Redscale Film!

For those of you who don't know, I got a vintage Holga 35mm film camera for my birthday!  It's been a long time since I used film, and for most people it's a thing of the past.  But I think the old retro style cameras can be a lot of fun and a great creative outlet.  I just love the way the edges darken and blur, and I love all of the light leaks and streaks.  I think it gives the photos a summery feel, and of course summer is my favorite time of year! 

I started out with some T-Max 400 black and white, and since no one develops T-Max anymore, I will have to do those in the darkroom with my dad whenever I order some new chemicals so be on the lookout for those!  Next I tried a Fujifilm Supra and got a few good ones.  And when I find my scanner software I'll post those!

In searching for a more vibrant saturated film, I came across this film called redscale.  When I found out how it worked I thought genius!  The way you make this film is to go into a darkroom and take all of the film off of the roll.  Then you flip the film over upside down and wind it back on the roll!  So the film is upside down.  If you have ever noticed on the back of your 35mm film there is a dark brown/orangish color on it.  Well, the idea is shoot through this brownish layer and it can be used like a filter!  So all of your pictures have a really saturated yellow orange or red color giving it a vintage 70's feel.

Like any film I had to kinda guess and test and sure enough if your not in total direct sunshine the photos are too red or dark and over saturated.  But I think the whole idea of not knowing what your gonna get is part of the fun!  Here are a few that I liked.  I'll play around with it until I get some good ones eventually! Let me know what you think!  It's always interesting hearing other people's views on this.

Notice this was in the shade, so more red.  And because the film is on backwards, take 

a look at the numbers on the building.  Mirror Image!

Averee's 3rd Birthday Party

This has been a huge week for the Dahler family (my sister), and ours too!  Monday night we celebrated Averee's 3rd birthday!  I cannot believe my niece, just a little baby girl is already 3!  Seems like she was just born...and to make it even harder on the emotions, her older sister Kaitlyn just started her very first day of school Thursday!  Where does the time go?  

We celebrated with a barbecue chicken cookout, friends, family, and fun!  Averee, if you don't' know her, is such a sweetheart.  She is so loving, affectionate, and sweet.... not to mention she has those little puppy dog sad eyes!  Although she does have a strong willed independent side, and has been known to bite. ;-)  I think she takes after me a lot.  hahaha  Here is a preview of the party pictures, and take a look at this first one....Out of nowhere, she goes in her room and gets her sister's little kid digital camera and says "look shell, like you!"  That just melted my heart!  Enjoy!

Rachel & David's Wedding

Hey guys!

I can't believe it's already been a week since David & Rachel's wedding.  This couple is probably the most laid back wedding couple I've ever photographed, which makes my job a lot easier!  No bridezilla's here!  Just down to earth people, in love, and ready to start their new lives together.  What more can you ask for? And Rachel in her dress...stunning...just stunning.  We all had a great time, and enjoyed the cake!  (me maybe a little too much! hehehe! )  Here is your blog preview.  Enjoy!

4th of July

This years 4th of July celebration was once again a fun time with our two families.  The kiddos got to swim, while we all fried fish and shrimp and enjoyed each others company.  Thanks to Nathan's aunt from the Gulf, we enjoyed 40 pounds of fresh shrimp! (bought before the oil spill!)  The fish were crappie that were caught by Nathan and his dad, and Nathan claims he caught most of them...but I'm thinkin his dad probably was the one with more fish!  hahaha  

Either way, we all had a great time.  In the midst of all the celebration I was reminded of the lyrics to a great song , and decided I would end this blog post with it. (and photos of course!) I think we all can find ourselves getting in the mindset of "if I only had this, or if I only had a better car, if I only had a bigger house, all I need is some new clothes, why do I have this job I hate, or why do I not have a job at all..." This song puts it all into perspective and reminds us that God has blessed us far above what we need or deserve.  Hope it is a blessing to you as it was to me.  Happy 4th!

 

There's nothing like the warmth of a summer afternoon
Waking to the sunlight, and being cradled by the moon
Catching fireflies at night
Building castles in the sand
Kissing Mama's face goodnight
Holding Daddy's hand
Thank you Lord, how could I ask for more

Running barefoot through the grass
A little hide and go seek
Being so in love, that you can hardly eat
Dancing in the dark, when there's no one else around
Being bundled 'neath the covers, watching snow
Fall to the ground
Thank you Lord, how could I ask for more

So many things I thought would bring me happiness
Some dreams that are realities today
Such an irony the things that mean the most to me
Are the memories that I've made along the way

So if there's anything I've learned
From this journey I am on
Simple truths will keep you going
Simple love will keep you strong
Cause there are questions without answers
Flames that never die
Heartaches we go through are often blessings in disguise
So thank you Lord, oh thank you Lord
How could I ask for more

Rachel & David

I hope you all are enjoying this beautiful summer we've been having.  I know I have!  I can't believe it's already July!  One of the best things about summer is the being able to use the sun in so many different ways in  your photos.  I love to use it to create sun flair, and to get warm sunny photos.  The possibilities are endless!

After being rained out last Sunday, we tried again to shoot the sweetest couple ever!  Rachel and David, congratulations on your engagement!  These two were so much fun and I think Nathan kept them laughing all night long!  I know I had fun, and hopefully didn't wear everyone out with my typical line, "one more!"  For the shoot, we ventured out near Lake Wilson and ended up at Tilly Willy Bridge.  If you've never heard of it, just ask a local.  ;-) I hear this bridge is scheduled to be demolished and a new one put in it's place.  If your interested, you may want to go see this old low water bridge before it's gone.  Here is your picture preview!

Michelle

Vong & Wes baby shower

V + W baby shower photos are now up! Click the picture to view!