Shutter Gem Images- The Blog

Whoa Baby!

2013-10-16T08:30:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Kara and Ariel on your perfect creation, Marco. He is so beautiful and I know his heart will match that beauty with loving parents like you. Cheers to your new family and many memories to be captured ahead!

Capturing the Milestones

2013-06-17T08:27:00.000-07:00

Birthdays, holidays, graduations, weddings and engagements. These are all the moments when we think "Don't forget to take lots of pictures!" While this is true, there are many other milestones that deserve attention and celebration , like purchasing your first home! The beautiful and hysterical Boden couple purchased their first home last year. I suggested we capture the moment and take some photos of them in the place they spend the majority of their time in, their humble aBoden! You guys are amazing, cheers to your continued happiness!

Small Packages

2013-06-13T09:09:00.002-07:00

While I love working with adults, I have to say there is something special about shooting children! They have an uninhibited way of conveying emotions that makes for the most memorable captures. I cannot wait to expand my family photography portfolio!

Hipster - Beach Chic

2012-11-26T06:29:00.001-08:00

I first met Renee Trudeau in 1999 in Truckee, CA. We worked as day camp counselors for the recreation department in Tahoe Donner during the summer season. We enjoyed the experience so much we decided to do it every summer all the way through high school! As we both went off to college (Renee in Florida, myself in California) we drifted from the distance. In April 2011, we reunited in Miami, where we both live, work, play and LOVE. It has been so wonderful getting to know Renee again over the last year and a half. In this time, I have watched her career as a golf pro flourish and become a fiance to Colin O'Higgins! Colin, her charming and absolutely lovable soon to be husband popped the question in June 2012 in Bimini, Bahamas. The two of them quickly dove into wedding planning and will tie the knot in Mexico in May 2013!

I was lucky enough to be able to shoot their engagement pictures two weeks ago. The first half of our afternoon was spent in Wynwood, the design district of Miami. The murals in this neighborhood provided a fun backdrop and the two of them quickly became comfortable in front of the lens. The second half of our shoot was shot in South Beach at sundown.

Also, if you are ever in need of an amazing golf pro I highly recommend Trudeau Golf!

For those of you looking for a great place to dine in Miami check out Colin's food blog here. He knows what's up. :)

Miami's Jewel

2012-11-16T08:31:00.001-08:00

Ladies ! Listen up!

Jennifer Lamb, designer and owner of JaBella Jewels not only has a beautiful design aesthetic, but an even more fabulous personality and physical package. I have gotten to know Jennifer over the last year and have watched her line develop into a wide range of baubles that every girl should own. Her newest creation, the body necklace, has been featured in Fashion & Swim Week Miami. This sexy piece compliments not only swimwear but cocktail attire as well. Recently, JaBella Jewels has been chosen for the 2012 Billboard Music Awards swag bag! With a wide range of gems, stones, and precious metals there is something for everyone.

With the holidays around the corner JaBella Jewels is offering a 20% discount to anyone who mentions this blog! Jewels range from $18 - $160, with custom pieces available. Check out her website www.jabellajewels.com or email her at jlamb@jabellajewels.com for more information!

Shout out to our absolutely striking model Lynn Earnest. Thank you for the beauty in the images below!

Hair, Make-Up, Styling and Photography by Ally Simons
Black Swim top by http://www.peixotostore.com/

The Fountain of Youth

2012-11-07T07:43:00.001-08:00

Last week I had the pleasure of shooting PR powerhouse Lisa Concepcion. I have to say, she is KILLING it at 41 years old. This New York transplant living in South Beach showed up for our shoot straight off the beach, no make up, salty hair and tons of confidence. Her energy is infectious! However, Lisa is more than just a raven haired hottie. She is the force behind www.lisatakesmiami.com, a "New York Take on Life in Miami". Alongside her popular website, she is marketing consultant and ambassador for brands worldwide. If you need help promoting your brand, get in touch with her, she is one connected lady! Check out her photos below and don't forget to visit her site!

Photography and Creative Direction by Ally Simons

Downtown Sultry

2012-10-23T05:36:00.002-07:00

I had an amazing experience shooting the effortless beauty of Jamie Rodriguez last weekend. She has such a warm presence, moves with ease in front of the lens, and oozes sex appeal. The inspiration behind this shoot was Penelope Cruz as Maria Elena in Woody Allen's Vicki Cristina Barcelona. As one of my favorite film characters, I really wanted to find the perfect subject to convey Penelope's cool attitude and sensuality. Jamie captured the essence without a doubt. What do you think?

Styling, Creative Direction and Photography by Ally Simons

Allysimons@gmail.com

You make me feel like a natural woman......

2012-10-02T07:53:00.000-07:00

It seems as though the word "candid" has an updated definition in 2012. Thanks to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr and other social media sites, it seems that staged, coy and cutesy photos are now the new "candids." With that said, I wanted to pay homage to the actual definition of the word candid with the photos taken below. Each photograph was taken without offering the subject a warning that their photo was being shot, thus allowing their natural beauty and spirit to stand on its own.

For those of you interested here is the definition of candid :)
-frank; outspoken; open and sincere : a candid critic.
-free from reservation, disguise, or subterfuge; straight forward: a candid opinion.
-informal; unposed: a candid photo.
-honest; impartial: a candid.

My beautiful sister in law, Katie. Shot in Thousand Oaks, CA

My always smiling best friend Jessica. Shot in Thousand Oaks, CA

Southern belle Laura. Shot in Bald Head Island, NC

The birthday bombshell Lynn. Shot in Miami Beach, FL

Lights, Camera, Action!

2012-09-26T10:45:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to introduce my photo blog Shutter Gems to the world wide web!

I recently decided to channel my creative juices to the world of digital photography. I am currently taking classes and learning my art, aspiring to become a professional shutterbug based in Miami,FL. I currently snap a Canon 60D and love shooting in manual. This way I can manipulate photos to my personal aesthetic as well as be able to shoot in all types of conditions.

If you enjoy my work and would like to have photos taken email me or leave a comment! I would love to learn with you!

AllySimons@gmail.com