It's My Birthday...and I'm Celebrating

Today is my birthday...and I'm celebrating. Most of us don't take enough time to celebrate what we have...including me. I do, however, spend too much time wanting what I don't have and feeling sorry for myself (thinking others have way more than I do). But not today...today that's going to change.
Today is my 46th Birthday. Any other year I would have told you I was 29 and holding. But this year I'm going to be honest...I have nothing to lose since all my friends on FB have already told the world my true age. So...today I'm 46 years old. AND...today I'm really liking being 46. Life isn't always easy for me...but it's been good to me. And I'm venturing down a REVISED chapter in my life AGAIN with my photography and thrilled about it.
So...here's me at 46. I've used a "Midnight Sepia" affect on the images, which is my favorite application. I took the day off today from work to spend all day taking pictures and playing in Photoshop...that's how I choose to spend my birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME...thanks to everyone who has sent me birthday wishes.

The Studio Lease Gets Signed

A studio...an actual indoor, organized and equipped space to take pictures...sounds amazing! AND...it became a reality today after months in the making. My sincerest thanks to Paula for making this Studio Coop happen for the seven (7) photographers who will be sharing the space.

Here's the details...the lease will be signed soon and the space will be up and running sometime in April. I will continue to update my blog as the details start to unfold regarding sitting times and availability.

This is an absolute dream come true after many years of strictly doing on-location photography. My sincere thanks to all my customers, friends and family for your support and encouragement over the years. Without you I wouldn't be starting this new chapter in my career. And to my fellow Coop partners...I can't wait to build new friendships, learn new skills, and be a part of a successful new business venture for all. I promise to keep my questions to a minimum!
Just a preview...here are a couple of pictures of the inside of the studio prior to our makeover. Hope to see you there soon!

More Senior Memories...

Here are just a couple more examples of Senior portraits. If you feel that my photo journalism style matches what you're looking for in a Senior portrait photographer, I'd be privileged to work with you in the upcoming season. Soon the snow will be melting in the lovely Minnesota tundra and Spring will be upon us. Remember...yearbook pictures are due in early May so get your sessions booked soon.

Youthful Days of Past...

It seems like forever since I took these pictures of Danny. Just another constant reminder to capture all those special moments before the kidlets are grown and you don't have another opportunity. It's funny...I honestly think I've taken a million pictures of my kids since they were born but never seem to have enough. Digital cameras weren't existent when my kids were young...I went broke developing film (God knows we didn't have the money that I invested in their photo albums). We also didn't have the money to pay for professional pictures...thank God that I was born with a love of photo journalism and have been taking pictures since elementary school.

It doesn't matter your talent level. Keep taking those pictures. Keep printing them. Keep posting them on your frig for all the world to see. Keep creating wall art and living with everyday memories surrounding you. There is no greater decoration than photos of your family. So...simply keep shooting. Enjoy!

Paulie Marie Photography

Several years ago I was privleged to do a photoshoot for a friend and her family...Paula Charchenko. During my shoot, it became very apparent that Paula shared my love of photography and wasn't a novice when it came to technique and creativity. Since that shoot several years ago, Paula has gone on to create her own business and continues to inspire me on a daily basis.

Our styles are different...Paula does more studio work and I have historically tended to focus on outdoor shoots. Paula is fantanstic and extremely creative with infants and children; I prefer seniors and adult intimate sessions. With all that said, I want to say a special thanks for all her recent suppport and the time she continues to invest in getting a coop finalized.

If you want to see the work of an amazing woman who has truly turned a passion into a business, visit http://www.paulacharchenko.blogspot.com/. The image provided is one that I took of Paula and two of her three beautiful children several years ago. Enjoy!

What to Wear

Clients often ask for suggestions on what to wear for a photoshoot. My suggestions...Keep clothing simple, avoid white (as I normally use a white background) and stay away from shirts with large brand-specific logos. Texture shows beautiful in pictures, so don't be afraid of mixing different materials (however, avoid materials that wrinkle easily). Some of my favorite looks are layered outfits with bright colors, tights and accessories for both girls and boys, and bare feet or unique shoes (boots, All Stars, etc.). I've included some pictures from one of my favorite children's clothing lines (Stella McCartney...available at GAP), which highlights bright colors and textures. Keep in mind...you know your child best and definitely don't want them wearing something that isn't natural to their normal style. Just keep it simple...

2010 Printable Price List

Vic Photography

OK...I thought I was done posting for the night but just couldn't resist putting these images up for all to enjoy. PLEASE UNDERSTAND...these are not my images. But, as a photographer, I appreciate all art and try desperately to give credit when credit is due. These images are amazing...I have added the link to this site within my "Favorites" (Vic Photography). I hope you enjoy; I hope that I can continue to improve my own art to someday match this level of perfection!

Clickin Moms

http://www.clickinmoms.com/

Tonight I joined an on-line forum called "Clickin Moms". It's amazing how you can weave your way through the web by following other photographer's sites and seeing what forums and groups they belong to. They say it's easier to copy than it is create your own art. I hope that I'm simply gaining inspiration and not defining myself based on others sites or others visions! I never hope to copy someone elses art...it's too personal and heartfelt to not do it with your own style and signature.

So once again...click on. Can't wait to have the time to dig through all the tutorials and galleries that are included here to see what I can learn. Now all I need is some agreeable young ones to help me practice. Any takers?

Remembering My Oldest Son's Hockey Days...

There is really no need to post these images other than providing me with the opportunity to view them on a daily basis as I update my blog. It's hard to believe that my oldest son, Rob, is done playing hockey and has moved on to reffing instead. He had a wonderful 4-year career in high school and went on to play two more years in college. But...the reign is over and my chances for taking pictures are gone. Thank God I took about 5000 pictures of him during his youth. I absolutely love the middle image...it is one of my favorites! It's now time to focus on my youngest who only has one full season left after this season ends in a couple of weeks. Keeping my camera out...I'm not done yet!

Sports Photography

Above are just a couple of my favorite shots from the Under 18 versus the Minnesota Gophers game that I was privledged to shoot for back in 2005. My photography career was a product of my love of hockey. When my boys started playing in the local youth hockey program, I couldn't resist the urge to capture every game. Pretty soon my passion turned into a business when parents started wanting to purchase the images of their kids from me. Honestly...why not. What a better way to get paid for something you truly enjoy doing. And...I was charging a fraction of the cost of the professionals who were contracted for the tournaments and whose images didn't have half the "heart" behind them.


My challenge to you is this...if you have kids involved in sports, bring your camera and simply take pictures. The odds are in your favor that if you take enough pictures, you'll get some good shots in there somewhere. And...if you simply have no interest in taking pictures yourself, contact me. I still do special occasion games upon request. Getting a team commitment turns a game charge into a very small personal investment. Game shoots normally average $150/2 hours and include up to 50-75 final images. As always, I release all rights to the images and you are free to make copies to distribue to all members of your team. Thus, a $150 charge split amongst a 15 player team is $10/person. Where can you find a deal like that? The professionals contracted to shoot for tournaments are charging up to $20/page for a single image.

Keep shooting...it's worth it when you create memories that last a lifetime.

Introducing Gallery Wraps

Introducing Gallery Wraps by Image Peddler Photography. Gallery wraps are a unique design option for your photography.  Gallery Wraps have two finishing depths:

Thick Gallery Wrap – The canvas is wrapped around a 1½" thick wooden stretcher frame. The image wraps onto the sides for clean modern look, finished and ready-to-hang.

Thin Gallery Wrap – The canvas is wrapped around a ¾" wooden stretcher frame. This option is normally chosen as a lower cost, ready-to-hang alternative or if you're planning to custom frame the canvas yourself.

Gallery Wraps range from 8"x10" to 40"x60" in size, and range in price from $100 to $600, depending upon the options chosen. The most popular sizes are 16"x20" and 20"x24" with the thick, 1.5" wrap.

Gallery Wraps are a beautiful way to turn your photography into artwork that will be treasured by your family for years to come! If you're interested in preserving your images with this beautiful presentation alternative, please contact me. I'll be happy to discuss all of the options avaialble. Please also note that I can work with images previously taken by yourself...it does not need to be from one of my shootings.

A Simple Personal Post...

My sister took this picture of me during the Holidays...don't you just love candids? I received it today via an email and couldn't believe it was within her shots. You see...my sister takes a ton of pictures but not professionally (most of us don't). But it shows the importance of capturing moments as they happen...sometimes the opportunity is gone before we know it. And you don't have to be a professional to capture an image that either you or someone else will always treasure.

This was one of several images that she sent...the most special ones were pictures of my Mom and I. As many of you know...my Mom is 87 years old and every year I thank God for another Holiday with her. Sometimes I walk around with my camera, completely annoying my family with my constant shooting. But I'm convinced that someday they will appreciate my desire to capture their lifes in print. So...professional or not...keep taking those candid shots. Your heart will tell your eyes what's important...and regardless of the quality of your shots, you'll be glad you have them later. I sincerely believe that there is a photographer in all of us...wanting to keep our memories alive forever.