Saturday, January 9, 2016

Photographers Guide for a Photo Shoot in the Rain

 So you want to have a photoshoot in the rain? Do you have everything you need, and are you fully prepared to take on this amazing yet slightly difficult task?


 Having a photoshoot in the rain can be really awesome and you can get some amazing and beautiful shots. First things first we must be prepared, is your camera waterproof? If not you will need a plastic waterproof camera cover or if you want to keep it simple use a zip lock bag. (Put your camera in the zip lock bag and cut a hole just large enough for the end of the lens to clear the bag so it does not affect the shot, and your set.) Do you have a tent or something to cover the rest of you essential gear that you will need in the field? These are some of the most important things to be prepared for when shooting in the rain.


Now we are not done just quite yet. Did you and your customers bring a change of cloths? That's gonna be another very important thing you must consider. Will your clients be willing to get the clothes they have wet and dirty? If not instruct them to have clothes that they don't mind to get dirty and wet, but make sure they are nice looking clothes because if the customers don't look the part that can ruin the whole experience for you both.

 Now these are some of the most important tips and needs when having a photo shoot in the rain.
There will defiantly be more and that all depends on what you have planned for the photo shoot etc.
well that's all for todays blog Simple Life Photography fans. Remember to keep love in your heart and a smile on you face because that is the best recipe for making someone's day!

Thursday, January 7, 2016

What to Consider Before Having a Winter Wedding

Hello Simple Life Photography fans,

 Today I'm going to be talking about What to Consider Before Having a Winter Wedding.
Imagine this a fresh white glistening blanked of snow covers the ground and rows of chairs full of family and friends sit on each side of you as you walk down the isle to say I do. Just the perfect amount of snow is falling as you read you vows and kiss your groom. It just sounds perfect doesn't it?

 Having a winter wedding can be so amazing but there are some things you need to know and consider before planning you big day in a winter wonderland. Will the weather cooperate or will there be a blizzard during the middle of the event?, do you have children or elderly who cant be out in the cold for very long with out getting sick?, How are you going to keep every one warm? and How are you going to keep the decorations from getting ruined if a "blizzard" does happen to occur halfway through the wedding? There are going to be more things to consider it all just depends on what you have planned for you wedding.

 Now I'm not trying to discourage you from having a winter wedding. I think it would be so amazing and beautiful but we have to make sure its practical and everything we expect is possible. I cant wait to hear all your stories about your Winter Wonderland Weddings!

 This is Collin signing off until next time, remember to keep a smile on your face and love in your heart because that is the best recipe for making someone's day!

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Life in a small town

  Bloomfield a small for the most part quiet little town nestled in South East Missouri and the county seat of Stoddard County. Home to the Stars and Stripes Museum and the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery. Bloomfield has a rich history dating back all the way back to the day it was founded in 1835. I am going to tell you a just a bit of history about the little ole town of Bloomfield but first I'm going to tell you how I see this town, my hometown. This town was built by hard work, the grace of god, and the hands of the people. When I wake up every morning I feel joy in knowing I live in such a great place, there are many great places out there but Bloomfield is like no other. We have some of the nicest people in the world that live here, everybody knows everybody as in any small town and everyone is willing to help those in need.


 We will great you with a smile and treat you with the upmost respect, we're old fashion around here, and we use yes ma'am, no ma'am, yes sir, and no sir. We believe in treating others the way you would want to be treated and going to church on Sunday morning. If you stop by you will be greeted with a warm Southern welcome and you won't leave with and empty stomach or without a smile on your face, Our smiles are big but our hearts are even bigger! We have some great tradition around here like the annual Christmas Basketball Tournament and Fall Festival where we all get together and enjoy just how great our small town be!

Now here is just a bit of history about our town. Some of the rich history of Bloomfield takes place during the civil war, The City of Bloomfield was the headquarters of a Confederate unit who was lead by Colonel Jeff Thompson. Thompson was later given the name “Swamp Fox” by Union soldiers for his ability to strike and then evade capture in the murky swamps. Crowley's Ridge was the only dry route to the north and south and this was well known by both sides which caused even more conflict. Bloomfield was later burned it is believed to be retreating Union soldiers who set the town ablaze.

Cool little bit of information in 1861 Union soldiers who were from Illinois published the first issues of the Armed Forces Newspaper known as the Stars and Stripes out of the abandoned Bloomfield Herald news paper office. The editor of the Bloomfield Harold was James O. Hull and we was believed to abandoned the office in the evening hours and tag along with Thompson's rebel forces as they left.
                                  (Pictures by Photographer Collin Julian (Me) Simple Life Photography.)

Bloomfield was reoccupied  in 1864 by Union forces and 3 fortified forts (two large and one small) were erected. The main large fort stood in the area which is now known as downtown Bloomfield, another of equal size to the main fort stood west of town off of J Hwy. in the area which is now the Dog Pound. The third and final fort smaller than the first two stood east of town. There is so much civil war history in Bloomfield and if you would like to know more I highly recommend you visit the Stars and Stripes Museum and the Bloomfield Library.


Bloomfield literally rose from the ashes, you know they always say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger and I believe that to be true. I also believe Bloomfield is a great example of that and we have grown so much and continue to grow!

Here is my advice for anyone wondering if making a move to a small town is a good idea. I say go for it, a small town is one of the best things and I believe everyone should experience it once in their life. It will be different from a big city but there is so much love and life in a small town and it doesn't get much better than that. Well its time for me to say goodbye until next time so remember to keep love in your hearts and a smile on your face because that's the best recipe for making someone's day!


Monday, January 4, 2016


Took some nice HDR Photos in Downtown Bloomfield Missouri. If you love History this town is for you. This town has a rich history, some Civil War battles were fought in and around the small town of Bloomfield. Home of the Stars and Stripes Museum and the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery there is so much here to see and learn. Go ahead and mark Bloomfield down on you list of places to visit, you will not regret it!

Sunday, January 3, 2016

I am really liking my new logo!! I designed this today while I had a little free time in the studio.

Friday, January 1, 2016

Happy New Year from Simple Life Photography! I hope everyone has a safe and Happy New Year!


-Collin