Melbourne Photographer - Angel Gray Photography

The Bardot Family

admin — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 21:05:11 +0000

I first got to know Ashley when she got involved in Young Life (my husband was the area director at the time but began a new career recently after 9 years with YL!) Ashley is still involved now after high school as a leader for middle schooler’s. She is wonderful and a huge asset to that team of people volunteering to help young people! I think I first met her mom when they attended my grand opening in October, good times! Turns out Karen is quite the business woman, check out her website if you want information on Brevard property management or her blog if you want property management tips! We shot their family session in Cocoa Village and had a great time, they brought their dog along as well as a “dog-sitter” for the shots without Athena!

Stephanie’s Professional Headshots

admin — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 20:01:33 +0000

Stephanie Estrada, a Cocoa Beach attorney, came to me for business head shots to use on her website and other marketing materials. I love the light my studio offers for a fresh, modern approach to business head shots, yet still professional. JUST SAY NO TO BLUE BACKDROPS!

I’m going to post one of her favorites here but you can check the link above to see the one she used on the site!

AGP offers a package deal for business head shots of individuals and another for groups which includes the time in the studio and your favorites as fully retouched digital files with usage rights. Email or call for more info!

Best wishes for your business Stephanie, it was great meeting you!

The Hudson Family!

admin — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 19:09:25 +0000

The Hudson family scheduled their family session in October. This was great because they were able to take advantage of my holiday specials that were offered only to sessions booked before November. Let me add a few words about the holidays… Every year I come up with a new plan to make the holiday rush for family sessions, cards and gifts more efficient and less crazy! I want so much to have time for my own family during the holidays and I’m striving to find the best way to do that while still being there for my clients as well. My guidelines for 2010 (in the link above) gave a Nov.15th deadline for print orders and a Nov.30th deadline for card orders, plus some incentives for booking early. I admit, although I was better this year, I have a hard time saying no to orders past these deadlines! Since I was still hard at work on Dec.20th 2010, I am going to move both of those deadlines up next year and will be encouraging my new and returning clients to start planning as early as July for your family session. I already have people booking for the spring this year so they can have it done and out of the way before the holidays! Planning that early doesn’t really work for families with very young children who are changing so rapidly but perfect for those with children 4+.

I know photographers who won’t even accept sessions after October so that they can fill all the orders and be done by December to concentrate on their own family. Since I only accept a limited number of sessions per week on the calendar, it fills up rather quickly all year long but especially holidays. I get tons of emails and calls as late as December wanting a “quick” family portrait session, cards and prints and you would not believe how many during Thanksgiving weekend while extended family is in town. This just isn’t a quick thing for me because my entire business model rests on the fact that I offer quality results and quality products. I lost count of how many requests for family sessions this year that I could not book. I feel so bad when that happens but if I don’t stick to the limits I’ve placed on my own calendar then it will not be good for any of us and order fulfillment gets too backed up! I don’t know exactly how it will go next year, but I will post something here over the summer explaining everything and offering specials. If everyone who follows the blog/facebook page is aware then the calendar could quite possibly fill up with just you guys!

Sooooo, the Hudson family is adorable -they weren’t afraid to “get their hands dirty” for some awesome family pics! See the newborn photos here from June 09 and you’ll be amazed at how fast sweet babies grow!

Okay maybe not just their hands, I hope they had a change of clothes for the ride home!

Newborn Alexander!

admin — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 17:58:03 +0000

Today is all about blogging. I have at least 13 sessions that are not up here! During the holidays, in the best interests of my clients, I had to put the blog aside just a tad and focus on preparing print orders so that everyone would have what they wanted in time! I’m excited to catch this up so I can share all the fun images! I’ve got babies, lots of families, a wedding and professional headshots to share! I’m sure it won’t all be done today but at least a few and I’ll try to post them in chronological order. This past week was a blur of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition work. Today is the “Move That Bus” day and I’ve got my live feed on here as I type! I delivered everything yesterday and I’m going to head over in the morning to walk through the house and see my finished work on the walls! The opportunity to be the exclusive portrait photographer for this project was a huge surprise and of course I feel very honored with the opportunity.

On with the sweet newborn Alexander. You might recognize his family from their family photography session last year. This little cutie was born in October. I’ve known his mom since we were in middle school and her husband Chad is a terrific Melbourne, FL financial planner if you’re in the market. He doesn’t just help you invest but helps you set goals and achieve them whether you have a lot or a little. We met at grandma’s house because she has a nice big property and a big wrap around porch (which provided beautiful filtered light). I actually tried to borrow the yard for my own family photos this year (of my extended family) but as luck would have it I could not get everyone together for this while my brother was in town. I’m not bitter. Yes I am.

Onward!

I am in love with the personality in both of these above! This little guy is going to have a ton of fun with two big brothers! And he might need to learn self defense at a young age too!

We snapped a few family pics for the Christmas cards!

Pound It. See the baby in the bottom? Chad’s holding the basket with his legs to protect the little bundle.

I call this, “Love the baby… from a distance please.”

Little Alexander is in the baby plan so we’ll be capturing his four month-old session soon!

Conquer Your Camera Scholarship Contest!

admin — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 17:25:21 +0000

With the Conquer Your Camera Workshop full, I am excited to post the guidelines for the scholarship contest! One person will receive a full scholarship to attend the class! (note: the participant will still need to have with them a DSLR camera.) Since some of the applicants could be friends of mine and just to make it all more interesting, I will be recruiting two other “judges” to review and help make the decision based on a scorecard for every applicant!

The deadline for all Scholarship entries is January 20th and we will post the winner on Facebook by February 1! To be clear on the class information please review the previous blog entry and read the linked newsletter. We are now putting interested participants on a waiting list for this February workshop but also for information on the next one! There’s always a good chance that someone can’t make it so make sure to get on the waiting list in case of cancellations! The scholarship winner will be announced via Facebook so make sure you are following the AGP Facebook Page!

Instructions to enter:

Email to info@angelgrayphotography.com your picture and a written explanation (inside the email) for why you want to attend this workshop. Your picture will appear on the AGP facebook page and the written portion could be published here on the blog if you win so keep that in mind. Length is up to you but no more than one “page” please. You will also be attaching a screen shot (see below.)
Leave a comment on the AGP Facebook wall that you have sent your entry in the for the Conquer Your Camera Workshop Scholarship and include a link to your favorite blog entry by clicking on it’s title for the direct link.
Put a link to www.angelgrayphotography.com on your own Facebook page with the comment that you have entered the Conquer Your Camera Workshop Scholarship contest. Provide a screen shot to info@angelgrayphotography.com inside your official entry email. If you don’t know how to capture a screen shot please Google “how to screen shot”. It’s easy, but depends on what type of computer you are using.
Your friend’s opinions could make a difference! When your picture is uploaded to the Facebook album, be sure to tag yourself and ask your friends to comment under your picture!

We will start reviewing everything on January 21st! Thanks for entering, it’s so exciting!

Since a blog entry is no fun without a picture, I’ll just give you a few examples below of “How hard it is for a photographer to capture her own children on camera.” Please note that this was a spontaneous 15-minute long photoshoot. I wish I had planned outfits or maybe brushed Mary’s hair, but I had the opportunity and I took it!

Hip Hip Hooray for the New Year! (plus workshop details too)

admin — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 03:46:08 +0000

I sent out a newsletter today. I just love those cute newsletters but I don’t usually get around to it more than once every few months. I figure that’s all the spam you want from me anyway right? No really, it’s totally not spam, I hope the content is something worth reading! If you didn’t get it and want to be on that list just contact me through the official “contact me” page on this site and you will be! This newsletter contained some long awaited details for the new Photography 101: Conquer Your Camera workshops. The first one being offered next month! I was pleasantly surprised by the quick response to the Early Bird special! (See the Facebook page!) One thing I realized rather quickly though was that I left out the information on how to secure a spot in the class if you are NOT an early bird! So… here it is…. You would do the same things the early birds did! The first five were Early Birds, the next five are regular birds! As far as actual registration and payment goes, you will contact me this week via email or phone call so we can chat and get all your info together! I can take a cc over the phone or a check by mail. Or you can drop off to the studio during the times I’m in there this week. So, I hope that clears that up. I’ll definitely be starting a waiting list soon for this February class in case of cancellations and the next class since this one seems to be filling up rather quickly. ALSO, the scholarship info will be posted here and on facebook in the next couple days! Okay so please follow this link and read all about the reflection on 2010, the outlook for 2011 and the class info too! Happy New Year!

HERE IS THE NEWSLETTER

Noel and Matthew TRASH THE DRESS

admin — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 06:30:05 +0000

Whose to say your wedding dress needs to sit in your closet? Whose to say you need to schedule sessions like Trash The Dress directly after your wedding? I love that Noel and Matthew waited a year (and a half?) to book this shoot. Never mind that we rescheduled at least three times; we got it done and it couldn’t have been better! Even if you’re not familiar with trash-the-dress, you’ve probably seen images of brides jumping into the water with their wedding dress on, riding horses, painting, etc. etc. For Noel and Matthew’s session we tried to stay away from anything cliche’ and stick to having fun and incorporating some great accessories and props Noel piled into her car (you’d be surprised how much she can get in her car- it’s a talent she has been perfecting for many years.) Of course I have my own van-full-o-props as well. The basic idea and the reason why these images are fun to look at is to take something formal into an informal environment. The contrast is fabulous. The shoot is less of the candid and more artistic design. Of course I can’t help but snap away during those times of natural expression, be it laughter or quiet moments. We used three locations, and just had a blast. Enjoy!

First stop… power plant

After that we went to this other location, I call it “Hey look there’s a good spot -pull over!”

Gorge.

Then, we gave Matthew a turn again…

I can’t decide which of those three above I love best. Scrumptious Noel. But I do know for sure that this one below is my fave of Noel… I’m guessing Matthew will agree?

This one I will add to my image of Chad and Khara in front of the semi truck and start a collection of American Gothic-ish stuff. So fun and I have no idea how a collection like that would come together for me… I’m not very americangothic-ish… or maybe it’s something I’m repressing and I’ve got to let it out… who knows but I’m guessing you don’t care so I’ll move on…

It is killing me that this is a favorite of mine because I so want the candelabra in my favorite!

Oh but this is a contender too…. smokin Noel! Tell this girl to give you sexy and she delivers!

Also, tell her to come back from the car for a few more on this cool pile of broken concrete and she also delivers… and with a wardrobe change no less.

This one (above) should not even be on the blog. I’m positive it was an exposure check while Noel and Matthew were getting situated. I can’t talk myself out of loving it though. The focus is not that sharp, the image has nothing amazing I can put my finger on. I just like it. So there.

gorge u lous.

Matthew can give you sexy too…

Good Times!! If you missed Noel and Matthew’s King Center Wedding you can view it here, there are two entries!

Caitlin’s Senior Photo Shoot

admin — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 03:38:29 +0000

Caitlin is super cute and sweet and her mom is too. I think it’s great how she can’t stop smiling even when you ask her to! She is a student at Eau Gallie HS and just got accepted to FSU so big congrats there! She wants to be a math teacher! We shot the session in downtown Melbourne. I’ve been hoping to set up a fun package for senior girls and team up with one of my favorite shops down there. If you agree then you might want to call DD and tell them! How FUN would it be to have a new outfit included in your package, borrow all the accessories we want and possibly be in some of the DD advertising? Call. Now. Request this awesomeness. But only with AGP of course. Anyone else would just be a copy cat.

We had Caitlin’s ordering session tonight so her and her parents got to view everything in her gallery up on the wall of my studio, go through and pick favorites, etc. They did a great job, what a decisive family! I had already picked MY faves, not that MY FAVES are always YOURS. But it’s okay and I’m not bitter. Not really.

Okay here is beautiful Caitlin, I am going to stop talking…

Yes this is what you call a moving train behind her. It is pretty stinking awesome if I do say so myself.

LOVE THESE AND YOU MUST LOVE THEM TOO!!! YOU BETTER OR ELSE I’M GOING TO BE SOOOO MAD! JUST KIDDING, BUT REALLY DON’T YOU LOVE THEM?

Joe and Theresa, fine art maternity

admin — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 15:48:20 +0000

I shot Theresa’s fine art maternity session a few weeks ago. And by “fine art” I mean, “taking your clothes off in front of the camera while looking beautiful and stylish.” It’s my own personal definition and although fine art is not limited to this at all, it is how I might differentiate this from a maternity session at say, the beach, with say, clothes on. We even mixed in a little boudoir photography. Fun change of pace for me and I do highly recommend you brave ladies out there do something like this for your husband (oh yeah and you don’t need to be pregnant). I’ve shot this type of maternity photography only a few times and usually you would not see them on the blog but Theresa has seen and approved the images I’m putting up here. She had great ideas for what she wanted and after exploring a few location options (I really didn’t feel like my studio suited the rest of the style she was going for), I asked my friend Courtney if we could use her parent’s old schoolhouse in Palm Bay and she said yes! Thank you Courtney! I shot Theresa and Joe’s engagement and wedding photography as well which you can see here. I’ve said it once (or several times) and I’ll say it again – there is nothing better than following a person or family through the stages of life, the greatest moments, the times you call a professional photographer to capture. This is why I cannot specialize in just one photography genre (other than people, I definitely specialize in people.) Theresa looked beautiful… We even finished up with some mud and football.

These first two are some of my very favorites.

Joe is such a sweet guy and so cooperative!!

Love this too and LOVE the football! How could we have been more lucky! It was a rainy day!!

The Marot Family

admin — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 06:23:25 +0000

I shot the Marot family photos on Melbourne Beach. Again I’m impressed with how great Misty looks so it seems to be a common theme this fall that I am noticing these hot moms and thinking “oh crap I forgot to exercise.. again.” I’m getting it together in 2011. Right after I consume way too many Christmas cookies. My fave. The ones with icing… my secret recipe.

Anyhoo, check out the Marot family last year and see how these kiddies have grown! Misty is a friend of mine, I even shot her baby shower for her first child but that was so long ago I didn’t even know what a blog was. Really. Her kids are full of energy and sweetness and she’s a great mom. We joke about our parenting skills sometimes (Misty’s recent trip to the ER, my kids lack of bathing) but we all need to hear it once in a while that we’re actually good. She is super smart about all kinds of education stuff and she leads some kind of homeschooling group too. I love my monkeys but if I had them stay home every day and I tried to teach them we would all go crazy.

Okay check these highlights and forgive my ramblings…

this one is Misty’s canvas for her house, love it!

a personal favorite here, reminds me of my little girls chub legs when she was that age!

don’t you just love how hard he is trying here? there is some real effort going into this hug! i feel like i can hear it!

oh i want to squeeze her! love those hands!

look at his cool confidence and pure sweetness.

these are my favorites too- mommy and daughter time and those sweet cheeks…

For the sake of mommy-talk, my 2 year old Davis has recently decided he will dress himself without help, he will not even entertain the idea of using the big boy potty but he also prefers shorts with no diaper, and no undies. By the grace of God there has not been an accident yet. I think he must wait until I wrestle him into a diaper to, well, you know.