Cat's Eye Photography

Dufour Maternity Session

2011-08-15T15:09:00.011-04:00

The rain wasn't going to put a damper on the maternity session I shot last weekend. We had to make a game time decision and change the location at the last minute, but it worked out beautifully! The Dufour's are wonderful clients of mine and they are expecting their second daughter next month. I've had the pleasure of photographing their sweet family through the years, beginning with their very first maternity session several years ago. It continues to be such a joy to capture these precious milestones for this special family. Here is a sneak peek from our latest session....

Laina

2011-06-29T14:47:00.004-04:00

I am so thrilled I had the opportunity to do a photo shoot with this precious newborn! Little miss Laina is 6 weeks old with beautiful blue eyes and a gorgeous head-full of dark hair. I had set up some stations inside my studio to shoot some nice cozy "newbie" shots, but Laina had other plans in mind! Ha! She wanted nothing but the outdoors! No worries....that's why we as photographer's have to think fast and improvise! As soon as Laina got outside she was in her element! While she took cat naps in the baby hammock--the whole crew sweated out each irresistible moment so I could capture the perfect shot. Thanks again everyone for your much appreciated assistance! A 95 degree, 98% humidity North Carolina June morning was all worth it! :) Here's a sneak peek from the session...

Mabry

2011-06-14T23:03:00.009-04:00

Mabry was so much fun to photograph this past weekend! She had so many expressions (not to mention her gorgeous blue eyes)! One minute she was serious and then she would burst out with laughter. What a fun little girl! Here is a sneak peek from her session...

Maddy's 2 Year Session

2011-06-09T16:09:00.007-04:00

I've had the pleasure of photographing this sweet little girl ever since she was still inside her mommy's tummy! It continues to be such a joy to watch little Maddy grow up into a beautiful little girl. Here's a sneak peek from her 2 year session this past weekend....

Spring Cleanout Time!

2011-04-14T16:45:00.003-04:00

It's that time of year again....Spring Cleanout time! If you had a portrait proof gallery in 2010 and you would like to own all of your hi-res proofs, now is the time to buy! See details below:

Contact Courtney today!

courtney@catseyephotography.net

Kendall's 1 year Session

2011-03-01T13:46:00.006-05:00

This past weekend I had the pleasure of photographing this sweet little one year old! I've had the honor of capturing Kendall's milestone's over this past year....it's crazy how fast they grow! We made this session extra special, because at the end of our "normal" photo shoot we had a cake-smashing session to celebrate her first birthday! It doesn't get any better than babies in tutu's eating cake! Here's a sneak peek from Kendall's session....

Anything But A Face

2011-02-28T09:30:00.006-05:00

I've been wanting to participate in a photo challenge for quite some time now, so I thought why not start this week! I've been following the ever-so-popular "I Heart Faces" blog and they have such great challenge ideas, not to mention an awesome following! This week's challenge is "Anything But A Face". The photo I chose to enter is titled "Held". It's one of my favorites from a newborn session. Something about those tiny baby feet being held in the hands of mom is just so precious to me!

Model Search!

2011-02-07T15:11:00.007-05:00

ATTENTION MOMS! Cat's Eye Photography is conducting a Model Search for little girls ages 2 months to 12 years old. We are in need of girls to model our unique handcrafted photo props and hair accessories! We are designing our accessories specifically for Cat's Eye Photo Sessions and we need sweet little faces to showcase all of them! If you have a little girl or know of someone who does, you don't want to miss out! Every participant receives a Proof CD of all their "model images" as well as a coupon for a future photo session! Contact Courtney today if you are interested! You can also find us on Facebook & Twitter!

Prom Shoots

2011-01-28T10:40:00.003-05:00

Cat's Eye Photography presents Prom Shoots! What an awesome way to preserve some of the best years of your life! Let us help capture those memories of you and your friends on your very special night. Individual sessions as well as group sessions are available. Group sessions start at $25 per person! You choose the location...at your favorite hangout, your home, downtown, etc....the possibilities are endless! Just gather your friends and get ready to have fun! You will walk away with an unforgettable experience and priceless memories that you can cherish forever. By the way, if you are a rising Senior head over to our Facebook page, "Like" us, and you will receive 40% off of a Senior Portrait Session! Spread the word to your friends and you'll receive referral bonuses for free prints too! What do you have to lose? Give us a shout today to schedule your Prom Shoot today!

Let It Rain

2011-01-26T14:31:00.014-05:00

"the best thing one can do when it's raining is to let it rain."

-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

It's cold and rainy here in the South today. They thought it might turn to snow, but all we've seen is rain with a little bit of sleet mixed in. I know, I blog about weather...a lot. I'm a weather nerd and I don't mind sayin' so. Not only do I shamelessly follow Jim Cantore on Twitter, but I have one of those remote weather monitors that tells me exactly what temperature it is outside before I even get out of bed. I love it.

It's fascinating to watch this complex atmosphere that our God created...full of power and tiny delicate wonders. I think part of the fascination comes from the fact that weather is still somewhat of a mystery. We might be able to forecast what might fall from the sky, but we really don't know exactly what is going to happen until we're in the moment. I guess it's kind of like life. Every snowfall has it's own unique snowflakes and every rainstorm has it's own unique raindrops, just as every person has their own unique life and experiences. The key is how we look at it. And when we have faith in God we don't have to worry about what falls from the sky, because we rest knowing that He already knows what is to come and He knows what we need. It might be a challenge to look out the window today and see sunshine, but if you look close enough you just might see a beautiful day....

"For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven,

And do not return there, but water the earth,

And make it bring forth and bud,

That it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater,

So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;

It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please,

And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it."

-Isaiah 55:10-11

Sweet Treats Photo Challenge

2011-01-24T13:44:00.013-05:00

Anyone who knows me the least little bit, knows I absolutely LOVE pastries and any sort of yummy miscellaneous bakery item. When I shoot food (and I shoot a lot of it), I am rarely tempted to dig in and take a sampling of my work, mainly because the dish I'm shooting is usually lacquered up with some unthinkable spice/oil concoction in order to achieve proper texture or coloring. Something you definitely would not want to ingest. But, when it comes to bakery items, as long as they are delivered fresh, I rarely have to disturb their natural state. Darn. :)

So, that got me thinking and I thought it would be fun to offer a photo challenge, in honor of Valentine's Day. What's your favorite Valentine's Day treat? It doesn't have to be specific to Valentine's Day, just shoot your favorite sweet treat and see what you come up with! It's always fun to share thoughts and ideas about each other's work! Click on the Linky Tool below to enter! Challenge starts today and runs through 2/14/11.

I captured the following images from a recent Valentine's Day bakery shoot. So, now that the shoot is over...I don't mind if I do....

Powered by Linky Tools

Click here to enter your link and view this Linky Tools list...

What Goes Around...

2011-01-19T20:23:00.034-05:00

What goes around always come back around...eventually. That especially goes for photography styles. Lately, I've really noticed that a lot of what's hot now used to be hot "back then". Isn't that creamy, faded-out vintage Photoshop action an amazing new "look"? Actually, that's extremely reminiscent of my parent's 1969 photo album, (which by the way, I love to look through!). It's an awesome look that is timeless. It is somehow warm, moving and organic. A very cool look that is very popular...again.

It's so funny to think about, because back in the day...like way back in the day...photographer's would have given their right arm to have the equipment we have today that can produce the most crisp and clean photographs you can ever imagine. (I am still blown away by my 21meg baby on my hip and I recently read a release for a new 48meg! Seriously?!) What is so hilarious to me is that the cameras and equipment have never been better...they keep getting better. I personally don't think this digital age went exactly as planned. Instead of coming up with new processes and styles, we keep wanting to go back...way back. Some photographer's pay good hard cash to buy all sorts of newbie Photoshop actions to make their photos look like they came out of 1950! Take an excellent photo, throw it into Photoshop and click your favorite action which probably consists of something like this: desaturate the mess out of it, layer fuzzy filters and orangey-tan tones throughout, rearrange all of the color levels and curves, and don't forget to add the fake film flaws and lovely vignette...all to make it look "old". Hmmm....let's think about this.

Why do we like everything to look "vintage" all of a sudden? Whose idea was that? Now, mind you, I'm not knocking it, because I love the look. I just think it's interesting how we as photographers in the 21st century have every available tool at our finger tips to make our photos look pristine and "new", but yet we choose to go back to some of the roots of photography and the beginnings of an art that was already as cool as it gets back then! Keep in mind that back then, the photographers were shooting film and they used different lighting and special films and processes to achieve a desired look. Today, all we have to do is capture an "okay" picture and toss it into our computers and press a button and the work is done for us. What's organic about that process? I know I've said it before and I'll say it again...photography is just too easy these days...but is that good or bad? I guess it's all a matter of opinion. I guess as long as it's your original work, it's art...right?

I thought about suggesting a real vintage photo challenge to anyone that reads this and is interested, but even if you had a real old-school film camera, you probably wouldn't be able to find film for it...sniff-sniff...:( But, hey if you can get your hands on it, go for it! Go out and shoot something vintage style with film, then do the same image with digital. It's fun and eye opening to compare the two processes.

Hey, it all boils down to fads too. They come and go. Who knows maybe 40 years from now we'll be doing the 1979 fro's and matching sweaters....hmmm, something tells me that this one is gone and is never coming back....sorry, I couldn't resist. :)

Winter Sale: 20% Off Gallery Wraps!

2011-01-18T09:04:00.008-05:00

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Tips For Shooting In The Snow

2011-01-06T10:27:00.009-05:00

For those of you who love snow (me!) and really enjoy shooting great pictures in the snow, you might appreciate this small list of helpful tips for achieving proper exposure while shooting in the snow.

For starters, it's important to know a little bit about metering. As the amateur digital photography market continues to absolutely explode, more and more folks are buying awesome DSLR's with very spiffy TTL (Through-The-Lens) metering capabilities, but are totally unaware how to use them. Metering is key when working in the snow, especially if the sun is shining brightly. Most TTL meters register @ 18% gray, so your whites are typically going to be underexposed if you trust the meter. You are going to have to adjust your camera settings by a 1/3 of a stop, (so you are absolutely going to have to shoot in manual mode in order to perfect shooting in the snow.) Opening up the f/stop is going to allow that snow to be a brighter white, as it should be.

If at all possible I would suggest using a spot meter when trying to gain the proper balance between your highlights and shadows in such challenging "white out" conditions. I learned to "bracket" my exposures back when shooting film and I continue to do so while shooting digital. Find your reading and shoot one f/stop above and below the suggested exposure. (There's lot's more to say about metering in general, so we'll have to touch on that in a separate post later.)

Another useful tip is to pay attention to your light source(s) and where your subject is in relation to the key light and reflective light. Depending on your subject (dark, light, midtones), you'll probably have to blow out the snowy background to obtain proper exposure. Just be careful, because it's easy to underexpose your subject while shooting in the snow. The trick is to find that proper balance by adjusting shutter speed, ISO and f/stop. (This is another topic that we'll have to come back too, because "proper exposure" is such a subjective notion these days.)

One more thing to mention is your color temperature. If it's off, it's going to show up for sure while shooting white snow. Most digital shooters adjust their color temperature during the editing phase after they have already captured their images. This is very achievable if you are a RAW shooter. RAW files make these types of adjustments possible, especially if you are using the proper editing software. If you don't have RAW shooting capabilities, then pay attention to what your white balance setting is on in your camera. This is yet another beast to post about!

While some of you may have found this post totally boring, I hope it was helpful to those of you who are curious about the technical side of photography! Take the time to learn about your equipment and don't rely solely on "P" mode!

Until next time...happy shooting! (hopefully in the snow!) :)

Welcome 2011!

2011-01-02T11:59:00.013-05:00

Happy New Year! 2010 was a year full of exciting opportunities, new challenges and many blessings. It's hard to believe that it's already behind us! Even though it's always a little sad to see the beautiful Christmas season pass by, I love the beginning of a new year. It's fresh and new...full of hopes and ideas...and plenty of surprises, I'm sure!

This time of year might appear drab to most people, with its bare trees and brown grass. There are no flowers to smell or vegetables to harvest, but I still think this is an awesome time of year. It's amazing to me how God created the different seasons and all of the intricacies of each one. That's one reason why I love this time of year, especially when it snows. Even though it doesn't snow an awful lot here in North Carolina, when it does snow, it's such a treat! (We were just surprised with a white Christmas for the first time in over 50 years!) Snow is so unique, exclusive to the winter season. The beautiful blanket of white falls ever so silently but yet it covers everything around us...just like God's love and mercy.

Have you ever noticed how amazingly clear and crisp the sky is the day after a snowfall and how fresh the air smells? I have no doubt that this is just a tiny reminder from God that during this season of quiet and rest, old things are being washed away and new things are being planned and prepared for us. Be blessed in 2011!

Not a creature was stirring...not even a mouse....

2010-12-23T21:46:00.008-05:00

As a food photographer, I rarely get the time to take pictures of the actual food prepping/styling part of my job, so I thought I would pull the camera off of the tripod and bring it into the kitchen for a bit this afternoon. This time of year is traditionally candy-making time for me. I have been making chocolate covered Christmas goodies for several years now....and somehow it's just not Christmas around our house until both the peanut butter & coconut balls have been dipped in chocolate and the little chocolate mice have been assembled. It's just a little tradition around here. I hope you and your families are enjoying this wonderful time of year carrying on whatever traditions you might have...whether they take place in the kitchen or elsewhere....here's wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!

Let's Say Thanks...

2010-12-21T13:56:00.004-05:00

Are you looking for a way to send a simple "thank you" to our U.S. troops? Check out this great site hosted by Xerox. You can choose a card design (created by children across the country) and Xerox will print the card and send it to our Troops. What a great opportunity to send a free personalized postcard greeting to deployed servicemen and women.

Merry Christmas and God Bless America!

Purse Angels

2010-12-09T11:46:00.005-05:00

Need last minute gift-giving ideas? A friend of mine makes these adorable "Purse Angels". The details on each one are very unique. I had the pleasure of helping her out with a few shots today and I just kept saying "these are so cute!"....

Cuteness

2010-11-30T12:19:00.004-05:00

I know this is a random post, but I couldn't resist sharing this cuteness. A co-worker of mine just got a new puppy and I had a chance to snap a few shots of this little darling. Anyone who knows me knows I am a HUGE animal lover! Any excuse I have to play with (or especially photograph) animals, I jump on it! Hopefully, this will add a smile to someone's day today...:)

The Szafran's

2010-11-07T20:21:00.003-05:00

I had the pleasure of photographing the Szafran family this weekend. Their little girl, Mabrey, was such a cutie. She kept wanting to sit in my lap! So sweet! The whole family were such troopers to endure the absolute freezing cold temperatures Saturday morning! Thank you Szafran's for hangin' in there! Here is a sneak peek at a few of the shots from their session....

The McPherson's

2010-10-26T22:11:00.019-04:00

A few weekends ago my husband and I had the chance to slip up to our old stomping grounds in central Virginia to visit some old friends. Before church on Sunday morning, we headed out to the beautiful campus of Hampden-Sydney College to capture some family pictures. Morning's are my favorite time to shoot and we couldn't have asked for more beautiful weather that morning! The light was glowing with that yummy soft golden cast while painting those wonderful long shadows....it doesn't get any better than that! Andy & Catherine have two adorable daughters, Alley & Kendall. They were a joy to photograph! Here are a few of the images from the shoot....

Avery

2010-10-10T21:48:00.010-04:00

Today was perfect portrait session weather...a beautiful Fall day! I had the pleasure of photographing the Freyer family earlier in the day when the air was still crisp and cool. Their daughter Avery was a doll! Here is a sneak peek of their session...

Cool Girls

2010-10-07T13:56:00.010-04:00

When the air turns chilly and the leaves start to show off their beautiful fall foliage, it prompts me to pull out my needlework. Ever since my mother taught me how to knit and crochet as a little girl I've always enjoyed finding new patterns and beautiful yarns and making new things. There is something about handmade sweaters, hats & scarves that just say "love". Being a busy wife & small business owner, I don't spend as much time doing hand work as I would like, but I always try to find a few hours here and there to knit or crochet several new projects during the fall and winter. It doesn't get any better than having a fire going in the fireplace, sipping on some hot tea and working with my needlework. Ahhhh...can't you tell I love this season?!

Throughout the years of shooting portraits of children & babies, I've always kept my eyes open for cute new props to "dress up" my clients during their sessions. I've run across some really cute hat patterns as of late that I am going to try to whip together in the next few weeks...just in time for fall portrait season!

If you don't know how to knit or crochet but would like to learn, for prop making purposes or just for fun, check out one of my favorite sites for tutorials and free patterns: http://berroco.com/ You might also want to check out the book above "The Cool Girl's Guide to Knitting" by Nicki Trench. I ran across a copy at B&N a few years ago. It is an awesome reference book for all knitters...beginners to advanced.

I hope to post some finished "prop projects" soon, so stay tuned!

Until then...Happy Shooting!...or knitting...or crocheting...:)

Barron & Berry

2010-09-09T19:05:00.005-04:00

I recently had the great opportunity to do an extended photoshoot for a law firm in the Greensboro area. Barron & Berry, LLP are a great group of lawyers that were a lot of fun to work with. They were working with an ad agency to revamp their website, so new photos were needed. Between the stylist and the video crew and all of the lighting (and not to mention the heat!) everything went very smoothly. This photoshoot was extra special too because it was all shot at my home studio! Here are a few images from the photoshoots...you can also check out the Barron & Berry website to see more photos and the video clips....

http://www.barronberry.com

Kendall's 6 Month Session

2010-08-30T21:31:00.003-04:00

I had the pleasure of photographing the sweetest little baby girl last week. Kendall is 6 months old and a joy to work with. She is a very happy baby! Here are a few shots from her session....

Outdoor Studio

2010-06-27T13:13:00.007-04:00

At Cat's Eye Photography, we love outdoor portraits taken in natural light with beautiful natural surroundings. Over the past few years, we've slowly been working on growing an outdoor studio. It's still in its beginning stages, but we have a good start! The outdoor setting works great for kids of all ages because they have lots of room to run around and explore. I prefer to schedule outdoor sessions in the early morning hours or late evening when the light is a beautiful golden color and the shadows are long. Come on out and visit and experience a truly relaxing atmosphere. If you would like to book an outdoor summer portrait session, contact us today!

Fruitology

2010-06-23T09:53:00.002-04:00

Nothing says summer like fresh colorful fruit! Below are a few up close and personal shots I did earlier this week....

Maddy's 1 Year Session

2010-06-07T21:39:00.008-04:00

I've had the pleasure of photographing this sweet little girl throughout her first year of life. Thankfully the weather cooperated with us and we were able to do the shoot outside.....

The Food Photographer's Closet

2010-05-20T10:51:00.025-04:00

As many of you already know, my "full-time" job is working as a commercial food photographer for a printing and advertising company. It's so much fun being able to play with food and cameras everyday...a few of my favorite things! I get a lot of questions about my food photography work. "What tricks do you use?" "Is that food real?"...etc. So, I thought I would start a conversation about food photography and what interesting challenges I face on a day to day basis working with the most hard-headed of subjects...FOOD! First, I thought it might be fun to glance into my tool box or better yet "The Food

Photographer's Closet"....

(Left Image: Keeping the "hero plate" of peaches chilled while I await changes/approvals from the client.)

(Above Image: As a food photographer, you can't have too

many choices, especially when it comes to sauces and dressings.

You never know when they will come in handy! This is only

one small shelf out of several!)

(Above Image: Lemon juice is one of my best friends in styling food...

a must when working with fresh fruits.)

(Above Image: Oh, my beloved brushes!!! Another must-have for adding things like glycerin to a product or moving an unwanted pepper speck out of the way before shooting.)

(Image on Right: Spices)

Spices are not so important for flavoring, because you're not going to eat your work of art, but it's always a good idea to have a nice collection of herbs & spices. You may need to use a certain herb or spice to get a desired coloring or texture for meat or even a sauce. (Also, I've found that a cool looking spice rack comes in really handy for using as a background prop in the image.)

If you dabble in food photography for any period of time, you will discover there are a lot of things that you cannot live without. One of those major things is my beloved propane torch. You can't style a piece of meat without it, plain and simple. I use it for browning and most importantly for "grill marks". I must admit, I used to be intimidated by this beast when I first started styling food, but now I can't imagine a week in the studio without it!

(Image on Left: Propane Torch)

This is just a tiny glimpse into a food photographer's "closet", so to speak. I have lots and lots of things I could share in this post, but I want to know more about what you keep in your food photographer's closet! If you are a food photographer or food stylist, please share your tips and tools with us! Even though I've been doing this for a while now, we can always learn new things from each other!

Until next time....Happy Shooting! :)

Spring Cleanout 2010

2010-04-12T11:12:00.005-04:00

It's time for the annual Spring Cleanout! All 2009 proofs are on SALE! See flyer below for more details or go to www.catseyephotography.net!

Forgotten Flowers: Easter Lily

2010-03-24T22:11:00.003-04:00

Forgotten Flowers: Easter Lily

Easter is right around the corner and one of the beautiful signs of spring and Easter is the Easter Lily. What a beautiful creation. As I shot this image I couldn't help but think of how much this flower represents the true meaning behind the Easter season...pure & white. The pure love of our Lord Jesus Christ that washed away our sins on the cross...white as snow.

Forgotten Flowers

2010-03-18T14:17:00.006-04:00

With Spring in the air I have been inspired to start a new photography series...."Forgotten Flowers". I personally love to garden and I really enjoy capturing nature's beauty in my camera lens. As I look around my gardens I am noticing such unexpected grandeur and beauty in simple flowers and even in common weeds, just like the dandelion below. If I stop long enough to really study these simple creations I am amazed at the marvelous details...something I could not resist photographing! Come join me this Spring as I walk through my gardens and discover the "forgotten flowers"...

Spring Has Sprung!

2010-03-11T08:58:00.003-05:00

Spring is almost here! It has been a beautiful week here in Carolina and I couldn't help but notice many of the wonderful signs of Spring coming to life around us. Here are a few shots of Spring emerging from its deep winter sleep....

Think Film: Part 2

2010-03-03T14:04:00.010-05:00

Keeping with the same topic as my last post, "Think Film" I want to elaborate a little further. (If you haven't read the "Think Film: Part I", I encourage you to do so....just so this next post will make more sense!)

As much as I love film and darkroom work and feel that it is the one and only true original photographic art form, I absolutely adore my digital camera. It was a God send when I got my first digital SLR. No more "wasted" shots = more money in my pocket...so I thought. Through thousands and thousands of digital files over the years I have begun to think differently where that is concerned. Over the past few months I've been seriously evaluating the time I am spending shooting out in the field compared to the time I am spending in front of the computer screen, batch editing hundreds of images at a time. It just doesn't balance out. Photographer's tend to forget that their time is very valuable. And not just from a financial point of view. It is very important to have time to spend with family & friends and not to mention a little time for yourself! If we don't have this balance, there is the threat of getting burned out on what you once absolutely loved to do. Believe me, I've been there!

(Fine art image above shot with Canon Mark III 1Ds.)

As a professional photographer I believe I should be spending at least equal, if not more time, actually shooting and creating the image through the lens of my camera than I am editing images on the computer. Now, some people may argue with me on this, but I am very passionate about originality and keeping the image true to form. I am very aware of the new digital-age market of "Photoshopping" an image to death until the original file is unrecognizable. That is certainly an art form in itself which is truly amazing and beautiful and (not to mention fun!), which I really enjoy doing myself from time to time. But, there is something to be said for an untouched image that began as a negative (whether that's digital or film) and made it's way to photo paper without the help of the clone tool, or filters or lots of saturation in Photoshop. (That's actually a whole other topic that we'll keep close by for a future post!)

What I have found myself doing is shooting as many images as I can, even though I've already

captured good ones. It's a feeling of "what's it going to hurt? I've got 300 more shots on this rd!" It doesn't hurt anything at the moment, but when I sit down to roll through edits and I find myself coming out with 350 images from one baby session, that can be a huge problem where my work flow is concerned...not to mention day to day life! Don't get me wrong, I'm not suggesting slacking off and limiting yourself, I'm trying to focus on slowing down and paying more attention to what's being shot at the moment. Every commercial photographer knows that when you are working on an image, especially in the advertising world working with art directors, changes will most definitely have to be made and you will shoot more than you really think you need to in order to capture that perfect image for the client. That's a whole other ball game. What I'm referring to is my own personal creative work, whether that be fine art or children's portraits.

(Image top left shot using Mamiya 645 Pro TL, TMax film)

As a photographer, I think it's extremely important for us to slow down and capture the images we're envisioning in the viewfinder and not rely so much on the computer to do the work for us. If we become a little more aware of our digital shooting habits and treat those RAW files more like film frames, I think we'll be very pleased to see what the final result is. If you are one of the many folks that have only known digital and you've never shot film, try it! Step out on that old-school branch of manual labor and shoot a roll or two of film. I promise, you will come out with a certain appreciation for the art of photography itself. There is something to be said for shooting a roll of film and having to patiently wait for that awesome final image you will be rewarded with...before it even comes close to your computer screen.

(Image on right, shot using Canon Mark III 1Ds.)

Don't get me wrong, as all busy photographers know, this isn't going to be a quick fix for your overall time management, but it might be something to think about. Something to help you to start taking control of your valuable time. In fact, this post probably won't apply to those awesome photographers that have their own digital design team to handle all of the editing process for them. But if you're just a passionate photographer like me who really wants to stay original and save time, it doesn't hurt to give it a try! I believe you will come to realize that lots of extra hours spent in front of the computer will be forfeited for a lot more time spent relaxing and enjoying life in general...like enjoying the images you just shot and having time to go out and shoot new ones! So, fellow photographers, I continue to challenge each of you to join me in this personal quest to slow down, take your time with each frame you shoot and try to achieve your goal inside the viewfinder of the camera first. Think Film for a change!

Happy Shooting~

Think Film: Part 1

2010-02-25T12:57:00.000-05:00

Back in the good 'ol days when I hauled my Mamiya Pro TL everywhere I went, I had to plan out every single frame of that 15-shot roll of 120 film. Not only was the film pricey, but when I shot film I processed 95% of my own negatives and developed my own prints in the darkroom. I had to plan out most of my shots well ahead of time in order to keep up with assignments and have time to eat & sleep! If I shot as many rolls of film back then as I shoot digital files in one week now, you would have to send a search party out to look for me in the darkroom, because it would take weeks of non-stop developing just to get the negatives processed!

(The wine bottle image to the left was shot with my medium format Mamiya Pro TL using TMax film with natural light.)

My point is, today's digital cameras have spoiled us rotten. Just like a lot of things in America and the world today. If we're not careful, that wonderful thing can be damaged and suffer from misuse and overuse. I'm not talking about the camera itself, most of the high quality digital SLR's (particularly Canon) are built like tanks and it takes a lot of damage to destroy a good camera body. I'm referring to the overshooting that tends to happen with digital cameras...just because you can erase and re-format the card and start over...just because you can "fix it" later in Photoshop...just because you want to squeeze in as many sessions as you possibly can in one weekend. Let's face it folks...we've become extremely lazy when it comes to operating our cameras as true photographers. I feel that our images may be suffering because of it. If we were to slow down and really focus on the shot as it is being captured, think of the things we would catch right there in the moment. Certain details that could make the difference between an average image and an awesome image.

(The orangutan image above was shot at the San Diego Zoo using my Canon Rebel 2000 with 35mm, ISO400 color film.)

(The butterfly image below was shot using my Canon Rebel 2000 with 35mm color film.)

If I'm not careful this post could branch out into several different topics and turn into a book! So, I'm going to wrap it up here and pick up on this topic again in my next post. Will you join me in the challenge to slow down and take your time setting up the shot? Next time you're out shooting, Think Film and try to take the time to plan out your shots before you click the shutter. I think you'll be surprised at the multiple possibilities of capturing the image, something you may have missed just randomly snapping away. (Not to mention the time that could be saved trying to Photoshop something out that could have been eliminated from the beginning.) I'm very thankful for my experiences using real film as the true art form of photography. If you've never shot with film, go for it! You will never look at photography the same way.

Hang onto the creativity that once was born in the camera...not on the computer screen. Just something to think about....

~Until next time...Happy Shooting! :)

(This was shot at Nag's Head using my Canon Rebel 2000 with 35mm, ISO400 color film.)

Shooting With Natural Light

2010-02-17T16:33:00.012-05:00

Sorry...I know it's been a long time since I last posted! My shooting schedule has been crazy lately and today is the first day I've had in a while to sit down, breathe and get reorganized. To let in a bit of fresh air to the blog I thought focusing on natural light as a topic would be appropriate and somewhat refreshing.

I absolutely adore shooting in natural light...I always have. It represents what the good Lord has given us to work with without even thinking about plugging into an electrical outlet. It's amazing what simple, natural lighting can do to transform an image. No matter what the subject is, God-given sunshine can turn something ordinary into extraordinary.

If you're wondering how to go about shooting in natural light, here are a few tips:

1. If shooting indoors, try to

choose a window or doorway that gets soft, indirect light. In my studio I have a northeast-facing window that gets wonderful morning light. If you're stuck with harsh light coming through your windows, improvise by covering windows with soft white fabric or sheers to create a more diffused light.

2. Using a tripod is a must...especially when working indoors with natural light. If you want to create a wonderful soft light/shallow depth of field in your photos you will want to use a slower shutter speed and a wide aperture. You want to avoid camera shake, so use a tripod.

3. Natural light is wonderful for accentuating the textures of an object or even a person's facial features. Work on positioning your subject next to a window where the light skims across the surface you are focused on.

4. When shooting outdoors be sure to choose "open shade" spots, such as under a tree or the shady side of a building. You don't want to be in too dark of a spot, but you also don't want to have harsh sunlight causing your subject to squint or develop under eye shadows.

5. Carry along a small reflector to use indoors and outdoors when working with natural light. If you don't have a professional reflector, you can improvise by using a piece of white foam board from your local craft store.

With the snow finally melting away and Springtime right around the corner, the sunshine is beginning to make it's presence known a bit more often, so now is the perfect time to practice working with natural light!

Until next time...Happy Shooting!

Go to www.catseyephotography.net for more examples of Natural Lighting. E-mail questions to courtney@catseyephotography.net.

Tip of the Day #1: It's A Frame Of Mind

2010-01-18T21:13:00.012-05:00

I am often asked by people to share any tips or tricks I might have for taking photos in various situations. So, I thought it would be fun to start sharing some interesting (and hopefully useful) photography tips through my blog. I'm going to focus on basic tips that can be applied by anyone who owns a camera. Please feel free to e-mail your questions to me as well!

Tip of the Day #1: It's A Frame of Mind

I recently ran across a cool blog that had a great article about Framing Your Shots. Check it out at this link DPS. Below are some good points from that article:

Composition Technique: Framing Your Shots

Framing is the technique of drawing attention to the subject of your image by blocking other parts of the image with something in the scene. There are lots of different types of frames that can be used in photographs, such as interesting doorways, windows, overhanging tree branches, and even people.

Benefits:

1. Gives the image depth & adds an extra dimension to the shot.

2. Leads the eye towards the main focal point.

3. Tells a story about where the photo was shot.

4. Intrigues the viewer- clever framing leaves the viewer wondering a little.

The frame doesn't need to go around all of the edges of the shot - just across one or two corners. In fact, you want to be sure the frame isn't distracting. Too much and the photo becomes cluttered- in other times it turns an okay photo into an awesome image.

Last, but not least, you need to decide if you want your frame to be in focus or not. Using a blurred frame can really add a nice dimension to the image and create a mood. You can acheive this by using a large aperture. Other times a frame that is in focus can help add context to the image and in this case choose a narrow aperture.

Notice the types of framing I chose for the two images featured in this article. I have a personal preference for blurring the frame in the foreground. Take a look around this week and try to frame out your images before you click the shutter....I think you'll be amazed at the difference it can make.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-05T22:12:00.002-05:00

Well, 2010 is finally here! I'm so excited about a new year full of new challenges and of course lots of new photos! Keep your eyes on your inbox for new upcoming specials from Cat's Eye Photography. If you aren't on our mailing list simply e-mail Courtney at courtney@catseyephotography.net or subscribe to this blog and you'll be added to the list.

Here's wishing everyone a wonderful new year of love & happiness!

Pure joy!

2009 Holiday Specials!

2009-11-02T16:51:00.004-05:00

The Holidays are quickly approaching! Have you made your shopping list yet? Make it easy on yourself this year! Order prints or specialty products from the Cat's Eye Photography Product Catalog. Pictures are PERFECT gifts for EVERYONE on your list! Place your order by November 15th and receive 24 FREE custom-designed Christmas cards! View our product catalog at www.catseyephotography.net or contact Courtney at courtney@catseyephotography.net.

MetalPrints are here!

2009-10-27T15:22:00.007-04:00

Cat's Eye Photography is now offering MetalPrints! MetalPrints™ represent a new art medium for preserving photos by infusing dyes directly into specially coated aluminum sheets. The high gloss coating takes on an almost magical luminescence. Because the image is infused into the surface and not on it, the archival qualities of this unique process are unparalleled. You've never seen a more brilliant impressive print before! Colors are vibrant and the luminescence is breathtaking. Detail and resolution are unsurpassed. To compliment this unique printing method, we have also developed a variety of ultra-modern ways to hang and display your Metal Prints. This awesome new product would make great Christmas gifts! Contact Courtney today to place your order!

Pyper's 6 month session

2009-10-05T21:28:00.007-04:00

It seems like I was just taking maternity pictures of Pyper's mommy! Wow, how time does fly by! I had a great time shooting Pyper's 6 month session...just check out those blue eyes!

End of Summer Sessions

2009-09-18T14:38:00.006-04:00

I'm wrapping up my summer sessions and thought I would share some pics! Enjoy!

Tristan & Madelyn

2009-09-16T09:48:00.009-04:00

Okay, sorry it's been a while since I've posted! Somewhere between July and September, August disappeared! I can't believe it's already mid-September! It will be Christmas before we know it! (Speaking of Christmas, keep your eyes on your inboxes for upcoming portrait savings through Cat's Eye! Pictures always make the perfect gift for loved ones.) In the meantime, check out these cuties I had the pleasure of working with over the past few weeks. Tristan was in the studio (as a very sleepy boy) for his 6 week pics and I traveled to Madelyn's beautiful nursery to capture her 3 month memories. What a doll!

Old Salem Session

2009-06-23T13:46:00.004-04:00

I had a great time shooting a family session at Old Salem recently. What a beautiful historical place to capture memories! These three little guys were full of energy and welcomed the extra room to run!

More Beautiful Bellies!

2009-06-23T13:32:00.003-04:00

I had the pleasure of shooting a maternity session with a beautiful couple a few weeks ago. Tristan has already arrived, so I'm looking forward to his upcoming newborn session!

Babies, babies & more babies!

2009-06-23T13:18:00.004-04:00

Let me tell you...this is the year of the babies!...and what cuties they are! Here's some shots from a recent newborn session. What a pretty little baby!

Dufour Maternity Session

2009-03-24T14:22:00.005-04:00

A few weeks ago I shot a maternity session with the Dufour family. They are expecting their first...and it's a girl! What a beautiful family and a pleasure to work with! I can't wait to meet Madelyn! Here are a few pictures from the session...

And Baby makes 3

2009-02-03T17:30:00.002-05:00

I recently shot maternity portraits for some good friends and we had a great time incorporating special keepsakes that meant a lot to the couple and their family. It was exciting to try some new poses that expressed a bit more emotion than traditional "belly shots". Here are a few shots from their session...

Share the Love

2009-02-03T16:12:00.005-05:00

We want to share the LOVE this Valentine's Day...with you and your best friend! Call and schedule your pet's portrait by February 14, 2009 and get 50% off the session fee. No strings attached. Contact Courtney at courtney@catseyephotography.net. Session must be booked by February 14th but session can be scheduled for any available date between now and June 1st, 2009.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-09T10:33:00.006-05:00

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! We can officially say it has already snowed here in the triad of North Carolina! We woke up to a very light dusting of snow a few weeks ago (sorry it's taken me so long to post!). I walked around my yard to capture some of the white beauty before the sun melted it all away. Even though it's vary rare around here, I always hold out for a white Christmas! Snow or no snow...from Cat's Eye Photography we wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May the true meaning of Christmas filled with peace, joy and love shine in your lives this season. Many Blessings to you and yours!

Fall Colors...

2008-11-10T14:54:00.003-05:00

It's hard to believe it's already November!! Thanksgiving is right around the corner! I couldn't help but notice all of the beautiful fall foliage last week. I took some time out of my schedule to drive around and capture some of the gorgeous colors surrounding us this time of year! What a wonderful and colorful blessing from God! I hope you enjoy the pics!

Congratulations Siobhan & Jason!

2008-09-24T15:35:00.009-04:00

Congratulations to Siobhan & Jason Crum! Cat's Eye Photography had the privilege of shooting their wedding this past weekend in Pine Knoll Shores, NC. Because they are both avid divers, the event was at the NC Aquarium. It was beautiful! I've posted a few pictures from the day. Enjoy!

Cutie Pie!

2008-08-20T17:32:00.008-04:00

I thought I would share some images from a recent portrait session. Little Alley is the daughter of two old friends that came to visit me and my husband a few weekends ago. Alley was a little under the weather (she didn't sleep the night before), but the session turned out to be a success! Isn't she adorable?

Paparazzi!

2008-08-13T17:04:00.005-04:00

We've been traveling a lot lately, so it's been a little while since the last post. Our latest venture was to Canton, Ohio where we attended the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement ceremony as well as the first pre-season football game between the Washington Redskins and the Indianapolis Colts. (Maybe I have a few football fans out there that might appreciate some of the pics!)

Smith Mountain Lake Weddings

2008-07-29T21:50:00.001-04:00

View my page on Smith Mountain Lake Wedding Businesses

Christmas in July!

2008-07-22T14:07:00.028-04:00

It's not too soon to be thinking about that perfect Christmas gift. Consider giving a gift that will last for generations to come. Portraits of your children to give to grandparents, a canvas gallery wrap for mom or dad, or a precious baby album for that new mother -- all make wonderful gifts.

Book your portrait session between now and August 6, 2008 and receive 50% off your session fee! Limited availability, so hurry! NOTE: Session date can be booked for any day between now and October 31st, 2008.

E-mail Courtney at courtney@catseyephotography.net or call 336.991.7710 to make an appointment.

New York City

2008-06-11T11:59:00.004-04:00

Whew! Can you say HOT?! It's been a scorcher here in NC, but it was also hot up in the Big Apple over the weekend. My husband and I went to New York City for a public relations seminar last week. We had a great time! Of course I captured as many images as possible during our visit. I've posted a few below. Enjoy!

Summertime is almost here!

2008-06-03T16:07:00.007-04:00

Is your family portrait out-dated? Or maybe you have a new addition to your family?Summertime is the perfect time of year for family portraits! Cat's Eye Photography has many different options to meet your needs. HURRY! Portrait sessions are filling up fast! I still have openings for June, so e-mail me at courtney@catseyephotography.net to set up an appointment.