Mom FOCUSED Photography Workshop

I'm so looking forward to the next Mom FOCUSED Photography Workshop. I love Mom's. I love Photography. I love teaching. AND I love meeting new people...like I said, can't wait!

Requirements: DSLR and desire to learn.

The registration for the Workshop is very simple: Please follow this link and join us for an amazing time of learning photography with women!

Please make sure you are available to join us for both dates:

Friday, April 8th 2011 - 7:00pm-10:00pm AND Saturday, May 7th 2011 - 10:00am-4:00pm

Cost: $275.00

Breakdown of Workshop: Friday - Meet and Greet, camera and photography basics, yummy snacks and great company!

Saturday: More Camera understanding, lighting, posing, and composition techniques. And then, practical application with hands on photoshoots, yummy food, and discuss post-production.

If you're wondering if this is the right class for you? It is. You will know more about your camera and understand how to get better pictures by the end of the workshop. What Mom doesn't want that!? i think it's the perfect Mother's Day gift!

I'm so privileged to be a Mom and a Professional Photographer. I love seeing Mom's learn their cameras and gain confidence to take better pictures of their kids. And what better weekend the Mother's Day!

B & H Photo and Video

I often get questions from my blog readers about my equipment and where I buy. I've answered before but, I thought why not do it again! Most photographers are shopping for equipment now...before the wedding and portrait season begin! I love shopping at B & H Photo because every person who answers the phone knows what they are talking about. I like that. Of course you have to get over the fact that they may know more then you...that's happened to me a few times. And then you will realize they are an incredible resource. B & H Photo are running a couple of great deals right now so I wanted to pass them on to you:

SanDisk 8GB Extreme CompactFlash Memory Card $54.95 & free shipping

Flip Video MinoHD Video Camera (Silver, 1 Hour) $149 & free shipping

Big Memory cards and the Flip Video Camera are two of my favorite things! Must haves...something to think about for an upcoming Mother's Day present! :)

Here's the link for more rebates and promotions too!

What's your suggestion for "Must Haves" going into this season...leave a comment and help another.

My Friend...the new Minneapolis Fashion Consultant!

You guys know that I love to share a good thing when I find it, so I couldn’t help passing this one along to you. A friend of mine who lives in the Twin Cities writes a fashion blog, wildruffle.com, and it’s so much fun to read! Cate has a passion for helping people find their individual style amidst the multitude of trends out there. She spent ten years in the retail industry, so she’s got the knowledge and she’s excited to share it with others. If you like what you see (and I know you will!), you can hear more at an upcoming event at Wooddale Church in Eden Prairie. It’s called My Favorite Things, and there’s a great lineup of speakers on topics such as Finding Joy with Our Kids, Nourishing Our Families, Spiritual Renewal, and more. Cate will be going over spring trends and how to wear them. There will be a ton of giveaways throughout the night in addition to yummy food.

When: 2/10/11, 7 p.m.

Where: Chapel

Cost: Tickets are only $12, but hurry because they go quickly!

I know Cate's website is going to catch on...soon we'll be seeing her touch of style everywhere. She's someone who can make simple things look fabulous and I'm excited to learn from her. For my purposes she's totally going to be my very own Minneapolis Fashion Consultant! (A term a made up but, I think has a ring to it!)

I signed up at her site and get the blog updates emailed to me - super convenient and kinda fun to be surprised by fashion in my inbox every couple days.

Have fun!

How to chose your Wedding Photographer?

This may sound weird coming from a wedding photographer but, I thought it may be helpful. Here's what I would do when you're researching potential Photographers. 1. Look at their previous work. Photographers usually post their portfolio on their websites and their recent work on their blogs. (If they are like me...the blog is a much better place to look because Photographers don't always update their websites.)

2. Talk to past clients or read reviews. Websites like WeddingWire makes this so easy. Type in your zipcode and read about 5 star rated Photographers. (The good, the bad and the ugly - the reviews are there) I've been apart of WeddingWire for the last two years and I like the service it provides potential brides. It pushes me to be the best for my clients knowing they will be passing the word on.

3. Meet with Photographers. It costs you nothing and loving their work is just as important as connecting to the person. They are going to be capturing the most important day of your life...I think it's great if you like them. Plus, meeting with them will give you and the photographer a chance to customize a package perfect for you.

I know picking your wedding photographer isn't easy. I'd like to make it as simple as I can. I love capturing weddings! My brides are happy...I'm happy. Please call to set up a consultation. (Currently booking 2011 Weddings) I would love to meet with you.

SIDE NOTE: Are you curious to know what a photographer does in a normal work week? I found this article on a wedding photographers blog and thought it was good. Plus, if you leave a comment then the wedding photographer is going to donate a can to a local food drive! LOVE THAT!

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!

PART 2 - FOCUSED Photography Workshop - Prior Lake, MN

I'm so honored to have people trust me to teach them about Photography. It is such a joy for me to share my passion with anyone interested in learning more. This is my second of two entries from my recent workshop. This blog showcases: Gretchen, Karla, Leanne, and Melissa's images.

SEO - Search Engine Optimization

For most of us we think that if we are good at what we do, work hard, set up a website so people  can find us and hire us...but, sadly, that's not enough! If you want to make it in Photography or any business you have to learn more about SEO! I don't know a lot but I just got an email from someone I work with and trust in this area. Here's part of his blog post: SEO is not rocket science. It is simply a matter of knowing what to do, and more importantly, consistently doing it.

It boils down to crafting content that provides value, is reader focused and:

1. You’ve got to do keyword research. 2. You’ve got to optimize your reader-focused content. 3. You’ve got to build links to your site.

Effectively and consistently do those three tasks, and you’ll achieve higher rankings and more targeted traffic.

To read more from his blog post follow this link!

From one simple business person to another...take any free info you can and run with it.

CANON Double Instant Rebates

You've heard me mention that I love a great deal...well, nothing makes me happier then buying my equipment with a rebate! I found out about a rebate coming up for Canon Users and I had to share it with you. FOLLOW THIS LINK TO VIEW ALL THE Canon EQUIPMENT ON REBATE Until January 8, 2011!

Follow this link for Sandisk Extreme 16 GB rebate until January 1, 2011!

Things that should be in every Wedding Photographers Toolkit!

Counting Down to the FOCUSED Photography Workshop

In just over a month I'm hosting a FOCUSED Photography Workshop! I want you to come. Why? 1. I get tons of inquiries of people wanting to intern or assist me. I can't train everyone while I'm on the job so this workshop is a day for you to get into my head. You'll learn in-camera and practical techniques that will make you a better photographer.

2. I love to teach! There's nothing like having people who share the same passion for photography in my home. Seeing the "light come on" and knowing they are walking away with skills they didn't have before they came.

3. People learn and grow. I can think of several women who started at the workshop, took the information and went for it. They are now established photographers. Of course, I won't take all the credit because becoming a great photographer takes a lot of hard work but, I know the Workshop was a piece of education that help give them confidence and get to them where they are today. They have told me so!

4. It's fun!

5. What else are we going to do on the October 30th, 2010?

Register Here. Space is limited.

Every time I've hosted the FOCUSED Photography Workshop I've left one spot open for a person you (my faithful readers) nominate and give reasons for why they should come for free. Of course I want to do that again. Who do you think should win this time? Email me: info@noemiphotography.com

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!

Kendra - Portrait Photography, Prior Lake, MN

I've known Kendra for a few years...first through a mutual photographer friend, then at my workshop, and more recently she has assisted me at a wedding! When we're together we laugh a ton and my goal in this shoot was to capture her amazing personality. She exudes joy!  Hopefully you feel that through these images. She has a beautiful serious side too. She's being shooting as an assistant for years and now she's getting serious about turning her passion for photography into a side business. Hopefully there's a profile pic in here somewhere. My favorite is that one where she's on the picnic table and laughing uncontrollably. It makes me smile.

FOCUSED Photography Workshop, Prior Lake, MN

I love photography and I love to teach! Put those two loves together and you get a Workshop "FOCUSED" on Photography. We will cover so much in one day...your head will be spinning with information but, you'll have new skills to put towards your next photo-shoot! The teaching are designed for amateur photographers ready to build off on what they already know. Please bring your questions and you will get answers!

And we are setting up a practical portion with lovely clients to capture so plan on going home with new portfolio images.

Plus, there is nothing like meeting and getting to know other photographers passionate about getting better images. You'll have incredible opportunities to learn together and from each other.

The space is limited and there's only a couple spots leave in the early bird discount ($50 off the registration price for the first 5 to sign up!)

I'm looking forward to meeting you! Can't wait.

What are you waiting for? REGISTER NOW and save $50!

comments from my last wedding...

I don't normally post emails or comments sent directly to me but I was so touched by this last one...I had to share! Noemi, the pictures are more than perfect!! Thank you so much...can I say I can’t stop looking at them without sounding crazy!!

I forwarded your website to a friends and she wrote back, “The photos are spectacular ~ artful ~ creative...they should be in Bride Magazine! I didn't even see the bridesmaid's shoes at the wedding, which I LOVE! The cake photo...FUN!

O.K. I can’t stop singing your praises!! My sister wrote, “OMG....these are GREAT Pictures. She really captured each of them in their own personalities! I can't wait to see more of them.”

Back in March, I remember Sarah and myself trying to tell you how we wanted all the feelings and special moments, known and unknown to us that would happen on her wedding day, captured and frozen in time for all to be able to look at and remember those wonderful feelings and special moments. You did it and more!!

As the mother of the bride, there is so much that goes into before and during the wedding day. I remember the next day telling my husband how it’s all a blur and started to cry. Maybe the tears were the day after let down tears, but there were also tears of sadness due to knowing I missed “special moments” that were lost forever due my mother-of-the-bride duties. But, when I saw the pictures you posted, I realized you captured what was felt that day and my feelings of lose vanished...now I can’t wait to see more!!

Thank you for being a special person and photographer!

Jackie

I'm honored to be chosen to shot weddings. I know there's a million photographers (or at least it seems like it!) and to be picked out of all that talent is amazing. I love shooting weddings and I hope to always be serving the Twin Cities in this small way!

Keep those weddings coming!

www.noemiphotography.com

Photography Questions

Here's a question from one of my readers:

Hi Noemi,

I loved that you are answering photography questions on your blog! That is SO helpful. I have a question for you: when shooting portraits, do you use the "continuous" shooting mode on your camera, or do you always take single shots? I usually shoot in continuous mode and I'm still having trouble getting really tack sharp photos, and I'm wondering if that may be part of the problem. I shoot single shots cause I like to take 3 shots and re focus each one. I landed on this method cause I shoot RAW and I hated having 10 shots of the same thing taking up tons of space on each card. But, having said that I know plenty of Pro photographers that shoot continuous for the same reason you do...and it definitely works. You need to make sure you're focusing on the whites of the eye cause you'll want it sharp.

Hope this helps!

Noemi

Photography Questions

You may or may not know this but, I love helping other photographers get ahead in their business! If I can answer your questions I will and usually I answer them on the blog so other people wondering can learn too! Here's a question I got this week...I'll write the answers after each one.

And here's one of the questions I wanted to ask you...

Since I'm still in the beginning stages of going professional, after a shoot, I usually just give my clients a cd with all the images. A couple of people have complained that when they print them (usually at walgreens, sam's, target, etc.) the color is totally off. So my question would be, where do you recommend they should print their pics? Pro photographers should collaborate their computer screens to the printing lab so that colors come out the way they intent them to be. Another recommendation is to use something like a HUEY PRO which reads the light in the room and compensates. Because editing at 9 am will be very different then 9pm. One last suggestion is to not edit on a laptop because depending on the angle of the screen you'll edit differently. I've done all of the above and have had to re-edit whole sessions...big pain in the you know where!

Also, where would you recommend someone order a canvas print? I use a exclusive Professional Photographers site when ordering for my clients but, I have also ordered from Canvas on Demand and thought it was good quality.

Thanks again!

Kristi

Hope this helps! Keep those questions coming...

www.noemiphotography.com

Mullinix Family Portraits - Minneapolis, MN

This is the cutest family...I loved capturing them! It was my first time but, I don't think it will be my last. WE HAD BLAST! Here's some of shots...

THE BEAR HUG!

The twins...

The boys vs. the girls.

So fun! I'm going to say it one more time...I LOVE MY JOB!

www.noemiphotography.com

Mom FOCUSED Photography Workshop - Part 3

Here's the last of the images I took from the Workshop.

This nest one is up there with my favorite all-time images EVER. I love it! Her angelic face. His profile. Their soft looks. Pure beauty.

Beautiful...inside and out.

Can't wait for the next workshop! I'm still looking at the dates for the fall - Mom's start saving your pennies!

www.noemiphotography.com

Photography Workshops are so fun for me!

Here's some of the images I captured from the day.

More tomorrow!

www.noemiphotography.com

Partnering with Parks Canada and the HAIDA ship!

Last year when I went home (Canada) to visit my family we spend a day touring one of Canada's most famous War Ships...The HMCS Haida. It was incredible and of course, I took pictures and of course, I blogged about it so that you could follow my travels. Well, a representative from Parks Canada contacted me a couple of weeks ago saying they had found my blog and loved the pictures I took on the HAIDA!  They asked if they could have my permission to use them for a 24 foot banner they are designing to promote the ship! I was totally stoked and of course, said "YES!" Here's my nephews and Adriah climbing on who knows what...and having a blast! I love being a photographer! Cool things happen to me all the time...comes with the territory I guess.

I'm totally smiling cause I love Canada and now everyone who boards this ship will know it!

www.noemiphotography.com

The Flip Video Camera

Have I ever talked to you about this brilliant piece of equipment? If I haven't I will now. My biggest issue with video is that we would take the video but then never do anything with it cause it took forever to piece together. Why do we take video? 1. to show my kids later

2. to show my family now

3. to remember precious moments

All good reasons but, If I just take the video and never do anything with it because I don't have time...it's all pointless. That is until I got THE FLIP! It's the size of a cell phone and that means I take it everywhere. It has no cords just a connection to load into any computer. AND it has the software in it so I can upload from any computer! Because of it I use it all the time and upload immediately! LOVE IT!

If you're in the market here's the link to get your own! Have fun with it!

www.noemiphotography.com