Where Have You Seen us? { A Wedding And Senior Portrait Photographer Goes Public}

We (Shelly and I ) submitted several pieces of work this year. Let it be said again:  I work with some truly amazing people! I simply have the opportunity to put these stories into images.   This year, we went public or the public went with us.

www.amberjphoto.com

RUSTIC CHIC GOES PUBLIC WITH AMBER J PHOTOGRAPHY

In January we were featured on Rustic Wedding Chic.  Lisa and Jason’s wedding at Maple Shade Farm in Delhi was give the nod by one of my favorite wedding blogs of all time and I literally jumped when I saw the acceptance note. 

KNOTSVILLA GIVES US THE NOD

In March of this year Knotsvilla Wedding Blog published our Winter Wonderland Wedding at Mallozzi’s in Schenectady.  Nicole and Glen’s wedding was a fine display of the beauty winter can bring for a wedding.  We were once again thrilled as Knotsvilla is clearly one of the best blogs out there!

www.amberjphoto.com

www.amberjseniors.com

On the senior side of things, one our photos of Kiera was published in Senior Study Hall magazine and were are waiting right now to hear back from another publication (TBA!)

Instasenior on Instagram featured a session from Molly’s senior portrait session with us and we hope to just keep rolling with this!

It's only April and we have SO SO much coming our way this year that I really just look at this year and think, wow! God has truly opened doors and closed some others.

AMAZING.

For wedding information please visit: amberjphoto.com

For Senior Portrait Information please visit: www.amberjseniors.com

PS: we have installed a wonderful program for teens: www.epicteenimages.com.   If you have a young teen, capture them now before they aren't so young anymore :)

SOS: My Wedding Photographer Has Never Shot At My Venue Before!!

There are approximate 1.5 million wedding venues in upstate NY, ok just kidding there are not that many, however there are a plethora of venues and chances are, any one photographer has not shot at all of them.

I have been asked a number of times “have you shot there before?”

It’s a good question and I understand why it’s asked, but it’s not the right question.  It would take me approximately 25 years with a wedding every weekend in a different place to shoot at every venue.  This is not a scientific approximation and no actual math was done here, but you get my drift. Just because your photographer has not actually shot at your venue of choice does not mean you should dismiss them!

 Barns are some of the darkest venues around...but we specialize in just that!

ANSWER YOUR OWN QUESTION

*Look through your photographer of choice’s blogs and galleries and see what they capture and how they do inside with their reception shots.  

*Request a full gallery from your photographer so you can see a sample from beginning to end.  MOST reception halls have a terrible light source, if they can shoot in a dark reception hall in Albany, NY they can shoot in a dark hall in the Hudson Valley.

*A PROFESSIONAL photographer should have no problem knowing how to work a dimly lit room whether it be a venue they have worked 100 times or never before.

I’M NERVOUS YOU HAVEN’T WORKED MY VENUE

*Ask your photographer to walk through the venue with you and discuss prime ideas for wedding photos.

*Find out if you can do your engagement session in the same place and you can get a feel for how your photographer will handle the venue and it’s enmities

*Personally, if I have not shot in a venue I will ask for a walk through well before the wedding so I have an idea of what will look great and what will not. 

A NEW VENUE CAN BE BETTER

I have found a new venue can stimulate a photographer's creative senses. When I find a new place to shoot I am excited about the opportunity to shoot something different. 

SO WHAT DO YOU ASK?

If your photographer has not shot in your venue before, it’s not time to panic. 

Ask to see work produced in dimly lit areas (if you aren’t satisfied with what the website showcases).

Ask if they would walk through with you.

Ask what their experience is and how they handle a dark reception hall or barn. 

Be up front if you are only going to have a candle light vigil at your reception at 9pm and work together on how to produce quality images. 

YOUR VENUE IS NOTHING NEW

That is not to sound mean or demeaning.  Your venue was chosen for what you loved about it, but for a photographer your venue is all about shadows and lights and textures and “where do we go if it rains”. 

A professional reads all that in mere minutes of seeing a location, so unless your spidey senses tell you otherwise.  We crazy photographers got this whether it’s a venue that is new or old, you just go on and get married :)

PS: We may not fear dark shadows, but we may fear water fountains - seriously...

More Than Photography:

Dear anyone who looks at this blog, 
I want to tell you so many things, but that will all come in time.  Please help me spread the word about the beautiful organization and this wonderful family.
Doesn't she look great in purple???
For more highlights please visit the high school senior division of our work: www.amberjseniors.com  We provide a direct link to donate as well.  Go. Visit. Be Blessed.
Love,
Amber

I'm No Doctor, But Here's a Way To Help Your Heart

BEING HEART HEALTHY:

I am not doctor, but I can tell you the healthiest hearts I know are the ones that freely give of themselves.   The Miracle Fashion Show gives us this chance.  Yes, it’s fun, fashion, music and a night to show off 14 beautiful ladies, but it’s also an opportunity to share about this beautiful gem in our backyard called The Capital RegionMiracle League.

COME:

Amber J Photography will welcome you Friday night on March 13, the doors to Sixty State Place (60 State Street Albany) will open at 6:15p.m.  Guests will be allowed to tour the building and meet with several vendors that have given of their time and selves to support us.

YOU WILL WANT TO MEET HIM:

AT 7pm we will welcome John Robinson.  I don’t want to give too much away, but he’s pretty awesome and I suggest you see why.

THEY WON’T WIN CHAMPIONSHIPS (they will win hearts):

However, for every person that walks through the door we asking for a $5 donation. Read on to see why...

As coach as a former player it’s easy to understand how beautiful of an instrument playing sports was in my life.  I know that a true athlete lives for the competitive sonnet composed inside each game.  Some of our local athletes will not play for our local high schools or make headlines in a local paper.  They will not earn college scholarships and you may never herald them for their athletic achievements, but they are here and they love sports.

GIVE:

Give because you can.  Attend because you can.  Share the information because you can.  We all can give a little more.

 Some of us can then return to our regularly scheduled lives after March 13, but hopefully with a heart that knows that on that night you DID something or maybe, just maybe we capture your hearts for forever.  We hope we made you smile :)

THANK YOU!

Our Models : Abby(Bethlehem), Shaylyn (Spa Catholic), Samantha (Middleburgh), Megan (Middleburgh), Effia (Charlottle Valley), Sydney (Cobleskill), Brianna (Middleburgh) Allie (Cobleskill), Chloe (Cobleskill), Emma (Amsterdam), Emily (Cobleskill), Kayla (Cobleskill), Brooke (Dover) and Olivia (Bethlehem), Nathan (Cobleskill) have invested a few night in the past couple of weeks getting ready to put on a show that you will LOVE! These models have all signed under Amber J Photography as models for Amber J Seniors or Epic Teen Images.

The Bethlehem Boys Swim team has donated their time to escort these amazing girls.

Saratoga Sound DJ will be your host for the evening and has generously donated their time as well to make this happen.

Our make up Artist include Jessica, Glory, Bailee and Alexis all of whom are beautiful women and give our girls extra attention and love throughout our work together.

And most generously: Sixty State Place and all of their amazing personnel.

Pinterest Vs. The Wedding Photographer {A battle or a partnership?}

Oh the woes when an excited bride produces 50 million images of all the things she would like to see come out of her wedding day photography.  We (photographers) sit there watching an ecstatic reaction and gleeful smiles as every swipe left produces a perfectly captured and insanely beautiful wedding image from Pinterest.

We smile.
Our insides tie up a little.
We breathe.

We sit there toying with talking about reality and worrying about destroying such high hopes!

I have met several photographers who despise and are even insulted when Pinterest ideas are put on the table.  Don't be mad,  but a realistic approach to your wedding day photography will produce a happier you when you get your images back.

DON'T Be HATIN'
I don't hate Pinterest.  I find it's partnership interesting to say the least. This is where it's helpful.
1. Clear ideas of what YOU, the bride finds appealing
2. Colors you seem to gravitate to
3. Emotions You find endearing
4. Moments that  YOU find important
5. Your sense of humor
6. Your detail savvy
7. Other interests you may have (horses, wine, jobs, travel)

Education is MY responsibility.

We all laugh at the blog of Pinterest fails right? Check one out here and enjoy :FAIL

A LITTLE EDUCATION:

1. I'll explain what goes into setting up your favorite shot (A little education can go a long way!)  Sometimes the time commitment can be unrealistic for the pace of your wedding day.
2. Choose your absolute top 5
3. Now choose your top 2
4. Understand, your photographer will do all they can to capture every special moment.  Giving them too much direction may actually derail how talented they really are and produce a lesser quality of awesome.


INSPIRE:
As a couple you are unique and THAT is most important.  Use Pinterest for inspiration, not as a weapon fighting reality.   Your professional photographer will probably do you better than Pinterest :)

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.

Personal Touch; Cards With Aubrey

Aubrey Hait, a graduate of Jefferson Central School,  loves getting snail mail from her family and friends and the pure enjoyment of getting mail spurred her decision to start writing letters and making her own cards rather than email or texting. 
Recipients were not shy about telling Aubrey how lovely her handmade cards were. It was then, her business idea was born.
Aubrey now holds monthly card workshops where everything is pre-cut for attendees and stamps, ink, adhesives as well as embellishments are all provided. This enables the process of creating unique and personal cards can be made.
Aubrey became an independent consultant for Close To My Heart, the name of her business is Stampin' Fun with Close To My Heart.
Her venue for selling can be found through her website www.ctmh.com/stampingfun. The creative artist also has her own Etsy shop where she sells her card creations at www.etsy.com/shop/aladams19.
When we asked Aubrey what was unique about her trade, we loved her response.
"With the rise of technology, people are now sending facebook wishes, text messages, emails and e-cards to keep in contact and commemorate special occasions.  The feeling someone gets when they receive an email from an old friend is likely heartwarming.  However, had that friend spent very little money to send a handmade card and expressed the same sentiments in their own handwriting, the recipient would feel gratitude and personal attachment to the sender.  This personal attachment doesn't seem to occur much anymore, and I am hoping that my card making business will help keep the bonds between friends solid and everlasting.  Everyone has a reason to send a card!"

Who doesn't love to receive a card in the mail? Aubrey has worked with a variety of costumers including brides who need thank you cards, table numbers, favors and place cards .
Sometimes, it's nice to send a card for no reason at all :)

Aubrey's are also a perfect touch to the holidays!!! She is located in LaFayette, NY but works with consumers across the United States.

Please contact her at.: aladams19@hotmail.com
Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/aladams19
CTMH website: www.ctmh.com/stampingfun

Wedding Cakes and other Yummy Art, yes please.

It's Art, but it's Edible!
Not only to we enjoy art, but when it tastes good too...well that is a surefire winner.
Stacy Skog has always enjoyed the culinary arts when baking the occasional birthday cake for family and friends.  Her small time endeavors began to grow as people started to fall in love with her designs and personal touch in everything she made. Delightful Designs was born and Stacy found her niche in a creative business industry.
Each cake, cook or dessert is made with a specific person in my mind and Stacy makes sure she takes time to get to know every client so their personality is translated into a unique and personal product.
Stacy's cakes have graced many weddings and birthday parties as well as office parties and anniversary.  The fabulous cake designer said it takes a great deal of time and effort, but for her, it takes love, passion and a vision. THAT is art!!! She is willing to work with you to design a cake that compliments your vision whether you are looking for a simple classic design or something trendy and fun.
All of the products are homemade to order and deliver where available.
Stacy's inspiration is found in a theme for a party, color scheme or even a wedding gown or invitation. Clients will find Stacy designs to meet with them and find out their dreams for an event and the client, becomes the greatest inspiration of them all.
Stacy an be contacted at 607-435-0742 or at Delightful.Designs@hotmailcom. She is located in Oneonta, NY.
Find her on facebook and book her soon!!!!!
Not to mention, we have worked with Stacy personally and her smile and her service are just as amazing as her cakes!!!

Heidi Barton Originals - Jewelry You MUST see

There are many reasons for you to check out Heidi Barton Originals, so many that you will just have to visit her link heidibartonoriginals.etsy.com to get the full effect of her talent, creativity and amazing designs.
We wanted to feature Heidi and her work for many reasons, one fantastic reason is the fact that she does custom orders for bridal parties as well as one-of-kind gift ideas for that special friend, family member or sweetheart.
Heidi's jewelry is propelled by her passion for mixing vintage and modern styles incorporating materials from each era. This is not just about Heidi's jewelry, this is about her way of life. Her love of all things fashion spills over into the way she decorates her home and styles her wardrobe. 
"I love to incorporate different lustres and textures in my pieces and I try to design them with some asymmetrical movement, it adds some whimsy!", said Heidi.
Her custom jewelry gets noticed immediately and that is because each piece means something to it's designer and each creation fueled by the love of fashionable creativity.
When Heidi does custom orders for bridal parties it's a beloved endeavor. The entire process includes meeting with the bride, discussing colors, design and styles.  She designs sketches, creates and delivers in style.
"I have even done each necklace in the party with a different design to work with that particular bridesmaid's own style, whether it be bold or simple," said Heidi.
And wait...there's more.
Heidi will also re-design pieces you already own.  Her talents extend even further! She will turn that old heirloom piece that you thought you would never wear and turn it into something amazing with new materials like gems, crystals, and metal allowing you to enjoy it on you and remembering who gave it to you instead of letting it sit in your jewelry box.
Heidi got her start making jewelry in college at the University of Arts in Philadelphia and her passion continues to be inspired.
Her shop is online, click HERE to go see! Heidi is also available to do home-shows or if you are interested in earning free jewelry through hosting your own show, please email Heidi at bartonheidi@ymail.com.
Contact info:
518-810-9994
bartonheidi@ymail.com
heidibartonoriginals.etsy.com
Photographed Jewelry submitted by Heidi.

Glassblowing? You bet.

 First: If you are looking for my photography site, click here
In my local(ish) wanderings, I ooze excitement when I find local diamonds of creativity.  I admit I didn't know much about the art of glassblowing, but after visiting with Teddy Halstead, I not only fell in love with the art, but earned a respect for the precision and dedication it takes to make just one beautiful wine goblet or lamp shade.
Halstead's passion for his work is evident in the pieces he creates. Bold colors, whimsical design that are one-of-kind.  You won't find pieces like his in any chain store, that would be insulting to the genius of this art.
As I was watching his artisans stand in front of nearly intolerable heat ovens, blow glass and begin to shape it's future I knew he would be worth sharing.
A better idea of his work can be found on his gallery site, www.teddyglassworks.com.  He visits Atlantic City and Las Vegas  frequently as his work comes in higher demand to clientele who desire unique and hand crafted gifts that explode with beauty.
I could easily see his exquistitely designed items wrapped up for my next bridal gift and I had visions of his work on the head table of receptions filled with dancing and laughter.  His lamps would cause impressive gasps and if you don't know what a wall taco is, it's about time you found out!
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them as our purpose is to encourage buying from local businesses and create a community of creative brilliance. If you know anyone who you think would be an interesting feature for this site. Please email your comments or suggestions to amberjphoto.com.
If you know of someone who should be featured here...please email me at amberjphoto@gmail.com. We are looking for creative, inspiring and relatable products! So let me know!!

Gulp. Blogging do-over.

First off: If you are looking for my site, please click here or go to amberjphoto.com
I just wiped away over a year of photography blogging. I consider it cathartic, but it wasn't easy. I just closed my eyes and I pressed delete.
 I had a love/hate relationship with this blog, almost like trying on a pair of jeans that you can't quite get to fit though your really like them.  THEN! just when you are about to give up and go home, you try on one last pair and BAM, you like the look and feel perfectly.
After churning out several ideas of what I wanted to do here. I decided to integrate other businesses that hold hands with mine. I come from a small town and small town business owners are GEMS of the marketing world.  These people have independent, strong and creative minds that have survived everything  (including the latest floods here in upstate New York.)  Therefore, my blog will focus on them and act as a resource for those looking for the most out of their photographer.  I already have my features lined up for over a month. I was inspired by a recent wedding invitation - and so we will be featuring it here! Glassblowers, cake decorators, card designers, florists, local and obscure places for weddings, jewelry designers, graphic artists and so much more. I am looking to publish a blog every Wednesday, that is my goal :)
Additionally, I want YOUR help. If you know of someone who would be a great feature on this blog. Let me know. I would love to help out a small business. This blog has been averages thousands of hits and I want that to keep growing!!!  If you see a creative idea that others should know about it, please get in touch with me. 
Ideas I am looking for: those that apply to weddings, child photography shoots, newborn portraits and senior shoots.  (think unique jewelry or shops for gifts,  someone who designs clothing or hats, a baker? candy store?...you get the idea). Email me at amberjphoto.com with your idea and contact info!
Thanks and see you Wednesday!