Professional Make Up? It's Time To Pamper Yourself...

Whether it be senior portraits, a boudoir session or your wedding day, it is serious time to consider a professional make up artist.
It's one of the few times in life where you can glam it up and take that extra step into amazing!!!
Jo Boring is especially talented in the art of make up.  She sees the natural beauty every face has to offer and knows just how to enhance it.  I mean, check out that picture! Need I say more?
She can be contacted at savingface09@gmail.com and you can be on the look out for her facebook page soon.

 Jo's talent is a gift you can give yourself or splurge for your friend/sister/daughter/wife..whomever!   Contact her for pricing, I think you will find she is one of the diamonds in the rough in this amazing business!!! By the way, if you do meet up with her, you must ask her  to show you a picture of her son, because he seriously has one of the most adorable faces you will ever lay eyes on. :)
Be Inspired!!!
Photograph Credit: Destiny Rogowski of Sweetheart Pinup studio in Buffalo.

Photography, An Investment.

Everyone is picking up a camera these days, and why not? It's a beautiful thing!!! I can't even tell you how many articles I have read on the pricing, anchoring and questions about photography and the business it entails. With everyone wanting to be a photographer- it's awfully hard to stay focused and stick to what you love to do.
I have simply come to realize one thing. I want my clients to hire me as an investment into their lives and memories.  I don't want them to compare me to prints at Wal-Mart or the inexpensive photographer down the street with new DSLR who prices well below everyone else in town.
I want the people who come to me to believe that I cherish their time, their visions and that photography is a work of art and a reflection of WHO they are, not just what they are wearing.
How do I do that? That's an evolving journey.  However, I want each person that hires me to feel that they are my ONLY client.  I promptly answer emails, texts and go on location when and where I can.  I eagerly share my ideas and wait to hear about yours.  It's not just a scheduled appointment to get your pictures taken, it's moment set apart to create something amazing.  It's not just another a wedding to get through, it's your wedding and it's an immense responsibility to me to make sure it's all you ever dreamed it would be.
I say all that because I have heard more than once about pricing (not just my own, but others as well).." I just don't get it, it's just a picture".  That's ok though, those aren't my clients :)
When my clients DO ask about pricing, I gladly explain what is entailed and how I run my business.  The shoot may last only an hour, the wedding just a day or two....but the behind the scenes is what hopefully will separate me from the others...including the grocery store prints.
I am so excited for this spring and summer. I plan on spoiling my brides (and grooms) like crazy and indulging in some ideas and photo shoots like never before.  I have so many ideas in my head, I can't wait to unleash them...so get ready folks.... It's gonna be a crazy, fun and creative ride in 2012!!!

Caring Caterers!

I am only going by personal experience on this one, so if you know or recommend another caterer in your area feel free to contact me and let me know at amberjphoto@gmail.com

Catering is a crazy business especially in the wedding industry where good food is demanded and delivery is expected to be right on time.  Not an easy to feat to conquer, but those who do it earn my absolute respect!

Heather Clark owns T.P's cafe in Stamford, NY. I have attended several events in which she has catered. I can say no one has left hungry or disappointed.  She delivers promptly and her food is absolutely delicious.  She has experience in catering large and small venues and her staff is always courteous, kind and helpful. 
I might be a little excited when I arrive on the premise and I know it's her food that coming on in!

Vern's Restaurant In Davenport
My first introduction to Vern's was last year at a wedding reception.  I can't even remember how many different choice there were, but I will admit...I went back for seconds.  Their menu is versatile and their staff was prompt in delivering the food on time.  They are capable of hosting on site parties as well using their own venue for receptions and gathering.
I do remember they had this shrimp salad I fell in love with and the meat they prepared was done just right.

Brooks BBQ
The name speaks for itself. However, no one can go wrong when Brook's comes.  Their family owned operation is phenomenal in it's service and passes any taste test.  The owners are kind and willing to do whatever they can to make sure your event is catered with top notch diligence.
I have never had a piece of chicken or potato salad I didn't enjoy. Best of all, it's service with a smile.

Best Western In Cobleskill

Service here is a must.  The wait staff is efficient and attentive, but they don't monopolize the event. They are always available and I never lacked for food on my plate.  I entertained a chicken parm here and finished every last bite.  The food was fantastic, but even better I watched them accommodate a wedding party that arrived a little later than they were supposed too. Despite the delay, this staff was ready to go, the food was served up with a little extra deliciousness and the evening went beautifully.

Some other places I have enjoyed amazing food and catering services:
Grapevine Farms in Cobleskillhttp://grapevinefarms.com/
Mallozis Ballroom and Catering in  Schenectady http://www.mallozzis.com/