Inspiration & Design Photography BLOG

WE MOVED!!!!! Click below for our new BLOG location

I know you've been hearing the buzz about the new BLOG for a while now. After MUCH WORK, MUCH FRUSTRATION and some pulling out of my hair, I have finally finished my new blog! There has literally been one glitch after another, but I am hoping it will all have been worth it.

I would love some feedback from my followers regarding the new design and if you leave a comment on the new blog, you will be entered in the drawing for several gift cards I am giving away. Remember I did it for YOU! So you wouldn't have to look at my - slightly above average - less than gorgeous - slow loading banner -BLOG anymore. I worked very hard on a design that I thought would be much more pleasant to view, especially for all my feminine readers and brides. Seriously, who doesn't love pink and green together with some vintage romance thrown in????

To connect to the NEW BLOG click HERE: The NEW BLOG!!!

Update on new blog in process

We have been in the process of trying to launch the new blog for quite awhile, unfortunately we are having difficulties with our programmers. Until it is finished, we won't be posting much on this blog, except for Tuesdays and Thursdays.  We appreciate your patience as we continue our efforts to resolve this matter and reveal our new redesigned blog.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Girls & Guns by guest blogger Emily Plecker

"Why can't you get in 'girl trouble'?" That's what my Dad said to me when I found myself in a tad bit of mischief during my high school days. I was always the girl who wanted to do the things that guys so stereotypically thought that girls weren't capable of. I tried things like riding motorcycles. My first time ended tragically as I ran full throttle into a parked car and broke my arm. I'll admit that didn't stop me from getting back on one in time. Needless to say, I wasn't gun shy.

And as much as that sounded like a metaphor, it was literal. I found my niche and it just so happened to be guns. The men in my family are all avid hunters, and have been since I can remember. Growing up I always showed an interest in going hunting as well, so my brother and my dad would take me along with them on occasion. I was probably nine or ten years old when I got my first gun. Now, don't get me wrong this gun was a BB gun, which if not sighted in was about as harmless as a sling shot. But my eyes lit up when my dad handed it to me that christmas morning. 

The older I got the more I learned about the silent sport of hunting and the more responsible I became with a gun. I was allowed to carry my weapon now while hunting with dad, and pretty soon he decided that it was time for me to have my own semi-automatic. I remember him saying, "Now, that's not a toy you know." I had it out on the back porch target practicing that very day. 

The last gun that was gifted to me, was just this past christmas. My parents decided to pass down to me a gun of my grandfathers, that passed away a little less than a year ago. "Now, that's a good gun. You take care of it. I think your granddaddy would have wanted you to have that." Even at 20 years old and a full time college student, I look for the opportunity to fire a gun every chance I get. Not only is it a sport to most but its a sense of empowerment for a woman such as myself.

Never underestimate a girl and her gun. Now, to find me some guy trouble...;)

 

 

 

Bridal Tips 101: Hair & Smile by guest Blogger: Emily Plecker

Out of the many important things on the big day, good hair and a beautiful smile are definitely a priority. Hello, the most important thing of all is a beautiful bride!;) No, really the most important thing is that the bride feels beautiful, and come on ladies we all have our insecurities. Maybe she feels like her hair is thin and unmanageable or that her teeth are dinghy and she cant afford to have them whitened. Breathe! There are solutions! 

It's never a fun day when you realize that your hair isn't capable of anything. Maybe it's too thin or flat? A good way to fix this solution is to add an accessory. Hair flowers, bows, and even feathers are HUGE in fashion right now. It's a perfect extra something to create an allusion of volume! Remember that simple is beautiful, even if you do something as easy as a low bun and add a white flower or bow, it will look elegant and chic. A lot of brides prefer to go with a fresh flower, this is a nice option as well. It may be a clever way to accent her bouquet. 

As far as hair goes the simple is beautiful rule still applies. Classic buns and chignons give a great modern and sophisticated look. Details are the eye catchers with these styles. Using hair pins with rhinestones or ceramic designs are a great touch. Lose updos are really in! Lofty twists and soft curls present a romantic and sexy look you may be looking for.

On to the smile! I'll tell you a little secret I'll bet you didn't know about teeth whitening. BAKING SODA! Yes, I'm serious. Use it with toothpaste when you brush! I personally have gotten results in one to two weeks. Also, months before the big day avoid things like coffee, dark tea, and red wine. Dentists say "if it will stain white cotton, it will probably stain your teeth." Lastly, believe it or not, the right shade of lipstick can make your teeth look immediately whiter. Stay away from oranges, salmons, peaches, and corals. These colors give the teeth a yellowish cast. You want to go with red or pink with cool blue undertones. The blue counteracts the stains and makes your teeth look much brighter. 

Happy smiling and accessorizing!

 

 

A faithful confidant - by guest Blogger: Emily Plecker

Debrah has been a busy bee working in the office on the new and improved blog design, that she hopes will be coming to you sooner rather than later. Although, I must confess, I am a little concerned that she won't have much hair left when it's all said and done. It hasn't been the peachiest of situations as she has worked on it almost entirely on her own with much dismay to web designers and their inattention to detail! But I can assure you that she is a lady with a knack for design, therefore, it is coming along quite beautifully. I'm positive that you followers won't be disappointed! 

Meanwhile, I've been keeping Debrah as sane as possible, by making sure I am a faithful confidant when it comes to opinions about the blog design. I've also been doing some research for Debrah, working on my own personal blog, studying some photography material Debrah hooked me up with, and lastly trying to stick to these New Year's resolutions of mine. With that being said, I've been fighting with my own body to make myself go to the gym, and telling myself that I don't need chocolate to survive. Who am I kidding? Why yes, yes, I do! 

Anyway, Debrah and I have truly had a wonderful time working together, and I'm learning so much already. The two of our creative minds put together has created a productive, innovative, encouraging, and beautiful environment. I could really get used to this! We've been discussing working together some after I start a new semester in February. HA! You haven't seen the last of me yet! Send your best wishes to Debrah for the blog design, because quite frankly I like her hair!;)

 

"Anxiety is the hand maiden of creativity." - T.S. Eliot

 

Motivation for those of you like me, who need to exercise more often!

New Blog Design Update

I was really hoping the new Blog design would be up and running by now, but I've decided to switch horses in the middle of the river and take a different path up stream, so I can reach the beautiful meadow I see on the other side. 

It may be finished by Dec 20th or so (I hope). I'm excited to share the new design with you as soon as it is finished. Thanks for your patience.

 

White Wednesday

I know it's been a while since I've posted, I do apologize.  I have had to put ALL my energies into working on my goals for 2011, namely my new website.  As we are now in November, (can you believe it?) I am realizing time is quickly running out!!! I have put most everything else on hold while I work tirelessly on my goals. I do hope it will all be worth it in the end. 

In the interim, I love to take time for self assignments, a time to just enjoy the art and craft of photography, with-out the normal time pressures. To create just for fun.  It relaxes me and reminds me of why I do what I do.  For some time I have wanted to do a White Wednesday, I am not sure why, but I think I feel it leading me to a whole color themed project.  I am always so inspired by the images in Artful Blogging magazine and thought I would do my own rendition. 

If you love photography and creative writing you must take a trip to your local book store and have a cup of coffee while you get lost in the beauty of this publication.  If you do, please send me a comment on your thoughts. I would love to hear if you enjoyed it as much as I do.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope you enjoyed white Wednesday!

Canon vs. Nikon - Why I Use Both

Invariably when I am shooting a wedding, someone will say, "Oh, you use Canon & Nikon?".  Yes I do.  Granted it strains my brain more having to remember two systems that are virtual opposites, especially during the fast pace of a wedding when I have quickly grabbed the black gear and already have it to my eye and now have to remember which camera I am holding and where the buttons are placed for the command I want to control.  The other down side is that you have to duplicate your equipment.  More stuff to bring, more expense. So why do I do it?

Because getting the best possible image is the most important thing.  I like both systems for different reasons and I dream of a SUPER HYBRID that will come someday!!!  I'm already thinking of names for it. Cannik? NiCan? NonKon? CanKon?!?! Y..E...S.., that's it! Like Can Kon-quer focus, Can Kon-quer noise, Can Kon-quer jaundice! CanKon...like King Kong! Powerful, able to climb to the top as it's being fired upon by inferior Canons & Nikons, being loved by beautiful blond photographers everywhere! I think you get the reference ;)

I currently use the Canon 5D MkII. The color balance is amazingly accurate and there's almost no noise in low light high ISO situations, so it's great for receptions.  I use the L series lenses, which are suppose to be the best glass.  I feel they render a beautiful image...WHEN THEY FOCUS CORRECTLY.  This is a well known problem, and if you don't believe me, read the dozens of forums talking about this very prevalent issue. You will focus, the camera will beep letting you know it is focused, your subject will look in focus and waa-lah, your final image is NOT in focus. Many experienced photographers including me, combat this issue by taking several exposures of the same image to increase the odds of a sharp image. Well what a pain in the butt that is!  Why won't Canon just FIX this PROBLEM!

There are so many new photographers out there thinking THEY are doing something wrong. They come home from a wedding or session all JAZZED about their awesome images only to be shocked by how many are out of focus! So if you're a photographer who has gone into the fetal position and rocked back and forth from this traumatic stress event, take a deep breath and know that you are not alone.

I first noticed this problem when I switched from Nikon to Canon about 4 or 5 years ago. I switched because all the talk was that CANON was better and it had a full frame sensor, the best lenses...yada...yada. With my extensive background and use of many cameras over the years, with no out of focus images, I KNEW IT WASN'T ME!  I have had this discussion with a couple of other photographers who say they don't have this problem. . . Hummmm.  So many other very well known and experienced photographers do! In spite of this inconvenience Canon is still my go to camera.

I also use the Nikon D700. The white balance is VERY YELLOW. I adjusted it by adding +2 of blue, which helped. It does not do well in low light at higher ISOs and is pretty contrasty (I haven't tried to adjust that yet). On the up side, it focuses fast & accurate,  the lenses render sharp images and the ergonomics are over-all better than Canon. So for now, my bag is loaded with two sets of everything, until CanKon is born!

Isn't she pretty, I think the purple is a nice touch :)

 

Re-post

Michelle's awesome Bridal portraits will re-post on July 3rd.  We didn't want the groom getting a sneak peak of her dress before the wedding.  If you didn't get to see them, please check back!

I DID IT!

 
Well...after much studying, test taking, and image submission, I CAN SCRATCH NUMBER 10 OFF MY LIST!  If you read my "Year of New" post, then you are aware I have created a list of personal/business goals for the year.  Number 10 was to "Get my CPP Designation".

I received my letter from the PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHIC CERTIFICATION COMMISSION confirming that I have met the rigorous requirements measuring my artistic and technical competence and I am now officially a CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER! YAY!!!

I have been working as a professional photographer for many years. Therefore, much of the material I had to study was review as well as a whole lot of super technical information (lots of brain cramps). But I can say without a doubt that I have gained a much deeper understanding and also was refreshed on many of the things I have learned over the years.  This experience also made me take a new look at my own work and style. And because of that, I realized that I had lost a part of my true identity as an artist. I feel this year will also be a "year of new" in my images.  But in actuality, it will be more like a blend of my old and new artistic self.  I expect positive growth ahead.  

It was a challenging and rewarding experience, one that I would recommend to any photographer.  If you would like to find out how to become certified or find a CPP in your area, click here Certified Professional Photographer .

Personally it feels good to know that this milestone achievement has put me in a select group of less than 2,000 other photographers world wide. There are now about 22,000 members of The Professional Photographers of America and many thousands more that have never submitted their work for the review and approval of a professional organization.

I still have 10 remaining items left on my list; I will have to update you on my progress in another post.

Thanks for celebrating with me!