Luxie Kitty and the Flash
Most of you know that I also have a professional photography business. I started the business because I love photography and I was hoping to make it profitable enough to retire from teaching a bit early.
Well, it went crazy. I did retire from teaching and the business continued to grow. And grow. And grow. I was doing family portraits, newborns and maternity, and high school seniors.
I was busy year round, but from August through the end of December I worked every single weekend. Every. Single. Weekend. Then editing photos through the week. So basically 7 days a week for almost half the year.
Then two things happened very close together. I turned 60 and my latest granddaughter was born. I realized that I was sacrificing all of my time for other families and other people and I was not getting to enjoy my life or my family.
So, I cut back. Way back. Now I only do about 1-4 sessions a month and only professional headshots. No more newborns (adorable, but very time consuming,) families (again adorable, but exhausting especially when there are toddlers involved,) and high school seniors (which I really loved, but again so very, very time consuming.)
What does that have to do with these photos of Luxie kitty? Well, the other day, I was carrying around a Kale Greek Salad trying to find the best light in the house. I stopped dead in my tracks and said, "What a minute! I have flashes and all kinds of photography equipment, why am I running around trying to find light? I can make light!"
Yesterday, I got out my flash and decided to play with it a little in the dining room. It wasn't long before I had help. Kitty help.
The first photo was pretty funny, as soon as I set up the flash, Luxie immediately checked it out. In the other photos you can see how I am using the flash to fill in light. There is light coming in from the right side of the photo from the dining room window and the flash is off camera on the left side of the photo.
In the photo of her sitting looking out the window, she is lit from the front by the window light and from the back by the flash. If I had not had the flash on, the back of her would have been much darker and in shadow.
I don't know that I'll use my flash for kitty photos, however I'm sure that when I bring it out for the food photos, I'll probably have some more help!
For my artsy photo, I used topaz labs.
Sandee says
Good for you for taking time for you and your family. I think you just found some awesome balance in your life.
Yes you can make light. I had to chuckle at that.
Luxie is most photogenic and you're a great photographer.
Thank you for joining the Feline Friday Blog Hop.
Have a purrfect Feline Friday and weekend. Scritches to Luxie. ♥
Brian Frum says
Your photos are always so wonderful and so are your kitty subjects! Thanks for joining the Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!
Madison says
My mom loves photography. She is not a professional, but has a fancy full frame DSLR camera with some nice lenses. She says the editing is really what zaps the fun out of photography. Sometimes it is fun, but it is so very time consuming. It's a great hobby that involves constant learning. Glad you got to do what you wanted to do, but then were able to scale back as it will consume your life.
Marjorie from DashKitten.com (@whskr) says
Flash is something I have not even tried yet so this is inspiring for me to see. I have had pictures where there is a 'too dark side' and you can't fix it too easily. (I am not big on post production, I prefer to get it as right as I can first off then adjust if I really need to).
Flash can make such a difference can't it? It's not just bright at the front it fills in dark spaces!
Pam Greer says
Flash can make all the difference, especially if you take it off camera and set it to the side or behind your subject.
Athena says
Love the photos!
Purrs xx
Athena and Marie
ERin the cat says
I love how the pictures have come out and as ever they are a delight. It's great to have your incite on how they were created, as well as the reward of seeing Luxie and the rest of the family.
Purrs
ERin
Pam Greer says
Thanks Erin!
speedyrabbit says
Luxie is so pretty,Hoppy Easter,xx Speedy
Timmy Tomcat says
Dad only wishes he could take photos but someday maybe
Happy Easter
Michelle Miller says
I completely understand the need to cut back. Sounds like you made a great choice for yourself, and your family. You are a very talented photographer. You could probably make money off your cat shots alone. Your food shots too, I'd imagine. Gorgeous shots of Luxie.
The Island Cats says
Beautiful art as always...but then, Lexi makes an excellent subject.
caren gittleman says
so happy you are taking time for YOU and your family! I have been doing the same. I am not much ahead of you in age (I am 63) and we had our first granddaughter last August.............I have been doing other things rather than blogging (hence the reason we aren't around much) Enjoy!
Ellen Pilch says
Luxie is a good helper and so pretty. Have a nice Easter.
Catscue Catmom says
I love your pictures of Luxie, they are always beautiful - now I know why, you are a pro and of course Luxie is such a beautiful cat.
Cheryl Crotty says
Good for you for retiring. I did that years ago after when members of my family got really sick and needed my help. At the end of that process my first grandson was born. I wanted to be will him. New like again. Best choice I ever made.
Enjoy your new Granddaughter. 💖💖