Monday, December 29, 2008
Ice Art
It wasn't until I was an adult learning more about photography and professional cameras to realize this was best way to capture it all along. Now I don't have to worry about flash reflections in window and the detail is amazing. Although I don't ride school buses anymore, I do live in the Northeast where ice is readily available every winter season! I hope you enjoy my Ice Art - making ice into art collection, which I add to every year. It is natures beauty captured as it should be recognized, as artwork.
See more Ice Art
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Creative juices
MY CURRENT PROJECT: Finishing up the Tritico wedding
SONG STUCK IN MY HEAD: Lay Down Beside Me by Alison Krauss
CRAVING: Coffee and comfort food
NEEDED A MOMENT: Chipper is being a brat today!
BEST MOMENT: feeling better today, think I had a small stomach flu thing the last couple days
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
Update on: Let it snow?
I tried some outside but lost patience quick. Needless to say, I wish someone would come up with a waterproof camera cover for times like these and for rain because the plastic bag idea is just not working people! I'm sure a person could make millions, I just have no time to design one.
Anyway, I tried using my telephoto lens for a change with the snow, trying for creatives, but it wasn't too successful with snow coming down that fast nor in the amounts coming down. It really blurs the snowfall more than my other lenses. Here is the coolest one, along with yet another dorky photo of me out in the snow taken with my point 'n' shoot. :)
Let it snow?
Here is a photo from the last snow storm before the ice took over, taken with our quick digital point 'n' shoot camera. I may sneak out for some of this snow fall later. And me taking a photo of myself looking like a complete dork.
Stay safe out there!
MY CURRENT PROJECT: Tritico wedding photos and album selections. Nunan wedding and engagement photos of Chris & Laura sent.
SONG STUCK IN MY HEAD: Ironic by Alanis Morissette
CRAVING: to get all the weddings done
NEEDED A MOMENT: 5-10 inches of snow on it's way
BEST MOMENT: little life reminders that it may not all go the way we planned but it's beautiful just the same...
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Like this look?
Also I did a quick Holiday header for my logo - kinda cheezy but thought it was fun anyway. Enjoy!MY CURRENT PROJECT: Working on Nunan Wedding. Bagramian and Doyle weddings complete and sent today.
SONG STUCK IN MY HEAD: Stand by me by Ben E. King
CRAVING: to use our new microwave! our old one from the 1960s died- now if I can just work on that matching 1960s stove...
NEEDED A MOMENT: technology
BEST MOMENT: window view of the snow
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Ok, I totally love this...
Feeling better today. Heading to an engagement shoot, it's gonna be cool to get some photos in the snow.
MY CURRENT PROJECT: Photo session and Doyle wedding
SONG STUCK IN MY HEAD: Baby got back by Sir-Mix-A-Lot
CRAVING: Real food
NEEDED A MOMENT: I'm such a big baby when it comes to driving at night, in the snow, any of that now :P
BEST MOMENT: Excited to treat myself to a Starbucks coffee today (haven't had one from there in months)
Saturday, December 6, 2008
A slow start
MY CURRENT PROJECT: Doyle Wedding
SONG STUCK IN MY HEAD: none
CRAVING: to feel better
NEEDED A MOMENT: oh my stomach
BEST MOMENT: realizing how nice it is to not have to call off thru a workplace when I don't feel good
Friday, December 5, 2008
Just checking in...
MY CURRENT PROJECT: Bagramian Wedding photos finished, waiting on their album prints.
SONG STUCK IN MY HEAD: Christmas music
CRAVING: time to do xmas decorating and crafts but won't happen
NEEDED A MOMENT: woodstove
BEST MOMENT: spending a couple days with my hubby
Friday, November 28, 2008
Sweet Potato Joy
MY CURRENT PROJECT: Bagramian Wedding & album selections
SONG STUCK IN MY HEAD: All summer long by Kid Rock
CRAVING: Waylon's sweet potatoes
NEEDED A MOMENT: Getting back on schedule and past family drama
BEST MOMENT: Realizing that at least I feel I know what is important in life and I'm ok with that. Learning my own faults and moving forward.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Here's the plan
MY CURRENT PROJECT: Wheeler Wedding photos, then slideshow! Michael and Rachael engagement photos done. Ordon Wedding done but waiting on album prints.
SONG STUCK IN MY HEAD: Could I Have This Dance by Anne Murray
CRAVING: hot cider
NEEDED A MOMENT: snow? and am I really over coffee? chipper squawking loudly...
BEST MOMENT: yet to happen
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Introducing...Coffee Table albums!
MY CURRENT PROJECT: Mid-way in Ordon Wedding photos
SONG STUCK IN MY HEAD: Whatever you like by T.I.
CRAVING: Dinner delivery!
NEEDED A MOMENT: prescription refill
BEST MOMENT: all the packages in the mail
Monday, November 10, 2008
Doing my best for Christmas deadlines
MY CURRENT PROJECT: Finished Ryzuk Wedding. Next is Ordon and their album selections.
SONG STUCK IN MY HEAD: Christmas songs
CRAVING: water
NEEDED A MOMENT: religion
BEST MOMENT: cider drinks
Friday, November 7, 2008
Storybook albums are here!
I still am trying to find a more simple, yet, creative name to describe the album. Or I may stick with custom design album name. Either way, it's exciting..
MY CURRENT PROJECT: Finishing Ryzuk Wedding. Sent Troy & Kate's engagement photos.
SONG STUCK IN MY HEAD: All kinds of Kenny Chesney songs...
CRAVING: Werther's Original Caramel Dark Chocolates ~ the best chocolates I've ever had & all you need is one to satisfy that sweet craving..
NEEDED A MOMENT: 10 minute eye migraines everyday at the same time each evening - weird
BEST MOMENT: Feeling like I got a lot of little things done around the house
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Vote!
MY CURRENT PROJECT: Ryzuk Wedding and also Engagement Session Photos. McCormack Wedding & Slideshow done. Sending in the morning.
SONG STUCK IN MY HEAD: Feels like today by Rascal Flatts
CRAVING: Sleep
NEEDED A MOMENT: printer & didn't know I had a new doctor
BEST MOMENT: Jim & I hanging out on a Monday & found time for a movie
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Outdated Information Vent
My vent today is about outdated material in bridal binders, newspapers or magazines about wedding photography and planning. It seems like they just pull some past 1970s article and stick it in there without ever really reading or updating it, only making sure things look nice. This makes all the vendors suffer because when we meet with a potential client (if they are using these sources) we have to answer obsolete questions that sorta pertain but not really at all anymore. Sometimes we can even tell when they are reading straight from an outdated list. Not to mention the cost of living is up from the 1970s and all their venue prices are completely off. So how is this avoided? My advice is to look a few different sources before you only go by one. Also I find the internet is a little more updated than most paper sources. The best advice of all may be to find a friend that recently got married and question them first. They will tell you what matters, what to trust, and what they would change if they could. I think they would all say overall to relax and enjoy your day and let things go. The more trust you put in vendors, the better your day & results will be.
MY CURRENT PROJECT: McCormack Wedding
SONG STUCK IN MY HEAD: Somewhere over the rainbow by IZ
CRAVING: Coffee
NEEDED A MOMENT: when time flys
BEST MOMENT: waking up to no snow, it's not supposed to snow before Halloween!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Project update
MY CURRENT PROJECT: Seney & Hausler Weddings done & sent. Peterson Wedding photos done, working on their slideshow. Next is McCormack Wedding photos & slideshow.
SONG STUCK IN MY HEAD: Wedding ballots of all kinds
CRAVING: something for lunch
NEEDED A MOMENT: can't say
BEST MOMENT: I didn't bash a vendor like I'm sure they bashed me, so I feel I'm a better person for it. :)
Monday, October 20, 2008
Fairwell to Uncle Ronny
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Studio Idea
We originally thought of redoing the basement, which is a full basement and would work out ok but it just didn't feel right putting so much money into something that we think probably won't pay for itself, at least for a very long time, especially since my main focus is weddings on location. And since we already are planning on building a garage next year, we may as well put any money towards this new idea and use the resources from that. Jim showed me the kit photo of the garage we are going to build and then I noticed the large amount of room there will be in the attic portion upstairs. (see first photo) This would work perfect, then we thought of making it red so we can also do more photos outside in all seasons! I'm not sure if the neighbors will like it but we sure will and we have the land to do it so why not?
To see what it would look like I did a quick rendering of our house in the siding we want to do, tan, with brown trim, green metal roof; and a red barn with a driveway. (see second photo)
So this is the plan for next year, new siding and a garage - that is if the economy stays ok! Buying a used older house is tough sometimes because there is so much to do and it can often feel like such a long process but it can also be fun if you have the patience.
MY CURRENT PROJECT: Finishing Seney Wedding, tomorrow starting Peterson Wedding.
SONG STUCK IN MY HEAD: Monster Mash
CRAVING: sub
NEEDED A MOMENT: phone
BEST MOMENT: wood stove
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
30 and one day
I also got to see the wonderful Fall foliage this season covering Kate & Troy's engagement session. What a view we had in all the places we stopped and tons of possibilities for backgrounds!
Here are some photos from the day.MY CURRENT PROJECT: Finishing Seney Wedding
SONG STUCK IN MY HEAD: Paper Planes by M.I.A.
CRAVING: lunch
NEEDED A MOMENT: should we do a studio or not do a studio, if so how & when?
BEST MOMENT: yesterday. & today with the card & gift from my sister Kate
Monday, October 6, 2008
In color
SONG STUCK IN MY HEAD: In color by Jamey Johnson
CRAVING: a good night's rest
NEEDED A MOMENT: why did I say that?
BEST MOMENT: a moment for myself
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Photo status
SONG STUCK IN MY HEAD: Highwayman by Willie Nelson
CRAVING: concord grapes
NEEDED A MOMENT: another water spill... :)
BEST MOMENT: A smooth work day & congord grapes
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Blog - Personal or Business?
I thought about having my blog only focused on the weddings, like all the other blogs out there for photographer sites, but I'm not feeling it. As pretty or cool as they are I can't bring myself to doing it. I know I am different than others when it comes to photography so maybe I should different in my blog too. I love every wedding I capture but for some reason writing about them afterwards doesn't come easy for me. That's why I express every wedding with the photos I take. I have yet to see another website like mine that displays every wedding they've covered, besides logging in to where customers buy prints. I'm not bashing, I'm just saying, everyone expresses themselves differently. To me, the photos are what tell the story. If a single photo is worth a thousand words than why am I writing for it?
If you've noticed, besides my FAQ's and blog, there isn't a whole heck of a lot of text on my website. It's all about the white space, or shall I say, grey space! :)
Well anyway, back to work for me. Thanks for the recent comments.
MY CURRENT PROJECT: Sweet wedding photos complete, finishing their album. Working on Mraz photos.
SONG STUCK IN MY HEAD: My made up song to Chipper using his name. lol... hey - I'm alone all day, gotta sing to someone!
CRAVING: coffee
NEEDED A MOMENT: still searching for a schedule that fits me
BEST MOMENT: sipping coffee
Monday, September 15, 2008
Explaining the process
Please keep in mind that I go through every single photo, which can range from 1,000-1,200 or more, depending on the wedding. I want to be sure all are good and cropped, and color corrected if needed. Included are blemish touch ups on most photos, the artsy ones, sepia and black/white conversions. To maintain the quality in my work, this takes time. I have yet to process 13 weddings, 3 family photo sessions and more to come. I quickly totaled a photo count in my computer files and the result is to process more than 20,000 photos!
If I have time in between (which I haven't much lately) I like to make website updates outside of regular maintenance updates, which can take about 5-8 hours per wedding after re-sizing careful chosen processed photos at web size quality.
Oh & I have a personal life to squeeze in there too... ;)
So again, thanks for your patience.
Reminder
Monday, September 8, 2008
Orange sky
All three weddings were amazing this past weekend. From the uniqueness of the Ryzuk's to the excitement of the Ordon's to the intimate setting of the Wheeler's. They were all awesome!
Enjoy a photo from each wedding!
Just a reminder that it is an 8-10 week turn-around time for all wedding photos to be complete. I promise I am working as fast as I can to finish up all the weddings during this busy season. The website is a separate priority and I would rather go through the actual photos and get those done before updating the website. I am also fitting in time in between for processing other photo sessions as well. Thanks for your patience!
MY CURRENT PROJECT: Wade wedding sent. Finishing Sweet wedding.
SONG STUCK IN MY HEAD: A Life Less Ordinary by Carbon Leaf
CRAVING: cottage cheese & chips
NEEDED A MOMENT: Couldn't find an old written down idea
BEST MOMENT: Seeing my husband this morning after not seeing him all weekend :)
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Little Lauryn
Bulk email
MY CURRENT PROJECT: Finishing Wade wedding, next is finishing Sweet wedding.
SONG STUCK IN MY HEAD: Chipper singing
CRAVING: to get things done
NEEDED A MOMENT: not letting my passion become "just a job"
BEST MOMENT: realizing that my job is my passion
Contract addition & policy changes
"It is the sole responsibility of those who sign to have written requests of any specific photographs desired before the event. Out of the Ordinary will not be held liable for any missed group photos and will do their best in getting all photos of wedding party, family and guest willing to participate and be photographed with or without the bride and groom unless agreed upon or requested otherwise."
As I have reviewed and agreed upon in person or verbally for quite some time, this will now be added to all contracts. And adhered to immediately. I do my very best at every wedding and take over 1,000 photos but somehow I have managed to miss a couple here and there. I do go to every table and try to organize groups for photos or at least get couple photos of all of those willing. Please keep in mind that not all guests are willing for photos and I do not pressure anyone that does not want a photo taken, whether it be jokingly towards me or serious, because it can be hard to tell apart. I want to remind everyone that I do not always know every family member or family tree, nor their situations, or those wanted to be photographed in any particular order and/or which persons to be photographed with or by whom. This is why I let the bride and groom know before I leave the event to make sure all is covered. One of the reasons I am hired is that I do candid creative photos capturing an event as it happens, candids are mostly requested. Weddings are considered an event and less of a studio set up scenario. As I always say in every meeting or sign up, if you want certain photos, please request in writing before the event or note on the contract.
Long story short, you hired me, grab me at your event and ask for a photo. Simple as that. It is my responsibility to take the photo and that it turns out good, it is ultimately your responsibility gather the less obvious opportunities for me to capture.
Lastly if someone else is paying other than the bride & groom, such as parents, and they have special request, make sure this is covered before or during the event coverage. And although a list is sometimes just as hard for me to go by, it's better to have an idea than not knowing at all.
On a personal level I never had God parents and all of my grandparents have been deceased ever since I could remember. So I am less sensitive to these and although I always make sure to ask if there are grandparents, sometimes the formals are rushed by either an event coordinator or DJ and it can easily be missed. Just come up to me and directly tell me: "we will need to get the photos of grandparents (or any others) during reception."
Thanks.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
smiling feet :)
MY CURRENT PROJECT: Wade Wedding
SONG STUCK IN MY HEAD: When I grow up by The Pussycat Dolls
CRAVING: A warm bagel
NEEDED A MOMENT: It's Fall already!
BEST MOMENT: It's Fall... I love Fall...
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Bessey family photos
Well I had a great time with the Bessey family photos today. It was lots of fun and everyone got involved. It was neat to have all the different personalities and combinations. Each family had their own look and I really got to mix up the backgrounds and settings. Be looking for more of their photos on my website under family photos.
MY CURRENT PROJECT: Finishing Chouinard wedding photos. Wade wedding next. Selecting Sweet wedding photos for album ordering.
SONG STUCK IN MY HEAD: Whether you like this song or not, you have to admit, it does stick in your brain! I kissed a girl by Katy Perry
CRAVING: Sleep
NEEDED A MOMENT: I feel dizzy. Is my sinuses every going to be normal again?
BEST MOMENT: A change of plans for the evening!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
My .COM "friend"
I have considered changing my website name to outoftheordinaryphotos.com but it seems more trouble than it's worth, along with the fact that it may cause even more confusion. I don't understand why their website can't be more like their full name, like: outoftheordinaryspecialevents.com or outoftheordinaryevents.com? But that would make too much sense and would be way too fair and we live in an unfair world. I guess I'll continue to lose some to this confusing mess.
Not to mention the idea that Jim & I see a whole wedding planning business in our future. And even though it's only an idea at the moment, what happens when we go for it? Change the name? For the record, I have tried making friends with them, to maybe even market each other, and they ignore me... and although I want to turn them in for using a copywritten popular song on their website, probably illegally, I won't because I'm a thoughtful person and everyone does things wrong in their life and I believe what comes around goes around. So for now I will remain defeated by the .com until the .biz becomes more known.
You may take a look and let me know what you think. It definately needs some work (like their photos are missing or behind their header but otherwise it's pretty fancy-smacy now, enough to confuse all my potential customers, that's for sure:
http://www.outoftheordinary.com/ Ok, now come back to mine! lol...
MY CURRENT PROJECT: Lewin sent. Finishing DiRenzo photos. Chouinard next.
SONG STUCK IN MY HEAD: I Can't Go For That (No Can Do) by Daryl Hall & John Oates http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vouDK-LELEU
CRAVING: more sleep
NEEDED A MOMENT: A clogged brain from a sinus head cold
BEST MOMENT: sleep
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Update on my uncle
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Uncle "Ronto"
There are 13 brothers and sisters on the Huffman side. Seems in the last two years we have been seeing my mom's side of the family passing. With only a handful left on my dad's side, it's really hard to see her side going. Ya know, reality is always there but it's still just as hard to accept it as anything else. It's times like theses that I'm also reminded of how important it is to have photos. Between this economy the way it is & digital market, it's easy to feel as a photographer that there may not have be place anymore for it. But when you want to look back, it is desperately needed. And I could kick myself for not attending the family reunions as an adult with a camera in hand.
Here is most of the Huffman Family siblings on my mom's side. Uncle Ronny in the first bottom row kneeling. My mom is in the second row, standing, second one in, blue dress & glasses. Below: Here is Uncle Ronny with his late wife, Janice.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Fabulous weddings!
Below: I wanted to share some photos from the last few weddings with captions above.
Take care and I will write again soon!
MY CURRENT PROJECT: Lewin album photos on order. DiRenzo photos next. Also trying to get web updates for everyone, thanks for patients & checking back!
Wade Wedding: Some old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.
Sweet Wedding: This Groom set the photo up holding the brides ring, a classic one I have been wanting to get. Tesoriero Wedding: Love the bare feet in the wedding dress. Mraz Wedding: Nothing says beginning of August like this unique photo with the daisies. The Grooms David & Josh: My first coverage of a gay wedding. A great opportunity for Out of the Ordinary Creative Photography! Love this photo with both rings. Check for their page coming up on my website in the next month or so.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Babies, showers and weddings
Well it's thudering so I'm gonna go and sleep!
Lots of weddings coming up ~ I am very excited! Keep checking for more updates.
MY CURRENT PROJECT: Pluta Wedding photos finished, prints for album on order. Working on Lewin Wedding.
SONG STUCK IN MY HEAD: Who'll stop the rain by CCR
CRAVING: Ice Water
NEEDED A MOMENT: my sore foot and surveys
BEST MOMENT: hugging my warm and cozy husband on a damp rainy day
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Updates
MY CURRENT PROJECT: Ordering Wilson album prints.
SONG STUCK IN MY HEAD: Take my hand by The Samples
CRAVING: mocha frappuccino
NEEDED A MOMENT: rechargeable battery shortage
BEST MOMENT: having a wonderful morning with my husband
Saturday, July 5, 2008
An incredible 4th of July
I can't wait to share the fireworks photos from the the Lewin Wedding!
Jim and I still plan on celebrating and going to see fireworks this Thursday because we both worked on the holiday. Well anyways.. HAPPY 4th of JULY to you & yours! Below is a photo of Jim, me, and my mom Charlotte on Lake Champlain taking a ferry boat back to NY state. Taken by ferry boat operator.
MY CURRENT PROJECT: Finishing up Wilson. Preparing for the wedding tomorrow. Catching up on paperwork and maintenance updates on the website.
SONG STUCK IN MY HEAD: The Heart Of The Matter by India Arie (remake for Sex in the City movie) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEFWuBAaCHU&feature=related
CRAVING: tomatoes
NEEDED A MOMENT: our old toilet
BEST MOMENT: one more step forward
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Lightning fries things
So thanks for your patience.
MY CURRENT PROJECT: Finished Clark photos and slideshow. Working on Wilson Wedding.
SONG STUCK IN MY HEAD: South park song
CRAVING: Mac salad with salt/pepper
NEEDED A MOMENT: Customer service is so gone
BEST MOMENT: Someone treating me like I wasn't dumb, thank you Jesus!