Don’t expect a camera to do a photographer’s job

I decided to try an experiment with the help of my husband, Landon. I wanted to demonstrate the advantages of hiring a professional photographer versus a random person buying a DSLR and taking photos of your children or family.

Now, before I begin, let me say that my husband has been subjected to my photography ramblings for the past three years and knows a little about what makes a good photo. He has watched me take photos numerous times. However, he has only used my camera maybe two times before today.

My son, Remington (the subject of these photos and built in model), is also very used to being photographed. He often does not need much direction for poses, however, he is still a typical 2 year old.

So here is the experiment. First, I left my camera on the settings I used for my last photo session and simply allowed my husband to pick up the camera and attempt to shoot away. Here are the results.

By the way: ALL of the photos here are SOOC (straight out of camera), even mine.

 

Next, I was nicer to sweet hubby and set the camera on auto since he doesn’t know how to change the manual settings, or as he said,Β  “All these numbers.” Here are the photos on auto. I was actually surprised at his results for the last two frames. I may have to take him under my wing and start a husband wife photo team. πŸ˜‰

 

Then, I took control and went back outside to the same spot with our little model. Here are my photos, again straight out of camera.

You can see the difference in color, focus, and composition. Of course,Β  a professional photographer doesn’t just take photos and sit back finished. Here is my edit.

 

I decided to edit Landon’s best photo too. So, what do you think? Comments? Leave feedback in the comment section.

A very special thank you to my husband, Landon, for letting me showcase his photo taking abilities. πŸ™‚ I love you!

 

 

Cotton Bottom Babies | Salina Kansas Children Photography

Thank you everyone for coming out to the Cotton Bottom Baby grand opening! I had the pleasure of photography the most adorable babies. As I was going through the photos, their eyes and personalities shown brightly. Here are some of my favorites. Prepare for cuteness overload. Parents, please indicate photos you would like to order on Smugmug: http://lisastoutphotography.smugmug.com/Children/Cotton-Bottom-Babies/24348182_rwGpQ7

Cotton Bottom Baby | Salina Kansas Photographer

July 20th, 2012. Cotton Bottom Baby is a new cloth diaper store in Salina, who isΒ  having their grand opening this weekend. I will be there from 10-4 providing photos for customers. Also, if you book a session there you get 25% off the session fee.

So, how does this work?

I will have an area set up in the store where I’ll take the photos for FREE. The photos will then be uploaded to an online proof gallery. You can then order prints of your choosing following my print price list.

http://www.cottonbottombaby.com/

 

Now here are some sample photos with Remington’s stuffed bear. πŸ™‚ He wasn’t in a mood to be my model that day.