I'm home...

I have to admit I have had the laziest day ever! I'm home with my kids: rolling on the floor, doing puzzles, giving lots of kisses, playing flash cards, tickling, wiping noses, cuddling, and having a wonderful time. Leyton is so fast! He's crawling like a mad man...I gotta keep a close eye on him! And Adriah is talking up a storm. I'm sure they aren't that different from when I left them 6 days ago but, being away and coming back makes you look at your kids through different eyes. I appreciate them so much and I'm so thankful to be able to be at home with them. I don't say this often enough...I LOVE MY JOB and ALL THE PERKS! Being away helped me refocus and get clear vision for the future of my business. I know that I know a few things about me...

1. I love the art of photography and I will be serving the Twin Cities my whole life. I want to photograph your babies, capture them as toddlers, set up a fashion shoot for their Senior portraits, help them plan their Engagement Session and Wedding Pictures...then start the whole process all over again with new babies.

2. I love mentoring and teaching new photographers about the business and how they can pursue photography as a career! I'm so excited for the three workshops I'll be hosting this year. More then that I can't wait to see the photographers that come grow, change and become the photographers of future.

3. I love being free to be myself. There are so many photographers out there and I can spend years of my life comparing or I concentrate on the one thing that is different and always will be. Me. And I'm the kind of photographer that gets to know her clients, wants them to be over the moon happy, and has an amazing time capuring their lives.

I learned a ton from WPPI but, this was the most important stuff!

www.noemiphotography.com

WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photography International)

It's my third year going to WPPI in Las Vegas and I can't wait! I'm excited about so many things: 1. NOT BEING PREGNANT - Last year I was working the trade show 35 weeks pregnant and little did I know I would deliver Leyton 3 weeks later. YIKES!

2. The photographers I'm rooming with are incredible!

3. And where else can you go where everyone you meet or hang with wants to talk photography, software, computers, branding, marketing and still be smiling afterward?

4. Networking

5. Learning about who I am as a photographer and who I'm not. Both are really important.

Plus, It gets me super excited and inpsire to be shooting engagement and weddings in 2009!

If you've been thinking about going but aren't sure I would strongly encourage you to go! It's for everyone interested in photography as a career. AND it's super cheap to fly right now (check out airfares).

If you're going let me know and maybe we can do a NoemiPhotography blog readers dinner...yes, that's totally cheesy but, it probably made you laugh so that's good!

www.noemiphotography.com

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

Five Ways to Tell a Wedding Photographer Happy New Year!

1. SAY "Happy New Year!" and "Can't wait to work w you this year!" It's the little things. 2. Befriend them on Twitter...not sure what that is? Check it out www.twitter.com and send them a "tweet!"

3. Purchase fake eye-lashes and practice wearing them...this is for the bride obviously!

4. Refer all other engaged couples in need of a professional photographer. I'd love to do a ton of weddings this year!

5. Add them as a friend or join their fan club on Facebook. Nothing like making new friends!

It's going to be a good year...I can feel it!

www.noemiphotography.com

Key words: Photography, Wedding, Engagement, Twin Cities, MN...

I'm working with a web marketing guy who's teaching my a ton about maximizing my Photography website! Key words are a huge portion of what I'm learning. At first I thought it was going to be totally confusing and over my head but, it turns out it all makes sense...I mean, I use the internet every day! When you are doing a search you think in keywords (eg. if you want a Wedding Photographer you would search WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY) and when a keyword search gives you millions of options you figure out how to get the list down to a reasonable number right (eg. Professional Wedding Photographer, Twin Cities, MN?) Well, I want to be on the right Wedding and Portrait Photography lists and Google wants to get the people searching for a Profession Photographer to my site. I like that! But, I got to do it the Google way or it won't work as well...it pays to speak their language!

Another way that really helps boast the ratings of my site and your site is links. What to link? As long as it helps both of us why not?

I'm learning so much...just thought I'd share a little. I'd love to learn more so if you've got insight on keywords or website ratings please write me and I'll share your info with all my blog readers.

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

Helpful Photography Business Tips!

I just got an email from www.weddingsolutions.com and I thought it was great tips to improve your business skills. So, I thought why not pass them on to you! Selling Over the Telephone

Often the first impression is not created face to face but over the telephone. Being able to sell yourself and services over the telephone can help you close more business faster.   Here are some techniques you can try:

Ask questions and listen to the answers for clues on why or how they will buy your product or services.

How does the person you are talking with speak? Do they talk fast or slow?

Be enthusiastic when it is your turn to talk on the telephone.

Vary the volume of you voice and the speed of your words.

Slow down on the more important comments; soften your voice for the more confidential remarks; speed up to explain details and unimportant information.  Focus on what is of interest to the prospect. Remember, their hot buttons are the reason they will buy!  Do not oversell.

Give your prospect what they need and no more. Some people will balk at making decisions if they are overwhelmed with information.

Synchronize with your prospects over the telephone, build rapport, and you will sell more!

AND HERE'S ANOTHER ARTICLE I THOUGHT WAS GREAT FROM THE SAME WEBSITE!

Top 10 Current Wedding Industry Trends

Couples are paring down their guest lists in an attempt to cut costs.

Outdoor weddings are extremely popular.

Natural décor lessens the need for pricey decorations.

Do-it-yourself wedding projects are on the rise among brides who want to save money.

Brides are learning to letterpress their own invitations, arranging their own flowers, making their own bouquets, crafting their own placecards, using handmade ring pillows, and cooking edible favors.

It is also becoming popular to enlist the help of friends and family with baking, cooking, and sewing.  Couples are including non-floral elements, such as feathers, berries, fruit, stones, and more into their décor. This saves money on more expensive floral options.

Couples are using the Internet to create personalized wedding blogs and websites to alert guests to the details of their weddings (and save paper!).

Cheesecakes, cupcakes, and specialty desserts are trendy alternatives to the traditional wedding cake.  Bolder and brighter colors are fashionable.

Brides are also incorporating touches of vibrant color into their style, including brightly hued shoes, sashes, necklaces, headpieces, and more.  Couples are growing increasingly interested in discount, vintage, or secondhand options for wedding gowns, jewelry and more.

All-inclusive honeymoon packages and cruises are popular.

Wearing two dresses has become a hot trend for brides. Many brides still plan to shell out the extra cash to have both a wedding gown for the ceremony and a second, short party dress for dancing at the reception.

Feel free to click on this link and sign up for their free monthly newsletter to get more tips!

Always looking for ways to help you!

www.noemiphotography.com

Greatest Photography Magazine EVER!

I'm totally excited about the magazine I just bought from Barnes and Noble...but I just went on their website trying to get you a link and couldn't find it! So, here's the deal, it's probably a limited time offer and there's only as many as there is in each store. AUGHH! It's called "the Complete DSLR User Handbook" and it's a magazine/book with 200 (totally understandable) ways to become a better photographer.It's put out by the makers of PhotoPlus and Digital Camera - which are both UK companies! It was $25 and worth every penny! If you don't get to a Barnes and Nobles in time don't worry, I'm planning on putting the choice tips on the blog! But, it's definitely worth having!

Plus, did I mention it comes with a DVD with 140 minutes of Photoshop "stuff?"

It's totally cool.

www.noemiphotography.com

It would also make a great stocking stuffer for someone you know interested in developing their skills.

NoemiPhotography Newsletter...

Let me tell you about it! I'm using a website called www.aweber.com check it out! It's easy. All you do is fill in your first name and email then you'll get an email asking you to confirm! AND then, You will get your first of ten TIPS FROM NOEMIPHOTOGRAPHY! It's going to start there but, I have big plans for sending subscribers short teaching videos of all kinds of stuff! I promise it'll be fun and will probably make you laugh out loud but, hopefully you'll learn a ton about photography in the process!

The newsletter is for EVERYONE...the more that sign up the better...so send it to friends, family and total strangers. With 8000 people reading my blog on a monthly bases I'm hoping to get a ton of you on board!

As always, I'm super excited about it!

If you have any questions...send them to me!

www.noemiphotography.com

Consultation Location

Okay. So I've always done consultations in my home for 3 reasons:1. I like inviting potential clients into the place I live...I feel like it gives them a window into my personality and family life.

2. I have a consultation room that displays canvases, books, images etc. so, it's easy to show everything.

3. It's easier for me. (That sounds dumb but it's the truth!)

So, today I'm meeting a potential client at a Starbucks and while I'm waiting for them (bride, groom and mother of the bride) I thought I'd raise the question to you...which would you prefer? Would you like to meet a photographer in a studio? Why or why not?

What about meeting in a nuetral place like a coffee shop?

And finally what about meeting at their home?

Can't wait to hear your opinions. Please, comment even if you're not a looking for a photographer...it's helpful to hear your thoughts.

www.noemiphotography.com

Buying a Flash?

I just got this email and I thought I'd answer it on the blog and let everyone share their input.

HI Noemi,

I am a very amateur photographer whose only talent is having a nice camera. I try to use natural light whenever possible, and there are times - like at dusk when my husband is playing with my son before bed - that I'd love to take some pictures, but tend not to because the way the flash on my camera looks. I'm looking to get what I would call an 'add on' flash for my Canon Digital Rebel XTI and don't know where to start. I'm looking for something that looks like natural light, is somewhat lightweight, and doesn't cost a ton. I started to look on B&H but got lost in the technical jargon and am wondering if you could shed some light on this for me. I really appreciate your input as I really respect your work!

Thank you,

Tania

---

Ok. This is a hard question for me because I avoid using flash anytime I can. But at ceremony's and reception's I have to...so I do. I use the Canon 580EX with the Garg Fong diffuser and I like the results I get but I paid about $600 for the combo. AND THAT'S PROBABLY NOT THE ANSWER YOU'RE LOOKING FOR, right? So, here's some cheaper ways you can diffuse your flash. Buy an attachable diffuser that fits your model. Tell the sales clerk you want to natural light in low light situations and see what he suggests. I've seen a few types (ranging $20 to $50) and I'm sure they all work the same. It will help to avoid harsh flash especially on skin tone.

One thing I used to do when I shot with a pop-up flash was put foggy-colored scotch tape over the light...it worked as a low budget/last minute fix.

I hope this helps.

www.noemiphotography.com

I changed my mind...

I found the camera I'm going to get!!! It looks amazing! check this out...

Rating: Read 5 reviews

Panasonic

View Available Kits

Lumix DMC-FX500 Digital Camera (Black)

• 10.1 Megapixel
• 5x Wide-angle Optical Zoom
• 3" Touch-screen LCD Dispaly
• MEGA O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer)
• High Sensitivity (ISO 1600)
• Intelligent ISO Control
• Advanced GUI with Hybrid Control System
• iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode
• High-Definition Video Recording

I LOVE THE High Def Video feature and the reviews look great! I'm sure there's a ton of comparable choices but I'm looking for great video and camera together. Anyone have this camera? I'd love to hear your feedback.

www.noemiphotography.com

What camera to buy????

We've talked on this blog about professional cameras before but I thought this readers question would be worth sharing with everyone. Hi Noemi:

Our pathetic little Sony digital camera has bit the dust after 6 years. Can you spend a blog entry asking people for suggestions and / or discuss yourself what someone like me might want to consider in purchasing a new camera in this day and age? I would like something that I could develop artistically with, and yet I don’t have a massive budget. We want to be able to take good snapshots of the kids etc. and I want to photograph my garden and take photos of things I could use in graphic design projects.

Thanks, Rachel

Here's what I'm thinking...

If you want the camera for personal use (ie: vacations, family photos, kids sports, flowers etc.) then get the latest version of the Canon Powershot. It's been rated very high and I've known people who have it and love how easy it is and how great it takes pictures. I love that it's compact and you would actually take it with you without worrying about the bulk or heaviness. AND I love that you have the ability to make short videos. Especially with young kids...it's great to be able to send them to family. (I'm totally talking myself into getting one of these cameras!!!)

If you want a starter DSLR then I'd go with the Canon Rebel XTi or the Nikon D40 (I think...I'm not sure cause I only use Canon) Both are new and have incredible features borrowed from higher end cameras. It's not going to have any delay when you take a shot and give you the practice you need to advance to a more professional camera.

I hope this helps.

www.noemiphotography.com

Photography Question

One of my readers comment on the blog a couple of days ago and I wanted to answer her question for everyone. Hi Noemi-

I love these pictures. My favorite is the one where she is walking down the stairs which lead me to thinking that you probably have great ideas on the best places to get married or to take wedding pictures. What have been your favorites?

The very simple honest answer is I love to capture brides (and entire weddings) in new locations. Not necessarily new in years but new to me. There's nothing better then walking into a situation and being forced to be creative in a new way. I love the high and challenge of it! I have to assess light, possible angles, foreground and background, natural reflections and most of all...what's flattering to the subject. Oooooh, I love it!

Sometimes I'll go to places I've been to shoot but when I do I challenge myself to not use the background or light in the same way.  'm a strong believer in pushing yourself so that you're always creating...I don't ever want to be predictable.

www.noemiphotography.com

Photography question

I received this email this week and wanted to answer it for everyone:

Hi Noemi.

 I have been reading your blog everyday for the past year.  You are an amazing photographer.  I have been inspired by your talents.  I recently volunteered to take photos of my sons’ baseball teams.  I’m not sure if I have gotten in over my head or not.  Do you have any tips on how I can get some great photos of the team.  Thank you for taking your time to read this.

 Amy

Well, getting in over your head is an essential part to being stretched in your creativity! I applaud you for taking on the task and I think you'll have tons of fun doing it! Here's my suggestions:

-use or borrow a telephoto lens (it'll help you get close up shots with out running all over the field)

-capture the team before, during and after the game (it'll give more of the photojournalistic feel to your shots)

-don't be afraid to let them pose (eg. showing off their muscles or giving each other rabbit ears or laughing hysterically)

-get different angles (try and get the shot from the view from the bench, bleachers, home plate and the field OR go as low as you can, then take shots from the highest point you can)

-capture other stuff too (it's great to get family and friends in shots - especially if you want to post the pictures and even sell them as a fund raiser for next years team)

I hope this helps,

Noemi

www.noemiphotography.com

Sharing Creativity

I got an email from a fellow blog reader asking about using some of my photos for ideas for marketing her jewelry. At first I was totally flattered, then I starting thinking about it itmore and told her that creativity is not copyright-able. She's not using my pictures; she's looking at the pictures and getting inspired...building on my creativity. That is the beauty of an art form! It ever-changing because we learn from each other and add our bits. Right? We need to grow (stretch ourselves YES!) but, also study every artist around us! I love her reply:

As for creativity, indeed, not something copyrighteable. As I hear someone explain, inspiration comes from life. It's all around us. The creativity comes when we are able to "harness" that inspiration. I am thankful for that inspiration that only comes from God. I love being inspired from/by other artists as well. You are so right that it is how we all keep growing.

Thank you again and I wish you all the blessings that God has for you, your family and your business.

Aileen www.noemiphotography.com

Wedding Season...is just around the corner!

I've been doing consultations for months and it just hit me this week...wedding season is coming! I CAN'T WAIT! It's probably the sun and the nice weather and the incredible number of movies and shows about weddings. Everyone is doing it or talking about it! I love every part of planning a wedding...well, now that I'm helping to plan other peoples and not my own! I love seeing the engaged couple talk things through and get excited about putting together the details. One of my favorite parts is helping them sort of the schedule for the day and letting them picture how it's all going to work...It's a magical day and tons of fun!

Weddings still make me smile. If you're planning yours try and take deep breaths...enjoy every step of the way...it really should be your day!

www.noemiphotography.com

Notes from WPPI - Session with Jerry Ghoinis

This photographer was a charmer but, he's also a gifted photographer! Please check out his website and his album designs...I think they are so beautiful! Once again, here's my notes for his session:

I got a couple of great quotes from his session so I'll start with them...

"Your camera is only a tool, you make the difference"

"Compete with quality not with packages"

"Poses are necessary. Help yourself by helping the bride know how to move!"

"Photography is 99% personality and 1% moving your finger. Your subject will mirror your enthusiasm and your passion. AND Make sure your assistants have the same personality!" 

Ask yourself this question: "When you look at a photo of yourself what are you looking for?" ANSWERS: beauty, glamor, natural, flattering etc. Your clients want the same! They want to look beautiful!

Capture Natural Moments - get the obvious moments and take multiple shots so you can make a series later.

What is Natural? Set the stage for them to create magic of their own. EX. Pose the dad - have him wait, then talk to the bride about her changing relationship...then let them see each other for the first time...wait for their reaction.

Flattering poses - push hips back, don't rest the arm on the body have it angled with air between, and lean forward to create smaller body.

GREAT TIPS:

1. Light - hold your hand up and turn in a circle...see where the light hits your hand.

2. Location/Background - give them an excuse to be there.

3. Concept/Action - have them do something.

4. Action/Reaction/Expression - wait for it and capture it all.

5. Technique/Exposure - Show them the difference between you and every other photographer at the wedding.

Walk into every situation and ask yourself these questions: "What's the lowest ISO I can get away with?,  What's the white balance in this room?, What aperture should I shoot at - consider movement?"

Be the MacGyver of Photography! (For those of you too young to remember this was a great TV show on in the 80's of a guy who could get out of every situation with whatever he had! Follow this link for pictures!) Take whatever you have and create! Walk into every room of the house and scout out pictures and patterns before you start shooting.

www.noemiphotography.com

Update on the Workshop!

I am so excited about this!!! Seriously, it's a dream come true for me. Anyone who reads my blog regularly knows I love answering photography questions and helping people pursue their passion! So now, I'm going to get to do that in person for 2 days! YEAH! I met with 3 other Photography studios a couple of nights ago and we nailed down the BIG PICTURE of the workshop we'll be doing this summer!

HERE's the main info but of course, there will be tons more coming. Think of this as a "Save the Date" for those of you interested in coming!

It's going to be held JUNE 19-20th, 2008 (Thursday and Friday) AND I CAN'T WAIT! We're capping attendance at 30 people and it's first come first serve. We're working on getting up a website where you'll be able to pay the registration fee $750 through paypal. Start saving...you don't want to miss this!

CHECK OUT THE INCREDIBLE TALENT OF THE PHOTOGRAPHERS YOU'LL BE LEARNING FROM!

Erin Johnson http://www.erinjohnsonphoto.com/

Jason and Stacey Thon http://www.stajastudios.com/

Kristi Kienholz and Tasha Herrgott http://www.dolcestudios.com/

I can't wait to meet some of the people who read this blog! I promise these two days will inspire and challenge you but, don't think it's over your head cause their will be 6 professional photographers there to answer all your questions!

If you have questions please email me and I'll get back to you as soon as I can! I hope you are as excited about this as I am...I know lives will be changed!

www.noemiphotography.com

Notes from WPPI - Session with Mike Colon

Every photographer is going to relate to a different Mentors! I found this out in Vegas...Mike Colon has always been one of my favorites but, my room-mates gravitated to others. There's no right or wrong with picking another photographer to learn from :) Mike has similar values to mine and is really easy to listen to. I get the way he shoots and I love his style! (As Simon would say on American Idol, "It's just an opinion!") Here's his website: http://www.mikecolon.net for all his workshop stuff. And http://www.mikecolon.com/ for his work.

We are historians - photojournalists (capturing stories as they happen)

Real, Timeless, Clean, Simple, Flattering - this is the code he lives by when shooting

His goal is to capture the natural and comfortable moments - real life happening! I love that he said, " You need to be inspired during the wedding!" There's nothing like the feeling of taking the shot, looking down and knowing that you nailed it in camera...and it's magically when you can share that with the bride and groom!

1. REAL: You should know your clients! What is their personality? Pictures should be different from shoot to shoot because every client is different.

2. TIMELESS: Be ahead of your time by keeping some traditional so it's still cool in 20 years! ex. too many Photoshop actions can date your images.

3. CLEAN: Crop in and keep it simple, revolve around the subject. Shoot with a wide open aperture to blur the background (that just means go as low as your lens will let you - 4.0 or 2.8 or lower) Keep the eye sharp and everything else falls into place.

4. SIMPLE: How do you decide when to switch an image to Black and White? When there's too many distractions of colors. Note: Bright green will always pull your eye away from the subject. Colors need to compliment the image! Earth tones are simple and compliment skin tones.

5. FLATTERING: You need to make people look better.

Available Light  - preserves natural look, less shine, gives you freedom to move and create, unobtrusive, and don't forget that everything needs to be done quickly because time is precious...especially at a wedding!

BAD LIGHT is BAD LIGHT! Sometimes you need to use a flash! Be ready and know how to use it! TIP: Use the videographers light during the reception. :)

When shooting with assistants he asks them to shoot with the opposite lens. If he has a fixed lens then they are shooting with the telephoto and vice versa. This will guarantee variety in your images. AND he only shoots with one camera because he never has to change the settings...only the lens!

www.noemiphotography.com