In the Country - Augusta, Ga Child Photographer

A little while back, I had the chance to tag along with Jennifer B Photography to get the cutest pictures of three handsome boys. They were so sweet to photograph...we had a great location in the country, complete with a pond and old house. Many thanks to Jen B and this lovely family for letting me be part of this wonderful session!

Little Guy in Louisville - Louisville Ga Baby Photographer

Louisville, Georgia has some of the most scenic locations for pictures. I've done several sessions there and even though it's a little bit of a drive, it's well worth it each time. In my former life, my office was located in Wrens a few minutes from Louisville. I feel like Jefferson County puts out a welcome sign for me each time I make the trip. Friendly people, beautiful landscape and the kiddos there are definitely as sweet as they come. So, I was delighted when this little guy's mom contacted me to do his pictures!

How to Take Pictures of a 5k Run -Augusta, Ga Sports Photographer

I'm a huge fan of 5k runs...each one has its own memorable personality and unique characteristics that make all of them feel like a special experience. I've had the opportunity to attend several 5k runs in Augusta over the past year. Of course, I "attend" in the capacity of photographer, not runner. Those who know me know that the only 5k I ever run is the one inside my head....although some of my friends are trying very hard to change that. So, I feed my passion for 5k races by taking pictures of others who actually do run them.


All of the tips I'll give in this blog are meant for parents (my typical "audience") who want to learn how to take better pictures. But these 5k tips are probably going to be used by someone who is a spouse or close friend of a runner. Here we go...

First, if your camera is a "Point and Shoot" instead of a DSLR, then you're going to miss a lot of great shots at any sporting event. My first tip is this: if you are serious about taking better 5k pictures, a DSLR camera is a good investment for you. If you already own a DLSR, then a zoom lens is a good investment.

Still, if you are not able to invest in a DSLR or a zoom lens, then you can still get some good shots using these tips. I'm writing this as if you are only taking pictures of one single race participant, or of a group of runners who are together. If you're shooting different participants who aren't there with each other, you won't be able to get all of the shots of each of them. If this is the case, you'll need to determine who is your "primary" subject and make sure you get all the critical shots of them. Everyone else is secondary. Also, get an idea of how fast your runner usually finishes a 5k distance. This will give you an estimate of how much time you'll have to get the "during" event shots (and always underestimate how much time you have). I love this shot from the Glory Run last year (put on by the Alleluia Community) because it is a visual of the purpose for this 5k. Many 5k races are organized because of a greater cause and it's nice to capture some part of the event that illustrates the purpose.


Show up at least 30 minutes early to the 5k. You will need extra time to get familiar with the location. Find the registration table and request a copy of the map showing the 5k route and a schedule of events. The 5k might be just one of the races being held...there may be a separate race for kiddos also. The schedule of events will tell you when everything will take place so you'll know what to expect.


The map will show where the race begins and ends, along with the exact streets the runners will take. Usually the route is a huge loop, with the same starting and ending location, which is both beneficial and problematic for your pictures. Don't be afraid to ask a race official for clarification in case the map is not completely understandable or legible. Once you fully understand the map, you'll need to determine how you'll get those key shots.
Here is a list of suggested pictures to get of your 5k runner...

Prior to the 5k, shoot your runner:

• Registering
• Pinning on the participant number
• Stretching
• Facing the camera with everyone who came to support them
• Shoes (at ground level)
  

As the 5k starts, shoot your runner:

• Taking those 1st steps -or-
  
• Crossing the start line (because you probably can't get both)

During the actual 5k:

Get a mid-point shot of your runner if the race route allows

• Take pictures of all the characteristics of the race location while everything is vacant (finish line, street/path leading up to finish line, route map, event signs, event mascots, awards table, balloons...etc)
• Scout a spot very near the finish line that will allow you to get a shot of your runner at the exact moment they cross the line and PLANT YOURSELF FIRMLY at that spot. You will very soon have LOTS of company...full of people who want to jump in front of you if there is any tiny plot of land in front of you.
• Get pictures of your runner as soon you can see them approaching the finish line. This is when a DSLR camera comes in handy...make sure it's on Continuous (or the Sports Setting) so it will take pictures very quickly. If you have a P&S camera, you might just want to wait until your runner is crossing the finish line to take your picture.
• If at all possible, try to get a shot of their TIME AS THEY CROSS THE FINISH LINE. This might be tricky to do especially when you're trying to get them AND the time in the same frame. But, depending on your position, it can be done.

After the 5k:

• Get candid shots of your runner hugging, high-fiving or otherwise interacting with their children, spouses and others who are there for support. AFTER the race is when those interactions are most intense and meaningful.Your runner will be sweaty, out of breath, and their hair will be a mess if they are female. So, close ups probably won't make the best pictures after the race...try to shoot them from a distance, getting a full body or waste up shot. They will probably be stretching, so this is another good chance to get some cool stretching shots.
• If your runner is a winner, you'll need to know when and how they will be awarded. You might want to photography the actual award "ceremony". If a winner is not able to stick around to formally receive the award, perhaps the organizers could give them their award sooner and allow you to take pictures of it. I've had that happen and the event organizers were very accommodating and presented the award for my pictures just as if they would have during the actual ceremony.
• After the 5k is when a kids run might take place (it will be shorter)....take some of the same types of shots for this race too.

Some Considerations:

• The sun may very well be rising straight towards you, since most 5k races begin first thing in the morning. I've realized that 5k organizers NEVER take photographers into consideration when planning the 5k route!! If the sun is a problem, try to position yourself in the shade of a sign or something else that provides some cover.
  
• If the route allows you to get some mid-race shots, make sure you have time to make it to the finish line before your runner does! I personally think the finish line shots are more important than the mid-race shots.
• Dress for the weather....not according to what the runners are wearing. You're probably not going to work up a sweat, but DO wear running-ish shoes because you might end up needing to get from point A to point B in a hurry!
• Race locations will have a huge crowd of other people who might end up in your pictures. Try to separate your subject far enough away from the crowd so they don't get lost in the sea of other runners and ruin your shot.


Race locations don't usually make the best backdrops for pictures. To avoid a cluttered background, position your subject carefully next to a less cluttered background (like a wall). If you have no other option, move something behind your runner...in this picture I moved a jogging stroller behind my runner who was laying down comfortably in the grass. While the stroller is still a little busy, it is much better than looking at the cars parked behind her!

About Me - Not A Lifestyle Photographer :)

At heart, I am old fashioned.

So, it's not hard to figure out my photography style. Simply take a look at the type of pictures hanging in my living room and it's easy to realize that portraits are what I consider worthy enough to invest time, energy and money to display.

I'm completely willing to be thought of as traditional because my first goal is to get a portrait style shot of your children. Then the candid shots are secondary. Here's a little insight about why I am not a lifestyle photographer:

• I believe that technology has leveled the scoreboard with photography...affordable high-quality digital cameras make it very easy for you to be your own lifestyle photographer in a sense. It's about capturing those real moments that unfold right there in front of the camera. In reality YOU are the one who is always behind the camera documenting those daily (and oh so real) moments. All that's missing is for you to learn how to take BETTER snapshots of your kids, which is why I want to help parents become better photographers by giving tips throughout this blog.

• I VERY MUCH adore all the candid pictures (aka snapshots) I've taken of my own kiddos, but those aren't the ones that made it to the walls. The candid pictures of my own kids are displayed in small photo albums, scrapbooks, coffee table frames, or they are tucked away in storage containers or worse...many have never made it outside of my computer to see the light of day. I imagine that this is the same for most parents!
  

• Because I adore candid pictures so much, I actually do take LOTS of them during each session. What? Did I just contradict myself? I never said I don't enjoy taking candid shots. In my sessions, there is a lot of play and interaction, which naturally produces many unscripted moments that need to be caught with the camera. In fact, the candid shots serve a greater purpose according to my traditionalist mindset. I don't want the candid shots from a session to get stashed in a box or stuck in a photo album, so I utilize them to create a "STORYBOARD", which is typically an 8x10 or 11x14 image comprised of several candid shots that tell a story. Storyboards are unscripted and very unique to the session and no two storyboards are the same. I never know exactly how the storyboard will unfold until I'm creating it... the different shots actually determine what the storyboard will look like. My fondness of storyboards stems from being on the yearbook staff during high school. I don't create storyboards to be trendy...it's just part of my foundation...who I am. It's a way for me to take plenty of candid shots during your session, while still sticking to my traditional ways with the goal that you will display the pictures on your walls instead of tuck them away!

So, there you have it. My first priority is to get traditional shots of your kids first, then capture the candid moments that naturally unfold as the session continues. Storyboards are included in all my sessions so you will have a nice set of candid moments to proudly and tastefully display on your wall. Storyboards are typically black and white and larger sizes are available. If you are only interested in having a session with only candid shots and no traditional type poses, then I know some very talented lifestyle photographers who do strictly orchestrated candid sessions. I'll be happy to give you their contact information, and I hope to feature some of them on my own blog with a guest blog post. At this point, I do not have any desire to shoot weddings, but I do know of some fabulous local photographers who love to do weddings, so if that's what you are looking for let me know and I'll put you in touch with someone I know. We all have our own unique style as photographers, and you as the parent need to determine which photographer style best suits your own tastes and needs. Here are some examples of my storyboards. Give me a call if you see something you like!

Big Kids - Augusta, Ga Photographer

Wow, this is proof that time flies in the blink of an eye. These kiddos belong to a childhood friend of my husband. When we last saw him 10 years ago in Alabama, he was a new father. Look what has happened in the past ten years....his "baby" is now 11 and I got to meet the newest addition to the family...his 6 year old son! It seems like just yesterday, but the truth is...time flies and children grow up so fast.


They were in Augusta for just one night, so we only had one chance to get their pictures...no time to reschedule. I had planned to do the session at a spot with super green grass and a white picket fence perfect for the Easter pictures we had in mind. But when it poured down rain on the one night they were in town, I had to quickly re-think how to approach this session...my super green grass was super soggy. But these two big kids did great and didn't even get muddy....neither did I (which is something I'm sure I'll elaborate on during a future post)!!!

Refreshingly Vintage -Augusta, Ga Photographer

I have a thing for pictures with a vintage feel, so you'll see some of that in my work. If you share this love for vintage and would like to create your own heirloom art featuring your little masterpiece, get in touch with me. I'm always on the look out for new antique-ish props for pictures, so I'm adding to my selection. However, please feel free to bring your own vintage props for pictures if you have any. Here are some more of my favorite pictures with the vintage twist I'm so fond of:

Scribbletime Photography has a BLOG!! -Augusta, Ga Photographer-

YAY! Welcome to the brand new Scribbletime Photography blog. In the upcoming weeks, I'll be posting pictures from previous session (lots of catching up to do).

But first things first. My name is Sharon and I am the mother of two beautiful cutie pies. My husband and I met while in the military (me-Navy, him-Marine Corps) and after our service ended, we settled down in the Augusta, Georgia area, where my hubby is from. I love military families, which is why Scribbletime gives a 15% military discount and will do everything possible to accommodate scheduling last-minute sessions for families who are facing a deployment.

Scribbletime specializes in newborns and kiddos in the Augusta, Georgia and CSRA area. BUT, the fun is definitely not limited to mini-subjects!!! I certainly enjoy the fun of family sessions, big kids and events too. Oh, and I have a thing for pictures with a vintage feel to them. Combining the old and new has a way of transforming a picture into a beautiful family heirloom that will be treasured for generations.

Something I'm very excited about:

Now through the end of April 2010, I'm offering a "First Year Portraiture" special for $150. This covers FIVE session fees: Newborn, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 1 year. If you know someone who is expecting, this MAKES A FANTASTIC BABY SHOWER GIFT, especially as a group gift! Just shoot me an email: sharon@scribbletime.com with the mother's name and due date. Babies change so rapidly during the 1st year of life...more than any other year. That's why photographing them every 3 months during that first year is so important. Please don't let your friend have a baby without also having a First Year Portraiture plan.

Hope you enjoy this new blog!!