Friday, October 21, 2011

Please Welcome My Guest Photographer: Sarah-Jane Klemis




Sarah-Jane's photographs caught my eye a while back. Her work has a unique style - and that style is engaging, enticing and full of joy. Her images make me smile and brighten my day. Be sure and follow the links at the bottom of this post to her photography sites and leave comments letting her know how much you enjoyed her guest post.


Now I'll turn it over to Sarah-Jane:


When Mari asked me if I’d like to guest photog on her blog I had a 101 thoughts and emotions that went through me.

Can I do that? WOW she’s asking me! OMG! Panic!

You see I’ve only recently started a photography diploma so my confidence in my ability is still a bit shaky.  I’ve always loved snapping away and I see things that I think would make a great picture but I was never really any good, I tend to cut off people’s heads or focus on the wrong thing.  Nowadays I do cut off their heads but it’s more structured and seems to work better.  I had a point and shoot camera and after a little mishap with a bathtub if was never quite the same.

  
At Christmas, Michael (my lovely patient partner) bought me a DSLR, it was the ideal present and one that I had absolutely no idea how to use it.  As soon as I opened it I was photographing everything from buttons to random passers by and I was in heaven but I wanted to be able to do more.  


I had no idea about focus or aperture and shutter speed to me was how fast I could pull my curtains.  People like Mari inspire me - I see what she creates and I really want to be able to do that myself.  There was one snag to that theory - Mari is amazingly talented and I didn’t have a clue what I was doing (I may have a little bit of a better clue but I still have a long way to go.) 

I love to be creative with my photographs and you could say I’m still finding my style but I see something and I want to capture it.  I have a moment, a memory and I’m aware that age isn’t being favourable to me so I want to have something that really signifies that moment, something I can keep.



Portraiture is supposed to be posed but to me when I’m taking photo’s it’s a mixture of candid moments, you could call mine candid portraits (I’ve probably just made a 1000 photographers want to gun me down, or I’ve just guessed at something that is an actual style of photography - who knows but realistically if it’s candid (naturally/unposed) or its portraiture (framed/posed) classically, I think it probably has to be one or the other).  


This one here looks like a candid photo but Samuel (my son) was well aware I was taking it and just refused to look at the camera because he was enjoying his ice cream too much:




My favourite subject is Samuel, children have such a way of not letting the camera affect them, whereas adults tend to either over play or become overly conscious as soon as a camera points in their direction.  



This was on the way to the park, we must of passed this wall a hundred times without so much of a second glance but once I had camera fever it became the backdrop of a 5 minute photo shoot.  I love how the surroundings we pass by everyday can create something so fun or even magical:



For my friends they have to put up with it, if they are anywhere in the vicinity, my camera will soon be there in their face.  As annoying as I am they love me really!  (I love how Vickie was trying to whip off the hat before I snapped her but she wasn’t quite quick enough):



Sometimes I find I have two photo’s (without realising it) that compliment each other, so I’ll combine them into a template.  I love this one of Samuel and his Dad, although you can’t see Samuel in the left one properly, you can see him in his Dad’s sunglasses and I love the way they are looking at each other.  This isn’t just for me, they only see each other every other weekend so this is also for them:



A few months ago I never thought I would be able to produce anything I was proud of.  I’m only a quarter of the way through the course and I’m looking forward to the next year when I (fingers crossed) complete it.  Samuel is nearly a teenager now and I really wish I had done this course a lot sooner.  


My advice to anyone who thinks they can’t, you can! Sometimes you just need a little help and advice to point you in the right direction. I didn’t have a camera when he was young so my pictures are from a disposable.  I guess that’s why as he’s now getting older, every chance I get I take a picture, some will be portraits:







but I’m saving up ammunition for when he really annoys me at 17+.


Sarah-Jane, thank you so much for brightening our day with your post and photography. As you've discovered, it's never to late to start photographing the things you love with style and pizzazz! Sarah-Jane's work is a real inspiration for us all.


We will be watching your blog and website for more of your images.


Here's links to Sarah-Jane, be sure and visit, comment and follow:
Samuel Michaels Photography
Samuel Michaels Photography on Facebook

Please also leave comments for her below.









79 comments:

Roy_durham said...

<3 you and Sarah Jane can take picture for me any time  great post god bless  

Mary said...

Great post SJ!  You already know that I love snapping photos, but my favorite subjects are sports...specifically basketball.  If I could ever take a course on learning how to improve that I would love it :)

Janaki Nagaraj said...

Nice post and nicest pictures.

Jewell said...

Wonderful job SJ!  The post was wonderful, and, as you know, I am avid (or is it rabid *snicker*) lover of your photography.  I absolutely agree that some of your best work is your candid portraits.  Samuel is, understandably, your favorite subject, but you also do fantastic shooting of strangers in various settings.

That mime picture though is *awesome*...easily one of my all time favorites!

Bec Owen said...

Gorgeous photos, SJ, and I loved reading about your photography journey...you are truly inspirational! 

Wonderful post! :) 

Alpana Jaiswal said...

SJ....these are priceless...I love them all...and thank u so much Mari,for bringing across such talent.

Michael Long said...

SJ,  You have a wonderful eye, for people.  Always keep that and let it grow with you. The technical stuff will fall in place.

Jessica Mokrzycki said...

I love Sarah's work..so glad you brought it to here! What a great post! Thanks so much. I always love looking at both of your photographs :)

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

Roy - we'd be happy to!! 

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

Mary - we'll have to work on photographing your love of sports. What kind of camera do you have - maybe I can give you some pointers.

I'm glad you enjoyed SJ's post - her work is wonderful!

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

Isn't Sarah-Jane a great photographer?

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

Jewell, I agree - Iove all of SJ's work but that mime image is inspired! 

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

She sure is!

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

Thank you from SJ and I both - glad you enjoyed!

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

You are so right! Love your photo - thank you so much for adding him - now I'm hungry lol.

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

I'm so glad you enjoyed this post. SR's work inspires us all. 

Bongo said...

SJ you know how I love your pictures..you have an eye I wish I had..with or without a certificate you have a beautiful talent..just as you are beautiful yourself..I love you...As always....XOXOXOXO

Karen said...

Oh me too! Great photos, and her Mime, is just what I want to be for Halloween again this year!

Larry said...

SJ a great blogger and now so obviously a great photographer. Where do your talents end. Lovely lad you have too

Ravenmyth said...

SJ...I love the naturalness of your shots...especially with people...you capture not only the image but the essense of the emotion in the moment. I have always loved the natural shot over the posed and I agree children and animals are much better at that than adults...I think you have created a great signature with your photography....and so you should..." It is your Art seen through your Eye"....Thank you Mari for sharing SJ with all of us....

Jpbrandanophoto said...

Mari thank you for giving Sarah Jane a place to expand her fan base. Sarah I really loved  your images, especially the one with your son reflected in your husbands glasses. You have a really good eye, don't worry about labels, just try and tell a story with your images. I'll start looking for your post!!


http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150155084185254&set=t.1185924892&type=3

Rogueartist said...

Thanks for featuring Sara-Jane's work here!  I love her photo of Samuel as a clown.  I have attached my own clown, my son Joey, whom I painted in one of his fun get-ups when he was a child.  I'm off, now, to check out more of Sara-Jane's work!!

Jewell said...

I agree!  =)  It is definitely fantastic!  =)

Sarah-Jane Klemis said...

Thank you for the encouragement Michael, It's so tempting to just keep with automatic modes but the more I learn the more I want to do it.  It's proving not so successful at times but I know it will come :)

Sarah-Jane Klemis said...

Awww bless you both oxox I think it has to be my favourite too, funny how a spur of the moment costume for school turned out that way.  He's a great little model too :D

Sarah-Jane Klemis said...

I do and they are wonderful, you my dear have a great eye for detail in those moments.  I think you should share them with Mari and the rest of the world x

Sarah-Jane Klemis said...

Mari - you are too kind :)

Sarah-Jane Klemis said...

Rogue artist, I love that painting.  Great memories to cherish forever :)

Sarah-Jane Klemis said...

Thank you Jim, it's hard not to worry about them but I am learning that doing what I love means so much more.  I was pleased with the shots of Samuel and his Dad, we don't have many so it's nice to get something special like that even if it was more luck than judgement :)

Sarah-Jane Klemis said...

Thank you Ravenmyth, your words are very kind and quite poetic.  I always loved to people watch and now I get to capture those moments I love.  People photography is going to be my most favourite always :)

Sarah-Jane Klemis said...

Oh Larry you made me blush and thank you for your support - it's always wonderful x

Sarah-Jane Klemis said...

Thank you Karen, I look forward to seeing the photo's from your Halloween, hope you have an absolute blast :)

24x7Clicks said...

OMG! SJ is a brilliant photographer....thanks for introducing her...

Regards
24x7Clicks

Sarah-Jane Klemis said...

I think you should be next hunni, your photo's are stunning x

Sarah-Jane Klemis said...

Aw BB love you always too - thank you for always supporting me, my beautiful friend oxox

Sarah-Jane Klemis said...

It was great fun to do this Jessica, I've really enjoyed it - thank you for lovely words x

Sarah-Jane Klemis said...

Thank you Alpana, sorry I was late getting to the party, it's been a mad day but it's been absolutely awesome reading these comments.  Alpana you are priceless and thank you for being there x

Sarah-Jane Klemis said...

Thank you Bec, I'm really glad you enjoyed it and I can't thank Mari enough for the wonderful opportunity. 

Sarah-Jane Klemis said...

Oh my now i"m really blushing - thank you :D

Sarah-Jane Klemis said...

Most definitely I second that.  Thank you Roy God bless you too x

Sarah-Jane Klemis said...

I think I may cry, awww thank you

Mary said...

Thank you SJ.  I, very much like you, look at a photo and think that it may not be that good but I put it up anyway.  Then, I am always surprised when people comment positively about it.  It's amazing how we photograph something because it catches our eye and it becomes a prized possession.
p.s. the mime photo is absolutely magnificent!  Everything about it is perfect in how it makes you feel when you look at it.  I have to say that photo is at the top of my list of favorites out of all the photos I have seen done by you :)

jan said...

Beautiful work SJ, I knew it would be. <3<3<3

cooking varieties (wan) said...

Congrats sarah for being chosen as mari”s guest blogger. i said this because Mari has a very special and exclusive photo blog.
Your photos are beautiful and creative. The first one is very catchy indeed. I like the background too, really enhance the clown.

Anonymous said...

This was precisely the answers I’d been searching for. Amazing blog. Incredibly inspirational! Your posts are so helpful and detailed. The links you feature are also very useful too. Thanks a lot :)

Sarah-Jane Klemis said...

Thank you Jan, your support is awesome x

Notanottinghill Mum said...

Hey - didn' realise you were doing a diploma - considered that too but of course still haven't got round to it. I especially like the pictures of Samuel and his dad - adn teh sentiment behind them - very generous of you to be so considerate of their relationship xx

David Smith said...

SJ  Love looking at your pics ...You're quite talented with the camera and it doesn't hurt to have photogenic models in the family. Your journey with the camera is just beginning and endless subjects await your arrival. Thank you Mari for sharing SJ's lovely work!! Blessings :)

teamgsquare said...

Great pictures and lovely compositions.

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

Your painting of Joey is wonderful!!! I adore your work. Will be by shortly to check out your latest post.

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

That's one of my fave photos of SJs.

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

I love the mime photo - it's inspired!

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

Yes - a great photographer with a great model :D Glad you enjoyed her guest post.

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

Ravenmyth - so glad you enjoyed! You have such a gift with words and give such wonderful, right-on, critiques. 

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

I'm so glad you enjoyed SJ. You're next for guest posting if you'd like - let me know, I'd love it as would my followers.

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

Jan, so glad you enjoyed.

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

I love that photo also - it speaks to the heart!

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

David - glad you enjoyed SJ's guest post. I'm definitely have her back :D

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

What a beautiful portrait you have attached. He is a handsome sweet looking boy. Is he your son? Soon you will be posting his photo on your blog :D Glad you enjoyed SJ's post. 

Mary said...

Mari, I have a Cannon EOS Digital Rebel XTi.  I use an Image Stabilizer telephoto lens 70-300 1:4-5.6.  Any motion tips will be greatly appreciated :)  And thank you in advance for your pointers!

Ken Valkeith said...

Sarah Jane, I have loved photography for over 50 years and am still learning:)  Do your own thing and you will get there, in your own style.  An old lady friend once told me when I said I was going to go to classes to learn to paint, she told me, if you do you will lose your individuality.  This applies just as well to photography.  Do your own thing.  Yes listen to the experts but don't try to emulate them, wrong way to go.  Just be your self and you will get and be proud of what you have achieved.  Your phots are always a joy to look at.  Love and hugs.
Ken xx

The Nomadic Pinoy said...

the portraits already speak volumes of Sarah Jane's talent behind the lens!

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

I agree - she is extremely talented!

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

Excellent advice!

karishmarawat22 said...

lovely pics Sarah Jane.!
Following this blog now Mari. Thanks for your sweet comments on my blog. :)
www.gingersnapsxoxo.blogspot.com

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

Welcome aboard!

Tat said...

Samuel does look like he is loving his ice cream! Fantastic portraits, thanks for brightening up my day.

Amy said...

SJ...The emotion that pops from the images you capture with your eye as much as your heart is magical!

It inspires to grab my camera and go shoot something :) Just when I think you've snapped my favorite I see more of your works...That moment you captured with Samuel and his father is a phenomenal capture. A gift Samuel can keep...always!  I love those moments when I capture my kids with their father...so special!

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

I will make sure SJ gets your comment and thank you from me for leaving one for her. :)

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

Amy - I will make sure SR receives your comment. And thank you from me for leaving her one. I love her images - magic!

Sarah-Jane Klemis said...

Thank you that's a wonderful compliment

Sarah-Jane Klemis said...

I love those moments you capture too, they are so special and I love that you share them.  Amy your support for me is awesome - big hugs <3

Sarah-Jane Klemis said...

Thank you Mari

Sarah-Jane Klemis said...

I'm glad you enjoyed them - yes anything involving an ice cream and you get nothing else from him :)

Sarah-Jane Klemis said...

Thank you :D

Sarah-Jane Klemis said...

Uncle Ken - you have been inspiring me with your own photography and I thank you for your support and advice, it's awesome x

Sarah-Jane Klemis said...

I agree with Mari what a beautiful portrait.  Thank you for the compliment, I'm glad you liked them.

Sarah-Jane Klemis said...

Aww thank you David, I'm enjoying this journey so I can't wait to see where it takes me.

Sarah-Jane Klemis said...

You should, I know it's time consuming but the beauty of doing one that's online is that you get to plan out the time.  I really thought I would struggle with time but I have been very good about giving myself set times and if I don't get round to it one week then I don't panic, I just make sure I do the next.  The relationship thing with Samuel and is Dad is always going to be difficult but it's moments like those that I want them to really see each other x