Photos of the Week and All the Reasons Why You Should Follow This Blog

It's bad enough I feel like I'm slacking with this whole blog thing, but what's worse is now I have this yucky cold that seems to have slowed everything down for me. However, I have plans to change that as of tomorrow and cold or not, I have been browsing pintrest for some pretty cool weekly photo ideas (similar to that whole 365 photo project).

I haven't decided 100% how I should run this blog just yet. I want it to be fun, interesting and I want you to be able to see things here that you don't see on my FB page. I know that as I continue to gain customers and do more photo sessions I will have the privilege to tell you a story about each child, family or individual I photograph but I would like to add some other stuff in the mix as well. 

I'm even considering offering special discounts if you mention you read specific blog posts, posting all my contest info here and maybe a few giveaways along the way that you will only find by reading and sharing my blog. 

Bottom line, help me gain followers!

Below are my photos of the week. I took these photos at a local park as a part of a homework assignment for one of my photography classes. This little guy was a lot of fun to photograph. At first, he was incredibly quiet, then he started hollering at me, then he actually came at me and nipped my foot and finally, he dove into the creek to mate with another geese while I was trying to photograph the creek itself (yeah thanks Mr.Ladies Man Geese!)

Facebooking, Blogging, and All Things Photography!

I am having a hard time finding the right blog to post my photos. Part of the trouble is figuring out how to format the photos to where they aren't too large for the blog. I have joined My Foto Journal and am hoping to figure it out soon. I could see where down the road it would be a valuable tool for customers to see ALL their photos versus me posting them on Facebook.

Speaking of Facebook, I encourage you all to follow me on this blog and/or my Foto Journal blog. It seems as though Facebook is going to make business owner's posts less visible which as you can imagine will become a huge headache for me and others who are trying to grow their business.

Thank you all for your continued to support. I am amazed at how quickly my FB page has grown and plan on continuing to keep it up regardless of the changes. Encourage your friends to like my page and please take me into consideration the next time you need wedding photos, family photos or newborn photos.


By the way, when my FB page reaches 1,000 likes, I will have a different, but cool giveaway/offer for one lucky person!

The classes I'm taking with AI are improving my art every single day and I'm looking forward to what the future holds for my business.

Below are some shots of my sweet Noah that I took yesterday.

Snow Day!

So, even though it didn't last very long, we still got to experience a Snow Day today. Which meant I got a chance to experiment with photographing in the snow and when trying to do this in complete manual settings, it was quite difficult to figure out how to get the photos just right with out them being too bright or too dark. 

Needless to say I finally figured it out, and I think the pictures turned out gorgeous. I would LOVE to live up north just long enough to do a few sessions. I have lots of ideas in mind of things I could do.

Here are my favs:

Sweet Miley

Miley is one of my sweet baby models. (She also happens to be my daughter). I took these photos out in the country last week at my Grandmother's old home in front of her old barn.

I'm learning more and more about white balance and shutter speeds and I took this day to really practice with what I've learned. I've just about figured out how to operate my camera 100% in manual mode which means I use no automatic settings. 

I think these photos turned out great and capture the sweet spirit I see in my "Smiley Miley" everyday. 

Inspirational Teacher

Everyone of us has that one teacher that stood out from our childhood/adolescent teachers. For me, there were two. The first, Mrs. Daisy McKenzie, who inspired me to reach higher than I've ever reached for my goals and to never ever loose sight of those goals. I've mentioned her many times to employers, in college entrance essays and scholarship applications.

There was however, another teacher that stood out just as well. One who stood out so much she even had the same hair color as me. In fact, I'm pretty well convinced that 90% of the student body believed she was my mother. To this day, if I am anywhere near Quitman School District I still get asked if we are related. Over time, she and I just kind of adopted each other.

I never mentioned her in entrance essays or in job interviews, but I can't even begin to tell you what an inspiration she was to me or how much of an impact she left on my life.

She was an incredible teacher. She made learning so much fun and she always had the coolest ideas for assignments. The one assignment that sticks out the most in my mind is one where we made commercials. I want to say it was somehow tied into the story of  "Beowulf," but after eleven plus years, it's kinda hard to remember.

Other than being a teacher, she was also one of my S.A.D.D sponsors. Here again, she was always full of enthusiasm and excitement and made every meeting fun. The thing I liked most about her though was the fact that she always looked out for everyone, and I think deep down, she had a deep love and huge heart for underdogs like me.

I wasn't in the popular crowd in school and I definitely didn't fit in. Slightly over weight, awkward and shy would've summed me up in a nutshell. That didn't matter to this teacher, however. She saw past all that, encouraged me (and others for that matter) to believe in myself and she in her own way taught me how to be better than rumors and name-calling. She really did become like a second mother to me.

Over the years, I grew up, went to college, got married, had kids, and life went on as did hers, but I never forgot the impact she left in my life or the life lessons I learned from her class or in S.A.D.D.. I've tried to maintain contact with her, and could've honestly probably done a much better job, but as most of us are human and just tend to get "busy," I too lost track of time.

This teacher is Mrs. Lynne Smith. Most of you know her well as most of you who are anywhere near my age probably at one point had her as a teacher if you lived in the Quitman School District.

She has stayed on my heart since the day I heard the news that her little girl, Eden, was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. As a mother of three children, I cannot even begin to imagine what most be going through Lynne's mind. They are in the process of packing for St. Jude today.

I do not know what the future holds for this family, but what I do know is that there is a God far larger than this. Furthermore I believe he has his arms around Lynne and Eden and the rest of their family, and I am convinced he is with the medical staff that is awaiting their arrival at St. Jude. 

I am asking for your support for this family whether it be prayer, encouraging words, or participating in the benefit that friends and family are planning for next Saturday. I am posting this blog on her wall so that she can read this as well and if you'd like to leave a comment for her here, please do so. 

I have also attached information (click it to see a larger image) regarding the benefit. If you need further info, please contact me at: aprilswancey@hotmail.com

‘Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’Isaiah 41:10

I'm in love!

I've been search in additional lenses for my camera because a.) I have to have them for my degree program and b.) I want to expand my horizons in my own business  Needless to say as I was browsing Canon's website earlier, I decided to browse their latest cameras (I currently own a EOS Rebel t2i) - and well, I have fallen in love with the one pictured  above!

So you all wanna go in and buy this for me right?! ;) *

*Photo: http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/professional/products/professional_cameras/digital_slr_cameras/eos_6d

New Year, Dreams Come True

When I was a kid, I remember being slightly obsessed with cameras. My Grandmother had an old school flash 35 mm camera and I would constantly beg her to let me use it. I think over time she got tired of me asking, because one year for my birthday she bought me a hot pink camera. It was love at first sight.

I carried it everywhere, photographed everything, and between her and my parents, I feel quite sure they got tired of paying for my film rolls to be developed. 

Eventually, I lost the camera and transitioned to using those disposable cameras for a while, but then the digital camera was invented. I was in the 12th grade when my father purchased their first digital camera. I remember taking it to the homecoming game and any other place I could get my hands on it and take it with me.

As I grew older, I kind of lost time to focus on photographing the world, but I never ever lost interest in it. It has always been something close to my heart, and I think that I see the world in a way that others don't. I don't mean that the least bit negative, but seriously, I think I do. Colors, scenery, children, buildings - life in general, I think I see in a different light than most. I cannot tell you the times I was out riding around selling insurance and would think "Oooh that would make an awesome photograph!."

With all that being said, I am beyond excited to FINALLY be able to see my dreams come true and launch my photography buisness this year. I have so many ideas in mind, I can't wait to jump in and get started. Furthermore, I couldn't be happier to see the increase in likes on my Facebook page, the continuous increase in a customer base and I have some super adorable models to help showcase my talent.

With that being said, I think it's obvious my resolution is to grow my business this year, but no worries, I'll share my others with you as well:

2. (Because, well I just gave a detailed description of number 1) Get in shape, get fit.

3. Grow in my walk with God, become more active in my church

4. More arts & crafts time with my kids 

5.  Go fishing more often

6. Take better care of my skin, my hair and my overall self

7. Be a better person

Thank you all for your continued support! It's gonna be a GREAT year :)

Cutest Couple

Okay, so I need more models other than my 3 sweet children (and the 4 other children I've selected recently for modeling purposes) to help me get my business going and showcase what I can do with a camera. Therefore, I've decided to have a Cutest Couple Contest! Here is all the info you need to participate!

1. Send me a recent photo of you and your sweetheart to: aprilswancey@hotmail.com

2. Be sure to include a short story about you and your sweetheart and why you think you guys should win.

3. Make sure to include your full name, mailing address and phone number in the email (this information will NOT be published on the album, it is just needed in case you win!)

4. Photos will be uploaded to my "Cutest Couple Photo Contest" album on April Swancey Photography's Facebook page. (http://www.facebook.com/AprilSwanceyPhotography?fref=ts).

5. Deadline to submit photos is January 31 at midnight. Photo with the most likes wins.

PRIZE:

Winner of the contest will win a free photo session with 15 poses, CD with printing permission, (1) 8x10, (2) 5x7, (12) wallets of your choice.

Good luck!

My Favorite Shots of 2012

So even though I waited to the very latter part of this year to dive head first into this photography thing, I did manage to capture what I think were some pretty awesome shots.

With that being said please bear with me. I am still new to this, and everyday I learn something new whether it be new lighting ideas, flash settings, poses or whatever, I'm learning, I'm mastering my art, and I couldn't be more excited about it all.

Thank you so much for all the support you've given me. From the sweet family that was my very first clients, to those of you who've agreed to let me use your kids as models, to the ones who have allowed me to photograph your wedding (and bridal and engagement session), and even those of you who pushed to create a Facebook page, put my name out there or just the ones who have told me I can do this and supported me 100%.

To my family, friends and those of you that I call my second family, thank you. You guys have been so amazingly supportive not only this year but for many years. It is because of you guys that I finally built up enough confidence in myself to make the jump and go at this full speed ahead.

I'm so thrilled about what the new year is going to bring. It is going to be awesome. Stay tuned, spread the word and check out my favorite shots below!

Photo of the Week

I captured this photo yesterday. I've always loved photos of raindrops on glass. Yesterday was a rainy day (as is today) so I took the chance to capture my own rainy day photo.

 

 

The Harper Family

Last weekend, I took the Harper family's annual Christmas portraits. I've known the Harper's for about a year now, so I was excited to have the chance to photograph their beautiful family. I have to say the photos turned out great!

 

We took the photos at Bonita. It was a beautiful Sunny day and the temps were nice.

 

 

Beautiful Family!

 

Even though little Miss Callie tried to give us trouble, I managed to capture a few smiles! This is one of my favorites!

 

I truly enjoyed photographing this family! Hope they'll give me the chance to do it again!

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Holiday Magic

Christmas is definitely my favorite time year. Christmas itself is a magical time. The lights, the trees, the holiday baking, the ornaments, the presents and one of my favorite parts the church services and all the traditional Christmas songs. I love the crisp cold air at Christmas time and the fires, the cuddling, and the family time that comes with it. It's like no other time of year.  

 

Now that I have small children it's become even more enjoyable. They are beyond excited about Santa's arrival, the tree and they too enjoy the music (however, their favorite Christmas song at the moment is Alvin and the Chimpmunks "Christmas Don't Be Late." - the orignal version).

 

So how exciting is it that I, a photography student, get to take some photos for a class project at Christmas? Pretty exciting if you ask me!

 

 My classes are so much fun. I love my instructors, my classmates, all the different software, the techniques I'm learning. I'm turning into a photography nerd I guess! Furthermore, I'm slowly building a customer base outside of my classes, and I've landed a job taking photos of newborn babies at the local hospitals. I was talking with a friend of mine yesterday and I made mention of the fact that there is no greater feeling in this world than to see a lifelong dream slowly become a reality.

 

Below are 2 of my favorite shots I've taken with bokeh that capture a little of what Christmas is to me. Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

All the Things I'm Thankful For

I have so many things that I am thankful for I decided to just put them in a numbered list. So here they are:

 

1. First and foremost I'm thankful to have Christ in my life. I have been blessed in so many ways. I'm so grateful to him for all he's blessed me with!

2. I am thankful for my family (blood, non-blood and all). I've been blessed with so many wonderful people in my life. I love each and everyone of you more than you could ever imagine.

3. Thankful for my church family.

4. My husband - I have a great husband. He's been so supportive in me following my dream and returning to school to pursue photography.

5. The 3 sweet little faces you see below. They put a smile on my face every single day, and they can make a horrible day turn into the best day.

6. My friends old & new.

7. For fresh from the garden vegetables from a friend this year that have helped to make my Turkey Day side dishes.

8. For my yard man - yes, he deserves to get some praise because he kept my grass looking great all summer long!

9. For my husband's job and my upcoming job - jobs are so hard to come by and so many people are being laid off these days we are blessed to have the jobs we have!

10. For my kitty cat - he's always there when I need a friend ;)

11. For a roof over my head, clothes on my back, and food in my tummy.

 

I hope everyone has the best Thanksgiving ever.

 

Below are my latest photos of my sweet babies. Memphis was feeling under the weather so we will have to try again with him soon.

 

 

 

Marriage Retreat

Okay, so for years anytime someone told me they were going on a "marriage retreat," I thought two things. 1.)They were super old and 2.) They must have major major issues within their marriage. So I found it to be somewhat funny when I caught myself on the way towards Orange Beach, AL this weekend for nothing else but a marriage retreat.

First, let me clarify that there are no issues within my marriage. I have an incredible husband who would do anything for me and I too would do anything for him.

We decided to go on this trip because we knew it could help us grow our marriage and become stronger.

We had such a great time and gained so much from it. We laughed for hours on end, saw a movie, did some shopping, spent tons of time on the beach, hung out with some other super nice couples, worshiped our wonderful God, and so many more things. It was a wonderful trip. I've attached some of my favorite shots below.

Hope everyone has a wonderful week.

April

This is me and my supercool 3D movie glasses ;)

Pictures of the week

I meant to do this last week but I got sidetracked with sick kids, sick husband, etc. Each week I'm going to attempt to post my favorite shots of the week. These were some of the ones I took last week. I also vow to make this blog more than just a place to see my pics. I will try to post stories behind some of the pictures along the way too!

 

Have a great week and enjoy these pics ;)