The Soon to be "Lost Generation"

First I need to apologize  for not posting since September 18, 2017.  What??  Time is getting away from me.  I'm sure the earth is spinning faster.  Seems like it anyway. I'm not a good blogger/writer.  As a matter of fact I can't even write a letter, hence why I'm not blogging more often. Anyway….I'm here for a very important reason.  Let's call it the "Lost Generation" situation.  I just jumped on my soapbox cause this idea of a lost generation is close to my heart.  I've been in the photography business since 1987, which I'm very aware is a long time.  I was a film photographer until 2000 when I was basically forced into digital, scratching and screaming.  I was not a fan, I am now but it has it's drawbacks.  One of these drawbacks is everybody has a camera in this "it's good enough" society.  Don't get me wrong, I love the fact that lots of memories are being recorded, not really a fan of all the selfies, but that's just me. What is bothering my heart is that most of these memories are stored away in cell phones, computers, externial drives and of course the almighty cloud never to be seen again.  Hard copies (prints) are not being printed.  You know how you go into an antique store and see all these black & white and sepia pictures from the old days, well, what about these days?  In say the year 2030 (not sure if there will be antique shops then) but you get the picture.  Worst of all our babies babies and babies babies won't know what their ancestors even looked like.  Where they lived, etc.  This to me is so sad.  Maybe it hits me more being the second child of 5 with no pictures of myself before the age of kindergarten.  I have no clue what I looked like as a baby.  Granted back then it was my parents fault not thinking it would be important to me, but it is. Right now you're probably thinking it's not all that important, but believe me, it is and will be.  I know it's expensive but at the same time it's priceless.
So I have an idea for those that can't afford it.  Go through your snapshots, where ever they are, pick out your favs & suggest to anyone wanting to buy you a present to save your memories by printing some.  Or putting them in a book for you.  You will not regret it, believe me.  Okay I'm done.  I'm off my soapbox.  Have a blessed day and thank you for taking the time to read my babbling.  Normally I would draw a heart right here but I don't know where a heart is in this, 💗 hey, look what I did!!

PS  Sorry for grammar, punctuation & spelling errors…..

Hi all, I know it's been awhile. Life gets in the way sometimes.. I feel the need to bring up this subject: Let me know your thoughts. I've been photographing children for 30+ years and what has been bothering me is that boys don't get photographed like girls do. Why is that? I'm really serious. It's rather sad. So I thought I'd challenge myself to come up with fun, out of the box Boy specials. Hence my Tom Sawyer-Huck Finn Special for boys. I had a raft built that actually floats. I made a sail (that really works) and photographed a couple of boys to show off the Special. Crickets…. Now I just finished a Girls Fall Fairy Special that booked up in just a few days. See what I mean? I use to have a Kidz Club years ago, maybe I should start another. Stay tuned. I'm putting some thought into this.

The In-Between Years Mini

I decided to run this Mini Session for kids ages 9-15 years of age. This idea came to me because of an In-Betweener I photographed a while back. When she walked through the door I noticed her hair hanging in her face, her posture was slumped and she was not comfortable being photographed. The ages of 9-15 are so difficult. You want to grow up but yet you don't Pier pressure is happening. Your not real comfortable in your own skin. This is true for both girls and boys. Anyway, back to the girl….her session started out insecurely but happy to say ended with her walking out of the studio with her hair away from her face and standing tall without slumping shoulders. All ages need affirmation but 9 to 15 year olds need it the most. This is the beginning of how they perceive themselves. It needs to be positive. This Mini Session can be done inside or outside in the snow. You definitely need to come in for a consultation so we can plan and I can meet who's being photographed. I want them to have a say in what they wear, the whole shebang. These sessions are going to be candid, modeling (not Tyra Banks modeling but like Kids Gap) I'm excited to see them in action. I'm also thinking of featuring them on my Blog, Website, Instagram and Facebook by showing snip it videos of them having fun. Yay, I'm so excited to start this project!! If you're interested in booking your appointment, call the studio or leave a message under the Event "The In Between Years"on my Facebook page (Caught in the Act inc Photography. I'm thinking this is going to be a popular session so book it now. If you need more info, call the studio or email me at cita13@citaportraits.com

Beach Excursion 2016

Well….I know it's been awhile

Well, I know it's been awhile. Shame on me. I just haven't had much to say lately. Now I do!!! Yay excitement has come back into my life. I am mentoring an aspiring photographer. His name is Austen and he's in High School. I was somewhat hesitant about taking on this task as I have in the past and it was not so rewarding. It's different with this guy. The school called and asked if I'd take on another student. I reluctantly said yes to meeting him. Determined that I wasn't going to do it if this student wasn't totally on board. At the meeting Austen told me he used his older cell phone for his camera because he didn't own a real camera. He brought out his phone to show me images he had taken. I was blown away. His composition, his eye for light, needless to say I'm so excited. Stay tuned I will be posting more os his images.

Dancers needed

Hello everyone, I know it's been awhile since I've posted. Now that the studio's slowed down from the holiday rush, I can concentrate again. I need to take advantage of the fact that the studio has got some down time right now. Since I can't go a day without photographing, I've decided to work on a new dance project. I'm in need of some accomplished dancers for this project. If you are or know of a dancer that might be interested in being photographed let me know soon. I want to start this project now while I have the time. Thanks d

My Pet Project

There is a wonderful organization in our little lake community called Adopt-a-Pet. Adopt-a-Pet, inc., is a non-profit animal center situated on eight acres in Fenton, Michigan. They are committed to helping people and animals in need. Their mission is to provide a means to place unwanted, adoptable animals into appropriate loving homes. When this non-profit corporation was founded in 1978, the Humane Society put animals to death on a certain day, no matter when the animal arrived at the shelter. Founders of Adopt-a Pet Judy Neuwirth and Sue Lucas started holding open houses in front of a local business to try to find homes for some of these animals. Soon they became a foster home based organization and became what they are today. I wanted to do what I could to help! Like most photographers, I like to reach people through my images. Ron from Adopt-a-Pet brings me one animal at a time - unless they're puppies or kittens from the same litter. It takes me about a minute with dogs, longer with cats. They have a mind of their own. Puppies are like children, camera ready. I have to work fast to keep their attention. I'm sure it helps that I've been photographing children since 1987. It's all about timing and anticipation. My tips for taking better photos of your animals? Learn how to make funny high pitched noises. Those noises will get their ears up (this can sometimes be a challenge). Don't expect them to sit still cause most won't. Be ready to "catch them in the act", haha! I love capturing their personalities. Their facial expressions tell their story. I'm proud to state that most every animal that I've photographed has found it's "forever" home! Now that's something to brag about! How could anyone look at these sweet babies and not see their souls? For more information about Adopt-a-Pet go to http;//www.adoptapetfenton.com