Minty Fresh Monday: Imagine

Mint. (adj.) meaning new, fresh, sweet, brilliant, awesome.

Getting inspired by other artists is the name of the game.  I adore Ron Howard, and I'm amazed by the entries that I see coming in for Project Imagin8tion.  If you have some brilliant photographs to share, you've got one day left to enter them.  Go now! Inspire others.  Good luck!


http://www.youtube.com/user/Imagination


have a fabulous week.
xo,
Kristen

Minty Fresh Monday: Little Wing

Mint. (adj.) meaning new, fresh, sweet, brilliant, awesome.

Well, dear fans, it has been a while.  The last month of teaching always proves to be the most difficult and hectic, leaving me with very little energy to work on the things I love, like photography and blogging.  My apologies.  But I'm back! And for those of you who have been enjoying my Minty Fresh series, I've decided to make it a weekly thing.  My Minty Fresh posts have been about sharing quick photography tips, and I will continue doing so.  I'm going to switch it up every now and then and also introduce you to brilliant people, and new discoveries. 

Today, I'd like to share something that is close to my heart.  My husband is an AMAZING musician, and is an up-and-coming film maker.  He recently finished a project that I'd like to share here- his first animated short, called Little Wing: Descent.  Our 4 year old daughter debuts in the role of Lilly Wane (aka Little Wing).
Enjoy.


Little Wing: Descent from Matt Mintz on Vimeo.

Minty Fresh: Point of View.

Mint. (adj.) meaning new, fresh, sweet, brilliant, awesome.

ok, I'm cheating a bit with this one, but I thought it would be fun...  Three and four year old kids see the world in a very different way than we do.  My daughter Lilly really finds it to be a very magical place. 

Yesterday, I was sitting in the kitchen with her when she suddenly jumped up and yelled, "Fairies!!!"  Wondering what in the world she was talking about, of course I asked, "where?"  She quickly ran over to a little stream of sunlight coming in through the window, pointing out the tiny dust bunnies floating around.  "Right here, mama!  Fairies!"  (Note to self: cleaning is overrated. Ha Ha!)

Anyway, a few months before she turned four, we got her a tiny little camera (I think it's by Fisher Price).  Here are some of her photos.

Now, aside from the fact that she is a genius (right?), I adore looking at these photos because I get to see the world through her eyes for a few photos.  My absolute favorite just has to be her self portrait in the middle.  Love it. 

Don't be afraid to look at things in a new way, and find a fresh point of view.
xo,
Kristen

Minty Fresh: Natural Frames.

Ok, I have to admit.  I posted this photo a few days ago on my facebook page, and it got a lot of attention (YAY!) Of course, I have to point out that it is most likely because I have such a gorgeous little girl.  Right?  I mean look at her. Really.
I'm sure you've seen this used before- it works especially well in landscapes, I think.  As you take your photo, be aware of what is around you- try to find something near your subject that adds a frame around them.  In this photo, my daughter was sitting in her new favorite spot- a windowsill outside. 

ta-da!
Have fun!
xo,
Kristen

A Manifesto.

It's the little moments that count. 
You know them: you see the mess your 3-year-old just made and know that you're living completely. You share a private joke with your sister and just know that she's your soul mate.
Your heart is full and you remember that love does conquer all.
I live to capture those natural, imperfect moments. 
I create art for fabulous families, images to last a lifetime.
I believe in capturing the unique, natural beauty of people and letting it shine.
I come to you, where you feel most comfortable.
We will make messes, hug, play, and laugh. A lot.

Thanks to the fabulous Kristen Kalp and the wonderful Matt Mintz for their help in writing this!
xo,
Kristen

Minty Fresh: Come closer.

Mint. (adj.) meaning new, fresh, sweet, brilliant, awesome.

Welcome to Saturday, dear blog-stalkers. First of all, a quick little side note for those of you who read my Valentine's Day post, I'd like to thank you for all the prayers and good wishes.  I found out that the mass on my jaw is a benign tumor! I can't express how grateful I am.

Now, let's get back to business.  This week, for your photos, I want you to try to get close.  This is a tip that I use CONSTANTLY.  If you are lucky enough to have a macro lens, get it out.  If you aren't, you're going to have to do a little more work.  Take your time. Hang out and chat a little before shoving your camera in your subject's face. (Not that you would do that, of course.) I like to talk to my subject and distract him, taking photos here and there, all the while, inching a little closer. Try to fill up the frame with your subject. It's especially awesome to try with babies and children.
Here is one of my favorites:

I mean, really.  Can't you just smell that baby smell just by looking at this?
Enjoy your weekend, and don't forget to link up your photos!
xo,
Kristen

Minty Fresh: Toys.

Mint. (adj.) meaning new, fresh, sweet, brilliant, awesome.

 This week, I'm taking a little breather.  It's been a rough week, so I'm posting my usual Thursday blog on Saturday.  Please feel free to join in the fun at any time and show me your shots.  Just post a link in the comments!  I'd love to see what you're doing!

My children are precious and dear to me.  They do, however, have a very hard time putting their toys away. (Remember this post about the Toy Fairy?)  At times it makes me a little crazy, and other times, I realize that it is part of who they are.  That their toys have a little life of their own. 

Can you hear that? "Hey, mama-type. Why don't you aim your camera over here? Just look at me! I'm really cute! even if Lilly just drew all over me and Jack just drooled on my head.  Take my picture!"
Ok, toys.  This post is dedicated to you.

have a fantastic weekend!
xo,
Kristen

Minty Fresh. #2.

Mint. (adj.) meaning new, fresh, sweet, brilliant, awesome.

I've decided that I want to try to include a weekly installment on my blog- just a little tutorial. So although this is the second "Minty Fresh" post, (here is the first) it will mark the first of the tutorial series.  I want to encourage you to share your shots with me, so please use the linky tool on the bottom of the page, or go ahead and leave a link in the comments! 

So for your first tutorial, I want you to look for the extraordinary today. Or look at the world in an extra ordinary way... think of it as being "minty-fresh." :)

Sometimes a great portrait doesn't have to include a face. Remember, a portrait is just a way of telling a story about a person. Go ahead and use that husband, kid, or dog of yours as a little experiment.  Grab your camera and just hang out with them.  Let them talk, play and explore.  Keep your eyes open for things that they do; little motions they make with their hands, messes they get into... Try to capture moments without getting their face in the shot! It's fun!

I'll share with you some of my favorites...

Have fun! 
xo,
Kristen