Reminder: A Little Workshop is Tonight!

Don't let the G-20 madness fool you, A Little Workshop is still on for tonight. We'll be avoiding the dignitaries at Phipps by tromping around Frick Park. And if it rains? Hey, it's a trash the dress session, so it'll still work. Should be fun, and I can't wait to see you there!

All the details (and there's some spots left!):

If you've ever wondered how to use your fancy schmancy digital SLR camera in a mode other than "auto" but can't get beyond reading the manual, then I've got some good news for you.

I've decided to host a small workshop to share some of the tips and tricks I use in my work and to help folks really get the best use of their SLR cameras. That means (shudder), turning the dial to "manual mode" and learning how to get the correct exposure in camera.

Personally, I'm a hands-on type of learner, so this workshop will primarily be that: hands-on. It will consist of several components. The first will be some basic learning of what determines exposure and how to work with available light. Next we'll be doing a "trash the dress" type of shoot with a couple whose wedding I shot this summer. Lastly, I'll briefly explain some post-processing that I do and answer any questions you may have. It should be a ton of fun and hopefully very helpful to you!

So, the 411:
When: 5pm on September 24, 2009 (that's next Thursday)
Where: Frick Park on the eastside of Pittsburgh. We'll be meeting on the side closest to Braddock Avenue here:
View Larger Map

If you turn onto Lancaster from W. Hutchinson, you'll follow a small road into the park. There's a parking lot at the bottom, and I'll be in standing in or near the parking lot.

Who: Anyone who has a digital SLR camera interested in learning how to use it better. Limited to the first 10 people who sign up.
What to Bring: Your camera, any lenses that you own, memory cards, and your questions!
How much does it cost? $25 You can pay through paypal here:

Once 10 people have signed up, no more will be accepted.

I hope to see you there, and let me know if you have any questions!

Announcing: A Little Workshop | Thursday, Sept. 24th

If you've ever wondered how to use your fancy schmancy digital SLR camera in a mode other than "auto" but can't get beyond reading the manual, then I've got some good news for you.

I've decided to host a small workshop to share some of the tips and tricks I use in my work and to help folks really get the best use of their SLR cameras. That means (shudder), turning the dial to "manual mode" and learning how to get the correct exposure in camera.

Personally, I'm a hands-on type of learner, so this workshop will primarily be that: hands-on. It will consist of several components. The first will be some basic learning of what determines exposure and how to work with available light. Next we'll be doing a "trash the dress" type of shoot with a couple whose wedding I shot this summer. Lastly, I'll briefly explain some post-processing that I do and answer any questions you may have. It should be a ton of fun and hopefully very helpful to you!

So, the 411:
When: 5pm on September 24, 2009 (that's next Thursday)
Where: Frick Park on the eastside of Pittsburgh. We'll be meeting on the side closest to Braddock Avenue here:
View Larger Map

If you turn onto Lancaster from W. Hutchinson, you'll follow a small road into the park. There's a parking lot at the bottom, and I'll be in standing in or near the parking lot.

Who: Anyone who has a digital SLR camera interested in learning how to use it better. Limited to the first 10 people who sign up.
What to Bring: Your camera, any lenses that you own, memory cards, and your questions!
How much does it cost? $25 You can pay through paypal here:

Once 10 people have signed up, no more will be accepted.

I hope to see you there, and let me know if you have any questions!

Colors and Covers--Wedding Album Options

When I was researching album companies to use, I had a list in my mind of what I wanted them to provide: quality materials and options, options, options. So, I selected Finao because they provided all of that with excellent customer service to boot.

We're talking handcrafted albums, fine leathers, beautiful brocades, and everything in between. You want a different size? They've got that, too. You can't find these albums (or books as you might call them) at your local Target or Walmart. My standard package does not include any albums so that you can pick and choose exactly what you want. I also offer very competitive album prices, so you can be sure to find something that will fit you perfectly and tell the story of your day. It's definitely not something you want to skip out on!

I recently received a shipment of some clients' albums that are just waiting to be filled with their beautiful photos. These are just a fraction of the available options. If you have any questions about your album choices, be sure to send me an email.











I just love the guest books...a perfect avenue for showcasing your engagement photos.

Wedding Album Choices

So, I've done a lot of research over the last few months, and I've settled on an album company that I really like--both for their quality and their customer service. As I mentioned back in March, the company is Finao. I love, love, love their options. They've got a great selection of materials for covers, including many different colors and textures. And, they offer a wide variety of album types. Did I mention they are also made in the good ol' USA?

I've already told you about the Guest Book, so now I'd like to introduce the Flush Mount Wedding Album. And by flush--I mean the photo is "flush" with the album page (maybe I need to come up with a better name?).

This is the crème de la crème of albums. It is custom designed to tell the entire story of your wedding day in a way that is uniquely yours. After the book is designed and approved by you, I have it printed by Finao on professional photo paper and bound in a hand-made album. Now, this isn't magazine type paper--it is much sturdier, as you will see in the photos. All in all, I think this choice allows for the most freedom to artistically display your photos. I created this sample album from Mallory and Jord's wedding.


















I love the texture:

My Best Idea Yet?

Ever since I started shooting weddings and events I've struggled to find a good way to let everyone know where to find the photos once they're uploaded. In the past, I would usually email the bride and groom or the main event planner, hoping they would share the link. At one time I did try printing up business-sized cards on plain card stock with the website link, but I often wondered how many of those slips of paper ended up in the garbage. I've seen other photographers distribute a sign-up list for people to write in the email addresses, but that just seems like a nightmare to me. Do I really have time to input a 100+ email addresses every wedding??

So, I had kind of given up, but was still frustrated when guests would ask me how they could see the photos. Well, a couple of weeks ago I stumbled across a printing company when researching business card ideas--Moo. Yes, like a cow, and yet so much better. That's when I saw their "mini moo" cards and was inspired with possibly my best idea yet...drum roll please...introducing my Share the Link Cards:






They're the perfect size and thickness:





And on the back is the website link with password:



To top it off, they come in a sweet box:




So what do you think? As you can see, these are made with Ali and Andrew's Engagement Photos. Just one more reason I encourage you to take advantage of the engagement session I include with every wedding package.

All that to say, I'm really pleased with Moo's product, and I can't wait to use these cards tomorrow at the wedding.

Now, I want to hear your thoughts!

Hot! This just in!

I just received and assembled my very first (and did I say hot?) sample album from Finao. I have been waiting for about a month for it to arrive (all their albums are hand-made to order with genuine leathers and silk fabrics!), and I couldn't be more pleased with it. The style is for a wedding guestbook album--but this one will turn your idea of that humble book on its head.

You've seen the ubiquitous wedding guest book sitting on a table at the reception--everyone signs it, but what are you supposed to do with it after all the guests go home? More than likely, it ends up in some box labeled "wedding stuff" (where I'm sure mine is right now). So, instead of another useless (but thoughtful) item from your wedding (wrapping paper anyone?), why not have a book that can keep all your guests' signatures and hold your favorite engagement photos? Everyone will be talking about how unique your book is. Bye, bye boring guestbook, hello hottie!

You see, one side of the album holds your photos, while the other is blank to be filled with signatures and notes. Your guests get to see your cute photos, and you'll get an awesome book with notes and the names of your guests, not to mention a cool album for your engagement photos.

Did I mention that I include an engagement photo session with every wedding?

And, since I am so excited about this album, I will offer the first 3 brides that contact me (either already booked or interested in booking) 15% off a Guestbook Album of their size and color choice (many colors to choose from). Prices start at $100 for a 5x7 10 side album. Just call or email me--contact info is on my website! Now for some photos: