Julie Afflerbaugh Photography

Oh Ada!

These images just make me happy!  Liam is lucky he'll get to grow up being pals with Ada. She's so much fun! 

Photo Camp Friday

Slowing Down 

I picked a topic for today that I have been working on myself for quite some time.  On the particular day these images were shot, I actually made it my intention to slow down and just notice.  I wasn't striving for to compose a perfect image or chasing liam's every expression.  I was just walking and seeing.  Winter is such a perfect time to try this exercise because everything is so still and quiet.  I find it easier to stay present and take in the little details.  And since so much is dormant, your eyes get to work a little harder at finding signs of life.  

One way to open your eyes is to ask yourself, "What if I had never seen this before? What if I knew I would never see it again?"

- Rachel Carson

Bowling Family- Winter Portraits in Boulder

Liz and Jimmy are truly magnetic people.  The more time you spend with them (and sweet Ashlyn!) the better friends you want to be.  I have been so lucky to photograph their wedding and Ashlyn at one week old.  When they came to see me this weekend for the next of their Inch by Inch series, I was so excited.  Thanks for inspiring me to make great photographs, you three!  

Dreaming of spring

Anyone else beginning to long for green grass and long days?  This lovely shoot gave me a little taste of summertime that I thought would be fun to share. Back when the sunflowers were blooming, these sweet sweet friends of mine were waiting for TWINS to arrive.  The two babes, Anya and Marco, are now so big and so amazingly cute.  The big sister, Yvie, who I adore beyond belief is so full of personality.  She is becoming so independant.  I love these photographs of her, especially, because I feel like they capture an innocence that will begin to fade as she gets older and older.  

Photo Camp Friday

Composing the "Moment"

Admittedly, I chose this photo to teach about because I LOVE it so much.  I also chose it because I find from talking to people about photography, that most people who photograph people are interested in capturing the moment first and foremost.  They don't want to miss the moment, but they also want to make a photo that is interesting to look at.  Here's why this photo works:

1) Before Liam and Daddy even started down the hill, I knew the photograph I was hoping to capture.  I, of course, didn't know I was going to get these expressions, but I was expecting something funny to happen and I took a second to THINK about where I wanted to be.  I positioned myself low and slightly to the right so that I wouldn't get plowed down, but also so that I could have the mountains in the background.

2) I set my aperture to about f/5.6 because I wanted BOTH liam and Daddy to be in focus and I was pretty sure one of them would be slightly in front of the other requring a bit more depth of field than my usual f/2.8. 

3) I made sure my "multiple exposure" setting was on, allowing me to rapid fire.  Some people mistake fast shutter speed for rapid fire.  It's not the same thing.  Your shutter speed will automatically be fast in this case, because you are outside with plenty of full sun.  Rapid fire means that you can hold down your shutter button and take 5 or even 10 shots in a row ensuring that you catch the expression you want.

Aren't my boys cute!

 

Sewing

I'm finding that inspiration is pulling me in all sorts of new directions.  I saw this tee-pee project here and thought it looked relatively easy to make.  Never mind that I haven't used a sewing machine since college! With the confidence that I could figure it out, some irresistibly cute bike fabric, and the company and brainpower of a good friend, I embarked on my first real sewing project.  Et Voila!  It was so addictive, I have already signed up for a sewing class with this lovely teacher. Yippee.  Hopefully I will have more creations to share soon!  P.S Liam seems to be very pleased with his new tent/rocket ship/train/restaurant/outhouse!

 

Creativity

Here's a quote from my favorite book of late:

 

"As parents, we are truly blessed to have in our lives both the most natural and intuitive "teachers" of creativity.  I do believe that as human beings, we are all born with  the ability, the desire, the passion, and the drive to be creative."

- Amanda Blake Soule, The Creative Family

 

Photo Camp Friday

For awhile I have been trying to keep regular "Tips for taking photos you LOVE" up on my facebook page but it just never seems to happen.  So, here's my new idea:  Photo Camp Friday.  Come check out the blog every friday and find new tips for a weekend of great photos.  

SHOOT THROUGH STUFF:

This photo was taken in my backyard during the last huge snow storm in Boulder.  I took lots of shots before this one that were just your typical snapshots of Liam playing.  Don't get me wrong, they were cute, but I wanted to try something a little more abstract.  I found this big branch lying in the yard and I dragged it over to where Liam was playing.  I hid behind it and shot through the branches.  I really like the affect that it gives the photograph.  Here are a couple of tips for making this technique successful:

1) You need to be aware of where your camera is focusing.  Make sure you have the focus setting on "single area" rather than "dynamic area"  so that you have more control and your camera doesn't force you to focus on the branches instead of on your subject.  If you are not sure how to do this either come to PHOTO CAMP this spring or try looking up focus area in your manual. 

2) In order for the branches to be out of focus like you see in my shot, they need to be at least 6 feet from your subject.  If you have the branches too close to your subject, you won't get the same results. To minimize your depth of field, your f/stop should be set as low as possible (f/4 or f/5.6 at the highest). 

Give it a try and post questions here.  I would be happy to help you!

Happy Friday!

Kitchen Remodel

The kitchen is definitely the heart of our little 1900 farmhouse and even before the remodel, it was the reason we bought this house.  Charm.  I'm a sucker for charm every time.  However, we probably started discussing the remodel immediately after moving in...5 years ago! After many many months of gathering ideas, meeting with contractors, and cooking in the toaster over, it's finally finished.  Here are the things that I love about it:

The old fridge that we retrofitted into an island; the butcher block counters finished with waterlox; the industrial glass pendants from schoolhouse electric; the turquoise door that I painstakingly painted; the farmhouse sink from IKEA; the original hood and 6 burner stove that we went round and round about replacing (thanks mom); the window view of our little apple orchard; light light light!

Sweet Axel

I have been meaning to post these images for so long.  Axel is one of Liam's best pals, so when his lovely Mama asked me to do 2 year portraits, I was delighted.  And nervous.  You would think it would be easier to photograph those you know and love...and it is...once you get started.  In this case, Axel opened right up to me and we had so much fun playing in the leaves.  So much expression.  Gotta love 2.