Basic Photography Tips: Photographing Your Christmas Tree

It is one of the most photographed subjects this time of year. Visit Instagram and search the hashtag #Christmastree and you will find over two million images.  How do you get a good photo?

The title really should read "Very Basic Photography Tips," as this is very easy.

If you are unfamiliar with camera settings and use Auto or a pre-set, then the best method is to use a tripod. If you do not have a tripod, set the camera on a steady surface and use a delay timer to avoid shaking of the camera. Most phone cameras do not have a timer, but there are several free apps that you can use.

Hand-Held iPhone

If you are a little more familiar with your camera and shoot on manual, once again, you need a tripod. I use a very small f-stop. This will give the lights a "star burst" effect which is caused from the blades of the aperture.  Obviously, you will need a longer shutter speed with a small aperture.

The first image was taken with a hand-held iPhone.  The second was taken with a DSLR camera on a tripod. See the image for the camera settings. Same tree, same time, same place. A little bit of prep can greatly improve your image.

Tripod Used -Camera settings - Aperture-f/22, Shutter speed 10 sec ,  ISO 200, White Balance -3300K

Denton Senior Photographer | Ashley, Senior 2014

It is clear that Ashley has a great love for animals, especially horses. A senior at Denton High School, Ashley is active in many horse-related activities, such as competing in barrel races in playdays with her horse, Dodger, and training her other horse, Lil Bit. A member of FFA and the Denton Roundup Club, some of Ashley's proudest moments were winning a horse judging contest for FFA and being honored as DRC's Queen. Ashley also takes part in many community service projects, such as Texas Cowboys Against Cancer, Animal Control, and interning at the Krum Veterinary Hospital.

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Denison Wedding Photographer: Sarah & Cody | Country Wedding

Cody and Sarah picked a perfect place to have their ceremony. Sarah, like many of the brides that choose me, is a life-long and very accomplished equestrian.  They originally planned to have their wedding under the beautiful trees at the ranch where Sarah boards her horse, but Mother Nature decided otherwise.  Instead, a heavy downpour started a few hours before the ceremony, causing the ceremony to be held in the barn. With the help of some help of some very creative family members and friends, the barn was quickly converted into a very cute country-style wedding with fabric-covered hay bales, some family heirloom quilts, and yards of burlap making it absolutely adorable!  Yes, it was a little wet (okay, very), but it ran smoothly and everyone had a great time. After all, rain on your wedding day is a sign of good luck and it ended it with a beautiful rainbow!

Flowers:  provided by family member- Beverly Wright
Cupcakes: Buffy's Cupcakes, Denison Texas (their Dr. Pepper cupcake-YUM)
Caterer: Dons BBQ Whitesboro, Texas
Music: Cody Hearrell
Wedding Gown: Maggie Sottero

Denton Wedding Photographer: Lantana Resort | Jeremy & Taylor

I have known Taylor for many years, but just recently met Jeremy during their engagement session.  It did not take long for me to figure out that these high school sweethearts where perfect for each other.

Their ceremony was perfectly timed to happen at sunset overlooking Lake Ray Roberts from the gazebo at Lantana Resort and Marina. With a heavy downpour for most of the day leading up to the ceremony, it looked like an alternative indoor ceremony might be the case. Fortunately, however, the rain passed and a break in the clouds allowed the sun to shine through as The Beatles' song "Here Comes The Sun" played as Taylor was escorted by her father down the aisle. If I did not know better, I would have thought Mother Nature was their wedding coordinator.

Thank you Taylor and Jeremy for asking me to document such an important event in your life!

Hairstylist and Make-Up Artist: Callie Baird | Cut Up & Tease | Sanger, Texas
Cakes: Candy Haven | Denton, Texas

Florist: T & T Flower Boutique and Gifts  | Sanger, Texas
Wedding Gown: Alfred Angelo, Princess Bride Collection, Ariel.

2nd Shooter: Paul Bridges
Wedding Cordinator: Lori Krench
Photographer Assistant: Catherine Arndt

Decatur Senior Photographer | Emily, Senior 2014

A senior at Decatur High School, Emily is an accomplished student who loves staying fit and active. She has found much success in school, as she has been an honor roll student throughout high school, is a member of both the National Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor Society, has earned awards for Dual Credit English, Spanish, and Chemistry, is a member of UIL Accounting and Literary Criticism teams, and was a regional qualifier in UIL for Spelling and Accounting.

A former soccer student, Emily also loves to stay fit and active, as she enjoys working out and working at Fit N Wise. She looks to combine her skills in academics and fitness in college, as she plans to attend the University of Texas for the next seven years to earn a doctorate in Physical Therapy.

Images taken at the LBJ Grasslands in Decatur and downtown Decatur.

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