Monthly Archives: April 2010

New sample album | Flushmount album designer

Album sample
Although this album isn’t technically “new” anymore since I received it in December, it’s new to most of my clients and my blog readers! I like taking my product pictures outside when the weather is nice, and well, the weather just isn’t nice in December. :) So this week I finally knocked this off my to-do list as I’m waiting around for Baby Smitty to arrive. This album is from Mindi + Marty’s wedding I did last July, and it’s an upgrade from my standard 12×12″, 24-page album included with my wedding package #1. This album has a specialty cover that Mindi and I designed together, and also 6 extra pages. I was so happy with how the cover turned out! For any of my future clients, I strongly suggest coming by to seeing one of these albums and actually holding it in your hands if you are at all interested in having a wedding album. You will love it! It is heavy, sturdy, and comes with a lifetime warranty from defects. My albums have all been handled a ton and they are still in GREAT shape!
Album sample
Album sample
Album sample
I personally do all the design work for the pages (at least for the time being). I put the pages online for you to review, and you get 3 revision rounds to make any corrections or changes you want. After that, you can make additional changes, but they are billed hourly. Most times, there are just a few minor changes.
Album sample
The pages are actual photographs mounted on sturdy board pages (I often compare the thickness of the pages to a children’s board book). Since they are actual photographs, they are subject to fingerprints, but they can be gently wiped away with a soft cloth. Your album will come with care instructions too!
Album sample
Album sample
Album sample
I keep the text to a very bare minimum with just the couple’s first names and wedding date on the very first page, and “Mr. & Mrs. so-and-so” on the very last page.
Album sample
My copy has this “Studio Sample” stamp on the inside back cover, but your copy will have my logo stamped in silver foil.
Album sample

View full post »

Professional Photographers of America | Official Member

Hello blog readers!

Professional Photographers of America logo

As of March 26, I am officially a member of the Professional Photographers of America (PPA)! This is a very exciting step for me, and is probably much too late in happening. There are many membership benefits that I plan to take advantage of immediately, including Professional Photographer magazine, credit card processing, equipment and software discounts, insurance discounts, and much, much more.

View full post »

Sydney+Steve E-Session | Arboretum Engagement Workshop

Sydney+Steve E-session
On Friday, the UIUC Photography Club at U of I hosted a workshop at the Arboretum on campus. I was invited to be the guest speaker and opted to do an engagement workshop since e-sessions are my favorite thing to shoot! There was a really good turnout (I’d say 30+ students?), most of whom brought along cameras and I invited them to shoot along beside/behind me. I started out with an introduction of my self and my business, followed by an introduction of our volunteer couple, Sydney and Steve. They were fantastic! I warned them ahead of time that there would be many cameras pointed at them, but they didn’t flinch at all and were totally at ease with the whole process.
Sydney+Steve E-session
After the introductions, I talked a bit about my camera and the settings I use. Then we just started shooting and I explained my process (physical and mental) when working through an engagement session.
Sydney+Steve E-session
The student group was very attentive and asked a lot of really good questions. You guys made the experience so easy for me!

Doesn’t Sydney just look gorgeous here? I love her eyes and the way the wind was blowing the hair off her face here. And we got a little engagement ring action!
Sydney+Steve E-session
And Steve’s very handsome himself. He has the perfect serious look here!
Sydney+Steve E-session
Sydney+Steve E-session
Sydney+Steve E-session
I set up this shot and then let the students each take turns with it as well. It’s one of those where you have to be in an exact spot to get the right shot:
Sydney+Steve E-session
They just look so happy! This is why I love photographing couples!
Sydney+Steve E-session

Thanks to the UIUC Photography Club and to Sydney+Steve for the great session and workshop! My one regret is that I forgot to get a group picture of everyone as I was talking!

View full post »

My maternity shoot

My Maternity
My friend Stacey (Stacey Rainer Photography) did my maternity photos this weekend, and we had a great time! I’m going to return the favor for Stacey in a few months. I also have to thank her daughter Emily for coming along and helping us out. She’s a great assistant!

We started out at the iHotel, where they graciously allowed us to shoot for almost two hours. I love the decor there so much and I’d love to do a boudoir session there sometime (hint, hint to my current and future clients!). :)

This one is my absolute favorite from the session:
My Maternity
Smitty baby!
My Maternity
My Maternity
My Maternity
My Maternity
I can’t believe I’m posting this one:
My Maternity
Go BEARS! (This one’s for the husband.)
My Maternity
My Maternity

I also have a couple of bare-belly shots that I decided not to post here, but if anyone’s interested in seeing, you can email me and I will link you to them!

Also, this post will serve as the official update that I am now on photography maternity leave! I am still working some, but trying to take it easy until Baby Smitty makes his appearance. If you call or email, I will try to get back to you as soon as possible, but please keep in mind that it might take me a few days to get back to you. I will be back to work again officially on June 1 (though I have two weddings in May!). Thanks so much for your understanding!

View full post »

F O L L O W
A W A R D S