Olive Branch Photography

Over a year ago my husband and I ventured into Best Buy with the purpose of purchasing a DSLR camera.  We walked out of that store with a Nikon D5100, two lenses, a camera bag, and no idea how to use it.

The camera scared me at first.  All the different settings had my mind reeling, and I hadn’t even begun to contemplate switching to manual.  For a long time I was content to let my husband be behind the camera most of the time.  

It wasn’t until January 2013 that I decided it was time that I learn more about this wonderful camera’s settings, I knew that we weren’t even beginning to tap into the potential we held in our hands.  I began to read informational blogs, and experiment with the creativity side of photography, while still using the pre-set options for shooting.

A few months later I felt brave enough to learn about manual settings.  I purchased a book that I was sure would be simple enough to understand with my extremely limited knowledge of DSLR cameras, Nikon D5100 For Dummies by Julie Adair King. A few weeks later I was experimenting with ISO, Aperture, and Shutterspeed in the manual setting. I still have a great deal to learn, but I have found a passion in photography and an eagerness to continue to learn.

During this time of learning about my camera and photography, my family and I went on another journey into a different world as well, the journey of seeking a diagnosis for our son, Oliver, with speech and developmental delays.  The diagnosis journey is over, but it has launched us into a world we never expected to enter.  Oliver is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

With Autism Spectrum Disorder comes a range of daily trials and challenges, one of which is bolting.  I never know what will set Oliver off and inspire him to bolt away from us, which makes a dangerous situation even more so because I cannot anticipate these moments.  To help with this problem, we decided to buy a Toddler Tula carrier for the moments when we cannot safely teach Oliver about the dangers of his decision to dart away from us.

Originally the idea of Babywearing Photo Shoots was to enable us to buy this carrier, but the urgency of the situation forced us to purchase a Tula right away.  Therefore, because there is interest, and to recoup the funds we put into the carrier for Oliver, I am still offering these photo shoots for donations only.

To begin with I would like to set up photo shoots as a group activity for those who are interested. Leaders of the Tucson Babywearers group may be present at these events in order to help anyone who needs assistance with their carrier or wrap.  Details are below.

Thank you for your interest,

Sarah Whiting

Disclaimer: Olive Branch Photography is not a business. I am not a professional photography, and have no formal training.  I offer my photography services for donations only.  The donations 100% go toward items or services needed for my son, Oliver, who is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Babywearing Photoshoots: Mini Sessions

Location: St. Philip’s Plaza on River and Campbell

Date: August 31st & September 21st

Time: 4:30 p.m.

Donations between $5 and $15 per adult are appreciated, and all donations go toward first recouping funds spent on the carrier for Oliver. If donations exceed that cost they will go toward any services (such as therapy or specialist appointments) needed due to his diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

I am also open to scheduling individual photo shoots if you would prefer.  You can e-mail me at avintagehousewife@gmail.com.