Bethany Sines Photography

Missionary

2011-12-08T22:16:00.001-07:00

Showing me his favorite scripture. Philippians 4:13, a classic (by the way, who knew that Philippians was spelled with two p's??).

Happy Little Babe

2011-11-27T21:10:00.001-07:00

Mine

2011-10-28T09:57:00.001-07:00

My personal fave. He's such a ham. The direct result of having a photographer for a mother. : )

Before & After | Photoshop Magic

2011-10-28T09:23:00.000-07:00

I secretly love seeing when other photographers show their Photoshop before and afters. It's interesting to me to see peoples' different techniques and tastes. For me, I prefer Photoshop in small doses. Less is, most definitely, more. I cringe when I look at my photos from years ago when I was a Photoshop novice because I used every feature and tool available and it was just way too much. I like to treat it the same way I treat wearing make-up: it should only be used to enhance, not distract.

My friend, Thomas, recently had some head shots taken by a friend unfamiliar with Photoshop. It's the details that make the difference, especially if you're printing or enlarging a photo, so when he asked for my honest opinion of the head shots I kindly asked him if I could have a go at touching them up. So (with the permission of Thomas and his photographer friend) here are the results:

BEFORE

AFTER

It's fun, isn't it?! It's kind of like photography Where's Waldo style, where have you to look hard to see if you can spot the differences. : )

(Just a little run down of the process: the clone tool over any blemish, the dodge tool around the eyes, a little color balancing to warm up the skin, and some slight cropping to apply the rule of thirds and give the photo some movement.)

BEFORE

AFTER

These next photos posed a particular challenge that I hadn't encountered yet in the few years I've been in photography. Twins. I really wanted to have my aperture at a lower setting so my depth of field was more shallow, but if I did that then I wouldn't be able to get both sets of eyes in focus. Now, I don't believe in taking short cuts during the session because you know you could "fix it" in Photoshop later. But with this particular shoot I knew that Photoshop had to come to my rescue if I were to get both the boys in focus and achieve the look I wanted. So I took two versions of every photo: Baby A in focus and Baby B in focus. And with the trusty help of the handy dandy layering tool I cut out Baby A and pasted him on the Baby B photo and, voila, both babes in focus. Now your attention isn't just on one of them. I kind of like the little "baby bokeh" effect going on, but I knew that the parents would want to see both of the boys shine.

Baby A in focus.

Both boys in focus.

And the same thing here...

which turns into...

So there you have it. Photoshop to the rescue.

Thank You

2011-10-12T17:17:00.001-07:00

I love the new updated Blogger interface. While browsing through it's features I learned that this little old blog had some visitors today from Germany, Latvia, Albania, Brazil, and India. That is seriously so cool to me! So to all you people viewing my photos from all over the world, THANK YOU. THANK YOU so much for making me feel good. : )

Olivia & Cam + two

2011-10-09T13:06:00.005-07:00

What once was a cute little newlywed couple has quickly turned in to a family of four. Cam is a twin himself and there are other sets of twins in his family, so it wasn't really any surprise when these darlings showed up. : ) Love those boys!

Tahnee

2011-09-02T20:56:00.001-07:00

I. Love. This. Girl. You seriously can't get much cooler than Tahnee. She reminds me a lot of myself when I was her age (holy crap, that makes me sound so old!) We dream of one day heading out to the Salt flats for a shoot.....or having a romantic, golden-hour shoot of her and her fiance (who temporarily remains faceless...but I'm sure that will change fairly soon cause she's a total catch). Fellas out there, one of you better snatch this girl up cause she's a gem.

Um, hello, magazine face!?

More head shots of this handsome chap

2011-08-23T19:50:00.003-07:00

So remember my brother on this old post? Well here he is again in all his glory. Wow, it seems like all I ever have to show on here are photos of my siblings. haha. But I love it that way! This isn't the first time Spencer's face has been plastered all over my blog, nor will it be the last.

The more I look at this the more I love it.

Graham Family

2011-07-24T20:17:00.002-07:00

This was the Graham's 2 years ago. And this is the Graham's now, plus one cute, extra squishy member of the family. Isn't it just ridiculous how much fun they have together and much they love each other?? I consider myself lucky to be called family to these beautiful, happy people.

I believe that "kiss" was, in fact, a lick, hence the surprised reaction.

My favorite photo of the night

Our evening pretty much consisted of us running around after this little guy. : )

What I've been up to lately...

2011-03-09T14:21:00.005-07:00

You might have been wondering why I haven't posted anything in the past several months. Well here's why. Delicious, isn't he? And he's mine. All mine.

Self-portrait project posted

2010-12-28T13:30:00.003-07:00

Sarah Rhoads self-portrait project is posted...it's so fun to be part of it. Go there to see yours truly. :) I'm number 92.

Self-Portrait Challenge

2010-12-17T12:33:00.007-07:00

One of my favorite photographers, Sarah Rhoads, is doing her annual self-portrait challenge, and I thought I'd take part this year. I'm not sure why i ended up gravitating toward the one-body-part photos; my husband keeps telling me that "they aren't self-portraits cause you can't see my whole face". hahaha what?? Well there's the alternative, which includes a full-body shot of my huge 8 month pregnant belly, and I'm not that talented; I'd need a major photography professional to make that look good. : ) Anyway, this is what I came up with, so let me know which one your favorite is so i know which one to submit!

A black & white christmas

2010-11-29T21:26:00.003-07:00

It's true, this is only the second time in my entire pregnancy that I've agreed to take photos for someone. I haven't been able to muster up the energy or creativity, but Stephanie and Dan here, they understand me....this photo shoot lasted a whopping 20 minutes. : ) I love it. They wanted their christmas card photos in black and white, which I thought was a great idea cause I love everything b/w, but the only thing that's missing in these pics is the hair. Oh, the glorious red hair! This cute little girl definitely inherited it from her mama. I kept finding myself putting my camera down just to stroke her cute little soft head. haha.

So why did the photo shoot only last 20 minutes you ask? Because this kind of thing happens.

: ) (sorry steph, I just had to)

Fall

2010-10-14T11:16:00.006-07:00

Out with the summer sandals and in with the fall sneakers!

Brooke & Tyler | Love birds to the max

2010-06-27T16:26:00.017-07:00

I love love love this couple. I mean, I haven't seen two people this in love in a really long time. From the second I got out the camera and they were in their places they just started cuddling and kissing...my work was cut out for me! It made me want to go home and cuddle my husband to death. That's probably my favorite thing about real, healthy love....it's totally contagious.

And can I just say how absolutely amazing it was being in the shadow of the Tetons at sunset? It was the most romantic atmosphere. I can't blame them for kissing so much. : )

My Favorite Things...

2010-06-10T09:37:00.011-07:00

I got tagged! In tribute to my fellow bloggers I'll pass on this "favorite things" idea. And can I just add that after doing this I have new appreciation for self-portraits. It was like trying make the stars align just to get some good shots when I wasn't the one behind the camera. But my goal from the beginning was that I had to be in as many of the photos as possible. Just a fun little challenge. Okay blah blah blah, let's get this show on the road...

Hubby

(instead of being mauled by love it actually looks like he's been electrocuted. hahaha. Looking back at this concept, I would have done this shot a little differently. oh well. he's still cute. : )

Music

Family

Chocolate covered raisins

(total chocolate coma going on in here)

A good book

(This is usually where the chocolate covered raisins come into play....i can't read without snacking. A lethal combination.)

Dogs, dogs dogs!!

Motorcycle Rides

(with my husband, or course. haha, no, not any random motorcycle ride with a random man)

DANCE

(Oh my gosh, and i forgot shoes!! How could I forget shoes! Maybe that photo will be coming soon...)

And to share the love a little bit, some of my favorite blogs and bloggers are (drum roll please)....

Enjoy these fabulous bloggers and their fabulous talents!

Remembering Memorial Day

2010-06-01T08:35:00.008-07:00

As I traveled around more than usual this weekend I was able to see lots of different versions of Memorial day. It ranged from barbeques and boats to lawn chairs camped out by the headstone of a deceased loved one. Seeing the different interpretations was a little unsettling, as I was trying to figure out at what point Memorial Day turned into an-excuse-to-party-day.

As my little 8 year old cousin proudly and reverently showed me her offering of indian paintbrush that she had picked from a nearby mountainside, I was almost brought to tears. Watching her quietly and innocently place it on the grave of our loved one was a sweet feeling. A feeling that reminded me what this day is really all about.

I'm also proud to mention that this photo required no editing...i'm finally getting better with my camera settings! yay!

Aperture

2010-05-18T20:41:00.006-07:00

Great post over HERE that is really simple to understand, for those of us who still need a little practice with manual settings. Enjoy!

An old, but new, favorite

2010-04-30T20:50:00.008-07:00

I found this old photo today - I totally forgot I had taken it and fell in love with it immediately. Not necessarily for the artistic aspect of it, but because it's speaks to the mother-to-be in me. It's so sweet and gentle. I think the baby was only 2 weeks old. Be still my heart! : )

In the studio...

2010-04-14T20:14:00.027-07:00

Those who know me personally know that I'm first and foremost a dancer before a photographer. Dancing's been my skill and identity for a long time. The creative process I go through with photography is really similar to the one I go through with choreography, and actually that's why photography pushed my buttons in the first place-cause it gave me that same feeling I had when I dance. Even though my muscles aren't toned anymore, my feet aren't callused, and I swear I have arthiritis in my hips, I still claim that title of dancer. I went to my old studio ('old' as in one-year-not-dancing old) and took some of these. It was a very meloncholy experience because I was there all by myself for quite a while, and it was almost like I had my last hoorah with that place. It felt good to get some closure. I said goodbye to all those wonderful dancing memories...I never realized how much I actually miss it. Okay sorry, this is turning into a journal entry.

Later this summer I'm doing a shoot with some of my amazing dancer friends...that's an occassion that I'm eagerly anticipating, so until then these will do!

(Ballet barres are usually made of wood and attached to the wall, but this one is a transportable make-shift barre that's used when there are too many dancers.

For the lighting's sake I used this one, even though it's useless and can hardly hold any weight at all)

I love the pretty lines in this stretch...plus it was the only move I could do with a tripod. :)

Baby | C

2010-04-02T16:33:00.008-07:00

I love me a cute little chunky, diapered baby.

I think my ISO was set a little high, but i still had to put it in here cause i love it.

Shout out to the amazing Sarah Rhoads

2010-03-31T15:43:00.006-07:00

This entry by one of my new favorite photographers, Sarah Rhoads, completely spoke to me. Her perspective is like a breath of fresh air and makes me feel encouraged and not discouraged. Check out her awesome blog for the rest of the entry.

"...God trains the called, he doesn't necessarily call the trained." Whether you are a spiritual person or not, there is a great deal of truth in this sentiment. A calling can also be considered a "purpose" a "passion" or a "deep desire or longing." You see, in my opinion, the most successful photographers are not necessarily those who completed years or schooling or studied under the most prestigious educators; although I'm sure this is helpful, their art degrees are not the keys to their success. I believe the key to their success is that they have a calling, people who felt like if they did anything other than create imagery they would be doing themselves and the world a great dis-service. When you have THAT kind of passion behind you - sacrifice becomes bearable and hard work like eating an ice cream cone. Someone who has that kind of purpose will always forge their own path.... they will ALWAYS make a way even when it seems there is not one.... they will take initiative to learn, grow and stretch themselves because they have the conviction of knowing it is what they were put on this planet to do..."

Rain

2010-03-28T19:04:00.005-07:00

I've never been one for words. Especially words that have to be creative, witty, or interesting to read. : )

The boys

2010-03-17T21:45:00.001-07:00

That's right, get that cabin fever out!

Being an aunt is the greatest

2010-03-15T19:44:00.016-07:00

I love these little faces.

Baby's pursed lips have got to be the cutest.

Spring

2010-03-08T17:47:00.006-07:00

When I'm driving down the street and see something like this, I can't help but feel so ancy for spring!!

What label are you?

2010-02-23T18:55:00.006-07:00

I read this on another photographers blog and just had to steal it. : ) I'd love to hear your feedback.

You've heard them used over and over (sometimes interchangeably - sometimes all together in one big mouthful of a sentence) but what do they really mean? If you're like me, you've heard them used so often and yet so differently that it left you completely questioning what category you fall in. Is there a particular label to your style of photography that just happens to fit? I'm talking about labels such as Lifestyle, Photojournalistic, Classic, Contemporary...

Do you know what they really mean and what category you fit in? How about some very helpful definitions to put things in better prospective?

CUSTOM photography

Ultimately custom photography is all about choice and experience (as in THE experience). It's about devoted attention with strong strong emphasis on detail. Custom photographers are also known as boutique studios, offering a range of products and unparalleled service. Think Lexus vs. Hyundai or Nordstrom vs. WalMart. Custom photographers often show only the final fully edited images-color corrected with blemishes and undereye circles removed. Custom photography should always have the client and their experience in mind. (Rewritten for the photographer, original source here)

BOUTIQUE photography

Boutique is a business model, a filter through which you, as a business owner, make decisions. It’s a business that isn’t price sensitive, one that won’t compromise the client experience to save a few dollars. It’s competing on service, quality product and sensory experience rather than price. It’s being distinct, leaving an impression on your clients with each interaction. The details set the boutique business apart. (original source: Sarah Petty)

CLASSIC photography

A mix of traditional posing often coupled with strong attention to clothing and style choices. Usually presented with post processing but not as a defining characteristic of the photographer's style.

CONTEMPORARY photography
Fresh and unique approach to traditional portraiture; it is viewed as more ground breaking in it's approach to finding new and exciting ways to capture subjects... Another trademark of contemporary photography is the utilization of strong, clean close ups... There is often a liberal use of refined but controlled Photoshop processing, as well. Contemporary Photographers highlight the importance of story telling and emotion. (excerpts from Tamara Lackey - Children's Portrait Photography)

PHOTOJOURNALISTIC photography

Documentary style of photography whose principal goal is to capture the moments without any outside intervention (source). In the truest sense, photojournalistic is not posed, but rather capturing the raw emotions and relationships of the subject(s).

LIFESTYLE photography

Photos that don’t look posed, "in the moment" type photographs that are somewhat staged in terms of location, activities, emotions. (source)

HOME

2010-02-21T19:05:00.010-07:00

So what do I do on a sunday night when it's too cold to go outside and take photos? That's right, I take photos of the beautiful things I see inside my home...

a random but beautiful (and i might add yummy) smoothie combination : )

For the child in me : )

The treasure chest. yessssssss.

National Geo, how do i love thee? Let me count the ways...

This photo is not for the feet-squeemish...i actually can't stand feet either, but the unique deliciousness of my hubby's feet just makes me feel so at home. all you women understand. : )

And now, a word from MY sponsor...

2010-02-11T18:49:00.019-07:00

So you have no idea how excited I am. For the first time ever in Bethany Sines history....introducing....duh duh duh...my first sponsor! They're a non-profit organization out of Honolulu, Hawaii that's just starting out called Lucent Film Academy. They really liked one of my photos and are basing their websites theme & concept around it. What a compliment!

This company is amazing though. They provide opportunities for kids on the street to learn skills in film production and in the media arts. They help them learn life skills and even put them through college. Their website isn't up and running yet but it will be soon, so keep tabs on them and give them your support! They have some pretty amazing things to offer and some pretty amazing, dedicated people over there who really make the world a better place. It feels good to be participating in such an awesome cause.

Swinger of Birches

2010-01-29T22:07:00.015-07:00

(These trees aren't birch trees, but you can imagine : )

"When I see birches bend to left and right
Across the lines of straighter darker trees,
I like to think some boy's been swinging them.
But swinging doesn't bend them down to stay.
Ice-storms do that. Often you must have seen them
Loaded with ice a sunny winter morning
After a rain. They click upon themselves
As the breeze rises, and turn many-coloured
As the stir cracks and crazes their enamel.
Soon the sun's warmth makes them shed crystal shells
Shattering and avalanching on the snow-crust
Such heaps of broken glass to sweep away
You'd think the inner dome of heaven had fallen.

. . .

One could do worse than be a swinger of birches."

-Robert Frost, "Birches"

Infant shoot

2010-01-18T18:24:00.017-07:00

So this was my first time ever photographing an infant. WOW it's so different than photographing even babies or children! My friend, Abby, was so awesome to let me use her sweet little new guy as a guinea pig. It was so much fun to experiment and try new things. Abby, you're the best. : )

Male Headshots | Spencer

2010-01-16T19:51:00.013-07:00

My insanely talented brother, spencer, came home for Christmas this year and let me experiment on him with some head shots. Head shots are intense! There are so many little rules and things that you have to pay attention to. These may or may not fit in to a specific category of head shot (i think they're leaning more toward commercial) but we had loads of fun nonetheless. He was such a natural poser, I was just amazed! He really has a natural talent at what he does and I really think it shows through in some of these photos.

And just for fun...

Totally inspiring

2010-01-14T13:00:00.032-07:00

This message is about so much more than merely improving a hobby - this is about doing what we were born to do, what we came here to do. As i watched this I was brought back to my "spiritual center", to my reality, where i was reminded again of my purpose & intention with my photography.

Who cares what others think about you!! The creative process is about joy, progression, learning, creation, and making the world a better place. My favorite part says "don't let the voice of critics paralyze you". You will never be able to please everybody. The only thing we should worry about is whether or not our work pleases God.

"The more you trust and rely upon the spirit, the greater your capacity to create."

A beautiful building...

2010-01-09T11:00:00.008-07:00

These were taken on the way home from my grandpa's funeral, from inside the car of all places!

Sneak Peek | Male head shots

2010-01-03T20:25:00.021-07:00

Female headshots

2010-01-03T19:45:00.006-07:00

My beautiful mother. Capturing the beauty of my mom was so fun, and totally easy i might add. I wish i could include all the crazy in between shots but i'll spare her the embarassment. Looking at all these though just makes me love her even more.

Some self portraits, just for fun.

2010-01-01T17:41:00.036-07:00

I decided to see what i looked like while i was practicing some dance stuff. : )

My husband actually took this one. isn't he good!?

update

2009-12-21T20:02:00.005-07:00

UGH, i sure am struggling with keeping this blog up to-date! I probably won't be able to post much for a while. My grandpa just passed away (i'm still on the road from the funeral as we speak), i'm moving across the country in a week, and am starting school full time again. I have some headshots scheduled in the next week which i am SUPER excited about, so i'll try to get those posted soon. So even though things are busy, keep checking my blog! Awesome things are coming....sometime!

the last leaf pile before the snow

2009-12-13T21:28:00.016-07:00

Snow day

2009-12-12T21:48:00.010-07:00

Family Photo shoot

2009-11-30T11:01:00.040-07:00

This family is probably one of my most favorite family's in the world. Not because they're extremely photogenic or because they have the cutest baby ever, but because they're my family! My sister and her husband let me take pictures of them over thanksgiving break. It was by far the most fun and easy going photo shoot i've ever done. Thanks guys!!

Bridal shoot | Mallorie

2009-11-11T10:49:00.023-07:00

Besides falling off a bench and almost breaking my leg, and the wind blowing Mallorie's dress all the way up to her face, this was the funnest photo shoot i've seriously ever done. : ) This girl is so photogenic! We had lots of fun improvising. I was racing to find the very last few trees in the city that still had those beautiful fall colors in them and it seemed like all of them were in these randomly inconvenient places, so the beautiful colors you see in some of the photos are totally taken in my unsuspecting neighbors lawn. hahaha don't tell! And you might recognize the wedding dress...it's mine! Mallorie's getting sealed next weekend and just needed to borrow it. Doesn't it look fabulous on her?? I felt like i needed to pay her after this shoot was over just cause she made it so enjoyable and easy for me.

I learned so much this time around - three things in particular: 1) to not be afraid to get up close and personal. The close up portrait shots are some of my personal favorites. 2) that genuine laughter creates better, more beautiful pictures 100% more than ideal lighting, backgrounds, or outfits do. and 3) to completely abandon my mentality of making sure i get every shot that i wrote on my notepad or every shot i envisioned in my mind. I think that because i was more flexible i had way more great pictures and was more satisfied with my work. Reading through Natalie Norton's tutorials on the DPS (digital photography school) website really changed things for me. I recommend her tutorials for all novice photographers (you can find the link on my sidebar). For the first time i actually felt and experienced what she's been writing about all this time. It feels AWESOME when it's done the right way!!

A personal favorite...

2009-11-02T18:35:00.010-07:00

The day that my handsome husband got his Bachelors you had better believe that I had my camera all charged and ready to go. To my disappointment I found the lighting less-than desirable inside the auditorium that we were in. All the photographers were complaining and were trying to attach all these filters and flashes to their cameras to make up for it. I just did my best with no flash or filter and was totally surprised to find that the ones I thought were total mess-ups ended up being the best looking in the end. This first one is my husbands favorite...he thinks it looks like it should be in some magazine. : ) Aaww, I love him, and needless to say, I think it belongs in a magazine, too.

Joe, my husband, happened to be a camera man as well as a gradute, at his commencement.

Some Architecture

2009-11-02T11:37:00.006-07:00

The back roads of Iowa have so much to offer. When you go out for a drive it's seriously a never ending adventure. In these photos, they built a new railroad on the left but wanted to preserve the original on the right. What a stunning sight to see them side by side! They were MASSIVE. Not even my favorite camera lens could do them justice.

Fun on the farm

2009-11-02T10:16:00.010-07:00

The fall season called for a visit to the nearby apple orchard and we were surprised to find that the most enjoyable thing wasn't picking fresh apples, but petting all the cute animals. They were hilarious. They had so much personality, and the goats especially seemed to love the camera. The rooster on the other hand, oh my gosh, he was so tempermental and fidgity that i could hardly get a picture of him when all of a sudden he just stopped and looked at me. It almost felt like he was posing. it was so funny. : )

Free play

2009-11-02T10:10:00.004-07:00

Kids playing has got to be my favorite thing to photograph. There is nothing more natural and fun than seeing children initiating their own play, without knowing the camera is there. I think that if i would have to put a label on "my style", these photos would be it.

Olivia & Cam

2009-10-08T19:19:00.013-07:00

Meet Olivia and Cam, some of the coolest people I know. They actually got married a year before this but weren't pleased with their wedding photos so asked if I wouldn't mind taking a shot (no pun intended, haha) at doing some photos. They were seriously the best sports and really made it easy for me, considering I haven't done many couples shoots before. The weather, the crowds, everything was so ideal for this shoot...well, everything except my sandal breaking halfway through and feeling like a homeless bum walking around shoeless.n it was all worth it though. : ) Bigger versions of the pictures are coming soon, once i get back to my packed-up stash of original photos (we're moving in a month...)

Chad & Brittany

2009-10-08T18:46:00.010-07:00

Meet Chad & Brittany. Brittany is the most photogenic person I've seriously ever met, which saved these photos cause this was one of those shoots that you look at the pictures after the fact and say "What was i thinking! I should have done this and this and this differently...blah blah blah". It was a pretty stressful day for me cause my husband and I were moving across the country that next morning and had to be out of our apartment in a rush. And on top of the personal stressors, we were fighting the clock for the daylight. But luckily Brittany and her hubby were so photogenic and comfortable that they're fun relationship still came through in the photos despite my "off day" : )

Still Life

2009-10-08T18:36:00.019-07:00

Since my camera is constantly on me I've had some fun taking pics of random things while out and about. Like the library on Iowa State campus, things around my house, etc. The baby stuff is my favorite.

Some beautiful faces...

2009-10-08T18:34:00.015-07:00

I love babies

2009-10-08T18:22:00.022-07:00

So this is my blog! My very first post...yay!! This is just a random collection of the photos that I take in my spare time. I'm sure I'll look back on these and feel totally humiliated that I posted them, but I'm excited to actually be able to see the progress I make. Recently my good friend, Desi, had me take pictures of her baby and niece and nephew. These are a few of my faves.

And THIS little guy is the apple of my eye. My one and only nephew. Last time they came to visit us i think i had taken close to 400 pictures! But every minute of editing and sifting through photos was so worth it.