It's Cold Out There

I can't believe we are already through the Holidays and heading towards Spring.  This is the time when Love is in the air as we approach Valentine's Day.  Over the years I've experienced a definite increase in the amount of requests for Wedding Package information right after the romantic St. Valentine's Day.  If you are one of the Special Couples that get engaged this February may I make one suggestion?  Don't wait to start booking your event.  Most venues, caterers and of course Photographers get extremely busy this time of year.  Request information from your vendors and actually begin the process of selecting dates for your big day.  Believe me, they book up fast.  

If you decide you want Engagement photos taken book the date quickly.  In February and March the grass will start greening up again and the trees are in bloom.  This is a great time for outstanding photographic opportunities to make your engagement session Bloom.  It also is fairly mild and not too hot to spend a couple of hours outside.  This is true whether you are having engagement photos taken or family portraits.  Book now for upcoming Spring dates.  

Think Spring!  

I Love My Team!

Last weekend I had the pleasure of photographing a wonderful couple on their wedding day.  Both the Ceremony and Reception were held at the Ritz Carlton in Orlando FL.  I must say, the Ritz knows how to cater to their guests.  The decor throughout the hotel was beautiful.  There were many places to take indoor photos and if you decide to use this venue try to leave enough time between your ceremony and reception to step outdoors and take advantage of the numerous fountains and gardens for incredible photo opportunities. 

Once again, the bride was a delight to work with during the planning stages.  Both the Bride and Groom were so easy to work with and extremely photogenic.  My entire team was with me for this event as well.  My videographer did an awesome job capturing footage that will make a fantastic video and highlight reel.  I love being able to "bundle" a package with both photography and video to cover all your needs for your special event, whether it is a wedding, anniversary, birthday or corporate event.  When you are in the planning stages please consider doing both, photography and video. 

I'd also like to extend an extra "Thank you" to the staff at the Ritz as well.  We worked with Robert and Michael and I must say that both were so helpful and a lot of fun too.  I would highly recommend asking for them if you decide to check out the Ritz. 

Congratulations again, Adriele and Wael!  Wishing you the best now and always.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of photographing a wonderful couple in Sarasota, FL.  They were such a joy to work with and we had a blast working with them.  I had a full staff with me, my assistant, Mark, my videographer Angie and her assistant Eric.  I work with so many wonderful Brides, Grooms and Families every day but these two were fantastic.  They were so much fun.  They beamed with Love for each other and enjoyed their day.  Of course there is always some amount of stress when putting together a large event such as a wedding but they took everything in stride and enjoyed their day, their friends and their family. 

If you live in south Florida or if you are looking for a great destination wedding or event you may want to consider Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.  There are so many great areas to take some amazing photographs whether you are wanting family portraits done or engagement and wedding photos.  It is also a great place to photograph the beautiful flowers and trees.  If you are a photography enthusiast you should consider taking a ride to visit the Garden.  If you are planning a wedding there please make sure you leave enough time between your ceremony and reception to take photos because believe me...you will need extra time to capture all the photos you will want to have taken.

Ina and Jason, thank you for the opportunity to photograph your special day.  It was truly a privilege to work with you both.  I look forward to photographing your first anniversary in the near future. 
Wishing you a lifetime of Happiness and Joy.

Do You Like Your Smile?

Question of the Day...Do you like your smile?  When you see photographs of yourself which ones do you like the best?  Which ones do you like the least?  Are you smiling?  Do you show your teeth?  Are your eyes smiling?  We can all be very critical when we see photographs of ourselves.  I'm guilty of this as well.  I'm usually behind the camera so when someone asks to take my picture I get alittle photo shy.  I've also taken thousands of photographs for people who although they have fabulous smiles do not EVER smile for the camera.  This takes some practice and that is exactly what I suggest to all my clients.  Practice, practice, practice your smile in the mirror.  Sound funny to you?  Or have you secretly been doing this and feel silly doing it.  Don't feel silly.  If you were about to give a speech wouldn't you practice it numerous times to perfect it?  

When you practice your smile in the mirror check to see whether you think you look best smiling with your teeth showing or without.  Contrary to popular belief, having some teeth show is usually your best and most natural look.  Do you smile with your eyes or do they have that "deer in the headlights" look to them.  A blank or startled look is usually not your best option.  Many times we are so concerned about whether or not we blink when the flash goes off that we open our eyes too wide and get that scared look.  However, you don't want to squint too much or it will look like your eyes are closed in every photograph. 

Have you ever heard that the camera will add 10 pounds to you in a photograph?  The reason why this happens is because 9 times out of 10 you are shying away or leaning back away from the camera.
By leaning or shying away from the camera it will widen even the slimmest model.  This common mistake can be easily corrected by "engaging the camera" or leaning slightly into the camera.  The best way to do this is, if you are standing for the photograph, turn slightly so you are not straight on to the camera, then put your weight on the foot closest to the camera.  It will give you a slight lean into the camera with out looking like it is intentional.  You can use this same technique when you are sitting as well.  Turn slightly and lean just a small amount towards the camera.  You can also use these techniques whether you are having your photo professionally taken or when a family member or friend is snapping a few photos for facebook. 

Practice, Practice, Practice.  It will be well worth the few minutes you spend smiling at yourself in the mirror.  You will have flattering photos that you will love to look at of yourself.  They will give you the most natural look even if posing for the photograph doesn't feel "natural." 

Engagement Photos

An Engagement Session is included in each of our Wedding packages.  Having an engagement session is mutually beneficial to the couple as well as to the photographer.  In addition to providing the couple with photographs to share with their family and friends, "Save the Date" cards, announcements and slideshows to be used during engagement parties and the wedding itself, it also provides the couple a chance to see how they interact with their photographer.  It is very important for the couple and photographer to be comfortable with each other throughout the photographic session especially if the couple is not used to or are uncomfortable with having their photo taken. 

Some couples are "naturals" in front of the camera.  They love to smile and be playful with each other, for the camera. Other couples are self conscience and intimidated by someone snapping numerous photos of them.  I like to make each person feel comfortable with me and with the camera.  I also teach couples posing techniques to create a natural look for memorable photographs.  Not only will being comfortable with the photographer and the camera be helpful for the engagement photos but most importantly for the Wedding Day photos.

GET THOSE OLD PHOTOS OUT OF THE BOX

If you are like millions of people out there, you may have a special box or container that holds hundreds of your fading memories, your old photographs. Now is the time to get the box out, dust off the photos and start creating new memories. There are so many new gadgets out there that will allow you to scan old photos, negatives and slides and convert them to a digital format. If you are a computer wiz you can also restore them with programs such as Photoshop. This process takes time and patience so be prepared to devote the time to be creative.

If you don't have that kind of time, give me a call. I can take your old photos and convert them for you. I will put the images on DVD for you to scroll through on your TV or computer. I will also restore your photos to almost new quality and clarity. Scratches and dust spots will be softened and in some cases be removed completely. I can also create a coffee table album of photos or if you'd prefer, I can create a slideshow set to your favorite music. Whatever the need, I can help you create the memories you will cherish. So get those old photos out and let's get started.

Happy Labor Day!

I hope everyone had an enjoyable Labor Day Holiday. I know many of us work on Holidays and are unable to spend time with our Families, Friends and Loved Ones. Just like the special event you are planning, there may be family members and friends that are unable to travel or take the time off to attend. One thing to consider when choosing your photographer is whether or not they provide online viewing and ordering of your portraits. With every package I provide a DVD of your images but most importantly, a private link to your gallery of photographs. You can share this link with your family and friends and they can view your portraits and have the convenience of ordering them right from the website. This is a great way to share the photos of your special day or event without having to pick and choose which photos will be right for Aunt Sue and Uncle Bob.

All photographs ordered from your private gallery will be professionally color corrected and printed on the highest quality photographic paper. The quality of this paper will ensure the color will not fade or discolor keeping your memories as fresh and vibrant as the day they were captured.

Stay tuned for more helpful tips. I look forward to answer any questions you have.