Learning to Master a Tri-Pod

First and foremost, I have ALWAYS..ALWAYS loved taking pictures.

Long before this blog, I was snapping and scrapbooking my heart away.

To me, this space is my online scrapbook/journal which is why even if no one is reading I will continue to keep it up.

It's easier than printing pictures out, putting them in books and trying to tell a story, all while taking up gobs of room in my house!

HA!

That's not saying I still don't do a physical scrapbook every now and then.

Since entering the blog world 5-years ago I have seen and admired the way people do things, especially when it comes to using a tri-pod to capture family pictures and moments.

I almost asked for one for Christmas but forgot about it.

 

New Years Eve, our bff's Keith and LuLu mentioned they had one that was given to them that they never use and wondered if we wanted it.

Well, HECK yeh!!!

Our beach trip last weekend was my first outing with it.

I will admit, that I didn't even know how to use the timer on my NIKON D3100.

I had to look at the manual to figure it out.

While Shelby was napping one day and Brad was out shopping for golf accessories, I decided to set up the tri-pod for the first time and give it a whirl.

Call me a nerd, but my first ever picture using the timer and tri-pod is of me, myself and I.

And, my second too.

Gosh, I feel like a loser!

HA!!

When Brad got back I was so excited to show him how I had figured it out all on my own and we proceeded to take a family picture.

The first didn't turn out so well.

But the 2nd isn't so bad.

I had originally thought about trying to take family pictures on the beach but decided I'm going to work on my skills before attempting something like that.

Do any of you have a tri-pod?

If so, can you offer some tips?

I would love them!

Thanks to LuLu and Keith!

I texted them both after this mini-photo session to let them know they gave their tri-pod to someone who truly, TRULY, appreciates it!!!

Shelby's Newborn Pictures

Before Shelby was born I knew I wanted to have some pictures taken of her as a newborn but wasn't so sure of spending the hundreds and even thousands of dollars that some photographers charge.

Back in the Summer I asked my SIL's neighbor and friend, Tess, who happens to have a VERY nice, high-end camera, if she would come over and snap a few pictures that we could possibly use for a birth announcement.

She agreed, then at the last minute I panicked and thought about going with a professional after all.

Well, after talking to several moms I again, decided to wait to take professional pictures when she's a few months older.

I'm glad I did because what we ended up with turned out pretty darn good!

After Tess took the pictures I sent them to my talented friend Kara who edited them in PhotoShop(what most professional photographers do) and what we ended up with as the finished product I am VERY happy with!!

Here's a few of our favorites.

The pictures were taken when she was 10-days old

 I wanted to be sure Buddy was included because he is, after all, part of our family.

We tried getting him into the family picture but those pictures didn't turn out very good. 

 Shelby was in such a good mood this afternoon!

 I almost think she's smiling in this picture.

Of course, Brad and I neither one are crazy about how we look in this picture but it's all about her and I really wanted a family photo.

Not bad for a Mom with a nice camera.

Hope you guys are enjoying the New Year.