Helms   Photography       Portrait and Digital Services      Bloomfield, IN       812-360-6701

Welcome to my blog.

I would like to take the time to thank my clients and wish them a Happy New Year. I would also like to welcome anyone who is new to Helms Photography.

This site has been long on coming. It has been an interesting ride, learning how to build a website, trying to decide what to share, and doing it all with dial up to boot.

:-)

Let me first say that I am excited.....I have new plans, new products, and new services.

I have some exciting plans for our "outdoor" studio. This spring will be the start of those plans. This will be located at our Home Studio.

I enjoy the chance to do "location" sessions as they keep my creative juices flowing. Whether we bring our "studio" to your home or a "location" of your choice, I love coming to your turf and helping create a portrait that says "Who you are and What you like". Need help with a location? No problem! We love getting creative!

July 1

The 1st session of Photography Basics has ended. We all really enjoyed the time of learning.

July I will be offering several classes at the Heritage Art Center in Linton.

Photography Basics is a 2 session class that will meet Monday July 20th and July 27th. The fee is $35, which part of the proceeds will go back to the center. We will cover Composition, Lighting, Lenses and Filters, Camera use, and much more.

Class size is limited! This is a prepaid class in order to guarantee your reservation.

July 25 10 am to 2 PM with a break for lunch. Fee $25

Digital Know How  

This one day session covers digital basics, camera know how, the language, and The print process

Seating is limited! This is a prepaid class to guarantee your reservation.

Aug 1

Beyond the Basics......A hands On Workshop  $125    Includes Lunch  time  session time 10 am to 4 PM

This class will focus on composition, lighting, and camera use complete with models and A guest photographer. John has had his work published and has won awards in the Tri-State area as well as a solo exhibit in New York.

This is also a pre-paid class to guarantee your reservation.

Class size Limited.

June

I have been invited to be one of the official photographers at the 2009 Indiana FFA STATE Convention. What a way to start the summer!

Summer is here and that means that the fair is right around the corner!

All you 4H-er's you can reach me by email at

photos 4h@gmail.com

The website that I am putting together for you is

Photos4h.com

You can use this to get information, ask questions, see photo tips and challenges.

If you are doing a salon this year you need to read the information about a discount

Photo tip

Try taking pictures of an object/subject several times through out the day (or several days) and pay attention to the lighting, texture, and detail.

June 13

Wings of hope was a success! Many people not only volunteered their time for this event, but many participated as well. Donated items included Hot Dogs, Buns, Chips, Drinks, and many deserts. Beans and Cornbread were also served along with donated drink items. A boys and girls bike was donated as well as items from the Colts, Pacers, IU, John Melencamp, and a Signature Print from Helms Photography

Children can be seen making chalk pictures on the concrete slabs, people standing in line waiting for a plane ride into the skies, others enjoying the food and conversation. It was a good day.

Mike and Brenda Combs.......you both are a Blessing!

You worked hard to make this happen.

To all your volunteers that helped .....God Bless.

Sarah Rooksberry, thank you for helping me with the photos.                                                                                                   I am sure they will be treasured.

Congratulations! Your image has been selected as a finalist in the

2008 Best of Images contest.

Entry Number: 186

Caption: Electrifying

Category: Fine Art

As a finalist, you have already won the following:

   * Complimentary registration for two to the 2009 WPPI convention and trade show

      and Listing with Eventpix for 6 months free

Additionally, as a finalist, the entry is eligible for the Category and Grand Prizes. All Category and Grand Prize winners will be announced in the January 2009 issue of Rangefinder magazine and on the Best of Images website. Winners also will be notified via email.

Again, Congratulations!

Regards,

Sandie Hancock

Director of Marketing

Eventpix.com

You should have seen me when I received the e-mail. I couldn't sit still for more than a few minutes for quite some time!

:-)

Please check back often as I will post updates, share photo tips, & other things of interest.

1ST New Year Baby of 2009....Valerie Jean

Congratulations to the Fernhabers for their newest addition. Helms Photography is helping them celebrate with a free portrait.

My first professional contest entry......actually my 2nd....the first was a different kind of contest by Rangefinder and they had  almost 2,000 entries.

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder......

My Blog

Photo tip

February 1, 2009

One of our tips for shooting in the snow:

Landscape

One factor is the type of day, another is the time of day. My tip to you, doesn't matter how fancy or how simple the camera. (most of the time cost isn't the main factor in having a successful photo......the "know how" makes the difference!

Direct sunlight conditions, preferably from the side or from the rear....reveal characteristic texture/detail in landscape photos.

Try your shooting at dawn or dusk as well.

Train your eye to watch for good times when the sun makes "shadows" or "popping details"

(watch the time of day outdoors in portrait shooting...the sun can have an unflattering effect on the face)

Ok, I know I said tip....but my talking and my picture taking run the same......I love it!

:-)

February 9

February is half over! That means the cold weather will be on the down side soon, and chances to capture any snow pictures are getting smaller. In Indiana one knows very little how the weather will be from one week to the next, maybe even from day to day. Even when they forecast snow in the area, it could go around us.

I hope you make the most of your chances to use your camera, rather it be portraits or landscapes.

Photo Tip

Snow.....are the rules the same for Snow Pictures as it is for landscapes? Shooting snow scenes can be tricky. The techniques you will use will also depend on the type of camera you are using. I will  try to keep the start of this simple......Snow light can fool your cameras meter and turn the white a bit gray. Try shooting in the early morning or late afternoon. Your photos will have a warmer tone and softer color. By adding some color or something detailed in the photo like a building or barn, you can add balance to all the white from the snow. If you have snow feature on your digital camera try using it, if your digital camera has a manual mode then try bracketing your shots or letting the aperture priority do the work for you. Feel free to email me for more on this subject.

P.S.

I am getting more excited as time goes by......

I just received an email that I my name was chosen to attend a gathering with the Blues Travelers before their concert at the WPPI convention, hosted by Nikon and WPPI.

February 23

Wow! What a blast WPPI was.

12,000 photographers were in attendance. Each day seemed to top the day before. The trade show was well worth the time and work to see it all. 120 classes were offered.

The excitement in the air was almost as powerful as the electric power of all the lights in Vegas.

The food provided was excellent! The concert by the Blues Traveler was powerful all on its own.

I felt so honored to be there. I felt honored that a picture I entered made it into the final round in its category. There was so much talent among the entries.

Here's to 2009.....and here's to all of you who give me something to pour my passion into!

March has come and gone and I have been running all over the place!

April 7

I have spent spring break plus an extra week in Florida. I was able to take some family reunion photos as well as some at the beach. I spent time with my brothers, father, and my mother......whom I brought back with me for a few weeks.

We will be in and out of the studio as I show her around and do some girl things. (she hasn't been in Indiana in almost 20 years)

Photo tip

When taking photos of flowers consider the wind.  Even when you do not feel the wind, the slightest breeze can make a difference in your focus factor. 

A tripod may is helpful when taking pictures of flowers in macro mode. Watch your shadow, it might be in the wrong place for the lighting you are wanting.

May .......Happy Mothers Day to all you moms!

Don't let the rainy season keep you from shooting your photos. A cloudy day or over cast day isn't always a bad thing. Taking photos after a rain can be eye opening!

May 28

Where has spring gone to? It seems like yesterday I was telling you about my mother visiting and now May is over. I suppose with the rain and the flooding my little part of the world kept me on my toes. I have had plenty to keep me busy!

CONGRATULATES TO SENIORS 09 EVERYWHERE!!!!!!

and to 2010 seniors I am taking appointments as well as looking for a few ambassadors for 2010.

Wow! I can't believe that summer has come and gone. Things have been so busy around here.

I have been teaching photography classes and playing with the grandkids.

We have been working here at the home studio. I will add more info details/later.

                                                    

                                                        

scroll down to read about my trip to Las Vegas and the 411 on WPPI.....my photo being a finalist in their contest!

as well as photo tips and other news.

WPPI stands for Wedding & Portrait  Photographers International

scroll down for details and photos from "WINGS OF HOPE" fly in benefit fundraiser planned for Joshua Merit. and  Nicholas Decker

Wanda Brown and Donna Risinger

trying out some new photo tips and the manual features of their cameras during the Photography Basics class held at the Heritage Art Center in Linton

Condolences to the families of Joshua and Nicholas

I am sorry for your loss

May the memories of your loved one and the Heart of the community give you comfort in your time of sorrow.

January 09