Comfort and Joy

It's that time of year again. You know the one: holiday photo time.  One thing I've learned is that the more relaxed and comfortable I am during a shoot, the people I'm photographing will be the same way.  I give direction but I like to have fun, too and I tell them to do the same.  I use humor during my shoots, always.  If I can make them laugh, that's half the battle, and once that starts, everyone involved is having a good time, myself included.  I love it even more when it shows in my photos, like the one above.  

When the boys and their dad sat down for this photo, I snapped a few 'proper' photos and then told them to have fun and to do whatever they wanted.  Before the boys could do anything, dad reached around and covered their mouths, his expression -and theirs - priceless.  Nothing brings me more joy than knowing that they were comfortable enough to 'let go' and just have a good time.  What a gift, for  both myself and them.  

Today, share with us those photos that bring you joy.  And if you haven't already, please join our mailing list! 

Lens on Life: A Book Giveaway for Your Documentary Moment

I'm not sure when that fear began to subside. That crazy grip of motherhood that clings so tightly it nearly refuses to let go. Because what if she falls? What if he gets stuck? What if she can't find her way? What if he forgets how to stop? What if she lets go? What if he doesn't come back?

"What goes up, must come down," I whisper and let her go.

In the spirit of my excitement around meeting so many of you at Oasis next week, I'm giving away a copy of my latest book, Lens on Life: Documenting Your World Through Photography today!

Just leave a comment with a link to one of your favorite documentary moments before tomorrow's post appears here on Shutter Sisters and I'll award a signed copy of the book to my favorite.

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Congratulations to Amy Gillard documentary moment winner of the book Lens on Life: Documenting Your World Through Photography by Stephanie Calabrese Roberts. Thanks for all of your submissions!

Have you seen totally rads awesome new actions?

a subtle retouch - mouse over to see the before

I'm super psyched about Totally Rads new action set, Pro Retouch 2.0. Wow...it's crazy..... I can't imagine how pumped pro photographers/retouchers must be. It's really quite incredible.

Retouching is a LOT of work...very tedious.... Totally Rad has made the process easy....and dare I say fun!?! Honestly, this set would be fab for any and all. I love it!

I put together a little video for you to check out...A little walk-through retouch.... 

For more info on Pro Retouch 2.0 zip over to Totally Rad and check it out. They have lots of demos.... so you can watch the magic unfold. It's awesome. Well done Totally Rad! 

View on Vimeo

In honour of today's one word prompt.... something white... today's photo was taken in my favourite place.... the 'white room'......with a little Pro Retouch magic and a black and white conversion. We'd love to see your 'something white' photos..... Be sure to tag them with #shuttersisters so they are easy to find and enjoy.

Laundry

When I saw that my word for today was 'Laundry', I thought, great, what am I going to do with the word 'laundry'?  Well, I guess the 'Laundry Gods' took care of that for me because it just so happens that as of Saturday, my dryer decided to stop working.  Obviously the Laundry Gods also thought a visit to a Laundromat is what was needed for me in order to help with today's word. I guess they were right.  So thank you, Laundry Gods. Now could you please produce a new dryer for me? I would be forever grateful!

Today, share your laundry with us in any shape, place or form, and be sure to add your photos to the OWP Flickr pool or tag your images #sselevate on Instagram.

Yesteryear

Oh my..... there's nothing lovelier than an old brick house with a wrought-iron fence along the front. Yes please! The lines, the depth, the texture....all blending together so perfectly. It's heart-stopping, for me.

This beautiful antique home belonged to Thomas Mayne Daly, the first mayor of the City of Brandon (in 1882). It's now the Daly House Museum. I've been admiring the new, yet oh so perfectly old-looking wrought-iron fence, all summer long. Finally, tonight, I photographed it.... I'm so glad I did. Sometimes you just gotta stop and take the time.... it's totally worth it!

Today share something that stopped you in your tracks, pulled you over, made you turn around, go back and CLICK..... We'd love to see it too.