Posts Tagged ‘washington photographer’

Melissa & Michael + Their Wedding Story

July 23, 2010

Such a beautiful sunny afternoon on the Silverdale waterfront overlooking Dyes Inlet. As I arrived, the bride was adding finishing touches to make sure everything was just perfect. The tables were dressed with classic white hydrangea, roses and pencil starfish with pink accents. The palette of pink and white was brought right into the attire with the bridesmaids in pink JCrew dresses and wearing simple starfish necklaces. The bride’s gown from Pearls & Lace in Burien was gorgeous, it looked like ripples of water…her hair adorned with a single stargazer lily…so beautiful. During the ceremony they poured colored sand to symbolize their unity…a meaningful piece of art to remind them of their families blending together. After a little food and wine it was time for the first dance and then on to speeches and their amazing applique cake by Lori Coulter which was a modern twist on a classic, white with sea-inspired decorations. It was such a great day, filled with fun and in between filled with tranquil moments shared between family and friends.

A chance meeting walking out of a pub and four years later they were walking down the aisle. I have to say this couple really knows how to have fun…now its on to Mardi Gras and married life. :)

Bride Getting ReadyBeautiful Wedding on the Silverdale WaterfrontElegant Wedding DetailsWaterfront Wedding DetailsWedding Rings PhotographyReception on Dyes InletPortrait overlooking Dyes InletWaterfront Wedding PortraitsSilverdale Wedding PhotographerGuys Getting ReadyBride and Groom Portraits on Silverdale WaterfrontBeautiful Bride in Garden PhotosBeautiful Bride PortraitsBride and FatherExchanging RingsPouring Unity Sand at WeddingThe KissWedding Cake and WineAmazing Applique Wedding CakeFirst DanceGuests having funRelaxing after a perfect day

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Posted in Weddings | 11 Comments »



Then + Now

April 1, 2010

Kodak Film and Compact=

An unused can of Kodak film on the left, and a Compact Flash card on the right…the reality of the changing times.
I can only imagine where that can of 20-exposure film has been…for years it was hidden in my Grandfather’s garage storage until he passed away and it ended up in my hands. I have been its keeper for almost 10 years now and I will always keep it for all that it symbolizes. History. Art. Innovation. The compact flash card on the right is one of many that I use for my photography and it holds 400+ images in RAW format.

There is still art in digital.
I do remember processing my own film and developing my own photos in my High School’s darkroom…it really felt like you were making “ART”. I refused to buy a digital camera until I saw just how amazing the technology and the quality had progressed. I soon discovered that professional images are still edited…still skillfully retouched…still hand-processed. It just happens its done to a digital file instead of a negative.

Pursue your passion and embrace change.
I have five or so of my Grandfather’s film cameras (from a Falcon Miniature to a Kodak Tourist II), which I hope to display one day in a studio of my own. He loved photography, architecture, printing, and was so proud to finally own a digital camera and a computer when he was in his late 70′s. He built his own garage workshop and would tinker, build, repair and organize in there. When he passed, we discovered file cabinets full of old magazine clippings that were categorized…things he had saved and things that he had always planned “to get to” or that he thought were important. He was a very quiet man. I worked with him in a print shop for a couple years and really had an opportunity like no other in our family to get to know him. He was an average man with an amazing life story. From being captured by Nazi’s in WWII to owning his own newspaper business…I just wish I would have asked more questions. We had computers in school when I was a kid and I remember having one kind of computer or another since I was 5. Even games have changed, from Frogger to World of Warcraft…and what would my Grandfather think of my 2 year old playing puzzles on my iPhone? I think he would be amazed and would have been one of the first to own his own iPhone. He truly embraced technology…and embraced change. I just feel like he wasn’t able to pursue his passion and realize his full potential…but he seemed content. I know he wanted more from me, for me to take whatever I had to wherever it could go.

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Posted in Photography | 3 Comments »



Posing Class + Favorites

March 20, 2010

Today I attended a class along with some other local photographers in Port Angeles, Washington held by Ernst. While I had a lot of fun, I learned some great tips about lighting, posing seniors, marketing and photography that made me think of “my” photography in a different way. We had an indoor lighting/posing session and then took it outdoors (YAY natural light – my favorite!). I saw this one interesting brick wall and asked Ernst about how to pose someone if they were on it, he was happy to indulge my curiosity and try it out…of course that was my favorite shot I was able to get. Another was after he had posed her sitting at a nearby coffee shop and I just loved the softness of her hands, her subtle smile and her eyes were just amazing. Thank you so much Ernst!

Port Angeles Senior Photographer

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Posted in Families | 24 Comments »



Portrait Session + Sneak Peek

March 14, 2010

My very good friend and fellow photographer, Crystal of Crystal-Pixel Photography, asked me to do a portrait session of her. Between the frequent laughs and silly faces, I think we got some beautiful shots. I know its awkward being in front of the camera when you are so used to being behind it…so I think we were on extra-silly behavior to break the awkwardness. I am very grateful that she asked me to photograph her and even though the pressure is on when you photograph another photographer, she really made it easy on me! Thanks C – you totally rock dude!

Port Orchard Photographer

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Posted in Portraits | 5 Comments »



Ways to Share Session Photos

March 14, 2010

I know that my clients will want to share their session images, after all that is one of the biggest reasons for having professional photographs taken. But did you know that photographs (both digital and printed) are protected by United States Copyright law? Unauthorized copying or duplication of images (including scanning photographs) is in violation of this law and affects a photographer’s ability to continue to produce high-quality work. When you have your photos professionally taken, the photographer still retains copyrights to these images and therefore, under no circumstances can you use the images for profit, commercial use, in competitions or for professional display (altered or not). But there are many ways to share your photos that do not violate this copyright.

Photographer’s Blog
Often photographers will post session sneak peeks or favorites on their blog. This is the quickest and easiest way to share your session images – just post a link to the photographer’s blog post in your email, Facebook, Twitter, or even your very own blog. Don’t forget to leave a comment as its always wonderful for a photographer to see their client not only visiting their blog but leaving some great feedback. Its also a good idea to check out their blog often for great information and even special offers they are running that may not always be advertised elsewhere.

Tagging on Facebook
Why not ask your photographer if they will post some of your session images to Facebook? Most photographers have Facebook pages and would be more than happy to upload and tag you in your session photos. You first need to “friend them” on Facebook and then the Photographer will be able to tag you in the photos. Once you are tagged, those images will automatically show up on your Wall for your own friends to see. Usually the images will be watermarked with the photographers logo or name. Its important to not crop out watermarks as that could be considered copyright infringement. If you want an image cropped a certain way for any reason, just ask your photographer to do that for you.

I’ve also had clients upload the watermarked version of their images to their Facebook page and tag me in them, that works fine too! As long as you are using the web-resolution watermarked images (including a link to my website or blog is awesome too) and then don’t forget to tag me in the image so I can see the ones you post, I always love to see your favorites!

Online Gallery
If you have an online gallery for proofing your session photos, then why not email the link to your “inner circle”? Its another great way to share with friends and family. Make it easy on yourself and let them know if they want to place an order, how they should go about doing that so you won’t be bombarded with email requests. Sometimes they need to order directly through the photographer, or sometimes they can order right through the gallery.

Gift Prints
When you place your session order don’t forget to include a few gift prints. Giving prints to a few special family members or friends is always a great way to share your photographs. Your photographer will likely sell prints a la carte, so think about a set of wallets or a 5″ x 7″ print of your favorite photograph as these are both popular choices.

Buying the Digital Files
Many photographers will offer the digital files at an additional cost, or may even include them as part of their package. You could still run into trouble making personal prints unless you have “Permission to Print”. This is generally something from the photographer allowing you to make prints from the digital files for your own personal use. Their may still be restrictions about distributing the files (either by email or online), so be sure to read their policies.

I want you to be able to share your session photos and try to make it easy for you to do so. If you have any questions, please put them in the comments or send me an email and I’ll post the answer here for everyone.

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Posted in Photography | 4 Comments »



A Custom Necklace for a Custom Photographer

March 1, 2010

I’ll admit it, I am an Etsy addict. I love things that are handmade and especially so when they are made just for me…after all who doesn’t like something thats one-of-a-kind? After I found a charm necklace that had a camera on it, I wondered if maybe she would make a custom one. I just sent a request to the Etsy seller describing what I was looking for and she quickly replied that was more than happy to make it for me. I received my necklace and its exactly what I wanted – I really love it! It turned out that her name is Laura too and she was so nice to work with. I encourage you to check out her shop by clicking here.

Don’t know what Etsy is? It’s a great place to buy and sell things that are handmade. Just search for something or browse one of their categories and you will find so many wonderful things. They also have supplies for making your own crafts and even vintage items for sale. Its really easy to use and you pay securely through PayPal. I have bought all kinds of handmade things, from hand dyed & spun yarn to a beautiful lace bolero. I love supporting such amazing creativity and entrepreneurship.

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Posted in Photography | No Comments »



Photographer Meet-Up + Seattle’s Hotel 1000

February 20, 2010

I am so glad I was able to attend the photographer meet-up that Katie & Emma put together this weekend at Hotel 1000 in downtown Seattle. (Huge thanks to you two & the hotel!!) The meet-up was for local photographers to get together to talk, exchange ideas, and network. First let me say, the hotel is stunning…as you walk through the revolving door, you enter the lobby and the interior is a work of art. I had to catch the ferry back home so I missed the tour of their rooms, but judging only from the images on their website – they have serious WOW factor. For those of you on the Kitsap Peninsula, the hotel is only a very short walk from the ferry terminal on the Seattle side.

There were a few familiar faces from Katie’s workshop that I attended earlier this month, and other local photographers I hadn’t yet met. It was really great to be amongst such experience and talent – I am really looking forward to going to more of these meet-ups. We talked a lot about the industry, our lives, and array of other topics. However, two of those really stood out to me and so I wanted to blog about them a little bit.

Day Jobs
It seems no matter where you are, or what you photograph, being a photographer can often be feast or famine. Some photographers have another job out of necessity, usually for a more consistent income, which enables them to pursue another profession that they are very passionate about (photography). One thing is for certain, photography is not a hobby for most “Photographers”. Its taken very seriously, with a lot of time and money invested in equipment, learning (workshops, classes, books, forums), marketing materials, etc. After all – the time, talent, and skill involved in photography goes well beyond just taking a photograph…there is post-production, client communication, marketing, learning, researching, and on and on. Sometimes it amazes me how some not only have another part-time or full-time job and/or are raising a family, but also run a very successful photography business. So if the photographer you hire has another job, its fairly common and no worries, because you will only see true dedication to you (their client) and their art (photography).

Referrals
If you have ever had professional portraits done (except at chain stores), chances are you were given a few extra business cards with your prints or album. This is so that if you had a great experience with your photographer, you might be so inclined to hand out those cards to your friends and family which could be potential clients for that photographer. It seems the consensus is that this is the main way for a photographer to get business. We rely on referrals as our main source of marketing…granted there are a lot of other ways to go about marketing also, but referrals seem to be the most successful. If you had a great experience with your photographer, please let them know, and let your friends know too!

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Posted in Photography | 4 Comments »



Photographer Tips + Sharpen Up

February 13, 2010

Written by Andrew Zander (a fellow photographer and my wonderful husband)

Unless I’m going for a creative effect, I want my pictures to be as sharp as possible. Here are a few tips I’ve learned to help me achieve that goal:

1. Most people know that you want a low ISO setting, but you don’t want to go too low – outside the native ISO range of your camera. For example, the “LO” settings on my Nikon D300 not only decrease dynamic range, but add some noise to the image.

2. Many photographers save up and get very nice (and expensive) lenses with low f-stops (ie f/2.8). These lenses are typically very high quality and, of course, ideal for low light solutions. However, most lenses are not sharpest at these wide apertures due to lens aberrations. Also, lenses aren’t as sharp at very small apertures either, due to diffraction by the edges of the aperture. Typically, lenses are sharpest at intermediate apertures – about one to three stops down from the maximum aperture in any given lens.

3. While we’re on the subject of lenses. Some people like the idea of using old lenses from the days of film. While these can be lenses of very high quality, they won’t necessarily make for a great lens on a digital camera. These days, lenses are equipped with anti-reflective coatings that weren’t used on older lenses. Such coatings reduce the likelihood of reflections within a lens that film wouldn’t pick up, but a digital sensor can. Also, if you’re using a full-frame format digital camera, older lenses can produce vignetting or distortions at the edges of the image. Since standard dSLR’s (ie DX Nikons) use a smaller sensor, the sharpest part of the image passing through an old film lens will reach the sensor, reducing the chance of any distortions.

4. Then there’s the software/post-production route. While I haven’t sampled every program that’s out there, I’ve used Nik Software’s Sharpener Pro 3.0 with success. You can batch process images in little time and the results are fantastic whether you go manual or use the automatic setting. Plug-ins are available for the most common photo editors/managers.

I realize these tips are hardly all-inclusive. I just wanted to share some suggestions/information that I found useful in crafting quality images. Please feel free to post your own experiences/suggestions.

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Posted in Photography | 14 Comments »