Because of rain! I don't think any of us minded one bit not being able to go out to the Arboretum today to do Jenny and Mark's engagement portraits. Because it's raining!
Hurray for rain!
Friday, October 19, 2007
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
A friend of mine...
It's always a little weird to come across someone elses pictures of someone that has also modeled for me. Does that make sense? Anyway, I was peeking in on my friend Anne McMicken's website tonight and ran across one of my models in her portfolio. To be completely honest, her shots blew mine out of the water, but I also get nervous about shooting nudes. There is so much beauty in the nude form, but I am just not as comfortable working with nude models as I could be. Yes, I know, art school grad not comfortable with nudity, go figure.
Check out the portfolio, it's really good :http://www.annemcmicken.com/6851/index.htm but warning, these are nude fine art photographs. But they are beautiful :)
Check out the portfolio, it's really good :http://www.annemcmicken.com/6851/index.htm but warning, these are nude fine art photographs. But they are beautiful :)
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Family and other issues
I am playing catch up here at Bostiva due to some family issues and other personal matters. For those who know me personally, my best friend's grandmother passed away over the weekend. She was a wonderfu, strong woman whom I have know for 10 years and who welcomed me into her house and family as if I was her own granddaughter. She spent many years as primary caregiver to her husband of over 50 years until he passed on three years ago. She will be missed.
My grandmother was also recently diagnosed with stage 4 Colon cancer. She is doing well and responding favorably to the chemotherapy. My grandfather, the man I credit with turning me on the path to photography, is in the hospital as well, and is entering his last days. Please everyone, if you haven't already, take time to talk to your family and loved ones now about what you would want to happen to you if you were no longer able to make those decisions for yourself.
Thank you everyone for your prayers and well wishes, to both my family and to Sandy's. Bostiva is possibly about to undergo some changes, and I will keep you informed as they happen.
My grandmother was also recently diagnosed with stage 4 Colon cancer. She is doing well and responding favorably to the chemotherapy. My grandfather, the man I credit with turning me on the path to photography, is in the hospital as well, and is entering his last days. Please everyone, if you haven't already, take time to talk to your family and loved ones now about what you would want to happen to you if you were no longer able to make those decisions for yourself.
Thank you everyone for your prayers and well wishes, to both my family and to Sandy's. Bostiva is possibly about to undergo some changes, and I will keep you informed as they happen.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Jackson and Family!
Saturday was beautiful picture taking weather, and the Chrapowitzky family and I took advantage of that! I had my daughter with me, which was a good thing because she has a way with the little ones. Jackson was a little shy at first, but he warmed up after Danielle and I played with him for a little while.
It was such a wonderful morning. I loved being able to be outdoors walking around, and the family enjoyed being able to play out in the fresh air and sunshine!
It was such a wonderful morning. I loved being able to be outdoors walking around, and the family enjoyed being able to play out in the fresh air and sunshine!
Pin Up, Pt 3
The latest in the pin up series, a more traditional shoot with a beautiful model in lingerie. Rebecca came into the studio, and was absolutely fabulous to work with. We had originally planned to do a shoot with her and her fiance, but he wasn't able to make it due to furniture market. Well, everybody's got to make a living, right?
Anyway, we had a great time. Becky and I were very comfortable working together, which is so great when you are doing work of this nature. It's just no fun if everyone is all self concious and can't have a good time. Luckily that wasn't the case: we had a blast! And the pictures are wonderful, thanks to my great model!
Anyway, we had a great time. Becky and I were very comfortable working together, which is so great when you are doing work of this nature. It's just no fun if everyone is all self concious and can't have a good time. Luckily that wasn't the case: we had a blast! And the pictures are wonderful, thanks to my great model!
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Thinking about things
Someone asked me the other day why people will want to come and have their portraits taken by me instead of at a chain studio somewhere (think JC Penney or Portrait Innovations). My first response was surprise, because I'm thinking "isn't it obvious, seeing my work?" But once over the initial prideful response, I realized that he had a very valid question. Why should someone pay a trained professional a good bit more than what they could probably spend in a chain?
Well, time for one thing. I spend much more time with my clients than is typical in a chain. Back when I was working at the Picture People, we had 20 minutes and nine frames of film. Granted, I got very good at getting excellent shots within those constraints, but it's not at all conducive to actually building a relationship with anyone. Getting to know a client takes time and patience, and I believe it's vital to a successful portrait session. I typically spend at least an hour working with everyone that walks in front of my camera. As a result, I am able to overcome shyness and nervousness to get shots that show each person's personality as well as the dynamic between family groups.
Another great reason to come to me instead of a chain is value. Yes, I will not argue that you are going to spend more money with me. But you aren't locked in to certain packages or poses. I do have a package deal that I do, but trading things out is still allowed, and you can mix and match your poses as much as you want. Or you can just buy things a la carte, or take advantage of my custom package which gives you a print credit to use however you see fit. The quality of both the images and the final product is much higher than you are going to get somewhere else.
A third reason is that all the money you spend with me is going straight back into the local economy. I shop at local stores. I buy food from local farmers. My photo lab is a locally owned and operated business. My child goes to a local school, and I support her PTA there. I try to buy as exclusively as possible from locally owned and operated businesses, because I want my dollars to stay local. I believe that it is important to all of us to have a strong community economy that is as self sufficient as possible, and I back that up with my dollars.
I'll stop there. If my words and the strength of my portfolio haven't convinced you yet, nothing will. But if you don't like my work, then I urge you to check out some other local folks before you head to the mall.
Well, time for one thing. I spend much more time with my clients than is typical in a chain. Back when I was working at the Picture People, we had 20 minutes and nine frames of film. Granted, I got very good at getting excellent shots within those constraints, but it's not at all conducive to actually building a relationship with anyone. Getting to know a client takes time and patience, and I believe it's vital to a successful portrait session. I typically spend at least an hour working with everyone that walks in front of my camera. As a result, I am able to overcome shyness and nervousness to get shots that show each person's personality as well as the dynamic between family groups.
Another great reason to come to me instead of a chain is value. Yes, I will not argue that you are going to spend more money with me. But you aren't locked in to certain packages or poses. I do have a package deal that I do, but trading things out is still allowed, and you can mix and match your poses as much as you want. Or you can just buy things a la carte, or take advantage of my custom package which gives you a print credit to use however you see fit. The quality of both the images and the final product is much higher than you are going to get somewhere else.
A third reason is that all the money you spend with me is going straight back into the local economy. I shop at local stores. I buy food from local farmers. My photo lab is a locally owned and operated business. My child goes to a local school, and I support her PTA there. I try to buy as exclusively as possible from locally owned and operated businesses, because I want my dollars to stay local. I believe that it is important to all of us to have a strong community economy that is as self sufficient as possible, and I back that up with my dollars.
I'll stop there. If my words and the strength of my portfolio haven't convinced you yet, nothing will. But if you don't like my work, then I urge you to check out some other local folks before you head to the mall.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
More Baby Cheyenne
Cheyenne had her first "studio" session last weekend. The beginning of a lifetime of being subjected to Aunt Vada's camera and bright flashing lights. She slept through almost the entire event. That's ok, I like sleeping baby pictures.
And big brother TJ got to be in a couple of the shots as well.
Mama Liza, although tired, is absolutely radiant...
Daddy Chris's only appearance is here, and wouldn't you know it, as soon as we get the child naked she wakes up!
Stay tuned for many more shots of Cheyenne and her family, she will be one of my regulars!
And big brother TJ got to be in a couple of the shots as well.
Mama Liza, although tired, is absolutely radiant...
Daddy Chris's only appearance is here, and wouldn't you know it, as soon as we get the child naked she wakes up!
Stay tuned for many more shots of Cheyenne and her family, she will be one of my regulars!
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