sparkle, shine, macro filters... oh my!

At first I thought this post would mainly be helpful for fellow photographers... but really, the lessons learned are for anyone with the desire to use what they have and can afford at the time, to better their craft! :) Can you tell I'm a glass half full kinda gal?

I've recently added a new lens to my gear collection and I'm SO excited for it! It's an 85mm and an incredible portrait lens... however, it's not what I originally thought I'd be able to buy anytime soon. I've always had my eye on a 100mm lens to allow me to take those dreamy closeup shots of jewelry, food, flowers and all things larger-than-life beautiful.

New gear is what gets my creative juices flowing, but it's also what keeps me up at night since it's so pricey! I constantly second guess myself when it comes to making smart business investments (any fellow small business owners struggle with the same anxiety?).

When I met Ines at the Summer's End Workshop (see even more from that amazing experience here and here!!!), she shared an unbelievable tip with me... if you can't afford to take the 100mm lens plunge now, try macro filters that cost a fraction of the cost of a macro lens. Excuse me, WHATTT. I've heard of these filters, but had never had the chance to try them out in a setting like this. She not only let me try hers, but shared a bunch of veteran tips on how they work (a centrally placed subject is best!), how you need to shift your camera juuuuuust so, to hit that sweet spot of incredible crispness and which filter is best for which subject type.

Consider me SOLD!!! I needed to snag these fabulous filters right away (thank you Amazon Prime!). Over the last few months I've used them for numerous detail shots and am happy to say, they're life changing. Well, maybe that's a bit extreme, but honestly, after a bit of practice and getting the hang of the nuances, I think this addition to my arsenal was money well spent if for no other reason than to allow me to save up for the 85mm AND still get those wow shots of your super sparkly jewelry and sexy wedding day heels! ;)

PS - these STUNNING Rachel Mulherin pieces below were from my recent sugar and spice inspired styled shoot at Butterbee Farm... I CAN. NOT. WAIT. to share more with y'all! Have you ever seen jewelry like this!? Unique, custom, handmade geode stones that appear to be dipped in gold and dangling from your ears. HELLOOOOO gorgeous!!! Statement pieces like this are all you and your bridesmaids need to add that extra bit of glam and sophistication. Seriously, I could find a reason / outfit to wear them all. #lifegoals

Here's wishing you loads of fun playing with whatever new gear is on your holiday wish list... and if you can make it work for you AND your budget, more power to you. Rock on, friends!

Oh, and speaking of rocks, the ice blue gemstone you see in the background of some of these shots, came from my new favorite local shop, Love That. They recently opened in Belvedere Square and have SO MANY one of a kind finds... need a housewarming present for your coworker? Check! A sweet little baby present for your neighbor? Check! A prosecco scented candle for yourself (I had no idea that was even a thing!)? Yes, please! You definitely need to add them to your #shoplocal efforts on upcoming Small Business Saturday!!!

Stay tuned... I'll be sharing more macro images using these filters from my recent photoshoot at Bond Street Social next week! Small creative bites made for sharing - you might want to get those thanksgiving pants out and ready! ;)