Daryan's Sneak Peek

I am so excited to share Daryan's senior photos on the blog today! Daryan is graduating high school an ENTIRE YEAR early! Miss smarty pants. So, I met with her and her mom a few weeks ago to capture some photos before her graduation in a few months.

We started our session at Thunderbird Park, which is one of my favorite places to shoot. Daryan was relaxed in front of the camera and excited about her photos right from the beginning, which made her so much fun to photograph. She saw this huge tree and asked if she could climb it and pose for some photos.  Totally cute, right?...

This is one of my favs, especially in black and white...

This is another favorite. I just love that bridge...

Hello, gorgeous!...

I love both of these images, also. Daryan, you are so pretty!...

After graduation, Daryan will be attending film school! It was so much fun listening to her tell me all about the program and about everything she is going to learn. I am so excited for her. What an awesome thing to do! So, in honor of Daryan heading off to film school next year, we had to capture these photos...

I just have to say that I am insanely jealous that Daryan's high school color is purple. PURPLE! Mine was red. How boring.

Daryan has THEE BEST personality. She is so much fun! Here she is mugging a bit for the camera in her cap and gown. I thought all of these were just so cute, and couldn't narrow it down, so I went with a little collage instead...

And back to that bridge for one more...

We then headed back to Daryan's house for a quick outfit change and a few photos with her kitty, Ravenclaw...

We then headed to a nearby waterfall for some more photos. Is that dress not to die for? I just love these two photos, especially the black and white. STUNNING!...

Daryan's dark hair is absolutely gorgeous, and I love how it stands out in this one...

And just a little bit of that fun personality peeking out again. I love it!...

Daryan, thank you so much for spending your Friday evening with me and allowing me to take your senior photos for you. I hope you have a wonderful end of your senior year, a great summer, and an amazing time at film school. I want to hear all about it, so you better keep in touch and tell me how it goes next year? Deal?

Michele Whitacre is a portrait photographer serving Phoenix, Arizona and the surrounding area.
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© 2013 Michele Whitacre Photography LLC

Phoenix School of Law | Student Head Shots

Several of my husband's law school classmates have been asking me about having professional head shots taken in the school library. After enough requests, I finally contacted the school to see if they would give me permission.  The school agreed to allow me to come in one day during Spring Break, when it wouldn't be too much of a disturbance.  Of course, the last place most students want to be during break is the school library, but these guys made it out for photos.  That's what I call dedication!

So please allow me to introduce you to these handsome, and dedicated, future attorneys.

Meet Charles...

Marcos...

Josh...

And Stan...

What a great looking group of future lawyers, huh?  I'd hire them!  Wouldn't you?

Michele Whitacre is a portrait photographer serving Phoenix, Arizona and the surrounding area.
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Equipment Doesn't Matter Or Does It?

I've been meaning to write this post for a while, but when I read another article about this today I was finally spurred into motion because I think it's high time someone set the record straight.  If you live in the world of photography, you become bombarded with the phrase "equipment doesn't matter" over and over and over again.

And I'm here to tell you that is a big fat lie.

Now before I get crucified for that statement, let me be clear.  I am not claiming that you can put high end gear in the hands of someone who has no clue how to use it and get amazing photos.  Nor am I saying that an awesome photographer can't take incredible images with a cell phone camera.  But what I am saying is that many in the industry spout off "equipment doesn't matter" like it is the end all be all golden rule of photography.  But it's not, because let's be honest here...  If the same image quality could be obtained with a cell phone camera verses a high end DSLR, pro photographers wouldn't be spending thousands of dollars to purchase them, and if a single lens could do an incredible job of capturing every photo imaginable, pros wouldn't own more than one.

Equipment does matter.  It matters a lot.

All this phrase does is confuse those beginners who are just starting and leave them wondering why they can't get tack sharp images and amazing bokeh with their 18-55 mm f/5.6 stock lens that came with their entry level DSLR camera.

Three years ago, I was that beginner.  

As I sat in my first photography class surrounded by more advanced students who owned better equipment than I did, I constantly wondered why my images didn't look like theirs.  No matter what I did I couldn't get my photos to look as in focus as theirs, nor could I get a gorgeous out of focus background behind my subjects like they could.  Then I bought my 70-200 f/2.8, attached it to my camera, and BAM! tack sharp images and amazing bokeh first time out.

For years, I admired a favorite photographer's indoor photos of her family, especially the ones taken in very dim lighting.  Then I bought my DSLR camera and repeatedly failed to take similar photos.  I had no idea why I couldn't make my images look like hers did.  Then I bought my 50 mm f/1.2, attached it to my camera, opened it to f/1.2, pointed it at my dogs with nothing lighting the room but a single lamp, and BAM! great images.

Today I understand that the optical quality of the glass in that stock lens is not equal to the optical quality of the glass in my high end lenses, so the clarity of the images isn't going to be the same.  Today I understand that the blurred background behind my subjects is created by the depth of field which is controlled by my aperture setting, so a lens with a widest aperture of f/5.6 is never going to create the same image as one with a widest aperture of f/1.2.  Today I know that in a dimly lit environment my camera is going to produce very noisy images at ISO settings of 800 and above, so the only hope I have of shooting in dim light is with a very wide aperture or on a tripod with a slow shutter speed.  Back then I didn't know any of those things.  All I knew was that since equipment doesn't matter I must just suck.

And that didn't feel very good.  Not good at all.

These days I am a bit smarter.  Recently, I've been struggling to master a technique that I have been practicing over and over with zero success.  So finally, I asked another photographer about it who does have it mastered.  I showed him what I was trying to do, and simply asked, "Why can't I do this?  Is it me or my lens?"  His answer, "Your lens."

Awesome.  Maybe I don't suck after all.

And neither do you!  If you're new to photography and struggling to create an image, it is possible that your equipment is limiting your ability to capture the photos you are after.  So before you get completely frustrated or even worse, give up, seek out a friendly, more advanced, photographer and ask for help.  Because that "equipment doesn't matter" thing really needs to be taken with a grain of salt (and maybe a shot of tequila and a lime, too).

And just so we are clear...

I am absolutely not suggesting that an individual must run out and spend thousands on equipment to be an awesome photographer.  Instead what I am saying is that you need to become the master of everything in your bag.  You need to know what each and every piece of equipment you own can do. And what it can't.  So that when you do purchase new equipment, you understand the limitations of what you already own and what you need the new equipment to do for you.

If you made it the end and are still with me, thanks for sticking around and reading my long winded post.

Michele Whitacre is a portrait photographer serving Phoenix, Arizona and the surrounding area.
Visit Michele's Website | Like Michele on Facebook | Follow Michele on Instagram | Follow Michele on Twitter © 2013 Michele Whitacre Photography LLC

Self-Portrait | March 2013

At the beginning of the month I attended a workshop where off camera flash was a large part of the focus. When this topic was covered in the first workshop I attended, it was just too much for me to take in along with everything else I was trying to learn at the time  But, when it was covered at the second workshop I was all ears!  So much so, that I immediately walked out of the workshop and bought myself some new equipment and started experimenting with it.

The thing about photography is that the learning is never ending.  The second you master one technique there are ten more waiting in the wings for you to get started with.  It's one of the things I love so much about it.  I think most of us are that way.  I can't think of a single photographer I know who doesn't turn into a complete geek the second you put a new piece of equipment or technology in their hands.

For my March self-portrait, I wanted to see if I could put a twist on one of the amazing things that we learned how to do at the workshop, which was to photograph cigar smoke.  I can't wait to try that one in a few weeks when I will have someone to pose for me and help me out.  But cigar smoking and I are never gonna be BFFs, so I opted to play around with some glitter instead.

I have to admit that this is one my all time favorite self-portraits!  My back yard is now completely covered in gold glitter, and the dogs are going to be dragging it into the house for weeks but it will be so worth it knowing that it helped me capture this fun photo.

Did you miss some of my past self-portraits?  Clicking here will take you to all of my self-portrait blog posts. Clicking here will take you to my self-portrait Facebook album.

Michele Whitacre is a portrait photographer serving Phoenix, Arizona and the surrounding area.
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© 2013 Michele Whitacre Photography LLC

Picture Perfect Pups

It feels like it's been forever since I've been behind the camera, so I decided to take some photos of Zoe and Lexi this evening. Surprisingly they both were content to sit and pose for me with very minimal prompting, and I think I got tuckered out before they did. Once again, I shot these photos with my 50 mm lens because the clarity of it just can't be beat.

With just a few exceptions I preferred all of the images in black and white, and decided to go for uniformity instead of adding one or two in color.  The irony is that I hemmed and hawed for a long time over the color of their scarves, and then it didn't matter after all.  Figures.

Getting a dog to position themselves just right and hold still to catch rim light around them is virtually impossible, but like I mentioned, the dogs were content to pose today for some reason.  So, I managed to get quite a few of both of them with it...

I usually post portraits of my fur babies, which fits Zoe's lazy personality just fine, but really doesn't capture Lexi's.  These last three photos show off Lexi's personality a little better....

Especially this one (which is my absolute fav of the bunch!) of the little goober barking at me.  I'm sure the neighbors were loving the fact that I was letting her howl as I snapped several sets of photos of her...

Michele Whitacre is a portrait photographer serving Phoenix, Arizona and the surrounding area.
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 © 2013 Michele Whitacre Photography LLC

Steve + Tabitha's Sneak Peek {Engagement Session}

This past weekend I had the huge honor of taking Steve and Tabitha's engagement photos!  Both of them attend law school with my husband, and I distinctly remember hearing the awesome news when the two of them got engaged.  Steve is so laid back and a ton of fun to hang out with, and Tabitha is an absolute sweetheart.  I can't think of a better way to spend a Friday evening than photographing such an amazing couple.

Steve and Tabitha asked to have their session at the Scottsdale Civic Center, so I was super excited to finally get to take some photos of the iconic "love" statue. But first, let's show off some photos of the gorgeous couple, shall we?!

I give you you the future Mr. & Mrs....

This is definitely a favorite. I just love the smiles they have for one another!...

Kevin and I have a photo similar to this from our engagement session and I absolutely love it! Because I heart my photo so much I always try to capture something similar for the couples I photograph...

I am in love with this set of photos in front of these gorgeous trees...

Ah, yes! The lovebirds in front of the love statue...

Check out that GORGEOUS ring!...

Steve is probably going to kill me for this, but I couldn't resist. If that look doesn't say "I adore you" I don't know what does!

Steve and Tabitha, Thank you so much for allowing me to take your engagement photos and capture this amazing time for you. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding this summer. I wish you both a lifetime filled with love, laughter, and happily ever after. I couldn't be happier for you two.

Michele Whitacre is a portrait photographer serving Phoenix, Arizona and the surrounding area.
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© 2013 Michele Whitacre Photography LLC

Trevor Dayley's Photography Workshop {Take 2}

Yesterday I had the incredible opportunity to once again attend one of Trevor Dayley's Photography Workshops.  I have no idea how Trevor can make a 13 1/2 hour day fly by and feel like mere hours have passed, but he does it and does it amazingly well.  I think his obvious passion for photography, and for teaching others, is contagious and spreads energy throughout the group.

When I walked out of Trevor's first workshop, I felt like he had shared so much new information that I was never going to be able to process it all.  My brain was completely overwhelmed and exhausted, but in a Really. Good. Way.  I've spent the time since that workshop reviewing my notes and trying to make everything stick into my memory, but I kept feeling like I hadn't held onto everything that Trevor had shared.

But as I was sitting through the second workshop, I realized that I had actually absorbed a lot more than I thought. I was surprised to note how many changes I have incorporated into my business and how much my photography has grown in the 6 months since that first workshop.  Not to mention the huge boost in my confidence about both my skills as a photographer and my ability to run a successful photography business.

I will admit that it was a lot easier going into this workshop since I'd been through one before.  I knew what to expect from Trevor's teaching style, and I was prepared with my questions.  I knew what areas of the workshop I needed to focus my attention on the most, and I also learned the hard way to take more detailed notes for future reference.

During the shooting portion of the first workshop I concentrated on capturing as many photos as possible.  I felt like there was a camera in my hand and models posing in front of me, so I needed to be photographing them.  Plus, there were only 7 of us, which made it easy to get in there and grab more shots.  However, as I was going through the photos later, I realized that I didn't take full advantage of the opportunity that was in front of me.  I spent all of my precious time doing something that I already knew how to do.  Sure, I walked away with some fun photos, but I didn't learn as much as I could have.

This time I took a completely different approach to the shooting portion, which I think will help me grow going forward.  I spent my time simply listening to Trevor and trying to absorb everything I could about how he interacted with the models we were working with.  I also concentrated on getting answers to the questions I had about shots that I struggle to take.  I spent my time putting myself in the situations that tend to give me trouble, and asking for help about how to do it better. Many of the other photographers were able to answer my questions and it was a great environment to learn in.

While I was listening, I did amuse myself by taking a few photos of Trevor teaching, and everyone else shooting.  So here is a bit of a behind the scenes look at the workshop...

Here Trevor is showing the models one of their photos, and just look at their smiles! This was one of the big things I took away from Trevor's last workshop. Showing clients their photos on the back of my camera throughout the session is HUGE.  It goes a long way toward reassuring them that their photos are turning out well, and helps them relax...

Trevor is such a patient instructor! Here he is explaining something to another photographer...

Another photographer showing our models a photo, and look - more smiles!...

We also experimented with off camera flash at the end of the shooting portion of the workshop.  While the couple was busy modeling in front of one lighting set up one of the other photographers jumped in to model for the rest of us in front of the second one.

Isn't she just too cute?!...






This time Trevor did get a group shot of all of us at the end of the workshop! Here we are...

I know that this second workshop is going to help prepare me for bigger things in the future.  After spending the day with Trevor I feel completely re-enerigized and ready to incorporate the new things I learned into my photography and my business.  I can't wait to see where I am 6 months after this workshop!

I said it after the last workshop, but learning from Trevor is such an awesome experience!  If you are a photographer I would encourage you to grab any opportunity you have to attend one of his future workshops.

Michele Whitacre is a portrait photographer serving Phoenix, Arizona and the surrounding area.
Visit Michele's Website | Like Michele on Facebook | Follow Michele on Instagram | Follow Michele on Twitter

© 2013 Michele Whitacre Photography LLC