{Wednesday Wonderings}

Question: What editing software do you use?

Answer: Photoshop CS4 and LightRoom.

Question: Are you self taught or did you go to school to learn Photoshop? Because it is near impossible for me to understand!!

Answer: Haha. I get asked this question all the time! I bought my first version of Photoshop back in 2004. I signed up for a community class to learn the basics of it. Don't try to figure that out on your own. I would definitely recommend a community class for the basics. Although, you don't necessarily learn photo editing.... it's a great start.

At the community course I learned the basics of every tool. This was a great start. The rest of my editing I learned from practice. LOTS OF PRACTICE! I did however, make an investment in mentoring one day with an awesome photographer in Wyoming. {Yep, W-Y-O!} She pointed out a few very vital tools in Photoshop that I had no idea existed and it changed my life! Okay... it didn't change my life, but it changed my editing style immensely!

My editing style has changed through the years. I look back and see the style I was "experimenting" with. But, I finally found what I like. Not too processed... but, definitely bold, bright and deep.

Photoshop is expensive... yes. Everything about photography is expensive! But, honestly.... I can't live without my Photoshop. That is how I achieve the look in my images that I desire. Photoshop Elements is great for amateurs. It has everything you'd need to edit and at a fraction of the price.

Okay... now with LightRoom. I don't use it as much as I used to. But... it is great for adjusting exposure and for organizing images. I haven't taken a course in LR. I probably should! It's on my list of "somedays".

And... I couldn't post without a picture. So... here's a little peek at my baby girl, Irelynd. She was in the studio with me one morning as I was setting up for a newborn session. I couldn't help snap one of her and her little piggies. :) She has VERY CURLY hair, and we tried pigtails this day. Oh my... so in love with this little face. I could just eat her! :)

{If you have a photography question that you'd like answered, please shoot me an email. angieclaysonphoto@yahoo.com. If you'd like to remain anonymous on the blog, just ask me not to publish your name. Every Wednesay I will post a new question.}

New Installment on the Blog

I get emails every week asking me questions about my photography business. Some questions... I answer over and over. :) Which, I don't mind. I'm glad to share my passion with you. I'm going to start posting those questions on my blog and share my answers with you. If you have a question that you've been DYING to ask ME.... now is your time.

I get asked questions from how do you choose locations to what store do you buy your clothes at? I am pretty much an open book... so ask away.

Questions can be photography related or about me PERSONALLY. Please direct all questions to my email: angieclaysonphoto@yahoo.com. I will post new questions every Wednesday. Now, isn't that cool? Yeah... I thought so. :)

And... I couldn't post without a picture. So... one of my favorite images from a past session!

{Absolutely Beautiful}; Utah Baptism Photographer

This little girl belongs to my childhood friend. It's hard to believe that 20 years has passed since her mom and I were having sleepovers every weekend, staying up late, listening to music, watching our favorite movies, {Steel Magnolias and Fried Green Tomatoes}, talking about boys we had crushes on and laughing until we cried. Now, we're the parents. Although... I still feel like a kid!

Anyway, here's her beautiful and sweet little girl, Lexi. Can't get enough of her. And, yes she is as sweet as she is cute! She has a tender little heart. And, I miss being her teacher. I smile everytime I think about how she loved to sing a song for me every week. So priceless! Love you Lexi! I'm excited for your big day.

{High School Senior}; Maple Mountain High School Photographer

Meet Robert, an incredibly smart, handsome and ambitious young man.

{darling family} ; Utah Family Photographer

Meet Evonne. She's a mommy, a wife, many other things... and a blogger. I was so excited to meet her. I've been reading her blog for several months now. It's nice to see someone who's not scared to say what we're all thinking! :) It's refreshing to read about someone's life experiences that are similar to your own. Not only that... she cracks me up. She's funny. She creative. And... I'll be you'll be going back to check her blog now. http://www.sellpartyof.com/. Oh, and did I mention... she has a really cute little family?

{fun 8-year-old} Utah Baptism Photographer

I have had a lot of 8-year-olds lately. And... I LOVE IT! They are such a fun age. Meet this sweet little boy, Tryen.

{Mitchel}; Utah High School Senior Photographer

Meet Mitchel. I didn't realize the gold mine that I found when I had picked the location for his session. Wow.. this place was rocking! And... Mitchel loves cars and wants to be a mechanic. So... SCORE!

{stella}; Utah Newborn Photgrapher

Isn't she a beautiful baby? And... I {love} her name. Stella.

{Full Sun Shooting}; Utah High School Senior Photographer

Last week I had SEVEN sessions! I usually only schedule two a week. It was crazy! But, newborns comes and you can't put them off and I had some seniors that needed to have their sessions ASAP. So... it made for a fun and busy week.

Saturday, I had to fit in two sessions. But, the first one was a challenge. We did it in full sun! I have to say... I'm proud of myself for taking it on. I think the shoot turned out awesome. Here are a few from that Full SUN Session!

{beautiful.girl} Utah Senior Photographer

I can't tell you how many comments I have gotten about this beautiful senior! I've heard, "She's so Hot!", "What a beautiful girl.", and on and on. All I can say is... "It's because we're related!" Haha. Just kidding. No, really we are related. Our dads are cousins. But, honestly... I don't think I met her until our session. She is gorgeous. She also is beautiful on the inside. What a sweetheart! We had a fun session. There was sun, clouds, raindrops... we had it all. Congratulation on your graduation Kortnie!

{awesome senior!} utah high school senior photographer

Meet Dallas. I can only hope that my sons turn out to be like him. He seems to have it all! Handsome, kind, smart, good mannered, fun and the list goes on! {Good job Mom!} You can't help but love him. He's also planning to serve a 2 year mission for his church this year! You will be a fabulous missionary Dallas! Thank you for having me do your senior photo session!

{my favorite time of year...}

As I sit here adding my sons' game schedules to my calendar.... I am feeling an overwhelming cause to say "ahhhhh". Spring is here and summer is near. I'm about to start living at the ballpark again and I can't wait! First game tomorrow! Go Payton! It's great to be a mother of three athletic boys!