Show Stopper

Tonight I share my final two entries to the CaptureMyVermont photo contest.  A few years back I had the pleasure of taking pictures of an equestrian and her horse Beau.  Beau was this woman's baby.  I don't know much about horses, but I could tell this was an amazing animal. Beau and his rider won many awards that day and my first experience at an equestrian show was epic.  I will never forget that experience, many thanks to Cheryl!
 http://www.capturemyvermont.com/photos/861395     http://www.capturemyvermont.com/photos/861396   

Mauve Moss is Squishy

Here is another image from a nature hike last September that I entered into the Capture My VT contest.  I was in Forest Ecology class and Ed was taking the class all over Washington County.  We saw the damage from the flood in Waterbury, a waterfall in Stowe, and a Bog in Montpelier.  Check out all the images from that day here.  Today's entry is an interesting bit of moss.

http://www.capturemyvermont.com/photos/858157

Adirondacks by the Lake

It's late, my eyes are almost in automatic shut down mode.  I fight it off to share with you today's entries.  I enjoyed assisting a photographer once at the Basin Harbor Club.  I was excited, as I had never been there, despite growing up in Vermont.  It is a VERY nice resort, perfect summer getaway for the white collars in Boston.  I took a few minutes to play around with their Adirondack chairs.  Enjoy!

http://www.capturemyvermont.com/photos/857024        http://www.capturemyvermont.com/photos/857025

A Transitional Bump

This evening I fired up the macosaur and dug through every inch of both hard drives to find the best of the best of my collection to share with you.  As I tried desperately to find my favorite "Spider Girl Kiss" I realized my library is so large that I started to archive some years on disc only.  I looked everywhere in my work zone but alas, the paltry results were not what I had hoped. 

Cheer up folks, tonight I share an image I took on the way to see my sister.  I was bummed the foliage was past its prime.  Inspiration struck though and I had an idea for a shot I will share some time next year.  I'll need to find a super duper sticky note to remember this one.  

Donate a few clicks in time to vote for my latest entry!  http://www.capturemyvermont.com/photos/855718

When in doubt, enter it anyway

I was recently informed of a local photo contest for a 2013 VT calendar.  Maybe I really should read the BFP more often.  This is the final week of this free contest.  Which pretty much means if all of my friends, real and virtual, vote, I still have no chance of winning, lol. I will be entering some of my best pics, a few each day for the next week.  I'll have to fire up my macosaur to find the best of the best over the last 10 years, but I promise to share the links with you so you can vote to show your support.
Today I entered the Corn Towers: http://www.capturemyvermont.com/photos/854610
and Nostalgic Vermont: http://www.capturemyvermont.com/photos/854610

Burlington Family

I love going for walks on Church Street in Burlington.  I love taking that stroll with my daughter.  Yesterday made the best jaunt yet with my daughter assisting me on a photo session.  I showed her how to lighten up shadows without a flash, how to engage a resistant teenager, and the difference between 2.8 and 18 f-stops. She has a pretty good head start on her photography class next semester.  A big thanks to CJ and her kids for calling us to come out to join you on one of your family walks!

Light Up Your Night

Walking through the aisles of newly shelved holiday decorations I start dreaming of white lights, snowflakes, and holiday carols.  Now is the time to stock up on some sparkle for your wedding.  Basic white lights and simple candles can be crafted into a glorious display customized for your occasion. Twine, tulle and even tissues could be your new best friend.  Don't feel like crafting more fireworks than those in the bedroom?  Ask your DJ or tent rental company if they rent lighting equipment.       

1.  http://www.pocketfulofdreams.co.uk/2012/01/31/diy-craft
2.  http://sarahontheblog.blogspot.com/2012/04/hula-hoop-chandelier.
3.  http://www.the-louisville-wedding-blog.com/2012/09/wedding-light
4 & 5.  http://www.praisewedding.com/archives/1150
6.  http://www.girlywedding.com/wedding-blog/2012/7/26/10-diy-wedding 

Fall Fantasy Fusion

The days are shorter, the wind blows colder, and the geese are on the move.  Fall is officially here.  As October rolls in thoughts of creepy decorations, creative costumes, and candy galore fill my head.  Along with holiday festivities I also celebrate two wedding anniversaries, my parents and my sister in law.  My sister in law had a wonderful Halloween wedding.  At one time in my life I wanted to dress up for my wedding too.  I wanted to wear fairy wings and wear a whimsical dress.  My wedding sure was magical, but I left my fairy wings at home.  Here is a sample of a would be Halloween inspired fairy tale wedding.

1.  http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h406/MerciNYC/Merci%20Blog/R

2.  http://images.costumes.net/princess-fairy-wings.jpg

3.  http://cupcakestakethecake.blogspot.com/2009/11/alien-cupcakes-a

4.  http://isa2.stylemepretty.com/wp-content/submissions/uploads/wed

5.  http://img0.etsystatic.com/000/0/6070623/il_570xN.259564708.jpg

6.  http://www.zazzle.com/autumn_woods_wedding_invitations-161246289

A Week of Remembrance

This week our country spent some time reflecting on the attacks in 2001, but did it get the attention it deserves?  Some say it is human nature to move on.  Some say the tragedy is still fresh in our minds so we need to keep the memory of those we lost alive.  Jennifer Peltz of the Associated Press wrote, "Thousands had attended the ceremony in New York in previous years, including last year's milestone 10th anniversary.  In New York, a crowd of fewer than 200 swelled to 1,000 by late Tuesday morning..."

We live in a nation where you have the right to your own opinion, but me, I always take a few moments to sit, reflect, and pray every year on September 11th.  For people in my generation this event was the biggest attack on US soil during our lifetime.  To this day we continue to lose loved ones to the fight against terrorism.  

I still remember what that day in history was like for me.  I can also recall how I spent the day last year.  I had the pleasure of attending a Forest Ecology class at Johnson State College.  We spent the day hiking through areas affected by the flood Irene, marshes, bogs, and stopped for a taste of Cold Hollow Cider.  Enjoy some images from that journey.

Top 5 DIY Rules for Sanity

So you have the ring, you splurged on your dress and now your budget is out of whack.  Looks like some DIY projects are in your future wedding plans.  Here are some tips to help your head stay in place and your sanity safe.  A big thanks to Emmalinebride.com for all their inspirational posts.

1.  PLAN Plan plan
A well written plan will help all your vendors, recruited helpers, and family members stay on the same page.  During save the date ornament construction I had a hard time communicating to my helpers exactly what I had in mind for the project.  If I had printed instructions and demonstrated the steps the evening would have been more productive.

2.  Set Realistic Deadlines
Give yourself plenty of time to gather all materials, perfect the design, and construct hundreds of those little origami birds you thought you loved.

3.  Set up Shop 
Find a special work zone where your goodies and supplies can develop, prepare, and live until your big day.

4.  Stop & Ask For Directions
You've tried to perfect your homemade bouquet but they look more like lollipops than flowers.  Don't spend your budgeted time in frustration.  The next time you are out for supplies ask the experts at the craft store for their advise.

5.  It Takes a Family to Craft a Wedding
This is a time in your life when your close friends and family are actually looking forward to helping.  The more you let your mother help, the more she'll leave you alone about the hors d'oeuvres you chose.  If you have followed all the previous steps your recruits will have no problem crafting your 3D invitations.

Green Mountain Inspirations

As an up and coming wedding professional I look to others to help inspire my creativity.  I have had the pleasure of working with some Vermont photographers like Mr. Brian Yager of Beltrami's and Mr. Kevin Macy of Finest Image.  During my time at VT Vows I was inspired by local wedding photographers such as Kathleen Landwehrle and the Daria Bishop team.  

Today I would like to give a big shout out to another fabulos Vermont Wedding Photographer.  Kathleen Landwehrle captured some amazing images at the Equinox Resort & Spa this June.  Congratulations to Camden & Rob!  To see more images from this wedding weekend please visit:
http://kathleenlandwehrle.com/blog/2012/05/camden-and-robs-wedding-weekend-the-wedding/

Baby Issac

I had the pleasure of meeting baby Issac this week.  He's such a little angel!  An added bonus to this session is seeing his mother again.  I took pictures of Caitlin around 10 years ago.  Yes dear friends, I am getting old.

Vermont Wedding Vendor Spotlight

I just LOVE weddings.  I loved everything about planning and being a part of my own wedding.  I love witnessing friends and family find their life love and celebrating the union.  I love being behind the camera, watching the bride and groom through the lens, capturing special moments they will never forget.

A million and one things need to be done to prepare for a wedding.  One of my husband's favorite parts wasn't the beading he did, nor the lick and stick job.  His favorite wedding task was the cake tasting.  Our cupcakes were to die for.  We still hear guests rave about them as we reminisce.  There are so many decisions about the cake; the cake flavor, filling flavor, icing flavor, decorations, colors, and the basic shape of the cake.

When working with professional wedding vendors, you know your money is well spent.  During my wedding research days I heard many rave reviews about Irene's cakes by design.  As I browse through hundreds of images online of her work I realize why.  The creativity in this woman is endless.  Enjoy!

Designer Diapers

With the recent addition of Miss Jackie in my life I begin to ponder the option of having a new baby myself.  As the Internet provides countless options for everything from bottles, monitors, and diapers, I find myself sucked into researching the latest and greatest.  As my baby turned 14 yesterday, I am severely out of the baby loop.

I have an infant session booked this week and I spent some quality web time gathering inspiration.  Many infant photographers today use "Anne Geddes" like props and backdrops.  Natural fibers, costumes, and bare-bottomed sleeping babies are rampant among the pros.  I'm a sucker for these images.

I quickly noticed diaper covers being used in many images.  Gone are the days of bulging plastic covers.  Today photographers and parents alike are finding diaper covers to be cool again.  As an eco conscious person I have considered cloth in the past.  I am now looking forward to finding the most comfortable and stylish cloth diapers and covers for my next child.  Check out some images I adore and note the links at the bottom to view more from these talented photographers.

1.  http://sweetserendipityphotography.com/#/home/

2.  http://www.glory-photography.com/index2.php#/home/

3.  http://jillianwilliamsphotography.com/?load=flash

4.  http://stacyscreationsphotography.com/

5.  http://onedreamphotography.com/

Religion in a Modern World

This century is one to be noted in religion books.   "The percentage of Catholics practicing their faith is declining almost everywhere around the globe. Almost all bishops report it, but it’s difficult to prove statistically" states Cindy Wooden of the Catholic News Service on August 12th.  I feel it's because our faith in our religious leaders has been severely tested.  Over 500 priests have been convicted of abuse but this June marked the first U.S. church official branded a felon for covering up abuse claims (AP.6/22/12).

When my daughter was born we had a hard time justifying making the decision for her to enter into a religious world where greed and child abuse was rampant among the clergy.  Her father and I felt very strongly it should be her choice to follow our faith, for her own reasons.  Over the next 13 years she learned bits and pieces through various masses and conversations. The beginning of 2012 was rough on her, yet her desire for faith came to her when she needed it most. She spent much of this year taking special religion classes at the rectory. Last week we were very proud to welcome her to the church through Baptism and this week was her first Communion. My faith continues to grow stronger when I witness the little miracles He provides, even if she's too old to let me do a special photo shoot. Special thanks to Mrs. Jaquelyn Liebold for being a strong and faithful Godmother.

1. http://www.katetparkerphotography.com/blog/2012/03/23/a-beautiful-girl-dress-and-sunset-atlanta-area-child-photography/
2.  http://cherylanncollins.com/2012/08/first-communion/
3. http://redbootsphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Angela-Communion_slider.jpg

DIY Haven

Wedding planning took up quite a lot of my time this year.  Many nights I perused the web, often landing on Etsy.  I inspected many beautiful handmade crafts.  One item in particular caught my fancy early on.  I was looking for a floral wreath rather than a veil and found this one at the gardensofwhimsy shop.  It was beautiful, yet I felt I could make it myself.  From that point on I decided the majority of my decorations and stationary would be hand made.  One expense I had a hard time justifying was fresh flowers.  I opted for silk flowers in my center pieces and as filler in the bouquets.  The bouquet looked so lovely with fresh roses and silk hydrangeas.

Today I continue to watch for great ways for people like you to save while wedding planning.  Here is a tutorial for gorgeous paper roses you can make on a budget rather than spend hundreds, even thousands of dollars for silk or fresh ones.  Many thanks and a big shout out to Ellinee for posting the tutorial.  Also check out the flowers in action at the Adventures in Futility and Knitting blog.  Congratulations JessaMica!

Wedding Inspiration Without the Headache

I had the pleasure of planning my own wedding this year.  I took to the web to find inspiration and DIY ideas.  Finding great recipes and craft ideas is easy.  Keeping track of them in my bookmark list is as fun as calculating the probability my wedding will cost less than $10,000. 

I stumbled upon Pinterest during the early stages of wedding planning.  This digital cork board allows users to categorize bookmarks using images from the page as visual reference.  I now browse through the web and “Pin” my favorite pages on the appropriate board.

Check out my own wedding Pinboard.  What you see today is from my own wedding.  Check back every Friday for new inspiration.  Want help with your own wedding research?  Type up a comment or send me an email requesting my help.  Wedding planning is hard enough.  I’ll take on the pain and lost time of research for you!

Latest Family Addition

I am so lucky to have such adorable nieces and a nephew.  The newest lil lady in the family is Miss Jacquelyn Danaher.  I had the honor of being there when she was born.  Here is a sample of her 1 week session done in the comfort of her home with props and backdrops found in her room.  The logo on this image is my old logo, which is currently going through a major transformation.  Stay tuned for more images and branding updates!

A New Look for a New Outlook

As my 5 year business anniversary approaches I pause to reflect on my accomplishments and my missteps. I have created an amazing array of portfolio pieces.  I have had the pleasure of taking pictures for many families through milestones such as maternity, baby's arrival, the first birthday, the whole family, high school seniors, weddings, and anniversaries.  As other parts of my life have demanded more of my attention, I have fallen behind on some key factors that are severely limiting the growth of my business.  Please excuse the evolution of Jamie Read Photography through the rest of the year as I continue to fine tune my marketing mix, branding, product offering, and pricing.