Look Out. Neil and Monica.
Posted by: Poser: Image | September 2nd, 2010
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It was that kind of party.
:P
Dasha + Mehrdad | MARRIED! | Strathmore Hall – Bethesda Maryland Photographer
Posted by: Heather Z Photography | September 2nd, 2010
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Although Dasha and Mehrdad have been legally married for a while, they waited to celebrate with family and friends at the Mansion at Strathmore Hall on a Thursday evening in late July. As this beautiful Russian bride began putting on her make-up, the sun began to peek out of the cloud that had been plaguing the Bethesda area for weeks with ferocious storms that knocked out power and flooded streets throughout the region. And frequent check-ins with the National Weather Service seemed to indicate that the evening would be perfect for their outdoor, traditional Iranian ceremony. However, as Dasha began to descend from the steps of the Mansion, ominous clouds did the same across the sky, heading straight for their pastel colored service, and threatening to overtake the golden sunset rays that illuminated them. Within moments of the minister beginning the rite, drops sprinkled on them from the sky and only seconds later, the entire congregation was running for cover as the sky opened up and rain seemed to fall from all directions, soaking almost everyone in attendance. And Murphy’s Law being what it is, the storm lasted mere minutes and left a stunning rainbow in its wake…as well as soggy chairs, humid air and sloshing shoes. As I think back to that afternoon, I remain impressed with Dasha and Mehrdad’s unshakeable demeanor, as they simply picked up the train of her gown, and carried on into the Mansion where they completed the ceremony and the recitation of their vows. And afterward, we braved the humidity and damp grounds to capture a number of lovely portraits to commemorate the day. Despite the soaking, Dasha remained stunning in her gown, as I quipped that she looked better drenched from a rainstorm than I do fully dry with an arsenal of products to help me get ready.
Thank you both for allowing me to be part of your day and I look forward to seeing you again soon!
Julia and Luke | Engaged
Posted by: Andrew and Jessica Photographers | September 2nd, 2010
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A couple of weekends ago we met Julia and Luke for some relaxed Colorado mountain engagement pictures. We started at the top of Berthoud Pass with some spectacular views of the gorgeous Colorado mountains and then headed up to the top of the mountain at Winter Park. Julia and Luke are getting married next summer [...]
I can’t believe we are talking about the holidays.
Posted by: Lynn Michelle Photography | September 2nd, 2010
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I’m going to call her out – because I can – Lauren emailed me about Holiday Portraits yesterday. Really? I’m still sticking to the leather in my car and blasting the A/C like it’s going out of style. But it really, really is September and the last chunk of the year is upon us. So I guess I really am talking about Holiday Portraits right now.
So do your stretching exercises because November has been designated the month for portraits and the month for portraits has been designed as November (little ode to Monty Python there).
More details will follow, as well as what this year’s backdrop will look like. It will probably be ridiculous, don’t you worry.
Women and Business: Maile Wilson
Posted by: davinafear | September 2nd, 2010
**All images in this post are copyright Maile Wilson.***
NEXT WEEK: Gone to Love Affair for the next two weeks. Sept. 23: Skye Hardwicke
{To nominate women you'd like to see in this series please list them in the comments-or if you have a question you'd like to see in the interviews--make sure to include your info in the comment fields so that I can get in touch with you- or write to me at: davina at davinafear dot com }
As always make sure to leave comments for the women who are featured. They like comments as much as i do I'm sure...let them know if you have questions or just to say thanks! for their insight and wisdom...
You can check out the rest of the series by clicking here. Tell a friend!
Maile, You have wonderful work, have made deep, lasting, and meaningful connections with other women photographers and artists around the world, and you are so real. I love the honesty and humor that is in everything that you do. I'm thrilled to have you on Women and Business today. Thank you!
My number one question is...how do you say your name? :)
It’s pronounced “Mylie”, as in Cyrus. :)
How long have you been a professional photographer?
I’ve been shooting professionally for over fifteen years. But I started at a Glamour studio in the 90s. So most of my early work could supply www.awkwardfamilyphotos.com with at least a year’s worth of content.
Are you in a retail space or a home studio? What made you decide to have the space you have?
I’ve had 4 different retail spaces over the years, and have a love/hate relationship with them. After letting my last lease run out in January, I admitted to myself that the part I like best about having a studio is initially decorating it: choosing paint, furniture, color schemes. After the newness wears off, I get bored with shooting there, start to persuade my clients to go on location, then feel ridiculous for paying rent on a largely un-used space. Right now I lease office space.
What does your workflow look like? Do you outsource or keep everything in house?
I don’t shoot weddings, so I edit everything myself. I also used to be really bad at saying “no”, which would turn me into an insane nocturnal beast during the busy holiday season. I’ve learned to draw boundaries and delegate. But I’m still dying to take one of Millie’s workshops so she can teach me how to be organized.
What do you do to help your clients be so comfortable with you during a photo shoot?
I talk, ask lots of questions, and treat the session as if it were a lunch date with a friend. Pretty soon people forget about the camera, and then I pounce. Just kidding. That visual just made me laugh. :)
How did you become such a fun writer?
I don’t think of myself as a writer, as much as a talker. I write the same way that I speak. My paragraphs are littered with run-ons and fragments. This was a challenge when we were collaborating on the Shutter Sisters book. But when I’m stuck, I usually just ask myself “what’s the most honest way to say this.”
What do you recommend women do who are just getting started in the industry?
Whenever I get these emails, (and this is going to sound so canned) I honestly refer them the Love Affair Workshop. I’ve always wanted to go, and it looks like one of the best ones out there. Other than that, I just say practice and shoot everything. Bring your camera everywhere and read inspiring blogs. There are SO many resources online now. There’s never been a better time to learn photography.
If you have children, do you homeschool them? If so, how do you fit that into your already very busy schedule?
I have three children. I don’t homeschool them. But sometimes I wish I could find a way to make that happen. It seems to me like the moms I know who homeschool have a lot more freedom in their schedules.
How do you keep so many things organized?
I have a full time nanny who helps with my kids. She also keeps the house in order, cooks dinners... it’s possible that she might have saved my life. I also have fantastic people helping me with Epiphanie. And my husband is very supportive. There’s no way I could do all of this by myself.
What do you do for fun...that has nothing to do with photography?
Hang out with friends, read, go to movies, watch trash television. I feel like there’s so much I want to do, I’m never bored.
What are you most proud of as a business woman?
I’m proud (and feel blessed and lucky) that I created a job that doesn’t feel like work.
What do you do to keep your marriage fun?
We laugh together. It sounds cheesy, but we both have the same absurd sense of humor. And even after sixteen years, there’s usually at least one moment during the day that he’ll make me gut laugh about something. That makes it fun, since we’re pretty bad at planning date nights.
What are the top three things you did when you were first getting started in business to bring in clients?
1. I made sure every client I had was as happy as I could make them. 2. blogged a lot 3. Made friends with other businesses and teamed up with them for different promos.
I love the name of your blog. How did that name come about?
I was reading a magazine about a lady who owned a boutique in Florida named “Relish”, and loved it.
How do you keep your marriage safe from the stresses of your business?
We’re pretty honest with each other. If something’s not working, we usually talk about it, and work it out.
What is the best thing you've done to make your business successful?
Blog. By far, BLOG.
You are a mom, how old are your children? What do you do to help them feel part of your business life?
My children are 10, 7 and 5. My business has been such an integral part of my life, I’m not sure they could feel like they weren’t a part of it. Every time my poor husband would be laying down another laminate floor for yet another (“I-have-to-have-it”) studio, there my kids would be curled around the laptop watching cartoons. Hammers, nails, sawdust flying around. It’s an “adventure”. Right? I hope. :)
What do you do to keep your family strong?
We hang out a lot on the weekends, and try not to overstimulate the kids with too many activities. I think that can run a family ragged. We also try to make traditions by turning mundane things into fun events. Like every week we all sit down to watch Cake Boss. It’s simple, but by dragging the couch up to the TV and cuddling under blankets together, it makes it feel like a little ritual to look forward to.
You are one of the contributors to the Shutter Sisters blog. How did that opportunity come about?
A few years ago, I stumbled on a blog called Picture This. Tracey (the now founder of Shutter Sisters) was the writer, and we got to know each other online. One day she asked me if I’d like to be a contributor for her her new collaborative blog. I was thrilled.
What is your favorite thing about being part of Shutter Sisters?
I love watching how much it continues to grow, as well as being a part of such a wonderful community. It’s not easy to create such a fantastic sense of inclusiveness. Tracey, and the other sisters have done a great job with it.
You travel quite a bit. How do you make this easier on your children? How do they feel about how often you travel?
The amount of traveling I’ve been doing lately isn’t normal for me. Things just aligned to make it a really hectic summer. I’m lucky because Jason is a really hands-on dad, so they’re mostly concerned with what toy I’m going to bring back to them. Still, after the last trip which is scheduled next month, I will enjoy staying home for the rest of the year. It’s always about balance, isn’t it?
What three products or things help you stay organized?
Things, my iPhone, My Epiphanie Bag (of course :))
What is something that you think women in the industry should not do?
Compare.
What is something that you think women in the industry should do?
Be authentic.
You switched to mac a little while ago and were hating it. Have you and your mac hugged and made up or are you still wanting to wring it's neck...if it had one? (I switched last year and felt the same way....)
OMG. The first day after purchasing it, I spent a half an hour googling “how to cut and paste on a mac”. I had no idea how much of a learning curve it would be. But we’re on speaking terms now (sort of). Not about to rush into a long term relationship just yet.
What five suggestions do you have for women who are trying to have a more whole, content, and blissful life?
Learn to say no. If you say yes to everything, you will never have time for what means most to you.
Be yourself. Otherwise the people you attract will exhaust the hell out of you.
Let go of having to do it perfectly.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Live life the way you picture it. (life list inspired by Maggie)
To see more of Maile's work:
**All images in this post are copyright Maile Wilson.***
Speculator, NY
Posted by: sarahrhoads | September 2nd, 2010
At the end of July we took a trip with our good friends Mark, Candice and the cutest baby in the world, Wyatt. Mark & Candice invited us to hang out at their family estate in Speculator New York. When Candice said it was right on a lake we were there. These two have become great friends of ours over the past couple of years. You may remember their cute little faces from when we shot them here in Seattle last year.
Mark & Candice are also photographers and the four of us (plus Wyatt :) decided to do the unthinkable and get away for a week in the middle of crazy busy wedding season. The goal of the trip was just to relax and be together with no cell reception in the middle of no-where-Speculator New York. We played games, slept in, stayed up late talking, went sailing, read, took naps, had a couple camp fires, saw the most beautiful sun-sets and laughed A LOT. These two are our perfect travel-couple. Around them, things are easy and effortless and I am reminded of how sweet sharing life can be. A true friend is one that can pick you up during times of struggle, but also celebrate you in your successes. That is Mark & Candice. They are absolutley beautiful people that we feel so grateful to call friends.
To be honest, we didn't get our cameras out much this trip because we just wanted to soak it all up, but I just thought I would share a few random captures of our sweet time on the lake with one of our favorite little families, The Brookes :)
We're off to Maui today... anyone have any suggestions of things to do? We're shooting Saturday but are staying a couple extra days to explore :) Any suggestions welcomed.
something blue.
Posted by: Aves Photographic Design | September 2nd, 2010
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It’s always the little things that mean so much, isn’t it? Like, my most favorite gift-ever-from Will was not the diamond engagement ring he gave me in May of 2005, or even the pearls that came wrapped in such a pretty box with a big creamy satin bow that he sent me on our wedding day. The big things are great, but when you put thought into something, it really shows that you care about that person. It makes them feel special and wanted. The gift I always remember was the first card he ever gave to me. Hand-crafted and complete with a really sweet and quirky poem about loving me as much as an Emu (or something like that), it was the card that made me fall in love with him back in high school. I’d keep it on the shelf above my bed and would read it any time I wanted to smile.
Granted, I’m about to ruin this story by telling you that I later found out that it was the physical card an ex-girlfriend had hand-written him and had pasted the magazine clippings and letters on herself as a Valentine’s Day card the year before (it was really a beautiful and sweet card, Amanda). And all he’d done was cut the front portion of the card out and taped it to new construction paper so that he could sign his name on the blank part. But for two whole years, before I came across the other half of the card in his dresser (WHY would you save the evidence? Destroy, guys. Destroy.), I really cherished that card. Haha.
So…bad example. Anyway, in light of the things I know now, I guess I’d say Jack was my favorite gift (our 11-year old kitty cat who marks the age of our relationship and is our firstborn child; our only other two children being Sasha Fierce and Lady Feroche, the two sweetest kittens on planet Earth). Just kidding; Jack was ALWAYS my favorite gift. But since nothing really tops a pet in the gift-giving department, I had to choose my most favorite gift after that. The point was that it was so thoughtful (at least he wanted to do something sweet! He just needed a little help. And if it was real, it would have been the best card ever made by a guy. Ask my sister. She agrees.), and that the best things come from the heart. I still look back on that card with fondness because it reminds me of a time that I felt on top of the world. A time that I was falling in love.
This gift beat that. Sorry, Will. If it had stayed undiscovered that you didn’t write it, I would probably still like yours best.
It was Katherine and Will’s Wedding (Part I-haha), and I had just arrived and was getting situated in the bride’s room. Katherine’s bridesmaids were all excitedly perched on the edge of the couches laughing and creating new inside jokes. Which I now understand and feel VERY important to be in on (“What if I were to put this on my blog and make everyone else feel like they have to get me a gift for their own wedding from now on? What if?” HeheheeeReallyYouDon’tI’mSoJoking*).
At that moment, Katherine walked in (in her uber-cute pink monogrammed robe and bridal hair) and everyone cheered. As Katherine always does, she started talking to everyone and the mood of the entire room (which you wouldn’t think would be possible to get any better) lifted. This happens every time she walks into a room, and I’m pretty sure it is one of Will’s (her Will’s) favorite things about her. I’m positive it’s one of her bridesmaids, parents, and sister’s favorite things about her. I’m not saying this because of the pretty birdies pictured here. I thought it before I even came to this wedding.
Then she asked if I saw my gift. My gift? My gift. It took a minute to process this. This is so embarrassing to say, but my hands were almost-shaking as I opened it because I was surprised to the point of almost-crying. Don’t ask me why. I think it’s because all in one sentence, I suddenly felt important. Not important like I’m-the-Wedding-Photographer-Yeah-I’m-Pretty-Freaking-Important (I already feel that on a daily basis. Haha; that was another poorly executed joke and only partially true), but important to her.
And then I saw what was inside. Two small, smooth, tiffany blue ceramic birdies. Identical to our little logo birdie.
By now, if you’re not completely enthralled in this story you’ve already rolled your eyes at least once or aren’t reading anymore. If you are completely enthralled, then you get it. You understand why this meant so much to me. Coming two months after we opened our storefront and had our Grand Opening of something I always wanted but never imagined to be this good because God is Good; As we finally start to carve our niche out in “our” little corner of Fort Worth (I love thinking of it like that. BTW, “our” area is called SOBO for those of you hip to the Fort Worth scene. I mean, we are the BO part, but SOBO can definitely extend to our side of the street); and as every single couple who hires us finally truly understands us/our work. Not only “understands us”, but likes us and wants what we do and nothing else. Our weird/honest/real/sometimes-accidentally-insulting-but-never-meaning-it-that-way/quirky/organic/old school/darkroom-loving/usually-annoying-on-my-part vibe. They deal with it because they like our photography that much, which is what really gets me.
It’s a pretty good feeling. Believe it or not, we used to be met with a little bit of skepticism because of our age; especially by old people. Haha. But sometimes young ones too, and that’s okay because that is what has gotten us to this point. It’s what makes being fully trusted now so much more special and meaningful.
I came home that night and showed Will the birdies. And re-read the card. What I want you to take away from this (long-ish…sorry) post is that thoughts do matter. Just by putting a little bit of care into something/someone (or a lot in this case, because it meant so much to me), you might totally turn someone’s day/week/month around. The things you do out in the world matter. They really do.
That’s me and Will kissing on the bench in front of University Christian Church because we’re two happy birdies.
So to sum it up, favorite gifts I’ve ever received: 1) Jack 2) Blue Birdies 3) Fake Card from Will. In that order. Thank you so much for the thing that made my year, Katherine, Sharon, and Will. XOXO, Lauren
*For Real. Don’t even think that. I almost didn’t post this and it’s been sitting in drafts for four days because I don’t want to add another gift to buy to anyone’s already-giant list. I love thank you notes very much and they are all posted on the bulletin boards in my office and do NOT ever expect a gift ever. For real. A big tip, maybe….KIDDING. I think it’s time to stop and pull my foot out of my mouth.
WEDDING GIVEAWAY BY SIERRA BLANCO PHOTOGRAPHY
Posted by: Sierra Blanco Photography | September 2nd, 2010
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A couple of months ago, we had a client who really wanted to hire us and had every intention of doing so until she fell on hard times and could no longer afford us ... or the wedding she had originally envisioned. She was determined though, to have her wedding and despite current circumstances, still make it a day to remember! Her determination to overcome the disappointments she faced made a strong impression on us and in turn, we offered our services to her at no cost. Over and over, she told us that we helped make her dreams come true and that she was forever thankful. In fact, it was us who felt thankful. She reminded us of how truly fortunate we are to be doing something we love for a living and it felt wonderful to give back! We were privileged to be given the opportunity! We will be posting her wedding in an upcoming blog (and no, the photo above is not from that wedding ... it was a very unique event and we don't want to spoil it.)
For this reason we will be making this an annual event. We are giving away a wedding in 2011 to the couple who presents the most compelling story to us. Please let us know what your story is. We are excited to offer this opportunity to a very special and deserving couple and hope if you come across this posting and have a story, you will be willing to share it with us. The rules are simple.
1. The wedding must take place in 2011 and we must not already be booked.
2. The wedding can take place anywhere, Arizona or otherwise. If the wedding takes place outside of Arizona, travel fees must be covered by the couple.
3. Please provide us with as much information as possible about your wedding (location, venue, date, special wedding day events, etc.) and at least one photo of yourselves for posting on our blog in the event you win. You must already have the wedding date and venue firmly established.
4. Tell us your story and be as open an honest as you can with it.
5. This giveaway applies to new inquiries only.
Email us at sierrablancophoto@yahoo.com . We will be choosing a winner at the end of October. The winner will be provided with up to 8 hours wedding day coverage by Sierra Blanco Photography, a DVD of edited, high-resolution digital images with print rights and a private, on-line slideshow of your event.
DESTINATION WEDDING GIVEAWAY BY SIERRA BLANCO PHOTOGRAPHY
Posted by: Sierra Blanco Photography | September 2nd, 2010
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We adore traveling and when we get the opportunity to mix a beautiful wedding with an exotic location, well ... it really doesn't get any better than that for us! Over the past few years we have been steadily building our destination wedding business and have been blessed with many unique opportunities that have in turn allowed us to see many wonderful places we wouldn't have otherwise seen. What we have found in working in this segment of the wedding business is that all too often, couples settle for a resort photographer or something along those lines and ultimately end up with a beautiful wedding in an exotic location, but with no really stunning images to show for it. For 2011, we have decided to do a destination wedding photography giveaway. The only costs to the winner will be that of travel. The rules are simple.
1. The wedding must take place in 2011 and we must not already be booked.
2. No place is too exotic or too far. Locations in the continental US are welcomed as well. Sorry, but weddings in Arizona will not be considered for this giveaway.
3. Please provide us with as much information as possible about your wedding (location, venue, date, special wedding day events, etc.) and at least one photo of yourselves for posting on our blog in the event you win. You must already have the wedding date and location firmly established.
4. Tell us the story behind why you chose a destination wedding for yourselves.
5. This giveaway applies to new inquiries only.
Email us at sierrablancophoto@yahoo.com . We will be choosing a winner at the end of October. The winner will be provided with up to 8 hours wedding day coverage by Sierra Blanco Photography, a Trash-the Dress session on location the day after the wedding, a DVD of edited, high-resolution digital images with print rights and a private, on-line slideshow of your event.
PHOTOGRAPHY AWARD – WPJA QUARTER 1 CONTEST 2010
Posted by: Sierra Blanco Photography | September 2nd, 2010
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First, let me begin by saying ... I'm still here :-)! I have had a lot of people asking questions lately wondering why I'm not blogging anymore. The main reson is that life got extremely crazy starting this past spring and, though I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel, I'm not quite there yet. Some big things happened for us at the beginning of the summer (no, not a baby) and I will be letting you in on that sometime very soon. I do have a LOT, LOT, LOT of postings to catch up on very soon and I can't wait to share them. We have had a lot of beautiful weddings and shoots (some near and some far away), so stay tuned ... I promise there will be plenty to see over the next couple of months!!
Until then, I did want to share this photo. The wedding took place last spring (one of many that haven't been posted yet) and a photo from it won 9th place in the "Full Frame Black & White" category in the Quarter 1, 2010 WPJA (Wedding Photojournalist Association) Competition. As always, I am honored to be recognized among such a talented group of photographers! Thanks to Sue and Billy for trusting me to capture such special moments as this one that occurred during their "first meeting"!
