Eeek! Boudoir!

 I'm super excited to announce that I separated the boudoir side of my business from Angie Hollenbeck Photography and created The Sultry Collections by Angie Hollenbeck Photography. The website and facebook page are up and running but are still a work in progress!

Also, there are very few people who feel comfortable enough to allow me to use their stellar shots in my portfolio so I will be offering a handful of FREE boudoir sessions in exchange for portfolio use! If you or anyone you know anyone is in the Lacey/Olympia area and is willing to be a model, contact me for details!

My AHP website has a direct link to The Sultry Collection's website and you can also find it by clicking HERE.

Please share my Facebook page (HERE) and spread the word! There is nothing like empowering your body and feeling sexy!

There will also be no more postings concerning the boudoir side of business on this page as it will have it's own blog shortly! Thank you so much for your support!

Wow You Must Have A GREAT Camera!

Speaking on behalf of photographers everywhere, I felt like this had to be said. Now please make sure to not take this personally, because I know so many people have said this to fellow photographers as well as myself... but saying that your photographs are great because we have a nice camera drives us a bit crazy! 

Basically, saying that a photographer takes beautiful photographs because of their expensive camera is like saying a chef makes delicious meals because he has a fantastic oven.

Photo Credit: http://www.thephoblographer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/d7000_18_105_top_l.jpg

 Now, while it is true that our great big expensive cameras help us a great deal, there is oh so much more that goes into it! You know that little "M" on the dial on the SLR...that stands for "manual". Using manual mode is (in itself) really a lot of work. It takes us months, sometimes years, to perfect it...and I know that I am still trying to do just that. 

Also, every time we hold that expensive camera in our hands, we have to take the time to critique the lighting. The angle, the exposure, the highlights, the shadows, the reflections (and whether or not to use and where to place reflectors) and then adjust those manual settings accordingly. We then have to take into account the position of the subject, the placement of every single aspect of that subject, how the lighting is hitting that subject, what is going on behind (and in front) of that subject, and create a focal point before we can even press the shutter button. 

Also that reminds me of another misunderstood photographic concept. When you receive photos that have a very blurred background, that is referred to as bokeh and it is something that is indeed very calculated. In fact, it is hard to create that perfect bokeh and when we do we get pretty excited! So if you want shots that are of nature, take a snapshot...portraits are focused in on you :)

After we take that shot it isn't over. We come home or to our office and eagerly load the photos onto our computer and start one of the longest processes...editing. We adjust the warmth, the brightness, the shadows, smooth things, enhance other things, and so on until we achieve that beautiful final product.

I had to draw a bit of light on this "touchy" subject...all I ask is before anyone takes for granted how the camera "magically" creates your beautiful portraits, take the time to realize all that goes into it. I pour my heart and soul into creating photos that are beautiful enough to hang on your wall, not just click a button...and I love every minute of it.

I wish I could give the creator credit of this one, it has been circulating on Facebook for sometime and I found it appropriate for this blog :)

Feature Friday, Featuring Amy Evans Photography

This week I am featuring Amy Evans Photography, based out of Chico California! Amy specializes in on-location child and family portraiture. I snooped around on her website and found some truly fabulous photos! Her love for kids is evident in each and every child portrait.

When asking Amy to tell me a bit about her business, this is how she replied:

"I love capturing the relationships of families and creating works of art for them to keep forever. Children fascinate me with their own unique personalities. I feel like I could follow a little child around and take photos of what they love to do all day. I especially love working with tweens, it's a neat age where they change so quickly from childhood to adolescence. I have an interest in photographing children and adults with disabilities. It's something I hope to work with more in the coming years. I strive to keep my images fresh and neat, and love to provide my clients with exceptional quality and service." 

I think that wraps it up wonderfully! If you or someone you know is in the Chico, CA area please contact Amy to schedule your session!

www.amyevansphotography.com 

 info@amyevansphotography.com 

(530) 592-0626

 https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Amy-Evans-Photography/343723739006

Feature Friday, Featuring Katrina Genevieve Photography

This week I am featuring another great photographer, Katrina Genevieve Photography located in Lancaster, Ohio. Katrina specializes in natural light photography. I (of course) took some time to check out her work...she has a very soft and natural feel to her photos as well as a unique perspective! I love the photos featuring horses...it is on my to-do list to get a shoot like that done soon! Make sure to check her out and give her some love. Also, if you are in the Lancaster, Ohio-  look her up! All contact information is listed below!

katrina@katrinagenevievephotography.com

http://www.katrinagenevievephotography.com/

https://www.facebook.com/KatrinaGenevievePhotography

http://katrinagenevievephotography.blogspot.com/

The {Ryan} Family Sneak Peek

This week I had the opportunity to photograph an adorable family! Dad is gearing up for a deployment so they wanted to get a few good family shots before-hand. Little Sam was an absolute blast... smiling and squealing... and as you can tell by the photos, quite handsome!

 You can't tell by the photo's that it was a typical chilly and rainy Washington day,but they toughed it out and I had a ton of fun taking these shots! These are just a few of my favorites.

Feature Friday, Featuring Vibrant Image Photography

This week I am very excited to share a fabulous photographer and graphic designer, Sarah, owner of Vibrant Image Photography and Vibrant Image Graphic Design, located in New Jersey. Vibrant Image Photography specializes in wedding and boudoir photography. Please go to her website and blog to check out her work! 

 

Her graphic design work is fabulous as well, so if you are considering any new branding please be sure to consider Vibrant Image Graphic Design! They offer a complete branding package for just $100 which includes a custom logo. Anyone who contacts them and mentions this blog will receive $20 off! They offer payment plans and this amazing offer expires 60 days from today (March 16th 2012).

 

Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/VibrantImage

Website: www.VibrantImagePhotography.com 

Blog: http://vibrantimagephotography.wordpress.com/

Gloom & Doom

Gloom and doom. Rain and clouds. Will it EVER end? Please tell me that I am not the only one feeling this way. I typically try look at life with my glass half full...but the last few months have me  facing a half-empty mentality.  

I realize I just have a bad case of spring fever. Moving from the Southeast part of the United States to the Northwest will do that to you! Endless days of rain, occasionally mixed with snow is starting to drive me a bit crazy! I have been reassured (over and over) that it DOES get better. I'm doing my best to be patient...I really am. Now it wouldn't be so bad if I could "get out in it" like the locals recommend. However, having a baby makes that next to impossible.

The other "issue" is how much this affects the success of my business. Being an on-location, natural light photographer, a majority of my work is done outdoors. I am thinking I may have to re-think my strategy there! I know its possible to get plenty of work with natural light indoors, but in my home that is NOT the case. I seem to have the worst indoor lighting, ever. One of my favorite photographers (Photography by Megan, based out of Northwest Minnesota) does on location photography as well...but sometimes utilizes whatever light is available in her client's home and takes absolutely gorgeous photographs. I am thinking I may have to use her as an inspiration! This week I did take the time to purchase a camera sleeve, so if any clients are willing to brave the elements, so am I.

This blog is for no other purpose than to possibly bring a bit of color and inspiration to the dreary days we are enduring here in the lovely state of Washington. The above photo is of my beautiful daughter, taken on what seems like the only truly pleasant day we have had since moving here in October. I had debated on removing my husband from the photo but it sort of tells a story (he has her back) so I found it appropriate to leave him there. I find myself almost craving sunshine when I see that photo!

I also thought I would include "How To Feel Miserable As an Artist"...it gave me a bit of direction and inspiration. I am definitely guilty of doing a few of these on occasion and it truly does make you miserable. I plan to use this as a guide of what not to do. Here is to hoping for a bit less gloom and doom, and a bit more sunshine and warmth and the arrival of Spring! I hope March is treating you kindly....

xoxo Angie

Credit: By Keri Smith http://instagr.am/p/IM3EbFHgeX/