Posts filed under 'family'
Hello everyone,
Now to the third of five articles. This one is the least wedding related and actually is more relative to portrait sessions like couples, families, engagements, models. I wanted to share “my secret weapon”, My absolute favorite location for outdoor portraits. Consider it when you want to book your next shoot 
3. My favorite spots for outdoor portraits/engagement sessions—
If only you could have that beautiful shot from your bridal magazine, you know, the one with the couple on a white sand beach and so in love. Why can’t you? You live in Florida and at no point are more than 70 miles from a beach. As a photographer in Florida, I enjoy utilizing the amazing beaches all around us.
One of my favorite little locations has become “my secret weapon”, Vilano Beach! Most of you have never heard of it and that’s half of the appeal. This particular location is a bit of a hike, but well worth the trip and rarely if ever busy. I’ve captured everything from Children and Family Portraits, Models, and Engagements and loved every moment. There has even been a wedding or two on occasion.
Why do I love this location? Mainly because it has it all! First, Vilano is a beautiful east coast beach with rolling dunes. Second, it offers a lush green park with low growing trees (great for posing). Third, is a cute little playground and wooden fence wonderful for occupying small children or allowing adults to be kids for a bit. There is always so much to work with and you get it all in one place.
Safety is never an issue because this is one of the only beaches to offer a convenient walk over bridge, so you and your guests will never have to cross the busy road. In the spring and summer the dunes are thick and green over the beautiful coquina shells. In the fall and winter the weather is still bearable and the dune grass has started to brown, but still offers a great color contrast. In the summer there is a population pick up, but compared to every other beach in Florida this one could hardly be described as crowded. In fact most of the visitors are surfers, and spend most of the time in the water. Parking is always available and located just at the beginning of the walkover before you get to the park.
With this being my favorite portrait location you would probably like to know more about the process, right? Depending on what you are looking for or weather you can handle really reflects on the time and season of your shoot. Families and small children I recommend visiting and shooting on summer mornings- You get to the beach before it’s really warm. The dunes are lush and green, and after your shoot you can spend a lovely family day together. Models I tend to shoot all year round, but I have found spring afternoons (2-4 pm) always give beautiful lighting and shadows for that dramatic look. Couples and engagements, I prefer afternoons to evenings to really focus on a romantic theme- Generally I prefer late summer through early spring (August through February). The weather is always wonderful, lighting seems to work more favorably, and even though the beach is never really crowded you have less people in these months, so it really is just the two of you.
This location gives the greatest variety in backdrops I’ve ever seen! With such a wide range, the rest is on you. I would suggest visiting lovely Vilano when you get the chance, especially before you book that very important engagement session. Besides a little sun and sand is good for the mind!
Summer is ending and cooler months are coming! What a perfect time to get the family together for a special beach day… Check out my discounts!
Hope to hear from you soon,
Vanessa
September 26th, 2009
Hello Everyone,
Here is article two of five. All of them are aimed toward future brides majorly, however you may find a few general photography tidbits of interest.
This particular article covers a very wide range of trends like “trash the dress”, “wedding day styles”, and my favorite “boudoir photography” (something I feel every woman should do- nothing will give you more selfconfidence!).
2. Photography styles and Trends—
Most every modern bride has searched “photojournalism”, “trash-the-dress”, or wedding “boudoir” in attempt to understand the newest styles and lingo in photography today. While many photographers are up with the trend, there are others who just believe fads come and go so why should they change their methods.
I’ve personally never shot a trash-the-dress session, and haven’t made it a marketing staple. That being said should a bride come to me on their accord and want this shoot, I will happily shoot it for her. Not everyone is the same and as the client what you want matters. Don’t be afraid to ask your photographer about these trends if you are interested, but in the same turn don’t be bullied into one of these sessions if you really DO NOT want it.
As for Photojournalism, traditional, modern styles— I’ve come to find that I actually do a little of all. I tend to mix and match, which is not uncommon for photographers. During your ceremony I capture as it goes- Photojournalism. After I take your traditional- smile pretty- posed family, wedding party, and bride and groom shots- Traditional. Then after the posed I take the Bride and Groom off on a little adventure, there I capture very hip and modern, but classy and priceless photos of them- Falling under modern. When searching styles of photography, make notes to ask your photographer when you meet with them. This will help you understand your wants better, and help your photographer figure out how best to make your dreams come true. If you meet with photographers who you don’t like their style, make notes and discuss your dislikes with the next photographer. You will eventually find one that you mesh with.
On to my final trend- bridal boudoir. This is my favorite trend for so many reasons. First, what groom wouldn’t love to see his beautiful bride dressed up? This makes the perfect wedding gift or honeymoon kick off. It can be done very classy, and catered to your level of comfort- I work with my brides to figure out exactly what they want and how they want it. I explain what needs to be done to capture their specifics up front so everyone knows all of the options, and can base the whole shoot on the bride’s comfort and ideas. Secondly, I think that every bride— every woman— should have these classy and gorgeous shots to look back at over the years. Seeing yourself decked out, make up done, and glamorous will heighten your confidence and self esteem. I wish I had gotten a boudoir session before my wedding (and I packed on the “happy” weight…). Done with the right photographer your boudoir session can be an amazing experience!
Trends aren’t for everyone, but you are the only one who should decide if it is right for you. Most of these new-fangled fads can be done after the wedding as well, so there is never a reason to feel rushed or pressured. Do your homework, and jump on in.
Dont Miss my end of summer specials for wedding and boudoir photography!
Vanessa
September 26th, 2009
Hello Again,
I am very happy to present to you the – End Of Summer Photography Specials!
These are new end of Summer specials to break into Fall the right way! As the heat begins to fade and the days are getting shorter, don’t let those last minute photography options pass you by. Specializing in wedding and portraiture the sky is the limit! Besides your memories shouldn’t cost you a fortune!
Parents- now that the kids are back to school and routines are settling again, have you gotten a chance to get those ever so important family pictures? The Holidays are coming quickly! This is the perfect option to make your seasonal cards sensational with a personal feel.
• One hour session, CD (fully edited and reproductive rights) = $85/Was$140
• Free collage design – can be used any way you wish.
• Get a photo book with 25 pictures for only $50/Was $75
Expecting Parents- is there ever a better time to start documenting this special occasion? Capture your pregnancy and start the scrap booking right! This is a special time in your life don’t miss out on saving those memories.
• One hour session, CD with rights = $85/Was $140
• 2-30 minute sessions (one maternity, one newborn) with CD=$100/Was $160
• Free Collage design per session
• Get a photo book with 25 pictures for only $50/Was $75
Bride and Grooms- Are you gearing up for an end of the year wedding or getting your ducks in a row for next year? Wedding photography is one of the most important decisions you will ever make- once the cake is gone and honeymoon is over, rest assured I have captured your memories for a lifetime!
• New Lower Package Pricing— Starting at $400
• Loads more photo options with even more affordable prices!
• Free Collage and Album designs
• Extra Package Options – Now FIVE levels to choose from or Create your own
• New distance regulations – Yes I do travel!
• Get discounts on packages- 5% off of Gold, 10% off of Platinum, and 15% off of Diamond
• “All day packages” – Don’t worry about running over!
Ladies and Gentlemen- Looking for that once in a lifetime Anniversary or Holiday gift? How about the gift of pure joy that keeps on giving! Get your glamour session before that rocking beach body wears off. What better way to make sure your are on your significant others mind than to feel your sexiest and let them treasure this keepsake for years to come. Not only will you be reminded of your sensuality, but of that first look when they open this Gem.
• One and a half hour session, CD with rights = $125/was $175
• One and a half hour session, CD, and 7×7 Photo book with 25 pics = $175/was $215
Models- Need those last minute bikini shots? Want to do a specially themed shoot? Take this chance before the special runs out!
• One hour session, CD = $85/was $140
• Two hour session, CD = $150/was $200
Hurry! Contact me for more information – These specials end October 31st! Booking for the rest of 2009 and 2010. Please note that my website is being updated—plenty more pictures for your viewing pleasure uploaded soon.
Thanks again for your support!
Vanessa
September 13th, 2009
Hi Everyone,
This lovely couple that I would like to highlight will be getting married October 10th at Faith Chapel on Jekyll Island, Ga (Yes I travel— destination weddings too!) Speaking of Travel after the ceremony the reception will be held in Brunswick, Ga. They sure are troopers! Not only do they have all of that wedding day running, but for their engagement session they came from Georgia and met me at Big Talbot Island (State Park) to spend an hour shooting in the hot, hot, hot sun! Don’t worry though we got some beautiful shots. Introducing BRIAN AND BECKY — Soon to be MR. and MRS. Massey!
Brian and Becky
We started at the overlook. If you have never been to Big Talbot Island it is definitely worth the drive. They call it the “boneyard” because of all of the fallen trees that have become bleached by the sun after so many years. From there we walked down the beach stopping at a few of these tree to create a few fun shots.
On the trail to the beach
Playing in the sand
[caption id="attachment_105" align="alignnone" width="64" caption="climbing trees"]
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Taking a break
Finally we made our way down the beach, stopping at a patch of Sea Oats. Once we were finished there we walked back to our vehicles changed shirts for a quick (and less sweaty) finish to our shoot, then hauled boogity to the nearest gas station for Icee’s. It was overall a very enjoyable shoot and I can’t wait to shoot the wedding! 
Thanks again Brian and Becky- See you very soon!
Too see more pictures visit www.pictage.com/694924
Congrats,
Vanessa
August 31st, 2009
Hello Again,
This is to share a story about Cierra and Devron. Now Cierra and I have had some previous shoots together including a family shoot, but I havent had the chance to meet Devron before working with him. According to the couple both were very excited to get their first set of couple shots together and really wanted to get collages made (like I have done for Cierra’s Family shoot).
We met at Jax Landing early in the morning to get a few shots- nothing really formal. The couple wanted shots as a couple and some individual as well.
Cierra was interested in collages again— which I happily made for her during her family shoot before. I had a lot of fun creating a nice urban collage highlighting some of Jacksonville’s scenery at the Landing.
It was nice meeting Devron and hearing that he had never taken couple pictures before. That made creating their collages even more exciting, and hearing that they loved them even more rewarding.
I love having happy clients, and most definitely welcome you back as a repeat client as well! Cierra has had a family shoot and couple shoot with me now— we will be planning another shoot probably within the next few months.
To view more photos from this shoot visit www.pictage.com/657541
Thanks again Cierra and Devron! I hope to work with you again very soon
All the best,
Vanessa
August 31st, 2009
Hello Everyone,
I just wanted to share a personal moment with you. Thanks to a friend of mine I now have some family pics of my own Introducing my husband Ben, my first baby Grizzley– the red one, and the newest addition Pola- the light one.
Its funny how these things get away from you when you spend your time behind the camera.
Me, Ben , Grizzley, and Pola
Thanks again for your continued support!
Vanessa
August 31st, 2009
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