Jul 29, 2008

you know we're girls

because we had to get together to talk about stuff we could have easily phoned or emailed about. I'm talking about a great group of local photographers that got together last week. We all met at the I Shot Someone in Detroit workshop and we're trying to have monthly roundtable meetings to work on the business end of our photography businesses. We're pretty darn good at the photography part but since the business part is how we earn a living, we're trying to help and encourage each other out. It's a great feeling to be working with local photographers instead of feeling like we need to compete against each other.



This month we had, from left to right, Jackie of Jackie Blair Photography, me having a bad hair day, Jennifer of J. Urbin Photography, Amy of Lil Sweet Pea Photography, Jen of The Family Room and Sarah of Blink Photography. Anita of Anita J C Photography was there, too, but I forgot to take the photo before she left. Sorry! Looking forward to next month's roundtable. Oh, and boys are welcome, too.

living with photographs

Okay, I won't be able to do many more of these as I'm running out of rooms! I think I still have my living and dining rooms, the kids' bathroom and eventually the basement. So, enjoy it while it lasts. The kitchen was clean, the kids were at Grandma's so it was actually staying clean and I thought I better take advantage of it.

Jul 25, 2008

client faves

Let me take a moment to introduce you to another fabulous client and handsome young man that I have had the privilege of photographing for the last three years.



My name: Claudia

My occupation: Business Operations Coordinator (and mom)

I live in: Lake Orion

A little factoid about me that not many people know about: I had the opportunity to drive cars on the Waterford Hills Race Track, and absolutely loved it........could be a race car driver in my future?

Okay, so I'm picturing Claudia in a racing helmet, gloved hands on the wheel, zooming around the track with a huge smile on her face!


One of my fave foods: any kind of dip

If I didn’t have a child, I’d drive a: Saturn Sky

They are pretty to look at. Plus a convertible is always a bonus.

Since I do have a child, I drive a: Saturn Vue

And it's a cool orange. No soccer-mom-mini-van here.

If I had three hours to myself, with nothing that had to get done, I would: find a Garden Walk and take a tour

My favorite image from my session with Rebecca and what I feel about this image. I can't pick just one image or two. I've had such a tough time selecting photos from the sessions because I love them all. Rebecca manages to capture Derek's personality in every one of them. I even love the images where Derek and I are together (and I'm NOT photogenic). They really show the love that we share.

Claudia is too modest. She looks beautiful in these portraits but I do agree that the love is so obvious.






Can I just insert that I have always wanted a portrait like this of me and my son? It just makes my heart melt.



And a few more of a boy being a boy.





Jul 22, 2008

completely random

Okay, so these have absolutely nothing to do with photography.

A fun little video that just makes me giggle. How fun is Dancing Matt? Simple things truly bring people together. From Matt's site:

A few months into his trip, a travel buddy gave Matt an idea. They were standing around taking pictures in Hanoi, and his friend said "Hey, why don't you stand over there and do that dance. I'll record it." He was referring to a particular dance Matt does. It's actually the only dance Matt does. He does it badly. Anyway, this turned out to be a very good idea.


I love how, even once bunches of people join in, you can still see Matt with his distinctive moves. It's kinda like a Where's Waldo?




And check out this cool site. Wordle lets you make 'word clouds.' Not quite sure what the point is, but it's cool. I could see doing this with your wedding vows, your high school graduation speech, the first story your child wrote, etc. This is when I put in the last few posts from my blog. You'll need to click on it to see it larger.

Jul 17, 2008

something a little different

Usually I try and post a sneak peek for my clients on the blog. I select a few of my favorites and post with a snippet about the session. Just a little something to hold them over until their full gallery is ready. With the June Gallery R sessions, I put a big rush on the proofs and I didn't even get the chance to do sneak peeks. So, I thought I would take some time now and post a few images from the sessions. I followed the example of Marianne from Marmalade Photography and asked my clients to share their thoughts on the session and their portraits and added a few of my comments in italic. I'll start with Alissa. I've been photographing her family for seven years now and they are just a pleasure to work with. Here are E & A.



My name: Alissa

My occupation: Stay-at-home mom and student

I live in: Birmingham

Alissa is so modest. Her home is fabulously decorated and has such great style, if I may add. And I particularly enjoy seeing photographs from previous sessions when I visit!


A little factoid about me that not many people know about: I was accidentally stabbed in the side by a Bayonette gun held by a war veteran when I was 4 or 5 years old.

Ouch!


One of my fave foods: Mexican

One of my fave brands of kids clothes: Mini Boden

And they also have great photographs in their catalogs. So fun!


Where I like to shop for grown up clothes: Nordstrom's, Banana Republic


When I indulge, I indulge in: Dairy Queen Blizzards


My favorite images from my session with Rebecca and what I feel about this image. I love the two images of Ella and Ava standing in front of the tall grass. In one they are holding hands and dancing, and in the other they have their hands around each other's waist. They look so carefree and happy against the beautiful background setting.

Carefree is exactly the word that describes the first image.





And a few more of my favorites that I couldn't resist sharing.









See you soon!

Jul 9, 2008

upcoming class on Monday in Rochester

So, I'm officially closed for the summer but that doesn't mean I'm not working. I have a few outstanding orders at the lab and framer and will get those to you right away. I'm also scheduling a few high school senior rep sessions, (still looking for 2009 seniors so send them my way, please) and have a photography class this Monday through Rochester Community Education. It's not too late to register. You can call their office, (248) 726-3165 , and get registered today.



The class will focus on how to use natural light to its best advantage and also be a quick review of composition. All of that information could come in pretty handy for an upcoming contest, hint. hint. Hope to see you there!

getting there

Okay, so the rain and the heat haven't been slowing me down too much in my training for the Breast Cancer 3Day in September.



As of today, I've walked 97 miles and all of you have supported me in the amount of $665. Thanks! The latest supporters:

Dan & Christine
Grandma Beare
Joppich Family
Montalbano Family
Vivian
Legler Family

I am at 30% of my $2,200 goal and am hoping to have all support raised by the end of July. Please continue spreading the word for me. I do appreciate it.

living with photographs

Another installment in the video clips of photographs displayed in my home to inspire you in your own home. Enjoy!