Monday, January 5, 2009

Economy thrashes my studio.

The economy landed a knock out punch to my studio in St. Johnsbury and I've had to let go of it to control my costs. I still have access to a studio space in Lyndonville but only on a case by case basis. Most of my work has been transferred home again. Still, I am optimistic.

Changes in 2009 :

I've had a number of bride's looking to customize their packages this year so, to avoid any confusion, I've created a new price list that reflects an item by item fee. You can now choose exactly which features you want for your wedding package as well as how many hours you want coverage. This will allow for the greatest flexibility. My travel costs will be: 50 miles or less from East Burke...free; Beyond this........Actual gas price at the time x miles from East Burke (both ways) divided by 20 (which is my average miles per gallon).

I'm only offering three album choices this year as these continue to be the only three albums people actually want.

For traditional albums: Flora pin mount or book bound. Flora gives the most freedom to customize while delivering the luxury and archival quality of a truly traditional album. You can visit their website to learn more: www.floraalbums.com

For the modern coffee table style and to get the best of both worlds (economy and luxury) I am still offering my most popular album: Bonded leather Superior album by Tap Professional. This album is elegant, archival and, because I put it together myself, cost effective. You won't find an album like it for less.

For the most luxurious flush mount with printing that is durable and covers 20 inches across without interruption : The Tuscany with it's rich leather and gorgeous slip in case tops the charts for luxury. My favorite album comes in more colors than the superior and will be a pleasure to anyone lucky enough to own one for years to come.

I hope I will be hearing from you when you plan your big day.

All the best to all of us in 2009!

Monday, June 2, 2008

New Studio

I've finally found a place to call home for my photography! Look for my new studio in d0wntown St. Johnsbury, Vermont at 378 Railroad Street. You can park near the Boxcar and Caboose and go up the stairway between the Boxcar and Dylan's to the second floor. My studio is down the hall.
Due to the nature of my work I will always be in and out so it's best to call before you make a special trip. Please drop by any time.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Wedding Wish



This was a wonderful day with an equally wonderful couple. The reception was held at Jay Peak and a gondola ride to the top was the first order of business. The day was perfect for photos--a little overcast with views for miles. We took pictures along the trails overlooking the slopes below. It would have been just fine to leave it at that, but I noticed people at the very top looking out towards Lake Memphramagog and made an idle wish: "I wish we could go up there". Like the fairy tale princess, our intrepid bride said "lets go"! And great pictures happened.

The view was tremendous from the top, but more than that, the bride and groom in evening dress against the rugged background made for stunning photographs that she and I will treasure forever. It's a part of who she is as a person; she sees opportunities, not obstacles.

This is an often overlooked ingredient in great photos. Yes, a photographer needs good equipment and the skill and knowledge required to use it but the bride and groom who are willing to step outside the box and have fun with their photos is the secret ingredient that makes for really great photos.





I was reminded of this on my first wedding for 2008, last Saturday. It's may in Vermont and that means mud and snow everywhere. Most people do not want to go outside to take pictures in this weather. This past Saturday was not exceptional: overcast and cool--some would say cold! The wedding gown was tasteful. It was white with a mid length train. The wedding party came all the way from New Mexico for this wedding and I thought that they were going to get out there and figure out that pictures taken outdoors in April in Vermont would be way to much trouble. This is another bride I will never forget. She went up and over ten foot tall frozen snow banks in that beautiful gown (they had been smart and changed to boots for the formals) to pose in front of a gorgeous waterfall. They were freezing, but their faces showed nothing but composed happiness whenever the camera swung their way.

I guess photographs are just like everything else: you will get out of them what you are willing to put into them. Extraordinary effort leads to extraordinary photographs. Oh I get great photos of most of my brides and grooms but the really fabulous photos--they are a two way street. It's good news and bad news for couples wanting great pictures. You have control over how great your pictures are but it will take a little effort.