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Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Why Does Custom Photography Cost More?

Why Does Custom Photography Cost More?

Off to Black Rock

Off to Black Rock this morning to help hang a new art show in the gallery.  As a member of ALOG, this is one of the tasks we are asked to do, in exchange for Black Rock graciously hosting our organization.  It is actually a lot of fun, figuring out how to best present the artist's work.  And builds one's skills for when hanging your own shows.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving!

Individual by Midnight Blue
"Every time we remember to say "thank you", we experience heaven on earth" - Sarah  Ban Breathnach

Our hope for you this day is that you heart is full of gratitude, your life full of blessings, and your troubles few.  Thank you to all of our friends and family ... Happy Thanksgiving!

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Bye, Bye 800 Number

I've had to drop our 800 number ... just wasn't getting the cost benefit out of it.  If you need to reach us via phone, our business line is: 240-246-4276.

Friday, November 18, 2011

A Really Nice Day at Black Rock (Eventually)

Had a bit of a rough morning ... my little boy dog ripped his toenail.  Oh my, we ended up at the vet.  But he is good, all wrapped up and thumping around on his little padded club foot.  Made me late for  my shift at Winter Glow, so I was scurrying and worrying, but I got there and it was so lovely to see all the art and catch up with people.  Had lunch with a friend and fellow instructor.  Reconnected with a grandparent of former twin students that may be joining me again in the new year.   Sold a notecard, got a commission for an art piece, and maybe will have two portrait sessions.  :0)  Nice way to spend a Friday ... I've come home with a big smile.  Now back to processing senior photos!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

What's are You Showing at Winter Glow?

What am I displaying this weekend at Winter Glow show at Black Rock Center for the Arts?  Well, let me show you a few pieces ...

Through the Ice - Acrylic on a 36x36 canvas in a thin, white box frame - $400

I take a lot of care with my photography, making sure it is of the highest quality. My work is professionally lab printed on heavyweight, fine art paper, that has a watercolor paper texture and matte surface.  It is placed in creamy white, double, archival gallery mats and is hand-titled and signed by me.  The framed pieces are in black metal frames under glass.

Pure - 6x6 Photo on Fine Art Paper,  framed to 11x11 - $135
Cone Flower - 6x6 Photo on Fine Art Paper,  framed to 11x11 - $135
Water Drop #1 - 6x6 Photo on Fine Art Paper,  framed to 11x11 - $135

Midnight Rose I - 6x6 Photo on Fine Art Paper, archive double matted - $100
Irish Coast - 5x7 Photo on Fine Art Paper, archive double matted - $100
Montana Snow - 5x7 Photo on Fine Art Paper, archive double matted - $100
Icy Water-Yellowstone - 6x7.5 Photo on Fine Art Paper, archive double matted - $100
Mom's Dogwood - 5x7 Photo on Fine Art Paper, archive double matted - $100
White Lace - 5x7 Photo on Fine Art Paper, archive double matted - $100
Midnight Rose III - 6x7.5 Photo on Fine Art Paper, archive double matted - $100
Great Falls II - 5x7 Photo on Fine Art Paper, archive double matted - $100
Bluff at Ha Ha Tonka - 6x7.5 Photo on Fine Art Paper,  archive double matted - $100
Great Falls III - 5x7 Photo on Fine Art Paper, archive double matted - $100

I also have about a dozen various notecards.  And besides my work, there are some fabulous things from my fellow ALOG artists, I am anxious to see it all hung up in the gallery tomorrow.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Winter Glow 2011


We have not done very many shows this year, kind of an off year, and this will be the last one for 2011.  For the first time, I will be showing one of my paintings, along with my photography.  ALOG has really grown in the last couple of years and the variety of media and styles represented is outstanding.  I'll be working on Friday and will be at the reception, if you want to come by and say "hi"!  If you would like more info, please let me know.

Winter Glow is always a really great show and a super way to get a jump start on your holiday shopping and support your local artists, all in one visit!

Weirdness

I had the strangest phone call of someone being charged by my company to their credit card without their knowledge/signature ... I never do this.  Is this some kind of business identity theft going on?

Monday, November 14, 2011

Autumn

We had a lot of wind over the weekend, which sent many of the leaves tumbling out of the trees.  I was out this afternoon prepping for a mini-session with two completely adorable little ones, and decided to take some photos of the leaves while I was waiting.  Here are a few ...


Friday, November 11, 2011

Mr. Bear

Mr. Bear is anxiously awaiting his new friends to arrive in the studio ... he is ready to play!

Saturday, November 5, 2011

November Holiday Card Mini-Sessions

'Tis the Season!  During November, we are super excited to be offering holiday card mini-sessions. These sessions are fun and the perfect opportunity to get beautiful photographs for your holiday greeting cards. We will work on location, using gorgeous, natural light.

Each Mini Session includes:
  • Up to 20 minutes of imaging time
  • Up to 4 people ($15/additional person)
  • 50 press-printed 5x7 holiday cards w/ envelopes
  • 1 5×7 print
$155 fee

Additional cards, holiday frames, and prints may be acquired a la carte.  Sessions are limited, so contact us soon!



Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Playing Around

Isn't it fun playing around with camera equipment?  And especially fun when you get a new toy.  I recently invested in a new 70-200mm lens that I am loving and I also upgraded my very old Speedlight, so it will actually talk to my D700.  I haven't done this sooner because frankly, I prefer natural light or full-on studio strobes ... but I may be a convert.

Since the only "willing" subjects I have ready access to are the dogs, they are my models.  Not a bad thing, they are pretty cute!

Here are some of the photos ... yes, I know, they are not the greatest images, I was more fiddling with equipment, just seeing what things can do.  But thought I would share.

Trace on the Stairs I - No flash, taken at 195 mm; 1/30 at f2.8 ISO 450


Trace and the Flash - off camera flash, taken at 135 mm, 1/60 at f2.8, ISO 200

Logan - flash on hot shoe, taken at 175 mm, 1/60 at f2.8, ISO 200

Trace w/ Window Backlight - flash on hot shoe, taken at 200 mm, 1/60 at f2.8, ISO 200

This next series were taken in a dark room, with just a slight ambient light from the window in the bathroom ... my iPhone could not pick up anything ... ran and got the camera and used the flash set super low and bouncing of the ceiling.


Comfy Trace II - flash on hot shoe, taken at 122 mm, 1/60 at f2.8, ISO 200

Comfy Trace IV - flash on hot shoe, taken at 122 mm, 1/60 at f2.8, ISO 200

If you are photo nerd like me and want to talk tech, I am game!

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Framers

As many of you may know, I am an advocate for patronizing local, independent small businesses.  They are the backbone of this country and I have been a fan of the 3/50 Project for quite awhile.

As a result, I wanted to share with you my favorite framers. In Gaithersburg ... Kathy's Gallery and Frames.  Kathy Wu is fantastic ... her work is great and she is a pleasure to work with.  She will give you her thoughts on design, but leaves decisions to you.  She is one heck of a mat cutter, we are always amazed.  She is not inexpensive, but if you are looking for quality and value, she is an excellent choice.  Ring her doorbell, she is there to help.

At Lake of the Ozarks, my favorite framer is Artpho.  I love working with the Stranges and their staff.  They are also really helpful in making selections that work perfectly with my photography and the results are excellent.  They are so patient as we go through the many shades of white (ha, ha)!  Great work, great people, I have never been disappointed.

Do you have some favorite small businesses?  Be sure to give them some love by sharing.