As I mentioned earlier this weekend, I got to spend a little time with one of the coolest families I know recently. You can read more about it (and see a few pictures) by visiting Under the Sycamore, written by my friend Ashley Ann.
Chris and Ashley – thank you so much for letting me spend some time with your family. I had a blast! :)
LOVE THOSE PICS!!! Just wanted you to know ;)
Haha! Thanks, Bane! :)
I’ve had a few more sessions recently now that the Oklahoma weather is staying below 110 degrees. Over the weekend, I got to spend a little time with a family that is just such a blast to be around!
I’ve said this before, but I love working with kids when doing sessions. They have such an honesty and innocence in front of the camera because they’re not worried about their hair, if they have any lunch left on their face or if they’re sporting a boogey. :) They are just relaxed and natural and it’s so much fun to catch their personalities on “film”.
The family I spent some time with has 4 little ones (and counting). It was a session full of laughter, jumping, play fighting, smashing things (with permission), love and joy.
I walked away a little tired, a lot sweaty and with a full heart. This is why I love photography. And I am so beyond blessed to get to spend a little time with all of these wonderful families.
by Ryan
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[...] I mentioned earlier this weekend, I got to spend a little time with one of the coolest families I know recently. You can read more [...]
If you’re new here, chances are you’re coming my way after clicking on the little RAP logo on Ashley Ann’s Under the Sycamore. (BTW – how awesome is Ashley? Love her.) So, I thought I’d just say hi and welcome you to Ryan Arrowsmith Photography, or RAP as I like to say (in an effort to sound all trendy and hip – of which I am neither).
You can read more about me on my “About” page. Not much has changed since I originally posted that short little bio. Oh, except we’re totally hooked on our own little redneck pool. Explanation:
Our son is a water baby – he can’t get enough. I’m also sort of germ and insect-phobic, so I won’t do one of those kiddie pools they sell at Wally World. I want something that I can easily dump the water and put it away. Hence the drink bin turned baby pool.
So, that’s a little bit more about me. Tell me about you!
by Ryan
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When shooting, one thing that can elevate a picture from ordinary to interesting is perspective – in particular, remembering to assess the image’s background.
Here’s an example….
There is a vacant lot in our neighborhood where the grass has grown up and, especially in the soft light of the setting sun, it’s actually really pretty. But what surrounds the lot isn’t a great backdrop for a photo.
Here is a picture straight out of the camera, where I didn’t focus on the background of the image.
Even though this lot was in the middle of my neighborhood and surrounded by things I didn’t necessarily want in my image, I decided to play around and see if I could still get some decent images without including the surrounding houses. Here’s how I came out:
This tip goes along with the 3 Perspectives tip I posted a little bit back. If you keep a keen eye on your background and the surroundings, and change your perspective accordingly, you’ll be able to capture better images, no matter where you may be. Even if it’s an overgrown, vacant lot in the middle of your neighborhood.
by Ryan
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Ryan,
So glad to hear you are doing sessions again! Wishing you and your family all the best.
Thanks, Courtney! I can’t wait to get back out and do some updated pics with your family this season! :)
This guy wants to wish everyone a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend. And thank you to all of the men and women who have served, and are serving, our country.
by Ryan
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As I said before, I’m going to occasionally share some photography tips I’ve picked up along the way. The goal in sharing these tidbits is to help anyone capture the special moments in their lives – not just those who own a DSLR (or fancy schmancy camera). I love taking pictures (obviously) and I have since I was a youngen’. It’s only been in the past 10 years or so that I’ve gotten serious about it though and upgraded from my trust Canon point and shoot. Prior to that, I wish someone would have given me some basic pointers to practice with my little Canon camera. So, here goes…
The photographs I cherish the most are the ones that capture emotion, that freeze a moment in time and that catch the people I love being natural and living. I’ve never been a fan of posed photography. To me, photography is a tool that helps tell a story. I want to capture my subjects in a way that relates to the story I’m trying to tell. The “Sears Portrait Smile” is the opposite of that.
With my family, everyone has pretty much learned to ignore the fact that I walk around with a huge camera in front of my face. (In fact, my son is so used to the camera that, when we stopped in at one of Ashley Ann’s SnapShops, he was completely comfortable having 15 cameras in his face at all times.) But, when I was first getting more serious about photography, the first reaction when I was shooting was for my subject to stop, pose and smile. There are times when that’s perfect (who doesn’t love a toddler smile?) but there are also times where that pose isn’t the story I want to remember. So, in those early days, I had to become a photography ninja – I had to be quiet, to stay out of view of my subject and then – BAMMO – pop in, get my shot and get out.
So, part of capturing candid moments is all about being invisible, or unseen, by the subject.
Another tip is to just be honest with your subject. On shoots with my client, I obviously can’t hide and make the subject unaware that I’m photographing them. Because of that, I have to give instructions to my subject to capture the moments I need to. This is a habit I’ve taken into my personal photography as well. You’ll hear me say “ignore the camera!”, “don’t look at the camera!”, “act like I’m not here” or “act like the camera lens is a laser and, if you look directly into it, your brains will be fried”. I’ll also ask for certain things, like to change the subject’s position, angle of the head, prop placement, etc.
As an example, here is a photograph of Grandpa Smith, one of my extended family of grandparents:
Technically, there are imperfections with this picture. There are things that I could have done better and it could have been more crisp. But, with my own family especially, I’m willing to accept the compromise of catching candid moments over technically superior photos. I want to capture the people I love, in the moments I want to remember, over having a posed, perfectly-sharp photograph.
When I look at this photo, I will remember a Grandfather’s pride as he watched his great grandson playing in the yard. I’ll remember what a hard-working cowboy he is, his soft nature and how much fun we had spending time on the ranch (a moment I wanted to capture because Grandpa and Grandma are moving away from the ranch soon).
To me, this photo is perfect. And it’s perfect because it captures who he is and what he was feeling the moment. That was possible because, in this situation, Grandpa wasn’t aware that I was pointing my lens at him. He was just being and not posing.
by Ryan
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Every now and again I get an e-mail or question about how to shoot better images. I learn by seeing and by doing, not by reading a lecture. So, I figured I’d show an example here and there.
The first tip is something that’s pretty common sense, but it’s also the foundation of photography: lighting. If you boil photography down, it’s really just a study of light. Everything you do as a photographer revolves around controlling and capturing light. Being aware of your lighting is the really the first step towards capturing the best images possible.
Here’s an example:
In the image above, I snapped the picture from behind the object facing into my light source. As you can tell, the image doesn’t look super yummy (that’s an actual photography term).
So, for picture two, I put myself between the window and the object I’m shooting:
Instantly a better picture. By taking advantage of the natural light to illuminate the object, instead of shooting directly into it, my image comes out more crisp and natural. I didn’t change any settings on my camera or move the object. I just changed my position.
When I set up a shoot or prepare for a shot, I always think of my lighting first. I want to make sure that my subject isn’t directly in sunlight (or you risk over-exposure and squinting with live subjects) but it well-lit by indirect sunlight. I also want to make sure that I’m working with the light and not against it.
In addition, choosing an interesting angle can make or break a photograph. When I was first tinkering with photography, I constantly shot from the same angle, which was straight ahead, at eye level. There’s nothing wrong with shooting from that perspective, but sometimes by changing things up, you can create a more interesting photo, which tells a story or spurs some thought.
Here’s an example:
Again, this image is of the same object in the same place – only my position has changed. By moving to standing over the subject and looking down, and then choosing where to focus, the object becomes more interesting than an image shooting straight on would be.
By remembering to consider your light source and your angle, you can kick your images up quite a bit regardless of your skill level or camera.
(These images are straight out of the camera, other than sharpening for the web.)
by Ryan
2 comments
[...] tip goes along with the 3 Perspectives tip I posted a little bit back. If you keep a keen eye on your background and the surroundings, [...]
[...] tip goes along with the 3 Perspectives tip I posted a little bit back. If you keep a keen eye on your background and the surroundings, [...]
We made a stop by one of Ashley Ann’s SnapShops today so that our little man could be part of a team of Super Baby Models. We had a ton of fun! Here’s a quick picture I snapped with my iPhone of the group shot, which went surprising well. :)
If you own a DSLR and are interested in learning how to take your photography to the next level, I’d definitely recommend one of Ashley Ann’s SnapShops. She puts all of the technical photography jargon into the context of everyday shooting and makes it a total blast.
by Ryan
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Thanks Ryan! Your little guy is adorable and obviously very comfortable in front of a bunch of cameras. Thanks for letting him model!
[...] with a huge camera in front of my face. (In fact, my son is so used to the camera that, when we stopped in at one of Ashley Ann’s SnapShops, he was completely comfortable having 15 cameras in his face at all times.) But, when I was first [...]
[...] with a huge camera in front of my face. (In fact, my son is so used to the camera that, when we stopped in at one of Ashley Ann’s SnapShops, he was completely comfortable having 15 cameras in his face at all times.) But, when I was first [...]
I recently had the chance to take a few family portraits with the Walz family, or my Walzies. :) Brandi has been one of my best friends for the past 15+ years, and she’s like a sister to me (she, and her family, are definitely part of the group I consider my second family as well – along with so many other close friends). Every time we’re together, I feel like we’re 16 again riding around in her Sunfire.
But, oh, how the times have changed! :)
Brandi and her incredible hubby, Matt, have the most adorable little girl, Claire. It’s been so much fun watching Matt and Brandi grow as a couple and as parents, and watching little Claire become….well, not so little. :)
…and here’s the two of us together (taken by Matt)..
Stay tuned for more pics! I have been a processing mad man! I’m finally almost caught up from all of my recent sessions.
by Ryan
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Hi, Ryan! I’m a friend of Matt & Brandi’s, and I just wanted to tell you that these photos of them are fanTASTIC! Great job, and thanks!
J
What defines a family? That’s a question that I’ve really had to ask myself over the past 12 months for a variety of reasons.
After a lot of thought, this is what I decided upon: love defines a family. It’s cliched, it’s simple, but it’s the truth for me. For most of my life, I’ve considered family to be a relationship defined by DNA. But what I’ve learned, through the support and devotion of some incredible friends, is that friendship can cross the line from just friends to be truly and thoroughly family.
The people in this picture are my family – my second family – and I adore them.
by Ryan
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I was flipping channels the other night and ran across HBO’s Boardwalk Empire. It totally reminded me of the trip I recently took to Atlantic City, so I thought I’d share a few iPhone camera snaps that I like. :)
by Ryan
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Well, that didn’t work! I had selected the winner over this past weekend. I put together a post that was supposed to publish on Monday, and it apparently didn’t. So, I am sorry for keeping everyone waiting!
The winner is….
Comment #8 by Evie Houston!
WIPEOUT! Why? Because my almost five year old little boy thinks it’s the most HILARIOUS thing in the world to watch all of those crazy people fall off of the obstacle courses, especially when they fall into a “muddy mud pit”.
I love hearing him belly laugh and try to impersonate how people fall and crash and he builds “wipeout” courses in our living room with pillows and cushions.
That’s the best- not because of the show, but because of how much silliness and fun it brings into our home for that hour every week.
I loved your answer Evie and I am looking forward to our session! I’ll be emailing you in a moment with the details!
Keep watching the blog for more giveaways and images from recent sessions. I have an engagement session I can’t wait to share! :)
by Ryan
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Don’t forget to enter the giveaway for a free photo session! The cut off is Friday people! :)
by Ryan
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For the rest of 2010, I’m going to be giving away one free session per month. The session can be used for family or individual portraits, pet portraits, kiddie shoots or about anything else you can imagine (except weddings). Included with the session is a DVD with all of your images included, so there is absolutely nothing to buy!
So, here’s the deal:
You can enter for the next week! The contest officially closes nest Friday at 5:00 PM Central time.
Here’s the question you have to answer: What is your favorite summer TV show and why?
Good luck! :)
Ryan
by Ryan
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Answer: Entourage is my fave. 5 words: Vinny, Drama, Ari, E and Turtle! :)
Ooooo, Matt and I were just saying that we need to do a shoot before it gets cold. (Which seems FOREVER away right now.)
Answer: I don’t watch any summer TV! I catch up on movies and TV shows via Netflix. But my favorite of those is Dexter. :-D
Big Brother. My summer TV guilty pleasure. Sucks me in every year, as much as I try to resist its ridiculousness.
I’m obsessed with SYTYCD. I love that it’s on during the summer when other shows are off. It’s really all I watch. Other than the food network!
That is an adorable baby shot!!
Yay Ryan–how fun is this??!!
Ok…um…I have a feeling I’m going to be the only odd ball here…So…Odd Ball it is…I can’t wait to see Warehouse13!!!! And another guilty pleasure is Project Runway–I LOVE Heidi!!!!!
Answer: Big Brother! I look forward to watching the complete craziness every summer!
WIPEOUT! Why? Because my almost five year old little boy thinks it’s the most HILARIOUS thing in the world to watch all of those crazy people fall off of the obstacle courses, especially when they fall into a “muddy mud pit”.
I love hearing him belly laugh and try to impersonate how people fall and crash and he builds “wipeout” courses in our living room with pillows and cushions.
That’s the best- not because of the show, but because of how much silliness and fun it brings into our home for that hour every week.
So You Think You Can Dance, hands down. Every season I get chills and nearly cry at the first show opener. I love the dancing, the challenge, watching the dancers as they grow, watching dreams come true, and the phenomenal ground breaking moments like this season’s “fix you” performance. So…wanna take my picture?!
I admit that I do love reality television and my favorite summer one right now is Bethenny Getting Married? on the BRAVO channel. The show is very entertaining because of the craziness that is in each episode. I lived in NJ for four years and a lot of the things on that show remind me of life in the Northeast!
I’m going to have to go with “Downfall.” Once I knew the beautiful frontload washer and dryer were just a prop, I could enjoy it… It was just too upsetting when I thought they were real!! It is such a great premise for a show… Answer these questions or we’ll throw your stuff off a building! And seeing people use the “panic” button for their model ship but not their spouse is pretty hilarious.
Answer: BIG BROTHER!!!! Love…Love….Love this show. I even love it better when it is DVR’d and I can skip through the commericals. It doesn’t help my obsession that it is on 3 days a week.
I have even gotten my husband and son watching it too,and wouldn’t want it any other way.
I think I am gonna have to go with the new TNT show Rizzoli & Isles. It is about a homicide detective and medical examiner. They are both polar opposites in how they look at life and how they were raised. Both of the ladies on there are great and they have play off of each other better than most female duo’s I have seen in a while! Plus I <3 seeing strong women in mostly male dominated careers. (especially when they kick butt!) :-)
Ashley Ann over at Under the Sycamore is such a sweet, seriously talented gal. Today she posted a few of my pics and a link to the site, because she’s cool like that. :)
She’s also doing a giveaway – head on over there, answer her question and get entered into a drawing for a free photographer session from….wait for it….me! :)
What are you waiting for? Go enter now! And good luck!
by Ryan
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This weekend I had the pleasure of shooting some portraits for my oldest niece, Ariel. It’s hard to believe that she’s already such a mature, intelligent and charming young lady. Wasn’t it just yesterday that she took her first steps? Sigh. Time flies my friends.
And Ariel: please stop growing up. You’re making me feel way too old. KTHANKS. :)
by Ryan
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Just a random, colorful self-portrait for no particular reason. :)
by Ryan
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It has been an incredibly stressful couple of months. This pretty much sums up how I am feeling at the moment.
This too shall pass though! :)
by Ryan
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by Ryan
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