Carly Carlson Photography

Ok, Ok, we all know how gorgeous my Stella is. But seriously?! These pictures made me cry as I went through them… Oh yeah, I did just have a baby 2 weeks ago, so it could be the hormones… but… I have a feeling hormones or no, this little girl is, simply, gorgeous. And I love her.

Taking her photo is effortless. She is just as involved in telling the story as I am, just as invested in communicating who she really is. She’s wise beyond her 2 little years, you can see it in her hazel eyes. How can someone so little give you so much direction and inspiration? I don’t know, but when that morning western light hit her face this morning it was more than I could handle. So I grabbed my camera and let it do it’s thing.

One of the most wonderful things in the world is beautiful soft light through a big picture window. In the morning I’m taking photos on the western side of the house, so the window light is indirect and gorgeous. The afternoons, I’m on the opposite side of the house. Unfortunately, no north facing windows in my house, otherwise I’d sit in front of them all day with my beautiful girls capturing every single perfectly lit memory.

Another of the most wonderful things in the world… cheap glass that shoots sharp and shallow. I love my 28mm 2.8. Wide open on this lens is like butter on a hot dinner roll. Put my Stella in front of that little lens and you’ve got the makings of something really breathtaking.

You don’t need the most expensive gear, or the most ideal lighting situation, or the best photoshop tricks. You need what you know in your hands, and what you’re passionate about in front of the lens. And that’s photography.