Autumn Hull Photography

Pic of the Day - It's coloring time. Again.

Drawing, coloring, cutting, gluing, taping, and generally manipulating paper in some way, shape, or form is an Olympic event in my house.  My husband is an animator, and all four of my kids seem to have inherited his passion for creating art.   Each of them use at least 10 or 15 sheets of paper to make something every day.  Every single day.  All four kids.

I have no idea what to do with the mountains of creations that are generated each month.  They are in boxes, in folders, in drawers, in closets, in cabinets.  I try to be objective and throw some away, but they all work so hard on them, and as my older kids get older, their artwork becomes more and more creative.  My son just crafted an elaborate electric guitar out of paper using his own origami design, for crying out loud.  Am I supposed to throw that away when he's done with it?  I have drawings, comics, booklets, origami, and even 3-D models of cities, complete with skyscrapers and stop signs, all made from paper.

Pretty soon I'll have to rent a storage unit.

Pic of the Day - My guitar hero

This will be the view years from now for all the adoring fans of my son while they watch him rocking onstage in some futuristic stadium.  Alex is becoming quite the little guitar hero stud, and Mommy's going to be right there in the front row, waiving a lighter and cheering him on (and trying to get carried across the crowd on her back, because that seems like it would be fun).

He's starting "real" guitar lessons next week with his Uncle Andrew, an amazing classical guitarist who competes on an international level.  Check out his website here.  It's a lucky kid who gets to learn from this guy.

You rock, Alex!

You caught me!

Congratulations to Sarah Burt.  She was the first person to catch me not posting a Pic of the Day.  She will receive a credit toward on 8x10 print of her choice, which will be great since she just came in for a session this week!

Why didn't I post yesterday?  I could try and be cool and say that I posted just to see if anyone was paying attention, but really I just forgot. 

This ought to help me remember in the future! 

Thanks to all the other Posting Police who emailed me on my failure to post a picture of the day.  You gotta be pretty fast to beat Sarah, who says she checks every day to see the Pic of the Day.  Better luck next time!

And Eat It Too - Pic of the Day

Come on, tell the truth, don't you wish you could eat your cake like this?

Rainy Days - Pic of the Day

My kids were born and raised in Southern California, so while a rainy day here and there isn't that unusual in the winter, the all-out rainstorms we've been having lately are something to capture their attention.

Pic of the Day - "Stop Now!"

Sometimes as a professional photographer, you have to watch for the subtle signs that your subject is ready to end the session.  It's a talent I've developed.  It's really hard to teach.

Today I had a great session with three little boys. I haven't seen this family since the oldest boy was just a baby, so it was wonderful to see how their family has grown.  There are completely new people and everything!

I'll have this session finished by the end of the week, but until then, Kelsey, here is your Sneak Peek!

First is Aiden.  I first photographed him years ago, and since then he's been doing print work, so let me tell you... this guy is a pro. He knew how to move, where to look, and how to relax in front of the camera. 

However... since he knew all about how to pose for the camera, he INSISTED on directing and physically moving his little brother's arms, face, and entire body to where he thought I wanted them to be.  He was hilarious.  His brother was pretty good at ignoring what Aiden wanted him to do.

Speaking of little brother, here is Brennan.  Brennan is so easy to photograph.  He listened to directions, had great energy, wonderful expressions, and then... he's done.  I mean he is really done.  No tantrums, no whining, just... "STOP!", with his hand in front of the camera, and he walks away.  He is awesome.  No one will ever push this kid around for the rest of his life, that's for sure.

I have one great shot of him doing this.  I'll post it as my Pic of the Day in just a few minutes.

Last but not least, there is little baby Vance.  He's a sweet little ball of drooly smiles.  The only problem was, every time I went to take his picture, there goes the hand into the mouth.  This happens pretty often with babies his age, and it always makes me laugh.  It becomes my goal to get a shot of the baby without a hand in the mouth, but sometimes they are just so cute like that, I can't resist.

"My name is Vance, and I am addicted to my right hand."

Thank you so much Kelsey for making the long trek to bring the boys to my studio.  It was truly a pleasure to work with them. 

Wheeeeeee! My Pic of The Day

I took Ben and Sam to ride the carousel at the mall today. I almost never get time with the two of them alone. 

I either have my daughter with us before she goes to school, or I am alone working while they nap and she's at school, or I have all four when my son and daughter get back from school and the boys wake up.

Now that the boys are napping a little later in the day, we have some time to play together after we take big sister to afternoon kindergarten. 

It's only been a week with this new routine, and so far we've been to the park, gone for a walk, and today, rode the tiny tea cup on the carousel at the mall.

I don't know if it's because there are two of them, or because I know they are my last babies, but I am having such a good time with these little guys these days. 

Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined a life for myself where taking care of twin 2 year-old boys would be considered a nice restful break in my day!

I like this picture because it makes me think of the crazy ride our family is on right now trying to keep up with life, and if these guys can keep smiling through it, maybe I can too.

How To Photograph Your Child Workshop - Update

The first How To Photograph Your Child workshop is open and scheduled for Monday, February 18th, which is President's Day and a holiday for many of the schools.  It is being hosted by Carla Ortega, in her home in Valencia. 

There are only two spots left, so be sure to register asap if you are interested.

If you would like to host a workshop of your own, and you live in the Santa Clarita Valley, you can pick an available date on the Details page and fill out the registration form as a host. 

Ten For The Weekend - Update

For those of you who've been thinking about coming for the February 29 - March 2nd Ten For The Weekend, but have been waiting for enrollment to reach the required minimum of five participants, the waiting is over!

We now have five people, so the workshop is officially booked, and there are five spots left.  I have had several people fill out the registration form to hold their spots, but not submit the payment yet.  Since the class size is so small, I cannot hold any spots without at least the $500 deposit.

If you want more info on this three-day workshop, you can check out the website:  www.autumnhullworkshops.com