Is your toddler too fast for your camera?

Around the holidays, several of my co-workers, family, and friends approached me and asked "I'm looking at buying a new camera, which one would you recommend?"  Some even picked out 2 or 3 models and asked me to compare them and recommend one.  With the holiday shopping season in full swing back then and every retailer was advertising the latest models, it was tempting to get a nicer camera.

First of all, I should clarify that I'm at a stage in my life where most of my co-workers, friends, and family have young children.  My first question was "Why do you want a new camera?"  The most common answer I received was "I want better pictures of my kids.  They look so cute but by the time I take pictures of them, they have moved or their facial expressions have already changed."  Ah, yes, the ever elusive cute expressions and sparkle in the eyes that every parent dreams of capturing.  I found myself giving the same advice to several people so I decided write this article, hoping it will help many of you facing the same problem.

I hate to say this, but a nicer, more expensive camera is not likely to be your solution.  Sure, a camera with a higher number of frames per second and shorter shutter lag is more likely to help you accomplish your goal.  However, chances are, you already have a camera with decent features.  That extra frame per second or 1/10 second faster on the shutter release will not make that big of a difference.

So what do I recommend?

If your sole purpose for getting a nicer camera is to get pictures of your toddler/pets or capturing something in motion, my best recommendation is actually an iPhone app called Fast Camera by i4software.   While I'm a fan of my DSLR and rarely take pictures with my iPhone, this is the one situation where I would recommend an iPhone app over a real camera.  For $4.99, this app allows you to take up to 1,200 photos per minute!  All you have to do is open the app, point your phone at your toddler, and your camera phone will snap away until you stop it.  You can then review the images you obtained and save the ones that have the best combination of action and facial expression.  The app allows you to lock focus and exposure like a regular camera.  It also allows you to choose your resolution, up to 8 megapixels.  If 1,200 pictures per minute is too much for you, you can change how many frames per minute in the settings.  After you review the photos, you save the best ones to your phone so the pictures don't take up all the memory space.  There is no DSLR out there that can do this.  Plus, there is an added benefit of not having to carry another gadget with you.  I'm sure most of you already have your phone with you at all times, so you might as well put it to use by taking pictures of your active toddler.  Right now, the app is only available for iPhone but an Android version will be coming out soon.

**Please note, I do not have any financial interest or motive in recommending the Fast Camera app.  I downloaded the app serendipitously last year and love it.  Feel free to read the independent reviews on iTunes 

Christmas Portraits

It's hard to believe that it has been 6 months since Michaela's newborn session.  This girl has grown so much and ready for her first Christmas!

Newborn Session

Congratulations to the McMillen family.  Their daughter arrived just in time to celebrate Veteran's Day, honoring her dad who served this country.   We also decided to get some Christmas themed photos for their Christmas card this year.  I crocheted a long-tail Christmas hat just in time for the session.

I love her little feet

Proud and loving big brother.  No one messes with her!

Happy Veteran's Day to Dad

Senior Session - Alexis and Kaitlynn

Alexis and Kaitlynn are twins and both are super stars on their soccer team.  As part of their senior portrait session, they wanted "action shots" from their last regular season game.  Soccer has been a very big part of their lives and brings out the best in them.

Firefighter Water Fight!

It's water fight time at the Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival in Sonoma!  Consider this the firefighter's version of tug of war but so much more fun with water and high-pressure hoses.  Here are some images from the event this year.

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Kids enjoying the water more than the water fight itself.  Purchase a limited edition of this photo here

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Getting soaked!!  Purchase a limited edition of this photo here

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Cincinnati Skyline

My wonderful husband is starting a blog and wanted a picture of Cincinnati.  That motivated me to go take some pictures of Cincinnati's skyline.  We do live in a beautiful city here.

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Great American Ballpark.  Go Reds!

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Family Session - A summer morning in the park

What a fun session with Laura and her two daughters!  During the initial consultation, we talked about different looks and feel for family portraits.  Laura wanted photos of daily family life with genuine emotions rather than posed, standard family portraits.  She also wanted more pictures of her daughters than herself. We decided to shoot the session at their favorite park, which is what they love to do.