THIS 4th OF JULY WE LAUGHED & CRIED

You expect to enjoy yourself at a 4th of July Parade, and we did.  Especially because this year we had a few new friends with us who has NEVER been to a parade.  

Nancy and two of her children, Meagan and Dean,  came to the Sierra Madre parade with us. A particularly special parade considering we spent many years watching all the festivities with my mom and Pappa. Besides who of us doesn't appreciate the cuteness of a Mayberry RFD style parade.Ok some of you may not be old enough to understand the refrence I know. Its the sweetness and uniqueness of small town America.

FIND YOUR INNER DIVA

Whether you are a person interested in having professional photos done for the first time, or you are a bit obsessed with "Selfies", always remember that each of us has an inner Diva.  So don't just do the easy pouting of your lips, or over reach for the sexy look, dig deep down inside and reach for that inner Diva and have fun.  Image you are posing for the cover of a magazine, or that you are on a tropical Island and shooting for Sports Illustrated.  Ok maybe you just stepped off of a huge movie studio lot  and feel like a star. My point is you can have gorgeous images if you just believe and trust your photographer.  Case in point Acacia Lain Peers, an admitted lover of Selfies, but not real experienced in front of a professional photographers camera. You would never know that by the image below.

Acacia took direction beautifully, and was as graceful as she could be, given the fact that I asked her to arch her back  beyond her comfort level, while standing on one foot wearing 3 inch heels.  The mood was very Old Hollywood, one of my favorite styles to shoot, and the makeup and hair and location ( an industrial park quiet on a sunday) added to our desire to transport her to the past.

But all of those elements alone would not have created these wonderful images, unless Acacia was willing to believe she could be that Sexy Siren of Old. She replied on me to guide her to that place she had never been.  As a result the next image has become my most viewed photo on FACEBOOK.

 Acacia captured the essence of the woman in her imagination. I'd say pretty convincing for a 21 year old on her first professional shoot. Did we connect as photographer/client yes! Did she give it her all absolutely!  It's safe to say Acacia surprised herself. 
Her is a peek at a few more of her magical moments.

 

 

Ok so it's time for you to reach for your best the next time you are in front of the camera.  Something out of your comfort zone that is classic. Go ahead and make Debra Snell Photography proud.  We love beauty of all kinds, especially if it comes from deep within you!!

 

Next time , one of my favorite people to photograph.  He truly has more personality or is it personalities, than any one I know. LOL Oh and he has more talent in his little finger than many do in their whole body.  Just a hint, it's time to go Hollywood in Style.

WHAT INSPIRES ME AS A PHOTOGRAPHER

After spending the last few months taking portraits of hundreds of children, Veterans, spending countless hours preparing for my first two photo exhibits, I'm taking a moment to answer the one questions that I am always asked.  "What inspires me as a Photographer"? My answer is simple, "To be in the moment" so I can catch a spontaneous image, that just might touch someone else."

I know it sounds simple but it's not! Too many people pose and over pose, and miss the opportunity to let "life happen" in front of their camera. I was thrilled to pieces the other day while shooting a  preschooler with down syndrome, I love these types of photo shoots. Before I began photographing her, I was told "Good Luck?" I didn't need luck, I just needed to be in the moment with her, and I was so we got some incredible candid shots. 

In the midst of photographing some Veterans, from VFW Post 3208 in Sierra Madre California, I would ask them to tell me about the memorabilia that they brought with them to the shoot.  As they began to talk I began to shoot. The emotions were priceless. Their heartfelt feelings, still so close to the surface, took my breath away and gave me a new found respect for what they went thru.

Yesterday an 8 year old boy was spell bound as he looked at images of a U.S. Navy ship, that sustained serious damage from a hit by a kamikaze pilot during the battle of Iwo Jima. Another priceless moment that might have been just another picture, had I asked him to turn and look at me.  Can't image what goes thru and 8 year old's mind looking at photos like this.

Veterans day is nearly over, yet I find myself still thinking about so many of these unselfish men and women who have given and given to our country.  I didn't plan on writing this blog with a Military theme, it just worked out that way.  Fitting I think, as we wind down Veterans Day 2012. So remember to be "In the Moment" when you hold your camera the next time.  Oh, and one more thing, you don't have to wait until next veterans day to tell a solider "Thanks for Serving."  Just some thoughts from Debra Snell Photography.
 

THE BEAUTY IN DIVERSITY

I love the rainbow of life, so it's no surprise that I have an innate desire to photography all types of people.  Every Monday I post what I call my  "POWERFUL PORTRAIT" of the week on my Debra Snell Photography facebook page. These are images of everyday people,  that I see as I walk my path of life.

Here is a Collection of some of those wonderful images.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is what I have seen in my days.  What do you see in yours?