Little update!
Thought I’d just post a little update of what’s going on with me!
- Weddings are pouring in! If you’re looking to lock down a date with me for 2010, do it soon!
- I’ve ordered Pocket Wizard flash triggers after a frustrating year with the Cactus (aka Poverty Wizard) triggers, so I’ll be in my glory come Wednesday!
- I’ve got some band shoots coming up, next up is a local band called She Rides. Check em out!
- A photographer friend and I are setting up a little “model party” at my place where we’ll be setting up a few different “sets” and having at least a half dozen models/friends/etc dropping by to pose! Stay tuned for lots of photos from that!
- My printed 2009 Wedding Portfolio book should be arriving in about 10 days from blurb.com. You can check it out here!
- I also have a few kiddo sessions coming up, I’ll be photographing baby Max’s 1st birthday and have another session coming with Finn and his cute self. I’ve also got my first session with a little dude named Gavin soon that should be a blast, he’s one cool kid.
- Did you know I offer gift certificates? I’ll be adding that info to my website (hopefully with a handy way to order them!) soon! I’ll also be donating 3 of them to a fundraiser raffle to help open a children’s museum here in Fall River. The fundraiser is being held at the Texas Roadhouse in Dartmouth, MA Tuesday, April 6 from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm, I will be there with my camera! If you’re on facebook, head here for more info or just contact me!
- In other erase-bad-karma efforts, you may have noticed the new button on the sidebar. I’ve been accepted to participate in the Littlest Heroes Project, which provides free portrait photography to families with children who live with serious illness or life-altering disabilities. It’s a wonderful project and I’m proud to join their cause. If you know anyone who may be interested in this program, head over to http://www.littlestheroesproject.org/ or contact me for info!
- I have taken over the Hideout Magazine section at The Hideout photography forum, so I’ll be writing lots of tutorials this year! These will be available on the new Hideout blog when it’s launched and of course on the forum. The Hideout is a wonderful forum, full of tips and freebies and wonderful photographers (no egos here!) so if you’ve never been, check it out!
Long time, no blog!
I’ve been slacking on blog updates lately! Between wedding inquiries, bride meetings, email piles and my surprise! abdominal surgery, I am just now catching up from my recovery time. I have also been shooting! I’ve lost all use of my Cactus V4 triggers. They both died within a few months of getting them (the 2nd one died a few WEEKS after I got them) so am just miserable over losing my wireless flash ability.
HOWEVER, I’m going to suck it up and buy a couple Pocket Wizards this month, whether I can afford them or not…because I am just dying with being tethered to a flash.
As for 2010 weddings I’ve got about 15 inquiries pending and a few confirmed dates already. I get inquiries every week so I’m hoping to have lots of work this year! This is my 2nd year and I feel really confident about my ability to improve this year and really push myself. Thanks to all the couples who are trusting me with such an important job!
Now, onto some photos! Here’s a sample of my last few projects.
Last night my friend and photographic muse Hope stopped by with the lovely Adrienne on their way to a club to see their friend spin. We had an awesome hour long session just goofing around. I spent a couple of hours figuring out how to set up high-key (white backdrop, bright) lighting with one slaved flash and one attached to a sync cord. I manged it with the assistance of flags and reflectors and some stretching of muscles I probably shouldn’t have stretch. Anything for the photos, right?
And a few nights ago I did a last-minute session with some friends for their new band, Sauriel. We didn’t have a lot to work with (again, this no wireless flash this is obnoxious) but we got some good shots to start with and will be shooting again after I get my PWs.
I also shot some self portraits just screwing around and finally got some I like so I could update my website photo and whatnot. One light, shoot through umbrella camera right, black side of a zip disc for backdrop.
Alright, I’ve got to get back to editing! Thanks for reading!
A new year, a new chapter and a new project 365.
You may have noticed I’ve been a bit absent lately. My last semester at school pretty much crushed my love of photography for a few months, but I’m happy to report that all it took was one semester-long leave of absence to bring me right back. My break from school was a hard decision, but considering that my marriage have dissolved and I will need to focus fully on supporting myself and kids alone for the first time…I think it was the best decision. Things are changing for me, but I’m not afraid of change.
I’ve found the best way (for me, anyway) to keep moving forward is to start new projects and set new goals. Among these for 2010 is a new Project 365 project. I’ve failed this not once, but twice now! This year I have the added motivation of knowing what a life-changing year this will be for me, so the end product of 365 photos seems so much more important now. If you’ve never heard of Project 365, check out this Photojojo article and see what all the hype is about.
Another cool thing I’ve started is I signed up for Photojojo’s Time Capsule, which is a 2x/month email that shows photos from your flickr from that time last year. I’ve read a lot of articles mentioning reviewing old work from time to time to improve your photography, and this is a nice lazylady way about it!
So to celebrate 2010, I’ve decided to back in time and pull some of my favorite photos from 2009 together and slideshow them here. They’re in order from Jan 09 to Dec 09. Enjoy and I hope you have a wonderful, healthy and fulfilling 2010.
(there is a middle finger in one pic for those watching at home with small children.)
Aiden in the leaves!
Everyone always tells me “oh, you must have so many great photos of your kids!” You would think that, but lately I have been slacking off! Between wrapping up 2009’s weddings, family shoots, school and working for the college paper…I never have any time!
SO, after a family shoot at the local park, I took 15 minutes to grab some photos of my son storming through the leaves. He hasn’t been to the park lately (again, slacker mom) and he was wearing his very serious seriousface.
Grant me this moment of annoying LOOKATMYKIDS parent bragging, will you? 
And because it was Halloween, here is Aiden in his Link (from Zelda) costume!
Unfortunately, I didn’t get any of Zoe in her costume since she went to her dad’s house and didn’t even wear the costume home! I’m forcing her to re-dress up later…woe is the child of a photographer.
A year gone by.
I got my first DSLR on June 30th, 2008. I took this picture with it at the restaurant we went to after I picked it up.
2 weeks later something else life-changing happened…it was even better than getting my first DSLR, on July 15th, 2008…I had this little guy:
Which brings us to today: Aiden’s 1st birthday!
Thanks for being keeping mommy supplied with a perfect subject through that first year of learning.
Links & a New Layout!
Time to unload the links again! But first, you may notice the site looks a little different. I needed a change. I’m planning to do some more things to it so if you surf over here to find a steaming pile of broken code, chances are I broke something and am busy nagging Adam to help me fix it.
Now for the links!
- The Pioneer Woman shows you how to slim someone down digitally…I dislike this idea being a big advocate of loving your body, but if it’ll make your clients happy…go for it!
- Speaking of loving your body, Operation Beautiful is taking off from this blog and inspired me so much I’ve started a flickr group to corral all the photos popping up on Flickr.
- Tips for photographic products for effective sales here. Great for you etsy shopkeepers out there!
- For The Hideout members especially (who are doing reflection photos this month!) here’s a list of effective photographs featuring reflections!
- Vandelay Design has 60 Photoshop tutes on touching up photos.
- Math end of Hyperfocal Distance mystify you? Me too. DPS explains.
- This Pioneer Woman post should be plastered on my bathroom mirror. It’s all about noticing arms, legs, feet and hands in composition.
- In case you’re either a wipper-snapper or living on the moon, you may have heard that Kodak is discontinuing Kodachrome…the color film loved by film photogs worldwide. Here is Photojojo’s tribute and guide to this legendary film which I am sad to say, I have never used.
- You MAC people will get a kick out of this frame.
- Tired of watching the ceiling while waiting for Lightroom to export? Speed it up!
- Beyond Photo Tips shows why symmetry is a beautiful thing.
- Forced Perspective, the subject of many a “Check out these amazing photos” email forward, is pretty damn cool.
- DPS has 8 family portrait tips here.
- Strobist has assigned food photography for the next boot camp assignment, get some tips there or here.
- Childhood fears recreated in photographs: one of those things you wish you thought of.
- Don’t have Photoshop? It’s insanely expensive so many people don’t! GIMP is a free program with lots of photoshop features. DPS gives you an intro to GIMP to get you started!
- Ever had your flash and lightstand kiss the pavement after a gust of wind? I have. DIY Photography has a brilliant idea…using a frisbee!
- Scott Kelby reveals what’s in his 3rd installment of the ever-awesome Digital Photography Book series.
- It’s getting hot and steamy for lots of the world (well, not here in Seattle Boston) so here’s how to protect your camera in the muggy weather.
- Taking off on David Hobby’s trick to slinging a strobe stand over his should, DIY Photography shows how to sling a whole set up over your shoulder.
- I tell lens shoppers all the time how amazing the 90 dollar 50mm 1.8 lens is and no one seems to believe me. Here’s an article on the wonders of the nifty fifty!
- The Cute Kid contest somehow got my email and has been bombing my inbox ever since, however today they sent me something useful. A “top” child photographer talks about her tricks for getting the shot.
- IN THE OHIO AREA?? In or know a band or models that would like free shots? Michelle Black and some of The Hideout gang are hosting a group shoot on July 26th! It’s free and I can attest to all those photographers being totally awesome people.
In other news…
I got the job of staff photographer at my university’s paper! Pretty stoked! Everyone there seems really cool and I’m looking forward to next semester. With two photo classes, 2 other classes AND the paper…there is no possible way I can be a lazy photographer! Photojournalism is an area I have yet to really try my hand at so I am pretty excited about it!
Thanks to everyone who wished me luck and crossed toes for me. 
Pics of the 365 persuasion coming soon!
Because you know what they say about idle hands…
I just submitted a letter of intent to UMASS Dartmouth to be considered for the staff photographer job for the school paper, The Torch. We’ve got a cool little paper at UMASS, so I’m crossing my fingers. Wish me luck!!
Oh and I have some random images coming today at some point and maybe some links. If you’re good. Three or four people read this, right?
Calendar Update & Coming Soon.
CALENDAR: Just an FYI to all my upcoming wedding clients, I’ve added your names with the dates listed over there on the sidebar. I got a couple emails from confused clients worried that I might have double-booked them. No worries!
COMING SOON: I am currently editing a local show with four bands at Club Oasis in Worcester. I’ve put them aside temporarily for client work…which is also coming soon! I shot the second session at Stephen & Co. Salon in Dartmouth this morning. Should have most of those finished tonight, after I write this damnable paper I’ve been putting off all week.
Also upcoming: 2 e-sessions sometime next month and a couple band promo shoots (Withered Sun & Kill Andrade), also hopefully in the next month. I’ve got a trash-the-dress session in the works, too.
I’m out of school in four hundred years weeks, so hopefully that will mean much more time for photography!!
TFCD Shoots Update!
The Trash the Dress session has been snapped up by the lovely Erica so it’s no longer available!
I still have the following open for these “time for CD” shoots…this means the session is at no charge to you (or me), you get your images on CD for your enjoyments and I will use the images in my portfolio to promote my business.
If you’re interested in taking any of the following opportunities get in touch!
- 3-5 Female models for outdoor fashion/conceptual shoots.
- 3-5 Children, male and female. I’d like kids (toddlers, elementary aged especially) for outdoor shoots.
- A couple more bands for promo shots
My photo in The Standard Times
One of my photos from the Mashpee Wampanoag Social last month ran in The Standard Times this past Sunday. You can see the online article here. It looks like they did some crazy editing on it, but here’s the original. Wasn’t my best shot from that day at all, but that’s the one they picked.
Pretty cool to see my name in print though!
I could get used to that.
Senior portrait season & model search!
Two announcements today!
#1 – Senioritis is beginning to rear it’s ugly, impatient head for a lot of high school and college graduates already (ask me how I know, do I have my Bachelor’s yet?) so you know what that means?
Senior portrait time!
I’m pleased to offer a discounted portrait session package for clients who book with me before May 1st, 2009! Head over to the Rates page and download my Early Senior Special for details but the gist of it is, I’m offering a full session package including my normal “shoot till we run out of light” policy, FOUR 8×10’s, 8 wallets, 2 5×7s and a HIGH RES disc so you can make future prints yourself and share them online!
#2 – MODEL SEARCH!!
I am looking to really get my arse in gear this Spring and am looking for the following, on a “time for CD” basis (meaning you give me your time, I give you a disc of images, we both get portfolio bulkage):
- 3-5 Female models for outdoor fashion/conceptual shoots.
- 3-5 Children, male and female. I’d like kids (toddlers, elementary aged especially) for outdoor shoots.
- A couple more bands for promo shots
- A “Trash the Dress” session. For examples of this click here.<– TAKEN
These portfolio shoots are what I enjoy the most, and I will provide you with some great images and a fun couple of hours out in the Spring sunshine. All images will be given to you on a high-res disc (lightly watermarked) for your enjoyment and use. However these images will be used to promote my photography so if you aren’t comfortable with that, these aren’t the shoots for you!
Interested in a discounted senior session or a TFCD shoot? Book now!!
Contact me at pamelaDOThelmeATgmailDOTcom (replace DOT with “.” and AT with @)
Calendar!
I’ve added a little box on the sidebar with my current calendar. I’ve gotten a bunch of calls for weddings on dates I’m already booked for so I thought this would be a helpful thing! It’s over there…see?
I’m also working on a couple of posts, with some of my favorites from last week’s salon shoot and a show last night.
Vote for me!
I’ve signed up for a Dream Photo Assignment contest and would love your vote! My dream has always been to join the Peace Corps and meet amazing survivors of war in Africa. Since I have to wait on that dream until I can afford it and my kids are grown, this contest could help me live a piece of that dream through photography.
I have lots of photography dreams but if someone were to hand me the money to fulfill one, this is it.
You can vote for me here: http://www.nameyourdreamassignment.com/the-ideas/phelme/stories-of-war-africa/
You do have to register but it only takes a second and could really change my life. Thanks for looking!!
Little update.
Fixed the busted links on the rates page and finally split my portfolio slideshows into people and bands. Someday I’ll have a fancier web portfolio, promise.
Is it summertime yet?
Here in New England the winter is the longest, most annoyingly gray winter ever. I’m over it. I want nice weather, outdoor shoots and the beach back. NOW.
But since that seems to be light years away, I’m keeping busy with indoor photos, my 365 project and website updates. I’ve added (finally) the general portrait info packet to the Rates page. This applies to senior, couple, children, newborn, and any other portrait sessions. Exceptions being band promotion photos and model portfolio which I am still taking pro-bono sessions for.
I also finally got my Poverty Wizard flash triggers (or Cactus triggers if you want to be no fun about it). They’re pretty sweet for 40 bucks! I’d say they fire 8 out of 10 times. I can deal with that for now.
Their more expensive counterparts, Pocket Wizards have announced their new models for us poor photogs to drool over. Dave from Strobist has given a good run-down on them here.
For fans of photoshop actions and preset goodness, Michelle Black is offering some killer discounts in preparation of her upcoming flash website. Check em out here.
Well, I’ve got some wedding contracts to type up now, but here’s some of my favorite pictures from the last week or so.
Vintage with a runny nose.
My husband’s two faces (ISO 100, I set the shutter to 10 seconds, f/20 or something like that, and hand-popped my flash twice- once when he was up close to the lens and again when he backed up.)
Bath time!
Wedding Info Packet Up!
Visit the Rates page for a downloadable packet on my wedding services! Packages start as low at $300.00! Check em out!
A similar packet for all other sessions coming shortly!
An update for Aunt Nancy
Just when I thought no one would notice me neglecting my photo blog!
Moving pretty much zapped most of my time but here’s a few photos from the last month. I’ll be updating later with last night’s Withered Sun promo pictures.
365.74 – Random Selfie II
365.69 – Me, at home. (For The Hideout’s “You at home” self portrait challenge.)
365.70 – Baby Mackin’
Last Minute Family Photo for Xmas Presents. Which reminds me I need to get some printed…
(Taken sitting against my son’s white wall, strobe behind a shoot-through umbrella to camera right. Reflector disk to our left to fill in some light)
365.47 – Well, shit. (Only snow could make Fall River look that pretty.)
Contests and Photo Ops!
A fellow Hideout photog is enjoying a taste of success…her first greeting cards arrived. She’s celebrating by giving away a few sets!
Tomorrow’s golden photo op: Election Day! See you tomorrow!
Updates!
Did some template re-working thanks to my tech support friend Adam. We are now centered. Bask in the symmetrical-ness. It’s a word now, shuddap. I’ve also got my model release form now downloadable from the “legal” page.
I’ve now got a lovely watermark/logo from Funky Peach Designs! If you need some logo work done, look no further. Super fast, inexpensive, awesome.
Awesome, right?
I also went for my portfolio review on Thursday. I came into UMASS a Liberal Arts major and upon realizing I didn’t want to be any of the things such a major lends itself to, started the transition process into their Photography program. I needed to submit 12 images and a few drawings (groan).
Well…it went great!! Not only did I “pass with flying colors”, I got some great feedback on my portfolio from the art foundations director…who is super cool.
And I might just have a cool job in the works…but I’m not sure yet…keep your fingers crossed for me!
That’s all for now, enjoy some pictures of my son testing out his activity saucer:
Success!
After a long night of hair pulling, vulgarity and exclamations of despair…my photoblog is on it’s way to being ready. I’ve got a lot of filling in to do but it’s all easy from here!
