Thank God for photoshop

As the mother of two toddlers I often get the comment, "you must have so many great photo's of your children." Well to answer, yes and no. I do get the occasional amazing snapshot like everybody else. My knowledge of light, exposure and composition might up my chances by 10-15% but I'm at the mercy of having the camera, being quick enough, and all the other factors that everyone else encounters. Unless of course I'm trying to get a photo. These occurrences are when I stage a shoot with a goal in mind and my two typically very cooperative daughters turn into a photographers nightmare. If we were doing a corporate shoot I'd tell the assistant to get the next kid in line. They don't listen, sit still, or enjoy typical activities. So I get frustrated and the whole episode becomes a complete disaster. I GET a shot. That's how I work. I deliver, even if I'm the end client. So enter my robust Photoshop skills. Luckily I can switch heads, ad or subtract and get something I can be happy with. This shot combined two - a path I took when I realized getting both kids at the same time would cause a rip in the space time continum. A toast to technology!

The boys are back in town

This Holiday Season I donated a gift certificate to benefit an amazing outreach program the Young Actors Theatre Camp, run by my friends Shawn Ryan and John Ainsworth. Yesterday I had the opportunity to fulfill my donation with a wonderful couple, Austin & Chris. It is always such fun to photograph genuine affection, and I had a delightful time despite it being a little chilly. (must remember to pack those gloves) We wandered around golden gate park, playing here and there among the De Young sculpture garden and around the pavilion. The guys were so natural they felt like old friends, maybe I'm lucky to feel so at home with my subjects. I imagine the consistency of it is more my doing then I give myself credit for. I think it is apparent in the end product. Images that feel real, unrehearsed and beautiful. Let's hear it for the boys! Another feather in my cap.