Inspired by another photographer friend of mine, I decided that this is the year that I will take a photo a day just for ME... As a professional photographer you would think that this would be an easy goal to obtain, yet I find that I seldom have my camera with me when I am not photographing for a client. At first this goal of a photo a day scared me because I thought I'd have to get some award winning image every day, and that's a tough assisgnment even if I DIDN'T have a full time business to run as well. But that is NOT the goal. The idea is to just have the camera with me and be aware of all the photo ops as they come up. It could just be a snapshot of my dog sleeping, or some self assignment related to a theme or subject. I don't even HAVE to share the images I take, although my plan is to post many of the images on this blog as I go, so if you want to check up on me occasionally feel free to check back often. BETTER YET, join me in this lofty goal to see the world with a fresh eye everyday. It could be fun...
So... here is today's image (taken while on a hike with some friends) of a Cholla cactus using backlighting to add to the glow of the spines.
Categorized In:
arizona
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cactus
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photograph
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photographer
Better late than never... my old golden humored me long enough to grab a few images to say happy holidays to everyone. Enjoy...
Categorized In:
arizona
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pet photography
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photographer
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scottsdale
I have been having fun creating custom photo greeting cards again this year for my clients (and don't even ASK me where MY family photo greeting card is? Maybe I can get that done this week sometime). Anyway, thought I'd share of few of the cards being sent out this year. This is just a sampling of cards that are either a two-sided flat card, or folded cards (backs not shown in these samples). I am hearing back from clients that the cards are a BIG hit, and people always love to see the images of the kids and family. Anyway, enjoy this sampling... and remember that whatever the occasion (holidays, birth announcements, graduation, parties...) Spicer Photography can create custom cards that will WOW you friends and family!
Front of card Inside spread of folded card
Front of a flat card (back has family photo with names)
A whimsical card front and inside spread shown above...
A nice sampling of images on the front of a flat card
Perfect for the Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star tee-shirts these girls were wearing...
Why send a Hallmark greeting, when you can send a very personalized "Spicer Greeting Card" instead! When you care enough to send MORE... Anyway, hope you are enjoying this season and I hope to help you create your custom cards next year.
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arizona
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family photos
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photo announcements
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photo greeting cards
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photographer
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scottsdale
Every holiday season brings memories of the past as well as wishes for the future. In these moments of thoughtful reflection we learn acceptance for life’s trials while we give thanks for the beauty that surrounds us.
It can also be a time of stress and frantic activity. This is especially true at time of year for most portrait photographers, as we rush to meet the holiday deadlines of our clients. But even amid the hustle and stress I think it is important to go out of our way to extend random acts of kindness toward strangers whenever possible. It could be something as simple as holding the door for someone, or a smile and a kind word. Even just taking the time to say THANKS to someone for something they have done for you.
So at this time of year I give thanks to all of my clients for the trust they have given me to capture their memories. I hope all of you enjoy this time with friends and family, and take a moment to extend a random act of kindness toward a stranger today. Thanks again to all my wonderful clients, friends and family. Have a Happy Thanksgiving.
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arizona
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family
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photography
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portraits
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scottsdale
Photographing children can be both a joy and a challenge (especially if they are your OWN kids!). So for the times that you can’t hire someone like me to capture the memories for you, here are just a few hints for better portraits. Once you find the right light for photographing your child (that will be a whole other blog topic!) keep the child occupied doing something fun. Some of my favorite images show the child engaged in activity and not even looking at the camera, but for a few images looking at the camera you can still do something to get them to look up at you with a pleasant expression (silly noises, talking to them about something silly, puppets, songs… ) without making them “pose” for the image. Fill your frame with more of your subject and less background, but be sure to leave enough “breathing room” around them. If you are able to control depth of field on your camera, use a larger aperture to blur the background. Most importantly, have fun!
Playing... not posing.
Window light is my favorite!
The sister of the girl above... can you tell!
More window light... transformed into a watercolor image for the client's wall.
"The soul is healed by being with children." Dostoevsky
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arizona
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child
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childre's portraits
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photography
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scottsdale
Wow, what a great way to start a Saturday. I went to the Cynosport and Agility Dog event at Westworld in Scottsdale to photograph my neighbor's Golden Retriever (a future Splash Dog in training?), and spent a few hours watching all these wonderful, athletic, and happy dogs doing what they do best. Here are a few of the images from the morning... I hope you enjoy them. Dogs are the most amazing creatures!
A Perfect Day...
Jumping Hurdles...
Waiting his turn...
Pure Joy...
Watching the Dock Jumpers...
Splash Dogs... Dock Jumper in training...
Just Chillin...
"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole." Roger Caras
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arizona
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dog
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pet
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photographer
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photography
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scottsdale
I know things get hectic around the holidays, and your first thought probably ISN'T "Gosh, let's all get a family portrait done this year while we are all together!" I KNOW how much adults do not like getting their "picture" taken... but at the same time don't you really enjoy looking back at the images from the past and remembering the fun times...and creating a professional portrait probably isn't as painful as you might think! My clients actually ENJOY the process, and since I can come to you while you are all gathering anyway, it makes it an easy thing to do. Give me a call if a family portrait sounds like a good idea this year, and I can help you make it happen.
Outdoor Family Portrait:
A Family Portrait in your Home
A Family Portrait in Your Own Backyard
"Other things may change us, but we start and end with family."
Anthony Brandt
Categorized In:
carefree
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cave creek
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event photography
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family portrait
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portrait photographer
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professional photographer
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scottsdale
