Dawn McKinstry

New Year, New Blog!

2009-01-01T19:35:00.008-05:00

This blog has moved to www.dawnmckinstryblog.com!

Please update your readers and bookmarks to follow us on the new blog and keep reading all our new posts!

Erin & Billy... fun

2008-12-06T21:49:00.012-05:00

As I finished up editing Erin & Billy's engagement session I ran across a few fun images that I had to share. These two have such wonderful personalities, and these few images show a glimps of what I had the privilege of experiencing that afternoon...

This was our last set of shots at the end of the day. And I guess Erin was done and was trying to run away. But Billy wouldn't let her. :)

Earlier, we were near the fort on a small hill. Not only is this hill great for photographers to lay on, it's also the perfect size and slope for small boys to roll down. Here you can see Erin & Billy's reaction to the boys rolling right towards me...

He narrowly missed me, but I'm okay!

I really love this one. Wow!

Wedding Album

2008-11-30T17:11:00.007-05:00

I wanted to post a few spreads from Jodi & James' wedding album that I finished designing this weekend.

Erin & Billy

2008-11-22T20:59:00.012-05:00

I headed out to St. Augustine under comfortably chilly, but clear skies. But by the time I parked it was much cooler and windy at the coast. It seems the only times I'm in St. Augustine I'm either sweating to death, or freezing. Today, I was freezing.

However, Erin and Billy were so much fun that I soon warmed up walking ALL over St. Augustine for their engagement session.

I know that Erin will be checking for some images from the session, so here are just a few of the many favorites that I have so far.

You guys are a beautiful couple...

...and so cute in love.

This spot holds special significance to them. St. Augustine is special since Billy asked Erin to marry him here, but it's also where they went on their first date. This table specifically...

One year

2008-11-14T20:42:00.012-05:00

Sometimes it's hard to believe that a year has gone by already since my wedding. Bill and I were married a year ago in Cedar Key, and we returned to spend a quiet weekend there celebrating.

The first day that we were there, the gulf was as calm as glass. It was really beautiful and somewhat rare (at least for me). Bill wanted desperately to go get the boat and get out on the water, but I just wanted to relax and wouldn't let him. Needless to say, we should have taken advantage of the great weather. When we did go out on the boat later in the weekend, we didn't last too long in the miserable cold and windy conditions.

Here are a few images of Bill that I captured in Cedar Key that I absolutely adore. They capture his personality perfectly.

And of course, and obligatory Honeymoon Cabin shot...

It was a wonderfully relaxing getaway.

Personality

2008-10-05T15:20:00.007-04:00

I'm not quite sure what it is about Lori and Justin's farm. But apparently there's something in the water there, because everyone just oozes personality. People, dogs, horses... everyone is just a blast to be around and really enjoy being in front of the camera.

Interest

2008-10-04T22:28:00.003-04:00

While editing Lori and Justin's engagement session tonight, I ran across this series. I love when some dog's personalities show through, and I thought it was funny when Cole noticed the beeping and clicking of my camera. Please bear with me while I narrate...

"I'm having so much fun playing with my friends..."

"...wait a minute... I hear beeping..."

"...and now there's clicking..."

"...what is that?!?"

Danny's Retirement

2008-09-23T09:22:00.003-04:00

If you are a friend or family member of Danny and would like the information to view this event, please leave a comment or send me an email, and I would be happy to send you the log-in information.

Thanks!

Jodi and James' Wedding

2008-09-15T11:59:00.002-04:00

If you are a friend or family member of Jodi and James, and would like to see their wedding pictures, please email me, or leave a comment below, and I can send you the necessary information to access the site.

Lori & Justin

2008-09-14T21:56:00.012-04:00

Saturday afternoon I wandered out into the thick Florida summer heat to a place where many people were seeking refuge from the extreme weather. Rainbow Springs was the perfect place to escape the 95+ degree weather. Unfortunately, this made our engagement shoot a bit more challenging. I met Lori and Justin there and we braved the heat, humidity, and amazing amount of mosquitoes and had fun shooting their engagement session.

Here are a few of my favorites:

After we left the springs, we went to their ranch for a few more pictures. Their wedding will be held right here at the ranch. I can't wait!

So peaceful:

Their dogs were adorable, and really loved to play. Check out the acceleration Cole gets in the second picture!

Facebook

2008-09-03T12:36:00.000-04:00

Do you Facebook?

If so, add me as a friend...

Surprise

2008-08-27T16:23:00.003-04:00

It's finally done! My surprise from a few weeks ago (that caused oh so much confusion, but was quite funny) can finally be revealed!
Ta da!

My logo is done!

And I love it!

**Edit to add: The logo was designed by Angelina Toomey. She can be reached at toomey13@gmail.com and http://grove.ufl.edu/~toomey13 if you'd like to contact her.**

Fay

2008-08-21T11:36:00.004-04:00

Right now, we're "hunkered down" (news stations favorite term) waiting out Fay. We lost power last night, and as we went out for more supplies the power came back on. Who knows how long we'll have it for though, before it goes out again. It's too bad she's stalled. I wish she'd move on through. We need the rain, but geez Fay.

Anyway, we hope everyone is staying safe out there!

Photo from here

Overlooked moments you treasure...

2008-08-14T19:18:00.008-04:00

I just love this sequence of my Grandma steaming Jodi's dress. She used to own a children's clothing store in New Jersey, and many years later worked in a bridal shop. So she just went to town steaming Jodi's dress as she was getting her make-up done the morning of the wedding. I know that she steamed my dress for my wedding as well. But I never saw her doing it. I'm so glad that I captured these photos of her. I didn't realize how much they meant to me until I saw them all.

Love you Grandma.

This is one of my favorites. I included this one in the slideshow during the reception. When it came up on the screen, my Grandma turned to me and said "How did you get that? I didn't even realize you were taking my picture!"

I'm sneaky like that Grandma.

Hues Salon

2008-08-10T19:53:00.006-04:00

Here are a few more pictures from Jodi's wedding. She had her hair done at Hues Salon in St. Augustine, and I have to say they were great. If you're getting married in St. Augustine and are looking for a salon for an up-do - definitely look them up.

Customer Service

2008-08-07T15:41:00.022-04:00

**This is a long post, but a good lesson. It's worth it, I promise...**

I generally try to make the best out of most situations. I try to "put myself in other people's shoes" and see things from another perspective when bad/unfortunate/disappointing things happen in life. This is one of those things that I often pray God to give me more strength in... patience, perspective.

And honestly, if these following two incidences had not happened in the same day, I probably would not have thought twice about it. But it got me thinking, especially since I think customer service is such an important part of a business, and one that relies so heavily on customer satisfaction and word-of-mouth referrals as photography does.

Shortly prior to Jodi's wedding I realized that a little more memory for my camera would probably be a good investment. So, I hopped on my favorite website and browsed CF cards. Low and behold! There were 4 GB cards for sale that were cheaper than some of the 2GB cards! I immediately ordered 3 (what a deal!) and paid a little extra in shipping to get them here the day before I would have to leave for the wedding. Now I'm sure you can all see what's coming...

Exactly. I didn't end up getting them before the wedding. Big surprise.

But what happened long after the wedding is really what surprises me. Today I left feedback for the four vendors that I ultimately dealt with trying to purchase these cards. Surprisingly my best experience was with the last vendor who I worked back and forth with to receive a (more expensive, but still fairly cheap) 4 GB card. We shared multiple emails back and forth. And honestly, when I received their first email, I was highly disappointed. The email stated that they were out of stock - this was my 3rd vendor that I attempted to get the 4 GB card from. However, in their email they apologized for the inconvenience (it was, a big inconvenience, but hey - they admitted it), and offered me a 20% discount on a "replacement" item. To be honest, that right there stopped me from canceling my order completely. Because really, nothing came close to the deal on the original 4 GB cards. But I figured - "hey, if they're willing to give me a 20% discount, I'll give them a shot. I need more memory anyway."

*sigh*

Ultimately I ended up with a memory card that I am happy with, and at a good price, but was disappointed that I missed out on the awesome deal (that apparently everyone else who has ever been to Amazon purchased before I did). And I wrote my description here... almost exactly... as my feedback on Amazon. I wrote that I was disappointed, but received the item I purchased, and that the customer service was good.

Well, their customer service isn't good. It's great! Of course this vendor saw my feedback, and immediately emailed me. They (again) apologized in this email:

Hello Dawn,

I just saw the feedback left and we understand your disappointment. Customer service is our number one priority, we would like for you to have a good shopping experience with us, therefore have issued a full refund to your credit card.

Thanks for your business, we hope to have improved your experience with us.

Best regards,

I was very surprised, I did not intend to get a refund as a result of my feedback. I received the product as promised by the company, nothing more nothing less. And the feedback that I left was fair and honest (and I left a few stars - I didn't give them a "horrible" rating if you're wondering). To be honest, their dedication to customer service and the resulting refund really improved my image of this seller, and I plan on purchasing from them again because of this experience, which actually began rather negatively.

However, I had a very different experience from another one of the sellers that I left feedback for today. The feedback I left stated that I was disappointed with the service that I had received. I again received an email from this seller, however they asked if I could remove the feedback. I politely replied that I felt that my comment was fair, and reflected my experience, and that as a customer, I would have wanted to hear any similar experiences prior to making a purchase from them (or any seller), especially if I was under a time crunch like I was. They responded in a harsh, accusatory tone, demanding that I remove my comment. This response left me stunned, staring at my computer screen in disbelief. Did this seller really think that their email was going to "earn" my business (much less entice me to remove my comment)?

Customer service is one of the most important facets of business (along with knowing your skill, but really, if you know how to sell CF cards, but do it with a bad attitude, how many repeat sales are you going to make?).

Today was a good reminder for me just how important customer service is. And how a good attitude, and bending over backwards for your customers will go a lot further for you than being angry and rude. And honestly, if these two encounters had not happened in the same day, I probably would have been really grateful for the first vendor, and just written the second one off and not thought about it again (other than being annoyed).

Has anyone else experienced similar situations that just make you sit back and wonder how on earth they're still in business?

Photo from here

The sweet life...

2008-08-03T18:01:00.017-04:00

You don't hear about this kind of dedication very often these days. After 43 years with Publix, Danny Farnham is finally retiring from Publix. Last weekend, Bill and I went down to Lakeland to document Danny's surprise retirement party. It was really heartwarming to see how much everyone cared about him, and how much he'll be missed.

The Publix bakery did a great job on this wonderful cake. Too bad I never got to taste it. I'm sure it was delicious.

Two of Danny's friends and coworkers planned a very elaborate story to get him to the party without knowing what was going on. He had no idea what was going on until he walked up to the building, and he was very surprised.

Other Publix employees made a 3D styrofoam illustration of Danny and his wife (my mom, for those of you who recognize her from Jodi's wedding pictures) on his Harley. It was HUGE!

This next series has a story behind it. Okay, so most of these photos have stories behind them. There were more than a few stories being told that night. But for these next few, Danny is a big fan of Coca Cola. Saying that he drinks a lot of it is putting it mildly. So when he pulled out a Pepsi box, a ripple of exclamations ran through the crowd. Danny doesn't drink Pepsi... under any circumstances.

But he was ordered to open the box...

And sure enough...

It was Coke!

It was a little emotional saying thank you and goodbye. I was a little choked up listening. There was so much admiration in the room.

He got a standing ovation at the end of the night.

Mmmm... cake...

2008-08-01T00:03:00.005-04:00

As I was editing more pictures from Jodi and James' wedding tonight, I ran across these gems.

All I have to say is - Jodi... way to take control, girl... way to take control.

Featured!

2008-07-24T13:11:00.005-04:00

As I checked my email this afternoon I noticed a new message that started:

"Congrats on your wedding!"

Turns out, the email was from Kelly Anderson of Startup Princess website. Startup Princess is an international network for women entrepreneurs to learn and support one another.

I'm listed as their Feature Comment for today, for a comment I left about shooting Jodi and James' wedding! Check it out here. I'm very honored to be featured. And I do feel very relieved that my twin sister's wedding photography went smoothly, since I served as Matron of Honor, photographer, schedule keeper, etc. I hope that it was as beautiful and fun as she had hoped, it sure seemed effortlessly perfect to the rest of us.

Surprise...

2008-07-23T15:05:00.009-04:00

So we've been working on a surprise here at Dawn McKinstry Photography for a while now. With all of the happenings that have been going on lately, it's kinda been pushed to the back burner. But I think we're back up and running now. While I can't tell you what it is yet, I will give you a hint...

(maybe this will help, since I've replaced my really poor drawing with this very scientific diagram - from here: http://www.physics.hku.hk/~nature/CD/regular_e/lectures/chap11.html)

And to those who know what it is... shhh!

Everyone else... want to guess??

**EDIT - No, I'm NOT pregnant!! I've had some strange guesses and a couple of questions. The strangest was the guess that my original drawing was a fertilized egg. (????) Really? Is my drawing THAT bad?** Hopefully this diagram will clear some of that confusion up.

Married!

2008-07-20T16:04:00.016-04:00

My sister was married yesterday in St. Augustine. As I'm posting this her and her husband, James, are sitting in the Jacksonville airport waiting to leave on their relaxing honeymoon. Have fun you two newlyweds. Congratulations!

Here are just a few pictures from the day. As matron of honor, sister of the bride, and photographer, I'm kinda taking it easy today, so this is just a teaser.

My wonderful grandma steaming Jodi's dress...

Look at those green eyes...

My mom helping Jodi with her dress...

And my grandma with the finishing touches...

The dashing groom...

He was very excited to see his glamorous bride.

I also wanted to thank my husband for all of his help. Bill, you went above and beyond. Thank you so much!

Love

2008-07-16T19:49:00.005-04:00

The equipment I ordered for my sister's wedding arrived today. And I must say, I'm in love.

Bill, you are my first love and I love you with all my heart. But Babe, these are running a close second right now.

And who can blame me?

A Day in the Life

2008-07-14T00:34:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago my sister came over for a cookout at our house, and like always, I had my camera out. I snapped this picture of her deep in discussion with Bill while he was grilling. She caught a peek of it, and has been patiently waiting for it since then (sorry for the delay Jodi - here it is, finally).

And of course there was tractor driving, and as always the dogs were running around having a blast looking for rabbits.

The Pines

2008-07-09T00:11:00.001-04:00

On our little vacation Bill and I took the opportunity to marvel at the well managed longleaf pine plantations.

The wall of ...

2008-07-08T20:47:00.004-04:00

On our way back from Georgia last weekend we made a detour or two through some small towns for possible photo opportunities. In one of the towns we encountered this wall next to a furniture store. I'm not sure what it was for. Any ideas?