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.

Magic in the Studio

Working with Michael is just magic.

Of course, it doesn't hurt to have a fabulous model like Ash. Aren't her eyes just insanely amazing?

I'm adding a new gadget off to the right. You sign yourself up to be a "follower" of this blog.

I'm already up to two fans. I'm not even sure what to do with myself. Maybe I should get a publicist.

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).

Color of Winter

Elf?

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

What a cutie!

Alma Mater

My dear alma mater.

To be clear, "alma mater" is the school you graduated from.

Or it could be the name given to a sculpture of the goddess Minerva by Daniel Chester French.

Alma Mater is also the name of a BBC play and was the title used in ancient Rome for the mother goddess as well as the for the Virgin Mary in Medieval Christianity.

In this case, I'm referring to the University of Utah.

Anyway, I wish I had lots of affectionate warm fuzzy stories to share with you concerning my "nourishing mother", but I don't think you really want to hear them and to be honest, I can't seem to recall very many motherly memories.

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

Need a new look?

Headshots

Feb. 21 1-5pm

Perfect for real estate agents, business owners, as well as models, actors and merry-go-round makers (and all other amusement park employees, full time, part time, and/or seasonal).

Session includes CD with 1 full resolution sized file in color and black and white with copyright release.

Appointments are filling up, so book today!

mwalkerphoto@gmail.com

(Session must be paid for in order to book appointment)

Salt Lake City Library

Heritage

Too often we look at other and see only differences, but when

I look at my friend's father I know that his story is a part of mine own

and his future is woven with the fabric of mine.

Golden Slumber

Top Picks From Super Saturday

Still Waters

Still waters
where days gone by
refuse to gently slumber.
May memories moor the broken heart
and temper what time refuses.

Self portrait

Our Deepest Fear

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.

We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.

It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

-Marianne Williamson

Pretty in Pink

I have to say my very best sessions are not only when I have time, but when I let the client have a chance to run the show.

Inevitably, I get shots that I would have never been able to dream up on my own.

And did this two year old know what kind of pictures she wanted to do?

What two year old wouldn't?

Reality bites

You know with the sagging economy, we are all finding that we need to be a little more creative to make ends meet. I'm thinking of starting a new business featuring posters with something like this image above. I mean, this could be a whole new thing for me.

I could expand to mugs, calendars, mouse pads, maybe even some day car wraps.

Drop me a line and let me know what you think.

Impressions of Winter

Baby Mine

How many faces can a baby make?

These last few weeks I found they can do just as many, just as fast as any seasoned actor

and they are oh so much more adorable.

Almost

The face of Adan

I spent the holidays the best way possible with family and friends and it feels strangely odd to be at my computer once more after being absent for so long. Most of my pictures from the break will stay stored away somewhere, but these are a few that are worth sharing, my dear friend's son.

His name is pronounced with a soft "a" as in the word "all" followed by a Spanish d (just a hint of whisper of an English "th") another soft "a", and finish with a musical and "n". String the letters together and his name will fall like warm liquid from your lips, "Adan".

A gaze that reveals an ageless spirit and a knowledge of things that perhaps I've forgotten.

What is it that he knows?

His mother's eyes that one can swim in.

His father's ears make their mark.

Seeing them in him, I feel a kinship, a love already born.

And when his eyes rest on mine, I feel as if his soul quietly reminisces, "Oh yes, I remember you".