Macro Mania | Backwards Free-lensing with a 50mm

So, I was perusing the internet the other day and found out that you can use a 50mm to take macro photography if you turn it backwards!  I have always tried many different methods to take ring shots in the past because I do not have a macro lens.  I am so excited to try this method out at an actual shoot, but for now I've gone a little macro crazy in my yard!  I will warn you that you have no control over the aperture settings.  My advice is to crank up the ISO and slow the shutter to as slow as you can manage.  These were taken at ISO 1,000 [on my new camera! :)] Here are some shots using this method [the pullback shots are using the 50mm attached normally], so please ignore the weeds in my succulent garden...

And I also tried letting a little light leak in...

I'd love to see your images using this method!

2013 Photo Year in Review

I love year in reviews because you get to see in one place all of the things you've accomplished, and how much you've grown.  I also keep an album on Facebook with all of my photo sessions in it for the same reason.  2013 year was my third full year of being a photographer & art teacher, and I had a blast!  I made a lot of big decisions this year including the decision to stop booking weddings.  I love weddings, and I had such a great time with all of my brides this year, but it was important for me to set some boundaries for the future.  Weddings + teaching full time = one crazy lady!  I am excited to capture my last "official" wedding in February with 2 of my closest photographer friends.  I will definitely try to go out with a bang!

With the announcement that I will no longer be booking weddings, I also announced my decision to concentrate on families and kids.  I've discovered that I love capturing sweet family moments, and I can't wait to do more shoots like this in the future!

I also shot more babies and newborns this year than ever before.  [Including my brand new niece :)]

I also re-branded my business, changed my business name, created a photo website, and worked hard on separating my teaching site from my photography site.   My most recent update is that I bought my first professional level camera!  It came in the mail on Thursday [just before Santa gave my whole family a stomach bug for Christmas], so I haven't been able to really play with it as I'm still recovering from the bug, but I'm so excited to get started again with shoots in January.   I thought I'd end my year in review with some of my favorite images from this year.  Have a happy new year and I can't wait to see what 2014 has in store for Ashley Blevins Photography!

Have a great rest of 2013!

Nikon D90 and 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G | Buy me maybe?

UPDATE: THE LENS HAS BEEN SOLD!  Camera is still up for grabs though ;)
I ordered my very first professional level camera this week [eeeek!], so I am going to be selling some of my older gear.  If you are interested in buying a very gently used Nikon D90 for $450 let me know!  I paid $800 for it last year [yes it’s only a year old!], but I saw that they are now being sold for $530 [bummer for me].  I’m also selling a Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G telephoto zoom lens for $450.  They sell new on Amazon for $846 and used from $479.   It is in really great condition too! If you are interested in either [or both!], please let me know.  If no one bites over the next couple of weeks I’m going to sell on Amazon, so take this opportunity to buy, and meet me [no shipping!].  I still have the box for the D90, but not for the lens.  I can’t wait to share photos I take with my new camera! Woohoo!  Cameras make great gifts [just saying ;)].

Nikon D90 [on Amazon]

Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G [on Amazon]

[email is ashleyblevinsphotography@gmail.com]

Baby M Newborn Session | Clayton, NC Newborn Photographer

I had a blast taking baby M's newborn photos.  There were so many more photos that I wanted to include in this peek [including a stocking + elf hat!], but I don't want to ruin any Christmas card fun ;).  Here is a little sneak of this handsome fellow!