3 Ways To Create A Softer Background

So one question that I get asked as lot is:  "How do you get such a soft, creamy look in your photos?"

Now, I'm not a technical person, so I'll share the 3 ways I've learned to achieve this look by some visual examples.

1.  Longer focal length

35mm focal length vs 85mm focal length

Loberger Wedding

Beautiful couple - Gorgeous wedding!  :)

Kristen's Bridal Session

Here are some of my favorites from Kristen's beautiful bridal portraits.

Will and Kristen had a beautiful southern rustic wedding at the Sharon Rose Farm in Woodruff, SC.
Can't wait to share their wedding pictures :)

Ashley's Bridal

Beautiful bridal session with Ashley in Downtown Greenville 

at the Wyche Pavilion where she was married :)  

Beautiful bride!!

Ashleigh and Baer

Lovely couple I photographed in downtown Greenville for a mini 30 minute session! 

Love, Love, Love!!

Macro Images; Film; Abstract Art

"Everything has beauty, but not everyone can see it."

-Confucius

There were a few days where my mentor and I (and whoever else) would go on some photo walks around downtown Greenville.  He let me borrow his 35mm SLR and Macro lens and I took a roll of just some close up objects along our walk.  It was actually really fun to be able to not only use film for a change... but also to photograph a completely different subject than the usual. 

I love photographing portraits... but I also love to paint.  Shooting this roll gave me a chance to play with photography and to create something that could turn into a future painting (or several!)

I loved playing with the elements and principles of design just found in nature.  Color, texture, line, shape, balance, repetition, harmony, contrast, etc.  It made it even more fun that it was film and not digital... so I couldn't see the immediate result until I got the film developed :) 

Enjoy!

Home Sweet Home

If you want to know what inspires me.... it's home, sweet home.  

Just taking a walk around my house uplifts my spirit, brings back childhood memories, and gives me the urge to create.  My mom loves to garden.  Both my parents love to landscape and they've built up this entire place... my dad even built the arbors and patio and bench swings himself.  

My family and I love to spend our time out here... especially with bonfires in the fall!  :D

I told them the other day that with some help, this place could turn into a really beautiful wedding venue!  I was expecting a "don't even think about it" response, but surprisingly they agreed with me haha.  I think that would be really cool, especially since I have soo many gorgeous ideas.  It most likely will never happen... but it's a fun thought!  

Anyway.... I just wanted to document our lovely, magical home :)  I feel so blessed just looking at these pictures and just wanted to share!

:)

Medium Format Color Film Scans

Ahhhhhhh!!!!!!

I'm so excited about these photos!  I told Chris (my internship mentor) that I wanted to use one of his medium format cameras for a test shoot.  I can't remember if I used his Pentax 645 or Contax 645... but either way, I am IN LOVE with the color tones.  After looking at these... I don't even want to go back to digital. *sighhhh*

Even though in college, I took a small format, medium format and a large format film class... it was still a couple years ago. I've been shooting digital for the past few years and forgot how amazing film results are!  I'm so glad that Chris shoots film and reminded me how amazing it is.  

If anyone wants to buy me a Pentax or Contax 645..... I will pretty much be your humble servant for the rest of your life :)  

Kelli + Scott Wedding Day

Here's the "highlight reel" from their lovely wedding day!  

My favorite was their "Sneak Peek"  ;)

Congrats to such a lovely couple!  Cheers!

Sarah & Matt's Wedding

I highly enjoyed photographing Sarah and Matt's wedding day!  

It was such a fun, relaxed wedding!  :)