• You’re a photographer? Cool! What kind of camera should I buy?

    August 28, 2013

    I’ve reached a point in my career (already) that I get a lot of questions from hobbyists and aspiring professional photographers alike about lighting, posing, composition, marketing, sales, etc. etc. I actually love talking about all these gritty little details because 1, I love talking about photography and 2, my wife does not. I’ve noticed a trend though as there are a few questions that come up the most. I’d like to address the #1 question I get right now, forever chiseled onto internet stone, for the world to see. What question is it?

    WHAT KIND OF CAMERA SHOULD I BUY?

    This is the mother of all photography questions I hear and it’s actually a difficult thing to answer because I do not know the person’s skill level, what their goals are, what they plan on photographing, how much they have to spend, etc. On top of all that, I actually do not pay that much attention to the latest and greatest cameras that are about to hit the shelves. I’ve found that to be an unusual trait amongst photographers. What kind of photographer am I anyway?! I don’t really like to talk too much about gear? Come on! Haven’t I heard about the new 41 megapixel phone that is going to put every photographer on earth out of business or the new Canon Rebel XZ5000 mark 7.2 with 5.1 surround sound built in that also comes with a Cici’s Pizza coupon? Ok, I’m being a bit pretentious here but I think you get my point.

    So how do I respond to this question? Most of the time I tell the person asking me that (if they are just starting out in photography) they will probably be happy with just about any camera they buy…at first. So many point and shoot cameras, in order to be cheaper, are strictly automatic and lack much manual controls. Once your knowledge of photography increases, those automatic modes will get less and less use and if you really want to improve your work, you’re going to need to be able to work manually with your camera. So make sure you buy a camera that has manual controls, even if you don’t know how to use them yet. You don’t want to outgrow your camera too quickly!

    What about SLRs? For the person who is thinking about delving into higher quality with an SLR, stick to Canon or Nikon (the two biggest players) with honorable mention going to Olympus. Really though, the technology is so advanced that you’ll probably be happy with almost any brand. I’m a Canon man myself but when I have used Nikon in the past, I loved them! The brand doesn’t really matter that much and the camera is simply a tool that will do what YOU tell it to do. If you are skilled in photography, you’ll create fantastic images with any brand. I do recommend holding the camera in the store and seeing which ones are most comfortable for you to hold. You can view image quality online at places like http://www.dpreview.com before you go to the store and also read pros/cons of the camera you might be interested in buying.

    Don’t get caught up in megapixels. They don’t mean as much as you think. The difference between 10mp and 20mp is not that much. Also, is your computer able to handle these kinds of files? They take up a lot of space and use a lot of your computer’s resources. If you upgrade to a high quality camera, you’ll probably need to upgrade your PC or Mac eventually as well.

    Avoid kit lenses or bundle deals. The lenses in these kits are usually very low quality in comparison to the lenses you can buy later on. Let’s say you have $1200 to spend on a camera and you go to the store and see a nice shiny new Canon 7d with a 17-55mm kit lens for about $1200. It might be a good idea checking Ebay for a used camera that’s a year or two old and then saving money on the camera and investing in a nicer lens. Camera bodies lose their value considerably within 2 years of them hitting the market. Good lenses, however, hold their value incredibly well.

     

    So that’s usually what I tell people when they ask me, “What kind of camera do you think I should buy, Nate?” Any questions? Concerns? Whimpers? Leave a comment!

     

    Nate

     

    p.s.

    Sorry for the blogging dry-spell! With my new website under construction, I haven’t been updating the blog like I should. I’m back!

     

  • Outdoor Senior Photos in Las Vegas

    May 2, 2013

    I had a few really fun sessions recently. It’s senior season again and this is when my mind switches to overdrive! Seniors are challenging portraits for many reasons–each person has a unique personality to convey, different body types to flatter, and lighting in the warming desert is always a challenge, just to name a few. I was thinking the other night about how senior photos will be seen by more people than any other portrait except maybe your wedding photos. There’s a lot of pressure for seniors to look good to their friends and their classmates. No one wants to look unnatural, corny or embarrassing…luckily, and this is going to sound cocky but, I’m extremely good at making sure seniors WON’T be embarrassed. 🙂 Enjoy the portraits!

    SENIORS: The time is now to get your portraits taken! Call (702)809-9763 and read more at TNGseniors.com for more info!

    prom photography las vegas

    Ok, so these aren’t really seniors but I couldn’t resist posting it! These are actually juniors who were only about an hour away from heading to their prom and they wanted some nice images created of themselves in this beautiful location. After we took some portraits by the fountain, I hopped into the bed of this young man’s truck and he drove us down the street a few blocks to this great area right in the middle of the neighborhood. I was a little nervous here and there though because sprinklers kept turning on and off in the hedges across the street from us so we made our escape plans with each other just in case the water turned on where we were. Luckily, we made it out alive and no sprinklers laid a hand on us. 🙂

    lacrosse player photography las vegas

    I had a ton of fun with this lacrosse player’s senior portraits! Along with all of the nice portraits of smiles, teeth and different outfits, I always try to make sure I try something different, artistic, funky or just plain fun. In this situation, the young man brought the eyes on his helmet to my attention and told me he wanted to find a way to show it off. I was happy with the dramatic feel of this one.

    senior girl outdoor photo las vegas

    This is a more traditional portrait of this senior. I remember while I was photographing her here, I knew I wanted this to be black and white. The beautiful soft, natural light coming in from the right side of the image is very flattering and I didn’t need to even add a reflector or subtract light from her at all. It was just as flattering as light comes at the time. I loved the way the background is so bright (but still visible and distinguishable) and her clothes are dark so she really pops out at you here!

    LEAVE A COMMENT AND TELL ME YOUR THOUGHTS!

    Oh, by the way, we’re on Facebook, Twitter, and now Instagram! Like us, follow us, cyber stock us, whatever! 🙂

    -Nate

  • 5 Tips to Making the Most Out of Your Senior Photos

    April 23, 2013

    The 1st quarter of the year is over which means high school senior season is back! I’m so excited! I love senior portraits because they’re always so much fun! One minute I might be laying in a puddle of mud to get the best perspective for a portrait and the next I might be creating the portraits on top of a ladder and using a fog machine. The variety is probably my favorite aspect of senior photography. The sad thing is, a lot of seniors aren’t as prepared as they should be. So, whomever you choose for your Las Vegas senior photographer, here are 5 tips to making the most out of your session. Enjoy!

     

    1) REMEMBER, THIS IS GOING TO BE FUN!  I’ve seen a lot of seniors think that their senior pictures were going to be no big deal, just something to make mom happy and they just didn’t care too much about their session because they are used to the way the yearbook photographer treats everyone. The BIG problem is that once they saw how much fun they were having they realized they wasted so much energy having a bad attitude!

    When you schedule with TNG Photography to have your senior portraits taken, you’re going to have more fun than with other photographers, be actively involved in the creation process and you’re going to look amazing! http://www.TNGseniors.com Call (702)809-9763

    outdoor vegas senior photography

    2. WHAT’S THE POINT? Have you ever asked yourself what the point is of having a senior portrait taken in the first place? Sure, there’s your yearbook shot (I’m NOT the yearbook photographer though) which is taken of everybody so those aren’t that special but why do people have senior pictures made anyway? Well, simply put, your senior portraits are meant to do and symbolize several things such as the fact that you’ll probably never look as good as you do when you’re a senior! Don’t believe me? Just wait until you’ve been out of high school for a year or two and you run into an old classmate at Starbucks or the movies…you might just be shocked! 🙂

    Another important reason to have a senior session is that for the first time in your life, you’re going to be FREE. You’re future is yours to take, however you see fit but you don’t have a clue how you’re going to do it, how you’re going to deal with all of life’s changes and how much stinking fun it’s going to be figuring it all out along the way! When you look back at your senior photos you’ll be able to remember how you felt knowing that soon after they were created, you were about to head off into unknown territory onto a new part of life without lunch passes, cafeteria food and bells ringing every hour. It’s an exciting time!

    Lastly, the very BEST reason to have a senior session is simply to make your mom and your family happy. You might be leaving to college out of state and they won’t be seeing you nearly as much as they do now. A high quality senior portrait is a way for your mom and your family to have a part of you with them even when you are gone. Senior portraits definitely help moms not feel so far away from you.

    outdoor senior photos

    3. I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO WEAR! Clothing choices are much easier to figure out that you might think. Make sure you bring more than you think you’ll need but for the most part, stick to simple colors, few patterns and earth tones work best. These tips will benefit most skin tones and help ensure the attention is on your face and not your clothes when you look at the final image. Still, bring some colorful, funky and trendy clothes too!

    creative senior photographer

    4. I DON’T TAKE GOOD PICTURES… I’ve heard this so many times! The fact is, unless you’re a professional model, you probably don’t know much about posing, lighting, expressions, etc. so don’t sweat it if you think you’re going to look bad–you’re not! I will be helping you the entire time to find your best angles, best expressions and you’ll probably be having so much fun you’ll forget all about how nervous you were! Some people hide it really well but the fact is just about everyone is nervous at first. That’s totally ok and natural. One thing that really sets me apart from other photographers is that I am not going to get mad at you if you’re nervous, I’m not going to make fun of you, I’m not going to make you feel bad, etc. I’m there to make sure you look amazing and have the best possible time along the way. It’s going to be a blast! Check out TNGseniors.com for some examples of my work and guess how many of these seniors are models. Any guesses? Fine, I’ll tell you. ZERO. They are just like you and were nervous at first and didn’t know what to expect but they ended up having a great time!

    las vegas casino senior photography

    5. You Won’t Look Like Everyone Else. I Promise! When I was fresh out of high school, I worked for a yearbook photography studio. Once and a while when I’d get back to the office after taking 500 assembly line yearbook pictures (really, I felt like a monkey pressing a button for 8 hours) I’d have to take a few senior pictures in the studio. At that time I had noreal portrait experience but the company didn’t care. They were not selling high quality, artistic, one of a kind images. They were selling the same pictures to everybody! When a senior came in, I’d have to take a picture of them by a fake brick wall that was made of rubber, then stand them by a bunch of foam blocks that said, “2003” and then stand them next to a fake street sign and then sit them on a fake pile of hay…..hang on a second…I’m having bad flashbacks…deep breaths, Nate, deep breaths………………….ok, I think I stopped hyper-ventilating. Good….what was I saying? Oh ya! I hate when I see everyone’s photos looking the same! You’re not the same as everyone else so why should you’re photos look the same?

    For those who want to show off their truly unique personality with portraits that show off that personality and don’t treat them like the rest of the herd, check out TNGseniors.com for the highest quality senior photography in Las Vegas, Henderson and Boulder City!

    girl senior photographer

    For those who want to show off their truly unique personality with portraits that show off that personality and don’t treat them like the rest of the herd, check out TNGseniors.com for the highest quality senior photography in Las Vegas, Henderson and Boulder City!

  • How it was done– tips from a Las Vegas professional photographer

    April 3, 2013

    “LIFE’S BETTER AT THE BEACH” PHOTO DAY WEEKEND IS IN MAY! CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE!

     

    Just for fun, I wanted to show a few images and talk a little bit about how they were made, post processing and what my thought process was in the creation of the image. I’m sure there are plenty of you out there that like to hear about these kind of specifics and some of you probably have no interest at all but just like seeing some nice portraits. Either way, it’s win-win! 🙂

    PLEASE LEAVE ME A COMMENT AND TELL ME WHETHER OR NOT YOU LIKE THESE KINDS OF POSTS SO I CAN MAKE MORE OR NOT. ENJOY!

    las vegas senior portraits

    This senior portrait was taken on the top level of the Bellagio parking lot. Whenever I’m on the strip, I am always gazing upward at the tall buildings and I thought it would be fun to convey the same feeling with the senior. I glanced around and saw nowhere for him to stand so I had him stand on top of my car as I sat on the ground. The blue shirt, blue sky and reflections made for a great color harmony.

    senior photography in las vegas

    One thing I’ve become known for is my use of lighting and shadows to make extremely life-like, colorful and vibrant images that aren’t easy to replicate. Lighting is one of my favorite aspects of photography as every situation calls for a different type of lighting to be used. For this portrait, I wanted shadowless lighting and striking eyes on a high key background. Four lights were used. Two lights were placed about 135 degrees behind her on either side, skimming across her hair to bring out the texture in her dark hair. These two lights were relatively small because smaller lights are harsher and therefore can bring out more texture in dark hair–if she was a blonde I probably would have used larger, softer lights. There was also a light shining on my white background so that it would be completely white. For her face, I set up a strobe directly above her and placed my DIY large curved reflector directly beneath her. The strobe above her reflected off of this reflector which filled in any shadows that would be under her nose, lips, etc. The reflector is curved/arched shaped because I wanted it to reflect somewhat on the sides of her face and to add a unique catchlight on the lower hemispheres of her eyes (that’s not photoshop, just good ole photography!). The results were quite nice.

    best family photography in las vegas

    When it comes to family portraits, there are many rules I follow for myself to ensure a quality image. One of them being, if I were to remove every single person from the portrait except for one, would that person look good? If I took everyone out except this other person, would that person look good? In other words, everyone in the entire image MUST look fantastic! For this image, I was able to interact with the kids in a way that got them happy, relaxed and at ease with me–parents always seem to appreciate this– and I also was able to get a beautiful view in Zion canyon. I love being able to show off the scenery and location. As a finishing touch, I had the dad here hold his daughter on his shoulders. I did this for a few reasons:

    • It kept the girl from running away and losing interest of the photos
    • It helped the composition of the group. Notice how it is daughter with son and father with daughter. Also, their faces being where they are creates a diagonal in the image. Everything is vertical in the image–bodies, mountains, the low perspective– so the diagonal creates a contrast for your eyes.
    • The sun was behind them and the dad has a shaved head. The little girl’s body blocked the sun from making his head glow.

    STILL WITH ME? PHEW! THANK GOODNESS! I LOVE THIS STUFF AND COULD TALK ABOUT IT ALL DAY (BUT I WON’T)! THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING!

     

    If you haven’t taken the time to LIKE our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter, just click the links and you’ll get some fun updates from me!

     

    Thanks!

     

    Nate

    TNG Photography

     

     

  • Bagpiping by Van– Learn to Play the Pipes

    March 28, 2013

    Some of you might remember a little interview from a few weeks ago involving the Desert Skye Pipes and Drums. A few months prior to that interview, you might also remember a post with some portraits of Piper Van Frazier who is a member of the Desert Skye Pipes and Drums. Van loves to also teach bagpiping and solo performing. Enjoy his interview!

    CHECK OUT: Bagpipingbyvan.com

    What inspired you to play the Great Highland Bagpipes?
    I started playing the pipes about 13 years ago and people always ask, “why?” Well, I love the enormous, beautiful sound of the Great Highland Bagpipe. I also love the wonderful traditions of the great country of Scotland. I have to admit, I enjoy playing a musical instrument that very few people in the world can play!

    red rock portraits photography

    Tell a little bit about yourself…
    I live in Henderson, Nevada and I am available to play the pipes and entertain at any event or special occasion such as weddings, funerals, parties, conventions, school assemblies or events, and Eagle Scout Court of Honors. One of the things I enjoy most is solo piping at any and all special events. The pipes can change an “OK”
    special event into an “outrageous” special event! I always arrive at the event dressed in one of my casual, formal, semi-formal, or historical kilt outfits. After a performance, I quite often receive a nice thank you or acknowledgment, such as the following:

    Mr Frazier,
    “Thank you, again, for your performance Friday at Mendoza Elementary School. The kids are still talking about it and the teachers enjoyed it also. We are grateful to have wonderful talent in our community that is willing to share their gifts with our students. Thank you very much for your presentation, professionalism, and excellent organization. It was fabulous!”
    Sincerely,
    Darrell Crowther – Music Specialist
    Mendoza Elementary School

    Along with my solo piping, I play with the Las Vegas’s only competition pipe band, Desert Skye Pipes and Drums. I also serve as the Band Director. We have traveled all over California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah to perform at Scottish Highland Games and compete against other pipe bands. In 2008 and again in 2010, my piping abilities were put to use as I was asked to serve as the Pipe Major of the Nauvoo Pageant Pipe Band for the historical Nauvoo Pageant that takes place each year in the city of Nauvoo, Illinois.

    Las Vegas red rock photos

    What do you feel is the biggest appeal of you and your music?
    Someone once said, “Nothing sparks emotions like a bagpiper in full Highland regalia.” I’ve found that to be true, especially at a wedding. The most requested service for the Wedding Piper is the “Piping In and Piping Out” of the Bride and Groom and the Wedding Party. Often, the Bride and Groom requests a piper to play outside the church before and after the wedding ceremony. This is a letter I received after playing at Tara’s wedding:

    Hi Van!
    “Married life is amazing! We are so very happy. I can’t thank you enough for being a part of our special day. You were PHENOMENAL! We are so thankful you were there. Everyone just loved it. The family was so surprised and thought it was the best! I can’t believe we were actually able to keep it a secret from everyone. My favorite part was when me and my Dad were in the cocktail room “hiding” before the start of the ceremony and you began to play. We were just talking and getting ready for the ceremony to begin and he said “I think I hear pipes!” And then he said “Is that for you?” and I said “No, it’s for you!” It
    brought tears to both of our eyes. He was blown away. You made our wedding so very special and meaningful. The pipes are an important part of our heritage and I’m so glad we found you! I hope our paths cross again. We all really enjoyed your tunes. You are very talented! It was the icing on the cake!!!”
    Take care,
    Tara

    las vegas bagpiping scottish

    What about playing for the Boy Scouts of America? Tell a little bit more about that…
    Another event that screams out for a bagpipe is an Eagle Scout Court Of Honor! Imagine the surprise of the guests as a piper appears dressed in traditional Scottish attire, playing American and Scottish tunes. Imagine the excitement as the Color Guard is piped in with a medley of patriotic tunes. Now, you no longer have to imagine how it would be. I am available to create that excitement for these young men on their special day.

    Van
    “Thank you so very much for coming to Zach’s Eagle Court of Honor. It really meant a lot to him that you were there. Thank you, Van, you did a FABULOUS job and everyone loved you! You are great. Thank you for all that you do!”
    Marcie Peterson

    Are you available for funerals?
    One of the occasions that I am most fulfilled playing my bagpipe music is at funeral ceremonies. Music is the universal communicator and it allows for a sense of closure. Many family members and friends of those that have passed have expressed gratitude to me for providing the music that gave them comfort during that time of deep sorrow..
    One of the most requested and meaningful tunes I perform is Amazing Grace. I also have a great variety of other music suitable for all religions and ethnic groups to make each memorial service unique. And of course, I will come professionally dressed in the traditional formal kilt.

    To check my availability to play at your special event, you can call me at 702-994-5314 or email me at bagpipingbyvan@live.com. Or for more information, check out my web site at: bagpipingbyvan.com.

    Vegas bagpiping piper

    If I wanted to learn to play the pipes, who do I speak to? Do you teach others to play the Great Highland Bagpipe?
    Yes I do, and now you can learn to play the unique and very popular musical instrument that few people in the world can play, the Great Highland Bagpipe! You don’t need a set of bagpipes to start learning to play! All beginning lessons take place on a “practice chanter.” I will guide you through the start up process and help you choose the proper practice chanter and even advise you when it comes time to purchase your own set of pipes.
    I am a very patient instructor and I work equally well with both children and adults. You can start learning to play the pipes at any age, but the earlier you start, the better. Ten would be perfect, but you’re never too old to start. I currently have a student that is 71 years young!

    You will immediately begin playing the practice chanter and based on your ability, you will soon start playing the Great Highland Bagpipe. When you learn to play at a sufficient level, I will help you join, and play with a local bagpipe band! In the past few years that I have been actively teaching the bagpipe, ten of my students have successfully played with the Desert Skye Pipes & Drums Pipe Band. You also can join that special group of pipers.

    For more information about lessons, call 702-994-5314 or email me at: bagpipingbyvan@live.com

    I have included some comments from a few of my current and past students:
    Van,
    “I don’t ever show it, but I am so grateful for everything you have done for me. You are the reason I am playing today, and I just wanted to tell you “Thank You.” Thank you for your patience and understanding. I will never forget…
    What a wonderful world this would be if every student’s life could be touched by a teacher as caring as you. Thanks so much.”
    Sincerely
    Angel Hinojosa
    “Van is one of the best instructors I’ve had the pleasure to learn from. He has such a vast knowledge base of bagpiping. He’s a professional in every regard and has the ability to make the more difficult aspects of piping easy to understand. I highly recommend Van to everyone interested in learning to play the coolest instrument on the planet!!”
    Chris F.

    “Van’s ability to teach piping combines his personal mastery of piping with his inherent ability to get inside of his students’ minds and adjust his teaching methods accordingly. It’s one thing to play the pipes well. It’s quite another to teach piping well. Van has mastered both playing and teaching.”
    C.T. S.

    “Van has been providing me (a beginning piper) bagpipe lessons over the past 5 months. He is excellent in his teaching methods and patient with my progress. His direction has been constructive and his willingness to help me improve has been encouraging.
    Van’s competence in demonstrating techniques that are easy to understand and improve my skills and in playing ability while not making me feel inferior at my stage is appreciated. Finally, I find his teaching rates to be very reasonable and a great value for the money spent.” – Ron W.
    “Van Frazier is an excellent bagpipe instructor for all ages. Van helped me get back into piping after 7 years of no practice. He started working with me regarding the basics and within about 6 months I was back to playing tunes on my pipes again. His lessons are very focused, but Van makes it enjoyable with his easy going nature. Also, he is really knowledgable. Do yourself a favor and try at least one lesson with him, you won’t regret it.”
    Evelyn H.

    For more information about lessons, call 702-994-5314 or email me at: bagpipingbyvan@live.com

    red rock canyon photography las vegas

     

     

  • Cupcakes in the Desert

    March 20, 2013

    Do you like cupcakes? Ok, that was a stupid question. A better question would be, who DOESN’T like cupcakes? Unless you live in a remote, unexplored region of Alaska in some village with a tribe of people that time forgot, I’m going to go ahead and say that EVERYONE likes cupcakes!

    If you live in Vegas, Henderson (Hendertucky) or Boulder City, you’re going to want to read this fun little interview I had with the owners of a little placed called Lil’ Brown Sugar’s Cupcake Cafe http://www.lilbrownsugarscupcakecafe.com/

    1) Tell a little bit about your business…
    Lil’ Brown Sugar’s Cupcake Cafe is a family owned business (Myself, My husband Vyron, and my 5 kids). We are located at 55 South Gibson, Henderson. We have a variety of delicious treats, not just cupcakes.

    cupcake shop owner portrait
    2) What inspired you to start your own company?
    Three years ago I became unemployed (being a union Laborer) and decided I wanted my next job to be something I would enjoy and something my family could be involved in. And who doesn’t love sweets?

    las vegas food photography

    3) What do you feel is the biggest appeal of your business?
    The sweets of course are our biggest appeal, but our customer service is something to brag about. We strive to make every person feel special.
    4) What do you consider your big break—turning point?
    When we started getting recognized by the Henderson Police Department, City Hall and other City Officials

    5) What is your deal breaker?
    Offering a gourmet cupcake at a reasonable price would be the deal breaker.

    Lil Brown Sugar Cupcakes Shop

    6) Have anything special planned for 2013?
    In 2013, we see major growth. offering a wider selection of baked goods such as Cupcakes, cakes, a variety of Gooey Bars, Cookies, Cinnamon Rolls, Breads and don’t for get the Cake Pops are to die for!

    Come into  Lil' Brown Sugar's Cupcake Cafe  the Mention TNG Photography and get one CAKE POP for FREE! http://www.lilbrownsugarscupcakecafe.com/ 55 South Gibson, 89012, 702-203-7376


  • Family and Life in Las Vegas Blog (Interview)

    February 28, 2013

    I’m really enjoying these interviews I’m posting! If you want to be featured (it’s FREE) on the blog, send me a message here: http://www.TNGphoto.com/contact.html

    Today’s post is an interview with Emily. She runs a very popular and informative blog that focuses on life and family in Las Vegas. She’s incredibly nice and very passionate about helping our community’s parents get the most out of their parenting and life with kids here in the valley. Make sure you check out her blog here: http://www.familylifeinlv.com/ Now, onto the interview!

     

    1)      Tell a little bit about your blog…

    When my son was born I started a blog in an effort to keep long distance family and friends up to date on all that was happening in his life.  What started off as a way to update family turned into a renewed love of writing for me.  I realized writing was a passion, and I began sharing not only photos and updated on my son, but also reviews of products that my family used and loved.  Three and a half years later I love sharing photos and updates of both my sons, product reviews, fitness endeavors, and generally just share my journey into motherhood and all the ups and downs that go along with it.

    Las Vegas family portraits

    2)      What inspired you to start your own blog?

    See above – my boys are my biggest inspirations in every aspect of my life, my blog is no exception.

    las vegas maternity portraits

    3)      What do you feel is the biggest appeal of your blog?

    I think being a mom is the most rewarding job out there, but it can also be one of the hardest.  With so many products on the market, and parenting styles out there it can be really hard to know what will work for your family.  I love that my blog has helped me share my voice in parenting and also allowed me to gush about great companies and awesome products!  If one person reads my blog on breastfeeding, sleep training, teething tips, or the lessons our children teach us and takes something away from it, I think that is worth it!

    las vegas newborn portraits photography

    4)      What do you consider your big break—turning point?

    Each comment I get from a parent I have never met that has thanked me for my post, sharing my voice, or writing a review makes my blog worth it, but I have to say being asked not once but twice to go on a press trip with Disney is pretty amazing.  I got to meet stars and go places that I never in a million years thought my blog would take me to!  Getting to put my arm around Hugh Jackman was pretty darn awesome! (Sorry Hubby!!)

    father baby portrait las vegas

    5)      What is your deal breaker?

    I don’t know that I have a “deal breaker” per say.  I have had times, like after the birth of my second child, where I have wanted to slow down and blogged less frequently.  My family is always going to come first in my life, and there will be times that my blog reflects that.  With my husband frequently deploying for his job, writing is my me time, my sanity.  I think when I stop loving what I am doing I will find a way to restructure, but I don’t see that happening anytime in the near future!

    las vegas newborn photography

    6)      Have anything special planned for 2013?

    My blog has always been a reflection of what is going on in my family’s lives.  With the birth of my second son only a couple of months ago you can expect that this next year will be filled with parenting posts, product reviews, and lots of pictures of my two cuties!

    newborn photography black and white

    Emily Knight

    Our Knight Life Twitter Facebook Instagram Pinterest Google +

     

    A big THANK YOU to Emily for taking the time to be interviewed! Don’t forget to check out her blog here: http://www.familylifeinlv.com/

     

    Nate

    p.s.

    BIG NEWS COMING SOON!

     

  • The Desert Skye Pipes and Drums

    February 8, 2013

    I’ve decided to start a new tradition this year for this little Las Vegas photography blog. I get to meet so many interesting people as a photographer so I’m going to be featuring local businesses, interesting or distinguished people, movers/shakers, etc. through short interviews. I’m so excited to be an interviewer! Just try to imagine Jay Leno’s voice asking the questions. 🙂

    For my first interview, I chose something you don’t see everyday; a bagpiping band! Introducing, the DESERT SKYE PIPES AND DRUMS.

    las vegas bagpiping band photo

    Tell a little bit about your band…

    Desert Skye Pipes & Drums is a local pipe band, with headquarters right here in
    Las Vegas and is the only civilian pipe band in Southern Nevada. At the present
    time we have a membership of 18 Pipers and 12 Drummers.
    Desert Skye Pipes & Drums is led by Pipe Major Andrew Fusco and Drum
    Sergeant Reggie Rader.

    las vegas event photographer

    What inspired the band to be created?
    Desert Skye Pipes & Drums was formed in 1999 by Danny Packer, who served
    as the first Pipe Major, with the goal of promoting Celtic culture throughout
    Southern Nevada through the performance of traditional Scottish Highland music.
    From that time, we have remained the premiere pipe band in Southern Nevada.
    Our main function is to promote Celtic culture, but we are much more than that!
    We are a competition band, a performance and entertainment band, a teaching
    organization and a cultural group.
    Desert Skye proudly wears the official Nevada State Tartan, which was designed
    by one of our original members.

    las vegas bagpiping photos

    What do you feel is the biggest appeal of your group and your music?
    The biggest appeal is definitely the overpowering sound of the band produced by
    one of the most exciting musical instruments on earth, the Great Highland
    Bagpipe. When you combine the Bagpipes with the Scottish drums, you have a
    sound that is unequaled anywhere! People love the sound of a Scottish Pipe
    Band. Also, seeing the band dressed in the traditional kilt evokes memories of
    the romantic history of Scotland as well as memories of the many years of the
    Scottish wars fighting for independence.
    As part of the band’s goal to promote Scottish music and show support for the
    community of Las Vegas, the band plays at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the
    Veteran’s Day Parade and the Helldorado Parade as well as other community
    events put on by the St. Andrew’s Society of Southern Nevada, the Las Vegas
    Celtic Society and the Las Vegas Highland Dance Association. The band
    routinely appears on stage, performing with the Sharon Lynn Academy of Irish
    Dance. We are proud to be able to perform with pipers and drummers from the
    local fire and police departments on special occasions.

    band photography

    Have anything special planned for 2013?
    The goal of the band for the coming year is to grow in number of members, as
    well as to raise our performances to an even higher level of musical excellence.
    We plan to attend at least four different Highland Games throughout the West to
    perform with other pipe band and to enter the pipe band competitions. Based on
    last years performances in those band competitions, we expect this year, to place
    first or second in every competition.
    Desert Skye Pipes & Drums will once again be the host band for the Las Vegas
    Celtic Gathering and Highland Games, as we have been for the past five years.
    Also, we have several classes planned for those interested in learning to play the
    Great Highland Bagpipe or Scottish Drums. We teach beginners even if they
    have no music experience what so ever and we have a place in the band for all
    skill levels. If you are interested in learning the Great Highland Bagpipe or
    Highland Drums, give us a call or visit our website at www.desertskye.org.

    If you have any questions or would like to get pricing information for hiring the full
    band or solo piper to play at your function, please call us at:
    Pipe Major Andrew Fusco 702-518-7473
    Band Director Van W. Frazier 702-994-5314
    Desert Skye Pipes & Drums…Keeping Celtic pride alive in the Silver State

     

    A HUGE thank you to the Desert Skye Pipes and Drums for taking the time to answer a few questions for us. Don’t forget to check out their website: www.desertskye.org

     

    -Nate

    TNGphoto.com

    TNGseniors.com

  • The Honest Trailer

    January 31, 2013

    I don’t know if you’ve seen these things on YouTube called “Honest Movie Trailers” but I gotta say, they’re the new chia pets, the new pet rocks, the new spray on toupĂ©e, the new Snuggie and the new pogs for today’s generation. They’re THAT good! I have watched these but find myself constantly coming back for more because I love the satire of it all. Here’s my favorite one: Paranormal Activity

    [youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdZW2b0FzPc[/youtube]

    “Get ready for 86 minutes of a guitar…a door…a fridge..some empty rooms…” cracks me up every single time.

    Check out the rest on their channel and leave a comment saying which is your favorite!

     

    Also, check out this new, edgy portrait I created for my web designer’s website. He wanted something that would show him as a creative/deep thinker and artist. So we went driving after dark and found an interesting spot and this is what we came up with. Make sure you check out his website: http://www.ProperTalentMedia.com

    Las Vegas Business Photographer

    Las Vegas Executive Photographer

  • With all the family portraits lately…

    December 11, 2012

    There was an small shred of time to photograph this little 11 month old. At this time of year, it’s very busy photographing families here in Las Vegas and I get a lot of last minute or spur of the moment requests to photograph great people at this time of year. If I can make the time, I will do the work. This is the busiest time of year for me and I love to be busy!

    This little guy was such a fun baby! He’s only about two weeks younger than my own son and they are about the same size and both happy kids. Happy kids are the best, aren’t they? One thing I love about these images is his little black suit. The suit was actually worn by his great grandfather (if I’m not mistaken) when he was a baby. What a great tradition!

    Here are some of my personal favorites from this fun session in their home.

    Leave a comment and tell me your family’s Christmas traditions!

    Don’t forget that the holidays are the PERFECT TIME to have a family portrait created! Even during this busy time of year, I can make room to create something very beautiful and truly meaningful for you and your family. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by! CALL TODAY (702)809-9763

     

     

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