Model for a Day

In what I refer to as the "off-season", (when I'm not photographing weddings and such), in order to keep my skills honed I still like to photograph people on location.

My friends and fellow photographers, Abby, Alice & Andreia got together and held a self-help Workshop so we could teach and learn from each other.

Even though each of us have our own photography business, there is still camaraderie among us and we are able to help each other strengthen our weak points in the field of photography. I love this concept and this workshop proved that it can be very effective.

For this particular workshop, we took the lovely Daniela on location for some Commercial & Fashion Photography practice.

She was GREAT! A real natural! For someone who hadn't had modeling experience before, she was very good at following our direction as each of us took turns in posing her and creating our own unique images of her. Even when all 4 of us were shooting at the same time, she didn't buckle (although we probably were acting like paparazzi to her.)

She was a good sport too because it was pretty cold that day and we had her outside without a jacket. She endured the cold weather and didn't complain once!

This was our first attempt at getting together for this Workshop and we will be getting together again soon to provide each other with constructive criticism on our images.

What a great opportunity I have in being able to network with other photographers in my local area who also happen to be my competition. :-)

It's really nice to be able to forget the business aspect of the art we love and just for a day, get together and have some fun.

We agreed to do this once each month from now until November and we're currently looking for volunteers who would like to be our Models (in exchange for a few free prints from our session.)

If you'd like to volunteer (space is limited) drop me a line or an e-mail and perhaps we can fit you in for your very own session (15 minutes of Fame).

I had such a great time and I really want to thank Daniela for being so great. I know she was not used to some of the unique and interesting poses we experimented with and put her in. (many of which are in the other images we captured that day.)

Alice, Abby, & Andreia (I think I might start calling you the "Triple A's"), thanks so much! I had a great time!

Daniela, you are a lovely young woman and if you'd like to return for another session, you'll be more than welcomed by us all.

Thank you all & enjoy the images!

Beauty Discovered.

Top Ten Mistakes That Brides Make

Hi everyone!
Here is yet another really great and funny article I wanted to share with you all.
For all of you who are in the planning stage right now...this is for you.
Enjoy!

Top Mistakes That Brides Make
By: Kate Wood

Brides are only human -- and they're bound to make mistakes. No biggie. But since we hear about some common blunders all the time, we figured why not give you the heads-up…

1. Doing Anything...Before the Guest List

The problem: You're engaged! You're excited! You're ready to send out save-the-dates, book that reception hall, and choose those flowers -- now! Well hang on a second, because we're afraid you're forgetting something. Who's coming to this affair, exactly?

The solution: It's not the most fun part of planning (and we'll be honest, it's one of the most likely to lead to a fight or two or twelve), but you shouldn't make any wed-day decisions before you have your guest list somewhat firmly in place. Why, you ask? Well, do you want to have a nonrefundable deposit down on that cozy restaurant room that fits 75 when your mother-in-law's additions bump your list up over 200? Exactly. Once everyone's in agreement, then you can move forward. That said, this means that one of the parts of your wedding you can plan immediately (or at least talk over with your fiancé) is what kind of atmosphere you'd like for your wedding. Do you want an intimate, close friends and family-only affair, or do you want to throw the event of the season for 300-plus people? Later, when you're in the guest-list trenches, this bit of planning will help back up your gut instinct about whether to say yes (or no) to guest-list additions.

2. Reading Aloud to Your Fiancé...From Bridal Magazines

The problem: Look, we know it's not the Stone Age, and there are plenty of guys out there who want to see their wedding as an event that reflects their style too (or at least one that isn't dripping with pink froufrou). But there's likely to be a limit to your fiancé’s ability to cope with an infinite array of invitation choices.

The solution: Here's how to defuse a potentially sticky situation (and a minefield of fights you don't want to have). Take a night off to go out to dinner and talk with him about all the different parts of the wedding, and try to get a concrete idea of his interest in the various details. Does it sound like flowers are flowers in his book? Okay, then you can more or less leave him out of that decision. And if he's cramming lettuce leaves in his ears to block sound, you definitely don't want to drag him into it.
Moving forward, save his sanity (and yours) by designating one night a week as wedding-free. Talk about the weather, your friends, the dog -- whatever you want. He'll be psyched to see that the girl he fell in love with still lives there, and you'll appreciate the breather yourself. And who knows? Left to his own devices, your fiancé just might surprise you with a great idea for your cocktail hour or the perfect solution to a guest-list dilemma.

3. Freaking Out Because Someone Else Has Your Gown

The problem: These days, to-be-weds spend so much time personalizing their weddings and trying to find really unique big-day details that it does seem reasonable to freak if another couple chooses the same favors or flowers or food. Before you decide to arm-wrestle for it, let us suggest a different way of dealing.

The solution: If someone else "steals" one of your ideas, you'll probably hear a lot of "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery" and "It will be at your wedding, not theirs, so it'll be totally different." Whether these statements are true or not (they are), they're probably not going to make you feel better -- but neither will stewing over it. Instead of worrying about someone else's wedding looking the same as yours, think about how you can make the copied detail different. If a friend chooses the same gown as you, add details to make yours unique: Accessorize with a brooch, add a sash, accent the train with some embroidery (you get the idea). Has someone else swiped your fun favor idea? Find a way you can package yours to set them apart. And if you're really that worried about copycats, here's a thought -- just keep mum. If you don't divulge every last big-day detail, you won't have to worry about your bride friends snatching them.

4. Realizing That Grape isn't Your Color...With Two Months to Go

The problem: When you started planning your wedding, you knew just what you wanted: pink bridesmaid dresses, peonies, and classic, engraved invites. Now that you've been hard at work for a few months, you know just what you want: jewel tones, orchids, and funky, bold invites. Too bad -- you're stuck with the wedding style you first chose ... or are you?

The solution: You should feel free to rethink, redo, and revamp any element of your wedding that you want -- unless you've accepted a ring from it (just kidding). This doesn't have to mean yet another huge investment or reneging on a bunch of contracts -- you'll be surprised how easy it is to make simple additions or subtractions and change your whole style. Already ordered those pastel bridesmaid dresses? Think about adding a bold sash or accessorizing with chandelier earrings to liven them up a bit. Unsure about the color scheme you chose? Pay an extra visit to your florist and work out changes to your bouquets and centerpieces -- adding new blooms in all of your arrangements will introduce a new color throughout the room. Same thing if you've already ordered the linens -- spice them up with bright table runners or overlays. If you decide you really can't live with it, chances are you can go back on your first choice -- just remember that it will have a cost. A good rule of thumb is that if you've already signed a contract or seen a proof, you will have to pay extra for any changes or additions you make. But if it's still relatively early in your planning process, don't be afraid to make the change. Remember, you're getting married to your husband, not your centerpieces.

5. Trying to Drop Two Sizes Before Your Final Fitting

The problem: You've found the gown of your dreams -- though it's not exactly a perfect fit on the real-life you. Your plan: Order the dress two sizes too small, and then do whatever it takes to make it fit. Or so you think.

The solution: Making a commitment to eat right and exercise is great whether you're planning your wedding or trying to stave off the newlywed nine. On the other hand, crash-dieting and chaining yourself to the StairMaster is a course likely to end in disaster -- and a gown that doesn't fit.
Instead of losing more sleep than weight, find a gown you love and order it in your current size. If you want to work on your body during your engagement, that's great -- go ahead, but be sure to make your goals are manageable (toning up but not dropping 20 pounds, for instance). You're more likely to stick with a routine that doesn't require superhuman willpower. And if you still find that you are freaking about your figure, just remember that you're about to get hitched to someone who can't get enough of the way you look (really, truly) right now.
If you do drop some weight, this slow-and-steady approach will help you big time (and help you keep it off long-term). You'll want to lose those extra pounds before your second fitting -- any big changes after that, and though you might be lighter, your alterations bill will be pretty hefty. Your final fitting should be for last-minute tweaks, not a total overhaul.

6. Doing it All Yourself

The problem: We love nothing better than seeing the clever projects that couples come up with to make their weddings unique. But even we have to draw the line somewhere. There's doing it yourself, and then there's overdoing it yourself. After all, there are plenty of benefits to DIY. You can be sure no one else has the exact same thing, you might keep your budget in check, and (before you actually sit down to hand-tie 200 tiny ribbons) you probably think that it will make a fun story.

The solution: Rather than taking on too many projects, pick the one (or two) that you're really in love with and put your resources (both mental and monetary) into working on those. For the others, do a little research and try to find a ready-made version that makes you happy. With so many great prefab goodies out there, chances are you'll find one that fits your style -- and saves you a whole lot of time!

7. Overloading Your Mom's Big Day To-do List

The problem: So you can't do it all yourself -- fine -- but you've got to have someone you trust double-checking with the caterer and the florist, steaming your veil, or making sure the limo company's got directions. Most brides turn to good ol' Mom (or their sister or their maid of honor) to make sure things go as planned on the big day. These folks are usually happy to help in any way they can -- but hey, didn't they come here to party too?

The solution: No matter how worried you are, most wedding-day (and day-before) chores can be trusted to any competent adult, and aren't there a slew of them coming into town just for your wedding? Before you hand your mom or MOH a mega-task list, consider splitting jobs among a larger group of people -- friends, cousins, aunts. They'll be glad to lend a hand (and likely flattered that you asked), and it's a great way to include more people in your celebration. If you're worried about losing track, simply take the to-do list you already have and note who's who next to each task. Check in with each person at some point, then check off the chore from the list.

Another option: Hire a professional wedding coordinator for the final weeks before the wedding. They're experts at making sure those last-minute details get done, and having the extra hands around will help you (and mom) decide what you really want to be in charge of and what you can happily hand off. It's more affordable than you might think -- and really, can you put a price tag on alleviating that kind of stress?

8. Crying Over Mismatched Linens

The problem: The place cards just came back from the printer, and the color of the ink is a little off from the print on your invites. Or the best man's boutonniere has a hint of baby's breath where you'd specified berries. Let's face it, even the most perfectly planned wedding is sure to hit a few bumps along the way.

The solution: When you've worked so hard for so many months on your wedding-day details, it can be hard to deal when you find a flaw among them. The key is that when you spot one, you'll need to take a deep breath and think: "How important is this going to be to me in a year?" Not in 10 years, not even in five, but in one. Chances are, most mishaps that are causing you so much agita won't really matter to you once you're at your wedding (let alone after it). If it's a serious snarl, go ahead and deal with it. But if it's a minor mess-up, just move on. You can't give up all of your resources to every little crisis. Pick your battles wisely and they will be better fought.

9. Blowing Your Budget

The problem: You came up with a number. You did some research. You revised the number. You started planning ... and now that number's not going to cut it. Budgeting for a wedding can be the stuff of nuptial nightmares -- but that doesn't mean you should elope.

The solution: If you find you've underestimated some expenses, don't panic. Instead, sit down with your fiance and try to reach a constructive solution. Maybe you can give up an item or trade one for another (for example, dahlias over Black Magic roses saves about $4 per stem). If you're coming up short overall, you may have to take on some debt. To make it as minimal as possible, consider obtaining a low-interest loan or using a low-interest credit card. And to keep it from becoming a source of tension between the two of you, make a plan to deal with the debt and a deadline for paying it off so it won't hang over your heads.

10. Saving Your Place Cards for the Morning Of

The problem: Right now, it might seem weird to have a basic sketch of your seating plan or all of your favors tagged and ready to go. But other than taking up a little extra space in your closet, they're not causing any harm -- and they will actually save you a ton of stress a month or two down the line. The closer the wedding gets, the busier you'll be, so making (and sticking to) your timeline is essential.

The solution: Worried you're jumping ahead on the wedding planning timeline? Don't be. You're in the best possible situation. If you're set on saving tasks until the appointed time (rather than going ahead and doing a little of this or that when you've got the time), you may wind up with way too much to accomplish in the last month (or week) before the wedding. That's exactly the time when anything (and everything) can happen, when everyone will have demands on your time, and you'll -- well, you'll just want to take a hot bath and dream about your honeymoon. With check marks beside all your biggest to-dos, you'll be able to relax and enjoy your wedding -- and the days leading up to it. Make no mistake about it.

Top Wedding Trends for 2008

Hello all!

I found another very informative article about the Top Wedding Trends for 2008 that I'd like to share with all you brides-to-be out there and anyone else looking to keep up with what's hot with weddings.

Enjoy!

Top Wedding Trends for 2008
By: Christa Vagnozzi

What's hot now? This year, bigger is definitely better, from luxe place settings to statement-making gowns and hairstyles.
Is chocolate brown still the new black? Are brides really planning to wear two dresses? These are some of the many burning questions this year's brides and grooms are asking.

Trend 1: Making Split Decisions
Can't decide between a princess ball gown and a sexy mini? Wear both! In 2008, brides will make their guests do a double take by switching up their looks between the ceremony and reception with their gowns and hairstyles -- like an elegant up do for when you recite your vows and switching to natural cascading curls to party. And it's not just the bride that's getting a makeover between acts. Couples are also changing up their palettes with a progression of color throughout the day. Guests arrive to a clean, all-white ceremony, experience a hint of pale hues during the cocktail hour, and then step into an explosion of rich color for the reception.

Trend 2: The Gray Area
Steel gray will replace chocolate brown as the accent color. We absolutely love this soft yet deep hue teamed with butter yellow, bright aqua, rich eggplant, or pale pink. It's so versatile! Introduce the color in your stationery, either in the typeface or paper, and then gradually build it into your reception space by way of slate gray table accents and pewter-toned bridesmaid dresses with a contrasting sash.

Trend 3: A Return to White
In recent years, white has taken a backseat to bold hues like hot pink, orange, and purple. The classic color (or lack thereof) is poised to make a huge comeback in a fresh, modern way. Think tall, glistening glass vases overflowing with crisp arrangements of white phalaenopsis orchids and clouds of soft baby's breath. Also, picture sparkling white cakes covered from top to bottom in miniature fondant blossoms. Palette partner: Rose-colored metallics will add a big dose of sophisticated glamour.

Trend 4: Lush and Luxe
Size does matter. Event designers and brides alike are teaming up to create show stopping floral arrangements, such as those seen during the days of Marie Antoinette. This move toward French opulence means more petals, blossoms, candles -- even feathers! -- as centerpieces go from simple and low to towering and lush. Gilded place settings, brocade linens, and hand-painted invitations complete the elaborate look.

Trend 5: Sample Stations
Self-proclaimed foodies will love this trend: tasting bars for every whim. Sure to be popular, wine and cheese stations are not only delicious, they can be educational as well. We know one couple who hired a professional sommelier to provide pairing pointers. Our favorite is the champagne bar. Just pick your favorite bottles of bubbly and don't forget the mixers, such as Chambord, Midori, cranberry juice, and pineapple juice. Guests will have so much fun making their own signature cocktails.

Trend 6: Vintage Visions
From dresses to rings, brides are revisiting the past for style inspiration. For wedding gowns, that means delicate fabrics like chiffon and tiers of tulle, along with bygone embellishments such as beaded straps, keyhole halters, and lace sleeves. For rings, the hot style for '08 is something vintage. Whether it's simply an antique-style band or a real antique (think your great-grandmother's diamond), what's old is definitely new again.

Trend 7: Guests Make the Call
Need help picking that first dance song? Have your guests vote on it. With wedding websites adding more features like blogs, polls, and quizzes, it's easier than ever to involve your loved ones in the planning and decision making. Blogs are also great for reaching out to your bridesmaids and getting feedback on dress colors, flower options, and decor ideas. We love the idea of setting up wedding polls on your website and asking your guests to vote for their favorite cake flavor, entree choices, or dance music.

More Hot Trends

Green Weddings: Couples continue to be earth-conscious in 2008, from buying conflict-free diamond rings and recycled gold wedding bands to serving locally grown, free-range fare and donning bio-friendly wedding dresses made of 100 percent silk and cottons. They're also honeymooning at eco-resorts and gathering friends for charitable showers at soup kitchens and local park events.

Honeymoon Hopping: By now, it's no secret: Brides and grooms are going big this year for their weddings, and that includes the honeymoon too. Newlyweds are jetting off to not one, but two or three different destinations to celebrate their union. And they're traveling further than ever before. The hot spots: South Pacific jaunts to Tahiti and Bora Bora; Mediterranean getaways to Sicily and the Greek Isles; and African expeditions to Zambia, Botswana, and Johannesburg.

Home-Spun Weddings: For the utmost in personalization, couples are choosing to wed in their own or their parents' backyard. While it may be harder to plan than a ballroom wedding (you'll need to bring in your own caterer, tent, decor, etc.), your day will be truly one-of-a-kind.

Cover Bands: You heard it here first. Cover bands are in demand for 2008. From '80s cover bands to other genres such as classic rock, swing orchestras, or Latin ensembles, it's all about specialized live music to keep guests on their feet.

Wedding Dress Trends for 2008

Hello all.

I came across this article on Wedding Dress Trends for 2008 and I thought I would share it with you.

Enjoy!


Wedding Dress Trends for 2008
Something Old, Something Shiny, Something Short
By Emily Kopec

Let’s face it, it really IS all about the dress, and now there are more options than ever. I mean, you didn’t settle for just any fiancée, any venue, any honeymoon, right, so you’re not going to want to settle for a run-of-the-mill dress, either! Here are three blazin’ hot trends that you just might want to consider.

VINTAGE
Which do you love more: shopping for a jaw-dropping vintage dress or wearing it? Tough question, both rock! Vintage wedding dresses can be hiding anywhere from secondhand stores to upscale boutiques to… even flea markets. If you have the stamina and the time, taking this route can pay off big-time because if ~ or I should say WHEN ~ you find your dress you’ll feel like you just won the shopping lottery! (I’m not going to lie, finding the perfect vintage wedding dress can feel like finding a needle in a haystack…total triumph!) Look for details like antique lace overlay, gorgeous bustiers and fabric-covered buttons. Wear your hair and makeup in a style that compliments the dress’s particular style ~ soft and easy generally works well, or you can rock a Christina-style red lip if you want to be extra girly. A pearl necklace will look romantic, as will other antique pieces. Shoestically speaking, why not try a stiletto heel to mix it up a bit. Today’s vintage isn’t about staying in one exact look from head to toe; it’s about mixing and matching to create your own one-of-a-kind look. Fabulous! FYI: A vintage dress doesn’t have to necessarily be a wedding dress to be worn as one.

METALLIC
Metallics aren’t just for nightclubs anymore, no Siree. These days you can absolutely incorporate some shininess into your wedding dress regardless of whether your wedding is a daytime or nighttime affair. Possibilities include the entire dress being a pale metallic shade of platinum or bronze, or metallic embroidery creating a glimmering effect throughout an otherwise white dress. If your dress is relatively simple, you can wear a chunky, mirrored, shiny Egyptian-style necklace. But if your dress is glitzy, let the dress be the main focus and don’t choose overtly bold jewelry … The earrings or the necklace can be bold, but never both. Also, don’t overdo it by wearing a tiara (unless you’re Cinderella). Consider wearing your hair up in a big, soft bun, sans decorations. Your feet will be practically begging to teeter around in sizzling metallic heels, and smoky eyes and nude lips sound delish. Metallic rocks ~ it’s a personal fave of mine ~ you’ll look sophisticated while pumping up the glam factor.

TEA LENGTH
If you’re a spring or summer bride-to-be and you’re just not feeling the whole formal wedding thing (nothin’ wrong with that), consider checking out dresses that hit just below the knees. This style shows you’re carefree and not a wedding-obsessed freak (hey, nothin’ wrong with that either). This look works particularly well for a daytime outdoor wedding under the hot sun ~ You can be fully mobile without being preoccupied with continuously pulling up the bottom of a long dress to prevent grass stains, rips, etc, and you’re not sweating up a storm from a heavier dress. There’s something instantly cheerful and ladylike about a bride in a tea length wedding dress. Since your shoes will be on full display, don’t choose anything too bold or it will be distracting and draw the eye down. You can, on the other hand, do something more daring with your hair and makeup. And let’s not forget you’ll be showing a little leg due to the shorter length. Your femininity will shine through.

Scope out online listings on sites such as Craigslist and e-bay. You can score a once-worn, beautiful dress and save hundreds of dollars. Sure, you’ll likely need to get it altered, but you’re still saving dough you can put toward you are your sweetie’s tropical paradise honeymoon.
Wedding dress alterations can cost $100 or more. Not good news for the budget-conscious bride. Solution: instead of having the bridal store do the alterations, check with your local seamstress. She may be able to do the same alterations for a lot less.

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