Wow...it's so great to finally be able to post. I am so glad to be a part of OSP...this has truly been a lesson in patience for me. I registerd a few weeks ago, but due to some computer issues, I just now got verified. I was referred to OSP from a photog. friend of mine...what a great community!

My name is Michelle and I'm in St. Louis. I'm married to Jason and we have 5 little ones...ranging from 9.5 yrs to 4 months. I've been dreaming about starting my own photography business for a while now...but never seems to be the "right" time. Over the last few months, after much prayer and consideration, I've decided to go for it. It will never be the "right" time...no time like the present. I am so grateful that there are groups like OSP out there to help me with questions and advice.

I've had my dSLR for about a year and a half. Before that I had been shooting with a film SLR for about 6 years. I've always had a love for photography. I love to take pictures of my kids! They are the inspiration that has pushed me to pursue this on a higher level. I shoot with a Nikon d70s...I have a 18-70mm lens and just purchased a 50 mm 1.4 which has opened a whole new world of creative picture taking for me. I love that lens. Even though I'm huffing and puffing when i use it...it takes a while to get used to the fixed focal. You've got to move...however the clarity is unparalleled.

I would LOVE some tips on getting a business started. Time is always a factor for me...as I am in the midst raising my little ones. Would also love some input on any other equipment that would be helpful to have. I am looking into an external flash...even though I HATE flash photos. Usually shoot in available light only.

Looking forward to soaking up the wealth of knowledge here at OSP...I'm honored to be a part of this community.

Thanks, all...
Blessings,
Michelle

If you have time, please check out my blog...
http://michelleroloff.blogspot.com

Michelle, welcome. You are goint to enjoy it here.

You were looking for tips, I believe there is actually a thread going on with tips for newbies-make sure to find it and read, read, read.... and FOLLOW YOUR PASSION, because life is too short to do anything else.

Welcome to OSP! Best wishes in getting started.

Hey!!!! Welcome! I'm new too! So we'll learn together!

Elena,
Thank you... you are so right...life is too short. I'm reminded of that everytime I look at my "baby" who is almost 10. Our lives are a vapor...I want to make it count. I loved your blog. I thought the pictures of your first wedding were fantastic!

I'll check out the tips for newbies...I'm very hungry to learn.

Michelle

Welcome michelle, I just joined as well and Im not too far from you......Just about 2 hours in SO IL!

So nice to know I'm not alone!! Thanks for saying hi and keep in touch. How exciting to be going to NYC...the picture is beautiful.
So fun to be making friends on OSP...

Michelle
my blog

Thanks for the warm welcome. I checked out your blog and I just wanted to say that I LOVED the pictures from the e-session in NYC. I've never seen shots composed that way...from far away where the buliding adds so much. Very creative.

Hi Michelle, welcome to OSP!

Welcome to OSP Michelle!

Welcome to OSP!! You will make a lot of friends here. The people are so great. It really is a wonderful community!

Welcome fell mound city shooter! St. Louis is a great place to raise lots of kids!

Welcome, welcome come on in, stay as long as you would like! It's great to have you!

Welcome to OSP! I have two really really little ones (15 months and 2 months) and totally get it about feeling like it is hard to find the time! But with the time I DO have, I really have loved the outlet photography has been for me. It helps me feel normal in the midst of being a full time mom!

And about the flash photos, I always hated flash too until I found "A better bounce card" www.abetterbouncecard.com. You need to have an adjustable flash for it to work, but check it out!

Thank you. I shot my first wedding as a second shooter about 2 years ago... the rest is history.

Welcome to OSP!

hey Michelle

Welcome to OSP & sorry for the wait! DJ went thru and approved about 150 new members last night! I guess we'd both gotten a little behind on that. lol

Great to have you AND the other 149 new photographers on here!

Hey...finally got on. It's been great, thanks for the idea! Your picture is so good...you look different in it...didn't recognize you at first. I'm going to have to have you take a pic of me because I've been combing my pictures and there is not one of me anywhere. Guess that's what happens when you're the one behind the cam.

Have a good day!

Errr...I meant to say "fellow"...I must've been sleep deprived thanks to my crumb-crunchers!

I don't think I look that different

Welcome aboard, Michelle. I'm new, too!

I'll look forward to seeing you around and, like you, meeting new friends as well.

Michelle,

Welcome and I am glad you dropped into OSP. I think flash is a great tool and you're lucky because Nikon has some killer flashes. I'm a Canon shooter and it seem Nikon has always been one step ahead in the flash arena. Again welcome and I look forward to seeing some of your work.

Thanks, Katie...I took a look at your site and blog. Inspirational to say the least. Your photos are wonderful and I loved the blog with pics of your new baby boy and "big" boy. They grow up way too fast. We have FOUR boys (and one princess:)) so we know all about the boy stuff...they are great. Good to know there are other full time moms out there doing this. It is a great outlet, and my own kids provide me with endless options for practicing...if I can catch them. Thanks for the tip on the better bounce card. I checked it out and it looks easy and affordable...I like that. I don't have a flash yet...I'm thinking that may be my next purchase. Any suggestions as to which one?...ofcourse, I'm a Nikon user. I'm starting to feel like maybe Nikon has cooties or something...feeling very much in the minority. If you shoot with Nikon and have an opinion on which flash is great and why...I would love some input. Sorry this is so long...one more Q...I noticed your blog is blogger. That what I use for my blog as well...how do you get your photos to be that big? I clicked the largest option, but they are not that big. Do you have to pay extra for that? Thanks, Katie...

Thanks for the welcome. I think a flash will be my next purchase...any input as to which one is best? I know you shoot Canon, but you seem to have some Nikon knowledge as well. Glad to hear they have quality flashes. I took a peek at your website...it's great! I love the name for your business and how the links on your site are like a book. Very creative...just wish I'd thought of it first.

Hi, Michelle!

Hi and welcome, OSP rocks