Thursday, March 24, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
Baby Connor's First Photo Shoot
This little lad was such a joy to photograph - only two months old and he loved to laugh, smile and coo at his mommy. So precious, I can't wait to go back!
Friday, February 25, 2011
Tiny Miracles
I consider myself so lucky to be able to capture a baby's first day of life - nothing brings me more joy than seeing a newborn smile, kick or grip Mom or Dad's fingers for the first time - giving these priceless first moments to new Mommies and Daddies is always the highlight of my day. Photographing in-hospital can be tricky, I often have to find creative ways of using and manipulating natural light because the hospital lights can be so unflattering. Here are a few of my favorite shots from the last couple of weeks - the nurses in the hospitals have nicknamed me the "baby whisperer" because of my ability to get a one day old baby to smile. I've included the link to Gaga Baby Photos - if anyone is interested in getting this service at their hospital, just give me a shout!
Click here to go to the Gaga Baby Photos website
Click here to go to the Gaga Baby Photos website
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Dear James...
For those of you reading this blog expecting to find one of my typical posts on photography or the latest cutie-pie I was honored to shoot, I have to apologize. You see I was a lousy wife this week. I've been stressed about work and haven't been feeling great health wise, and so I neglected to do the simple act of running to the nearest drug store to grab a Valentine's Card for my husband. So, I am afraid what you have stumbled upon, is a good old-fashioned love letter. How ironic that in this technologically advanced age, one fails to keep a simple pad of paper around to write said letter, so sadly, one must now resort to proclaiming her love for her wonderful husband on her very public blog. Here goes nothing...
Dear James ~
Your smile lights up my world. Your hug heals all my worries. Sometimes I feel like pinching myself because I'm amazed that someone like you loves me the way you do - without pretenses, expectations or demands. You love me, just me. A silly, over-emotional, crazy person who hates leftovers and can't fathom a world in which lint brushes don't exist. It's true that marriage is work, but it is also a gift. Its been the best gift of my life, and I know that no matter what life may bring us, as long as I have you by my side, then I'm happy ~ because you are all I need. Thank you for doing all you do, for supporting me and for loving me. You do it so perfectly.
I love you, Tracy
Dear James ~
Your smile lights up my world. Your hug heals all my worries. Sometimes I feel like pinching myself because I'm amazed that someone like you loves me the way you do - without pretenses, expectations or demands. You love me, just me. A silly, over-emotional, crazy person who hates leftovers and can't fathom a world in which lint brushes don't exist. It's true that marriage is work, but it is also a gift. Its been the best gift of my life, and I know that no matter what life may bring us, as long as I have you by my side, then I'm happy ~ because you are all I need. Thank you for doing all you do, for supporting me and for loving me. You do it so perfectly.
I love you, Tracy
Facebook Fan Page Giveaway
Get your friends, families, neighbors, anyone to become a fan of my photography page on Facebook and win a FREE mini session!
The Goods up for Grabs:
* 30 minute session
* 15 high resolution images on CD - artistically retouched for a unique, one-of-a-kind portrait
* 20% off all prints, frames and specialty products
* Online gallery for viewing, sharing & ordering
* Customized, animated slideshow for sharing via email or on facebook
The Details:
I'm giving 3 of these FREE sessions away, here's how you can win:
Refer my facebook fan page to friends and family. Once they "LIKE" my page, ask them to leave a comment on my wall stating who referred them. The top 3 individuals with the most referrals will win a free session. Contest ends at 11:59 p.m. on Friday February 18, 2011.
Good Luck! xoxo
Click here to return to Facebook
The Goods up for Grabs:
* 30 minute session
* 15 high resolution images on CD - artistically retouched for a unique, one-of-a-kind portrait
* 20% off all prints, frames and specialty products
* Online gallery for viewing, sharing & ordering
* Customized, animated slideshow for sharing via email or on facebook
The Details:
I'm giving 3 of these FREE sessions away, here's how you can win:
Refer my facebook fan page to friends and family. Once they "LIKE" my page, ask them to leave a comment on my wall stating who referred them. The top 3 individuals with the most referrals will win a free session. Contest ends at 11:59 p.m. on Friday February 18, 2011.
Good Luck! xoxo
Click here to return to Facebook
Monday, February 14, 2011
Happy Heart Day From Baby Connor!
I just had the most precious shoot with Baby Connor! Mommy and I placed him in baskets, beds, bean bags and all sorts of fun hats - he was a happy lil' guy from beginning to end! Although he's only two months, he's already full of so much personality, (and I think he's going to be a bit of a flirt when he grows up).
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Custom Photography vs. The "Chain" Studio
I've been asked numerous times recently about the about the difference between hiring a custom photographer (such as myself) or going to a chain studio (such as Sears, Target, etc.). I hope this post answers any questions you may have!
First, let's discuss what you get at a chain studio. Due to time constraints, your sessions are often very short, with all the lighting remaining the same throughout the entire session. Often, they use a fixed aperture or shoot in auto mode - leaving little room for artistic expression or experimentation (these are often my best shots).
Also, you always have to pay for additional backdrops or poses. Then, after they are done shooting your session, they upload them to a screen, with no processing, and let you pick. Some of the higher end chains will do a quick batch process edit on all of your photos or you may have the ability to convert to black and white, sepia etc. using software on their website.
I'm not knocking studio photography. Way back when, I used to frequent chain studios for special events because that's all I knew. In fact, I've been to several of the chain studios and was pretty satisfied with their results. It comes down to a matter of personal preference and the time and money you are willing to invest.
However, photography school opened up a whole new world to me, and now that I know, the differences between what I offer and what they offer are pretty big.
As a former chain studio groupie, I know the biggest attraction to a photo studio are the print prices. I understand how fantastic that deal you got in the mail is - I really do. I think I still have several mailers around my place to prove it. I know that getting all the photos they promise for under ten bucks is AWESOME.
However, after further inspection (i.e. the fine print) you will discover that it usually says “on the first pose only.” My poor Aunt lost that fight when she took me for a graduation shoot at a " glamour studio ". The first pose ended being a stoic shot where I looked constipated. There were lots of other poses we liked, and of course those were all full price. When you really dive deep, the chain studios actually cost you more. They hide behind their package specials, and make you pay extra for high resolution images on a CD. When you look at their print prices, you are paying them more for standard work than you would pay a custom photographer for professional portraits. Before you even know what has happened, you have spent $400.00 without blinking an eye. Seeing as how the amount of time they have invested in you is only the time it took to shoot your photos and upload them they are making a pretty substantial profit.
Now let’s talk about custom photographers. My sessions are personal, unique, tailored for every client. I do this because I love photography, love people, but most of all, I love giving you a priceless memory you and your family will treasure for years to come. When you look at your photo, I want you to remember I took it. I get to know each client, so I can incorporate elements of their personality into their shoot. My goal is to make my clients feel comfortable - this always produces the best photos without the stoic, often forced smiles you see in chain studio portraits.
After the consultation and booking of the session, I like to plan out your shoot, the location (whether it be in-home or outdoors) the type of props and backdrops to take and most important, what type of lighting I'm going to use. I pack all my gear, props, lighting etc. and head out. The whole session is shot by me, with my full-frame DSLR camera and professional lenses, in manual mode. This way I control the look of your photos instead of the camera. After your session is finished, your responsibilities are over. Mine however, are just beginning.
My post-processing can take anywhere from several days to several weeks depending on the type of session. After uploading all of my photos, I hand-edit each and every one for optimal color, clarity and sharpness. I re-touch skin, add borders, and throw in some special touches to give you a one-of-kind, artistic portrait. With every session you get a free online gallery so you can share with others, order prints and other custom creations. From session to completion the amount of time I spend on each client can range from four hours to well over twenty. All prints are inspected for optimal color and printed on the highest quality paper by a professional photo lab.
Just because our session has ended, doesn't mean our relationship has too. I'm always available to my clients to answer any questions or to even help out with designing a custom photo gallery for your house.
So when you book a session with me, you're not just getting photos - you truly are getting a personalized, one-of-a-kind experience.
I hope this answers your questions and I look forward to meeting you!
~ Tracy
FYI, my photo packages start at just $150 and include unlimited poses as well as all images on a high resolution CD and online gallery.
Get the scoop at tracylagruaphotography.com
First, let's discuss what you get at a chain studio. Due to time constraints, your sessions are often very short, with all the lighting remaining the same throughout the entire session. Often, they use a fixed aperture or shoot in auto mode - leaving little room for artistic expression or experimentation (these are often my best shots).
Also, you always have to pay for additional backdrops or poses. Then, after they are done shooting your session, they upload them to a screen, with no processing, and let you pick. Some of the higher end chains will do a quick batch process edit on all of your photos or you may have the ability to convert to black and white, sepia etc. using software on their website.
I'm not knocking studio photography. Way back when, I used to frequent chain studios for special events because that's all I knew. In fact, I've been to several of the chain studios and was pretty satisfied with their results. It comes down to a matter of personal preference and the time and money you are willing to invest.
However, photography school opened up a whole new world to me, and now that I know, the differences between what I offer and what they offer are pretty big.
As a former chain studio groupie, I know the biggest attraction to a photo studio are the print prices. I understand how fantastic that deal you got in the mail is - I really do. I think I still have several mailers around my place to prove it. I know that getting all the photos they promise for under ten bucks is AWESOME.
However, after further inspection (i.e. the fine print) you will discover that it usually says “on the first pose only.” My poor Aunt lost that fight when she took me for a graduation shoot at a " glamour studio ". The first pose ended being a stoic shot where I looked constipated. There were lots of other poses we liked, and of course those were all full price. When you really dive deep, the chain studios actually cost you more. They hide behind their package specials, and make you pay extra for high resolution images on a CD. When you look at their print prices, you are paying them more for standard work than you would pay a custom photographer for professional portraits. Before you even know what has happened, you have spent $400.00 without blinking an eye. Seeing as how the amount of time they have invested in you is only the time it took to shoot your photos and upload them they are making a pretty substantial profit.
Now let’s talk about custom photographers. My sessions are personal, unique, tailored for every client. I do this because I love photography, love people, but most of all, I love giving you a priceless memory you and your family will treasure for years to come. When you look at your photo, I want you to remember I took it. I get to know each client, so I can incorporate elements of their personality into their shoot. My goal is to make my clients feel comfortable - this always produces the best photos without the stoic, often forced smiles you see in chain studio portraits.
After the consultation and booking of the session, I like to plan out your shoot, the location (whether it be in-home or outdoors) the type of props and backdrops to take and most important, what type of lighting I'm going to use. I pack all my gear, props, lighting etc. and head out. The whole session is shot by me, with my full-frame DSLR camera and professional lenses, in manual mode. This way I control the look of your photos instead of the camera. After your session is finished, your responsibilities are over. Mine however, are just beginning.
My post-processing can take anywhere from several days to several weeks depending on the type of session. After uploading all of my photos, I hand-edit each and every one for optimal color, clarity and sharpness. I re-touch skin, add borders, and throw in some special touches to give you a one-of-kind, artistic portrait. With every session you get a free online gallery so you can share with others, order prints and other custom creations. From session to completion the amount of time I spend on each client can range from four hours to well over twenty. All prints are inspected for optimal color and printed on the highest quality paper by a professional photo lab.
Just because our session has ended, doesn't mean our relationship has too. I'm always available to my clients to answer any questions or to even help out with designing a custom photo gallery for your house.
So when you book a session with me, you're not just getting photos - you truly are getting a personalized, one-of-a-kind experience.
I hope this answers your questions and I look forward to meeting you!
~ Tracy
FYI, my photo packages start at just $150 and include unlimited poses as well as all images on a high resolution CD and online gallery.
Get the scoop at tracylagruaphotography.com
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