How many times have you had the “I wish I had a camera,” moment? It’s safe to say that most of us have been caught in the midst of a memorable experience without a way to capture it. The solution is pocket sized and goes wherever you do; we’re talking about your cell phone of course—specifically the iPhone (sorry Blackberry). Here are a few tips to help you take better photos with your iPhone camera:

1) Once you’ve pulled out your phone make sure you’re holding it steady and with both hands. The iPhone camera was designed to function similar to a point-and-shoot camera, so use it just like one.

2) Unless you’re glued to the floor, move with the subject you’re attempting to photograph. Whether that happens to be a cute and calm bundle of joy, or an adventurous whirlwind of energy, make sure you follow your subject and get creative with your angles.

3) One of the advantages of being mobile while taking photos is that you don’t need to zoom in on your camera. Zooming in causes the photo to lose quality and become grainy. The iPhone is handy, but it’s no DSLR so avoid the zoom option and change the proximity between you and your subject instead.

4) Make sure to take more than one photo when you’re capturing a moment. The upside to digital is that there isn’t a limit to the amount of pictures you can take. Once you’ve finished snapping away, you can simply go through all the photos and delete the ones that didn’t turn out.

5) In daylight, remember to always shoot your subjects with the light facing them (whether it’s a window or the sun). At night your photos may lose some quality but thankfully you’ve got an on camera flash; make sure you set it to ‘on’ or ‘auto’ for a little manual assistance.

iPhone apps I love:

Instagram – Apply an effect & share online!

Pro HDR – For a 1.99 you can fix your brightness, contrast, saturation & tone.

Frametastic – Create gorgeous storyboards & collages.

It’s mother’s day coming up next weekend. It’s a day to celebrate you as a mother, but do you know who that is? Many women don’t immediately feel like a mother once their child is born, and instead gradually learn to see themselves in ways that fit with the identity of “mother.” In the meantime, the self she has previously known herself to be feels completely out of reach as her daily activities, capabilities and expectations have shifted so dramatically.

Many people understand that life with baby warrants a lot of changes, but what that actually feels like for them is often a surprise.  Some women feel themselves drop into the identity of “Mother” right away, and maybe have even identified themselves as Mothers long before their baby was born. But for the women who do not feel like a mother right away, the shift in her self identify after baby can be a place of real loneliness or loss, even while at the same time loving their child and new family.

This month we encourage you to explore activities and events that cultivate your self care and nourish the growing sense of ‘Me’ that evolves alongside your growing children. The Mother’s Day Soirée (http://mothersdaysoiree.eventbrite.com/) with speakers Heather Clark, author of “Chai Tea Sunday” and fashion stylist Rachel Matthews Burton will feed your spirit and your fashion sense for a total self make-over. Get out more with your baby by attending our free Baby Wearing Workshop (http://thenestingplace.ca/news_events.php#carrier), where you’ll get to try different carriers with your child that’ll enable you to get out of the house (or get more done inside the house) hands free!

Some women will choose to honour their life changes through ritual, journaling or creating artwork. On Friday May 11th, Toronto’s Doula Care organization is hosting a Birth Fire at Dufferin Grove beginning at 7pm. Parents are invited to bring memories, wishes or items that they wish to let go of to burn in the fire.

How might you honour your life changes in motherhood?

Or just take a moment to really listen to the inspiring stories from real life parents in your life. Whatever you do, be gentle with yourself as you gradually grow into your parenting feet. Just as your child takes time to learn to walk on it’s own two feet, you too will take time to learn to walk on your parenting legs with confidence.

Amanda Spakowski
Owner/Founder
The Nesting Place
Prenatal Classes & Doula Care
www.TheNestingPlace.ca
thenestingplace.blog.com
amanda@thenestingplace.ca
416-722-3814

We had a ton of fun capturing these photos; Kim’s daughters each have a sweet and unique personality and it was a pleasure getting to know them. Thank you for a lovely session!

Michelle and Sandro, thank you for allowing me to capture your family and doing your best to make the day go by seamlessly; I couldn’t imagine a more successful session!