Online Backups

 

So one of the things I talk about a lot during the photography classes I teach is the importance of online backups.

When I ask about backups usually I'm met with either a blank stare, or a mom will tell me that they have an external drive or DVD backups of their photos.

Then I give them a reality check.  DVDs start to deteriorate after 8-10 years.  If you have some tragic event at your home (fire, flood, break-in) and your computers/hard drives are destroyed, those backups to an external drive aren't going to do you any good.

So I highly recommend an automated backup service.  There are a number of options that will allow you to bascially point to various folders on your computer and say "hey, anything that goes in there should be backed up online".  That's work works best for me (if I had to remember to go in and move stuff to a backup I would get out of date).

So a couple of years ago my husband and I looked at a bunch of options, and we decided on Livedrive.  I've been extremely happy with this service.  We have 500 GB of stuff backed up.  When I get back from a portrait session or copy personal pictures on my computer, they automatically start getting backed up to the web server.   This is a great comfort to me...especially given I tend to change computers every year or so.  And because it is on a web server, I can log into the web interface and access my files from any computer if I'm away from home.  And it is not just for pictures.  You can also back up things like your financial records, important documents, and whatever else.

So, for EVERYONE out there....get an online backup service.  Set it up to automatically back up and have that peace of mind when you go to sleep at night!

Another really popular online backup service you can check out is Mozy!  They have monthly plans for back up and you can backup your photos and other important documents with them.  They have an iphone app too that will allow you to access your documents from your iphone.  They also have a restore manager making it easier to get your files after you have a computer go down or if you are moving to a new computer.

New Photoshop Editing Classes

After teaching my beginner's and advanced photography classes to moms over the years...one of the most common questions I get AFTER the class is: How do I EDIT my photos?

So, after teaching private photography classes, I have put together a beginner's and an advanced Photoshop Elements classes.  These classes are designed for moms that are comfortable with their cameras and are ready to do some editing after they click.  And these classes will be taught online so you can log in at the scheduled time from the comfort of your home but still be able to ask questions during the class by calling our conference call number.

Visit the After the Click: Digital Editing class.

Katy Mini Sessions - Sunday November 13th

Need some new pictures of your family or children for holiday cards but don't want to splurge on a full price portrait sessions?

This Fall I will be offering 30 minute portrait sessions at LaCenterra Mall in Katy TX on Sunday November 13th.  This outdoor mall features a number of beautiful walls, doors, and landscaping to provide variety in your portraits.  Included with the session fee for your portrait session will be 15 hand edited high-resolution files and a print release so you may use the images for holiday cards or have your own prints made.

In addition, a change from past years, I will include in your digital download all the acceptable images from your session - not just the ones I edit.  After I filter out the ones with closed eyes, or where the focus is a bit off, I'll include the unedited versions of the rest of the files to you.

The session fee for the mini session is $250 for a 30 minute session payable when you reserve your session time.  The rain date for the session is Sunday November 20th. 

Reserve your session today using our online reservation system (choose Suburban Mini Sessions)

View samples of some past sessions at LaCenterra Mall

October 9th Mini Sessions - Mercer Botanical Gardens

Due to popular demand...I'm bringing back the Mercer Botanical Gardens mini sessions - only better.

On Sunday October 9th I'll be offering 30 minutes portrait sessions at Mercer Botanical Gardens.  This ideal location is one of my favorite locations to photograph in due to the beautiful grounds.  Sessions begin at 8:30am and the last appointment ends at 4:30.

These sessions will last 30 minutes and I will choose the best 15 images to hand edit before providing a link to allow you to download your images.  In addition to the 15 I edit, this year I will also be including any acceptable image in the download from the session  (I will remove any where the focus is off, eyes are closed, etc).  This is a big change from years past when I've offered mini sessions.

The session fee is $250 and can be paid when you reserve your time.  The rain date for these sessions will be October 16th.  Images will be edited and delivered within two weeks of the sessions giving you plenty of time to use the photos for your holiday cards.

Sorry, no appointments remaining.

View samples of past sessions at the Botanical Gardens

Upcoming Photography Classes

We've posted our Fall class schedule.  To reserve your space in one of our upcoming photography classes, visit our reservation page.

Beginner's Photography: Sat Oct 15th, 1pm-4pm (full)

Advanced Photography: Thurs Oct 27th, 5:30pm-8:30pm

Beginner's Photography: Tues Nov 15, 5:30pm-8:30pm

Reserve Today

 

The winter schedule will be released soon (updated 11/29)

Back to School

It is back to school time!  Woohoo!

My guy is starting first grade.  So excited for him to be at the "big kid school" after attending private kindergarten last year.  Where did my baby go?  He is so grown up looking.

Katy Youth Football

Our first scrimmage with Katy Youth Football.  These little first graders in full pads look like bobble heads on the field.  They were having a great time even though it was supposed to be 100 degrees this day.

My Little Guy Growing Up - Katy Family Photography

I've really been enjoying have more time with my kids lately.  I cannot believe how much they have grown up.  Hard to believe this is my little guy - seems like just yesterday he was learning how to walk and now he's 6 and getting ready to head into 1st grade.  <sniff>  I took this picture the other night when we were playing at the park near my house...don't forget that even those everyday moments make for great pictures.

Houston Family Photography: Houston Zoo and Museum of Natural Science

(Make your own video at Animoto!)

Last weekend my in-laws came for a visit.  Of course, we wanted to take them around to see some of our favorite locations in the city.  Usually the kids and I go out every weekend for one big activity whether it be the zoo, a hike, or a visit to the museum.  The kids love the stimulation and we have a group of our favorite haunts that the kids now know like the back of their hand.

Houston Zoo: African Forest

Recently the Zoo opened their new African Forest exhibit.  Since we are members we make a trip to the zoo once or twice a month but now with the new exhibit it is like having a whole new zoo!  So on Saturday we grabbed Nana and the four of us went off to visit the African Forest while the men stayed home to oversee some bbq.   If you haven't been yet, definitely go check it out! 

There is a whole story that makes walking through that part of the zoo more of an adventure.  There are little pygmy huts, drums to hit, and lots of animals.  One of the new exhibits are the chimpanzees.  They are so incredible - when they are sitting just on the other side of the window and making eye contact with you it feels like they are trying to understand you right to your soul. And it is fun to watch them run and play together.  The new Rhinos are huge but seem relaxed in their new home.  And the best part, for me at least, is the new Giraffe exhibit.  Not only are they so much easier to see and watch, but you can feed them!  They now have a feeding platform and at certain times in the day you can buy a few romaine lettuce leaves to feed them.  Being face to face with a giraffe is so fun and it takes every ounce of my self control not to pet them (a no-no at the zoo). 

Houston Museum of Natural Science

One of our other favorite places to visit in the city is the Houston Museum of Natural Science.  We are members there too because we go ALL THE TIME (the Sugar Land location is another favorite activity and entrance is included in our membership).  Every trip we take a different path and visit different exhibits.  We had planned going to see the new 3D IMAX movie about baby animals but it wasn't playing until much later in the afternoon and that didn't work with our schedule.  The dinosaurs are always a big hit and we are anxiously awaiting the completion of the new exhibit!  This visit the kids really wanted to visit the Hall of the Americas this trip.

But no trip is complete without a visit to the Butterfly Center!  After learning about different kids of insects (and seeing more bugs and spiders than I am comfortable with), we headed into the rain forest structure with is lush and filled with fluttering butterflies. To just stand there and watch as they dance around is something kids of all ages can enjoy (I remember coming once when Sebastian was still in an infant carrier and now he is 6 and identifying the different butterflies.  Wear bright colors and you are more likely to have a butterfly land on you too - one landed on my shoulder briefly and my mother-in-law had at least two land on her!

Memberships to these facilities make a great gift.  I'm grateful that my in-laws give us a zoo membership every year for Christmas and we get so much use out of it!

What are some of your favorite family activities in Houston?

Photography Class in Katy

We've been teaching our Beginner's Photography Class for over three years to Katy and Houston moms looking to improve home photographs by using more of the features on their DSLR cameras.  We want to help you learn how to get more from your camera so you can get off auto and use more of the features built into your camera. The class covers the following topics:

10 Tips for Better Pictures
Finding the Light
Elements of Exposure
ISO
Shutter Speed
Aperture
Basic Camera Modes
Lens Overview 

This three hour class gives you a foundation for improving your home photos and taking them from snapshots to candids.

We offer a public Beginner's Photography Class a few times a year.  Our next public class is scheduled for:

Tuesday May 17th
9:30am - 12:30pm

The class will be held in a meeting room near the intersection of Cinco Ranch Boulevard and Grand Parkway/99 so it is convenient from Katy and from I-10.

Class size is limited. 

Student Name:

Cell Phone Number:

Not ready to sign up for a class today.  Sign up for our newsletter to find out more about future classes.

Visit our class website: http://www.iwanttoshootmykids.com to learn about our private classes too.