Stephanie Marcel (part two)

This little girls' name is Kaitlyn. She's the daughter of my friend Allyson. Another friend, Stephanie, and I were really rooting for the name "Stephanie Marcel". Unfortunately when she was born, we were vetoed (thanks Brett). Still, Stephanie and I feel it is in little Stephanie Marcel's best interest to help her be aware of her heritage, friendship is a pretty important thing. So for Steph and I, this little girl will always be Stephanie Marcel.

Stephanie Marcel

I wanted to save these pix for the launch of my new blog, but I just couldn't wait!

Be looking for a new blog in the next few days (sooner than later hopefully:).

SuckURRRRR!!!!

When Andrea invited me over to make suckers I just have to say that the reason I went was not for the suckers (I'm just not a sucker kind of a gal) but rather just to hang out with Andrea because she's so fabulous. She really doesn't believe she's fabulous, but everyone she knows will tell you the same thing "F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S". You couldn't have a more kind, loving, generous, or loyal friend. So I really wasn't much help during our sucker making time because I was doing other things (like taking pictures). I was surprised to find that making suckers is fun and it's even more fun to take pictures of suckers.

Since we had such a great time together and she loves nicknames (you do love nicknames don't you Andrea?), I'm giving her a new nickname from our most special experience, "SuckURRRRRR!!!!!" We can call her "Sucky" for short. I think she'll like it, I know her brothers will. I grew up hearing it often enough.

To Edit or Not to Edit?

"I just want the files thanks. All the files, every freakin' one."
Really? Ok..here you are.

As a parent, I understand that but the

truth is if you don't pay much, you won't get much.
More and more photographers are offering hi-res files as part of their services. But 99% of photographers are not going to fine tune edit every image on a CD. It would just be way too time consuming. A good part of almost every image involves editing (brightening and sharpening the eyes, retouching the skin, color correction, etc) which means time. When you pay for a print, this is partly what you are paying for. I part with files quite reluctantly because I know that every shot I send out is a reflection of myself and what I put into my profession. Quite frankly, I'm just not interested in giving my clients anything but the best. I do offer packages with hi-res files where I do basic edits, but I also have the clients select their top favorites so I can make them look their absolute best. When you look good, I look good.

UTG Workshop

Here's the video from the UTG workshop from last week! I've had a few emails and I know you are all anxious to see it. Everyone in the workshop is fairly new to the agency and many new to the industry. As you can see, UTG has got some really fabulous talent. I am trilled with results! You guys should be proud of yourselves. We made a huge amount of progress in the two hour time frame! For anyone who is interested in purchasing their images from the workshop, please contact me directly. I will have them available only for the next two weeks (just so I don't get bogged down in too many pictures :).

Fabulous Faces

Here's just a sneak peak from a workshop I did last week for some of UTG's talent.

I had expected 10-15 people and we had 29 people show up. Yikes! Everyone was patient, and thanks to my oh-so-wonderful assistant, Karson, everything went very smoothly. Isn't he cute? If you see Karson, please tell him how cute he is. This will make him feel all warm and fuzzy and full of gratitude for to getting to haul around all my crap.

We got some great shots and it was a crazy fun experience.

Thanks everyone!

God's Country

There are few places in the world like Zion's National Park. If God had an address, this certainly would be it (at least one of Her homes). As we hiked along, someone before us had put a little girl's lost shoe on the sign, in hopes that a parent would be able to claim it. The intimacy of this shot was such a contrast to the the wide grandeur of everything else we had seen.

The Farm (part two)

I think these are possibly two of the most handsome cowboys in all of Central Utah, maybe even the whole of Utah. I hope I'm not embarrassing you boys, but Lord knows it's the truth. A huge thank you to Libby and Justin who invited right in their home and shared their piece of paradise with us. They were exceptionally gracious and hospitable. Our time there truly made our visit to the area one to remember.

Down on the farm

Hannah

Hannah's session was so much fun! We rocked the canyons with this shoot. She loved all the bright light in her eyes. These are just a few shots that we did for Hannah's senior pictures. I just couldn't pick which ones were my favorite.

Doesn't she look like a world famous model? She photographs so beautifully. I think it's probably the genes.

God's Counrty

We are headed to God's country for a few days (and you thought, no one knew his address). We were supposed to go earlier this week but my son has been so incredibly ill. We are so glad to be even going at all. I had some incredibly beautifully prints delivered this morning (Taya, you are going to LOVE them), I'm headed off for some great photog opportunities, and my son is feeling human again. What a great way to start the day! I'll be back after Tuesday.

Persnickety on You

http://www.persnicketygraphics.com/

Need new business cards?

Models, want a unique comp card design?

Or do you have a bigger project in mind.

Check this chicadee out.
Rebecca Servoss has got a fabulous new site up all designed and built by her little self. Her major clients include ARUP and Today's Mama, but she also takes on a limited amount of smaller projects.
Way to go missy!

http://www.persnicketygraphics.com/

An Evening Of Magic

So there are many benefits to having a photographer in the family. Aside from taking hordes pictures that will never get printed, I also get volunteered for a wide variety of tasks. This weekend was my daughter's birthday party. The theme was "An Evening of Magic". We had pastel lanterns, twinkling lights, candles and floating flowers, it was beautiful! A huge thank you to Shelly for helping me get the stuff for the cake I didn't have time to make, to Kelly for buying a fabulous cake to replace the one I didn't make, to Jen for the the last minute princess styling (she should be a professional), and to my mom for most of the supplies (she should have been a professional, she's always so helpful:). It was a night I'm sure the girls will remember with much happiness.

Tips for great pix

"So I don't really like to have my picture taken."

"Okay."

"I actually take pretty bad pictures."

"Alright."

"But I want you to make me look great. "

"No problem."

When Jill came in for a headshot for her business, she didn't say these things, but like most people, she wanted to look her best. It's more common than not, not to like to have your picture taken. Most pocket size cameras don't do a great job capturing our best features. The flash combined with lens width can often make us look bloated and semi comatose. We want photographs that not only make us look our best, but bring out who we feel we really are.

Here's are some tips I give my clients for great pictures.

1. Pick a good photographer.

While this should be obvious, it's easy to opt for "less expensive". Pictures are an investment.

We'll pay money to have our hair done or go out to eat, but we balk about spending $40 for 8x10. Would I rather have a great picture or a night at the Olive Garden? A picture is going to last you a lot longer and is easier on your waistline.

2.KISS- Keep It Simple Stupid. For professionals, wear something neutral colored. Pick an outfit that has a classy timeless look. You don't want people looking at your outfit and saying, "Oh, I remember when that was popular". For children, parents can choose a few outfits, but let your kids have a choice. You kids will be happier, more relaxed and therefore more likely to take better pictures. For teenagers, parents let them wear whatever the h#$* they want for individual shots. For a group shot make sure they have a choice unless of course you want a fussy face fixed on your wall for the next ten years. Ladies, simple make up and hair. Those bright lipsticks can look scary and big bows on girls can be distracting. For group pictures, stay in the same or complimentary color palette. Bright colors really pop out, save them for Halloween costumes. Jill did a great job with all of the above.

3. Hair out the eyes, please. Be prepared to cut your bangs or wear them over to the side. I know long bangs are "in", but the "eyes are the light of the soul" and if we can't see your eyes, what's the point? I just put a pair of professional scissors in my camera bag and yes, I'll be more than happy to use them if needed.

4. Make time. If you are in a hurry, go to Walmart. Be prepared to spend some time if needed. Your photographer will be able to let you know what sort of time frame to expect. Headshots are relatively fast, engagements and seniors shoots can vary. With Families, remember anything with toddlers and babies will add time. Bridals probably take the longest. As photographers, we want you to look your best so be prepared to set aside the time.

5. Have Fun! Don't get stressed out. If you're going to take the time and spend the money, try to be relaxed and have fun. Remember these are moments that will last you a lifetime.

visit my website to see more of my work http://www.marcelwalker.us/

The Girls of UTG

This last Saturday Chad Milton of UTG Modeling Agency asked me to come in and do a mini surprise workshop for some of the younger girls. A thank you to Lacey who was on hand to do some touch up styling. We had a totally fabulous time. These shots are straight out of the camera, no touch ups. Don't the girls look great? That's a pat on the back for you Chad. Keep up the good work!

izzy

Mas

Last Saturday when I did bridals of Sara we also did a few studio shots before we headed out into the afternoon sun. Isn't she gorgeous? She looks like a Spanish queen. I love these shots!

Afternoon beauty

This is my son's teacher. We've known her family for years. When my son changed school he just happened to get her by chance. And he really couldn't have a better for him this year. That's karma for you!

Surviving

This is my friend.

Today she is undergoing a double mastectomy.

It is the second time she has had to battle cancer.

I'm asking that you please send out prayers, karma, or positive thoughts her way.

God bless.