Nov 20, 2014

November Family Activities in Atlanta


A Note from Marchet: Melinda's back with some great suggestions for fun things with your family this November.

The weather may be getting cooler, but there are still lots of fun activities to do with your kids.

Roswell Mill is one of my favorite places to go for a fall hike. Wait for one of the days where the weather is warm and head out for a great family outing. Roswell Mill isn't too difficult for kids and the fall leaves and waterfall are absolutely stunning! Don't forget your camera and take a few pictures at the covered bridge or near the waterfall.

Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center is a little known gem we found one day when we had company visiting and the weather was too rainy for our planned activities. They have a couple of very fun permanent exhibits and a few changing exhibits. There is a great movie on water conservation and so much interesting information just in how the building itself was built. If you happen to go on a day with good weather, there are many walking trails (perfect for strollers) and a ropes course that you can go on as well!

The Cooler Ice Rink is great for days when you are ready to embrace the cold.  Nothing will make it feel more like winter than taking your kids ice skating.  There are free skate times most days and $11-$12 includes both your skate rental and the open skate.  Bring gloves and a coat!  We always love to head home and have dinner of hot chocolate and grilled cheese sandwiches or soup to warm up!

Nov 19, 2014

Workshops Make the Perfect Gift | Alpharetta GA Photography Classes


Do you (or someone you know) . . . 
  • Have a love of photography?
  • Own a camera but want to know how to use it better?
  • Love posting pictures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr?
  • Want a better grasp on the technical side of photography?
  • Want to practice shooting with a pro photographer? 
  • Want to know how professionals edit their portraits? 

I have the perfect gift for you!

Announcing Butler Family Photography's winter photography workshops. These are perfect gifts for the holidays!

Why learn with me? I'm an experienced teacher who makes the technical things easy to understand. You'll have hands-on experience and get take-home materials to practice your new skills. If you love my work, you will love these workshops. Take one, two or all three workshops! Don't have a digital SLR camera? Contact me and we can arrange rental of an appropriate camera for the workshop(s). 

Fundamentals Photography Workshop
The Fundamental Photography Workshop includes 2.5 hours of small group instruction focusing on fundamental photographic principles like composition, types of light, and white balance with your digital SLR camera. You will have hands-on shooting practice with models and get take-home materials to help you remember and practice your new photography skills. Class size is limited to 7. (All workshop fees are non-refundable.)

Most people pair this workshop with the Nuts & Bolts workshop for a discount. See Day of Photography Workshops below. 
Saturday, January 10, 2015
9:00 am - 11:30 am in Alpharetta GA
$175/person



Nuts & Bolts Photography Workshop
The Nuts & Bolts Photography Workshop includes 2.5 hours of small group instruction focusing on camera controls, ISO, aperture, shutter speed, and exposure with your digital SLR camera. You will have hands-on shooting practice with models and get take-home materials to help you remember and practice your new photography skills. Class size is limited to 7. (All workshop fees are non-refundable.)

Most people pair this workshop with the Fundamentals workshop for a discount. See Day of Photography Workshops below. 

Saturday, January 10, 2015
12:15 pm - 2:45 pm in Alpharetta GA
$175/person


Day of Photography -- BOTH Workshops
Includes both the Fundamentals and Nuts & Bolts workshops at a discount! A complimentary lunch is provided. 
Saturday, January 10, 2015
9:00 am - 2:45 pm in Alpharetta GA
$300/person



Editing Portraits in Photoshop Workshop (my newest workshop!)
Bring your laptop loaded with either Adobe Photoshop or Photoshop Elements (no need for the most current version) and walk with me through a hands-on portrait editing session. Learn my methods for removing distracting background elements, retouching skin, making arms and hips slimmer, tweaking color and adding creative textures and effects to portraits. You will be amazed at how we can transform a good portrait into a wow! portrait with my techniques. Class size is limited to 10. (All workshop fees are non-refundable.)

Friday, January 23, 2015
6:30-8:30 pm in Alpharetta GA
$125/person



Nov 5, 2014

Historic Downtown Roswell Session | Cumming GA Senior Photographer

Eeek! I am so excited to share these images of this awesome senior!

I always have a great time doing portraits with teens--there's something about their energy and excitement about the future that makes for a great session. This gorgeous Cumming senior was no exception. We had a fun time channeling our inner fashionistas (check out that smize!) and exploring historic downtown Roswell.

I can't wait for her album to arrive!