Photo Tip: Using Color To Create Energy

© 2010 Leia Jobe

Throw a splash of color against a monochromatic background... this draws the eye immediately and gives a touch of dimension to an otherwise plain setting. In this case, I used selective coloring (i.e., leaving only the skirt in full color and muting everything else) via tools in Lightroom... but most modern photo editing software is capable.

AND when photographing little girls, you can't go wrong with a flowy ballerina skirt.

Photo Tip: Think Inside The Box

Clayton © Leia Jobe 2009

Quick tip today for photographing kids: think inside the box.

2-year olds may be your toughest photo subjects ever, so you have to be clever when chasing those authentic, non-"cheese" expressions.

For this photo, I actually sat inside one of the empty cardboard boxes that had contained a large child's toy... It's a great idea for curious kids... And had this little guy open the lid.

There was just enough room inside this box for me and my camera, but to pull this off, you have to be willing to do the following: 1) fold yourself up tight, 2) be quiet, 3) not look scary, 4) have an assistant, 5) watch your shutter speed and light (meaning, you should adjust your camera settings prior to the box being opened), and 6) be patient. Also don't be shocked when this turns into a melee at the birthday party... Kids will LOVE this.

Stuff I Love

I'm recently on a strict no-shopping diet, but I still can't help but foster my love for consumerism by offering you these awesome links to the lovely products with which I fill my days... when I am not chasing after a zen-like existence, that is.

Ahhhh, love this perfume...

Love this... And actually could totally wear every outfit in the film...



Love... although laughing and yoga sometimes do NOT mix.

Cute Baby Portrait Ideas

I'm a huge fan of mixing bright colors for a happy pop of contrast... it adds a little pizazz, especially when used wisely as a cute baby portrait background.

Here is baby Claire in a fresh mix of pinks, greens, and yellows... add that to the perfect blue of her perfect little eyes, and you've got a fresh, modern little headshot.

Baby Claire © Leia Jobe 2011

Mark Anthony Nelson

Got together with my Texas photog friend Mark Nelson in October and took these outdoor headshots using only a Canon 50D, one lens, and a 43 inch silver reflector...

You can see Mark's work at his website, http://www.markanthonynelson.com/

Also see these Amazon links to buy the equipment I used for this shoot.

Recent Portraits

Some of my recent portrait work... Taken in about .5 seconds between the absolute chaos of a 5-minute family session, using a Canon 50D. Loving stripes lately, so this was a serendipitous little outfit. :)

can you say adorable?

Trouble by Never Shout Never

listening to: "Trouble" by Never Shout Never.
This song just popped up on my Pandora station, and I had to stop what I was doing to find out who was singing... Kinda reminds me of a teenie/poppy/ukulele version of Jason Mraz (who I love, by the way). Totally catchy, slightly annoying, and completely reminiscent of a movie I've seen somewhere... Which reminds me, does anybody else completely love Jay Baruchel and Alexis Bledel in "I'm Reed Fish?" And Schuyler Fisk, you are pretty awesome, too.