Cristina Coco Photography Blog

I've moved to a new blog!!

2009-04-09T22:36:00.006-04:00

Well, this little blog has grown up! I'm moved to a new location - w ww.cristinacocophoto.com/blog . Please come and take a look!

Son on a rainy day

2009-03-30T11:09:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was kind of crappy here in New York, so what do I do? Chase my kid around the house with a camera. Poor thing thinks it's part of my arm, I swear.

No matter how yucky it is outside, J makes in sunny inside. I mean, really - look at this smile. I know I'm his mom, but it's pretty darn perfect.

Am getting geared up for a big playdate on Saturday at my house. My friends and I switch homes every Saturday and we hired a wonderful music lady, Ellen "Watermelon", www.ellenwatermelon.com, to come to the house and sing to the kiddies. Then we eat a whole lot of food that's bad for us. It's a pretty perfect way to spend a Saturday morning! I'm planning on taking pictures this week, so I'm really looking forward to it.

In the meantime, I'm off to check out Pioneer Woman's blog to get recipes for the party...I'm thinking cinnamon buns. Yum.

Photoshop magic

2009-03-26T11:35:00.006-04:00

I have been playing with photoshop all morning working on processing. It's such a huge part of photography and can really transform your work into art. I am borderline stalking Matt Nicolosi, an amazing photographer who is really generous with sharing his techniques. (http://www.mattnicolosiblog.com/ - check him out and I guarantee you will become a stalker too! Talented and nice? Come on!!)
My goal today was to take an average landscape photo (which I am NOT good at, BTW) and make it more interesting. Here is what happened!

Here is the original shot, just your average wish-I-was-there-with-a-margherita beach shot, I didn't do anything to it but punch up the blue and sharpen for web:

Now I did a little work on it, because it just wasn't interesting to me...

This image is far from perfect - it is blown in some areas and as it was a first attempt, there are a million things I would change. Not to mention, the comp on this shot isn't so great... BUT, I think it's much, much cooler now.

Isn't photoshop amazing?

I'm off to straighten that horizon, bugging the heck out of me. I need a 12 step program, I swear.

My new logo and a J shot

2009-03-24T16:13:00.008-04:00

My final logo arrived today! I'm so excited! It's been a few months, two designers - finally the right one is here. I'm so flipping happy!

I chose a bird because my family has this thing with birds. My mom swears that's how her mother says hello to her since she died. I'm not sure how I feel about that, but I did want to keep it close to home. It will remind me why I do this.

I took this of J the other morning. It's not technically perfect, but I love it.

By the way, he's not wearing any pants. My little secret to torture him with when he's older. ;)

J's best bud Bubba

2009-03-19T11:41:00.006-04:00

This is J's best bud - his mom asked that I not post his name - so we'll just call him Bubba.
Bubba is a little firecracker - hates to stand in one place so it's almost impossible to get him looking at you. I still love this one - it's my favorite that I've taken of him so far. You can see his mischievous grin and a frisky devil in his eyes. He's one of my favorite people and so is his mom. We've been best friends since forth grade and we lucky enough to have our boys two weeks apart!

Also - just to add - I see you people! I know you're reading my blog, so how 'bout some love? :)

Mr. March

2009-03-17T12:02:00.002-04:00

Honestly, my little man is just getting so big. I just adore him and every day I spend with him. The only problem, he's starting to have opinions about things. Including my camera in his face. Instead of smiles or cute looks I'm starting to get a little attitude. Luckily, he wears it well! I'm playing with some processing here, not sure if I like it or not! What do you think? Funny enough, I didn't touch his eyes and lips, they were watery and he was drooling!
Taken about 2 feet from our sliding door.

Also, if you got a March of Dimes calendar this year - Little J is baby March, so check it out! We did a shoot with them when he was around 5 months old. Seems like forever ago!

cutie patootie

2009-03-04T12:05:00.002-05:00

Had a really nice session with a great family. I was really touched by this father as he's a stay at home dad with THREE kids! I crack up thinking of my husband staying home just ONE day with our son.
This was just a newborn session, but I would love to photograph the whole family sometime.

Isn't that just the way it is?

2009-02-11T17:44:00.002-05:00

That a perfectly good vest can ruin a perfectly good picture? Grrr... of course once I fixed the vest he wouldn't look at me again, that little monkey!
We had a great day at the park today, it was so warm and sunny - so sad it'll go back to cold in a day or two!
Nice to get outside with the camera, it's not as fun shooting indoors!

2009-02-02T14:11:00.002-05:00

J has been sick all weekend - it's been a rough couple of days. Going back to the doctor today. At least this image makes me smile a bit!
This shot was inspired by my photog buddy Haley - check out her chair version here: http://laurahaleyphotography.blogspot.com/ , it's much better than mine! I love her green chair!!

Baby A

2009-01-30T19:31:00.003-05:00

Well, it's cold as heck here in NY. That doesn't mean I can't pretend it's beachy. I saw this shell at HomeGoods and bought it in 2 seconds flat. Luckily I had a session this week with a little peanut who would fit in it.
This is A.S., who is 8 days old and weighed 6 pounds. He is just so tiny compared to J, I could hold him in one hand!
Anyway, he was a doll - would not *really* sleep, but he didn't cry when I put him in this little contraption.
:)

2009-01-25T16:14:00.006-05:00

I had a shoot on Friday with a really nice couple and their daughter who was 14 days old. She was a big newborn, but so sweet and she barely made a peep! Unfortunately she didn't sleep either so after 2 hours I had to go - we still got some great shots and I finally got to use this basket I've become obsessed with. I have another newborn shoot next week - I will get my sleeping basket shot, I swear!

I should add, this was my first 'stranger' shoot - I didn't know them! It was still a PB session, but gave me a lot more confidence that I can do this with people besides friends and family! It was really nice to get a newborn for my portfolio too!

The Dash

2009-01-20T19:54:00.001-05:00

I'm sorry I haven't posted in a while! I've been a bit crazy trying to get my website going and then this week a friend's father passed.
At the funeral, this poem was read - I thought it was beautiful and really made me think about how you live your life. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

I read of a man who stood to speak
at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
from the beginning...to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth
and spoke of the following date with tears,
but he said what mattered most of all
was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time
that she spent alive on earth...
and now only those who loved her
know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own;
the cars....the house...the cash.
What matters is how we live and love
and how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard...
are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left
that can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
to consider what's true and real,
and always try to understand
the way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger,
and show appreciation more
and love the people in our lives
like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,
and more often wear a smile...
remembering that this special dash
might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy is being read
with your life's actions to rehash...
would you be proud of the things they
say about how you spend your dash?

J's Nook

2009-01-04T16:17:00.002-05:00

J has this little nook by our front door he likes to hide in. I swear he would stay there all day if I let him!
I think he likes looking out the window and some time to himself. Apparently he's just like Mommy! I played around with a little color processing today. Not sure if it's a bit too punchy for me, but fun seeing everything else was white/grey except his jeans!

Mug shot?

2009-01-01T15:32:00.006-05:00

Had some time for just J and me so I played around with my new toy today. Still getting the hang of it - a full frame is a *teeny* bit different to get used to as far as composition... it seems like I need to back the heck up a little more or people look a little distorted. Eyes look huge though, and I like that!!
Happy New Year to everyone. I hope it is a blessed one for you all!! 2008 has been so wonderful to me, I can't imagine what is in store for us in 2009!
p.s. - I finally figured out how to post bigger pics on here! Yay!

the best gift EVER

2008-12-29T17:38:00.003-05:00

I GOT MY 5D, I GOT MY 5D, I GOT MY 5D Mark II!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My husband surprised me for Christmas. I have no idea how he even got one as they are backordered! I had asked for it, but it was so much money I never thought I would get this so soon!!!!

I've been playing around, but PS3 is not updated for the RAW from the 5D and it won't let me convert to JPG's! Grrrr, I think Canon and Adobe are up to something for sure. So now I have to plunk down $200 for the PS upgrade.

Hopefully I'll make up for all this spending with clients this year! Starting business plan and website this month - it's getting official! In the meantime, here is a preview of a possible new logo. Still working on it, but like where my friend is headed with it.

Snow Day

2008-12-20T16:01:00.005-05:00

Sometimes you have to not worry about the photography and just capture the fun going on in your life.
J saw snow for the first time today. It was pretty amazing. He probably would have liked it much more if he didn't HATE his snowsuit!!
I didn't get a clear shot of him screaming about 1 minute later - that would blackmail sometime around age 16...

2008-12-14T15:55:00.005-05:00

Had a mini session with my cousin and his wife for their (very late) holiday card. I know they will go with a more traditional one, but this was my favorite...
I've been so crazy with getting all this stuff out to people I haven't taken any shots all week before today. It was nice to get out behind my camera for a few minutes. It was REALLY cold though!

christmas craziness!

2008-12-14T15:50:00.002-05:00

Oh boy, I've been nuts over here! I've been decorating, baking, shopping, partying, and editing!! All those -ings make me a very tired girl.
We had a birthday party for my best friend's son this saturday - his first and little J's first birthday party. It was a blast! M had a Sesame Street theme and I made cookies - I am NOT a baker, but I think these came out pretty good and they tasted great! The kids loved theme so I was thrilled.

p.s. - you can see I'm no product photographer!!! LOL.

Isabelle

2008-12-04T07:53:00.002-05:00

This is Isabelle, who I had the pleasure of working with yesterday. She is six going on 30, and I just fell in love with her. Isa's brother Max wasn't into the picture taking so much and she was so patient while her mother tried to wrangle him for me.
Her nickname is Birdie and I thought this pic kind of summed that up!

MCP ACTIONS AND BLOG CONTEST

2008-12-04T07:41:00.004-05:00

So I'm adding this to *fingers crossed* win a new blog from MCP Actions and Into the Darkroom. I picked the images, but I didn't have time to really pick out images that fit into the board.
That being said MCP is AMAZING and I use their actions constantly, especially Eye Doctor which kicks A**!! The magic board above is really cool too, I might have to invest in it...

Boys will be boys

2008-11-24T10:27:00.003-05:00

Well, had an *interesting* shoot yesterday. Two brothers, 4 and 6 who DID NOT want their picture taken. My friend's sons - I think it was actually harder to get them to listen b/c they knew me! Running away, not sitting, not standing, sticking out tongues and bugging out eyes. Yikes! Got a few shots, but I was so flustered I had my ss at 60 for the first 20 shots and I blew a bunch that might have worked so I am SO mad at myself. It's not a mistake I make anymore so I was a bit disappointed that I didn't set up right.
Here's one that worked, but the majority were horrible! Back to the drawing board...
Can't decide if I like bw or color better...

Ying & Yang

2008-11-20T19:56:00.003-05:00

oops, I did take some pictures this week and apparently I forgot. It's been that kind of week... Here's little J - not the best picture but there is something cool about it I like...

what to do

2008-11-20T19:32:00.005-05:00

Ugh, haven't had a chance to pick up the camera this week for more than a few shots. I did some more editing on my Austin trip, so I'll post some of those - but really I need to get on the ball!

I was so excited to see comments from some of my Austin photog buddies, thanks for checking in girls!

Got a (non-photography) job offer today. I am so torn if I should pursue the photography career or go back to making good money with the fashion business. It's hard to walk away from the money, but I don't feel like my heart is in it. The strangest thing - as I'm thinking of what to do I feel like someone has been sending me signs all day. Even Elmo was about cameras today! It's so hard to decide!

deep in the heart (work of heart, that is) of Texas...

2008-11-11T11:49:00.004-05:00

Hi y'all!
I'm saying y'all because I just got back from a great trip to Austin, Texas from a photography workshop with Skye Hardwick. (WAY amazing child photographer!!)

It was an amazing experience, especially getting to meet so many people with the same interest as me. My friends at home have NO interest in talking shop with me (they don't even know what photoshop is!) so it was really cool to be able to be a photo geek for a weekend.

I'll post some more later - this little girl was my favorite. She told me we looked alike which made me feel like I connected with her (especially because she wasn't much of a talker) and I took it as a HUGE compliment as she is so stinking gorgeous.

Holiday already??? Yikes!

2008-10-30T11:22:00.004-04:00

I have done a few photoshoots for friends' holiday cards and haven't been thrilled with the results. Glad no one is paying me yet!
Today's photo was my friend's vision. She wanted selective color on the red scarves. The photo quality isn't great (I had a HARD time with the little girl!! She was EVERYWHERE and all she wanted to do was eat pretzels!) but the image is cute anyway. Next year will be so much better!!

Bummed

2008-10-27T14:28:00.003-04:00

I'm having a bad photography day. I am getting so nervous for Skye Hardwick's workshop I want to throw up!! I am soooo behind all the other photographers attending. In a moment of what I thought was shining wisdom I decided to take this workshop for trial by fire - to get better quicker by surrounding myself with pros. Now I feel like I am taking this step WAY too soon. I am really cramming in shots for the next two weeks before I leave for Austin. I MUST get better before I go. Not only do I not want to embarress myself, I want to get the most out of it that I can.

Ugh, my stomach.

Took this of little J this morning. I am working on black and white today.

2008-10-25T17:17:00.004-04:00

(double click to see enlarged) And do not steal or you will be shot, burned at the stake, then tarred and feathered. Actually, that would be tarred and feathered then burned at the stake. You get the picture)

Today Daddy is away so I had all morning to torture Jack with my camera! (insert evil Halloween laugh here) Honestly, the poor thing is such a sport and really must think that Mommy has this thing completely attached to her eye at certain parts of the day. This pic is sort of him getting ready to tell me to just quit it... well, if he could talk anyway.

This week I'm working on getting tack sharp eyes. I have been starting to what looks like overexpose on my meter - it seems to get me much better exposure! I had this little AH-HA moment when reading on ILP noteworthy section - the camera reads to 18% grey - which I knew. However, most caucasian skins are lighter than that, so some cameras might be better to compensate for that while metering. Genious!!! A little light bulb went off. I just couldn't understand why it was underexposed when all my little lines were lined up and I was spot metering off the face. Now I get it!!! YAY!!!

Every day

2008-10-22T11:30:00.004-04:00

So I've decided that I must take a photo a day. Whether it stinks or is great, I need to keep working at my craft. Gosh, that sounds corny when written out!
I've also decided to put my blog on my siggie at ILP and Creative mentoring. Otherwise I'll get too lazy about posting.
I had a horrible sitting with my son the other day. The weather was perfect, his outfit was perfect, the setting was perfect - and I blew it!! I was only able to take a few shots before he got really cranky - unfortunately not enough time for me to get ready. Where's a photo assistant when you need one?!!! Yeah, pretty far away from that! ;)
Took this of Jack early in the morning. He loves playing by the window, which is just perfect for me to practice!

A Start

2008-10-01T10:20:00.001-04:00

So I'm starting this photography thing and I'm freaking out a bit. How can I leave a successful career in the fashion industry to pursue something I barely know? I'm trying to tell myself I didn't know a bit about fashion when I started either, but, I was just a kid and didn't know better. That's one of the curses of getting older and wiser - you're smart enough to get scared.

So here I am. New mom, beginner photographer. Trying all these things at 35 years old. A second career out of a constant obsession. If I don't try now, I'll never know.

I am definitely a work in progress!!