p e e k s h u r s Photography

I don’t lie when I say almost every animal I photograph steals my heart and to say this now with this little guy is an understatement.  While he didn’t like me one bit, as if the constant hissing at me wasn’t a sign enough, I fell in love the minute I saw him.  Second thing I do after taking their peekshur is to name them and this little guy’s name is Junior. So Junior, just so you know your hissing didn’t scare me… I’ve been hissed by bigger kitties than you, but you are definitely one of the cutest I’ve ever seen. =)

While there are many great tips for better photography, I try to keep at least these five in mind every time I take a photo. Adjusting just one will give you a whole new perspective. Mostly you should remember to have fun, take many photos, try every option and always take your camera with you!

1. GET CLOSE.  Getting closer helps to determine not only who or what your main subject is but also helps avoid having distracting items around your subject giving it a better composition.  Look at the photo edges of the picture, choose your subject and adjust by either zooming in or changing your position to avoid those distracting items that might otherwise overwhelm your photo.

2. WHEN TO FLASH. Turning your flash on outdoors helps avoid harsh shadows on your subject’s faces, this is called Fill Flash.  Also remember to turn your flash off indoors when you want to get a more natural look on your subject’s face.

3. TURN UP THE ISO. The camera’s  ISO determines the camera’s sensitive is to light.  The higher the ISO the less light the camera needs. So by raising the camera’s ISO to 800 or higher can be the difference between a sharp or blurry picture as the higher ISO will let the camera use a higher shutter speed.

4. WHITE BALANCE. Trying out or playing with different white balance options can end up giving you some very creative photos. The cloudy or shade white balance will create more warm colors which could be great for sunsets while the tungsten or fluorescent setting can be used when you want a blue cast on your images.

5. HAVE FUN. Trying different angles like getting lower or higher or shooting vertically will jazz up and give you more interesting photos. Also watch out for your subject’s reactions and try to capture the emotions on their faces which often times make the best pictures.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a cuter or taller creature.  I’m a big wildlife lover and this girl was definitely asking for me to take her peekshur.  As you can see from the low angel I’m a shorty compared to her, but I’m still happy I always get to remember her with this peekshur. =)

This little creature has some story.  We found him completely alone and with a hurt wing. We don’t know if he was attacked or if he fell on it but he cannot fly anymore. While this is heartbreaking to me, he is a survivor and I know he will find his way home.  He is one of the most beautiful creatures I’ve ever met… Good Luck Buddy! =)

I am a big animal lover… as I’ve been known to have kitty photo shoots in a regular basis, these cute wild kitties were asking for it.  Photographing wild kitties turned out to be quite a hard struggle.  First, they are wild and second they are very fast.  I had to hide behind some bushes like a ninja until I caught them in a cute pose.  What I learned is that anything wild doesn’t care to have their peekshurs taken but I never give up! =)

One of my favorites times of the year here in Texas for me has to be the Bluebonnet season beginning mid March and ending the end of April.  These beautiful wild flowers grow everywhere and anywhere they feel like letting us know with their bright blue color that Spring if finally here!  You know they’re here when you see people squatting all over the place just to take a quick peekshur with these beauties… myself included of course! I’ve got more peekshurs where these came from… Do you have a special flower?

I have to say this pretty girl, or boy dove, lives on my tree.  Personally I happen to think it’s a she for some reason... so let’s go with that.  She likes to hang around sitting pretty just waiting for me to take her peekshur!  Thank you pretty girl dove for being the cutest thing ever!