Camera Class for Moms: The Perfect Gift for V-Day!

Ladies these are so much fun and everyone always learns so much

Many of you have nice digital SLR cameras and are using them exclusively on auto mode, just like your old point and shoot. I know how hard it can be to learn how to use a camera for the first time on your own that is why I am teaching this class! Now you can take a workshop where you are one of a small group of other moms (or dads) learning the photography basics to help you get the most from your camera and capture everyday moments.
Find out how to manually set your camera to get just what you want to take great pictures of your family everyday! Also get advice on what lenses to put on your  wish list!

This is a four hour workshop limited to 6 participants. Bring your camera and your questions.

Outline

* The 10 Keys to taking great pictures of your children
* Introduction to Exposure
o Shutter Speed
o Aperture
o ISO
* Lens Overview
o What do the numbers mean on my lens?
* Options for sharing and printing

Cost: $100 per person

Class size is limited to 6 participants to allow a more personalized class and plenty of time for questions so sign up now! Click here!

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“Celebration of Smiles Day” April 21st in Ashland, Oregon

Hello Friends!

I thought you would want to know about a very special promotion we will be participating in with other photographers from around the country.  On April 21, 2012 we will host “Celebration of Smiles Day”  in Ashland, a wonderful opportunity for you to update individual portraits of your family members and at the same time support the work of Operation Smile, which treats children around the world who suffer with cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities.

Along with other participating members of Professional Photographers of America (PPA), we have pledged to donate 100% of each $24 donation made to PPA Charities, which has chosen Operation Smile as its charitable partner.

Evoking and capturing the smiles of children is our ultimate goal. That’s why we believe so strongly in the work of Operation Smile. Each year this incredible organization of more than 5,000 volunteer doctors, nurses, dentists, and special­ized health care professionals, perform free reconstructive surgeries for children suffering with cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities.

Every three minutes a child somewhere in the world is born with a facial deformity. One in ten will not survive to see their first birthday. Those who do survive often live in isolation and pain. More than 100,000 children are born with a facial deformity each year in Operation Smile’s 26 partner countries.

I hope you will join with us in helping to make this vital work possible.  As always . . . we look forward to creating some truly wonderful portraits of your children!

Warm wishes,

Crystal Garcia

Click here to download the poster.  Click here to register for the event!

At Home in Your Body: Talent, Oregon Child Photography

This week I got a bladder infection that I avoided going to the doctor for and tried to get rid of via water and cranberry juice, which meant that I let it get really bad and painful before I got any relief.  Anyways, while I spent several days in or around my bed I was thinking up in my mind about the human body, movement and awareness.

One thing that I love about the stage that Autumn is in, is that she is so comfortable in her own body. Something I hope will not change, but likely will given, our culture. I love how she moves in order to get her body to do things for her. She doesn’t think about sucking in her tummy, unless her body requires her to do so for balance. She doesn’t worry that when she bends over she may show the world her undies.

I struggled last week when Autumn fell in love with a pair of plastic princess “heels” she wanted from Goodwill. She has been wearing the things all around the house and even to bed (I don’t let her wear them outside because I don’t want her to fall and because I want her to run). I personally hate heels and never understood the point of causing yourself discomfort for the sake of fashion, so I really didn’t understand why Autumn would wear something that limited her movement, are hard and surely must be uncomfortable. I may never know, but it seems the fad is dying down. At any rate, I hope she never chooses heels because she thinks she needs to to make her legs look better, fit in or to feel taller like girls in magazines. I guess I will cross that bridge when I come to it and model a different attitude along the way while I am at it.

Today however was about photographing Autumn in some of her beautiful, natural movements. I didn’t even get half of them. In fact as soon as we got home I immediately noticed some tippy toe stands as she reached for things just out of reach and a pointed toe on one foot (for whatever reason). I imagined these photos taking place in this cool place I had seen in Talent, but when I took Autumn there this time it just didn’t seem like safe enough place to let her be free to move and explore so I opted out. I think they turned out to be a nice capture of her being comfortable in her own skin in a simple way though.

 

“And though she be but little, she is fierce.” –Shakespeare

And a little happy color to end the session. 🙂 Of course we followed up with a cupcake at the Cupcake Daily here in Talent. The prefect little Mama/Daughter date!

Tired of cheesey character Valentine’s?

Josiah and Autumn helped me do some test shots today for Valentine’s day. We used a random strand of all red Christmas lights (that I have no idea where they came from) and set up a fun little area in my bedroom and made these. They thought the way the hearts came out was really cool!

If you would like to book a mini session before Feb 4th to get a few fun pictures to send cards or e-cards to friends and family or for your child’s school Valentine’s party just click the contact button! We can do this same set up in your home or mine, or one of man other love themed ideas that are simple, fun and relaxed.

For now, Happy (early) Valentine’s Day form Josiah and Autumn!

Ian and Zane: Ashland Newborn Twin Photographer

Yesterday I spent the middle part of my day hanging out with Ian, Zane and their big sister Roxanne. These boys were so sweet and teeny tiny! Mama, Julie knitted two awesome little blue hats for the boys as you can see below, and she actually accomplished this AFTER the twins were born, wow! Leave some love for this sweet family as they adjust from 1 child to 3 in the comments below!

P.S. You might remember Julie from her maternity session where she was rocking the bed rest and looking amazing well into her pregnancy with the boys. 🙂

IRoxanne was totally awesome holding these two boys (even when they let out some gas on her lap, she stayed calm!). SHe is such a sweet and beautiful girl!

I I think this may be my favorite dad and newborn picture to date. Their expressions are priceless.