Life’s Lemons and what to do with them…

Life gives you a bowl of lemons and your parents tell you to make lemonade. Others tell you to pitch those lemons right back where they came from.  To keep myself entertained, I came up with a few other ideas for those nasty lemons.

1.     Clean your elbows… remove the dark spots for your next photo shoot

2.     Squeeze the lemon juice on your hair and sit in the sun for natural highlights.

3.     Use the lemon juice as ink and write out all your tormented thoughts and feelings… it’ll dry and become invisible… if you ever want to reread it, simply put it under a light and viola – there it is again.

4.     Slice one up and stab cloves in it to make an air freshener  (this is also therapeutic like a voodoo doll)

5.     Try this and sit contemplating why… drop a same sized lemon and lime into a bucket of water and determine why the lemon floats and the lime sinks…

Sometimes in photography, like in life, you have to see past what is right in front of your face to create the illusions that make art. 

Travel Tips

We’re very fortunate to be able to do a lot of traveling and know many people that enjoy the same thing. We’ve learned a few tips to help make you money and lower your stress level during your travels.

1.     With most airlines charging per checked bag and penalties of up to $50 for overweight bags, it becomes all the more necessary to pack efficiently. With our camera/computer equipment weighing in at approx 65 pounds, we’ve learned a few tricks along the way.  The airlines allow you to bring on 1 personal item, 1 overhead bin suitcase without a charge – if you don’t need both of those headed into your trip, pack a collapsible bag in your checked luggage in case your original suitcase becomes overweight. You can quickly remove some of your heavier items into the unused carry-on and away you go. Potential to earn: $50.

2.     A second way to earn money while you travel is by booking an earlier flight near holiday travel times. This gives you the opportunity to be bumped to the next later flight and still reach your destination at the originally desired time. Often during the holiday seasons the airlines will overbook their flights. Being the first to volunteer to be bumped to the next flight rewards you greatly. The standard payment for bumping a traveler is a roundtrip ticket anywhere that airline flies, good for up to a year after your travel and sometimes cash as well. This can mean hundreds of dollars in your pocket for a few extra hours of your time.  Potential to earn: $100-500.

3.     If you end up missing your flight and see there’s just barely time to catch another flight,  go straight to that departure gate instead of going to the ticket counter – most airlines will honor the ticket from the missed flight.

4.     Airlines usually update their computers at midnight. Checking available fares just after midnight is the best time to find the lowest priced seats that open up from previous travelers that had booked but not paid for those seats.

5.     Using a hotel safe – and keeping your money/valuables safe. It is becoming more and more common for hotel staff to dust the numbers of the in-room safes with a light coating of oil or powder on the buttons. When you key in your code, only the numbers you’ve selected will be residue-free. This makes it easy for staff to come in behind you and determine the numbers you’ve selected. By touching all the keys after locking your safe, it then becomes impossible for anyone to determine which keys were actually used in your secret combination.

We enjoy traveling and hope that you do too. If you have any tips to share, we’d love to learn about them.

Meet the Realtors

If you’re looking for a realtor that is really on top of their game, we’ve met the perfect team. Meet “The Orbino Group” of Bellevue, Washington. Not only are they charming and perfectly in sync with each other and the market, but also they are reliable, dependable and a true pleasure to work with.

We spent some time with them yesterday on the 25^th floor at the Harbor Club in Bellevue capturing their images while they conducted a business meeting.  Not only were the views fantastic, but the staff at the Harbor Club was impeccable in their service.

We know the importance to having a team that works well together. Not only do we get more done with less confusion, but also we bring different qualities to the group which offers you, the client, more choices. Thank you for selecting Palmer Photography to be your photographers of choice. We appreciate our growing family.

Our Youngest Model... meet Sophia!!!

Yesterday we set off to go do a photo shoot with our youngest model to date – 4 days old.  We showed up at their house with more luggage than the baby’s new Mommy. As we set up the studio in their living room, we had to laugh that the 80 pounds of gear was all to capture the essence of a 6-7 pound spirit. What a doll! (Literally)

Seeing as how she was born so close to Halloween, we thought we’d carve out a pumpkin and do some holiday shots for the new Mom and Dad. Incredibly, she found the most comfort in the womb of that great big pumpkin…

Working with newborns is an entirely different ballgame than working with older infants or toddlers.

Infants are not used to being out of their frog-like comfort position. They also get cold very fast. Most of the shoot time is spent comforting or warming the precious one. Patience is key.

After a long afternoon of socializing, cooing and a fantastic meal (thank you so much!) we ended up with a number of precious memories for the first time parents.

Many thanks to our wonderful new friends for letting us be your family photographers. We look forward to working with you again in the near future!

Creative Inspirations

Believe it or not, we all have a creative side that helps us express ourselves. You may be thinking that you don’t, but it’s true. You may not be a freelance photographer but maybe you enjoy scrapbooking, needlepoint or painting. Those are obvious creative outlets. But how about some others: gardening, baking, or blogging? Or some that are a bit more far-stretched: bar fights, creative use of profanity or even office doodles?

We enjoy working with a client or model and bringing out their story through the image.  Everyone has a story and being able to portray that story in a single picture is how we express our creativity. Getting to know the client as more than a client adds to the composition that otherwise would only be a picture.

We especially enjoyed photographing the beautiful girl that has grown into a beautiful young woman even though she spent her entire life moving from one place to another, never benefiting from the generational roots in a suburban home.  We shot her pictures with a symbolic suitcase with the world continuing to pass behind her as she sat strong and confident as a beautiful strong woman.

Another shoot that was fun was the young man with his skateboard. His board goes everywhere with him and as such, is truly a part of him.  Or the Live Off Groupon Winner that is spending 1 year of his life touring the world on Groupons – we shot him with his computer because that is his lifeline to the world, the only way he is able to stay connected and find places to sleep or eat.

Spending time to think of the best way to tell someone’s story is important and to us, it makes photography more of an art and less of a career. We love what we do and hope that your family will partake in this adventure with us.

Selecting your Senior Photographer

We all know there are more choices of photographers than events to be photographed.  Ever since digital cameras began showing up under every Christmas tree in the nation, photographers have been cropping up faster than weeds in a garden. But how do you select the perfect senior photographer for YOUR family?

There’s the usual criteria of location and cost. But most photographers advertise that they will come to you and many others are willing to photograph your child for next to nothing. So what else should you be considering?

How about the part of this process that you are actually paying for? The creativity! The amount of thought put into how to show your specific child’s inner spirit and vibrancy.  Anyone can pose your child with some sort of spectacular background and print out a picture. But you should want MORE! You should be wanting the photographer that cares about the individual client and the composure of YOUR senior photos.

We love taking senior PORTRAITS because it is an opportunity for us to PORTRAY your child’s spirit – honestly, at any age, not just as a senior. Talking with them and discovering their likes and dislikes… selecting the perfect location to showcase that… engaging him or her so the pictures show that spirit. That’s just the creativity at the shoot… then the magic continues.

Editing the pictures so they look the best in that captured moment (don’t want dark circles or that unexpected facial blemish keeping you from enjoying these pictures for years to come), adding some digital flair to a few shots or enhancing one or two to be fun, original works of art.

You should expect all this magic for your hard earned money. That’s why we consider ourselves one of the best senior photographers in Western Washington… because the love of the art will show in your portraits. Don’t settle for anything less. Let us capture your family portraits today!

Please welcome our new team member!

Penny Palmer Photography is stepping out in the world with a huge virtual footprint. Long gone are the days of standing on the corner, cardboard sign in hand.

 

We’d like to welcome aboard our new Marketing Contractor, Lori Jerome. Lori comes to us with a great deal of experience, passion and energy. We are excited about the new directions she will be assisting us with.  We continue to offer referral fee incentives to all of our existing clients and would like to say THANK YOU to all of you who have already participated. Word of mouth is very important to us and with that said, we continue to charge ahead.

From Maui...

We've been shooting in Maui now for 4 days and have completed 5 shoots. We've spent only about 30 minutes just enjoying the beautiful beach... It's been a lot of work but so incredibly wonderful! 

We've had the extreme pleasure of working with MUA, Ry-N and hair stylist, Keli Lau. Their work has held up beautifully through pouring down rain and hot, direct sun. They really know what they are doing! If you're looking for a great team, please look them up! We thank them for all their professionalism and valued service!

NOTES FROM THE FOLKS

We’re off to Maui… after so many logistical problems we started getting worried that we wouldn’t be able to pull this off. But with a wonderful couple depending on us for their beautiful wedding pictures, 2 resorts, 1 hotel and 4 wonderful models counting on us, we knew there was no choice but to push on. We’ll be staying in a different area this time so first off, we’ll go scout out the new beach – Sugar Beach! The next thing we’ll have to do is locate a replacement surfboard since mine’s locked up tight.

I was told there were no trains on Maui – is this true? Can someone answer that for me? If that’s true, then I surely got off at the wrong station! Have a wonderful couple days – we’ll be checking in soon!

Always Learning and Having Fun Doing It

Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Last night we had the pleasure of participating in a hands-on SmugMug tutorial session on Street Photography with photographer Paul Conrad. Participants ranged in age from early 20’s to early 60’s. We were all there for the same purpose – to conceptualize, collaborate and capture.

We spent some time as a group discussing logistics of street photography and playing a bit of myth busters as to how and when permission is required to use or sell your images. For those of you that are unfamiliar with the term street photography, it is exactly as it sounds – being in the right place at the right time to grab that candid image off the street.

The key point I think Paul made was to not be afraid to TALK to people – approach them, explain what you’re doing, get the story behind the image you just shot. Every picture is worth a thousand words – get the details to make your picture all that richer! We spent the session at the Seattle Center where the warm summer evening produced many excited kids (and photographers as well!)

You should check out some of the SmugMug events in your area. Even if you’re shy, you’ll be drawn into the fun and excitement of learning new photographing techniques with other individuals like yourself. Happy August Everyone!

Always Learning and Having Fun Doing It

Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Last night we had the pleasure of participating in a hands-on SmugMug tutorial session on Street Photography with photographer Paul Conrad. Participants ranged in age from early 20’s to early 60’s. We were all there for the same purpose – to conceptualize, collaborate and capture.

We spent some time as a group discussing logistics of street photography and playing a bit of myth busters as to how and when permission is required to use or sell your images. For those of you that are unfamiliar with the term street photography, it is exactly as it sounds – being in the right place at the right time to grab that candid image off the street.

The key point I think Paul made was to not be afraid to TALK to people – approach them, explain what you’re doing, get the story behind the image you just shot. Every picture is worth a thousand words – get the details to make your picture all that richer! We spent the session at the Seattle Center where the warm summer evening produced many excited kids (and photographers as well!)

You should check out some of the SmugMug events in your area. Even if you’re shy, you’ll be drawn into the fun and excitement of learning new photographing techniques with other individuals like yourself. Happy August Everyone!

MODEL ADVENTURES: “Fashion Disasters”

What is bound to happen when you combine new fashion designs, new models and a new location for a photo shoot? ACK! What DOESN’T happen? Thankfully, no dresses were hurt in the making of the image and no models were lost over the edge of the cliff.

The first outfit came off without a hitch (literally as we had to do quick parking lot outfit changes between sets) and the combat boots were helpful in getting the model through the vast greenery and up the tree.

The second gown sparkled in the twilight hours but we quickly realized that the model fitted for the outfit was a slightly different shape than the new model. A bit of adjusting here and there seemed to overcome all but the wrinkles in the gown… Who the heck thought to bring a steamer to the coast? Apparently, not us.

As we changed the model into the third outfit (a beautiful little black dress with amazing attention to detail), we hit a roadblock when we realized the dress was 2 sizes smaller than our model. As she stood there with the dress as a shirt we realized we’d better put her into a less revealing outfit – and quickly as the onlookers were about to pull out their camera phones.

Just as the sunset expanded into beautiful hues of orange and red, the park ranger came around and kicked us out.  What a rush… forest to ocean cliffs and complicated lighting changes all within the same shoot.

Live and Learn! We’re thankful to our models and designers for their incredible patience and cooperation!

Art Exhibiting 101

Penny had the recent honor of having one of her maritime photographs selected to hang in the NW Maritime Art Exhibit in Port Townsend, Washington. Last night was the “Meet the Artists” Reception and Awards Presentation. The weather cleared up nicely for the long drive over and back.

Walking into a room filled with buyers, photographers and critics, knowing that my photograph is hanging somewhere within these walls, is a mind-numbing experience. I had to stop myself from focusing on all the things I didn’t like about my photograph, all the things I “could have done better” and just enjoy the fact that my picture was selected to hang in this gallery next to wonderful artists such as Michael Berman.

The first thing I learned is that if you stand too close to your own work for too long, you are inundated with comments, critique and questions; thus leaving little time to explore the other unique submissions or nibble the catered food.

The second thing I learned is that everyone’s a critic, including myself. I realize that I am much harder on my own work than others are. It was very nice to be complimented even when I had trouble overlooking the flaws myself.

The third thing I learned is critical to remember for anyone entering an art exhibit. This piece of advice was given to me by one of the judges… Presentation is the key. Now in my case, procrastination was the key problem. Wall-sized art rarely comes out printed correctly the first time. This means that the more critical of your own work, the more times you may need to edit and reprint.  The other piece to a great presentation is originality – three dimensional mounting, synergistic matting or classic framing. The final overall look is what impresses your audience - judges and buyers alike.

It was a real honor to be selected to have my work shown in the exhibit and I look forward to pulling out all the stops in the next one! The exhibit will be open until September 22, 2010 at the NW Maritime Hall in Port Townsend, Washington. (iPhone pictures included)

Meeting Mr. Groupawn through Social Networking

One thing about Social Networking is that you cross borders leaps and bounds before you even meet face to face. What was widely known as a younger generation’s tool to stay plugged in has now become widely used across every generation of reader. Kids beg their parents for Facebook accounts to play games against their friends while parents are begging their kids to teach them how to load Facebook on their iPhones.

Reaching out to strangers has become second nature to bloggers and posters everywhere.  But one man in particular has stepped out into the world in barely more than his skivvies to live for a year off of a commercialized form of social networking. Meet Josh, aka Mr. Groupawn.  Josh fascinated us with his worldly adventure so we were thrilled when he made time to visit with us during his trip to Seattle. No matter how much or how little you understand about Groupon and how it all works, understand this – their spokesperson is not “crazy”.  Mr. Groupawn is charismatic, smart and by all accounts truly ADAPTABLE.

We started the evening by taking Josh down to Lake Washington for a casual photo shoot. We set out to capture a symbolic picture of his life on the road- complete with trendy shorts, laptop and his lifeline to the world, the all-important cell phone.

We started with great intentions, but the concentration was broken by all the laughter and story exchanging. Staying on track was more than any squirrel could handle. Dinner at Ivar's and a long night of tech talk and laughter ensued.

It may not have been the most robust photo shoot we’ve ever done, but we hope it will add to his adventure memories and be a reminder that his visit was definitely a highlight in our week. Thanks Josh and Groupon – safe travels our new friend!

Technology's Playground -not just for Kids Anymore!

I'm sitting on a 6 hour flight next to a lovely older lady (did I mention older?) eagerly attempting to figure out her DigiPlayer rental. Now, for us whippersnappers, it's second nature to jab at the small circular power button, plug in our headphones, manipulate the screen-based conventional menu choices and voilà! We're plugged into the virtual environment and our surroundings dissolve away. But what about the generation BEFORE ours? Many from the IBM Selectric generation have no interest in exploring the realm also known as cyberspace, with it's limitless virtual capabilities. It's confusing or even scarey for some.

We raise our kids & teach them language skills & nurture their youthful, artistic talents. But you know, it's kind of fun to have the tables turned & be watching the generation before us embark on a learning curve to master a language/art or virtual community that we've been part of for years. We’ve grown up with the latest technologies; however, these technologies have grown after our parents.

There was a point when I can recall my Mother announcing that she & my father were finally willing to bring an answering machine into their home. Up until that point, they'd insisted that technology like this wasn't necessary.

Since that day, I've seen them dive enthusiastically into surround sound, Dolby digital, flat screens & digital cameras. Technology blossomed and with it their creativity. Through their photographs and amazing scrapbooks, we are all included in their adventures- ambitiously trekking the Great Wall of China, bravely swimming with stingrays or even loping on camels in the desert.  What amazing journeys to be able to share with us!

So one day with their willingness to embrace Cyberspace, a wirelesss router entered their castle gates and much like the historical Trojan horse, it brought within it a virtual world filled with exciting, and somewhat scary opportunities. Shopping no longer requires long lines, and the probability of finding that perfect, unusual gift was increased ten-fold. Rental movies, pizza & even groceries can be ordered online.  Relatives can see & hear each other for live gatherings while being virtually anywhere, anytime.  Amazing how my parents, and many others, have gone from answering machine tapes to iPhones in a few, short decades...

I love the good morning text messages that my Mom has now mastered, the "live" camera phone video feed from my father of my daughter's gymnastics...  With the revolution of Cyberspace, the possibilities are endless. I love it that previous generations have their own Facebook Groups and online discussions. No one has to be Lonely even if you're alone.  You can always have a friend in your pocket, no matter your age!

(By the way, in case you were wondering, we did help the nice gal and she was smiling broadly as she toasted her success with a small bottle of champagne before falling fast asleep to whichever movie she had so laboriously picked out... LoL )

Technology's Playground -not just for Kids Anymore!

Technology's Playground -not just for Kids Anymore!

I'm sitting on a 6 hour flight next to a lovely older lady (did I mention older?) eagerly attempting to figure out her DigiPlayer rental. Now, for us whippersnappers, it's second nature to jab at the small circular power button, plug in our headphones, manipulate the screen-based conventional menu choices and voilà! We're plugged into the virtual environment and our surroundings dissolve away. But what about the generation BEFORE ours? Many from the IBM Selectric generation have no interest in exploring the realm also known as cyberspace, with it's limitless virtual capabilities. It's confusing or even scarey for some.

We raise our kids & teach them language skills & nurture their youthful, artistic talents. But you know, it's kind of fun to have the tables turned & be watching the generation before us embark on a learning curve to master a language/art or virtual community that we've been part of for years. We’ve grown up with the latest technologies; however, these technologies have grown after our parents.

There was a point when I can recall my Mother announcing that she & my father were finally willing to bring an answering machine into their home. Up until that point, they'd insisted that technology like this wasn't necessary.

Since that day, I've seen them dive enthusiastically into surround sound, Dolby digital, flat screens & digital cameras. Technology blossomed and with it their creativity. Through their photographs and amazing scrapbooks, we are all included in their adventures- ambitiously trekking the Great Wall of China, bravely swimming with stingrays or even loping on camels in the desert. What amazing journeys to be able to share with us!

So one day with their willingness to embrace Cyberspace, a wirelesss router entered their castle gates and much like the historical Trojan horse, it brought within it a virtual world filled with exciting, and somewhat scary opportunities. Shopping no longer requires long lines, and the probability of finding that perfect, unusual gift was increased ten-fold. Rental movies, pizza & even groceries can be ordered online. Relatives can see & hear each other for live gatherings while being virtually anywhere, anytime. Amazing how my parents, and many others, have gone from answering machine tapes to iPhones in a few, short decades...

I love the good morning text messages that my Mom has now mastered, the "live" camera phone video feed from my father of my daughter's gymnastics... With the revolution of Cyberspace, the possibilities are endless. I love it that previous generations have their own Facebook Groups and online discussions. No one has to be Lonely even if you're alone. You can always have a friend in your pocket, no matter your age!

(By the way, in case you were wondering, we did help the nice gal and she was smiling broadly as she toasted her success with a small bottle of champagne before falling fast asleep to whichever movie she had so laboriously picked out... LoL )

Model Adventures: “Setting up the Big Take”

Ever wake up one morning and think, “this would be an amazing picture”? I do. I’m frequently laughed at for using my iPhone drawing program to sketch out my very artistic stick figure poses and coordinated props. It’s the fastest way that I can get the image in my head into a medium that I can discuss and plan for.

I take that idea and begin the development process. I start with the location and then the appropriate model “look”. I list out my props and figure out which companies we’ll partner up with to use their products for joint marketing. Once the concept is complete, we begin the technical preparation.

That’s the other Palmer’s forte. She decides all of the required apertures, ISOs, lighting, and the all important scheduling decision: the time of day/location that’s necessary to create this vision. I then get on the horn and contact everyone to set up the shoot.

On location, Penny’s creative eye finds the location and I begin setting up the model with my vision. I spare myself the embarrassment of showing her my artistic abilities, and move on to the demonstration (which in itself can be hilarious). After all the prep work and time involved for the entire team, we shoot until we have the best the situation has to offer and move out. Here’s the final shoot from that drawing above:

MODEL ADVENTURES: "Avoiding the No-Shows or Slow-Go's"

There is nothing worse than being the generous & kind photographer that thinks they’re helping out a model by doing a portfolio shoot TF or for a discounted fee – and the model no-shows. It feels much the same as when you hold a garage sale and no one shows up – you pour your sweat & tears into setting it all up, advertising and blocking the time off to be there instead of off having fun with your family and friends. You sit and wait – watching eagerly for the customer to arrive… and nothing. 

 We try to be very clear with our models that we are devoting a span of time specifically for them. After 15 minutes of waiting, we call the model. If no answer, we give them 15 more minutes to return the call and then we consider ourselves released from their shoot. By requiring a non-refundable retainer fee, at least we have not wasted the drive time, equipment prep, creative process and the standing-stupid 30 minutes.
Something to think about the next time you find yourself lugging your gear off into the sunset after a mission unaccomplished.

MODEL ADVENTURES-"Tips From the Edge"

When we first started working with models, we learned the hard way that making or updating a model’s portfolio required more than simply a model, a photographer, an expensive camera and some creative know-how. Both the model and the photographer have a lot of preparation to make the best portfolio images.

The model needs to remember NOT to party the night before, drink plenty of water in the days prior, be COMFORTABLE in the look they’re shooting, and most importantly – SHOW UP and ON TIME!

The photographer has to come up with the vision of all visions for each shoot – and when you shoot 4-5 days/week like we do, vision can sometimes become tunnel-vision. Finding and maintaining creative inspiration can be exhausting if you don’t keep in a rhythm. We’ve found that our balance of business, family time and personal time keeps creativity flowing and we’re always excited with the addition of each new model to the team!

The overall look contains key pieces that can’t be ignored. We’ve all heard the saying, “location, location, location makes the shoot”, but so does lighting, distractions, safety, and planning. Once everything is in place, we unleash the creative beast and have some fun. We get what we need for the shoot and then we try to accommodate the model’s reasonable requests for additional poses. Having a good working relationship with your model is important – you are working together to create these storytelling moments, animosity is extremely visible from the all-telling lens.

We are always welcoming new models (beginners and extremists), but love working with our former models too! We keep all our models in mind for corporate shoots and any photo shoots that will grant each model exposure and put food on their tables too! We really do care about our fantastic team and appreciate everyone’s part in the collaboration of photographic art. If you’d like to join the team too you don’t need experience, only a cell phone and some passion. Call Us! 

Thanks Team!

 

MODEL ADVENTURES- "Tips from the Edge"

When we first started working with models, we learned the hard way that making or updating a model’s portfolio required more than simply a model, a photographer, an expensive camera and some creative know-how. Both the model and the photographer have a lot of preparation to make the best portfolio images.  

The model needs to remember NOT to party the night before, drink plenty of water in the days prior, be COMFORTABLE in the look they’re shooting, and most importantly – SHOW UP and ON TIME!

The photographer has to come up with the vision of all visions for each shoot – and when you shoot 4-5 days/week like we do, vision can sometimes become tunnel-vision. Finding and maintaining creative inspiration can be exhausting if you don’t keep in a rhythm. We’ve found that our balance of business, family time and personal time keeps creativity flowing and we’re always excited with the addition of each new model to the team!

The overall look contains key pieces that can’t be ignored. We’ve all heard the saying, “location, location, location makes the shoot”, but so does lighting, distractions, safety, and planning. Once everything is in place, we unleash the creative beast and have some fun. We get what we need for the shoot and then we try to accommodate the model’s reasonable requests for additional poses. Having a good working relationship with your model is important – you are working together to create these storytelling moments, animosity is extremely visible from the all-telling lens.

We are always welcoming new models (beginners and extremists), but love working with our former models too! We keep all our models in mind for corporate shoots and any photo shoots that will grant each model exposure and put food on their tables too! We really do care about our fantastic team and appreciate everyone’s part in the collaboration of photographic art. If you’d like to join the team too you don’t need experience, only a cell phone and some passion. Call Us! 
Thanks Team!

MODEL ADVENTURES- "Tips from the Edge"

When we first started working with models, we learned the hard way that making or updating a model’s portfolio required more than simply a model, a photographer, an expensive camera and some creative know-how. Both the model and the photographer have a lot of preparation to make the best portfolio images.  

 The model needs to remember NOT to party the night before, drink plenty of water in the days prior, be COMFORTABLE in the look they’re shooting, and most importantly – SHOW UP and ON TIME!

The photographer has to come up with the vision of all visions for each shoot – and when you shoot 4-5 days/week like we do, vision can sometimes become tunnel-vision. Finding and maintaining creative inspiration can be exhausting if you don’t keep in a rhythm. We’ve found that our balance of business, family time and personal time keeps creativity flowing and we’re always excited with the addition of each new model to the team!

 The overall look contains key pieces that can’t be ignored. We’ve all heard the saying, “location, location, location makes the shoot”, but so does lighting, distractions, safety, and planning. Once everything is in place, we unleash the creative beast and have some fun. We get what we need for the shoot and then we try to accommodate the model’s reasonable requests for additional poses. Having a good working relationship with your model is important – you are working together to create these storytelling moments, animosity is extremely visible from the all-telling lens.

 We are always welcoming new models (beginners and extremists), but love working with our former models too! We keep all our models in mind for corporate shoots and any photo shoots that will grant each model exposure and put food on their tables too! We really do care about our fantastic team and appreciate everyone’s part in the collaboration of photographic art. If you’d like to join the team too you don’t need experience, only a cell phone and some passion. Call Us! 
Thanks Team!

Hello World!!

We’ve had a number of requests to fill you in on our adventures during a shoot and we want to show our appreciation to you so…
WELCOME TO OUR BLOG!
Where to start? Let’s go back in time and give you a few details about some of our earlier photo shoots.

Some Maui Sealife

Overlays...

More From the Past...

Another Maui Sunset

Grounded

Sunset in Washington

A few of my favorites from the past to get things started...

Sailboats at Sunset...

In the Butterfly Garden...

 The Oregon Coast...

Maui Sunset...