Myths of Senior Photography
Technically Speaking
I sit at my computer trying to decide which subject to blog upon when all at once my cell phone vibrates with an incoming call, the computer dings at me with more e-mails and an instant chat invitation pops up. It is amazing that I get anything done at all these days. Don’t get me wrong, I love the ability to stay in contact with my children even if it is a text, however I worry that we are all losing the ability to have a real conversation. Anyone else text their kids to tell them dinner is ready?
So where am I going with this? I can’t remember with all the technical distractions. Oh yes, I feel it is important to embrace all the ways technology has changed corresponding with others at the same time as sticking with my belief that real conversations in person or on the phone is how I plan portrait sessions.
When it comes to what I love about e-mail...I love having snapshots sent to me with your clothing choices. I love the snapshots of your walls which helps me plan your portrait style and frames. I really love it when you send a note just to say hi and how much you love your “Wancket” Portrait.
Audrey
P.S. Its time to call and schedule wildflower garden portraits! (on the phone)
The Purple Garden
Finally! It is that time of year when The Hills at Wancket Studios bloom all in Purple. The flowers are just starting to open which means about one to two weeks for the full beauty of the hills. This lasts for about one week...yes thats it! June is the official start of our Garden portraits that show all the colors, however if you love purple like I do, call now!
Our "Limited Edition" Wildflower Garden portraits have drawn clients from all over the country. FYI-the garden is about two acres in size and of course looks different each year. Even though the garden is "wildflowers", it takes a lot of care and tending to maintain the beauty. Tony Wancket of Wancket Studios has already been hard at work to make sure we have another successful year in the garden.
Hope to see you there!
Audrey
Serious Art-500 years of Female Portraits
I have always been inspired by the Old Master Painters with The Classic Beauty and Elegance that was portrayed in Art through the Centuries. Time has shown that the Art that continues to grace the walls of museums and collectors has depth to the image which goes beyond the surface of the medium. Expressions are serious, sometimes sad, thoughtful and always captivating to the viewer. This YouTube video was so inspiring to me. It goes beyond a simple likeness and captures the soul of these women.
Notice that these women are beyond beautiful. Would any of these portraits have the same impact if there was a big smile on their faces?
Over the years, I occasionally am asked why I choose a more serious expression as my favorite image from each session. Personally, I am moved by the emotion I feel when I see my subject this way. When my portraits captivate the viewer and command more than a brief glance, I am achieving my goal.
Audrey
A Benefit for Sara
There are times in my life that I am reminded about what is important and real in our lives. Recently I was fortunate to photograph Sara Schuster. I heard about Sara from a Chamber of Commerce fundraiser notice. When I read about her diagnosis with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Larynx in March 2008 and the following year of surgeries, procedures, and radiation therapy, I of course wanted to help. We have donated a portrait and session to be included in the raffle at the event. That is the easy part.
I asked Sara to sit for a portrait session and I have to say it was one of the most amazing sessions. She is only 25 years old and has endured more than anyone should have to, and yet she is the most positive and sincere person. Oh and did I mention how breathtakingly beautiful she is? See for yourself. This portrait with the sunflowers is a symbolic image for her. On Saturday I will present her with another portrait that she has not seen yet. It of course, is a "Wancket Formal" styled image...
Please join my family on Saturday at the Shores of Turtle Creek in Spring Grove to help raise money for Sara's expenses. (tickets are $10)
Here is the link to her information. Sara's Benefit. Hope to see you there!
Audrey
Snowed In
Unbelievable! So much for spring...
I think that we have a new name for the town that I live in, that is according to the weather forecasters. Our town is called "farther north of the city".
For example if the forecast calls for 1-3 inches across Illinois they end the comment with "of course 6-8 inches farther north of the city". It always seems that the line, and it could be just one cloud that packs the punch, is located directly over my little town.
Of course did I mention that it is truly beautiful up here in "Farther North of the City"?
Audrey
Camille, Senior Model for 2009
I love this time of year-spring is beginning...and we are busy with our junior class models. These model sessions give me the opportunity to work on new ideas for the upcoming Senior Class so that the images we create are unique and fresh. We are still looking for a few juniors from area schools to finish off the model sessions. If you know someone from the class of 2010 with the right "attitude" send them our way!
Audrey
