Fitness Friday! Sexy Arms For that Amazing Wedding Dress with Kimberlee

Beautiful Bride Prep- Nutrition Tracking Basics & Upper Body Blast

Fitness Pro: Kimberlee Marino

Hello Brides! First, please allow me to tell you a little about myself. My name is Kimberlee Marino. I recently got married and had the immense pleasure of working with Amber J Photography. It was the best day of my life and I owe a huge thank you to Amber and Shelly for making it such a wonderful experience.

Professionally, I am a Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Life Coach, Group Exercise Instructor including Les Mills BodyCombat & CX Worx and Spin, and Certified TRX TEAM Coach. 
I currently work at Best Fitness, 911 Central Ave Albany, NY and have many clients who are getting ready for their weddings. I love helping people get to their goals. It’s so rewarding to see how hard work pays off for my clients’ as they look and feel better every day!

Ok, now on to you, you gorgeous bride-to-be! Does your dress show off a little upper body? Whether you have straps or are going for a fully strapless dress, you want to feel and look your best on your big day. Following some simple guidelines and putting in a little hard work can get you arms to be proud to put on display.

There are two parts that go into this process, nutrition and exercise.

First, we can discuss nutrition. The easiest way to stay on track with healthy eating is to track your food. Just having the accountability of writing it down will make you want to chose healthier foods. There are many apps that can help you with this.
You just have to set your calorie intake by calculating your Basal Metabolic Rate here http://www.bmi-calculator.net/bmr-calculator/. Keep your calorie intake slightly below your BMR if you want to reduce your body fat percent. The apps typically track how many grams of carbohydrates, protein, and fats you eat. A healthy range to stay in is 40%carbs/ 30%protein/30%healthy fats. That way you know how to make healthy choices and eat the right balance of foods. OK, don’t get overwhelmed with all this. As long as you are
 choosing healthy foods and eating lots of veggies and not a lot of packaged foods, you should be heading in the right direction.

Now, let’s talk photo worthy arms. This is where the real fun starts! You can do this workout 1-2 times per week and watch that upper body transform.You won’t be able to stop checking out those sleek, sexy arms!


As far as which weight to chose for each exercise, you don’t want it to be so heavy that you can’t complete 12 reps but not so light that you can do more than 15. Your goal is to perform each exercise with really good form. You always want to keep your abs tight and your spine in neutral (flat back). The best way to make your time working out effective is to practice good form so you get the full benefit!

Dumbbell Bent Over Row 12-15 reps
Biceps Curl 12-15 reps
rest 30 seconds, repeat 3x

Dumbbell Bent Over Row

Bicep Curl

Dumbbell Chest Press 12-15 reps

Arnold Press 12-15 reps

rest 30 seconds, repeat 3x

 Dumbbell press

Arnold Press

Skull Crusher 12-15 reps

Plank-ups 12 reps, alternating hands

rest 30 seconds, repeat 3x

Skull Crusher

 Plank Ups

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

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 :)

Don't Be Afraid of the Word Custom: Check DG Invites and Why Your Wedding Can Be Different!

Whenever I come across something at a wedding I think others should know about I get all excited. I track down where it came from and want to share the information so others can relish in all it's goodness.

This summer I had the pleasure of photographing a rustic, country wedding at Indian Ladder Farms in Altamont for Marissa.  Marissa has a super creative sister (bridesmaid) who own DG Invites. Once I caught wind of the creativity gene I was blown away about how Darci pulled together the entire event through her work. It wasn't just invitations. It was Save the Dates, Invitations, Table Numbers, Ceremony Programs, Escort Cards, Menus, Thank You Cards and the list goes on!
I tracked Darci down and together we worked out the highlights of her amazing work!

Please check out Darci's work on facebook and on her site to get a complete feel for all that she has done!

I asked: What is unique about your work?
Darci:What is and always has been unique about us is that we are TOTALLY custom.  Someone can certainly choose an invite we have done in the past and just change the wording and colors.  However, we like it when people come to us with really unique ideas.  We have done some amazing invites in the past that may have started out with a feeling of uncertainty for sure, but came together in the end.  With almost limitless paper options, several printing options, the ability to order 4 or 462, to layer or not layer, add some kind of pocket, create a special die-cut, add duck feet to their invite....we can do just about anything.  People that are searching for something that is very traditional do no necessarily come to us.  Not to say we don't love creating something that is timeless and classic we do, but we tend to get more "out there" ideas.  Cutout clover escort cards to sit on glasses of Guiness for a St. Patricks Day Wedding; neon pink, orange and green invites for a "Dream in Color" Gala event; disco balls and bowling for a surprise birthday party, sketched drawings of the grooms little white dog who is the "best pet", a combination of snake skin print and peacock feather and I did already mention duck feet right? Yes, duck feet!

I asked: What do you want your clients to know most about you?

Darci: What I really want people to know is that they should not be afraid of the word custom.  Custom means a number of things and it doesn't have to be insanely expensive.  I work really hard to stay within a clients budget and still create an invitation they will love.  There are all kinds of things that can be done that will affect pricing: quantity ordered, type of paper, type of printing, number of layers, number of inserts, any embellishments, pocketfolds and so on.  Can we create a $10.00 boxed, ribbon embellished invite with 3 inserts that are all layered and have raised printing...yes!  We can however also create something beautiful, but much more simple for the client with a smaller budget.

I asked: What do you enjoy most about your work?

Darci: There are a couple things I really enjoy about my work.  One is that I get to stay home with my little man and watch him grow up.  Soon he will be off to preschool and our 2nd little man will be arriving!  With all the things I have experienced along side him working from home I can't imagine what life would be like otherwise and what I would have missed!  The second thing I love is my clients. Yes at times
things can be extremely challenging but in the end I truly love my clients.  The best part by far has got to be when I give them their finished product and if they are local,  seeing their faces light up!  After the hours of work, reviewing designs and colors, getting to that finished product is the greatest feeling.  Seeing how happy they are for what I have created for them, getting lots of hugs (even from grooms), so many thank yous for pure appreciation for all I have done....that is the best feeling ever!  When the reviews and emails come through about how all their guests keep commenting on how amazing their invites are is just the icing on the cake!  It just makes me realize that even when times are tough I do what I do because I love it and other people love it too.

I asked: How did you get started in doing something like this?

Darci: I come from a very crafty and creative family.  So it was only natural for me to in some way be just like them. As a child I would always do small projects with my mother and sell ribbon bracelets along side her at craft shows.  Once I hit college I expanded to designing and creating banners, t-shirts, posters, flyers and so on for my Sorority.  After graduating I took a job with FELD Entertainment. Feld produces Disney on Ice, Disney Live and Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus.  I had the privilege of working in product development where we designed all of the items sold at the shows from the lights and swords to the plush characters and vendor uniforms.  I loved that job and it just fueled my passion for design even more.  While there I got engaged, planned my own wedding and designed my own invites. With the motivation from my lovely co-workers & family DG Invites was made official....at least that was the start!

Upstate NY Photographer: Barn Venue, The Olde Tater Barn

Nestled in between the gently rolling hills of the Schoharie Valley, The Olde Tater Barn claims it's stake in local history and sets the precedent for things to come.
The former potato farm still contributes to the farming way of life, but it also offers the enchantment of an Upstate New York country-chic wedding venue.  The original barn, now with new renovations overlooks the former potato fields that lend a hand at growing corn.  The acres surrounding the farm give it it's secluded and serene atmosphere, perfect for providing guests and couples with a wedding all their own.
It's as country as it gets, but it's flair for style and amazing food leaves the Tater Barn lacking for nothing.  The chef, the host, the entire venue caters to the whims and desire of couples looking to invest their most precious day in all that New York as to offer.
"This is something we do, because we love to do it. That's the basis of this entire place".  Rich graciously escorted me around the premise so I could see for myself all the updates, all the features and the amazing layout of the beautiful country which plays host to every guest.
If you are looking for an upstate NY wedding, you will love what you find here. A gem in Schoharie County.
Rich, who runs the venue with his sister Kate,  does suggest that you visit the premise during the time of year you plan on having your wedding so you have a clear idea of the flowers and other scenic treasures of the NY season.
For a complete history of the Tater Barn visit here:history
or visit the entire site at www.taterbarn.com

Be Inspired!

Upstate NY Photographer: BRAVE : My brother

I'll keep this short and sweet.  I had chosen to feature my brother in this ongoing BRAVE series last week and then yesterday slipped away from (when I meant to publish this) and so I am finishing it up this morning. Why is that important? Because, today..May 16, marks 10 years since his devastating car accident. I did NOT plan that. In fact, it wasn't until this morning that it hit me that today was THE day a decade ago.
So yes, 10 years ago my brother was t-boned by a van and his body suffered barely a scratch, his brain suffered everything.
He is a miracle. No doctor, no brain surgeon, no MRI, no evaluation gave him a chance of surviving the first 24-48 hours. I have never cried so much in my life. I have never seen my parents hurt so much either.
But let's not dwell on that. Let's focus on the fact that 10 years later, my brother has overcome amazing odds with the direction of our God and savior who has blessed him with survival and quality of life.  He has married someone I can honestly call my sister and he has a job that I don't really understand in computers.
He has had hurdles that I don't need to explain, but as you can imagine, anyone suffering from a traumatic brain injury has monumental obstacles to overcome.  He has relearned life again, my family and I have relearned God's grace.  Joshua is brave.  He has faced more than a lot of people and he still gives God all the credit. He is just, fair and honest. He is a leader, stubborn and faithful to the Lord.  Today, I celebrate his life and that I have had 10 more years with one of the most BRAVE people I know.

Jeremiah 29:11-14a For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the LORD... (NKJV)

Thank you to everyone who touched our lives during that time..there are too many to reach out to and I am afraid I'll forget someone. Thank you to the staff and wonderful people at SunnyView Rehabilitation Center in Schenectady. You were truly our lifeline. 

For an inside look there is a facebook page to raise awareness for Traumatic Brain injuries

It's motorcycle awareness month. Just be careful :)

Upstate NY Wedding Photographer: Choosing a photographer must be mind numbing..

You, the soon-to-be bride and groom have a LOT going on as you plan for your up and coming wedding day. In so many ways, I envy you.  Weddings have a come a long way in the past decade or so with the internet, social media and of course, Pinterest. There are million or more choices out there and that includes wedding photographers.
It's over-whelming for me to see how many people have started there own photography business.  In a sea of facebook jump starts, I don't envy the job of pouring through countless calls for your attention.

A few simple steps could ease the pain:
1. WHO RECOMMENDS US AND WHY? Word of mouth.  Almost all of my brides have come to me by recommendations from either a friend or a venue I have worked for.  Ask around. If you already have your venue booked, ask the venue director. Chances are they are not going to recommend someone who they don't feel will suit their couples.
On a secondary note, if someone recommends a photographer, find out why.  Do they have first hand experience with the distinguished work of a certain wedding photographer or are they simply recommending their best friend, daughter or cousin? Know the source.

2. PORTFOLIO INVESTIGATION? Look over their online portfolio. As you are looking through, decide what you LIKE about a certain portfolio.  Is it their candid style? Is it their detail shots? Are they portraying a certain artistry you enjoy?

3. A PHONE CALL INSTEAD OF EMAIL? Call. Get on the phone first with your photographer. You may be able to tell right away if their personality will fit yours and believe it or not, that is vital to a successful telling of your wedding day story.

4. WHY A CONSULT?  Your photographer should always be willing to meet you in person.  Rarely will I book with a bride who I don't have a face to face consult with.  We need to talk and get to know each other a little, after all I am going to be with you every step of your wedding day... that's a big deal!

5.  WHY CAN'T I FIND PRICES ONLINE?
Most photographers are pulling their price list from their sites. Why? For me personally, I would not want to be passed over or judged on my services based on my price list.  It is the last point I discuss with a bride simply because I want to know what a couple wants in a photographer first.  There is a relationship that needs to be established that goes far beyond just a hired service.  I need to be the right photographer for you, not just a piece that fits in the budget process. After all, I am re-telling the priceless story of your wedding day!!!  Price points are always important, but should not be your only deciding factor :)

Always check and ask about insurance, experience and legit business standing. A photographer should always, at the very least have a DBA (doing business as) in their county and insurance.  An official facebook page is not proof of business. ASK!

Those are just a few ideas as you begin looking for the wedding photographer that is right for you.
Happy planning!!!!!