Showing posts with label photography. Show all posts
Showing posts with label photography. Show all posts

Sunday, July 22, 2012

TO BE CONTINUED...

We have been blogging on here for several years now and I love to share my stories events and other thoughts and happenings with the world.  This blog has been my journal and holds the history and inception of our photography and video business.

However, sometimes in business you have to make changes, start over or shift things around in order to reach your goals or to make business better. So, that having been said... After much thought and research we have decided to move our blog column  to Wordpress.

For all of you who have been following this blog, thank you for being there and we look forward to having you continue to follow us on our new blog site.

Our new blog address is: http://diazdigitaldiscoveries.wordpress.com

Our story continues there.  We hope you will continue to subscribe and follow us. Thank you for your support.

See you on the other side.

Monday, July 26, 2010

Digital Camera Tips - How to Hold a Digital Camera

Hello Blog fans.

This week I want to share with you an article I found on How to correctly hold a digital camera.
If you are having troubles with your images being blurry, you may not be holding your camera correctly.
Perhaps these tips will help you get better images.  Enjoy!


Digital Camera Tips - How to Hold a Digital Camera


By Joan Yankowitz

When taking photographs, one of the most common causes of ruined pictures is a shaky camera, which leads to blurred images. One of the reasons for camera shake is the propensity to hold a digital camera at arms length, which does not offer stability.
In addition, due to the lightweight nature of digital cameras, you may attempt to take a shot with just one hand. Of course, this gives you flexibility and may allow you to frame the shot better, but you will find that your hands are likely to shake or sway as you're taking the picture.
If you want to ensure that your memories are not ruined by blurring, it is imperative that you are able to hold the camera still. Although this may seem like a fairly simple task, it is surprisingly difficult with some of the small modern cameras.
The following digital camera tips will teach you how to hold the camera and avoid unnecessary blurring.
First, grasp the right side of the camera in your right hand. Ensure that your forefinger is placed lightly along the top of the camera, while your other three fingers grasp the front and your thumb presses against the back. Some cameras will have grip indentations, so it is clear where to place your fingers. Make sure that you are holding the camera firmly, but not gripping too tightly.
Meanwhile, the position of your left hand will depend on the style of camera. In most cases, it is wise to use the left hand to steady the camera from underneath. If you have a DSLR, then the left hand may be used to hold the lens and support the weight of the camera in this way.
When using a viewfinder, it is easier to hold the camera steady, as it will be close to your body. However, if you prefer to use the LCD screen, try to ensure that you're not holding the camera too far away from you. Holding it at arms length will not provide a steady grip. Instead, try bending your arms and keep your elbows tucked into your sides, then hold the camera out in front of you; 12 inches or so away from your face.
Ensure that you have a stable stance by standing with your feet shoulder width apart. If possible, it is helpful to steady yourself by leaning against a solid object, such as a wall or tree. Alternatively, you may prefer to kneel or sit down. Bear in mind, the stiller your body, the stiller the camera will be.
If you are still finding it difficult to get clear shots, you may want to invest in a tripod. These come in a variety of styles and vary dramatically in price. If you feel that carrying a tripod around would be too cumbersome, you may want to look at some of the more expensive, compact tripods, which can be folded to fit in a pocket. There are, of course, many other digital camera tips, but these basic hints on holding a camera are the first steps to taking better pictures.
You can easily grab our handy FREE Top Digital Photography Questions Guide, which will help you with many of your digital photography questions. Just Click Here.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joan_Yankowitz

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

High School Senior Portrait Photographer Worcester. Class of 2011 Senior Portraits

Congratulations to the Class of 2010 High School Seniors!  Best wishes!

Now, to the Class of 2011 it's that time of year to book your High School Senior Portraits before we get too busy.  We love this time of year and we get lots of new great seniors-to-be that come to us because they love our images, ideas and they love that we switch things up a bit each year.

This year is all about Fashion.  With the many T.V. shows on nowadays all heavily concentrating on fashion/models we have decided to add a new service to our existing senior portrait services. 

We are calling it the Senior Style Session.  What is it?  Well It's when we take one of our regular senior portrait sessions and use fashion lighting setups and our creativity to glam-it-up!

So far we have had a great response to this new service and the word is spreading quickly about this special session we are offering.  Be one of the first seniors to have your Senior Style Session with us!


If you know of someone who is in the Class of 2011 that needs to have their Senior Pics done, tell them about our Senior Style Session.  They will be so glad you did.
Right now, we are booking sessions for the month of July and August.  We also have special bonuses and freebies for those seniors who book and pay for their session in June, even if they won't have their sessions until July/August, they still qualify for the special bonus and freebies.

Seniors, this is your year to shine!  The year YOU make contact.
Make an impression!  A fashionable impression.
Book your Senior Style Session with us now and save!

Contact us at: 508-216-5898 or e-mail  info@DiazDD.com  for more information on our
senior portrait photography sessions and packages.


We also offer our Senior Style Sessions and regular sessions on location for those who enjoy the outdoors
and would rather not be in an indoor studio for their senior portraits.

Before your session, we will consult with you on picking a location, what the best outfits are for you to wear, what's the best time of day to schedule a session, as well as what type of session you would like to have and how to prepare for that session.
Our outdoor and on location sessions really add to the beauty of your portraits.
 

Contact us to book you session today!
508-216-5898

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2011!

Friday, April 30, 2010

Facebook Fridays Are Here!

Hello friends and fans.

I'm really excited to tell you about our new offers! 

Starting today and every Friday in May we are having Facebook Friday Deals.  What are they?  Well, they are specials that we will be offering on our Facebook Fan Page and here on this blog every Friday.
Because we know not everyone is on Facebook every single Friday (i sure am) we will be extending these deals on Saturday too.

We're sure you're gonna love these amazing deals. 

So, if you have not yet "Liked" us on Facebook, go to our page and do so now. 


Here's our Facebook Page


Our first Facebook Friday deal has already been posted.  If Facebook is not your thing, just subscribe to this blog and you will be in on our Facebook Friday deals.

Our Facebook Friday deals end at 11:59pm on Saturdays.  You must contact us via e-mail with your callback number or call us to take advantage of these deals before they expire. 

Our number is: 508-216-5898

Don't forget to check back every Friday for a new Deal!

Until then...  :-)

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

15 Years Old, Mis Quince Anos.

Four days ago I photographed one of the Quinceaneras (Sweet 15) celebrations that I had blogged about in a previous post. The quinceanera ceremony took place at The Basilica of the Holy Apostles in Springfield, MA. A very lovely chapel!

WOW! What a great time we all had! That's one of the many reasons why I LOVE photographing quinceaneras and why I love being a photographer! It's a party just about every weekend! There were lots and lots of guests in attendance. The birthday girl's dress was beautiful!  Her entire court was all dressed beautifully and there were several great surprises during the evening for the guest of honor and also the parents. The beautiful decorations and centerpieces were made and arranged by Event Coordinator and Master of Ceremonies, Luz Oquendo-Mateo of Dreams Come True by Luz, who also sang throughout the evening and has a wonderful voice!

 There was a DJ, a Live Band and even a couple of dance routines, practiced & performed by the whole court, who had clearly worked hard on learning them for what must have been weeks!  Excellent job!

There was a very heart-warming ceremony where 14 people (close friends & family) were chosen to bear the candles (14 years of the girl’s life) and these candles would signify that these influential people helped bring her to where she is today. As each person was called up to light one of the fourteen candles, all in attendance were told the representation of the specific candle, whom had been chosen to light it and that person would carry the candle to the center of the floor. Once all 14 of the candles were lit, the birthday girl then lit the 15th candle and placed it on a nearby table, which had a photo of her grandmother who has since passed. After a moment of silence to honor grandma, she then approached each person individually, blew out their candle and thanked them personally and publicly for all they have done for her over the last 15 years.

It was a very tender, tearful moment and at times even I had a hard time holding them back.

After that the party was full-on and went late into the night. I’m still sorting through all the great images captured, but I couldn’t wait to share just a couple of them with you all.

Happy Birthday to you Yuliana! Best wishes to you in the future. Thank you for wanting us to be a part of your special day and letting us capture your future fond memories of it. You’ll be seeing all of your images soon. 


Beauty Discovered.

Monday, March 22, 2010

The Quinceanera Tradition - Sweet 15

Hello Blog fans.

This week I want to share some information with you all about the Quinceañera.  A Hispanic tradition which honors a daughter when she reaches the age of fifteen.  Although you may be familiar with the term, you may not be familiar with what exactly it is and why is it celebrated in (for the most part) such a grandios way.  So here is some information compiled from the web to help explain what it's all about.

In just a couple of weeks, I will have the honor of photographing another one of these events and I will post some images, so stay tuned.  Subscribe to this blog so you don't miss it!



What is a quinceañera?


The quinceañera is a traditional celebration of life and gratitude to God on the occasion of the fifteenth birthday of a young Hispanic woman. The ritual emphasizes her passage from childhood to adulthood. The family usually requests a Mass or a blessing to be held in the Church. The rite is frequently celebrated in several countries in the Americas, including Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean. It is frequently requested by Hispanic Catholics in the dioceses of the United States of America.



What is the origin of the quinceañera?

The tribes of Meso-America, possibly the Mayas and Toltecs, celebrated elaborate rites of passage for their young men and women. Rites of passage are known to have existed in the Iberian Peninsula as well. It is believed that he Spanish conquistadores may have brought the practice to Meso-America. It is possible that the missionaries would have approved of this practice, since these rites closely paralleled Christian practices of initiation and marriage. The ancient Mozarabic Rite of the Iberian peninsula had elaborate rituals marking the passage of baptized adolescents, each of which included specific references to Christian initiation and each of which was celebrated following the reception of Holy Communion at Mass. With the suppression of the Mozarabic Rite, many of these rituals passed into popular religious practice.

How is a quinceañera celebrated?

In the presence of family and friends, the young woman (the quinceañera), often accompanied by fifteen young men and women of her choice, (damas y chambelanes), enters the Church in procession, together with her parents and godparents. If she has prepared a reading, she may serve as the lector for at least one of the readings. After the Liturgy of the Word, the quinceañera makes a commitment to God and the Blessed Virgin to live out the rest of her life according to the teachings of Christ and the Church by renewing her Baptismal promises. Then, signs of faith (medal, Bible, rosary, prayer book) which have been blessed  may be given to her. A special blessing of the quinceañera concludes the Liturgy of the Eucharist. After Mass, the young woman is presented to the community. The ritual continues with a dinner and sometimes a dance in her honor.


Who are the participants?

The quinceañera and fifteen young men and women of her choice are joined by members of her family and friends for the celebration. The priest or deacon has a key role as the one who represents the Church and who prays the blessing over the young woman. The local community is also encouraged to gather for the celebration.


May the quinceañera take place without a Mass?

The ritual may be celebrated simply, outside Mass with the young woman, accompanied by her parents and godparents, coming before the priest or deacon to receive a special blessing in the Church. Or, there may be a more elaborate celebration with elegant clothes, flowers, music and decorations and with more than one priest presiding.



Why do parents present their daughter for this celebration?

The parents, in coming to the parish Church seeking the blessing, acknowledge that their daughter has reached the age where she is capable of handling additional responsibility. They see the quince años Mass as a way to thank God for the blessing of their daughter’s life and to seek God’s blessing and guidance as she enters adulthood. The extended family, (grandparents, godparents, aunts, uncles and cousins) is usually present, to celebrate with the quinceañera. Esponsores (sponsors), other couples acting as sponsors, may bring forward the blessed religious articles which are presented to the quinceañera.
 
 
 
 
 
Is the rite just for girls?


According to traditional usage, La Bendición de la Quinceañera has been a celebration only for young Hispanic women. This is the practice in the countries of origin of the young women requesting the blessing. Recently, in the Western and Southwestern parts of the United States a limited number of young Hispanic males have requested this blessing for themselves. There is no basis in the traditional usage, however, for the inclusion of young men in the rite.

The celebration also can be a strengthening of the identity of the quinceañera within her family, as well as an affirmation of the gift of women as a blessing to the Church. In the Hispanic community, traditionally it has been the women who hand on the faith. The abuelita (grandmother) holds a special place in the family for that reason. Women organize feast days, celebrate rituals and offer prayers.  Hispanic women are the evangelizers and teachers of values, yet their leadership has often gone unrecognized. The Quince Años Blessing publicly acknowledges this historic role.
 
So there you have it...a quick look at the Quinceanera tradition and its origin.
I will post more images pretty soon.
 
 
Beauty Discovered.

Friday, March 5, 2010

New Wedding Photo Video Shows for 2010

Hello Blog fans!
I am really excited to tell you about a brand new service we are offering our clients.
We are now adding video highlights to our list of available wedding services to give you the best of both worlds... photo and video combined.
Here is a condensed sample of our new wedding photo/video shows. The full length shows are approx 30 minutes long, completely customized and include images, music & audio as well.
Book your wedding with us and ask about this brand new, really cool service!
More shows coming soon. Subscribe to this blog so you won't miss one!
Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8foKRDMoOA

Friday, January 1, 2010

January White Sale!




Happy New Year everyone!

May this year bring you all lots of joy, love, happiness and success in all that you endeavor!

Just wanted to let you all in on our January White Sale that's going on throughout this whole month.

What is our White Sale you ask? We are currently booking mini sessions (30 minutes, White outifts, on White background.) for our White sale.




Put on your white clothing and come in for a unique perspective and some great images.

Our White sale sessions are only $49 in studio. But hurry...as usual, these sessions are limited and the sale ends on January 31st.

Call or contact us today to book your white sale session!

With plenty of snow on the ground now, you can even have your white on white session right outside our studio for a great winter outdoor image...at no extra charge.

What's more...if we have already photographed you in a White on White image, you can save 15% off the purchase of those images (size 8x10 or larger). Just contact us to place your order for any of those images.

Call: 508-216-5898 or send an e-mail to Ed@DiazDD.com to book your White Sale session.

Also: keep a look out for our next post, where we have some New, New, New things to share with you about all the great changes for DDD in 2010! We can't wait to share the details with you! It's gonna be an exciting year!

Monday, November 23, 2009

Thanksgiving Day Special Offer!

Extra, Extra, Read All About It!!!!

Well, not right now...but thi$ Thur$day we are having a great $pecial offer for ALL (ye$ all) of our client$. I'd love to tell you what it i$ now, but I can't!

Check back on Thur$day and make $ure you are near a phone! You're gonna want to get in on thi$ very limited time offer! :-)

$tay Tuned!

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Shaker Farms Wedding, Westfield, MA

I had a great time photographing Steve & Maria's wedding at Shaker Farms in Westfield, MA.

It was suppossed to be an outdoor wedding, but the rain changed those plans. We made the best of it though and I feel we got some great images anyway.

Thank you Steve & Maria for choosing us to capture your wedding celebration images.

Good Luck and best wishes!

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Ron and Valerie's Cape Cod Wedding

I had the pleasure of photographing a Cape Cod wedding recently. It was an intimate and beautiful celebration! Valerie got ready at the Oceanview Motel in Centerville, MA.
The ceremony was held at Osterville Baptist Church in Osterville, MA. The reception was held there as well. After the ceremony we went to Dowses Beach in Barnstable, MA for some photographs of the wedding party and the newlywed couple. We had lots of fun with the wedding party and got some cool images in the short time we were there.



Back to the church for the reception which included a grand entrance and some fun events and dancing. Their cake was beautiful and looked delicious!
I had a great time during their wedding and my daughter Kayla assisted me for the first time at a wedding. She was very intuitive and knew right where to be the whole day, helping me capture some great images all day. Thanks so much Kayla! Great job!
Funny Story about this wedding:

I now have a new title to add to my current list of qualifications. "Emergency Wedding Photographer". Let me explain a bit.

I was contacted on the evening of Easter Sunday, April 12th by an old friend, inquiring about her future sister-in-law's upcoming wedding. She wanted to see if I was available to photograph their celebration. You see, up to that point, Ron and Valerie had not elected to hire a professional photographer to capture their wedding celebration.
After speaking with several friends who had chosen the same, and regretted their choice afterward, they listened to others advice and decided to go with professional photography. There was only one problem. Their wedding was on Saturday, April 18th! How would they find the right professional photographer when the wedding was in only 6 days?

Word-of-mouth was the only way!

Fortunately (for me), I was available that coming weekend and happy to photograph their wedding! Neither Ron nor Valerie had visited my website or seen any of my images. There would be no time for us to meet in person, since the last few days before a wedding are very hectic and busy. They would have to rely on my friend Maria's recommendation and they did. So, I spoke on the phone with Ron and Valerie, got the details for the ceremony, reception venue and we came up with a last-minute plan to make their wedding celebration one that they would cherish for many years.
It was certainly a pleasure to be able to capture their wedding images and be part of their special day! Ron and Valerie: the love you both have for each other clearly shows through your images. May you always feel that love when you look at each other and your images. Thank you so much for choosing us...and a special thank you to my friend Maria for your recommendation. It's people like you who keep us going, doing the work we absolutely love! I can't wait to be part of your wedding celebration this coming summer and capture your memories as well. It's going to be a blast! I just know it!
So, if you or anyone you know is in need of Emergency Wedding Photography, contact me. I can't guarantee that I'll be available, but if I am...I'm always packed and ready to go on short notice! Until next time...

Beauty Discovered.