Wedding Photography Workshop

Every year I try and set time aside to host a workshop (or two) because I love teaching about photography and I love motivating people to develop their skill/craft in an inspiring way.

This year has been super busy and with a packed fall schedule I'm only offering one workshop. I'll be hosting a Wedding Photography FOCUSED Workshop on October 24th, 2015.

Workshop for Advanced Photographers

 

FOCUS: Wedding and Portrait Photography 

When: Saturday, October 24th, 2015 from 5-9pm.

Cost: $199.00 (Includes: dinner and dessert)

Level:  Advanced (some prior knowledge of DSLR camera needed) *If you are a photographer interested in putting together a wedding portfolio – this is for you! If you are turning your photography hobby into a business and weddings are what you eventually want to do – this is for you! AND If you want to have fun and learn more about telling a story with your camera – this is for you!

Reply into noemi@noemiphotography.com a.s.a.p. to reserve your spot, space is limited and this is the only workshop I'm hosting this year.

TOP 10 Places to Shoot in Minnesota...

I had one of my readers write in and ask me to do a top 10 list for new places she can shoot 5 years ago...and it's still one of the top hits on my blog. I thought I'd bring it back for the new families looking for family photography locations. Here's what I came up with:

1. Stillwater - it's got great little antique shops, bed and breakfasts, the river runs through it and every picture is gorgeous! I could tell you about it or just cut and paste from the city website. Stillwater is a dynamic, growing community of approximately 18,000 residents nestled into the bluffs of the St. Croix River, one of America's protected Wild and Scenic Waterways. Located just 20 miles east of downtown St. Paul, our family-oriented community offers the advantages and conveniences of living near the Twin Cities metropolitan area plus the peacefulness and safety of small town Minnesota.
2. Harriet Island - It's a great little nook...tucked away and perfect for a stroll through the park or for an engagement shoot!
3. Stone Arch Bridge - I found tons of pictures that capture the beauty of the bridge...but, I love going there and reading the signs and walking and taking a shot or two in places people haven't found yet...let me know what you find!
4. Any wild grass open field with character - Seriously, you don't need to go far to get great shots. I'm constantly finding new simple spots all around me. Stick a kid in the middle of a field and let them run...you'll get great shots!
5. Sculpture Gardens - The Walker museum is gorgeous and walking through the gardens is so relaxing...you should do it without your camera first and then go back with a client.
6. Arboretum - I have not been there enough! I think there's a gorgeous spot behind every corner. A million different plants and flowers...totally beautiful! I think I just read it's free for Chanhassen residents to go on August 7th...I LOVE FREE! too bad I live in Prior Lake.
7. Centennial Lakes - I almost didn't use this one cause I've been there a ton and kinda like to try new places but, the truth is...it's beautiful and worth visiting! It's got stone, flowers, green, water, fountains...just to name a few!
8. Downtown...just park and walk, have your camera ready. look for brick walls or alleys or bright colors or reflections...man, I want to hop in my car and go now!
9. Anywhere in St.Paul (schools, parks, Grand Ave...too hard to narrow down) There's a beautiful park beside the library, the St. Paul hotel, and a Theater...I love shooting at all those locations.
10. Any small town (Chaska is adorable!)

I hope this gets your creative juices going in the right direction!

www.noemiphotography.com

Behind the scenes of a food blogger

Behind the scenes of a food blogger...one of the best, actually. If you haven't "pinned" one of her incredible recipes, you are missing out. Vikalinka I love her blog, but, I love her more. She is lovely. Worth following and listening to. Find out more about my sweet friend...

Social media and blog planning e-book

If you're looking for a great tool to help you understand Social Media and Blogging I would highly recommend this new e-book! The author, Rachel Greenhouse, is the reason I started blogging in the first place.

Seriously. I listen to her.

Here's the details:

author + designer: Rachel Greenhouse format: PDF e-book price:   $10 where to buy it: http://letsgetsocialplanning-book.eventbrite.com/ 36 pages, including 7 worksheets to create your own plan + schedule

some of the topics included:

what is social media? what is a blog? why social media? why a blog? which social media? how should you “do” social media + blogging? how shouldn’t you “do” social media + blogging? your commitment + intention = you get to decide!  what is content creation? how do you turn your ideas into a calendar and posting schedule? create your general monthly plan + create your specific monthly plan

also offering classes...only 8 women max per class info is at http://www.rachelgreenhouse.eventbrite.com

Roundtable Focused Photography Workshop - Oct. 20th, 2012

This is my last FOCUSED Photography Workshop of the year and I'm really excited about it! There is nothing like sitting around my table with a hand full of photographers brimming with questions and getting answers that will improve their business! Doesn't that sound fun? This Workshop is available to anyone who has previously attended a NoemiPhotography Workshop and is interested in setting up or furthering their photography business.

Event: Roundtable Business FOCUSED Photography Workshop

Date: Saturday, October 20th from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM (CT)

Location: My home - even though my table is a rectangle.

Limit: 6 Attendees (I want to make sure we have enough time for everyone)

Cost: $199.00

What's happening at NoemiPhotography this summer?

Honestly there are so many incredible events and opportunities going on with NoemiPhotography this summer! I'm so excited! I'm doing a bullet point blog post and to let you pick and choose which ones are right for you! First up: Summer Mini Sessions June 23rd, 2012 If you need updated family photos this location is going to be AMAZING! There are a couple of spots left...maybe one of them if for you!

Wedding FOCUSED Photography workshop July 28th, 2012 I am so excited for this workshop! Have a mentioned it's going to be unlike any Workshop I've ever taught? I'm going to have 2 sets of bride and groom models - AND THEY ARE GORGEOUS! This workshop is going to be killer for portfolio building shots and learning how to tell a story through images. If you've just started shooting weddings, would like to shoot weddings or have been shooting for a while and want to break out of your system a bit...this is for you!

Practical FOCUSED Photography Workshop Aug 18th, 2012 I have taught this short but action packed class several times in the last couple of years and it's perfect for ANYONE with a DSLR camera wanting to learn camera basics, lighting, posing, and the ability to ask questions while you're shooting! I hope you are able to come!

Roundtable FOCUSED Photography Workshops Oct 20th, 2012 If you've taken a NoemiPhotography Workshop EVER you qualify for this workshop. The roundtable was designed for those of you starting a photography business and wanting/needing a place to have your work critiqued, ask questions, learn from others at the same stage as you, figure out pricing and branding...it's so incredibly encouraging!

Fall Mini Sessions - Oct. 13th, 2012! This is my first time posting about this and I'm just giving you the date so you have the "heads-up!" Registration won't start until the end of June.

If you're interested in learning some of the basics in photography but don't live near Minneapolis, MN please take a look the NoemiPhotography E-book

Enjoy your summer. I would love to capture it for you OR at least help you capture it! Please email me at info@noemiphotography.com if you have any questions.

FOCUSED Photography Workshops this summer...

Five summers ago I had several beginning photographers ask me if they could come alongside to watch everything I do and be able to ask all about it...I wanted to help but I didn't want to do all of that in front of a client so I started hosting and teaching FOCUSED Photography Workshops. And I've been teaching a few a year ever since and I love it! I posted the sneak preview earlier this spring but now I'm ready to tell you the details! This year I'm going to do something I've never done before (which I totally love doing!) I'm going to do a Wedding FOCUSED Photography Workshop! This is going to be incredible.

Up to 12 people will be able to join the experience of two wedding stories. I have models lined up (2 couples - girls dressed in a wedding dresses and suits for the boys!) AND the whole focus of the workshop is to teach you about telling the story of love. "The big story" is the one we all understand and relate to...Cinderella meets her prince Charming. And "the individual story" is all learning the couple and telling their journey of love. Every couple is different! Your job as the photographer is to learn them and tell their story. (Seriously, THE greatest job in the world!)

Who should attend?

Aspiring and/or established photographers who want to freshen up their portfolios and learn new technical and creative photography techniques. *Specifically for photographers interested in understanding the business of weddings and desiring to expand their wedding portfolio. Learn how photojournalism works...how to tell the couples story through pictures!

Cost Includes:

- Over 5 hours of hands-on training with Noemi Hedrick

- Live styled models to add to your portfolio

- Signed model releases on file to ensure you have the rights to use the images you shoot

- Technical & Creative on the spot training

- Learn how to get consistently accurate exposures in changing lighting situations

- Interacting with models, natural posing techniques, capturing images with impact that will stand the test of time

- Q&A during and after shoot to discuss challenges

WHAT TO BRING?

Bring your digital SLR camera and a smile:)

Preferred lens is a 70-200mm to keep everyone at the same shooting distance so we don't get in each other's way. You can bring other lenses as long as you are considerate and avoid standing in front of other attendees during the shoot. All gear should be stored on your person to keep you mobile. Bring paper and pen for on-the-go note-taking.

Date - Saturday, July 28th, 2012 Time - 2:00p.m. - 7p.m. Location - Meeting Location will be emailed to attendees. Cost $149.00 (The cost includes the newly release E-book - $20 value) Level: Advanced (some prior knowledge of DSLR functions needed)

If you are a photographer interested in putting together a portfolio of weddings - this is for you! If you are just starting and weddings are what you eventually want to do - this is for you! If you just graduated from film school but want some hands on experience - this is for you! If you want to have fun and learn more about telling a story with your camera - this is for you!

I have 2 gorgeous Cinderellas and their handsome princes lined up to captured by you! I can't wait! Probably going to be my favorite Workshop to date so I hope you can come.

Any questions? Info@noemiphotography.com

Flash Photography vs. Natural Light

If you are a regular to my blog then you know I'm not a huge fan of flash photography and I love natural light. Playing with natural light is one of my favorite parts of photography...mastering it is my biggest challenge! I went to a Off camera flash photography workshop while in Vegas a couple weeks ago and I learned a ton from one of the greatest in the Photography Lighting world...neil van niekerk! (Sad to say I had no idea who he was and that was my loss!) He was incredibly personable and surprising made flash photography really fun! His website is amazing and packed with tons of helpful hints...please check it out!

so I'm going to show you my shots. Some taken with Flash and other taken with natural light...I'm curious to know which is your favor. No right or wrong just different!

WPPI - Wedding and Portrait Photography International

I leave for Vegas on Saturday. Not my favorite city in the world, but love all that this wedding and portrait conference and trade show offers. Why am I going?1. I will getting to see the latest and greatest of every photography thing you can imagine! (from the trinkets to albums) 2. I'll be able to talk photography with people who never tire of that conversation...YEAH! 3. There is a lovely little french restaurant that is calling my name! 4. I will be going to workshops with some of the photography businesses best and brightest! 5. I'll be attending a practical workshop with Emma Jane Photography - gotta keep learning! 6. I'm going with one of my closest friends and a new friend...can't wait to chat uninterrupted for 5 days straight. 7. I want to have clear vision for my photography business and keep figuring out what is not for me and my business. 8. I get to talk equipment with people who really know there stuff. 9. I get starbucks every day. 10. I will be inspired.

Vegas here I come!

Looking for a Wedding Photographer? Come meet me at the Minneapolis Trade Show at the Millennium Hotel!

The Difference is in the Details! Come join us for an exclusive Wedding Open House at the Millennium Hotel Minneapolis!

Date: Sunday, January 15, 2012 Time: 11-4pm Millennium Hotel Minneapolis 1313 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis, MN

Complimentary Admission RSVP Now! Whether you're planning an over-the-top reception or an intimate affair, Millennium Hotel Minneapolis embraces your passion for orchestrating a memorable wedding. Join us at our complimentary open house, a must-see event to help you plan everything from DJs to decor.

Click here for more details on the open house.

To RSVP or for more information, call (612) 359-2227 or email mspsales@mill-usa.com

*Space is based on availability.

FOCUSED Photography Workshops - Minneapolis, MN

I have people emailing me every week asking about the next Practical FOCUSED Photography Workshop so here's the info you need to know!

This is a Photography Workshop designed specifically for beginners. For those of you who are new-er to photography and looking for an introduction to camera, posing, lighting and well, practical training. I’m so honored to be able to teach and train photographers wanting to improve their skills…THANK YOU!

Who should attend?

Aspiring and/or established photographers who want to freshen up their portfolios and learn new technical and creative photography techniques. Beginners are welcome!

Cost Includes:

- Over 3.5 hours of hands-on training with Noemi Hedrick

- Live styled models to add to your portfolio

- Signed model releases on file to ensure you have the rights to use the images you shoot

- Technical & Creative on the spot training

- Learn how to get consistently accurate exposures in changing lighting situations

- Interacting with models, natural posing techniques, capturing images with impact that will stand the test of time

- Q&A during and after shoot to discuss challenges

WHAT TO BRING?

Bring your digital SLR camera and a smile:)

Preferred lens is a 70-200mm to keep everyone at the same shooting distance so we don’t get in each others way. You can bring other lenses as long as you are considerate and avoid standing in front of other attendees during the shoot. All gear should be stored on your person to keep you mobile. Bring paper and pen for on-the-go note-taking.

Date - Saturday January 21st, 2012 Time - 1:00p.m. - 4:30p.m. Location - Meeting Location will be emailed to attendees. Cost: $99 (early bird registration)

After January 7th Cost: $119 (The cost includes the newly release E-book - $20 value)

Registration is non-refundable and is on a first come first serve basis. There are 8 spots remaining. Register NOW!

Event management for Practical FOCUSED Photography Workshop powered by Eventbrite

Wildruffle Pop-Up Shop Extravaganza - Prior Lake, MN

Ohhh I had so much fun with the ladies who came to the Pop-Up Shop with Wildruffle and the vendors I met! Seriously, what's not to love! The sun was shining, the weather was perfect and we had tons of pretty things to look at and buy! I got a super cute "vintage" purse, hair stuff for stocking-stuffers, and a lovely top! Here's some of the pics I took that day!

What are doing for the next couple of weekends? Got plans? I do! (part 2)

Cedar Family presents The Sweet Colleens Halloween Spooktacular

Saturday, October 29, 2011 - 11:00am

Doors Open: 10:30am

Advance: $12.00

Day of show: $12.00

Seated show w/ kids' dance space ; $7 kids 2-12

At The Cedar

• 
• 
• 

Fun, Cajun, Celtic, Children's

What better way to spookify your Halloween weekend than coming out to "The Sweet Colleens Second Annual Halloween Monkey Dance Spooktacular," a not-so-scary kids concert and dance party. If you made it last year, you will know what fun the Spooktacular was.

You can look forward to...

* The Sweet Colleens rockin' songs off their acclaimed kids CD, The Monkey Dance: All the Kids Are Doin' It! * The Mini-Mosh Pit, with lots of room for kids to dance and move around * Interactive musical fun for the whole family. * A great chance for kids to give their Halloween costumes a "dry run" before the big night. * Special musical guests the wonderful Madrigals choir from Field Middle School (who promise to show up in full trick-or-treating attire!) *Special prizes.

Speaking of costumes, all guests, but especially kids, are invited to wear their Halloween costumes (although please no costumes that may be offensive to others).

Last year's Spooktacular was a near sellout, so reserve your tickets early! We'll see you there...and don't forget your monkey-dancing shoes!

The Cedar is now fully air-conditioned for your year-round comfort!

Ticket options and info

• On sale date: now
• Phone: 612-338-2674 ext 2 ($1 fee per ticket)
• In person: From a Cedar volunteer in the front lobby during events (no fee), Depth of Field (no fee), or Electric Fetus (small fee)
• Online: Ticketweb (fees apply) (click on red Buy Tickets button at top of this page)
• All Cedar shows are all ages.
• Students with ID may purchase tickets at a discount at the door.

What are doing for the next couple of weekends? Got plans? I do! (part 2)

The month of October is zipping by, and lo and behold - the Pop Up Shop is just over two weeks away! I'm excited, are you?!

I wanted to connect with you with just a few details. As a reminder, the shop hours are from 9-1. The room we are in is called Club Prior, and is right next to the library.

If you are unfamiliar with the area, here are some directions: From the north or west Take 169 south to Cty Rd 18 Continue straight, which will turn into Cty Rd 21. Once you see the lake you'll know you're close - take a left at Arcadia, and a quick right will take you into the parking lot for the library.

From the east Take Cty Rd 42 West to 13 South Turn right on Cty Rd 21 Take the first right onto Main St. and a quick left will take you into the library parking lot.

Wondering if anyone is going? I'm not! Our event is being listed in Savvy MN, HerLife TC mag, l'etoilemagazine.com, Metro Mag, the Prior Lake American, and more! Postcards are being handed out to shoppers at every downtown Prior Lake boutique, and thousands more are being delivered to Prior Lake and Savage homes. I'll be shocked if we're not swamped with people.

If you haven't do so already, feel free to share the Facebook event page with all your friends! You can find it at: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=119127231522953

EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

The Sweet Colleens - Family Fun at Monkey Dance Spooktacular!

SAVE THE DATE

THE SWEET COLLEENS SECOND ANNUAL

HALLOWEEN MONKEY DANCE SPOOKTACULAR

Hey folks! With Labor Day behind us, it's time to start thinking about... Halloween! And what better way to spookify your Halloween weekend than coming out to "The Sweet Colleens Second Annual Halloween Monkey Dance Spooktacular," a not-so-scary kids concert and dance party taking place the Saturday before Halloween (the 29th) at the fabulous Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis, 11 a.m. to noon. If you made it last year, you will know what fun the Spooktacular was (see the pics, below). We will have...

The Sweet Colleens rockin' songs off their acclaimed kids CD, The Monkey Dance: All the Kids Are Doin' It! The Mini-Mosh Pit, with lots of room for kids to dance and move around Interactive musical fun for the whole family. A great chance for kids to give their Halloween costumes a "dry run" before the big night. Special musical guests the wonderful Madrigals choir from Field Middle School (who promise to show up in full trick-or-treating attire!) Special prizes.

Speaking of costumes, all guests, but especially kids, are invited to wear their Halloween costumes (although please no costumes that may be offensive to others).

Mark Your Calendars! The Monkey Dance Spooktacular will take place from 11 a.m. to noon on Saturday October 29, 2010, at the Cedar Cultural Center, 416 Cedar Ave S. in Minneapolis (doors open at 10:30). Admission is $12, $7 for kids age 2-12, and free for kids under 2! For tickets or more info, call the Cedar Cultural Center Box Office at 612-338-2674, or visit www.thecedar.org.

If you haven't been to the Cedar before, it's a wonderful music venue. A warm, welcoming space with a great sound system. They also serve up some delicious refreshments. There's easy access. Parking is plentiful in the area, with street parking available and several ramps and lots close by. The Cedar's site has directions, a map, and parking tips.

Last year's Spooktacular was a near sellout, so reserve your tickets early! We'll see you there...and don't forget your monkey-dancing shoes! Stay tuned for more details. Sociable! --The Sweet Colleens

p.s. Please help us spread the word by forwarding this e-blast to anyone you know who might enjoy the Monkey Dance Spooktacular. And if you know any good places to put up a poster or two, let us know and we will get the posters to you. Thanks!

Hope to see you there!

The Sweet Colleens

http://www.sweetcolleens.com/

Everyone loves a giveaway!

I usually reserve a spot at all my workshops for someone who is gifted and passionate about photography but not in a good place to be able to afford to come. I've had tons of requests over the last few years asking if they can shadow me to learn technical and creative ...so, now you can! I have been teaching FOCUSED Photography Workshops for 3 years and this is the first time I'm doing an evening version.

Who should attend?

Aspiring and/or established photographers who want to freshen up their portfolios and learn new technical and creative photography techniques.

Cost Includes:

- Over 3 hours of hands-on training with Noemi Hedrick

- 2 groups of live styled models to add to your portfolio

- Signed model releases on file to ensure you have the rights to use the images you shoot

- Technical & Creative on the spot training

- Learn how to get consistently accurate exposures in changing lighting situations

- Interacting with models, natural posing techniques, capturing images with impact that will stand the test of time

- Q&A during and after shoot to discuss challenges

WHAT TO BRING?

Bring your digital SLR camera and a smile:)

Preferred lens is a 70-200mm to keep everyone at the same shooting distance so we don't get in each other's way. You can bring other lenses as long as you are considerate and avoid standing in front of other attendees during the shoot. All gear should be stored on your person to keep you mobile. Bring paper and pen for on-the-go note-taking.

• Date - Saturday, August 27th, 2011
• Time - 5:00p.m. - 8:30p.m.
• Location - Meeting Location will be emailed to attendees.
• Cost for the winner FREE (The GIVEAWAY includes the newly release E-book - $20 value)

To enter the contest you must:

1. Send me an email (info@noemiphotography.com) answering the question "Why should you be chosen to come to PRACTICAL PHOTOGRAPHY Workshop for free?" If you want to attach a picture  it might help you get more votes! I'll post your plea and picture on my NoemiPhotography's FACEBOOK  page for you.

2. Then your recruit friends and family to "LIKE" your comment on NoemiPhotography's Facebook page - follow this link to find me!

3. The person with the most "LIKES" on your comment by midnight of August 19th, 2011 wins the spot!

I hope you win!

Best Ceremony Sites in the Twin Cities area...

For the last 8 years I've had the privilege of being a Wedding Photographer in the Twin Cities. Every so often I had a bride ask me if I've already shot at their Ceremony location or Reception site and I usually say, "Yes, no, maybe, I'm not sure!" because I can never remember where I've shot. But, after shooting weddings for so many years you'd think I'd have quite a list. I'm going to list all the places I've shot (some of them I've been more then once!) and I'm going to tell you my favorites! How cool is that? This list is for brides who are looking for a cool venue, brides interested in hiring me and want to know if I've shot at their location, for photographers looking for the next venue, and for me so I will finally have a complete list.

Bethany Chapel/ Bethany Church (Bloomington, MN)

Our Saviour Lutheran (Hibbing, MN)

St. Timothy's (Blaine, MN)

St. Cecilia's (St. Paul, MN)

Pax Christi (Eden Prairie, MN)

Northwestern College (St. Paul, MN)*****

Emerson Congregational Church (Bloomington, MN)

Calhoun Beach Club (Minneapolis, MN)*****

St. Andrew's (Eden Prairie, MN)

Transfiguration Lutheran Church (Bloomington, MN)

First Congregational Church (Austin, MN)

St. Paul Hotel (St. Paul, MN)*****

St. Paul Cathedral (St. Paul, MN)

University of St. Thomas (St. Paul, MN)*****

Evangelical Covenant Church (Alexandria, MN)

Glen Cary Lutheran (Hamlake, MN)

St. Peter's Catholic Church (Forest Lake, MN)

Our Lady of Grace (Edina, MN)*****

Fort Snelling (Minneapolis, MN)

Lumen Christy Catholic Community (St. Paul, MN)

St. Hubert's Church (Chanhassen, MN)

Grace Church (Eden Prairie, MN)

Mt. Calvary (Excelsior, MN)*****

St. John the Baptist (Jordan, MN)

North Branch Methodist Church (North Branch, MN)

St. Michael's Lutheran (Bloomington, MN)

Bayview (Excelsior, MN)

Ruttger's (Grand Rapids, MN)

Wooddale Lutheran Church (St. Louis Park, MN)

Summit Mansion (St. Paul, MN)****

Carleton University (Northfield, MN)

Millenium Hotel (Minneapolis, MN)*****

St. Amborse (Woodbury, MN)

University Club (St. Paul, MN)*****

Incarnation (Minneapolis, MN)

Check out the locations with the *****'s! They were my absolute favorites!

A few of my favorite (photography) things...

Every once and a while I have someone write me and ask what equipment I use and what they should get. Here's what I use and love:

Canon 16-35mm (2.8)

Canon 24-70mm (2.8)

Canon 70-200mm (2.8)

Canon 50mm (1.2)

The cameras I use and love Canon 5D and Canon 5D Mark II

And for fun ...

Flip Video MinoHD Camcorder (Chrome) - I've talked about this cool little diddy before but you can't have to much of a good thing!

Here's the low-down: The Flip Video MinoHD Camcorder (Chrome) gives you simple to use HD 720p recording that fits in your pocket. About the size of a small cell phone the MinoHD can easily be controlled with one hand. There's no menu to worry about. All the functions you need to operate the camcorder are clearly marked and easy to understand. Capture up to 60 minutes of H.264 video to the built-in 4GB flash memory. The MinoHD also features a 1.5" LCDscreen for composition and playback, a 3 second startup time, and a silent mode for discrete recording. Another useful feature, the "Child Safe" mode, ensures that those once-in-a-lifetime clips won't be accidently erased. In addition, even though the camera lens is fixed focus, there is the option of 2x digital zoom for when you need to get just a little bit closer.

And for what you should get? Always get the most you can afford. A great lens and a great camera body will go a long way! If you're ready to get your first "real" lens and you shoot portraits get a fixed lens like the 50mm. A great lens that does a little of everything is the 24-70mm. But, there's nothing like the images I get with my telephoto - blurry backgrounds and I don't have to move!

Of course I love Adobe Lightroom! If you're looking for a site with tips try: http://www.lightroomkillertips.com/

Hope that helps...happy shopping!

Best Places For a Wedding Reception in The Twin Cities Area

Okay...so I'm sure that I haven't been everywhere but, from where I have been, I totally have my favorites: 1. The Lafayette Club in Minnetonka. It's a bit of further out from the cities but, it's worth it! A gorgeous drive along a winding road and an impeccable view of the water. Inside and outside of the reception hall/ballroom is lovely and the food was excellent!

2. The Sofitel Hotel in Bloomington. It's totally classy and artsy! I loved the cool furniture, winding stairs into the cocktail hour area and the french food (well, really the desserts) was amazing!

3. The Calhoun Beach Club in Minneapolis. I loved the convience of wedding and reception in one location and they do both beautifully...seemless transition in a gorgeous building! There was a perfect photo opportunity around every corner.

I'm sure I have more fav's but these were the ones that came to mind first! If you haven't decided on your reception location yet...check these out!

www.noemiphotography.com

Photography Software Question

From one of my readers: Hello!

I've been a reader of your blog for at least a year.  I'm also a Minnesota girl.  I love looking at your photos and getting ideas and reading your tips.  I'm a hobby photographer and have been taking pictures since I was a teenager (or younger).  I discovered yesterday that Adobe offers student pricing (yay!) on their products and I'm interested in getting Photoshop and/or Lightroom while I can still take advantage of that.  I'm trying to figure out if Photoshop and Lightroom do essentially the same things or if they're different enough that getting both of them would be worthwhile.  Do you have any experience with those products or some insight that may help me decide?

Thank you so much.

Pamela

OKAY! So, here's my not so technical answer...Photoshop was designed for Graphic Artists interested in manipulating images and creating their own designs. The program did provide photographers with the same benefits but it was complicated and time consuming. (every change takes seconds and that adds up when you have thousands of pictures to edit!)

Three years ago Adobe put out Lightroom! It's a program designed for photographers. It has all the basic features for color correction, exposure compensation, image enhancement (B & W, Sepia etc.) and more. Lightroom 2 is totally worth getting! The upgraded version is awesome! The features that I used to go back to Photoshop for have now be integrated into the new version.

My recommendation is to start with Lightroom 2 and when it doesn't do what you need graphically you can purchase Photoshop and dive into the world of design. They work seamlessly together!

I hope this helps!

www.noemiphotography.com