I often tell my kids "just give me 10 minutes of cooperation" when I'm trying to capture them. I set my timer on my phone and when the alarm goes off, we are done. It works for us (sometimes). My talented friend Dana Pugh of Short and Sweet Photography has taken this to an even more difficult level and has started a blog called the 5 Minute Project. Different photographers from all over capture what the world looks like to them in just 5 minutes and share it on the awesome blog. I am in love with the concept. I love the challenge of creating quickly and seeing what I can get in such a short amount of time. It's a good creative exercise for me. Here is what my world looks like in 5 minutes...just a regular old evening in our front yard...me chasing my messy faced, tousled hair gal...
"what _____ looks like" september edition...
I cannot believe my absolute favorite time of the year is coming to a close. I adore summertime. It's the stuff childhood memories are made of. I am a bit of a wanderer. I love to just get in the car and go someone I have never been. My kids are finally getting a bit older...old enough to go on a few little adventures..so last month on a whim I threw them all in the car , stopped at the grocery store, loaded up with all kinds of junk food, and drove a couple hours to this cool little lake and we almost had the whole place to ourselves. It honestly was one of my favorite days of the whole summer. These images don't even begin to do the day justice but this month I give you "what a day trip looks like"...
Summer Murdock Photography
"11 on 11" get in the frame september edition..
in 11 on 11
In honor of experimentation, letting go...AND getting in the frame...I give you this months "11 on 11"...
And I'll be the first to admit selfies are hard...on many levels! And did I mention I got a new camera? YUP...the Mark III calls for experimentation don't ya think? And I am NOT disappointed with my newest member of the family! Now please go visit my talented, super cool, and all around good person Laura Morita Photography...I promise she won't disappoint!
"10 on 10" september edition...
in 10 on 10
This is what you get when your daughter gives you 10 minutes to shoot some images at a location that you are checking out for a client shoot. We literally set the timer on my phone. I'm pretty happy with what we got in 10 minutes. This post could and should be called "10 on 10 in 10".
And yeah, if you saw the family session I posted yesterday this place may look a bit familiar but hey..it's all good right? AND if you've been following my LR learning curve, I edited these 100% in Lightroom...still trying to figure out my groove in that program but I'm getting closer....
Now you must go see what Maria Manco's "10 on 10" looks like...she's pretty awesome if I say so myself!
light, love, and family...
in portraits
This family was vacationing in Park City and wanted little ol' me to capture their family! I am always honored when someone takes time out of their busy and fun filled vacation schedule and spend it with me. We had LOTS of fun during our session though...can you tell? AND...is it awful to say we lucked out because a wildfire started close by and filtered the light and made it soft and pretty and gorgeous? Yeah it's awful to say but one of the only benefits of wildfires...HA!
xo,
Summer
"kids were here" september edition...
It' time for another installment of KIDS WERE HERE where a group of amazing photographers document the evidence the kids leave behind. This month we all decided that "sometimes one is enough" so we picked our very best image from the month to include for the post and keep it simple this. This was by far my favorite KWH image from the month. My 7 year old is quite creative and whipped up this new outfit for her favorite doll out of nothing but paper in less that 15 minutes after Grandma suggested the kids have a talent show. The girl knows her own talents and I hope she always stays so confident in herself and her abilities. I think she's pretty brilliant but I might be a little bit biased. Be sure to check out all the other amazing photographers on KIDS WERE HERE blog. We'll be back next month with LOTS of evidences that the KIDS WERE HERE.
xo,
Summer
"what ____ looks like" august edtion
My family recently went on a little beach vacation. My iphone camera roll is FULL of images. SO many that I haven't even gone through them all yet. So for this month's installment of "what ____ looks like" I give you "what a beach vacation looks like shot and edited entirely with an iphone". These image are near and dear to my heart. We made some amazing memories and I'm so thankful to have these images to remind me! Who knows maybe next month I'll get around to editing and posting the images from my "real camera"! If you are on Instagram come follow my adventures there. I'm @summer_murdock!
Now you must go see what Jenny Cruger Photography | nashville family photographer's month looks like. I think she has been to the beach too and her images are always a treat!
If this is your first time visiting my blog or if you missed previous editions of "what ____ looks like" and you are wondering what I can do with my other camera go here, here, here, here, and here!
"kids were here" august edition
Adore this project and love finding the evidences that my kids leave behind. There such beauty in these things that really speak to what their little personalities are all about. I know I will miss seeing the quirkiness of it all someday. This month is a little short. Summer has taken over at our house. We are outdoors enjoying ourselves so forgive me. I will be back next month in full force. Be sure to check out all the other amazing photographers on the KIDS WERE HERE site. You won't regret it.
"look Mom, I'm a unicorn"
So as some of you may have heard I was reported several time by someone for posting "inappropriate" images of babies and toddlers in diapers on my business Facebook page. Facebook disabled my personal account for 24 hours. I was still able to access my business page because I had another administrator (ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS SHOULD MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A SECOND ADMINISTRATOR ON YOUR PAGE). I was given a warning that if I was reported again I would be shut down permanently! I have been so angry and wonder about the intentions of the person who reports pictures of babies as "inappropriate". I start to wonder if this person is deliberately trying to shut down my page. When my page was reinstated tonight, I answered by posting this picture on my business page. It's my rebellious side. My way of saying "you can't tell me what to do". I know, it's a character flaw. After a few comments and likes, I decided to remove it an post it here. Getting my page banned is not what I want. I am very sad that I feel that I cannot post pictures without fear of being reported. What is this world coming to? How is a 2 year old without a shirt considered inappropriate? Makes me sad that it has come to this. But I refuse to let it get to me any more...
"11 on 11" get in the frame (iphone style) july edition...
in 11 on 11
I'm being a little lazy this month. I just got back from a 10 day vacation/family reunion and I'm worn out (in a good way). I haven't shot a selfie with my "real" camera so I am sharing some of my iphoneography. I have never done that here. It's probably long overdue actually. I HEART my iphone and Instagram (come find me @summer_murdock). I want to be one of those people who carries their DSLR around with them 24/7 but I'm not. I have four kids and my reality is I can barely get everyone out of the car and across the parking lot without an injury or someone getting lost. If I threw my "nice" camera into the mix it would sure to be lost, broken, or spilled on in no time! So I use my iphone when inspiration hits me. I love the challenge of creating interesting images with such a simple piece of equipment. It makes me focus on what is really important in photography and that is light and composition. It has actually really helped me to grow and improve as a photographer. I have to say that it's kind of fun to hush all those people who have ever said "If I had a camera like that, I'd be able to take amazing pictures too". To me my iphoneography proves it's not all about the camera (although a nice one sure helps), it's about the photographer. Period....and I kinda love that. Plus, it instantly satifies my creative impulses. If I feel inspired by something, my phone is always close by. Oh and yesterday I was honored to have my iphoneography featured over at Pictapgo (my fav iphone editing camera app made by the people who make Totally Rad Actions) If you want to see that interview go here! I'm still pinching myself over it!
SO I give you my "11 on 11" get in the frame iphone style this month...all images shot and edited with my iphone from my recent vacation.
And when you are on a road trip and you stop to walk across a bridge to see the AMAZING Colorado River and a passerby asks you if you want a family shot, you accept. Photo credit...some nice man in Arizona!
Wait was that more than 11 pictures? Oh well...who is counting?
Now you have to go visit Christie Hobson who is an amazing photographer (really she is) and in her spare time a comedian. Yup! Well not officially but she is pretty dang funny in my very expert opinion!
In case you have never visited my blog before and wonder if I know how to use my "real" camera you can visit last month's "11 on 11" circle where I demonstrate that I can shoot with something other than an iphone here! HA
"10 on 10" july edition...
In my quest to let go and capture things as they are in front of me, I give you my "10 on 10" this month (which may or may not be 10 images but who is counting?)
Now please go visit Rowe Timson who is super talented and who lives in BALI! Hello? You won't want to miss her 10...she's always on some kind of adventure!
"what ____ looks like" july edition...
We have been spending A LOT of time at the pool lately...so it' very fitting that this month I'll be showing you "what swimming looks like" since that's about all we have been doing...
Now be sure to go visit Stephanie Moore to see "what ____ looks like" to her this month!
and if you missed previous editions of "what ____ looks like" go here, here, here, and here!
underwater fun...
I'm just a little obsessed with my newfound ability to submerge my camera. Last summer I played around TONS with a little underwater point and shoot...now I get to submerge my "real" camera! I'm over the moon excited. Get ready for total and complete overkill on the underwater sharing! I'm in love!
wild poppies….
The poppies have bloomed in one of my favorite spots. Seriously for the week that these flowers are up, this might be one of the most gorgeous places EVER! My girls wanted NOTHING to do with me and the camera while we were here so I just stood back and watched them. Love their relationship. So here is my "11 0n 11" get in the frame post for June. My selfie is a stretch this month...
See I told ya the selfie was a stretch. I forgot my tripod and back button focusing is tough for a 7 year old! She took some really pretty good shots but all blurry. :) I am really happy to have this image though. Seriously, my two year old gives the best hugs. I never want to forget how it feels to have this little girl squeeze my neck tight like this. I kinda love it!
Now you must go visit Leah Robinson to see what she has captured this month. Leah is crazy talented and is an Aussie. I may just show up at her house one day unannounced to visit her and her lovely country whether I am invited or not! HA!
"10 on 10"...june edition
I'm trying to turn over a new leaf with my personal work. I have perfectionist tendencies. If I don't feel everyone in the frame looks perfect, I often overlook images. I'm determined to get over this. I have four kids all of which have the camera put in their faces on a regular basis. They get sick of it and could care less about when I ask them to do something for the camera. My tricks are getting old. It is WAY easier to photograph other peoples kids I tell ya. I NEED more images with EVERYONE in the frame. It's hard to get four kids and one husband all in the frame in a perfect yet not cheesy posed way. SO I'm going to let go....if I don't I will look back one day and regret not having many images of everyone together. It's my new challenge for myself....and in that spirit I give you my "10 on 10" for the month...in a cool little spot I found on a walk the other morning! Love discovering new hidden gems...
Now go visit Nicole Dyk of Nicole Dina Photography to see what her "10 on 10" is all about!
How about a giveaway?
I am super honored to have some of my work published in Chic Critique's latest magazine. The magazine is gorgeous and chalk full of really awesome information and beautiful images. Chic Critique has been kind enough to give me a digital copy to give away to one of you! You can enter through Sunday tomorrow night at midnight and I will announce the winner Sunday! Good Luck!
"What ____ looks like"...june edition
The hours, days, weeks, and months fly by. I never seem to have enough time these days. I always have ideas of things I want to shoot but often it is hard to make it happen...so sometimes in order to get a some "shooting" time, I have to throw my camera and disheveled kids in the car, drive through some crappy fast food joint for dinner, and then pull off the side of the road and let them throw rocks off the mountainside. On this particular day it was SO SO windy that the girls (excluding me) cried in the car while the boys enjoyed themselves for about 15 minutes and that's all we needed..here's "what throwing rocks and a kicking dirt off the mountain side looks like"...
It's nice to get some images of my boys doing what they do...especially my oldest who will RARELY allow the camera within 10 feet of him...so these images of him mean the world to me...
Now go check out "what ___ looks like" to Andrea Hanki of Pink Sugar Photography who I may or may not have a photographic crush on! (hehe) Always in awe of her compositions and the genuine moments she captures!
To see previous "what ____ looks like", go here, here, and here.
sun drenched hills....
Man this family was fun! We had such a great time. These two little girls were SO full of life. Brother made me work for it a little bit but all worked out in the end. Mom and Dad are pretty cool people as well....and the whole family is easy on the eyes to say the least. Lucky me to get to document all this life!
xo,
Summer
"kids were here"...june edition
We are a group of passionate photographers who are setting out to document details of evidence that Kids Were Here. It is a fabulous idea introduced by the very talented and creative Ketti Photography. “When I first began this project, I thought it would be fun to document the every day messes my children make. As the weeks have passed, this project has really become so much more than that.
It’s not really about messes at all, but about the stories they tell. It’s about traces of childhood I see throughout my home on a daily basis. It’s about the love we share together. It’s about living and being…creating, making, learning and trying. This project leaves me a beautiful story each month of the reminders that Kids are here now…and the time, well, its all too fleeting, isn’t it? We all need to embrace these moments and just live them too; because they really are the best moments of life.” -Ginger Unzueta
Another month of this very special project...Kids Were Here...helping me to slow down, breath, and enjoy the ride that is motherhood!
Be sure to visit our facebook page and join along. If you live with kids, I KNOW you have seen evidences that the KIDS WERE HERE...
and in case you missed my past KWH posts you can find them here and here!
part of the "chorus"..
My friend talented Amy Grace of A Beautiful Life Photo asked me to be part of a very special project she has begun called "The Chorus":
"this is a project that has been burning a hole in my heart. we all sing our pure and shaky and earnest songs, to ourselves, our kids, our pasts. we sing because we need to hear our voices out loud, because it gets lonely sometimes, because it hurts, because the joy cannot fit in our bodies. mothers are always and never alone. i want to focus on the never part. i want to hear the voices together. i want to start a chorus."
Amy is a true artist...and an amazing photographer and out of this world writer. The combination of her words and her soulful images leave me speechless. Really...
I'm so so honored she has asked me to be a part of this project this week...a member of the "chorus" so to speak...a group of mothers who are photographers sharing their thoughts about wonder this week. Here are mine:
Funny how the things I associate with the word wonder have changed over the span of my life. As an adult I wonder about things…wonder if I’m doing OK as a mother…wonder about the future…wonder if I will ever feel caught up. The kind of wondering I do spans from silliness to more important things. When I think about the wonder I felt as a child, there was something different. I distinctly remember my first airplane ride. I looked out the small little window at those clouds and wondered if I could run and jump in them. Imagined how soft it would be and fully believed it was possible. Anything was possible. I noticed the beauty of things around me more consistently than I do know. I remember seeing dust bunnies in the light in my room and being totally and completely fascinated by them. So much that I ran to get my mother and asked her what it was. She replied “That’s just dust”. To me is was magic. My two year old reminded me of this last week when she noticed the dust in the light of her room. The animation and excitement as she pointed it out to me helped me to recall this long buried memory of my own childhood. How often do I reply to my kids discoveries with “That’s just dust”? More often than I should. I strive to see the beauty and wonder in things always but as an adult is sometimes a struggle to let go of all of my “to do’s” and be present in the moment and aware of all the wondrous things around me.
“He who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead; his eye are closed.” Albert Einstein
I don’t want my eyes to be closed. When I am open the wonders and beautiful things around me, I feel alive and present and connected. Once again my children are my teachers…teaching me to throw caution to the wind, outstretch my arms and soak in all the wonder around me.
PLEASE go visit "the chorus" and read some pretty inspiring thoughts along with some amazing images.
xo,
Summer