Update

It sure has been a crazy summer, but it's been fun. For the most part have been busy with weddings with July having 4 weddings and now things are slowing down with that as I only have 3 weddings to go (I will try to update my blogs of the weddings I photograph). I know this fall I will also have smaller photography projects such as Family portraits & Engagement Sessions (Now's the time to do it!! and great for holiday greeting cards!).

I'm also involved with a couple more charities. First is a walk for ALS http://web.alsa.org/goto/algoldman and our team page is here: http://web.alsa.org/site/TR/Walks/WisconsinWalk?team_id=182473&pg=team&fr_id=6467  We will be walking in memory of my Aunt Judy. And the other charity is for MDA which I've done their "lock up" for the past few years now. My site is here: https://www.joinmda.org/depere2010/alicialynnphoto  For either or both charities, please donate or help out if you can (& is also tax deductible!!). Every little bit helps

I also took ownership over organizer duties of the book club I am in (http://www.meetup.com/newwomensbookclub/). We have some fun books to read the next few months and fun activities as well-so looking forward to that.

And also looking to sell my darkroom equipment that I've obtained a few years ago & never used. I have yet to go through & list what I all have as well as take a picture of it all. So if anyone is interested, let me know-I bought it at $100 OBO!

And speaking of selling: Still have a wedding dress that I'm looking to help sell (I've posted about it in early blogs).This was also from David's Bridal. Style T8778 Strapless satin A-line, cuff neckline and pleated sash at waist. Sweep train. Available in White. Woman's Sizes 8. Beaded satin sash color pool. Also sold with Bra size 38 and the tool slip (underneath dress). She is looking to get $500 O.B.O

I think that is it for now. I will be in touch & again will try to blog more often.

Charles & Angela

Charles & Angela

June 19th, 2010

I actually met Charles 2 years ago as I photographed his sister Katie's wedding to Victor. Again, I don't always know my clients, but most are some sort of referral which is great for business. At any rate, it was nice to see some familiar faces again as well as to catch up with Katie & Victor.

The ceremony was held at Green Bay Community Church (same church as Katie's ceremony 2 years ago) which is a lovely church.  Pictures & the ceremony went well as Charles was over-joyed and waving to everyone (even me-lol). He even wanted to do some fun/goofy pictures in addition to the "nice/formal" ones and of course, I let him.

After the ceremony & formals, we then traveled to Jimmy Seas (the wedding party traveling by limo-bus) where I learned about Charles & Angela's meeting as far as when they got together/got engaged and also the story of Charles' success at Georgia Pacific (which Jimmy Seas overlooks over the river).

Then the reception was held at the Suamico Ale House  which was a new place that I have not photographed yet for a wedding (I have been there bowling with friends before, but not for a wedding). The whole wedding hall was rented out & filled with many family & friends that very much cared for the newly-weds. Overall, it was a lot of fun and fun for me to photograph the many kids. They also had the addition of having a photo-booth provided by the DJ's Music Caterers which I of course had to try out (see page 5 of their website under Charles & Angela's wedding PW: Phelps). And to keep the kids entertained, Charles & Angela included a candy table.

The night was finished off with the first dances & Grand March. I think the Dj's did a very well job of making sure people were entertained & dancing. For me, it looked liked everyone was having a great time & for Charles & Angela that the night never ended.

 

Tough Year

I think I have mentioned before that 2010 has been a roller-coaster for me dealing with different challenges. In particular was the loss of my Aunt Linda last month to cancer. To this day, I still saved the last E-mail conversation we had. Though a short one, I still find it a meaningful one as I let her know I was walking the Sole Burner for her. With that said, & I digress, I am planning to walk it again next year which is May 9, 2011 in her honor.  To this day, I regret not speaking/visiting her more often than just family get-togethers or events (but not beating myself up over it). I say this as I almost feel that I had more to say to her or any advice she could have given me along the way-to hold onto. I also say this as I feel how much more grateful for the family I do have and how lucky I am to have them.
In addition, I had also recently lost another Aunt of mine, my mom's sister Judy who lost her battle with ALS  I was so glad that I was able to communicate with her at my cousin's wedding back in May. I say "communicate" as she could not talk, but could write down what she wanted to say. Again I felt I had so much to tell her/talk about, but I also felt a loss of words. I did mention to her that we would have brought Ziva to the wedding reception, but would have been hard with her nap schedule so forth (& not sure how crabby she would/wouldn't have been). But she reminded me that Josh & I should be able to do things together that we love as well (aka date nights). So I felt that that alone was very meaningful. We had also talked about how my mom (& Auntie Lou) had been visiting her every week the past few months helping her out & keeping her company. Aunt Judy really enjoyed that & wished that there would be someone to help my mom out in her time of need. In a way, I took this as a hint and a promise to make sure my mom is taken care of as well as she took care of Aunt Judy in her time of need.
And as I left to say goodbye, she grasped me by the arm as if to embrace me in a hug. I will never forget

Joseph & Jessica

Joseph & Jessica

June 11, 2010

I actually got to know Joe & Jessica last year in August as I photographed Jessica's brother, James' wedding in which they were apart of. So in this wedding there were a lot of familiar faces and everyone was real easy to work & talk with.

The wedding ceremony took place at Pamperin Park at the gazebo. It had been raining earlier in the day and rather raining all week so with this said, there was some worry about the ceremony taking place outside/having to work around the rain. Though I believe I heard Joe say that they were going to have the ceremony outside regardless (rain or shine). At any rate, the rain had stopped before their ceremony with the sun peaking out at times and no worries were had. Overall, the ceremony went very well with a few added laughs. 

So after the ceremony we took the rest of the formals around the rest of the park. This is a park that I also tend to stop at many times with different wedding parties, so definitely a popular spot for pictures. I think, because I tend to come here often, I wanted to try to vary and be more creative with the pictures a bit rather than the same posed ones at the same spots (can get boring). A big attraction, rather an icon of Pamperin Park, is the bridge that crosses Duck Creek, and to not take pictures in, on & around the bridge is unavoidable, but still makes a great backdrop.

After formals we had a small break before heading to the Holiday Inn at Kelly Lake. 

I have not been here before and isn't a bad place for a reception. The only thing confusing for me as a photographer was the division in the bar area as far as half the people were for the wedding reception and the others were locals using the bar to wait to be seated in the restaurant area. And because I didn't want to be taking pictures of the locals who were not part of the wedding, I unfortunately tended to steer clear of the bar to avoid the confusion and to avoid having to ask every single person if they were in the wedding.

Other than that, the dinner was nice and meanwhile being entertained by stories & a sideshow of images of the wedding couple.  Then out of the kindness of Joe & Jessica's hearts, they decided in order for guests to get them to kiss (as opposed to clinking of their glasses), they had to donate money to a jar which would be donated to the National MS Society. 

I will say that there was definitely a lot of generous family & friends at this wedding reception and makes me wonder how much money was collected by the end of the night. No matter what, every little bit helps and I am very proud for what Joe & Jessica have done. 

And last but not least capturing the images of the first dances ended my night of photographing Joe & Jessica's wedding. Overall, it was a great time and great experience.

Joel & Jessica

Saturday, May 1, 2010
Joel & Jessica

Joel & Jessica's is the first wedding of my 2010 wedding season.  I know Joel & Jessica through my friends Jay & Carrie, who stood up in the wedding & are actually getting married summer of 2011. And actually, we all attended UW-Oshkosh which is also something we have in common. I don't always get to know my wedding clients (beforehand & what-not), but is fun when there is some sort of connection or referral from another wedding I photographed. I am very glad I got to know Joel & Jessica and was happy to photograph their wedding day for them.

The wedding all took place at Becket's in Oshkosh which is downtown at the City Center. Everything was set up in what used to be or rather is the old mall area (rater than the restaurant itself). I thought it looked lovely & was excited to have the sun shining through the skylights for perfect lighting conditions. 


After the ceremony & some family formals we traveled to South Park for additional pictures. The original plan was to go to Menominee Park, but due to the hatching of lake flies the week before, we had to resort to another option away from the lakeside. Aside from it being a windy day, I was glad that the sun was still shining & that the weather was warm (was about 60-70 degrees) that we were able to take additional photos. 


Once we returned back to Beckets, it was time for dinner which was a pasta buffet. I found the food to be delicious as well as different rather than broasted chicken & potatoes etc. And of course, instead of the usual clinking of the glasses to get the bride & groom to kiss, they announced that anyone sing a love song/song with the word love in it. This is always enjoyable to watch/listen to as well as the speeches & any stories family & friends have to tell.


And as soon as we knew it, the dance portion of the night was ready to start. This is something that is my favorite to photograph. I am able to capture more candid pictures of people-that is without them knowing I snapped their picture. And overall, it gets the bride & groom to ask after seeing their finished albums "Where was I when this was going on?" or "What was I doing/saying at that time?"  and "I don't remember you taking this picture of me". I love the overall reaction of my candid pictures and it creates a lot of fun for the bride & groom. 

Overall, I really enjoyed photographing Joel & Jessica's wedding day and can't wait to show them their final pictures.

Charity Walks

First of all, wanted to update you all on the Charity walks I've done so far. March for Babies & the Sole Burner walks in Appleton both went really well and was so glad to walk them with my cousin Liz & my friend Heidi (who came for the MFB walk). Both days the weather was chilly, but glad we didn't have to walk in the rain. I look forward to participating in these walks next year as well as the  rest of the walks I will be doing this year (Bellin & 3rd Annual Connected for a Cure Walk for NF - a Childrens Tumor Foundation).


The Sole Burner was most important to me in that it is a walk for the American Cancer Society. Both my cousin & I were walking in honor of our Aunt Linda who recently lost her battle with cancer. Overall I was happy to let my Aunt Linda know we were doing this for her, before she left and that we "do a couple of rounds" for her. And now I feel that I will always make those extra rounds for her. Loosing my aunt has given me a new perspective on life that I have to keep reminding myself of everyday.

Calling all Brides!

Please review my services at http://www.weddingwire.com/shared/Rate?vid=fe7e31eec57c6990 

Thank you 

Another Follow up

Just wanted to remind you all that I will still be walking for the 28th Annual Sole Burner in Appleton on Saturday, May 8th to which I am hoping for great weather. If you would like to make a donation, please write check to (or mail me a check written out to ACS): 


Sole Burner
American Cancer Society
2616 S. Oneida St., Suite 3
Appleton, WI 54915
(920) 739-1201
(800) ACS-2345

Otherwise lots of other things keeping me busy this summer. Mostly, my time has been filled up finding activities for Ziva. I like taking her to the story times they have offered at the Public Libraries and attending events through the play-groups that we are apart of.  I've already made a few new friends and hoping Ziva is/will too. 

And of course, it is the season for Rummage Sales, so I've been trying to hit as many as I can. If you know of any good sales in the GB area, let me know.  Mostly looking for anything I can use for a photography prop or background and of course 18 month clothes & over for Ziva. I will also be selling a few items at a friend's sale later on in the month & I will have to keep you posted on that or if anyone is interested what will be in the sale. Also, make note of the David's Bridal Bridesmaids Dresses & Wedding Dress that I am hoping to sell (See my post in January or March of this year).

Other big announcements: my husband will be graduating this Sunday, May 2nd from Lakeland College for his MBA.  I'm so proud of him and all of his hard work! If he is really ambitious, I think he want's to go for his Doctor's degree as well (Just so people can call him "Dr. Goldman"-haha J/K). The other big announcement is that I was able to land a position back at Green Bay Truck Sales in where I used to work. With that, most of my week-nights will be spent there working on inventory for the Parts Dept. Overall I am so happy to be back to work and that they can be so flexible with my schedule (& now I don't have to worry about daycare). 


Well, I think that is it for now, I will keep you updated.
 

Merging into the Wedding Season

This year has definitely been a challenge, but who said life is perfect? 

At any rate, I am glad to be finally moving back into the wedding season and hoping to get back in the swing of things. My first wedding of the year will be this Saturday, May 1, 2010. I will actually be photographing  friends of my friends wedding down in Oshkosh (where I attended the university there). I will be writing a blog about them/attaching a few pics after the wedding. This will be the first of many wedding day blogs that I will be composing. So please feel free to check back. 

Walking for a Good Cause

I will be walking for March for Babies (March of Dimes) and my personal page is here: March For Babies Personal Page > I know the walk is coming up fast, but hope I can get some donations. Every little bit helps.

I'm also  walking for the 2010 Sole Burner in Appleton: I don't have a personal page set up here yet, but you can go to http://www.soleburner.org/ for more information and where to make your donations out to.

What I've been up to: A follow up

My photography business has been in the off-season since about last October and yet I've been finding plenty to do to keep myself busy. I am currently working with a friend of mine that I went to school with on a new logo-design (See: http://hypernest.com/). We have some ideas going and everything is going well so far. I will be announcing the "unveiling" when the time comes (maybe within the next month or so). I'm really excited about that & looking forward to using something that is my own and unique vs using a generic design (that others use as well) for business cards & marketing materials. 
Another goal of mine is to create a flyer/postcard in addition to contacting High Schools to target High School Junior/Seniors for their Senior portraits. I would love to get more business from that (especially to fill the void of the wedding off-season). I have photographed 4 students already and would love to build on that portfolio. 
I know I had mentioned trying to build or create an in-home studio, but now I'm not so sure how it will work as far as space especially if my husband & I plan to expand the family.  I may have to be creative in creating a space in which I am limited on (maybe something that can be collapsible??). I will have to keep you posted on that.
Otherwise, as far as non-business stuff, I have also been busy studying at the synagogue here in GB as I had married into a Jewish family and want to do this not only for myself, but for my husband & my daughter. It has been really interesting & fun so far. In addition, if anyone would like a photographer for their bar/bat mitzvah or other events-let me know!!
And I have also been spending a lot of time with my daughter especially now that she can crawl (& will soon be walking). I've been attending as many story-times at the library with her as I can and try to get her to play-groups too (when my sched. can allow). I am also looking forward to the warmer weather as I can continue going on walks with her & now can play at the park with her (vs when she was a baby & couldn't do a whole lot). 
Other than that just trying to catch up with family & friends. I think it's been a great year so far.

Starting a Studio

I don't know if this has to do with having my picture taken with my daughter Ziva at Glamor Shots in Appleton (Fox River Mall Location), but I am in the mood to get an indoor studio started (will possibly post a pic in the next week from out experience AND NOTE: I only went there cuz I won a "Free" Session to which I'll discuss in another entry). Unfortunately I'd have to get it set up in my basement, but you gotta do what you gotta do, right?? I'm thinking I'm going to end up there anyways (as far as my home office space) if we still plan to extend our family (I'd at least like to have another child-wishing for a boy). The other option is if we happen to move into a larger house where I'd have better space, but knowing right now, that won't happen for a while, and that's ok, I can deal.
The other thing is planning & making a goal. I know I will have to plan for space in the basement (obviously the opposite end that my husband's gym/work-out equip is) and a little re-decorating/re-arranging (sorry hun, the beer signs have to go-at least on "my side"). And I know I can purchase some inexpensive cloth (muslin) backdrops which maybe I can buy 2-4 by the end of the year (will have to see how the cash-flow is) and a few props like chairs, flowers etc (will have to ck out the rummage sales this spring/summer). Unfortunately, lighting will have to wait until next year, but until then I may be able to get away with using/practicing with my hand held equip. In addition, I think I will also have to plan for a newer photo program (newest photoshop) and maybe an additional computer. Some of the many things I need to think about & will happen over time, but will get there eventually.
I know this has been something I've been putting off & somewhat kicking my self for not purchasing these items when I had the extra cash (before the economy really took a hit) and before we had our daughter (buying diapers & formula adds up-kids aren't cheap!). However, at the time, I don't think I really believed having a studio only to think how uncomfortable & un-naturalist some photogs make you feel when they take your picture (or how uncomfortable some people feel when they are in a "un-natural setting" especially when I photograph the "formal photos" inside the church, rather than outside). But after having our photo-shoot at Glamor Shots , I feel that you can still have fun in a studio setting with little posing (I think the photog we had did a very nice job & I was impressed only to think "hey, I can do this!"). And really it wouldn't be much different how I photograph my daughter, Ziva than I do now, only I'd have a colored/fancier background (at least when it comes to kids).
I would also like to honestly say that I've lost a few potential clients because I didn't have an indoor studio. I am also limited to how many months out of the year that I can photograph outdoors-with weather always being a factor. Though I've rarely had to reschedule outdoor apts, I still think timing is a factor. I've had clients wanting pictures taken (at a time when they would be avail), but by then the leaves were gone off the trees (to have a nice back-drop) or we had a few feet of snow on the ground and/or weather too cold to have little kids outside etc. etc. Good ole WI weather. I think you get the idea. I've made outdoor photography work until this point (it's also fun looking for new locations to shoot), but I think I need to branch out & grow as a business (rather than doing the same ole things).
With this said, I'm excited for what new things are to come. Again, this will take time (as money become avail also), but glad I can start taking the steps to get there. Wish me luck.

Black & White Film Photography

Where to start . . . where to start??? Throughout college, I studied film photography & learned how to develop in a darkroom setting. This was something I very much enjoyed. Now everything has gone digital & makes things more easier & convenient to "develop" pictures.
The image to the left is actually one I used in my "senior show" at (UW OSH) & poster "Reflections of me" The title of the show explains it all and wish I could show you more images from that if they weren't all in frames. Overall, I found it interesting to do a show of self portraits.
At the time, I feel it was a reflection of me. Even though I was happy (& a happy person), the other side of me was lost, confused, unsure and maybe somewhat depressed about my life & where I wanted it to go. More or less this referred to my relationship with my current boyfriend (who later became my husband). I wasn't sure if I was happy or going to be happy with our situation at the time (we had actually broke up for a short time in between). My emotions were all over the place and all I wanted was only the best for me.
Since then, I am glad I stayed with my husband (who was my boyfriend at the time). I couldn't have asked for anything more.
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This was an image from another class show I was in at UW Oshkosh. I'm actually the one to the left of the guy in the black hat (left had side of image).
Don Stolley of Stolley Studios was our teacher for a few years subbing for Ray Spicer. He is a commercial photographer & gave us a lot of incite about digital photography. We also got a chance to utilize his studio and also the big empty warehouse that was connected to it to take photographs.And actually Don helped me get my business going and got me my first wedding Gig.




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This is Winnie. She was my roommate's dog when I lived in Oshkosh. I tended to photograph her from time to time and I think she photographed well.

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This was one of the many photos I took while "touring" Chicago on a class trip. Chicago is such a lively city: lots of people & architecture. I enjoy it there because there is so much going on & so much to do.

A Wedding Dress & 2 Bridesmaids Dresses

Hi there, and to all the future brides out there. I own the dress depicted in the photo, unfortunately I was unable to wear it as the wedding was called off. The dress itself is brand new-never been worn or altered. This dress is from David's bridal if you need additional info. Bridesmaids dress #F12495 Pool color Spaghetti strap long chiffon dress with beaded empire waist.Comes with a shawl. and is a Size 8. The 2nd dress is a size 12 and was bought for $157 (would like to get best offer for that).

I am actually letting you know to see if anyone would be able to use it (or all 3). The dress was originally marked as $155, but I bought it for $142. I would like to get at least $100 for it, but would be willing to get the best offer for it. I have had it posted on Craigslist, but I have not been able to get any hits on it.If there is anyone out there that would be able to help me out, please pass the info along.

Here is the bride's dress she is also looking to sell. This was also from David's Bridal. Style T8778 Strapless satin A-line, cuff neckline and pleated sash at waist. Sweep train. Available in White. Woman's Sizes 8. Beaded satin sash color pool. Also sold with Bra size 38 and the tool slip (underneath dress). She is looking to get $500 O.B.O

2010 Bridal Show

I just wanted to say that the 2010 Wedding/Bridal show went very well. As mentioned in previous blog, I was helping out Bronson Smith from Superior Sound Entertainment as he could not be there. I was being his spokes-person to promote his business. I did have some of my work out also as you can see in the picture, but if it's any consolation, the wedding pics depicted a wedding Bronson & I both worked (he as the DJ & I the photog).

Overall, it was a lot of fun.I look forward to the changes for next year and also hope that in the future I can have my own booth (I AM on the waiting list for)