Becoming a Momtographer: Introduction

Being a Sophomore in college you are trying to do it all. I was a Broadcast Journalism major planning on becoming the next best reporter on a major network. With the constant search for the best story time for a "real" job wasn't really an option. I always had an entrepreneur spirit so I began to think about what I could do to make extra money while still being able to focus on school. As I brainstormed my favorite things to do I thought to myself why not start doing photography? I loved photography class in high school and I had even had a DSLR camera that my parents had given me. I knew how to create websites and I knew I had landed on my perfect college job.

That was the beginning of what I would consider my ongoing photography interest. I ended up changing my major and earning my degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with an emphasis on Video Production. Though my love for photography I learned I loved the moving subject even more. I loved the idea of being able to tell a story and capture emotions that I didn't feel like a simple photo did justice.

Fast forward a few years and I found myself married with my first baby on the way. I was so nervous because Chad and I had moved to a smaller town and I was desperately searching for a studio to take my newborn to get the "Pinterest" worthy pictures I had my heart set on. But as I searched and researched prices my jaw was permanently on the ground. I had done professional photography and videography and I couldn't believe the prices people were trying to charge. Was I missing something? I hadn't ever taken photos of newborns so was it way harder than I realized? Now, I understand that photographers have to pay their bills but paying thousands for a few pictures seemed like a little much.

So, I decided that I was going to do it myself.

Now... keep in mind I was fresh off the operating table of a c section and barely able to move. But I was not going to let my little nugget not get the newborn pictures I knew he deserved ;)

I wasn't planning on taking a ton. I had a few pictures that were serving as "inspiration" and that's all I really wanted. I began to search everywhere for cute props and also decided I was going to the them at my parent's house where they had tons of huge windows and natural light. I looked over my checklist and had it all--- blankets, mini heater, camera, BABY.... etc etc etc

Upon arrival at their house, Chad helped me get everything set up. I turned my camera on MANUAL MODE ONLY (cue eye roll) and adjusted all of my settings. I got my focus just perfect and went to click and Jack moves his head back a little... my photo was out of focus. Shoot! Okay..try it again. I adjusted my lens to get the focus again and went to click and Jack moves his arm. Super frustrating!

I was so used to photographing senior pictures or family portraits where the subject stayed still. So what do I do? I adjust my settings to allow for a little bit broader focus range and increase my shutter speed and went to click and Jack is in a full on cry.

I was so frustrated that I did "everything" I ever learned to do with my camera. I knew that pictures weren't going to happen at that moment so we packed up and went home.

A few days later we were at our house and I was ready to reattempt the photos I was dreaming of. I turned one of our accent chairs toward a window and draped a white blanket. I put Jack in place and told myself I wanted to ignore everything I learned in school and I wanted to do what had to be done to get the picture. I toggled between aperture priority mode and, yes, auto. I just made sure I was shooting in RAW mode and guess what? My camera didn't blow up and I actually got the picture I wanted.

I learned a lot of lessons from this experience. But the biggest lesson I learned was one that I had already heard once in college. One of my professors used to always say, "Learn the rules so you can break them". I truly believe that! Yes, I will most likely switch back to shooting manual once Jack gets a little bigger but I know it's not the end of the world if I don't.

My goal of this new series is to teach mom's how to take better photos with whatever camera they have. How to look through Pinterest and find the perfect picture and ACTUALLY create it! I want to teach you to spend more time capturing MOMENTS and less time adjusting settings on your camera. This is not going to be a series for seasoned photographers. If you are a photographer PLEASE understand that I am probably going to say things that you don't agree with and that I am probably going to even be flat out "wrong" according to the textbook at times but I'm okay with that.  But, I am confident that by the end of this series you will be able to take a better picture.

Later on I will probably do a series for intermediate and advanced photography tips so if you enjoy this series be sure and look out for that. Also I love hearing from you so if you have any questions please comment below or send me an e-mail.

I look forward to this journey with you!
Aubree