OUR BLOG HAS MOVED!!!

We have moved to a much fancier NEW Blog! Come check us out at: http://cristynielsen.com/blog/

:)

Ever wonder what it's like?

Ever wonder what it is like to have a session done by us? Ever wonder what it is like to be a photographer? We have a crazy fun life and we love it! Here's a collection of images from the last few years of John and I doing our thang... we are so lucky and blessed to love what we do so much! We have had such a great journey with our business, have met the coolest people, gotten the opportunity to work with so many amazing families who have become friends! Thank you to all of you who have supported us, shared in our dream, and allowed us to capture your lives! We love you!

Gosh, check out these two hotties!

Dang these guys have some serious chemistry! This is my midwife Kelli's beautiful daughter Michelle and her man Dustin. They will be having their baby girl at home in mid August! Jada Taylor is already very much loved and adored! Can't wait to meet her in another month or so! Had to share these with you all... too hot not too! We shot these in New Smyrna Beach, it was the most perfect day! After that we headed to The Garlic in New Smyrna for dinner... if you haven't been you MUST go there! The mood and food is phenomenal!

Woo hoo! We're in 4th place!!

WOW! We're so excited! We are currently in 4th place out of a LONG list of photographers in WESH 2's contest for best photographer in Central Florida. Thank you to all that voted, and to those that have supported us and helped us on our journey!! If you haven't yet voted, please click HERE!

Another share... kids are so cute!

Shay is learning to write words, I've been trying to let her just do whatever, and spell it how she thinks it's spelled, then work on the spelling later. If she's writing I'm happy, and she seems to like it more when there is less pressure of "doing it right"...lol. So yesterday she brings me this picture and I thought it was the funniest cutest thing. Had to share... yup I'm a Frtogfr...HA!

Just another thing to go GREEN!

This is a random post, but thought it was definitely worthwhile to share. We are doing our best to go "green" at home and also with our business, so this is yet another step in that process. We've always been into doing things naturally and doing whatever we can to help the planet, so this is so exciting for me!

My recent birth clients Nandi and Jason showed me the diapers they are using for their son Bodhi. They are called G Diapers. I came home and checked them out and researched a bit and realized just how cool they are. They are what they call hybrid diapers, half cloth, half disposable. The outer cover is cloth, then there is a inner liner which holds a disposable pad. The pad itself is made out of cellulose, which is what helps trees hold their water and is totally biodegradable and breaks down in 50-100 days in a landfill or compost vs the 500 years it takes a normal disposable to break down. You can also flush the peed on pads, you tear them up and put them in the toilet and they just break up. They are seriously cool... and I'm not usually one to post about diapers...lol.

I bought baby C a starter set, extra cover and case of pads. We got them today and they are the coolest things. Since it's part disposable you only have to wash the covers occasionally when they get wet or soiled. They are so darn cute too, so that is a bonus. She can put on a t shirt with the diaper and look cute as pie! They aren't super expensive once you buy the covers. The inserts are just a little more than disposables, and the benefits are far greater! The little things like this really do make a huge difference in the world, I'm so glad we won't be throwing away diapers anymore!

If you have been looking for a eco friendly diapering solution these are it! Check out their site for more info! I'm officially SOLD on the idea! And I think Camdyn digs them too...lol. The covers are so cute too I may just get a few in different sizes for the studio to put over clients disposables! Here's some photos of the little monkey to show the fit and style. Yes she is already sitting up and just turned six months a few days ago! How time flies...wah!

A Jenny and Brian Update!!!

We got sit down and have dinner with Jenny and Brian at Johanna & Ozzie's wedding. We did their wedding just over a year ago. It was really nice to see them and catch up! They are building a house in Lakeland! That is super exciting for them and it's coming along, they hope to move in by fall! They are both doing great and enjoying married life. Had to share these two shots of them. They are so darn cute... love them!! A huge thank you to them for sending Johanna and Ozzie our way!!

Woo hoo! We made the A List on Channel 2 again!!!

We made the A list for photographers on WESH Channel 2 again this year. This is quite an honor and we are so excited! To go vote and leave your comments, please click HERE! We'd love to win, but we are definitely thrilled just to be on the list.

:)

Hugs and Prayers for Alana, Don and baby Vance!

Wow... I got an email from Alana last night that baby Vance had been born early. 4 days after we did their maternity session and at 34 weeks pregnant they were driving on a road trip and she started bleeding. They went to the nearest hospital in St Pete and she was told she was having an abruption (placenta tearing away from uterine wall) and that Vance would need to be delivered immediately! They put her to sleep and then delivered baby Vance at 4 pounds 11 ounces. I can't even begin to imagine how scary this must have been for them! Vance is doing great though and they are working on getting him to eat and gain weight so that he can come home! Hopefully I'll do his newborn session towards the end of the month. Needless to say my jaw dropped when I read that email, so our thoughts and prayers are with them! So glad everyone is okay... and to think that I questioned that we may have done her maternity session too early...ack! Now I'm glad we had the session when we did!

:)

Baby Bodhi... beautiful baby boy!!!

Here's some images from Bodhi's newborn session. He's so cute and makes the cutest little faces... thank you again to Nandi and Jason for inviting me into their lives... they are such amazing people!

Sarah and Michael... Congrats Guys!!!

Here's some photos from Sarah and Michael's wedding from last weekend. The ceremony was held at Winter Park Presbyterian Church, and the reception was at the beautiful Winter Park Racquet Club. Sarah looked radiant in her gown from The Collection, and Michael was beaming as he watched her walk down the aisle. These guys definitely like to giggle and laugh, and it's contagious. They definitely enjoy each others company and are a great couple. Here's some favorites from their big day!

A shot at the church!

Sarah... breathtakingly beautiful!

Flowers and rings... my two favorite things!

The way they look at each other just brings a smile to my face!

The sunset coming through the window was just kissing them with this golden light, we had to catch it!!!

Beautiful sunset for a beautiful couple!

This shot cracked me up... them totally sucked into each other, and it appears their parents are scheming something in the background.

This was caught by John and I just love it... totally different from our norm. The sun was beaming in on Michael's ring which now adorns his ring finger. Great shot John!

Couple more Kelli shares...

John and I drove out to New Smyrna on Friday for the weekend, and stopped into Nandi and Jason's on the way to do Bodhi's newborn session. They wanted some beach shots, so we ended up going there at the end of the session. Kelli was in the area so she met up with us for some beach shots with the babies. I missed getting one with her of baby C thus far, so I was thrilled to get these! I asked if she thought she could manhandle two babies at once... little Bodhi is so small in comparison to our munchkin. And I have to sit back again in awe of Kelli and the care she provides for women. I mean what OB would EVER come out to do this (much less the BEACH) with their clients?? She has become more than a midwife to us, she's become a friend, and is like family. Had to share these... loved this moment and that we were able to get such special shots for her in such an amazing place!

Whew... what a weekend!!

We decided to take the weekend OFF... something we rarely do. It was Father's Day weekend, so what a good reason to head out to the beach with our neighbors Rick and Nicole and their 3 girls. Rick's family has a place right on the water in New Smyrna and it was amazing! We got some much needed time away from the computer, away from the hubub of business and normal life, and enjoyed some quality time with our girls. I didn't get time away from the camera however, as it seemed there were photo taking opportunities everywhere! Here's some from our weekend, had some fun playing with each of the girls for photos... and low and behold they didn't even seem to mind!! We're back, back to work, and picking up where we left off. A huge thank you to Rick and Nicole for inviting us to come with for the weekend, we had a great time and really needed the time away! Hope you enjoyed your Father's Day too!!

Some night shots...

This is actually the sun... it was so bright I had to severely underexpose,
so it looks like the moon! Still a cool shot I thought...

I saw this and just had to shoot it...

The 4 oldest girls... after a long day of swimming and sand!

Since I threw everyone else under the bus with photos it was only fair I
share one of me too... with baby C.

Miss S, gosh she is so stinkin cute!

John, something about his hat backwards I just love...

Happy Father's Day Babe... I Love You!

Some of J... she's growing up so fast, I'm sure her mama will agree!

Shay... she got so much sun, and loved the beach!

Poor Nicole may hate me for this, but I had to share this one!

Baby C is sitting up already! She turned 6 months this weekend!

K... those eyes can make anyone smile.

Another awesome daddy... Rick.

How do you thank someone that has changed your life??

I'm not even sure where to begin with this post... I'm feeling this overwhelming feeling of gratitude and love for my midwife Kelli Johnson. I photographed Nandi and Jason's birth with her on Saturday and Sunday and it brought back all of the reasons why I chose her to deliver our baby girl here at home. She is truly one of the kindest, most loving, and nurturing women I have ever met. She believes in you and your dreams when you can't believe in yourself, she picks you up when you fall, and all the while has this smile that just sets you at ease. All it takes is one look from her, or simply her entering the room and all is okay.

I remember when I was looking for a midwife while pregnant. I never even considered going to an OB, I just knew I wanted a midwife. At that point I was thinking a birth center. I met with several in the area, the one I really liked was too far from home, so I decided to consider a homebirth and knew Kelli would be my first choice. I had been to a birth that Kelli attended about a year prior to that, and was so impressed with her and loved her right from the start. So I just knew that she would be a good fit before we even had our formal appointment with her. John was a little leary at first, but our first visit with Kelli left him confident that it was the right decision, he bonded with her immediately and had no reservations about our choice in a care provider. I remember feeling elated after our meeting with her when he agreed to move forward in the homebirthing direction. I just felt it my heart it would be perfect!!

Every prenatal visit was like going to see a friend. I never felt rushed, never felt like I was just another client, we would often talk for an hour or more. We went to her home, where it is peaceful and one of the most beautiful pieces of property I have ever seen. Certainly a change for me from my first pregnancy where I sat in a cold and uncomfortable waiting room with numerous other women, sometimes waiting an hour or more for my turn to be seen. I loved that my oldest daughter could take part in all of the appointments. She got to help with the blood pressure, and the doppler. I was so glad that she was able to be fully immersed in the experience as well, and I think it helped her to bond with her sister so quickly, knowing that she was a part of it all.

I remember when she arrived for our birth, I was in the tub in our bathroom. Until that point I had been nervous, tense, and just feeling overwhelmed. Literally the moment she walked into the room it was like a huge weight came off, like I was able to just be in the moment, to go with it, and to let go of my fears and hesitations. I put my faith and trust in her completely that she would take care of me and my baby to assure that she came into the world in the most peaceful, safe, and loving way. My birth experience was something that I will truly never forget... it's something that has forever changed me as a woman, as a mother, and it stays with me now when I attend the births of others.

At Bodhi's birth this weekend it brought all of my feelings for Kelli back to the surface. She truly is a warrior of birth, protecting women and their babies from the traumas that birth can sometimes bring. This weekend just only reinforced what I already knew... that she is meant to be delivering babies, that it is her calling and gift to this world and the women that are lucky enough to have her care for them. Nandi and Jason had a hard birth, first babies usually take their sweet time. Not once did you see anything other than peace on Kelli's face. She was there with them, in the moment, giving all of her energy and love to them, to the process, and to their baby boy. After Bodhi was born, one by one, each of us that was there went to Kelli for a hug... and as soon as she hugged us each of us broke down into sobs of tears. It's like with her hugs she gives you the internal signal to just let it go... to let all of the emotion just spill out. She is so strong in labor that she keeps everyone else strong too, and when it's all over and everyone has a chance to breathe and really take in what's happened, she is there again to comfort you and to let go of all the tension and savor the moment.

Again I can't begin to even figure out a way to say thank you to Kelli who has cared for me, loved me, loved my husband, daughter and baby girl. It's so hard to find the words to say thank you for something that special. I mean how often does someone come along and change your life in that way? How often does someone show you the power within yourself to believe and know in your heart that you have made the right choices for your baby? How often does someone just come along and make you a better person and a better mom just for knowing them? I think back about my birth and am so proud, so happy, and so content with how it all turned out. I couldn't have dreamed of having the experience the way we did, and feeling like it was so complete and so "right". I know I have the best midwife, who has taken my fears and shown me how to get through them, who has showed me the other side of birth, and how to trust myself!

To Kelli: You have changed my life and the lives of countless others. Those of us who are lucky enough to have you in their lives know exactly how I feel. It's something most unspoken and unsaid, but definitely felt in the heart. There are no words strong enough that can express the depth of our gratitude and admiration. We love you!!!

I have attached some of my favorite photos from our birth, and from Nandi's to show Kelli doing what she does best. She is truly an amazing beautiful soul with a huge heart for her pregnant mamas and their families! If you've had the pleasure of having Kelli attend your birth, please add your comments!!

A thank you to Margie Schulz for her amazing captures of our birth (she also took some of the ones of Nandi and Jason as well!).

First heart tones check when she arrived at our house...

Supporting me as I relax in the big tub.

Maggie and Kelli doing counter pressure on my back. That is some serious teamwork!

Our baby girl, being safely brought into this world with her help.

Big sister Shaylee helping Kelli get her new baby sister all bundled up. Yesterday she told me she wants to be "Miss Kelli" when she grows up. Kelli made quite an impression on her too eh? LOL!

The patient watcher and keeper of good loving energy!

She has to get her own photos too...

Hip counter pressure, she has the strongest arms of anyone I know!
She has the stamina of a LION!

Margie captured this... I love this moment, hopefully
I comforted her in the ways she has always done for me...

I turned around and saw her doing this and knew I just HAD to get a
photo. Her poor back was hurting, so she was doing this to straighten it out.
Crazy strength she has!

Just love that calm and peaceful smile...

Getting the supplies ready... she's always prepared!

My favorite shot of her ever I think... all 3 of them just have this peace about them.
Like they know something amazing is about to happen!

HA! Made ya look!

Just a beautiful moment during a normal birth!!

Heart tones on baby...

One of my favorites of Jason... he just lost it as soon as Kelli hugged him.
I don't think there was a dry eye in the room at that point!

A HUGE Congratulations to Nandi & Jason!!!

This weekend was quite a crazy one for me... John and I had a wedding scheduled for Saturday night and I knew Nandi was due to give birth at any moment. Well Saturday morning I got a text message that labor had begun... so I got in the car and drove out to New Smyrna to attend baby Bodhi's birth. I had to leave for the wedding in the afternoon and was really torn and didn't want to leave them with an incomplete story of the day, so my good friend Margie (who photographed our birth) just happened to be visiting us for the weekend and she graciously offered to drive out so she could help while I went to the wedding. I drove the hour back into Winter Park and shot Sarah and Michael's beautiful wedding, then drove back to New Smyrna when I was done.

Nandi and Jason had a long day of labor, but it was the most beautiful experience for those that were there. Nandi was so strong and Jason was such an amazing support to her. Both grandmas were there as well and they were also amazing. One of the best parts for me was that this birth was attended by our midwife Kelli Johnson of A Mothers Nature Midwifery who also delivered Camdyn. So that in itself was extra special for me. I have bonded with Nandi and Jason since doing their maternity photos about two months ago, and they have become such wonderful friends. I am proud of what they accomplished with Bodhi's birth... it was another amazing homebirth experience I will never forget.

So a huge congratulations to them! It was an honor to be present and a part of Bodhi's birth. Stay tuned towards the end of the week for more photos from Bodhi's newborn session. Another HUGE thank you to Margie for always being there for myself and my family. She is a true friend and such an important part of our lives!

And yes another cutie patootie newborn too!

Welcome Angelica!! She was born 8 days ago and was welcomed home by Andrea and Scott. I did Andrea and Scott's wedding two years ago, and was delighted to be able to do a newborn session for them in their home. Here's a few of their princess baby! She's so beautiful!!!

Wow...another beautiful maternity!!

I've been so blessed lately with these drop dead gorgeous beauties who have come in for maternity photos. Alana is one of them... she's 34 weeks, but you'd never guess that she is that far along. She and her husband Don are expecting their first baby boy who they will name Lance. I'm sure with parents this gorgeous he'll be a cutie as well! Check back in July for his newborn session! Here's a few from their session!

Sawyer's Newborn Session!

Gosh this little dude is so cute! I went for a visit to Kelli & Roja's on Monday and did Sawyer's newborn session. He was nice and sleepy and we were able to move him around without bothering him too much. I always love doing sessions in people's homes... I just think it's so much more personal. Here's a few from his session.

Quickie preview for Johanna & Ozzie!!

Here's a preview of Johanna & Ozzie's wedding. They are headed on their 55 day honeymoon backpacking trip tomorrow so I wanted to make sure to share a few! It was a crazy day. It was hot, rainy and humid, hello Florida in May! It was a beautiful wedding and everyone still had a great time! More to come very soon!



:)

Welcome baby Sawyer!!

Congratulations to Kelli & Roja! Little Sawyer man was born on Monday at 10:31 am and weighed in at a whopping 9 pounds 7 ounces! He's quite a big dude and so stinkin cute already! He looks a lot like his daddy and has a ton of hair! I'll be doing his newborn session on Monday, so stay tuned! The first shot cracks me up... that is Kelli headed into the OR. Her last hurrah with her prego belly!

Lesley and Brent... married in St Pete!!!

This was a VERY fun wedding. We drove down to St. Pete to do Lesley and Brent's wedding last Friday. We spent the night in the very beautiful and swanky Vinoy Hotel. It was a beautiful day and we really enjoyed getting out of town for some fun!! Lesley and Brent looked amazing! Here's a few photos from their day... more to come!!

And oh my goodness... their cake was one of the coolest cakes I have ever seen! Little mini cakes all arranged into one big one. John had the idea to light it up from behind with our video light... the cake glowed, it was just too cool! And it was soooooooooo DELISH!!!

Email down...

If you have tried emailing me at cristy@cristynielsen.com it is not working properly right now. I am in the process of switching servers so some things are taking longer to propagate. Please try emailing jcsnielsen@earthlink.net if you need to get a hold of me immediately.

The regular email address should be back up and going sometime this afternoon. Thank you for your patience!

Call out for Models!!!

We are currently looking for models for a fashion designer that we will be working with sometime in June. We are looking for women who are more petite and a size 2-6, and men who are 5'8" - 6' tall and slender to medium build. Latin or Hispanic look is preferred as this is a Latin inspired clothing line. You will receive copies on CD of all images taken of you. Please submit a headshot and full body shot for consideration via email to cristy@cristynielsen.com .

Kelli and Roja... maternity!

Meet Kelli and Roja, Kelli does our hair, gotta love her! She has such cool funky style and she's an awesome person! I will be at the hospital with them as they have their little boy on Monday, so say a prayer for them! Here's a few images from their maternity session. One more week guys! Enjoy every last minute of your pregnancy!

Why you hire a professional photographer for Mother's Day...

This was posted on my photography board... thought it was too funny and had to share.

Ahhh... we got family photos done!!

Yes even the photographers get family photos done on occassion! Last Friday we hooked up with our good friends Chad and Mary Beth North of North Star Photography. We all exchanged services for some family photos and they turned out great! Their 12 year anniversary is coming up this summer and they wanted some for the party they are having to celebrate, so we all decided to get a move on it and get some done too. Thought I'd share... thanks MB and Chad for helping us create some rockin images for our walls! YAY! Here they are!

Had to share this video of my friend Julie!!

My friend Julie Williams in Utah was featured on the news for her efforts in volunteering for Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep. This organization has a network of photographers for bereavement photography for babies who pass away at birth or are still born. Often these are the only photos that families have of their child. To view the video, click HERE and HERE... there are two segments. It's such a beautiful story and tribute to Julie who many of you have met.

:)

Miss Lilie... Please read!

Meet Lilie... she is 18 months old and struggling with numerous health challenges. I was honored to photograph her and her family who were visiting from Wisconsin this past week. Yesterday I drove out to Daytona beach to do her session. Here's a few preview shots of her session. She's such a beautiful baby girl! I will have the rest of the images up sometime early next week, so please keep checking back to see the rest! To learn more about Lilie and her story, please visit her site on Caring Bridge.

Nandi... stunningly beautiful!

This is Nandi and Jason. I had the honor of photographing their pregnancy last night in New Smyrna Beach. They will be having a homebirth with Kelli Johnson of Mother's Nature Midwifery who also delivered our baby girl as well. I'm so excited for them and can't wait to see their new baby soon! Here's their session!

Why Does Custom Photography Cost More?

I loved this article by Marianne Drenthe... I often find myself at a loss for words when explaining to people just how long a single session takes from start to completion for my clients. This is a prime example of a regular portrait session, so if you can only imagine what a wedding entails in editing and what photographers call "back end" time. With both John and I shooting for 8+ hours at an average wedding, when you think about just the editing of the images, and then add in album creation, the amount of back end work is often upwards of 80 hours per couple! Good thing I love what I do and enjoy that part of it as well. Just thought I would share this... it's quite an accurate account of just how long everything does take!

:)

February 27th, 2008 by Marianne Drenthe of Marmalade Photography, Chicago

Digital technology is brilliant. The digital revolution has brought amazing flexibility and amazing amounts of control for the photographer, the hobbyist, the professional, the amateur. With flexibility comes a price though. Camera equipment is still considerably more expensive when you factor in its’ lifespan, the need for additional resources for processing those images, the time it takes to get a usable image and the effort that goes into all of this.

Even though you pay $1.99 for a print at your local drugstore and paying for film is pretty much a thing of the past (although you still pay for memory) you may be wondering why you may pay upwards of $40, 50, 70, 90 for a custom photography print. Some photographers hear this statement every once in awhile:

"How in the world can you charge $60 for an 8×10 if it costs me less than $2 to print at the local drug store?"

The answer is multifaceted and has a lot to do with the time, aforementioned equipment costs, artistic vision and reputation of the photographer, expertise and the usual costs of running a legitimate business.

TIME of the CUSTOM PHOTOGRAPHER:

Approaching it from a time standpoint, for instance let’s imagine if you will that you have hired a photographer who has work that you love and that is travelling an hour to your on location session. TIme break down:

• session prep time (30 mins - 1 hour, includes equipment and back up equipment checks + vehicle checks)
• one hour travel time TO session
• 15-30 minutes prep time at client’s home
• 90 minutes-2 hours with client photographing subject
• one hour travel time FROM session
• 30-45 minutes uploading time from digital cards from camera to computer
• 30-45 minutes time spent backing up the original images
• 2-5 hours editing time to present you with a diverse gallery of edited images
• 1 hour prep time getting ready for ordering
• 2-3 hours time with client for ordering images
• 1 hour sorting through and checking order
• 30 minutes-1 hour prep time for delivery
• 30 minutes-1 hour getting order shipped
• any additional phone time or time needed for add on ordering, shipment issues, quality issues

As you can see, average client time for a session ranges from just under 13 hours to 19 hours dependent on the photographer’s level of service. This is time dedicated only to your session. When the photographer charges $150-$300 for the photo shoot you are not just paying for the two hours of session time, you are paying the photographer for 12-19 hours complete time for your session.

COSTS of the CUSTOM PHOTOGRAPHER:

Regarding equipment costs, a good quality professional camera with a selection of good optical quality lenses and digital storage mediums and computer set up can run from $10,000-$30,000 costs dependent on the photographer. Even though you can purchase a really good quality digital SLR for about $2100 there are still other costs related to photography. A good lens for portrait photography can run up $900 to $2500. A dependable computer system with software loaded for business and creative usage can run $2500 to $8000 dependent on the photographer.

Then come lab costs for specialty products. A good photographer knows the lab is integral to their success. Photography labs dedicated to the professional photographer often cost more and offer a range of products that allows the custom photographer to continually offer new, innovative products for you, the discerning client.

Discussion other costs of running a photography business could take awhile so we’ll skip the intricate details. There is of course much more: including costs of running the business, taxes, studio rental/mortgage if the photographer has ownership of a dedicated studio, vehicular costs, costs of advertising/marketing, costs of sample pieces that the photographer will likely bring to your session, etc.

APPLES to ORANGES:

Often times clients will mention to their photographer that X studio in the mall/department store only charges $25 for an 8×10 or they may mention other things related to discount photography chains. The fact is those discount chains make their money on volume, not on customized 1:1 service. According to several articles at the time, did you know that in February 2007 a rather well known discount department store that started in Arkansas closed down 500 of their portrait studios across the nation? The reason is simple, you cannot make money on 99¢ "professional" prints if you do not sell enough of them. Interestingly enough - those same studios that offer the loss leader packages often charge much much more for their a la carte pricing (as high as $40-50 for an 8×10). The whole reason the big department stores began offering portrait studios in the first place was to get you, the savvy consumer, in through their door so that you could spend more money with them in other departments. Your "PORTRAITS" are considered the true "loss leader".

Going to a chain studio, as a consumer, you don’t have the benefit of 1:1 attention for 2 hours at your home where your child is allowed to explore, play and be comfortable in their home environment, nor do you get the experience that many custom photographers are known for or the lovely captures of natural expressions. You simply get a bare bones, "SAY CHEESE" experience. Keep this in mind when selecting a photographer.

REPUTATION/EXPERTISE of the PHOTOGRAPHER:

Being in demand, being well known for quality work, having a good reputation often costs time on the photographer’s part. Their expertise comes at a cost, their time learning their craft and learning the intricacies of lighting and the commitment put forth on their end to create a persona about their business that oozes professionalism. A great number of photographers go a very long time from the time that they purchase their first good camera to making money at the business of photography. Many photographers, when first starting out, rush in thinking that the business will be easily profitable in no time, how expensive could it be to get a camera and use it to create their dream? They often neglect to factor in the cost of business, the cost of equipment, software, back ups, etc..

Being of sound reputation, a better professional photographer knows that they must always reinvest in their business to create the reputation of being top notch. To create good work good equipment, reliable equipment, back up equipment is a necessity. The photographer who desires to be known as better/best/unparalelled reputation-wise knows that the most important thing they can do for their business is reliability and dependability. This is how reputations get built. Good work often is a wonderful side product of building that good reputation.

I hope this (lengthy) article helps shed some light on WHY a custom photographer is a better choice for your family’s memories. The photographs that are produced as a result of the professionalism and dedication that your photographer has will be cherished for a lifetime (or more) and great thought and consideration should be placed into hiring who is right for your family’s most precious investment.

Had to share this...too stinkin funny!

Yesterday I was trying to get our oldest daughter to clean her playroom, something that is always a challenge and brings out a serious case of the grumpies with her. I thought I would turn it into a game and "race" her to see who could clean up the fastest. So I said "ready, set, GO". As soon as I said that the baby literally freaked out, and the pouting and fussing ensued. I wondered why she was so upset, and why that would bug her so I said it again, and YUP she got upset again... then of course it was so cute that it was funny. Poor girl just got tortured by mama so I had to get it on video. So here it is... her little pout in all it's glory. Seriously who would think that ready, set, go would freak a little one out so much!
And a close up of Miss Pout!

Natalie & Robeson's Wedding!

Last Saturday we shot a beautiful wedding for Natalie and Robeson. It was such a gorgeous day outside and everything went off without a hitch. It was a ton of fun and they both looked amazing! The wedding was at Winter Park Baptist Church, and reception was at Maison Jardin in Altamonte Springs. They left for their honeymoon on Sunday, but Robeson kept it a surprise from EVERYONE! So no one has any idea where they are right now... can't wait to hear where they ended up once they get home! Here's a few photos from their wedding, more to come soon!

Photographers are crazy...lol.

Someone posted this to my photography group this morning so I thought I would share. I've gotten some crazy photos of John shooting in really weird situations, laying on the ground, shooting funny things, etc but this was cracking me up!

CLICK HERE TO CHECK IT OUT!

Cheers! Happy Monday!

Amy & Hunter!

These guys were such a blast to work with. They got engaged in January and we did their session at Hunter's family's lake house where he proposed. It was a fun shoot, and we really enjoyed working with them. They are getting married in December in Dallas, TX. We'll be doing Amy's bridals in the fall as well. It was a really beautiful day for a photo shoot, a bit windy, but we made it work. As we were leaving we got John's truck stuck in the sand and it took John and Hunter about 20 minutes to get it out! That was a first... we've been stuck in snow before, but never sand! Here's their session, such fun!

Girls Night OUT Parties!!!

CNP will be offering Girls Night Out parties for intimates sessions. Each $225 session will include a half hour of shooting time, and a 20 page 5x7 softcover book of your favorite images. Each book is custom designed, all images in the book are retouched, and make great gifts for that special someone in your life.

Kelli Durrant, Winter Park's fabulous makeup artist and hair stylist will also be available upon request. These sessions can take place at the studio or in your home. A minimum of 4 ladies will be required to book a party. As a hostess if you book six or more of your friends your session and book are complimentary. We'll have wine, chocolate, and a ton of fun! If you've wanted to have a intimates session this is the time to do it, and it will save you $450 off the normal rate.

All ladies must pay for their time slot in advance. If you are requesting hair and makeup assistance, that will need to be requested in advance as well. Please call 407-619-1359 to schedule your evening of choice and gather your friends for some fun!

Trash the Dress! Looking for former brides and models!

Hi there ladies!

So I am finally getting around to wanting to schedule some Trash The Dress sessions. If you don't know what I am talking about please go to Trash The Dress!

I would love to do several sessions in April for some of my former brides and models that would like to wear their dress one more time for the sake of art. While your dress may get dirty and need cleaned afterwards, we won't "trash" it literally. Brides and models must be willing to get wet, possibly in a hot springs, beach setting, etc. And also looking for a few "urban" type looks in downtown Orlando during the day, at night, in alleys, etc. Those that participate will receive a printable disk of their images in exchange for allowing us to play. We are looking for shots to submit to the Trash The Dress site, for our website and for samples of our work. All brides and models must sign a release for us to display the images in order to be considered. We are going for "out of the box" looks, sexier and not your average bridal session.

If you are interested please zip me an email back and let me know which days and times are good for you. I'd love to get a group of brides together for a shot with several brides in one image. Saturday afternoons and evenings in April are preferred. Thanks for considering this, and hope to hear back from you!

:) Cristy

A Horse, An old Jag, A MoPed, and a Sunset!

Ozzie and Johanna ROCK! They were sent to us from Jenny & Brian whose wedding we shot last year. Ozzie was a groomsman for Brian. They were so fun! We did these at the Johanna's parents house and Max her horse has been hers since she was a child. The weather was cold today...brrrr...and very windy! Gotta love it when couples do what you ask... I told them to kiss and *ahem*... I blushed they got it sooo right...lol. Their wedding is in late May, so stay tuned! Here's their engagement slideshow!

A plea for help...

Imagine having a beautiful child.
Imagine finding out your beautiful child won’t survive past two years old.
Imagine having ONE wish for your child.
Imagine everyone banding together to make the wish a reality.

This is the story of Lilie’s family, and this is me (and hopefully all of you), committing myself to find a way to make this happen! Lilie is terminally ill. She has been diagnosed with GM1 Gangliosidosis. It is a rare, incurable lysosomal storage disease (enzyme deficiency) that will ultimately take her life by what research shows. . . by the age of two. She will continue to degenerate, go blind, have seizures, and eventually lose all ability to move and succumb to this disease. She is all but blind and her mom (Jen) is spending her last days enjoying what life is left in her daughter.

All Jen wants to do is take her daughter to the Ocean before she dies and Make a Wish will not grant them the wish because she is under two and they believe that Lilie will not get any benefit from it that it would only benefit the FAMILY… Jen is devastated.

Visit their Caring Bridge page here: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/lilieclark

This family is a dear friend of a good friend of mine. I’m asking for your help. Myself (along with a couple photographer friends of mine) would love to be able to get them to Florida. If we can get them to Florida (there are 6 in their family), they can stay with family…but with tons of medical expenses, right now it just isn’t possible.

So I’m asking for your guys’ help….anything that you could donate to this fabulous cause….$5, $20, $500…I get approximately 500 visits to my blog daily, if each person donated just $10, we could have $5000 in just one day…that would be A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!! Put yourself in their shoes, imagine having one last wish for your child.

I have set up a Paypal account for the donations. If you are willing to help out, please go to Paypal and send funds to the following address sulrich@neb.rr.com.