Photo Blast 2013 - Professional Photographers of Ohio

A few weeks ago I had the privilege of attending Photo Blast 2013, put on by Professional Photographers of Ohio (PPO).

Wow, what a crazy busy weekend, not only did I have the chance to attend  two full day workshops, but I had the opportunity to make a bunch of new photography friends!!  I loved the energy of this event, I have been a member of  PPO for three years, but last year was the first time I was able to attend their winter seminar and I was only able to catch a few of the speakers.  This year, I was able to take two full day class/workshops and also attend three more seminars through out the weekend.  By the time I got home, my brain was on over load!!  It took a few days for me to catch up on my sleep!!

The first workshop I took was with Hanson Fong, this man is amazing!  He is a master photographer, who has been winning awards since he started his business in the 70's!  He was extremely kind and  very funny!!  He had us laughing the entire day!  He also never tired of the endless questions our class threw his way!  He was so open and honest about everything, it was truly an honor to get to train with this legend!!  Thank you Hanson!

The legendary Hanson Fong and I!

The second workshop I took was with Ted & Rachel Linczak, Linczak Photography.   This power house couple is one of the most amazing wedding photographers in Ohio, and they are located in the Cleveland area!  I have followed their work for years, and had actually met them about four years ago, when I contacted them about a one on one training day.  They were amazing back then, and have become even more awesome as the years have gone by!  It was so wonderful getting the chance to take a class with them again!  As always, they are both the kindest people you will ever met, they are also always willing to answer my millions of questions!!   I am sure Ted and Rachel would tell you that I never run out of questions!!  I am so thankful that they are so willing to help me out when I need something!  What a fabulous class this was, thank you Ted and Rachel!! 

Ted Linczak and I.

Rachel Linczak and I.

What should you wear to your session?

The answer would depend on many factors such as weather, location, emotion, message and purpose of the portraits.  We suggest to our clients that we want to focus on the face and emotion of the portrait for years to come.  We don't want our clients to dress in a manner that distracts from that as a general rule.  We try to stay away from black and white as well as distracting patterns or mismatched groupings if at all possible.  Try to make the family look great together, but not uniform.  However, you know that any rule can be broken!  Make sure it is something somewhat comfortable.  We don't want to be constantly adjusting your outfit.  Check your accessories - look polished, but not over done.  Makeup should be daily wear to slightly heavier.  Definitely check your nails and toes if they will be showing or your shoes and socks.  Don't get your haircut or colored the week of your portrait.

Of course, most clients want to know what is slimming and it is exactly what we suggest as our general rule.  Darker colors recede and make things appear smaller.  Clothing is only one of the elements that make the final image.  Custom photographers have studied a great deal on posing and that can really make or break your perception of the final image.

Next topic, in this client education series, How often do you need custom photography?

 To see all postings in this client education series, please click on the label to the right on this blog, "Custom Photography".


Wishing you the best of everything!
Susan

A beautiful Christmas light display:

Toledo Zoo, OH, December 2012

A world traveler, A beautiful little girl and FOP

A few weeks ago I received a call from Incredible Features.  They needed someone to help assist a photographer/reporter, Jeff Werner,  who would be on assignment near me. They are doing a feature story on a little girl who is battling FOP.

I was available the two days that they needed someone so I said yes, why not, this sounded like it would be a fun adventure!  Holly from Incredible Features sent me more information.  Once I started to read about this little girl and what FOP was, I thought I was in way over my head.

For those of you who don't know me, I am extremely sensitive and cry at everything.  While I was reading Ali's story, I started crying.  When my husband came home from work, I was still crying, and I told him I had made a huge mistake.  I told Holly I would help out, and I just was not sure I could do it.  FOP is a very serious and rare disease, it has changed the way this little girl and her family lives life.  Of course, Nate being the calm person he is explained, how I would be helping this family by offering my services, so Incredible Feature could do their story and bring awareness to the masses about what FOP is.

By the end of the two days, I was in love with this family and little girl!   They are so positive and so motivated to help others.  They want to educate the masses on what FOP is and give their little girl an awesome life, as she battles this disease.   Of course they would do anything in the world so that their little girl would not have to have this battle, but they are doing everything to educate themselves and protect their little girl.

I encourage all of you to take a few minutes and read Ali's story and become educated on what FOP is so, that maybe you can help another: Ali's Army


Ali and Family,

It was an honor to meet all of you, I am so glad I was able to help out, even if my part was very small! 

Wishing you the best of everything!
Susan

My Rose of Sharon in full bloom!  So beautiful! 

Why are you scheduling and what to do with your portraits?

Building on what questions you have answered in April, Why does custom photography cost so much?, there must be a purpose for you to schedule a session.  You might be redecorating your home and in need of a new portrait.  Maybe it has been a few years since your last family portrait.  Your family may have grown in numbers and size.  The holidays may be around the corner and many more.

Whatever the reason, please convey this to me before your session, so that I have an idea of a certain portrait that I will need to take.  You may think you want a certain product, but in working with me, I will look at your needs and suggest ideas or other products that are available.

This client education series continues, please read:
What should you wear? 

To see all postings in this client education series, please click on the label to the right on this blog, "Custom Photography".

Wishing you the best of everything!

Susan

The Smoke Mountains, Tennessee, October 2011

The Dragon!

A few weeks ago my brother-in-law got a new tattoo.  While I think this tattoo is super scary, I also think it is pretty awesome looking!

So, I had him sit for a quick session, so I could shoot this crazy, awesome, scary dragon!

I could not decide if I liked the colored or black and white version, so I am posting both!
Which do you prefer?


Andy,
Thanks for sitting super still and holding your breath for long periods of time!
You did awesome!
Love Ya!
Susan

Outdoor Studio!

My neighbor has been working on her English Garden for years.  She has spent countless hours, preparing a beautiful garden!  And she loves to share this wonderful creation!

On Saturday, she let me know it is ready for me to use!!  She has spent the last month, spring cleaning out there to get it in tip top shape!

So, for all of you that need outdoor portraits this summer, check out this beautiful location, and let me know when you want to book, so we can go play in this English Garden!

Pam,

You are the greatest neighbor!  Thank you so much for everything you do for us!

Love ya!

Susan

Why does custom photography cost so much?

Custom photography provides a highly personalized experience in which the client gets to pick many pieces of the puzzle that creates a wonderful piece of artwork they can cherish for years to come. That being said, the amount of time and cost to put this together drives the price of this experience.

Chain stores bring in a lot of people for a short cookie cutter experience which creates a product with their artistic stamp. You, as the client, have very little say in what they can actually do with your short period of time and then they go on to the next client.

When you decide on a custom photography experience, the photographer goes through the entire experience with you to bring your vision to life.  To do this requires a lot more time and effort from the photographer. Your actual photo session may only take an hour, but your photographer has probably invested around 12-18 hours for a session per client. They do this to create the stellar customer service you may have come to know.  They really want to focus on quality and not quantity.  They also have the ability to offer many different high-quality products.

You have also selected your photographer based on their artistic abilities.  Like many other professions, there is a great deal of education and artistic exploration to create their vision.  Unfortunately, the professional equipment is not cheap either.  Have you ever wondered how much time or expense your photographer has invested to accumulate their props?

This client education series continues, please read:
Why are you scheduling, and what do you want to do with your portraits?

 To see all postings in this client education series, please click on the label to the right on this blog, "Custom Photography".

Wishing you the best of everything!

Susan 

Bethlehem, PA, December 2011

New office & viewing room!

Last fall, I decided it was time to revamp my office and create a viewing room for my clients.

I am so pleased with the results!

A huge thank you to my friend Rose, for helping me design and create this beautiful space!

Wishing you the best of everything!
Susan

The viewing area

The view from the brown chairs, there is a projector screen that comes down for the client viewings.

The coffee table, holds albums and products for my clients to see.

Some pretty portraits and the fridge w/ coffee maker.

Office and camera storage.

My work space.

How do you choose your custom photographer?

Here are a few questions you might want to answer first to make the process easier.

• Who is going to be in the portrait? your immediate family, extended family, just the children? Are there groupings you want taken such as mother and son, just the kids, as well as the entire family?

• Where do you want it taken? Inside the studio, at your home, an outdoor location of your choice?

• Do you want it more posed and formal or journalistic showing how you interact with your family?

• What final products do you want? A large wall portrait, a few gift prints to give, a storyboard depicting a few moments, or a storybook telling about the family and interactions?

Start your search on the internet. First, you need to see who is available to you in your area or as far as you are willing to travel. Then take a look at their web site and see what style they photograph.  Make sure they have images similar to what you are looking for as far as posing or location, if you have an idea of what you want. If you don’t know, then look at everyone’s portfolio and see what you like. If you are looking for family portraits in the park, do not choose a photographer that only displays newborn photography in the studio.

I suggest that you talk to a few photographers and see if you like the way they interact with you and your family. Ideally, I would love to meet all of our clients in person before the session to build a relationship and get comfortable. This also allows for us to show off some of the products we offer that you may not even know are available.

Ultimately, you will pick your photographer based on their style, relationship, price, product offering. The hard part is finding someone who meets all of these criteria. So, you will have to prioritize what you want.

This client education series continues, please read:
 Why does custom photography cost so much?

 To see all postings in this client education series, please click on the label to the right on this blog, "Custom Photography".

Wishing you the best of everything!

Susan

A portrait from Nature Unframed, at Morton Arboretum, May 2011

Bound, by Philippa Lawrence

Why choose custom photography?

Custom photography is a product and experience in which you get to choose the style and final look of your portraits. There are many factors that ultimately make up your final portraits. These may include the photographer’s style, location of your portrait session, clothing, props, lighting, mood, your vision and the final products you desire.

Photographers that offer custom photography may have many different options available to you that fit their style or may have a very distinct style that you may like and choose. They have the ability to make your experience tailored just for you as opposed to the chain store time limits and crowds.

Imagine getting your family dressed and ready for your portrait session. Usually that is the most stressful part of any of my sessions. Then you walk into my studio which is ready to go and we start photographing. With family sessions, we are usually done in 60 minutes, sometimes longer and sometimes less. I have had many clients tell me that was pretty painless and thank me for making it so easy and not stressful. Mainly, this is because we have talked before the session and I know what direction we want to go and have it mentally planned out.

Custom photography requires a level of commitment, investment in time, money, and planning on the part of the client and requires a larger time commitment for the photographer as well. When you make an investment in photography, you want it to last a lifetime.

This client education series continues, please read:

How do you choose your custom photographer?

To see all postings in this client education series, please click on the label to the right on this blog, "Custom Photography".

Wishing you the best of everything!

Susan

No blog is complete without a picture.  Here is a tree from our last trip to Florida.

New Studio Space!

As many of you know my studio space is very limited, since it is located in the basement of my home.  I now have the opportunity to rent a huge studio when I need it in Willard, OH.  Thanks to Carol Mahl, Photography By Mahl. 
A huge thanks goes out to Rebecca, Terrance and Wesley for coming out to the new space a few months back so I could play with lighting and posing!

Wishing you the best of everything!
Susan

New Studio Space, Willard, OH

John and Bette - Happy 40th Anniversary

A few weeks back I had the opportunity to hang out with John and Bette's family as they celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary.  Their family actually threw them a surprise party, Bette thought they were headed to a restaurant for crab legs and had to stop at their daughters house to pick something up.  When they pulled in the driveway they were greeted by their family and friends.  They were both thrilled and enjoyed mingling with everyone who came to the party!
Happy 40th Anniversary!!

Wishing you the best of everything!
Susan


To view the video full size:

http://www.shareitvideo.com/watch.php?v=241555693854529

Stephanie's First Communion

What a privilege is was to be a part of Stephanie's First Communion.  This is such an exciting moment for this little lady.

The service was held at St.Christine Parish, Youngstown, OH, and was simply beautiful.
There were over 50 children receiving First Communion on this day.  The excitement from the children and parents was amazing!

Look how beautiful Stephanie looked!!

This is Stephanie with her big brother Alex, I just love this picture!  Look how adorable they are together!!

Lots of learning to do...

The month of March is full of networking and learning opportunities for me.
This pasted Monday, our SONOPP's group met at Jerry Bruno Productions, for an open forum on how Photographers and DJ's/Bands can work seamlessly together to make a wedding even better for our clients.

Jerry Bruno Productions, is an amazing place.  If you are looking for a DJ or a 1 piece to a 20 piece Orchestra these are the guys to call, they can arrange any type of music you need for your special event.

This Sunday, I leave for a week long seminar at the Annual Triangle Institute of Professional Photography, in Pittsburgh, PA.  I will be learning from one of the best Senior Photographers in Ohio, Larry Peters.  It will be an honor to meet him, I cannot wait!

I will arrive home Saturday, and than on Sunday be off again!  This time to North Carolina to train with Blair Phillips.  This is going to be an amazing two days, jam packed, with lighting, posing, marketing, post production and more for the High School Senior market.

The day I get back to OH, I will stop in Columbus, OH, to see "The Power of Passion" tour, with Sandy Puc and Jerry Ghionis.  Two of the most amazing photographers!!  Sandy specializes in children and family photography.  Jerry specializes in wedding photography.  I have had the opportunity to meet Sandy for three other seminars, which were all fantastic.  This one will be just as amazing, I am so excited!!

When I finally arrive home, I will be ready to do some shooting, so all you High School Seniors, Families and Brides-to-be, give me a call and we will schedule your session!!

Wishing you the best of everything!
Susan

A waterfall in Tennessee.

Michael Steinberg Photography

I absolutely love being a part of the SONNOP's group.  Not only are there wonderful members, who are willing to answer my millions of questions. But our President, Patrick Rice, owner of Rice Photography, finds the most amazing speakers!
This pasted Monday I had the opportunity to meet Micheal Steinberg, owner of Micheal Steinberg Photography, a very amazing and talented photographer!
Oh, the information he shared was incredible!  Now I have lots to play with for my next wedding! 

Micheal, thank you for all the lighting information and for answering all the questions the group tossed your way!

Wishing you the best of everything!
Susan

Last night's snow fall, 3/10/2011

Mesenburg Creative Catering - Beautiful Beginnings Bridal Expo

Bride and Grooms-to-be,

This Sunday, 2-27-2011, is the Mesenburg Bridal Show.

This is a fabulous event with a ton of  information for weddings.

I will be there all day, stop on out and say, Hi!.  I would love to talk to you about your wedding!!

Wishing you the best of everything!
Susan

Jamaican Fruit Tree, A beautiful appetizer Mesenburg's offers!

Genevieve Nisly Photography

What an awesome week this has been,  I had the opportunity to meet the owners of Genevieve Nisly Photography,  http://www.genevievenisly.com. Genevieve and James (her husband) are a wonderful duo.  They both came out and did a presentation for our SONOPP's (http://www.sonopp.com/) group Monday evening.
These two are an amazing team and specialize in wedding photography.  They had a great presentation on how they run their business and answered a bunch of questions from the crowd.  Thank you for being so honest and open with us all!!

A photo just because it is cool:

This is the Steelroots Exhibit at The Morton Arboretum, in Lisle, Il

.  

The Morton Arboretum, www.mortonarb.org
The Artist is Steve Tobin, http://www.stevetobin.com/

Wishing you the best of everything!
Susan

How to shoot a Jewish Wedding

Last Monday at my SONOPP's (Society of Northern Ohio Professional Photographers) meeting I had the opportunity to meet Joey Pollack, from Pollack Studio's.
He created a presentation on how to shoot a Jewish Wedding.  What a fountain of information he gave to all the attendees!
Joey is a second generation photographer, and has been shoot weddings for over 40 years.  This man has seen it all and had some great stories to tell!
Joey it was an honor meeting you, thank you for taking the time to create a beautiful presentation for our SONOPP's group.

Wishing you the best of everything!
Susan

                                             A beautiful picture from our trip to Florida, Jan. 2011

Abigail and An American Girl Doll Adventure

Last August our Niece, Abigail, decided she wanted an American Girl Doll, so she started saving.
Around Christmas time she finally had just enough saved to purchase the doll, have her ears pierced and ship it to her house.
Well, when Nate and I heard about how hard she saved and how many extra chores she did for her doll we were really impressed.  So, as a special treat we took Abigail to The American Doll Store in Chicago this past weekend, to personally pick up her doll.

Wow, what an adventure, we stayed overnight in a hotel (this was the first for Abigail).  When we arrived at the store we had lunch at the American Girl Cafe, made a craft, had Abigail's picture taken with Dolly and walked the whole store a couple of times.  Approximately 5 hours later, Abigail was tired!!  So, we bundled her and Dolly, along with a few other purchases back into the car and brought her back to Ohio.
Before we took her home, we did a quick mini-session in the studio, to show off her and Dolly's matching outfits (The outfits were from Grandma Jennings).

(Side Note: Abigail's doll does not have a name just yet, therefore, I called her Dolly all weekend long, when Abigail decides on a name, I will add it to this post).

Wishing you the best of everything!
Susan