Senior Sessions

I'm now taking bookings for senior sessions spring/summer '09

This is for anyone graduating highschool (or college) and would like some different photos instead of the typical cap & gown "posed" photos.

Your photos can be taken in your prom dress, volleyball uniform, your favourite outfit, whatever you think says "you"

Up to 3 outfits changes permitted.

If interested, get in touch :)

Til next time, C.

Storyboards continued....

You can now add the 12x12 storyboard to your choices

Yeah baby!

Til next time, C.

She Said Yes

Getting engaged is a special moment between all couples. It's a very vulnerable moment, because even though you're sure she'll say yes, there's sometimes still that bit of doubt or anxiousness. What if she does say no? Well if you took the plunge and she said yes, have you consider sending out cards to your family to announce the happy news?

Here's a few samples of the greeting cards that are included with my "She Said Yes" package. I've kept them all in the same colour for sample purposes, but it can be changed. And to clarify at the time I've posted these, Danny & Khrysti are not engaged, and if they are I'm not aware of it :) These are strictly "mock up" examples.

This is the "1 pic" horizontal, this can come in vertical as well.

This is the "2 pic" horizontal. Again can be in vertical

I have a "3 pic" option but I'm sure you get the idea by now.

But what if you had up to FOUR favourite photos from your engagement session and just couldn't decide? Then we go to the "4 pic" horizontal.

Now.....if you're getting married away, maybe a destination wedding. It's improper wedding etiquette to send out the formal invitations too soon, so how about a "Save the Date" card. That way your friends & family can book their flights, hotels, etc in due time.

The Save the Date cards can be selected in lieu of the She said Yes cards.

These are one photo designs since additional information go on these.

Vertical option

Horizontal Option

Ahhh....love :)

Til next time, C.

Boudoir Sessions

Hands up if you've ever heard of a "Boudoir" session.

Do you know what it is? Well...let me tell you.

They're tasteful yet sexy photos of yourself, usually in super pretty lingere :)  Hair & Make up are done with a bit more "punch"  to glam up the look done by either yourself or a professional.

If you want to see actual photos of this genre of photography I recommend checking out Critsey Rowe.  She is a wedding photographer who also has a separate website called Couture Boudoir specializing in these types of sessions.

I've never done a boudoir shoot before, but to decide what type of photography I want to focus on down the road, I feel I need to at least dabble in all sorts of genres to be a better and more rounded photographer. I've done a lot of thinking if I should even do this post today since it is somewhat risque, but here we are. 

In light of Valentines just around the corner, I'm wondering if anyone is interested in surprising their Hubby/Boyfriend/Significant other with such a gift? If yes, get in touch. Since you'll be my first session we'll work out something really good for you. It'll be discreet, professional & tasteful since I get how vulnerable you could feel in such a situation, this sort of session is definitely not for everyone. Also note photos will not be shown on my website unless authourized by yourself.

So yeah.....think about it, let me know :)

Happy Friday & have a great weekend!!!

Til next time, C.

Storyboards

If you checked out my pricing link, you'll notice I've added something new to the product line....storyboards.

Here's a couple of quick samples I threw together (using some of our wedding photos), just so you have an idea. Basically you pick 2 to 5 photos from your proofs and then I see what I can do for you......

Example of an 11x14

And an example of a 12x18

These are printed on your standard photo paper for you to frame. However, I'm looking into a second option where these are basically already mounted to hang. Will let you know if that pans out :)

Til next time, C.

Practice, Practice, Practice

I love the book Kristen gave me for Christmas. It's all about Exposure.....from aperture, to shutter speed, to chapters I haven't read yet but NEED to read cause I'm learning SO much!!

 The key part of the book though is practice....after every few paragraphs it gives you suggestions of what to do as practice and trial runs to get a better feel and understanding of what's being taught.

Sunday afternoon Kristen wanted to practice some retreiving with Boone (he just started retreiver school) in the field across from our house so I decided to take advantage and practice some of my new found knowledge.

Here's my fav shot....Boone wants to keep playing fetch even though Kristen has said that's enough for today   :)

Til next time, C.

Happy New Year

Hello & Happy New Year.

It's a new year, a fresh look, new beginnings....

I really thought 2009 I'd start off announcing that I had a business number and that I had gone pro...but that is not the case. I did some soul searching and I'm not ready. I haven't given up the dream, I just need time. So now I have a timeline, some goals and hopefully in a few years I will go pro. Wish me luck!

This also means I'm not sure what direction this blog will go in, for now I'm just going to post photos as frequently as possible, nothing that bothers me more is a blog that barely has new updates. Yes I've been guilty of that so far this year but the dry spell is over. And here we go....

Not sure if you've noticed the links at the top of the page. Some of this is still under construction :) Hoping to be completed by the end of January. Also if you're looking for archives and categories those are at the bottom of the page.

Now I'm looking for your opinion on 1 more thing.....here are two photos. Do you prefer Cyball Photography typed out or just the "C" I kind of like both so I might use both....unless of course there's an overwhelming response to one or the other.

FIRST

SECOND

Whole name or Simple C? What do you think?

Til next time, C.

Fav Photos of 2008

I hope you're all having a nice Christmas, mine thus far has been awesome. Busy, fun, joyful,...I could go on :) Now all that's left is New Years.

But before that arrives, I want to share a few of my favourite photos of 2008. I have a LOT more but these are some of the ones that jump out at me.

Hope your 2008 was as great as mine. Here's to 2009 and all the wondeful things it's going to bring :)

Til next time, C.

 

Merry Christmas

From me, Christa @ Cyball Photography

Til next time, C.

Year In Review....the post

As explained previously I'm working on my fav photos of 2008.....since life has caused me to put a little more on my plate than I can handle I've decided next week I'll do that post.

So for now.....here's my post about my year in review. This I normally do on my personal blog a little closer to New Years but today seems fitting.

Basically I want my Year in Review post to be a HUGE thank you. These are in no particular order, I'm just putting it out there.

My Husband.....

Kristen you are wonderful. I never would have attempted going this route with my photography this year had you not been there supporting me along the way. You gave me positive feedback, constructive criticism, "gentle" reminders to get off the computer after editing, tweaking, writing blog posts for hours. Listening to me ramble on about ideas, new stuff I learned, camera gear that I "need" :) and the list goes on. Without your behind the scenes input I wouldn't be where I am today. Thank you, I love you.

My Family & Friends.....

You know who you are, the ones who were my shoulder to cry on when I was feeling discouraged, wanting to quit, having a hard time dealing with negative feedback.

More specifically Holly....the friend who has and will talk endless with me about photography, our blogs, Photoshop, simply everything & anything photography. You were the first to give me real & sincere encouragement. Thank you.

Other Photographers.....

How do I begin this thank you since they're not actually people I know....I just stalk their websites on a regular basis.

Anyway....to being this year I emailed a few photographers about being a mentor of sorts. Not necessarily in a traditional way but to maybe give me some advice on starting out in the business. My responses were not good. For the most part I didn't receive responses, the ones that did respond basically told me they were too busy. And I understand, I really do, I was just disappointed. That's all.

Until Mary......

Mary left a comment on my blog one day. I immediately looked her up and found out she was a professional photographer. She with her husband Justin. Not only were they amazing & talented photographers, they even had a section on their website just for photographers...so I did what I had done already this year, I sent an email. Mary responded....

She responded sincerely and with information to actually HELP me. Since then Mary periodically comments on my blog. She's wonderful, she really has no idea how encouraging it is to me that a professional lurks around, looks at my work and even gives feedback. Thank you, I'm truly grateful :)

Then there's Jasmine Star. I did send her an email once and I comment every now and then on her blog. She even left a comment on my personal blog one day...oh yeah very exciting. But there's "something" about her. Not only is she awesome, but she teaches, she understands what it's like to start out in the business and shares her experiences. She's not fake, she's real, she's down to earth. Even though she has no idea who I am, thank you. You are one of my main inspirations as to why I love what I do and why I have such a strong desire to keep moving forward.

Pioneer Woman and Miz Booshay who posts about Photography have taught me the basics of photography. Everything I know thus far is self taught and widely in part to these two ladies, from exposure, to depth of field, and so on. To quote Pioneer Woman they just "keep it real" that works for me. Thanks.

And last but certainly NOT least....my clients.

And really I should have had you under my family & friends thank yous, cause really that's who you are. But you deserve this one all on your own!! Without you there would be no Cyball Photography. I cannot express enough how grateful I am that you decided to take a chance on me. How good it makes me feel that you enjoy my work and appreciate how I'm trying to tell your story, how I interpret your story.

Thank You!

Next week I'll be doing my fav photos of 2008 then not long after it'll be 2009. A fresh start, a new look, a better Cyball Photography. I hope you're as excited about the new year as I am.

Til next time, C.

Hello? Is anyone out there?

Are you still lurking?

Phew.....thanks :)

Things have been NUTS on the homefront.....we're trying to complete our basement before Christmas so any of my waking hours that aren't at work, have been spent painting.

BUT...good news...I'm working on a post. My fav shots of 2008.....but it takes time. So I apologize for being MIA :(

I'm hoping to get back on track later this week. Please bear with me, I appreciate you more than you'll ever know and please don't let my lack of posts let you think otherwise.

Til next time, C.

Feature Blog: Photo Memory Quilts

It seems everyone is a photographer these days and overall the photography world and it's product lines tend to take on a generic feel or look.

Until now....my dear friend since childhood has a new product.

Photo Memory Quilts!!

You submit your photos, poems, quotes, etc, tell her your colour scheme and she'll make from scratch a quilt for you. I've already been a customer (which will be shown on her blog after Christmas, since it's a Christmas gift afterall) I've also been the receipient of one of her quilts, she made one for my hubby and I of our wedding day, just beautiful.

So if you have special photos, looking for something different to give to that someone who has everything, consider her work. It'll forever be a cherished gift that holds unmeasurable value.

In 2009 any of my customers wishing to purchase a quilt and wanting to use photos taken by Cyball Photography I will gladly forward to Photo Memory Quilts at no additional charge.

Check out here blog HERE

Til next time, C.

Christmas Contest Winner

We have a winner...but before announcing the winner I want to share my favourite Christmas carol....I thought about this a lot and realized I couldn't narrow it down to one.....here's my top two instead :)

1) I saw Mommy Dancing with Santa...this one I have to explain. I don't know the name of it, it was on a Country christmas cassette tape that my dad owned. It goes "well I saw Mommy in her nightgown and she was jumping all around dancing with 'ol Santa Claus, the record kept a playin' and momma kept a sayin' oh santa wasn't built for the cause...." A friend of mine has this on record and it says "twistin' with 'ol santa claus" either way it's upbeat and cute and I love it

2) Mary's Boy Child/Oh my Lord by Boney M again totally upbeat and fun :)

I like the old Christmas hymns that I grew up with as well, O Holy Night, O Come All Ye Faithful, What Child is this? and so on....I seriously love everything about Christmas but the carols are at the top.

And without further ado, the contest winner. This was a random draw (my hubby pulled the name from a hat)

The winner.....drumroll please.....ANGIE!!!   Congratulations Angie, I need your mailing address so I can get your goodies shipped. Hopefully I beat the Christmas rush :)

Thanks to everyone for entering. If all goes well I'll have another contest in the new year.

Photo for today

Til next time, C.

Time is running out.....

You have until Monday afternoon to tell me your favourite Christmas Carol :)

Winner to be announced on Tuesday!!

Til next time, C.

he, he he.....

I love reading about your favourite Christmas carols and why....even if they are depressing (**Heather**...LOL) And yes, "photo quilts" I totally remember driving your dad crazy....aaaahhh the good 'ol days when we thought pushing our parents to the edge was funny :)

Also forgot to mention the contest is open to anyone who has a legit mailing address.....so all you 'out of towners' are eligible contestants! Good Luck to you.

Keep the entries coming....time is running out. Have a great weekend.

And what's a post without a photo

Til next time, C.

Christmas Contest

It's contest time!!!!!

In the spirit of Christmas and my love of scrapbooking (despite doing very little lately) the winner of this contest will receive:

8x8 Scrapbook Album

8x8 Christmas scrapbook mini kit (photo far left)

8x8 Textured papers (4 each - photo far right)

To enter.....all you have to do is write your FAVOURITE Christmas Carol in the comments section. I'll be doing a random draw on Dec. 8th to announce the winner on Tuesday Dec 9th (one week from today)

GOOD LUCK!!

Til next time, C.

2008 Clients

My clients of 2008 if you haven't received an "envelope" from me yet either by mail or personally....it's coming soon :)

To my American readers, Happy Thanksgiving.

Also....tune in on Tuesday...I have a CHRISTMAS contest!!!!! Woo-hoo! I love contests :)

Have a great weekend all.

Til next time, C.

Blog Photos Template

I get so excited when I figure out new photoshop stuff.

Here's my latest...a template for all of my photos for my blog. And what better way to show off our puppy Boone, who is just over 5 months and growing too quickly :(

The exciting part is how easy I can do my blog posts now, all I have to do is insert the photo, save and upload. I have a few different ones made for future use, such as vertical, hortizontal and two-up.

I'm also working on a couple more templates plus storyboards that I'll be adding to my product line in the new year....can't wait to show you samples.

Til Next Time, C.

 

Technical Talk

Hey Everyone....Happy Friday!

I want to discuss a few things today....

(1) Blog posts

After this week they'll be Tuesdays & Thursdays until the new year.

Due to taking December off I won't have many (if any) client updates/proofs to post so I'll be adding more photgraphy related/personal items.

(2) Technical Talk

This is what today's post will be about. If you would like more technical talk let me know about what. I'm still learning but we can learn together :) Let's share our knowledge.

(3) Thanks

...for stopping by, it gives me warm fuzzies that you take the time to read my blog.

Now on with the technical talk.....

These photos of my front yard & park across the street, I took yesterday, before heading out to work. I'm a good 'ol Canadian girl that loves snow :) tee hee

If you look closely at these photos you'll see grain or noise. Put simply just a lack of clarity. Look closely :) See how there's almost "dots" in the sky?

Let me tell you why and how I acheived this....

Why.....Low light

To shoot in low light you have a few options

Flash - I didn't want to use flash since it wouldn't have shown the nice morning light

Tripod - set the camera on a long exposure to get in enough light. I didn't have enough time I was on my way to work

ISO settings - this I could do, it does result in grain but that didn't matter to me for this composition.

How....ISO settings

This photo was taken in manual mode with my ISO way up to 1600 (it does have higher settings but this was sufficient) And in jpeg format because I didn't have time to convert from RAW. Photographers get this lingo....sorry if I'm boring you.

I sacrificed the quality, per se, to get the "effect" of the lighting. Ambiance if you will.

Note...these are un-edited photos, straight out of the camera.

That being said, a LOT of photographers these days are taking photos with a lot of grain (or noise) it's almost like it's an "in" thing right now in the photography world. Even if the photo doesn't have grain, they add it while editing in photoshop.

I will also say that if I owned a better camera, a D700 or D3 for example grain at 1600 would be virtually unheard of, and then I'd have still have the very cool lighted shot :)

Anyway that's a discussion for another time, I digress.

And that's my lesson for today folks....if any of this info is wrong or you can add to it...please do so :) It's up for discussion.

Til next time, C.

Elysium Productions

I've seen these videographers referenced a couple of times now on blogs that I follow (all in the California - Orange County area) however, despite the distance you cannot argue their talent and awesomeness!!!

Seriously turn up your volume and click HERE to watch!!

Til next time, C.