Lookbook photography & design

Things have been crazy around here- so much to catch up on! One of the projects that I have been working on is this bad boy here:

(take a peek inside HERE)

I had not put together a lookbook yet, so figuring out the technicalities and creating a PDF without that annoying white border was not easy, but I finally got it. The shoot itself was tricky, in that it was nearly freezing and rained pretty much the whole time, but the models were awesome and didn't let it affect them (even when they wore shorts!)

If you haven't had a chance to check out the hubs' company, Tumbleweed TexStyles, be sure and stop by to check out their shirts (ahem, and my photography!) ;-)

Featured!

On Artist Reenie Rose's blog. Check out this lady's amazing talent! She paints the bouquets from brides' weddings. What an awesome gift idea!

Post-McKinney Trade Days

This past weekend was crazy! We were at our booth from 8-5 on Friday though Sunday and met a lot of amazing people. Thanks so much to all who came out to check us out and support us! We were ecstatic to see so many familiar faces come by. Here are a few of the pieces I sold...

We will be there again next month, October 14-16, so if you didn't get a chance to go this weekend, no worries!

McKinney Trade Days

I am so excited to announce that Hillary Anne Fine Art has a booth at this weekend's McKinney Trade Days! We will have several prints available, including canvas and metal prints. Come by and see our booth on the west most side of the booths- Loftice 227. While you're there you can get kettle corn, find some awesome antiques, and pet the ridiculously adorable puppies. :-) For more info, check out the TMTD site. See you there!

What every bride should know to get fabulous wedding photos (part II)

This is a continuation of the other day's post...
 

1. Let your photographer know if you have a vision. Photographers want to make their clients happy, so let them know if you have a picture in your head. More than likely they will work hard to make it come to life.
2. Be spontaneous. This is something that is difficult (near impossible) to art direct. There is something magical about an undirected twirl from a bride or sudden kiss from the groom. Be flirty, be goofy, just have fun! :-)
3. Dance at the reception. It doesn't matter if you think you are good at it or not, I promise if you are laughing and smiling it makes for cute pictures!
4. Meet your photographer in person before the wedding. Even one better, do an engagement or bridal session with them- this allows you to get to know each other and you will be way more comfortable being photographed on the big day.
5. Consider lighting for your reception. Some DJ's provide lighting, and there are some fabulous lighting companies out there. It can bring sophistication and vibrant color to the photos (as well as looking awesome in person!)
6. Do a first look, especially if it will be dark after the ceremony. It is difficult to get great photos with no light. A first look allows all the photos to be done beforehand, so that everyone can go straight to the reception and enjoy the extra time with the bride and groom. It still allows for that special moment, and it makes it a private moment instead of a public one. Plus, the stress level goes waaay down. :-)
7. Incorporate props/personal objects. This personalizes the photos in a special way and ensures that they are all about your personalities! Think parasols or fans for the bridesmaids, funky socks for the guys, a chalkboard to write a special note or saying, a vintage camera, etc.
8. Spend extra time on the bride & groom shots. Several times I have broken this up to be 2 separate times, one before the reception then right after the first dance sneak away to get a few more shots. They are the most important pictures of the day!

If you can think of additional tips, be sure to leave them in a comment! 

What every bride should know to get fabulous wedding photos (part I)

That is one long title! But this is something I feel like I should share. After having photographed a *few* weddings, there are things that I have noticed that help produce great pictures for the bride and groom. Now let me say that I am by no means a wedding and/or photography guru, but this is what I have learned...

1. Have a schedule and make sure the wedding party and family has it too. This ensures that everyone knows when and where they are supposed to be. Organization will be your best friend! If you have people involved in the wedding that have a tendency to be late, tell them to be there 15 minutes before the actual arrival time. This cuts down on stress levels and helps things run smoothly.
2. Use a makeup artist. MUAs are professionals and know how makeup best photographs. I recommend going for a run through before the big day.
3. Wear fake eyelashes. They make eyes pop and look absolutely fantastic!
4. Trust your photographer. I know it sounds weird coming from a photographer that is giving advice, but there is a difference in the photos when there is no second guessing in front of the lens. Photographers have a vision (well, most do!) and want nothing more than a fabulous shot of their clients. So just go for it!
5. Have someone (a family member or the house party) available to help pin the boutineers on all the guys. They generally don't know how, and things go more quickly if they don't have to spend the time figuring it out.
6. Have a bridesmaid or two stick around for the bride and groom pics. She/they can help you with your dress, veil, and bouquet if needed.
7. Attach a safety pin or two to a layer of your petticoat. I have seen many dress and bustle mishaps. Luckily I try to always carry a few in my camera bag for my brides that run into a dress issue, so it is great to have them close at hand. 

Look for more tips on Thursday!

Check us out!

Our photos are all over Denton's Wild Wood Inn blog. The WW is definitely one of our favorite venues to shoot at, each room is filled with charm and detail- a sweet and romantic setting for an intimate wedding. It is a fabulous place for an outdoor ceremony and indoor reception!

In their header is a fav shot from Erin & Ryan's July 4th wedding a few years ago- yay!

MINI Sessions!

We are excited to announce that we are now offering MINI sessions- a shorter version of our full portrait session! With the MINI, you get:

• 1 photographer
• 1 hour on location session
• Generally time for 2 outfits
• Unlimited photos taken
• 10 edited photos
• DVD of copyright-free images

MINI sessions must be booked for during the week (Monday - Thursday). Contact us for availability- the weather is now perfect for shooting!

How to Look Good in Front of the Camera

It happens all the time, you are together with your friends and someone pulls out a camera- nothing super fancy but something to capture the moment of hanging out. They take the picture and of course you have to check the results. Ugh- you look uncomfortable and the shot is unflattering. Redo!
I usually feel the same unless I remember a few simple tricks...

• Hold your arms slightly away from your body instead of pressed against your sides- this makes them slimmer and gives them definition.
• Try and be photographed from above, not below if at all possible. If you are all seated at a table, have the picture taker stand up and back up a few feet.
• Take the “celebrity red carpet” pose. There is a reason every starlet poses with one foot slightly in front of the other with their hips angled away from the camera and torso slightly turned towards the camera. It makes everyone look great!
• Lean your torso ever so slightly toward the camera to give your waist a slimming effect. This should be slight- not a 90 degree angle. :-)
• Think happy thoughts and try to make yourself laugh to get a more natural, unforced smile. Even better, try to get those around you laughing too.
• Grandma was right- no slouching! Shoulders back.
• Check yourself if you have a chance- glance in the mirror to make sure you aren’t pulling an Alfalfa a la Little Rascals.
• If you are wearing glasses that reflect light, take them off. This will prevent glass glare. If you aren't you without your glasses, learn the right angle to tip your head to avoid the glare.

Wednesday + Whatnot

Around here we are gearing up for another big wedding season, with two weddings this coming weekend and many more to follow. I am so excited for everything to pick up again, especially with the warmer weather and trees blossoming everything looks so lovely. It is easy to get inspired by sunlit scenes of green grass and the endless colors of flowers blooming. There are so many things that inspire me:

• Changing seasons in nature, from the bright greens in spring to the linear simplified shapes of winter - God did a darn good job!
• Fashion - whether it is an actual clothing piece or an amazing ad seen while flipping through a fashion magazine, I can almost always find a springboard to work from.
• Other photographers. C'mon, let's be honest and say that most of us have certain photographers that we can't help but ooh and ahh over their latest work. The fact that there is always something new and a rule that was (successfully) broken is inspiring in and of itself.
• Stores & boutiques - just walking around in Anthropologie makes me happy. The colors, the textures, the use of seemingly random objects brought together so elegantly that it takes your breath away. *Sigh*
• Vintage or antique anything. Okay, maybe not anything, some of those old dolls give me more nightmares than inspiration. But the drawings in old books and maps, vintage glass bottles, the shoes that were my grandmothers, funky old chairs - these help me view things differently. Just walking around an antique mall for an hour will most likely give me loads of ideas.
• Movies. I love movies, I know, who doesn't? But there are some that really get me to thinking about how they were shot and the angles that were used. Scenes like the end of Pride & Prejudice (the new version) with the forehead lean backlit by the sunrise. Haven't seen it? Do it. Now. :-)
• Paint swatches- the options of colors are endless and are a great way to figure out color combinations I want to try and shoot.

What are sources that inspire your creativity?

Building located in the old fort in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Nicole - Senior

This shoot was more about teaching art direction to a photographer so I did not take a ton of shots, but here are a few. (She makes such a great model, I couldn't resist snapping a couple!)

Meet Olivia!

There is a new face at Hillary Anne Photography! Olivia is a high school student in Frisco, and I connected with her through their Independent Study & Mentorship Program. She has a great eye and already has quite a bit of experience in shooting for the Texas Legends basketball team and has had work published in the Dallas Morning News. She is super smart and sweet and I have loved getting to know her and teaching her what I do.

Hillary Anne Fine Art - Giving Back

I have always enjoyed giving to people and have come to realize what an important part it is of business too. That is why we have decided that 10% of the proceeds from Fine Art sales will go toward the A21 campaign. I know most of you are probably unfamiliar with this organization, so let me introduce you.  Did you know...?

• Trafficking in women is the second largest global organized crime today, generating approximately US$12 billion a year.
• There are 1.39 million victims of commercial sexual servitude worldwide.
• Over 25 percent of sex trafficked victims are trafficked from Southern and Eastern Europe.
• 90% of victims trafficked into EU member states end up in the sex industry.
• There is an estimated 20,000 women and girls trafficked into the Greek sex industry, earning Greece the title: "the center of trafficking in Europe."
• One study reveals that one in every 10 Ukrainian persons knows someone in their community who has been trafficked.
• Tragically, only 1-2 percent of victims are rescued, and only 1 in 100,000 Europeans involved in trafficking are convicted.

A21 exists to raise awareness, take legal action, and offer rehabilitation to rescued victims of human trafficking. Their goal is to eventually be able to prevent the human trafficking trade.

I feel this is an issue that needs attention and is overlooked by way too many in our society. In this day and age, how is this still going on? That is why I would like to do my part (even a small part can make a big difference!), and am inviting you to help too. When you purchase a Hillary Anne Fine Art piece, 10% of the proceeds will go towards the A21 campaign. You can also check out THEIR SITE for more information on human trafficking, the campaign, and what other things you can do to help.

Famous Faces

I have been so blessed to capture such amazing people and talent from behind my lens. I really love getting to meet all the new people that I do, no matter what the type of shoot. It is so neat to see the wide range of talent and different roads that everyone travels. I don’t believe I have shared these yet, so I might as well post them all! ☺ (Please note that in all photos- the one I took is on the right side. On the left are screen shots and other photos taken from the internet).

• Kayla Carlyle- I shot with Kayla a while ago to add to her portfolio. If you watch the TV show Chase, you saw her a few weeks ago give an amazing performance as “Hazel”. Keep an eye out for her in the future!
• Pastor Robert Morris- In the last couple years his son got married, and then his daughter and I was fortunate enough to shoot both weddings. Robert Morris is the Senior Pastor of Gateway Church and author of the book “The Blessed Life” (good stuff!). He and his family are really incredible people.
• Danielle Evans- In 2007 I photographed a party that she and Trent Shelton hosted. Dani was the Cycle 6 America’s Next Top Model winner (you ANTM fanatics probably remember her- super sweet and ridiculously gorgeous).
• Trent Shelton- Hosted the above mentioned party along with Danielle. Trent was a wide receiver for the Washington Redskins.
• Kari Jobe- She was in a wedding that I photographed. Kari is a Dove Award winning artist. You should really check out her music if you haven’t already!
• Richard Reising- I shot his headshots. Richard is the owner and founder of Artistry Marketing and wrote the book “Church Marketing 101”. He is a super smart guy and his company produces some great work.
• Pilar Sanders- Pilar asked me to do some promotional photos for her site and upcoming fitness DVD. She and her husband, Deion (the football great,) starred in "PrimeTime Love", and she is now starring on VH1's "Football Wives". 

Hillary Anne Fine Art - Etsy Shop

I am so excited to announce that we now have fine art pieces available for purchase online! There are prints on photo paper, canvas, and even metal. Be sure to visit www.hillaryannefineart.com you might even find some last minute Christmas presents! :-)

The Official Pantone Color for 2011

is (drumroll please)...Honeysuckle! What a great balance to 2010’s turquoise. Celebs have already been sporting the new color- check out Elizabeth Hurley’s sweet sheath dress (image by Gary Gershoff/WireImage ) and the darker shade sported by fashionista Blake Lively (image by Jerritt Clark/WireImage). What girl doesn't look great in pink? There are a million different ways to wear honeysuckle- here are a few finds…
1. Sheer striped blouse by Forever 21 (get it HERE)
2. Silk Betty layered dress by Banana Republic (get it HERE)
3. I’ll Bring Dessert Top by ModCloth (get it HERE)
4. Satin Bow Back Pump by Wet Seal (get it HERE)
5. The So Totally Skirt by ModCloth (get it HERE)
6. Key-Per Laptop Tote by Fossil (get it HERE)

Marketing Yourself

People always ask me how I get my business and where I spend my advertising dollars. Truth is, most of my business comes from word of mouth and Facebook, and I have spent very little on advertising thanks to a certain marketing mastermind I am married to. :-) Brian has really helped me to put my time, effort, and (occasionally) money in the direction that is most beneficial. For example, he knew that money was best spent on a PPC online ad as opposed to a PPI. It is almost free advertising! Have not a clue what PPC or PPI means? (Which, neither did I until he explained it to me!) Check out his super helpful blog post on “Online Advertising – PPC Vs. PPI”, plus some very beneficial books to read (Jay Conrad Levinson’s “Guerilla Marketing” gives you real bang for your marketing buck). Be sure to leave him a comment or two!  :-)

*EDIT: For some reason the links are not visible on some computers, so HERE IT IS.

Art in the Atrium Show

I just had a couple of pieces accepted into Frisco's Art in the Atrium Show. You can check it out November 8, 2010 - August 26, 2011. There will be a lot of awesome local artists, so stop by if you can! The first piece is a shot of flowers across from my parents' old house. The sun was all glow-y and color of the agapanthas was so fresh. The second piece is one I took in old San Juan this past summer. I loved the color and lines that were everywhere in the city.

"Agapanthas"

"Before the Sea"

Problems with Humidity

I so enjoyed our trip to shoot Gina & Ben's wedding weekend in San Juan, Puerto Rico. I tried food I had never tasted (Mofongo is AH-MAY-ZING!), roamed the streets taking photos of beautiful architecture and brightly colored walls, found our way to the famous fort (where it was 1 of the 2 days a year with free admission- yesss!), and of course had the honor of shooting Gina's rehearsal dinner, wedding, and day after session.
And that is when I learned the lesson of how dSLR camera's don't appreciate high levels of humidity. The night of the rehearsal the venue was open to the night air, it was really hot and the humidity was at 99.999 percent (okay, not really, but it was close!), and the lens started to fog over. Then my 40D decided it wasn't going to work. At all. I finally figured out what was going on, and avoided walking near the AC unit that just seemed to push even more moisture through the air (ah, what we sacrifice for getting the right shot!). I turned the camera off then back on a few times, and we were good to go. Here are a few more tips to help avoid to same problems...

1. Place desicant packets in your camera bag to help draw out any moisture.
2. Avoid changing lenses- this prevents humidity from reaching the inside of your camera body.
3. Give your camera time to warm up after in the air conditioned indoors.
4. Keep delicate equipment in ziploc baggies.
5. Regularly wipe your palms to make sure excess moisture is kept away from your camera.
6. I have also heard that a prime lens is better to use in a humid situation than a zoom lens- apparently the zooming action will just draw in air/humidity.

Photographers, have you experienced something similar? What did you do?

I'm out

...of the country for a few days, shooting a wedding in beautiful Puerto Rico. So I will be unable to answer emails and calls until I return on Tuesday, June 8th. I can't wait to share this fabulous wedding with you all!