Did you know...
...that this is my 500th post with typepad? (I had another blog previous to this one)
...that I had my photographerMAMA workshop this weekend?
...that you are going to be inundated with pictures on my blog from now on so if you thought you had seen enough of my kids before you might as well hit delete now cause its only gonna get worse.
I just have to say it.
rialee's photography class is awesome.
I learned SO much. I dont know how she did it!
I have been trying to figure out aperture and shutter speed for a YEAR now.
I took a class at my local community college. I read everything Pioneer Women wrote on the subject. I did research and read blog after blog on how to figure out my cameras settings.
But nothing ever clicked.
Until this weekend.
It took place over two days. Friday night was the business end... where I met all the other sweet ladies signed up and where we went over all the settings and what kinds of camera we had and all that fun stuff.
There was a gift bag and beverages and snacks.
Yes. You are seeing that correctly. Her water bottles are customized. So simple. So gorgeous. Just like everything in the studio.
The couch in the lobby. Aren't those pillows precious?
Saturday was the big day. Ria had models come in and we were able to put into place all of the tips and tricks we learned.
(this gorgeous girl belongs to Jamie, one of the moms taking the class, who just happens to be an awesome photographer herself!)
First Ria would get the models all set up and then take a few pictures, let us know what her camera settings were, then let us loose.
It was a mom-a-razzi in the truest sense of the word.
Yes. I know. What is wrong with me? Why am I taking pictures of other moms taking pictures?
Look at this gorgeous little angel. She was the perfect model... she didn't move or bat an eyelash for five minutes straight!
I love this shot.
She made our jobs very easy.
Here is Ria and my little Audrey.
Ria's studio is a photographers dream... amazing lighting and beautiful brick walls and gorgeous props. I did not want to leave!
My niece Inga... remember the photo shoot that brought me to Ria in the first place?
***
I cannot recommend this class enough. I think I would actually do it again just to have the opportunity to shoot pictures in her amazing studio again! The whole experience was fun and enlightening and amazing. Starting this year, Ria is doing business classes, so if you want to turn your passion into a business, you should really check her out!
Thanks to Ria and all the ladies who laughed at my sad jokes and stories and made this experience such a wonderful one. I miss you already!
Click here to see more awesome pictures... Colton and Parker got in on the fun too! (and this set of pics just might contain my favorite picture of Parker ever!)
Great pictures!
You ooze talent, my friend :-)
Posted by: Kate | January 10, 2010 at 10:29 PM
Yeah, it looks like you had a blast! Welcome back! How fun. I love how you took pictures of the non-models like the water bottle, gift bag, and pillows. You really told the whole story. That's what I love about your posts!
I can't believe those babies sat there with all those cameras pointed at them. That's amazing.
Posted by: Cop Mama | January 10, 2010 at 10:34 PM
Oh my gosh, how fun. Your sweet little one is just GORGEOUS!
Posted by: Jo | January 10, 2010 at 10:36 PM
Oh, and Audrey, what a sweetie. Look at those eyes! And the leggings, don't get me started!
Posted by: Cop Mama | January 10, 2010 at 10:43 PM
I am OFFICIALLY the most jealous person around. How fun for you! Way to go Amanda those shots are awesome! Share some secrets!
Hugs,
Mimi
Posted by: He & Me + 3 | January 10, 2010 at 10:51 PM
Ok, now I definitely want to take a photography class. I am clueless!
Posted by: The Lumberjack's Wife | January 10, 2010 at 10:55 PM
GREAT! now you can teach me. Lol.
Wendy
Posted by: Wendy | January 10, 2010 at 11:04 PM
I'm totally stealing your photos and posting them on my blog! Love love love it... and tell me please.. did you use liquify on the photos with me in them? I look a little less "rolly" than usual!
Posted by: Ria | January 10, 2010 at 11:19 PM
You are good! How fun that must have been! I loved seeing your pictures before, but now I'm really looking forward to seeing pictures on your blog. And congrats on 500 posts.
Posted by: Jamie @ Six Bricks High | January 10, 2010 at 11:34 PM
I need a class like that!
I just bought my first SLR camera, before Thursday, it's just been me and my point and shoot canon. I have read lots about the one I bought, but now that it's here and I have to try to remember all those details-well I'm struggling. Wish I could find a class like that near me:)
Your photos look great!
Posted by: Diane {createdbydiane.blogspot.com} | January 11, 2010 at 12:01 AM
Absolutely gorgeous pics! I would love to take a class like that.
Posted by: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1359322570 | January 11, 2010 at 01:00 AM
Well, I'm definately NOT going anywhere! I LOVE your pics already! GIMME MORE!
Posted by: BJ_Mama | January 11, 2010 at 02:42 AM
what fun you must have had!!! your daughter looks so adorable. i love how her cheeks are pink against her pretty porcelain skin tone. what a lovely match with that chair and that amazing lighting!!!
Posted by: Susan | January 11, 2010 at 05:12 AM
Ohmigosh so precious - I LOVE that pink hat!!
Posted by: Jessica | January 11, 2010 at 05:48 AM
You are such an amazing and gracious woman. Your photos before were wonderful, I can't wait to see what happens now!
I love how you take on challenges head on and with confidence. Have a blast with your camera. (Isn't understanding shutter speed and apeture EVERYTHING!)
Posted by: Bethany | January 11, 2010 at 07:32 AM
Oh, I love it! I'm so glad you had a good time girl! And I saw the photo's that Rialee posted on Facebook, absolutly gorgeous
Posted by: Michelle | January 11, 2010 at 07:36 AM
I should have come *home* to Fargo to do this class with you all - I love my SLR but have no clue what I'm doing with it - sometimes I get lucky - sometimes I don't!
Glad you had fun and learned alot - can't wait to see what you can do with your camera!
xxoo
Posted by: darcie | January 11, 2010 at 07:58 AM
from what i know of you, you were always one to think outside the box. remember hauling your kids outside to take pictures of the explosion/fire?
Posted by: gianna | January 11, 2010 at 08:06 AM
How fun!!! How far is Fargo from Mpls? Her pics look incredible! (so do yours!)
Posted by: Darla | January 11, 2010 at 08:10 AM
How fun! I can't wait to see & hear more!
Posted by: Tina Fisher | January 11, 2010 at 08:12 AM
Looks like a great time!!! The pics look great! :) When are you setting up a room up there so I can bring my girls to you? :)
God BLess
Janis
Posted by: janis | January 11, 2010 at 09:37 AM
Look at those models!!! I just have a point & shoot...I know I need to upgrade, but all of the F stop, aperture (?) has me confused already! ;)
Sounds like a great class...and I love the pictures YOU took! You take great pics already!
Posted by: bridget {bake at 350} | January 11, 2010 at 09:40 AM
How fun! Isn't it a great feeling when you get control over your camera? Just remember to write everything down. Don't get overconfident, your camera, as a machine, will feel that and try to take control back from you. lol
Can't wait to see all the great photos!
Posted by: Alisa | January 11, 2010 at 09:50 AM
That looks like a lotta fun! So were there a ton of people there?
I am noticing more and more that everyone and their mother wants to be a photographer. In the past year alone, so many people I know started up their own photog businesses, too! It's cool because - it's a LOTTA fun!! =-D
What kinda camera are you shooting with?
Posted by: ClassiclyAmber | January 11, 2010 at 09:57 AM
Ha! I, by FAR, had the worst camera there... a little digital rebel XT. Although I like it alot, I sure had camera envy! There were (I think) about 12 women there... it was wonderful! I have no desire to have a busniess, just want to take better pics of my family!
Blessings-
Amanda
Posted by: Amanda Rettke | January 11, 2010 at 10:05 AM
Aw, that is a decent camera! I've seen people take simple point and shoot cameras and do awesome things with 'em! And the tips you picked up at the workshop will really help ya (fancy shmancy camera or not), so don't worry 'bout it! =-D
Oh - and happy 500th post at Typepad!! (applause)
Posted by: ClassiclyAmber | January 11, 2010 at 10:36 AM
These are great Amanda! How awesome that I was fortunate enough to be able to attend a Ria workshop and meet the very cool mommy blogger all in one weekend! You two are AMAZING!!!! I had such a great time! Thank you for brightening my day every time you post. I wish you nothing but the best! God bless!
Posted by: Tara | January 11, 2010 at 10:45 AM
LOVE LOVE LOVE all the pictures. And can I just say your little girl has the most beautiful blue eyes.
I wish I could take a class like that, I'm going to keep my eyes open for something similar in my area.
Posted by: Christina | January 11, 2010 at 12:05 PM
Wish I were there, what were those settings? they must be magical numbers!
Posted by: CFMama | January 11, 2010 at 12:16 PM
1. you would take a photo of mom's taking photos. :)
2. the photo of the baby that you like so much...OMGosh!! it is perfection in a photo. did you take it?
3. audrey in the green velvet chair...take my breath away. i'll take one of each, please.
4. looks like it was so fun! i'm living vicariously through you right now.
5. the photos in this post are fabulous! lighting is spectacular.
6. did i use enough powerful adjectives? well, i mean every one of them. i'm passionate like that.
Posted by: olivia | January 11, 2010 at 12:59 PM
What a FUN weekend! I love all the pictures! Looks like an awesome studio...I can already tell why you want to go back, beautiful! I bet you learned so much {not that I could tell you didn't know what you were doing in the first place!} Shutter speed and aperature...I would love to know how to succeed at that too! Can't wait to see more...I could never get tired of seeing your beautiful children!
Posted by: Carrie @ Martin Manor | January 11, 2010 at 01:19 PM
Great photos! Looks like a fun weekend! I would *love* to attend a workshop sometime!
Posted by: Melissa - The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans | January 11, 2010 at 02:37 PM
I kept thinking of you this weekend and wishing I was there too. I hope to be able to take one of her classes soon. Your photos are beautiful as usual but I'm sure it's nice to understand your camera better. I know I would feel that way. And Audrey? Stunning!
Posted by: Liz | January 11, 2010 at 02:54 PM
How fun! Your pictures look great. I'm with you though, things go right over my head when I try to understand it off the blogs. Oh well, someday maybe:)
Posted by: Ruth | January 11, 2010 at 03:25 PM
Wow, what a great experience! I love the photos on facebook too. Yes, I am expecting to see lots more little faces around your blog :o)
Posted by: jenney | January 11, 2010 at 04:04 PM
Ok so one day when I come to meet you, I want to take a class with her and you!!! In the mean time will you be sharing some of those awesome tips that you learned????? BTW....your photographs were AMAZING and all the kids were beautiful, especially Miss Audrey!
Posted by: Christy | January 11, 2010 at 07:35 PM
What GREAT pictures! So glad you get to take this class! Can't wait to see what you learn! LOVE Audrey's hat!
Posted by: Liz | January 11, 2010 at 09:26 PM
Love the pictures, wish I could take a class like this. But I have never herard/seen anything like that in the netherlands.
I love the picture of you son, it raly has a sparkel
Posted by: Mariëlle | January 12, 2010 at 01:49 AM
WOW great shots! I would love to take a workshop, I need to see if there are any here in Rochester NY... I want to get better with my camera. I also have a dslr.... I loved your shots, you are so good!
Posted by: Ginger | January 12, 2010 at 05:16 PM
Ummm, look at your photos, they are great...why were you at the class? :) I think it was to show off your adorable kidos! I know what you mean about camera envy & lens envy, but the XT is close to my heart! I just wanted to tell you I love your blog and it was nice to meet you at the workshop, your a hoot!
Melissa aka the other XT mama
Posted by: Melissa | January 15, 2010 at 02:08 PM
Beautiful!!! I wish I could take this class.
Posted by: Jen | January 22, 2010 at 03:21 PM
Hello
hose are very nice photographs and I like all photographs very much.I think these are precious moments.Thank you very much for showing us these beautiful pictures.
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