Women of Integrity Awards Luncheon

IS IT TIME YOU HAD YOUR HEADSHOTS UPDATED?

Dawn & I will be at shooting at the Women of Integrity Award Luncheon at the Pittsburgh Athletic Association on Decmeber 1, 2010.

Emcee: Jennifer Abney, WPXI Morning News Anchor
Register by November 24 to save: http://www.pittsburghprofessionalwomen.net/id84.html … Members of the Pittsburgh Professional Women $35 … Non-Members of the Pittsburgh Professional Women $45

Today’s Pick : Sarah & Macie

What an honor it is when I get the opportunity to photograph parents with their babies. They grow so fast and in the blink of an eye they are Sitting. Walking. Talking. Then the next thing you know they are heading to kindergarten and you’re wondering… where did the time go. And then… the big THEN ~ your baby is getting married.   So to my baby girl Jessie, my heart is filled with love, excitement and awe as I watch you and Jeff plan your wedding this coming July.   Love you baby-girl…

In honor of babies – today’s pick is Macie who just had her 6 month photos taken while she and her mom Sarah spent the day at the park.  To Sarah & Macie,  I so enjoyed our time together…. may you have lots of warm hugs and sloppy kisses.

 

Todays Pick : A Favorite Photo

In my minds-eyes  I was going over recent shoots within the last month or so, deciding what to choose for “Today’s Pick” …  I thought about the weddings, the seniors, the portraits, the babies, the sport teams, the professional headshots ….  then I thought about yesterday, while shooting senior photos of Ryan, he asked “What is your favorite photo that you’ve ever taken”  … I stood there for a moment thinking this is an easy question.  I blurt out… a photo I shot of my niece that ‘almost’ made the cover of the Professional Photographers Magazine (okay ~ well, again in my eyes it almost did, of over 5000 entries, it did make it to the under 40 round)… then, I said “wait” there was a recent photo of a bride & groom that I absolutely love” … then I said “wait”  I’m in the mist of editing a senior, and there is this one photo that I just love…   I realized just then, I couldn’t pick ‘one’ favorite photo.  On the drive home I thought to myself, “wait” my favorite photo is the one that makes me smile.  The one that touches the heart.  The one that brings joy to my clients.  The one that mean nothing to anyone but me.    The one when I hear “oh wow, that’s my son, my daughter… that’s him”  … That is my favorite photo!

I couldn’t help smiling as I remember the morning I spent with Jeffery and Gracie and their parents at Round Hill Farm. When I got their email requesting another session with the location idea, I jumped at it. There is nothing more special than documenting parents with their little ones as they interact, have fun and build memories. I envy moments like this…  This is “a favorite photo” 

How special would it be to have a twin…

To see the world through the eyes of a 2 year old…

memories that just bring a smile.

Wedding : Amanda & Chad

Amanda & Chad’s wedding couldn’t have been more perfect… the weather was warm and comfortable for July with only a sprinkling of rain, the ceremony touched your heart,  the venue at the Buhl Mansion and gardens were nothing short of total elegance AND  the couple – so fun and in love … Ooh, and the Shoes!!  In Blue!!   Amanda was one of the most relaxed brides I have ever come across.    I hadn’t seen them since the week of Christmas last year when they were in Pittsburgh visiting family, so once we arrived at St. James the Apostle Parish, it felt like seeing old friends again.   

 Amanda & Chad ~ thank you so much for inviting Dawn & I to be part of your special day, it was such an honor…. ~Francine

Following their traditional catholic ceremony we set outside where guests were greeted through an array of bubbles… 

Then the fun started.  We arrived to a magnificent view of the Burl Mansion Castle in Sharon, PA.  

The Buhl Mansion is one of America’s Top 10 Most Romantic Inns and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Can you even imagine a more perfect location for a romantic castle wedding.  On top of that its located in Sharon, PA….

Since Amanda & Chad live in Wisconsin we touched base with each other through email and voice messages.  One thing she did ask for was a re-enactment of a Sigmund Freud office visit.   Amanda is a counselor and a professor and thought this might be a great picture for her office…. LOVE it!!

I saw this print hanging on a wall on the 2nd floor and just had to mimic it … for a “hurry up and sit here” I think it turned out great ~ another shot that I just love!! 

Here’s a little highlight of the wedding…

Ceremony:  St. James the Apostle Parish
Reception:  The Buhl Mansion
Cater & Cake:  Jody’s Pantry  <click here to see more photos from Amanda & Chad’s wedding venue)  … this is one time I wish we could have arrived prior to the guests, so as to be able to capture the decor prior to everyone arriving — but time with our bridal couple kept us from being able to get there, which I wouldn’t have traded in a million years.  Read about their Mashed Potato Bar AND the Salad-Tini Action Station.
DJ:  Mike Glorioso of Dr. Glo Productions

Engagement : Jen & Josh

You know, something you just can’t help smiling when you are in the middle of a photo shoot.  That’s exactly what happened, once we got started on an engagement session with Jen & Josh ~  the playfulness and laughter that they brought just touched the heart.  Dawn & I are really looking forward to their wedding next month…

Here’s a sampling of their engagement session.   

Today’s Pick : Seniors

It’s that time of year ~ here’s are a few samples of photo sessions I recently had with Carly, Jen and Elana….  what a great time I had with each.  I know this is a really a short post, but sometimes short and sweet is all you need to get the message out.  Enjoy!!

Today’s Pick : Sydney Hutchko

I recently had the wonderful opportunity of meeting and photographing Sydney Hutchko. As we talked I found out that she would be opening for Country Legend George Jones on August 27th at the Pepsi-Cola Roadhouse, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. in Burgettstown, PA 15021 Get Directions

DOORS OPEN AT 5:30PM DINNER SERVED FROM 6-7:30PM
SHOW STARTS AT 7:30PM!!!

Here is a sample of Sydney music along with photos from her session. Not only is she beautiful inside and out, she has one amazing voice. Enjoy!

Additional Appearance Dates:

JUNE 6/26 : SATURDAY FESTIVAL IN THE PARK AT 4-5 PM BLUEBERRY PARK – FRANKLIN PARK, PA6/29 : TUESDAY FINDLAY TWP. SUMMER CONCERTS 7-8 PM – FINDLAY TWP. COMMUNITY PARK – FINDLAY TWP. PAJULY7/3 SATURDAY EQT PITTSBURGH THREE RIVERS REGATTA, POINT STATE PARK, PITTSBURGH,PA 5-6:15 PM – (OPENING FOR CRAIG MORGAN) 7/10 SATURDAY BIG BUTLER FAIR’S Y-108 FREEDOM FEST PROSPECT, PA 2-3 PM – (OPENING FOR JAMEY JOHNSON & COLT FORD)7/10 SATURDAY RIVER FRONT ROAR REGATTA, 10-MIDNIGHT – MAIN STAGE, MARIETTA, OHIO 7/15 THURSDAY THRILLS IN THE HILLS, WHEELING JAMBOREE RADIO SHOW TBA – MORRISTOWN, OHAUGUST8/5 THURSDAY CRANBERRY TWP. SUMMER CONCERTS 7-8 PM – CRANBERRY TWP. ROTARY AMPHITHEATER, CRANBERRY TWP., PA 8/10 TUESDAY FRANKLIN PARK SUMMER CONCERTS 7-8 PM – BLUEBERRY PARK, FRANKLIN PARK, PA 8/21 SATURDAY JEFFERSON COUNTY FAIR 4-6 PM – ROSA PAVILION, FRIENDSHIP PARK, SMITHFIELD, OH 8/27 FRIDAY GEORGE JONES IN CONCERT DOORS PEPSI ROADHOUSE. OPEN AT Burgettstown ,PA. 5:30PM (OPENING FOR GEORGE JONES) TICKETS AVAILABLE AT TICKETMASTER For a complete listing of shows go to: www.myspace.com/sydneyhmusic

Florida to Pittsburgh : Lucas and Kendal

I always love it when my niece Jamie calls to schedule an appointment because that mean’s she’s coming to Pittsburgh…  yahoo!!  This latest trip was extra special because if was right after Kendal’s first birthday and this would be only the second time I’ve seen her since she was born as they live in Florida.

As any photographer will tell you.  If you don’t get them in the first 15-20 minutes chances are slim that you will get them to settle enough to continue.  By then they are ready to explore, run and basically just get out of there.   So with this in mind, we scheduled two appointments; one with both Luc & Kendal and then one alone for Kendal…

Jamie & Doug it was as always a pleasure photographing your family memories.   Love you all, Aunt France

Picture Perfect Bridal Tips

While sitting here with a cup of green tea and reading the current issue of Professional Photographer Magazine, I came accross an article that I just have to share.  It’s something I get asked often from brides, “how should I wear my makeup on the wedding day.”  So ladies, here are 10 beauty tips from makeup artists Steve Moore of The Moore Agency in Atlanta and Deanna Rene of Scottsdale, Arizona and a few tips from Professional Photographer Holly Schumacher.

1. BLEND, BLEND, BLEND.    You can use your everyday makeup, but use more than you normally use every day.  Many makeup professionals use airbrush makeup, the method of choice for high-definition TV, because it’s lightweight, waterproof and gives flawless coverage.
2. SOMETIMES LESS IS MORE.  Use less makeup for a day wedding and more for evenings.  You can get dramatic with eye makeup.
3. DON’T SKIMP ON CONCEALER.  Use a moisturized concealer on the thin sensitive skin under the eyes.  If your concealer isn’t moisturizing, blend it with a skin cream.  For blemishes, first treat them with a natural or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory, then cover with concealer.
4. DO A MAKEUP TRIAL RUN.  It’s  the only sure-fire way to make certain your makeup will look beautiful.
5. NOT ALL MINERAL MAKEUP IS CREATED EQUAL.  Titanium dioxide, a chemical used as sun block, can reflect flash, giving the bride a ghostly appearance.  In 2009 makeup artist Annie May launched a line of mineral makeup especially formulated for photography called Advanced Mineral Makeup.  May promises it won’t white-out-the bride under a flash.
6. USE WATERPROOF MAKEUP WITH STAYING POWER.  You don’t want to spend your reception in the bathroom reapplying your makeup.  Foundation, eyeliner and mascara all should be waterproof.  And in case you cry ( and you probably will), have a tissue or handkerchief handy to gently blot your tears right at the eye.
7. KEEP YOUR LIPS MOISTURIZED AND COLORED.  Dry lips look dreadful in photos.  Have someone carry your lipstick for you and touch up often.  Matte and gloss lipstick both photograph well, and be sure to use blended lip liner for enhanced definition.
8. DON’T FORGET THE GROOM.  If the groom is red faced due to too much sun (or drinking), a little powder can help.  That goes for shiny heads, too.  And it’s a good idea to slip a tube of Chapstick in the groom’s pocket for his dry lips, as well as a handkerchief to dab well-wishers’ makeup smudges off his suit.
9. DON’T SPRINKLE ON GLITTER.   In photographs, it tends to look like little white spots, as if there’s something wrong with the camera.
10. REMEMBER to apply foundation and powder to your neck, shoulders and decolletage — you want your head to look like it belongs to your body!!

AND if possible use a professional makeup artist and do a test run — Also,  I highly recommend that you DO NOT go to a tanning booth or use a spray tan right before your wedding.  You do not want to look orange and it has happened!!  ~Francine

Here are a few photos I took of  one of our fabulous brides, Jessica on her wedding day with her makeup artist.

Business : Professional Headshots

Over the last few months we have had the opportunity to meet some amazingly wonderful women who are either just starting their own business or are fully established.  The one thing I have heard over and over is “I’d like the photo to represent me ~ to show the real me”  …  

I remember the first time someone told me that, I thought, “okay now how am I going to do that.”  I just met you and here you are all stiff and worried and probably thinking that you would rather be someplace else (admit it), and on top of that you more than likely have a meeting to run too.  And here it’s my job to bring out the ‘real’ you in a matter of minutes.   My goal is basically getting you to relax first and second, to focus on your eyes – to bring life and excitement into them with your smile.  If you are a fan of America’s Next Top Model, you would have heard Tyra Banks teach her contestants to “smeyeth – to smile with the eyes!!

I have since adopted this philosophy, do they know they are doing it?  They do now!!