I’m excited to have been invited to be a guest writer for Lemonade and Lenses May 2012 issue – the Wedding Issue! Lexi Vornberg, the creator of Lemonade and Lenses, is an amazing styled senior photographer who I have admired since I knew she worked with my blog designer Ribbons of Red.

The article I wrote about is how to prep your bride for a seamlessly executed wedding day.  From the first meeting to the two weeks before the big day, I talk about the steps I take with my bride to ensure I have all the accurate information I need for the day.

You can immediately download the issue here for $5 or order a printed issue for $25, which is on sale now until May 13 for $20.45.

Find Lemonade and Lenses on Facebook and visit the website here.

Hope you enjoy! xx

Diana Elizabeth says it’s heating up in the PHX.  This past weekend was 100 degrees!  Wooo weee! Summer is here!

Photography

With all the trips I’ve been on in the past six months I knew I had to print the photos.  What I didn’t expect was to go as far back as almost three years when I realized that I had left off way back then in regards to printing my memories and putting them in albums! THREE YEARS!  What on Earth?

So, after 400+ images were submitted online to my local Walgreens, I then headed to Aaron Brothers to pick up some albums.  50% off put them at $6.50 each which is basically amazing and far surpasses the cuteness found at Target or the like.  All of this, for under $80.  I found a discount code for Walgreens saving myself $20 at checkout thanks to RetailMeNot.com. NOTE: These images are not fancy images I need to submit to a lab, we’re talkin’ images captured on my hot magenta Casio Exilim here!

If you didn’t already know by now, I don’t read instructions.  And, I seem to be proud of this, I’m not sure why.  This habit also goes into not reading labels, descriptions, and rarely dimensions of things.  (Hm, this might be why I’m not very good at cooking…) Therefore, I purchased double of what I needed in regards to albums.  But they were on sale and it’ll take a good while until I’ll need more.  That was my excuse after I realized my mistake, and yes, I told that to Mr. Wonderful.

And here is my blog post to really push all of you out there to print your images.  Not just for frames, but for albums.  Here’s why:

• Facebook might not be around forever – what happened to your MySpace photos?
•  When we’re 95 with terrible memory loss, maybe we won’t be as tech savvy to find our images or remember our passwords or how to use a computer.
• Your friend might download a virus to your computer and then you lose all your images.
• Going through albums is way more fun than pulling up Facebook on your little iPhone and scrolling through.
• It’s always good to have double back up – the external hard drive and the prints.

And yes, I print my personal photos from my Casio Exilim at Walgreens.  That is the only time I use a place like that.  Why?  Because there is no way my clearance hot magenta point and shoot is taking any spectacular images that I need to be printed via professional lab.  However, if you are using a fancy camera and good lenses, then yes, please use a lab.  All of our framed photos are professional and lab prints.

Your simple homework:

1. Go to Walgreens.com or Costco.com to upload your images.  Tip: Upload in the order you want them to print, so start from the earliest time.
2. Next day, go to Aaron Brothers to buy albums on the cheap.
3. Pick up prints (usually prints take 1 day at most).
4. Fill albums.  Captions optional (I still need to do mine).

On a personal note about my images, I can’t tell you how many times I caught myself smiling as I tucked each frame into it’s album slot.  The past three years of my life have been amazing – even surpassing the love I had of my college years.  And really, the best year has been this year.  I have found that the same people have been in my pictures for the past 6+ years, some even going as far back as 10 or more.  That’s the best thing about getting older – you have more memories to share.  Which means, the more pictures to take.

Diana Elizabeth says now if only there was a print size for all the Instagram images taken.  She still sends them to the printer online anyway and they are cropped but still, you get the idea.  

Personal, Photography

Yes, it is a Ryan Ray gallery in our home.  We’re newlyweds, what do you expect?

I’m only going to give you a few glimpses around our house (because you might have Diana + Benjamin overload) to show you how we’ve displayed our professional images with some suggestions as you frame your memorable images around your home.

Most of the photos in our home are displayed at 5×7 or larger.  We have 2- 4×6 prints on display and that was only because I really liked the frames.  Above the kitchen sink on the windowsill we have three small frames that are about wallet size (all purchased from The French Bee).  When a shelf is that close up, you can go with pretty tiny frames which will be less in your face.  All of our frames are from Pottery Barn or The French Bee, except for the pretty one next to our printed vows is Kate Spade, given to us by my lovely couple Kate and Brett.

Here are tips on how to display your images:

• When buying frames, go for the 5×7 over the 4×6.  This goes for prints too, obviously.  Any image you want to frame in your home you will want displayed larger, and don’t be afraid to go larger.  Now that we’re in the digital age and rarely does anyone print anymore, you can pick and choose which images to actually print (aside from the 1 hour turn around and 4×6 doubles which resorted everyone to frame in 4x6s).
• Print professional photos at professional labs.  I’m very serious about this.  I did a test with Walgreens and my professional lab (as seen above) and the results were ridiculous.  So were canvas prints (also seen – skin tones look peach instead of their proper color).  I keep them in my office to show people the shadows and the color difference.  Your images won’t look the same if you print at Costco or the like – which voids the whole reason of splurging on professional images.  I never understand why people want to save money when it comes to prints, it’s like cutting professional quality captured images in half by not finishing through and ordering the professional images via lab.  Your photographer has access to professional labs and yes, it is so worth the money.  Sorry, I cannot vouch for Shutterfly or Kodak online.  Save the Costco prints for the casual party pics.
• Back up & copy your images. When you get a copy of your disc, load them on your computer, make another backup disc (give it to your mom or sister who don’t live with you) and put it on an external hard drive or upload to an online storage.  Then, print as many as you can.  Your photographer isn’t responsible for keeping your images once you have them and it’s your responsibility as it is your property to take care of those images.  Remember, DVDs don’t last forever either.  It’s suggested to make a backup copy every five years.
• Change up the sizes and photo orientation. If they are on the same shelf, have a few that are horizontal and vertical images to give more dimension.
• Consider a display shelf.  If you want to display a lot of images and you don’t want to hang them all on a wall, consider a few art ledges so you can lean gallery frames on them with little props as the seasons change.

Diana Elizabeth found some more Pottery Barn frames she must have.  Like this one and this one.

Photography

I’m not quite sure how or when one can be defined is a “professional photographer.” I suppose it can be anything from how artistic you are, to if you do it for a living, or if anyone pays you for your service.  If any or all apply, I don’t think it really matters.  If you want to charge, you need to set up business.  And if you want to do it for a living, you need momentum to carry it through the years.

I started two LLC’s prior to opening up Diana Elizabeth Photography.  The business side has been a self-taught thing, and so much work, mentoring, and trial and error stories have come from it.  My income last year being self employed exceeded the cushy job I had as a marketing girl for a national company.  You can do it.  And I’d love to tell you how.

Join me for 4-weeks online starting Wednesday, June 6.  Each 1-hour class I’ll give you tips on how to set up business, give you assignments to work on that week to help you build your business as we go.  There’s a lot involved.  This isn’t something to be rushed but it’s essential for you to know how to open a business, operate it, marketing it, deal with clients, and get published.

Marketing Momentum: Kickstart Your Photography Business will focus on:

• Pricing your services and when to raise them
• Tax deductions and equipment insurance
• Branding & packaging
• Customer service/professionalism
• Social media marketing
• How to get published in blogs
• Portfolio building and second shooting
• Breaking into a market
• Being a business owner and managing your life
• And much, much more!

The investment is $199 with an optional $49 Biz Spark add on package which includes contracts and all the fun forms you might need.

A few testimonials from last year’s course (I only teach this once a year):

“The two workshops that I’ve taken with you have been great. I’ve gone from thinking how about cool it would to be to have a photography business to actually starting that business. I now have a website, fan page, twitter account, and logo! And I’m getting ready to order my business cards and stationery! All well beyond my expectations… Aaaahhhhh! This year has been so exciting – I’ve felt like I’ve had my finger in an electric socket… haha. Anyway, thanks for being an open, generous, and ebullient guide on this amazing journey.” – Yolanda

“I have adored your class!!! There are so many ideas and tips that you have given that have launched new, forgive me, “momentum” to my business! I am so thankful for you being willing to share your knowledge and inspire me to become the best photographer I can possibly be.” – Shelby

SIGN UP NOW!

My wonderful classroom administrator Jen will be in touch with you and corresponding with every one before class starts.  Business is my passion.  I believe if you can find something you love and find a way to make a profit doing it, DO IT!  Let what you love be what you do.

See you in class!  Recorded playback option available for students who can’t make it to class.

Diana Elizabeth used to want to be a teacher when she was little.  Maybe she’s getting the little kid dream come to fruition while teaching these classes!

Photography, Workshops

I think you all know by now I have a really big mouth.  When I love someone or some thing, I talk about it like all.the.time.  I’m like a great PR girl.  Make me happy and I’ll promote you all around town, no fee required.

I’m smitten with my UNDFIND one bag and waist shooter.  Let me tell you a few reasons why I’m so glad my friends Justin, Chris and Pye came out with this bag. I couldn’t be any prouder of my friends who are the coolest guys I know but also excellent photographers in So Cal.  Oh, and if you’ve ever visited [SLR]LOUNGE, that’s them too.  Brilliant.

We know there’s really only been one bag out there that we could all use for lenses.  But that was it.  It was so restrained.

The One Bag by UNDFIND has the following features:

• Custom cover (I like midnight black)
• Removable photo lens insert so you can turn it into a normal laptop bag
• TONS of pockets!
• Two zip pockets on the cover – I put my compact flashes in there.
• An additional accessory pocket in the front for your pens, wallet, and other things.

I’m a girl which means I carry more than I need, hello heavy purse that my car thinks is a passenger and tells it to fasten its seatbelt! This is the solution to all the frustrations of not having the bag that works for more than one purpose.  It’s not fun having to only bring things that fit in pockets that have to be the same size as your lens.  With the UNDFIND One Bag, I don’t just have a camera bag, I have a super fashionable, durable, padded laptop and lens bag, depending on my needs.

Visit www.undfind.com. They wrote a sweet little blog post about me here.  Oh, and I watched this video of Elmer, their second shooter and I was cracking up laughing within the first minute!

Diana Elizabeth loves her GAP slim crop pants.  She was looking for cigarette style pants that would look cute with flats and heels, perfect.  Flats from Charlotte Russe, flower belt from J.Crew and lace top from Nordstrom Rack over a Banana Republic silk cami.

Photography

I know 15 women who are expecting.  I actually think that’s just the start of my count because every so often another pops on the radar!  It’s baby galore!  If you’re a parent who invested in a DSLR but you aren’t quite sure how to use it and you just want the basics and you only have a limited amount of time, I am going to invite you to join in on my 90 minute one time course called Capturing Kids LIVE on Wednesday, March 28 at 11:30 PST.   Cost is $79.

There is recorded playback and downloading option available if you miss it or need a refresher.

I’ll be going over DSLR basics, lighting types and how to get expressions from your kiddos.  This will be a quick flash course in basic DSLR photography so take notes, put the kids down for nap time or drop them off at school and let’s learn how to use that DSLR of yours and stop going to the Picture People for portraits.

Please come prepared already knowing how to change your settings.

Sign up here!

You will receive an email from my classroom administrator Jen who will send you an email with worksheets and a link to join in on class.

Diana Elizabeth says photographing little ones can be a challenge but they are so worth it in the end when you realize you join in on their world.

Photography, Workshops

Phoenix brides, grooms and parents or anyone who wants to check out The Felch House Inn in downtown Phoenix, come to an intimate open house event! A handful of bridal vendors including myself will be there to meet and greet and help you plan your big day!

When:      Thursday, March 15, 2012
Time:        6 to 8 pm, Open House
Where:     The Felch House Inn, 525 W. Lynwood Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003 [click here for google map]
RSVP:       If you would, just for numbers sake, Becky at (480) 229-2104

Come by and say hello, walk around the 1927 Dutch Colonial Home in Historic Phoenix that boasts lush gardens and adorable bed and breakfast rooms.  It’ll be perfect for your intimate wedding.

Diana Elizabeth loves The Felch House Inn, it’s wonderful for the small untraditional weddings, with a very backyard feel!

Photography

This deserved it’s own blog post so I can reference back and forth to it.  Here are a few Nikon goodies for sale since my second shooter Amy has decided to switch to Canon.

Nikon goodies for sale by Amy
Please e-mail her, not me at in1937{at}gmail.com.  All items are available unless “sold” is written next to it or it is crossed off.

Price includes shipping and handling in US.

• Nikon D90 for sale for $650.  It is 1 year old with 12,600 actuations.  (price new is $829). Email questions to Amy:  in1937@gmail.com
• 50mm/1.4D – $275
• 16-88 mm – $490
• Speedlight SB 800 – $300
• 55-200mm – $50
• 60mm/2.8 macro – $340
• Nikon d80 body only – $150
• Nikon remote shutter release – $15
• Nikon hot shoe for remote flashes – $10
• Nikon camera bag – $20

Email my friend Amy at: in1937{at}gmail.com.

Diana Elizabeth says thank goodness for Amy.

Photography

Dear sweet parent who own a DSLR: stop bringing your kids to the Picture People or Sears, or Walmart!   You have a fancy amazing camera that’s just as good as the ones there.  Let me teach you how to capture them yourself with your own gear that is a million times better than them standing by a giant number for their birthday.

I’m introducing a new one class course called Capturing Kids geared toward moms, dads, expectant mothers, grandparents, proud aunties and uncles who own a DSLR!  Maybe you don’t really know how to use your DSLR.  Or maybe, you have noticed that even with the green box on auto mode that you still can’t capture your kids when they move fast – it’s blurry.

And now if you feel so inclined to learn from me, sign up and save your seat now!  This would be a great gift for your friends too.  Also know you don’t have to be a mom to do this workshop.  You can be a busy person who only wants a quick basic photography instruction with 90 minutes and kids are excellent test subjects.

This is like a crash course – as in, I will be going very fast.  The good news is that you can download it and watch it over and over again for your convenience!

The details:

• $79
• 90 minute class
• Wednesday, March 28, 2012
• Downloadable video for busy students/parents/international students
• LIVE video and chat room
• Slideshow presentation
• Worksheets and go-to handouts

Sign up  at Creative Groove for $79!

What you’ll learn:

• How to use your DSLR – on manual mode
• Camera body and lens options
• How to find lighting and use proper settings
• How to get a framable expression
• Composition
• Intro to editing
• Saving and storing your images
• Printing

Thanks again to Creative Groove for being my organizer, administrator and supporter for these online workshops!  Excited for my sixth time teaching online!

Diana Elizabeth said this was the year she was really going to concentrate on workshops.  Upcoming ones include: building your photography business, getting into wedding photography, and intro to DSLR for beginners.  Of course stay tuned to the blog for that!

Photography, Workshops

Be the person who…

• When asked to write a review for a friend’s business, you do it because you know it will help.
• Comments on people’s blog posts instead of being a silent reader.
• Visits other’s blog posts and comments back on theirs every once in a while.
• Sends thank you cards for every and any reason at all.
• If you can, stay after a party has ended to help clean up.
• Gives credit to every one involved in your success or project.
• Markets for other businesses because you believe in them and you want to see them succeed.
• Forgives and forgets, because you know you aren’t perfect either.
• Doesn’t keep secrets when it comes to technique, business ideas, or contacts.
• Keeps secrets when asked to.
• Stops counting.
• Overlooks what people don’t or didn’t do, and highlight what other’s did do.
• Continually gives because you want to, not because you expect anything in return.
• Returns every single email and inquiry given to you, even if you can’t really help them or give them a job.
• Realizes you can’t be everything to every one, but you can still be pretty amazing.
• Tells people how much you appreciate them.

These are the things I hope to be this year.

Diana Elizabeth is getting the house ready for this weekend’s backyard reception!  Guess who’s designing it?  La Ricki of course!

Personal, Photography