Brenda Acuncius Photography Blog

“What _____ Looks Like” Lifestyle Challenge (month 9)

brenda — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:12:19 +0000

Well HELLO month 9 of “What ______ Looks Like.” The month of April came and went like a blur, chalked full of birthdays, anniversaries, school activities, school testing, projects, Easter and workshop planning. Throw in some fun downtime and this is “What April Looks Like.”

Continue the circle and head on over to the blog of Sarah Cornish | My Four Hens Photography and she what she captured for her “What ________ Looks Like.”

Texas Bluebonnets and Face 2 Face

brenda — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 22:50:45 +0000

Well hello there! Yes, I’m still here and around….just busy as a bee as I’m sure many of you are! I’m getting prepared for our second Face 2 Face in person workshop that is being held on May 19th and 20th. We are super excited as a couple of our Bloom Forum Moderators are flying in to help out. We have two spots available so if you are interested, we would love for you to join us. You can read about the details HERE. And we are looking for some CUTE models for it as well. We are having a model contest so head HERE to read how you can enter you sweet little one.

So how many of you found a good blue bluebonnet field? They bloomed early didn’t they this year? We found a pretty good one in Flower Mound considering it was in the middle of town. So of course we packed up the kids to take photos and beat the crowd that was there who had the same idea. This first one below is already printed as an 8×10 and on my desk so everytime I jump on my laptop, I see those sweet faces.

“What _____ Looks Like” Lifestyle Challenge (month 8)

brenda — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 13:00:58 +0000

First and foremost I have to apologize for the picture overload! I took these during our Spring Break vacation and just felt I needed to share all of them in one post instead of splitting them up.

As I mentioned, I captured these when we headed to San Francisco and then Carmel over Spring Break. It was so beautiful there and it was such a nice getaway. I definitely came back rejuvenated.

I’m also am so very happy because I owe many of these photos that a took from this challenge itself. Normally during vacations and special events I feel like I have to take the most amazing photos…posed, set up and oh so perfect where in the end I’m miserable, not enjoying myself and most importantly, my kids not enjoying themselves and the moment. So this year, I just left all those feelings at home, packed up my camera and just decided to shoot when I felt like it and not to disrupt any of the free-for-all fun happenings that were taking place around me.

For the most part I did it. I just let them frolick around on the beach and in the water. Now being a posed photographer, for me NOT to take a couple posed photos would well…just not be me but I would say that about 80% of the photos I came away from this trip with were all lifestyle which in turn made me happy and made them happy as well.

So I give your “What Spring Break 2012 Looks Like”:

Thanks for checking out my challenge for this month, now please continue the circle with the blog of Sarah Cornish | My Four Hens Photography and see what treat she has in store for you!

{elevate} a fine art photography exploration: volume 7

brenda — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 13:00:31 +0000

Create by Nichole Van, I’ve banded together with a handful of other photographers to start a blog project focusing on exploring the fine art side of photography. Each month, we will post a photo or series of images focused on art and photography. There are no rules. Just post what comes from the heart and allow the inner artist a chance to explore and fly.

So sorry to have missed Volume 6. I had a bunch of work stuff going on and I just couldn’t get out and shoot. I was really bummed that I had to bow out. From what I saw, the circle was AWESOME! Our group of girls are so extremely talented and inspiring! I really hope you all are enjoying the exploration so far.

I’ve been really really wanting to shoot a horse photo of lates (can you tell from a couple of my previous posts). I have this grand idea of a cloudy sky, the wind pushing the horse’s mane off to the side and so forth but unfortunately, that just hasn’t happened for me yet (I do vow to eventually caputre such an image). So this one will have to do. I posted this in my lifestyle challenge but for the {elevate}, I pushed it up a notch and converted it to b/w, added some more textures (for a Western Old-Time Feel) and used a couple artistic filters too. I really like how it turned out…now only if I could get that image that has been floating around in my head for the past few months, I’d be one HAPPY camper and have something cool to put over my fireplace. LOL!!

Thanks everyone for stopping by and please check out our first elevate post for 2012 by visiting Martha Schuster | i see the moon photography | Long Beach, CA.

“What _____ Looks Like” Lifestyle Challenge (month 7)

brenda — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 15:00:01 +0000

Well, I barely pulled this one off (again). I shot this series starting at about noon yesterday and finished it around 7:00 pm last night. I so need to manage my time better! LOL!!

We are at month 7 of our “What ______ Looks Like” and we only have 5 more months to go. Please make sure you continue through the entire circle to see everyone’s challenge starting with Sarah Cornish | My Four Hens Photography.

So here’s is “What A Sunday Drive and Bedtime Looks Like” for this family of 4. And only in Texas can you be driving and run into a rodeo! LOL!!

We are cleaning out the closet again!

brenda — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 21:16:37 +0000

It’s that time of year…to make room for new stuff and this time I have a couple of my things up for grabs as well! Everything I post is in wonderful condition with no stains, holes, etc and anything that is NWT or NWOT is noted in the listing. The price INCLUDES shipping. Paypal is the only form of payment, sorry no checks or MO and only shipping within US. If you click on the Paypal link and it directs you back to the blog home page, it means the item has been sold and I will take down the listing ASAP. I ship on Monday and Friday mornings. HAPPY SHOPPING and make sure you come back soon because I have a few more items to list! Just click here to head to the closet sale!

And of course what is a post without an image right? This is an oldie but I never to around to editing it. Seems that happens a lot to me. LOL!!

Face 2 Face 2012

brenda — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 20:49:43 +0000

It’s going to be informational. It’s going to be revealing. It’s going to be beyond fun. It’s going to be….

F2F 2012 will be quite a bit smaller (quaint, if you will) than F2F 2011. We will only be taking 12 students this time around. Don’t worry, we’ll still have a handful of our amazing moderators show up!

Important details…

When: May 19th & 20th
Where: The talented Catherine Clay’s studio in the DFW Texas area
Investment: $1200 ($1000 for early birds! see below) This does not include travel or accommodations. It does include lunch on both days.
What will be covered: Ask yourself what will not be covered! We’ll work with several models, shooting in natural indoor light, outdoor light, as well as studio lights–and weather permitting, we’ll even go out at sunset to capture some sweet flare! We’ll go over editing tips, chat over meals and let you pick our brains all weekend!
Who: You! And us, Brenda Acuncius and Kristy Lane.

Early birds: Sign up between now and February 16th to save $200. Pay $400 below to save your spot!

Click here to pay: $400 non-refundable deposit

Take a peek at Catherine’s studio. She has impeccable taste, her studio is gorgeous!

Here’s what a few of our past attendees had to say about Face 2 Face and their gorgeous images:

I can’t believe that it’s been almost a year since I attended F2F! I had such an awesome time and got to meet so many amazing photographers that I can now call my friends. Brenda, Kristy and the moderators did such a great job at finding the most gorgeous models and styled them all beautifully. There were models of all ages, from a baby all the way to seniors as well as a beautiful family, and we were able to take our time to photograph all of them. Brenda showed us how she works her magic in a studio and shared all her secrets and Kristy helped us review our portfolio and shared her photoshop tricks! They are both so sweet and down to earth! This was an awesome experience that I’m happy I was able to be a part of.
Val

Almost exactly one year ago today, I hopped on a plane to join some of the most inspiring photographers I knew. I was nervous yet thrilled to meet the women I had been learning and growing with for the last two years. The new photography skills I learned that weekend were invaluable! One of my goals for the workshop was to become more confident using indoor light. I had the opportunity to work with many models using indoor light, yet sweet Ms. K was my favorite model of the weekend. Her bright blue eyes and gorgeous face totally drew me in and I couldn’t wait for my turn to work with her.
The friendships made that weekend were priceless! On a daily basis, I am in touch with my friends from the workshop. They have continued to help me grow my business and my skills. I’m already counting down the days until the next one!
Jules

I had the pleasure of attending Bloom’s Face to Face Workshop last year after I struggled with whether or not I should make the trip from WA state. I have always been a “forum stalker” but never gutsy enough to participate. After spending a couple of days with Brenda and Kristy I was so excited about sharing my images and receiving some awesome and valuable feedback. Being a bart of the Bloom Group has opened the door for some pretty sweet projects and I really have the Face to Face workshop to thank for making the introductions and encouraging me to participate and share!
Mary

Do Better

brenda — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:00:19 +0000

I just had to share a post that was written by Gretchen Davis who is one of our moderators over at The Bloom Forum. Many of you may have seen recent events with photos going viral on facebook from newborn photographers that put the safety of the newborns at risk. I’m an so committed to advocate newborn safety and it should be of utmost importance to everyone but when people start to leave comments on their page that are rude, disrespectful and so much more….the thing that needed to be address the most is completely missed. So please take a moment to ready the post below and let’s do better!

“I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better.”
― Maya Angelou

Oh, newborn babies… I’m so looking forward to meeting my own third newborn this spring when he or she arrives. Babies are petal soft, smell heavenly, and they represent all that is perfect and pure in our world. What photographer wouldn’t be excited to capture these exquisite little beings? With the rapid growth of the photography industry, more and more photographers are venturing into newborn photography. Inspired by the very popular, gravity defying posing they see, new photographers are often eager to jump in and try these same poses. For good reason, newborn safety has become quite a heated topic on the internet. As a mother, former pediatric nurse and a photographer, handling tiny babies respectfully and safely is very important to me. I’m passionate about protecting these tiny people and I cringe when I see a photographer post a photo with a baby who looks unsafe to the experienced eye. Given the active debate about newborn safety, many of you cringe as well. Actually, many of us are doing more than just cringing. We are speaking up. We are educating. We are trying to teach better techniques and ideas.

I’ve read many well written articles on how to photograph newborns. I know there are excellent newborn workshops that are available to help teach others how to protect and photograph new babies. Photos have been generously posted that show examples of how a composite image is created by experienced photographers who are willing to share their secrets. These are things that are meant to help educate those who are new to photographing newborns on how to handle a baby safely. I’m so proud that the photography industry includes leaders like this who are willing to share their time, knowledge and talent to keep these little ones safe.

I’ve also seen something that is deeply disturbing to me. I’ve seen photographers posting harshly critical comments on other photographer’s business pages. I’ve read comments that include swearing, name calling and rudeness on these business pages of fledgling newborn photographers. I’ve seen the work of new photographers shared virally on facebook and forums in a way that is meant to ridicule and shame. I’m so ashamed that this is also part of our photography industry. It makes me think of an anti-bullying poster in my son’s school that reads. “Is it respectful? Is it kind? Is it helpful?”

I strongly believe that criticism can be a very valuable tool to learn from. But, criticism works the best when it is constructive. Criticism aimed at tearing down someone else’s character is bullying. Its mean and it rarely accomplishes more than inflicting hurt and causing the recipient to withdrawal. Constructive criticism on the other hand, it builds the recipient up, it teaches a better way, it encourages. Constructive criticism spurs change to happen.

When you see something you are passionately sure is wrong, take a moment or two to consider how you could best prevent the wrong from happening again. What can you say to make things happen differently next time? Your words are powerful, use them in a way that they do the most good. If newborn safety is what makes you fiery and passionate and unable to keep quiet, awesome! These little babies needs someone to advocate for them and teach new photographers how to respectfully handle them. But, let’s be kind.

A good place to start if you feel you must say something personally to the photographer is contacting the new photographer privately. Sharing your thoughts privately is a good way to show you respect them as a person and hopefully create a relationship that will encourage safe techniques. Kindly share your concerns, without attacking character. Share the name and contact info for a good newborn workshop. Share a blog post on safety. Invite them to come join us on The Bloom Forum and ask any questions they might have. If you feel you need to take action publicly to change the awareness of newborn safety, please do so without calling attention publicly to the photographer whose work you saw flaw in. Be respectful. Be kind. Be helpful.

Finally, if you are reading this and you feel like you might have crossed the line on facebook or elsewhere with your words, I encourage you to go contact that person. Write a simple apology and delete your comment. While words are hard to forget, an apology can go a long way to heal someone else’s feelings. Everyone makes mistakes, it can be hard to reign in our words and feelings when we see something we know to be wrong. Passion is great, passion fuels change. Just make sure you channel that passion in the way that best affects the change you’d like to see. From the very wise Maya Angelou… when you know better, you do better.

Meg Bitton, Thank you so much for allowing us to share your beautiful image.

Shopping Spree With Photographer Cafe

brenda — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 13:00:23 +0000

We have another great giveaway over at the Bloom Blog again! We are full of them these days! Makes sure you check it out. Do not leave a comment in this post, instead leave one in THIS POST.

Photographer Cafe is your one stop shop for business marketing. I LOVE all their products, they are so fresh and modern. Read what they had to say bout their new product below and enter to win a $150 shopping spree!!!

Photographer Cafe is known for its essential business and marketing tools. 2012 is your year to polish your business communications and make them shine! Best of all, you can pull together a cohesive, professional image in practically no time at all. Why pull your hair out and waste precious time with friends and family when Photographer Cafe is here to help?

Our recent Curves Business and Marketing Collection is just one of our many sets that provide everything you need to launch your business or update the image of your existing business. From referral cards to trifold brochures to gift cards to digital and portrait care cards, these collections have it all. Purchase sets separately or purchase the whole collection and save big.

Photographer Cafe is giving away a $150 shopping spree. Use your winnings to purchase a Business and Marketing Collection or browse the shop for inspirational templates and products featuring clean, modern, quality design with a huge range of styles.

How to win:

1) Follow Photographer Cafe on Twitter and tweet “Enter to win a $150 shopping spree from @PhotogCafe at the Bloom Forum.” Or if you don’t have twitter, head to facebook like their page and leave a comment on their wall letting them know we sent you.

2) Then go to the Bloom Blog and leave a comment in this post saying you have done #1 and telling what Photographer Cafe product is on your wish list.

Contest closes Monday February 6th at 8pm CST.

Spotlight With Joyce Smith of Wordsmith and Giveaway!

brenda — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:59:06 +0000

Hey everyone! I wanted to share this fantastic giveaway we are having over that the Bloom Blog! It’s definitely one you DO NOT want to miss!! Do not leave a comment here…go to the Bloom Blog and leave it there.

Hello! I’m Joyce Smith, English professor-turned-photographer-turned-photographer’s-new-best-friend. When I was working on my Ph.D. in English literature and teaching freshman composition, I never imagined that I’d eventually bring my love of grammar, syntax, and all that other stuff that makes your head hurt to my career as a photographer. It quickly became obvious to me, however, that clear communication is paramount to creating a “good faith” working relationship with clients. Not to mention the fact that–let’s face it–writing is hard. I’ve always found it interesting that even gifted writers often loathe the laborious act of putting pen to paper or, even worse, staring at the dreaded blinking cursor. Experience writer’s block or frustration as you struggle for the right words no longer! Visit the WordSmith site to find guides that will make your life as a photographer infinitely easier and oh-so-eloquent . . . today!

I’d love to offer one lucky winner a complete set of everything WordSmith ($500+ value), which includes all of the following WordSmith goodies:
• {what to wear} children and family
• {what to write}
• more {what to write}
• {how to sell}
• {what to wear} seniors
• the senior pricing menu
• {breathe}
• session stories volume one
& more!

How do you enter? Head over to Wordsmith Facebook page and “like it”. Then go to the everything bloom blog and leave a comment over there in THIS POST. You have until this Friday to enter, contest will close at 8pm CST.
If you do not win, don’t despair! Instead, enjoy a discount for one week following the contest of 15% off any WordSmith purchase. Just use code BLOOM when you purchase.