Ammon

Childhood

I can't even begin to tell you all the reasons why I love this picture. OK, maybe I can, the angle of the camera, the dirt, the band aid, his freckles, and above all else, his eyes.

Birthday Boy

Happy Easter!

Ally with a "Y"

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:).

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!

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.

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!

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.

Lora

This is what happens when you drive 200 miles to help out a friend. She'll put in front of the camera even if you don't want to be. That's what friends are for.
Doesn't she photograph beautifully? It's a little unfair actually.

I don't think words could express what an amazing friend Lora is or how much she means to me. She's the kind of person that would say, "Hell huh? I've been there. Need a ride?" If you need somebody at your back, she's your gal.

I was so blessed to have Michael Nielsen there with me. He is a brillant stylist, as well as many other things. Truthfully, I don't know what he can't do. He is a gifted costume designer, choreographer, director, actor and he throws killer karaoke parties. Be looking for more projects from the two of us!

Black and white vs. Color

Black and white or color? Both convey offer distinct advantages. It really depends on what you want. Either way, Debby looks hot!

Debby is a wonderful friend from high school. Oh, we still laugh so much together!

At one point, I laughed so hard, I lost my gum. "Where did it go?" was the question of the hour. I won't tell you where I found it or when, but it was recovered at a later time. Thank you for a fabulous time Debby and some stunning pictures!

Why in the world should I want to work with models when I have such insanely beautiful friends? I'm just going to keep my studio set up in the front room and snag people come by to visit (for reals).

Elf?

If you don't believe if elves, you may want to reconsider after seeing this face.

What a cutie!

Lucky

This is Jen Massey.

If you're lucky, she's your voice teacher.

If you're not lucky, you're on her long waiting list.

If you're semi-lucky, you're a friend who takes her picture because then maybe she'll sing you a song.

Small moments

Happy Birthday Beautiful