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Thursday, June 18, 2009
Thanks for booking PMP
I met Magan and her mom at the Atlanta Bridal Party a couple of weeks ago but there was so much information and so little time. So we got together at the Caribou Coffee in Buckhead to chat about the details of her Winter Wedding! I'm so excited to get to spend the day with Magan and her family because we hit it off right away. We chatted for over an hour about so many fun things! Thank you so much for letting me share your day Magan!
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Chante, Donnie and Zoe
Chante came to me about three years ago to shoot some photos of her and her husband Donnie. Since then I also shot her maternity photos and now their sweet little Zoe. I feel like I've known them for ages. I love working with the same people because I get to see how their family has grown. Sometimes I find it hard to think that I'm just the photographer because I feel like I've cherished some of the most important milestones in their life like I'm a close friend. I really enjoyed our photo session at Berry College! Thanks for letting me shoot your family Chante!
The King Family
After shooting Kelsey's senior and prom photos, her family asked if I would shoot their entire family in Rockmart. The weather was great. I've been pretty lucky this week. I had 4 photo sessions, all with a chance of rain, and none of them were rained out! I'm so happy because I hate to reschedule due to bad weather. And one of Mrs. King's son was on leave from the military, so we're glad it was such a pretty day.
 
Future Flower Girls
I just love shooting weddings and editing them in my office at home with my three girls. There is only one side effect however. I have created two little girls obscessed with weddings! When their cousins from TN came to visit, they insisted they be grooms for their "wedding." Other days Daddy is the groom, or just one of them plays the part. One day I brought home a dozen roses I used for a photo session. They took apart the petals and lined the front yard for a brand new wedding isle.It's cute now, but I think I've created two little monsters! Whenever they see me working they want to see all of the wedding party, rings, cake and most especially the flower girls. They just love seeing the flower girls' dresses and basket of flowers. But recently their adoration has turned into longing. My 6 year old especially has asked me every time I go to a wedding if they need a flower girl. So, I'm putting out the call now. If you or someone you know that is in need of flower girls and have no little girls in your family, I have two cute little ones who would sell their own mother (me) to get the chance to do it. So here is a photo of my two little flower girls if you need them.... Baby and cat are not included. :)
Friday, June 12, 2009
Kelly's Family photos.
I just love to photograph kids growing up! I shot little Anderson's photos last year and now he's getting so big! And he has a cute little sister. I shot thier family portraits at Ben Hill Strickland Park in Hiram. It's a tiny little park, but perfect for photos because it has many little spots that are great for backdrops. Even though the sign said it was 100 degrees, it wasn't too bad in the shade, and I had a great time!
 
 
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
She booked PMP!
Holly and I met at the "Bridal Party" last week and she jumped at the chance to lock in her date for next May! I'm so excited to work with Holly because she is city girl and we're planning to shoot her engagement session around Atl. AND after the wedding ceremony we're going to go around town to shoot her in her dress too! Every photographer loves variety and this is going to give me a chance to have some awesome wedding photos with an "urban" look. I can't wait! Thanks Holly!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Alison and Grant's Engagement Session
We shot at Hightower Falls in Cedartown and it was perfect! The sun was setting over the mountains and created the perfect lighting. And we had so much to work with, not just the amazing couple! There is the gorgeous waterfall, the old gristmill, walking bridge and old barn. I've shot an engagement session and some family photos here before and I would say it is in my top five of favorite locations to shoot at.
 
 
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Congratulations Mackenzie and Bruno!
Mackenzie and I met about a month ago to discuss her June wedding next year. She is actually getting married on my birthday! I told her they have to sing to me at her reception ;)She found me through one of her co-workers, Jamie. I shot Jamie's wedding last year at the Carl House in Auburn, GA. Mackenzie is getting married at Primrose Cottage where I just shot Courtney's wedding last week! I look forward to working with Mackenzie. She is so cheerful and full of energy. I know she's going to be great in pictures!
Friday, June 5, 2009
ATTENTION 2010 BRIDES!
Calls are coming in for 2010 weddings. After the bridal show on Wednesday I've been flooded with e-mails and phone calls and have already made a couple of appointments this week for 2010 weddings. It seems like 2010 is so far away, but don't wait till the last minute. Last year I had to turn down dozens of brides because I was already booked! Be the first in line to lock in your date or you might miss out!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Bridal Show!
The Atlanta Weddings Bridal Show at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens was a huge hit! Since it was my first show I didn't really know what to expect. I was optomisic, but it completely exceeded my expectations! I met so many great people. Brides, grooms, bridesmaids, sisters of the bride, moms.... and so many more. I even connected with some vendors that I'm planning to work with in the future!Over a hundred brides stopped by my booth and chatted with me. A gorgeous bride, Maike, won the door prize, an Engagement Session with the CD copyrights. I can't wait to work with her! I just love my job! Everyone is alway so excited and happy about their wedding. I get to share the experience with them every step of the way and give them the memories they will share with their families, children and grandchildren. What better legacy can I leave than that!
  
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Kaci & Brad
Everything at this wedding was top notch! Including Kaci and Brad. They were so classy and reserved. The decor was gorgeous and the food was phenomenal! And that dress! I really enjoyed working with Kaci, Brad and Kaci's mom Gwen. I met with them about 5 or 6 times over the past year between consultations and photo sessions so we were all very comfortable with each other. Gwen even gave me a hug goodbye like I was family! I love working with great people like them!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Courtney & Matt
Sunset was the perfect time for Courtney's wedding. When she booked me last year I was worried about the 7:30pm ceremony time, but it was just perfect for photos! The sun was setting just at the right time and made it a warm and elegant ceremony. And we had just enough light for the family photos! Courtney was such a beautiful bride. I know I say it about all of my brides, but they all just have that glow.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Bridal Show!
I'm so excited to attend the Atlanta Weddings Bridal show at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens next Wednesday! I am not available on Sundays and just about every big bridal show is on a Sunday. I've looked at shows all the way through 2011! So when I saw this party/show sneak up, I jumped at the chance to participate.Please come and stop by my booth. I'm raffling off a FREE engagement session with the High Res. CD images. Other vendors are raffling off services and products too. I hope to see some of you there!
More Do's
The most important "DO" in my book is to relax! So many times when people get their photo taken they tense up and get nervous. Nothing is worse than a photo of someone throwing their hand up in front of their face or the back of their head! Laugh and interact!
When you are laughing, you let your guard down and loosen up. Your posture is much more natural and interesting. You look happy, like you are having fun. People who look at your photos think, "Boy they are having so much fun!" or "They must be so happy together." or "I wish I was there." This is some of the psychology that goes into taking a good photo. So, laugh! If you interact with me or people you are with, the image becomes more photojournalistic rather than posed. Loosen up and talk to those around you. Don't feel like you need to stare into that intimidating lens. I love it when a couple is just talking to each other and then they start to laugh. That's when I snap the shot! Part of the job of being a good photographer is to help people get comfortable with the camera. If I was annoying (which I can be sometimes!) or creepy, it just wouldn't make people want to relax and then they look tense and unnatural. So, I'll make conversations and jokes, even poke fun at myself. Sometimes I'll take from SNL and start a conversation. "I'll give you a topic... Cheese. Okay, Discuss!" So my last "Do" is to please try not to be intimidated by the camera. Look at each other, laugh, interact, and your photos will come out more natural and capture who you really are.
    
Friday, May 22, 2009
Kaci's Bridal Portraits!
Next weekend is Kaci's wedding and I am so excited! We shot her bridal portraits today as a trial run on hair and makeup. Everything went so well, even with the rain. We started out at her Aunt's beautiful home in Rockmart and then walked to some of my favorite spots. Kaci and her mom were troopers!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Wardrobe Do's
I've been so busy lately that I've neglected my blog. I'm so sorry! My "DO" for today is WARDROBE. After shooting hundreds of sessions I have my opinion on what you should wear. But the most important thing is to wear something that YOU are comfortable in. You might have a smokin' dress, but if it makes you uncomfortable because it's a little too tight or a little too low cut, whatever, your discomfort will show on camera. It can detect even the slightest bit of tension in your shoulders, eyes or lips. So be comfortable is my #1 rule.That being said, please don't wear a t-shirt and jeans! Don't get me wrong, I think an engagement session is cute when you are both wearing jeans and matching shirts, but dress it up just a little bit for the photo session. My choice, you ask??? Well, I would put the guy in a nice button up shirt slightly or all the way unbuttoned with a CLEAN undershirt, jeans and nice shoes or boots (not necessarily sneakers). The girl should look her cutest. Even if you're a country girl and love being casual, make it cute! Wear a cute sundress and some big jewelry that really pops! And the shoes! I typically don't focus on the shoes, but when they do show up, oh how cute it is! Colors, you ask??? Stick to rich solid colors. I love it when people wear navy blue or black. It lets the camera put the focus on YOU not your shirt! You don't have to be matchy-matchy, but compliment each other. Try to stay away from loud patterns. It becomes too noisy and distracts the eye. Avoid shimmery and shiny fabrics. If the sun hits it just right, or I need to use the flash, the fabric will glow! Also, if you want great black and white images stay away from red, it will come out a muddy grey. Try to stay away from whites too. They will be too bright in the photos and sometimes trick the camera to expose differently. I compensate for that to make your faces correctly exposed, but then your shirt is BRIGHT! One of the pitfalls of being a wedding photographer... I can't ask the bride to get a navy blue dress. :) Last thing.. About your children's wardrobe. I love a themed photo shoot! Like the post on May 8th. The tea party gave the girls a chance to dress up and gave them a ton more images to choose from! On April 11th we just shot in their back yard. But mom was wise to have several wardrobe changes. Again, it will give you many more shots and plenty of variety! Just be realistic to keep the wardrobe changes withing the hour session! You don't want to loose shooting time because you're constantly changing. Finally, don't let ME, the picky photographer, dictate to you what to wear. If you want to wear your favorite t-shirt that is red and green checkered and your lucky sneakers, don't let me stop you! Here are some examples of really good wardrobe choices. More Do's to come later.
   
  
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Pam's "Do's" of Photography
I've had many clients ask me advice about what they should wear for their session and I try to tell them to wear whatever is comfortable. But it doesn't hurt to spice it up a bit for a professional photo session does it! So here are some of my Do's.Do - Get your hair and makeup done professionally if possible. If not, ask your cousin or friend who has great hair to do it for you. Do you wonder why brides and girls going to prom look so fabulous! They have someone do their hair. Do you think Megan Fox looks that good when she gets up in the morning? Well, maybe SHE does... But I'm sure she gets her share of bed-head and raccoon eyes! Nothing looks worse than fuzzy hair in a photo. Especially when the sun is glistening just right on your hair, even just a few strands of fuzzy hair can ruin a shot. I usually try to fix it in editing in that case. Makeup is important because too much makes you look like a clown and not enough is... well... just not enough. When I was working at CNN I would see anchors come in and they look like their face is gone! Without makeup they are a clean slate, then when they walk out of the makeup room they look like it's caked on. But the end result on camera is spot on! Don't be afraid to kick it up a notch with your eyes especially. One warning though, don't go too dark around the eyes, avoid too much shimmer and stay away from browns, reds and whites. Many times it will look good in your bathroom, but remember, the camera sees you differently. Do a test run and take a photo of yourself to see if it works. Here are some examples of really good hair and makeup. More Do's to come later.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Erin and Rebecca's Prom photos!
Poor Erin was suffering from a bad cold, but you couldn't tell from her photos! She toughed through it with flying colors. I've known Rebecca for many years and boy has she come out of her shell and is turing into a graceful young lady! Their prom is in Atlanta, they are from Cedartown, and they met me in Rockmart for their photos. I hope they are having a great time. I can't wait to hear about it tomorrow at church!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Ansley and Allie (aka. Butterfly)
Allie insisted that we call her "Butterfly" on our photo shoot this morning. We shot their tea party at the new White Oak Park in Dallas. It was such a beautiful location for their session. I think these two little girls were the best behaved children I've ever shot. Even five year old "butterfly" took direction like a pro!
 
 
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Ashley and Neil's Engagement Session
Ashley chose her parents' farm for the setting of her engagement session and it was perfect. I loved the old barn, tractor and horse fields full of creamy yellow buttercups! The one and a half hour session went by so quickly! We crossed the marshy field to their creek and chatted all the while. Well I did most of the chatting. :) I really enjoyed our session and they are such a great couple to work with. I'm shooting their wedding this fall and I just know it's going to be awesome!
Monday, May 4, 2009
Suzanne and Andrew
My record still stands. I've never officially been rained out! One wedding last spring we thought it was going to rain so they moved everything inside, but it never actually rained....and I've had some rainy days, but the weddings were all indoor weddings, so I don't count those. But this weekend my record was put to the test.Suzanne and Andrew's wedding was located in the north Georgia Mountains at Glen Ella Springs. A beautiful location for an outdoor wedding. It was sunny all morning till about 2 hours before the ceremony. The sky opened up and it poured! We waited for the clouds to part and watched clock and the weather channel. About 20 minutes before the ceremony we made plans to move inside the pavilion. Then as a last minute decision, about 5 minutes before the ceremony, we decided to keep it in the garden and give everyone umbrellas. I was actually excited about the idea because it would make very unique photos! So the first few people came down the isle with umbrellas....then the rain turned to a mist....then it stopped literally when Suzanne came out. She said she prayed a lot while she was waiting and it really paid off. The clouds did part and it even became sunny not long after. It turned out to be a gorgeous wedding!
  
Watching the fog roll in.
After all the rain today I went on the back deck, listened to the waterfall and watched the fog roll in. About 5 minutes later I couldn't see a thing!
Friday, May 1, 2009
New Photos of Baby Brooke!
Brooke is three months old now. I can't believe it! I know it sounds so cliche...really! But she is growing so fast! I snapped these shots yesterday.
Thanks for Booking PMP!
Last year I was fortunate enough to shoot Carla and Jeff's wedding in Villa Rica, GA. Since then I have shot Carla's niece's senior portraits and today Jeff's co-worker Breck has booked me for her October wedding! I am thrilled to work with her. She and I had so much in common and her wedding is going to be a great celebration!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Family Photos
About two years ago Lisa asked me to shoot her two adorable children at Mt. Tabor Park in Dallas. Now they are so much bigger! And still adorable. Today we shot thier family photos at Ben Hill Strickland Park in Hiram. It's a cute little park with plenty of places to let loose. Just check out the hangtime of little Lucas!
Consultation
I shot Aundrea and William's engagement photos in the Fall of last year. We went to Kennessaw Mountain State Park and their photos came out great. They are such a beautiful couple and we had a lot of fun with their photo session. In January Aundrea called me to shoot her wedding this July. I was so excited to book her! Today we checked out the cute little church in Duluth that she grew up attending. Then we headed to Suwanee to Fanti Events & Decor. It was a great space and I can't wait to see what she does with it!
Wedding dress for sale.
One of my brides from 2007 contacted me to see if anyone needs a dress. She bought two dresses for her wedding and decided not to use one. Sooo, she would love to sell it to a lucky bride-to-be. The dress is from David's Bridal with the tags still on it. It's a size 10 wich in wedding dress terms actually is for someone who is a size 6 or 8. I have her contact info, so if you are interested in the dress just shoot me an e-mail.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Ashley's Senior Portraits!
For some reason I have been lucky enough to shoot women with red hair three times this year! And they are all gorgeous! Today I shot another Ashley in Rockmart. She was so layed back and easy to shoot. What a great model! She had a few changes of clothes for her session, but was able to get it all done within the one hour session. Great job changing in the back of the van!
Kristin's Senior Portraits
Kristin's mom Irene contacted me after we shot Kelsey's prom photos. We decided the Powell House in Villa Rica was a great location for her senior portraits. Kristin brought a ton of clothing choices, so Irene decided to book me for more than an hour to fit everything in. Good thing she did so we wouldn't have to be rushed! From capris to a cap and gown, we had a great time and managed to fit in every wardrobe change.
Kim's Senior Portraits
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