NEW BLOG LIVE!

Hi everyone!

You can now visit my new blog at www.kayshaweiner.com/blog, as I will no longer be posting on this site. Be sure to update your bookmarks, and if you subscribe to my RSS feeds, you can do so at the new site for all the latest and greatest!

Patience

Patience has never been one of my strong suits. I usually expect instant gratification, and when I'm not obliged, impatience consumes me. I love digital photography for this exact reason. I no longer have to wait nervously while developing my film to see the results!

If you've looked at my website in the past, you would have seen a ridicules amount of logo changes! I was never satisfied with my choices and struggled to find a brand that represented my photography. Being a do-it-yourselfer, I figured that a logo was something I could easily put together.... WRONG! After slamming my head against a wall for too long I decided to hire a professional!

I had seen the work of Luxecetera on a few other photographers websites, and after looking at their branding examples, I was sold! What I love about Luxecetera is how each designs was different and very unique to each client, which ranges from the ultra modern to fun and whimsical (no wonder these ladies are booked until 2010)!

While filling out the standard questionnaire about my design direction, I thought about possibly incorporating the acacia flower into my design. Although, I was not named after this flower, my name is derived from it. So an idea was born, and before I knew it, Ashley at Luxertera created my brand!! I adore the hand drawn illustrations of the flower "puff" (reminds me of something out of Dr. Seuss, which always makes me smile)!

I have been on pins and needles waiting for its completion, and I am pleased to announce that my patience has paid off! Check out my portfolio site see the changes: www.kayshaweiner.com

Stay tuned for the launch of my new fabulous blog NEXT WEEK!!

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!