Caution: the blog post you are about to read contains images that may cause one or two of the following symptoms—burning eyes, sympathy laughter, screams of agony, or the urge to ridicule.

I’m only kidding—kind of.  But, in all honesty, the pictures below are images I shot at the beginning of my photography career.  So with that in mind—DON’T JUDGE! I shot these after I graduated NAU with my bachelors degree in Photography.  I came fresh out of college with so much more knowledge and confidence.  I thought I was THE BOMB.  Little did I know, how much I still needed to learn.

After college, I worked for a couple different studios that taught me so much. I learned so much about lighting and correct, flattering posing. I worked hands on with different types of equipment and soaked in new editing techniques. I even learned and gained valuable experience in running a business. But what really helped me become a better photographer was that I constantly practiced.  It was through practice and learning from my mistakes that I really learned how to hone in my skill.

Now the time you’ve all been waiting for—the ancient photo reveals. Drum roll please.

 Photos Then v.s. Photos Now

I have put my old back in the day photos next to my current photography style.

It makes me want to laugh and cry at the same time.

(So Photographers, don’t beat yourselves up!  We all have to start somewhere!)

Here I go photographing a large family straight into a sunny background while putting them in the shade.  And I’m sorry but the all matching black shirts are a no-no now!  The vignette….WOW.  And the posing, not my finest moment.

A large family grouping now…..a little better right?

Orange skin tone, nice bare midriff, woman in front and spotty shade/sun.  Is there a photography rule I haven’t broke here?

Soft silky skin tone, perfect time of day to create much better tones and lighting throughout.  (even a soft hair light, and nice light in the eyes.)

Seriously people!?!?  What was I thinking here.  Half sun half shade?  Was I even looking at lighting??  And there I go again with the all in black.

I’m pretty sure this was the cutest dressed family ever.  The light is great (no ones hair looks like it’s on fire…)

Whoa.  Did I not check my white balance?  Super blue, dull, dark, no directional light….well no light at all really…..

Used my OCF (Off camera flash) to “pop” some light into this brides beautiful face to make her stand out and add some drama!

Get ready to feast your eyes on the worst reveal yet!

(I apologize to my sweet former clients, but I have made progress since)

This was my “edited” version.  Orange skin (terrible white balance on my part) + mediocre composition + excessive vignette + slight blur + overexposed dress = one awful looking bridal photo

 Soft + Simple + Sharp + Warm = a whole lot better.

After comparing these photos—you can tell there is obviously a night and day difference.

My recent photography has soft lighting, and flattering poses. I have since learned to set my white balance to create more accurate colors and skin tone and even the outfits of the clients improved (and yes, I definitely had to start coaching clients on appropriate outfits. No more all matching black shirts). It’s hard to believe that these photos were once in a folder on my computer entitled: Best Shots. Needless to say, I’ve come a long way since I graduated collage (even though I thought I was pretty good).

With so much competition in photography and between photographers I like to try and have other photographers back!  Us photographers have to stick together— not rip each other down!  Now I definitely am guilty of seeing amateur photos and in a crazy critiquing photographer rage saying “What were they thinking?!?”   But then I have to bring myself off my high horse and remember that I was there once.  I was probably WORSE then!  So I really want to help mentor other photographers with a few tips here and there.  Again, I am far from perfect.  WPPI kicks my trash every year and makes me feel like the worst photographer in the world.  There are others I compare myself to as well and beat myself up when I do not meet those expectations.  But again, we don’t start at the top, we have to constantly improve ourselves, evolve, create and endure.  I still look at ways I can become a better photographer; there is always knowledge to be learned.

Coming to this realization inspired a new segment to my blog entitled: For the Photographer. I wanted to dedicate posts to those photographers out there that want to learn more about the craft. I may still be learning myself, but I wanted share some of my own knowledge to help. So, I’m leaving it up to you! What do you want to know about photography?  It can range from lighting to posing to, well, anything really!  Just ask away by leaving comments below and I’ll try to dedicate a post to answer your questions.

So, remember folks— never stop learning about your craft. Go to workshops, read books, be creative, and most importantly practice, practice, practice!

Happy Wednesday!