tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67002492763822859472024-03-08T02:51:24.016-08:00Made You Look PhotographyEveryone deserves to look like the unique work of art that they are. My goal is to give you the quality that I would expect for myself.Made You Look Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007274378193548344noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700249276382285947.post-42514909813240283802012-04-02T21:38:00.001-07:002012-04-02T21:44:17.255-07:00Puzzle PiecesI have a way of telling a story, or explaining a thought, that is never quite straight to the point, and it's never quite a clean circle either. There are twists and turns, and I quite often lose my point along the way and end up finding a new one. I've got quite a few thoughts to share today, so please bear with me while I do my best to express them. ^_^<br />
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It's funny how the key turning points in your own life don't even hit you with their importance until years down the road. I'm a "let's plan for this and then just see where it takes us" kind of person. As I've been asked to tell my story more and more, I'm actually surprised at the pieces that I've forgotten or taken for granted as just being a part of it instead of an intregal puzzle piece. Next to my desk, I have a large picture that I found in the summer between my 7th and 8th grade years. Since I've had it, it's hung in just about every room except the kitchen. In fact, my husband would like for me to hang it back in the bathroom, from next to the mirror where I took it down, because it brings some sense of comfort to him as well. I love this picture because it has always spoken to me and shown me that this is what women should look like: relaxed and elegant in any state of dress. It's just a worn out, blown up reprint of an old Theatre Magazine cover. It's a reprint of the November 1918 issue, to be exact, and I absolutely adore it. In some recess of my mind, I have always wanted to be as confidentally beautiful as this woman. Without realizing it, this old print, that I found at a garage sale, became a turning point and an important component to the foundation of my belief that all women are beautiful. Period.<br />
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Now, I really should go backwards a bit and tell you about when I first fell in love with photography. When I was in the 7th grade, my very best friend's, Jennii, mom began taking night photography courses at the local university. (GO MEMPHIS STATE TIGERS!!) The class needed models, so naturally Jennii and I were quickly recruited for the job. I loved it! Dressing up and being the center of attention was a lot of fun, but what I really enjoyed was watching what went into composing the shot and then seeing the final product. This was before digital, so I'd have to wait for what seemed like forever to get a print back, from a student, but it was always worth it. What was amazing to me was figuring out who was standing where taking the shot, where the main light source was coming from, and what was the most flattering and natural looking body position. There was a process to it, and I was so into trying to pinpoint it, but I was only 13 and eventually my interest moved onto other things. It was always somewhere in the back of my mind though. I'd try to take those same questions and apply them to my paintings and drawings, too. As time went on, I'd pick up a disposable camera or two whenever possible, but I almost never got them developed. For one, I didn't have the money growing up to pay to get film developed, but for another, it just didn't seem as important to me back then.<br />
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Fast forward to the dawn of the digital point and shoot. I've had some really crappy digital cameras at one time or another, back when I thought the all-mighty megapixel was the deal breaker. ^_- Having children created a need to document as much of their lives as possible which really worked out for the camera companies because I can't tell you how many of those cheap things that I went through over the years. lol I tell you what though, those early digital camera really taught me the importance of lighting. Without it, you had nothing. With it, you could create the most breathtaking images with whatever equipment you had available. <br />
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Once I started to realize the importance of light, other things started to slowly click together. That's when the infamous "picture parties", that I talked about in an earlier blog, started. With those intimate portrait parties among friends, I began to understand the importance of how light contours a woman's body. What started out as friends getting together to create sensual images for their spouses became a way to raise self esteem and self awareness. Another puzzle piece clicked into place.<br />
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I get asked who my ideal client is. I've thought long and hard about this. I love all of my clients, but there is a target market that I am drawn to. For inspiration on how to appeal to this specialized market, I think of my own mother. My mother was born to be a pretty child. She grew to be a beautiful teen and then matured into a breathtaking woman. Even after giving birth to 2 children, she was still a sight to behold. Then life took over. Stress and troubles weighed heavily on her. She became ill and soon divorced. Her health seemed to always be a factor in her increasing age; it took front seat and made itself known. She had forgotten that she was a goddess. My mother saw herself as "formerly beautiful" instead of incredible in the present. She was my absolute best friend, and it broke my heart to watch her sense of self worth deteriorate month after month and then year after year. I no longer have my mother here with me, but she will always be the standard to which I hold myself. No woman should ever believe that she is less than she is. That is a belief that I hold dear and close to my heart. I consider it my purpose in life to open every woman's eyes to behold her own radiance. I have my mother to thank for that.<br />
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I'm sure that there is so much more that I started this post intending to say, but with it being my mom's birthday today, emotions are high, and I feel that this is a good way to close my thought process. I didn't mean to tell my story or explain why I do what I do, but it seems like I did anyway. If you've stuck around this long, thank you.<br />
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Patricia Spaulding<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Made-You-Look-Photography/108683671610" target="_blank">Made You Look Photography</a>Made You Look Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007274378193548344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700249276382285947.post-371720669792187212012-03-23T17:48:00.000-07:002012-03-23T17:52:02.715-07:00Preparing For Your Session<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I don't need to tell you what an amazing experience that having a boudoir session is. You already know which is why you've gone ahead and scheduled yours. ^_- I know how important it is to you, and I want to help you prepare for it so I put together a quick list of things that you can do to get ready so that you end up with the best results possible.</div>
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<li>Hairdresser:</li>
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<li>No more than a week before your session, visit your hair goddess and freshen your tresses. This is a great excuse to tighten your style, revitalize your color, and/or get rid of split ends and any stray gray hairs. (Oh yes, I have those, too......in DROVES) This also gives a clean pallet for our MUA/hairstylist to work with so that she can create a look that is perfect and customized for you.</li>
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<li>Skin Care:</li>
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<li>If you decide to have a facial, do so at least 24-48 hours before the day of your session in case any skin issues arise. </li>
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<li>Nails:</li>
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<li>A few days or the day before your session, treat yourself to a manicure and a pedicure. Not only will your nails look and feel fabulous, you won't be concerned about forgetting to remove that old chipped polish or soften any cracked heels.</li>
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<li>Gather together the clothing and props that you are thinking about using. Remember to pick items that are figure flattering as opposed to practical. A boned corset might not be the most comfortable thing to go grocery shopping in, but it's great for showing off your curves which is exactly what we want. Be sure to include a light robe if you are concerned about being cold between set-ups. I highly recommend bringing an oversized men's white button down. It's simple and sexy. For a 2 hour session, I would plan to bring anywhere from 2-4 outfits. Remember that the more outfits you bring, the more time that you will spend changing clothes. Feel free to accessorize, but keep it to a minimum because we want the focus to be on you and not your bling. </li>
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<li>Relax and Enjoy</li>
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<li>Most of all, just remember that the experience is all about YOU!!!</li>
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It’s not unusual for me to strike up conversations with complete strangers.
I love people, and I always think that there is something special about
themselves that they’ve overlooked or have taken for granted. It’s like a need
that I have to let them know what that is and bring a smile to their face. I
have no problem going up to a woman, that I don't know, and telling her that
she smells nice, has great hair that frames her face flatteringly, is wearing
incredible earrings/shoes, or whatever it is that catches my eye about her. We’re
constantly surrounded by beauty, and a lot of it is strolling nonchalantly
passed us as we go about our daily routines. <o:p></o:p><br />
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Walking up to someone and trying to awkwardly explain that they have a look
that makes me want to photograph them is difficult for me though. I certainly
don't want to be viewed as a "creeper". (@_@) That would kinda suck.
Some people just have something about them that draws you in and makes it
difficult to look away. This evening, that type of person walked into the same
venue where I had just finished an appointment. She had an elven princess look
about her, and the synapses that control the creative portion of my brain
immediately started conjuring possible photographic concepts centered around
her particular look. Instead of running up to her and blurting out some strange
version of "OMG! You've just inspired me," I finalized my client
notes from the evening and began to pack up my things. I chit chatted with one
of my favorite baristas, was rewarded with an unexpected “happy”, and prepared
to head home and get started on the day’s client orders.<o:p></o:p><br />
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As I walked out through the front doors, and bid farewell to some of my
favorite regulars, I happened to glace to my left. There sat the beautiful
young lady and her mother enjoying their coffee. What to do? What to do?? I
took a chance and walked over. I’m sure that I was stumbling over my words a
bit in an attempt not to sound like the dreaded “creeper”, but I think I was
fairly coherent. Had she ever considered modeling? While I’m not an agent, I
would love to help her build a portfolio or simply create a photo session
customized just for her. To my surprise, the mother informed me that the girl
didn’t believe that she was as beautiful as the mom and I obviously did. I gave
them my card, thanked them for allowing me to interrupt them, and left them to
enjoy the rest of their evening. Whether they contact me or not is of little
consequence. What matters to me most, in this instance, is that this young girl
truly knows that she is gorgeous.<o:p></o:p><br />
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As women, I think we all tend to think less of ourselves and our worth than
others think of us. Every girl should grow up believing in her own beauty, both
inner and outer. As those girls get older and become women, we should continue
to reinforce that knowledge. Each of us is wondrously and magnificently made. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p>Made You Look Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007274378193548344noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700249276382285947.post-56777738425519847392012-03-12T21:36:00.001-07:002012-03-12T21:36:04.530-07:00And a Little Bit Rock N RollEvery day, every client, every session I strive to outdo myself from the time before. I live for the unattainable illusion that one day I might be able to perfect what I do so that it reaches the peak of excellence. Each day, each client, each session reminds me that I am always growing and learning to express, not just my own style and desires, but the desires of my clients and of my subjects. It's not unusual to do the pretty pictures with lots of romantic sensuality, but every once in a while I get asked to do something a little further out of the box. This was one of those sessions. This vixen is beautiful with porcelain skin, firey red hair, and a personality that will set you at ease and yet let you know who's really running the show all at the same time. Once she smiles, you instantly feel like her new best friend. But she also has a sexy side that's a bit hardcore. I had such a great time with this that I can't even write anymore. I'm just going to post one of the images and let your jaw drop as much as mine did when I saw it through the viewfinder. Rock and roll celebrity perfection...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tnFTusZbPNE/T17OMUOeF_I/AAAAAAAAA3E/eLBhIM8BQB0/s1600/Kim_2406d_MYLP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tnFTusZbPNE/T17OMUOeF_I/AAAAAAAAA3E/eLBhIM8BQB0/s640/Kim_2406d_MYLP.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Made You Look Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007274378193548344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700249276382285947.post-67087230098291116302012-03-09T21:06:00.000-08:002012-03-09T21:08:33.039-08:00Everyone loves a good story. Isn't that what photography is? We do our best to capture the moment with as much detail and emotion as possible in order to tell the stories of our lives. We chronicle memories. Every story has a beginning. Beginnings are the best because they're so full of hope and possibilities. <br />
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Recently, I had the absolute pleasure of helping one young girl with the beginning of her story. Her name is Mackenzie, and you may very well get to know the sound of her name as her story progresses. I am occasionally asked to do fashion, glamour, and headshot sessions in order for current models to build up and update their portfolios. This was the chance to build a portfolio from scratch. Mackenzie is just dipping her toes into the unkown waters of the modeling industry, but I don't think it will be too long before she's surfing it like a pro. You only have to speak with her for a few moments in order to feel the passion and determination that she has for modeling. My team and I are honored to help her begin this wonderful adventure, and I can't wait to see what amazing things that she accomplishes!<br />
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</div>Made You Look Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007274378193548344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700249276382285947.post-24916733973614478492012-03-08T20:03:00.000-08:002012-03-08T20:03:41.131-08:00Where do I begin? I've begun to include the blog posts on my schedule. As most of you may already know, nothing happens if it isn't on the schedule. It's my lifeline. With as hopping as everything has been, I knew that I needed to actually set aside time just for this. It's true that I'd like for each of you to know some of the things that we've been working on, and the adventures that we've had, but I had no idea how wonderful it would feel to share the everyday goings on of the studio. <br />
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Lately, I've really been trying to get as much outside training as I can. I feel a lot like a sponge that can't seem to soak up enough information. It's almost indescribable the way knowledge can make you feel. It's humbling and empowering all at the same time. I get a lot of requests for me to share my knowledge with other budding photographers, but I just sorta do what feels right in the moment. I don't know how to teach what I do because I'm still learning, too. Quite frankly, I hope that I am always continuing to learn and grow and improve. If I ever feel as if I have learned it all and reached the peak, then it will be time to set my camera down and walk away because then I will know that I have learned nothing. I've done 2 workshops in the last 3 weeks, and I have many more lined up in the next 6 months. If I can find time between sessions and production, I may even try to get a few extra notches in my belt by going back to school. What is the saying? "The more I learn, the more I learn that I have more to learn." So true. <br />
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And since we're getting to know each other so well, here is a quick pic of me. This was totally done in the ol' one arm pose, and I think I may have a hint of the dreaded "duck lips" going on. Rut roh! ^_-<br />
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"Hi, my name is Tricia, and I will be your photographer today. Buckle up because this is going to be one helluva fun adventure for the both of us!"</div>
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So what have you learned lately? Have you tried something new? If you were given the chance to do anything at all, with no limitations, what would you do? <br />
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<br />Made You Look Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007274378193548344noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700249276382285947.post-39512199529128750632012-02-26T22:38:00.001-08:002012-02-26T22:48:17.983-08:00I'm Newly Commited<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Okay, I admit it. I kinda suck at updating my blog. Since it's literally been a year since the last post, I really can't even try to argue about it. However, it's recently occured to me that not everyone visits the fan page on </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Made-You-Look-Photography/108683671610" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Facebook</span></a><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">. Imagine my surprise to learn that the networking site, that has created a life of it's own on my computer, isn't the center of everyone else's universe. Next, someone's going to tell me that there are actual lives outside of my office/studio and that you don't have to view that world solely through the lens of a camera. Mind boggling, right? lol I kid, of course. This particular post is my new attempt at recommiting myself to blogging and letting you in on some of the behind the scenes giggles, the silly antics of the Made You Look Photography team, what you can expect from your experience with us, and a few sneak peeks at some of the finished images.</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">I'm not even going to put up a front: We are some crazy folks. From consultations all of the way to delivering the final products, we don't even pretend not to be having a great time. I'm not terribly serious myself. I actually have to force myself to do the technical aspects of being a business owner because I have so much fun just simply hanging out with my clients. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">We're all just girls hanging out and having a fantastic time. It just so happens that one of us has a camera in hand. After it's all said and done, and your sides hurt from laughing so much, it's almost a surprise to discover that there are pictures of the day. It's as if the experience itself is worth more than the image captured. Don't get me wrong. Those images are priceless. I couldn't possibly tell you how many times I have heard the self doubt at the beginning of the morning evolve into self confidence and self assurance by the afternoon. I have found that tears of joy are not uncommon. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">It's always amazed me how much women do for everyone around them compared to how little they do for themselves. A mother will spend days (or weeks) putting together the perfect outfits for her children and husband to wear for a family portrait. She'll then spend the entire morning frantically getting the rest of her family put together in a sort of miraculous picture day masterpiece only to hastily throw on a bit of make-up and hopefully run a brush through her hair in an attempt at not looking disheveled. Women are goddesses in their own right. Women move mountains. And yet, they/we undervalue ourselves more often than not. I know this because I've been in that same boat. I'm the 34 year old married mother of 3 incredible children. It took me up until this point in my life to realize that I truly like myself the way that I am. Could I stand to lose a few pounds? Sure. Should I spend more time doing things that help me to grow as a person? Absolutely. But the fact remains that I love myself just as I am right now. And that is exactly what I want for every woman to feel about herself. We are not formally beautiful. We are beautiful now in this moment just as we are. I was trying to explain this to someone recently, and I think I've finally found a way to articulate that feeling into words. Your body is a visual display of your life's experiences. Each scar and wrinkle tell a story of a moment that helped to shape you into the person that you are today. Embrace yourself as you are now for you are beautifully and wonderously made.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">And now that I've made my new commitment blog post a bit longer than I intended, how about some peeks at some recent work that I've done as a reward for hanging in for the long haul during my rambling. ^_-</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tzfccqj9jFw/T0shwjO81iI/AAAAAAAAA2U/6citlGvrMYc/s1600/Julie_6322a_MYLP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tzfccqj9jFw/T0shwjO81iI/AAAAAAAAA2U/6citlGvrMYc/s320/Julie_6322a_MYLP.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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This is from a glamour session that we did outdoors at a local park. This girl is what you call a natural beauty for sure! I just couldn't stop "ooh"ing and "ahh"ing over her.</div>
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Here's a favorite from a boudoir session where we created an entire room in an empty space. That was a seriously fun day! Doesn't she look like a young Elizabeth Taylor here?? Breathtaking.</div>
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This is another example of where we created an entire set from an empty space while on location. I don't superimpose backgrounds or objects into my images, so this all had to be done by hand. Don't you wish that the real cupid was this hot??</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GiaGfi3zIC8/T0siDAJZ6wI/AAAAAAAAA2s/PraikkTH_2Q/s1600/KristyCollage_001a_MYLP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GiaGfi3zIC8/T0siDAJZ6wI/AAAAAAAAA2s/PraikkTH_2Q/s320/KristyCollage_001a_MYLP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Okay, so I've never done a bathtub shot before with the exception of my "Picture Parties" over a decade ago. This was a while other ballgame that I couldn't wait to tackle and play with. I've actually got several versions of bathtub shots on the books for upcoming sessions, but this one is different. It was pretty "on the fly", as we'd already started packing away equipment, but I am SO glad that we did it. This girl is just phenominal!</div>
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If you'd like to see more samples of my work, please check out our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Made-You-Look-Photography/108683671610" target="_blank">fan page</a> on Facebook. Shoot me an <a href="mailto:patricia.spaulding@gmail.com" target="_blank">e-mail</a>, and let's set up your life changing consultation. <br />
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<span style="background-color: black;"></span>Made You Look Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007274378193548344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700249276382285947.post-38191077589108553422011-02-22T15:15:00.000-08:002011-02-22T20:07:34.192-08:00Catching Up...Wowee! It's been quite a while since I've stopped to write a blog! Life and business have been pretty non-stop since the holidays. The <a href="http://www.facebook.com/madeyoulookphotography">Facebook fan page </a>is up to over 600 and steadily increasing which makes me smile. There's been quite a few special memories captured over the last few months as well as some surprises. It's been quite a ride, and I'm holding on for dear life while enjoying every moment!! <div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><div>I've sat at my computer writing and rewriting this blog while trying to decide what to include and share and what would be an oversaturation of information. I've included snippets of sessions and little quips about them and then deleted them again. After all of the indecision and self doubt, I've settled on one idea: tell what you know. So that is exactly how I will start my blog renewal. </div><div><br />While I do a lot of traditional portraits, my business thrives on photos that tend to be of a more personal nature: Boudoir. I've blogged before about this form of photography and the emotional benefits to the subject, but I've never shown how I do it. Don't get too excited; I'm not going to disclose all of my secret techniques and locations. ^_- Instead, I'm going to show you some examples of the much requested Before&After's, SessionInProgress, and the final result.<br /></div></div><div>I often think that I should be as thin as a rail and as buff as a body builder with the amount of equipment that I move up and down stairs and whatnot in order to get the "perfect" shot. Perhaps my assistant, Jhesi, is the one truly reaping the physical benefits from this task since she is always there ready and willing to stand in an awkward position with a light or reflector or drag some heavy piece of furniture out of the shot whenever necessary. I truly don't know how I'd do the special sessions without her. She is in a word: invaluable. I'm not terribly vocal during a session. I like to watch the moment unfold and capture it when it hits its peak. Often subjects need a little guidance, and Jhesi, in all of her mind-reading grandeur, can translate my tongue-tied instructions to a "T" to get everything to look exactly as I envision it. Here she is holding a single spotlight at the perfect angle so that I can create the look from above.</div><div><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-icNdOAxlctk/TWRRgSYULtI/AAAAAAAAAYo/3ZrjQh-Ate0/s1600/Tracy_8283.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 214px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576671853723004626" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-icNdOAxlctk/TWRRgSYULtI/AAAAAAAAAYo/3ZrjQh-Ate0/s320/Tracy_8283.jpg" /></a></p><div>The result were images like this...</div><p align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7gF6PJXvXMs/TWRSvJkwcMI/AAAAAAAAAYw/tct4yFobeAI/s1600/Tracy_8289e.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 214px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576673208568934594" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7gF6PJXvXMs/TWRSvJkwcMI/AAAAAAAAAYw/tct4yFobeAI/s320/Tracy_8289e.jpg" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWPpFak5tA4/TWRSvn0A-0I/AAAAAAAAAZA/qkWwy6lGdn4/s1600/Tracy_8261e.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 214px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576673216685996866" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWPpFak5tA4/TWRSvn0A-0I/AAAAAAAAAZA/qkWwy6lGdn4/s320/Tracy_8261e.jpg" /></a></p><p align="left">and of course I love this one because if reminds me of classic Marilyn...</p><p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e2-ZlfdyRCw/TWRSvZcw1YI/AAAAAAAAAY4/oAWmhhIzg7s/s1600/Tracy_8220c.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576673212830373250" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e2-ZlfdyRCw/TWRSvZcw1YI/AAAAAAAAAY4/oAWmhhIzg7s/s320/Tracy_8220c.jpg" /></a></p><div>The Before&After's are simply samples of the procedure for the glamour processing. While this is an automatic inclusion for a boudoir session, the glamour processing is often requested for pageant portraits and special sessions such as Quinceanera and promotional headshots. You can even request a toned down process for a traditional session in order to achieve that "fresh" look. Here are a few so that you can see the difference...</div><div><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0YX5_xJjqxI/TWRVQcjEdlI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/kAqNxaEzFtI/s1600/Jhesi002.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 214px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576675979621070418" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0YX5_xJjqxI/TWRVQcjEdlI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/kAqNxaEzFtI/s320/Jhesi002.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VNtaFp4grdE/TWRVQly_lXI/AAAAAAAAAZY/m_iROBSerVQ/s1600/TracyWilliams004.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576675982103778674" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VNtaFp4grdE/TWRVQly_lXI/AAAAAAAAAZY/m_iROBSerVQ/s320/TracyWilliams004.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aSQVzMH0n8s/TWRVQxCdEJI/AAAAAAAAAZg/vZE5trMk2b4/s1600/SarahLewis002.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576675985121415314" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aSQVzMH0n8s/TWRVQxCdEJI/AAAAAAAAAZg/vZE5trMk2b4/s320/SarahLewis002.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cf3dpr_lSDs/TWRVRI53poI/AAAAAAAAAZo/SSEK1n3AaXc/s1600/MorganReadWeddingCollage_7522_MYLP.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 251px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576675991527859842" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cf3dpr_lSDs/TWRVRI53poI/AAAAAAAAAZo/SSEK1n3AaXc/s320/MorganReadWeddingCollage_7522_MYLP.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5SK6ajp_LE8/TWRVQFp7LfI/AAAAAAAAAZI/ENwld7-qpDo/s1600/ChristinaWilliams002.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576675973475806706" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5SK6ajp_LE8/TWRVQFp7LfI/AAAAAAAAAZI/ENwld7-qpDo/s320/ChristinaWilliams002.jpg" /></a></p><div><br />As you can see, I only enhance the natural beauty that each woman possesses. With a little skin resurfacing and other enhancements, even the questionably ordinary photo can become the bell of the boudoir ball. The shoot itself is really only about 10% of the work. I dedicate at least 20 hours per client's session. It is in this process that the magic happens and I'm able to offer the client a variety of options to choose from.</div><div></div><div></div><div>So now you've had a little peek into one of my biggest and deepest rooted photography passions: Boudoir. </div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Made You Look Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007274378193548344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700249276382285947.post-66745679945995873362010-01-23T10:03:00.001-08:002010-01-23T10:58:28.401-08:00Art & InspirationI love photography. Love probably isn't even a strong enough word for how I feel about what I do. Not only is it a friend to me, it's also a challenge. While I adore photographing people and capturing those special moments that slip by so easily, I also have a passion for still life.<br /><br />One of the biggest challenges with still life is that it does not have a personality. There are no smiles or quirky expressions; it just sits there waiting for you to find and extract it's natural beauty. Lighting is just as key as mood. That's my biggest thing, I think, with doing still life: I try to express a mood. I've spent quite a bit of time lately on several ongoing project series. I'm trying my "hand" with a wide variety of textures. Food is one of the subjects that has really captured my eye lately. I was told recently that if you can master lighting and photographing food, you can light and photograph anything. Naturally, I took that as a personal challenge to figure out the secret to that aspect of photography.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=147861&id=108683671610&ref=mf"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430009161644228770" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vFy6A6QcjvM/S1tEkCbrwKI/AAAAAAAAAUo/IHLaRMTe3aQ/s320/IMG_2843a3_MYLP.jpg" /></a></p><br />I've also had a fantastic time learning how to photograph glass. Lemme tell you that it's not as simple as it looks. Glass is difficult to focus. It has flaws that are otherwise hidden until put in front of a macro lens. What looks smooth and clear to the naked eye is revealed to be pitted and marbled. I find these discoveries to be breathtaking. It thrills me to realize that each piece has a hidden map of creases and inconsistencies that make it all the more pertinent to me.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=147861&id=108683671610&ref=mf"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430009836173558850" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vFy6A6QcjvM/S1tFLTQAhEI/AAAAAAAAAUw/NlFOplnyb7k/s320/BathroomSeries006a_MYLP.jpg" /></a></p><br />And how could I resist creating my own version of a classic Andy Warhol painting? I couldn't. ^_-<br /><p align="center"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=147861&id=108683671610&ref=mf"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430010604073065250" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vFy6A6QcjvM/S1tF3_5hGyI/AAAAAAAAAU4/m7tzPfUCN94/s320/DaisyCollage001a_square_MYLP.jpg" /></a></p>All of my art pieces are personal in that I take inspiration from them. I can only hope that you are able to do the same. For a better look at more of the photo art that I've created, please click on any of the posted pictures. They will take you to the Art & Inspiration album of our fan page. Thank you for allowing me to share a piece of myself with you.Made You Look Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007274378193548344noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700249276382285947.post-1012810550746955452009-12-11T10:11:00.000-08:002012-03-08T22:35:36.267-08:00Glamour/Boudoir Sessions<div align="left">
One kind of shoot that has become very popular lately is the Boudoir shoot. Sensual and sexy is how people think of the boudoir style of photography. Others refer to it as glamour photography, where the photographer’s goal is to make you look better than your best. It is not about having the perfect body, the most beautiful face, or being tall, thin and gorgeous. What a boudoir photographer does is brings out the glamour that is in every woman. Boudoir shoots are basically sexy photo shoots that give you an opportunity to wear different styles of lingerie (or whatever you want). Boudoir photography is about glamour and fantasy. It’s about bringing out that special beauty a woman usually reserves for her lover in a series of photographs. The photographer captures what her lover has always seen in their heart. Lots of brides, in particluar, request these sessions, and the albums that I make are such a great gift for fiancee's on the wedding day--it always gets a great reaction! </div>
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There are often some questions about these sessions so I'm going to answer a few of them here in case anyone is thinking of having this done!</div>
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Q: What if I'm not a size 2 with a perfect body?</div>
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A: No problem! My job as a photographer is to emphasize the good and minimize the less than perfect. Besides, your significant other doesn't expect you to look like a different person, and he thinks you are sexy the way you are!</div>
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Q: Where will we shoot?</div>
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A: If you live in, or have a friend that lives in Shelby or Desoto County, we can shoot at that location. My house is also an option if you can't find any other place. A hotel room is also an ideal location, but please bear in mind that this is an expense not included by the photographer.</div>
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Q: What should I wear?</div>
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A: Its best to bring a wide variety of different outfits, and photos of poses you've seen in magazines that you like so we have something to start with. As the shoot progresses, you will feel more comfortable and able to try different things on your own, but it helps if you have something to look at to begin.</div>
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Q: Do I have to shoot nude?</div>
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A: No, of course not! Unless you are in lingerie, I primarily shoot only "implied nude", where you may not be wearing much but you can't see anything showing that you might not want shown. You don't even have to do this if you don't want to--lingerie is just fine. You can also decide at the shoot what you are comfortable/not comfortable showing.</div>
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Q: But....are you going to post photos of me on your blog? I really don't want anyone to see them!</div>
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A: No, of course not without your permission! The girls whom I have posted in my blog have given me the go-ahead to post those photos up there and I would never post photos of you that you were uncomfortable with. </div>
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The albums also make awesome Valentine's Day gifts, but they take awhile to produce, so this next month is the prime shooting time for these sessions! Retouching is included in all our packages to enhance the photographs and make sure you look amazing. Collages are also available.</div>
<br />Made You Look Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007274378193548344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700249276382285947.post-89876155204072285752009-11-13T08:32:00.000-08:002009-11-13T13:30:41.037-08:00Tis the SeasonTis the season for garland, bows, and showing off your holiday spirit. Who doesn't love the holidays with all of the colors, lights, and cheerful music surrounding you everywhere you go? It's one of my favorite times of year for many reasons, not the least of which is capturing the joy that is practically glued to everyone's faces from now until New Years. It's hard not to get caught up in that warm and fuzzy feeling as a child regales you with their innocent thoughts on reindeer, snowmen, and a jolly round elf that makes their most heartfelt Christmas wishes come true. These are the things that make me smile. These are the things that give me beautiful dreams and creative ideas that abound until I'm just bursting with good feelings and want to share them with everyone that I meet. Some of those creative ideas have come in the form of custom photo Christmas cards. I've designed flat photo cards for you to choose from. Folding cards are also available for certain templates.<br /><br />25 5x7 flat photo card w/envelopes $50<br />25 4x8 flat photo card w/envelopes $40<br />20 5x7 folded photo card w/ envelopes $60<br /><br />To help ensure that everyone has the opportunity to have their Christmas pictures made and ordered in time to send them to off to loved ones, I have set aside Saturday, November 28th. I will be doing back to back sessions all day in the Collierville Town Square. For those that are in the North Mississippi area, I will also be doing back to back sessions around the Hernando City Hall on Sunday, November 29th. If you would prefer to schedule a private session in a seperate location, please let me know so that we can set this up. All holiday sessions still require the standard $30 sitting fee. Please call or e-mail me to reserve your time slot.<br /><br />**Templates will be posted shortlyMade You Look Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007274378193548344noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700249276382285947.post-16867423522079091852009-11-05T12:26:00.000-08:002009-11-05T13:28:52.313-08:00Capture the ColorFall is upon us, and I couldn't be happier! Fall is one of the greatest seasons for many reasons, but the most obvious reason is the brilliant colors everywhere. Sure the leaves are gorgeous in all of their vibrant oranges, yellows, and reds, but there is another reason that I love this season so much; the color temperature of the light. The light of early mornings and late afternoons are perfect for picking up and complimenting the subtle warm hues of ambers, yellows, and rusty reds. It's an ideal time for family portraits as they can get outdoors, enjoy the space and feel like a family. Autumn portraits also have a great informality about them, so it's easier to relax and simply be yourself. No more stuffy formal wear; just casual comfortable clothes that reflect your true personality and allow you to let that shine. So bring a colorful sweater, break out the scarves and furry boots. Let the rosy cheeks abound. It's time to show Spring that Fall is truly the better of the seasons when it comes to pictures. ^_-<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vFy6A6QcjvM/SvNCpM9AJZI/AAAAAAAAAT0/s29b_41iwfE/s1600-h/IMG_6868a_5x7b.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 286px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400733653766514066" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vFy6A6QcjvM/SvNCpM9AJZI/AAAAAAAAAT0/s29b_41iwfE/s400/IMG_6868a_5x7b.jpg" /></a></p><br />Side note: This is also the time of year to start thinking about and scheduling your sessions for Christmas cards and gifts. Availability is limited and will only get harder to come by as the holidays get closer. E-mail, FB message, or call (901-647-3414) to book your appointment and reserve your date and time.Made You Look Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007274378193548344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700249276382285947.post-54978725072691902232009-10-07T09:47:00.000-07:002009-10-07T13:18:10.331-07:00Digital ResurrectionOkay, so this is officially my very first blog post for Made You Look Photography, and I can only hope that I do the company justice. For those of you that know me personally, I readily admit to being a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to my art. Photography is my way of expressing myself and bringing out the true beauty in my subject whether it is an object or a person. There is beauty everywhere, and my personal mission is to make it displayable for all the world to see. Yeah, I'm not totally sure that 'displayable' is a real word, but I'm going to go with it for all intensive purposes. It's safe to say that making you look not good but amazing is my ultimate goal. I love doing it! I thrive on it!<br /><br /><br />All of that being said, I have discovered a new way to resurrect digital images that otherwise would have been discarded due to over or underexposure. Sure, it's important to constantly check your camera settings, but sometimes the perfect pose comes just when I'm testing my shutter speed and/or ISO. Don't know what I'm talking about? All you really need to know is that the perfect setting can create the perfect picture. It's an art in itself just to get it set right. However, sometimes the sun comes back out unexpectedly while I'm snapping away and changes everything. For those times, I now know a solution. Oh, I'm not going to give away my secret formulas to fixing the pictures; just know that I have figured it out and am completely excited about it!!<br /><br /><br />Please bear with me a moment and allow me to show you what I mean. The following photograph has been completely unaltered with the exception of my newfound "fixit" technique. Will there be more to getting it ready for print? According to my photography OCD, yes, but that's just the perfectionist in me again.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vFy6A6QcjvM/SszRnztBrkI/AAAAAAAAASU/_wrH9-py5Sg/s1600-h/IMG_0255_BeforeAfter.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 120px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389913335879806530" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vFy6A6QcjvM/SszRnztBrkI/AAAAAAAAASU/_wrH9-py5Sg/s400/IMG_0255_BeforeAfter.jpg" /></a></p><br />I am constantly studying and learning my craft. Trust me, there's a lot to learn. I have not been in the business for years on end like a lot of the photographers who's work I admire, but I do think that I am growing with each click of the camera. It's very exciting to see something that takes your breath away and realize that you are the one who created it.<br /><br /><br />While I'm running on and on to fit so much into my first blog, I might as well get to another very important point: retouching. I've heard the arguments that if a photo is retouched at all then it is not a true work of art. I call malarkey on that claim. Some of the most amazing pictures that I have ever seen have been retouched and/or tweaked in some way, shape, or form. The fact is that our cameras do not always see what our eyes do. Eyes are fantastic in that they automatically adjust to any and all situations. They can focus on the tiniest thing in an instant and can have an incredible depth of field. While sophisticated and clever designs of digital cameras are always being created, they have yet to duplicate the exact ability of the human eye. Therefore, occasionally a picture may need a little boost to produce the emotion that the photographer felt when caught up in the moment of capture. Let's face it, photography is in fact an art, and art is subject to opinion based on who is viewing it.<br /><br /><br />Now that I've got that out of my system, let me show you a little about the process of retouching in my "lab." I would never want to blatantly call someone else out by displaying their raw images, so I used my own. Yes, this is a "hold your arm out as far as you can" picture taken with my trusty little purse camera otherwise commonly known as a "point and shoot." It's served me well, and while I would never use it during a session (that's what my Canon 50D is for ^_-), it works perfectly for simple examples such as this. Please note the difference in the Before, During, and After images. There is skin smoothing, blemish removing, color enhancing, and (my favorite) facial feature enhancements.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vFy6A6QcjvM/SszVgU2CQkI/AAAAAAAAASc/6wpClbM7kO0/s1600-h/BeforeAfterCollage.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 367px; HEIGHT: 164px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389917605383520834" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vFy6A6QcjvM/SszVgU2CQkI/AAAAAAAAASc/6wpClbM7kO0/s400/BeforeAfterCollage.jpg" /></a></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vFy6A6QcjvM/SszWbsn8vhI/AAAAAAAAASk/W5BM__av1lk/s1600-h/DSC04198a2_example.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 159px; HEIGHT: 234px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389918625379171858" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vFy6A6QcjvM/SszWbsn8vhI/AAAAAAAAASk/W5BM__av1lk/s400/DSC04198a2_example.jpg" /></a></p><br />That's it for now. Please check out my fan page on Facebook. Simply type in Made You Look Photography in the search box or click on the following link:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1069253534&v=info&ref=profile#/pages/Made-You-Look-Photography/108683671610">http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1069253534&v=info&ref=profile#/pages/Made-You-Look-Photography/108683671610</a>Made You Look Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007274378193548344noreply@blogger.com2