You Deserve A Photo Project | Guest Post

I am so excited to be apart of this great program called You Deserve A Photo. You should check out the facebook page and all of the other wonderful photographers involved.

I'm Alana Allred.  I am from Calgary, Canada and I am living in Rexburg while my husband and I attend school at BYU-Idaho.  We are the proud parents of a rowdy 18-month-old boy.  I am studying communications with an emphasis on advertising.   I married the boy that I fell head-over-heels for when I was 14 at EFY, but it took a lot longer for him to notice me.  

You Deserve A Photo is a project I started in January where I have collaborated with some South Eastern Idaho photographers who have donated some mini photo sessions for families in need.  Families are nominated by either themselves or someone else.  Throughout March families will be picked from the nominations made, and if all goes well, maybe we can do it all over again.  There is more information on the website: www.youdeserveaphoto.com

I decided to create You Deserve A Photo for a couple of reasons.  In order to graduate I need a senior project that applies some of the things I have learned in my schooling and occupies 50 hours.  As a mother, wife and a student, I already feel like my time is being pulled in too many directions and it is hard to create a balance.  I decided that I wanted to have a senior project that was worth my time, I wanted to do something that I felt good about.  

I also had this experience before Christmas in 2012 that made me realize just how fortunate I am, and I took a new interest in helping those around me who aren't so lucky.  We were providing Christmas for a family in need, and I kept thinking about how I should find a way to give them something that they probably couldn't give themselves, like family pictures.  I ignored that re-accuring thought, because I am no photographer, and it might be hard.  

When contemplating a senior project, I remembered that thought - and I realized I could probably do it.  I felt like I finally found something that would be worth my time, and also give back to the community.  I couldn't have done it without so many awesome and willing photographers.  

I just can't wait to be able to bless the lives of some families in Idaho.

real moms | promo

With Mother's Day just a few short months away, I have been thinking of ways that I wanted to celebrate motherhood. I have been a mom for (almost) 2 short years and it has been the best thing! Ever! Nobody could describe how wonderful it really is to be a mom.

Being a working mom, I understand how hard it is to manage time, organize and coordinate schedule and all the effort it takes to be successful in business and in the home. My priority is always my baby, but I work really hard to have a good and successful business and I know there are many mothers who do the same.

And so for Mother's Day, I want to put together a series of photos and feature you, a hard working, inspirational mother. While you might be a full-time, part-time or a work from home mom, you inspire us with your courage, hard work and dedication.

If you are a mother who has a job either inside or outside the home and you would like to be featured, please let me know! You will also receive a mini photo session of you and your children!

Travels | Instagram

Yesterday I went from Rexburg, Idaho to Salt Lake City, Utah and finally Seattle, Washington. It was a long day, but so excited to be home.
My sister will be coming home tomorrow! She has been serving a mission for our church for the last year and a half in Chile! We all can't wait!

spring cover contest

This will be my first time entering one of my photos for a chance to be on the cover of Chic Magazine. I am submitting one of my favorite photos of my friend Paige. I hope that this will be a good fit for what they are looking for. Wish me luck! 

Hair and Makeup: Jenessa Evans       

Model: Paige Dickson

weekend getaway | utah

Since it was President's Day on Monday, Tyler had the day off so we drove to Park City, one of my favorite places to go. All we did was relaxed. We swam in the pool, did a little shopping, ate at some really good restaurants and caught up on some sleep. It was nice to spend some quality time with my little family since I will be gone in Washington next week, leaving Tyler behind in Rexburg. sad:(

Birth Story | Rexburg, Idaho Photographer

I hope that you are enjoying your President's Day!  We were lucky enough to have the day off, so we took full advantage and headed for the mountains in Park City. 

I have been dying to share this amazing experience I had a little while ago. I did my first birth documentation. I have been wanting to do a job like this and I was so excited when I had this opportunity. I wanted to capture all of the emotion that fills this day and I love some of the images I got.

happy valentines day

what's in my bag

I have been asked what kind of equipment I use and I thought I would do a blog post about it. I don't have a real specific reason why I shoot with Nikon, but I love the high quality of the equipment.  

I started off using a Nikon d5000. It is a beginning level dslr, however it was a perfect camera to learn. I use to get a little embarrassed when anyone asked about my camera, but then I realized that if I can get great, high quality photos on the d5000 it will just make me an even better photographer. 

Now, I shoot with a Nikon d600. I made the switch a few months ago and I have seen a drastic difference in the quality of my photos. I figured if I was going to be a professional, I better have a professional camera. 

I keep both cameras in my bag ready to go because you never know what might happen and I like to be prepared for anything. 

I have my stock lens (on the right), a 55-300mm lens (on the left), and a 50mm lens. The 50mm lens is always on my camera. I rarely take it off my camera. I have been saving my pennies and hope to be purchasing a new lens soon. Maybe a 24-70mm lens, or a 85mm lens. I haven't decided?!

I prefer to always shoot with natural light, however, it is nice to have something that I can control when extra light is needed. I use a Nikon speedlight sb-800.

My bag! I love my bag! It might not be the most stylish but it is extremely durable and protects my equipment, even from my little boy. It is a Clik Elite backpack. I take it everywhere I go. It has lots of room for my computer or ipad and I can even attach my tripod to it.

I always keep extra batteries and extra SD cards in my pack. I carry around my business cards, hair ties and bobby pins and even a lint roller. I also have an SD card reader for my ipad for quick and easy photo uploads. And of course my phone, I always have my phone. I use my phone for lighting and to accept payment when I am out on a job. It makes things so convenient.

Self Portraits | Rexburg, Idaho Photographer

Today has been a busy day! My little boy is sick and my husband is sick. I don't know what it is but my husband acts like a bigger baby then Patrick when he is sick - is this just my husband?

So with a late night, a late work out and a late blog post, I wanna post about my self portraits. I am usually the one behind the camera and I love that. I am no a huge fan of my picture taken. But how can I become a better photographer if I don't get in front of the lens myself. So I set my camera to the correct settings and grabbed a friend and this is what I got! Let me know what you think, I would love to hear.

The Jean Girl \\ Rexburg Idaho Photographer

Last week I was busy doing a photo shoot with Stephanie from The Jean Girl. She asked if I would take photos of all her clothes so she can launch her new website. How could I resist!? I loved the experience and I hope to be able to do more product photo shoots, just like this one!

Valentines Day Mini Session \\ Rexburg, Idaho

This was my very first mini session that I have done and I was a little nervous about it. But it went so well, I think I might make it an annual event! And a huge thank you to The Cocoa Bean Cupcake Cafe for letting me use there cute shop!

newborn session | newborn photographer salt lake city utah

I have been busy getting caught up on lots of photos and I am excited to share with you all!

Getting back into newborn photos has been such a great thing for me. I took a little break from it, to explore some different things but I have missed it! I love working with these tiny, special, brand new babies, and capture those very special moments.