Sometimes when I'm on Facebook and Twitter I'll keep a timer running to keep disciplined and not lose track of my schedule. One day I watched the timer ticking by one second at a time and it occurred to me that each jerk of the needle represents the precious time in our life clicking away.

That time is lost to us forever so we better make the most of it. Hopefully you're living every day toward the purpose you were sent here to accomplish. It makes all the difference!

Before turning my cooking endeavors into a blog and cookbook I never needed a macro lens. Photographing portraits, events, and landscapes do not require such a close range and I had no desire to get up close and personal with any member of the insect population. I now have invested in a set of close up filters and love the results! They have turned out to be a wonderful substitute for a full-blown macro lens.

My 35 – 135 could not capture the mouth watering big bite shots of my homemade creations. The set contains a

+1, +2, and a +4, or you can combine them to achieve a +7. Talk about seeing the individual pepper grains! If you’re into the bug scene I imagine you could get eye and whisker level to any creepy little critter that will stay still long enough. I’ll stick to food, flowers, and other inanimate objects that don’t bite.

Here are a few tantalizing samples for you to enjoy. I’ll be whipping up a lot more edibles as well as landscapes and some exciting new additions combining photography and poetry! So jump on over to the sidebar and subscribe to become part of our ShutterQueen Ink community!

They can be enjoyed all over the world by lake, sea, or mountain top. A vibrant palette of hues that explode through the sky as we bid another day good bye. Imagine the peace you could feel by enclosing yourself in a room surrounded by the sunsets of the world...

Here's a few of mine along with a poetic tribute to the radiance of each day's completion.   

I'm partial to the purple, lavender,  pinks as purple is my favorite color. I find that fall captures those shades as soon the temps start to turn usually in late September, early October.

This one hangs in a light purple frame in my purple carpeted office. Keep your art close by as a remembrance of your past journeys and inspiration of future travels!

Kind of spooky...Great brooding mood sort of shot. One thing that's beneficial about a picture like this one is the dark space is a wonderful canvas for poetry. So expect to see this baby again decorated with some tantalizing text!

A family enjoying a stroll. Do you have photos like this of you and your family. Don't they deserve to be displayed?

One of the benefits of living at the beach is enjoying a beautiful sunset every night of the week and each one has a unique imprint. 

A peaceful completion to another day,

As the sun descends and dims its rays.

Each one a different collection of hues,

Red, orange, purple, pinks, or blues.

Across the sand its reflections glisten,

Backlighting a silhouette of lovers kissin’.

Through the trees its fingers reach,

Beckoning you to take one last peak.

When Mother Nature draws her curtain,

We know she’ll return, of that you can be certain.

Do you have a collection of sunset photos? Are you a poet? Have you combined artistic talents? Please share your passion!

How do you photograph something that flies 27 miles an hour and is only a few inches long? As promised in the previous post, here are links to resources by a hummingbird expert and a wildlife photographer. Enjoy the gorgeous closeups. You can see every detail in the feathers! I can't wait until these heavenly little Hummers return from their warm weather journey this spring. If you visited this post first please go back and check out the audio.

This link will take you to Barbara Ann Dewitt's site. She's a a national wildlife steward and master gardener for The Broward County Audubon Society. Her video series is very comprehensive in teaching you about these adorable little creatures. It's helpful to know the habits of what you're trying to photograph.

They're so amusing to watch and pretty trusting. I've sat on my deck and watched them fly in for lunch about six feet away. If you have a lot of red flowers and multiple feeders you'll attract a nice flock. But I've done pretty well with two feeders and no flowers. I do keep birdseed, nuts, and water out for the other birds so I think when the hummers see a lot of wildlife traffic they feel comfortable and want to be in on the action.

Here are some wonderful photo tip sites for capturing these little micro birds.

http://www.dyesscreek.com/miscellaneous_pages/tips_tricks.html

This teaches you about the best equipment and even shows a diagram of how to set it up.

http://www.photos-of-the-year.com/articles/photograph-hummingbirds/

Hope this helps you capture the perfect shot of our speedy little feathered friends. It may take quite a few ties to get just the right angle, lighting, and wing span but be patient. It may be frame number 48 out of 50 that is the winning print! Have fun!

Do you have other advice for photographing Hummingbirds? Please share!

When the fall leaves erupt with their brilliant golds, greens, reds, and oranges so does the opportunity for outdoor portraits!

It's my favorite time of the year. When you can walk outside and take in a wonderful lung cleansing breath of fall air. Pumpkins, mums, cute little Halloween costumes...apple season, baking pies, and the holidays approaching! 

These shots were captured at a
local pumpkin patch.

Nature does provide the best
 backdrops!

If you'd like to engage the ShutterQueen to photograph your little trick-or-treater please let us know. Gather everyone together and we can make it a family portrait!

To view more samples, check out our photo albums. To hear a message from the image artist herself, click on the audio file on the top left of the blog.

What is your favorite way to enjoy this short season we call fall?

I recently watched a show called Pet Palace, which demonstrated just how crazy we humans can be over our animals. One family owned seven parrots, a dog, and a couple cats, another shared their home with eleven cats. Even monkeys, cats and dogs resided together. How would you like to have an alligator and lizards living in your basement?

One of the things that struck me as interesting is the way they all had redesigned their homes around the animals. A bird sanctuary for the parrots, a jungle gym play room for the monkeys, and color theme rooms coordinated with tropical fish. Just imagine how bright, inviting, and vibrant your house would be if you planned the decor around your hundred dollar a piece exotic fish?  

A lot of maintenance for pets that do not offer any cuddly companionship. However, I must say, I was given a betta fish in a vase as a gift. And that little red, two inch character would swim out of the live plants or from behind a colored stone and over to the side of the bowl when I'd lean over and tap on the glass. He'd wiggle his fins in recognition. I kid you not, he was looking right at me and as I'd talk, he'd flutter even more. So perhaps there's more to these micro water pets than I thought!

Are you a fish owner? Do you have a large centerpiece aquarium positioned in your den? Did you color coordinate that room around your fin fluttering friends? Why fish? I'm curious...    

To the Eskimos and Inuit people the polar bear as a power animal, is a symbol of purity, death, rebirth, and transformation. It's white color represents purity of spirit. To some native tribes they serve as an ally in getting past fear both physically and mentally. Their energy is very powerful and these magnificent creatures are masters of physical and spiritual sustenance. 

You think maybe this one decided no more photos? Should I take it personally that he turned his back on me, the annoying tourist? Imagine a room in your house with ivory carpet and matching leather furniture. Maybe accented with burgundy, which is said to symbolize wealth, success, prosperity and indicates your potential power! Ivory is a calming color, pure, soft, and clean.  A shot or two of a cub would have been nice but there weren't any available. You could mix in a mural with photographs. Here's a simple table frame idea:

If you're looking for decor that's different, wildlife might be the perfect solution. Especially if you have vacation photos residing in a shoebox under the bed. You could add in brown and black bears too. I just like the creamy white ambiance, the commanding presence, and the spiritual beliefs attributed to polar bears.

Whether it's ivory bears, some other wildlife, or a totally different subject, play around with themes and your favorite colors. Most importantly dust off those photos, enlarge,  and frame them, and share your experiences!

Do you have theme rooms in your house? I'd love to hear and see!

 
 
     

Here Fishy Fishy...If you've ever owned one of these furry little critters you know they are into everything. It's like having a toddler.  He was fascinated with my fountain. Here he is playing spider kitty with my rocking chair! Even those little claws could do some damage...

Hide and seek under the table cloth was a favorite game of his!
If only you could teach them to tie them back.     He left nothing untouched in my house, including my heart. I was sad to let him go but he was given to a family with kids, so he had playmates better able to keep a playful pace than I could.

They are such a hoot to photograph! Are you taking advantage of capturing all of your kitty's capers? If you need help with kitten or grown up cat portraits let me know. Don't let the memorable moments pass un-preserved. These little mischief seekers don't stay this way for long!

YOUR Memories
Preserved YOUR Way
Captured In YOUR Environment
Around YOUR Schedule


To view larger quality images check out my photo albums!

Every client's photo shoot is another story waiting to be illustrated.  Each of you get your own tribute album customized inside and out to reflect the personality of your event. I  deliver CD's because they're  convenient when posting pictures online but there's something special about placing a physical representation of your story in your hands that you can look at right away. With CD's you have to be at a computer to see the results. An album enables you to relive the excitement from anywhere at anytime and you can pass it around and share the memories with others instantly.

So it's a trade off. Share at the time of your event or  reverse that gratification, exchange it for a little mystery, gather everyone at home or the office together and relive the moments one page at a time. Maybe a little of my writing alter ego is overlapping with the ShutterQueen. They do that sometimes.

Digital is convenient, no doubt.  My online photo albums are a combination of CD to blog and print to scanner to blog. No matter how they originate, delivering the personal touch will always reign supreme with me.

The Model Flower

I'm gently shaken awake by an easterly breeze sweeping across our garden. I emerge at dawn, stretch, and let the sun bathe over me. A late evening rain had cleansed the thick coat of pollen from my petals and quenched my thirst to prepare me for the humid day ahead.

The Photographers Hunt

They lie in wait. . . shadowed,  sun-drenched, or protected within their leafy blinds. The image artist must leave behind all that they take away on their humane journey to capture virtual evidence of nature's floral beauty.

Positive Mood Swings

One of my goals for my next house is  photography theme rooms.  Imagine a tranquil haven where your masterpieces visually inspire you and your visitors along with real bouquets that enliven your senses with their sweet aroma. Coordinate them by species, color, or where the photo was taken.

Picture sipping your morning coffee and reading something that kicks your day off to a positive start in a room decorated with yellow roses, tulips, pansies, and daisies all framed to your individual decor preferences. How mesmerizing would that be when the sun beams through the windows and caresses your skin? Creativity, self-confidence, optimism, laughter, curiosity, and enthusiasm are all enhanced when we welcome more of the sun color into our lives. 

Desire, action, passion, courage, will, energy, and change. Red words! It motivates and emotionally changes the mind. Need to stimulate your physical and mental being for a presentation? Spend some time in the red room. Begonias, Geraniums, Lilies emit fragrance and flair that will leave a lasting impression on its residents and guests.  Add some roses or carnations and spend time within these four walls beside your significant other and feel the intrigue, mystery, and romance come alive.

Personalize your home with your favorite colors, pictures, and fresh flowers to pique all of  the senses. Whether you're a professional artist or an amateur shutterbug, give your photos the appreciation they deserve by grouping your favorite images together and designating a room or at least a wall of real estate for them to live on.

SEE MORE OF MY PETAL COLLECTION ON FLICKR UNDER SHUTTERQUEENINK

How do you use color, art and photos in your daily life? How does it affect your emotions and productivity?

Would your audience recognize you in person from the photo on your website, blog, and social network profiles?  Readers discover who you are by the biographical information you provide on your profile. But many times before they access that, their first impression is our one or two inch square "mugshot."  While we all want to look young for as long as possible, consider allowing your audience to see who you are today rather than who you were five or ten years ago! 

 Here's some suggestions to help you receive the most from your photo session:

1.   A headshot means a shot of the head and shoulder area not from the head down to the waist.  You want readers to see your face and eyes.  Most profile pics are fairly small.  If you try to scale down a half  body photo your head is going to be tiny.

2.   Discuss what's included in the investment with your photographer. How many and what size prints will you receive? For business use a CD is usually sufficient.  Find out if the final images on the disk will be touched up, if necessary, or is that an additional charge? Also, think ahead for usage purposes. You should get a small resolution jpeg file for web and a larger tiff file for print marketing material. Ask if there are any restrictions on using the pictures across multiple mediums of advertising?

3.   Clothing is an important detail. The background chosen by the photographer needs to coordinate with the color and style of your outfit if shooting in a studio. Outside, deciding on casual VS formal is crucial and if the final portrait is being displayed in black and white then combinations of patterns and textures become the first consideration.  Medium to dark wardrobe shades generally photograph best for both color and black and white.  Whites and pastels should be worn under a dark jacket for optimum results.  Keep in mind that each social networking site, blog, and website needs a photo of you. Request that your headshot session include modeling in a variety of outfits and multiple poses of each.

4.   After the perfect ensemble comes makeup and hair.  Makeup should be applied a little darker than what you'd normally wear during the day (a little more so for black and white). But ladies, make sure it looks like you're going to a business meeting and not a fancy ball. Men, I probably don't need to address the hair issue. Women, think professional, not Glam. 

5.   A little Botox, smooth out the wrinkles, remove blemishes please. Anything's possible but remember, looking our best is important but so is being ourselves and not an actor or actress playing the part. For your main picture opt for smiling, approachable, relaxed, and happy.  Display prints featuring the other creative expressions, poses, and action shots within your profile, blog posts, and website.     

6.   Sometimes in-studio with a background is necessary. For a different setting try going on-location. I recently did headshots at a Hilton Hotel on the beach for a professional speaker. We were in one of their executive boardrooms with comfy leather chairs, gold print wall paper and warm lighting. The environment provided the perfect ambiance for her.   

The most important advice. . . HAVE FUN!  You should have a laughing good time during your hour of fame. You might even get a small taste of  what a 10,000.00 a day professional model endures. Sometimes a new client will start out feeling intimidated about being in front of the camera. But by the end of a photo session with the ShutterQueen they are landing in the perfect pose with no instruction at all and leave with a smile on their face, ready for the next one!

Do you have questions or concerns about having your photo taken or what to expect?

Photographers - Do you have other suggestions to share?

Happy Halloween. . .time for goblins, witches, ghosts, pumpkin carvings, trick or treat AND costume parties!  Here's a little nugget of trivia on the origins of costumes:

At the turn of the century, the basic costume was that of a ghost, simple, easy and recyclable. People started to get a little bored with these though so they moved into their closets and began dressing as whatever they had lying about the house, using hats, shoes, old clothes and rags to create what they could. Companies, always looking for the quick buck and ever eager to please, cashed in on the new fad and began putting together basic costumes to be sold at the dime store. Today we have masks of all types and shapes and costumes that seem to have a life of their own.

Halloween is the perfect holiday, it’s a universal Mardi Gras allowing everyone to become for one day, what they have always dreamed about while literally partying in the streets. It’s a time for the old to become young again and the young to try on a ‘grown-up’ role. Halloween candy is so much more than chocolate and nuts, it’s a great equalizer, a time traveler wrapped in cellophane. It allows us to see where we’ve been and where we may be headed.  Taken from - http://www.essortment.com/all/halloweenhistor_ryqj.htm  (in case you want to read more spooky tidbits)

Getting decked out in elaborate Halloween attire this year? If you have a splashy affair to attend and you've taken a significant amount of time to decorate yourself in a unique costume don't let the moment come and go in one night. Record and share it! The photography mogul loves to party    and specializes in exclusive coverage of such events!  But why read about it when you can experience picture proof. . .

Cruise through our Halloween photo album to see more fun shots.           

P - Professional       The character portrayed, the language spoken, and the job performed should present a business image. It's okay to opt for casual, light, and fun over conservative but even a one person show should be a master of their trade. 

H - Helpful      This begins at first contact either with the owner or their employees. From questions to booking to session and beyond you should feel comfortable that you're receiving assistance every step of the way.

O - Original      A trait that separates one photographer from another and ultimately your portraits from everyone else's. What stands out about the brand, person behind the camera, owner's personality,  variety of poses, and final masterpiece?

T - Talented      Check out their work. View samples in a portfolio or online. Ask questions.  Their capabilities should also extend beyond the camera to include how they relate to and communicate with people both on the phone and in person.

O - On time      Every person's time is valuable. Usually the photographer arrives on site early to set up and investigate the location. The punctual responsibility needs to continue with the follow up, delivery, return phone calls, and beyond.

G - Guidance      You need a partner through the whole process, from what clothes, makeup, and jewelry look best, to the optimum time of day for outdoor portraits. Next, there's the lineup of people in each photo. You need an assortment of shots to be displayed for convenient viewing along with advice on ordering finished prints.

R - Relaxed      Being in front of a camera can be intimidating so choose a photographer that takes time to build a rapport with you. Music playing in the background can help to loosen everyone up and get them energized. With children it may be necessary to take a break, let them wander around a bit, then resume. 

A - Amusement      If you're not having fun you unfortunately have enlisted the wrong camera person. It's an experience to be enjoyed and you should come away feeling like Wow, that was a blast! Next time I'll look forward to having my family's portrait done. 

P - Patient      An individual appointment provides a more tranquil event than waiting in line at a studio, especially with the itty bitties. Schedule with someone who is staring through the camera lens and not at their watch because of charging by the hour. 

H - Honest      Develop a working relationship with a photographer who believes in open communication.  If a challenge arises or a situation that needs to be discussed they deal with it promptly and in a direct professional manner.                  

E - Energetic      The camera operator determines the pace of a photo session. In order for the models to have an amazing time the photographer must be. Passion and dedication fuels the creative process and that energy transfers to everyone involved.  

R - Remarkable   (noticeably or conspicuously unusual. Worthy of notice or attention. )  Wouldn't it be great to invoke this response from your visitors when they see your framed memories decorating the walls of your home?  Choose a photographer with this characteristic and it'll happen! 

What other traits are important to you when selecting a photographer?

As a photographer, what other characteristics do your clients find beneficial?

Ka-ching...Ka-ching...You've landed in Gambler's Paradise. From the time you step off the plane, the slot tunes will be playing everywhere.

Roulette, Black Jack, Craps, Poker - 24/7 living by the roll of the dice. This was my impression of Vegas and not one I wanted to get up close and personal with. But when I visited for a streaming video convention 2 years ago, I realized Vegas had much more to offer this ShutterQueen. You may want to add this larger than life metropolis to your photo opps list.

First night - Sahara Hotel. I ventured out on foot with my camera to explore the strip and capture a night view of the town. I passed the Boardwalk Casino, carefully navigating across the streets to avoid being splatted by the Indy 500 drivers. The energetic vibe reminded me of those commercials where cars move in a blurring motion under the neon lights and people zoom around at warp speed. About halfway down the strip I stopped for a pictographic France rendezvous at the Paris Hotel. Massive, Gi-normous, each hotel is its own themed universe occupying several blocks of real estate.     

At a business appointment that day I had mentioned walking from hotel to hotel and my client said with a smile, I don't think you understand how much distance is between them. He gave me a ride back to The Sahara via the strip so I'd understand the magnitude of the area. I ended up getting lost just trying to exit each of the monstrous buildings during my sightseeing tours. See for yourselves why in my album.

The next day I rode the tram to the MGM Grand on the far end of the strip. With adult beverage in one hand and camera in the other, I patroned cool clubs like Tabu and Studio 54. Alcohol is a very accessible public perk - that's right you do not have to finish your drink before hitting the streets in Vegas. If you're a Food TV Network foodie fan, check out Emerils.

I made a few snapshot pit stops during my 4 mile hike back to The Sahara. The Mirage Hotel is designed as a tropical rain forest, complete with palm trees and waterfalls. It also houses a shopping arcade, secret garden, theater, and volcano! Then there are the multiple restaurants, bars, and clubs. The dolphin habitat was my favorite! And the Bengal Tigers were gorgeous!  

No shortage of Kodak moments in the grand flourish of the massive Ancient Roman atmosphere in Caesars Palace. The Forum Shoppes are a full fledge shopping mall and there's a unique talking statue show at the fountain inside, amidst the Italian Architecture.

The Venetian has an authentic Gondola ride and murals up above that make you feel like you're outdoors. Be sure to bring a wide-angle lens to capture all that Venice, Vegas has to offer!

I asked one of the cabbys "How do you live here and stay out of trouble?" thinking of the naughty amount of fun I'd been having. He said simply, "you stay off the strip." Advice I'd need to follow as, I drank more calories than I ate while visiting.

Plaza Hotel. Located downtown. First Friday of the month. Huge block party with outdoor bands, flair bartenders performing, and the incredible Viva Vision Canopy light show. For 10 minutes, they turn off the lights on the buildings down Fremont Street, crank up the tunes, and flash animated lights, characters, and racing cars. Check out my Fremont Street experience in the album!

An edgy and electric adventure! Whether you go for photography or some other mission, take your camera, comfortable shoes, and be prepared to be in awe of the spectacle called Vegas!

Do you have an exciting Vegas photographic experience that you'd like to share?  

I was looking back to my first shutterbuggin days and ran across the black and white photographs that I developed by hand in the Tidewater Community College dark room 16 years ago. After my three hour photography class a few of us would stay til one AM doing portraits in the studio and practicing different techniques under the dim red safe lights. I'm all for progress and technology but there's something very exhilarating about witnessing the transformation of a picture from idea to film to paper reality as it emerges up through the liquid fixer. Compare that to scanning an image in and adjusting with a few clicks of the mouse. It's just not the same. "Wow, do I sound like I'm reminiscing over the good ole days?"                         

I rarely shoot true black and white film for business anymore. I use color and then the computer to touch up, remove color, and save to disk. There is a website www.apug.org Analog Photography Users Group, for anyone out there that would like to order those items considered by some to be prehistoric. Nice to know there are some film, paper, and chemical allies out there to chat with.

"Click...click...got it!" As Jim Rohn says in his book, The Art of Exceptional Living, pictures are one of the three treasures he suggests we leave behind to tell our story years later. Why not share meaningful nuggets now when you can see peoples reactions and share the experience with friends and pass such sentimental assets down through your family. Shot for practice, for homework, and to nourish that unquenchable inner ShutterQueen, these black and whites hold a special residence in this queen's heart.

I decided to post some photos that marked the beginning of my pictographic journey. They deserve more than a notebook existence because without them the ShutterQueen as we know this mogul today would not exist.

It's easy to get wrapped up in career photography and drift away from the enjoyable hobby that initially attracts most photographers. Fortunately, the job we spend 2/3 of our lives engaging in is fun. But sometimes you need to just wander around town with your camera and no agenda and record life as it unfolds.

Photo sharing is so easy and limitless now with the 400 plus social media sites, such as www.flickr.com and www.helloworld.com/shutterqueenink. I encourage all of you photo buffs out there, both amateur and professional, to pay tribute to the day you launched into this visual storytelling world and give your still photos life in the online ever after...

Have you found interesting ways to share those favorite first attempts at photographic mastery?  What online sites do you prefer?

Crisp, clear, lung cleansing air, vibrant treetops, and pumpkin patches...my favorite season has almost arrived. Humidity be gone. Yay! Time for the ShutterQueen to come out of office hibernation, cameras blazing! Fall, with a point and shoot camera is the anniversary where this photography mogul got started.

ShutterQueen's Tips to help you achieve the most from this picturesque season:

1.   Whether shooting film or digital the key is color saturation and contrast. You want the colors to really pop off the page. One film choice is Kodak Ultra Color 100 speed, 400 for lower light situations. 100 produces less grain and therefore sharper enlargements. You can boost the contrast and adjust the colors in Photoshop to give that extra aahhh. Yeah, I'm still a film queen but everything here applies to past and futuristic picture takers.   

2.   One of the most important lenses for landscape photography is a wide-angle zoom. I use a 20-35, which allows you to capture incredible views of the vast mountainside and gorgeous rainbow of ripples across the water in one shot. For photos of people and the brilliant earthy hues of a natural backdrop, a 35-135 provides great closeups. One unique tree or an object such as a fence in the foreground of your photo can tell a specific story that represents your individual experience. And if you want to catch wildlife grazing, a telephoto up to 300 or greater is a useful tool. 

3.   A polarizing filter helps to reduce reflections, cut through lens flare produced by the sun shining into your lens, and keeps that bright blue backdrop on your fall scape canvases. An enhancing filter brings out the yellows, reds, and oranges. Star-point filters give that star-burst effect. Hitting the light just right with one of those on the end of your lens can lend that WOW response to your photos. In case it's a little hazy, try adding a bit of a sunny ambiance with a warming filter.

4.   Shenandoah Mountains or Asheville, North Carolina both supply vibrant scenes. Two places on my to-go wish list are Vermont and New Hampshire. If anybody reading has ventured there during fall, I'd love to hear any advice on the primo spots to capture the best fall foliage!

5.   Plan ahead. Depending on where you are, it may be difficult to find a store to purchase your favorite film or camera batteries. So carry extra film, equipment, and filters. Better to end up with too much rather than miss that once in a lifetime shot because you ran out of film or didn't bring the optimum lens for the job. 

6.   Research the area you're visiting. The cool morning light emerges through harsh shadows. Afternoon produces a softer, warmer result. Make sure you're on the right side of the mountain at the best time for your desired effect. An overcast day with fog hanging in the air can depict a dark brooding mood. Don't be afraid to contrast from the glistening sunny tones. Experiment!      

7.   Display your photos. There are so many creative framing options in the arts and crafts stores. Visit them and get inspired! If you prefer, custom framers can help you dress your pictures in the best look. Put them in photo albums and sit them around your house and office so friends, family, and clients can experience the journey through your eyes. And of course there's blogs and social networking sites like Flickr and Facebook. Share on the home front or with the world but please, not the shoebox under the bed.

My first trip to the mountains, I borrowed a point and shoot camera. How limiting. Once I realized I was hooked on this exciting craft, I visited again and took advantage of the endless possibilities my brand new camera and lenses afforded me. Then I was off to San Diego and Los Angeles and 30 rolls of film later, I was well on my way to a career. So have a blast and explore my fellow shutterbugs! And please, share your suggestions and results for visually encapsulating the brilliance of fall!                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

If it's not a joyful, positive experience to visit your photo lab then maybe it's time to find another one.  Consumers and professional photographers may have a few different requirements when it comes to choosing a photo lab but here are some that both should look for:

1.  Reliability - Do you see the same people when you visit?  Frequent turnover is not a positive sign in any business. If the company is not keeping their employees happy enough to stay should we assume they treat us, their customers any better?

2.  Expertise -Will the folks that have their hands on your film (yes there are still a few left) take care not to scratch or lose your negatives? Do they pay attention and do they know how to recognize when a photo needs to be color corrected? Sometimes altering the contrast or adjusting density makes all the difference between an okay pic and a WOW affect.

3. Consistency -Are they consistent with each job and each roll? It can be frustrating if you continue to get entire rolls back that are great except for two or three photos that you have to wait on to be sent back. Are their prices the same between stores?  I recently used a lab in Williamsburg for golf tournament pictures and was quoted one price by phone, charged a different amount in the store (lower than the quote), then at their Virgina Beach store was quoted a much higher price for the same job. This does not encourage repeat business.

4  Customer Value - Are they willing to do a little extra? Rush a job through (within reason), offer some technical advice to help you obtain better results? Are they willing to redo a job at no cost to you, if the mistakes were on their end?  Value is almost always assumed but quite often not received.

5.  Knowledge - It drives me bonkers to go into some of the larger electronic stores and try to get help with their camera and video equipment.  Employees in these stores must receive so little training (again goes back to the high turnover issue) When I go into Richmond Camera, in any Hampton Roads city, they are able to describe, explain, and demonstrate the equipment that lives under their glass counters. And if a piece that I wish to see is not there but residing at another store, they have it sent in. That's the kind of service that should be in every store, large or small.

This might seem extremely basic but if the lab/store where you offer your loyalty and hard-earned bucks doesn't leave you with a positive feeling then look elsewhere. They're out there.

For those of you shooting digital, and I may end up there one day, most of the above still applies to you too. Whether experiencing the ever fascinating world of photography digitally, or prehistorically, you still want to deal with people who take good care of and appreciate your business, know their stuff, and produce high quality results!

Even though I live a third of my life as the TekQueen, for some things I still like to physically talk over a real counter and not a virtual one. 

What do you look for in a photo lab or when buying photography equipment? Have other ideas, Please share!

I was in my photo lab, Richmond Camera, the other day and overheard Mike from behind the counter making these first three suggestions to another customer. Thought is was worth passing on so I elaborated:

10 Ways To Generate New Photography Ideas

1. Join a local photo club
Associating with like-minded people and seeing the world through their eyes can give you the creative boost you need to get snapping.

2. Visit the library or bookstores
Travel, food, photography books – all kinds of ideas to motivate you and your camera into action.

3. Buy a map
Especially if you’re new to the area, go out and explore, camera in hand. Make sure you keep good notes so you can revisit your favorite spots.

4. Visit photography websites
Whether it’s portrait, landscape, architectural, or food there’s a website out there marketing it.

5. Stroll through the mall
Many of them display portraiture from local artists.

6. Check out social media sites such as Facebook and Flickr
These sites are growing by the thousands daily. Not only can you borrow posing and location ideas but also once you have your own collection you’ll have a place to post them.

7. Take a class at a community college
Nothing like a homework assignment to encourage you to see things in pictures.

8. Be observant
Restaurants, doctors offices, accountants, attorneys. . .most every office is decorated, many with photographs. Open your eyes and look around as you navigate through your day.

9. Art Gallery
Sometimes being in a colorful environment surrounded by unique masterpieces sparks a renewed energy to venture out and create your own.

10. Be Quiet
Find a serene and tranquil setting. The ocean, waterfall, beach, or the forest. Close your eyes, practice some deep breathing exercises, and release the noise and stress. When you eliminate the mind clutter, your imagination comes to life with amazing results.

Treat your mind like you do your computer. Delete unnecessary files and replace them with useful, positive data. Inspiration can be found in unusual places at the most unexpected times.

Please let me know if you try these suggestions and find them beneficial.

How do you re-energize your inner shutterbug? If you would like to offer additional ideas please post your comments here!

I received disturbing news from my photo lab last week. Kodak has stopped making my favorite film, Portra 160 NC. I know, those of you that have made the transition to digital are not phased by this and probably wondering why I am still shooting film anyway?

I happen to love the medium contrast results from Portra and the warm tones. For portraits and events, anything involving photographing people, I do not believe that digital can beat the results I achieve with that film. In fact I am the proud owner of pretty much every roll in the state of Virginia, at least everyone that 15 Richmond Camera Stores possessed. The manager was most helpful in tracking down every roll and shipping them to me. He called and said this film is like cocaine to you isn’t it? “Yes, gimme my fix!” I said.

I introduce and use the latest in online video technology on a daily basis so I am no stranger to the technological changes and am all for these modern advances. . .except when it comes to giving up my Portra.

In preparation may I ask of my fellow Canon consumers, which camera do you like the best? Which lenses and flash? Has anyone switched from Portra to digital? Any suggestions from those feeling my pain? And to all you digital fans out there. . .what changes did you experience when switching?

Obviously there are instant gratification returns, such as, being able to see your photos right away and show excited subjects the crazy pose you captured them in. You can load your pictures directly into the computer, bypassing the scanning step. But I still enjoy delivering the customized album and watching my customer relive their special event, a story told through personalized finished prints that were shot, developed, and pro-printed in the traditional 100 plus year way. Wow, do I sound old and set in my ways, or what?

So I figure I have 29 rolls to decide, do I roll kicking and screaming into the digital realm or dig my heels in and hang on for a little while longer using the blue-green Fuji tinted film? That is until they too travel down the same futuristic path as Kodak.

If service is the rent you pay for your existence on this earth, are you behind in your rent?
Robert G Allen
Philanthropy - The effort or inclination to increase the well being of humankind, as by charitable aid or donations.

One week ago at The Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hilton hotel 300 people gathered for the 6th annual Party In Paradise Event in a united effort to battle for a cure to end Diabetes. Pictured here are some of the devoted volunteers and attendees that band together each year to make this fundraiser a smashing success.

Sometimes I find myself fretting and stressing out over life’s daily occurrences? An alleged fifteen minutes commute according to mapping services on the computer, turns into an hour. I long to be living in 2055, like Nora Robert’s characters do in her JD Robb series, where they press a button on their cars and glide over traffic. Hint hint to auto makers. . .

Need to zip off a crucial email for an impending deadline? But your Internet has decided to take five.

Are these life-altering events? When you’re pulling your hair out and may feel like doing the same to the person or people sending your day into a tailspin you may be tempted to shout YES! But try spending time in an environment with a wife who lost her husband, from a diabetic induced heart attack, or with a parent who spends several times a month in a hospital while doctors try to regulate her blood sugar to a safe level. Where on life’s scale would those daily struggles be if you met a six year old that had to give herself insulin shots? Are your problems looking smaller yet? If not, go volunteer.

Stop complaining about dealing with challenging personalities, the contract you didn’t win, or the dreadful fear of picking up the telephone (for the salespeople reading this). Be appreciative at meeting new people, happy that you will, as sure as any of us can be, wake up and be able to seize another opportunity, and be glad that you have a hand able to grip a phone.

Makes you think, all those things that upset us so are really unimportant in the proverbial big picture.

What are you doing to revamp your perspective? When you map out those business and personal goals make sure you add in community service. How do you decide whom to devote your time to? For me diabetes runs in my family. Personal experiences are quite often what drives someone to a particular organization.

Whichever ones you choose, realize they could not succeed without the help of volunteers. Giving is not always in the form of dollar bills. Perhaps you have an expertise they could benefit from. If you have two hands or even one, there is a task you can perform, a place for you in the accomplishment of the ultimate cure-discovering mission.