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)