Tips for Mom- Photos of the Heart Photography Training, Sierra Vista AZ

Does it drive you crazy when you try to take pictures of your child and you get this?

Well, these 9 pictures were taken in about 90 seconds! Can you see how fast your child changes in such a short time frame?

Imagine if you stopped shooting after the first shot and started directing your child to "smile, say cheese, don't make that face, sit up taller, look at me, pay attention, sit still, smile"

You would have ONE picture and a very frustrated child!

What about this one?
Can you tell who wants to run over to a mud puddle to play?
Who is bored?
Who is the daydreamer?
Who is listening to her mom tell her to "Look at me" ?
Which one can't sit still?
Which one is shy?
Which on is silly?
Which one hates to have his picture taken?

A picture can be more than just a record of what your kids look like.  A picture can show WHO they are, WHAT their attitude is and where they are right now.

Next time you want to snap a picture, take a moment to remember that today, your child is at a stage that they will never be in again. Your 16 year old will not be the sweet, bubbly, energetic 5 year old anymore. Catch the picture of who they really are right now! Not every picture needs to be looking at the camera. Not every picture needs to be standing tall and smiling. Silly grins, goofy faces and laughter are fleeting. They won't last forever, so when you take pictures of your own family, remember not to be too worried about it.  You are preserving a moment!


When you book a photoshoot with me, I will capture your child at their best (and maybe even their worst!) I will preserve the moments that are only here right now and find their unique personality. So enjoy yourself! Let your kids enjoy themselves! We will get that perfect family shot AND all those wonderful things that you love about your kids!

I know that dirty knees are just as important as happy smiles!  (although I will try to get the clean shots first!)

And don't forget about the "Moms with Cameras!" series of photography classes!

Is your fancy digital camera still in full auto - just like it was when you first took it out of the box? Do you wish you could take better pictures with your point and shoot camera?

Why not host a "Moms With Cameras" beginner's photography PARTY class and learn how to get more from your camera and take better pictures in a fun setting with friends? (or make it a date night!)

The small group "party style" photography class is a great way for you and your friends to get help with the basics of what goes into an exposure, basic features of your camera, and how to use of your camera in my technical class.

If you are more interested in using a point and shoot camera, or a camera on full/part auto, then I also offer a fun class that covers fewer technical points, but more real world ways to get better pictures of your child (and tips on how you can look better in pictures too!)

The hostess gets her next family session at half price AND a free bonus session where I help you look at pictures that you have taken and show you step by step how to take it to the next level! (30 minute bonus one on one session and family discount shoot valued at $150~)

Why should I pay for portraits? After all....

...my uncle Bob has a fancy camera. His camera can take good pictures? Right?

A question I am asked frequently is why photographers charge what they do. There is such a discrepancy in prices – and those shopping purely on price alone are nearly always going to go the least expensive route. But is that the wisest decision?

One phrase I hear a lot is, “it only costs 10c to make a print – so why do you charge so much?” And if the value of the image was only the print paper cost itself, that would be a valid question. But then again, a lawyer makes several thousands and all they produce is paper worth less then a penny. So why do we pay lawyers upwards of $100 an hour?

The easy answer is that an experienced photographer – one who has spent years studying the craft, honing skills, and perfecting style, is going to give you a much better image than the beginner who is simply clicking a shutter button on auto. If clicking the shutter is the only parameter of a professional photographer, I’d like to offer the services of my 5 year old – she takes great pictures (everyone says so!) and I’m happy to hire her out for $200 for a disk of images. She’ll be happy too – she’d love a new doll. But why pay $200 for my 7 year old (or a beginner photographer) when you can just have the grandparents click the button instead – and for free?

I could make this post longer by summing out costs of being a photographer: VAT/taxes, insurance, business development costs, time, software, equipment, the desire to not work for free for other people ……. but really, I would think that most would recognize there are obvious costs behind owning any business. Would you really feel you were saving money if you hired a lawyer who had no formal training or education but who felt they would be good at winning lawsuits because they saw someone do it on TV?

The parallel is true since many photographers are encouraged by friends and family (would you tell your best friend that the image she shot and is so proud of has a kid in dappled light and a telephone pole sticking out of his head with a white balance so off that he is practically blue?). Similarly, many photographers are not licensed business owners – so if you get charged for poor portraits, you have no recourse. I would love to charge less – and certainly my photography business isn’t going to buy me a Lexus. But at the same time, it is frustrating to be legal, pay taxes, and yet lose customers to those operating illegally.

Truly: professional images comprise a lot of factors – otherwise, why would you hire someone to photograph your children if you could just do it yourself? Composition, metering, focus, white balance, skin tones, light in the eyes, pose, post processing….. these are skills that take time to develop. And the difference in quality should be fairly obvious if you compare portfolios.
Which always leads to the next question: “It’s just the camera, right?”

And that one hit kind of home for me. One day last year, my sister told me she wanted to take images of her family and have them be as good as mine – so she asked which DSLR she should buy. I answered her honestly: unless you are going to shoot in manual modes (not auto) and learn ISO, F-stop, Shutter speed, spot metering, etc, she could spend thousands and thousands and not have as good images. Good images are about using the equipment and reading the light correctly – neither of which can be obtained in AUTO by clicking a button. If you don’t believe me, go ahead and spend thousands. But also be prepared to admit that it’s not the camera, it is the artist BEHIND the lens, that is making the creative and beautiful portraits. And as for my sister? She bought a prosumer and not a DSLR and has been very happy since. And saved quite a bit of money in the process.

It really isn’t about the camera. When the light is read correctly, the right F-Stop is chosen, and sound post processing is applied, a boring location can turn into something amazing.


One thing I really find interesting is that people will buy Coach purses, fancy flatscreen TVs, expensive toys and sets for their children, and all manner of luxury goods that have maybe a 1-2 year lifespan. But when it comes to professional portraits, which will last a lifetime, they base the decision purely on price. I’m not sure at what point children and family become less important than a fancy purse. But I can tell you that those who purchased high quality portraits have a beautiful reminder of a time that has past – and those portraits are still hanging or displayed while the purse has long since been thrown away.

Sure, parents can choose to purchase inexpensive photography based solely on price. Not everyone can afford the price of a good photographer and the compromise often is quality. But I truly hope and encourage buyers to really consider what they are buying and why – and not to choose solely on price. Your memories do not have a price tag and once this moment is gone, you forever lose the chance to have hired a true professional to beautifully capture your family.
Choosing the best you can afford will always be the best advice given to anyone looking for quality professional portraits. As with anything hand-made and requiring an artistic eye, those who produce quality work often charge more – it compensates for the amount of time they have spent learning and perfecting their art. Choose not based on price – but on how the photographer expresses themselves – and how that will translate into your family’s portrait work. Choosing based solely on price is saying that all photographers are the same – and that really isn’t true.

Sure, price may not always reflect skill. That’s where a buyer’s judgment and comparison of portfolios come in. But it is a good bet that a lot of the cheap photographers that only charges $35 for a disk of imagees will disappear in a year as they realize they are actually losing money and working for nearly free. And that is also a concern because they may not have an interest in protecting or archiving your photos.

What to Wear?!? Photos of the Heart-Family Photographer

Are you trying to figure out what to wear for your next photo shoot?  If you are not the formal, dressed up to the nines every day kind of family, then why not be comfortable?  Wear jeans....you will be comfortable and when your husband is comfortable....he will be happier!

Try a cool blue and grey color combo from Old Navy and I'll see you soon!

Happy Little Girl-{Photos of the Heart, Horse Photographer, Sierra Vista AZ}

Hero Hearts EquiCenter in Sierra Vista Arizona, just offered a Military Kid Horse Camp and my kids were able to attend.


I had no idea how much my kids were going to love riding horses. It was a fantastic opportunity and this sneak peak will show you that my daughter was thrilled!

I recommend that you check out this organization!  They are providing a very needed service!  They provide therapeutic horseback riding lessons, equine-facilitated psychotherapy, and equine facilitated learning to wounded soldiers, veterans, retirees, and emergency services personnel through the NARHA Horses for Heroes program, as well as programs for adults with disabilities.

HORSES FOR HEROES:

The NARHA Horses for Heroes program is specifically designed for wounded military service personnel.  Through the unique power of the horse, we are able to help our soldiers and veterans physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually through activities such as therapeutic riding and equine facilitated psychotherapy and learning.  It is a wonderful opportunity for us to give back to those who have given so much for our country. THERAPEUTIC RIDING: Therapeutic riding sessions are designed and implemented for each individual client based on their specific needs. Riding sessions include various activities to help improve physical abilities of each rider, and each rider is paired with the appropriate horse based on their riding skills, and the horse’s physical attributes. Therapeutic riding can help increase range of motion in joints; improve balance and posture; provide a sense of accomplishment, increase self-confidence and promote social interaction. EQUINE FACILITATED PSYCHOTHERAPY AND LEARNING: Sessions include individuals, families and groups. Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy is an experiential form of treatment that involves ground-based activities utilizing a team approach. Activities can include, but are not limited to handling, grooming, longeing, driving, and vaulting. The team consists of the client, horse, licensed mental health professional, and a NARHA certified instructor/equine specialist. For more information on equine-facilitated psychotherapy and learning, please visit the EFMHA (Equine Facilitated Mental Health Association) section of the NARHA website, or www.eagala.org (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association)

Happy anniversary! {Dana Stone-Wedding Photographer Sierra Vista AZ}

Look at my recently updated blog header. See that fabulous couple? Well, they ARE fabulous. Simple fantastic. I'm in love with how in love they are.

And check out this amazing villa......

It's where one year ago, they tied the knot! (The officially, unofficial knot tying!)

But still.....

Happy Anniversary!

Last year, I was asked to shoot a last minute, very important wedding! This amazing couple was faced with a military separation messing up their plans! They had prepared for a wonderful wedding followed by a honeymoon and then moving overseas for the Army.

But alas, the Army did not agree! So they needed to get the legal paperwork done so they could be together! What was a quick ceremony for them turned into one of my all time favorite events of all time!

Can you see how much they love each other? How adorable and sweet they are together?

Yes, Christie, we know you are hot.

How silly and fun and full of life? I loved loved loved shooting them because they were beautiful and amazing and crazy in love!

Happy Anniversary!

King Arthur Contest!-Win a Free Family Portrait {Dana Stone-Sierra Vista Photographer}

To congratulate the wonderful performance by all of the children in Missoula Children's Theatre's production of King Arthur....Photos of the Heart is hosting a King Arthur Contest! 

Beginning Wednesday July 21 you will be able to enter to win a free photo session with Dana Stone/Photos of the Heart, as well as 1 8x10, 2 5x7's, one set of 8 wallets, and 3 digital images to share of your choice. Here are the details:

TO ENTER

* Become a Fan of Photos of the Heart on Facebook.


* One entry per child-Get one entry by commenting on THIS post.  Just tell us why your child loved performing in King Arthur or their favorite part of acting!


* If your child was not in the Missoula performance, you can still enter by commenting on THIS post with why your family needs a family portrait! Get extra entries if you include a picture!


* Get another entry by sharing this contest on Facebook, blog or Twitter!  Please include a link to where you shared the contest info.


* If you refer someone to my facebook page and they comment/enter in this contest and tell me you referred them, you can get another entry! 


*All parents/legal Guardians of children who performed in King Arthur may book a photo session for the duration of the contest for a 10% discount.  If they are selected as the grand prize winner, the session fee will be refunded.




Some finicky rules.
* You must be the parent or legal guardian of the child who leaves a comment.
* Each comment will be one entry.  So leave separate comments for each time you share!
* You must agree to sign a model release form.
* Entries will be accepted until 11:59pm Sunday Aug 1st, 2010 
* All comments will be moderated, so please be patient if your comment does not appear right away. 
* Include your name and contact information-email, phone, or facebook (so I can contact you if you win!)
* Contest open to everyone, however if you live outside of a 30 mile radius from Fort Huachuca AZ, you must choose a location within 30 miles for your prize shoot, or a travel fee will be charged of 85 cents per mile, each direction, beyond 30  miles. 
* All valid comments/entries will be put into a pool and RANDOMLY selected.
* All comments will be verified.
* Official winner will be notified and announced no later than Monday Aug 2nd.


WHAT YOU WILL WIN

* The winner will receive a free photo session with Dana Stone/Photos of the Heart, 1 8x10 photo, 2 5x7 photos, 1 set of 8 wallets, and 3 digital images, watermarked and resized for viewing on the internet (facebook, blogs, email etc - not to be printed, reproduced, or altered in any way)
* Photo session must be booked within 30 days of winning, and completed before Sept 15, 2010
* Prize retail value of $220 - can not be altered or changed in any way, and not redeemable for cash
* Additional prints will be available for purchase at retail prices
* Not redeemable towards Birth Photography
* No other promotions or discounts can be applied



Please post any questions you have and I will be happy to answer them. I look forward to seeing your entries!

The love of a military wife..... {Photos of the Heart-Army Photography, Fort Huachuca AZ}

....has to be one of the strongest bonds in the world.

It's hard to say goodbye to the soldiers in our lives.  I know because I have had to say goodbye more times than I want to think about. I hated the countdown that led up to the final goodbye because it was just so hard to focus on anything but the soldiers leaving.

That's why I am so glad that I was able to take some pictures for this family.  He is getting ready to deploy and leave behind his wife and young son.  It's important to have pictures of happy times so that when goodbyes are finally said, there is something tangible to hold onto.

And this couple is so happy and so in love.  It was interesting to spend time with a young couple who is right where I was years ago.  They have a positive attitude and are obviously in love.  I see how they are about to be separated,  but I also see how their future lies ahead.  Even though there will be miles between them, they can still support and love one another.

I see them and think of the reunion (I hope I get to be there!) that will take place in what seems like such a long way away.  Even though goodbyes are sad, I see a glimpse of the joy that will be at their reunion.  I'm sure that will be a wonderful, amazing, joyful day.

Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free." Ronald Reagan - 40th president of USA (1911 - 2004)

Hot Momma! -{Photos of the Heart-Fort Huachuca Photographer}

I received a call from Hannah to take portraits of her family before her husband deployed. She really emphasized that she wanted the pictures to focus on her husband and her spunky little boy.

Not a problem, right? I love taking pictures of kids and their dads. But she didn't want to be the focus of the pictures...and that was such a shame! Look at how absolutely gorgeous this mom is!



This was literally the last shot of the day and and the ONLY one of her by herself. As you can see, it turned out perfect! The was supposed to be a sneak peek of the family shoot, but since she is usually focused on her family, I wanted her to have a turn to shine. So, Hannah, bask in the fact that you really are very photogenic and not just beautiful in person!

I'll be posting a few more pictures of her with her husband soon and I'm sure you can see why he is so in love with her!

(PS, She is cheerful and sweet in person too! I loved visiting with her and her family! I can't wait to show off some of their bubble shots!)

Missoula Children's Theater comes to Fort Huachuca! -{Photos of the Heart-Children's Photographer}

Missoula Children's Theater introduced nearly 60 military children to acting last week as they performed "King Arthur's Quest" at Col. Johnston Elementary school on post. The children practiced the production the entire week and performed the show for the public at 7 p.m., Friday.


The kids were amazing! Some kids had previous acting experience, but most were new to the stage. They had a chance to learn songs, dances and basic stage direction. They worked very hard all week and were thrilled when they finally got to show off for their friends and family.


Here is a sneak peak of the Cast Book. More pictures to come soon!