Family Reunions and "Saturday's Selections!"

Family Reunions and "Saturday's Selections!"

Good morning!

Today, we are having another family reunion. (Woohoo!) This time, it's with my dad's (step-dad, Jack's) side of the family. We even have some of our favorite Texans with us!

One of my favorite things about reunions is watching the different generations and seeing the similarities among them. The laughs (aka snorts), the body language, the story telling manners... Even though they weren't all raised together, there are family traits that are STRONG among them and there is no denying who is related!

...


Saturday's Selections!

Editing styles change throughout the years.

Sometimes they change with the trends. And sometimes they change simply because I get bored with a look that I've used for a while.

On the left~ my former favorite b&w edit- sort of an old newspaper-like look.
On the right~ my newer b&w edit of choice- more clean and contrasty.

I still like both!

Which do you prefer?

"Saturday's Selections!"

Given how our weekends are usually spent traveling, I'm not sure how often I can run this concept, but let's give it a whirl anyway!

"Saturday's Selections"

I'd love to hear from you! Select your favorite option.

Today's topic- Edits!

Which edit do you prefer? 1, 2, 3, or 4?

Bonus pretend points are awarded to those who explain why they prefer their selection. ;)
 
*Thank you Danielle, from Lemon Daisy Boutique for the precious dress and bloomers!

*And thank you Miss N for being so gorgeous and cooperative!

Now to cement your decision- check out the second photo.  Is your answer the same?

A Lancaster County "Manual Settings-Super Simplified" Bootcamp! Wednesday, June 22nd

Our "le potager" area, where we will practice our new skills, weather permitting!

Yes!  Finally!  A Kim Winey Photography camera class in Lancaster County!

Manual Settings-Super Simplified is a non-intimidating time of learning how to adjust your camera's settings to create consistent, properly exposed photos.  Visual aids & inspiring images will be used to explain the three parts of the exposure triangle ~ ISO, aperture and shutter speed.
To give everyone even more options, this year, I have broken my "Manual Settings Simplified" class into two segments.  I highly, highly recommend that you opt for both sessions, but if shortness of time or shortness of funds is a factor, you now have the option of fast-tracking and attending session 1 only if that suits you.


Session 1 ~ $150  {6:00pm - 7:30pm}

Manual Settings - Super Simplified!

Join me for a non-intimidating time of learning how to adjust your camera's settings to create consistent, properly exposed photos.  Visual aids & inspiring images will be used to explain the three parts of the exposure triangle ~ ISO, aperture and shutter speed. 

During session 1 a small amount of time will be given to change the settings on your own camera & observe the results of those changes.  If time permits we will also have Q & A at the end of session 1.



Session 2  ~ $150 {7:30pm-9:00pm}

Manual Settings - Super Simplified Part 2!

Now that the basics of the exposure triangle have been covered we will touch on a few more important camera details, then time permitting, jump right into additional hands-on practice time to more fully explore and understand how shooting in manual mode works.


Sessions 1 & 2 combined in one day ~ $250  *A $50 savings*  {6:00pm-9:00pm}


To secure your seat and sign up for our next Bootcamp please email kimwineyphotography@gmail.com or call 717-689-3277.  *Paypal is available on the right side of this blog and is ready to receive your Bootcamp payment.

All Bootcamp students will also be added to our private Facebook group where additional support and information is given throughout the year.

And new in 2016- all former Manual Settings Simplified students are welcome to join the class again, in a "silent seat".  This option is complimentary and is available for any former students who would like a refresher course.  Please email Kim to reserve your seat, as spaces are limited.


.....


General Bootcamp Q & A~


Q: Should I bring a camera and if so, what kind?

A: Yes, please bring your digital camera!  Part of getting a good grasp on Manual Settings is learning where the dials and buttons are on YOUR particular camera.  You can bring a point and shoot or a DSLR, so long as there is a Manual Mode option.  It will appear as an "M", on your mode dial.  If you are unsure about your particular camera, please feel free to give me a call and we'll figure it out, together!  {717-689-3277}




Q: How should I prepare my camera?

A: You should have your battery fully charged, with a back up on hand, if possible.  Please bring a memory card or two, with LOTS of space to take pictures.  *If you can empty your card before the class, that would be fabulous!  Also, mental preparedness is key to any new adventure.  Please take a moment to warn your auto-setting that you will no longer be needing its services.




Q: Do I need to bring anything else?

A: Yes.  Please bring your camera's manual. You know... the little book that came with your camera, that you glanced at, got overwhelmed with and so now you're taking my class to decipher it.  Yes... that's the one.  For bonus points, mark the sections that explain how to change your ISO, aperture & shutter speed.  This may save us a lot of time, in class.  If, like me, you threw out your English version and only retained the Spanish copy, you can a) download the info from the internet or b) don't worry about it and we'll figure it out, in class. 




Q: What should I wear and are boots required?

A: Dress comfortably!  I myself, will be wearing my work clothes.  No, not my striped, pink PJ's, though that is tempting...  jeans and a nice top.  Boots are recommended in some locations, however they are not necessary in the Lancaster County spot.



Q: Will there be drinks or snacks at the Bootcamp?

A: I can't really go more than 2 hours without food, so yes.  For sure.  Yes.  Hot coffee & tea, a cold beverage, and chocolate will all be provided, at the very least.   :)



Additional questions may be left in the comments, below!

Looking forward to another great year of knowledge sharing and growth for our photo-loving community!


Warmly,

Kim Winey aka Miss Kimmi

The Louis Koch 5k Memorial Run for Suicide Awareness

"A semicolon is used when an author could’ve ended a sentence but chose not to.
You are the author and the sentence is your life." ~ Project Semicolon

......
And so it was, as it is with all of us – Louis Koch was the earthly author of his story.
His narrative was one filled with both great love and difficult hardships from an early age. But his Lord, his heavenly Author, gave him strong supporting characters to help him on his journey, and Louis' story unfolded with more experiences and achievements than the average teen protagonist.
A deep faith in his Savior led him to enjoy serving and participating in Velocity Student Ministry at Parker Hill Church in Dickson City, Pa. He was also an avid outdoorsman, serving on the board of the Lackawanna Valley Trout Unlimited Teens and as a Pennsylvania State Representative in the Trout Unlimited Teen Summit National Leadership Conference in Wisconsin. Additionally, Louis was awarded first place in the PJAS (Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science) competition in 2015.
Always one to exceed in academics, Louis was a distinguished honor roll student at Holy Cross High School entering his junior year. He was a member of the Fictional Fanatics Club and won the Young Writers Award in the short story category in 2013. After receiving an academic scholarship, Louis was accepted into the IHM (Immaculate Heart of Mary) Honors Program, which allowed dual enrollment at Holy Cross and Marywood University. While in high school he also participated in choir, archery, yearbook, and student government. Perhaps most enjoyable to Louis was his longtime hobby of creating flavorful cups of coffee and espresso for his friends and family.
At age 16, Louis's life was at a new peak. Reading from the outside, it seemed to be the writings of an epic tale of success.
But for reasons that are still a mystery, Louis chose not to continue his story with a semicolon, and instead ended his narrative, his life, with heartbreaking question marks.

Louis Angel Koch, April 22, 1999–July 26, 2015

......

Please join us on July 23rd, 2016, for The Louis Koch 5k Memorial Run for Suicide Awareness, where we will remember Louis and bring suicidal awareness and support to our community.
Location:
LHVA Trail, Olive Street Trailhead, Scranton, PA 18508
Time:
Day of Registration/Packet Pickup: 7:00am - 8:15am
Info:
5k Run 8:30AM EDT $20 Price increases June 30, 2016 at 11:59pm EDT
5k Walk 8:30AM EDT $20 Price increases June 30, 2016 at 11:59pm EDT
The race will raise funds for a memorial scholarship that will be given for underprivileged youth to attend the Keystone/Trout Unlimited Teens Conservation Camp held annually at Keystone College in La Plume, PA. Portions of the funds will also be given to the Louis A. Koch Annual Memorial Scholarship at Holy Cross High School in Dunmore, PA
For more information and to sign up for the Memorial Run visit:https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Scranton/LouisKoch5KMemorialRunforSuicideAwareness

Limited Edition Styled Sessions Q & A

Limited Edition Styled Sessions have become a mainstay here at Kim Winey Photography.  They feed my creative soul and I can't imagine NOT offering them to my clients, now!

Because they are such a unique experience I often receive questions about how they work.  Here you can find some Q & A's explaining the process.  Please leave comments below, if you have more!

Q. What is a Limited Edition Styled Session?

A. Limited Edition Styled Sessions are photo shoots with a strong theme that feel like a page out of a storybook.  

All of the clothing, props, scene, hair styles, etc... are meticulously coordinated to produce an artistic interpretation of that theme.  The children who enter into the scene take on the role of a character within that story.

For example, in "la boutique de jardin", the story is of a quaint, French garden shoppe.  The character is the young woman who owns the shop, - a charming, little lady who is a lover of plants, flowers and vintage finds.

"la boutique de jardin"

Each scene is custom-made for each styled session.

Everything in the scene is real.  There is no photoshopping done to add elements to the photos.

I design the scene and then with the help of my husband, Fred, and often interns or other small business collaborators- we build it, piece by piece.  Once the photo sessions are finished, everything is torn down and with the exception of "le potager" the scene will likely never exist again.  This ensures that every styled session is unique and truly one-of-a-kind!

"Vintage Christmas Eve"

Q. Do you provide the props and clothing for Styled Sessions?

A. The props, yes!  The clothing, some!  I have a few articles of clothing and accessories in my "prop and clothing closest" that clients are welcome to use at no extra cost.  However, clients also bring their own clothes and we combine them with my items to complete the looks!

"The Fine Art Spring Tea"

Q. If I need to purchase clothing, how do I know what type of clothing to pick?

A. I have Pinterest boards for all of my styled shoots.  On the boards, you will find both inspiration photos for the session as well as photos of clothing suggestions.  I often have links to the shops where you can purchase the clothing as well!

I also ask to view all of the options you're considering, before you purchase to make sure we stay on the same creative page.

"Vintage Christmas Eve"

Q. Can I request a theme for my child's Limited Edition Styled Session?

A. Yes, suggestions are always welcome!  However, due to the large amount of work and financial investment involved in styled sessions, I need to create sessions that are open to several families.  I also need to make sure that the concept is able to be created in a way that is lush and well put together.  Having a personal connection to the theme is important to me as well, I've discovered.  The more I feel moved by the theme, the better the session is!

If you would like a custom made Limited Edition Styled Session for your family only, that can be arranged.  Prices for a custom-designed session vary depending on the cost of the props, rental of the property, as well as the time invested in preparation and set up.

Inspired by "My Many Colored Days" 

Q. How long do the sessions usually last?

A. Typically we schedule one hour for our shoot, plus extra time to prepare hair, clothing, and accessories.  *Additional time can be booked for families of three or more.

"Bohemian Family Fun-fest"

Q. How many photos will be taken during a styled session?

A. The quantity of photos varies depending on the session and the collection you choose.

"Just Gingers"

Q. What will my child be doing during the session?

A. My goal is always to capture realistic photos of kids, vs posed/looking at the camera types of shots.  In order to accomplish this, I always have activities planned for the session.  The activities vary depending on the theme of the session.

For example- in "The Potter's Farm Garden & Harvest" session, the kids were able to dig through the dirt and harvest potatoes!

"Potter's Farm Garden & Harvest"

Generally speaking, we spend only a few minutes at each activity to keep the session interesting.

I often include a drink or a snack with the styled sessions, as well!  I'm a foodie...  I just can't help myself.

"la boutique de jardin"

Q. What ages work best for styled sessions?

A. Since the sessions involve instructions and activities the best ages are usually from 3 and up. Younger children sometimes join the fun as well, but parents understand in advance that they will most likely do what they want, vs taking instructions.  ;-)

"Seasons Greetings"

Q. How do I know what styled sessions you are planning?

A. Styled sessions are announced on Facebook.  Follow along on FB for further details or give me a call for advanced notifications!  717-689-4433.

"le potager" (the kitchen garden)

Q. What happens if it rains on our session date?

A. If the session is outdoors, we reschedule.  If it's indoors, the show goes on!

Q. Do you take new clients for your styled sessions?

A. Yes!  Advanced notice is given to my private "Best of the best VIP" group, but after that, anyone can join!

"Camp Christmas"

Q. Where do your styled sessions take place?

A. Styled sessions have taken place in Philadelphia and Northeastern PA, but most are now in Lancaster County, PA.

"Up in the Attic ~ Dress up time"

Q. Do you ever create styled shoots with only a few props.

A. Sometimes, but not often.  My goal is to create scenes that look so full and rich that people assume everything was already there.  As if we simply showed up and used the space for our photos.

There are a few exceptions though, one being "The Steamtown Train Station" sessions. Steamtown is a tourist stop, in Scranton, Pa.  The location already has several fabulous backdrops, so a suitcase and a teddy bear are typically all we need to take along, to bring the scenes to life!  Because of this, I can book sessions at Steamtown almost year round.  Easy peasy!

"Steamtown Train Station"

Q.  What are the costs of your Styled Sessions?

A.  Styled sessions typically cost between $1,000 and $2,200, though this can vary greatly depending on what is chosen by the client.

Retainers (formerly called sitting fees) start at $250.  Additional fees apply for multiple children & adults.

Christmas Styled Sessions start at $500.

"Oh Christmas Tea"

I hope this answers all of your questions about Limited Edition Styled Sessions, but if you've got a few more, leave us a comment below!

"le potager" ~ The transformation begins

It's styled-shoot planning time and I am sooo excited about one theme in particular.

"le potager" ~ The Kitchen Garden

Over the next few months, my interns and I will be turning our raised beds and yarden nook into an ornamental and edible garden area, inspired by French gardens of yesteryear.

Since this will be a rather dramatic and lengthy time of preparation, I'll be sharing the behind the scenes transformation of this space as it progresses.

As with all of my styled shoots, the planning begins in my head, and on Pinterest.

Follow along here, to see the inspiration pins that are making me reeeally long for the yardening season to arrive!

https://www.pinterest.com/kimwineyphoto/le-potager-~-the-kitchen-garden-a-kwp-yardenstyled/

The four raised beds will be one of our focal points.

Edible flowers, ornamental veggies, and herbs will be arranged in an attractive manner to make this a functional, but beautiful yarden space.

I'm praying for the strength and materials to finally take out this ugly path. What a difference that will make!

New door? New siding? Or just some creative painting? hmmm...

Our rescued arch needs some attention again.

The start of our hugelkultur bed.

I'm not quite sure where we'll move it to, since I need this frame for le potager... think. think.

http://www.richsoil.com/hugelkultur/

 

The nook.

One man's dark corner is another woman's prized location.

Leftovers from last fall and "la boutique de jardin"... the inspiration for "la potager".

Oh my heart.

And then the question becomes-

Do my clients trust me enough to believe that this sad space will soon become a one-of-a-kind, photo-worthy place of beauty??

Kinda makes me want to give a bonus to those who book their sessions BEFORE they see it all transform. Like a "believer's bonus".  ;-)

Too book a spring, summer or early fall "le potager" session call 717-689-3277 or email kimwineyphotography@gmail.com.

February Bootcamps and learning opportunities!

Bootcamps & learning opportunities are in full swing!

This Sunday, February 14th, we are having out first "Class-y Party ~ Capturing the Camera Lover".

This is a combination of both a class and a party.  See what we did there?  ;)

For our class time, my hubby and I have 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

You can read more about this event here. 


On Saturday, February  20th, our "Manual Settings-Super Simplified" is taking place again.  


This is a non-intimidating time of learning how to adjust your camera's settings to create consistent, properly exposed photos.  Visual aids & inspiring images will be used to explain the three parts of the exposure triangle ~ ISO, aperture and shutter speed. 

Information about "MSSS" can be found here.

*All silent seats are filled for this class.  

To round out this month of love we are having a "Taking it to the Next Level" Bootcamp, on February 27th.


During this class you will discover unique ways to create photos filled with physical and emotional depth; story telling photography; how to "read" available light; analyze photos; and more.

Taking it to the next level is perfect for anyone looking to add some "wow!" to their images. Knowing how to shoot in manual mode is beneficial (really beneficial), but not necessary. 

Date: Saturday, February 27th

Time: 9:00am - 1:30pm 

Location: Dalton, Pa

Investment: $450


*Silent Seats are once again available for the "Taking it to the Next Level" Bootcamp. This option is complimentary and is available for any former "Taking it to the Next Level" students who would like a refresher course.  Please email Kim to reserve your seat, as spaces are limited.

Call 717-689-3277 or email kimwineyphotography@gmail.com to reserve your seat to these upcoming classes!