Yay for bridals!
I took photos with a client a few weeks ago and have been dying to share them with you! She is getting married today so we're in the clear.
This is work I've become very proud of. Photography, to me, is subjective art and not everyone loves what someone else might. Every photographer has their own individual stamp. I love looking at this session and I'm very proud of what I've accomplished; I think she also got what she wanted from the session, so we both go away happy!
I've always stood by the fact that there are two kinds of people: Photographers and Digital Artists. I accept the fact there is a level of chauvenism in that statement and I will face the consequences. But I feel like there is a purity missing from photography these days, and it makes me wonder if it is the move to the digital age.
I sometimes see photos from people and start to beat down on myself. Then I usually find out the amount of editing that goes into them. Who knows - they could be shooting on Auto. This is frustrating for me, as I have these thoughts where I second guess myself, when I'm not comparing apples to apples.
I don't use photoshop. I do have a program where I may make slight adjustments to exposure, and maybe add a few artistic elements (colors, processes), but in general, I'm a SOOC girl.
But that doesn't stop me from appreciating these other artists. I just have to remind myself that they are artists in their own right - a digital artist.
What I need to do is get back to where photography used to get me: excitement over the image, not the creation of it (outside of technical details, of course).
My favorite artists don't edit their photos on a computer, nor do they manipulate the image with copies, burns, dodging. The only lightroom they use is the one in their basement.
I will still be doing portraits, but I am admitting to you now: if you are looking for airbrushed 3-year olds, you are looking in the wrong place.
***Edited: It happened again, today. Just when I feel like everything is crashing and I just don't want to compete anymore (I need a thicker skin), I realize the amount of post-processing - especially when they show a before (sooc) and after. And suddenly I feel better. To some, it may be appreciated. But I guess I am just different. That may end up working out in my favor. At least, personally.
If princesses had baby pictures, this little girl's would be sufficient. She is SO beautiful!
You people are down to once-a-month from me. I just get bored easily waiting for blogger to upload, and really who wants to sit down and choose only 10 images to put on the screen?
Enjoy a couple of snaps. (I did not say Schnapps, though feel free to enjoy some of that too, while I sit here and enjoy my spiced Eggnog.)
If you don't already know, my brother is getting married, and I'm crazy excited. I was even more excited to be asked to do his engagements (I mean, really where else is he going to go?).
Congrats, Dave and Erica!
We hiked up Waterfall canyon (about 1/4 mile in) and stopped along the way, snapped, walked, snapped. It was a fun morning! Too bad we didn't keep going to the top. 
Ah. Sneak Peaks. Here is one from a fun shoot with my brother and his girlfriend last week. We hiked up (she was in HEELED BOOTS) into the canyon, shot; hiked, shot; etc, etc. But it was worth it and SO fun. And this photo is one of my favorites because? SOOC - straight out of camera (as opposed to compton).
Well, these guys aren't seniors anymore. It's official. With the start of school, they have been replaced by new seniors. Now they are "in-betweeners" (which still kind of rhymes with seniors so that's okay).
Thanks for spending your senior year with me, Guys. It was fun.
I am now offering package deals. If these don't suit your needs or your budget, something can always be arranged. Contact me for more details at cherryblossomphoto@rocketmail.com.
Package #1:
Book your first session, and get 50% off your second!
Total cost: $100 for two sessions.
*Sessions need to be booked and arranged at the same time to receive discounted price.
Package #2:
Infants: Newborn, 3 month, and 6 month sessions - capture the time when babies change the most.
Total cost to you: $125 for all three sessions.
Add the 9th and 12th month for just an extra $50 dollars.
Total Cost: $175 for FIVE sessions. (That's less than $40 a session!)
Package #3:
Toddlers/Kids: Younger kids can get bored easily, so I offer a solution: 30 minutes for half the regular fee.
Total Cost: $35 - Add an additional child to the fun for just $10 dollars!
Package #4:
Large groups: If your group is larger than 10 people, it will be set at a flat rate (instead of the additional $5 per person beyond 4.)
Total cost: 10-14 people: $100; 15-19 people: $150; 20-24 people: $175
I head up to see my cousin's once in a while, but it's not often I get to take pictures of a precious one! Thanks, Chels, for the opportunity!
[I may be slightly addicted to baby feet and hands]
Sleeeeeepy girl. Slept the whole time.
You think I'm joking when I say that I could not stop smiling while editing these pictures. But seriously, just flipping through trying to pick the best ones makes my cheeks hurt!
You know that old Irish Song, Oh Danny Boy?
I always think of my darling brother when I hear it. He's happy and sweet and, well, he's gonna be beatin' the ladies off with a stick (think Hercules. "It's okay. The raging sea of hormones has ebbed.")...
I'm sure he appreciates having a photographer sister (he just called me and asked to do MORE pictures, for his missionary papers) but I am grateful for a fun person to shoot. Rarely do I end up with a bad picture of him.
Lots of love to you, Danny Boy.
I love when my friends have cute kids! These kids are the best darn photogenic kids I have ever played with. And for 8:30 in the morn, they were happy and playful.
(I love candid. She was trying to get him to be cheerful and behave and ended up in a tickle fest. His smile is so mischevious.)
Good lookin' fam, eh?
Peeeek-aboo!Remember my buddy, Andrew? He is the luckiest guy in the world, I tell ya. He's gotten to shoot with me THREE TIMES!
Okay, maybe I'm just lucky to have a good (and willing) model to shoot with.
[He's known to be a bit of a goof, so I had to include it.]
Remember my pretty friend (okay, my brother's pretty friend) Amanda?
She came back for round two. It was really a group session, but I think I'll show you the individuals instead.
(CONSTRUCTIVE criticism welcome!)
