Honors from the PPSNYS Print Judges

I've just returned from the PPSNYS/PPANJ Northeast Regional Conference in Albany, NY, where I entered prints to be judged for our PPA Affiliated Competition. All prints entered, which score 80 or higher, receive a Merit from the Professional Photographers of America and are automatically accepted into the next International Print Exhibit. Prints which score lower, or any new prints, can be judged during the PPA Competition which is held annually. Each entrant is allowed to send 4 prints and a panel of accredited judges decide which prints will hang in the Exhibition.
http://www.ppa.com/articles/326/International-Print-Competition-FAQs.php

I am happy to report that my print, titled "Barn at Sunset", received a score of 96 and was honored with a Judge's Choice and a Professional Photographers Society of New York State Court of Honor. www.ppsnys.com

You can click on the photo to see it larger.

It was suggested that I give some details about this barn which I've passed by many times in my travels around town. Last November I challenged myself to create an artistic photograph during such a barren time of year and I thought of the barn. It is starting to deteriorate and I wanted to capture it before it's gone.

Located on Clarkson-Parma Townline Road north of Ridge Road, it's not far from my home. I captured the image during sunset to catch the glow. I loved the weeds in the foreground and made sure to enhance them in the finished image.

The final image was just what I'd hoped, but I never expected it to receive such high honors.

I am thrilled!

Getting Ready for Spring

The birds are singing their Spring songs, even though the temperature is barely above freezing. It's so nice to hear them singing for us!  They tell us it won't be long before we see the flowers and trees begin to bloom.

I love taking photographs of flowers as do so many photographers, both amateur and professional. If you are one who enjoys this pastime, here are a few tips.

• Early morning light is the nicest. You may also find some added benefits like beautiful dewdrops if you're lucky.

• Use a tripod. When you are photographing up close, even a little movement will show in your file.

• Find directional light. Overhead light is NOT flattering for flowers ( or anything for that matter ). Use natural light blockers when possible such as trees, building overhangs, etc. but if that isn't possible, bring an umbrella or some kind of light subtractor.

• Always respect the environment. If you need to move something out of the way, be very gentle. You don't want to destroy the plant or anything nearby. Be careful not to trample on neighboring plants and, if you're not in your own garden, NEVER pick the flowers.

• Practice, practice, practice. Flowers are abundant in the Spring and with digital technology, it doesn't cost you a thing to go out and practice. You don't have to wait to see your results, so if you don't like what you've done, change something and take another!

Photographing flowers outdoors gives you a reason to walk through our beautiful parks and gardens.  You have the opportunity to exercise your brain and your body at the same time.

Thank you to the birds for reminding me that Spring is just around the corner.

Fun with Makeovers

Last week I had the privilege of participating in an event with Judy Dickinson, a local Mary Kay Director.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=543507610. 

She invited her consultants and guests to participate in a makeover night at her studio in Rochester, NY. 

Eight beautiful, brave women allowed me to photograph them after removing their original makeup for a "before" photo. They were then treated to a new look, compliments of Mary Kay, and a Mini Portrait Session compliments of me!

I had a great time and the results speak for themselves. Each participant will receive a gift portrait of their new look and the consultants will receive before and after photographs for their portfolios.

In this era, when women are pushed to the limits with their time and expected to "do it all" it's more difficult to find time for yourself. We'll be doing another Makeover Night with Judy in May. Contact me to find out more!

Deborah

Joyce P.

Nicole

Lori

April

Melinda

Laura

Joyce C.

A New Adventure

About a month ago, I contacted a local Mary Kay Director, Judy Dickinson to see if she had any interest in partnering with me to photograph her consultants and clients.

After meeting Judy to set up a Makeover night, my daughter and I participated in an evening skin care clinic and Morgan has since joined the Mary Kay organization. She had her business debut yesterday and was so happy that Judy was able to be there to get her started off right. Thank you to everyone who came to support Morgan and those who couldn't make it but sent best wishes and requests for products. Morgan now has a website where you can see all that is available through her new business and the up to the minute specials. www.marykay.com/mdelapa


Since Valentine's Day was just around the corner, she started out using this cute card.

I'm so proud of my daughter for taking on the challenge of starting a business while attending college. This is the perfect opportunity for her because she has a great sense of style and knows how to help women look their best. She will be concentrating on skin care and getting young women to keep their skin healthy for a lifetime.

As a side benefit to me, I will now be offering makeovers for my portrait business and will enjoy having my daughter be part of the sessions! We are going to have great fun this year!

If you're ready for a new look or interested in finding out the best way to keep your skin looking beautiful, contact Morgan to book a free skin clinic. Once you have that new look, give me a call to have a your portrait taken. Just tell me you've "got your new look" and receive 50% the Session Fee!