allenaim photography

Allenaim Photography | Hershey Fashion Photography

2012-01-26T13:18:00.000-08:00

Model: Jenna Sheetz

ok...do you see Julia Roberts or Christa B. Allen??? I'm seeing Christa (you know, Charlotte from Revenge??)

In any case...it doesn't get any more beautiful than these two girls...aren't they gorgeous??

Models: Jenna Sheetz and Regina Willis

US

2012-01-18T20:09:00.000-08:00

Frugal Flamingo and the FAM! | Hershey Family Lifestyle Photographer

2011-11-23T07:08:00.001-08:00

You might recognize this lovely lady as the author behind the Frugal Flamingo, a deals and savings blog focusing on Central PA and national deals. (She's also blogging her thoughts over at 1 Crazy Journey - she's not busy or anything ;) You might not know she is this gorgeous...because seriously - could this girl not be a model? You might not know that she is married to a rockstar nurse...a rockstar nurse that lets his babies throw leaves in his face. It doesn't get much better than that, now does it?

Of course, mom and dad always get the final word when it comes to leaf fights :)

Not only is Flamingo Mama blessed with a rockstar husband, but there are the children...

...the gorgeous beautiful children...meet the ringleader, Sha Sha, 'lil rocker and Sparkles...pretty awesome, right?

The boys could be models themselves, couldn't they?

...not to mention those beyond beautiful GIRLS....oh my...

Their family is full of life, full of joy, full of fun and silliness...

...and fullest of this tangible, encompassing love...

PEACE OUT!

Dan + Jaime | Hershey Engagement Photographer

2011-11-23T07:02:00.001-08:00

Working with Dan and Jaime was so fun and the day they chose could not have been more perfect...crisp air, leaves a fallin' and a cute couple in love - PERFECT! Dan and Jaime were up for anything and are clearly a couple willing to have a little fun! Check out some photos from their e-session and call today to book YOURS! 402.202.5369 | Allenaim Photography

Sneak Peekin! | Hershey Family Photographer

2011-11-19T17:38:00.001-08:00

The sweetness of this is just killing me!

Much more to come Nicole! :)

Albums

2011-11-17T08:00:00.001-08:00

Album Pricing

Linen

Album designfee is $6.50 per spread in addition to the album price.

4x4* $85 minimum(10 spread) $6per additional page

8x8 $135minimum (10 spread) $7 per additional page

10x10 $210 minimum (10 spread) $8per additional page

12x12 $270minimum (10 spread) $9 per additional page

Leather

Album designfee is $6.50 per spread in addition to the album price.

4x4* $95 minimum (10 spread) $6per additional page

8x8 $425 minimum (10 spread) $7per additional page

10x10 $525 minimum (10 spread) $8per additional page

12x12 $625minimum (10 spread) $9 per additional page

*You must buy 2 4x4 albums to qualify forthis pricing.

Light

Album designfee is $6.50 per spread in addition to the album price.

8x8 $95 minimum (10 spread) $15 per additionalpage

10x10 $150 minimum (10 spread) $17per additional page

12x12 $190minimum (10 spread) $18 per additional page

Sneak Peek | Hershey Engagement Photography

2011-11-14T12:40:00.001-08:00

...a beautiful ring...

...and the crinkling of fall...

...bunnies and eskimos...

(ears and kisses of course)

...all the makings of a true love story...

stay tuned for the full post coming soon!

Blessed and Beautiful | Hershey Family Photographer

2011-11-14T10:30:00.001-08:00

Not one, not two, not three, but FOUR beautiful babies graced my lens last week...

Is this family not blessed and beautiful from head to toe??

Winter came with a bang...

2011-11-06T05:25:00.000-08:00

I won't agree with this quote later in the year...but right now it is absolutely RIGHT on.

Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather.
John Ruskin

For more quotes, check out SUNDAY CITAR and SUNDAY SNAPSHOT!

I Love Farm Weddings

2011-11-05T07:26:00.000-07:00

Thank you to I Love Farm Weddings for the feature!

because melancholy can be hauntingly beautiful... | Kennett Square, PA -- Longwood Gardens

2011-10-19T07:57:00.000-07:00

Location: Longwood Gardens | | Kennet Square, PA
Model: Victoria Flack

Featured | Zankyou Magazine

2011-10-12T07:28:00.000-07:00

Check out Zankyou Magazine this morning...they are featuring one of my beautiful brides!

Apples Never Tasted soooooo good!

2011-09-26T10:01:00.000-07:00

Merry Christmas!

2011-09-24T11:03:00.000-07:00

I know, I know...it feels early...I still have boys in shorts!! However, this is the time of year to get your holiday photos taken while it is still nice out and while there is ample time for card design and ordering! Please contact me as soon as possible to book your date and time!

Holiday photoshoots require a $50.00 retainer to book your date that is applied towards your total of $150.00. Notice must be given 48 hours before your appointment if you need to cancel or reschedule.

Rob + Michelle | Hotel Hershey Cottages | Hershey Wedding Photographer

2011-09-16T06:15:00.000-07:00

As a wedding photographer, I see many weddings and they can sometimes be giant productions that sweep the bride and groom away in the events of the day. The bride and groom often don't remember many of the moments that I capture for them as a photographer. At this wedding, every moment was precious and savored in the moment as well as captured through photography. It was as beautiful, but as casual as flip flops.

Rob and Michelle chose the Hotel Hershey Cottages as their venue and it was absolutely perfect.

The "cottages" are not cottages at all, but beautiful chalet-like buildings, housing suites and great rooms.

Rob and Michelle crafted a beautifully, intimate ceremony surrounded by their closest elders

and then partied with a large gathering of friends and family. The family surrounded Rob and Michelle in

classic slat back rockers and overlooked the woodlands surrounding the cottage as they witnessed their vows.

After the grand pronouncement of marriage and a kiss,

they headed up to the hotel for a few photos and then met the rest of the family for the reception.

The night came full circle when it ended as intimately as it began

with smores around the campfire and sparklers in pitch black of night.

Baby Lifestyles Feature

2011-09-15T08:46:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Baby Lifestyles for featuring Baby A's cake Smash Shoot!

Is your little one having a first birthday this year? Call now for a cake smash shoot!

Are you looking for artful, magazine styled photos of your child? Call now for a campaign shoot!

Are you having a baby this fall, winter or spring? Call now for belly shots!

402.202.5369 | allenaimphotography@yahoo.com

Shoots range from $85.00-$175.00 and come with a cd of high resolution, edited photographs.

Sneak Peek from Hotel Hershey Cottages | Hershey Wedding Photographer

2011-09-14T10:29:00.000-07:00

...many more to come!

Project 52

2011-09-10T08:51:00.000-07:00

You might have been wondering where Project 52 disappeared to...welllllll...I have not kept up as well as I should (there are only 16 posts...which is supposed to be around the end of April...but ah well...perhaps this is a Project 20 pour moi!). However, if you were wondering, you can find the full collection of (16) posts HERE and the newest one is up over at A Nest for All Seasons. It starts here...

Busy, busy, busy is the theme of this weekend...keep checking back for previews of a beautiful and intimate wedding,

and some trendy headshots from a few new clients! Life is good!

Fab You Bliss Feature | Hershey Wedding Photography

2011-09-08T09:17:00.000-07:00

A new feature on Fab You Bliss this morning! You can check it out HERE!

ALL BOY. Project 52.

2011-09-08T07:18:00.000-07:00

Livin' On the Edge | Sunday Citar

2011-08-07T04:28:00.001-07:00

Livin' On the Edge
You can't help yourself from fallin'

If chicken little tells you that the sky is fallin'
Even if it wasn't would you still come crawlin'
Back again?
I bet you would my friend
Again & again & again & again & again...

-Aerosmith

To check out more wordy fools, visit Sunday Citar over at FRESH MOMMY's BLOG!

Guests of the Party | Hershey Wedding Photographer

2011-08-03T06:36:00.000-07:00

On wedding days, the bride and the groom are the stars, but sometimes the guests are highly entertaining and quite photogenic themselves.

At Janelle and Greg's wedding, the scene stealers were the 3 working border collies and the beautiful children invited to the event.

Case in point...one puppy came in during the middle of the wedding, calm walked down the aisle and sat like a perfect gentleman (or lady?)...

Then there were the beautiful little girls...

...and the playful little boys...

...and the playful not-so-little boys...

...and girls...

What is that baby drinking?!?

...but perhaps my favorite were those beautiful border collies.

There were 3 of them and they were the nicest, most gentle, but energetic dogs I have ever seen.

They were quiet, but playful, fun, relaxed. One of the girls was pregnant, but she played just as hard as the others.

I desperately wanted one after leaving this event :) Too bad Alex isn't too keen on a puppy...someday maybe...

Greg and Janelle's full gallery {including guests!} can be seen HERE!

Featured | Shimmer and Silk

2011-08-02T06:58:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Jeff and Paula on their feature on Shimmer and Silk!

To see the entire engagement shoot, click HERE!

To see wedding photos from Jeff and Paula's big day, click HERE!

Press Page and a Feature...

2011-07-13T05:46:00.000-07:00

Good morning Harrisburg!!

I am so thrilled to see Greg and Janelle's beautiful wedding featured over at One Stylish Bride today!

There are additional press posting on the new PRESS page and many more are scheduled to be published in the coming weeks.

Keep checking back brides - you might be featured!!!

Jeff + Paula...wed at the Pennsylvania State Capitol | Harrisburg Wedding Photographer

2011-07-11T18:30:00.000-07:00

Wed in the rotunda of the classically beautiful Pennsylvania State Capitol Building,

serving their own special made brew at an old firehouse turned gourmet eatery,

walking down the city streets with their tight group of maids and men;

Jeff and Paula crafted the perfect day.

Congrats Jeff and Paula!!!

A Wedding Recipe | Harrisburg Wedding Photographer

2011-07-11T05:38:00.000-07:00

You know when you a pick a venue that is a national treasure of architecture and design

that your wedding is going to be beautiful...

Add in some cute shoes that help you say "I DO"....

...a beautiful bride, veiled and ready...

...some fabulous friends to surround you and support you on your big day...

Now THAT is a recipe for a wedding.

Where are the rest of the pictures?!?

They are coming SOON!

Dance the night away.... | Harrisburg Wedding Photographer

2011-07-06T10:47:00.000-07:00

You saw Dan and Jacque's Wedding HERE right?

Here are a few of the details from the after party...starting with a candy buffet.

A CANDY BUFFET!!!

After a few kiddos sneaked a couple bites off the candy bar, the toasts were given.

Toasts can be the one of the best parts of the night, or they can be one of the worst

(Aunt Sandy gets a little tipsy and tells stories she shouldn't...not good!).

These toasts were some of the very best moments of the day.

Jacque's face tells everything, doesn't it?

...and then there was the blessing

...a heartfelt moment that brought tears to my eyes behind the camera...(shh...don't tell!)

...followed by another heartfelt look from Dan...aren't they just the sweetest?

...and check out the guests!

I loved the father/daughter moments...

Remember that candy buffet? Well, they had cake too...heaven!

Dance the night away

Live your life and stay out on the floor...

To order photos of Dan and Jacque's Wedding, please visit Printroom HERE!

Jacque + Dan | Colonial Golf and Tennis Club | Harrisburg Wedding Photographer

2011-07-04T17:05:00.000-07:00

One of the sweetest details in Dan and Jacque's wedding was this little Bible that Jacque had tied into her bouquet. Generations before her had carried the same Bible and a simple detail connected Jacque to the women in her life. How beautiful, right? Beautiful is an understatement when it comes to Jacque. She is stunning herself, but add in blush roses, a ruffled set of heels and a dress that poofed in all the right places; the look was simply fabulous.

The aisle was sprinkled with rose petals.

Jacque's maids fastened and buttoned and adjusted her gown.

The groom adjusted and paced and waited.

The guests arrived and were given program fans to ward off the heat.

The girls were accompanied down the aisle to the stand of willow trees.

Everything was perfectly ready for her arrival - including her groom.

...and then she arrived.

A few tears and deep breaths and she was down the aisle on her Daddy's arm.

...and given over to her future husband.

The wedding was sweet and sentimental, but was not short on joy and laughter.

These are two that were meant to be together and every ounce of their love shone on their faces this day.

It was my joy to work with you both again.

You have sure a pure, sweet love and I wish you the very best in the years to come!

Come back tomorrow for the dancing y'all!

A prelude... | Harrisburg Wedding Photographer

2011-07-03T18:59:00.000-07:00

The guests have arrived...

The dress has been pressed...

The bride is stunning...

S.T.U.N.N.I.N.G.

Let the wedding begin!

Greg + Janelle | Shady Pines Farm | Hershey Wedding Photographer

2011-06-28T04:22:00.000-07:00

Every detail was perfect.

Nature was perfectly harnessed.

The rustic farm, the flowing dresses, the shady pines, the perfect summer day.

The incredible KNUCKLE DUSTERS brought Americana to the event

with old-time fiddle traditions, blues, Texas swing, pitiful country, early folk & jazz sounds.

The food was all locally sourced and organic.

Melissa, sister of honor, was responsible for the gorgeous paper designs and "everything creative" according to her sister :)

The bride and groom said their vows in the middle of a field. It was farm chic at its very, very best.

Weddings are always so much more fun when you have a bride and groom that can laugh at themselves a little...

I mean COME ON!!! Look at them!

...and the family is just as fun...

Oh wait...wrong picture...

...and the goofiness extended to the other side of the family too...

It was my absolute pleasure to join this family of friends and loved ones to celebrate a new union.

May the dancing and joy continue for lifetimes to come!

Sneak Peek | Hershey Wedding Photographer

2011-06-27T07:03:00.000-07:00

Who walked down this aisle???

You are just going to have to wait {just a little while longer} to see...

Goepfort Eye Associates | Hershey Commercial Photography

2011-06-23T20:45:00.000-07:00

It is not every day that you walk into a doctor's office that not only greets you with a smiling face...

...but also stocks Dior, Juicy Couture and more...

...and ALSO has a waiting room that feels like you are walking
through a vintage wonderland of antiques and curiosities.

I did mention the Juicy shades right??

...not to mention the smiling faces of your brother-sister Optometrist team...

Is there any reason not to call your new eye doctors at Goepfert Eye Associates today?

{717-533-4072}

Booking for 2012! | Hershey Wedding Photographer

2011-06-21T20:48:00.000-07:00

Are you dragging your man to the altar in 2012?

Call today for discounted photography pricing!

I am offering a $100 discount for any brides booking their 2012 wedding before July 1st!

Don't leave me hanging! Call now!

Allenaim Photography meets Fieldstone Hill

2011-06-20T07:08:00.000-07:00

One of my very, very favorite things about blogging is actually meeting other bloggers face to face.

This is the second time I've been able to meet Darlene...and it won't be the last.

Do you see how gorgeous this girl is??? She is the talented, beautiful, and sweet as Southern tea Darlene of Fieldstone Hill and I had the pleasure of spending the day with her this past Friday. Darlene had asked me to come and teach her a few photography tricks on her brand new fancy girl camera :) I have never taught photography before, so I was a little hesitant, but Darlene was so gracious and sweet that it was easy to settle into a rhythm going through her {gorgeous} home and photographing her interiors.

One of the first things we worked on was white balance and adjusting your settings for the type of light present in your interior. Check out the photos below. The first was a tungsten light setting that came out very, very blue and the second photo was on a "shade" setting and came out too yellow. The bottom photo is the correct shade of creamy white that runs throughout Darlene's home.

There is no shortage of beautiful interiors to shoot in Darlene's home.

I mean the place is just absolutely stunning. See for yourself...

Not only were the rooms beautifully designed on a grand scale, but the smallest details were thoughtful, beautiful and perfectly placed.

The beauty just doesn't stop at Fieldstone Hill.

I was so honored to be invited into your home, Darlene, and so grateful for a new friend :) Keep shooting!!!

Do you wish your home was as gorgeous as Darlene's?

Do you know that she offers design services ?

Check out her design boards and rates HERE!

Sneak peeking | Hershey Commerical Photographer

2011-06-16T07:05:00.000-07:00

Taking a sneak peek...quite literally...

Doesn't this machine look like it is alive??

How to Shoot in Bright Noon Sunlight...

2011-06-15T15:02:00.000-07:00

You heard that light makes all the difference, but you don't really get it yet, right? When you look at a tree, you just see a tree, right?
How can a picture of a tree at the same exact time, the same place the same TREE look different...

So you take a photo, and another photographer takes a photo of the same exact tree at the same exact time on the same settings and it looks like this?

Why is is a completely different color?

What is the difference?

The second photo was taken of the top of the tree, right where the light was hitting the leaves.

It is washed out, there are shadows everywhere and it is almost difficult to see what it is.

The first photo still has shadows, but at least you can see some detail and there are high and low (light and dark) points in the photograph. The only difference is that this photo was taken with camera about 12 inches lower, under the shade of the top tier of branches. A tiny bit of shade can make ALL the difference in getting a shot that will work!

So the answer to how to shoot in bright sunlight?

FIND SHADE AT ALL COSTS!

This photo of Kara is taken in full shade on a sunny day.

Train your eye to look for shade and move your subjects into the more flattering light.

If your subjects are immovable (i.e. a TREE), find the best available shade you can, under expose a step and cross your fingers!

Project 52 -- Week 17 | Anticipation to Joy

2011-05-23T05:50:00.000-07:00

When I go out into the garden, I usually feel a sense of anticipation...usually over what will be blooming and what birds have come to visit. As I walk through, I always feel calm, and peaceful and often a pure sense of joy. I usually feel that way about Hershey Park too. ....and every single wedding I've ever shot is this mix of anticipation before the event and then vicarious joy watching and documenting the day for the bride and groom.

...but back to the garden...there is nothing more joyful to me than walking through the backyard to find this:

...and there is so much anticipation to see what these boys are up to and always so much joy to see the laughing and playing with their Daddy.

The joy I feel doesn't really seem to compare with the joy their little hearts can hold though.

Kids just get joy. ...and they embrace anticipation.

Do you remember that feeling?

When life was a series of anticipating fun things and feeling joyful at the smallest thing?

When finding a caterpillar was the highlight of your day?

When you could feel successful because you filled a bucket full of weeds?

When a star on a chart could motivate you to do just about anything?

When running down a hill was just as good as a roller coaster?

When failure wasn't an option...

When you couldn't stand taking a nap because life was just too grand...

That is where my kids are now. Every moment of every day is golden for them.

Their life is filled with anticipation and joy. Laughter and discovery.

I'm a little jealous of them...and a lot thankful for them.

ANTICIPATION --

JOY.

FREE Texture Downloads

2011-05-12T05:26:00.000-07:00

Have you ever shot a roll of film and double exposed a photo? You get the roll back from the printer and one (or ALL!) of your photos have 2 photographs layered on top of each other? Usually it ruins the roll, but once in awhile, you can come up with something fun. I remember once I ended up with a cheerleading photo with spraying water all behind my back :) Anyway, photographers can double expose purposely, but it was a lot more difficult with film. With digital tools, the art of double exposing is much easier and you can simply layer textures onto your photos.

Textures can be urban edgy or classically romantic, simple or detailed, and they are SO easy to use. Trust me, they really are!! They can take a ho-hum photo and give it more interest, more depth, a little more soul. See this photo of a marigold? It is fine...interesting composition, exposed well, sharp and clear, the right dof....but it is just fine.

Add a little bit of texture and that bombastic gold chills out a bit and the background gets a pebbly "textured" look to it.

ALLENAIM TEXTURE moon rocks

Take this photo which is pretty gorgeous in its own right.

You could certainly print it as is, but how about a little romantic texture?

The photo retains the color intensity, but gains an added dimension.

ALLENAIM TEXTURE cement

Do you see the subtle texture on this photo?

It is barely there, but gives the wood a bit more depth and the background and flowers take on an almost watercolor look.

original photo

So you barely feel literate in basic photoshop and feel like this might be too complicated for you to try? Well, at least attempt it.

I'm your cheerleader here...YOU. CAN. DO. IT! You might be surprised at how very easy it is!

To make the texture application easier, download this FREE TEXTURE ACTION from MCP ACTIONS.

Then, you can download these FREE TEXTURES from me!

Simply right click and download these photos to try layering on your own photos! Go ahead - right click! I'm giving you permission! Just don't sell them!

I have given a few tips in the captions of each texture, but the main thing to remember is to ADJUST THE OPACITY to make the texture layer (photo) more or less "see through". If you are a beginner start with cement and then try out the more complicated textures!

ALLENAIM TEXTURE cement

This is one of the easiest types of textures to use. It simply adds a tiny bit of texture, and a nice grey tone to your photo. The little "bits" and blurry grass lines add interest.

ALLENAIM TEXTURE lava rock

This is an easy texture because it is uniform. Use it on a photo you want some warmth (orange/red tones) and texture.

ALLENAIM TEXTURE moon rocks

This is also an easy texture. Make sure to lower the opacity anywhere from 10% to 40% for a subtle texture, and you can raise it to create a more detailed texture.

ALLENAIM TEXTURE ragged bleu

This is one of my favorites...the blue really looks beautiful on top of florals. Be careful of the lines that they don't cross your original photos in inappropriate places.

ALLENAIM TEXTURE urbantrek


This texture is a little more complex to use die to the shadows and angle. Play around with a shot that doesn't have a lot of detail already to come up with a really cool look!

So are you ready to give it a try?? I'd love to see what you come up with!

Project 52 | It's the climb...

2011-04-29T09:05:00.000-07:00

My children like 3 things more than anything else on earth. One is climbing...on everything, anywhere, as high as they can, with a jump from the top for kicks. Even the baby enjoys the climb. In fact, he probably likes it more than any of them. Whenever I leave the room, he is climbing, up the the stairs, up on the table, on the desk...I'm so not kidding. In fact, baby Hank is currently standing on that desk. He refuses not to climb. I have to either contain him in a playpen, or let him climb. Perhaps he'll be a mountain climber??

...but if they aren't climbing, you will most likely find them reading. Reading whatever they can gets their hands on...even if the words are still a bit murky for them. ...and the third thing? That would be Daddy. In fact, he is probably not #3, he is #1. They want to be wherever Daddy is, doing whatever he is doing, forever and ever and ever, amen. So reading in bed with Daddy...absolute favorite thing ever...

Want to see more personal photo projects?

Check out these blogs!

A Nest for All Seasons (the collected project from allenaim)

Katie Clay Photography

Finding Joy

New Mom Survival

Phreckle Face Blog

{rik-see} photography
Styleberry

Surviving Endometriosis

the Buckeye Homestead

the VanDyck Family

Wicked Kate

If you like to have your link added, just let me know!

...and a little bit of video for the grandmas...

How to Work a Silk Scarf... captured by allenaim photography | Hershey, PA Portrait Photography

2011-04-21T05:36:00.000-07:00

Gerri brought this incredible 100% silk scarf to her portrait shoot and totally worked it!

She totally rocked this headband too...you go girl!

Good Mom. Bad Mom. | 14th and (15th) of 52

2011-04-08T08:10:00.000-07:00

Sometimes a photo captures mothering at its best...a planting project that teaches letters, and independence and gives a nice object lesson

about how mothers give the seeds of (life, faith, hope, joy, success...etc.etc) to their kids for them to sow under our watchful eye...yada yada yada.

Sometimes a photo captures mothering at its not so best...

...like when you don't notice your baby had climbed up on top of a table and ate a bit of play dough until you see the photo.

OOPS.

Want to see more personal photo projects?

Check out these blogs!

A Nest for All Seasons (the collected project from allenaim)

Katie Clay Photography

Finding Joy

New Mom Survival

Phreckle Face Blog

{rik-see} photography
Styleberry

Surviving Endometriosis

the Buckeye Homestead

the VanDyck Family

Wicked Kate

If you like to have your link added, just let me know!

TWELFTH of 52 | Coolness

2011-03-29T13:06:00.000-07:00

How can kids be so cool when their parents are decidedly NOT?

Want to see more personal photo projects?

Check out these blogs!

A Nest for All Seasons (the collected project from allenaim)

Katie Clay Photography

Finding Joy

New Mom Survival

Phreckle Face Blog

{rik-see} photography
Styleberry

Surviving Endometriosis

the Buckeye Homestead

the VanDyck Family

Wicked Kate

If you like to have your link added, just let me know!

Just kidding about the country music, but...

2011-03-21T13:07:00.000-07:00

She's pretty gorgeous, isn't she?

You might know her as Kara...

You might know her as SAHM and Marine Wife...you can see her blog HERE!

Don't you think she could be a country music star?

Look at those EYES!

I'm happy to now know her as a new friend.
Kara is the sweetest, most positive, outgoing, carefree girl and I am so happy to have met her!
Cheers to another blog-sparked friendship!!

Which country artist is this? | ...a sneak peek...

2011-03-21T07:23:00.000-07:00

Do you recognize her?? 5 points to the first person to guess correctly :)

Eleventh of 52 | The view from down here...

2011-03-20T06:57:00.000-07:00

So last week, I got DOWN ON THE FLOOR and took photos of my normal perspective. This week I decided to do the same. This is what I found...

the culprit?

I could act like I am surprised, but the truth is, I keep a box of tissues placed at baby height just for this purpose.

When he's finished pulling them all out, they all go right back into the box...and the real tissues stay safe :)

I guess the saying is true...

Expect the best, plan for the worst, and prepare to be surprised.
{Denis Waitley}

For more Project 52 posts, check out Styleberry and for more Sunday Citar posts, check out Fresh Mommy!

Want more?

Check out these blogs!

A Nest for All Seasons (the collected project from allenaim)

Katie Clay Photography

Finding Joy

New Mom Survival

Phreckle Face Blog

{rik-see} photography

Surviving Endometriosis

the Buckeye Homestead

the VanDyck Family

Wicked Kate

If you like to have your link added, just let me know!

Favorite Faces of the Market!

2011-03-19T16:32:00.000-07:00

My favorite faces at the market today was a tie...no way I could pick one of these cuties over the other.

Who can argue with baby smiles?

...although I might have to give the win to "P" for actually making rosettes and chatting American Idol with me while her Dad browsed the records.

She's pretty awesome, isn't she??

If you were one of today's faces of the market, come in next week for 50% off any one item!

Sunflare

2011-03-14T11:02:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite sunflare photos is of the darling Darlene :)

TENTH of 52 | The Story of Shoes

2011-03-12T19:22:00.000-08:00

Not so much lifestyle photography as much as lifestyle symbolism this week....

Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm. 

 Abraham Lincoln  

You cannot put the same shoe on every foot.

Publilius Syrus 

The real leader has no need to lead - he is content to point the way.
Henry Miller

Home is where one starts from. 
 T. S. Eliot  
  

Our task, regarding creativity, is to help children climb their own mountains, 

as high as possible. No one can do more.     ~Loris Malaguzzi

There's a magical tie to the land of our home, which the heart cannot break, 

though the footsteps may roam.     ~Eliza Cook

and finally....

Basically, I believe the world is a jungle, and if it's not a bit of a jungle in the home, a child cannot possibly be fit to enter the outside world. 
 Bette Davis

Shawna and I must have been thinking along the same lines because our posts are shoe-centric this week :) 

CHECK HER OUT HERE along with others joining in on this 52 week project.

Find more quotes and photo linkups at FRESH MOMMY , The sunday Creative, the simple things, and  Sunday Snapshot! 

What is the difference between a high and low ISO?

2011-03-09T09:56:00.000-08:00

When you are shooting in low light, sometimes you need to raise your ISO. Sometimes, you raise it sky high because it is nighttime and you want to shoot your kids doing something cute, but you forgot your flash, so you pump up your ISO.

Then, the next day, you go to take blog photos and you end up with a photo like this:

Notice the grain? Lower the ISO back down again with all of the same settings and...

smooth as butter...

You don't have to have a big fancy camera to adjust ISO...check out the settings on your camera and you might be surprised what you can adjust!

Best Face

2011-03-08T04:07:00.000-08:00

This has to be my favorite face of late...he's totally mastered the "I'm too hot to be bothered by a photo" pose :)

(button code not working, but check out I HEART FACES!)

How to Photograph Newborns and Babies

2011-03-07T06:36:00.000-08:00

Hey Pinners!! If you like this post, you might want to check out my other how-to photography posts at my sister site 'A Nest for All Seasons'...just click HERE!

Any mama that has tried taking photos of their newborn baby knows that it is not nearly as easy as you might think. Those babies are not only squirmy and tiny and fragile, but they also are very picky about their location!

While everyone would love to take their newborn to a professional photographer every few weeks to document their growth, financially it is impossible. It is not impossible, however, to take quality photographs of your baby at home! There are a few simple techniques that will help you get the best out of your camera and your newborn.

1. The key to any great photography is light. Good photographers can work in any type of lighting, but if you ask them, 90% will tell you they prefer natural lighting. The trick about natural lighting is that you don't want the sun to shine directly on your subject. Ideally, you shoot in a bright, yet shady area, or you shoot on a cloudy day. In any case, your baby will squint if the light is too bright, so harsh lighting and flashes are not your friend when it comes to photographing babies.

This photo was taken using natural light from a window directly behind the photographer as well as to the left.

This photo was taken at sunset with the sun lightly falling on the back of baby's head.

This photo was taken in an outdoor location on a bright summer day under the shade of a porch.

2. Newborn babies in particular need to be very warm. If you intend to take photos of newborns without clothing, the room needs to be around 80 degrees or you should be shooting outdoors on a hot day. If a baby is cold, they will simply scream. Screaming photos are cute for about 2 photos and then it is suddenly not so cute anymore. Bundle that baby!

One way to keep babies warm is to put them in a peapod or sling. Photographers have been using these tools for years, but you can use them to! You don't have to pay $20-$40 online for them either. You can make your own using an old sweater for free. If you have a cursory knowledge of how to sew, this project is simple! How to video will be coming soon!

3. Babies not only need warmth, but they need quiet. Most of the best shots come when your baby is completely asleep. You are able to "arrange" them to capture detail shots in the perfect light and if you are lucky, you'll capture your little one smiling in their dreams. When photographing your newborn, don't forget to photograph their tiny hands and feet and ears and belly buttons. If you have a "macro" setting (the icon is often a closeup of a flower), turn the dial on your camera to it to get great close up shots.

4. It takes patience to create a warm, quiet, peaceful environment where a baby will feel comfortable. Be patient and take your time. Let baby nurse if they want. Once you have the baby comfortable, then you can begin posing. One of my favorite poses is with daddy holding his newborn baby out towards the camera. I love the contrast of Daddy's large, rough hands against the tiny, fragile baby with their wisps of hair.

Another favorite pose of mine is to simply let baby curl up on their belly in a natural sleeping pose and photographed on a slight diagonal.

As babies grow a little larger, they can start to pose themselves. For a photo like this, get yourself set and let baby wiggle his way to you. Get yourself down at baby's level either on a bed or on the floor.

Babies will look at mom and dad instead of the camera if they are in the room.

I often shoot by holding my camera under my chin while I look at the child from above the camera. It is much less intimidating to have the camera pointed at them if they also see your face! You will also be much more likely to get baby looking at the camera if you show them your face.

Kick mom and dad out of the room and you'll have a much better chance at seeing those baby blues!

Once babies reach this age, it becomes a whole different world!

If you are interested in learning about different posing techniques, you can check out a sample from the TRIX Posing Guides HERE!

...and remember... you might want to check out my other how-to photography posts at my sister site 'A Nest for All Seasons'...just click HERE!

Allenaim Photography is a home based photography and design studio located in the sweetest place on Earth; Hershey, Pennsylvania! Amy also coordinates a home design and nesting blog titled A Nest for all Seasons where she writes photo tutorials and videos on everything from homemade tortilla chips to making art display cases out of dresser drawers. While she is not blogging, she is chasing around three little boys and doing a LOT of laundry! Amy has been featured on the Nate Berkus Show, WomansDay.com, Hobby Farm Home, BHG.com, Design*Sponge, Zankyou Magazine, Occasions Magazine and is a design writer for HOUZZ.com.

Words of Wisdom from the Shadows

2011-03-06T07:17:00.000-08:00

It's a wonderful day for thinking heady thoughts. A Lord's Day covered in gentle rain and commencing with a bed full of babies remind me that life is full and short. These are the days I look for words of wisdom...

Sometimes words of wisdom remind me what not to do...

If we hope for what we are not likely to possess, we act and think in vain, and make life a greater dream and shadow than it really is.
Joseph Addison

Sometimes they remind me what I should...

Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.
Helen Keller

Sometimes they inspire me...

One can live in the shadow of an idea without grasping it.
Elizabeth Bowen

...and sometimes they just make me smile...

I decided long ago never to walk in anyone's shadow; if I fail, or if I succeed at least I did as I believe.

Whitney Houston

Check out more illustrated quotes at Sunday Citar and Sunday Snapshot this rainy Sunday morning...you can find more links to hops HERE.

Faces of the Market | Will you be featured?!?

2011-03-05T19:02:00.000-08:00

Doesn't the market look like fun?!?

These are some of my favorite's from today's photos!

There were huggers...

...and kissers...

...and lots and lots of smilers!

If you were chosen as a featured photo this week, please come in next week for 50% off any one item!

If you would like to enter next week's contest and have your photo taken at the market, visit A Nest for All Seasons at 3rd and G at the Saturday's Market in Middletown!

NINTH of 52 | TV doesn't get much better than this...

2011-03-04T08:52:00.000-08:00

Say what you will, sometimes a good hour of Sesame Street does a mommy good...
and how about the brotherly love climbing into and hanging out with their little bro in his playpen...warms my heart...

Check out Shawna's project 52 and many other over at STYLEBERRY!

EIGHTH of 52 | ...at our best looking our worst

2011-02-28T13:21:00.000-08:00

well...at least I am looking my worst....still in pjs...still hanging onto baby chub...but loving on my T...he's cute isn't he?

I love when he looks at me like that...

More Project 52 bloggers can be found over at Styleberry and in Rosina's flickr pool.

A Cake Smashing in Reverse...

2011-02-21T13:00:00.000-08:00

You know how sometimes in a movie they will start with the very last scene and work their way backwards because when you know what the ending will be it makes the getting there even more fun?

Well...this was the end of our shoot...

...and this was the {super adorable} rascal that made the mess...

Who me?

oops...sorry mom...

At least I kept my cute birthday socks clean!

He really didn't have much fun...

...and neither did they...

Somebody's having a party...

2011-02-20T20:10:00.000-08:00

...and they were nice enough to invite me for the cake smashing extravaganza....more to come!

SEVENTH of 52 | Defying Gravity

2011-02-20T18:30:00.000-08:00

I have a love-hate relationship with Daddo doing the dishes...

Check out Shawna's 52 week project HERE

(she has the most beautiful, conscious way of looking at life...especially this week...go see her...)

T's on Woman's Day! | captured by Allenaim: Harrisburg Child Photographer

2011-02-15T11:07:00.000-08:00

Go T bear Go Go Go!

Check out his photo on the Woman's day blog today!

SIXTH of 52 | Utter Relaxation

2011-02-08T10:26:00.000-08:00

We call this pose "strong baby"....not sure what we should call those crossed feet...

Other 52 week projects can be seen at STYLEBERRY and in ROSINA's Flickr pool.

FIFTH of 52 | Battlefield

2011-02-02T11:49:00.000-08:00

He was supposed to be taking his snow clothes off to come inside,
but the lure of a couple action figurines was too much to bear:

They had to go into battle NOW!

Meanwhile, all was calm on the homefront,
but forces were waiting in preparation for whatever might strike while they were
taking their morning nap. You can never be too prepared.

This one just enjoyed the company...

FOURTH of 52 | He's not as sad as you think...

2011-01-31T20:30:00.001-08:00

Senior Headshots | captured by allenaim.....Cincinnati, Ohio

2011-01-29T06:08:00.000-08:00

I'm a little partial to redheads, but can anyone deny how gorgeous this girl is? Seriously?!?

John and Toni | a snow wedding in Cincinnati, Ohio...captured by Allenaim Photography

2011-01-25T06:20:00.000-08:00

Toni, you were a most beautiful and delightful bride. I am proud to now call you my sister :)

More photos of John and Toni's wedding can be seen on facebook!

take a sneak peek...of a Cincinnati wedding in the snow...

2011-01-24T09:02:00.000-08:00

THIRD of 52 | This is your birthday song...

2011-01-19T05:33:00.000-08:00

daddo and his boys...Happy Birthday! :)

If you would like to join in the fun, please do! It's never too late :)

...or just check out all the photos in Rosina's Flickr group HERE!

How to Photograph a Food Tutorial Process

2011-01-18T05:20:00.000-08:00

Are you bursting with DIY ideas or recipes you just HAVE to share with your bloggy friends? You should absolutely get on the ball and write a quick tutorial then! I'm going to outline a few simple shots that will give you a basic tutorial below. Enjoy!

1. Start with your inspiration. It could be a link to someone's site where you saw the idea or recipe first. It could be a photo of a single ingredient that inspired you or a BEFORE photo of your kitchen before its big remodel. It gives readers a frame of reference and an idea of where you are going so they can decide if they want to keep reading! In this case, it is a peek at the page of a cookbook.

I used an open aperture to blur out some of the words and also photographed a tiny section of the page to make sure I wasn't coming anywhere near breaking copyright rules. I just want to give the reader a taste (figuratively) of where this whole thing came from.

2. Show off your ingredients. Sometimes I just show the ingredients in a still life like this:

3. Other times I like to mix it up with a little action:

If you are wondering how on Earth to photo food in motion, it is not as complex as you might think. First, make sure you have enough light so that your shutter can snap fairly quickly. If it can't use flash or move to another location close to a window with natural light. Your readers won't necessarily care if you show them your ingredients in your kitchen or on a sofa table as long as you are giving them easy instruction and beautiful photos of the process.

Secondly, you get your focus set. In this case, I held my arm in the air towards the camera, leaned over and focused the camera on the still shot. Just press your shutter halfway down and make sure the little red dot or box focuses on the subject you want to highlight. Then, start the motion SLOWLY (in this case pouring the flour) and press the shutter all the way down. Do it at least 3 times. Check your work. If you are happy, move on. If not, try, try again! By all means, if it isn't working out, take a still photograph and move on. There will be other action to capture :)

Are you wondering how to insert yourself into photographs like this? Surely my arm is not that long to hold the camera while I'm cooking this far away, right? You're right. I am usually holding the camera taking self portraits while I'm pouring or stirring, but sometimes the action is a little bit too difficult to complete with a camera in your arm. I was afraid I might spill these eggs and the bowl of flour on the floor if I wasn't careful, so this was a self timer shot. They aren't as difficult as you might think. The instruction might vary depending on the type of camera you have, but the instructions should be similar. My example is from a Nikon D5000.

1. Press the info button on the top of your camera.

2. Press the info button on the BACK of your camera (mine is towards the bottom on the left).

3. Move your cursor up and down the list of options until you see "release mode".

4. I select the "20 seconds" self timer option.

5. Focus your camera on your subject (by pressing the shutter halfway down).

6. Press the shutter all the way down and get into place. You have 20 seconds. There should be a light flashing on the front of your camera. It will flash several times and then hold for 1-2 seconds. That is your cue that the camera is about to take the photo. Start doing whatever action you want to illustrate. Do it a bit more slowly than you naturally would to give the camera the best chance of being able to focus on your action. A little blur is ok to show movement. Too much blur will ruin the shot.

4. Change it up a little by going back to a still if you have something important to illustrate. I wanted to show what the dough looks like when it starts to clump and needs to be hand kneaded.

Then go back to your action. It's all a little bit like a dance. There should be ups and downs, fast moments and moments that you stop and really look. You want your reader to feel like they are in the kitchen with you. Most importantly, you want to try to NOT confuse your reader. This is the hardest part of tutorials and the best reason to include photos in your tutorial. Even if a photo seems ridiculous (people KNOW what eggs look like, right???), take it anyway. Sometimes a picture can explain away questions you wouldn't have even thought of (will a glass bowl work for this step??). Your readers are going to be a mix of more and less experienced than you. Your goal is to make sure that you are giving clear instructions to those less experienced so that they can be successful, while giving the more experienced a new interesting take on something they already know.

Sometimes focus is off. Notice in the first photo of this series, the focus was on my shirt sleeve. In this last photo, the focus is on the faucet. That is ok with me once in awhile. I could close my aperture more to get more in focus, but then I would catch ugly things in the background, so the blur is worth it to me. As long as the photo is illustrating the motion AND is pleasing to the eye, I am ok if the focus is not exactly where I want it. You might be a bit more perfectionista when it comes to tutorials.

5. One of the most important things is to get a photo of the final product.

Sometimes, I forget all about this and we eat the food before remembering to take an AFTER photo. Oops!! Your reader definitely wants to see the end result, so make sure you give them a photo like this:

Now, contrary to the above statement, if you are wondering why I am showing you a photo of RAW pasta dough, well, that's simple. It did NOT work out well. I wasn't able to roll the dough thinly enough by hand and the end product was not so great. Therefore, you are getting a tutorial on how to write a tutorial instead of a tutorial on how to make basic pasta dough. If you are curious, the process took about an hour (including a 30 minute wait time) and about 20 minutes of kneading and rolling by hand. It was not fun, but my arm muscles did get a workout. If I had a pasta attachment, it might be worth it. It is NOT worth it this way. The $1 box of spaghetti tastes much better.

Don't even get me started on the ravioli...

...which leads me to my last step...

6. Be Honest. If something tastes great, rave about it. If it comes out awful and took forever and was not worth it (see above!) , be honest and tell them!! Alternatively, just don't share the tutorial. If you teach people to make bad things, they won't trust you. So be honest in your critiques and go on and on and on and on about the things that DO work out! If you are interested in things that DID work, check out my FOODIES page in the NEST !

Do you have a tutorial you would like to share? I accept photo tutorials on Gardening, DIY Projects, Cooking and Photography. If you would like to submit an idea, just email me at allenaimphotography@yahoo.com .

2011-01-16T06:35:00.000-08:00

"The Hand is the Cutting Edge of the Mind."

                                  - Jacob Bronowski

What have you made today?

Check out more Sunday Citar posts over at Fresh Mommy!

Take your best quotes and link them up every Sunday!

The hand is the cutting edge of the mind.

Source : The hand is the cutting edge of the mind. Jacob Bronowski | Quotes | Dictionary of Quotes - quotes

SECOND of 52 | A brother's nature is to steal...

2011-01-11T06:24:00.000-08:00

These boys LOVE each other, but man do they love stealing from each other. It's unreal.

Hopefully there will never be stealing of girls, only footballs, right?

This is an outtake from THIS SHOOT!

Children's Modeling Head Shots - Harrisbug Photographer

2011-01-07T12:39:00.000-08:00

Modeling Shoots are 30-45 minutes long and include a cd of at least 25 edited high resolution photos.

Cost is $85.00 per child.

If you would like to order a book, modeling albums begin at $245.

TRIX Posing Guide

2011-01-06T06:25:00.000-08:00

Are you a beginning photographer? Are you a mom that wants to take more professional photos of your children? Have you ever wondered how to get certain shots when working with photography clients? Have you ever wished you had a cheat sheet when you get stuck and can't think of ideas?

Welcome to TRIX!

Trix includes 3 posing guides for babies, children and families, and bridal clients. The ideas are simple, natural and easy to master. They focus on capturing relationship between clients while making sure you get the right lighting and camera settings for the effect you desire.

The sets include at least 25 TRIX poses each with instructions and an example photo (I will be adding more all the time!!). Each set is $10 each for the digital file and $25 for all three! If you would like the TRIX cheat cards, it is $20 each or $50 for the entire set + shipping. I've included the most basic of poses below as a preview for you below.

Newborn 101

Have Dad hold their newborn baby with their hands on the baby's head. Have him hold the baby straight out towards the camera and take the photo on an almost 180 degree angle straight on. Light source can be from behind photographer, left or right of subjects for asymmetrical lighting, but not backlighting subjects or you will lose the hand/head detail.

Child Portrait 101

Arrange yourself above child before getting their attention. Make sure the lighting will illuminate the child's face when he looks up. This bright shade worked well on a porch in this face. Focus on the top of their head so that your camera doesn't have far to go when the child looks up. You will only have a split second to focus on their face, so focusing before getting their attention gives you that extra extra split second. Take a sample shot at the top of their head to make sure your exposure and shutter speed are set. When you have focus, shutter, exposure and light set, anchor yourself by leaning on something solid, call the child's name, or make a funny animal sound to get their attention. As soon as they turn, focus and snap!

Multiple Children Portraits 101

For older children that can stay in one place for a few seconds, arrange one in front of the other in a shady, but bright location. The sun is shining on this subjects hair and slightly on her face, but for the most part, both girls are in the shade and have clear, crisp lighting on their faces. For a modern look, open your aperture wide to 2 or lower. Focus on eye of the subject closest to you and snap! (For more traditional portraits, make sure your aperture is 4, 5 or higher to get both subjects in focus.)

Child with Parents 101

This is the easiest portrait in the book! it works because the child thinks he is having fun with mom and dad, but he is fully contained by their grip on his hands. Focus on the child's eyes and have the parents walk towards you. If the child isn't having fun, have his parents throw him up in the air and get his expression on the way down. Another easy way to get them smiling is to play red light, green light. This works because they are having fun, playing a game and smiling, but there is a stopping point for you to grab a quick photo. Easy breezy pudding and pie.

Silhouettes 101

Find somewhere darkish. Look towards the bright light. Place subjects between you and the light without allowing the light to shine on them. Snap.

Couples 101

Sometimes (almost always!) grooms are not into photos. Luckily, they are (almost always!) into their wives-to-be. If the groom is getting sick of posing for photos, get them into a well lit area such as the dappled shade here. Place the bride where she is comfortable, yet close to her groom. Then tell the groom to talk to his girl, kiss his girl, look at his girl. He'll be more comfortable and you will get a more authentic portrait or the relationship between the two.

Bridal Portrait 101

Go near a window where there is bright light without letting the light shine directly on your subject. Arrange yourself perpendicular to the bride looking from slightly behind her shoulder while she is having her dress tied or zipped. Women naturally do this cute chin tilt when they are half watching their dress being closed. I love the natural beauty of this non-posed pose.

Sunflare 101

Have subjects sit with the sun behind them. Have them talk to each other while you get the sun in the exact place you want it. Let them talk long enough that they get into natural poses. For this couple, the that meant the girl pulled her legs up and the man put his arm on the small of her back. Can't you just imagine they sit like this all the time? For this photo, I put the sun in the very top far left corner of my frame to get the flare. Snap when the flare and their expressions are perfectly as you want them.

What other poses would you be interested in? For every idea you give that I use, take $1 off the price for yourself. In theory, you could get this product free!