Capturing the Camera Lover! A "Class-y Party"

If you're like me and you love taking pictures, you're probably also like me... and you're hardly ever IN pictures.

This can be sort of depressing especially after a vacation, when you're looking through albums and realize that you're not in one. single. photo.   Or after the holidays you glance through your digitals and ohmywordithappenedagain... you are nowhere to be found.

It's difficult to explain how truly bad this feels, unless you've experienced it.  But in short, when you look at these collections of photos and you're not in any of them, it's almost like you weren't there.  There is no tangible record of your existence in those moments. 

And it's just sad.

Now that we're all depressed, let's talk about a possible solution I've been working on.

I'm calling it the "Class-y Party - Capturing the camera lover."  

On Sunday, February 14th, in Dalton, Pa, we will have a fun, low key, and informative class + party. You do not have to come with a spouse. Boyfriends, mothers, sisters, etc... can be your other half. The idea is to bring the person who would be most likely to capture you in photos, during this phase of your life.

For our class time, I've put together a list of fun and EASY ideas for both you and your special someone to help get you, the camera-lover, into more photos.   This is a non-techy class.  All skill levels are welcome!

The investment for the class-y party will be: $35 per "couple". OR $25 per couple, if you bring an appetizer or dessert to share.
 

The fun will begin at 6:30pm, and end at about 9:00pm. The attire is attractively casual.  The location is a rustic cabin.  The class portion of our evening will be held early on, followed by much mingling, eating, and putting our new skills into practice.
 
Please RSVP, as we are limited in space.

You can private message me on Facebook, email (kimwineyphotography@gmail.com) or call (717-689-3277) to secure your spots!

Also, this class has been put to the real-life test!  My hubby helped with the creation of the class and by following the suggestions in it we have greatly increased the number of photos that I am in. Now we have proof that I went on vacation, attended family gatherings and existed in general.  Thank you, Fred & also to our son, Cman who picks up the camera duties now and then, as well.  I love you both and I'm very happy to have photographic evidence of that love!

  

Before the Earth Awakes ~ How it all came together

The making of "Before the Earth Awakes" was probably as much fun as seeing the finished product.

The gown was especially unique in its creation, so I thought I'd share a few of the behind the scenes tidbits that came together to create this special fine art session.

The clothes:

Originally, I had planned to work with Lemon Daisy Boutique to create a one of a kind outfit.  However, timing and circumstances didn't align for that to happen, so I channeled my inner Sue Bryce ~ photographer and gown-hacker extraordinaire ~ and searched thrift stores & antique shops for the perfect gown elements.

Enter in~ the mother of the bride suit.

A 50 cent mother of the bride suit, to be more exact.

Yessss...

 

I wasn't too keen on the top, but the skirt was a great shape for the nightgown-inspired-dress that I had in mind.  

I took measurements and texted my sister to find out my niece, Brooke's, measurements.

It was perfect in length AND width.  Woah!  (Thanks, God!)

The color wasn't quite "earthy" enough for my taste, so I coffee stained it.  I had to do it three times, as the fabric wasn't holding the stain well.

I also scrunched the skirt, as it dried, to add some wrinkles and texture.

When Brookie tried it on, it was itchy.  So I "sewed" (aka hot glued) a slip to the inside of the skirt.

For the "sleeves", I added a vintage, crocheted collar that I purchased in the same thrift store for 25 cents.   These were attached via safety pins, which will allow me to use the skirt in new ways, in the future.

Aaaand of course, I coffee stained the collar as well, dipping it haphazardly to create a mottled look.

The headpieces:

The wreath was made from dried flowers that I stole from around my house (many of which were from my yarden, last year).

***Now here's where I need your full attention...

Don't ask me HOW I know this, but just as a PSA- I strongly recommend that as your are making your headpieces that you avoid the urge to place them on your head until the hot glue has 100% dried.  Jusssst sayin'...

The fascinator was again made from dried flowers and weeds (some from the side of the road).  They were hot glued onto a metal clip to mimic a fascinator and birdcage.

It was a lil slippery, and had to be adjusted multiple times, so its appearance in the shoot was brief.

**Lesson learned.  Get grippy clips.

All totaled, the gown, slip, and headpieces cost less than $5.   This sort of blows my mind, as this shoot is by far one of my favorites, but the cost of everything was so little. 

The ladies:

My niece, Melanie, was my intern for the day.  She loves photography and was such a big help!  (Thank you, Mel!)

And my niece, Brooke, was my model for the day.  Not only can she nail her facial expressions without much prompting now, but she is a champ with "ballet hands" as well.

We even tried a few unique poses, but because of the shape of the dress and her chilly toes, we were only able to capture one elegant cheer leading + ballet hands pose.  We will most likely do something creative with her posing in the future.  Girlfriend has some moves!

 

While "fine art" poses and expressions were the goal, we had a good time capturing a few shots of Brookie's true 11 year old self, as well.  lol

Thank you, Brookie & Mel for making this session so spectacular!

Thank you to Hull's Spring Hills Farm for allowing us to use your property again, and to Uncle Buck and Aunt Laura who unknowingly also let us use their property.  ;)

And finally, I'd like to thank Brooke Shaden and Emily Soto whose beautiful work has influenced this new style in my children's portraits. {Thank you!}

To view portraits from "Before the Earth Awakes" click here.

For more information on booking your child's portrait session contact Kim Winey at kimwineyphotography@gmail.com.

The Really BIG Day of Bootcamps

Saturday, April 25th, at Spring Hills Farm, we will be having the first BIG day of Bootcamps!

If you have been struggling with your camera, want to take your pictures to the next level, or want to vamp up your photos with some editing in Lightroom, this is the day for you!

Sessions may be purchased a la carte.  Aaaaaand credit cards are now accepted!  *See the "Pay Now" button at the bottom of the post for the cc option.  Checks are also accepted.  

Please email kimwineyphotography@gmail.com to secure your seat!  As always, spaces are limited!

9:30am - 10:00am Registration with a side of caffeine

Session I *Perfect for beginners!
10:00am - 12:30pm: Manual Settings Simplified $250
Learn how to adjust the ISO, aperture & shutter speed on your
camera to create consistent, properly exposed photos.

12:30pm - 1:30pm: Break for nom-noms.
*Homemade soup, salad, bread and dessert provided for all who purchase Sessions I and II.

Session II *Perfect for anyone who desires to take their photos from good to great!
1:30pm - 5:00pm: Taking it to the next level $350
Discover unique ways to create photos filled with physical and emotional depth; story telling photography; how to "read" available light; photo critiques; and more.

5:00pm - 6:00pm: Break for dinner
*Dinner provided for all who purchase Sessions I, II, and III.

Session III *Perfect for those who are new to Lightroom.
*A 30 free trial is available at adobe.com.
6:00pm - 8:30pm: Lightroom Basics $250
Learn how to import, cull, edit, watermark, create collages, export, and more.

*Sign up with a friend and receive a 10% "Bring a Buddy" discount!

*Sign up for all three sessions and receive a complimentary 1/2 hour
follow-up phone call with Kim, after the Bootcamp!

*All Bootcamp sessions require a solid foundation of shooting in manual mode, with the exception of "Manual Settings Simplified" which of course is where I'll
teach you how to shoot in manual mode.

A non refundable retainer totaling half of your investment is due by April 15th.
And the final payment is due on the day of our Bootcamp (April 25th).

Please email kimwineyphotography@gmail.com or call 717-689-3277 for more
information and to reserve your slot!

Session Options

Manual Settings Simplified $250.00 USD Taking it to the Next Level $350.00 USD Lightroom Basics $250.00 USD

Proudoir™ Sessions by Kim Winey Photography

A special shoot for wedded women! 

Ladies, do you wish you could have drop dead gorgeous photos of yourself, but you're not completely comfortable with the idea of a boudoir shoot?  Maybe you're conservative?  Have a few stretchmarks?  Or simply prefer "shirts" vs "skins"?   ;-)

I am now offering an alternative.

Introducing Proudoir™ sessions. 

Because your beauty shows, even through your clothes.

Your portfolio will include a variety of photos.  Some will showcase your confidence, some your sweet side, all will show your beauty, and a few will be va-va-voomy enough to make your parents feel uncomfortable, but not scar them for life if they should happen to see them.  ;-)

*Your husband will LOVE these images!*

Here is one Proudoirdian's™ story of showing her photos to her hubby ~

"I gave 'J' the pictures last night (letting him pick which ones he would want printed) and as I was pulling them up on the computer he just kept saying, "Uhhh what is happening? We're doing presents this year?! What are you showing me? What's happening!" Once I explained and he looked through them, he said this was his favorite gift ever!!!"

Yessss...

Every day clothes, glamorous gowns, sassy shorts, etc... are all welcome. This is a lingerie free shoot. Contours and curves will be covered, but definitely not ignored! Every shape and size is a good fit for this session.

For months, I have been learning new methods for posing & lighting women's bodies and faces in the most flattering ways. And I am so excited to use these new skills for our Proudoir™ sessions.  As usual, I will not be Photoshopping you into an unrealistic version of yourself. I will simply pull out your EXISTING beauty.

Proudoir™ sessions can take place in your home, a cabin, at Maggpie Rentals, or a bed and breakfast even! 

Prices vary according to location and props that are needed for each session. 

Hair stylists and make up artists are available upon request.  Additional fees apply.

Proudoir™ Parties are also available!

Our first day of "Cozy Cabin" Proudoir™ sessions will be on Friday, March 6th, at Spring Hills Farm, in Dalton, Pa.  *Sitting fee: $300

Our first day of "Maggpie Rentals" Proudoir™ sessions will be on Wednesday, April 15th, at Maggpie Rentals, in Philadelphia, Pa. *Sitting fee: $350

*Prints and digital images sold separately.

Call 717-689-3277 or email kimwineyphotography@gmail.com for more information or to reserve your Proudoir™ session!  Spaces are limited!

Sweet and Sassy Sammy. :)

Red Heads and Rain Boots

May 17th. Why THIS Bootcamp is the Bootcamp for you. {moms & dads}

There is a universal sadness that I hear repeated by parent after parent.

It is a lament about the unstoppable passage of time.

It takes our babies and then in the blink of an eye, a sweet and sassy toddler appears in his place.

*Blink* again- we now have a precocious preschooler.

And try as we might, to hold back our blinks and the subsequent passage of time, the years fly by and our babies grow up.  {Mine included. sniff sniff}

Sadly, I have yet to learn the skill of stopping time.  But I HAVE learned how to preserve the meaningful moments in our lives.  And on Saturday, May 17th, I would like to share this skill set with you.

During session one {9:00am-12:30pm, investment- $300} you will learn how to use your camera in manual mode.  Translation: No more blurry photos, dark photos, or missed moments.  You will have the tools to control your camera and produce more consistent, properly exposed photos.

During session two {1:30-4:30pm, investment- $300}  "real life. your life." will be explained in detail.  My goal is to help you master photographic story telling, to capture the moments of your rapidly growing children and family.

Please don't let another year of "I wish I knew how to take better pictures of my family" pass. You can't go back in time and re-do the photos of your life.  Learn these skills now and preserve your memories forever. 

To secure your seat at this important {and possibly emotional} Bootcamp, please email kimwineyphotography@gmail.com, or call 717-689-3277 {office hours are most Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays}.  A $150 deposit is required to reserve your seat.  The remaining balance may be paid at the Bootcamp.

Location: Dalton, Pa  As always, yummies will be provided.  :)


**Referral discount**  Refer a friend who attends and a $50 "Thank you!" discount will be given to you!



*PS Please excuse the sepia photos.  They were black and white, until Blogger got a hold of them and decided that sepia was better.