PREPARATION

Your session is today, and despite what you tell others, you are so excited about it! You spent the whole night selecting the perfect outfit(s) to show off your personality, made your hair appointment, had your nails done, makeup is flawless, and you know that it is all about you!

There is so much that goes in to a session, not just for you, but your photographer as well.  Based on your conversations with us, we select the backdrop (if in the studio) and scour locations to get that perfect spot that fits you.  Camera equipment is prepared, lights are set up and an assistant is called to help, all this, to make sure your session is perfect.

Here are some tips for being prepared for your session:

  • Arrive on time (or early) for your appointment.  There are other sessions scheduled after yours, and to make sure that you get the most out of your time, arriving on-time is key.
  • Consult with us about your outfit (or ask for a fashion tip sheet) so you know what will be most flattering on you.
  • Once your outfit has been selected, be sure that all outfits are ironed and accessories are paired so that you are ready to go.
  • If the session is with small children, be sure to allow adequate time for your child to explore and get comfortable.  Some children take a while to warm up, so time and patience is a necessity.
  • If you are uncomfortable with an audience, either come alone, or select someone that you are comfortable with.  However, minors MUST bring a parent or guardian.
  • We are creative individuals and always have ideas, however, if you have something special in mind, or have other ideas, speak up…we love trying new things!
  • Most of all….HAVE FUN!!!  This is a great time to relax, and let your personality shine, trust us, it will show in your portraits!

Remember, this session is about you!  We work with you to make sure that when you receive the finished product, you are proud to show off your portraits.

On a side note, we want to thank our wonderful loyal clients and friends.  You are all truly amazing and without you and your referrals, we would not be where we are today.  We are blessed.

-Tonya & RoseAnn

The Way I See It…

We don’t just breathe. We don’t stop long enough to take in the moments. We seem to be moving so fast that the little things get lost. The dimples on the little hands of children or the wrinkles on the hands of an old person who has seen a lot happen in their lives. We are always moving and never sitting still long enough to be aware of the little sounds, like the birds as they seem to play with each other in the early morning hours.

I stopped long enough to really see a flower, the ranunculus. The layers wrap around one another seemingly protecting the other from harm and all building upon the other to protect the center – where it all seems to begin to create a complicated yet beautiful, presentation.

You know, family is like the ranunculus…each member has a function to encourage each other to continue to build a strong faith in our Heavenly Father so that we can live our lives to be a beautiful presentation to God.

-RoseAnn

Mr. & Mrs. Rios

Carlos & Lola
Introducing, Mr. & Mrs. Carlos Rios

This past Saturday, March 27, 2010, RoseAnn and I had the wonderful pleasure of photographing Lola & Carlos’ wedding.

When we first met with Lola and her mother we found talking with them came so easily.  They are both sweet individuals and during the consultation, Lola informed us that she is an artist.  We were very excited by this, because we are creative as well, and ideas started to flow as to how we could uniquely capture her wedding!

Saturday arrived and RoseAnn went to Tad Akers to photograph Lola and her bridesmaids, while  I went to Helen’s Garden to prepare for the groom’s portraits and ceremony.  The garden was glowing with pink, the sky was slightly overcast and the temperature was perfect.  I hoped that the weather would stay just as it was.

The wedding began with Lola walking down the aisle with her father to music played by her brothers.  All of the guests watched as Lola and Carlos said their vows and exchanged rings.  I don’t think they took their eyes off each other.  The time for the kiss arrived, and unbeknownst to anyone (surely the bridesmaid and groomsmen did not know) Carlos signaled a hand in the air to begin a tango, and with a rose in his mouth, dipped his bride who then tossed the rose and the proceeded to kiss!  It was one for the books.

The reception continued at Tad Akers where guests were in awe of Lola’s hard work and personal touches in the decor. Every table had a special arrangement, green ties were on every chair and at the entrance was a guestbook that Lola had created of her and Carlos’ time together.  The facility was full of family and friends who came to share in this special day.

Lola's decore

The reception was beautifully decorated by Lola

We are so thankful that we were able to be a part of this wonderful day.  Ron and Wanda (Lola’s parents) hosted a fabulous gathering and their daughter was absolutely beautiful on her wedding day.  We wish Lola and Carlos many years of happiness, health and love.

-Tonya

Models Needed

Many of you have viewed our new website, and we have very much appreciated the feedback and suggestions.  Our revamp continues, please read on to see how you can help.

The week of April 5 – April 9, Tonya will be photographing several sessions to add to our website and materials.  We are in need of models for these sessions.  If you are interested in volunteering for this, please see the criteria for each session and let us know which one you would like to be a candidate for.  There are limited sessions for each category, so we will notify you if you have been selected.  The session is totally FREE!

If you are interested, please email Tonya at tonya@captivatingimpressions.com and let her know which session you would like.  Sessions will be during the day between 8:00 am and noon, so if the date and times work for you, contact us.  Session types are as follows:

Professional Head Shot: (1 volunteer)

  • One Professional
  • Studio Session, possible outdoor on premises

(1) FREE Digital File for your materials

 Infant: (2 volunteers)

  • 0-6 months old
  • 2 outfits
  • Session in studio

(1) FREE 8×10 image from session
High School Senior: (2 volunteers)

  • One 12th grade Senior Female
  • One 12th grade Senior Male
  • In Studio, on premises (weather permitting)
  • Up to 2 Outfits plus Cap & Gown

(1) FREE 8×10 image from session

 Child: (1 volunteer)

  • 2-3 years old
  • Up to 2 outfits
  • Studio and Premises (weather permitting)

(2) FREE 5×7s from session
Couple: (1 couple needed)

  • Married or engaged
  • Up to 2 outfits
  • Studio and Premises (weather permitting)

(1) FREE 11×14 image from session

 Family: (1 family needed)

  • Up to 5 people
  • 1 outfit
  • Studio and Premises (weather permitting)

(1) Free 11×14 image from session
Maternity: (1 volunteer needed)

  • Prefer 7-9 months pregnant
  • Studio Session
  • Up to 2 outfits

(1) FREE 10×20 image with 3 insets

 Pets: (1 small toy dog)

  • Outdoor session on premises.
  • Owner invited to join in session as well
  • Dog must be of good temperament

(1) FREE 8×10 image from session

Additional Information:

  • All sessions are up to 1 hour.
  • Model Release needs to be signed so images can be placed online.
  • Images will be placed online for you to make your selection, FREE!
  • Any images that you wish to purchase from this free session will be ½ off!

If you have any questions, or want to participate in this awesome opportunity, please contact Tonya by email tonya@captivatingimpressions.com

What Brides Need to Know about Wedding Photography

The economy has made people more aware of their spending and priorities have shifted…this is not a bad thing. We are seeing this with weddings as well, and quite honestly, while your wedding day IS important, the more important part is the days, months, and years that follow the day.
Perhaps you have heard, “I’m photographing now, I can do your wedding,”or “I’ll take the pictures and just give you a CD” or “It’s easy, let me take your pictures for you.”  Those are red-flags that should give you pause. It’s your wedding day, and you do want to preserve those memories. So, we have some tips when looking for a photographer:
  1. ALWAYS ask for references, or to see samples of their work. If they can only provide a limited amount of samples, you maywant to consider, a little more thoroughly, as to whether they are the photographer you want/need.
  2. Beware of those who will snap the pictures and “give” you a CD. Be sure you know what quality image and print size you are getting.
  3. Is your photographer insured?
  4. Do they have backup equipment? This is VERY important. IF a camera, or a flash isn’t working properly, do they have an extra camera, or flash so that you still get your images. This is not the time when you want someone to find out that their camera is not working, this the person capturing your memories, they must be prepared!
  5. How did your photographer learn their craft? Have they taken classes, seminars, attended training? The industry changes constantly, and it is important to be knowledgeable about your trade.
  6. You get what you pay for. I’m not saying you have to break your budget for a photographer, but you do need a professional, and if you settle for the lowest priced, sometimes, your portraits will represent that.
  7. Be sure that you and your photographer have a great working relationship. You want to make sure that you are at ease with this person, because they will be part of a special day that requires communication.
I can tell you that photographing a wedding takes a lot of time and hard work.
  • It starts with meeting with your client meeting with your client, taking the time to explain to them everything, and then answering the questions that come later.
  • It’s photographing any sessions prior (such as engagement and bridal) and having those ready for the wedding day.
  • It’s the two hours prior to the wedding to pack, load and check all of your equipment so that you are prepared.
  • Then there is the four to six hours that you photograph on the wedding day.
  • Carrying the 25+ pounds of equipment.
  • It’s going back and unloading, and checking all equipment back in.
  • It’s converting the images and making adjustments.
  • It’s uploading all images so that you are able to share your wedding day with family and friends.

And that’s just to photograph.

If there is an album, there is the processing of each image that will go in the album. It’s color-correcting, cropping and placing to make sure that everything flows to tell the story of your day. Then there is placing the album online for review, and then making any necessary changes, before sending it off for completion.
Weddings are wonderful events. They are what RoseAnn and I love photographing the most. We are invited into our client’s lives to be a part of something so beautiful, and then sharing their story with others. It is truly a labour of love for us, because we are so incredibly blessed to be able to do something that we love!
Until next time, have a wonderful day!
-Tonya & RoseAnn

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