summer presets coming in hot!

Confession- I rarely take my "fancy camera" on vacation with me. 2 adults + 3 kids + all our baggage- I just simply don't have room! So, most of my vacation photos are taken with my iPhone, and I'm totally great with that.

There's nothing worse than traveling to an amazing place and having photos that don't reflect the beauty, though. So I created my Summer collection with that in mind. They're formulated for the beach, the pool, the snow cone stand, or a mountain hike. I know you'll love making magic with your photos and my Summer presets!

The Summer Collection screams warm sun and adventure. Geared toward enhancing the bright colors we see during summertime, I’ve also formulated these presets to fit your agenda.

Breeze works amazingly in indoor situations, adding a little pop of color, Snow Cone adds a fun punch to your greens and purples for a technicolor dream, Happy Camper is for all your outdoor mountain adventures, Mint Mojito is kind to greenery and will enhance the natural flora around you, Sand + Sea was made for the beach, and will give you a little tan, too! And Tropic is perfectly warm and bright, like you’re patio sitting with a frosted drink in hand.

technicolor mini-sessions!

Summer is just around the corner and after a long school year, I feel like this is the perfect way to celebrate!

I typically only offer mini sessions during the fall, but this fun concept demanded it and I can’t wait to get technicolor with you.

A few FAQ’s:

• I will provide colored powder and silly string- all you need to do is show up!

• The colored powder is non-toxic and will wash out of clothing. That being said, you might not want to wear the fanciest thing in your closet.

• These are quick, fun sessions that major on candid fun and lifestyle photos. If you’d like more formal photos- sign up for my mini-sessions in the fall!

• We will be shooting outdoors in a park-type setting, weather permitting. If weather doesn’t allow us to shoot, we will reschedule for another date.

• There are lots of different ways you could style your family- in all black or white, or all COLOR! Neons could be fun as well.

• This session can be for couples or kids only, but is ideal when the whole family gets in on the fun.

• Photos will be delivered via digital download from a private online gallery about 2 weeks after your session.

Because of the nature of these sessions, spots are limited and are first-come, first-served.

Available Sessions are all Saturday, May 18:

5:50

6:10

6:30

6:50

7:10

To request a spot, please fill out the form below and I will respond ASAP. You will be sent an email invoice for the session and your spot will be officially booked once the invoice is paid.

a technicolor dream family session

I have been professional photographer for over 13 years now, and in that time, I feel like I’ve done literally everything there is to do. Until a couple of weeks ago- when I felt the need to put together this rainbow of a session.

I have had the honor of photographing this sweet family for all of those 13 years, and have literally watched their babies grow! So, when I had this idea for a crazy fun session, I knew who to call. Jessica has done my hair for over a decade as well- and I am so glad she’s there to tame my mane and make me look cooler than I really am. :) If you are needing a great stylist in Lubbock, I highly recommend her salon!

I wanted to capture spontaneous fun and real smiles. Candid photos with no stiff smiling- and of course, lots of COLOR! I think we achieved all that and more. These are definitely some fun family portraits, and ones unlike we have ever shot before.

announcing Lissa Anglin presets!

Have you ever have a goal that keeps getting put on the backburner again and again…and then finally one day you just sit up and DO THE THING? This is that thing for me.

For years- literally- I have wanted to develop (haha, pun intended!) some presets for Lightroom:

Tried-and-true presets for photographers like myself,

AND

Fun, trendy presets for moms, bloggers, and photographers like myself. :)

Ya’ll, I couldn’t be more excited to share with you

my new line of presets!

The first collection I’m calling the Essentials Collection.

This preset pack contains two tried-and-true presets- my signature COLOR and BLACK AND WHITE. I use these presets to edit my own work and have tweaked and tweaked them over the years to get them juuuuuust the way I like them.

My COLOR preset adds just enough POP and saturation to make your image stand out without being overly edited. My BLACK AND WHITE preset keeps it LIGHT and BRIGHT with plenty of CONTRAST.

Check out some before-and-afters:

The second preset pack I’ve made is called The Autumn Collection.

These presets were inspired by all things autumn and give your images that warm, cozy feeling! There are 7 presets included in this preset pack:

Cinnamon Sugar, Crisp Air, Maple Leaf, Apple Cider, Cozy Sweater, Harvest Ale and Pumpkin Spice.

These presets are great for bloggers or anyone who wants to give all of their images a similar vibe.

Here are some before-and-afters:

SOME F.A.Qs ABOUT PRESETS:

• These presets can be used on a computer running Lightroom OR Lightroom mobile (the app for your phone). The computer app costs $10 a month, BUT the mobile app is FREE!

• If you are wondering how everyone gets their Instagram feed to look so great, THIS IS HOW. THEY ARE USING PRESETS ;). Really, though- presets are easy to use, and make your editing time much faster.

• I have a handy-how to that you will receive if you’ve never used Lightroom before! It’s not that scary! We also have a great Facebook group called Moms Who Snap where you can ask questions/learn.

I have SO ENJOYED seeing the #lissaanglinpresets photos floating around the internet and can’t wait to see more! If you have any questions about the presets, feel free to contact me.

dustin + cassidy wedding

I knew leading up to Dustin and Cassidy's wedding that it would be nothing short of EPIC. And friends, it was. Dustin and Cassidy are a special blend of charisma, fun, and sentimentality- and together they have touched a lot of people by just being them.

Their early December wedding was at First United Methodist Church in Lubbock, and the Christmas poinsettias that decorated the sanctuary perfectly complimented the rich wine-colored dresses and snowy white muffs the bridesmaids carried. Cassidy was essentially the most perfect snow queen I have ever seen- in a white lace dress with a keyhole back and shoes dripping in rhinestones. 

We were granted some beautiful sunlight for portraits before the ceremony, but after the sun went down, the real fun began. Seeing as Cassidy is the owner of Dance Warehouse (recently voted Best of the West AGAIN), there were several choreographed dances at their fabulous reception- including one that Cassidy had no idea was coming. It was the sweetest moment to see little dancers (along with their teachers- many of whom were bridesmaids) flood the dance floor to perform for the new Mr. and Mrs.!

Some of my favorite images from this wedding were the dancing photos that I was able to do some light painting with. I love these because they really capture the feeling of the reception- what a celebration!

Thank you, Dustin and Cassidy, for trusting us to capture such a special day- you are truly #perfectlypeters!

Hair: Ciara Brashers and Shyla Wilson, Encore Salon

Makeup: Libby Griffith

Cakes: Marla Felton

Band: Soul Grammar

Floral: Grayce Floral

Reception: Overton Hotel

Linens: Red Letter Linens

Stationery: Little White Invite

Ice Sculptures: Lubbock Ice Chef

Transportation: White Knights Limousine

Video: Adam Paul Stone Productions

Event Coordination: Jill Leven of Eat, Drink and be Marry

cassidy's bridal session

I've had the privilege of working in some beautiful spaces lately with some wonderful people. I've known Cassidy for a few years, and was SO excited about her bridal session. Cassidy owns Dance Warehouse Studios and so we had to incorporate her red toe shoes! It was so much fun- I'm thankful that she let me play with all the yummy light inside the studio. We almost played too long and missed a gorgeous sunset- yes, we actually ran to our final spot to snag the perfect sunset photos. (High fine to Cassidy who can run in a wedding dress and still be beautiful!) 

Cassidy and her husband Dustin were married earlier this month- wedding photos to come! 

how to get great photos of your kids by the christmas tree

I've been meaning to post this blog all month, but somehow I've waited until just 4 days before Christmas to sit down and write it! No time like the present. :)

It's something every mother battles with on Christmas morning. Those kids you love, the beautiful tree, wrapping paper flying through the air...makes us all want to stop the moments and capture it on camera.

However, the fast-moving kiddos, general darkness of winter, and tree lights that don't actually put off much light make it a pretty tough situation to photograph. So here are my tips (fancy camera or not- several of these are also helpful when using your iPhone) on how to get some great photos of your kiddos by the tree this year:

DURING THE DAY

1) Utilize natural light from a nearby window. Turn off all other light sources (except the tree lights). Open every window so that light will pour in!

Nikon D750, 35mm lens, 1.4 1/250, ISO 800- window on camera right

2) Expose for the brightest part of their face- usually the cheekbone closest to the window. To do this on your iPhone, just touch that area and the exposure will adjust.

3) Set your camera’s white balance to incandescent (usually a lightbulb symbol).

Nikon D750, 35mm lens, 1.4 1/250, ISO 800- window to camera right. 

Nikon D750, 35mm lens, 1.4 1/100, ISO 800- window behind, I had to turn down my shutter speed a bit here.

4) Get LOW! Shooting from a low point means you get more lights and less floor, plus you’ll get a child’s perspective of the tree.

5) Turn up your ISO. Being indoors means it’s likely darker. Start with an ISO of 800 and go up if necessary.

6) Be sure to use the lowest f-stop you can (2.8 is preferred) and a higher shutter speed (250 or higher, any lower and you will risk getting blurry images due to camera shake) to capture those wiggly kiddos!

7) Have them DO or HOLD something. Sing a Christmas carol, eat a candy cane, hold a present, look for their favorite ornament. Your photos will be more authentic this way.

8) Don’t expect to shoot for more than 10 minutes. Get your camera settings ready before pulling the kids into the shot. 

Nikon D750, 24-70mm lens, 2.8 1/100 ISO 3200- a high ISO is key here!

ONCE THE SUN HAS GONE DOWN

1) Follow directions above. You’ll likely need to raise your ISO even higher (1500+) to capture all the glory of the tree.

2) Utilizing only the tree lights (all others are off), position your kids to face toward the lights, thus lighting their faces. An easy way to do this is to tell the to find a red ornament.

3) Focus on their faces, and don’t overexpose. Your images will be darker in overall tone.

4) Shoot in RAW so you can bring the exposure up in editing!

5) If you’d like to have a photo with their backs to the tree, you’ll need another light source. Use a floor lamp with the shade off to the side of the kids (out of the frame) to add light. Or, if you have an external flash, set it to TTL and bounce it off the ceiling. You will need to raise your f-stop.

Nikon D750, 24-70mm lens, 2.8 1/100 ISO 3200- positioning the kids toward the tree is what makes this photo work.

I'm running a little contest in my Moms Who Snap group for the best Christmas tree/kids photo-win a Starbucks gift card! Post your photo on Instagram, Facebook or in our group with the hashtag #mwsChristmasTree to enter!

If you're not in the group yet, come join in! It's a friendly place where you'll get encouragement and feedback from other mom-tographers and professionals.

Are you ready to take your camera game to the next level? Or have a fancy camera and just don't know how to use it? Check out my online camera courses!

cyber monday deals!

I looove shopping online, and it's where I buy most of my camera gear. I've been scouting out deals for our Moms Who Snap group today and thought I'd share them here! Many of these items are listed in my wishlists. Happy shopping!

A few tips- 

In general, a "bundle" or "kit" usually includes lenses or other accessories that are just ok. Don't get sucked in by the extra "value" they seem to add. The kit lenses that come with cameras are useful in some situations, but inevitably you'll be wanting to add other lenses later. 

Buy used or refurbished! If you are eBay savvy, you can get a great deal on someone's Christmas present from last year that they never ended up using. :)

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CAMERAS

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“This is a great starter camera, and it’s rare to see it under $400!”

Nikon D3400 w/ AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR (Black)

$396.95

Nikon

Buy on Amazon

“This is a great Canon starter camera under $400!”

Canon EOS Rebel T6 Digital SLR Camera Kit with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II Lens, Built-in WiFi and NFC - Black (Certified Refurbished)

$395.00

Canon

Buy on Amazon

“Perfect for those wanting to upgrade to an FX lens. I bought my D750 used for this price!”

Nikon D750 FX-format Digital SLR Camera Body

$1,496.95

Nikon

Buy on Amazon

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LENSES

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“This is a great Macro lens- perfect for shooting details of any sort and the price is nice!”

Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro Motorized Telephoto Zoom Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

$169.00

SIGMA

Buy on Amazon

“This lens will ALWAYS be in my bag. It’s a must have!”

Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras

$176.95

Nikon

Buy on Amazon

“Excellent standard portrait lens that should be in every photog’s bag!”

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens

$125.00

Canon

Buy on Amazon

“Love this bundle for the travelers!”

Nikon Landscape & Macro Two Lens Kit with 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR & 40mm f/2.8G

$496.95

Nikon

Buy on Amazon

“I love the 24mm range- perfect for portraits and capturing a scene.”

Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens

$129.00

Canon

Buy on Amazon

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ACCESSORIES & FUN STUFF

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“A quick and easy tripod able to hold a DSLR on a shelf, car hood, you name it!”

Manfrotto MTPIXI-B PIXI Mini Tripod, Black

$17.61

BOGE9

Buy on Amazon

“Great deal on SanDisk memory cards!”

SanDisk 64GB Ultra SDXC UHS-I Memory Card SDSDUNC-064G-GN6IN

$17.99

SanDisk

Buy on Amazon

Every camera bag on sale @ jototes.com!

I shoot with the Hanover bag!

Major sale on all Kelly Moore camera bags!

I have the Kate bag and love it!

These deals below are all on photojojo.com- enter code SAVE10 for $10 off of $50 or SAVE30 for $30 off of $100! FREE shipping over $50.

iPhone Accessories Kit just $58- includes 2 lenses and a charger! 

Cinema Lightbox- not photo related, but cute! $30-$50

Waterproof DSLR case- how fun! This would come in handy in the summertime! $99!

Lenses for your iPhone! $20-$99

“This is an insane price! I have never seen a MacBook this low!”

Apple MacBook Air 13.3-Inch Laptop (Intel Core i5 1.6GHz, 128GB Flash, 8GB RAM, OS X El Capitan)

$875.00

Apple Computer

Buy on Amazon

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PRINTING AND PHOTO GOODS

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mPix.com- 25% off large prints, no code needed

Canvas on Demand- 16x20 canvases for $21! Awesome deal!

Artifact Uprising- up to 20% off with code BEMERRY

Minted.com- 25% off everything with code CM2017

Christmas Card Design Templates- just $10!

I designed these to make life a little easier- print anywhere!

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CLASSES + EDUCATION

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Skillshare.com is offering 40% OFF membership with code FRIP495! That is insane. Use my links (just click on the images below) to get your first 2 months for free. This would be a great gift for anyone wanting to learn something creative- they have classes on photography, watercolor, calligraphy, almost anything!

The two classes I host are:

This is a great class for anyone who wants to really learn how to understand their camera. It is perfect for beginners!

This class is great for anyone wanting to learn more about Adobe Lightroom, editing, and what to do with your images once you've shot them. 

holiday wishlists for the camera-lover in your life!

Some of the most popular topics in our Moms Who Snap Facebook group are about which lens is best for what, which camera to to buy, and what software/courses are recommended. (Psssst.....if you're not a part of the group, come join us!) I love hearing what works for everyone, but I thought it would be fun to compile some all-inclusive "must haves" for beginning photographers, soccer moms, and even those who have been shooting a while. So, I've created 4 wishlists, just in time for Christmas shopping!

It was SO much fun to put these together, and I'm hoping they will be helpful if you are buying for a momtographer or if you need something to easily pass to that family member who has no idea what to buy you! I'm linking all the products and sharing a little about why they've made my list this year under each photo. Enjoy!

I'm asked all the time to give a recommendation on a "nice camera"- this is it, friends! I always trust what Ken Rockwell has to say, and the D3400 is his favorite DSLR for the price. It comes with an 18-55mm lens (also known as a "kit" lens), that will perform well outside, but also including the 50mm prime lens makes this setup a great all-around choice. Add in an extra battery, a super fast SD card and cute bag, and you are good to go! I've shot Nikon all my career, so that's what I know best, but I'll also be linking the Canon equivalents in case you'd prefer to go Canon- both companies are equally great!

ONE- Nikon D3400 with 18-55mm lens   (Canon equivalent: Canon Rebel T6)

I've linked the refurbished model- a great way to save some cash! This camera also has Eye-Fi technology which means you can connect it to your computer or phone and get images sent straight to them!

TWO- Nikon Nikkor 50mm 1.8 lens  (Canon Equivalent: Canon 50mm 1.8)

This sweet lens is a staple for professionals and comes in clutch in low-light situations, like when you're unwrapping gifts by the light of the tree. :)

THREE- SanDisk Extreme Pro 32GB SD Card

32GB will hold quite a few images- at least 400 RAW files, or over 4000 JPG! And it's quick writing speed means you'll be able to shoot more quickly too- highly important when you're trying to capture a busy toddler!

FOUR- Extra Battery for Nikon D3400  (Extra Battery for Canon Rebel T6)

This may seem like a no-brainer, but an extra battery is realllllly nice to have around when your camera dies suddenly as your kid steps up to bat. Not that that has ever happened to me or anything. ;)

FIVE- Kattee Camera Backpack (also comes in navy and black!)

This is a cute bag at a great price point. The camera compartment is removable, and there is plenty of other space to store your stuff.

Wooo- this was a fun one, and I had WAY too many bags to fit into this graphic! So here are the ones I've had my eyes on!

ONE- JoTotes Hanover Bag This is my day-to-day workhorse of a bag. I love it!

TWO- JoTotes Georgia Herringbone Bag Cute for work and travel!

THREE- House of Flynn Evermore Bag This bag comes in a ton of different colors and fabrics!

FOUR- Ona The Capri Shoulder BagCalling all leather lovers!

FIVE- Kattee Camera Backpack Comes in navy and black as well! 

SIX- Kelly Moore Steph Bag Helllloooo, metallic! I also love the shape. I have owned several Kelly Moore bags and loved every one!

Another popular question I get is "what lens do I need to photograph my kids' sports games"? I'm afraid the answer isn't cheap, but it will do the trick and me a worthy investment! Here's the perfect setup for all you soccer moms!

ONE- Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 lens (Canon equivalent: Canon 70-200mm 2.8 lens)

This is the older model, (you can buy the newer one at almost $2000 more!), but I have had this exact lens for 11 years and it continues to be one of the most tried-and-true lenses- able to reach long distances in low light.

TWO- Nikon 70-300mm f4-5.6 lens (Canon equivalent: Canon 70-300mm f4-5.6)

This is a less-expensive long range lens that will do well if you are primarily shooting outside (i.e. soccer and baseball- sorry basketball moms!)

THREE- Lowepro Flipside Backpack I loved the look of this backpack AND the fact that you can fit the 70-200 lens in it easily, along with the rest of your gear. 

FOUR- SanDisk Extreme Pro 32GB SD Card

32GB will hold quite a few images- at least 400 RAW files, or over 4000 JPG! And it's quick writing speed means you'll be able to shoot more quickly too- highly important when you're trying to capture a busy toddler!

FIVE- UV lens protector 

Not only will this help protect your lens, it will help reduce UV light and create richer colors.

ONE- Adobe CC Photoshop + Lightroom

This is a pre-paid 1 year subscription. Lightroom the THE most essential software needed to organize and edit your images, and Photoshop is it's even cooler older brother.

TWO-  b.still Leather Camera Strap

Because the yellow and black ones are just ugly.

THREE- How To Work It Online Camera Course

Yes, this is MY course- but- I have to say that it has gotten rave reviews on Skillshare! This would be an easy gift for someone wanting to learn how to really work their DSLR camera- and it's all done at their own pace. My suggestion would be to get at one-year membership to Skillshare (around 100.00). Not only will that grant you access to all my How To Work It classes, but my editing course as well- not to mention the thousands of other great classes on Skillshare!

FOUR- Vintage Floral Camera Strap

Again, the yellow and black one is ugly. ;)

FIVE- mPix Gift Card

This is the place I recommend to my clients for photo goods and printing. mPix is the consumer side of one of the best professional labs, and I've been consistently impressed with their products!

SIX- Pelican SD Card Case

These cases are tough and I love knowing my cards are in a safe place where they don't have a chance to fall out.

SEVEN- Nikon Nikkor 85mm 1.8 Prime Lens . (Canon equivalent: Canon 85mm 1.8)

This baby makes some beautiful portraits and performs well in low light. A great addition to a basic lens collection.

EIGHT- Nikon SB-900 Speedlight . (Canon Equivalent: Canon Speedlite 580EXII)

This flash will drastically improve the look and quality of your images when you need to use flash. Instead of blinding your subjects with the on-camera flash, this one can be used to bounce light off another surface, creating a more natural, even look. 

NINE- Sigma ART 35mm Lens for Nikon (Sigma ART 35mm lens for Canon)

This is one of my favorite lenses of all time! Gorgeous bokeh and contrast. My love affair with the 35mm may never end. :)

TEN- Nikon Nikkor 28-70 2.8 lens (Canon equivalent: Canon 28-70 2.8 lens)

This is on my actual wishlist this Christmas. It is an amazing workhorse of a lens that covers a wide range of focal lengths, allowing you to get wider shots or portraits. Plus, the 2.8 means it performs well in low light!

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Whew, that was a lot of info! Hope you find this helpful! As always, I am happy to answer questions (i.e. offer my opinion!) about anything you see here. This post is not sponsored in any way and is alllll my professional opinion. It does contain affiliate links that help me pay for the childcare I need to put these wishlists together for you- haha. But seriously, it's true. Can anyone get anything done with a very "helpful" two year old around?!?

Merry Christmas and happy shopping!

fall foliage desktop & screen background downloads

I am soaking up all the beautiful colors of fall lately! I shot these images in our neighborhood this morning and thought they would make the perfect desktop or phone background for the season. So, I'm sharing here!

These images were shot with a Sigma Art 28-70 lens. I will also be sharing a review of this Sigma lens over on the Moms Who Snap group later today!

Fall Foliage 1

Click image to download

Fall Foliage 2

Click image to download

Fall Foliage 3

Click image to download

And, since it's that time of year for soups and chilis, I'll be sharing some of my freezer meal tips on my InstaStory today if you follow me on Instagram!