I get tons of emails about what equipment I use and what lenses I like. Instead of answering lots of individual emails (I still love to hear from you) I thought I would post on the blog for everyone.
“Hi April. What camera do you use? I am going to by a new camera and want to know what you would buy.”
The camera that I use is a Nikon D300. It is a professional level camera that I am in super smoochie..all out..hugs and kisses…love with. I love it because it has low noise ISO sensitivity, which means that I can take better photos in darker places. It has a great sensor, which means there isn’t alot of speckled dots on my prints when I enlarge them or shoot pics in darker places. The D300 is great with accurate color, which means that white looks white, black looks black and people don’t have color casts on them. Canon makes a great series of cameras too. I am more familiar with Nikon, because that is what I am using. If you want to go with a Nikon, and you are just getting your first DSLR, I would recommend the Nikon D90. Another option would be to find a good used Nikon D80 or a Nikon D200. Any of these will work great for you to learn on. Just remember, a camera is only a tool. When you pull your new camera out of the box, it won’t all of sudden have you taking “Anne Gedes” photos for Hallmark Cards. 
You are going to have to read and practice and read and practice some more.
“What books do you suggest for people like me who are just learning photography?”
The first book I would suggest is “Understanding Exposure”by Bryan Peterson. This is the best book around to help you figure out the difference between shutter speed, aperture, ISO and lens focal length. The next book I recommend is “Learning To See Creatively”, also by Bryan Peterson. It has helped me to look outside of the box when taking photos.
If you have anymore questions, just email me at info@polkadotcactus.com . I’ll answer them for you and help you out however I can. 
I have been enjoying scrapbooking this week. I have been out of the loop for awhile and it feels good to get back in the groove. Here is a page I just finished.
The #1 question I always get is “What should we wear?”. After you book your session, I have an entire guide for ideas on clothing choices. I wanted to give you a sneak peek of some ideas. ” Modern Color” would be great for a summer session. I love how Dad and Mom coordinate with sister and brother without matching. Mom…find an outfit that you love and feel great wearing. Look at that colors in it (like the lime and blue in sister’s dress) and find shirts for dad and kiddos that match. They don’t have to all be the same color. Check back weekly for more ideas and examples.
What To Wear | Tags: Buckeye, Child Photography, Family Photographer, Glendale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Peoria, phoenix childrens photographer, pictures, Scottsdale, Verrado, What To Wear, www.polkadotcactus.com
I have spent the past 7 months thinking about what I wanted to do with my photography business. I am making some big changes. As of today, we are now “Polka Dot Cactus Childhood Photography”. I will no longer be shooting weddings or large families. As much as I love doing these, my no 1 priority is my family. I have been missing too many dance recitals and baseball games. I want to find balance again. As of now, I am focusing on the little kiddos that I love working with.
I have made some major changes which have enabled me to drastically lower prices and begin offering a CD with each sesssion. I am taking sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Buckeye/Goodyear/Surprise area. I can travel to other areas and do sessions on Saturdays, but there is an additional fee. You are always welcome to travel to me too. I am just staying closer to home and focusing on my hometown of Buckeye. There is so many wonderful people here and I can’t wait to meet more of my friends and neighbors.
My new business is Polka Dot Cactus Childhood Photography. I love the carefree whimsey that is found in children. I love the pure joy and total adorableness that comes with kiddos, from the big ones to the tiniest of them. This is my real joy and I am going to embrace it.
I am looking forward to getting back into the swing of things and catching up with clients. Check out our new website at www.polkadotcactus.com for complete details and a whole new look. Don’t forget to “like” our new Facebook page. I can’t write a post without some photos so here are a few of our family. Let me know what you think. Comment away!!
Newborn | Tags: baby, Buckeye, Chandler, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, newborn, Peoria, photo, photographer, Waddell, www.photobyapril.com
Looking for something a little different in how you display your prints in your home? Consider a canvas gallery wrap! Popular in art galleries, the canvas gallery wrap is becoming the chic new way to display your favorite portraits.
So how does it work? Your selected image will be printed directly onto fine art canvas, and then professionally wrapped around a wooden frame. Since it is wrapped around the edges ALL the way to the back, nothing is visible but your image- even on the sides. So you have a sharp modern 3-dimensional effect to your portrait! You can see this effect clearly in the image below
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The sample canvas wrap pictured was coated with a semi-gloss laminate; also available are high gloss and matte. All gallery wraps have UV light protection, which along with the laminate helps keep away scuffs, scratches, fading, and cracking. You can see just how finished and impressive the wrapped edges are.
I love the rich texture of the fine art canvas! It truly transforms your portrait into a work of art.
One of the best parts of a canvas gallery wrap is that it arrives finished and ready to hang on your wall. That means no need for a professional matte and frame! It comes complete with black framing paper and metal hangers. There are even bumpers applied to the bottom of the wrap, so that it lies flat and snug against the wall!
My favorite sessions take place at home. There is just something about capturing kids in their own element. I was able to meet and photograph this great family who were the winners of our “Roll The Dice” donation to help out Verrado Elementary School. The kids were adorable and so full of life. I had a blast. They are the owners of Tile Outlet
in Litchfield Park and had some gorgeous stonework to use as backdrops. You have to see the beautiful brick driveway that we were able to use in some of our photos. It was great meeting you guys. Enjoy your sneak peek.
Family | Tags: Buckeye, Child Photography, Family, Glendale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Peoria, phoenix childrens photographer, Scottsdale, Verrado, www.photobyapril.com. 623-687-0070
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