THE PETERSENS » Photography

{ J } Family/Maternity Photo Session

Veronique — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 18:30:46 +0000

I was excited to shoot my 2nd maternity session this past month for some dear friends of ours. The difference between my first one and this one was the involvement of small children. It is no easy feat to get two small kids to look at the camera at the same time and then actually smile. Hopefully next time I will be better prepared!

Otherwise, the shoot was a ton of fun. I always love taking pictures at Joyner…the barns with their cool wood textures, the stone wall, the tall grass fields, and big trees. Joyner has it all. It also helps that this family is absolutely adorable and sweet together! Here’s a peek at some of the photos…

Elena 3-Month-Old Photo Session

Veronique — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 00:52:04 +0000

Do you remember this sweet girl as a 2-week-old?
Well, now she is so much bigger! I got the chance to take her 3-month-old pictures and let me tell you, this sweet baby girl has captured my heart. She has crazy hair, kissable cheeks, endless baby rolls, big and captivating eyes and a fun, laidback personality. It is amazing how quickly newborns grow and change into interactive little people.

Tyler+Laura Engagement Session

Veronique — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 18:59:35 +0000

I had the awesome honor of taking engagement pictures for this sweet couple. They are from our church and Ben and I have watched their relationship grown from friendship to love in the past few months. It’s a beautiful thing! We are excited to watch them get hitched this summer.

On another note, this is the first engagement shoot I have done on my own and it had its challenges! Here are five things I learned:
1.) Shooting on “P” was really restricting. After this shoot, I moved onto shooting on “Av.”
2.) I had never shot on the seminary campus before, so I felt really uncomfortable there. Next time if I know that I’m shooting in a new location, I will make sure to scope it out first.
3.) Don’t run away from the light! Photography is all about light, right? Well, as a newbie, I’m pretty scared of it. I went for shaded locations, but could have really turned out with some gorgeous pictures if I hadn’t been such a scaredy-cat!
4.) Directing people and getting them to feel comfortable in front of the camera (so that more natural, unposed shots can be captured) is not an easy thing. My photography friend, K, is so gifted at this. I, on the other hand, have a lot of growing to do.
5.) Don’t rush!!!! When looking through my images after uploading them, I found many of my pictures could have been better if I had taken the time to frame well at the shoot. My subjects can wait while I adjust my settings–I do not need to feel rushed!

Well, that’s about it. Wanna see some of the pictures now?

Wake Forest Fellowship

Veronique — Wed, 19 May 2010 18:54:35 +0000

The two WF community groups combined one Wednesday for a fellowship. Here are a few pictures of some of the sweet kids who live here in Wake Forest!

My First Engagement Shoot

Veronique — Sat, 01 May 2010 02:45:44 +0000

My dear and artsy friend, Kristin, graciously invited me to join in on an engagement photo shoot last night and it was soooo awesome! I am always happily surprised by how much fun I have creating with the camera lens and by how well me and K hit it off. We have a ton of fun together. She loves to laugh and I like people who laugh a lot. She is also uber-encouraging with her speech…always Gospel-centered! Needless to say, she is becoming one of my fave people. Love ya, Kristin!

Here are TEN things I learned from this particular photo shoot:

1.) Doing photography requires a lot of physical exertion. We tromped up hills, down hills and pretty much all over downtown Raleigh (at least that’s how I felt). I woke up this morning awfully, horribly, terribly SORE everywhere. I think this is evidence for two things–one…photography is way harder than it looks and two…I am really out of shape.

2.) Being the sidekick/assistant, I have to be willing to get down low and a little dirty. Lying on the ground, scratching up my elbows and contorting my body around K so I don’t ever, ever get in her way while she’s in her element. The couple never looks at me, but yet I still have to capture wonderful, creative moments. The challenge to think creatively really drives me. I love it!

3.) Taking photos (for me) is like a drug. It’s addicting.

4.) I need to practice MORE. I need to take MORE photos. It took me a good 1/2 hour into the photo shoot to warm up and feel comfortable with my camera. Which means I missed a lot of different locations and shots.

5.) If I am going to utilize natural lighting for photo shoots, I need to bring a snack/drink in my camera bag because the good natural lighting takes place over dinnertime right now. K and I were pretty ravenous by the end.

6.) Designate a place for my lens cap, so I always know where it is. Left butt pocket, right butt pocket, wherever…because it’s bound to get misplaced or lost. I lost my lens cap last night and I’m pretty sad about it.

7.) Don’t be scared to shoot a picture, even if it is different or if I am not sure how it is going to turn out. It’s always better to try than to not try. K tells me this a lot and I think it’s helpful because I can always learn from my photos (the good and bad ones). What was good, what was awful and what might be better for next time around.

8.) Kristin is RAD (this is one of her fave words)!!!!

9.) I am so thankful that by the grace of God, I have been given two eyes through which I can see the beauty of the world He has given us. To capture even the smallest bit of His creation through the lens leaves me in awe.

10.) Pray, pray, pray! K led us in prayer before the couple arrived and it was so good. Even with photography, I desire that I would work as unto the Lord and not unto man. I don’t want to be driven by fear and anxiety, but ask God to help me be creative for His glory!

So, I guess I’ll be taking more pictures soon hopefully! Meanwhile, here are a few photos from last night’s shoot:

Elena Faith Newborn Shoot

Veronique — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 02:19:29 +0000

As one who is trying so desperately to learn photography and actually be good at it, I have decided my friends Corey and Autumn and their new baby are gonna be my guinea pigs. My goal is to take milestone photos of them and their baby to show the life and growth of sweet Elena, but hopefully also reveal a little growth in my skills. We will see! This great idea came from my friend, Kristin, and this particular blog post.

I mustered up come courage to do my first newborn shoot this past Saturday. It was sooooooooo challenging and this is what I learned as a result:
1.) I don’t know how to use my flash. Note to self: learn how to use it for indoor shoots.
2.) I don’t know how to do a newborn shoot. They can’t pose according to your instruction.
3.) If planning on taking pictures of a newborn with minimal clothing on, ask the parents to turn up the heat in the house before coming over. Wise, wise advice from Kristin (of course).
4.) I get really flustered and sweaty when I don’t know what I’m doing. I need to pray hard before each shoot and depend on the Lord for the flow of creative juices. This would better serve the people I’m taking pictures for.
5.) I have SO MUCH TO LEARN. Wow, photography is not easy and I feel like I’m just learning the tip of the iceberg. I am thankful for Kristin’s encouragement and advice, as well as the many photography blogs I’ve been stalking as of late.

But, enough about all of that. Just take a look at this sweet newborn. She’s so adorable…I could just eat her up.

The Loves of My Life

Veronique — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 20:14:25 +0000

1.) Jesus

The One who loves me steadfastly.
The One who died on the cross to save me from my ugly sin.
The One who has redeemed me and made me one of His very own.
The One who is faithful toward His children, even when they are faithless.
The One who gives eternal life.
The One who saved me from God’s wrath and showered me with His mercy by the shedding of His blood on the cross.

2.) Ben

My dear husband who, with God’s help, has led us through thick and thin. He has seen me on my worst days and yet chooses to stay married to me!
My dear husband who shares my first love, Jesus. Ben loves our Savior more than life itself. He even loves Him more than me and the boys…that is totally fine with me.
My dear husband who tirelessly works hard to provide for our family’s needs. He has a full plate of responsiblities, but even on the most stressful and discouraging work days, he is not prone to grumble. I could stand to learn a lot from him.
My dear husband who loves our boys so much. Some of his favorite things to do with them lately is to tackle and tickle them until they can barely breathe. Reading the Chronicles of Narnia and the Bible with them are also a high point of his day.
My dear husband who seeks to serve others. I often find him joyfully attacking the pile of dishes in the sink after dinner, taking out our stinky trash, washing out poopy cloth diapers or cleaning up the Leggett home after community group.
My dear husband who always lets me have the last French fry, brings a glass of water to put on my nightstand at bedtime, warms up the cold sheets for me, puts gas in my car so I don’t have to, watches cheesy figure skating movies with me, and doesn’t get mad at me when I accidentally shave a bald spot on his head while cutting his hair. This list can go on and on. I love you, hon!

3.) My little boy, Joshua Lee

My little boy that loves to spend time with me and looks forward to going on our donut date later this week.
My little boy who is growing in His knowledge of the Lord.
My little boy who loves his little brother so. He helps Caleb lift heavy things. He helps Caleb get unstuck from cramped spaces. He tickles and tackles Caleb, sending Caleb into serious giggle fits. He has compassion on his little brother when Caleb is hurt or sad.
My little boy who has a tender heart. Though he never got to meet Uncle Lee, he cries about his death. He asks if people he holds dear loves Jesus; if they don’t, he immediately prays that they would.
My little boy who never complains about being sick, going to the grocery store or having his normal routine interrupted. Ben has apparently set a great example for him.
My little boy who astonishes us with his intelligence. Yesterday, he plopped down on our couch and started reading PARAGRAPHS out loud to his Daddy. What??? Where did that come from???

4.) My littlest, Caleb Benjamin

My littlest that still likes to be a snugglebug, even at 15 months old.
My littlest who looks so much like me it boggles even my own dad.
My littlest who loves toys that start with the letter “B”…balls, balloons, bears, books.
My littlest who likes to hear words. He points his little finger at everything and grunts, his way of asking us to name what he’s pointing. One day out of nowhere, he will probably start talking in full sentences and I will probably poop my pants when he does.
My littlest who loves his big brother, following JL all over the house (sometimes to JL’s dismay) and imitates what he does.
My littlest who loves to throw food all over our floor. Feeding him is a disaster, which is a complete paradox to how his big brother was at his age.

4.) My family

My Daddy…who is slow to speak because he is wise and measures his words carefully. He has loved this daughter well and I know it is because he realizes how much he is loved by God.
My Mommy…who continues to serve God, her husband and kids, even though God has brought many trials into their life. She will still maintain that her joy is in the Lord.
My sister, Jambutt…who is my favorite person to laugh with, who understands my fear of dots, who adores my kids and wants to hear about every single detail of their lives, and who is generous in blessing others.
My brother, Jonathan…whom I have watched grow up into a young man. It is a highlight of my year whenever I get to see him. It means that many more chances to love on him well!

5.) My church family at TCC

My family away from family.
My family whom I seriously live life with. You guys help me fight against sin, encourage me with the Word and continually love me despite my sins.
My family who has embraced my kids and loved on them.
My family whom I have learned so much from…about what it looks like to love Jesus, what it means to live in community, what it means to treasure the Word and how I can better care for my husband and kids with joy.
My family, given to us by the Lord God Almighty. We are united by the blood of Christ and I look forward to spending eternity with each and every one of you!

Baby Shower After Baby Shower After Baby Shower…

Veronique — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 03:02:29 +0000

This month has been one full of baby showers. I know so many pregnant women that it’s not even funny. And, no, I am not one of them! This past Saturday, I helped to throw a baby shower for the Leggetts and managed to get a few cute pictures. It was a fun event. Good eatin’, wonderful peeps, fun games, cute gifts and an intentional time of prayer for the soon-to-be parents.

“e” is for “elena”

(l to r) Tiffany, Autumn, Amanda and me

Cute and creative diaper wreath by Tiffany

Colorful fabric banner by Amanda

An UH-mazing spread of food

Adorable cupcakes made by Amy

Autumn and Elena Faith–ready to be showered with love and gifts

The showering begins…

Sweet gift from Mama Dove (Autumn’s mom)

Itty-bitty girly clothes!

Gift bag made by Heather

Precious lamby by Lexie

Lexie, Autumn and Lamby

Autumn and Amy

Sarom and Autumn

Their baby girls are due just 3 weeks apart from one another.

Claire, Autumn and Kimberly

There’s Elena Faith…we can’t wait to meet her!

Leggett Maternity Shoot

Veronique — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 21:06:00 +0000

I love the Leggetts! They are one of the cutest couples I know, so I felt honored to be taking their maternity pictures. Since I still am very much a beginning photographer and shaky on my feet, Kristin Cook offered to come and help me. We had a lot of fun, despite the cold weather! I’m starting to really fall in love with photography, but I need to practice more. Hint, hint. Anyone need a photo shoot?

Aren’t they sweet?

Elena Faith is in there!

Love her hat.

E for Elena.

Like Mama, like daughter already. Lotsa shoes!

Gorgeous and glowing.

So endearing.

The baby belly.

The 3 Leggetts.

My fave.

Learning About Photography

Veronique — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:50:19 +0000

I have the wonderful opportunity of learning about photography from Kristin Cook. She is one talented woman who attends my church and I love her! She’s funky, fun and extremely creative. I went on one photo shoot with her and Samantha Maxwell (who is also quite talented!) a few weeks ago and here’s a few pictures. I have so much more to learn, but hopefully blogging will be a way in which I can track my improvement.