Beautiful Us Campaign... Congrats Jody and Vanessa!

Even photographers need a little inspiration sometimes, and let me tell you, the Beautiful Us Campaign was amazing. I was so excited every time a new gallery came through! There were so many facets to this idea. Raising awareness and some money (almost $300) for Love146 was the heart and soul of this idea.  Please take some time to visit www.love146.org and read the stories of children rescued and needing to be rescued from child sex slavery.
Additionally, we had students, teachers, business people, moms, dads and college students submit to this campaign and it was amazing!
The judges consisted of 4 out of state professional photographers, 2 art teachers, 2 designers, 1 up and coming photographer, 2 people not in a professional...BUT with a great creative eye! So we had a lot of different eyes looking at this gallery that has been viewed by 5,000 people according to facebook business stats!!!!! WHOO HOO!
I am including the first and second place winners as well as honorable mention submissions that our judges really liked!


First Place: Jody ( Kindle Fire Coming your way!!!)

Judges comments: "I liked the composition, it was just enough to see where she was at, which tells you and I think goes hand in hand with the joy in her face. I like how the pews slowly go out of focus too. Great use of light and color. A face and eyes definitely tell a story. For instance, she obviously still has her real teeth! She grew up in a time when fixing the gap either wasn't important, or she never had the money to do so. Very different thinking by today's standards, being that we're such a cosmetic society. It helps show that true beauty isn't always just cosmetic. It's the joy in your soul, which will shine through your face and eyes."

"Composition is strong in all of the pictures. The subject is not in the center of the frame in any of the pictures,using the rule of 3rds. In one all you see is her hand. But in the shot of her hand you still understand who this lady is. The work is well composed, but simple, portraiture. It tells the story of Helen well. The subject was well lit in all pictures. Well done."



Second Place: Vanessa! ( $75 gift card coming your way!)

Judges Comments: "A story well told with creative lighting using the sun as back lighting. I especially liked the one of her just standing, almost moving, further into the frame. I thought it conveyed emotion and thoughtfulness well. the composition was fairly good in all three photos."




"These images tell a story. They invite you in and your realize you are just kind of wondering and thinking. The girl's face isn't clear, so there is some mystery, the use of sun gives it a fairytale like feeling, and the dream that this young woman wants to convey something beautiful in her dance. loved it."

Honorable Mentions: Luz

Judges comments: "It was a very creative concept. I liked the use of b&W and color in the first photograph. I got the point they were trying to convey. It needed a little polish, but overall thinking outside the box to tell a story with visuals"

SUMER:

"This gallery is refreshing. I love it's simplicity and the earthy feel I get. I wonder what she is looking at? It's eye catching and has that free feeling, almost whimsical.  If you can invoke that in a person, than you have done a great job."
 FELICIA:

Judges comments:  "I spent about an hour going through these, and slowly narrowed it down to this one. I liked her story, and taking that into consideration, I think this photo shows her natural beauty- natural feminine curves, beautiful red hair, and her curves flow along with her legs. Excellent use of light and composition, and I like how you can clearly see her face and eyes. Even how she's looking out a window toward the light, as if to say despite the challenges so far in life, she's overcome them and she's looking ahead."

Rainy Day Originals Creates Something Just For Me!

SO. The dilemma? I couldn't find a laptop bag I liked. My Mac Book has a 17 inch screen and very few laptop bags fit that size screen. I also wanted one that kinda went with my colors (baby blue and chocolate brown) can we say I had no luck?
I asked the lovely ladies at Rainy Day Originals if they could design a bag just for me. Could they??? Of course they could!! They ALSO designed a sleeve for one of my long lenses so while I am shooting I have it right there on my hip and can change lenses quickly if I need to - without carrying an entire bag around....and of course...everything matches. Needless to say - it didn't break the bank either.
Check it out :)

laptop  messenger bag!!

lens style bag! love it!
check out Rainy Day On facebook!

Time To Choose, Specializing In Wedding/Child Photography

Here it goes. It was a hard decision to make, but I had a wonderful, fantastic, super fabulous photographer friend...(I won't mention any names Crystal George). Who has talked me through a few business lumps and bumps. However, she did stress one thing to me...and that was to specialize.
At first, I had no idea how to do that or what it truly meant.  Now that I have been on my own for nearly a year, I get it.
No photographer can do it all. A photographer can be good in a lot of avenues such as newborn work, seniors, children, brides, pets, sports, weddings..you name it, there is a genre for it. However, I don't believe a photographer can be  THE BEST at all of these things. So, in the past few months as I have looked through the year I asked what work to I absolutely LOVE the most.





I categorized by:
Do I feel passionately about it?
Where do I enjoy investing most of my energy?
During a session..which one do I feel most alive in?
What's working?
What is the most fulfilling?
Where and I am working really hard to be better?

It came down to two areas: children and everything to do with weddings :)

Children
I was surprised by this actually. Choosing children over some other categories, but I can see why now.  After a year of shooting various events and sessions, photographing children has brought me a sense of accomplishment.  My style and my personality definitely cater to making a professional child shoot work. I know what parents are looking for and I know what a child will love and hate. All this to say..having two children of my own to practice..never hurts! This also includes families. I feel they go hand in hand. While some people love to have their children photographed exclusively, some may also want to figure in a total family shoot. Of course!

Weddings:
From engagement shoots, client meetings to the big day..I truly love every aspect of it.  There is a challenge to produce high quality work in a fast paced environment and I truly enjoy it!
Furthermore, I adore the relationships it fosters. The brides are friends,  the families become a part of me and I don't say that because it sounds nice,  I say it because it's absolutely true.

Relationships are a lot about who I am and I find relating to children is very easy and fostering solid friendships with my brides and their families is making my life richer.

It's not to say that I don't enjoy other aspects of photography, but at this stage of my career, it's full throttle with children and "I do"...and it will be my passion to be great at both of these :)

Cobleskill Best Western -It's Home For Your Next Event

Finding a venue for your next event or wedding reception just got easier.   Jessie Griffin and Nancy Spenello of the Best Western In Cobleskill- treated this photographer to a breakfast complete with corn fritters. That's right...corn fritters.  I was in love with the tasty food, I almost forgot why I was there!

In my pursuit to find local businesses that can help my clients achieve their desires, I found the Best Western in Cobleskill to be AMAZING (and not just because of the corn fritters).

First of all, despite it's national chain affiliation, the BW is all about local people, local business and local investments.  Jessie and Nancy both live and work in Schoharie and Warnerville respectively where together, they have dedicated over 30 years of service to the business that is their second home.  They are actively involved in the Schoharie County Chamber of Commerce and work hard to invest in the communities they live in.  Check out their Facebook Page to follow along!
The Best Western enhances your entire experience for just about any event.  They love weddings, but they shine in events such as birthday parties, retirement parties, anniversary parties, bridal shower and baby showers.  They also host conferences, retreats, scrap bookers and quilter weekends.  They don't stop there. This crew also hosts kids pool and bowling birthday parties.  Hold on,  It gets better. There is no extra charge for set up or clean up, table linens, center pieces, cake cutting, champagne pouring...and so much more.  No matter what the event there is a variety of decor options to choose from. Call today!!!

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/