Thread: El's 2012 Year in Review

2012 was a funky year for me in terms of photography. I rarely picked up my camera this year. I was not sure if I was bored since I feel like I've been stuck on a rut - not moving forward with my photography. I also think because the phone camera was so readily available that most of the pictures I was able to snap with it. Hopefully next year I will be able to push myself more and get my processing/style going.

I started the year with finding that infamous light. I found my portraits to be boring. So I followed this exercise about garage lighting and learned lots from it. Messy kid, messy garage but hey the lighting was so moody it gave depth to my subject!



Came the studio set up. This time I had somewhat a more cooperative subject.



I liked it so much, I had to do a B&W, lol. Shoes are somewhat tacky - but hey I got cooperation!



In February, I attempted newborn. Ugh, I did not enjoy it as much as I thought I would. Baby was not posing the way I want him to. Still having some skin tone issues - I can see baby is a tad magenta/red I gave up newborn. I know this is not my forte.



So went on to tackle the dreadful full sun. Look at the squinty eyes! At least they were open.



March came along and weather was becoming nicer. I wanted to put my guard down and just wanted to take snaps of my kids. Sometimes I get so caught up with the technical stuff that I forget that its nice to just snap away.



In April several of my friends asked me for some session and I gladly accepted. I don't charge for my service since really this photography is a hobby.

My best friend was having her first baby and she wanted to have some pictures before she gave birth. Man was she huge!!! lol I think at this time I tried to watch more of the background, lighting, etc.



My husband's friend got engaged and asked to take pictures of them. Here are several favorites from the session...



I love how I can still see the detail in her hair... Began liking silhouettes



In May, my older son graduated kindergarten - so no picture just video.

Then summer came and this is when I started trying to find my style/processing. I like the clean edit but my processing has not been as consistent as I would like it to be. See how heavy my vignette was on this picture?



We went on vacation to Seaworld San Diego but did not bring my camera instead just a point and shoot. So nothing great until Halloween.



I think I found that extra oomph I needed when DH bought me the 5dM3 for an early xmas/bday present.

Holy cow the ISO on this camera is amazing!


I had to test drive it out...







I am so excited about this camera that I feel that a fog has been lifted from me and I am starting to like photography again.





A fun wide angle shot!



My house, all lit up



And another fun wide angle shot of my kiddos



I definitely want to find my style next year and hope to get more consistent with my processing. Here's hoping to a great 2013!!!

El, I LOVE the engagement shot. And these make me want a wide angled lens!

El, I have a feeling that camera is going to get you out of that rut you're in Those shots are amazing! I love how I can see the stars in the sky on the shot of your house!

So, just how BIG is that camera, anyway??

I too want a wide angle lens now! LOVE those! Your boys are seriously too stinking cute! I am glad the fog has lifted! We have missed you! Keep these boards rolling!

Love the photos with your wide lens too!! It's the next lens on my list I really like the last one with the boys in their car seats!

I LOVE that B&W engagement shot!! gorgeous. and yes the stars in the sky above your house=awesome

Originally Posted by Ladybugsteph

So, just how BIG is that camera, anyway??

It's as big as my 7D just heavier. Oh and another thing, the camera has no built in pop-up flash. So if you have not already invested in a speedlight, I would suggest you do . I will be putting up my 580EXII for sale - I want to get the 600Ex-RT!

I have the 430EX II, thankfully. Got that just before Jackson was born. So it's good to know about the pop up. But man, with those ISO capabilities, I'm sure you could make due during the day without it!

Great shots, El, and I can already see how great 2013 will be with the new camera getting you out of that rut!

Love that you've found your spark again! I think you're going to do some amazing things with that Miii