Why hire a local photographer?

This was asked of me the other day….

1. Your local vendors are familiar with each other and know the rhythms and workflow of the venues we all work with each weekend.

2. A local photographer knows the lighting and angles of the sun at each property in any given season.

3. A local is familiar with the rules and regulations of each venue it works with and can work more creatively by knowing where and when they can utilize each area of the hotel or properties.

4. A local is more likely to have privileges to use the property in ways that a “visiting” photographer cannot.  Specifically because we understand the rules and have proven ourselves to be trustworthy.

5. A local knows all the “great spots” for fantastic views and “secret” hideaway’s  that a visiting photographer cannot.

6. A local can clue you in on important “insider tips” that a visiting photographer may not be privy to.

7. A local is more likely to help with proven recommendations to help ensure you don’t blindly work with a vendor who may not be the best match for your sense of style or purpose.

8. As a local, I get to be creative every weekend, as opposed to only 20 or less weekends each year.  This leads to much more interesting photography and certainly more “fun” in your images.

These are just a few of the answers I gave to my inquisitive friend.

Of love…and wall portraits

I was just looking over last years weddings and realized how truly lucky I feel.  Each one brought a different memory for me.  When it came time to select photos to display on the walls of my new studio I felt so torn.  With thousands of great photos to choose from it became clear to me.  I quickly learned why my Brides call or write soon after saying they don’t know how they are going to choose their favorites.  It became increasingly difficult to choose.  After narrowing it down to my “BEST” I looked them over and sure enough…I started all over again and again.  How did I finally narrow it down….well….

I chose images that gave me the most emotional memory.  The memory was mine and mine alone.  Perhaps it was a conversation we were having during the time the shutter snapped or an emotion that their wedding brought up in me and my own past, or an expression that made me laugh, or a situation that brought me to tears.  I figured if I was going to look these images on the wall for a while, I wanted them to remind me of what it meant for me to be at their wedding and the emotions I felt while capturing their day.  Some of the images are beautiful reminders of the journey I have been on thus far.  Some are just a reminder of what joy it was to have met these beautiful people.  Others are a reminder of what it means to love, honor, forgive, respect, share, or laugh. 

Turns out this is the best advice I can give to my Brides and Grooms when choosing the images to place on their walls or their albums.  Choose YOUR memories.  Not what you want others to see.  When you are ready to leave this world and you want to reflect on your wedding day….what do you want to see? 

When I worked in Hospice years ago, this was the most fun for all of us.  Reliving the “real” memories of their past.  Your wedding day memories should be just that.  Real…not posed….not planned. 

I will change my memory wall from time to time.  As my heart is brimming full already this year with all of these emotions.  I welcome you to stop by the studio and share in my memories and yours.

New services

We now have added several new services at our studio.  Here are a few:

• Passport photos
• VHS transfers to DVD
• Photo Restoration
• Customized Wedding Signature Boards and invitations

Stop by or call for more details.

When words are not enough

We were saddened this month with the passing of Marty Roenigk.  Marty and his wife Elise and their dog Aine were involved in a car accident.  Marty did not survive the impact, nor did their dog Aine.  Elise was injured pretty badly but is recovering now here in Eureka Springs. 

There are many times in our life that each of us must face the painful death of someone we love.  While no death is easy, losing ones partner in life has to be one of the most significant loses.  My heart aches for Elise and for Marty’s family as they struggle to find meaning during this difficult time.  Our community is struggling to find words of comfort to say to Marty’s companion.  Yet, I am sure that our words fail to fill the void in her heart.  Words are never enough.  What we seek are ways to make the inevitable struggle, the pain, and the suffering to end swiftly and quickly for our friend Elise.  Instead, we must wait.  Wait for our emotions to embrace this loss. Wait for our hearts to listen to our anger.  Wait for our minds to rid itself of all bargaining and confusion.  Wait for our eyes to lift from depression.  Wait for acceptance. 

In times like these, a hug does more good than anything.  A stroll down a long path reminiscing is priceless.  These are the things we must do.  And we will do them together here in Eureka Springs.  If there was one thing that Marty loved it was preservation.  Marty wanted us to remember our past by preserving it and I for one will preserve his memory in my heart.  Thank you Marty for everything you have done for our community, for my friends, and for me.

It’s all finished!!!

We are so please to announce we officially opened our studio at 157 North Main street last month.  It’s still a work in progress, but for the most part it is complete.  Despite the fact that the labor on the building almost killed us…we are so happy with how it turned out.  Now potential clients and past clients can drop in to see what a wedding in Eureka Springs REALLY looks like.  Stop by and have a glass of wine with us.  We do suggest you call before coming by as we have begun taking sessions and we would like to visit with you and give you the time you so deserve.

Spring is near!

The daffodils showed up just in time for the Luker’s wedding a the Thorncrown Chapel on March 12, 2009. 

After the wedding we went around town and captured a few of the yellow bell bushes that were in bloom that weekend too.

 

It’s the little things that change so fast!

Little Cash Armstrong had his first portrait made with us last month.  At only weeks old, he is changing rapidly.  So we decided to document the “little things”

New studio location

Call me crazy…we will be renovating a new building to expand our studio in 2009.  We’ve had such a wonderful time over the last few years operating out of our home, but the time has come to reclaim some space in my personal life…so the only way to accomplish that was to get my work out of one of the guest bedrooms.  I’m excited and a little nervous..but with my business growing so rapidly, I was running out of space in my home.  I had thought about doing this several times, but the timing never seemed right.  I also didn’t want to move into a place that would create too much overhead…which would cause me to make my services run higher for my clients.  We found a building that was priced just right and just needed a little elbow grease to get ready.  I’m proud of the fact that I waited and that I can keep my prices the same as I have for the last two years.  Our new location is at 157 North Main Street in Eureka Springs.  We should be completely moved in by March 2009.  This is a before photo.  Stay tuned for the AFTER photos.

A guy has to do what a guy has to do!

So what do you do when your tux rental company doesn’t get your shoe size “just right”…well…..

Erin and Ben didn’t let a little discomfort get in the way of their good times!

Circle of Light

The Neel’s were united in marriage at this scenic lake overlook this past July.  The spritual center hosts many weddings for those who are drawn to their unexplainable karmic energy.  I was impressed greatly by the words spoken by Yao, who performed their ceremony.  A beautiful colorful sky lingered just long enough for the promises to be made, just before the rains came down.