Searching for the perfect print

Not all print labs are created equal. This statement was fairly true when I began the search for one that stood above the others. First off, I am picky about these things, I needed to find a place that I could stand behind and know that they were going to give me the best possible prints 100% off the time.

A few things stood out to me across the board when I was wading through them. First, it is true that there are quite a few things that make a professional lab different then your neighborhood drug store. The lab is not stuffed into the back corner of the store with only one machine spitting out images. Nowadays, professional labs can take up thousands of square feet in an effort to house the most sophisticated technology available. In most cases the labs continue to grow as technology grows.

Secondly, color becomes a major focus. Photographers work quite a bit to make sure their equipment is calibrated so the color on their screens matches exactly with the prints that come from their lab. The ink on the paper is also varying in quality, folks do not realize that there are thousands of ink and pigment choices available and certain grades are better at retaining color then others.

Third and most importantly, archival safe and the longevity of color. Scrapbookers know exactly what I am talking about, we buy products that are not going to destroy photo from the paper to the embellishments. All that worrying does not mean a thing if the photo paper and ink itself is not acid free and archival safe.

Wow, there certainly is a lot to think about! So when a little package arrived in the mail and out popped some of these beauties with the exact color, great texture, and overall superior quality I envisioned, all the hard work of searching finally paid off. I have found the lab that I trust my photographs to.

My favorite portrait ...of the moment

Today the question came up what was my favorite portrait I have taken. To be honest, this changes by the minute, every session I shoot there is a new favorite. I am always trying something new and focusing in on my technique. But if I absolutely had to choose a favorite at this exact moment in time, I would pick this one.

I love this portrait because it is natural, right down to his messy mouth, freckled face, and wind tossed hair -- or should I say trampoline tossed hair.

Mooovin' on up! :: Mini Cards

I am so excited to show these little guys that came all the way from London; my mini moo cards. These little guys may be tiny, but they pack a huge punch. They come in this adorable little box and to make them even better -- they are made of recycled material.

So what are they exactly? Personalized images will appear on the front of the card, and information on where to go to visit the online gallery after the wedding is on the back. They can be handed out at receptions or put in thank you cards to let your guests in on all the details. Classy, modern, and most definitely fresh, these little guys are personal and practical. Best of all, they are included in every wedding package.

Not another photo :: Oxford rebels

Oxford did not know when he was adopted that part of the deal is that I can take random photos of him to try out my new gear. When I went to the animal shelter, he snuggled in my arms for over a half hour without even moving, and now...well, lets just say he feels a little more comfortable with his surroundings. All I wanted was one good photo, instead he gives me a little sass.

***On another note, I am getting a little package in the mail. I ordered them last week, so they should be here in the next day or so. Nothing big, but I am excited to see how they turn out! They will be a fun addition to the weddings I shoot.***

Without further ado, Oxford in all his glory:

A bit of cheer and fresh color

Such a dreary Sunday. All day Saturday I helped move furniture into my brothers new place, but with the rain showers taking over Sunday, I relaxed my muscles a bit and watched some movies.

Last week I made the plunge and picked up the Canon 5D. Straight out of the box, it took the most gorgeous photos that had a punch of color, my little 50mm lens was just screaming with joy. In celebration of seeing a bit of sun today after a wet weekend, I decided today was a fantastic day to spread a little cheer now that the sun is back out in the Midwest and show a photo taken with my new camera with one of my Gerber Daisy's.

New blog design colors

I am inspired. This time it was by a sheet of paper with an amazing color combination. Quite honestly, I could not get my blog to look quite the way I wanted; there were no backgrounds that really excited me, the traditional two complimentary colors for a theme just seemed blah. I decided today was the day to take matters into my own hands, and voila! My new creation. But I took it one step further and designed the background to match my logo, a little redesign makes for one happy photographer.

Now that the place is spruced up a bit, take a peak at my inspiration:

Wedding Crasher

Or should I say pseudo-wedding crasher? This is the second time that I have been asked by a good friend to be their +1 to a wedding. Why would my friends continually ask me to be their guest to these events, a few of reasons stick out 1.) I am amazing dancer at the reception, I can bust a move even while lugging around camera equipment; 2.) I am an absolute blast to be around and can keep them entertained all day; 3.) and most importantly, I always bring my camera, and if I am feeling generous I may share some with shots with my friend.

This past weekend I accompanied my friend Jennie to her college roommate's wedding day, and it was absolutely fantastic. Of course, as an unconventional wedding crasher, I introduced myself to the bride and the groom when I met them for the first time in the receiving line. I could tell immediately that they are a fantastic coule, and that this day had been a long time in the making--8 years I learned!--and everything was absolutely perfect.

So here are a couple of my favorite photos from this fabulous day. I love being the guest every once and a while, because I can take a little artistic liberty play around with the images. There is also something about the challenge of taking different photos that each have a different feel while sitting in the same location. When I am photographing I have the freedom to move around a bit, but all of these photos were taken from my stationary seat midway back in the church. See if I was able to accomplish my goal:

This one is my favorite, I love how the flower girl is checking with her grandma to make sure she does not have to do anything else now that the flowers are down the aisle.

On the cover of LIFE magazine?

Well, I know I am an amazing person, but no, I did not make the cover of Life Magazine, but if you would like a little bit of the glory, check out MagMyPic. I stumbled upon it while checking out one of my favorite tidbit blogs; Photojojo. It is in the same light as those fantastic photo booths that add your photo to fake magazine covers, this just made my day. Yes, I know I have other more pressing things to take care of, but sometimes I just need to give my brain a rest and do something mindless.

Did I mention that Skye made the cover of "PetFancy"? I know she would do big things one day. Anyone want to take a stab at her location in this photo?

Going Green Portrait Style

Although this shoot was not really a practice in going green, the plentiful spring rains brought some lush greenery to our landscape. Everything seemed to pop just a little bit more for this little guy. We had a blast walking down a wilderness trail, taking photos at opportune times, and even taking time to play in a log fort left behind by some previous visitors. Now that is the kind of work that I enjoy!

We took a break by some grass after running around the trail for a bit. Everyone need a little breather when playing.

We came to a clearing with a fantastic log that just happened to be in some beautiful sunlight.

We finished our day at the fort which was made of old rotted logs that had been piled up to resemble a birds nest. Although most attention was lost by this point, I was able to capture one more shot to finish a lovely walk on the trail. Never mind that little bit of vegetation on his elbow, we like to think about that as showing a little personality, I would not dare try to get rid of that :-)