Practice

Practicing shooting details for a wedding...using the 50mm f/1.8

A day in the life: Dali

I realized after taking this picture, I am much more comfortable behind the camera loL (which only made me wonder how I can loosen up in-front and come up with ways to get some of my clients to loosen up as well)

I do belive my brother was pretty much done with me taking pictures by this time loL

I spent the afternoon at the Dali museum in St. Petersburg, FL with my boys yesterday. we looked at beautiful paintings and sketches and interpreted them based on our own thoughts which was pretty fun loL. Dj said he feels more mature actually wanting to go to an art museum on his spare time *it was his idea* compared to a few years ago. It was nice to hear him say that because I actually like this kind of stuff ;-) 

(haha here I am, talking about the arts something cool and partly intellectual and I use the word "stuff" loL shows how cool I am loL)

This was the first time I'd visited the new Dali museum building since it opened a few months back, it is so big and artsy! I love it! It sits right next door to the grand Mahaffy Theater in downtown St. Pete (so beautiful) you def should visit some day.

Nadia turns 1: St.Petersburg Portrait Photographer

Isn't she a cutie! Nadia turned 1 and her beautiful mom wanted to document the moment :) I love children and I love taking pictures of them, but of course they sometimes are difficult to shoot. This girl right here though, is such a happy baby! OMG, we instantly became friends :) she even let me hold her "zoey" (stuffed animal) loL Nadia was such a pleasure to be around, smiling and laughing the entire afternoon (with the occasional exception ;-) ). I really hope I get the pleasure of hanging out with she and her mom again...

FAQ: What should I wear for my engagement/portrait session?

What to wear? I'm so glad you asked loL...Enough of the white polos and matching khakis already! Unless that is how you normally dress, I want you to remember something very important, your portraits are an expression of YOU! The way you dress in your pictures should help tell the story of who you are today :) This article was taken from Webspace.com (but I found it by way of Shay Cochrane Photography) read it, take notes, be inspired by a few photos....I hope this helps! 

*This article is geared towards couples for their engagement shoot, however, what you wear applies to anyone having a portrait session*

First, talk to your photographer about what he or she has in mind for the E shoot. The photographer will ask you to bring a few changes of clothes, about two or three outfits. Choose outfits that are very "you," but that photograph nicely. Of course, wear something you feel comfortable lying down, jumping, hugging, and moving around in (you'll be doing all of these poses), but also consider the colors, shape, and patterns that will look the best on film. Light colors and tiny prints don't photograph as well as dark colors or brights (which are also slimming).

Dresses are always a great choice. I love a girl in a wrap dress, which is universally flattering. Or, try accentuating the smallest part of your waist with a belt to look pretty and shapely. And as for your groom-to-be, don't get too matchy-matchy. His outfits should complement yours.

 

 *Jamie Delaine*

Many shots will be full-length, so make sure you wear great shoes. If you're more comfortable in black or neutrals, hooray for bright, colorful shoes! They really catch your eye in the photos.

Your photographer will scout the locations he or she wants to use before the shoot. E shoots should be outdoors, forget a studio portrait. Try a field, an urban street setting, or even your home. This is where wearing bright colors comes in -- you and your fiance will really pop off the backdrop.

    

*Alyssa Schroeder*

 

 *Natalie Franke*

Talk to your photographer about what props you might want to include. Consider a bouquet of wildflowers, balloons, an old car, your kids -- whatever embodies you and enlivens the shot.

Finally, just relax and let loose. Kiss, hug, climb a tree, give him a piggyback ride, eat cotton candy. I love how E shoots have evolved from a studio portrait or single bridal portrait to the carefree, colorful shoots of today.
  
*Jamie Delaine*
 
 *Natalie Franke*
 
 *Jamie Delaine*

FAQ: So what exactly is a First Look?

To put it simply, it's an arrangement for the Bride and Groom to see each other (and be photographed) before the ceremony. It is taken place in a nice, quiet, intimate setting - just the bride and groom (and photographer).

The first look is such a romantic moment for both the bride and groom, seeing your future spouse for the first time on such a special day, much more intimate than it would be if you were to share a first look with all of your guests as you walk down the aisle. I've seen brides tear up because of the pressure they feel from guests looking at them as they walk - its pretty nerve wreaking - but just think about it, not only will you and your future hubby have ALONE time (probably the only alone time you'll have on your big day until its all over), get photos capturing pure love and emotion expressed between the two of you without the distraction of others, but you will also have a bit of pressure alleviated from you as you walk down the aisle :)

First Looks also allow enough time for bride and groom formals which will in turn, allow for a quicker transition from the ceremony to reception site ;-)

Planning Your Wedding

In honor of all the couples who got engaged over the winter break or any couple who will be planning a wedding in 2011....I just want to say, Yay! You're engaged!!! Congratulations :) I can only imagine how excited you must be! As a woman (knowing how important the planning process will be for all you brides) and a wedding photographer I thought it would be a nice idea to post up a few wedding planning ideas/tools/sites I am familiar with in an approach to share some tools you may or may not be aware of. Hope this helps you get started :)

~Sharing the News~

If you're the type to want to spread the great news why not send your friends "save the date" cards? I really like the fact that Ashlee Proffitt designs are modern but still clean and simple. 

~Budgeting~

Cost of Wedding is a great site to help couples manage their budget and it also shares some info about what the average cost of weddings are in your area! Helpful hint: Remember expect to pay, approximately, 50% - 100% more when you choose to work with experienced professionals, designer labels, popular event locations, unique or custom products and services.

~Inspiration~

Sites like Green Wedding Shoes or  The Brides Cafe are two of my favorite places to find inspiration. So many "real" wedding ideas - from DIY projects to vendors and venue reviews! I also watch David Tutera's "My Fair Wedding" loL (I love him!)

~Planning for the Big Day~

So once you have a date in mind you definitely need to start talking with and booking vendors. Where would like to have your event? Will it be catered? Do you have a DJ in mind? What about the videographer and photographer? 

Btw, don't take the DJ, videographer or photographer for granted. You may think you can hold off on hiring them but to be honest with you, you will want to make sure all of these vendors are a great fit for you - meaning your personalities mesh - especially the video/photographers seeing as they will be with you all day on your special day and since vendors book very quickly during the wedding season, you may want to ensure you have exactly who you want. So it's best to contact them as soon as possible to discuss dates and prices :)

Of course having an event planner could make this process 10x easier for you if you so choose to hire one. I have not worked with any event planners so unfortunately I can't give any honest recommendations, BUT I do like the look of these event designers/planners: Unique Event Design or  Simply Divine Events

~Fun Tools~

Wedding Mapper is definitely a site you should check out whether you live in the Tampa Bay area or not! This site creates local maps of venues, reception locations, hotel and restaurants in relation to the venues (for your guests), vendor reviews, and more! It is a great tool to take advantage of.

Kuler  can help you with choosing a color scheme.

The Knot this is just the ultimate website to find all things Florida wedding/bride!

Southern Weddings I love this magazine, many pictures and ideas here for your own inspiration board.

Martha Stewart Weddings

{sneak peek}: St.Petersburg Portrait Photographer

What a beautiful family :) it was a joy working with them! Everyone was so friendly - this was without a doubt a fun shoot.

Time for...dessert? {part 2}

Lemons, honey, sugar cubes, fruit, cut-up sandwiches (I used to think the sandwiches were called lady fingers - I now know lady fingers are a cookie - but I still like to call them lady fingers loL) and of course the delicious quiche!!! Omg, I love quiche :) the tea was good, I think most everyone liked the mango flavor. I guess I'm pretty plain then because I {only} like the black tea. Everything was so bright and cheery - really pretty - and all the women wore their pretty hats and dresses :) we talked, played games and laughed for a few hours. I hadn't been to a tea party in.....years! But I would do it again, it was fun.

Time for...dessert? {part 1}

So this past week my mom and aunt threw an afternoon tea party. It was a lot of fun and a lot of work to prepare for...we spent at least a week shopping for tea pots, tea cups and saucers and I know mom spent hours looking for a plethora of teas! But the best part for me was baking some of the desserts :)

I remember baking when I was a kid with mom, it would always be so much fun! We'd pretend we had our own cooking show and explain to "the camera" what we were doing as we cooked loL...I loved it! I realized though, this time I was more interested in taking pictures of making the desserts rather than play with my mom and narrate as we cooked :( I feel bad a little because I think she would've enjoyed that. The good thing tho is that our little cupcakes turned out great! They were a hit ;-)