Happy New Year...

The new year, 2017, is rapidly knocking on the door. The new year holds promise and adventure for all of us. We certainly don't know what the new year will bring, but we can only hope happiness and continued prosperity. Vignetting Photography had a wonderful year for 2016, we were able to once again spread our focus of Family, Love, and God's Grace through photography to many new friends. Below are just a couple of photos throughout the year.

We expect 2017 to be more exciting than 2016. Vignetting Photography will continue to spread our focus of Family, Love and God's Grace. We truly love doing what we do. To start off the new year we are happy to introduce our updated Wedding Magazine. Back in 2015, we initially introduced that wedding magazine to help future couples plan for their wedding ceremony. Today our latest magazine continues the focus of helping our couples, but also provide additional information about products. Follow the link below to gain a free download pdf copy. 

Wedding Magazine Access

Have a Happy and Save New Year. Until next time.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Vignetting Photography would like to express to everyone a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year...

Here is a photo of our family Christmas Card this year.

I am thankful for (continues)

I wish to apologize for the additional post. But the previous post did not have the link to view Rosa's Journey slide show. The link below will take you to Youtube.

https://youtu.be/um_T0VPKYnk

Thank you 

Vignetting Photography

I am thankful for...

Thanksgiving is officially here and about over. I have to admit it is one of my favorite holidays. It is really the only holiday where you can eat all day and do absolutely nothing. The days agenda usually follows as: sit, eat, sleep and repeat. If they ever want to make another movie similar to Groundhogs Day, then Turkey day would be it.

The true meaning of Thanksgiving is having family and friends close. But also being thankful for those within our lives. I love witnessing my kids laugh and smile throughout the day. Today, they decided to do yoga in the livingroom doing impossible positions together. While, my wife and I were in the kitchen cooking up the food for the day. Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the important things in our life.

However, life can sometimes throw a curve ball that would jolt the system. Many years ago, when I was a student at Kelly School in Holyoke Massachusetts. I remember this skinny little girl with hair so bushy that it would be difficult to run a comb through it. She was a girly girl with a touch of a tomboy attitude. This little girl and I became friends. Throughout the years we would periodically run into each other and our friendship would continue. We went to different High Schools but yet we still knew each other. No matter the situation, over the years, we would see each other and instantly remember the bond that we had. Our bond was similar to a brother and sister type relationship.  

With the creation of social media, our friendship continued. Throughout our friendship, we both witness each other's ups and downs. Periodically sending comments of support and/or praise to each other. In September, I had noticed her posting items of hope and prayers for her future. Not knowing the true nature of the situation, I would send words of encouragement. In October she had revealed that she had cancer. It wasn’t until about the third week of October that I got a message that read, "hey I need a favor"

What followed was a discussion of how she was starting a new journey in her life and she wanted the world to see it. She wasn't doing this to gain publicity or gain recognition, but to honestly help others. After graduating from high school, she had gone to college and got a degree in nursing.  After graduating she became an extremely successful nurse with the core belief in helping others. No matter the situation, she is always willing to help others. 

Our initial conversation was about her vision. That cancer is such a destructive sickness that she wants to buck the system. She had witnessed how cancer takes control of her patients and how some patients do well and others do not. The goal was to not allow cancer control her. She also stated that most people don't realize they have cancer until it is sometimes too late. Because of this little fact, she feels that she can help others by showing her story. 

The mission is to have people witness her ups and downs while she travels down this new path in her life. The overall goal is to spread the word about cancer. Her goal is to make everyone aware and to not ignore a pain, bump, and/or mark. She wants you to go out and demand that mammogram or examination. This is not only a message for women, but for men as well. This message is the essence of what we believe in, Photography Focusing on Family, Love and God's Grace.

The photos presented were taken on November 5, 2016 during her Hair-cutting event. It was an honor for Vignetting Photography to be part of her event. Please enjoy and spread the word of Rosa’s Journey.

Her battle cry is "Nurse the Boobies" or #nursetheboobies

Below you will find a slide show within YouTube that shows more photos from Rosa's Haircut event. I am thankful for Family, Love and God's Grace...

Lighting in Sunlight...

Fall in New England can be a beautiful time of the year. The foliage begins to change color and the temperatures become less oppressive. The vibrant colors of orange, yellow and red can be seen everywhere. Over the last couple of years, it felt like fall has only stuck around one weekend in October and winter instantly shows up. This year, with the rain being non-existent this summer, it would appear that Fall has come a little early.

One of the beauties of fall is how the colors beam through the trees when the sun rays hit them just right. Every year around this time, families, newly engaged couples, and high school seniors get dressed up and head out for portraits. Vignetting Photography was certainly not alone when we visited several sites this fall. I witness many photographers with their clients running around snapping up photos on the days we went out.  

Light, it is what makes us photographers go out and take photos, at least for this photographer. Light can make or break your photos. Too much light and everything in the photo can be a washout with little chance of recovery. Too little light and your photo are potentially too dark and possibly too noisy after you try to modify them. I have learned over the years that taking photos in front of the sun can be fun and daunting within the same breath. The basic rule that I try to follow is to not have a client squint in their picture. I have made this mistake from time to time, but knowing to avoid the squinting can help position your clients appropriately.  

If you haven’t yet realized it, I want to talk about lighting. But first the small print: The suggestion that I’m about to present are not a catch-all for every situation. Each situation that you may experience may be completely different and you may need to make instant adjustments to make things work for your vision. Some of what I’m going to talk about can help, but remember they are only suggestions and not guaranteed to work for every situation.

With the legal stuff out of the way, we can talk more about lighting. Shooting in harsh sunlight can be the biggest issue for any photographer. With the sun right in front of the photographer, the light meter on the camera would fluctuate off the charts. I see the major concerns of shooting in sunlight include time of day, equipment, and client position.

Time of Day

Positions of the clients are important in harsh light. But also important is the position of the sun. High noon is possibly a good time for an old western gunfight, but I like to have clients photo shoot around 2 to 4 pm. My portrait sessions are usually an hour long, thus lighting after 5 pm can get dark. It can be a little harder if you are in the deep woods trying to get the ray of light through the trees.

Equipment

Helpful equipment to shoot in harsh lighting also includes a reflector and/or flash. Reflector helps bounce the sunlight in the direction you want to influence. Personally, I have a 43-inch reflector that has 5 different colors. I was able to purchase this reflector from Amazon for about 15 dollars. But you can also use a light color blanket as a reflector. Basically, let the clients lay on the blanket and let the reflecting of the sun do the rest. For the reflector, I usually position about the same position as the flash in the picture below.

Client Position

I like to have the sunlight behind the client. This allows them to have natural backlighting. This would give a nice highlight around the subject. Sometimes the wind or not enough sunlight is projecting on the clients back, and the reflector is not working, so I would include a flash. When I use the flash, I would position the flash in front of the subject usually off to the left or right of the subject. This allows a nice fill light over the client.

Camera Settings

Warning – Camera Technical discussion ahead. I shoot in Manuel mode, thus this allows me to adjust the Shutter Speed, Aperture, and ISO all at the same time. Because I’m not a big fan of noise in my photos, I like to shoot at the lowest ISO when I can. The Aperture is usually set from F/1.8 to F/6 depending on the situation and lens. This allows me to get that nice blur action behind the subject, also known as Bokeh.  But this would also mean that I would have to adjust the Shutter speed to compensate for aperture size.

On location, I tend to use a flash with an umbrella as a modifier. The approach allows me to walk around without being tied to my flash, I use a transmitter on my camera and a receiver on my flash. By using the transmitter/receiver, I am able to walk around to different angles and locations to take photos. Plus, the transmitter/receiver are Hi-Sync so that I can have shutter speeds above 1/250 a second, ideal for harsh sunlight situation (sometimes). This is the end of technical stuff.

This is the basic sunlight/flash/reflecting situation that I like to use when doing outside shooting. The key is to not have your clients in harsh sunlight and squinting. Also, you want to minimize the amount of shadows on your clients. Shooting outside in harsh light can be fun and enjoyable. I know there was a lot of information here, but The best way to understand lighting is to practice.

Vignetting Photography still has Family Portraits dates available, feel free to contact us if you have any questions. Vignetting Photography can certainly help with your Christmas Card needs as well. Visit our Shop for more details - feel free to contact us if you have any questions. I hope you enjoyed this month’s newsletter.

Until next time – have a beautiful day…

Determine what is important...

Planning for a wedding can be extremely difficult. The experiences gather from family and friends can be spotty and difficult at best. You can always ask your vendors, but those could vary in different directions. It could also be harder if you haven’t hired them yet. There are so many different traditions and styles that at some point it can be overwhelming. Let alone trying to determine when things are going to take place during the wedding ceremony.

The wedding industry has tried to define what should be included as part of the nuptial celebration. I am referring to cake cutting, first dance, father-daughter dance, mother-son dance, garter throwing, bouquet throwing, games and everything from transportation and party favors. All of these things can be important for your wedding. But please, don’t let them overwhelm you with stress. These items can certainly be added as an element of fun, but only if they mean something to you. The real purpose of gathering family and friends is to enjoy your special day. You and your special someone is getting Married!!!

Going through Pinterest or Instagram to get an idea on things for your wedding ceremony can certainly help, but, this approach can also add to feeling overwhelmed. To help minimize being inundated, I tell friends and clients to create a list of things that are important to them for their wedding ceremony. Do things like Dancing? Photography? Cake? Venue? Video? Number of Guest? The Dress? Number of Bridesmaids? Flower girl? Ring Boy? Music? First Look? Transportation? Flowers? Whatever you feel that is important, it’s your day. Both you and your fiance/partner get to choose what items should be a priority. Whatever you both establish as a priority, let those things get the majority of the wedding budget, time and effort. Focus on your priorities and then see what else fits in after.

Once you establish your priorities, the personal touches begin to unfold. The beautiful thing about the wedding industry is that weddings are becoming so unique. Couples have a chance to express their own personal style. Think about what is special and meaningful to you as a couple. Make a wedding memorable by staying authentic to who you two are as a couple.

Now you have your priorities and personal touches establish, it is now time to create a timeline. Vignetting Photography strongly suggests in creating a timeline of your wedding day. A timeline helps establish your priorities, goals and things you would like to be part of your wedding day. Remember the timeline is a plan of the day. The timeline helps organize your day, prep your vendors and establish your priorities. But timeline also allows you to see if you can fit in that trip across town to get those special cannoli’s or cupcakes, before or after the ceremony. Personally, I strongly recommend before the ceremony, but this is your day.

You and your fiance/partner have worked so hard in planning for your wedding ceremony. Remember, there will be some bumps and setbacks along the way, but family, friends and Vignetting Photography are here to help with your wedding expectations and priorities come true. 

Vignetting Photography still have Wedding dates available, feel free to contact us if you have any questions. Christmas is right around the corner, Vignetting Photography can certainly help with your Christmas Card needs. Visit our Shop for more details - feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Until next time – have a beautiful day…

Lights... Camera.... ACTION!!!

About a year ago, I was able to experience a new chapter in my life. I had ruptured a disk in my back that had caused me to be out of commission for some time. During my pause of action, I was able to revamp Vignetting Photography’s image, products and services. We were able to update our website, leads capture process, and add new products. Vignetting Photography even got Photo Booth props.

 

During this time, I was looking for a way to create a video advertisement of our new products and services. I wanted to incorporate music and a combination of my photos. I had discovered a software called ProShow Producer. At first, I was a little hesitant in getting the software. You know the feeling - new software, learning curve and will it truly work. After the first couple of weeks, I thought it would be a “one and done” type of deal.

However, one day back in February, I was asked to do a video. I was asked to create a promo video for a new product that my company was attempting to introduce in the market. My company knows that I do photography, but were surprised that I only did stills. I had accepted the challenge, more to prove that I can do it. But also to practice with the new ProShow Producer software.

After a day of filming and several hours (10-15 hours) of processing the video. I was extremely surprise as to how easy it was to create a beautiful video using ProShow Producer. I was super shocked how easy it was to edit things and add new slides on the fly. I had a new tool that would help share my wedding couples beautiful wedding ceremony.

Vignetting Photography uses ShootProof for our Clients online gallery. Uploading from my end had always been fairly quick and easy. However lately uploading has been taking about 15-24 hours. Granted, I’m uploading about 600 – 1000 photos but who’s counting. During one upload, I had posted onto Facebook that I was uploading photos and they should be ready by the end day. However, I was having technical issues. The website would timeout after about an hour. It was a completely mess.

I decided to create a quick video of some of the photos taken during wedding ceremony. I thought it would be a good teaser but also save some face. I felt so bad that I had made a promised within Facebook and could not deliver on time. Please note, per Vignetting Photography Contract - Viewing of the proofs shall be available four (4) weeks after the event.  This particular client had received their photos 2 weeks in advance. The promise that was broken was the Facebook statement.

As I was creating the video, I had realized the great potential for my wedding couples. The video provides a quick snippet into their beautiful wedding ceremony. It was also a wonderful way for couples to share and re-live their day with music playing in the background. Plus, this allows Vignetting Photography to provide a beautiful showcase of our clients wedding ceremony.

Below is a link of all videos created - 

http://www.vignettingphotography.com/#!wedding-videos/ogsn9

Photos shown thorough out this newsletter are from Ken and Becky’s recent wedding ceremony at the Log Cabin in Holyoke Massachusetts.

Also Vignetting Photography still have Wedding dates available, feel free to contact us if you have any questions. Christmas is right around the corner, Vignetting Photography can certainly help with your Christmas Card needs. Visit our Shop for more details - feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Until next time – have a beautiful day…

The Little Things...

Growing up, my mother would always say, “If you put your mind to it, you can do anything.” Throughout the years, when I had an idea for something, I would learn as much as I could to be successful. I would talk with close friends and ask for advice from people that I didn’t know.

Today with the advancements of the internet, research has become so much easier. By being able to do research and understanding these new adventures, I have been able to truly understand myself. What I mean, is that I feel that I have a good handle on what my capabilities are and are not. For example, I know for a fact that I cannot play basketball. I tried and I am not good, not at all. Imagine a basketball hitting the stands behind the basket and backboard.

The best part of any education are the experiences we gain from other people. Each day we meet new and exciting people that hold their own paths through life. They have their own personality and observations of life, that we are able to gain a piece of that understanding. If you keep your eyes open, you will possibly witness a new inspiration that would guide you into a new experience.

Photography is no different, people, education and inspiration. Several years ago, I took a street photography class and it was really exciting to see life through someone else’s lens. I had learned extremely quick that the world moves so fast that we tend to not stop and look around. Take a moment and reflect on what is around you. Enjoy the moment of peace and silence. Reflect on the little things for they become the biggest moment if you look hard enough.

With the help of social media, getting education from people, and getting inspiration has gotten so much easier. With social media, people are freely willing to share their discoveries within the photography industry. Of course you will find some that feel, “Knowledge is power, thus why would I show you anything.” But I’m talking about those that share and are willing to help fellow photographers.

To be honest, social media for photography can sometimes be information overload. But, recently I had been looking for a new way of presenting my photos. There is a look in many photos that are trending today, but difficult to mimic. I find that the look works extremely well when a photo incorporates the outdoor foliage or forest type look.  I originally thought it would be extremely difficult to mimic or create. I spend weeks trying to figure out how a matte technique was created.

I was fortune enough to find a person that had decided to share a video, showing how to create the matted look. I was excited and surprisingly shocked as to how easy it was to actually reproduces a matted photo. The point is, as I once heard as a kid, “Sharing is Caring”. Thus here is my sharing moment.

Throughout this month’s newsletter, I have been presenting the Phillips Wedding. Vignetting Photography had a wonderful time during the Phillips Wedding Ceremony. The joy and happiness of their new beginning was truly an honor for Vignetting Photography to be part of. Until next time.. 

Spring Cleaning...

Winter is about to hibernate for another couple of months and spring is officially here. With spring finally here, Vignetting Photography had opened our window shades and had noticed the clutter in the corners of the room. We felt that it was time to do some spring cleaning. The list of things that we would like to update are endless. The most recent update was to our website.

Vignetting Photography is extremely excited to announce our homepage website is now updated and LIVE!! The new website is cleaner and less cluttered then the previous. We are loving the new look. 

www.vignetphoto.com

Additionally, we have additional features that will help both our clients and Vignetting Photography express our message of Photography focusing on Family, Love, and God’s Grace. Some pages within the website are still needing some updates, but we are excited thus far.  We hope to have the site fully updated real soon.

With the wedding season starting, this year Vignetting Photography is extremely excited to begin the season with Amanda and Nick’s wedding.

With all of the excitement in the air, Vignetting Photography would like to offer a quick reminder to future brides and grooms about eating and drinking during the wedding. When we’re stressed and/or busy, we tend to forget to eat. Make sure your bridesmaids are bringing you water and checking in on you to make sure you are at least snacking. If you’re worried about missing out on a special moment or not getting a chance to see everyone, keep in mind that you’ll be fed first. Additionally, when you’re done eating, your guest will still be sitting at their tables. This will allow the both of you to visit each table and greet all of your guests. Don’t rush, enjoy your meal.

Vignetting Photography still have wedding dates available and hope to hear from you real soon. Contact us so that we can start your wedding planning. 

Valentines Day Celebration...

The month of February...The month of Love. Today is Valentines Day and cupid is going to be running in circles. I'm really not sure who created Valentines Days, but the local stores were no different than any average Christmas Eve day... Men and young men walking around aimlessly in the stores attempting to find the perfect gift. Not really knowing what to get for their wives, girlfriends or boyfriends. I feel that women have a better handle of purchasing things for their loved one, however, I could be wrong.

Anyway, the true theme of Valentines Day is all the same... Love.

This year, Valentines Day was an extra special day for Vignetting Photography. On this beautifully freezing day (-9 degrees F), Vignetting Photography had the honor of joining New River Community Church in presenting Love and Marriage ceremony. The church had a celebration of marriage by having three wonderful couples renew their vows. The three couples were married for many years (5, 40 and 50 years). As they looked at each other, it was truly evident that they loved each other as if they were getting married again for the very first time. It was beautiful to witness.

The pastor had expressed that marriage is a beautiful event and how God had allowed a man to marry his wonderful beautiful daughter. God created man from dirt and woman from a man's rib. God didn't use a part from our feet so that we can be above woman, but a rib from our side. The reason for our rib was that a woman could stand by our side. It could also be a reason why men love ribs so much. It was a wonderful translation and description of how man and woman are made for each other. I was honored to be part of a wonderful event.

I was able to find out how the  Valentines Day tradition had started. Enclosed is a link if you are interested.

Well, it is time to start getting ready for the coming year. Vignetting Photography is currently getting ready for our May wedding with Amanda and Nick. Their big day is coming up quick and preparation has certainly started. Well until next time, see you soon.

"Love Never Fails" Happy Valentines Day everyone.