Life.....

Sunflowers = from husband

Photographed = using Canon 5d Mk II about an hour ago

Quote = Found on pinterest, this is something I need to read every day at the moment

Created = In Photoshop using actions, textures and brushes

Sharing = sweet!

Growth : Learning : Loving

Every time I pick my camera up I learn something new. 

That something new is usually discovered in the process of editing.  It is always best to capture the best possible photo in camera so that your editing process is kept to a minimum. 

That said, I have found recently that I have been capturing my images with a certain look and feel in mind for the end result, be it print, canvas, book or album.  This largely depends on the style of photo session and how it plays out, sometimes I have a pre-conceived idea and sometimes I don't. Some photo sessions demand it and some don't.  Sometimes this pays off and sometimes it doesn't. 

For me at the moment it means that I take more images per photo session so that I can play and experiment with my editing styles.  I'm growing in my profession and I always like to try something that is going to challenge me or extend me in some way and it also provides me with a variety and who doesn't like a bit of variety in their life.

As time has gone on I have developed a style to my photography and one that I would describe and being strong, clear, colourful (without being over the top) with a focus on my subjects eyes (one's essence). Many clients comment on my ability to capture the "life" of someone via their eyes and this is something I always strive to do during every photo session.

I'm loving what I do right now, what I do is not work it's a love and one that I like to share with my clients, providing them with a snapshot of the essence of them or their families.

Here are a couple of my self-development images taken recently at Lori & Ben's wedding.....

This style excites me and whilst it won't be for everyone, I might just pull it out of my hat every now and then!

Travel

Over the next couple of months I will be doing some travelling and would like to offer you to opportunity to book a Photo Session with me......here is where I will be and when......

Sydney - Sunday 10th July to Sunday 17th July - Bondi Area

Mandurah - Monday 18th July to Friday 22nd July

Gold Coast/Brisbane - Sunday 21st August to Sunday 28th August

Email me if you are interested and we can discuss your requirements.

Preview : S Family

I was so looking forward to this photo session yesterday - I've known the lovely K (Mrs S) for a while now and was excited to meet her whole family.  We headed for a park in Wanneroo but everyone else had the same idea given the fine weather, so we just went for a walk along Joondalup Lake and really, just had some fun - what else do kids want to do?

So here you go K a sneak peek - Seriously I don't know how you are going to decide there are just so many!

Adorable Miss E

We thought Master N was going to be difficult, he was anything but!

Master S - very suave!

I never looked at this one until this morning - love it ! 

Mr A looking very collected!

Makes me smile!

The whole family.

So so sweet. 

Speechless.

I just want to squish those cheeks. 

Calm?

Isn't she stunning!

EDITED TO NOTE:  Please visit Kristen's blog here to see what plans she has for her photos and why we planned the photo session in the first place!

She's at the Ball tonight!

 

It has been a huge day.....back with some more photos tomorrow!

Giveaway : It's my Birthday!

It's my Birthday today so I thought I would give you the chance to win a gift from me!

I'm giving away a place in my "Get your camera off auto" online workshop commencing on Monday next week (9th May) valued at

$125.00.

Here's what you have to do, are you ready? Don't get overwhelmed........

1. Leave a comment here on my blog.

Yep that's it!  I'm over of all the liking of Facebook pages for extra entries, inviting your friends etc. and I know there are alot of readers here that don't use Facebook at all. 

However if you do use FB and want to like my page then here it is......

Remember it's a online course with lessons posted every 2 weeks, you can learn at your own pace and we will have a Flickr group set up to communicate with me and each other should you have any queries or need some help.

We will be starting with your semi-automatic settings and progressing onto full manual.  We will also cover, light, perspective and how to photograph groups and individuals and lots more. 

Those that have already enroled in the course - THANK YOU! - you will have your class fee refunded should you win.

Spread the word and I look forward to drawing the winner on Saturday 7th May.

Good Luck!

Preview : Wedding : Lori & Ben

On Easter Saturday I had the huge honour of photographing Lori & Ben's wedding day in Albany.  The bride's Mother - Ann has become a good friend of mine over the last few years and she and her family are well, just lovely people! 

If you know Albany, the weather can be unpredictable (particularly at this time of the year) and whilst it wasn't sweltering we were definitely warm and I even ended up with a little sunburn to the nose by the end of the day.  The ceremony was at Flinders Park Lodge - gorgeous grounds and lots of lovely shade. 

We were very fortunate to have the use of a Harley motorcycle and Roadster for the post-ceremony photos and we had so much fun with our shiny props.

Here is just a small sneak peek of some of the many many photos taken on the day. Congratulations to Lori and Ben and thanks for being such a great sports and doing everything I asked you to do without complaints. xxx   Also to Ann and Rob for being so organised and really making my task at hand very easy. xxx

You can also check these photos out on Facebook too - Just "like" Sharon Manning Photography by clicking on the logo.... :-)  Thanks!

Preview : T Family

Sorry for not being around much - in fact I really had to think about my password when I went to log in!

I have had a very busy couple of weeks with a Wedding and three family photo sessions and I'm slowly wading through the editing.  I love this part of my job, so much so I find myself smiling at my monitor alot of the time.

As well as my day job I have been sewing costumes, ferrying Gemma to the West Coast Dance Festival competitions and dance practices.  She placed first on Sunday night for her Slow Modern routine - very proud Mummy (and Daddy and Sister) moment....she worked hard and really wanted a result for this one and she got just that!  Well done chicken xxxx

OK now the preview.....

I have only met Susan a couple of times yet she is just a lovely bubbly person and so very easy to talk to.  It's Susan's birthday today and she decided that she wanted a family photo session with me to celebrate, having not had photographs taken for a number of years what better way to remember this very special time in her life.

The rain clouds were looming the closer I got to our location and I knew we had to move fast as the light was fading quickly.

What an amazing family she has - they were so much fun and certainly made my task at hand very easy with lots of laughs along the way!

So without further ado.......

Isn't she beautiful?!!!

Happy Birthday Susan!

Preview : Wedding : Jen & Troy

On Friday afternoon Jen & Troy were married by celebrant Esther Bliss at The Mallard Duck Restaurant in the Swan Valley and I was honoured to be able to share and capture the day for them.

Here's just a sneak peek for J&T.  Congratulations and best wishes for the future with your gorgeous children Krystal and Ashlin!



"Get Your Camera Off Auto" e-Workshop!

Due to overwhelming demand and interest, I am hosting my "Get Your Camera Off Auto" workshop online!  Now everyone will have the opportunity to learn how to use their DSLR on manual and realise the full potential of their camera. 

I'm very excited to offer this to you, alot of hard work has gone into developing this course in a way everyone can benefit from it, no matter what experience you may have had shooting on manual.  I have been wanting to do this for quite a while, and the timing is right for me and quite possibly you too.

Registrations are now open for class commencing 9th May (term two or there abouts for most of Australia).

All the details are below and please if you have any further queries, then leave a comment or email me if you would prefer.  I will answer your questions directly to you and also in a post here on my blog in a couple of days time.

I genuinely cannot wait to share my knowledge with you and have some fun along the way......just don't laugh at me in the videos!

Testimonials from the inaugural workshop:

A huge, huge thankyou Sharon for our "get off auto" class. It was fun, very informative and I

can now say I know how to use my camera. Thanks again..........Tracey

Thank you Sharon for a STUNNING course .....may this sucess be one of many... .Simone

Bring on the next course.. I say!........Kristen

Everyone had some great photos!...........Lis

Once you have signed up don't forget to add your button to your blog.....here's what the button looks like and the code you need is in the right hand bar of my blog here.

Thanks and I look forward to welcoming you all on Monday 9th May!

Can you visualise what photographs you would like on your walls?

Some people are not great at visualising how something will look.  Whilst we know what we want, sometimes it's nice to see it before we invest our hard earned dollars in it.  Whatever that "it" is. 

In my world it's photography and prints or canvases on the wall.  I know I like to surround myself with photographs and memories of my family and when I happen to pass by I quite often find myself smiling (at them).

I wanted to help my clients see beyond just the framed print on the wall and see the potential of a canvas and what the emotional impact and physical impact it would have on their lounge, family room, hallway or bedroom. 

So as part of your proof session you will now be able to do just that.  See different sized photographs and how they will look on a wall in relation to other elements your room might have.

This new (to me) tool will open up a whole realm of possibility you may not have thought of before.

A lounge area with fireplace.......

A hallway with chair......

A couch with Triptych (3 photos in a row, all the same size).....

Different sized photographs grouped together to tell a story.....

During your proof session I will assist you in designing what works for you and your decor so that you too will find yourself smiling as you pass by.

Imagine the possibilities!  I can't wait to show you!

I'm back but wanted to share this quickly!

I am back from Hyden but I just wanted to share this quickly with you all.  Particularly those that participated in my workshop on the weekend and those that have in the past.

If you have an on-board flash then you can get one of these from Photojojo........

here's the blurb......

You know that folder on your desktop full of nearly awesome photos you need to touch up? The ones with red eyes, shiny foreheads, and bright overblown faces? It’s time to stop adding to it.


Slip the Pop-up Flash Bounce onto the hot shoe of your DSLR and you’ll be snapping pro-quality and shadow-free photos without hearing a chorus of “augh! My eyes!” after a blinding flash.

This smart and simple hood contains a mirror that directs the flash on your camera up, bouncing it off the ceiling to create even, natural light just like the pros do with their external flashes.

It's better than a diffuser because it bounces the light from your flash instead of just softening it.


With the Pop-up Flash Bounce you’ll finally have clear, evenly lit shots without shadows, reflections, or evil in the eyes of your friends.

Now you'll just have to figure out what to do with all the time you used to spend editing!

But click here to find out some more and be sure to take a look at the before and after shots too.

This would be great if you didn't want to fork out for a external flash but wanted to eliminate the "flash" look from your photos.....bouncing light!