LSW PHOTOS

All you need is LOVE :)

2012-02-13T06:04:00.000-08:00

I've been asked what equipment I splurged on and my thoughts on it.

Well I didn't buy much and I bought it with the intention of being able to do more indoor sessions. Newborns are easy enough to do because you don't need much backdrop space and can easily locate a window with enough light. Toddlers and groups not so much. So I bought a backdrop stand, Canvas backdrop, and a light kit. Turns out you get what you pay for! The lighting is terrible! I'm sure I could splurge on new bulbs and a few more stands but I've discovered through this process I was not meant to be a studio photographer. Don't get me wrong I still love newborns and catching moments of my kids playing indoors. But for family photography I love being able to let kids run around being them self and capture their real emotion versus saying sit here and smile. Maybe I'll do it someday if I can set up a real/permanent studio with enough space, light, and a more friendly lens (FYI 50mm not great for tight spaces:) But until then I'll stick to natural light and natural settings.

What do you want to know?

2012-02-08T11:07:00.000-08:00

I know so many of my friends have been bitten by the photography bug and I've had a lot of people ask questions about all the different things that go into taking a good picture (with or without an expensive camera). I DO NOT claim to be an expert on the subject but enjoy learning new things myself and am constantly on the look out for new info. I'm going to start linking to different tutorials and giving my own input here So if you have any questions either comment on my blog or email/message me. The more input I get the more likely I am to put the effort into so seriously let me know.

Happy Valentines Day! and some catching up :)

2012-02-07T17:04:00.000-08:00

I've done a few mini sessions to try and break in my new equipment and I'm sad to say that I regret buying it without doing more research OH WELL! You live and learn, but thats an entirely different post if your interested. It wasn't a complete waste though because despite it's short comings these kids are just to dang cute to take a bad picture:) I have a few more posts coming in the next few days. I'm considering posting more about how I shoot and process my pictures but only if you (if anyone is even reading this :) are interested. Photography isn't just some hobby I picked up last month and plan on making big bucks with. In fact I doubt if I'll ever make enough to cover the equipment i've already bought let alone my wish list. It is something I love and have been in love with for the last 10 years. I've found every bit of information that i've come across helpful in some way or another and am thinking about sharing what I find/learn here if your interested. I'm still a major work in progress and am in love with learning new things. I'm basically coming up with this as I type so I'm not really sure how it will all work out so just let me know your thoughts!

Valentine Session Preview

2012-01-31T05:30:00.000-08:00

I had a fun little Valentine session last week, this is just a quick little preview. Little Lady S was not thrilled with the idea but we still got some great shots.

Lights, Camera, Action.....

2012-01-28T06:54:00.000-08:00

I've mentioned before that I love shooting flash free with natural light. The only problem is I live in Buffalo where the "natural" light is a hazy gray. Summers here are beautiful but just too short, I'm still flash free but I splurged on a little studio equipment to help supplement my light. It's a major work in progress as I'm trying to learn how to use it all but I'm really excited! Doesn't my little Diva look thrilled about the idea of being bossed around no matter the weather or time of day:)

Search, Ponder, and Pray

2012-01-19T16:16:00.000-08:00

{L's} Baptism Pictures

2012-01-18T05:55:00.000-08:00

Isn't she GORGEOUS!

She's a complete sweetheart too!

{L's} Beautiful Baptism Preview

2012-01-17T09:32:00.000-08:00

There is finally snow here in Buffalo New York!

We have been waiting patiently for a little of this white stuff to take this beautiful little ladies baptism pictures!

This is just a quick preview of this perfect session!

New Years Resolution!

2012-01-14T14:37:00.001-08:00

GET OUT OF THIS RUT!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-30T09:59:00.000-08:00

{M} Family

2011-12-12T13:57:00.000-08:00

Saturday was SOOOOO cold!

Were talking temps in the twenties all day long.

We attempted an outdoor shoot but the little ladies eyes were watering and I was afraid the tears might freeze to her face! And poor baby boy couldn't even fake a smile. So we headed to my house to try and salvage the session. Im not really set up for indoor sessions (yet) so we used a yard and a half of fabric and my speedlight to fake a studio setting :) Thankfully they are all gorgeous so it worked out. I did decide that my dinky set up just isn't going to cut it any more and started ordering some new equipment to set up a small studio setting for indoor sessions this winter. I'm hoping to be good to go by February so if your sad you missed out on fall pictures or have a baby on the way keep your eyes open! I'm planning on offering a few discounted sessions in the next few months!

{W} Family

2011-12-05T05:54:00.000-08:00

No snow in Buffalo!

It's December and I'm still shooting outside, craziness!

I love this cute family and was so excited to be working with them again.

My favorite candid picture from this session wont load for no good reason at all.

Sometimes I HATE BLOGGER!

The Man

2011-11-30T17:14:00.000-08:00

My little lady

2011-11-22T15:42:00.000-08:00

What I'm thankful for

2011-11-17T09:23:00.000-08:00

the {R} Family

2011-11-16T10:01:00.000-08:00

The {S} Boys

2011-11-14T12:27:00.000-08:00

COMING SOON

2011-11-14T08:50:00.000-08:00

This was a busy weekend around our house!
I had two sessions on saturday and we FINALLY got our own family pictures taken, thanks to a good friend who came and helped us out. She did such a great job! Thanks Bekah!!!! Lot's of pictures to come in the next few days!

Bedtime

2011-11-12T10:27:00.000-08:00

As I was getting ready for a busy saturday full of sessions I found some forgotten pictures on my memory card. I forgot all about them because I was certain they were an ultimate fail. It was bedtime and our living room light is supplied by one lonely lamp. I had my ISO bumped up to at least 1000 and so I knew the pictures were grainy and blurry. Once I scanned throught them on my computer they started to take on a life of there own. I love the way a picture can really capture a moment.

The {W} Family

2011-10-30T15:58:00.000-07:00

{A} Family

2011-10-26T14:48:00.000-07:00

{L}Family

2011-10-25T12:29:00.000-07:00

{M} Family

2011-10-23T13:38:00.000-07:00

Don't let this smiling little lady fool you, it was FREEZING during this session!

Don't Smile!

2011-10-21T13:13:00.000-07:00

Today was a take your kids with you to work kind of day

They were such troopers even though it was freezin cold!

It was well worth the effort and the family was beautiful! Can't wait to finish editing so I can get them posted.

{C&D} Family

2011-10-10T13:57:00.000-07:00

{T&V}

2011-10-10T11:06:00.000-07:00

Preview of the {R} Families

2011-10-09T17:02:00.000-07:00

So what do you get when 2 brothers marry 2 sisters?

2 BEAUTIFUL Families!!!!

I had a busy weekend so here's a glimpse of what I've been up too!

September 19-23

2011-09-23T08:41:00.000-07:00

Fall Sessions

2011-09-22T09:34:00.000-07:00

I have had quite a few people show interest in family pictures this fall. Because of my husbands crazy schedule I will only be working on Saturdays and only 3 Saturdays a month so if your really interested email me for pricing and to schedule a session. LLwheel@gmail.com

{T} Senior Pictures

2011-09-20T10:44:00.000-07:00

Rock Hunt Sept 15

2011-09-19T11:42:00.000-07:00

Photo Journal (September 12-14)

2011-09-15T12:51:00.000-07:00

{E} Wedding (Only a year late in posting this!) Happy Anniversary Next Month!

2011-09-14T18:28:00.000-07:00

Photo Journal August 30-Sept 10

2011-09-14T12:49:00.000-07:00

My husbands a monkey

2011-09-01T18:12:00.000-07:00

Last week we were having a picnic when my husband thought he saw something in the boy's ear. (B) was not impressed.

(Dad don't touch my ear OK, Thanks)

This kid seriously melts my heart

Inspired (I added another pic)

2011-08-30T12:33:00.000-07:00

This is the picture that sealed the deal for me.

I was so thankful I took the time to pull out my camera and catch this moment just the way it was.

Once I saw it I kicked myself for not catching more moments like this.

So I'm back in the saddle and snapping away.

Being so far from family sure puts things into perspective.

One thing I know for sure is Grandma's are very special things.

Photo project take 2

2011-08-27T13:04:00.000-07:00

So despite how annoying it got pulling my camera out every day I MISS IT! I have looked back at my pictures I took through April and May and I'm in love with them. I remember what I was thinking with each and every one. It's like a journal written in code that only I can read:) So I've decided to start taking and posting daily pictures again. The only difference is there is no deadline, no end date, and no promises:) It's just for fun and really it's just for me anyways so if you like taking a peek into my ordinary life your in luck and if you don't than feel free to skip right past. I have a few pictures from the past week that I'll post but I'm not planning on posting anything till monday.

Palmyra

2011-08-14T13:32:00.000-07:00

My Favorite Candid Shots

2011-08-10T07:06:00.000-07:00

My favorite pictures are always the completely unplanned shots.

The ones that show real connections.

Love them!

If I had my way I would be a completely candid photographer.

I would love to just step in and be invisible at a family picnic, party, or dinner table.

{B} Family

2011-08-08T09:39:00.000-07:00

Bittersweet

2011-08-06T07:51:00.000-07:00

Pioneer Day Party

2011-07-25T16:22:00.000-07:00

Just for Fun

2011-07-19T11:58:00.000-07:00

{C} Boys

2011-07-07T10:27:00.000-07:00

{C} Family

2011-07-01T06:14:00.000-07:00

Fun in photoshop

2011-06-28T10:18:00.000-07:00

I don't usually use photoshop for much more than a little sharpening and color correction but I had a litte fun with these. I'm loving the first one!

{T}

2011-06-28T09:58:00.000-07:00

Babysitting

2011-06-15T15:35:00.000-07:00

I got to watch this sweet cheeked boy on Monday and couldn't resist that face. It must be the mom in me but my favorite part of this picture is the left over squash on his face from his lunch.

I'll be back

2011-06-13T10:08:00.000-07:00

So I still love the idea of daily photos I just wasn't loving mine. I was frustrated with the monotony and lack of quality. I want to keep pushing myself to improve and have some ideas for the near future. I even have a fun new toy to play with! It has me completely inspired.
Whats a post without a photo right.

My Baby is ONE!

2011-05-26T06:33:00.000-07:00

I almost always prefer natural color pictures but in this case my lighting wasn't perfect. We were in heavy shadow and even with photoshop I couldn't get the skin tones right. So when in doubt try a funky edit:)

I wasn't going to attempt taking my 2 1/2 year old's pictures but she was with us was actually giving me real smiles! Her Hair is a mess but oh well she is still stinking cute!

Days 51-53

2011-05-25T10:22:00.000-07:00

Meet baby {N}'s Family

2011-05-23T10:30:00.000-07:00

Sweet Baby {N}

2011-05-22T17:41:00.000-07:00

I have another post coming soon of the rest of this great family

Days 46-50

2011-05-22T10:07:00.000-07:00

Days 40-45 (I dropped the ball)

2011-05-16T10:36:00.000-07:00

After my last post you might have been under the impression that I wasn't giving up. It only took me one more week to drop the ball. I haven't pulled out my nice camera since Day 45. I got so busy getting ready for our trip to Toronto that I didn't have time. I intended on pulling it out on vacation but we were too busy playing so I only used my point and shoot. I am going to continue but I'm human so there are a few missed days.

Thoughts

2011-05-04T17:26:00.000-07:00

I am 39 days in to my challenge (one photo a day).The question is whether to continue or not. I almost gave up on the idea a week into it until I realized that while its A LOT of work and the results are not as high quality as I had hoped, it helps give my day purpose. It forces me to think about my day as I go along trying to pinpoint what the purpose or overall feel of my day is. I have considered journaling along with the pictures to give you a better idea of why I chose a picture of my messy house, my peaceful moments, the chaos of kids. I decided against it so the pictures can just speak for themselves. So for now at least I'll keep on going.

Days 33-39

2011-05-04T17:16:00.001-07:00

{M}

2011-04-28T19:00:00.000-07:00

Days 26-32

2011-04-28T05:52:00.000-07:00

Day 27 I used my point and shoot since we were running around exploring all day.

Day 19-25

2011-04-20T09:38:00.000-07:00

{G} Family and Baby {C)

2011-04-13T07:39:00.000-07:00

Days 12-18

2011-04-13T06:13:00.000-07:00

Days 4-11

2011-04-05T11:37:00.000-07:00

Day 3

2011-04-03T09:03:00.000-07:00

Day 3= Day 1 of sick kids

Day 2

2011-04-02T11:19:00.001-07:00

Day 1

2011-04-01T07:10:00.000-07:00

Spring Snow

I cheated and added two, I just couldn't choose! It won't happen again ;)

Natural Light and ISO

2011-03-30T09:47:00.000-07:00

(I put this post together in Early January and forgot to post it)

Over a year ago I took a great beginning photography course from Veronica Reeve. The main thing she focused on was shooting in Manual Mode with Natural Light. NO FLASH! She said that a picture taken with flash was like a picture of a moment that never existed. If you look at her pictures (which I think you should) You'll notice how real they feel. Its because she is amazing behind the camera without a lot of extra fluff. She says she only spends a few minutes editing and tweeking her pictures which says a lot about her skill. Any way my point is shooting in manual and flash free is hard. Especially when you are shooting in low lighting. I am no expert in this area but if you have tried shooting in manual mode with an DSLR and get easily discouraged because of low light, (like I do). Try bumping up your ISO, in the case of christmas lights you may have to raise it significantly. You definitely get a little extra noise (graininess) in your pictures but I think its worth it to capture the moment how it really is.

Thoughts

2011-03-29T16:50:00.000-07:00

I guess I'm getting in the groove for my official "challenge to self". This is a picture from a few months ago that I just like, not sure why but I do. Maybe because I pick up these toys a million times a day and am constantly amazed at her love for "little things". Anyways, I've been thinking through this challenge and trying to decide if I should post unedited pictures or let myself add to them in photo shop to help create the mood. I think I've decided to post unedited (with maybe a little sharpening or color adj) mostly and if I do add to it just post the before and after. I love unedited/slightly edited images because they seem more real. I'm also going to challenge myself to not just post a picture of my kids everyday. Sometimes yes, but not always.

From Favorite Pictures

A photo a day......

2011-03-28T12:17:00.000-07:00

A Photo A Day? I'm trying to decide how to challenge myself behind the camera. I'm not in a position to take classes. I don't have the time or the money. What I do have is a great camera, and a little know how. So I'm gonna start taking a picture (Manual settings/flash free)and posting a picture every day that represents something going on in my life. Im hoping to continue for a year and see what I can learn. April first I will start posting daily. I plan on giving myself one week from each picture to load and post it, so I'll most likely always be one week behind. This picture has nothing to do with my challenge its just one I like of my sweet little lady.

From Wheelers

Miss you Mom

2010-11-19T11:14:00.000-08:00

Since my mother passed away 2 weeks ago I have had a hard time enjoying much of anything. Going through some of her things for the funeral I found stacks and stacks and stacks of my pictures that she had printed. She has always been my greatest fan and I don't really know what I am going to do without her. Even though she wont be checking my blog anymore I know she would be disappointed if I stopped doing the things I love. So even though my hearts not completely in it, I am going to keep on keeping on.

I miss you Mom thanks for being my biggest fan

From Laura

Halloween at our house 2010

2010-11-19T11:09:00.000-08:00

Photography has become all about photo shop. We all use it as a crutch. With these pictures I decided to let there cute faces speak for themselves. I'm not anti photo shop and I will still use it (a lot), For instance I used it to correct my backgrounds (which were just blankets on the couch). And for certain pictures it can be a lot of fun. I'm just hoping to improve behind the camera so I don't rely so heavily on photo shop.
On a technical note. There is NO good light in NY this time of year. I am finding it impossible to shoot flash free with my dinky old lens so I am relying on my flash way more than I would like. If I had the money for the lens I wanted this wouldn't be a problem. I think I am going to have to start playing with my lighting a lot more if I want to get rid of the annoying shadows and flash glare. Wish me luck.

From Favorite Pictures

Beautiful Bride

2010-11-02T07:07:00.000-07:00

I was only in Utah One day for the Wedding so we only had 10 minutes before the reception to snap a few Bridals. Thankfully my sister is BEAUTIFUL so it was no trouble getting a perfect picture.

From LSW Photos

Soon to be Mr and Mrs!!!!

2010-10-20T09:25:00.000-07:00

From Favorite Pictures

Little Pumpkin

2010-10-14T14:29:00.000-07:00

From Favorite Pictures

Luv Um

2010-10-12T06:49:00.000-07:00

From Wheelers

Octobers almost here!!!!!!

2010-09-30T11:18:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited for Halloween and all that comes with it!!

I just couldn't resist reposting these sessions from last year

From Favorite Pictures

{L} Family

2010-09-08T10:33:00.000-07:00

The night before our big move I snapped this picture for my sister in our backyard. Its very unedited because Ive been drawn to the "Real" look in my pictures lately. I like them to portray what the moment really looked like. I guess it really all depends on the day though and right now I'm missing my family and this is Exactly how I remember them.

From HOW I SEE IT

No Time

2010-09-03T10:14:00.000-07:00

Since the big move Ive had no time for any portrait photography. Ive just been going through some old pictures and realized I only posted my little guys newborn pics on our family blog. So here they are 4 months later:)

From HOW I SEE IT

Family Blog

2010-08-27T10:24:00.000-07:00

Im updating the readers on our family blog let me know if you want an invite and don't already have one

B @ 3months old

2010-07-27T20:50:00.001-07:00

From HOW I SEE IT

Portraits

2010-07-18T18:14:00.000-07:00

From HOW I SEE IT

K&T Family

2010-07-17T15:56:00.000-07:00

From HOW I SEE IT

<><>

From HOW I SEE IT

T&KC Family

2010-07-17T15:49:00.000-07:00

From HOW I SEE IT

{E} Family

2010-07-17T15:42:00.000-07:00

From HOW I SEE IT

W Family

2010-07-17T15:36:00.000-07:00

From HOW I SEE IT

{W} Family (Extended)

2010-07-17T15:31:00.000-07:00

From HOW I SEE IT

B&K

2010-07-17T15:25:00.000-07:00

From HOW I SEE IT

C&A

2010-07-17T15:23:00.000-07:00

From HOW I SEE IT

J&M

2010-07-17T15:21:00.000-07:00

From HOW I SEE IT

Also LOVING this one in black and white

From HOW I SEE IT

C&T

2010-07-17T15:19:00.000-07:00

From HOW I SEE IT

M&T

2010-07-17T15:18:00.000-07:00

From HOW I SEE IT

{M} Family (extended)

2010-07-17T15:16:00.000-07:00

From HOW I SEE IT

Probably should have cropped this one:)

From HOW I SEE IT

Baptism Collages

2010-06-25T18:25:00.000-07:00

From HOW I SEE IT

{S)

2010-06-19T14:25:00.000-07:00

The style of these pics/edits is pretty across the board and random. I guess I am still trying to decide what exactly my personal style is. But with a subject as beautiful as {S} I really couldn't go wrong.

These are just a few of the many great shots we got yesterday.

From LWheelerphotography

Baby Boy {C}

2010-06-16T17:52:00.000-07:00

From LWheelerphotography

Little Lady {A}

2010-06-16T17:00:00.000-07:00

From LWheelerphotography

Little "L" Kids

2010-06-16T10:38:00.000-07:00

Normally I prefer full color pictures but there is something about these treehouse pictures that just WORKS in black and white.

From LWheelerphotography

M & Z

2010-06-15T16:13:00.000-07:00

From LWheelerphotography

Updates!

2010-06-03T10:47:00.000-07:00

First of all I am only scheduling sessions through July 15th (ish). I have had 4 or 5 of you email me about pics so let me know when you are thinking and we will get a date on the calender. I have also been thinking a lot about what my vision is for this blog. I am planning on providing links to my favorite photographers, tutorials, and templates. There is so much great information on the internet that has helped me so much and I would love to share it with anyone who cares. I may not be posting much until we get settled back east so be patient with me until this fall. Basically just don't forget about me:)

New Plan

2010-05-29T09:18:00.000-07:00

Instead of taking this blog private I created a new one (LandBwheeler.blogspot.com) that will be private. I am going to be using this one exclusively for my photography. I haven't wanted to go private because this is the only place I have had to display photos for clients and its been great for helping me meet new people interested in my work. So if you haven't already leave me a comment and I will invite you to our new (and last) blog.