Feature Photographer: David Jay

So this is a be-lated version of my Friday feature photographer.

Today it's David Jay

I'm not quite sure how I discovered his website, blog, etc...pretty sure it's through Jasmine Star's website & blog since she lists him as her inspiration.

He's a Christian Photographer, which I really admire about him.

He recently returned from a missions trip to Russia, more details on his blog, click here

He's also the owner/creator of the Show it products, such as Show it Fast (website) and Show it Web (slideshows)

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He's not a typical photographer / business-man in my opinion. I think he's a business-man more so than a photographer but he's all about being "open source" and sharing his knowledge and a "share the wealth" mentality.

Instead of being greedy and hoarding all knowledge so that nobody else will have success. It's quite the opposite. It seems the more generous he is, the more successful he is....think about that!

Anyway...check out his stuff.

He's got a great thing going on and very inspirational, especially if you're just starting out like me :)

Til next time, C.

Weeds

Somedays I just don't know how I'll do it.....

I don't know how I'm supposed to work a 9 to 5 job, be a good wife, become a mother, handle the hormones of pregnancy, and somehow figure out how to be a photographer.

There are days that I think, just give up on this dream. The road is too long and hard.

But I'm reminded of a photo I took a couple of weeks ago, while testing out the awesome zoom lense that Kristen had rented, I took a photo of some weeds.

Kristen was apalled, Christa....why are you taking photos of weeds?

My response....I'm just trying out the lense Kristen!

But truthfully, I thought they looked pretty. I just loved how the yellow stood out against the green grass.

So today even as I am discouraged and having self doubt of the dream that is yet too be. I'll find the good in the situation. The beauty in the weeds if you will. I love photography and even though I know I have a bumpy road ahead, I'm not giving up. This is just the beginning of great things to come. I just have to see the beauty :)

Til next time, C

Digital Photography Show

I attented the Henry's Digital Photography show this past weekend.

I thoroughly enjoyed it, especially the seminar by Gary Fong.

Even though it was only a 45min seminar, I did learn a lot. I couldn't scribble my notes fast enough....yes, yes...that would be the nerd in me coming out, loud & clear.

Today I'm just testing out some new colours & template designs for my blog

Not fully feeling this one....hmm...maybe back to the drawing board for a few tweaks.

Feedback appreciated

Til next time, C

Feature Friday

Today's feature Photographer is Becker

Christopher Becker (which you very rarely see his first name used on anything...I think I know that cause I have him on a friend on Facebook) is a wedding photographer based out of California.

I describe him as an artist.

He truly is...not only is he a wedding photographer but he's working on a nude art project, plus he often photographs architecture, random things that catch his eye, and so on. He's an artist :)

If you're interested in reading his blog click HERE

He's also the founder of the B School

Pay a monthly fee of $10 and you get all sorts of tutorials, tips, etc for new and established photographers.

To check out his website click HERE

A basic wedding will cost you $6000 USD

Up to $20000 USD for all the bells & whistles.

Til next time, C.

Chick Clicks

This passion for photography has definitely been a journey for me. From just having a love of pictures, to taking photos of friends & family, to thinking I was going to go pro much too soon to now....

Today I am still an amateur photographer hoping to go pro. But now I'm doing it right.

I'm learning and taking in all information possible to help me along this path I've decided to take.

I read other blogs of photographers (some quite successful) and whole heartedly hang on every word as I'm reading in hopes to pick up on some tip or insight that could help me down the road.

I'm now reading various photography & business books as recommended by other photographers to help me get in the right mind-set.

And I've started sending out emails to photographers in my area asking if I can help them. Either as an assistant, a second shooter, or something as simple as meeting up for a cup of coffee.

Well I've had a couple of responses...one I'm in teh works of setting something up to meet for coffee. More on that once it actually occurs.

And another photographer responded to one of my emails with this!

CHICK CLICKS!

It's a website for female photographers who are already pro's or are hoping to go pro. They have a forum, workshops, blog, and who knows what else. I just found out about them and it has made my day. This is exactly what I've been looking for, a group in my area where like-minded photographers can meet and be friends. On top of that they're all about being positive and not competitive. They want to encourage one another, not tear down.

Oh yeah baby...I'm all about that.

So ladies...if you're interested check them out!

Til next time, C

Happy Victoria Day for you Canadians....though the weather wasn't the greatest, it did not disappoint.
Why you ask? Well it was a great weekend because my husband had rented a 70-200mm zoom lense for his boys weekend. So when he returned I insisted we go for a drive so I could find some things to photograph to test it out. It was my turn to play.

We found swans.....

But oh no that wasn't enough...on to the spirea in our backyard.

And how could I forget....me with the toy! So sad to see it go :(

Til next time, C

Feature Friday

Today's featured photographer is Jessica Claire.

She is a very successful wedding photographer out of Southern California.

Voted one of 2008's top wedding photographers in the world.

Her blog is also her website so all info you might need you can find it there. 

It's a combination of personal stuff from her recent engagement to her winning various poker tournaments to her posts about current weddings.

She's also the creator of the highly acclaimed camera bag Shootsac

And has a separate Art site...click HERE to check that out.

I'm not sure how I would describe her style.....it's funky (which I think is the artist in her coming out) and eclectic.

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A basic portrait session with her would cost you $2500 USD

And her cheapest wedding package is $8500 USD

Destination weddings are $12,000 USD

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Happy Friday!

Til next time, C.

Tuesday Hodge Podge

Hello my loyal readers :)

Just some hodge podge today...nothing in particular to talk about just random things.

First, the survey.

Thanks for all the input. It was SUPER helpful and I'm using the information to tweak my future packages accordingly.

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Secondly, full resolution files.

I've been working on some different ways to give my clients their full resolution photos from their sessions. I think I've finally found something that is both practical and still personalized without looking cheesy. I feel a lot of my "after products" have had some cheese factor. I'm trying to eliminate that. And I'm thinking "mission accomplished" Hey, I'm a rookie here and still learning :)

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Third, Custom Photo Albums

The supplier I use for my photo albums have ''pre-set" templates for their albums. I've since figured out a way to custom design my own templates and still use my suppliers album. I can't even express how excited I am about this. I felt the layouts were lacking something.

This way I can portray my clients photo's the way they should be. Hoping to show you a sample soon.

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And last but not least a photo.....because I never get tired of photos of our dog Boone. Here's one of him alseep with a tennis ball in his mouth.

 

Til next time, C.

Feature Friday

Today's featured photographer or photographers I should say, are probably in my top 5 favourites.

They are Bobbi & Mike.

A husband-wife team out of Illinois, USA

They're basically Wedding photographers but they have a wide range portfolio.

Their work I would describe as urban and colourful.

Bobbi does most of the writing on their blog. She's funny, quirky, a bit dramatic but oh so sweet.

Mike doesn't say much but when he does, he's cool too :)

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A basic portrait session with these guys would cost you $275 USD

And their cheapest wedding package is $4000 USD

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If you're interested in checking out their work:

Here's the BLOG

&

Here's the WEBSITE

Happy Friday!

Til next time, C.

Keep 'Em Comin'

I'm loving reading everyone's responses to the survey....keep 'em coming :)

And to hold you over until my next new photos.....a photo of my puppy, who's almost too big to be called a puppy. Oh they grow up so fast.

Til next time, C.

Wedding Photographer Survey

Here's a survey I did.....I'm looking  for your feedback and what you expect & look for in a wedding photographer:

To do the survey click HERE

You have 1 week to complete the survey before it expires.

Thanks for your input.

Til next time, C

****There's been some problems with the survey....it should be "open" again now. If you get a "closed" message please let me know****