Back in October 2010, I posted a review of Tamara Lackey's DVD “Inside Contemporary Children's Photography.”

Almost two years later, I have in front of me a book and DVD called “Capturing Life Through Better Photography.” While it too was published in 2010, I think it is appropriate that I am mentioning it now.

In the last two weeks, I have been approached by well-meaning parents who are frustrated by the challenges they face when photographing their children. And it was Tamara's book, “Capturing Life Through Better Photography,” that I recommend to them.

The book is concise. At less than 100-pages, it is a quick read. In fact, there are so many incredible examples that illustrates Tamara's points, that there is less reading and more seeing. As a budding photographer, I subscribe to this method of learning. We all need to do more seeing.

Tamara's other promise on the book is – “Simple tips & tricks to turn everyday snapshots into little works of art.” The basics, are for sure covered. Exposure, composition, timing, direction of light etc. But on page 43, she urges us to look at body language.

I know of no other book that makes this very important point. Body language, be it of a child or an adult says so much about their personality or their current circumstance. So, if you like nuggets like that, this book is for you.

The book is peppered with “Fun Facts” that draw the reader back in. Be they historical quotes or short scientific explanations (the one about why a balloon makes that popping sound was something new to me), Tamara's crisp and lucid writing will leave you reaching out for your camera to try and replicate what you see in her book.

The 90-minute DVD that is a part of this set is a MUST watch. Why? Well, if you somehow miss Tamara's high-energy and passion for teaching photography in the book, you'll definitely feel it watching the DVD. The 90 minutes zip by quickly. It's exquisitely produced. Tamara worked with Rex Ballard, the Director of Photography for ABC's Emmy award-winning Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, to create this DVD.

From my perspective I feel the DVD complements the book but not the other way around. So, think of the DVD as a real bonus.

If you buy the entire set through Amazon, you'll get what is called a “Quick Reference Guide.” I did not receive this so I don't know what is in it. But given the two other products that I have had the pleasure of reading, viewing and using, I bet the reference guide is just as good too.

Now, I do have to say that the book and DVD is directed towards those who have just bought or are thinking about buying a digital camera – a DSLR like the new Nikon D600 [affiliate].

Here is the link to the Deluxe kit where you get the book, the DVD and the quick reference guide for $59.99. There is so much information packed into each of these that I think parents or amateur photographers who want to start making images on a more solid footing will be remiss if they don't buy it. [I make absolutely nothing for promoting this set.]

Want to have access to more of Tamara Lackey's photography wisdom? Join us on October 3 when she will be our guest during our Swift Kick webinar. Sign up for that webinar alone or register for all of them in the series for only $25.

Angela Pointon loves photographers and artists. She studied photography, but had a love affair with business and marketing. She decided to combine all three together when she started Steel Toe Images. She coaches and inspires photographers and other artists to kick major butt through her one-on-one sessions, blog, emails, workshops and her first book (coming soon), called “ A Swift Kick In The Pants: Business Smarts For Us Creative Types”. Follow Angela on Twitter, Facebook or her blog.

When you're working by yourself for yourself, you're often left to your own (bad) devices. So how do you manage to pay attention, get stuff done and keep on keepin' on toward each one of your goals?

Make yourself accountable to someone.

If you’re anything like me, I value a bit of “nagging” in my life. I like when people ask me “what’s up with such and such for your business?”

For me, running my business is a lot like going to the gym. When I go by myself, I might not get the most sweat-induced workout in. But, if I am working out with a personal trainer, I am damn sure I do what I am supposed to (or I risk disappointing that trainer!). The same goes for my accountability coaches. My coaches happen to be my husband (he’s tough!) and some of my business heroes that I’ve connected with over the past few months.

Planning and perfection are just other words for procrastination.

Know yourself. Are you going to plan the bejesus out of everything you need to do? Are you obsessed with getting things “just right” before you move on? Have you ever said, “but it’s not perfect, yet.”

Some of us go over and over and over something so much that we get bored of what we’re working on and move onto the next thing before we even reveal anything to anyone. Being disciplined also means knowing when something is good enough to ship to the rest of the world.

Want to find out more about being disciplined?

Tamara Lackey, an unbelievably successful photographer and highly disciplined business owner, is joining Angela Pointon and Tiffinbox for a live webinar on Wednesday, October 3rd from 8:30 – 9:30 PM EDT. We’ll be discussing exactly what it takes to be disciplined in your photography business. Register for this webinar, along with three others in the series, here.

This webinar session is part of a series of four webinars, all available for just a $25 donation (all donations go to support Tiffinbox). This webinar series will sell out. Learn more here.

Can’t attend live? Don’t worry. All registrants receive a recording of each webinar.

Inside this webinar series you’ll get access to the brains and experiences of people who’ve worked with hundreds of businesses just like yours. In addition, the photographers speaking have published books, taught hundreds of photographers and have work featured in places like Vogue, O-The Oprah Magazine, Professional Photographer Magazine, and many more. Reserve your spot by registering immediately here.

My wedding season is winding down, but my children's portrait photography sessions are starting to pickup. It's just the nature of things as we cycle from one season to the next.

In my pursuit to be better than I was last year, I looked around to see whose work and expertise could elevate me as an artist. One name that kept popping up to the top of my head was Tamara Lackey.

Let me at the outset tell you that Tamara is a friend. We first met at a workshop hosted by Jesh de Rox. Tamara and I continued to stay in touch (and that's one good way to be on top of someone's mind, eh?) but both our studios got busier and things got a little quiet. Then all of a sudden I heard that Tamara had written a book called The Art of Children's Photography.

Subsequently, I met her at Learnfest, another workshop hosted this time by Tamara, Audrey Woulard, Lena Hyde and Laura Novak. (Learnfest is now on an indefinite hiatus and that's why the link points to a very good review of that workshop!)

In early January of this year, Tamara announced that she had co-produced a DVD with Rex Ballard, called Inside Contemporary Children's Photography. I sent Tamara a message saying that I was intrigued by the DVD and wanted to know where I could buy it. Her prompt response was to simply ask for my address. A couple of days later I received her generous gift. So, let me be clear that I did receive this DVD gratis. This blog post, however wasn't solicited by her or me. It was truly an after thought because I absolutely loved what Tamara was able to teach me in 90-very-quick-minutes. I say “quick” because it left me wanting to hear and see more.

Her breakdown of different kinds of children and how to approach them was my biggest take away. I have two kids of my own whom I photograph constantly, but that doesn't make me an expert on all the different kinds of kids there are in the world. Tamara, of course, generalizes to some extent. But her opinions come from the vantage point of a lot of experience. Just look at her images and you will be amazed at how intact the children's souls remain. In some children, she is playful and down-right goofy. While working with some others – those who are cranky or shy, her approach is much more reserved and quiet. In any of the scenarios, you can tell that being respectful of children is very important.

There is also a fairly detailed section of the DVD where Tamara and her studio director talk about how to run a successful portrait photography business. If you are starting out, this is going to be doubly valuable to you.

I wholly recommend this DVD if you are considering specializing in children's photography or at least making it part of your business.