Terrano Photography

I've Decided My Specialty ...

2010-07-06T13:32:00.003-04:00

I've finally decided on my specialty, and how could I not? Newborns and children have always been something I'm not only good at shooting, but love it ♥

I wanted to take this step and make it official because I needed to get focus on one subject matter, and really work my hardest to perfect every aspect of my shooting and technique.

I'm super excited about all the new possibilities this will offer me, and I hope everyone will remember me when they're in need of portraits!

I ♥ Faces ~ Animals

2010-06-29T14:51:00.002-04:00

Opposites Attract, originally uploaded by Terrano ☼ Photography.

I love the contrast of this image, it's a simple way to get the point across that even if we look different,

we can still share a pasture ;)

I ♥ Faces - Celebrating Teens

2010-06-21T22:45:00.000-04:00

To call him outdoorsy, would be an understatement :)

Meet one of my Senior Reps for 2010

Visit I ♥ Faces for the rest of the teen entries!!

I ♥ Faces - "Babies"

2010-06-13T23:50:00.000-04:00

For those people that think having a child puts a rift between a couple

Look into the eyes of the happy, and realize they know something you don't

.... how to love ♥

This is for the babies left wondering, and the parents left longing.

Visit http://iheartfaces.com for other "Babies" entires

Senior Rep Cards for 2010

2010-06-13T20:57:00.001-04:00

Summer will be here and gone, and our fresh crop of upper classmen will be ready to set the bar higher than their predecessors. Senior Year is a huge deal, and with it will come the expectation of having your picture taken more times than you'd like to count. With that in mind, I am introducing the 12th & Final Portrait Package. Since I am an on-location photographer, I can't sell big studio sets and lighting that will be precise. I can, however, capture a personality the way it shines, and make it as economical and easy to have your portraits as I can.

The 12th & Final Portrait Package is for any High School Senior graduation in 2010, who wants unique, memorable, funky, classy, fun, or sometimes crazy portraits to have and cherish the last days of your school years. For this package, I know better than to set a time limit (I was a Senior once, and I am a girl), outfit limit, or proof limit. You will book me, get my entire day, multiple locations (if you choose), I will guide you during your shoot to achieve images both you, and your parents, will love, and in the end you will get a proof book, Senior Rep Cards to hand out, social networking images to share, and an online gallery sitting patiently waiting for you to gush, and coo over all the incredible images I have been able to capture for you. Sounds, perfect!!

Yes, I was once a Senior, most certainly a girl, but I'm also a parent ... so for all my talent, passion, time, prowess, and still making sure both you AND your teenager are happy, will only cost you $500. Yes, you did read that right, I said only $500 ... and you can stop smiling now :) I'm offering this with the understanding that other than what's listed above, you will have the opportunity to purchase all the prints you like over time, instead of one big lump sum of a package.

Parents what the best for their kids, and I want the best for my clients. So, lets get together and make some dreams come true ♥

Contact me at the webbie, or: contact@terranophotography.com ... so I can book your session, and we can talk clothing!! LOL

Anniversary Special Information and Tidbits!

2010-06-13T10:36:00.000-04:00

Whether you've been together for 5 years or 50, there's no mistaking that life is a busy, hectic, crazy thing. Parents rarely get the opportunity to take time for themselves, then look back and wish they had. That's why I've designed an Anniversary Special for this summer. A special package I put together just for that couple who is celebrating an Anniversary, regardless of how many years you've been together! You deserve to capture your happiness, and the people around you will thank you.

In this special package I put together goodies that I thought a busy, life engrossed, couple could fully appreciate. Your first goody is a luxurious Canvas Wrap, ready to be placed in your favorite spot in your home. This 11x14 wrap is a 1.5 inch design wrap around with hardware already placed for easy installation. Along with this fabulous goody, you will receive four 8x10 sized Lustre coated prints for you to either keep, or dish out to kids so they can share in your love. Last, but never least, you will also get two 3x3 Mini Accordion books, with magnetic closure, for you to keep in your purse, pocket, glove compartment, or on your desk for you to browse through from time to time and revisit your magical day set aside just for you!

Being a busy parent myself I can appreciate your time, so I strive to make all my sessions as easy to schedule as they are to enjoy :) Do you want the pride of your home felt in your images? Say no more, I can come to you! Do you want to relive a fond memory at a fun spot you two shared? I'm there! I want you to walk away from your session feeling the love, so I will do everything in my power to make that happen. I am available days and nights, weekdays and weekends to accommodate you.

Are you wanting to gift this package to a parent, from you or your siblings? I can help you with that, by splitting payment, and creating a personalized card to present to your parents! What a wonderful way to show your parents just how much you love them ♥

Contact me today by visiting the webbie, or directly: contact@terranophotography.com for available times, and questions/concerns!

I ♥ Faces - "Play"

2010-06-08T10:10:00.001-04:00

Come and Play with me, if just to see me grow

I won't be this small forever, I'll be big as soon as you know

So swing with me, and laugh, and play

While we make memories that will last after today

Visit I Heart Faces Blog to see the rest of the fun images from this weeks theme!!

Terrano Photography Newsletter - Take one!

2010-06-02T21:43:00.000-04:00

This is my first official take on a newsletter, and yes I made it entirely by hand ... if you can't tell LOL ;) I knew I wanted something of the artsy variety, but couldn't find exactly what I wanted so I took matters into my own hands. Now that I've made this one I have an entire month to work on July, so I have more information, more ideas on how to make it look just right ... and all that jazz :)

If you have any suggestions, tips, advice, etc... on what I could add or include, by all means leave me a comment and let me know! Since it was my first time, I was really battling. I tend to offer TOO much information most times, so I tried to tone it down. Then realized I might have over toned LOL

Thanks a bunch! ♥

Spin Me Mommy!

2010-06-01T14:16:00.001-04:00

Spin Me Mommy!, originally uploaded by Terrano ☼ Photography.

One of the most fun things about the summer: being at a park with fun new things to ride!! Then Mommy has to figure them out LOL I hope everyone is having a fabulous week so far!

"Why do you call yourself an Environmental Photographer?"

2010-05-17T22:08:00.000-04:00

I enjoy talking to my clients, and getting to know them. I think it's only fair that they should be given the chance to ask me about myself, my work, and my artistry in turn. I was asked what is an Environmental Photographer (EP), and why I decided to take on that title, and I wanted to talk on my blog about this.

An EP is a photographer who takes portraits in a natural surrounding, with natural settings, and natural lighting. A Photojournalist is not the same as an EP, because they normally accompany their images with a story that helps you understand the choice of the angles, and settings.

EP's do not use backgrounds, or backdrops in a normal shooting session. We try not to over use props, or toys to take away from the subject just being themselves. An EP researches and does their homework about exposure, and lighting, so that we don't have to depend on artificial lighting through speedlites, and bulbs.

My joy in photography started about four years ago when I realized I was able to transfer what I saw through the lens to an image that others could see as well. It was a moving experience, it helped me have an artistic outlet. Looking back on it now I'm proud and very happy about my evolution to the photographer I am today. I've worked hard, practiced hard, studied hard, and now I'm putting my nose to the grind hard for my dream, and being able to look back and be proud of working so hard to see that dream come true.

Now, being able to call myself an Environmental Photographer gives me so much pride, because I know that in any situation I can make results happen. It's capturing moments, and memories, how they are playing out. It's in real time, it's moments that people can look back on and say, "I remember that day, and how I felt, and why I was smiling." I love that about my job, I love being able to make something that someone can attach emotions too and have a tie that binds. It's exhilarating and exciting all at once! Capturing someone in their natural surroundings, letting them laugh, carry on, be themselves is the part of my job that gives me so much joy.

I will close with a quote ...

Juliet:
'Tis almost morning, I would have thee gone—
And yet no farther than a wan-ton's bird,
That lets it hop a little from his hand,
Like a poor prisoner in his twisted gyves,
And with a silken thread plucks it back again,
So loving-jealous of his liberty.

Romeo:
I would I were thy bird.

Juliet:
Sweet, so would I,
Yet I should kill thee with much cherishing.
Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow,
That I shall say good night till it be morrow.

For Technorati

2010-05-14T11:37:00.002-04:00

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Celebrating Mom {I heart faces.com}

2010-05-10T09:28:00.000-04:00

This is one of my favorite images of a friend and her daughter.

When I took this they were laughing so hard, they could barely talk :)

So that's the feeling I tie to this image when I see it.

Loving someone so much, you can't help but have fun with them ♥

Visit I Heart Faces to see the other "Celebrating Mom" entries!

I Heart Faces {Smiles}

2010-04-25T23:06:00.000-04:00

I think this shot is beautiful, and fits "Smiles" perfectly :)

Visit the I heart faces blog to see the rest of the funtastic entries!!

Newborn Models TFS Sessions

2010-04-25T11:38:00.000-04:00

Good Weekend All!

I've recently acquired some really cute newborn props from some of my fellow crafty Mommas, and need Newborn Models to do TFS (trade for services) prop sessions with so I can try these fun new toys out :)

The ideal model would be anywhere from 2 days to 6 weeks old, and a great sleeper! These TFS sessions would be in-home, and I am looking to schedule them during the week of May 16 - May 22nd, because I am available during the day, and will be able to travel.

Parents of these precious babes will get a free session, social networking images tagged with my watermark to share on Facebook and Myspace, original images downloaded straight to your PC or laptop, and a 20% discount on a future session, or you can choose to share your discount with family or friends.

If you have, or you know someone who as (or will have ... tehehe) a Newborn Model candidate please feel free to share my fan page, website, or email: contact@terranophotography.com. Any questions about scheduling, or location, please feel free to email me!

Thank you so much for being a fan of my photography, I can't wait to work with you!! ♥

http://terranophotography.com

It's {All} About ...

2010-04-18T11:11:00.000-04:00

The Littlest Heroes Project unveiled their exciting new project on Friday; "The Bravery Beads Project," where kids get the chance to share {the above} and make bracelets to send to children who are in need of a little encouragement and support at a most trying time of their lives. I, personally, think this is a wonderful idea for kids, and I'm already looking into putting a team together and get supplies so that we can sit down and have a "Bravery Beads" party :)

I'd be lying if I didn't almost burst with excitement to see little Miss Arayah's image on the marketing for this project. That's her, on the right, and her incredible image is making a statement ... this girl loves that :) If you're interested in finding out more about this project, please visit The Littlest Heroes Project, and get involved!!!

Photographing The Beauty of Curve{s}

2010-04-13T19:25:00.003-04:00

Curvy, Plus Size, Fluffy, Thick, Big Boned ….

However you say it, there’s no denying that when it comes to photographing a person who carries more weight in certain areas, it can be a challenge. As a plus size girl myself, I can attest to hating having my own images taken, so my thought process is how do I convince other women my size that they can trust me to make them look beautiful? The Meetup group I’m a member of was thinking the same thing, and this past Sunday, we all got together with the help of a pair of dancers to see if we could get to the bottom of this puzzling question.

Definitely the biggest challenge in photographing a plus size person is that no two people will garner the same results. Where one person might have more in one place, another person won’t carry weight there. So the dilemma is in the fact that you can come to a session totally prepped with a thousand ideas, it’s just getting down to which ones will be needed for each body type. That’s the tricky part!

For myself, I carry far too much weight in my neck. It adds pounds to my face, and I hate it. So for anyone looking to photograph me, they’d need to impress me that they could hide my most unflattering area: my neck. What you need to do is apply that idea to every woman you come across who has a problem area. You want to address it as softly as possible, maybe by saying “Do you know which side works best for head shots?” I can answer this question without thought: my left. My left side is more favorable and symmetrically balanced. Will everyone know this? No, but should they? Absolutely! If for no other reason than to get them involved in the “Working to find the best method” process.

For this I’d recommend going into “shooting a model” mode for a bit. Your primary focus at this point is their face. You want to have them sit, straight backed, facing out from a bench or seated position. Then your job is to walk directly up to them at the noon position, shoot, go to 45 degrees, shoot, then 15 degrees, shoot. Each shot try to work at really getting the most out of them as you can, get the “Duck Neck” going, move arms in front to hide problem areas, figure out if they look best while smiling/not smiling, etc… You are in essence finding out for them what angle they look best at. Then sit down, and show them what each angle looks like. Get feedback from them, and most importantly LISTEN TO WHAT THEY ARE TELLING YOU. So much can be given away just by their initial reaction to seeing a pose. Are they happy? Do they make a comment about an area they don’t like? File all of this away in your brain rolodex, so that after you’ve talked head shots over with them, you can walk out to either a studio or location prepared with the certain things they don’t want seen, and the things you see totally working for them.

Now, this past Sunday we discussed so many different ways to take a plus size persons portraits and have them walk away happy. The main thing you want to remember: They probably are NOT looking forward to having a camera on them. If this is just a random session, start out by getting down to the root of why they need images. It’s a good thing to know, believe me! If you have them set up for an engagement session or something of that sort, then this one is a no brainer, but if they came to you just needing images, why not hear their motivation? Is it for work? A reward for losing weight? It could be anything, but by knowing this type of information you know just how far you need to go with the posing.

When it comes to posing there are a ton of tricks you can use that will benefit not only plus size people, but just people in general. Posing is the trick of the trade, and if you can pose your subjects with confidence, you can get them to losing up and have more fun. On Sunday we discussed how important it is to pose a plus size woman and add as much length to her frame as possible. It’s crucial to take away any bumps, bulges, and unflattering gathering in material. These things all add weight, and that is what you’re trying to work against. If you can pose them comfortably, with long lines, and get them to relax, you have nothing but gold J

After posing comes one of the most crucial rules to shooting plus size people: Get high. The higher you are up and away from them, the more lines there are and the less chance of anything building, or bulging. Adding height to any portrait will give the lens, and the focal point, the chance to focus on your subjects face. Keep your fstop fairly wide open, around the 2.0 mark and you just helped your plus size subject look stunning by keeping it all about that gorgeous face. Use a wide angle lens, and that adds even more depth to your shot, and therefore adds more length, and that’s always a good thing.

I was a display photographer for this particular Meetup on Sunday, and my little piece of advice was using props. Props give you the freedom to pull the eye away from anything that either the subject or you want to be hidden. I took a fun umbrella with me Sunday, and with the help of one of the dancers who accompanied us, we got our subject into a sassy, fun, and lengthening pose. It got her looking curvy, accentuated her best parts, and gave her something to lean on, literally. Props also help your subject feel more at ease because they share the spotlight with something. A good friend of mine is a Pin-up photographer and I’ve watched her use everything from bed sheets, to aprons, to help her plus size subjects look completely incredible. Props are a win/win for everyone and with so many companies out there coming up with awesome ideas, it leaves so much to the imagination!

My last bit of information when it comes to shooting plus size subjects is this: treat them like human beings. I know from experience that it’s very hard to put myself on the chopping block and let people photograph me. When I see the images I nit-pick everything I hate most about myself. So, don’t take the easy way out and ignore the fact that they are plus size. Talk to them about their expectations, find out from them what they’re most comfortable having included in their portraits, and make them know that they aren’t just a paycheck for you. Treat them like you genuinely care about how they feel, that you care greatly about what they look like, and that you want nothing more than for them to have fun with you, love their images, and will tell people about how awesome you treated them.

Because in the end that’s what you want, you want them to sing your praises … you just have to figure out the notes to their song ♫ ♥ ♪

| K | My Boudoir Beauty

2010-04-10T23:38:00.000-04:00

| Sneak Peek |

from one of today's sessions.

Phenomenal Woman

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.
I say,
It's in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman

Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Maya Angelou

She Obliged Me

2010-04-09T14:04:00.001-04:00

Allie knew I needed to get my camera in my hands today.

I know she knew it because she was more than happy to oblige me today when I asked her.

After all it was her that inspired me to dream ....

When I have a camera in my hands, it's not just pieces of metal.

It's not a lens or glass brought together.

It's an extension of myself, it's my way of letting the world see through my eyes.

It's calming, and good.

Not many people can understand what this means.

They can't understand that when I have a camera in my hands my soul soars free.

I can look at the world and capture it for you the way I think it should be.

In all it's imperfect perfection.

Baby Blooms {Newborn Mini Session} Event ♥

2010-04-08T20:22:00.001-04:00

This year I’ve decided to make this a Mini Session so that everyone has a chance to be a part of the fun. Babies change so quickly and right before our eyes, so now’s the time to capture them and their ever changing cuteness! This Event is geared towards you parents who have newborns to one year, so you don’t have to share!

For this Mini Session Event you will get a full hour of shooting. The locale for your shoot is entirely up to you! In-home for the convienance of being so close to all you need for your new bloomed babe, or On-location for you Moms & Dads who have movers and shakers.

All sessions are shot in the Greater Cincinnati area, and if you live outside the Cincy Area, have no fear! Just add a $25 travel charge, and tell me where to meet you :)

For your Baby Bloom Mini Session you will get an online gallery to download all your images straight to your computer, and a fabulous Accordion Mini for you to show off your bloomin’ bundle. Here's a sample of what the Accordion Mini could look like ...

The Accordion Mini has a choice of 12 customizable panels, and a concealed magnet for soft closure.

Here is a view from the top.

The Accordion Mini's are available in 2.5×3.5" and 3×3" sizes, and on Pearl or Linen paper.

You can choose to have either a cloth cover, available in black, brown, cream, blue, pink, and red, or a custom cover with an image from your session on the front.

As if all these goodies aren’t good enough, this Baby Blooms {Newborn Mini Session} Event is only $125 ♥ Now’s the time to capture your Baby while the weather is gorgeous, and we can bask in the beautiful Natural Light nature has to offer.

I am running this event through June 5^th to give everyone the chance to book their session, so if you need a specific time slot or date please let me know!!

I look forward to spending time with your beautiful Baby Blooms!! ♥

Springing into Summer {Mini Session Event}

2010-04-06T10:48:00.000-04:00

Every year I like to do something small, and fun, to get people excited about getting portraits done. I love the choice of parks in the Greater Cincy Area, and I always try to give people 3 or more different locations to choose from. So this year I'm doing a Mini Session Event, which I thought would be fun, and more affordable for everyone. It's a Mini Session because I'll be limiting the shooting time to only an hour, and the final images will max out at 10, but I will give all my clients the ability to just download their images straight from their personal gallery. It saves everyone involved travel time, and money, because when you include prints ... the price instantly goes up. I want to avoid that, so I decided that this would be ideal :)

For anyone who is interested, some things to know about Mini Sessions is that they move fairly quickly, and there isn't usually a large amount of traditional posing. I do it this way so that I can get the most images, and have maybe 2 or 3 actual posed ones for you to choose from. It makes it fun, easier for kids who are restless, and quick for parents to pick their faves when all is said and done ;-)

My location choices this year are Ault Park: http://www.aultparkac.org/ ~~ Spring Grove Arboretum: http://www.springgrove.org/sg/arboretum/arboretum.shtm ~~ and Sharon Woods: http://www.greatparks.org/parks/sharonwoods.htm. I've done sessions at every location, so I have a very good idea of quality locales and great spots to shoot. I really love walking into a session already knowing the key spots, and with these being Mini Sessions, I thought it would make life much easier :)

I am running this Event through June 5th for those parents that want to wait until school is out to try and schedule a good day to shoot, and I'm offering both Saturday and Sunday time slots. So if you're interested, please contact me, and let me know. I am always willing and totally capable of working out payment arrangements, so don't let that stop you!! I look forward to hearing from you :)

Being Swindled and Getting Nothing Out of It

2010-04-02T14:06:00.000-04:00

Today when I got onto facebook and was doing my early morning recap I noticed a friend of mine had posted some new images of her little one. I went to the images, and was sad to see they were not of the best quality. I could see that someone with little to no real photography experience had taken these shots, and decided to ask her where she went. This is something I usually refrain from in order to not seem competitive, but this one time I sparked the conversation and she was more than forthcoming about where she got these "images", how much she had spent (or been swindled into is really a more accurate assessment), and how she wished she could "afford me" so she could have some quality work.

Affording me isn't as difficult as most people think. Especially when they have to admit to me that when they had the proverbial sit down at this studio chain, that the sales person behind the register was able to talk them into more prints than they needed, in maybe one or two different poses, adding on prices for edits and walking out the door spending well over $300 when all was said and done. To me that's pretty incredible considering I only charge $250 for a session, I include edits and most of the time will give some spunky different takes on numerous shots, and since I let my clients download their final images straight to their computer they not only spend less on the actual prints, but can choose to only have the prints they need. Add to that the fact that I always have low-resolution versions ready of the faves from the session so that they can be downloaded to all social networking sites ... and I consider my services quite a deal in comparison.

Most people will see the bigger chains as "Easier," and "Cheaper." Easier of course meaning walking into a family filled waiting area just to sit for 45 minutes waiting for their turn, to get the chance to sit down on a stark white fun filled background, be barked at to sit still, and more than likely walk away with one or two shots they find "Good enough." Cheaper can be described as what lured them into said big chain studio. That incredible $9.99 deal that oddly turns into over $300. I say all this in jest, of course, and I take no offense that people choose these chains over me, because when it comes down to it, it's each persons own right to shop anywhere they choose.

When talking to my victimized friend today I asked her if she could do it again would she go to the chain store, and she practically cyber jumped out of the IM screen with a resounding "NOOOOOO." Point made, right? LOL I think a lot of people get this grand idea that if they go to a "professional" chain studio that they will be treated like someone that matters. They think that the person behind the lens will do them justice, and that they won't at all be angry when they can't talk you into more than just the $9.99.

Unfortunately more and more people are learning the hard, and quite expensive way, that just because a photography studio is corporate owned does not in any way mean .... well ... anything at all. It doesn't mean you are getting a good deal, it doesn't mean you'll be treated well, and it turns out that it doesn't matter that you went to them at all. You spending your measly $9.99 is a thought to them, and it's gone as fast as it came. This is the difference between them, and someone who loves what they do so much that they decide to share that gift with others.

I hear from friends all the time that they love my work, and wish they could afford me. I take this both as a compliment and a frustration. I offer payment plans for hard-working people, and I'm glad to work with someone on anything. I love to shoot, I love being able to flex my artistic wings, and to me that means more than anything. I decided to make a profession out of it when I had people asking me left and right to shoot their families. I love it, I love everything about what I do. I love working with children, and families, and helping people see just how beautiful they are through my lens and my eyes.

Now having said all this, I do not intend to lower my prices. I offer sales from time to time and the occasional portfolio building deal, but lowering my prices is out of the question. My profession demands it. Keeping the light alive for all Professional Photographers deems it all important for me to not underestimate my worth. Anyone who has been a client of mine will attest to this fact. I take everything I do seriously, I make my dreams come true through the images I capture, and that is what you're paying for when you hire me. Anyone who isn't charging what they're worth is doing the business an injustice, end of story.

Everyone and their Aunt Hazel think that if they go out and put that fancy DSLR on a credit card that they are a worthy photographer, and I'm here to tell you don't fool yourself. If you could feel the pool of emotion that wells up inside me when I have my hands on my magic maker, and I've got a subject in my sights, you'd know that thinking a camera makes you a photographer is like thinking a paint brush makes one an artist. It has nothing to do with the equipment, it's the soul behind the machine that makes us what we are. Working with a professional photographer who not only loves what they do, but can make magic out of it, is one of the most rewarding experiences anyone can know. It's a match made in heaven to have a client who fully appreciates the memories we're capturing for them, and being able to soar artistically with no limitations. Are smiles worth $250? Is that image of your family having the time of their lives worth $250? Twenty years from now as your children go to college, and you look back at these images, will it be worth it?

I'd like to think so .... ♥

Dramatic Black & White - I Heart Faces.com

2010-03-28T16:21:00.000-04:00

I see my red door and I want it painted black
No colors anymore I want them to turn black

I see the girls walk by dressed in their summer clothes
I have to turn my head until my darkness goes

I see a line of cars and they're all painted black
With flowers and my love both never to come back

I see people turn their heads and quickly look away
Like a new born baby it just happens every day

I look inside myself and see my heart is black
I see my red door, I must have it painted black

Maybe then I'll fade away and not have to face the facts
It's not easy facin' up when your whole world is black

No more will my green sea go turn a deeper blue
I could not foresee this thing happening to you

If I look hard enough into the settin' sun
My love will laugh with me before the mornin' comes

I see a red door and I want it painted black
No colors anymore I want them to turn black

I see the girls walk by dressed in their summer clothes
I have to turn my head until my darkness goes

I wanna see your face, painted black
Black as night, black as coal

I wanna see the sun blotted out from the sky
I wanna see it painted, painted, painted, painted black
Yeah!

Paint It Black lyrics
Songwriters: Jagger, Mick; Richards, Keith;

I am Life

2010-03-26T19:27:00.003-04:00

I am Life, originally uploaded by Terrano ☼ Photography.

I am a breath taken and a breath released

I am an ocean wave in motion

I am an oak tree standing strong and tall

I am here, I am there, I am nowhere

I am a chord in a song being sung

I am a tear falling for a loved one

I am nonjudgemental in a judgemental world

I am fortified and filled to the brim

I am life, I am me, I am the only thing I know how to be.

My Brooding Man

2010-03-22T16:10:00.002-04:00

My Brooding Man, originally uploaded by Terrano ☼ Photography.

Most men do not like getting their portraits done ... and my husband is no exception to that. Of course having a photographer as a wife pretty much means he gets no choice ... hehehe. Photographing men gives me the chance to work in a part of photography I don't get too as often as I'd like. The harder parts, the tough man, the one we women look to for opening jars and fixing things. Men are more of a challenge than women, children or babies just because you don't have to do much to make them appear soft, and beautiful. Men want to be seen back straight, head tall, chest out ... and that can be trickier. I wish more men wanted portraits, I like the challenge the hard edged men can give.

My Sweetness

2010-03-22T15:48:00.002-04:00

My Sweetness, originally uploaded by Terrano ☼ Photography.

My sweet Cordelia enjoyed some quality one on one time with me today, and I captured her in all her sweet glory. She's been very fussy lately, and not about listening, but she's also been without me more. So I'm trying to make up for that this week ♥

"Focusing on Angles" ~ Iheartfaces.com

2010-03-22T09:34:00.002-04:00

We Only Appear Small, originally uploaded by Terrano ☼ Photography.

This week on the I heart Faces blog they are focusing on angles, so I went with this shot. I was literally on my belly, on the ground, at the lowest level possible to get this, so yes it was a challenge LOL I absolutely love the results though. I love their expressions, I love the sapphire blue sky behind them, and I love their feet ♥

Run over to I heart faces to see more entries for this weeks theme!!

I dance ...

2010-03-20T19:41:00.001-04:00

, originally uploaded by Terrano ☼ Photography.

Spring Has Sprung

2010-03-20T17:21:00.000-04:00

With Spring comes all the fabulous warm weather with it, so I wanted to put some flowery fun new marketing together. I think it turned out awesome and I can't wait to send it out! :)

Pre-Surgery Hair

2010-03-15T23:14:00.001-04:00

Pre-Surgery Hair , originally uploaded by Terrano ☼ Photography.

Honored and Excited

2010-03-14T12:18:00.000-04:00

I was contacted today by the hard working team at The Littlest Heroes Project about doing my first session with them. I couldn't believe they already had something for me so soon after I was accepted, but I see it as a sign that it is the right thing to be doing :) I am just as excited and nervous as I would be with any other session. Right now I'm waiting to hear back from this incredible family on when we can work together, and until then I'll be brainstorming ideas on things I can do to make this session really awesome. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit their website: http://www.littlestheroesproject.org/

Isn't She Lovely

2010-03-10T20:12:00.001-05:00

Isn't She Lovely, originally uploaded by Terrano ☼ Photography.

"Hilarious Outtakes" - Iheartfaces.com

2010-03-01T15:41:00.000-05:00

This was one of the most fun maternity sessions I've done to date. It was for my very good friend Sonja, and of course when you have good friends together ... nothing can be serious LMAO So this is her trying to get that "serious face" going ... and failing miserably HAHAHAHAHA!!! FUN TIMES!!!

"I Wanna Dance!"

2010-02-16T08:48:00.000-05:00

My little sugar plum fairies doing their best to "The Nutcracker" in the tutu's that I made for them at Christmas :)

Go to I heart faces to check out all the other fantasticly fun dancing photos!

Selfie Done by Yours Truly

2010-02-11T13:49:00.000-05:00

To see a bigger version, just click the image above! I was tagged on my beloved Flickr, so I had to get the camera out and do the one thing I hate ... a self portrait LOL Oh well, it could be worse. It could've been yesterday, for which I never even changed out of my pajamas due to no school, and mounds of snow! :)

I ♥ You

2010-02-08T16:42:00.000-05:00

I want to make sure I wish everyone a wonderful Valentines Day ♥ Any of you brave men out there propose, let me know and we can start talking engagement sessions and .... (eeeek!) WEDDINGS!! I have such good vibes about this wedding season, so make sure to contact me! :)

Individualism

2010-02-07T13:25:00.001-05:00

, originally uploaded by Terrano ☼ Photography.

As a natural light photographer I get asked a lot where I set up for my sessions, and how I achieve the results I garner. I'm going to use this gorgeous and much more adult looking image than I'd like to admit, image of my daughter as an example. Allisondra is only four years old, but in this shot she looks wise beyond her years. This was taken in my bedroom in front of a medium sized window, on a cold and blustery day.

The result is a nice soft ambient light splashed across her entire face. As long as you have a light source comparable to this in your home, the possibilities are endless. Allie simply sat on the edge of my bed, and I went through the motions with her of giving me different facial expressions. That's it. Of course my skill in working with natural light, and post-processing do come into play here, but the general set-up for such a striking image can be the same anywhere. It's the skill of the photographer that makes it stand out.

Mother's Day Special

2010-01-24T17:43:00.001-05:00

Mother's Day Special, originally uploaded by Terrano ☼ Photography.

Husbands, sons, fathers, brothers: If you need to contact me about a gift certificate, feel free to email me:

contact@terranophotography.com

As always, any session with me is going to be on-location, natural light, and completely laid back and relaxed ♥

Cute Is Pigtails

2010-01-17T13:26:00.001-05:00

Cute Is Pigtails, originally uploaded by Terrano ☼ Photography.

New basket props to play with makes for a happy photographer :) I have a port-building newborn session tomorrow with a friend I haven't seen in many years. Her tiny little Isabella is going to make a WONDERFUL model, and I'm so excited!! :)

Silly, shiny, toddler

2009-12-14T17:42:00.001-05:00

Silly, shiny, toddler , originally uploaded by Terrano ¤ Photography.

No matter what they might do to keep you on your toes ... you have to admit that nothing smells better than a freshly bathed babe :)

Raindrops Taste Like Candy

2009-12-02T13:23:00.001-05:00

Raindrops Taste Like Candy, originally uploaded by © Terrano Photography 2009.

My daughter is at the stage where life takes on such a grand idea and nothing is allowed to not have the word "Why?" in front of it.

Gypsy Dog

2009-12-02T13:21:00.001-05:00

Gypsy Dog, originally uploaded by © Terrano Photography 2009.

Why, hello. What's that? Oh, well yes I am the cutest dog on the planet. Thank you very much :)

i heart faces - Balloons

2009-11-02T09:08:00.000-05:00

I took this picture at my oldest daughters first birthday party. I didn't own a DSLR, or have any editing programs, and no I didn't plant the balloon that way LOL It literally was just her kicking around with it, and SNAP! That's what the camera caught :) I love this shot, she's so small, but so extremely happy. At present she's a 4 year old preschooler, so bringing this out of the vault made me quite nostalgic. She's not nearly as easy going as she was then! :)

Fix It Friday - I heart faces.com

2009-10-30T11:05:00.000-04:00

For Fix it Friday on iheartfaces.com they chose a really cute picture of a little girl in her Halloween costume. So I decided to crop it and bring her eyes more RO3's. I also treated her bruises on her legs, and her dark circles under her eyes with my dodge tool. Then I used a Totally Rad Action in "Troy" to make her skin look nice and vivacious and creamy. I also thought it would be cute to use the textures from yesterdays tutorial and add some lovely sparkles to her and render two sun flares over her shoulder. This type of edit makes her pictures look lovely and dreamy, the way a childs portrait should look!
Have a wonderful Halloween weekend everyone!

Wee Witches Roam at My House

2009-10-25T10:34:00.001-04:00

My littlest Terrano gets to go trick or treating this year, and even picked out her own costume :) Her big sister is going to be a blue fairy, so between the two of them I think we've got the entire rainbow covered! LOL ;) HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!!!

I heart faces - Eighth Place!!!!

2009-10-24T11:16:00.001-04:00

"Pink Portraits"

2009-10-06T16:48:00.001-04:00

I don't think I've been so overly excited about a new series of portrait offers. I became a participating photographer with Think Pink Photography (.org) this year and now that I am about to embark on offering up packages for it, I am simply thrilled at the idea of what I can come up with. All these ideas and images are running through my head, and I just hope that everyone else is as excited and eager to participate as me! I fully back this idea, and organization, and the opportunity to turn something tragic into something beautiful. So join me in celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and contact me so we can get all the beautiful women in your life together for a super fun, and enjoyable, portrait session!!!!

Goodbye KY, Hello VA Beach!

2009-09-29T12:59:00.000-04:00

Just so everyone is aware, I will be going on a family vacation from October 1st to October 5th. It's about time we took some time off! If anyone needs to contact me please feel free to visit the website and do so from there. I will be checking my laptop periodically, but can't promise a quick response, so just be patient! :) I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, and I will make sure to post and catch up next week.

Ta ta for now!!

Little Sisters Sweet Embrace

2009-09-25T17:20:00.001-04:00

, originally uploaded by © Terrano Photography 2009.

Yesterday I had the awesome opportunity to share a session with a soldier just out of basic training, and his family. They wanted a nice, comfortable family shoot, before he left again, so I drove down to Ft. Knox and hung out with them for a bit. It was a wonderful experience, and I wish him and his family all the luck in the world!

September 11th Tribute

2009-09-11T10:55:00.001-04:00

September 11th Tribute, originally uploaded by © Terrano Photography 2009.

In Remembrance of those lost. Forever in the sky.

{T&J ~ Wedding}

2009-09-06T12:15:00.001-04:00

, originally uploaded by © Terrano Photography 2009.

Saturday, September 5th 2009, I was honored to be apart of Tessa and Jeremy's beautiful ceremony in Lexington, KY. Congratulations to both of them, and I wish them all the luck in their future together!

Leaves are Changing

2009-09-02T14:01:00.000-04:00

I simply love fall, really I love it. I enjoy the crisp, cool air, the smell of the leaves and the changes the outdoors take on. Nothing makes a better portrait than a background that's natural and just simply waiting to be captured. This is why I always run an Autumn Session for everyone who loves the beauty of the Fall season as much as I do. This year I'm going for simple, simplify, anything that makes the whole process between me and my awesome clients go simpler. In the spirit of that I've started to use the method of giving my clients the opportunity to download their final images straight from their gallery to their computer at home. Thus providing them with the benefit of using my images in a Christmas card, or photo gift! It's very exciting for me and for anyone who happens to book a session :) No, I'm not "selling the rights" to these images, like some of my comrades are assuming. I would never do that. I'm simply giving my clients what they need this time of year; A simple way to take the beautiful portraits I've captured for them, and put them to good use! It's a match made in heaven ;)

Before & After - I Heart Faces

2009-09-01T11:04:00.000-04:00

Before ... (Canon S5 IS)

After ... (Canon 40D)

Fairytale Beauty

2009-08-24T16:53:00.001-04:00

Fairytale Beauty, originally uploaded by © Terrano Photography 2009.

This entry is provided for the I heart faces blog site (www.iheartfaces.blogspot.com) and the theme is "Nostalgia." The reason I chose this particular shot to enter is simply that I am always a bit nostalgic to the time when my mom was still alive when I see certain shots of my girls. They look so much like her at times, it's incredible. I wish she were here to see them, their smiles, and how happy they are.

2009-07-28T16:37:00.001-04:00

, originally uploaded by © Terrano Photography 2009.

My beautiful daughter having fun with me today :)

{J&B ~ Wedding}

2009-07-27T10:58:00.001-04:00

, originally uploaded by © Terrano Photography 2009.

A beautiful setting, for a gorgeous day ....

{J&B ~ Wedding}

2009-07-27T10:56:00.001-04:00

, originally uploaded by © Terrano Photography 2009.

The stunning bride ...

{J&B ~ Wedding}

2009-07-19T17:15:00.001-04:00

, originally uploaded by © Terrano Photography 2009.

On July 18th I was honored to be a part of Mr. & Mrs. Clements beautiful afternoon ceremony. Shot at an outdoor gazebo, full of pink petals and wonderful sentiments, it truly was an incredible experience. I am so proud to have been chosen to be the one to capture their emotional, and absolutely fun, day. Thank you to J&B, and here's a sneak peek!

{Kentucky Horse Park}

2009-07-12T11:36:00.000-04:00

I had the immense honor of visiting the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, and it was a magical place to be. They had a wonderful show they did with numerous breeds of horses and costumes, it was beautiful! Here are my fave shots from our day visiting at the Kentucky Horse Park!

{J&B} Engagement Session

2009-07-12T11:30:00.000-04:00

I apologize for being so incredibly behind on my blog, I've been very busy with life, kids, life, a few other things, and also sessions :) So it's all good, I will take a few minutes today and just update and load some images. Back on June 4, I was given the opportunity to shoot an engagement session with Joseph and Brooke, whose wedding I will also be shooting on July 18th! It's going to be outdoors and should be so gorgeous! These are a few of my faves from the session...

Fairy Tale Princess

2009-06-29T10:08:00.001-04:00

Fairy Tale Princess, originally uploaded by © Terrano Photography 2009.

Shining Down on Me

2009-06-02T10:53:00.003-04:00

7, originally uploaded by © Terrano Photography 2009.

Love is Militant

2009-06-02T10:53:00.001-04:00

3, originally uploaded by © Terrano Photography 2009.

Sweet Baby of Mine

2009-06-02T10:52:00.001-04:00

4, originally uploaded by © Terrano Photography 2009.

{L&A}

2009-05-15T11:47:00.001-04:00

5, originally uploaded by © Terrano Photography 2009.

Such wonderful kiddos! They were a dream to photograph! :)

{L}

2009-05-15T11:46:00.001-04:00

8, originally uploaded by © Terrano Photography 2009.

This little cutie was one of the sittings I had planned in San Diego, and it could not have gone better!! :) Him and his big sister were total angels, and were so happy to pose for me! :)

Kissed by Moonlight

2009-05-04T13:53:00.001-04:00

Kissed by Moonlight, originally uploaded by © Terrano Photography 2009.
The Wild Honeysuckle
by: Philip Freneau

Fair flower, that dost so comely grow,
Hid in this silent, dull retreat,
Untouched thy homed blossoms blow,
Unseen thy little branches greet:
No roving foot shall crush thee here,
No busy hand provoke a tear.

By Nature's self in white arrayed,
She bade thee shun the vulgar eye,
And planted here the guardian shade,
And sent soft waters murmuring by;
Thus quietly thy summer goes,
Thy days declining to repose.

Smit with those charms, that must decay,
I grieve to see your future doom;
They died--nor were those flowers more gay,
The flowers that did in Eden bloom;
Unpitying frosts, and Autumn's power,
Shall leave no vestige of this flower.

From morning suns and evening dews
At first thy little being came;
If nothing once, you nothing lose,
For when you die you are the same;
The space between is but an hour,
The frail duration of a flower.

It's Great to be a Kid

2009-04-27T14:20:00.001-04:00

It's Great to be a Kid, originally uploaded by © Terrano Photography 2009.

My daughter enjoying this beautiful weather, while we were waiting for her preschool bus :) It really is great to be a kid ;)

Butterfly #9

2009-04-24T12:15:00.001-04:00

Butterfly #9, originally uploaded by © Terrano Photography 2009.

Krohn Conservatory Trip yesterday to the butterfly show... one of my favorites from the day!

When the Wind Blows

2009-04-22T19:20:00.001-04:00

Proof the Sun Exists

2009-04-22T11:59:00.001-04:00

I don't know about everyone else, but I was starting to doubt there was a sun. Luckily today, it came out and visited with us :)

I'm Ready For My Close-up

2009-04-03T09:30:00.001-04:00

I went to Krohns Conservatory yesterday because it was so gorgeous outside. Seeing as how it's all of 40 degrees outside today, and rainy and nasty... I thought I'd share some of my captures :)

A Gathering

2009-04-03T09:29:00.001-04:00

Strands

2009-04-03T09:28:00.001-04:00

Ault Park

2009-03-24T19:02:00.001-04:00

I took my sweet Cordi to the park today, and this was one shot that I just adored :)

{Tasha} ~ 1

2009-03-24T19:01:00.003-04:00

This was my first model, and she had such beautiful skin, and KILLER legs!! :)

{Simmi} ~ 9

2009-03-24T19:01:00.001-04:00

I was able to shoot a few models on Sunday, and this is the outcome... yes he's a beautiful man!!

One Small Step

2009-03-24T19:00:00.003-04:00

Budding Bokeh

2009-03-24T19:00:00.001-04:00

Pretty Pout

2009-03-10T20:51:00.001-04:00

Pretty Pout, originally uploaded by Terrano Photography.

I have to share this shot of my Cordi, she is just too beautiful, and this image came out looking perfect straight out of the camera :)

TuTu Princess

2009-03-10T20:50:00.001-04:00

TuTu Princess, originally uploaded by Terrano Photography.

My beautiful daughter Cordelia was nice enough to try on one of my new props today, and show me just how adorable it will be! :)

Playing Pretty #7 ~ Imperfectly Perfect

2009-03-09T12:50:00.001-04:00

Playing Pretty #7 ~ Imperfectly Perfect, originally uploaded by Terrano Photography.

This is a shot of my youngest daughter, Cordelia. In this picture she's talking to me :) Telling me about something, in her toddler jibberish, but that doesn't change the feelings I get when I look at this shot. It brings me warmth, and makes me happy, to know she's doing so well.

Technically, this shot is not ideal for portraiture. The angle is off, the focal range is not great, there's a blur to the image, etc... Again, my feelings towards it do not change. I feel that the idea of a "perfect" portrait image has gotten lost in the technicalities somewhere along the lines. Other photographers may discard this as a possible to show parents, where as I would put it front and center, because with this image there is emotion tied to it, it makes you feel.

Please feel free to visit the rest of the series by clicking HERE!!!

St. Mary's Cathedral

2009-03-08T23:00:00.001-04:00

AlterHDR1, originally uploaded by Terrano Photography.

I recently did some test shots at St. Mary's for a wedding I'll be shooting in December, and I have to say this place was breathtaking! I was in sheer awe at it's size and beauty. I am very honored, and so excited to be a part of such a special day, and am looking forward to shooting here!

Spring is Coming...

2009-03-08T22:58:00.001-04:00

, originally uploaded by Terrano Photography.

I am so excited about the weather starting to get warmer, I just can't contain myself :) I hope everyone else is excited as well!! There are so many fun things to do and see, and so many people to capture doing them!! :)

Tulips

2009-03-08T22:56:00.001-04:00

Tulip Gradiant, originally uploaded by Terrano Photography.

You know it's almost Spring when the Tulips start to sprout and bloom. So in celebration of that, I captured this gorgeous shot of a Tiger Tulip. Isn't it just beautiful?? I can not wait until Spring!!

Catelyn

2009-02-02T16:18:00.001-05:00

Catelyn, originally uploaded by Terrano Photography.

This weekend I was given the wonderful opportunity to shoot Miss Catelyn Louise. This little cutie is just 4 weeks old, and loved modeling for me (if her little pose here didn't give it away!) Thank you, to her Mommy and Daddy, for allowing me the chance to capture her. She was an absolute doll, and you'll have these memories for a lifetime.

Blizzard 2009 #9

2009-01-28T16:32:00.001-05:00

Blizzard 2009 #9, originally uploaded by Terrano Photography.

Yesterday and today we experienced one of the worst snow/ice/sleet storms our area has seen in two years. It was fun to watch, beautiful to capture, and difficult to dig out. I did manage to get, what I consider, some gorgeous shots, so let me know what you think!

Toe in the Snow

2009-01-27T13:08:00.001-05:00

Toe in the Snow, originally uploaded by Terrano Photography.

The Northern KY area is bogged down with snow, which means no going anywhere, and NO SCHOOL!!! AHHHH! So my daughter and I had a bit of fun today, dipping toes in the snow. It's amazing how creative you get, when there's nothing else to keep you occupied :)

Follow the Yellow Brick Road

2009-01-23T08:20:00.001-05:00

Follow the Yellow Brick Road, originally uploaded by Terrano Photography.

Continuation of Sunset Shots...

Love of Purple

2009-01-23T08:19:00.003-05:00

Love of Purple, originally uploaded by Terrano Photography.

Continuation of Sunset shots....

Goodbye Sweet Sun

2009-01-23T08:19:00.001-05:00

Goodbye Sweet Sun, originally uploaded by Terrano Photography.

I was incredibly lucky last night to be given the chance to capture some sunset shots, and I am completely thrilled with how these turned out!!

Allies Magazine

2009-01-07T13:27:00.001-05:00

Allies Magazine, originally uploaded by Terrano Photography.

I was playing around today, and found a really fun little widget on www.bighugelabs.com. Thought I would pass it along, just incase there were any other moms out there, who thought they're kids should be cover models! Enjoy!

Welcome to 2009

2009-01-02T10:05:00.000-05:00

2009 is upon us, and in the spirit of the New Year I thought I'd post some of my favorite shots of the year :) These are shots of my girls, and others I've taken, none of customers. I was lucky enough to get my upgraded camera in 2008, and given the chance to photograph some incredible moments for people. I visited San Diego, California, to do shots for friends and came home with some of the most gorgeous finished products, I'm so proud of them!! I hope this year I can accomplish the same results! So here are a few of my favorites for the year!!

Veteran Of....

2008-11-11T08:53:00.001-05:00

Veteran Of...., originally uploaded by Terrano~Photography.

Since it's Veteran's Day, I thought I'd post something I'm a veteran of. I'm a mother to two very active little girls, so of course I'd be a veteran to TOYS!! :)

Spring Grove Arboretum & Cemetary

2008-10-28T22:04:00.001-04:00

I had the awesome pleasure of visiting a Cincinnati landmark today, and it was so beautiful. Spring Grove is by far, one of the most historic places I've been. The monuments, headstones, and mosaleums were so incredible, and etched with such time and character. Cordi, my youngest daughter, was also with me, and enjoyed the intricate carvings the monuments had to offer.

Autumn & Leafing Around

2008-10-22T12:36:00.000-04:00

It's that most gorgeous time of year, and I had to take the opportunity to take my daughters out, and enjoy the musky smell of leaves, and let them just be themselves. That's what they do best :)

I've been told by some, that I use my daughters in my photography more than I should. I never know what to say to that, because they are my inspiration, my love, my greatest accomplishment. Of course they are going to be what my heart wants to capture :) When I get moments like these, where they are just being kids, having fun, and enjoying themselves... I feel so blessed to have them in my life. I feel even more so, to have them as my beautiful models.

Visage Family

2008-10-22T11:41:00.000-04:00

San Diego, California....

I was able to capture this beautiful family, right next to the ocean, and I have to admit that it was a very wonderful experience for me. I was so proud, and pleased, with the portraits that were from this set, that I'm using most of them for numerous marketing purposes. I hope everyone enjoys them as well. Thank you Melissa, Eric, Hailey, and Ethan for letting me stand by while you put your love on display.... I'll forever be indebted to you, and I love you all!

Why are Professional Photographers so expensive?

2008-09-26T21:19:00.000-04:00

In this digital age where everyone has digital cameras, scanners and home "photo printers", when people upload their photos to a local drug store website and pick them up a few hours later, we hear this all the time - How in the world do Professional Photographers charge $55 for an 8x10 when they cost just $1.50 at the drug store?

Here's why.

Simply put, you're not just paying for the actual photograph, you're paying for time and expertise. First, let's look at the actual time involved. If you don't read this entire page, at least read this first part.

For a two hour portrait session:

- one hour of travel to and from the session
- two hours of shooting- 30 minutes of setup, preparation, talking to the client etc.
- 30 minutes to load the photos onto a computer (2 - 4 Gb of data)
- 30 minutes to back up the files on an external drive
- 3 - 4 hours of Photoshop time including cropping, contrast, color, sharpening, saving a copy for print and a copy for the internet and backing up the edited photographs
- 2 - 3 hours to talk to the client, answer questions, receive their order and payment, order their prints, receive and verify prints, package prints, schedule shipment and drop package off at Fed Ex.
- For local customers, we also print a set of all of their photos, and meet them at our studio to review the photos and place their order. Meeting and travel time averages 2 hours.

You can see how one two hour session easily turns into more than ten hours of work from start to finish. So when you see a Photographer charging a $200 session fee for a two hour photo shoot, you are not paying them $100 / hour.

For an eight hour wedding:

- I won't bore you with the details, but an eight hour wedding typically amounts to at least two to three full 40 hour work weeks worth of time. Again, if they are charging you $4,000 for an eight hour wedding, you are not paying them $500 / hour.

Now for the expertise.

Shooting professional photography is a skill, acquired through years of experience. Even though a quality camera now costs under $2,000 taking professional portraits involves much more than a nice camera.

Most Professional Photographers take years to go from buying their first decent camera to making money with their photography. In addition to learning how to use the camera itself, there is a mountain of other equipment involved, as well as numerous software programs used to edit and print photographs, run a website etc.

And let's not forget that you actually have to have people skills, be able to communicate, make people comfortable in front of the camera - and posing people to make them look their best in a photograph is a skill all by itself.

Think of it this way - the next time you pay $X to get your hair done, a pair of scissors only costs $1.50. But you gladly pay a lot more to hire a Professional.

What about the cheap studios at the mall?

Please don't compare us to the chain store studios. But if you must, consider all of the time and work that we put into our photographs, compared to what they do. Good luck getting a two hour photo shoot at a chain store. Not to mention they won't come to the beach! And of course, look at our work compared to theirs. You get what you pay for.The truth is, most of the mall and chain store studios lose money.

In fact, in 2007 Wal-Mart closed 500 of their portrait studios because of the financial drain they were putting on the company. What the chain stores bet on is that you'll come in for some quick and cheap photos, and while you're there, you'll also spend $200 on other things. They don't have to make money, they are just there to get you in the door.

Conclusion

We hope that those who have taken the time to read this page will have a better understanding of why professional photographs cost so much more than the ones that you get from your local drug store.

Thank you for taking the time to read this

Article copied from this site: http://www.caughtonfilmphoto.com/costofphotography.html

A Grown-Up Gift

2008-09-25T12:25:00.000-04:00

My daughter received this masterful work of literature today, as a 3rd birthday gift, from one of my husbands oldest friends. She's been so kind to send both my girls some of the greatest literature for any kind of significant holiday or birthday. I sat my little girl down today and let her start to read through it, she loved the illustrations, and I love the notes and comments that are included. I plan to read this to the girls, at bedtime.

Thank you very much for such a wonderful gift, and a sedated and beautiful object for me to capture ;) We appreciate it so much!

Mr. & Mrs. Downing

2008-09-13T21:39:00.001-04:00

September 9th, 2008 I was present for the nuptials between Alisha & Michael. Alisha I've known since high school, so of course being present at her beautiful outdoor ceremony was really more of a treat for me, than a job. They were wed at an arboretum, and being given the chance to take her professional wedding pictures, in such a magnificent atmosphere, was incredible. I truly hope that my excitement and gratitude for being asked to accompany them shows in my photography of their day. It was one I'll never forget...

Her gown was of the lightest material, but had such a beautiful, and ornate, design on it. I really enjoyed capturing the intricate detail, and she looked so gorgeous walking towards her Groom.

Her wedding party included her children, and of course her closest friends. Kids will be kids, even if they looked adorable, but didn't really want their pictures taken. I can't blame them though, I don't think I'd want some woman chasing me around with a camera.

It was a small, more intimate, ceremony. The day was warm, but not too hot, and everyone was in great spirits. Overall it was a wonderful experience, and I feel so lucky to have been able to share in their day, in any way I could.

A Day at Devou Park

2008-09-08T17:14:00.000-04:00

These pictures are for when focus and lighting don't matter as much, and smiles and giggles take center stage. These are for having fun together, and just being kids. These are for my two little girls, who had more fun swinging together, than playing seperate.

Mommy loves you both so much ;)

Color version of the first photo...

You have to love trying to catch a baby in a swing, without causing any blurry movement. No it's not the easiest thing to do, but it does force you to get creative in some cases, so I think even a blurry shot is awesome.