Love, Joleen Photography Blog

Just a few F.A.Q.s | Part I

I have been meaning to answer some frequently asked questions for oh, about a year or so. Sorry if you've been waiting and waiting for me to find the "right time". ;) If I miss something you're interested in knowing please feel free to ask in the comments and I will answer this week. Ok, here goes...

Q. What kind of equipment do I use?

A. The camera body I use is a NikonD80. I'm hoping for a D3 this year so please feel free to send your donations. ;) The lens I use is a Sigma DC f3.5-5.6 18-125 mm.

Q. What kind of lighting do you use?

A. I once heard someone say they use this giant flash called the sun and a softbox called clouds - I like that. ;) I am a natural light photographer and have practiced (practiced, practiced) to find the best times of day and locations for great lighting. I use  a reflector when needed. I would like to learn to use good studio lighting (someday!) for specific projects but I find that natural light is much more... well, natural.. beautiful, soft, and warm. My next step will most likely be an external flash (SB 800) and softbox.

Q. Did you take photography courses or were you self taught?

A. I have no formal training in photography but I hesitate to say that I am self taught. I grew up with a passion for all things creative and have tried my hand in a little bit of everything. I am blessed with a natural eye for color, design, and composition but I've had to work hard at all things technical. One example would be my basic sewing, crocheting, and knitting skills. I can do a little bit of each and create my own designs, but don't ask me to read a pattern - I wouldn't have the first clue where to begin. ;) And such was the same with photography. I started becoming interested in photography as a nanny by setting up + taking photos of my charges. Even though I was working with a point and shoot I was being told that there was something there that could be developed. I joined in a few quality photography groups where I learned an incredible amount of valuable information. The feedback and tips I received and continue to receive in these groups is truly priceless. In November 2006 I received the camera I use today. I've learned (and am still learning) the technical aspects of my camera through trial and error. I've learned what works and what doesn't when it comes to post processing much of the same way but I couldn't have done any of it without the encouragement and support of my family and peers.

Q. What setting do you have your camera set to normally?

A. I can't give you specific numbers because that changes with each shot but I will say that I shoot in aperture priority with the lowest f stop possible with the current lighting conditions.

Q. Do you recommend any workshops?

A. I have not attended any photography workshops to date but this is something I really want to do this year. In April I will be attending Soulographer in Laguna Beach. Brianna Graham just announced that she'll be coming to California so when that's nailed out I'm really going to try to attend.

More tomorrow...

Congratulations!!!!

To the Sample Family.. you've won our contest for a complimentary family session! Please email me so we can work out the details. :)

For everyone else that entered - I was so touched by all of your family stories. Thank you *so* much for taking the time to share with me! We would like to offer you ALL a $150 gift certificate to be applied toward a family session or prints by July 31.   Please email me for your virtual gift card.

Miss J - Part II

After an incredibly busy week with three photo sessions (one full day shoot!) and working four days, there wasn't much time for family (much less online time) and we were looking forward to a quiet weekend together. We spent most of yesterday at home watching movies and hanging out. We made plans to go out today for part two of test shooting with the sis. We wanted to give her a new look for her portfolio. The one thing I am complimented most on as a photographer is my use of color and while I *love* that people share my love for color I wanted to create something different for her. I have been so inspired by the current old world classy fashion styles like high waisted shorts, wide leg pants, sweaters, and hats. I had such a great time putting these outfits together for our shoot and I really felt the photos wouldn't be complete without this vintage post processing. Jaydean was a rockstar today... I just love these. Well friends, you'll be seeing a lot of me this week. I hope you'll visit and say hi. Here's to a fabulous week, all! xo

Contest Reminder

Only one more day to enter into our contest for a complimentary family session! The contest is now closed to new entries.. I will post a winner on Monday!

J's New Do

Living with a teenager has been an interesting experience for us the last 6 months. There have been challenges, sure, and some really great times too. We've had to think about creative ways to engage this young one and keep her productive. One of the things she expressed interest in last year was modeling and with all the off and on plans we've had, it wasn't something we've actively pursued. Yesterday we had a nice long discussion about doing what we have to do to do what we want to do. She has some things she needs to work on academically and personally but as something extracurricular we've told her we will help her pursue modeling this year. This week, while visiting our parents, she got a fun new haircut. So, this morning, to kick off her "fresh start" we did a model test shoot to update her book. These are a few of my favorite images. I am working on getting a couple other shoots booked for her with other local photographers so she'll have a wider variety and the experience of working with and taking direction from other photographers.

Happy Friday!

I had a super fun model test shoot today and wanted to share some of the images. She was such a blast to work with! :) Happy Friday, friends!

PS - Don't forget to leave a comment for your chance to win a complimentary family portrait session.

Out and About with the Girls

I spent the afternoon with my youngest sisters, Jaydean and Sarah. We hit the thrift store and a few antique shops. Then we drove around with my dollies and Sarah's ADG for fun photo spots. I love this photo of them getting the girls cameo ready. :) I wish I could have taken a photo of them lying on the floor in front of the dolls to get the perfect shot but we only had one camera. ;)

Here are their best shots:


[great job, girls!!]

Here are some of my shots:

Contest: Family Session

What better way to kick off a new year then with a contest? I am offering one complimentary family session ($250 value)!  The only catch is that the session must take place in Southern California (most counties) within the next six months. If you don't live here you'll just have to go on vacation. ;)

To enter just leave a comment and tell me something great/unique about your family and why you want a session!

I will randomly select a winner on January 11th.

Personal Goals for '08

[click on image to view larger]

For the last few years instead of making resolutions for the new year, I've created lists of goals. Goals are great because they let you think about what you want to do and achieve. Goals can be adapted. Goals can be pushed to the next year without guilt if that's what's needed.

The goals listed here are in no particular order.

Here are my lists for 2006 and 2007. I've gone back over the latter and added notes on those completed for anyone interested.

2007

i just really want to thank you all for a truly wonderful year!
2007 was an amazing year of growth and i appreciate your mentoring and feedback along the way.
here's to a happy, healthy, + successful new year!