Digital photography: what the f-stop?

Last week I heard a startling statistic:

The most popular camera on Flickr right now is the iPhone. 

For a photographer who started off in film, gradually tested the waters of digital, and finally jumped in with an SLR, this is difficult for me to wrap my mind around. Don't get me wrong, as SLR-snobbish as I can be, I noticed the quality of Apple's phone cameras right off the bat, and even used my husband's iPhone to take all of our honeymoon photos (sand is NOT good for expensive cameras).

After receiving an iPhone 5 for Christmas, I am sold. It's no substitute for a real, 15 megapixel SLR with interchangeable lenses... but it gets the job done in a remarkable way.

I was tickled to discover the panorama feature, even though I was equally bummed that it distorts anything closer than a city skyline, and mutates people's faces into comically bizarre caricatures if you move the phone too quickly, or if the subjects moves during the exposure.

Still, it's a lot of fun, and that lazy part of me that doesn't want to carry a camera case with me everywhere I go is silently nagging at me to "just use your iPhone- it's got a camera too!"

Shut it, Siri.

Enjoy my iMadness!

Introducing the Lovely and Talented... Robin Hoskins!

I am so happy to be showing off this lady. She's been one of my closest, most supportive friends for 4+ years, and she's also one of the most talented and driven person I know.

She's an artist/teacher, just like me. I've watched her perform for Permafringe performance art projects during events like Second Sunday on Main, or Final Friday. She's diving into the Cincinnati art and music scene now, and I'm so glad she is such a dynamic a part of it. 

I was so happy when she asked me to take some headshots and full body shots for the acting and music video projects she's been getting into. I knew these shots wouldn't be your run-of-the-mill head and shoulders smile-for-the-camera type photo shoot. 

This girl busted out her belly dancing moves, and we even brought in props like a book on Delsarte Expression, a technique she discovered in NYC.

It was so much fun, and I think the photos turned out beautifully. 

Through November: Special Sunday rates for Seniors!

Special Sunday rates for Seniors!

To me, Fall is one of the most gorgeous seasons. The leaves provide an amazing natural backdrop, and the light is just magical. Sadly, it only lasts for a month or so... so it's the perfect time to schedule your senior photo shoot!

Every Sunday between now and the end of November, I'm offering a special rate of $150 for a one-hour photo shoot, producing 15 gorgeous, high-quality photographs delivered to you on a CD with full printing rights at any location of your choice (within a 25 mile radius of Cincinnati) I can also order prints for you, if you prefer. Photos will be delivered a week after your shoot date!

I am also accepting engagement and family portrait sessions.

Call or email me today to schedule your session, before November ends!
(513) 646-3119, or email burton.mindy@gmail.com.

Jammin'

My super-talented husband and his friends started a band a while ago, and they've been playing together at least once a week. I joined them the other day and shot some photos while they were jamming. They're looking for a vocalist, by the way, if you are great at singing, and love fast-paced rock/ska like the Red Hot Chili Peppers or Sublime.

Mountains!

I just took a fabulous trip to the mountains last week. First I went to visit my best friend Mere, and photographed some of her newest ceramic work:

Then we took a short trip to Asheville, NC, which is an amazing little town. It has an art gallery district (we had a little too much fun there, as you can see), and tons of sustainable businesses (although a few were the snotty kind... hate that). The people who live in Asheville were so nice, and the energy coming from that city was refreshing.

We got a lot of great recommendations from friends, because apparently everyone loves Asheville. We found a great local brewery called Wedge, which has AWESOME beer, and metal sculptures all over, including cool metal bar stools.

When I got home from driving back through the mountains, my hubby and I promptly drove back through those same mountains to the Smokies. We rented a cabin for a few days, hiked, ate too much delicious food, and soaked in the hot tub. 

Introducing the freshly married Chris and Alyssa!

You're going to love these two. They're funny, good-looking, go-with-the-flow, and a whole lotta love all bundled together into one awesome wedding.

I followed Alyssa around all day to capture moments like getting ready, grabbing Wendys(!), and grabbing drinks at Starbucks. Then the wedding fun started, with dancing, giggling, cake smashing, a few tears and some good food and drinks. 

Here are some of my favorite photos from the day:

The calm after the storm

It's been an incredibly fast few months! I'm finally now getting to the point where I can settle my life and do things like fix up my car, book more wedding events (I'm shooting a lovely couple named Amy and Matt in May!), and play with new photo equipment like my remote shutter release! I'm having fun with self portraits and new hairstyles as you can see.

I'm taking a trip at the end of the month to see my good friend Mere in Atlanta. I can't wait to explore the area around Atlanta more, and do a photo/sculpture collaboration with this talented girl!

I'll have wedding photos to show off in a week! I'm photographing Alyssa and Chris in some really scenic spots around Cincinnati, and their wedding sounds like it will be a blast! I can't wait to show those photos off!

It felt like Fall this weekend, and that made me happy, so you get to see some Fall-themed photos! Congratulations!