Amanda Geyer / Behind the Zoom

Fridays Finds~

2012-01-27T09:20:00.000-08:00

Wow this is a workshop I would love to attend. Night photography in Vegas & Zion!

Super Bowl is coming up and I found this great quick clip on How Photographers Shoot the Superbowl.

Sports Illustrated Photography at Super Bowl XLV from Max Morse on Vimeo.

Everyone is taking photos with phones these days. My old Blackberry doesn't capture an image like the new iphones that's for sure. Maybe I will upgrade one day. For those with the ipone here is an article on 10 quick iphone photography tips.

10 quick iphone photography tips

Fridays Finds~

2012-01-20T10:12:00.001-08:00

Sad to watch this and it will truly be the end of an era if Kodak can't pull through

Kodak files bankruptcy protection

Lightroom beta 4 is out and I can't wait to completely upgrade to it! Learning curve on the new edition but watch a few videos and you will see the new features are great

http://labs.adobe.com/

Want to check out a cute fun site? Try this one - cute odd animal photos

Odd Animals

I mentioned on facebook that I am excited to announce that I have joined the photography team at Red Thread Sessions. A non profit organization bringing adoptive families and professional photographers together to provide a complimentary photography session for a family that has recently adopted.
Do you know someone in the adoption process or recently adopted feel free to pass on the link or if you are a photographer and are interested in working with this organization see the website for application information.

Book your session now for 2012 and save!

2012-01-18T15:31:00.000-08:00

Book your 2012 session now through January 31st and receive 20% off your session fee!

Maternity, new baby, Senior, engagement, family photos, family event -if you have anything coming up this year you may want to book now and take advantage of the only discount on session fees scheduled for 2012!

For more info on session see~

Behind the Zoom info

Fridays Finds~

2012-01-13T10:57:00.000-08:00

If you have a chance get out and enjoy a national park this weekend. Admission is FREE to 397 parks across the country

http://home.nps.gov/news/release.htm?id=1273

This camera is now on my wishlist - Canon Powershot G1 X

http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/First-Look-Canon-PowerShot-G1-X

Here is another plug for Google+. I am getting the hang of it (I think) it requires some time but after awhile you really do become part of it. Alot of helpful information, great photos and interesting people. Check it out and if you are already there let me know so I can "circle" you

Sunrise this morning was beautiful!

2012-01-11T09:06:00.000-08:00

Book now & Save!

2012-01-08T17:21:00.000-08:00

Book your 2012 session now through January 31st and receive 20% off your session fee!

For more info on session see~

Behind the Zoom info

Kick off ~ 2012 Life Actually

2012-01-07T18:17:00.000-08:00

I have been trying to decide on a personal project for this year. There is the 366 projects - a photo a day for the year, the 52 week projects - a photo a week for the year and many others that I came across. Nothing really hit home to me untill I read a blog post~

Jen McKen photo three52 personal project

That was it, that was the project I wanted to do. Our daughter goes off to college in just a few years and our schedules just keep getting busier, but each week I wanted to stop time in our family and hold the moment. Good, bad, makeup or not just "stop time".

This week flew by. It didn't seem like there was a moment to catch all three of us -we were too busy back at work, school, volleyball and catching up on everthing after the holidays. Sat afternoon, almost the end of the week and I have no photo for my project. I felt like I was already starting off on a bad foot and couldn't believe I didn't have one image for the first week.

Sat afternoon 2:00 we had run errands all morning and piled on the couch to catch our breath before heading into the afternoon.

The 3 of us in the same place not racing about.

Not the best image in fact I feel a little exposed posting it.

Couch potatoes is not how I would like to describe us, laundry in the background just kills me and the image itself with the blown window light is not one of my better shots.

I thought of interupting the moment and posing everyone out in the shade of the yard with a nice clean uncluttered background. Then I realized "life actually" would be the project theme and this is us at this moment.

They thought I was a little nuts when I got up walked out of the living area and came back with camera & tripod popped it up in the corner, laid back down and took the picture. They asked should we move? and I said
"no this is us at this moment and I like it".

Here we go ~ 2012 Life Actually

follow along here~

2012 Life Actually gallery

Did you start a personal project this year? Feel free to leave a comment below with your project info!

Fridays Finds~

2012-01-06T18:25:00.000-08:00

I found this blog post by Lisa Bettany -

6 New Year's Resolutions every Photographer should make in 2012

http://mostlylisa.com/blog/2012-resolutions/

good advice I think.

Rick Sammon did a guest blog for Scott Kelby with 12 New Year Resolutions for Photographers and they are great!

http://www.scottkelby.com/blog/2011/archives/23350

No matter what your resolutions are for the new year I hope you and your family enjoy prosperity, happiness and peace.

Fridays Finds~

2011-12-23T08:09:00.000-08:00

We bake & decorate sugar cookies every Christmas. I went overboard this year again with a double batch so we decided to use only the biggest cookie cutters as decorating was going to be a task! We added neon blue to the frosting colors and they look beautiful!

we always do a couple of star trees

Heard this clip the other morning about last minute appetizers, they sound easy & good.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Leaving this last blog before Christmas with one of my favorite holiday songs~

Happy holidays to you & your family!

Fridays Finds

2011-12-17T08:24:00.000-08:00

I can't believe this year is almost over!

I found this site with the 45 most powerful images of 2011.

It really was an incredible year across the world.

Most Powerful Photos of 2011

I don't watch a ton of tv, but I am an avid Today Show watcher.

They did a video of highlights for 2011.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Fun, interesting show with a great bunch of hosts!

Lastly, here one of my favorite ornaments from our tree. We bought this 10+years ago at Cowboy Christmas in Las Vegas NV.

Fridays Finds~

2011-12-02T11:37:00.000-08:00

Do you have a photographer on your Christmas list this year?

If so check out Photojojo for some fun ideas

Photojojo store

Headed out to the holiday parties and not sure about the hostess gift? Here are some ideas. I love the personalized stationery!

Hostess gift ideas

I buy and dring eggnog around the holiday season every year and am always on the hunt for different eggnog mixers. Here are a few I found.

Holiday eggnog recipes

Have a great weekend! We will be breaking out the big jackets & UGG boots this weekend for our cold blast here in southern Arizona.

Pay it Forward contes winner session

2011-12-02T11:10:00.000-08:00

Back in the spring I held a "Pay it Forward" contest. Winner would receive a session for free along with a dvd of images.

Daniel Hughes was the winner and we were able to shoot his family session right before Thanksgiving.

His girls are adorable and all were troopers despite the cold Tucson morning.

This one is the family portrait that everyone has a version of and I always like, but it usually doesn't make the Christmas cards~

After a moment that image turns into

Hughes family I hope you enjoy your images and of course "Pay it Forward" It was a true please to meet you.

Fridays Finds~

2011-11-25T14:11:00.000-08:00

Black Friday shopping is earlier & earlier.

This year I think I had emails two days ago that said the specials were already available. We did our share online today and after two years of black friday online shopping I can happily say I am done with the parking space fights and the pushing/shoving mall lines. Happy Shopping!

Looking for some fun ideas to shoot Chase Jarvis has a couple -

Chase Jarvis photoshoot ideas

The National Geographic site has great free computer wallpapers - check them out at

National Geographic wallpapers

Fridays Finds

2011-11-04T09:54:00.000-07:00

Canon just announced their new high end digital video camera. $20,000 for the camera alone. Wow!!

Canon new digital video camera

I have been doing a little more on Google+ and am looking forward to meeting fellow Google photogs to hang out & shoot the 2011 All Souls Procession downtown on Sunday evening.

All Souls Procession Tucson

(If you are interested in shooting with us let me know and I will pass on the meetup info).

Blurb has these planners and I love them. I use the ipad for my planner, but think I will make a couple of these for gifts and maybe a few to show clients.

blurb planners

(if I have had a session with you and you want one or you would like one with other images from my portfolio let me know).

Have a great weekend & all you in Tucson get ready we might actually be into winter as of tomorrow!!

Fridays Finds~

2011-10-28T10:10:00.000-07:00

I have been on Google+ for a week or two now and really need to figure out what I am doing. Are you active with Google+? Do you have any helpful tips? Link to me- Amanda on Google+ . I have no posts yet but have managed to upload a few pictures and add some people to circles.

~
As the holidays kick off here are some ideas for the photographer on your list. These are from a last year list but are still great ideas!
Photographer Christmas Ideas
~

Posting this image as it is the view a couple of yards from our RV this weekend. Yes, we are officially kicking off "dune season" at the Imperial sand dunes outside Yuma - Plank Road area to be exact. Anyone else out here?

And just off in the distance

We don't get alot of trick or treaters through the camp but, we are well armed with Halloween candy - any excuse to buy the Huge bag of chocolate!!

Have a great weekend & be safe!

Fridays Finds~

2011-10-21T12:25:00.000-07:00

The big news for Canon owners is regarding the new Canon EOS-1DX. It is out of my price budget currently but you never know :)

http://catalogs.infocommiq.com/avcat/ctl1642/index.cfm?manufacturer=canon-professional-engineering-solutions-group&prid=6541

Thanks to Andy over at Afair Technologies for reminding me about Helldorado Days down in Tombstone. We are tied up this weekend but have been before and had so much fun! If you can get down there I would recommend it.

Helldorado Days Tombstone

Lastly, sharing from Popcorn Pixels over on facebook

Have a great weekend!

Fridays Finds~

2011-10-14T08:53:00.000-07:00

Can you really take a blurry image and "fix" it on the computer? According to Adobe you will be able to

http://techland.time.com/2011/10/11/adobe-photoshop-blurry-picture-fix/

I don't know how well this is going to work but it is interesting.

Does anyone else find it odd that so many designers are in local superstores? The latest is

first-lady-favorite-announces-target-collection

I like the lower prices at the superstores, but shouldn't they just have them everywhere they carry the designers line?

This is my blog so I think I can "go off" on the new bank debit fees. Really, aren't people struggling enough already. Do they need to completely nickel & dime the public?

I use a credit union so currently don't have such fees, but it is incredible that banks think people will stay with them when they are adding additional fees.

And now for the battle that is going on at our house.

Gizmo our Yorkie loves that the front door is open more now since the weather is cooler. He loves to watch the birds & bunnies.

but, the new kitten Ophelia is trying to take over the door area

I am not sure who will win the battle.

Molly Lyn 6 months

2011-10-11T08:12:00.000-07:00

Molly Lyn tried to be so serious but every once in awhile she would break out with her beautiful smile!

At 6 months she already is "model" ready and what a good girl, hardly a cry and up for any wardrobe and set changes.

Thank you Amanda for allowing me to play with and capture Mollys' 6 month old pictures.

My personal favorite from this session ~

Easy to tell why Molly is so pretty~

And lastly, a possible grouping idea for images from Mollys session~

1-24x30, 1-10x15, 1-12x15 canvas wrapped

To view the complete gallery click below

Molly Lyn 6 months

Fridays Finds~

2011-10-07T07:41:00.000-07:00

I am still saddend by the passing of Steve Jobs.

I think it is because I use my ipod regularly, love my ipad and wonder what else there might have been?

I have listened to him speak and his words really hit home.

My favorite excerpts and things I am really trying to take to heart~

“Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” -Steve Jobs-Stanford University commencement address , June 2005.

“We don’t get a chance to do that many things, and every one should be really excellent. Because this is our life. Life is brief, and then you die, you know? And we’ve all chosen to do this with our lives. So it better be damn good. It better be worth it.” -Forbes

"… You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something – your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life." -Stanford University commencement address , June 2005.

"stay hungry, stay foolish" -Stanford University commencement address , June 2005.

And now we will all watch the new iphone come out and know that it has his final fingerprint on it.

Fridays Finds~

2011-09-30T10:47:00.000-07:00

October is almost here and the triple digit temperatures are hopefully done for the year. In southern Arizona this is the best time to get out and about!

Yesterday kicked off Octoberfest and it will run all weekend. Check it out

Tucson Octoberfest

This is the first year for the Marana Pumpkin Patch. I have heard there is alot to do there and it will be fun for the whole family.

Marana Pumpkin Patch

Lastly, I really think I need some beach time SOON!! until then this will have to do

Jackson Riley 8 days old

2011-09-28T13:01:00.000-07:00

What a good, beautiful little boy I was blessed to shoot!

Jackson Riley 8 days old

His family is from Georgia and are big Georgia Bulldog fans. This warrants a special place in my gallery for this shoot as I attended UGA many years ago!

Mom called him "monkey" so we had to shoot this

(sock monkey hat from Smash and Chuck etsy )

And lastly my favorite from the shoot

(stocking hat from Behind the Zoom photography prop stop)

To view the complete gallery click on link ~

Jackson Riley 8 days
~

Fridays Finds~

2011-09-23T07:54:00.000-07:00

Facebook is shaking things up for sure! I am still working through all the changes. From what I am reading and seeing it seems that FB controls what shows up on your news-feed via their algorithm formula. It means if you post a comment or like posts then most probably you will see future posts from that person/business. However, if you are a silent reader and do not comment or like any posts you will no longer see that person/business in your news-feed. So don't forget to "Like" or comment on posts!

(So useful to know this for business pages, pass it on and spread the word ♥).

Fall is in the air!

I came across this site of great photography tips for shooting fall colors - I love the reflection of the lake!

Shooting fall color tips

Also for fall enjoy this free desktop wallpaper

Mt. Lemmon, Arizona

Gallery link to download full size (you can right click in this gallery to save or print)

Behind the Zoom FREE wallpaper

Have a great weekend!

Friday Finds~

2011-09-17T07:48:00.000-07:00

Free Entrance in National Parks. Plan a getaway and save some $$. Or if one is close enough have an afternoon getaway or shoot! Check out the dates at the following link

National Parks info

I think everyone has probably tried to take a photo of someone "holding the sun" or something similiar. I came across this site with a ton of images with unique/funny angles. This might be a fun personal project for next year?

Fun Photos

Today kicks off Octoberfest on Mt. Lemmon! A scenic drive up the mountain and you actually see the Fall season! Leaves changing, cool temps, add in some food & dancing all that makes for a great outing.

Mt. Lemon Octoberfest Info

Jace & Dominic 9 days old

2011-09-13T11:21:00.000-07:00

When I heard Katrina & JayD were expecting twin boys I was so excited for the newborn shoot!

Jace & Dominic were so good. Jace is a natural model already. Dominic was so curious and tried his hardest to stay awake the whole time.

Congratulations Katrina & JayD - your boys are truly adorable!

almost time

Dad is oversees currently but sent these two outfits and I had two crochet beanies that seemed to match perfectly!

Caught a sweet little dream smile

"Two Peas in a Pod" crochet set by Briar Rose Crafts and Things a great place for unique items!

Click below to see the complete gallery~

Katrina Jace Dominic 9 days old

Fridays Finds~

2011-09-09T14:50:00.000-07:00

As we remember the events that took place on 9/11 this weekend I wanted to share a link to 9/11 Tribute photos

9/11 Tribute in photos information

And a look at a photographer that was allowed to capture the rebuilding

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Fridays Finds~

2011-09-02T10:30:00.000-07:00

I found this link through another site and love the fun items~

Check out this Polaroid Picture Frame and Mirror -great idea for your photog friends/family Christmas stocking.

PetaPixel Store

The Boston Globe section the Big Picture has unbelievable photos from hurricane Irene

Boston Globe Hurricane Irene images

~
Are you on twitter? Behind the Zoom photography is on twitter @behindthezoom - stop by and say Hi
~

HAVE A SAFE & HAPPY LABOR DAY HOLIDAY!

Fridays Finds~

2011-08-26T08:07:00.000-07:00

This past week has been about organizing and making my workflow easier both professionally and personally.

I have mentioned the ipad before and I am really trying to make it work more and less "Angry Birds".

I discovered an app Keynote...yes, I know many already have it but I am a little behind on the apps. I love it!

I am working on a power point presentation for photography clients that showcases different options for wall displays of thier images.

For real estate clients, my go to when needed listing book- which has been a large leather covered binder that has info on everything from my marketing samples to our company history -200+pgs- is now also going into a power point presentation.
Power Point presentations easily file share through Keynote over to the ipad! (I tried it with a couple of slides already).

Talk about lightening my load and moving into the "tech age".

Keynote app

~
Also, I know late to the game but Google Calendar - where have you been & why didn't I use you before? My calendar - business & personal, my daughters calendar - school & sports, my husbands travel calendar all uploaded to same spot and synced to phone, ipad, laptop without me hooking them up and syncing!

What a timesaver for me~

Google Calendar

And lastly not straying far from the Angry Birds but adding to "family time" I added a scrabble game. (if you add it let me know & we can play in between working:) I can consider it family time because my teen daughter has the same app on her Android phone. We have been playing scrabble lately - kind of an interesting take on family game night.

Wordfeud scrabble

The Keynote app was $9.99, Google Calendar is free and Wordfeud is free

Quiche

2011-08-23T12:47:00.000-07:00

This post is for me to take a moment to talk about Quiche, not quiche you eat but Quiche aka Kiwachinina and to remember her side kick Milton aka Milton Burro. Quiche is the little bay mare that I have had since 1985 when she was 6 months old. Yes, that makes her 26 going on 27 yrs old! Milton was a year when I got him and he was with us 22 years.

Georgia winters - they were so wooly & little!

After the move to Arizona - Great buddies!

Over the years Quiche has given experienced riders, kids & friends fun & memorable rides!

She always knows when it is time to "babysit" and when she can "play & test your attention".

She has carried me, my husband, my brother, my sisters & their kids, my daughter, neighbor kids, friends and now kids of some of those kids, heck, I think my mom even rode her once.

Nowadays she eats alot of carrots & apples and hasn't had a saddle on her in over 2yrs thanks to a bum knee. But, two weeks ago she took Brody - my neices son - for a ride around the property. She loved it as much as he did!

Here is hoping for many more years to enjoy carrots & apples. Maybe even a few more special rides!

Friday Finds~

2011-08-19T10:07:00.000-07:00

I have always said that even though we live in the desert we are truly water babies at heart! Below are a few sites I have found with stunning images from surfing to diving~

Silas Hansen photography

Ocean-Photo

National Geographic photo galleries

This next link goes to a photographer that made a decision in her business that really stands out~read her blog post for details.

I admire her and hope that if I ever come across something similiar I too say "no" as I also believe "mean is ugly"

Jen Mcken photo

HAPPY FRIDAY!!

Silhouettes

2011-08-13T20:38:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite silhouettes.

Taken just after sunrise at the Imperial Sand Dunes outside Yuma Arizona. It was a little windy and our last day there but my husband indulged me in a morning shoot, we rode out past the camps and found this perfect spot.

Post processing was in Lightroom & Photoshop - mainly just

conversion to black/white, brought up the blacks and softened the footprints across the dunes.

Rock the Shot August Photo challenge

http://www.rocktheshotforum.com/

Friday Finds~

2011-08-12T11:58:00.000-07:00

This week I haven't been as active on the web, but, I did run across two posts that gave me thought.

We are all on our way somewhere

Its ok to root for the other guy

It seems that we forget to realize & appreciate where we are and all we have done to get there.

And I firmly believe that it is always good to root for the other guy ~ there is plenty to go around.

last post for today is a site that raises money each week for a different cause. I like that principal and love to see thier "check pictures" I have one of the tees from a couple of weeks ago - if you order they run a tad small but are good quality/fitted and heck a great way to donate to something important to you.

Sevenly

Fridays Finds~

2011-08-05T08:06:00.000-07:00

I have been using my ipad more & more. I know I don't even get close to using it to its full potential! If you have one you may be interested in subscribing to receive this email with helpful & useful ipad tips (free subscription). Do you use an ipad? Any must have apps you can share?

ipad tips

I shoot a Canon (love saying that :) and have for many years. I don't know about the others but Canon has a tremendous amount of information on thier website.

Canon site

I listened to a couple of speakers this past week lined up by Sarah Petty's Joy of Marketing regarding building your business, marketing, branding, posing & lighting. Really alot of great information! Perfect time for me as I am working on re-organizing, new logo and a few other ideas. Check out her site for valuable marketing info.

Joy of Marketing

Fridays Finds~

2011-07-29T08:42:00.000-07:00

In a previous post I talked about Google+. I am still on the fence, however, I did get an invite and registered. I think you need quite a bit of time to work through what it is and how it all works.

Here is another article - Scott Kelby is a source I trust-

Are you on Google+? what are your thoughts?

Scott Kelby Google+ blog article

My Google+ link (I think)

This is great - when I was a kid we used cards & dominoes to build these crazy walls that we would tip and watch fall, it was fun to see how creative we could get. We didn't hold a candle to these guys!

http://youtu.be/qKpxd8hzOcQ

And finally for this week - I can't say how crazy my family is for...

SHARK WEEK

starting Sunday evening!

Fridays Finds~

2011-07-22T08:43:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday!!

I have ordered glasses from this company in the past.

I kept one pair, returned another. Great customer service, easy ordering and returning. They do specials on facebook all the time-

Coastal Contacts

I have this on my ipad and really love it. The description reads -Moodboard is the bestselling app for creating mood and inspiration boards on your iPad. Each board is a blank canvas for organizing the things that inspire you. Add photos, text, color swatches, and special elements to your boards, then share them with friends and colleagues, anywhere, anytime. Great for keeping my ideas together and organized! I also do a vision board with it.

Moodboard ipad app

On Fridays when I go to publish this blog I am usually listening to the Today Show on tv. They have a Friday summer concert series that I like. A taste of different music live outside the studio.

Here is the schedule link

Toyota Today Show Summer Concert Series

Next Friday - Journey -

I went to a handful of concerts back when and they were one of them. Looking forward to seeing/hearing them on Friday.

Newborn Model

2011-07-18T07:53:00.000-07:00

Looking for one more newborn model. Do you know someone expecting or with a newborn less than 10 days old in the Tucson/Marana area? Have them email Amanda@behindthezoom.com for a possible free shoot!!

Fridays Finds~

2011-07-15T08:38:00.000-07:00

Starting out this post with info on Google+. I wasn't quite sure what it was/is and kept getting asked on sites to "click" on the Google+ to share the article/post I was reading. Then I thought is this something I need to be part of like facebook or twitter? I am still not sure but did come across this article that makes me step back and say no ~

Google+ photographer info
~
I stop into this site for great photography tips and vendor sites
Rock the Shot
~
A couple of Fridays ago I posted about St. John USVI and Jost Van Dyke BVI. This video is filmed in that area and is a great summer song!

Arianna Lucia

2011-07-10T15:20:00.000-07:00

She arrived 10 days before her shoot and truly is as

beautiful as her name.

Mom said she was normally sound asleep by then but today she was wide awake and going to stay awake
as long as possible!

After a little wait she gave in and fell into a happy slumber.

Every once in awhile a smile would cross her little face.

Thank you Lisette for allowing me to "play" with & photograph your little Arianna Lucia.

she was always pointing this finger!

Love this crocheted ear flap from:

smashandchuck etsy store

To see her complete gallery click on ~

Arianna Lucia complete gallery

Friday Finds~

2011-07-08T07:19:00.000-07:00

This is the Friday Finds post but I just had to mention & share an image from a newborn session with happy - beautiful 10 day old~

Ms. Arianna Lucia

(post with more to follow next week)

And now on with the "finds"

IPhone SLR mount. I am not sure why you wouldn't just get a dslr and lens if you are carrying this around anyway?

Iphone SLR mount

Mobile Me - find your iphone also works with ipad.

I have been carrying my ipad more and more lately and love this app. Please don't ever let me leave it somewhere but if I do at least this might help find it.

Mobile Me

I am using Drop Box alot lately. Upload to them and you can access those uploads from - ipad, phone, laptop, friends computer, everywhere I seem to be I can get to those files. 2GB is free!

Drop Box

Fridays Finds~

2011-07-01T08:22:00.000-07:00

This site is one I love to visit. I have a free screensaver on my laptop from here & each week I pop in to see the photo of the day.

National Geographic Photography

I met this local photographer/artist on facebook

and am in awe at her creative & beautiful Smoke Art.

My favorite so far is the blue & green seahorse (#8 in the gallery).

Smoke Art by Sara

Get your vacation fix with a peak at a tropical webcam.

This one is located on St. John Spice building and views

the Ferry dock, St. John, USVI.

I pop in here to look for my mom or Paul as they are coming and going. (their sailboat is moored to the right of the building) and they often ride the ferry over to St. Thomas.

St. John USVI ferry dock webcam

This next one is from the Soggy Dollar Bar over on Jost Van Dyke, BVI - a great place to hang, swim and snorkel!

Soggy Dollar BVI

Looking for Models~

2011-06-29T07:33:00.000-07:00

I have been acquiring some newborn props and am calling out for a couple of models. Do you know someone expecting or with a newborn less than 10 days old? Have them email Amanda@behindthezoom.com for possible free shoot!!

Fridays Finds ~

2011-06-24T11:02:00.000-07:00

This week I have continued to work on acquiring some newborn props and am very excited to put them to use!

More to follow in upcoming weeks but I can say for sure these will be fun, a little different and simply adorable!

(Do you know someone expecting? Have them email as I am looking for models - free shoot)!

On to Fridays Finds~

Wow, I wish my local Fry's would come up with this!

QR code grocery shopping with delivery

Go Tesco!!

LYTRO the camera you can focus after you take the picture - this has been all over the internet this week. Very cool idea. I'am anxious to see responses from some actual users

http://www.lytro.com/cameras

My online site is through Smugmug and I love them!

You are able to use templates or work your way through some advanced customization with the help of the Dgrin forum. Online ordering for clients is easy and secure. I have the choice of two labs for printing and the freedom to set up each gallery individually. There are many more perks, feel free to check them out and save $5 if you subscribe!

Interested in a website? You can save $5 on a SmugMug subscription! It's simple: enter ilbcnu@att.net or Ct6BUoeWFKkjw in the 'Referred by' field on the signup form.

Or go to http://www.smugmug.com/?referrer=Ct6BUoeWFKkjw for more info

Fridays Finds

2011-06-17T10:07:00.000-07:00

This week had me running- work, volleyball practice,

dr. appointments and a dentist appointment.

I did manage to get the camera bag cleaned out and organized.

Oh and on top of that I tried to teach myself crochet!

Winding down for a quiet Fathers day weekend.

Below are the "finds" I came across this week

MCP actions Ipad apps

I have an ipad (1st edition). I do use Contract Maker and Square and love them! The one I don't have that really sounds interesting is M.I.C CF Card reader / Apple SD/Card Reader

I may be ordering this in the near future to give it a try.

My next find is Photgrapher Cafe

http://www.photographercafe.com/

They have some great templates! I just downloaded the Modern Bright Holiday Card Set (won it free in a drawing they had) and am very excited to work up some cards with my images.

And finally - a favorite reminder video

Happy Fathers Day weekend!

Fridays Finds~

2011-06-10T08:31:00.000-07:00

This week I came across a few sites/items of interest!

Soap.com

This site has so much stuff at great prices. I have been stocking up! First order over $25 -you get free shipping.

Shipping was fast and delivered to my door.

New Tiffen Neutral Density 2-8 stop filter

Saw this on an Adorama ad very interesting and affordable. Don't know anyone with it yet but if you try it let us know!

Wall Display Guides

(click on affiliate link to right)

These are incredible for photographers to showcase images and how they may look. I have used these in the past and they really help to show size scale and grouping possibilities - check out an old example I have below~ (have I shot you and you need fresh ideas? let me know and I can work up a few groupings with your images).

Parker is turning 1!

2011-06-08T09:08:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I was able to spend some time shooting Parker and his parents at a local park.

What a trooper he is. Arizona afternoons in June are Hot.

Last Sunday was no exception with the truck temp. reading 102!

Parker is so good natured he went through his 1yr old shoot like a pro! Hats off to mom who also handled the heat as she is due in December. (Speaking of hats - love Parkers matching hat)

Thank you Jodi & Casey, Parker is truly a delightful little boy and shooting him was a pleasure!

Fridays Finds

2011-06-03T10:24:00.000-07:00

Starting a new Friday posting- Fridays Finds.

I am all over the internet as well as in and out of local stores each and every week. I come across some of the most useful, crazy, fun, unique items and want to share some of those things~

This item is in honor of upcoming Fathers Day ~ my husband is the proud owner of multiple Leatherman tools! This one has now become his favorite ~

Leatherman Skeletool

These are the cutest rompers I have seen! My daughter is too old now but had I seen them when she was younger I would of had her pictures done in them for sure.

OhhSoSweetBoutique etsy store rompers

These two crocheted newborn hats I couldn't resist and ordered for future newborn shoots. (Should receive in a month or so- if you have a newborn and would like a shoot using these email me)!

Grey & Pink newborn girl crocheted hat

Sock Monkey crocheted hat

Last item for today are these lip balms. We have almost all the flavors and love them. They are cute, work great and go on nice!

(we found them at our local Walgreens but I believe Target and grocery stores also carry them. The yellow has SPF)

EOS lip balms

The Winner of the Pay it Forward free 2hr session~

2011-06-01T16:06:00.000-07:00

Random.org picked a winner this morning Daniel Hughes!

Daniel wrote ~ I would use it to capture the the up close and personal moments of our family life with my overworked, beautiful wife, my twin daughters Mikayla and Felicity (one who has special needs), and my newest daughter Trinity.

Then I would send prints to family and friends...... in Southern California that we miss so much!

Congratulations Daniel! Email me and we can work out the details on your free 2hr session!

Thank you for all the entries and in the Paying it Forward spirit - All entries can book one session anytime untill Dec 31, 2011 with a 25% discount! (limited to availability).

Pay it Forward

2011-04-28T10:33:00.000-07:00

Today is Pay it Forward Day!

http://payitforwardday.com/

I am paying it forward by giving away one 2hr lifestyle session.

To enter visit my facebook site http://www.facebook.com/behindthezoomphotography comment on the post that is about pay if forward day answering "how would you use your free session"

enter yourself or pay if forward for someone you know!

Feel free to share this with your friends & family so they can enter!

More info on lifestyle session can be found here
http://amandag.smugmug.com/gallery/5717670_JnpKd

Enter until May 31, 2011 - Winner announced June 1st, 2011- Winner selected by random drawing -Session will need to be completed by Dec 31, 2011 and must take place in Tucson AZ area

Good Luck! and Pay it Forward!

County Fair

2011-03-22T18:54:00.000-07:00

We spent last week at the county fair. We have been going for years now and every year I say I am going to take the camera and tripod out on the midway but never have...

untill this year!

Finally I tried the midway ride lights~

I had a Tamron 17-50 2.8 lens, iso 100, Canon 7d

this is 6sec exposure at f11

This is 1sec exposure at f4

This is .3sec exposure at f5

Imperial Sand Dunes

2011-03-07T17:53:00.000-08:00

Spent a long weekend a couple of weeks ago at the Imperial sand dunes in southern California near the Arizona/California border. We stay in a RV near
the "plank road" historic site http://www.desertusa.com/sandhills/plankrd.html .

Can you imagine crossing the dunes that way -

talk about an adventure!!

Also close by is the International border fence between California and Mexico. It snakes across the dunes and you can see it for miles. We went over to take a couple of pictures. It wasn't long before I could see a vehicle making it's way over to us. Not wanting any trouble since there are markers saying to stay back
we decided to head back over to our camp.

Did grab a couple shots while by the fence~

Jennifer & Bryon Football engagement session

2011-02-21T20:17:00.000-08:00

Here in southern Arizona the weather is warm & sunny most of the year but the afternoon we had planned for

Jennifer & Bryon's engagement session turned out to be windy & rainy.

No worries - this couple jumped right in anyway

and brought props!

Both Jennifer & Bryon share a passion for football so

there was a special order ball and custom jerseys!

They rocked thier engagement session with laughing,

tackling and quiet shared moments showing a

couple that truly fits together.

Congratulations Jennifer & Bryon on your engagement.

I know your ceremony aboard the Sapphire Princess Cruise Ship will be gorgeous and you are destined to many

beautiful happy years ahead!

Jennifer I know you want to get a peek so here you are~

Jennifer you pull off fabulous on a football field!

To view the complete gallery click below~

http://www.behindthezoom.com/Portraits/Jennifer-Bryon/15931308_XzVxt#1196842961_HDDzp

♥Happy Valentine's Day♥

2011-02-14T15:29:00.000-08:00

Sharing Valentine Hearts I found in my archives

Enjoy your day

* Follow the link below to download these two images for free *

http://amandag.smugmug.com/Photography/Wallpaper/9600638_T9n73#1187772353_iTipe

Book now for your 2011 session fee discount~

2011-02-03T17:10:00.000-08:00

***
Book your session in Feb and receive 20% off your session fee!
***

New baby, Senior, engagement, family photos, family event -if you have anything coming up this year you may want to schedule now and take advantage of the only discount on session fees scheduled for 2011!
(call or email to check on dates)

Captured Moments

2011-01-26T09:12:00.000-08:00

Sometimes we forget about the routine things.

There is beauty and magic in capturing the everyday as well as the special planned times. I just came to recognize that I have been missing some of these moments when I caught a few shots of C getting ready for a dance.

I love these images and am thinking about a new personal project - "captured everyday moments".

2011-01-14T15:20:00.000-08:00

Every year my daughter and husband do a holiday gingerbread house kit. (A tradition they truly enjoy-not really but I won't let them stop as it has been going on for too many years now to stop. I keep buying them and they keep decorating them)

As most of you already know I am also a real estate agent. A couple of years ago as a joke my daughter created a mini for sale sign with my info and stuck it in the front yard of the gingerbread house. Since then I always thought before it falls apart I need to set that up and shoot it for next years real estate Christmas card to my clients. Well this year it finally happened, what do you think?

Bronson Family

2011-01-05T09:52:00.000-08:00

The morning of Dec 24th was bright and sunny ~

thankfully no rain like the last three days!

As the parking lot of the local park quickly filled up I realized the family has grown alot in past years.

The extended Bronson family was just short of 30 that morning and great fun to see and shoot!

Feel free to check out the complete gallery ~

Bronson Family Dec 24, 2010

Imperial Sand Dunes

2010-12-06T09:07:00.000-08:00

We had a short shoot at the Imperial Sand Dunes outside Yuma, AZ over Thanksgiving holiday. A little windy so the sand was an issue but other than that the weather was wonderful.

The last one is an outtake but the shadow is too funny-

she looks like a cartoon character.

Saturday afternoon

2010-11-08T11:27:00.000-08:00

We are finally seeing the signs of fall in southern Arizona. Beautiful days- mid 70's and cool evenings! Perfect for being outside! Saturday afternoon I followed C and S around the property to try some off camera flash ideas. We had fun and I realized I need to purchase stronger/sturdier shoot through umbrellas as a couple of topple overs and the one I was using bit the dust - literally-
They both liked the following image~

Emerging

2010-09-28T14:38:00.000-07:00

I had a couple of Desert Museum(http://www.desertmuseum.org/) passes to use by the end of the month so C & I decided to go check out the butterfly festival this past Sunday.

Really interesting and an unbelievable amount of butterflies flying around the park.

We wandered into an educational building just in time to see a butterfly emerge!

Randomness

2010-08-08T08:57:00.000-07:00

Light painting and flashing fun ~

Scott Kelby 3rd annual photowalk

2010-08-03T15:59:00.000-07:00

C and I decided to participate in the 3rd annual Scott Kelby photowalk http://worldwidephotowalk.com/
We joined up with the Tucson Desert Museum group - http://worldwidephotowalk.com/walk/tucson-az-united-states-arizona-sonora-desert-museum-2/ and had a great evening wandering the park! Check out the Desert Museums site - http://www.desertmuseum.org/ Saturday summer evenings at the park is a must do as it was really nice out, some of the animals were up and about and the sunset from there is gorgeous!

This guy really blends in!

Finding scorpions at night was alot of fun-there were kids and adults with hand held black lights looking around rocks and cracks for the scorpion "glow"

More from our whirlwind trip!

2010-07-08T20:12:00.000-07:00

I caught this photo while we were driving...reminder to clean the coach windows more often. Posting anyway as it was too funny to see the big Old English Sheepdog in the passenger seat of the convertible! (I had one growing up- Sir Winchester of Little John Trail - what a great dog)

This was so cool. If someone was around I know my husband or I would of had to ask to see inside it ~

We live in the desert, our daughter was born in the desert but we are water babies at heart!

The splash zone...really??? We will watch you- have fun!

2010-06-24T17:34:00.000-07:00

We just got back from a whirlwind summer vacation!

Up to Disneyland then sightseeing down the 1 to San Diego and Sea World!

There is truth in the myth that when you walk through the gates at Disneyland you become a child again! The three of us rode all the rides, had pictures with characters and truly left real life behind while we played with Mickey and friends!

Had my new Canon 7d with me the whole time so I have way too many photos~Disneyland pictures in this entry and beach/Sea World to come ~

Lost image

2010-05-21T20:56:00.000-07:00

We were going back through old photos that C had taken and came across this one of me out in the sand dunes looking a little windblown. Since I am rarely on this side of the camera I thought I would go ahead and post it.

I know...go ahead and tell me - camera works better with lens cover off...maybe I just wasn't ready to shoot yet? or I saw a sand storm coming? or I was trying to get the word Tamron level without looking?

photo courtesy of C

2010-03-23T20:01:00.000-07:00

Well another fair behind us.

Another year till funnel cake with powdered sugar and honey, root beer in the big mugs, dust (Iam sure I'll see dust again sooner than a year, but not fair dust), carnival games, carnival rides, corn dogs, candy apples,

unusual concerts, crazy acts

and air brush tattoos (don't ask-oh well ask...C & S got them)!

We had fun & honestly I am looking forward to next years fair!

2010-02-23T18:27:00.000-08:00

In honor of the future shoot at Picacho Peak with fellow photog Tamra Oellig of http://www.seaofserendipity.com/ I am posting a free downloadable image from "poppies past"

Enjoy

2010-02-21T11:24:00.000-08:00

With all this rain recently Picacho Peak should have beautiful poppies this year. http://www.pr.state.az.us/parks/PIPE/index.html
Tamra Oellig of http://www.seaofserendipity.com/ and I have decided to team up while there shooting the poppies and schedule a few portrait sessions. If you are interested email or leave a comment and I will let you know the details.

New Year

2010-01-18T16:15:00.000-08:00

New years always brings around a time to start over, make new goals and push ahead with a fresh start. This blog entry will be the fresh new start for my blogging.
I thought it would be fitting to give credit to some bloggers that I follow and truly enjoy!
http://www.pifphoto.com/
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/
http://www.tofurious.com/
http://www.shootsacblog.com/index.cfm?catID=2
http://www.jasminestarblog.com/
http://thepioneerwoman.com/ (if you haven't read her and Marlboro Mans story you are missing out)
http://coffeeteaphotography.blogspot.com/2006/11/textures.html

There are more that I have come across but these always draw me back.

If you have a favorite blog site leave it in the comment below so we can all check it out!!

2009-08-25T20:31:00.000-07:00

I was honored when Tamra of http://www.seaofserendipity.com/and I had the opportunity to shoot engagement photos for Elizabeth & Mike. I have known Elizabeth for years in fact she was in my wedding 14yrs ago. Mike I haven't known near as long, but I can tell by the way he looks at her that life is good and the future will be bright for them.

Thier story is straight out of a storybook. Years ago they were together as a couple but life got in the way. They each followed thier own paths not knowing that later as the stars would have it they would cross paths again. It was the perfect time and just looking at them you know they couldn't be happier.

While shooting them I couldn't help feel the warmth and love that was deep and strong but fresh and new all at the same time.

What a special couple ~ Congratulations & all the best!

Amanda

(I know you want to see so here is a quick peek:)

2009-08-18T18:41:00.000-07:00

Had a chance to shoot Rachael and Brody at Agua Caliente Park. Wow he is growing up so fast. They are both so photogenic that it was easy to shoot great pictures of them.
Fun morning and great opportunity to get out the 70-200 and spend some time with it. I really like that lens so- much that I don't mind "hauling" it around anymore.
I haven't been to that park in quite a long time and am kicking myself now. What a pretty place. I even think it was cooler temp wise then the rest of town. If you get a chance go visit http://www.naturalwonders.net/agua/ it truly is an oasis in the desert!
Couple of shots from the morning~~

They grow up too fast & new point and shoot

2009-07-22T19:54:00.000-07:00

I bought a new point & shoot after the last one died a dusty death from being out on one too many buggy rides at the dunes. This new one past the test of time on the Utah quading trip. Through dust (and I mean alot of dust), lakes, rivers and Gizmo lickings it kept on shooting. For inexpensive go everwhere I have to say the Olympus 550wp is pretty darn good so far.
I had it in my purse the other day when the girls hit the mall for school shopping. First ever eyebrow wax - ouch. And now thanks to this handy dandy pocket sized p&s that event has now become part of the family video library!!

Caribbean Vacation!!

2009-06-24T10:27:00.001-07:00

A week that just went by way too fast!!

Craig stayed home to have quality time with Gizmo:) and "hold down the fort" while CJ, my two sisters and I were lucky enough to spend a week visiting mom and Paul at thier apartments on St. Thomas and then sailing on thier sailboat the

"Sail Marilee".

After we all arrived we left the apartments and ferried over to St. John to the boat which is kept in Cruz Bay. CJ got her hair completely braided on St. John and to this day still has the braids. (If you get there look up Philomen for your braids she has done CJ's numerous times and they stay in!!). Snorkeling was great, we swam with ramoras, rays, parrotfish, barracudas and so many other types of fish! If you see Becky be sure to ask her about being the "bird whisperer". We visited the world famous Yost Van Dyke http://www.b-v-i.com/JostVanDyke/default.htm"Soggy Dollar Bar" http://www.soggydollar.com/soggydollarbar/and "Foxys" http://www.foxysbar.com/home.html for our Painkillers & Bushwackers. After sailing for a couple of days we ended up back over on St. Thomas staying in the apartments and doing some quick shopping downtown St. Thomas.

We had so much fun- hard to leave!

Already thinking about next summer:)

**Special thanks to Mom & Paul for everything**

If you are headed to USVI St. Thomas and are looking for a rental apt. Let me know-I'll put you in touch with Mom & Paul one of thiers may be available....

To view more pictures of the trip check out my portrait and scenic galleries on the website.

meetup in the park

2009-06-01T16:04:00.000-07:00

Last week I came across a meetup group in Tucson called Arizona Photo Events http://www.meetup.com/ArizonaPhotoEvents/ The group is organized by Corinne http://www.modelmayhem.com/DoubletakesByCorinne & http://www.onemodelplace.com/photographer_list.cfm?P_ID=3894 a great lady with incredible energy! Anyway this past Sunday they were having a meetup in the park & a bbq. Sounded like fun so after a little reorganizing we managed to get there for a couple of hours...(We being me and my assistant CJ. She is just amazing ~I don't know what I would do with out her)!!

What fun and and a great way to network! I was able to work with two fabulous models ~ Corey http://www.modelmayhem.com/662887 & Goz http://www.modelmayhem.com/242554. Both are incredible and great fun to shoot.

Here are a few from the morning

~ Corey ~

~Goz ~

2009-05-28T16:18:00.000-07:00

We were able to get away this past holiday weekend to Roosevelt Lake. Thanks to Ralph & Virginia for having an open campsite for us. Spent each day, all day long, on the lake wakeboarding, kneeboarding and hanging out. Was able to try wakeboarding behind a tower-wow! much easier to get up! (Thanks Tom for giving us the chance to try that). Now if I could feel my shoulder and straighten my arm soon it would be nice. Maybe I need to start weight training or something~problem probably is I am not quite as young as I think I am??
Our site was nice with great views, but a little hike down to the water.

I took Gizmo walking in the mornings and grabbed a couple of shots here and there of the camping area. This one is processed with a new photoshop action - kind of a HDR look to it (High Dynamic Range). What do you think??

This one also processed with a new action...I am on the fence with this painting look and may have to try it on some other images to decide if I like it or not. What do you think??

New blog page style

2009-05-09T15:37:00.000-07:00

Well I have jumped into the blogging page hidden behind the page details and been completely lost numerous times. I think the people who write computer code must have a brain addition or something. It just doesn't come naturally or really any way at all to me.
After many trials and errors and much help from tutorials over at the DGRIN forum - http://www.dgrin.com/ I have managed to build a new page. Let me know what you think!! (There is a comment section under each blog - or at least there was if I haven't written over it in computer code and lost it)
I have also figured out a new way to upload pictures to this blog...now when you click on the picture here it sends you over to that picture gallery in my website. (here is where you can oohh and aaahhhh as well as say wow)

Trying it all out with this entry and a snapshot I captured the other day. The first baby quail I have seen this year. They were following along behind their parents when our big dog walked up and scattered them. This little guy finally worked up the nerve to venture out and go find the others. So cute & tiny!!!

2009-04-26T10:23:00.001-07:00

Well, I see from date of last post that I have been very lax on blogging. Will work on changing that!! First off I hope 2009 is not as bad for all as the news wants to make it out to be. Only time will tell but I will continue to think the sky is not falling and life is good. I am a firm believer of what you put out is what you get back...

On to photographic endeavors~ I have really taken an interest in the photojournalistic style of photography and want to explore that avenue. (Photographing in a candid, documentary style. Working in an unobtrusive manner capturing real moments as they happen. Telling a story). I am now on the look for possible shoots/models-interested send me an email! Amanda@behindthezoom.com

Took a break from work for a photo expedition not so long ago with my friend Tami ~Tamra Oellig of http://www.seaofserendipity.com/ to the Tohono Chul park. http://www.tohonochulpark.org/ a wonderful desert garden oasis you can tour through and a superb luncheon spot!!

While touring the park one had to notice ~ Spring has sprung in the desert!

Tami captured this of me with my Sigma 70-200 2.8. Really think this is an exceptional lens for the money. Slightly heavier then I would prefer but still loving it. I tried it out at CJ's volleyball games and wow! I was able to get quite a few nice images in the dark, dimly lit gyms.

More to come from this lens I am sure. Despite the weight it is becoming one of my favorites.

2008-11-10T10:29:00.000-08:00

November already- starting the holiday/end of the year rush. We will be busy as usuall with 4-H, school events, basketball, dune trips and holidays.

On another note...Competition was tough on that last challenge I entered! I didn't make it to the top 10 but was on quite a few peoples favorites & top ten lists.
I jumped in again to this recent challenge-theme is massive or miniscule. Didn't have a thought on what to enter until I was at the rodeo Craig was judging last weekend and I overheard someone say a couple of the bulls for the bull riding were massive!! Well there it was- now I just needed to separate the bull riding competition bulls to get a great picture. If you don't know rodeo I can honestly tell you, one doesn't separate and place rodeo stock bulls they sit and wait to see if they place themselves and you make sure you sit to wait on the other side of a very strong fence!!

Ended up with way to many photos but one that I thought I could enter~

This one was just for fun!!

2008-10-15T08:41:00.000-07:00

Spent last Sunday out enjoying the fall weather with a short hike in Sabino Canyon with my daughter and sister. Perfect amount of water running from day before mountain rains. Little cold for me but alot of people out wading and playing. Saw some deer off the road on the way back down.

We rounded a spot on the road and looked up- to my surprise the plant- can't remember his name Simon, Sid, ??? from Lil Shop of Horrors is alive and well living in the sonoran desert!! Instantly FEED ME rang through my thoughts.

Competition #10 interpret how you wish~

2008-10-11T11:37:00.000-07:00

A Dream Within A Dream by Edgar Allan Poe

Take this kiss upon the brow!And, in parting from you now,Thus much let me avow--
You are not wrong, who deemThat my days have been a dream;Yet if hope has flown away
In a night, or in a day,In a vision, or in none,Is it therefore the less gone?All that we see or seem
Is but a dream within a dream.

I stand amid the roarOf a surf-tormented shore,And I hold within my handGrains of the golden sand--How few! yet how they creepThrough my fingers to the deep,
While I weep--while I weep!O God! can I not graspThem with a tighter clasp?
O God! can I not saveOne from the pitiless wave?
Is all that we see or seemBut a dream within a dream?

These are competitions I frequently enter to learn and expand my photography skills. The above was truly a challenge ~ interpret the poem and come up with an image. I decided to go with the dark side of Edgar Allan Poe and have an idea about lost time in ones life. I took my baby picture of the wall, set up lights and set up the background but soon realize I have to be the model. After "aging" myself a little (would like to say alot, but probably not the case) I start setting timer on camera, running back and forth, trying to focus on something - ended up being a hat on a stand placed where I thought I would be!
Shot a ton of pictures for the one. After a little tweaking with the help of fellow DGrin forum members the above image is my take on the poem~

Will let you know how I do ~