yeah. at f/2 if you try and focus and recompose it will most likely not be in focus. If you are shooting at f/2 you for sure want to shoot manual focus. Just takes some practice. You can do it girl! :)

Hey Heather!!! I personally meter Portra 400 at box speed or 1/3 over. People meter this film so differently. But my most consistent results ahve been bulb out meter facing straight out. Contrast comes from overexposing an image (because the scanner has to add shadows to compensate for highlights) and when you add shadows you add contrast. So if you want low contrast images...don't overexpose too much <3

I would send to a pro lab if you can. You will get better scans back that you won't have to do much to in post. Film is no fun if you are having to fix a crabby lab scan! I print from scans :)

You can do it! I only shoot my kids and family. I love exploring our small home and finding new places to take pictures of them. I love trying to find new angles that can show their environment and also their little personalities. Just start shooting. Sometimes all it takes it actually taking out the camera and start shooting :) Have fun!

I overexpose Portra 800 about a stop. I haven't ever pushed it myself, but have seen it pushed and it looks beautiful.

yes yes yes!! 800 over 400 anyday :) If you haven't played with Fuji400H, might wanna try that one out to. That's actually my favorite color film :)

It was all because of Ryan! :) (kinda serious) I sent some of my first film to RPL and that definitely made a difference (lab is So important) but trust me...there are still rolls that I get back that I am like 'meh' about. Keep shooting. Keep practicing. And send to a decent lab. :)

Nope, that is just fine. I always have rolls of film that I don't use in a days time. Just make sure that you meter your film the same. So don't underexpose or plan on pushing the film if you already shot at box speed on your other frames.

I know you asked this forever ago, so if you even still care....I actually had a black blanket covering my window and brought the one corner of it to the side so just a sliver of light was shining on the bed. It gave me a very narrow and beautiful light right over her body. I set up the shot and then laid her on the bed. We went from there. Hope I explained that so it made sense?

Hi there Paige :) I have been shooting about 5 years and I cannot for a second tell you why I am at all "popular". In the grand scheme of things...I really am not. If I had to guess why anyone cares about my work at all, it would be that people appreciate the honesty in my images and how I write on my blog. I would love to think people somehow relate to me and my images. Just a guess :)

I also have been blessed with many amazing peers who for some reason or another like my work and have me on their blogs, forums, etc. for interviews and tutorials. That has always been a big help in getting my name and work out there. Blogging consistently is HUGE. Making lasting friendships with other photographers who support and help each other succeed is also huge. I wish I could give you more, but really I have no idea! ha!

Thanks so much! I put my kids in the general area I will be shooting them, meter and then shoot away. As long as the light stays the same, they can move around and still be metered the same (or nearly). Or if I change position where there might be backlight, I would remeter...

I had a remote that when I held the button down half way it focused like my camera would. I would just listen for it to focus and take the shot. Believe me though it was hit and miss :)

Yep, I use Allens Camera. But also Jonathan Canlas FIND lab. But I think you need to have attended his workshops to send film there...

And I am not sure if Allens accepts mailed in film. I would call and ask.

Hi Brookie <3 ummm honestly, I am not sure. I would head on over to Canlas' formspring and ask him. Cause I got no clue. Sorry friend.

I use Allens Photo store and Jonathan Canlas' FIND lab. It is expensive, so try and find a lab that is decent in price and product!

With Fuji I always overexpose two stops. And to do that I just take my meter and input my ISO which is usually 400 (depending on the film I am using of course) and then I input my aperture I want to use. After I meter it will give me the shutter I need to use. I take the meter put it under the subjects chin, face it out towards me and then point it 45 degrees to the ground. That automatically gives me an exposure of +2 stops.

The only digital camera I have is on my Itouch. Everything is shot on film. I hardly send anything to RPL because its so expensive. Everything (unless its a paid shoot- then it goes to RPL) goes to a local lab. Film is expensive...but sooooo worth it!

thanks! can I be honest and say I know nothing about that camera. sorry! I would ask Jonathan Canlas on here. He knows everything FILM!!

When I meter for the shadows, I take my handheld meter (bulb in) and put it under their chin (facing out towards me) and point it 45 degrees to the floor. That will overexpose about two stops. That's how I meter Fuji film :) I will take a picture to show how I do it. Look out on facebook for that later today!

Color Inc. :)