Mamarazzi: Helping Mommies Take Good Pictures

As you all are aware by the insane number of "Cooper Weekly" posts I've put up in the last six months, capturing every second of my rapidly growing little man's life is a top priority for me and something I am truly passionate about. A few weeks ago I attended my first ever photography class and kicked myself for not doing it sooner! Say hello to this mommy's dream and the best idea ever - 

Mamarazzi is a three hour photography workshop taught by two awesome moms who happen to be fabulous photographers - Jenny Collier and Ashley Thompson! The class is focused on teaching mommas how to capture better pictures of their kids so that they can snap the pictures they want and then put down the camera and enjoy being present in the moment.... can I get an amen to that?! 

In the class you will learn how to take your fancy pants camera and switch it off automatic into, drum roll please, MANUEL MODE! I admittedly am guilty of purchasing a crazy expensive camera and then wasting it by using it like a point and shoot. I knew it was perfectly capable of doing so much more, but I didn't have the slightest idea how to make it work... until now!

I learned more than my little brain could hold about composition, lighting, aperture, iSO and shutter speed! Then they "zoomed out" - pun totally intended - and walked us through storytelling through our pictures. Oh my goodness, it was all so wonderful to learn!! (See the girl on the couch? That's my friend Maggie - aka Life of a Farmer's Wife - that I had no clue would be there but I was really happy to see!!)

Oh and I don't want to forget to mention that the class includes a copy of their Mamarazzi Handbook which I have cracked open more than once since coming home and practicing my new skills! The Handbook outlines the class and is so helpful when I need a quick refresher.

The class is very hands-on with both Jenny and Ashley going from person to person making sure everyone is up to speed! There were quite a few things they had me do to my camera that made it work better that were basic settings that I hadn't known to fix. Seriously, I needed these girls to come help me out!! 

At the end of the class they bring in some a-dorable little models and let you practice what you've learned... I practiced and then asked lots of questions!! It was so nice to get to try it and then have their help in explaining what I needed to do to blur the background or keep the blur away or how to better use the sunlight. Also, after the class you have access to their private Facebook group so if you have follow up questions they can answer them!

I truly believe that my pictures are already getting better and I know they will continue to improve the more I practice! Plus, just yesterday, my new lense came in and I can't tell you how PUMPED I am to snap a million and one pictures of Cooper with it!! Ridiculously excited... like to the point the Hubby thinks I've lost it.

So, go check out their website by clicking here! The next class is on April 5th! Also, if photography isn't for you or you're looking for a really awesome present - This was one of my Christmas presents from Brandon - didn't he do good?! It's a gift that keeps on giving! NOTE: I am in no way, shape or form getting paid for this endorsement. I am just one picture loving Momma who wishes I had attended the class sooner and wants to pass the word along! But I did borrow all the pictures for this post off the Mamarazzi website since I was kind of too busy learning to take pictures of the class - therefore ALL photo credit goes to Ashley Thompson Photography.

If you have any questions or want to know more, please do not hesitate to ask! 

All the best, 

Raegan