Back to School

It's that time of year again. Where I stop and wonder what exactly happened to my summer and how is it almost September!?! This semesters return to classes seems much more painful then years past. I am so close to my degree I can taste it, yet my mindset couldn't be farther away. I blame it on Bali, even the slightest thought turns into fantasies of abandoning my life here to become a rice farmer, or fisherwomen.

Then I'm brought back to reality, and realize that time is passing much to quickly. Each day is filled with so much, so much to do, all the time. Time is moving faster then I could have ever imagined and although I try, it will not slow down for me.

When I look at the photograph below, time seems to stop.

I watched her as she carefully worked with two sticks and a net; gathering the small creatures as they attempted to dig deeper into the safety of the sand. I can smell the cool ocean air, feel the scattered water drops falling from the heavens, and hear the faint breaking of each wave on the sand. One photograph, thats all it takes.

The relationship between memory and photography allows us to construct and sustain our past. This is the great gift of photography. It's not that a moment in time is captured. It's that our mind is able to recall and feel details that would have been long forgotten without the reminder.

Inspiration: Nature

I am not your average Southern Californian: I rarely go to the beach, I have ridiculously pale white skin, I've never surfed, and the taste of salt water makes me sick. I'm a mountain girl to the very core of my being. Not to say anything against beach dwellers, but my day at the beach usually ends with a sunburn and cold bottle of aloe vera gel. For as long as I can remember the forest has been my sanctuary. The one place I can go be totally alone, with only my thoughts, and leave feeling 100 times better!

Regardless of the location, most of my inspiration as a photographer comes from nature. So much of what I do involves observing the world around me and isolating one aspect to highlight. The autumn colors of falling leaves or the curve of a tree branch can blossom into a magical portrait setting. This is one of the main reasons that I am an on location photographer. It gives me the freedom to not only explore the natural world around me, but to highlight it in my photographs. I rarely ever photograph the same location twice allowing for each one of my sessions to be as unique as the people I'm working with.

Even when not photographing the bold and bright colors found in nature I search for them in even the most industrial areas. The response colors bring is very powerful, effecting us on both emotional and psychological levels. Take the image below. We have an overpowering influence of green with a hint of yellow. Green evoking growth, comfort and organic while yellow feels emotional, positive, with a touch of caution... very fitting!

"The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature." - Anne Frank

Although I no longer live in the mountains I carry the images and feelings of the forest with me wherever I go. I give the same care and detailed attention to photographing a person as I would the smallest flower. Nature is my ultimate inspiration, what's yours?

Looking for a wedding photographer?

It has been said that after your wedding you are left with two things: your pictures and your memories. After seeing the disappointing final product from a good friends wedding I am reminded of the importance in choosing the right photographer!

With the expensive price tag wedding photography can bring, its understandable that people want the best bang for their buck! I have seen both ends of the spectrum; the horribly awful to the breathtakingly beautiful images wedding photographers can produce. To help I have compiled a list of tips and suggestions for anyone looking for a wedding photographer:

• First and most importantly, do your research! Who ever you hire will have a huge responsibility and you want the piece of mind that they are the perfect photographer for your big day. Don't rush this process, and understand that its perfectly reasonable to meet with a half dozens of photographers, or more!


• The Internet is a great place to start, you can narrow down your top picks by browsing through each photographers website/ blog. Also many wedding blogs have their own list of photographers they recommend; a good way to find someone who is respected in the wedding industry.


• Don't solely judge your photographer by their website, good or bad. If you like their work then its crucial you set up a consultation with them. Most consultations are complimentary and its a great way to learn more about your photographer on a personal and professional level. During your consult here are some important questions to ask:

1. If I hire you, will you be the person shooting my wedding? (this may seem like a strange question, but often studio manager will meet with clients if the photographer is unavailable. Its very important to meet the actual photographer before you've book him/her).
2. How long have you been photographing? How long have you been in business? Are you full or part time?
3. How many weddings have you shot in total? (This is very important, experience is everything in this business and you want to make sure your photographer is able to handle the demand that a wedding day can hold.)
4. What type of equipment do you use? Do you have backups? Is your lighting equipment going to be distracting or obnoxious?
5. Do you shoot digitally or with film? Or both?
6. Do you travel? What are your travel fees? (Most photographers travel, and love that part of their job- especially if its a tropical location!)
7. How long will my photographs be stored for? (Each photographer is different so its good to know if your images will be kept for a year, 5 years, or not a all.)
8. How many proofs should I expect to see?
9. How are the proofs delivered? (Online, loose prints, or in a book?) When can I expect to have my proofs after the wedding?
10. Do you offer digital negatives, custom albums, slide shows on DVD, or any other products?
11. Have you worked with your associate or assistant photographer before? (If applicable)
12. Will you be photographing another wedding the same day as my wedding? Same weekend?
13. What if an emergency happens and you cannot shoot our wedding?
14. What packages do you offer? Can you custom design a package based on my budget and needs?
15. If we decide to book with you what is the process? (Go over the contract, and make sure you understand what your signing. Most photographers require at least a deposit to reserve your date.)

• During your consult, it's important to physically see samples of weddings albums and proofs for at least 2 full weddings, this will give you a better idea of what to expect. Ask questions about their album options such as: cover material, number of pages, images in album, and other design options. Do you approve each page before its sent to print or is there no design aspect involved?


• Have your photographer explain their style of photography and how they work during a wedding. Are they a candid photojournalist photographer, or do they have a more traditional and posed approach? Make sure they will compliment your personal style and that you overall like (hopefully love) their work!


• Many photographers offer engagement sessions with their wedding packages; this is a great way to see how they work. On your wedding day you have an much better idea of how they interact with you and your family.


• If you've booked your photographer, I recommend that a few weeks before the wedding you sit down with them and go over your wedding time line. Talk about shots you want them to take, and let them know of any important family member or guests.

The process of planing your wedding can seem overwhelming but rest assured, there are plenty of talented and unique photographers all over the world. Its only a matter of finding one you love and that fits your budget!

The corner stone of all my weddings is essentially the album. All of my albums are personally designed to fit the style of each wedding. I haven't had the opportunity to share any of the photographs below and thought it fitting to give an example of a custom designed album. If you would like more information about my wedding packages or albums please e-mail me to set up a consultation!

Introducing...

What is inspiration? As artist we search for it and try to harness its essence. We relish in the results of it, and when it seems absent from our daily lives, we long for it. We thrive on it, and are often willing to suffer for it.

I am excited to announce a new part of my blog: Monday Inspiration. Since Mondays symbolize the end of the weekend (fun and freedom) and the return of the work week (insert your own personal feelings here), I thought a little weekly inspiration is needed. Here I will post anything that personally inspires me: poems, movies, photographs, website, clothes, or anything else.

For the debut, I wanted to share a poem that holds a special place in my heart:

PHENOMENAL WOMAN
by Maya Angelou

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing of my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them,
They say they still can't see.
I say
It's in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
The palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

From And Still I Rise copyright © 1978 by Maya Angelou.

The PEN Story

Okay how cool is this! I know some may have already seen this but in honor of Wednesday, I thought I would post something interesting to watch in the middle of yet another work week (don't you wish we could go back to the days of camp filled summers, and endless days at the lake)?

60,000 pictures, and 9,600 developed prints... with no post production! It's not only a fantastic advertisement but it shows the importance of photography to remind us of forgotten times in our life!

Happy Hump Day!

College Sweethearts

Michelle, Stephen and I go wayyy back. It was our first week of college and fate would have it that we were all placed in the same photography lab. Each of us were new to the area, and freshmen in college. Our first class assignment required everyone to work with a partner; Michelle and I smiled at each other, agreeing to work together. We quickly discovered our small town similarities, and made instant friends. Stephen watched from a distance but was quick to make our acquaintance; within a few weeks the three of us were inseparable during lab!

Throughout the semester I learned more about Michelle’s love of fashion and before long I discovered Stephen’s adoration for Michelle. Their mutual crushes continued to grow and I soon became the third wheel! :) It has been almost 4 years since I first met Michelle and Stephen, but they still smile, flirt and laugh with each other like the first day they met!

In some sessions great photos just come easy. All elements come together in a near effortless manner and BAM your capturing one great frame after another. I believe trust is the foundation of any good relationship- this includes your photographer. Since I had Michelle and Stephen’s trust, our sessions focus was on having a good time and that always produces the best results!

300+ frames later and I’m still editing down my final selection!

Okay, how cute is Michelle's skirt!?! It's clear this FDIM (Fashion Institute of Design Merchandising) student is in the right place!

Clothing changes are not always an option, but I love working in areas that allow for it. It really brings a nice variation to a session with a different look or color scheme!

Why Hire a Pro?

Many people are shocked when they start to look at the cost of hiring a professional photographer. I recently came across a blog article written by Shauna Maness, photographer and instructor of the CRASH photography courses. In her post she was able to shed some light on why you should hire a pro. I have shortened her original post but the message is still the same.

Here is what professional photographers bring to the table and what you’re actually paying for. I hope it helps to understand more about what working a professional is all about!

Vision: Each photographer has his or her own style, based on personal preference and creative expression. This is why it is important to make sure that your photographer shoots in a style that you like. You won't get Olan Mills if you come to me... so make sure that you "know what you are getting" a lot of stress will be saved by a little research.

Time: When you purchase a session, you are not paying your photographer for that hour alone (wouldn't it be nice to make that much an hour). Check out the time that goes into your session alone:
-Scheduling session, discussing what to wear (through emails or phone calls): 30 min
-Prep time for your session (gathering gear and picking the location): 25 min
-Driving to the location (round trip): 45 min
-Your session (not including driving to other locations): 1-2 hours
-Uploading your images: 30 min-Editing photos from session: 1 hour
-Setting up your on-line gallery & backing up images: 45 min
-Picking favorites and editing them (posting them on my blog): 45 min- 1 hour
-Answering ordering questions (where to hang what, what you need printed, etc): 45 min
-Processing order (order review and file retrieval): 30 min
-Editing each image for your order (depending on order size): 30 min- 1 hour
-Double checking and sending your order: 30 min-Receiving, checking, packaging, mailing off your order: 30 min
= 9 hours of work minimum go into your session!

Gear: Tools of this trade are costly. I have the best software, the best camera(s), lenses, memory cards, flashes, reflectors, crazy gadgets, bags, tripods, and other stuff that would just bore you. It is up to me to make sure that my gear is in pristine condition and that I have backups when (heaven forbid) something happens. When you hire a pro you are sharing in this investment- not many people (even your cousin with a "fancy" camera) are going to have the kind of gear that professionals use... we use the best, to give you the best. I factor in a "gear replacement" charge into every session so that I can continue to give my clients the best.

Technical Expertise: I have studied many long hours to get here. There are so many aspects of photography that require a life-long pursuit to perfect... and that is what I am doing. As a professional I take a lot of the guessing out- I have shot in almost every setting and I know how to make the light do what I want it to. I have been influenced by so many incredible photographers and continue to study their innovations and better myself. Here is a secret: it isn't all about the fancy gear... without it, you can have all the fancy camera's you want and still not create great photographs.

Location, location, LOCATION! I can only think of a few sessions where my clients actually had a location in mind. For the most part, people want me to come up with the place... so I ask some questions about their style and I go out exploring! In every town that I shoot I have some favorite spots... but every single time I am in my car I am ALWAYS looking for new places. My clients normally pull up and say, "How in the world did you find this place?" that is part of hiring a professional... we are always looking out for our clients!! Every once in a while those favorite places get scoped out by other photographers and in an effort to keep it creative we find NEW places... so you and your friend won't have the same look in your portraits.

Model Direction: Here is the deal, not everyone is Heidi Klum, or Tyra Banks! You can watch America's Next top Model for 5 minutes and see that even the most beautiful have "not so beautiful" photographs. All in all, it is up to the photographer to direct you in a way that captures your most beautiful features.

Printing: TOP OF THE LINE... printing. In a day an age where you can get a 4x6 print for .11 cents at Walmart, people want to know why in the world photographers charge so much for something that cost so little. Let me say this- first, when you order prints from me YOU GET THE HIGHEST QUALITY there is, and it isn't "cheap." Photographers have special relationships with their printers. There are all kinds of things that go into your print- color collaboration is a great example of this (another investment that photographers make). We make sure that your "print" is the best it can by syncing our computers with our printer and double checking the color balance of each print. When you hold these prints in your hands you see the value, without question. You can't get that quality without a professional.

Customer Service: It is the job of a professional to serve you. The local drug store isn't going to make sure that you are completely happy with your order, and if you aren't- they sure aren't going to make it right! You get personal service from a pro- each image is cared for individually and your happiness is always the goal!

Innovative, Heirloom quality, Keepsakes: It is my job to stay on top of cutting edge movements and trends in this field... not yours! Professionals make available to you the finest quality products on the market. I am always looking for new products that my clients will enjoy. This is a luxury in itself... it is like having a personal shopper. I get to know you, go through my favorites and decide which you will enjoy the most- and then make them available to you.

Relationships that can last a lifetime: 7 out of 10 of my clients are repeat clients. I have documented from engagement, to wedding, the birth of a child, another child... more family portraits... and am still going! When you hire a photographer you are starting a relationship. When I begin a relationship with a client, they become a part of my family. Professional photographers are going to invest in you, because they want you to come back, they want to watch your family grow!

And just because posts are always better with pictures, here is a sneak peak of a recent couple’s session (full post to follow in a few days).