Smile Shoot Print

Photography Lessons with Izzy

2008-08-01T14:17:00.000-07:00

We continue to work with Izzy on photography lessons. Some days she really enjoys it and others she would rather just run and play. We went to a softball game the other night. Steven works for Best Buy and they formed a softball team to compete against another store for some friendly competition. Steven hadn't played for years but he definately tried. Izzy ran and played quite a bit. She started taking pictures of some of the other kids and had some fun.

I'll post those soon for you to enjoy.

Storybook Creations

2008-04-28T18:03:00.000-07:00

We are working on new story lines that will make perfect books for you and your loved ones. Storybook Creations are personalized stories with photo shoot that will be a treasured keepsake for your family.

Your story book is an 8x8 hard back book that is both photo session and story. Would you like to create a story for family that is long distance? Create a "While you've been gone" book to send them.

Do you have a child who loves fairy tales? Let us create a "Happily Ever After" book.

Record your holiday traditions and more.

Maternity Shoot

2008-04-05T08:56:00.000-07:00

We recently had the pleasure of photographing a family as they were nearing the arrival of their newest member. Just days before the due date the family prepared for their photo shoot with us.

The family had hoped for maternity pictures at the beach but due to rain and menacing black clouds their on location photo shoot indoors.

We started their session in the new baby's room. White walls and a black sheet laid out the basics for a lovely session. Mommy to be was very brave in baring her beautiful belly for some incredible belly shots. Her husband and son photographed beautifully as well for what turned out to be my favorite maternity session yet.

Remember: Smile, shoot, print and you will be happier for it.

To book your on location photo session with Smile Shoot Print email us at spencer@smileshootprint.com

Photography t shirts and photographic gifts are available for purchase at Spencer Photos: our online store.

Upon request your portraits can be added to shirts, tote bags, mugs and more for a truly unique gift.

Photography Lessons with Izzy - continued

2008-04-05T08:47:00.000-07:00

After practicing at home, Izzy and I decided that it was time to move outside for our photography lessons. We went to the Chesapeake Arboretum. There is a lovely old home with gardens surrounding it with the wooded trails nearby. The daffodils were in bloom. Teaching her how to get close enough to the subject was difficult as she kept wanting to back up. As we walked the grounds I let her choose what we were photographing.

She took pictures of all sorts of things. She was particularly fasinated with the ground. She took pictures of the grass, bark mulch, fallen leaves and more. I gently offered directions while she shot.

I noticed her tendency to start walking before she had finished taking the picture. It's important to have your child stay still between shoots and not to walk and shoot at the same time. They will be able to take better pictures and it'll be easier for you to make sure the camera stays safe.

Remember: Smile, shoot, print and you will be happier for it.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3S 5MP Digital Camera can be purchased along with other photography items at Heather's Photography and More Store.

Photography t shirts and photographic gifts are available for purchase at Spencer Photos which is our online store.

More lessons with Izzy will be coming soon.

Photography Lessons with Izzy – continued:

2008-03-23T19:18:00.000-07:00

I recently upgraded my camera to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3. I was using the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3S which I found was an excellent camera. I took many beautiful pictures on that camera.

I’ve been wanted to buy Izzy a digital camera for quite some time. For Christmas of 2006 we purchased her one of those cheap digital cameras for children. Do not waste your money on these. They are very frustrating. Even if your child managed to take a decent picture it would still be crap. I’ll be having Steven write up an article on what to look for when purchasing a digital camera but I fear I’m straying from this topic. I’ve been trying to convince Steven that we needed to get a better camera for Izzy.

She has been showing interest in photography. I imagine that is because Steven and I are always taking pictures and all of our day trips as a family involves taking pictures. We decided to give her my older Lumix while I used the new Lumix. Under direct supervision of course.

We started our lessons at home. Trying to teach her how to take pictures was interesting as the Lumix doesn’t have a view finder. Trying to get Izzy to not put the camera up to her face to take a picture took the longest out of everything I’ve taught her. We started by sitting on the bed surrounded by her favorite stuffed animals who “posed” for her.

We worked on respect for the camera. Simple instructions for a young child work best as they don’t fully understand terms like respect. Do not touch the lens. Stay still while holding the camera. The camera stays with mommy when the “photo session” is over. For anyone wanting to purchase a camera for their children or let their child use their own camera please do not let the child keep the camera in their possession. This is a disaster waiting to happen. Cameras are not toys even though they are very fun.

We posed her stuffed animals and she practiced lining them up in the view finder. I had her sit on the bed and I sat behind her at first to help her steady the camera and guide her fingers into the appropriate positions. She quickly got the hang of this and no longer needed my support.

My advice to parents who are teaching their children photography is this. Use a digital camera instead of a 35mm film camera. Do not stop them from taking the pictures they want to take. With digital there is no wasting film. You might not understand why they want to take 100 pictures of the ground, grass, walls, blankets, pillows, etc but they find it interesting and they are developing confidence in themselves. The moment you tell them that they shouldn’t take a picture of something because it’s not important is the moment you stifle their creative growth.

Please note: there will be 100’s of bad pictures. Your child will still love them though and be proud of themselves as long as you let them. Praise your child’s attempts; show them a slide show of their photographs. They will want to take more and they will improve.

Criticize them too much at this early age and they will give up and think they are incapable.

Remember: Smile, shoot, print and you will be happier for it.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3S 5MP Digital Camera can be purchased along with other photography items at Heather's Photography and More Store.

Photography t shirts and photographic gifts are available for purchase at Spencer Photos which is our online store.

More lessons with Izzy will be coming soon.

Photography lessons with Izzy

2008-03-19T21:49:00.000-07:00

I've been giving Izzy, my 3 1/2 year old daughter, photography lessons. She isn't the best photographer but she is pretty good for her age. There are some important things to remember when teaching your child how to use a camera.

1. Respect for the camera.
2. Patience
3. Make sure your child is well rested
4. If practicing outside make sure there is little to no wind and that there are no geese coming after your child.

More helpful hints coming soon.

Here is a slide show of some of Izzy's first pictures. Enjoy!

Storybook Creations: Happily Ever After

2008-03-16T19:18:00.001-07:00

Welcome! Smile Shoot Print

2008-03-16T18:10:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Smile Shoot Print!

Great things are to come from Smile Shoot Print.

Photography Tips
Photography Blog
Our Portfolio
Photography T Shirts and Gifts

There will be photography tips on a variety of photography related topics including purchasing your camera and camera accessories, how to take a better picture, and more.

Our photography blog which will include our day trips to take photos, photography lessons with Izzy and how our new designs are made.

Coming soon you can expect our portfolio with a stunning gallery of maternity portraits, events, weddings and children.

A wide variety of photography t shirts and photography posters can be purchased here! We at Smile Shoot Print also manage our store: Spencer Photos through cafepress.com.