Posing Tips For Family Portraits

With Easter coming up, I thought I would devote this blog to helping you get better pictures at your family gathering.  Below is a picture of some of my Grandkids taken last December.

One of the advantages to being in a camera club is the opportunity to learn from other club members.   Below are some tips from my Photography friend, Mark Freier.  Thank you Mark!

So the sister is bringing her family for a group shot. She sends a "by the way" saying she would also like you to do her daughter's graduation pictures at the same time (great).

What are some of the things you need to ask:

How many are going to be in the group photo? It is important. If she said there are going to be 5, then you can picture in your mind how you are going to pose them. You can look on the Internet for group pictures of that number. Be careful, because if one doesn't show up, that changes the arrangement. If 6 show up, that is even worse.

The big day is here:

They start to arrive. You may want to have some coffee for them or something for them to do while they wait for the others to arrive.  With the technical part out of the way, you can relax and get that group shot that will make everyone happy (except for the sister because she didn't smile on any pictures). It happens!!

You are happy with what you have, and it took less than 10 minutes because you were prepared.
If you want more tips for photographing groups of people check out this article from our friends at Picture Correct.
http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/tips-for-taking-family-portraits/
 Today's Thought For The Day:
"We can only know others by ourselves."  by Robert Louis Stevenson.

Thank you for reading my Blog!

Becky McGuire, CTC, MCC
Vacation Travel Specialist

612-490-0359

http://www.redbubble.com/explore/tvlgoddess

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26332264@N03/sets/

http://www.facebook.com/tvlgoddess
http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/becky

March Mania

It is a rainy day here is the low desert of Arizona which does not happen very often.  The good thing is this will help make the wild flowers bloom in the desert.  A usually barren landscape is suddenly alive with color.  I will be out shooting when the weather warms up.
Here is a link to UTube with some videos of some of the beautiful flowers of the Arizona deserts"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnpOkP7Se5s

Here is a great video on how to use your flash and ways to use a reflector when shooting outside in harsh light.
http://video.ultimatephotoguide.com/video/000935_essential-lighting-techniques/?utm_source=Newsletter+-+02.28.13+UPGHowTo&utm_campaign=Newsletter022813&utm_medium=email
I had a nice surprise yesterday.  I received a beautiful bouquet of flowers from a client who is also a friend to thank me for planning her trip to Europe.  Many Thanks Karen!
Speaking of Europe, if you are planning a trip there, now is the time to start planning your trip.  The space sells out very fast in the summer.  Personally, I think Fall or Spring is a better time to go because prices are lower,  the weather is cooler and it is not as crowded.  Call me if you have any questions.

Another nice surprise was having out 1935 Ford Cabriolet Streetrod  voted in the Top Twenty cars at the 1st annual Pirate's Cove Car & Bike show.  Pirate's Cove is in Needles, CA.  It is a very cool place with a Jimmy Buffet kind of vibe.   It is a great place to visit if you are in the area.  Here is a link to their website:
http://piratecoveresort.com/
I have had some requests for prints from the Balloon Festival in Lake Havasu.  You can order prints of any of my shots on Red Bubble.  Here is a link:
http://www.redbubble.com/people/tvlgoddess/works/9885429-balloons-over-lake-havasu
In honor of International Women's Day here is the Thought For The Day"
"There is no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women."  by Kofi Annan.
Thanks go out to Kris Radford for passing this one on to us.
Thank you for reading my Blog!

Becky McGuire, CTC, MCC
Vacation Travel Specialist

612-490-0359

http://www.redbubble.com/explore/tvlgoddess

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26332264@N03/sets/

http://www.facebook.com/tvlgoddess
http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/becky

Fun In February

Sorry that it has been so long since my last Blog. My husband, Tim, has been laid up with a bad knee so that has kept me extra busy. He might have to have another Knee Replacement which is not fun.
Last weekend I was able to attend the Rock A Billy Reunion Car Show. It is different than any other car show I have been to. It features a Pin Up Girl Contest. One of the sponsors is a Tatoo Parlour so there was a lot of people with "Body Art". Here is a link for more information about the show.
http://www.lakehavasurockabillyreunion.com/

I was able to shoot the annual Winter Blast Pyrotechnic Show. It is sort of a trade show for people in the industry so you get to see all the new and different Firework displays. Here is a link to some of my shots.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/26332264@N03/8490391428/

Here is an article explaining how you can customize your settings on your SLR camera
http://www.popphoto.com/how-to/2012/11/20-simple-ways-to-customize-your-camera
This article will help you when shooting landscapes.
http://www.photographyblogger.net/four-ways-to-create-balance-in-landscape-photography/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+photoblggr+%28Photography+Blogger%29
If you like the convience of printing your photos at home, you need to be aware of the importance of the paper you use. I have been told you should you use the same brand of paper as your printer. Be sure it is Photo Paper. I like the matte finish and satin better than the glossy but this is just a matter of taste. Check out this article for more tips on choosing your paper:
http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/choosing-photo-paper-for-photography-printing/
For those of you in the Midwest there is still space available in March for a vacation to Ixtapa, Cancun, Punta Cana or Jamaica. If you would like a break from winter give me a call.
Here is today's Thought For The Day:
"Nothing can make our life, or the lives of other people more beautiful than perpetual kindness." by Leo Tolstoy
Courtesy of the Happiness Project.

Thanks for reading my Blog!

Becky McGuire, CTC, MCC

Vacation Travel Specialist

612-490-0359

Photography Blog

For all of you who are still shooting on Auto only, this article is for you.  It will explain all those mysterious symbols on the dial of your camera.  On some cameras there is a Scene Mode that has some of these as well.  Take a walk on the wild side and try some of these settings.
http://digital-photography-school.com/finding-your-way-around-the-mode-dial?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+DigitalPhotographySchool+%28Digital+Photography+School%29
Photography articles use a lot of jargon that can be confusing when you are trying to learn how to do different Photography techniques.  This article will help you to understand the terms used in Photography Industry:
http://digital-photography-school.com/deciphering-photo-jargon-learn-to-speak-photographer?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+DigitalPhotographySchool+%28Digital+Photography+School%29

I am truly amazed by some of the new Smart Phones that are out on the market.  The camera quality is very impressive.  I know a lot of people who have quit using their cameras and use only their phone to take pictures.  This article will give you some tips to improve your shots using your phone or your camera.
http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/top-10-mobile-photography-tips/
Now that you have taken all these awesome photos, you will want to print them out.  You can have them done by a photo lab or print them at home.  For me, I like the instant gratification of being able to print them at home.  Be sure your printer is a Photo Printer. Make sure you are using a high quality photo paper and you are using the correct settings.  If you are in the market to buy a new Photo Printer here is an article that will help you pick the right one.
http://dpmag.com/how-to/tip-of-the-week/pick-the-perfect-photo-printer-2-11-13.html?utm_source=newslettertotw&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=DPTOTWeNews_021113
If you looking some ideas for your next Photo Shoot,  click on the link below for some ideas.
http://digital-photography-school.com/deciphering-photo-jargon-learn-to-speak-photographer?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+DigitalPhotographySchool+%28Digital+Photography+School%29

Today's Thought For The Day:
"Great Photography is about depth of feeling not Depth Of  Field." by Peter Adams
Thank you for reading my Blog!

Becky McGuire, CTC, MCC
Vacation Travel Specialist

612-490-0359

http://www.redbubble.com/explore/tvlgoddess

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26332264@N03/sets/

http://www.facebook.com/tvlgoddess

http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/becky-mcguire.html

February Feature

I hope your week is off to a good start.  I am starting to work on our income taxes which is not my favorite task.  I have it all sorted out but I need to add up our deductions.  I will be glad when the job is done.
Here is an article about using your on camera flash.  I very seldom use my flash anymore because it has such a harsh light.  Once you understand the different types and colors of light this will make more sense to you.
http://www.dpmag.com/how-to/tip-of-the-week/five-on-camera-flash-tips-2-4-13.html?utm_source=newslettertotw&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=DPTOTWeNews_020413
Here is some inspiration for all of you who live in the Northland. 
http://www.photographyblogger.net/30-pictures-of-snowy-winter-roads/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+photoblggr+%28Photography+Blogger%29
This article is about a Photographer who drove from the East Coast on sections of the Historic Route 66.  This is a trip I would like to take.  There so many cool little towns on Route 66 and there are lots of old buildings to shoot.  I am adding this trip to my bucket list.  Enjoy:
http://www.tamron-usa.com/enews/archives/2013/jan213_gerrity.php

Here are some examples of some great Black and White photos.  You notice a lot more detail when without the color to distract you. 
http://www.photographyblogger.net/beautiful-black-and-white-photos-by-keith-dotson/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+photoblggr+%28Photography+Blogger%29
Today's Thought For The Day:
"When people bother you in any way, it is because their souls are trying to get your divine attention and your blessing." by Catherine Ponder
Thank you for reading my Blog!

Becky McGuire, CTC, MCC
Vacation Travel Specialist

612-490-0359

http://www.redbubble.com/explore/tvlgoddess

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26332264@N03/sets/

http://www.facebook.com/tvlgoddess
http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/becky-mcguire.html

Monday Blog

Happy Monday everyone.  I hope you had a great weekend.  Ours was pretty quiet but we did have a nice dinner with friends followed by a couple games of Farkle.
I am still playing around with my shots from the Balloon Fest.  I use Corel Pro X5 software with plugins from Topaz  to create some artist effects.  It is so much fun.

My husband and I really enjoy some of the television shows on the History Channel.  One of our favorties is American Pickers.  You learn a lot about history and be entertained at the same time.  My parents are into antiques so a lot of the items they find remind me of them.  Here is a link to their website:
http://antiquearchaeology.com/ebsite.
As some of you know, I am a self described HGTV addict.  One of my favorite HGTV stars is Danielle Hirsch from Design Remix and Color Splash.   She has her own website and blog as well as running Danielle Hirsch Painting Co.  She offers tips on a wide range of topics including nutrition and design.  Here is a link to her website:
http://www.daniellehirsch.com/
One of my frustrations is buying produce that I end up throwing away because we did not eat it fast enough.  This article tells you if you can save some of it and safe some money.
http://www.tiphero.com/tips_7276_?utm_source=Money-Saving+Tips+Newsletter+DL&utm_campaign=51352f78bc-TH_NL_217a_01_24_2013&utm_medium=email
Here are three things you can do to instantly improve your photos.  I think the most important is lighting.  Be aware of the color of the light and the direction it is coming from and keep practicing.
http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/photography-improvement-tips/
Today's Thought For The Day:
"Love is an expression and assertion of self-esteem, a response to one's own values in the person of another." by Ayn Rand.
Thank you for reading my Blog!

Becky McGuire, CTC, MCC
Vacation Travel Specialist

612-490-0359

http://www.redbubble.com/explore/tvlgoddess

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26332264@N03/sets/

http://www.facebook.com/tvlgoddess
http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/becky-mcguire.html

Balloon Festival

Monday was the last day of the 2013 Lake Havasu Balloon Festival.  It was a great event once again.  My Photo Buddy, Tina, came to visit and we spent all 4 1/2 days shooting as much as we could. We had so much fun.   I highly recommend this event to everyone but especially Photographers.  Here is a link to some of my shots on Flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/26332264@N03/

If you have questions or would like more information about the event, here is a link to the Lake Havasu Balloon Festival website:
http://www.havasuballoonfest.com/

There were a lot of vendors at the Balloon Festival.  The one I liked the best was A Touch Of Glass by Donna.  She transforms empty bottles into works of art.  She is a very talented artist.  I like the fact she is repurposing and reusing the bottles and helping the environment.  You can contact her at 626-664-5442 or email her donnapatterson@yahoo.com.  You can see more of her work on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Touch-of-Glass-by-Donna/145396262246296

 Here is a new product that I will be buying. I wish I would have thought of it myself.  It is a seal between the lens and the camera body that keeps dust and dirt off your camera lens.  This can illiminate the need to send your camera body in for cleaning.  The inventor's name is Tyler Sterbentz and he is from Joshua Tree, California.  Here is a video he made about his product:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/77243737/dust-donuttm-add-a-weather-seal-to-the-mount-of-an
When you are starting out in Photography with your new SLR camera deciding which lenses you need is very daunting.  The lens can be more expensive than the camera and can really make a difference in the quality of your shots so this is an important thing to understand.  The article is from Picture Correct and discusses which lenses to choose.
http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/lenses-for-beginners/
I think we are all looking for ways to save money this year.  Hear is an article from Learn Vest that gives you ten tips for 2013.
http://www.learnvest.com/knowledge-center/10-ways-your-budget-needs-to-change-in-2013/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=lvdaily&utm_campaign=read-on
Here is the Thought For The Day:
"We can never judge the lives of others, because each person knows only their own pain and renunciation.  It's one thing to feel that you are on the right path, but it's another to think your's is the only path." by Paulo Coelho courtesy of the Positive Outlook Blog.
Thank you for reading my Blog!

Becky McGuire, CTC, MCC
Vacation Travel Specialist

612-490-0359

http://www.redbubble.com/explore/tvlgoddess

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26332264@N03/sets/

http://www.facebook.com/tvlgoddess
http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/becky-mcguire.html