills more than just about anything else. Likewise, the teaching intern will see an exponential increase in skills. The web intern will learn how to build HTML, CSS, PHP, MySQL, and Javascript websites, which is a valuable skill.

Additionally, each intern will see how a business is run and is free to ask any question about photography. Finally, interns will have free access to all classes offered by Fife Photography while operating as our intern.

I hope that covers it! Please let us know if you have any questions!

Dustin & Amber

Arizona Session: Hale Family

2010-10-12T22:45:00.004-05:00

Man, there's a lot that this blog has no idea about!! I'm burning the candle late at the office tonight! And i haven't even touched the wedding and 5 sessions waiting for me to process! Well, taking a break to put some photos up on the blog is refreshing.

This sweet family is one of our favorites. It was a pleasure to see them in our August road trip to CA-- they even kept our boys for 3 days so we had a kid-free time in San Diego!! Wahoooo!

I met Rebecca 2 years ago when i moved to Oklahoma, and we became Anne-of-Green-Gables-type bosom buddies. She listened and sympathized with my frustrations of not being able to get pregnant, and told EVERYone about our photography business, having just relocated and scouting for new clients. I learned about motherhood watching her dance and play with her 2 little girls, and got to photograph them for announcements and posters when i needed cute little models. Now their family has grown, and they are off to the big real world of lawyer-ship interning and working in AZ. I miss them terribly, but it was wonderful to see her again for those few days this summer.

Each of their girls have infectious smiles; i love them. :)

These girls were so good... we ended with sweets. :) :)

What are YOUR most important qualities in a friend??

Last NY session... on a plane tomorrow!

2010-10-06T22:40:00.002-05:00

I have had a great time, despite the rainy weather! I get to be home tomorrow afternoon with my handsome husband. Until then, here's just one from today's session with little Blakely. What. A. Doll.

Ny Session: Sagen Family Teaser

2010-10-04T23:10:00.004-05:00

I am soooo glad we don't get as much rain in Oklahoma as they have here in NY. We tried to race the rain on tonight's family session and lost!! We got some fun ones, but ended up finishing in her beautiful home. :) These kids were awesome.

Congratulations, Amanda and Mike!

2010-10-02T23:52:00.002-05:00

13 hours of shooting-- this might be my record. Woke up before the kiddos were awake, and got home long after they were in bed. Sooo glad grandma and grandpa are here to take care of them! Helps to be flown to shoot weddings in the same town as your parents. :) Today was a dream-- beautiful people, wonderful brisk upstate NY weather. MANY many pictures. I think i shot 50 GIGs. Yikes! But every picture was worth it-- these were amazing people to be around.

Vanessa and Patrick--1 year anniversary

2010-10-01T23:25:00.006-05:00

Happy 1 year! I'm SOOOOOO glad I got to shoot this one. Vanessa is a former student of ours who recently moved East several states. I've been in a continual state of depression ever since :) But I was very glad to see them again and that I had the opportunity to shoot them. Even though they've only been married a year, I can already see marital longevity in these newlywed veterans' eyes. Thanks Vanessa and Patrick for reminding me that I need to give Amber a higher dose of daily kisses!

Can you find Vanessa in the next picture? Guess who's idea it was? (Answers will be found upside-down at the bottom of this blog entry).

Love the moon shots in the next few.

Unfortunately I couldn't figure out how to do upside-down text. Answers: (1) in the groom's glasses. (2) Vanessa's idea.

All done with the Hospital!

2010-10-01T09:27:00.002-05:00

Baby's doing great (still recovering a bit, but doing awesome). We're on a plane today just in time for Amanda Lim's wedding tomorrow... hope weather holds up!!

Baby Ethan in Hospital

2010-09-24T22:40:00.002-05:00

We have had our hands full with a puzzling mystery of sickness in our 1 year old! I'm overdue to get some sleep, but here are a few photos to start. I'm updating his status constantly on facebook-- most on my personal profile, but also on our fb page. Unfortunately we still don't know why he's sick, but he's improving. We'll keep you updated!

So... i'll be catching up. First he was at Norman in the new hospital.
The hospital beds they have for babies look like they came from the 50s. But they do their job, and Ethan's not moving much at all. Today he pulled out his oxygen, so they decided to see how he'd do without it. They had already decreased it to a very small amount. So far he's doing a little better than before...

Baby Eli

2010-09-14T09:16:00.000-05:00

This little peanut stayed asleep with 3 crying kids all around him! His grandma was watching big sister along with my 2 boys, and all ended up crying!! It was just as i got him settled asleep, and i am soooo glad he didn't budge! Congratulations, Megan and Chase. He's a handsome little guy.

Amy + Chris: Married

2010-09-11T16:18:00.002-05:00

After a fun engagement session and bridal session with these guys, i couldn't wait to capture their wedding day.

Two of the coordinators at the venue separately both commented how in love Amy and Chris were with each other on their wedding day. I loved the way he looked at Amy, just dazzled by her, even when she was across the room. He stole looks at her when someone was talking to him, and the light spilling in from the large windows just made her glow even more. She was perfect. Just perfect.

As they began their first dance, I could see their love in the way he held her and she leaned in to him. And then they would quietly sing phrases to each other! Later on in the reception, he spontaneously picked her off her feet, and spun her, with her dress trailing in a large swoosh behind. They are in love and happy. And i was blessed to be there to witness it.

I decided to post LOADS of pictures, just because i wanted to. :) It was at Cole's Garden in Oklahoma City. Beautiful venue. Dustin shot there last year, but this was my first time. Getting married on a hot sunny afternoon in the middle of August may not sound like the ideal for all, but this couple handled the heat and sweat marvelously.

Isn't this adorable? Bottom of the bride's shoes... :)

And her dress was aMAZing. I loved the bead-work and embroidery.

She got cool socks for they guys to wear-- they had their wedding names on all of them...

Their first look was precious... i'll post more from this soon in its own post-- not everyone has heard about the beauty of having a first look!

Sand ceremony has become super popular. What a beautiful creation showing the entwining of your new life together.

Hard to believe in 20ish years from now, my sons getting married?? I don't think i'll be shooting the wedding. Who knows if i'll be crying... i get teared up watching them be cute together, let alone starting life with a new wife!!! But you bet i'll be out there on the dance floor with my last dance with my boys.

Cute diamonds as part of the centerpieces were so fun. And big play diamond rings. :)

I think this father/daughter dance is in competition with one of my favorites of all time. They were so sweet.

And this bride can DANCE!! :)

I don't often get on the other side of the camera, but my assistant took one of me and Amy. Thanks, Stephanie!

Glad you two had so much fun on your honeymoon!! I'm soooo jealous of the swimming with dolphins and all the fun things you got to do. Well, not the swimming with the sharks part. :)

If you looked at all these pictures, and still want more, you can view their wedding video here. Enjoy!

Amy: Bridals

2010-09-10T16:48:00.002-05:00

What more can you ask for when you have a gorgeous bride and beautiful gardens to photograph her in? Amy is so good at how to carry herself-- it made my job perfectly easy!

Laboring on Labor day... one year ago.

2010-09-06T18:04:00.002-05:00

This has been the busiest time in our business, and my kids seem to have taken the back-burner. So when Dustin suggested we go take pictures of our boys in our new office, i jumped on it! Perfect timing for some one-year shots of our baby!

This little man has been a joy to our lives, especially Dustin. Ethan adores Daddy and i now know what Dustin feels when Corban prefers me! But at his sickest and saddest moments, mommy is just the thing baby needs. It's been a wonderful year. I can hardly believe how time has flown, my little blue-eyed bundle. Thank you for being so joyful and happy. So sad for you to be sick for your birthday, but happy you seem to be getting better.

Here's my favorite from his newborn session, 5 days old. It's my desktop picture. :)

And here he is a year later. I want to say we get MAJOR brownie points for actually getting it done BEFOREhand and not waiting until a month or longer afterwards. :)

I have many more pictures to share, but i wanted to remember today here on the blog before it's gone.

After all is over, my husband and two boys are most important to me and bring the most lasting smiles to my face. I get most joy in the shots i take of them. And that's saying a lot, because i find a great deal of joy in every wedding i shoot. There is so much joy to remember through images.

I have the greatest blessing in the world: to be a photographer.

Celebration of Life: 80 Years

2010-08-31T22:00:00.002-05:00

This was a neat group of people I got to spend the evening with, in celebration of Joan Plumlee's 80th birthday in Moore.

Check out not only the colorful wrapping paper of her 3 HUGE presents, but the cake that was made to match. pretty impressive...

My sweet tooth was in heaven afterwards--- super yummy cake! :)

All the forks and napkins were set with care...

And the birthday girl herself arrived!

Adorable sisters.

I love the wrinkles that come with time. I hope i look as cool when i'm older.

And Joan had many good-looking grandchildren to celebrate with her!

I loooove her curly hair.

This brother and sister pair lucked out with awesome curly hair genes.

And this adorable couple is planning their wedding!

And most important of all... PRESENTS! ;) A whole computer system for grandma to be able to connect with her techno-savvy grandkids.

Thank you so much for a wonderful evening-- you all were great company!! :)

Where’s Waldo? Finding the Hidden Elements in Your Viewfinder

2010-08-26T01:39:00.002-05:00

(You can also read our Fuel Your Photography article in it's original place here.)

Growing up I loved getting new Where’s Waldo books. Opening the first page, I would scan the hectic scene looking for the prized Waldo.

As I searched, my thoughts tended to go something like this: “Well, there’s a red and white scarf, but no, that’s not waldo. A red hat with a white tassel rests on the ground over there… here’s a pair of blue pants… and oh look! It’s a mermaid helping a sailor from drowning, and there’s an ice cream cone with 15 scoops piled up. Mmmm ice cream. I want some ice cream. Wait! I’m looking for Waldo! Let’s try over here in this corner.”

And thus would the minutes tick away, and I would peruse my way through the book. Upon reaching the end, I would go back and find the extras that I missed completely the first time– a broken wagon wheel, a human pyramid, or a dancing fish… and thus I lost hours of my life to my quest for finding Waldo.

Years later, I am now a photographer. The true gift I love to give people is a glimpse into the way I view the world. The way the light falls on the little bridesmaid’s hair, or the gentle smile of the grandmother looking at her only granddaughter on her wedding day. I try to make my images show the specific thing I see; tell the story I want to share.

So often our photo students will have an image they are in love with because of a certain expression on a child’s face. Yet there is so much going on in the image, that all I see is the broken boxes and telephone pole coming out of his head and the logo on the shirt that is mismatched with the plaid shorts. If the magic they want to show is the expression on the face, that is what should be the first thing I see. The way you expose the photograph, choose setting for lighting, and elements included in the frame should all work towards the end of showing that goal: the expression.

Here’s an example of something I shot of my own kids one Saturday morning during cartoons:

You see my laptop, our kitchen table, christmas tree, coffee table, mug… your eye will be most drawn to the blank floor in the middle. Yet if i take a few steps closer i can create a much different experience for you as the viewer.

You know exactly what to look at; you see what I see. I don’t have to hunt anywhere. I don’t lose my train of thought on the way to figuring out the purpose of the image.

Looking at a successful image, my only thoughts will be something like this, “Wow. I love the way this draws me in. I feel peaceful. Look at the way that wave traces the sand directly leading to their feet. They look like they are having such a good time. I want a picture of me like this.”

Your goal may not be just an expression, but a body position, or a movement or interaction between two people or the shape of a tree in a landscape. But whatever it is, your viewers should be able to know your intent immediately. You can have depth and subtleties that aren’t noticed until further exploration, but the main idea should be immediately visible.

What makes good Where’s Waldo books? Enough distractions from keeping you from finding the focal point. Choose to be bad Where’s Waldo Photographers. Focus on your goal.

Good Photography = Bad Where’s Waldo Books.

Waaaaaaay too much fun

2010-08-21T00:46:00.002-05:00

Sunset dinner cruise off the coast of downtown San Diego, live outdoor concert at the harbor, and other random tidbits of fun... as well as 40+ hours driving in the car... :P we are back from our road trip!! Many many photos waiting to be edited and posted, and other exciting news on the way.

Wedding vows

2010-08-07T10:57:00.000-05:00

This little darling is going to get wedding vows of her own today... from her new daddy. I can't wait to take pictures!!