I've been working more on my branding lately; how I present my materials to clients (contracts, pricing information, etc.) and how I want potential clients to see me.
One of the things that I get continually stuck on is names for my packages. I'm usually the creative one, but I ain't got nothin' when it comes to this!
I'm so desperate that this is what I've come up with, as a little play on my business name The Bond Between Us:
- Tape (most basic package)
- Rubber Cement
- Duct Tape
- Super Glue (most elaborate package)
However, something tells me that it doesn't sound very exciting or professional to order the "Rubber Cement" wedding package.... did you get it? :)
In an effort to come up with some better ideas, I'm holding a Blog Contest! I'm in need of four package names... related to weddings in general or something to do with relationships and "bonds". The winner of this contest will receive $20 in FREE Brusters Ice Cream.
Why Brusters, you might ask? Because it's the best place on earth, especially during the summertime!
So between now and next Thursday, June 5th at midnight, post your ideas in the Comment section. The winner will be announced Saturday morning!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Boudoir : Celebrating Beauty
A big THANKS goes out to the four ladies who joined me this weekend for a marathon Boudoir shoot here in Valdosta. Armed with a ton of inspiration images, music by Fergie and the new Leona Lewis, and an awesome hotel room... I had a blast celebrating beauty with these ladies.
Be on the look-out for more opportunities to schedule boudoir sessions. Information can be seen below.
Okay, here's the info on scheduling YOUR boudoir session:
- Sessions can be scheduled during any weekend that a session spot is open (contact me about days and times).
- Sessions can be held anywhere... at your house (master bedroom, kitchen table, etc.) or somewhere else like a hotel room.
- Sessions typically last between 60-90 minutes.
- The fee for a private boudoir shoot is $250 and includes a session and a leather album featuring 20 images from your session in a satin-lined presentation box.
If you'd like to schedule a group session (perhaps you're planning a bachelorette party, a girls-only birthday party, or just have a few friends who would be interested in having fun) please contact me for details.
Be on the look-out for more opportunities to schedule boudoir sessions. Information can be seen below.
Okay, here's the info on scheduling YOUR boudoir session:
- Sessions can be scheduled during any weekend that a session spot is open (contact me about days and times).
- Sessions can be held anywhere... at your house (master bedroom, kitchen table, etc.) or somewhere else like a hotel room.
- Sessions typically last between 60-90 minutes.
- The fee for a private boudoir shoot is $250 and includes a session and a leather album featuring 20 images from your session in a satin-lined presentation box.
If you'd like to schedule a group session (perhaps you're planning a bachelorette party, a girls-only birthday party, or just have a few friends who would be interested in having fun) please contact me for details.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Ashley & Brandon : Married
This weekend was amazing! Not only was it my birthday on Sunday, but I had the opportunity to spend it in Pamana City for Ashley & Brandon's wedding. The wedding was at the Majestic Beach Resort and my hotel room was on the 18th floor. Holy cow! Saturday morning, this was my view.
After looking over over our balcony during breakfast... my husband, friend, and I noticed something in the water. Sting rays! I was amazed at how close they were to the shore, and how many of them there were!
After playing around Saturday morning with the guys, it was time to get ready for the Bid Day. I joined Ashley and her family for some "getting ready" shots, and of course my favorite... the details!
What a beautiful bride!
I'm so happy that Ashley and Brandon decided to see one another before the ceremony. It wasn't intentional, but we were able to spend so much more time doing relaxed portraits with them. I love that their faces are beaming with excitement of the day. Several times I remember family and friends asking them if they were nervous. Ashley would just smile back and say "A little... but I'm really excited." Spending this extra time with them was so special!
I wish I had a wide-angle lens to capture all of the guests of the wedding... although there were only about 50 invited to the wedding, Ashley and Brandon had quite a turn-out for their vows exchange!
I love how simple the decorations were... white chairs, and a gorgeous arbors adorned with tropical colored flowers.
*This is perhaps my favorite image I've ever taken... negative space ROCKS!*
After the ceremony, the sun was just beginning to set. I was amazed to see this image in my camera.
Following the beach-side ceremony, guests were invited to one of the hotel's conference rooms, which is beautifully decorated by Ashley's mom and family members. They did a terrific job! It's getting late, so I'll share three of my favorites... the cake, guests tables (I love the details they paid attention too, like the little leaves beneath the glasses), and the new Mr. & Mrs. Brandon Williams!
Ashley and Brandon, thank you so much for inviting me into your lives and allowing me the opportunity to capture your love for all to see. I hope you're having a blast in the Bahamas, and hope to have your images delivered soon!
After looking over over our balcony during breakfast... my husband, friend, and I noticed something in the water. Sting rays! I was amazed at how close they were to the shore, and how many of them there were!
After playing around Saturday morning with the guys, it was time to get ready for the Bid Day. I joined Ashley and her family for some "getting ready" shots, and of course my favorite... the details!
What a beautiful bride!
I'm so happy that Ashley and Brandon decided to see one another before the ceremony. It wasn't intentional, but we were able to spend so much more time doing relaxed portraits with them. I love that their faces are beaming with excitement of the day. Several times I remember family and friends asking them if they were nervous. Ashley would just smile back and say "A little... but I'm really excited." Spending this extra time with them was so special!
I wish I had a wide-angle lens to capture all of the guests of the wedding... although there were only about 50 invited to the wedding, Ashley and Brandon had quite a turn-out for their vows exchange!
I love how simple the decorations were... white chairs, and a gorgeous arbors adorned with tropical colored flowers.
*This is perhaps my favorite image I've ever taken... negative space ROCKS!*
After the ceremony, the sun was just beginning to set. I was amazed to see this image in my camera.
Following the beach-side ceremony, guests were invited to one of the hotel's conference rooms, which is beautifully decorated by Ashley's mom and family members. They did a terrific job! It's getting late, so I'll share three of my favorites... the cake, guests tables (I love the details they paid attention too, like the little leaves beneath the glasses), and the new Mr. & Mrs. Brandon Williams!
Ashley and Brandon, thank you so much for inviting me into your lives and allowing me the opportunity to capture your love for all to see. I hope you're having a blast in the Bahamas, and hope to have your images delivered soon!
I meant to do that...
I am a member of a photography online forum, where photographers from all over the country join on a regular basis to share their highs and lows about their art and clients (most of the time, it's about the highs!)
Today, I came upon an awesome article written by one of the members, and I had to share it with you all... to help you understand why I take pictures the way I do, and why I'm different than most other studio photographers. Her article follows.
Make no mistake, my work is unique! I have a style of my own and it is somewhat uncoventional. My clients are usually looking for something fresh, stylish and more contemporary than what many “traditional” photographers offer. That being said, there are some things you may notice when looking at my work that is different from what you might be accustomed to…
“Tight Crops” –
This means super close close-ups where often the face fills most of the frame of the image. These images are about the eyes, and often the top of the head is not included in the image. I meant to do that!
“Not-So-Smiley”-
So many of us have been brought up to believe that a smile is a requirement to make a great photo. So not true! I love a pensive look as much as a big grin. I meant to do that!
“Let’s Be Negative”-
Negative space is when the subject is placed off to the side of an image and the rest of the image is empty—this is done for artistic impact. I meant to do that!
“Left of Center” -
The most boring position for a subject in a photograph is smack dab in the middle! I know, I know, not what you always thought, right? Trust me! There is a little something in design called the Rule of Thirds that we photographers often employ to enhance visual interest.
The rule states that an image can be divided into nine equal parts by two equally spaced horizontal lines and two equally spaced vertical lines (like a tic-tac-toe board). The four points formed by the intersections of these lines can be used to align features in the photograph. Aligning a photograph with these points creates more tension, energy and interest in the photo than simply centering the feature would.
Huh? Trust me, your child does not need to be right in the center of an image for it to be a good portrait! I meant to do that!
“The Light in the Eyes”-
The hallmark of good portrait photography is good lighting, and the hallmark of good lighting is something called a “catchlight,” – a reflection of light in the eyes. I love big catchlights! I purposely position my lights for the best and largest catchlights, especially for close-ups. Flip through any parenting or glamour magazine and look at the eyes—what do you see? Big bright catchlights! A lack of catchlights leaves the eyes looking flat, dull and lifeless.
Article written by Kristi Hibbetts
Today, I came upon an awesome article written by one of the members, and I had to share it with you all... to help you understand why I take pictures the way I do, and why I'm different than most other studio photographers. Her article follows.
Make no mistake, my work is unique! I have a style of my own and it is somewhat uncoventional. My clients are usually looking for something fresh, stylish and more contemporary than what many “traditional” photographers offer. That being said, there are some things you may notice when looking at my work that is different from what you might be accustomed to…
“Tight Crops” –
This means super close close-ups where often the face fills most of the frame of the image. These images are about the eyes, and often the top of the head is not included in the image. I meant to do that!
“Not-So-Smiley”-
So many of us have been brought up to believe that a smile is a requirement to make a great photo. So not true! I love a pensive look as much as a big grin. I meant to do that!
“Let’s Be Negative”-
Negative space is when the subject is placed off to the side of an image and the rest of the image is empty—this is done for artistic impact. I meant to do that!
“Left of Center” -
The most boring position for a subject in a photograph is smack dab in the middle! I know, I know, not what you always thought, right? Trust me! There is a little something in design called the Rule of Thirds that we photographers often employ to enhance visual interest.
The rule states that an image can be divided into nine equal parts by two equally spaced horizontal lines and two equally spaced vertical lines (like a tic-tac-toe board). The four points formed by the intersections of these lines can be used to align features in the photograph. Aligning a photograph with these points creates more tension, energy and interest in the photo than simply centering the feature would.
Huh? Trust me, your child does not need to be right in the center of an image for it to be a good portrait! I meant to do that!
“The Light in the Eyes”-
The hallmark of good portrait photography is good lighting, and the hallmark of good lighting is something called a “catchlight,” – a reflection of light in the eyes. I love big catchlights! I purposely position my lights for the best and largest catchlights, especially for close-ups. Flip through any parenting or glamour magazine and look at the eyes—what do you see? Big bright catchlights! A lack of catchlights leaves the eyes looking flat, dull and lifeless.
Article written by Kristi Hibbetts
Monday, May 19, 2008
One Image...
... that I love from my wedding on Saturday. Ashley and Brandon looked HOT! :)
A ton of more pictures and information about their wedding is coming soon, but I just had to show one image to get your mouth watering for more.
A ton of more pictures and information about their wedding is coming soon, but I just had to show one image to get your mouth watering for more.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
What a glorious color combo!
I'm in love with the color combination of pink and brown, so when I found out that Katrina was decorating Olivia's nursery in these colors, I was already putting my thinking cap on for the perfect announcement.
Here's one of my options. I'm tempted to stop here with my creation and tell Katrina that she must choose this one, but I'm sure I'll come up with a few more for her to choose from.
That's one of the best things I like about my editing software, Photoshop. All of the designs that I offer (Christmas cards, birth announcements, invitations) are created by me. They're one of a kind!
Here's one of my options. I'm tempted to stop here with my creation and tell Katrina that she must choose this one, but I'm sure I'll come up with a few more for her to choose from.
That's one of the best things I like about my editing software, Photoshop. All of the designs that I offer (Christmas cards, birth announcements, invitations) are created by me. They're one of a kind!
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Olivia Grace
Olivia was born Wednesday morning to my best friend Katrina and her husband Mike. I've had the awesome pleasure of being able to photograph the progress of her growth through Katrina's belly, and I'm so excited to be able to track her growth beyond birth.
I've never photographed a baby so fresh... Olivia is just 4 days old! She's so tiny, and I'm so in love with her.
Here are a few favorites from our session this afternoon:
Usually, I like newborns best when they're asleep. Olivia, however, wasn't having any of that and preferred to be awake. Lucky for me, she was able to make eye contact.
I love her tiny feet! And how the third toe kind of bends to hide behind the others.
Olivia was showing some major tongue, and I just love this expression.
Finally, this was one of my last shots, but perhaps my favorite. I had packed up my stuff and was getting ready to leave when Olivia finally crashed. Katrina had swaddled her in a cute blanket, and I unpacked my gear and a black blanket and capture her cuteness.
I've never photographed a baby so fresh... Olivia is just 4 days old! She's so tiny, and I'm so in love with her.
Here are a few favorites from our session this afternoon:
Usually, I like newborns best when they're asleep. Olivia, however, wasn't having any of that and preferred to be awake. Lucky for me, she was able to make eye contact.
I love her tiny feet! And how the third toe kind of bends to hide behind the others.
Olivia was showing some major tongue, and I just love this expression.
Finally, this was one of my last shots, but perhaps my favorite. I had packed up my stuff and was getting ready to leave when Olivia finally crashed. Katrina had swaddled her in a cute blanket, and I unpacked my gear and a black blanket and capture her cuteness.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Relay for Life
Last Friday evening, Brett and I joined thousands of others at the Valdosta Middle School track for Relay for Life. I always enjoy going there, even if just for an hour or two, and joining in the celebration over the fight for cancer. What I love most is that everyone seems so passionate about this cause, and the money raised goes straight to research.
Each year, there is a different theme. Last year's theme was "Games", and this year's theme was "Holidays". I loved walking around to see what each organization came up with and how they decorated.
* SIDENOTE: Please disregard the lack of photographic excellence in the below pictures. :) I only took my point-and-shoot camera.*
Here are the ladies of the Valdosta Junior Women's Club, with a Mardi Gras display. I loved that there was a little boy dressed up like a court jester!
I didn't catch the name of this organization, but I loved their interpretation of the Chinese New Year
Lastly, you gotta love the play on words here... Get Crackin' for a Cure! :)
We stayed just long enough to watch the Survivor's Lap, where all of the cancer survivors in Valdosta were invited to walk a lap around the track with their families. It was very emotional.
Each year, there is a different theme. Last year's theme was "Games", and this year's theme was "Holidays". I loved walking around to see what each organization came up with and how they decorated.
* SIDENOTE: Please disregard the lack of photographic excellence in the below pictures. :) I only took my point-and-shoot camera.*
Here are the ladies of the Valdosta Junior Women's Club, with a Mardi Gras display. I loved that there was a little boy dressed up like a court jester!
I didn't catch the name of this organization, but I loved their interpretation of the Chinese New Year
Lastly, you gotta love the play on words here... Get Crackin' for a Cure! :)
We stayed just long enough to watch the Survivor's Lap, where all of the cancer survivors in Valdosta were invited to walk a lap around the track with their families. It was very emotional.
Friday, May 2, 2008
One more week...
... left to sign up for the May Boudoir Shoot! The details are below in another post, but here's the ER version.
* May 24-25
* 45 minute private shoot
* Time to yourself
* Showing off your sensual side
* Leather album of your favorite images (that looks like THIS)
* $150
I'm trying to work it out to where I'll be able to do shoots on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning to accommodate everyone's schedule. If you haven't gotten in touch with me to reserve your spot, let me know. E-mail me ASAP at thebondbetweenus@gmail.com to pick your time and sign a contract.
* May 24-25
* 45 minute private shoot
* Time to yourself
* Showing off your sensual side
* Leather album of your favorite images (that looks like THIS)
* $150
I'm trying to work it out to where I'll be able to do shoots on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning to accommodate everyone's schedule. If you haven't gotten in touch with me to reserve your spot, let me know. E-mail me ASAP at thebondbetweenus@gmail.com to pick your time and sign a contract.
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