Finally, the Professional Photographers of America's print competition is over. Every year I choose 4 images from sessions during the last year for competition images. I usually narrow
the choices down to about 10 until the very last minute where I pick 4. Choosing these images is harder than you might think. Just like every mother thinks her children are the most beautiful children on earth (as they should), I adore my clients and portraits and want to compete with them all. Some of the images that I choose are because they are unique in some form or another. This might be a new background, furniture, flowers or a spectacular pose or attitude on the subject. I know many photographers compete with images that are not their studio work but photographs of majestic landscapes or travels; however, I love to choose my everyday work. I know each and every session is a possible competition image for me.
What does competition mean to you the clients? Well, It means that you can count on Wancket Studios maintaining the highest possible quality as well as artistic content.
What does competition mean to me? Personally, I love the challenge of creating new and inspiring images for my clients that will also be judged by my peers. Many industries reward the top or best in their field. Photography is the same. Continuing to compete and win the awards and merits for my work, earns the respect of my fellow photographers as they earn mine. That is gratifying and continues to encourage me to grow.
Just a note for my customers that love our furniture we use in many of my portraits. I always hear, "where did you find that?" I know...I am a shopaholic. It is fashionable though, there is even a movie about it. Anyhow, back on subject, Honquest Furniture for Living, my favorite furniture store is in the final week of their "Dutch Auction". What that means is that this is the week that there are many pieces of furniture and accessories that are 70% off. It is overwhelming the amount of items that are marked down. I am debating between a few new chairs for the studio. I only wish that Wancket Studios and Honquest Fine Furniture could be located right next door so I could "test out" all the beautiful chairs.
Check your newspapers today! One of our long time clients is in the Kohl’s Catalog. The flyer was in my paper today and Katie is on page 11 twice. We have been photographing her family since she was a baby. The family lives in Michigan and still comes back every couple years for new portraits. This is a portrait of Katie from 2 years ago. As you can see, she has a long modeling career ahead of her!
Just thought you would like to know...
Audrey
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)
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.
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.
