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iPhonography{Tips, Tricks & Examples}

Posted on May 16, 2013

I have to admit I am guilty of not getting as many pictures of my family as I would like. Sometimes I just put my camera away to be safe and sound between sessions and forget to bring it out during family time. Every now and then I realize that I have been doing this and make a point to do a special shoot just to capture some moments that are so fleeting. Usually though, my phone becomes my go to camera.
Its much easier to sneak in a photo of a special moment of the day without digging out my “big” camera.
I have found some great resources that help me utilize my phone a bit better and wanted to share them here so that maybe some of these apps and tips can help you.

Instagram

This is probably the most popular, and in my case, easiest way to take and share images. I love Instagram and use it probably daily. I did find however that some of the quality was sacrificed with certain Instagram filters. I also didn’t always want to use some crazy filter and just wanted to do a slight edit and post my image the way I took it.

Enter PicTapGo:

This is a wonderful new app. PicTapGo has many more options to edit your photos with just a tap of your finger. You can adjust shadows, highlights, contrast and there are some more creative filters as well. I noticed my images were not as grainy and a bit higher quality from this app. You also have the option to export your image right from the app to Instagram in the square format OR in the original rectangle format. I love this because sometimes the square doesn’t work for the image I take.

Postal Pix

I recently found this app through my sister. I wanted a way to print some of my Instagram images to use in a display in our home(more coming on this soon). You can choose and order your prints right on your phone. Mine came in 2-3 days! The quality is pretty good. As good as can be expected from iPhone 3Gs pics I suppose.
I was happy with them for our display:)
I am planning to try a few other options and will update with my experience.

Tips for iPhone Pics:

I try to keep in mind many of the same rules that I use in photography when I am using my phone. This doesn’t always happen as sometimes I am trying to capture a very quick moment and composition, light and angles are not as important. When I have some time to set up a shot I like to keep these in mind:

Light

Photographs are all about light! If you don’t have good light the quality of your image is greatly affected. Light can create mood and different effects in the image. Where the light is coming from creates dramatic differences in an image. Look for light from windows, doors and even electronic devices. Ideally if you are taking a picture of a person you want light in their eyes. This gives them life and a sparkle. However, that is not a steadfast rule. You may want a silhouette, a back-lit image or some dramatic shadows. These cases call for different light.

Composition

The placement of your subject can change an image dramatically. I try to follow the Rule of Thirds. A lot of phones now have the option to put a grid on your screen which can help you with placement. Ideally you would place your subject in one third of the grid either horizontal or vertically. This technique is pleasing to the viewer. There are cases though that centering your subject is the better decision however.

Angle/Point of View

I also like to try unique angles. It is fun sometimes to get down on the ground with my son and take a picture from his point of view instead of always looking down on him. Try it!

Here are some of my favorite iPhone images!

{I currently use an iPhone 3Gs~hoping to upgrade soon….:)}

Scenic

These next two were some of my first PicTapGo pics.

My little{soon to be big} guy.

I love how our kitty cat is peeking up from the corner and the light that is coming in and glowing around his hands.

This one was a quick capture while on the road. He just got this new jeep during our visit to the Toledo Zoo in Ohio and he wouldn’t put it down, even when he fell asleep. Too sweet:)

Sometimes I just like to capture his little habits. He LOVES to line up his cars and toys.

Peeking at our little frog friend:)

This one is fun because I captured a self portrait in the reflection.

Great example of how light can affect an image. I love the glowy light in this one.

These next to are selfies of the bump. One of the reasons I want to upgrade is the lack of front camera on the 3Gs, making these hard, but I like these two images I got during my pregnancy.

If you already follow me on Instagram most of these look familiar. If not, head over there and follow me today!
@kristiebradleyphotography

A Senior Session{Bethany ~ Class of 2013 ~THE DRESS!}

Posted on May 13, 2013

If you remember THIS post, you know that I have been anxiously waiting to post these pictures for over a month now!

The gorgeous Bethany made her own prom dress! She is so talented! We did her session in late March so I had to wait until prom as to not ruin the surprise:)

I think it has been worth the wait!

Look how stunning this dress and she is in amazing light!

Love this in black and white and color:)

A Tribute to all the KBP Moms{We Love You!}

Posted on May 10, 2013

I can only hope that you have a Mom as amazing as I do. She is the best and I can honestly say she would do anything for me and my sister.
She is our rock and I know I can speak for my sister and I when I say that we hope to be half the Mom she is for our children. Love you Mom!!

Mother’s Day is in a few days. I am writing this post ahead of time because any day now we are expecting our second baby! I hope he has arrived by the time this post goes live, but if he hasn’t then maybe I will have an extra special Mother’s Day this year:) I wanted to do a  post dedicated exclusively to the Moms I have photographed over the years. I know they all are very special to their families!

Enjoy some past and present Mothers and have a wonderful weekend!

The image on the left is my Mom with Jackson{our first son} when he was a newborn. Almost 3 years later and #2 is either here or on his way:)

The couple on the right and the next few clients are expecting new babies this Spring and Summer or have had a baby recently, congrats!

Happy Mother’s Day!!

Class of 2014 Spokesmodels{SWAG}

Posted on May 6, 2013

Well, it is the second week of May! Already! The school year is winding down and the Class of 2014 will soon be able to call themselves SENIORS! I am so excited to begin meeting my 2014 seniors in June! Now is the time to start thinking about your senior session. Although I am on maternity leave from shooting, I am still taking inquiries and scheduling consults. I have an amazing group of ladies who are representing KBP this year. Check them out HERE. These ladies are my Class of 2014 Spokesmodel Team! You can talk to them all about the KBP experience and they got a bunch of SWAG to show of their images.
So go talk to them, contact me and let’s get your session on the calendar!

Check out the goodies my KBP Spokesmodels received:)
Pretty boxes delivered to the girls!

Inside I filled the boxes with a little candy, Spokesmodel cards, a CD of images for the girls and a fun 5×5 mounted print
{you may have seen these on Instagram, if not go follow KBP!}

Mmmmm, Jordan Almonds from our favorite candy shop Sweet Spot!

Love their MOO Luxe Spokesmodel Cards!

 Contact Kristie to book YOUR session!

Happy May!

Class of 2013 {Is Going Places! – Part II}

Posted on May 2, 2013

As I mentioned in Part I of this post, Dr. Seuss is one of my most favorite children’s book authors. “Oh the Places You’ll Go” is an all time favorite.
Not only is it super catchy and fun, but I love the message it sends!
Today’s post continues the celebration of some of my Class of 2013 seniors and their incredible plans!
I love seeing where my seniors decide to take their lives. College, dreams, travel, jobs. It is such an exciting beginning.
I am so proud of my Class of 2013 seniors so I wanted to share with everyone “the places they’ll go!!

{click on their image to see the full session}

Congratulations to all of my Class of 2013 seniors! I am so proud of you!!

Contact Kristie to book YOUR senior session HERE

Class of 2013 {Is Going Places! – Part I}

Posted on April 29, 2013

Dr. Seuss is one of my most favorite children’s book authors. “Oh the Places You’ll Go” is an all time favorite.
Not only is it super catchy and fun, but I love the message it sends!
This brings me to today’s post. I love seeing where my seniors decide to take their lives. College, dreams, travel, jobs. It is such an exciting beginning.
I am so proud of my Class of 2013 seniors so I wanted to share with everyone “the places they’ll go!!

{click on their image to see the full session}

Stay tuned for Part II later this week of  more amazing young adults and “the places they’ll go”!!

To book your senior session contact Kristie HERE 

Meet the Class of 2014 Spokesmodel Team{Seniors Rock}

Posted on April 22, 2013

I have been dying to get these up ever since I introduced the entire team in their group post HERE a few weeks ago. These girls are the BEST!
Not only are they stunning, but they are fun, talented and sweet!
The KBP Spokesmodel team is here to help you! Want to know more about how you can have an amazing senior portrait experience? Need to know how to contact me to book your senior session? You can even ask them if I am nice or fun..haha:) These girls are your go to girls to find out all about the KBP experience!
So, if you know them or see them around ask them all about KBP,  heck message them on Facebook or send them a tweet!

Here they are!

LAUREN

 

Love those red lips! Not many people can pull that off, but she is radiant!

 

KEELEIGH

She is just a gorgeous doll. This girl has a huge heart and those brown eyes are to die for!

ERIN

Sweet Erin, makes me smile! I just love how she says what is on her mind and makes everyone around her laugh!

 

NICOLE

Yet another sweetheart{how did I get so lucky}, Nicole is full of smiles and immediatly makes you feel like her best friend!

 

ELLA

This girl has a secret rocker side to her! Don’t be fooled though she is very sweet and thoughtful and even though she is quiet she will be able to tell you all about KBP because she also had a family session with us in the Fall! She is pretty much a pro by now!

 

ALLY

With Ally I am always amazed at how lovely she can look with that sassy short hair-do. We gave her a little curl treatment and I just loved the romantic look it gave her.
This spunky girl can rock many styles!

 

I love these two in both color and black and white!

 

ELLIE

We joked at the shoot about all the L’s in their names…haha!
Ellie is just breathtaking!  Blue eyes and red hair. We were going for a softer color scheme, but I couldn’t pass up this royal blue dress she brought!
It worked out wonderfully and of course she rocked it!

LOVE the black and white!

 

See!! What did I tell you? These girls are just phenomanal! I am so excited to be working with them this year!

You will be seeing more of them on Facebook and Instagram so be sure to follow KBP so you don’t miss out!
Let’s get YOUR senior session booked!

Senior Session {Savannah R ~ Hanover High}

Posted on April 17, 2013

We FINALLY got to get together for Savannah’s session after rescheduling twice in the Fall. I have to say I wouldn’t have had it any other way! We met at Karina’s Salon for full styling by Katherine and she just looked stunning! The day was beautiful, a bit chilly in the end, but it was perfect for a blanket prop and some riding boots! Check out this beauty!

LOVE the black and white!

 

Loved these in color too!

My favorite set of the evening:)

 Beautiful isn’t she!!

I am currently booking for June-August. Please contact me early so we can get you on the calendar before it fills!

Family of Three {Clark is ONE!}

Posted on April 15, 2013

Clark and my son Jackson go to daycare together and his Mommy and I work together. There are so many ways we are connected to this sweet family. Clark is the HAPPIEST  baby! We met a few weeks ago on a gorgeous day, but the wind picked up and the temp dropped pretty quickly. They toughed it out and we made the best of the Winter…I mean Spring day{it was hard to tell during that week which season we were in!}.

Loving his little bow tie and big baby blues!

 Playing peek-a-boo!

Countdown to Baby!{When do YOU think he will arrive?}

Posted on April 12, 2013

We are so excited and so close{one month from today until my due date} to meeting baby boy  Bradley #2! That means that I will be on maternity leave soon, so please remember that I will not be booking any sessions in May. I will begin shooting again June 1st and already have sessions on the calendar so please make sure you contact me if you would like a summer session! I will be checking emails and messages and making bookings while on leave, it may just take me a bit longer to reply while I am on newborn time:)

So, with the baby arriving very soon, I thought it would be fun to run a little CONTEST and open up due date and birth stat guesses to all my KBP fans and supporters!
To “sweeten” the deal I have put together a yummy candy filled prize basket for the winner full of goodies from Sweet Spot Candy!

So, here is how it works:

1)Head over to Facebook and LIKE Kristie Bradley Photography so that you can be notified of updates and the winning announcement!
You MUST be a fan to be eligible to win the gift basket. If you do not do this step the next closest guess will be awarded.
Already a FAN, yay! You can skip to the next step:)

2) Use this link {http://www.whatsinmybelly.com/baby-pool-baby-bradley-2-886}
or the one pinned to the top of our Facebook page feed to go to our Whats in My Belly baby pool.

3) Make your guesses!

Because posts are always more fun with some pictures. Here are a few Instagram pics of my growing belly:)

 

I cannot wait to meet our little guy and see who makes the best guess on his arrival! Hurry go guess, he could be here any day now!!

Contact me to book your summer session also!

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