Capturing Fireworks

With the Fourth of July coming up, prepare yourself for taking those firework pictures with some of these helpful tips:

1. Arrive early. Don’t compromise your photos because you couldn’t find a place for a good shot.
2. Use a tripod if you have one. Keeping the camera steady will ensure clearer pictures.
3. Set your shutter to ‘bulb’ mode. Open the shutter at the beginning of a firework and close it when it ends. This allows you to capture the entirety of the firework opposed to a brief flash of it.
4. Set your camera to a low ISO, like 200. A lower ISO makes your camera less sensitive to light.

Most of all be sure to capture some fun photographs of your family and friends enjoying the day!

A Special June Special

After my two great nephews were injured and rescued in a horse packing accident in 2006 their Dad, and my nephew, made a commitment to raise money to build 1,000 homes in Nepal. Jordan chose Nepal, one of the poorest countries in the world, in an effort to express his gratitude and pay back to humanity the great kindness that was shown to his family. He is currently halfway to his goal!

This summer we are joining forces with the Schweiger family to help with their fundraising. If you go to the Cindy Sherman Photography Habitat for Humanity web page and make a donation, you can print your 503c receipt and bring it to Cindy Sherman Photography for a matching credit to be applied to your photography needs. Whether for portraits or copyright free CD, we will match any gift up to $200. We would love to see you donate more! This is a great opportunity to write off a portion or maybe even all of your Senior Portrait, Family Portraits or Children’s portrait needs!

Help us Help Nepal! Make your donation anytime between now and the 15th of July, and we will match your donation with credit anytime in 2015.

We recently captured this photo of Jordan, Lindy and their family on the property Lindy grew up on in Oregon.

New You Event

Ladies make room in your busy schedule to attend the New You Event on July 16, 2015 from 4pm-7pm at 2951 E. Overland Road in Meridian, Idaho. There will be door prizes and giveaways! Learn more about reducing stress, and feeling, looking and acting younger!

This is a FREE event that will empower women and enhance your body, mind, and spirit. Space is limited, so be sure to call and reserve a spot today: 208-855-5200

Family Update

We took advantage of the wonderful weather we have had this spring and went out trap shooting, and pumpkin shooting and put to good use some of last year’s garden harvest.

It didn’t look like anyone was hitting the pumpkins, so I made what I thought was a safe challenge and told Brent that if he could hit the top one and not knock it over, I’d buy everyone milkshakes.

Closer examination revealed that I needed to take my guys to the cafe later that night.

A fun time was had by all!

When it comes to photography, styles and perspective – there are several photographers from which to draw inspiration. I’d like to take a moment to feature a small handful of Photo District News: “PDN’s 30, 2015 New and Emerging Photographers to Watch”. I hope a glimpse of their stories will inspire you wherever you are – whether it be in front of, or behind the lens.

Rus Anson.
Take risks and have some fun.

After realizing she didn’t like the stress that came with working with ad agencies, Anson borrowed a camera and entered a photo contest. Her prize: her very own camera. Her courage is clear through her vibrant style, making her particularly suited for working with kids. She’s done recent campaigns for Guess Kids and features in Parents, Prevention and Babiekins magazines.

Pascal Shirley.
“…The energy you bring to a shoot dictates what you get back.”

Shirley known for his great eye, capturing gorgeous light, and human emotions. Shirley received his MFA at the California College of the Arts, and says ongoing critique of one’s work is the best things you can do for yourself as an artist. After a brief stint in the fashion world, Shirley directed his camera to subjects that interested and inspired him: his friends.

Anna Beeke.
Take the time, and make the most “you” photos you’ve ever seen.

Pursue that which resonates with you. For Beeke, forests were constantly calling her name. Her understanding of the important role of forests in mythology is evident in the mood her photos elicit. Beeke believes that her artistic exploration followed the arc of a journey into the unknown. Presently, Beeke has raised over $29,000 via her Kickstarter campaign to fund a book of her work: Sylvia – a project on the culture aboard cruise ships.

Katrina Tang.
Follow and capture your passion.

Tang’s ability to capture the delicacy and joy of childhood stem from her experience working at a children’s camp in Estonia. The images she captured there led her to realize the core of who she is. Reflection and new experiences are often the best ways to learn about yourself. So grab your camera and run with it.

Smile! It’s Golden Hour.

Ever notice the light during your morning commute? How about the colors in the trees, or the ribbons of red and yellow connecting the earth and the sky during an evening walk?

Lighting is important. So much so, that whole careers exist solely on getting the light just right.

In filmmaking, these people are called grips, they set up stands that hold materials to absorb, bounce, or diffuse light and more – just to create the right tone around the subject. In a photography studio, lighting assistants have the same goal, and commonly the photographer has a trained eye to quickly notice exactly how the lighting can be changed.

In film, photography, and beyond, there’s one thing we all get giddy about. We call it: “The Golden Hour” (some call it “magic hour”). This is the first hour and begins a little before and up to an hour after sunrise, and the last hour – immediately before sunset. This is the golden, magical hour because the sun sits low in the sky to produce soft light, less contrast and defined shadows which easily allows the subject (you) to be the star. Next time you look through photos, take a second and determine if they were taken during golden hour.

Before schedule you photoshoot, don’t forget about the golden hour. Even if you have the perfect place lined up, the most flattering clothing, and a smile ready to dazzle – poor lighting can throw a damper over even the best of intentions and highest quality equipment.

Call and ask about scheduling a photo session during the golden hour! You’ll be sure to appreciate the end result, not to mention, you’ll have a lot of fun playing and posing naturally as the light of the day shines in your favor.

Senior Memory Portraits

We take photos to capture moments in time with the notion that what lies before the lens is likely to be a treasured memory in the future. Concerned that this moment may never happen again, we stand to attention with resolute determination and hope that our frozen moment will reflect the feelings we had as it passed.

High school graduation is like that; one moment amongst many that will add to the events that comprise your life. Take a look at the yearbook photos of Tina Fey, or Barack Obama for example. These artifacts act as a point of reference with which we can compare and contrast who they were then to who they are now.

From the traditional yearbook headshot to the bedazzled bodysuit wearing diva of the dance team, a picture at a time when you were still discovering yourself and evolving into the person you would become is an important rite of passage. To make the most of your senior portrait session, mix up your shots. A few examples:

• If you’re a sports rock star: bring a ball and a pair of cleats or other sports equipment. At Cindy Sherman Photography, we have a variety of outdoor sets to make it look as if you’re on the playing field.
• Express your love for music; bring your instrument and get some indoor or outdoor shots.
• Perhaps you’re a member of the honor society: bring some of your favorite books with you.

At Cindy Sherman Photography we have 35 established outdoor sets and over 40 indoor backgrounds to produce an unlimited number of possibilities. Remember, these senior pictures are not only for you; they’re for your family, (especially mom) your friends, and your potential fans.

Cameras For Kids

If you’re raising kids today, the odds are high that their relationship with photos is mediated by a computer or cell phone. Maximizing photos and scrolling through them is likely second nature.

As parents we may see film as a thing of the past, unnecessary, and more time consuming then we’ve become accustomed to. As for your kids, film is new. They’ve heard the word. They’ve read something about it in books.

If you’re looking for new activities for your children or simply curious to see how they experience film, pick up a disposable camera. They’re inexpensive and easy to use (and yes, they are still available in stores).

You can modify the activity for your child’s age easily. (Suggestions available below). Bring your child with you when you take the camera to have the film developed. Let them be the first to go through the photos. Ask them which ones are their favorite and why they are their favorite. If you want to take it a step further, sit down and create a photo album together. You never know what you could learn about your child from looking at the world through their eyes.

Subject suggestions:

• Ask them to take pictures, with a different color being the focus of each. (A picture of something red, a picture with something yellow, something blue, and so on).
• Pictures of their favorite places and things.
• Pictures of anything that lives outside. Trees, bugs, mushrooms, birds, etc.

Pregnancy pics

It’s that time of year, as the sun makes her presence known, nature delivers. Flowers are in bloom and birds gather to sing a welcome song. A walk through a park will likely include a spotting of ducklings or goslings trailing behind mom. If you’re a woman participating in the pregnancy party this spring, you may have already come up with a few comparisons between what’s developing around you and what’s growing inside of you.

Whether or not you’re keeping up with the Kardashians belly busting internet pregnancy pics, it’s obvious that the choice to photograph that growing baby bump is becoming common practice. If you take a moment to look, you’ll find media forms of all kinds feature pregnancy news along with photographs to verify it. However, documentation of pregnant women and their influence can be found throughout history long before the media frenzy started. Paintings, drawings, and carvings are some of the ways pregnancy was preserved. An example is Venus of Willendorf, 24,000 – 22,000.

If you want to document this unique time, don’t hesitate to arrange a photo session. As this experience is unique for every woman, it’s your choice to determine how you want your pregnancy captured. Reach out to Cindy to discuss what you’re comfortable with; be open about your thoughts, your feelings, even your fears. Taking the time to communicate what you want can contribute to a relaxed photo shoot and authenticity that results in photos you will treasure and be enjoy for years to come. Pregnancy photo sessions also make wonderful gifts. Contact Cindy Sherman Photography to schedule your pregnancy photo session.

Spring Colors

With a new season comes new weather, and with that, new clothes. So what’s hot for Spring 2015? The color trendsetters at Pantone declare “En Plein Air” the theme to wear.

Executive Director of Pantone, Leatrice Eiseman states:

“Color choices follow the same minimalistic, ‘en plein air’ theme, taking a cue from nature rather than being reinvented or mechanically manipulated. Soft, cool hues blend with subtle warm tones to create a soothing escape from the everyday hustle and bustle.”

When choosing clothing for an upcoming photo shoot, consider what your primary focus will be on. For the majority of people getting their pictures taken, the focus is on themselves. So, while that lime green, orange, and chocolate paisley striped T-shirt dress is stunning and flattering to your figure, it may not be the best choice in front of the camera. Bright colors and busy patterns have potential to turn attention away from you, as well as limit your background options.

To ensure you’re satisfied with the end results, identify which colors you look your best in and keep it simple. Think solid colors and clothing that fits your body type; ask friends for a second opinion if you’re unsure. Put a few outfits together and bring them to the shoot so you have options. Doing this opens the door for a variety of looks and themes for your photos. Solid articles in dark colors will keep it classy and direct the eye to the most important part of the picture – your smiling face.