Accepted in the AGWPJA!
May 16, 2008 | Filed Under Wedding Photography | 4 Comments
Mauro & Mariely’s Wedding - November 23, 2007
I got the news early this morning that I have been accepted into the AGWPJA! I am already a member of the Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA), but getting into the Artistic Guild is an additional step, and is not guaranteed just because you’re a member of the WPJA.
The Artistic Guild of the Wedding Photojournalist Association [AG]WPJA is a group of international wedding photojournalists, who capture unscripted wedding moments as they happen, and excel in the art of post-production image processing. The [AG]WPJA is a division within the Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA); one which specifically promotes Fine Art Wedding Photojournalism.
The Artistic Guild of the Wedding Photojournalist Association [AG]WPJA is comprised of outstanding wedding photographers, who are at the forefront of the wedding photography industry when it comes to enhancing images. The chief objective of the [AG]WPJA is to provide members with a platform where the finest enhanced, manipulated and/or artistic wedding photojournalism in the world is spotlighted and promoted for the bride and groom.
The [AG]WPJA is a separate division of the Wedding Photojournalist Association(WPJA). Whereas the WPJA upholds strict guidelines that forbid excessive picture manipulation, the [AG]WPJA encourages and fosters creative image enhancement, with the vision of promoting Fine Art Wedding Photojournalists.
The [AG]WPJA establishes and upholds high standards that are taken into consideration during the judging process for our wedding photography contests. Using all artistic tools at their disposal, members skillfully enliven their work in post production processing.
The above image is one of several in my portfolio that they specifically mentioned in their email notification that I had been accepted. To say I am thrilled is not even adequate to describe it! Thank you to the AGWPJA! It is such an honor! Thank you!
Happy Birthday, Regina!
May 14, 2008 | Filed Under Fun Stuff! | 5 Comments
I normally save posts like this one for my personal blog, but I just have to give her a shout out here — a big, huge HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my fabulous mentor, Regina! Last year, I attended the Elevate 2 workshop hosted by Garrett Nudd and Regina & I were the only two “single” female attendees there. (I’m not single, but Mike didn’t attend. All the other women had roommates.) We talked on the phone beforehand and made arrangements to split a hotel room during our time in Orlando.
Once we left the workshop, I adopted her as my mentor. Ever since, I think I’ve talked to her at least once a week if not more - sometimes daily! She has been such a HUGE influence on my business, and on my photography, and she has helped me grow as a person - I just can’t possibly say enough good things about her.
I only wish that I lived a bit closer to Asheville, North Carolina so I could see her more often! I had fun shooting Nathalie & Joe’s wedding with her last fall, and I hope to make it up there again sometime this year for another one! We also got to spend time together at WPPI this year, and now we’re making plans for a fabulous workshop later this year in Mexico! Whee!
Thank you for everything, Regina. You truly are the best! Happy Birthday! (And if you’re in Asheville, be sure to look her up - you can not possibly go wrong with her INCREDIBLE work!)
Update: I forgot to mention it before, but Regina? She ALWAYS gives really good advice.
Kara & Bryan - Engagement Photography, Downtown Houston
May 12, 2008 | Filed Under Engagement Sessions | 5 Comments
Kara, Bryan & I had some fun the morning of April 26 in downtown Houston where we shot their engagement session. Kara & I had met previously for their wedding photography consultation, and we had done a bridal session earlier the same week (photos to come after the wedding!) but this was the first time I met Bryan. This is why I love doing engagement sessions with everyone — it just gives us a nice chance to get to know one another and it gives me a chance to see how you are in front of the camera.
Plus it gives us a chance to laugh, to experiment, and to just have fun!
We spent time around the Angelika Theatre and the cool blue wall across from Jones Hall. Afterwards, we headed to Frank’s Pizza for lunch - but there are no photos here of that!
Bryan gives me his “Blue Steel” look.
A nod to Stacy Reeves - I just couldn’t resist it when I saw the women & men signs!
It was so much fun photographing Kara & Bryan! I can’t WAIT for their wedding at the end of the month!
On an administrative note: I’ve been stressed about the blog posts I seem to be behind on — and I decided over the weekend that I can’t let them stress me out anymore. I need to stay current as we get into peak wedding season, and I’ll fill in with “blasts from the past” in between. I’m testing my new proofing system, so expect more frequent posts (yeah!) and a mix of new & old events. I’ll be posting about everything that I’ve done this year, they just might not be in chronological order anymore!
Congratulations, Ashley & Phillip! Wedding - Shirley Acres, Houston, Texas
May 11, 2008 | Filed Under Wedding Photography, Weddings | 2 Comments
Yesterday, I had the honor of photographing a very special wedding. I learned to knit in 2005, and the first project I wanted to take on once I learned was knitting socks. Lynn Anne at Twisted Yarns was so fantastic and patient as she taught me, and through the years she has been so supportive in so many ways. Ashley worked at the shop too at the time, and for as long as I can remember she has been dating Phillip.
It is always hard on a relationship to date over a long distance; Phillip is enlisted in the Navy and did a tour last year in Iraq. Not easy on his loved ones back in Houston.
So this spring when she told me that Ashley & Phillip were getting married - I was thrilled when she asked if I would photograph the wedding! It was such an honor to be a part of their special day, and a big thank you to Kelly Niemann for assisting me with it. Ashley was a stunning bride and Phillip was a charming groom. Everyone had a fabulous time at Shirley Acres, which took wonderful care of us all. What a beautiful, beautiful evening!
Ashley & Phillip return to Norfolk, Virginia soon and are planning a honeymoon later this summer.
More photos to come soon!
Summer is Here!
May 9, 2008 | Filed Under Wedding Magazines | 4 Comments
And with summer comes the new ad for Weddings in Houston magazine! This time around, we’ve decided to go BIG! It will be full page ad that will come out in the very near future - I’ll keep you posted when it hits the store shelves!
I also submitted my entries today for the 2008 Brides Magazine Photo Contest, which is exclusive - only members of the Wedding Photojournalist Association are allowed to enter. First place winning images from each category will be featured in the November/December 2008 issue of BRIDES Magazine! The top 10 images from each category will also be published on BRIDES.com and WPJA.com. My fingers are crossed hoping that I might win a category or two!
Boudoir Sessions!
May 8, 2008 | Filed Under Uncategorized | 1 Comment
I’m happy to announce that I’m adding Boudoir Sessions to my lineup of things I am happy to offer my clients! Want to make a special album for your husband or husband-to-be, for his eyes only? Or maybe you just want to do it because of how empowering it is for YOU? Contact me and we can set something up!
I am happy to do in home sessions, but I’ve heard that it is even MORE fun to get 2-3 of your girlfriends together, rent a hotel room, and spend an afternoon in a session with some drinks, maybe a bit of chocolate, and lots of laughter!
I’m looking for 2-3 people who would be interested in being “models” for portfolio building for me. In exchange, your session fee will be free! Only non-revealing photos will be posted online, and only with your approval. Interested? Let me know. Sessions must be on a weekday, and I will request a current photo of you to review as I’m looking for a very specific fit for the portfolio.
I’m also looking into a session this summer at a local SWANKY hotel here in Houston too, where you can sign up for a 1-2 hour block of time for your shoot. I’ll be sure to post details as I know more! I can’t WAIT!
