“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 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!!

I have to say…photo sessions done at home are my absolute..out of the park…supreme… favorite. They are personal, all about you and everyone is comfortable.  I am in love with these images.  Baby Josie is such a cutie. Mom gave me free reign to be as creative as I wanted. I love when that happens   We had a great time setting up images and capturing life for my favorite family. 

 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!

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.