New Born Offerings.

So, I've been working on package ideas for families this week and came up with two ideas for newborns. These offerings are developed as "complete" packages and work out really well for families welcoming new additions. I really wanted to capture the story of the child and how his or her personality develops and I think parents will really come to appreciate this.

Without further delay...

YEAR ONE
This package consists of three photo-shoots spread across four month intervals of the infant's first year. Each photoshoot will have it's own 20 page 8x8 custom designed coffee table book. At the end of the year, I will design a 24 page 8x10 coffee table book that will highlight all three shoots. One year, three sessions, four books.

THE BOND
This is a smaller package for parents looking for a short term coverage solution. This package consists of two shoots - a "maternity" session before the child is born and an "after birth session" within the first week of the baby's birth. After both sessions are done, I'll design a 10x10 coffee table book for the family.

Families interested in these packages should contact me to setup a coffee date. For this to truly work well, I need to get to know the family at a "friend" level. I love learning about the couple's story and seeing their hopes for the soon-to-be-born baby. These personal connections are what helps me formulate my style to show the personality of the parents and the newborn in a genuine coverage.

Julie | Portrait

I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE shooting at night time. It just so happens that whenever I shoot at night, it is always ridiculously cold. The temperature, at the time of this shoot, was something in the 30's (with a low of 28) and the wind was outrageous. You can't tell by looking at the pictures, but you'll have to take my word for it when I say it was snot-running-down-your-face-and-you-can't-feel-it cold. Julie was a true trooper and extremely fun to work with. Due to the weather, we barely shot for 20 to 30 minutes. I wanted to capture her smile as I think it's the most interesting part of her giddy personality. Here are a couple of highlights:

Ian | Portrait

It was extremely cold outside with really high winds. Ian is a local graphic designer and a good friend of mine, so when he told me he wanted a photo session, I was all up for it. As with most of my fly by shoots, we were limited on time as he had other engagements to address. I've actually become adept at working under pressure. I'm finding that the challenge of coming up with compositional ideas on the spot and under time constrictions is a really fun and satisfying creative exercise. We found a train yard downtown and I decided to go for a hard light look against the afternoon sun.

Whitney | Portraits

Today was an absolutely gorgeous day. I met up with Whitney, a student at NCSU, for a photoshoot at the Duke Gardens on Duke University's campus. Due to time constraints, we didn't get a chance to go through all of the gardens and decided to just work at a couple of locations. One spot I chose is one of my favorites - the Asian bamboo area. I decided to go for a very natural session and focused on bringing out the bamboo in the pictures. Here are some highlights:

A lot of Newness...

The title says it all - there's a lot of "newness" on its way. New blog, new albums, new logo, new business card - I'll post pics when they arrive! Wedding photography isn't just about taking pretty pictures - it also has a lot to do with identity branding and business establishment. So, that's what I've been up to for the past few days - building and submitting designer portfolio albums and business cards.

Also, the blog is on its way to WordPress. I'm working with a really high end template that is specifically made for wedding photographers. Tweaking HTML/CSS properties and working with flash are going to keep me busy for another two weeks, so look for the launch then.

One thing I CAN show you guys today is the business card design I just finished. The card will be printed on 15 point silk stock with Spot UV Varnishing of text and scarlet red foil varnishing for the logo.



As you can probably tell, I'm in revamping mode trying to really get a solid branding campaign in place for the coming year. Value has a lot to do with perception and is directly related to one's business identity - or lack thereof.

Anyway, stay safe everyone and stay tuned...

Of Presets and Venues...

I have to apologize for being away from the blog for a few days - been really busy networking with vendors and trying to setup a few bridal sessions. Anyway, onto all things photography - I have some goodies to point out for photographers and brides...

Spencer Boerup, a scholar of lighting and post-production techniques, has released an awesome set of Lightroom presets that are getting waves of applause. I am, myself, in the process of getting ready to buy a set. Check out Presetopia - a comprehensive set of post-processing techniques that streamline your whole workflow.

So, as I said in the previous post, I have been meeting various vendors and artists in the community, and I came across Galanova. I have to say that, by far, they had the best business card at the luncheon. The print quality and design services are truly top notch and if any of you photographers (or other businesses) need help branding and developing print media - definitely check out the website.

Lastly, here's something for the brides. I met Director Joyce Jones of The Hall & Gardens at Landmark - an absolutely GORGEOUS venue. Actually, it's the venue I shot my very first paid wedding at about two years ago AND it's where my cousin is getting married this April. She wanted to share the following information about the facility:

• The Hall and Gardens at Landmark is a uniquely designed venue for the discriminating bride and groom. Designed in the French Chateau style reminiscent of the Biltmore House and The Palace of Versailles, its three grand bronze fountains and distinct European architecture offer a myriad of photo opportunities.

• The picturesque old-world garden features a stone and wrought iron gazebo, waterfalls, cobblestone walkways, Koi pond, charming treillesage and will accommodate 300 for ceremony seating. The columned building on the garden site houses a spacious women’s lounge, convenient bathrooms and catering kitchen.

• Landmark is replete with the latest audiovisual technology. Four large wall-mounted plasma screens are immediately visible upon entering Landmark’s elegant marbled elevator lobby and can be utilized to highlight your event. Use it to display your unique video memories, announce your wedding party and express your sentiment to your guests as they arrive.

• The Marie Antoinette Grand Salon Ballroom includes carved and gilded trim, 22 window seats, separate mirrored buffet room, six opulent chandeliers set in faux-painted trey ceilings, and state-of-the-art sound system. The maximum guest occupancy is 300.

• The Napoleon Bonaparte Cigar Lounge is truly a gentleman’s dream. Offerings include: plasma screen, fireplace, bar, full bathroom, leather furniture, mahogany appointments and a built-in humidor.

• Large catering kitchen for the caterer of your choice.

• 12-foot-long marbled and mirrored vanities for bridal preparation.

• Gold Chivari and white garden chairs, tables, house linens and dance floor included.

• Located minutes from Raleigh just off Interstate 40 at Highway 42 (Exit 312). Landmark is within a mile of four major hotels and many restaurants.

And in the words of Jasmine Star "because every post is better with a picture" - I went out with Sameer again to do a photoshoot. This time it was during the day and without any off camera lighting - well, except the sun.

Stay tuned for new bridal and wedding work coming soon!