2 Great Deals: Photo Books - Creating & Publishing

Thinking about making a photo book or even publishing a book?  Here are a couple of awesome deals for you: the first is a free online training for Lightroom 4, from Scott Kelby of KelbyTraining.com, and the second is a discount to TAP!2013 which is taking place in Orlando, FL next week.

Creating Your Own Photobook in Lightroom 4
Scott Kelby is offering a free 3-day rental of this online class, which is usually priced at $9.99.  It's available for a limited time, so don't miss this one if you're wanting to make your own memory books!

TAP!2013
This is not strictly for photographers, but it's packed full of great learning, especially if you're looking to publish your own book one day.  The event takes place next week, starting on Wednesday 9 Jan and running through to Friday 11 Jan, with pre-conference sessions taking place on Monday and Tuesday.  With keynote speakers such as Guy Kawasaki, Scott Kelby, Skip Cohen, Debbie Bates-Schrott and Jessica Meher, you can't go wrong!

TAP!2013 is a great event at any price, but right now Skip Cohen is offering a fantastic discount for $550 off.  You can find his discount code HERE.

I've already 'purchased' my free Lightroom Photobook tutorial - now to carve out some time over the next three festivity-packed days to watch it!

Happy New Year everyone!  May 2013 be a great year for you.

Mum, Dad & the Boys | Duluth GA Family Photographer

This client was so happy with the headshots I took of her earlier this year that she came back for a portrait photo session.  And lucky for me, because I got to meet their pups!  These two guys are a lot of fun - have a look at my website to see the DVD I made of their shoot.

It was a hoot to let the dogs run around and play while I videoed their games.  Now, if only I could teach my dog to play fetch like these two do!  He has the chase part down, but the fetch?  Not so much...

Anyhow, check out these expressions.  They always make me smile :o)

A Time for Family & Friends

Thanksgiving has come and gone here in the USA and Christmas is coming up soon all over the world.  The holiday season is a time when folks spend time with friends and family, reminiscing about past times, planning fun future activities and enjoying each others' company.

But there's allllllways someone who wants to take photos, right?  And don't we just hate it when we're in the middle of a nice meal and someone decides to snap a photo of us while we're attempting to stuff a forkful in our mouths...

Don't do it, folks!  No-one likes awkward photos of themselves plastered all over the various social media sites, no matter how funny it may seem at the time.  But don't put away that camera completely during this season of gatherings - one day we'll be grateful  for those photos.

Do catch people being themselves and enjoying the moment.  Photograph them around the table, laughing and talking with loved ones.  Use a shallow Depth of Field to cut out the background clutter.  Zoom lenses are great for capturing natural, candid moments, but don't abuse it!  Aim to make people look fantastic, not ugly.

Have a look on my website for a short story about a little girl who'd never seen herself in a photo before.  That's the sort of thing we can do as photographers.

Last year I wrote a post with tips for taking posed photos of large groups.  Try them out at your next party - and especially remember the part about not being grumpy!

Family Fun | Alpharetta GA Family Photographer

How cute are these kids?!  This high energy trio made for a fun family photo shoot on a warm late autumn morning.

2013 Calendar - New Zealand

Some of you know that Steve and I went home to New Zealand earlier this year for my brother's wedding (yay!). While we were there we toured around the country a little, taking photos on the way. The result is this calendar with a selection of photos from our trip.

The calendar is on sale for US$15.00 if you place your order by 14 Dec 2012, after that it will be US$20.00.  Price does not include tax or shipping & handling.

Email me at kaylene.fister@southernkiwiphoto.com to place your order and include your name, phone number and quantity.

Visit my website for more information.

Pugs Everywhere! | Cumming GA Pet Photographer

Here's a trio of precious pups - Biscuit, Lexi and Binkee!  They just looooove being with their mum and dad, especially when they can go to the park.  Have a look at their video on my website, HERE.

Baby Portraits: 12 Hour Sale!

Again, as promised earlier this week on my Facebook page, here's a special deal for you:

Baby Portrait Sale!

Monday, 26 Nov 2012

9am - 9pm ET

~ Two deals ~
Newborn & Baby's Milestones

For 12 hours only this coming Monday, 26 Nov
Newborn and Baby's Milestones sessions will be on sale:

Newborn sessions are reduced to $19!

Baby's Milestones Plan is $59 for all four sessions!

Okay so do the maths - that comes out to $14.75 per session when you book all four sessions.

Buy for yourself or as a gift!

There's no restriction on when the first session should take place, but please see my website for more information on scheduling sessions.  To receive this offer, you must call (404.583.0659) or email me (kaylene.fister@southernkiwiphoto.com) on Monday 26 Nov 2012.  If you purchase the Milestones Plan as a gift, I will provide a gift certificate for you to give to the recipient.

Birthday Boy | Buford GA Child Photographer

I can't believe it's been a year since I last photographed this little guy's birthday!  He's back again, enjoying cake with a new-found passion, having some serious fun at the playground and flashing his infectious smile at everyone around him.

Preston | Alpharetta GA Child Photographer

Here's a little guy with a story.  These photos were taken back in February this year, not long after his first birthday.  His parents have been waiting for over a year to adopt him and they received the wonderful news earlier this month that it's been finalised!  They're one very happy family.

Preston is a bundle of energy and did a good job of totally scrunching up my backdrop.  But hey - the three of us had a ton of fun and that's the whole idea, right?  He's a gorgeous kid - just look at that smile!

Free Photo Shoot & Christmas Cards! | Cumming, GA Photographer |

If you follow me on Facebook then you've been waiting for this announcement!  Here's your chance to be in the draw for one of two free mini-photo shoots and set of Christmas / holiday cards - either to keep for yourself or give away as a gift.

There are five ways to earn entries into the draw:

1. 'Like' the Southern Kiwi Photography Facebook page.  For those of you who have already 'liked' the page, you automatically have one entry in the draw!  This one is a MUST - if you don't 'like' the page, you won't receive credit for any other entries.
2. Get a friend to 'like' the Southern Kiwi Photography Facebook page.  They'll have one entry in the draw and you'll receive a second.  Make sure they leave a comment under the original Facebook post  for this draw (posted today, 12 Nov 2012), stating that you encouraged them to 'like' the page, so that you can get credit.
3. Leave a comment yourself under the original Facebook post for this draw.
4. Share the Facebook post onto your wall.
5. Write a comment under this blog post.

Be nice folks - any comments that I feel are mean-spirited or obscene will disqualify you from the draw.  Comments on Facebook must be on the original post, not one that someone has shared onto their wall, otherwise I won't be able to give you credit!

• There is no limit to the amount of entries you can earn via #2 above.  Note that extra comments (#3) and extra shares (#4) do not earn extra entries.
• You must 'like' the Southern Kiwi Photography Facebook page to be eligible for the draw.
• Don't try 'unliking' then 're-liking' the page to earn extra entries - doing so will disqualify you from the draw.
• The mini-photo shoot must take place prior to 5pm EST, Saturday 1 Dec 2012 and must be located within 30 miles of Cumming, GA.  If you win and can't redeem your mini-photo shoot due to either or both of these two constraints, please consider gifting the mini-photo shoot and cards to a friend who can, otherwise you will forfeit the right to claim the prize.
• Mini-photo shoots are 15-20 minutes long.
• Entries must be received by 11:59pm EST, Wednesday 14 Nov 2012.
• The two winners will be announced on Thursday, 15 Nov 2012.

Thanks for playing!

Videos Are All the Rage!

Here's a fun way to view photos from your session: DVD slideshows. Set to music and animated, this is a much better way of showing off your photos to friends and family than static images - and it sure beats the old carousel projector!

I've just added a new page to the website, showcasing some of the videos my clients are requesting.  Have a look - click the button at the top right of this blog, or click HERE to go to the Southern Kiwi Photography website and select "Video" from the menu.

What's your favourite way of presenting your photos?

2 Photographers. 3 Dates. 2 Great Causes.

The weather's cooling off and leaves are looking pretty - what better time to hold a family portrait fundraiser?!  I'm teaming up with L&A Photography to help out two families; one dealing with ALS (also known as Motor Neuron Disease or Lou Gherig's Disease) and the other Leukemia.  In both cases it's the husband and father of the family who has been diagnosed with the condition.

We'll be holding 15-20 minute 'mini-sessions' over three days:

3 Nov

L&A Photography

9 Nov & 10 Nov

Southern Kiwi Photography

The mini-sessions cost $25 and include a free 8x10 print.  Additional prints may be purchased at the special rate of $10 each for sizes 8x10, 5x7 or 4x6.  And if you're looking for Christmas or Holiday cards, we've got you covered!  $35 for 25 cards (including envelopes) is your deal.

Lee Dawkins Agency, American Family Insurance is covering the cost of the free 8x10 print which means 100% of the $25 mini-session fee goes to the families.  All profits from the purchase of additional prints (e.g. after the cost of printing has been deducted) will also be donated.

Please help us to give some relief to these two families in our community.

We look forward to your support!

Note:  The mini-session fee is required to book and guarantee your session day and time.  Please arrive on time for your session; if you are late you will be asked to wait until the photographer has an opening in her schedule.  No-shows will forfeit their session fee and no refunds will be given.  Consider it a donation kindly given and gratefully accepted!

Times Are Changing

Atlanta doesn't see much in the way of snow, so when it happens you take advantage of it.  But you have to be quick because it doesn't hang around for long.  While most folks were hiding out in their homes after the most recent snowfall in Georgia, I got up early and drove around taking photos of the transformed landscape.  There was very little traffic on the road which was a good thing, because in all honesty Atlanta drivers can't drive properly in the best conditions!  You know it's true...

So why am I writing about snow scenes at the tail end of the Southern US summer?  Because I recently drove past one of the places I photographed that morning - the pretty little lake shown below:

I liked the monochromatic feel of the foreground, with the blue of the shadows in the background.  The overhanging tree had prevented a small patch of lake from freezing over, leaving a nice reflection in the water.

But when I drove past that same place last week, to my surprise it was gone!  The little lake has been drained and a number of earthmovers have taken up temporary residence.  I'm sure that whatever takes its place will be lovely, but it made me realise how quickly and easily things change.

With that in mind, don't pass up any opportunity to capture the world and lives around you with your camera.  Places change, people grow and all you have left is memories and photographs.  That is, if you remember to take them.  What was it like when you were newly married, planting a garden, welcoming a new child or pet into your home?  What does the home you are growing up in look like?  It's never too early to start and your children's children will thank you for these precious images one day.

My brother has been scanning old photographs into digital format so that he can share them with the family.  Earlier this year we were looking through the dusty albums, remembering the times that went with the images and laughing at the goofy ones.  Now I thank my Mum for making us all pose for yet another photograph and also the people who took photos of my grandparents and great-grandparents, extended family and friends.

The holiday season is coming up, with friends and family gathering and spending time together.  Are you going to get out there and record some memories of people, places and fun times?  Because you never know when things are going to change, like 'my' little lake.

Senior Photos: Ambassador Programme

Class of 2014

It's not long now and you'll be looking at having Senior Photos done.  Time flies...!  How does a free photo shoot, free hair & makeup and free prints sound to you?  

We are now accepting applications from Juniors for our

Ambassador Programme.

Interviews will be held in Dec 2012 / Jan 2013.

Applications must be in by 31 Dec 2012!

Call us now for more information and to request an application form.  Or click HERE to send us an email.

Blue Moon 2012 - Another View

I had so much fun taking photos of Friday's blue moon over Lake Lanier!  Steve and I took dinner out to the lake and I spent time playing with exposures and composition, just to see what my camera and I can do.

Although it appears that the moon doesn't move very quickly, you don't need a very long exposure before it goes out of shape.  Knowing this, I experimented with different shutter speeds and found that at 2sec the moon is slightly oblong and by 4sec the distortion is very noticeable.

Here's another shot, taken at 0.5sec; zoomed closer and sitting in a soft bed of clouds.

And below is a shot taken about 10 minutes later, with a 15sec exposure.  The sky is a lot lighter but the moon is completely blown out and so has lost all definition in the craters.  In addition, it's creating a definite smudge across the image as it moves.

Blue Moon Aug 2012

Did you catch the blue moon last night?  For us there was some cloud cover low on the horizon, but luckily the moon came out of it before it lost the pretty yellow colour.  And the remaining streaky clouds made for a pretty scene over Lake Lanier, near Buford Dam in Forsyth County, GA.

There were a few folks out on jet skis and boats out on the lake, which left nice patterns in the moon's reflection in the water.

I've always been told that a blue moon occurs when you have two moons in one month.  This is what occurs, but the original reason it was given that name was to keep the standard full moon names from getting out of whack.

There are 12 full moons in a standard year (three for every season), however roughly every 2.5 years there are 13 moons, giving four full moons in one season.  When this happens, the third full moon in a season with four is called the 'blue moon'.

So when's the next one?  Not until 2015.  But at least that's not as long a wait as the next Transit of Venus.  And in 2018 there will be 14 full moons: two each in January and March.  Poor February loses out and won't have a full moon at all - the trouble with having a short month!  Were you out moon-gazing last night?  I hope you had good weather for it.

In Print! | Forsyth Photographer |

It's always a thrill to see something you did in print - whether it's writing, drawing, or in my case - photography.  Here's the lastest issue of My Forsyth Magazine, with the cover photo by yours truly.

Pick up your free copy of this monthly magazine in Publix stores and other locations around Forsyth County.

Forsyth Central High - Senior Photos Promo

Forsyth Central Class of 2013 and 2014 - want to earn some money for your school's Drama Club?  Here's a deal for you:

Yup, that's right - we're donating $50 to the Forsyth Central High School Drama Club for every Senior photo shoot that is booked with us.  These flyers are at your school now - grab one and bring it with you to your session!

Photo Shoot | Duluth GA Headshot Photographer |

Looking for corporate headshots?  You've come to the right place!  And you have the option of coming to us or letting us bring the studio to you.  Call to schedule your appointment - our goal is to make headshots as painless as possible.

SKP PhotoTips - Shutter Speed

In one of the SKP PhotoTips posts I talked about Aperture and how it affects the Depth of Field in your photo.  Today we're going to explore Shutter Speed.

Contrary to what many people believe, shutter speed is not how quickly the shutter moves when it opens and closes; rather it determines how long the shutter is held open before it closes.  And there are two things that happens when the shutter is held open: 1) more light gets in and 2) the risk of / opportunity for movement blur increases.

Wait - 'opportunity' for blur?  Yes - when done well, blur can create wonderful photos.  Think of images you've seen of recent Olympic track cycling events.  The best ones will show the cyclists 'tack sharp' - as a clear, frozen image - with the background streaked.  In this case, the more blurred the better as it gives a strong feeling of movement.

So how do you achieve this?  By dialling down the shutter speed so that the sensors have more time to capture the image and 'panning' with the subject.  This is also how photographers capture the silky effect on waterfalls (except for the panning part.  That's a topic for another day).  The problem with a lower shutter speed is that you run the risk of unwanted blur.  There's not much point in a nice, streaky background if the cyclists are blurry due to camera shake.

The further you lower the shutter speed, the more you need to stabilise the camera and the most common way is to use a tripod.  But you don't always have that option - some well-visited tourist attractions won't permit tripods, or you might not have one handy.  When faced with this situation, find somewhere stable to place the camera, such as a tree stump or your car roof.  Or, you could steady yourself: pressing the lens against the corner of a wall can stop movement just enough to deal with a slower than normal shutter speed.

Of course, there comes a point when it's simply too slow for hand-holding a camera.  A safe rule of thumb is not to use a shutter speed that's lower than the length of your lens.  Which means that if you're using, say, a 70-200 lens and you have it fully zoomed out to 200, you should set your shutter speed to a minimum of 1/200sec.  Play with this to see what works for you - I've successfully taken photos at 1/15sec and then others that were blurry at 1/100sec.  It depends on the situation - are you nervous about taking the photo or did you just run to catch the perfect spot?  Then you're more likely to have shaky hands.

In addition to bracing yourself, there are other ways of keeping it steady.  Shooting at 1/15sec is about where your heartbeat starts to cause camera shake.  So the one thing you don't want to do (and which you should not do in any photography situation) is hold your breath.  Because holding your breath causes your heart to pound and your hands move ever-so-slightly when your heart beats strongly.

So here's a tip you should use every time you take a photograph:  breathe normally and calmly, then while breathing out, slowly and gently press the shutter.  Continue pressing the shutter until after you hear both the open and close clicks, and continue to breathe out until after you release the shutter button.  Practice doing this and you'll find you're doing it without thinking about it.

What are your thoughts?  What methods do you use to prevent camera shake at slow shutter speeds?

Blitz | Cumming GA Pet Photographer |

When I first met Blitz, I thought he was a very pale Golden Labrador.  (Okay, in my defence, it was a couple of months before the photo shoot and he's grown in a crazy way since then!)  But young Blitz is most definitely a white German Shepherd - which is very clear as soon as he lets out a bark.  There is nothing Labrador-ish about that!  It's a full-throated WOOF that commands attention.

Blitz didn't like me much at first, but when his mum and I spoke about doing a photo shoot, he decided I was the Best Thing Ever and was all sorts of lovey-dovey.  And that was before the doggie treats came out.

Blitz had a huge amount of fun running around the park; so much so that he needed a water-break.  And Blitz loves water.  I mean loooooves water - total, all-out infatuation with the stuff.  None of this standing to drink; he gets right down on the ground and savours every drop.  Just look at that look of bliss on his furry face!

Now that we're in our happy place with water in our tummy, we're ready for the last part of the photo shoot.

What can I say?  Blitz is living in clover.  Okay so it was a bad pun, but you know it had to be said.  Isn't he a great looking pup?

Dawson Forest - One Heck of a Trek!

Dawson Forest, GA is a gem of an outdoor adventure, with an abundance of walking and horse riding trails. At about a 30 minute drive from Cumming, Dawson Forest is close to home, yet when you walk into these woods you'll feel miles away from the daily grind.

This week I had the strenuous and hugely fun task of photographing a group of over 300 kids aged 14-18 and youth leaders from my church as they re-enacted the pioneer migration across the US.  Grouped into 'families', these folks spent three days in Dawson Forest, sleeping in tents and hauling handcarts loaded with a few essentials up and down hills.  In the rain, the sun and the Georgia humidity, and complete with pioneer-style clothing.

Where will you be hiking this summer?  Make sure you put Dawson Forest on your list.  It's well worth a look.

New Zealand - Fox Glacier

And we're back with images from New Zealand!  The last post in this series saw us leaving Franz Josef Glacier and now we're heading for Fox Glacier.  We saw four glaciers while were doing our South Island tour; the other two being at Milford Sound and Glenorchy, but Franz Josef and Fox were the ones we saw 'up close and personal'.

The trail to the foot of Fox Glacier is more strictly set out, with plenty of signs warning against straying from the path and instructing you to keep moving.  There's a good risk of rock fall so it's not a place to camp out for too long!

The photo below shows rock fall on the left.  Fox has much steeper valley walls than Franz Josef, giving you a better feeling of how ice carved a path to the sea.  To get a sense of scale, have a look at the people on the  path at the right side of the photo.

Storms roll in quickly around this part of the country and when they come up like this one is doing, you start to realise why trampers (hikers) run into trouble if they're not properly prepared.

Here's the river coming out of the bottom of Fox, with the same milky glacial water as we saw at Franz Josef.  Yup, those are chunks of ice - and they're not small - that's a huge boulder behind them.

And now we see Fox Glacier itself.  There are two groups of people in this photo; one near the middle of the frame, halfway between the river and the two rock chunks that stick out, and the other about a third of the way down from the top of the glacier.  They're pretty tiny so look hard!

Behind Fox is are more mountains - no snow at this time of year - which are shaded by the fast-moving black storm clouds.  Some rain drops started coming down and we decided it was time to head back to the car.  Even in summer, the temperature drops pretty quickly when the sun goes behind a cloud.

This will be the last of the New Zealand Series posts.  Please visit the Southern Kiwi Photography website for New Zealand photos - check back often to see images as I upload them!