AEphoto

PHOTODUDS Freebie giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Artistic Expressions Photography) — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 16:30:00 +0000

photoDUDS is giving away software and free prizes from Animoto, GP Albums and KYPPA...go to http://photoduds.com to check it out!

How to Choose a Baby Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Artistic Expressions Photography) — Sat, 08 May 2010 16:13:00 +0000

How to Choose a Baby Photographer

What is your style? What do you like? Choosing a baby photographer is a big decision and can involve a significant investment. Here are a few tips to ensure you are satisfied and happy with the end result:

Decide Your Budget Range and Style

The first step in choosing a baby photographer is to decide on a style preference. Do you prefer a modern look, a classic look, outdoors, indoors, colorful or black and white? Many photographers have a distinct look, and you may want to consider if their style suits your home décor. Additionally, prices will vary according to which photographer you choose. Lower priced photographers will allow you to purchase more prints, while higher-end photographers provide added services such as helping you design custom artwork for your home. So keep your style preference and budget at the top of your mind, as feeling confident about these two factors will help you be more efficient in your search for the perfect photographer.

Research Baby Photographers Online

The second step in choosing a baby photographer is to browse the websites of photographers in your area. Make a list of a few artists who are compatible with your style and your budget. As a general rule, photographers will most often display their best photos online to attract potential clients. If you don’t like what you see on the website, chances are high that you might not like their work in person.

Call Your Baby Photographer Choices and Narrow the List

Once you have a list of your top choices, call the photographers to determine if you “click” with them on a personal level. After all, this person will play an integral role in documenting your family history, so you want to ensure you like them. Be open and communicative about your wishes, needs and budget ideas. Get a “feel” for the energy, the setting and the photographer’s ideas, take your time and make the right decision.

Know Your Photography Goals

A reputable and professional baby photographer will try and determine your goals and needs to ensure they provide you with the best possible service. Questions you may want to be able to answer include:

Are you looking for custom wall art or something smaller to document this particular time? This answer can play a major factor in your choice as you might invest in a higher-end photographer for your wall art and try various styles for your smaller prints.

What is your priority and main goal of booking this session?

Will this photo begin or follow an established family tradition? If it follows a family tradition, ensure you explain your needs fully or provide visual examples.

Remember, establishing a relationship and communicating your goals is the best step to success in hiring the ideal baby photographer for you. Follow these simple rules and you will be on your way to displaying a gorgeous new portrait of your child in your home.

How to Choose a Baby Photographer

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Dawn Shields takes Grand Album at WPPI in her heartwrenching work of art

noreply@blogger.com (Artistic Expressions Photography) — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 15:38:00 +0000

This is absolutely amazing. Be sure to view it in HD, full screen - it's worth waiting for it to load.
I found this on DWF's forum, posted by Mark Lutz. Here is his intro to watching this video - I don't think I could have explained it any better:

"Dawn Shields album is called “Legacy” and it took Grand Album at WPPI this year. Go into it knowing that this album is unlike any album that you’ve probably ever seen before.

A bit of backstory… Dawn created this album for herself, her sister and her brother to help them remember their beloved grandfather after she discovered the full details of his inmate past. An amazing story told in the shape of an album for a man she loved."

There were numerous comments posted by others on the DWF forum - some commending Dawn's work, others admonishing her for even creating it! Some felt it should not have won Grand Album, given that it had "nothing to do with wedding or portrait photography" and that it was simply a "scrapbook". To me - it was both disturbing and profound to watch. It grabbed my heartstrings and swung from them freely. The craft of the album itself, the photography, the lighting is simply amazing. The story behind it is not "puppy dogs and rainbows" as one reader put it, but rather deeply emotional, a glimpse into the private feelings of someone else, and regardless of what you think of the album or whether she should have shared it publicly, Dawn should be respected for the simple fact that she had the courage to do so.

What's the big deal about Senior Portraits?

noreply@blogger.com (Artistic Expressions Photography) — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 02:54:00 +0000

The million dollar question. Why are senior portraits such a big deal? You just need a headshot for the yearbook right? So why do I need to spend hundreds of dollars and hours of time and preparation? Just go the school contracted photographer and have him snap a few, right? Not so fast....

Senior portraits ARE a big deal! This is the last opportunity you have to capture the real you, as you are at this age before you are swept off into life to become...gulp!... a real adult. Yes, it's true, someday you may look back at those photos and say "WHAT was I thinking!?" but that's kind of the point of senior photography - to express who you are, what you are all about right now. And, as you look back on your high school years, you will have fantastic images that shout out your character, personality and style. Trust me, you will be awed by how far you have come, the changes that you have made throughout your life. Your senior year memories are some of the best you will have. Don't miss the chance to capture that feeling one last time, by a professional, experienced photographer who knows exactly how to do so.

Poker/Trivia night at SLUH

noreply@blogger.com (Artistic Expressions Photography) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 01:35:00 +0000

Rick Benz and B. Mary Charitable Benefits hosted their annual Texas Hold 'Em and trivia night at SLU High school on February 27. Dennis Phillips attended and signed decks of cards for fans. Everyone had a great time, and proceeds benefited the Boys and Girls Hope as well as BrendonSmiles.org. Brendon is an energetic 4 year old and it was a task to focus the camera on his ever-moving self! A silent auction was held, with some awesome donations to be won - everything from sports memorabilia to a hot air balloon ride. Oh...and of course, a wheel barrow of booze! Scott and I enjoyed the evening taking pictures of everyone having fun, and met some great people.

Mother Son Valentine Soiree - Cyrano's in Webster Groves

noreply@blogger.com (Artistic Expressions Photography) — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 17:26:00 +0000

Cyrano's Cafe in Webster Groves hosted the first ever Mother-Son Valentine Soiree. About 70 guests attended for dinner, fun and dancing. The boys were, well...boys... wild and rambunctious as you can see from the images! They had a blast watching their mothers dance, showing their moves in the dance-off, and making silly poses in front of the camera.

This was a non-profit event and all procees were dontated to the Haiti relief fund. Thanks to Dana and Kim for organinzing this wondeful evening and choosing me to photograph it!

Enjoy the images!

High school senior - Kristy

noreply@blogger.com (Artistic Expressions Photography) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 21:19:00 +0000

Kristy was super fun to work with - and so easy! She knew exactly how to pose and needed little direction. Truly a natural in front of the camera. We visited Lebanon, IL for Kristy's senior photo session, hitting Hoerner Park and Main Street. Then we headed into O'Fallon to take pictures at an old abandoned barn - the sun was beginning to set which created some beautiful light and color for her photographs.

High School Senior - Darci

noreply@blogger.com (Artistic Expressions Photography) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 21:30:00 +0000

We had SO much fun with Darci! Our adventure began on the landing in downtown St. Louis, using the cool architecture of old buildings and cobblestone roads as a backdrop. From there we headed to the new City Garden in the heart of downtown St. Louis. If you haven’t visited yet, be sure to check out the fountains! Darci really loosened up in front of the camera and we got some great shots of her trying to climb on all the interesting structures! We ended at the graffiti wall and train tracks, going home with some awesome images. Here’s a sneak peek – enjoy!