Word to the WISE!

This past weekend my Mac crashed. Lost my most recent newborn session and all my family pictures from this summer : ( So, like they always tell you. Back everything up! Thankfully, I had done that with the other 3 sessions that I had lately, but I'm sad I didn't take the time to back up our personal pics as well. I'm doing a reshoot today and thankfully it's something that can be redone.

LESSON LEARNED!

Better Way to Focus!

Hi ladies!

It's Makia. I'm just dropping in to share a technique that I have heard about for awhile, but only recently came across instructions on how to actually achieve it.

I came across the information on photo tip: back button focus Melissa Jill Photography Blog who got it from Chris and Katie Humphreys: Better way to Focus and it is as follows:

The idea is to seperate the shutter function from the focus function. While this technique may take a little getting used to, in the long run you'll be far more accurate with your focus.

1. To do this, go to custom function 4 and set it to setting 1. (setting 0 is default)

2. Turn your AF setting to AI Servo. Leave it there from now on and never take it off.

From here, your focus will be controlled by the * button on back of the camera by your right hand thumb. When you press the * button the AF will be engaged and will focus on whatever the red box in your viewfinder is set on. To stop focusing simply take your thumb off the * button.
The only time you'll take your camera off AI Servo is if you use your AF assist beam on your flash to focus. Your camera must be set up in Single Shot drive mode as well as One Shot AF mode.

Try it out and let me know what you think. I tried it out a bit the other night and I like it.

Also what's a post without a picture, introducing me and my family:

New blog! Yea!

Hi everyone, it's me, Melissa! I wanted to share with you my new blog created by our freind the super talented Jeanine Linder. Once we had the logo, I was hooked! I wanted her to do the "whole package". Her "get me on the web" package is so reasonably priced, and perfect for a rookie like me who knows nothing about the world wide web. I love what she has done! Check it out here!

So now that I am "on the web" I have a question for you pro's...I do proofing/selling online, and I need a good shopping cart. Who do you use? I currently have one that is "free", but they take a HUGE percentage of the sale. Do any of you have any recommendations on a good shopping cart? Any advice is greatly appreciated!!!

Hope you're all doing well! ♥ Melissa

Sun and Flare article

Hi Ladies,

It's Cama....hey I just read a great article on back lighting today on MCP and I wanted to share it with you. I paid a lot for Detra's lighting course to basically learn the same thing. :)



MCP Article on Aug. 24th

I hope you are all having a great summer! Thanks so much to so many of you who have been great blog fallowers! I am humbled by your sweet comments!!!

Big Hug to you all!!!

such a fun shoot

I've loved keeping up with your work! You all are amazing photographers... very inspiring!!!

I haven't had many shoots this summer (well, just one, but who's counting), so I thought I'd share this one of Brooks!

skater boy

xoxo

Jules

Working on it...

I'm finally posting something!!!! :)

So I'm working on the newly learned skills... I went to town on my first one, this little sweetie was so good for me! Can't wait to do more...

There's still alot I need to work on, I felt like the pics were too dark...what do you think? I did shoot manual, using my cameras meter for exposure. Does anyone use a "grey card" to get good WB? I noticed her skin color changed from shot to shot. These were shot next to a window on a very cloudy day. Any CC is welcome!

♥Melissa

MelissaLandresPhotography

*Also, I love everything that you all share, it inspires me! Thanks!

*Used Kristy's blog template, so easy!

Newborn twins!

I got to have my first newborn twin session.  Ironically they were easier than any single newborn session I've head.  They were amazing.  Here's one and there are more on my blog.  Also, if anyone is on ILP and flickr, can you post your name so I can put you as a friend.  Thanks