For the Love

"Wouldn't it be cool if we had a group of fellow photographers that we could get together with, just to talk about things?" I remember Wendy saying this to me, clear as day, about six months ago.


Fast forward to Aug 7th. We rode home from the Courtney Fries workshop, ideas bubbling over. We had talked about it before, but now... now everything felt different. It felt like we could actually do these things, like we could style a shoot, plan a get-together of local photographers. Meet up with others in the area and talk photography, talk business, talk about life.

And so the idea of "For the Love" was born.

And started to weasel in to my thoughts. And into Wendy's thoughts.

Over a burrito and taco salad Wednesday night, Wendy and I chatted about what we envisioned -- a group of local photographers, meeting every six or eight weeks. Informal. Not "led" by anyone in particular. Not a workshop, but a group to bounce ideas off of. So For the Love of photography, of art, of friends, of good wine and great food, and all that comes with a good life, we are hereby starting this group. And we want you to join us! Right now, we don't have a large agenda, but we do have a lot of inspiration and a ton of motivation.

So, as the first act of For the Love, Wendy and I would cordially like to invite you to "That 70's Shoot." What is it exactly? A vintage styled shoot complete with a vintage VW bug, fun picnic items, and a lovely styled couple. The shoot will be held on Sunday, Sept 19th at 5pm. The exact location will be announced, but we're planning on an open field near a barn. Right now, we're capping the attendance at 8 participants (at least this time) to maximize everyone's ability to shoot. Afterwards, we're planning to stop some place for dinner and chatting -- where will depend on the location of the shoot.

So why are we doing this? One, because we (Wendy and Sarah) think it's fabulous fun to style a shoot. Two, because who doesn't want to take more pictures and practice a few techniques with no pressure to perform? Photos can be for your portfolio, or just for fun. And three, because we would LOVE to get together with other like minded individuals and chat! So hurry! RSVP so we know you're coming! And feel free to let me know if you have any questions.

Photos courtesy of Marc Bordons, Lenaah, John French, & Elizabeth Anne Designs

Busy....

Pack clothes
Remember food/toys for the girls
Pick up hair gel
Get gas
Stop at bank
Dinner with Wendy

This week has been busy, and the rest of it isn't going to get any slower (the list above is the yet to do list, and that isn't even all of it!). Jared and I are headed to Pennsylvania on Saturday for a week of hanging with the family, catching up with old friends (old as in have been friends forever, not as in havng lived forever!), and spoiling our newest niece and nephew. We're back on Sunday, then I'm driving up to Georgia for a few days with one of my bestest friends, hanging with her at the American Eventing Championships (at which she and a few of her girls are competing) and photographing their rides (can't tell you how excited I am for some awesome eventing!!). So to say that I'm a bit stressed at getting everything ready to leave, and making all of the time schedules work is probably a tad of an understatement. But it will all get done. And we will have a good time. Now, off to finish up work for the day (yes, I'm on my lunch break), stop at the store, the bank, and the gym before I get home and start to pack...

What I am looking forward to the most this trip... nothing like good baby snuggles! (Photo courtesty of my dad, since I obviously haven't been there to meet them yet!)

Tyler - Sneak Peek! ~ Gainesville Senior Portrait Photographer

I couldn't resist putting up a quick sneak peek of tonight's senior portrait session with Tyler. She rocked it! Stay tuned -- more to come!

Planning for great photo shoots

Great photo shoots don't just happen. They are well planned and well executed. Sound difficult? Not to worry! Here are a few things to think about when planning your next photo shoot.

Why are you getting pictures done? Are you looking for photos for Holiday cards? Wanting to update your family portraits? Documenting a special time in your life (engagement, new baby, or little ones growing up)? It's often a good idea to match the location of your photos with what you want to remember about this time. Does your toddler love to play at the park? Outdoor locations like local parks make wonderful locations for photo shoots. Even your house can become a beautiful backdrop for family photos and individual portraits. After all, where is more *you* than home?

So what should I/we wear? Wear what makes you feel good! This also plays into your location and the vision you have for your photos. Personally, I'm not a big fan of matched outfits and perfect coordination. Real life isn't like that. When styling a shoot, I prefer to let each person's individuality shine through. A general theme is good, but don't be afraid to wear different (but compatible) colors. Accessories (think hats, scarves, necklaces, funky shoes) also add great flair and personality to portraits.

Why is time of day a concern? Well, from a photographer's standpoint, early morning and late evening are the best times for light (you know, that soft, glowy, beautiful light...). But that might not be the best time for your family. I encourage you to find a time where everyone will be relaxed and comfortable - don't make everyone wake up at 7am on a Saturday morning if that isn't your norm and means that hubby will be grumpy, kids will be sleepy and you'll be frustrated with all of them. If we need to work around baby's naptime, we will do it! We want happy clients, because happy people make beautiful photos.

Is there anything else to think about? Well, yes! Props are always fun to add to any photo shoot. This might mean balloons, umbrellas, or even a surf board! Antique cars, bicycles, chairs, just about anything you can think of can be worked into a photo shoot. Pets are always welcome too, although it's generally a good idea to bring an extra person if you're bringing Fido or Miss Kitty so someone can take care of them during the photos when they aren't invited.

Not sure when is the right time to have portraits taken? Read this, it’s just a little something to think about, courtesy of Deb Schwedhelm.

Have more questions? I would love to help you fulfill your vision (or help you find it!) for your next photo shoot!

Kelly & Roman ~ Gainesville Equine Photographer

As many of you know, one of the passions of my life is riding horses.  It all started when Mom and Dad bought me my first pony when I was in elementary school....

Don't laugh, now... remember it was the late '80's...

Anyways, horses have always been a big part of my life. So when Kelly emailed and asked if I would take some photos of her and her horse, Roman, I was delighted!  Kelly shows dressage (think dancing on horse back) and this past weekend, she was competing to earn her Silver Medal from USDF at Canterbury Show Place.  She was successful in doing so, and rode a beautiful test! A few photos from the morning:

Congratulations again, to Kelly and Roman!

Back to babies ~ Gainesville Children's Photographer

Okay, back to some photos of the babes, taken at the Courtney Fries workshop I attended. For all of the photos from the children's and bridal photo shoot, check out my website!

But for your Monday morning dose of cuteness, check them out (and don't forget about the cute little mister I blogged about last Monday!):

More of Jacquelyn ~ Bridal Portraits

As promised, more of Jacquelyn!

Jacquelyn ~ Bridal Portraits

Jacquelyn was also a blast on Saturday. She has an amazing smile and was so fun and playful throughout the entire shoot! Happy Friday!

More from Jacquelyn tomorrow!

More of Kristina ~ Bridal Portraits

As promised, some more bridal loveliness from Kristina...

Running inside from the storm, with both pairs of shoes, like any good bride!

Kristina ~ Bridal Portraits

The afternoon of the Courtney Fries workshop last weekend included a bridal portrait shoot -- complete with gorgeous dresses, amazing shoes (!), World War II planes at the Fantasy of Flight museum, and an incoming storm. Our two models, Kristina and Jacquelyn, were nothing short of fabulous -- beautiful ladies, inside and out! Ohh, and, me taking a huge step out of my comfort zone, shot the ENTIRE shoot in manual... and while I definitely had photos that weren't the right exposure, or the focus wasn't quite right, the majority were pretty close. So, thanks to the urging of Courtney, hopefully I will be getting a lot more familiar with my camera and shooting in manual more often!

Lots of photos from this shoot, so it'll be a few different blog posts. For today, here are some shots of Kristina -- this girl is high fashion!

Ch-ch-ch-changes!

One of the ideas I took away from the workshop this past weekend was about branding, and really making a complete brand for myself, something that flows and works well together. And I'm pretty sure this is a never-ending task, one of those things that is going to evolve as I grow and learn. But my first start is the blog layout, making it work a little better with the front page of my website. There will probably be some more changes, and I'm not completely sure that I'm satisfied with the blog layout as it is now -- it may require some tweaking here or there. But overall, I think it works a little better.

What do you think? Like it better or not?

Workshop in review

So I promised you more about the Courtney Fries workshop, so here it is! First, a disclaimer. I've never been to a workshop before. I had no idea what to expect. I didn't know how the photo shoots were going to go, if it was going to class room time where we were formally instructed or round table discussion, or if I was going to be so far behind everyone else that I would just be lost the entire day! Luckily, I went with my friend, Wendy.... and I distinctly remember saying, as we were just about to pull in the drive way, "Are you nervous?" The butterflies in my stomach were going crazy! "Yes," she admitted, and I immediately felt better. We pulled into the Music Ranch, where our children's shoot was to be held, and joined the others standing around... and was immediately relieved when I realized that we were joining in with a group of fellow photographers who were all feeling the same way! Every last bit of nervousness was gone -- as we all introduced ourselves, it was like we instantly were friends, bonding over the same struggles and joys of photography.

In short, for me the workshop was incredible. I learned so much from Courtney in such a short time. I became more familiar with my camera, shot a whole photo shoot in manual mode (!), and made some great friends.  Just watching others shoot -- what angles, what approaches were they taking -- was as helpful as actually shooting myself. And Courtney was great. She was candid and up front with all of our questions. I never felt uneasy asking a question, never felt it was a stupid question or that I would be judged for asking.

So with that all said, here's a huge thanks to Wendy for letting me know about the workshop and encouraging me to go (and letting me spend the night!). And an even bigger thanks to Courtney, for just being so generally amazingly nice, styling some insane shoots, and answering all of my questions!

Quick photo to hold you over, more to come!

Workshop, photoshoots, new friends, oh, my! ~ Gainesville Children's Portraits

Ok, slightly cheesy, I know.... this past weekend, I attended a workshop by the amazing Courtney Fries. And part of this incredible workshop (I'll get to the nitty gritty of that in another post -- I'm still processing all of the information!!) was a morning photoshoot with several children. My favorite shots of that photo shoot are from this little man:

Seriously, how cute is this? Newsboy hat, mechanic's shirt, and FLAMES on his shoes!!

Gonna be a heartbreaker someday with that look...

Yeah, I know how to drive...

Someday, if I have kids, I want a little boy that is this adorable. For real.

Mad props to Courtney for putting all of this together. Check back for my thoughts on her workshop and more photos from the rest of the day!