Photo Shoot 15: October 2011

          Over the summer, my aunt asked me to shoot my cousin's graduation pictures. They had actually already been done in August, but the studio who did them didn't do so hot. I actually saw the results in person -- the photos were bland (by that I mean low-contrast, not a lot of variation in color and light) and some were actually blurry. I couldn't believe it. I actually realized at that moment that yes, I'm actually pretty good at this . . . I just couldn't believe a professional studio would turn out such sub-standard work.

          So about two weeks ago, my aunt officially hired me to shoot Addie, my cousin, who is a senior this year. I'm still working on post-production, but here's just a glimpse of what I've been working on. This shoot made me not only appreciate and love my family to death, but it also taught me how different someone's face (especially a young person) can look when shot from different angles and in different light. I've also known this for some time, but what the subject is wearing as well as the background can also dramatically alter the tone of the pictures. I remember my own senior pictures years ago and how different outfits and different backgrounds would completely change the feel of a photo. When I finally got my prints (it was the "thing" then to exchange wallet-sized photos with a message on the back), different friends of mine chose different ones, based on what the photo brought out in my personality. I think these shots of Addie reflect all the various sides of her. In some of them I see the little girl I've known for so many years. But I also see a beautiful young woman who I'm proud to be related to! She is just gorgeous to me.

(Click once to enlarge)

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Thank you so much Ashley!!!  It’s exactly what I was hoping for.  Addie’s personality and spirit shine in your work.  You capture so much more than just a face on a piece of paper (or computer screen).  You are truly talented. I am so happy.  Thank you again.

Love, Annie

Photo Shoot 14: September 2011

          My husband's friend Christina & her husband John hired me to do their maternity pics about three weeks ago. I was honored because this is such an important, special time in their lives . . . it was so neat to be a part. Just being with the two (three!) of them for one afternoon made me see how excited and happy they are to be anticipating their first child -- a new baby girl.

          The shoot itself was a challenge for me because I had only done one maternity shoot prior to this. I did some research and read about what made other photographers successful; it pushed me outside my typical comfort zone and I thought the shoot turned out great! We not only did the more intimate boudoir-type photos, but also went outdoors to the bay side of Long Beach as well as the beach itself. I also had some more fun with Adobe Lightroom -- I'm constantly discovering new techniques to make a photo really pop! I think the program adds a new dimension to my work. I'm not quite used to the new look yet but it's what's popular right now and that sells! (Scroll down to read another testimonial!)

(Click once to enlarge)

Client testimonial:

      WOW Ashley!!!!!  Absolutely sooo beautiful!!!  You had me in tears the minute I opened up your album and saw that picture of me.... THANK YOU!!!! You captivated all I could ask for and for that I am grateful!!  After the baby is born we will set something up with you =)  Again thank you.... I will treasure these pictures forever!! 

Truly,

The Pearces

Behind the Scenes 2: My First Proof Box from Cypress

        K&L's wedding packaging included this 5X5 proof box and a matching dvd folio (not pictured).
  
        February turned out to be quite the stressful month; it took nearly five weeks for Cypress to process my order (granted, they were closed one week for WPPI as well as on President's Day) and the quality of the other disc printing company I used turned out to be even worse than Discmakers. I even struggled getting the proof prints made with Bayphoto because all my digital files were so large. Bayphoto came through for me, though, as did Cypress.

                                
  The beauty of a 5x5 print

Here's what I learned:
      *Cypress's 1000-print proof box only holds about 950 prints, without wiggle room. Next time, allow an extra 50-100 print space.
      *Decrease image sizes before uploading. It will take a lot less time and hassle.
      *Expect about a four-week turnaround time. Editing the photos took about two weeks (I took around 2000 photos and narrowed it down to 950); the proofs came about two days after I ordered them, which wasn't a problem, but the Cypress order took much longer.

        I also learned that all the stressing I did over the whole thing wasn't worth it (is it ever?). At moments I thought I would actually pull my hair out I was so frustrated. But by about the first week of March, the package was finally mailed off. I felt a great sense of satisfaction and a huge weight lifted. A few days later I was stunned by the check I received in the mail. I wrote Katie to thank her, and she replied with this:

Hi Ashley,

You're so welcome!  I feel like it's not enough for the amount of work that you did.  The photos and their packaging are absolutely lovely.  Everyone is commenting about it on Facebook.  Your presence and expertise were such a gift for our special day, and I wish we could do more to reward you for that! Now, to MyPublisher!

Love, Katie

(I saw the 5x5 print size inside a beautiful proof box when I visited Cypress last fall and decided then and there it would be my proof size. The actual photo does not take up the complete paper space (obviously); I thought this was actually beneficial because it helps isolate the image to help a person with enlargement decisions.)

        I guess the thing I'm wondering now is whether or not I'll ever do this again. I hope to. Certainly, if someone asks me, I think I know what my answer will be.