"Hopp"ily Ever After!

So this past weekend I had my debut at the Giant Flea Market in Union City. It was...fun and a little more than nerve wracking,; as one who suffers from fear and anxiety of crowds, it was definitely an experience! I had an Easter Bunny who came and  visited the children, and then I would take pictures. In addition to the funny bunny I also took, if the parents wanted a package, two additional poses with some Easter props. As I said it was an experience, on that I shall reprise in May, this time I'll be taking mother/child pictures. I got the pictures cleaned up and sent off and I should get them back by Friday at the latest. While a lucrative weekend, and full of fun and interesting people I think I enjoy the personal nature of the sessions I book out of the studio. There is a one-one communication that is hard to maintain in the situation with the Flea Market, when so much of the process is rushed. Still, it was fun, and I look forward to not only doing it again, but also getting the photographs and putting together the packages from each session!

Jacob's Third Birthday || Child Photography Union City, TN

With this beautiful spring weather that has been poping up everywhere; it's truly been a joy to be outside. Last weekend was as pretty as they come, and in addition to getting a formal dress I needed; Ape and I had the privillge of being invited to the birthday party of the son of a close friend of ours. When she heard about my photography she also asked if I could take some pictures; which I happily agreed too. Here are a few of them.

The theme for the party was Sponge Bob.

This was the cake, which was actually a bunch of cupcakes.

They also got some more cupcakes just to be safe, these all had Sponge Bob rings on them.

Jacob got lots of presents!

Here are some more!

There was plenty of food, in addition to everything here, there was also some McDonalds as well!

Annnnd here is the birthday boy enjoying his lunch. I love this picture,

he looks like he's ready for a saspirilla at the OK Coral!

Jacob, with baby cousin! He just loved to give her kisses!

Jacob with Daddy Tony!

Ape with Jacob, the two a great buddies!

Jacob with Mommy Lacey picking out his cake piece!

Grandma Vi opening the icecream.

Jacob enjoyed his cake and icecream very much!

Opening presents, and Mommy was reading a card for him.

Jacob loved getting the coloring books.

Even Lacy was excited about the gifts Jacob got!

Jacob was so happy with his birthday, he almost hated to see it end!

Vicious || Union City, TN Pet Photography

I am very fond of my kitten, I adore him, and he is very photogenic. These are a few shots I took of him awhile back...

These last two haven't been edited yet, but I do so love them. ^_^

Yes he's adorable, and yes he's spoiled rotten! I'll post some pictures of Wolfgang in a litte bit. He's a big baby, just like Vicious, however, he's rather large. So yes, he will be next!

The Funny Side of Life

Photos are supposed to capture memories, so this being said these are some candids I found of a shoot I did back in the fall of 2010...

 

We were walking to a wooded area, one person saw this dirt mound and all of them took off running. These five individuals are all over the age of 18 yet there was a child-like joy and playfulness with these pictures. They always make me smile when I see them.

We also got a couple of pretty cool shots out of malarkey as well...

 

So yes, sometimes all that is needed in a picture is a little bit of play. ^_^

Of updates and introspections

It's been awhile and I apologize for that. The Photo of the Day, didn't work out so well, I'll try to start it again next month. Maybe I was trying to be to straight laced for my personality... it was approached very formally, as one of my dedicated followers (actually the only follower I seem to have acquired) mentioned it was very technical. That's not what I became a photographer for...yeah, I know that if you put a certain filter from Photoshop against a certain picture taken with an ISO setting you'll get a pretty spiffy picture, but really, I could care less. It's all back of the mind, autopilot stuff. I care about the art, the emotional aspect. Capturing a moment, however fleeting, and tangible lasting memory from it. So yeah, my apologies for those of you who have been bored to tears with my posts as of late. They are going to get better I promise.

So with all this writing an introspection, I have almost forgotten that this was a PHOTO blog...or well more a blog about the Studio, and what it's doing...once again I offer my sincerest apologies. I promise more pictures in the future. However, enough self flagellation, there are updates to commence to and things of that nature.

So, the biggest news is that within 2-8 days I should have my lighting kit,backdrop frame, and all that other pretty stuff that I need to create a studio! Yay! *does Snoopy Dance* So, plans are to open the studio around March 14th, more about that in a later post.

That's probably the biggest news. Other than that not much to tell, I shot the first section of Sarah's photo session. It was most awesome! Lot's of good pictures, can't wait to work with them. Unfortunately, I shall have to, apparently whilst I was sick with the flu in February and delirious from fever (seriously it was like 104.5 at one point); I apparently knocked the cord or my camera into the trash bin. Which means that I have to go get a new one, or a card reader...I'm leaning towards a card reader...it's bigger and harder to loose.

As I look out the window of the UTM library and watch the kids all lounging outside even the most Gothic looking of them pausing to feel the sun on their faces, I smile; spring is arriving. This for me means long hours in my yard gardening and landscaping. My mom and I were picking out flowers today,and tomorrow we shall walk about it and get some more ideas. It's going to be an on going project, however it's going to truly be a labor of love. I've got a couple of nice new trees picked out, but, being the good citizen I am, before I dig; I'm going to call city hall and make sure I can. 

Some ideas in the works are a rose garden, a shade garden, as well as one for butterflies, and maybe even a waterfall, however those are all projects for the future. Right now there is a sunny spot that begs for brightly colored spring flowers.

The Studio will be getting a spring cleaning as well, possibly getting some rearranging in preparation for the new equipment. Still it will all be my pleasure. With the sun brightly shinning and the birds running around, you'd have to be crazy not to want to get out in this beautiful weather! 

Picture Perfect Shoot, So to Speak...

I did a shoot awhile back as present to my dear friend and fellow photographer Jessie; it was to be a Christmas/Anniversary present to her fiance, who is on an Air Force base and several hundred miles away from Jess. It was honestly my pleasure, namely cause Jess is such a good friend, but also as a gift for such an awesome guy as well. Anyways, dear Reader, if there was ever a perfect shoot, this was it. Not just with the demeanor, or ease in which we worked, but just in general. Jessie, whose aunts are also photographers,  was a model subject. Let me elaborate, those of you who are fixing to go get portraits take notes, do things this way and the shoot will turn into an enjoyable event that will create lasting memories to come.


We had scheduled the shoot loosely for around one or two, she arrived at one, and came with several changes of clothing, She had one super formal gown, some causal formal sweaters, jeans and a t-shirt, and a couple of outfits that meant something special to she and her fiance. This in itself was a most awesome thing for her to do. You see while it's all well and good to have a couple of fancy shirts to get pictures in; outfits that mean something to you or are a favorite of yours, are always good for you to where. You will feel comfortable in your favorites, and a special accessory (in Jess's case it was her fiance's boot camp jacket) will be the icing on a already special picturesque cake.


She also brought some special props for home, stuffed animals he had given to her, not only did they add a touch of whimsy to the shoot, they also where special items of interest that I was only too happy to highlight. Bringing props from home, is always a good thing, a special toy or blanket for children, can not only provide comfort, but can also make the picture a timeless treasure. It's little touches like these that make certain pictures so unique and precious.  Also, bringing multiple outfits and the like, also gives us more to work with, which inevitably mean more pictures for you!

We looked over the outfits, the special items she wanted in the pictures, and the props I had, and we got an idea of how we wanted to proceed. It was nice to have her input, so often people come into a studio as little dolls for the photographer to arrange, and while I'm not saying this is bad or that you should (heaven forbid!) take over your session. Putting your piece in goes along way to making the experience more personal for you. It also helps the photographer understand your vision and what you are looking for in the pictures.

One thing that we did ahead of time, is we kept open communication, not only about what time was best for her, but also about what to wear and what not to wear. Good communication is good for any relationship, personal or professional. This is why I have so many ways to contact me on my website. I honestly get nervous if I don't here something from the customer, until the day of the consultation or the shoot. I welcome questions, comments, and even input, it helps me learn more about you as a person, and find out what you like and don't like, so I can better tailor your shoot to you.

When it came time to begin the shoot, we still kept the line of communication open. She was open and willing to try various props, and also to give suggestions. She would get an idea, and not hesitate to toss it to me, which I was more than happy to oblige (it was her shoot after all!) and the same went with her to me. The relationship was very give and take, combined with our mutual desire for a good session, and lots of pictures for this man she loves. As the shoot drew to a close I knew that it was something special, not only had we created a wonderful present; we also created a memory, one I know that I will remember fondly anytime I see a picture from that shoot.

If I could have every shoot be like this one, I think it would make my career absolutely perfect. The little touches she did and her natural openness to the event, made the session something wonderful indeed. So Dear Reader, whenever you get ready to come to a session, remember these little tricks.

Be an open communicator- from the beginning, talk and express what you want, give ideas for clothing, seek input, and be ready to have fun.

Bring clothes and props from home- These are the things that make your shoot unique and special to you, the clothes you love, and special items that mean the world to you.

Voice your ideas- If you have any ideas for your shoot, voice them! It's important for you to make sure that you are comfortable and enjoying yourself. Photographers, while awesome :) , are not mind readers, so if you have an idea let us know and we will try our best to accommodate you!

Expect the unexpected- There is a reason my timeline does not go into full detail about the day of your shoot. It's because it's unpredictable, so come to it and all portrait sessions with an open mind. I promise we will get some classic dignified shots, but I also know a random prop thrown in can create a timeless treasure.

So yeah, I just wanted to give a shout out to Jessie, and say that I'm glad the shoot was successful and that success was due partially to her and her awesome actions throughout the day (for those who want to know, she gave to pictures to her fiance, and he loved them)!

Photo of the Day - acrid

Alright guys this was allot more difficult tonight, cause I was so tired. Just some simple treatment nothing fancy. Heeeere's acrid!

acrid \AK-rid\, adjective:
1. Sharp and harsh, or bitter to the taste or smell; pungent.
2. Caustic in language or tone; bitter.

Taken with a Polariod i735 with a 3x opitcal zoom.

Exposure:0EV
ISO:Automatic
resolution 5m
metering: multi

Adjustments:
Croped Down
Filter: Sharpen
Duplicated Picture
Desaturated top layer
Erased lipstick to colorize.