How To Take Great Pictures on Your Phone

If you're anything like me, then the majority of life's little moments are captured via your cell phone camera (especially if you have a child or pet). It's not hard to figure out why that is. In today's world we are attached to our cell phones so when that picture perfect moment occurs, we can instantly capture it. Camera phones had a bad reputation regarding photo quality until recent years, now you don't even need a pocket digital camera because your phone can do just as good.

I by no means consider myself a professional photographer, but if you're like me, just your average bear, then this post is for you. The key for taking pictures with your phone is to snap as many as possible so you are sure to capture that picture perfect moment. Don't worry about centering your subject or zooming in just right because if you wait too long your baby's smile can quickly turn into a frown.

 

Charlotte was making the cutest faces while we were shopping so I quicly snapped this picture. As you can see from the edited version, I was able to center it a little better to make it look like I captured this picture perfectly the first try.

 



Always know you can edit your pictures. In fact, I edit almost all of my pictures right off the bat. You'll be surprised what cropping a picture can do for you! But if you're looking for a little more editing functionality then you should try out the VSCOcam app.

I am still learning how to use all the features, but what I like is you aren't forced to rely on filters to fix your pictures. Don't get me wrong, I love the Instagram filters just as much or more as the next guy, but sometimes there isn't a filter to fix your picture. What's cool about this app is you can use filters if you want or  go into the settings and change the sharpness, exposure, tinting, shadows, temperature etc. I can continue to bore you with all the details or you can just check it out for yourself! Download the app, give it a try and let me know what you think! 

 

In this picture I was able to straighten the horizon from my original. I also worked with enhancing the colors to give it more of a pop.

This picture needed less shadows and a bit of sharpening to get it the way I wanted it.

Charlotte's Newborn Pictures

I'm so excited to finally share Charlotte's newborn photo shoot with you! We had planned this newborn session well before she was even born so you can only imagine my excitement when the day came. Professional photo shoots are very popular right now and after experiencing one, I can see why.

We did the shoot at the photographer, Aimee's house since she has a studio and all the props right there ready to go. All we had to worry about was bringing Charlotte and any special outfits we wanted her photographed in which made for a stress free photo shoot. Of course, I had a few outfits in mind like her Minnie Mouse crochet outfit and her adorable ruffled romper. The rest was part of Aimee's collection.

Not only did Aimee get some great shots of Charlotte, but I had no idea what goes in to making a newborn cooperate for a photo shoot. She knew exactly what to do! There was lots of snuggling, pacifiers and of course lots of patience. She also asked in advance for me to have a bottle ready in case of a meltdown. it was a good thing we did that because within the 30 minutes of the shoot, Charlotte demanded a bottle. After that, things went pretty smooth, with the help of Aimee of course! Look how content she looks!

Look at this adorable collage she made for us! I love her idea of capturing all those little baby features that will soon not be so little. She can also design a Facebook cover photo and birth announcements! So if your in the Northern Virginia area, be sure to check out Aimee Keller Photography!

Giving this a try.....

After reading and following tons of blogs out there, I decided it was time to share a little piece of my world! (Hence the name, A Little Bolt of Life!) It's a play on words using my last name (Bolt)...I know, I'm so clever!  Stay tuned as I track my marathon training (1st one!), various Disney trips throughout the year, our home and family.



Today I want to share some pictures that illustrate my life in a nutshell. ENJOY!

Our Disney Wedding - 10/11

Niece: Raelynn (6 yrs)

Niece: Hadleigh (3 mo)

Christopher and I riding the teacups (rare occurance for me!)

Some HDR photos I've taken while at Disney