Kristafromca - Thanks so much! That's definitely something I hadn't thought of... not using a flash. Maybe I'll invest in a better camera as well - even if I'm not going pro, I'd love to be able to have those clear pictures. Thanks again! I look forward to seeing more of your posts!!!
melissa jill - Hi Krista, Thanks for your comment! The answer is--it's magic :). Just kidding. Some of it has to do with me having really good equipment--mainly a good lens. But try taking photos with natural light so you don't have to use your flash. The best place is outside in shade or when it's overcast. You should be able to get crisp close-ups that way. And with each camera you do have limitations on how close you can be to your subject in order to get him in focus but you can always crop in closer after you've taken a photo. So try that as well. Good luck! I hope that helps a little!
kristafromcalifornia - hi! I'm a new commenter, but noticed your website several weeks ago. I'm not a photographer but always have appreciated photography and enjoy taking pictures of my family. With the picture of the little girl above, how to you get such clear close-ups? I'm always trying to get a close up of my son (he's 6 months) and if I get too close, the flash washes out his face and if I zoom in too close, the image gets fuzzy. How are your pictures SO clear? I know you're probably not supposed to reveal your photographer secrets, but maybe just this once? :)
sara from whitebox - i love these! so crisp and vibrant.
you blog is rockin!
Shannon - Oh my goodness, the shot of the little girl and her blue eyes is AMAZING!!! What a gorgeous group of women. I'd want a 4-generation shot if we all looked that good too. :)