I'm not sure why this is forgotten or not realized but that's OK, I'll remind.
Lately I've been getting a lot of folks wondering why they can't reach me on the weekends and seem a bit antsy. The same with why I can't always set up meetings on weekends and if I do, the times seem don't work with everyone. The fact is, I work weekends, that's what wedding photographers and other vendors do. I do my best to accomadate answering emails as promptly as I can and set up what works best but it's just the way it is. For example: If I have a wedding on a Saturday, most likely it will go til around midnight, sometimes later, plus the drive home. Usually I am exhausted after a wedding and need to sleep in and rest to catch up on sleep when possible. So if I make an appt on the following Sunday or Monday, it may not be until late morning, afternoon or evening. I have made acceptions and it's fine, just be aware that you may not hear from me on Fridays, Saturdays and/or Sundays.
Thank you! :)
MY CURRENT PROJECT: Williams Wedding, website updates and paperwork organizing
SONG STUCK IN MY HEAD: Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond (I'm so tired of this song!)
CRAVING: ?
NEEDED A MOMENT: A week of discoveries and amazingly disturbing things
BEST MOMENT: Getting business paperwork done
Friday, July 31, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
When it rains...
it pours.
MY CURRENT PROJECT: Williams Wedding
SONG STUCK IN MY HEAD: I Ran (So Far Away) by A Flock of Seagulls
CRAVING: nothing
NEEDED A MOMENT: where do I start?
BEST MOMENT: What is up with the P.O. Box? lol...
MY CURRENT PROJECT: Williams Wedding
SONG STUCK IN MY HEAD: I Ran (So Far Away) by A Flock of Seagulls
CRAVING: nothing
NEEDED A MOMENT: where do I start?
BEST MOMENT: What is up with the P.O. Box? lol...
Friday, July 24, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Life Through A Lens - Nicole Egan
I am so proud of my friend, photographer, mentee, assistant, and other times vent buddy, Nicole Egan. Many of you already know of Nicole through doing photography with me at some of the weddings I've captured and others may recognize her through her own wedding I did back in June 07. I'll never forget how Nicole and I met because I missed a meeting with her, not once, but twice when she was hiring me to do her wedding. Finally the third time I made it and she told me her interest in photography then. Like many meetings she expressed her love for photos but it was different because we connected and there was something unique about her. In the end she never gave up on me and I never gave up on her. Over the years we became close friends and I believe we will always share the love for extreme creative photography. Nicole eventually started her own business and created a website to display her portfolio. Check out her latest photos of a recent wedding she did as well as many other occasions: www.lifethroughalensphotos.com
MY CURRENT PROJECT: Finishing Pendergast Wedding
SONG STUCK IN MY HEAD: Surrender by Cheap Trick
CRAVING: tomato sandwich and corn on the cob
NEEDED A MOMENT: sounds like there is a monkey next door?
BEST MOMENT: Seeing Nicole come full circle on her own with artistic photography
MY CURRENT PROJECT: Finishing Pendergast WeddingSONG STUCK IN MY HEAD: Surrender by Cheap Trick
CRAVING: tomato sandwich and corn on the cob
NEEDED A MOMENT: sounds like there is a monkey next door?
BEST MOMENT: Seeing Nicole come full circle on her own with artistic photography
Monday, July 20, 2009
Tip: If you have a wedding site of your own...
Please share with me. Especially if we are communicating over email or long distances. I love to see the photos and directions for things, it's a great way to keep in touch!
MY CURRENT PROJECT: Pendergast
SONG STUCK IN MY HEAD: When I'm 64 by The Beatles
CRAVING: coffee
NEEDED A MOMENT: i didn't even notice!
BEST MOMENT: chatting
MY CURRENT PROJECT: Pendergast
SONG STUCK IN MY HEAD: When I'm 64 by The Beatles
CRAVING: coffee
NEEDED A MOMENT: i didn't even notice!
BEST MOMENT: chatting
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Instant enemies
Officiants. If you are unfamiliar with this term it means the person that is marrying you that leads a service or ceremony. Whether it be a Judge, Notary, Justices of the Peace, Celebrants, Reverend, Paster, Preacher, Priest, Friend, Professor or other religious bodies.
As a professional photographer, they either work good with you or don't. There really isn't any in between. Not all of them are bad or hard to work with, in fact, I'd say overall, they are fun and open to what I do. But the ones that have a bad hair day, forget it! I understand they may have had bad experiences with prior photographers or videographers but there is no good done by anyone with yelling or scolding without even knowing who we are individually and how we work. But it happens and quite often. At least a few weddings a year I get yelled at, literally, before I can even raise my hand to introducing myself. It's like a camera is an instant threat if you wear one. I'm never ready for it and it's always ironic to me because most are supposedly so called religious "caring" figures or icons, yet they are just plain uncaring to me and treat me like dirt that has no brain or feelings. It's like one of those things that front of the bride & groom they are pleasant as can be but as soon as the bride/groom leave the room they give you an evil eye. Very freaky movie-like. As I write this, it in no way reflects the bride and groom in ANY way, so never feel like it's your fault.
I had one yesterday in fact and that's why I've decided to vent about it. He told me to stand in one place only with no movement, which is fine, I can do that. Although the term movement has many different meanings to me. As they run through my mind I'm thinking, can walk over one step to center myself? There is movement in place: up, down and turning, can I do that? Can I breathe? Be specific dude. So then he proceeds asked me what I normally do while taking photos. So like any human, I started to answer and show my routine (in the one selected spot chosen) and I said I'll do my best from this angle and he raised his voice in front of guests and yelled "I'M NOT ASKING YOU! I'M TELLING YOU!!!" And then I think, "Well excuse me for being nice, now I want to purposely offend you because you're being a big jerk!" I just don't understand why we can't work together and find balance, what happened to make him so bitterly opposed?
I am one of those people that if you respect me, I'll respect you but the moment you set me off, I'm done. The only reason I don't leave at that point is because I realize that I was hired and it's not my day. Otherwise, I would walk out so fast and not cover it at all. I think it's extreme to treat others working that day like dogs and it's just plain not right. It used to effect me greatly and I'd cry when I got home and take it personal but now I shrug it off, it's no big deal, I'm used to it and I've hardened over the years. I realized, it's not me, it's them with a power trip. Along with all the other photographers in their world that chose to push their boundaries and ruin it for everyone else.
I have an understanding. I know how distracting movement can be so I limit it without request. I know how flash can blind you for a split moment when your trying to read so I try to flash when the reader is looking away or use indirect flash to help when possible. I know all these things so I do my very best while keeping in mind that I was also hired to do my job and I can't not take photos. I've had ceremonies that don't allow any photos taken, fine for me, maybe not for you but you should find out before your wedding. I've had some that allow flash only during the beginning and end with the wedding procession and recessional, which I listen. I'm pretty respectful and easy to work with so I don't understand why I get judged based on others' actions, it's truly unfair. But with all jobs, I deal. I am a true believer in letting things go but if it effects you from what they request, I refuse to take the blame when I know I could have done my job differently.
All in all, just keep in mind, it's not always rosy behind the scenes and I may mention there is "tension" or set rules have been in place so you are aware of the outcome of your photos and the reason behind it. I will never go into detail because I don't want to stress you out on your day, you have plenty of other things to worry about and to enjoy.
MY CURRENT PROJECT: Pendergast Wedding
SONG STUCK IN MY HEAD: Calabria by Rune
CRAVING: light food and refreshing drinks
NEEDED A MOMENT: phone
BEST MOMENT: feeling balanced
As a professional photographer, they either work good with you or don't. There really isn't any in between. Not all of them are bad or hard to work with, in fact, I'd say overall, they are fun and open to what I do. But the ones that have a bad hair day, forget it! I understand they may have had bad experiences with prior photographers or videographers but there is no good done by anyone with yelling or scolding without even knowing who we are individually and how we work. But it happens and quite often. At least a few weddings a year I get yelled at, literally, before I can even raise my hand to introducing myself. It's like a camera is an instant threat if you wear one. I'm never ready for it and it's always ironic to me because most are supposedly so called religious "caring" figures or icons, yet they are just plain uncaring to me and treat me like dirt that has no brain or feelings. It's like one of those things that front of the bride & groom they are pleasant as can be but as soon as the bride/groom leave the room they give you an evil eye. Very freaky movie-like. As I write this, it in no way reflects the bride and groom in ANY way, so never feel like it's your fault.
I had one yesterday in fact and that's why I've decided to vent about it. He told me to stand in one place only with no movement, which is fine, I can do that. Although the term movement has many different meanings to me. As they run through my mind I'm thinking, can walk over one step to center myself? There is movement in place: up, down and turning, can I do that? Can I breathe? Be specific dude. So then he proceeds asked me what I normally do while taking photos. So like any human, I started to answer and show my routine (in the one selected spot chosen) and I said I'll do my best from this angle and he raised his voice in front of guests and yelled "I'M NOT ASKING YOU! I'M TELLING YOU!!!" And then I think, "Well excuse me for being nice, now I want to purposely offend you because you're being a big jerk!" I just don't understand why we can't work together and find balance, what happened to make him so bitterly opposed?
I am one of those people that if you respect me, I'll respect you but the moment you set me off, I'm done. The only reason I don't leave at that point is because I realize that I was hired and it's not my day. Otherwise, I would walk out so fast and not cover it at all. I think it's extreme to treat others working that day like dogs and it's just plain not right. It used to effect me greatly and I'd cry when I got home and take it personal but now I shrug it off, it's no big deal, I'm used to it and I've hardened over the years. I realized, it's not me, it's them with a power trip. Along with all the other photographers in their world that chose to push their boundaries and ruin it for everyone else.
I have an understanding. I know how distracting movement can be so I limit it without request. I know how flash can blind you for a split moment when your trying to read so I try to flash when the reader is looking away or use indirect flash to help when possible. I know all these things so I do my very best while keeping in mind that I was also hired to do my job and I can't not take photos. I've had ceremonies that don't allow any photos taken, fine for me, maybe not for you but you should find out before your wedding. I've had some that allow flash only during the beginning and end with the wedding procession and recessional, which I listen. I'm pretty respectful and easy to work with so I don't understand why I get judged based on others' actions, it's truly unfair. But with all jobs, I deal. I am a true believer in letting things go but if it effects you from what they request, I refuse to take the blame when I know I could have done my job differently.
All in all, just keep in mind, it's not always rosy behind the scenes and I may mention there is "tension" or set rules have been in place so you are aware of the outcome of your photos and the reason behind it. I will never go into detail because I don't want to stress you out on your day, you have plenty of other things to worry about and to enjoy.
MY CURRENT PROJECT: Pendergast Wedding
SONG STUCK IN MY HEAD: Calabria by Rune
CRAVING: light food and refreshing drinks
NEEDED A MOMENT: phone
BEST MOMENT: feeling balanced
Friday, July 17, 2009
A New Look at Boudoir
Here is a great PDF article link on boudoir photography.
www.ppmag.com/current_issue/pdfs/0907/0709divas_web.pdf
www.ppmag.com/current_issue/pdfs/0907/0709divas_web.pdf
Thursday, July 16, 2009
FAQ: What time do you want me to do my hair?
For a while I thought this was only going to be asked a couple times but it looks to be an on-going question so let me address it.The answer is: I have no idea. I'm not being sarcastic here, I'm being honest. Because I don't know your hair type or hair dresser and how long it takes them, along with what style you are doing. Even if I did know the style, I'm not a hair dresser, that's their expertise. I leave that up to you two to determine. I just show up and take photos of it in any shape or form. You could be half ready and the show must go on! Some want photos of their hair being done, some want photos of their hair after only. Some want make-up being put on and some what it already on when I arrive. Up to you.
I cover up to 2 hours of getting ready, what you do in that time is up to you and I take photos as it happens. If you want formal photos taken of girls only, allow a half hour for them before the ceremony or before the limo picks you up. If you want formal photos done of you and your future husband before the ceremony, push getting ready up by 1-1.5 hrs before the ceremony starts or the limo picks you up. Simple as that.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Happy 70th Birthday MOM!
Wish we could be there. You may be miles away from me but you are always close to my heart. Enjoy your day and we love you!
Holly & Jim
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Announcement: 108 Weddings!
I was just thinking the other day that I should be around my 100th wedding captured... and sure enough eight weddings ago we reached it! Mr. & Mrs. Welliehausen was our 100th wedding!
It's you but it's not.
What happens when editing goes too far? It's in every photographer magazine I see and it bothers me. I am a true believer that you are who you are and it is very hard for me to understand those that what to be someone they are not. I mean, after all, they did marry you and not someone else. Everyone sees you as you are, wouldn't it be strange to show your photos and something about you is dramatically changed?
Sometimes a graphic license is misused and it is getting out of control. I see more and more filters and programs out there that are manipulating images so much that it doesn't even end up looking like the person that it's supposed to be. Making a fine line between cool and creepy. Suddenly they have fuller lips, a nose lift, no face lines and an unnatural chin. I personally cannot stand it and have hard time adjusting mentally to anything that changes them into someone different. I occasionally get a bride asking for some of these changes and I may try a small selected few but mostly I say no. Let's be honest, it's not easy to do all these enhancements and it takes a considerable amount of time. In any case, what happened to real life? What happened to being who you are and preparing for your day with diet, exercise, tanning, make-up? What is too far and what is OK? These are all questions I ask on a weekly basis. I was discussing recently with a fellow photographer friend that said most brides end up not even looking anything like themselves the day of their wedding. Where have our traditions gone and is it really a real day or is it in fact just a fantasy day?
Some touch-ups are a given and I do basic editing such as acne, lighten dark circles and decrease some wrinkles, stretch marks, shine or age spots. But I keep it real. If you are unhappy with the natural idea, please don't have me take your photos unless you plan on enhancing them yourself. I've considered in the future to only do them on request on a limited basis at an extra charge per photo. Some forget that I take an average of over 1,000 images per wedding, it can take months to do such enhancements so I would never offer every image.
I recently saw in the media about Kate Winslet, she was upset about a cover photo that was printed and the graphic artists made her into a shape she is not in real life and wanted her photo to be reprinted as the original on the cover. Finally someone stood up to this new fabricated way! I agree with her on this, although I don't think they reprinted it.
The mural of the story is, just because we can doesn't mean we should.
MY CURRENT PROJECT: Bill & Sarah Engagement Photos
SONG STUCK IN MY HEAD: Halo by Beyoncé (out to my husband)
CRAVING: to dance. and to turn the tables.
NEEDED A MOMENT: Family Court? I mean REALLY.!? So, we are cool enough for you to think you can try to get your wedding photos done for free by your ex-husband's wife but you can't approach us about your child's braces who's father has had braces twice in his life? REALLY? Wow. The sad reality is this effects JD the most, we're adults.. well some of us are.
BEST MOMENT: An awesome day with my husband 4Wling
Sometimes a graphic license is misused and it is getting out of control. I see more and more filters and programs out there that are manipulating images so much that it doesn't even end up looking like the person that it's supposed to be. Making a fine line between cool and creepy. Suddenly they have fuller lips, a nose lift, no face lines and an unnatural chin. I personally cannot stand it and have hard time adjusting mentally to anything that changes them into someone different. I occasionally get a bride asking for some of these changes and I may try a small selected few but mostly I say no. Let's be honest, it's not easy to do all these enhancements and it takes a considerable amount of time. In any case, what happened to real life? What happened to being who you are and preparing for your day with diet, exercise, tanning, make-up? What is too far and what is OK? These are all questions I ask on a weekly basis. I was discussing recently with a fellow photographer friend that said most brides end up not even looking anything like themselves the day of their wedding. Where have our traditions gone and is it really a real day or is it in fact just a fantasy day?
Some touch-ups are a given and I do basic editing such as acne, lighten dark circles and decrease some wrinkles, stretch marks, shine or age spots. But I keep it real. If you are unhappy with the natural idea, please don't have me take your photos unless you plan on enhancing them yourself. I've considered in the future to only do them on request on a limited basis at an extra charge per photo. Some forget that I take an average of over 1,000 images per wedding, it can take months to do such enhancements so I would never offer every image.
I recently saw in the media about Kate Winslet, she was upset about a cover photo that was printed and the graphic artists made her into a shape she is not in real life and wanted her photo to be reprinted as the original on the cover. Finally someone stood up to this new fabricated way! I agree with her on this, although I don't think they reprinted it.
The mural of the story is, just because we can doesn't mean we should.
MY CURRENT PROJECT: Bill & Sarah Engagement Photos
SONG STUCK IN MY HEAD: Halo by Beyoncé (out to my husband)
CRAVING: to dance. and to turn the tables.
NEEDED A MOMENT: Family Court? I mean REALLY.!? So, we are cool enough for you to think you can try to get your wedding photos done for free by your ex-husband's wife but you can't approach us about your child's braces who's father has had braces twice in his life? REALLY? Wow. The sad reality is this effects JD the most, we're adults.. well some of us are.
BEST MOMENT: An awesome day with my husband 4Wling
Monday, July 13, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
In-basket
If you haven't noticed the new in-basket page, check it out. It gives you a look into my world and work load left to do. It shows where your event is on the list and is updated every day or two. I process everyone in order to keep it fair. The only exception to this is sometimes small events such as family photos or engagement photos. I can usually squeeze those in between depending on the deadline because I take less photos for them. But I carefully analyze what is doable without throwing me off schedule too much. I've added this icon to every new page I'm working on so it is always easily accessible to you. I think it's kinda fun to see who moves up on the list!
MY CURRENT PROJECT: Tesoriero Wedding and Bill & Sarah Engagement photos
SONG STUCK IN MY HEAD: I need you by Faith Hill & Tim McGraw
CRAVING: more
NEEDED A MOMENT: the dempsey fish going crazy in the tank
BEST MOMENT: my sweetie sleeping
MY CURRENT PROJECT: Tesoriero Wedding and Bill & Sarah Engagement photosSONG STUCK IN MY HEAD: I need you by Faith Hill & Tim McGraw
CRAVING: more
NEEDED A MOMENT: the dempsey fish going crazy in the tank
BEST MOMENT: my sweetie sleeping
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Happy 12th Birthday Michaela
HAPPY BIRTHDAY (to my niece) MICHAELA!
I see not much has changed in expressions over the years... :)
Hope you have an awesome day!
~Aunt Holly
LMY CURRENT PROJECT: Tesoriero Wedding
SONG STUCK IN MY HEAD: Hey Sexy Lady by Shaggy
CRAVING: thirsty
NEEDED A MOMENT: <--sigh-->
BEST MOMENT: talking to mom and getting caught up on little things
I see not much has changed in expressions over the years... :)
Hope you have an awesome day!
~Aunt Holly
LMY CURRENT PROJECT: Tesoriero WeddingSONG STUCK IN MY HEAD: Hey Sexy Lady by Shaggy
CRAVING: thirsty
NEEDED A MOMENT: <--sigh-->
BEST MOMENT: talking to mom and getting caught up on little things
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Best of Michael Jackson Dancers
At weddings I see many things. Lots of great dancers... but one thing always stays consistent and never tiring. It's those that have the thriller claws, the moon-walkers, the leg twitch, biting their lip, finger snapin' and the tip-toe stance. Micheal Jackson's music has and always will be a part of weddings and as much as I am tired of hearing it in the media I have to admit a little part of me will miss the idea that a legend will be gone. The past dancers and future dances will continue and I believe his songs will live on for generations to come. Maybe his wish of peace, love and laughter already came true. Here is a collection of just a few of those captured at weddings. And to think, there are so many more that I could find but would have to search through thousands of photos. Until then; RIP MJ.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Holy crap it's been a while
Hello, let me introduce myself... I'm Holly Greene and I'm suppose to write on this blog but I haven't in sooooo long.
Well Bryona ended up going home early. She had more than enough hours in to complete her senior project... and the other part, well, you can blame Jim and I for that. Although I think she was ready to go home, this was after all, the first time she had been away from home for this long at a far away distance. I'm extremely sad but understand considering.
We did so much in the time she was here though so I am so happy we got in the most we could. Shopping (esp for purses, lol), Lake George, a rainy NYC (on Jim's b-day), Great Escape, Old Orchard Beach, ME, Quechee Gorge, weddings, photoshoots, drive-ins, our 1st pedicures, jogging and lots of talking time.
All three of us went to Maine for 4 days this past week thinking we could hang out at the beach and get some sun. Instead it was a mere 62° with fog and rain the entire time. All we came back with was a cranky attitude, depression and lessons learned. We did get to visit a really cool lighthouse while we were there though.
July 4th was nice, good weather for our party. Jim was making my first margarita of the night when it fell over and spilled on our phone. We thought the phone was going to recover only to find a blank screen but it still got calls in and out, so it was quite interesting calling into the abyss until we got a new phone set up. For the first time we watched fireworks in the rain on the 3rd which really burns the eyes so I don't recommend it.
Photos attached of our adventures. Soon I will be posting more wedding photos by Bryona through out the weddings this past month.
MY CURRENT PROJECT: Yes, still the same wedding, getting back in the groove
SONG STUCK IN MY HEAD: Cold day in July by Dixie Chicks (theme song for Bryona leaving) and a million times over: Michael Jackson songs
CRAVING: idk
NEEDED A MOMENT: drive home from Maine
BEST MOMENT: "...So does that mean I no longer have an ex-wife?"
Well Bryona ended up going home early. She had more than enough hours in to complete her senior project... and the other part, well, you can blame Jim and I for that. Although I think she was ready to go home, this was after all, the first time she had been away from home for this long at a far away distance. I'm extremely sad but understand considering.
We did so much in the time she was here though so I am so happy we got in the most we could. Shopping (esp for purses, lol), Lake George, a rainy NYC (on Jim's b-day), Great Escape, Old Orchard Beach, ME, Quechee Gorge, weddings, photoshoots, drive-ins, our 1st pedicures, jogging and lots of talking time.
All three of us went to Maine for 4 days this past week thinking we could hang out at the beach and get some sun. Instead it was a mere 62° with fog and rain the entire time. All we came back with was a cranky attitude, depression and lessons learned. We did get to visit a really cool lighthouse while we were there though.
July 4th was nice, good weather for our party. Jim was making my first margarita of the night when it fell over and spilled on our phone. We thought the phone was going to recover only to find a blank screen but it still got calls in and out, so it was quite interesting calling into the abyss until we got a new phone set up. For the first time we watched fireworks in the rain on the 3rd which really burns the eyes so I don't recommend it.
Photos attached of our adventures. Soon I will be posting more wedding photos by Bryona through out the weddings this past month.
MY CURRENT PROJECT: Yes, still the same wedding, getting back in the grooveSONG STUCK IN MY HEAD: Cold day in July by Dixie Chicks (theme song for Bryona leaving) and a million times over: Michael Jackson songs
CRAVING: idk
NEEDED A MOMENT: drive home from Maine
BEST MOMENT: "...So does that mean I no longer have an ex-wife?"
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