by Monica Wilkinson

Like many of you, when I started my journey into photography, my favorite subjects to shoot were my two daughters. They were young and I wanted to capture as many memories as possible. As time passed by,
I still found joy in photographing them, but I felt myself succumbing to the pressures of getting it just right in camera. I felt overwhelmed with all the rules of photography. I would hear things like the skin tones are off, they(…)

by April Nienhuis

Do you struggle with who you are as a photographer?  Are you afraid to be yourself with your photography even it means shooting unlike everyone else? When raising children, we teach them that who they are is good enough. Even at a young age, peer pressure is around and we never want them to conform to others in an effort to ‘fit in’. Our goal as parents is to encourage the uniqueness that we see in each of(…)

The second run of CMs First Steps with a DSLR photography workshop with instructor Amy Lucy Lockheart is starting in just a few short weeks. If you’ve always wanted to take better photos of your kids, but haven’t ventured outside of Auto Mode because all those buttons and dials are confusing, then this is the perfect class for you! Some of the students from the first run of this class were brand new owners of their cameras and had no(…)

Are you ready to learn about another one of our newest photography workshops set to debut in January?  Today Lora Swinson is here to share more about her upcoming workshop, Shooting 101: Posed for Success (teaching assistants will include Amii Wroblewski, Jennifer Dell, and Dana Tate).  You’ve asked for a class on posing and it’s finally here.  Read more below to find out exactly what Lora will cover in this awesome new workshop!
an introduction to the posed for success workshop

Posing(…)

The New Year is right around the corner and with the New Year comes a new lineup of photography workshops through CMU.  With that lineup we have four (yes, FOUR) new workshops being introduced!  We’ll be introducing each one of them here on the Clickin Moms photography blog for you and the first one up is Shooting 101: First Steps With A DSLR by CMmentor and Click Magazine’s Products Editor Amy Lucy Lockheart.  Amy has been kind enough to answer(…)

Have you seen CM’s brand new editing workshop for photographers who use Photoshop Elements?  The lovely and knowledgeable Erin Peloquin of Texas Chicks Blog and Pics will be teaching this extensive course (along with April Nienhuis, Melissa Gibson, and Melissa Koehler helping as teaching assistants).  When new courses are added to the CMU line-up there are often many questions that arise and what better way to answer some of the most common questions than with an interview with Erin herself!

Erin,(…)

When it comes to photography education there are many avenues out there for you to use.  There are blogs filled with tutorials, photography forums, colleges, online workshops for photographers, and in-person photography workshops among others.  It can be difficult to decide which is best for you.  Today, we thought we’d offer up a little insight on CMU’s Shooting 201: Lifestyle Photography with Kids with instructor Ashley Spaulding via a mini interview.  Ashley is here to answer our questions and I(…)

We are thrilled to present a CMpro Breakout Session featuring Munchkins and Mohawks photography! Tiffany, September’s CMpro of the Month, is well known for her imaginative images that capture the individual spirit of her subjects. Tiffany’s photography has the ability to keep viewers continually coming back for more, as we can’t wait to see what she will create next! Join us in a Breakout Session that gives a peak into the magic that is Munchkins and Mohawks photography, while inspiring(…)

Chicago based photographer, Audrey Woulard, is well known for her bright and vivacious client work, which always allows the viewer a glimpse into the personalities of the subjects. Through a 54 page PDF and a 20 minute video walk-through, Audrey shares with viewers how she works with clients to enable her to capture genuine expressions and natural interactions. Audrey also shares tips about achieving sharp focus at wide apertures, which is a signature of her work. A 1 hour and(…)

Weather can be a real pain and put a damper on that fantastic session you have planned but sometimes it’s worth it to roll with the flow and embrace the unexpected.  In all honesty, I absolutely love heading out right after it’s rained and the sun is peeking out from behind the clouds.  The light is always so beautiful and the natural colors of the earth and sky are rich and deep.  Do you not feel equiped to tackle alternate(…)

Lighting is such a strong key to a good photograph.  It can make or break your image.  Knowing where the light is coming from, what exactly that light is doing to your subject, and how to use it to convey your message is crucial.  If you find yourself struggling with lighting you may want to consider CMmentor Lisa Harrison’s beginner workshop Lighting 101: Intro to Natural Light.  Lisa is here today to share a little about her incredible workshop and(…)

July’s CMpro of the Month Allison Zercher of Snippets from Suburbia has an eye like no other.  Her vision, the way she captures life through her camera, is exquisite.  If only we could get inside her head to see how her brain works.  Oh, wait!  We can!  Allison has been working hard this summer, putting her thoughts on finding the frame down on paper and compiling it into CM’s newest breakout session!

You don’t have to be a CM member to(…)

Do you struggle with the thought of using studio lights?  Are you confused about softboxes, umbrellas, and beauty dishes?  Do you agonize over which lights and modifiers are best?  Do you need someone to help you turn the lights on?!  CMmentor Jessica Gwozdz who is a studio lighting expert is here today to show you the differences between modifiers.  Be ready to take some notes, try not to smile at her adorable son, and make sure to read all the(…)

To many, lighting is considered the key to photography.  Yes, there are many elements that go into a wonderful image but your use of light can make or break a photograph.  There are many different types of light available to use but one of the most daunting forms of light is off camera flash (aka OCF).  CMpro Michelle Turner, lighting extraordinaire, can help you in your journey to uncovering the secrets of off camera flash.  She’s a genius with that(…)

Hey All! The Clickinmoms’ Beginner Workshop is now available: For more info, please visit http://www.clickinmoms.com/amember/member.php

Hurry! It won’t be up for long!