Explore 2012

This year has flown by so quickly. It seems like yesterday I had a hard time remembering to write “2011″ for the date. Now, another new year approaches us. As with every new year comes the laundry list of, “things I didn’t have time to do this year.” I wanted to take the children to the zoo, Waterford Wave Pool, and possibly Mackinac Island among other things.

Everyday our lives are crammed packed full of things to do. Sometimes the list is full of things to do for others, more so than ourselves. One thing I have learned is to NOT take life for granted. With that being said, I have decided to try and document my personal family more with photography in 2012. Photographs are a legacy left behind for generations to view and understand what our lives were like. Children especially, enjoy looking at themselves when they were smaller. It brings great joy to children to be able to see themselves, during times they may not recall. As a mother, I am reminded by photographs how quickly they grow up.

Cherish today, and make the most of what you have. Do not take the little things for granted. It is easy to get hung up on the negative, and forget to give thanks for the positive. Everyone has challenges, some worse than others. However, do not forget to stop and smell the roses.

My question to you, “what have you photographed lately?” Feel free to leave us a comment and share what your favorite photograph was this 2011.

Captivating Studio would like to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving Holiday! Be safe, and give thanks.

As simple as this may sound, unless I suggest it, everyone forgets it. Water bottles. Yes, water. It is a very stressful day for both the bride and groom, along with everyone involved with getting ready. Staying hydrated is vital. Especially during those hot months. Some church’s do not have air conditioning, or may not have the temperature to a comfortable setting for the bride and groom, dressed in many layers.

A fan is a brides best friend. Girls, it gets hot under that dress, let me tell you. Bring a portable fan, and make yourself comfortable. This is a great photo opportunity as well, with your hair blowing around like Marilyn Monroe.

Every bride needs a pair of scissors in her emergency kit. Price tags are rarely removed. Little pieces of string seem to find their way onto bridesmaids dresses. If you need to sew something, your going to need scissors to cut the thread.

A small sewing kit with a variety of thread colors. Unfortunately, a brides dress will get stepped on sooner or later. I have seen the bustle become unsown from a mishap, resulting from stepping on the back of the dress as the bride was walking. Also, bridesmaids may need a last minute button sewn or repaired.

Designate someone to be in charge of your bustle. Make sure they know how to  bustle your dress before your grand entrance into the hall. There are choices of color coding stitching, sequential snaps, and a great deal of other choices you may choose from. Believe me, it is impossible to complete this task yourself. Someone should be in charge of this and have practiced this prior to your big day.

Stock your limo with your favorite cocktails. Do not rely on what the limo company has to offer. Have one of the groomsman be in charge of this. If your planning on having romantic portraits done after your formal ceremony portraits, the ride in the limo is where you will unwind and have a cocktail or two. A few snacks to nibble on prior to the big dinner is also a great idea.

A package of baby wipes may seem funny to be required, but guests will be hugging and kissing the groom. Women wear makeup, and this tends to get onto the tux very easily. Locate your nearest Walmart and look in the travel section for a small package of baby wipes. They take out quick stains, and your photographer will love you for it too (less photoshop work).

As a photographer, I tend to keep a small lint roller in my camera gear. The groom and groomsmen will need to make last minute touches to their wardrobes. Dark tuxedo’s tend to show even the smallest bit of dust.

Nothing is worse then needing a simple band aid and not having one. Stop by the travel section at any store and put a few in your kit. Feet tend to get blisters from new shoes. Band aid’s work great for a quick fix.

Here are a few items you may wish to include as well. Deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, hair spray, make-up, hair pins, and Tylenol.

Lastly, the bride should plan on packing an alternate pair of shoes. Flip-flops work well, although some brides prefer to purchase a pair of flat shoes, or bring slippers.

Captivating Studio would love to hear what will be in your “Bridal Emergency Kit.” Leave us a comment and share your stories.

We have created a new marketing campaign this year and have been traveling to many new photography conferences. Captivating Studio not only provides Wedding, Maternity, Newborn, Children and Event photography, we also offer graphic design to our clients. These come in the format of personalized albums, CD/DVD cases, personalized wedding announcements, save the date cards, and senior announcements.

In an effort to broaden the awareness of our business, we have been focusing on our advertising a great deal this summer. If you are new to Captivating Studio, please leave us a comment regarding how you found us. Your voice matters.

While doing research for further marketing tools, Thumbtack.com was stumbled upon. Captivating Studio Photography

In addition to our passion for photography, is our love for education. Our studio continues to strive to stay on the cutting edge with the latest technology, equipment, and editing techniques. In addition, our website Captivating Studio has under gone an over hall. We are in the process of updating our models, and giving the site a new feel.

Become a Captivating Studio Facebook Fan

Thanks for stopping by, and remember to leave a comment letting us know how you found us.

Once again we want to thank all of you for your support and with our renewed spirit and recognition there are many new and great things to come from Captivating Studio in the future.

Additionally if you would like to come out and see us personally we will be doing a number of Wedding shows over the next few months.  We will keep you posted as to dates and locations and would love for you to take the day and come out and see us.

Captivating Studio

http://www.captivatingstudio.com

We invite you to have a look at the site and see our placement at the following link. WedAlert

At the moment we are booking for a few 2010 Wedding dates as well as looking at the 2011 calendar already.  Its filling up quickly so don’t hesitate to give us a call or drop us an email with your dates so we can organize and start pre planning for your special occasion.

Also don’t Forget!!  We are shooting regularly for 2010/2011 Senior Photos, Maternity, Infant, Baby, Family and even commercial work.  If you have a need weather it be family Photography or Business related our highly skilled and educated staff is here to assist you in Capturing your special moments or you Business related needs.

You can find our contact information at Captivating Studio and you can also follow us on both Twitter at Twitter or our Facebook Page at Facebook

We are really looking forward to being part of your upcoming events.

Thanks,

Captivating Studio

Thank you for a wonderful 2009! We enjoyed working with you and providing you with timeless treasures.

Captivating Studio loves the feel of grunge. Although we can design anything to meet your needs, please take a look around and notice our detail to graphic design as well as our ability to capture heart warming emotions that will last a life time.

Take a peek, and leave us some feedback.

As for those that are newbies to our site, welcome and please feel free t contact us with any questions or concerns.

After the announcement of my husband having cancer February 2009 , I was given a new view on life. I stopped working on my current blog at that time, along with tweeting on Twitter, and any other social networking aspect in life. I had to focus more on my family.

Life has taken us down a different path and we are doing well at this time. His cancer is under control and the family is well.

Since I have been actively finishing up my Photography Degree, life has been in fast forward. I have promised my children that this is my last degree! They miss their momma.

My long term goal is to help others and teach. Be it on the Internet or at a college, I do not know that answer to this yet.

One thing I can say is that there are features which are either new to WordPress since my last use, or I was unaware of them prior. Lets say they are new. The interface had just started to look as it does now prior to my departure of blogging.

One feature I had not used before was the “Media Links.” Prior, I would upload the images individually via FTP and put them in a folder. Now, you can select what image you would like to upload from your computer, as well as the ability to keep it in your Media Links. How wonderful is that.

While I do see a great deal of Photographers utilizing free blogging sites, I just cannot get over the nerd in me to do so. I have to be a die hard and play with the cascading style sheets, and the old school html.

While there is always going to be someone better than I am at editing and coding, as long as Google is my friend – I will concur!

So hang on tight, we are off to get to know one another and share ideas and photography.

Please feel free to introduce yourself and leave a comment or two.

Subscribe to our blog & don’t miss out.

Please feel free to leave us feedback and subscribe to our RSS to not miss out on future posts.