Obsessed with Light

I've decided that I'm obsessed with light, which may explain why much of my art involves light. I love light. I love natural, beautiful warm sunshine and knowing how to make it work for a photograph. I love artificial light and appreciate the skills that I've learned over the years to manipulate light either to make a portrait look a particular way or to manipulate the light to set a mood for an artwork that I'm creating.

While shopping for LED lights for a project, I found the Light Energy Studios website which sells various commercial lighting rigs. I wanted to save their information and share their fun site in case someone's in need of a little break.

http://lightenergystudio.com/flash/modular_wall_units/LED_panels.html




Information from the Light Energy Studio website lists "Light Energy Studio has almost any resolution of the LED Video Displays available. Video panels are made for inside use and outdoors, for rental and permanent installation. These are some of the factors when deciding what type of display will work best for your needs."

"Some uses for the video screens: Playback video of the bride and grooms montage / reflection video. A video montage adds a special touch to a rehearsal dinner or at the wedding reception Show off your company logo or any company video presentation at corporate events Playback on the LED screen, in real time, video of guest during an event - very popular when we do LED Dance Floor rentals Playback of stimulating digital effects at parties, nightclubs, raves, concerts and for film and video productions Playback, in real time, video of entertainers, such as dancers, performers, and speakers, at events on a large video screen"

Mommy-To- Be in 6º Oklahoma Weather

I wanted to share a few images I was privileged to make of this beautiful mommy-to-be from Edmond, Oklahoma. I met up with Dallas for a few pregnancy photos about two weeks before her sweet little baby boy's arrival, on what just happened to be one of the coldest days of the year here in Oklahoma. We made a few images inside to capture her precious growing belly and show her beautiful glowing smile. We also wanted to capture a full length shot to show off her baby belly while still being able to sport her stylish boots. When looking at the image, viewers can't tell it was a piercing cold 6º. Yes! SIX DEGREES! Oklahoma has the most unpredictable weather ever which can change in a matter of hours. This day the wind chill was negative but we really wanted to get the shot with the light snow from the evening before glistening off the water. We drove over to our location, I left Mommy-To-Be in the car with the heater running full blast, got out into the cold, scouted the exact place I wanted to make the shot, metered the light and knew exactly what I wanted the final image to look like before we put Dallas in place. We took our shots in about 30 seconds and were pleased with the results. I'm looking for our next planned photo shoot to introduce everyone to Baby Sawyer.

Shelly Perkins Photography & Art www.shellyperkins.com

Parenting as a Non-Traditional College Student

Non-traditional college students (meaning those who aren't attending straight out of high school, may be a little older, or who have families) face an additional set of struggles during their years spent in the world of academia. While juggling classes, tests and projects, non-traditional college students, especially those who are parents, must also juggle family responsibilities. This can be a challenge because it's not just making sure your children are fed and have clean clothes to wear to school before you commute to your own school, but also spending quality time with your kids.

Spending time, reading, dancing or just listening to how their day was while truly listening can be hard at times. I have found I must make myself slow down so I can accomplish all of this. In the mornings once I'm out the door and headed to school, I must put my head in a whole different place and compartmentalize everything. When I'm home with the kids, I try to only focus on them so I can be a good mom. I know their time spent as kids is such a short time space and these moments in life won't last forever. I don't want to loose track of the important reasons I went back to college in the first place, which was to set a good example for my daughters, to become an educated critical thinker as well as be able to provide a better life for my family. I'm so excited to be near the finish line and have enjoyed my experiences and time at the university.

If you're a parent, mother or father, whether you're in your early 20's or 40's and want to go back to school, don't let your children be your excuse for not returning. You don't have to attend traditional classes in the university setting, which is what I do and is probably the most challenging. You can attend class one night a week, now you can attend class in your PJ's online from your home, you can enroll in a vocational training course which will allow you to train sooner and get into a new career field quicker than attending a four-year university. Take the time to explore the many options that are now available to adults and don't be afraid to try something new. In the beginning, starting something is always the hardest part. Once you get going, you'll have a new routine, and everything will fall into place. Don't let anything stand in your way. Don't forget to spend quality time with your kids, be super organized and manage your time well (which is the hardest part of all) and most of all, don't forget to take care of yourself. It's easy to become so busy your forget to take care of yourself by eating right, getting daily exercise and getting enough rest each day (I'm guilty of these things). Also, taking time to mediate or pray and connect to your spiritual side is important too. Be the best parent and college student you can be.

GO FOR IT!! ~ Shelly

If you're inspired by my words, please drop me a note because I would also like to hear your story. Comment below, message me through Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ShellyPerkinsPhotography or email me at perkphotography (at) aol.com.

Shelly Perkins Photography & Art www.shellyperkins.com