I wish I had more time to play. Less time at work, less time commuting, and less time doing housework. I want to let my creative side loose...but there is never any time. I got adventurous, and decided that I want to take the first steps to becoming more of a professional photographer. I made cute little flyers, and sent them to all my friends and family with small children, asking them to allow me to build my portfolio by taking free photos of their kids. I bought two moderately priced strobe studio lights, with diffusor and reflector umbrellas...and I bought out half the fabric department at Jo-Ann's to use as backdrops. I've been gathering ideas, and trying to figure out how to rig my backdrops up. I've been trying to come up with some sturdy table or platform ideas for kids to sit on. I was really excited about the whole thing...

Tonight, I got my first "taker" on the offer. She is the sister of a very good friend, and she has about a 3 year old daughter (and a baby on the way). Now I am very nervous. What if I can't meet her expectations? What if I can't get the kid to smile? What if I have a problem with the settings on my camera, and my first attempt doesn't turn out well?

In addition to all those worries, it suddenly seems like I have so much to do to prepare. I have to get a functioning studio together ASAP! They are coming over this Saturday to do it. I really wanted to start out with some babies...they can't run off, and don't feel uncomfortable. I thought my first sitting would be with my friend's 6 month old son. Since I decided to do this, I have come up with so many cute ideas for newborns and babies...and I've been a little scared and feel unprepared to shoot older children. I guess just doing it will get me comfortable with it. If anyone has any advice about photographing kids, feel free to share. Wish me luck, and please send some prayers and good thoughts my way for things to go smoothly this weekend.

Labels: photographic ventures