Island Life: A Photographic Journal

Giving Back

2009-09-29T09:37:00.000-07:00

You know, we have all heard, that when times are tough, that’s when the tough get going. We also know that charity donations are significantly lower now than in the past. So we began questioning what could we do to help.

We decided that whenever possible, successful businesses need to give back to their clients and to their community…and that is exactly what we are planning to do.

We have teamed up with a very successful business in North Port called Kyle Kurtis Salon and Spa. We have already done work with them in the past, and know how good and how professional they really are.

Anyway, on Sunday, October 11th we are doing a FundRaiser for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. We are calling this event: GET GLAMMED UP FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS.

The idea is that you call Kyle Kurtis to schedule your appointment. You will receive a great professional hairstyle, then a make-up artist will work with you, and then, you will have a beautiful photograph created by Island Photographics. All this PLUS…our version of a “Swag Bag” with a lot more value than the $25 fundraising contribution.

We are excited and already, spaces are being booked quickly. We hope you got our Email…If not, let us know and we will “subscribe” you so you can know about all the cool things we are up to…!

REMEMBER – Sunday, October 11th
Call Kyle Kurtis for your appointment: 941-257-2122

The event will be held at Island Photographics but make your appointment with Kyle Kurtis.

We will be working all day, BUT appointments are limited!!! So call soon!

Free Fun!!!!!!!

2009-08-27T13:10:00.000-07:00

In the proverbial ‘dog days of summer’…I think that’s sometime in August…at least that’s when we decided it was…We wanted to have some different kind of fun…

So we did FREE Pictures! It was GREAT!!! We did it on a Thursday from 2 PM to 7 PM and The deal was: 1 outfit, 1 background, 1 fairly low-res upload to your favorite social networking site, and all this in only 10 mintues for one day only…Yep…that was it. Free 10 minute sessions.

We had a blast. People came in droves…wearing all kinds of stuff…our challenge was to create a background in 10 minutes to coordinate with what the people were wearing…

It was so much fun…We really did not intend to sell anything – we just wanted to have fun…and that we did. In fact, it was so much fun and we got such positive feedback from it that we just may do it again. We let everyone know with our newsletter so if you want information on all the things we’re doing, call Melisa. We will get you on our emailing list.

Flattering things….

2009-07-17T13:09:00.000-07:00

You know, we seldom have a whole weekend free these days…and I guess that’s why we try to schedule most any appointments during the week days whenever we can…
But when a free weekend does occur and you do not have other plans, one of the most flattering things that can happen is to have other photographers want to hire you. We often give our time and teaching to others…after all, that’s how we learned oh those many years ago…It’s fun to be able to give back to those who are just getting started in this wonderful profession…

But, when seasoned photographers want to hire you to either assist them or to photograph work for them – well, that’s just very cool. That means that other well-known photographers know your work and trust you with their clients…And that’s just what has happened to us.

When time affords us the opportunity, we have been working for other photographers and just this past weekend, we had the privilege of photographing a terrific Lido beach wedding for another photographer friend…It was great!

JUNE IS A HAPPILY BUSY MONTH!!!!

2009-06-28T10:36:00.000-07:00

Both personally and ‘business-ally’ June is shaping up to be a VERY busy time. For a Mother-in-Law which I am now (snicker! – I love it) the best things can happen! One of the very coolest things is when your daughter (in-law) calls and says she and a friend might be coming to FL and could…..well, you can’t know how fast the words, “YES YES YES!!”, came out of my mouth…We both giggled and we were instantly set for a great girlie long weekend…Jamie couldn’t come because of work, but Angelle and Rachel would be here on Thursday very very very late…it’s an 8ish hour drive from Augusta, GA and they weren’t leaving until after work. At last conversation Thursday night, they were exhausted, had decided to stop along the way, and would be in Friday late morning.

Well……..at 4AM, much to Calliope’s (Standard Poodle who owns me) and my amazement the door bell rang and who stood there but Angelle, Rachel and JAMIE too. What an fabulous surprise…We all had an phenomenally fun time…Had not shopped St. Armand’s for way too long a time so Melisa and I did our girlie thing with Angelle and Rachel, while James and Andy and cutie pie Nate (Melisa’s husband and son) played with cars or something.

So fun, so fun……..!!!

Sandra Frost and Sammy Waldron Wedding

2009-05-24T10:29:00.000-07:00

And talk about photographing families I’ve known forever, the Frosts and the Waldrons certainly qualify. Family portraits, senior pictures and so many other events…terrific…

And then the absolute joy of photographing Sandy and Sammmy’s wedding…What a very special wedding that was…two great people and two great families. Incredible emotions, beautiful people, great locations, a gorgeous day, amazing fun, and a real feeling of faith in the future for everyone.

Just doesn’t get better than this…for sure!

Fistner DeFina Wedding

2009-05-17T10:26:00.000-07:00

OMG photographing a wedding reception when the wedding has already happened in Italy…Now that’s a fun thing to do. And that’s just what happened for Jessica Fistner and Rocco DeFina and, of course, us! Jessica is the Banquet Manager at Mission Valley Country Club…so guess where the reception was! I’ve known the DeFina family just this side of forever I think, so it was a great privilege to be part of these wonderful combined families celebrations!

A Better Place Dance and Fitness Studio

2009-05-12T10:16:00.000-07:00

Unless you’ve photographed a flock of adorable two’s in tutus and teens bedecked in gorgeous costumes, and guys doing everything from the Lion King to Hip Hop, you do not know what you’ve missed. But, that’s exactly what we spent last Saturday doing! And all I can say is WOW. Sonia does a fabulous job and with all hersuper caring helpers, this Place is indeed a Better Place to Be!!!

Mommy & Me was so much fun!!!!

2009-05-01T07:45:00.000-07:00

High School Senior from Oklahoma

2009-04-10T11:02:00.000-07:00

Island Celebrates Mothers

2009-04-08T11:10:00.000-07:00

Bunnies were fabulous!!!

2009-04-07T10:56:00.000-07:00

Some images from bunnies sessions. Our bunny wrangling days are over for another year.

Cloudy & Windy days are pretty too!!!

2009-04-05T10:51:00.000-07:00

When we schedule a family portrait out doors we are always at the mercy of the weather. This session was no different. The Anselme family came all the way from Illinois to vacation here and wanted us to do their family portraits at the beach. The weather turned out to be windy and cloudy, but their images turned out to look amazing.

Melisa and Susan Jones-Mannino Reconnect!!!!!!

2009-04-02T11:52:00.000-07:00

OK! How fun is this?!?! Yesterday we were busy photographing a popular local actress/teacher/traveler and woman of distinction. Melisa kept saying I know I know her. Turns out our client was a teacher at Booker High School when Melisa was a student there. While they were in different areas of the school, Melisa persisted. Ah ha!!! She remembered!!! That’s Ms Mannino!!! When the connection was made, the fun really began… “Oh yes, and remember dot dot dot??” “Oh my gosh, I haven’t seen her in years…” And so it went for about two hours. A major reunion, for sure.

Susan is busy acting in films, just did a one-woman show at Osolo, and is about to be in production of a new film. Susan’s character woman in the photograph is none other than Angelina Emily Grimké Weld. Never heard of her? Well I hadn’t either but she is a fascinating 19th century Southern Abolitionist, strong public speaker, and women’s rights advocate. Susan’s portrayal of her is just awesome. I got to hear a lot of the dialogue while we were photographing. We did the character image and then, of course, a terrific head shot for Susan’s portfolio.

Susan is wise to know the value of a great image of herself. For that matter everyone in business should have a ready and recent likeness of himself or herself. It is often your first introduction to other people. Opinions are formed based on this image. But that’s a whole ‘nother blog!!!

Thank you Susan. It was fun to photograph you and Ms Weld!

Learning, Learning, Learning…that’s just what we do!!!

2009-04-01T11:50:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a very long but great day. Melisa and I left the studio at 3PM to attend an incredible seminar in Tampa. The event was presented by one of the very best nationally known photographers both in the field of wedding photography and family events. He is amazing! By midnight we were exhausted and dealing with exploding brains!

Nonetheless, we feel that continuing to update our skills and hear about new ideas is what keeps us on the top of our game and on the cutting edge of new trends as well as continuing great traditions. We have been in this business 20+ years and without this constant attention to education, I do not think we would be nearly as successful as you have helped make us.

We studied new equipment, new techniques, new products, and connected with lots of old and new friends. Come see us so we can play with some of our new ideas and try out some of our new ‘stuff’!

Bunnies are Coming!!!

2009-03-13T13:06:00.000-07:00

OMG I am on the other side of the fence – The Mother-of-the-Groom!

2009-02-25T13:30:00.000-08:00

Who knew what it is like to have your only child, a son, getting married and you, his Mom, is a photographer, and the wedding is taking place in another state, and you are NOT in charge. WOW!

The great part is that his new bride, Angelle, is wonderful, her family is terrific, and they are joyously happy. A Flock of Florida Friends arrived in Lafayette, Louisiana on Thursday of Mardi Gras weekend. We had a splendid dinner Thursday night at Randol’s Seafood house.

Friday, Angelle’s family hosted a true Louisiana crawfish boil with caldrons of crawfish, boiled corn, carrots, and potatoes, boudin, and other mysteriously marvelous Cajun seasonings. So fun to have the Louisianas teach us Floridians how to eat our supper. T’was truly a great mixer! Then, after we’d had bazillions of crawfish, we learned that crawfish etouffeé was next on the menu. And what a phenomenal treat Brenda’s etouffeé is! For that, we did not need eating instructions!

Saturday I ‘hostessed’ the Rehearsal Luncheon at Landry’s Cajun Seafood Restaurant in Breaux Bridge, LA. The theme was Wedding + Mardi Gras complete with lots of beads, masks, flowers and the traditional Mardi Gras King Cake. Saturday night was lots of rain, the Krewe of Bonaparte Mardi Gras parade, and globs of bead mongering!

The wedding was on Sunday at a lovely southern Victorian style home called Sunny Meade in Scott, LA. It was a chilly but bright breezy day. Angelle was a gorgeous bride, and her groom was, well, a very fine handsome guy. (Said without an ounce of prejudice!) Lots of you know James’s Best Man who was ‘our’ Melisa’s husband, Andy. I must say, the wedding was so incredible and I almost made it through without shedding too many tears. It was a joyous occasion for sure.

Now, many of you have asked if I photographed the wedding. The answer is a resounding NO, I did not! The beauty of having been a photographer for lots of years, and having been active in many Professional Organizations throughout the state, and having acquired lots of really good photographer friends, is that I, well, I got the best of the best!

I also got paid back in spades. You know how sometimes, after a session, you’ve said to
me, “Kate! There are soooooooo many good pictures here – how am I ever going to choose?” Well guess what. I have approximately 4,000 awesome images to play with!

Let me just say, “I feel your pain.”

YIPES!!! STRIPES!!! Holiday Portraits!

2009-01-09T11:01:00.000-08:00

Mercifully, none – not one of our families that we have been photographing have shown up in ‘alarming’ clothes…Prints, plaids, polka dots, and the dreaded stripes are not great attire for a family portrait!! We have been at the beach, at peoples’ homes, and about a million other locations…And believe me it is GREAT fun…We love it…

Our Nikki

2008-12-19T10:50:00.000-08:00

Nikki

You know, one of the most fun things that has happened to us in the last little while was working with our Senior Intern from Venice High School. Nikki Schmidt is adorable and sooooooo much fun. She taught us a lot while she was here…and she claims she learned a lot from us too. Here are some of the images we did for her.

Then, as the finality of her Internship approached, she sweetly asked us to come to school while she did her ‘dissertation’ on what it was like to work at Island Photographics and to be a professional photographer. According to Nikki, she found that working photographers really work a lot harder than she ever expected and do a lot more than she ever thought possible. She decided that there is a whole lot more to professional photography than just ‘pushing the camera button’! Also, she learned that you never ever want to annoy your photographer or your retoucher!!! (Of course we were not EVER angry with her…this was just a funny example of what can be done…!)

Tom said...

2008-12-08T11:13:00.000-08:00

Tom Whittaker said, that sometimes it’s all about the photographs! No matter what!

He had been at charity silent auction event and had won the bid on a gift certificate…only problem was that he thought we were the donors, but he quickly discovered that we were not! But he had already paid for the certificate. Naturally we would honor the other certificate and were ready to do the session for him. But in true ‘great guy’ fashion, he would have none of it. We give away sooooo many (literally hundreds over the years) donations, that he did not feel we should do that again. What a super person and what a super family!

As if he were being rewarded, he happened to have a beautiful evening to do his family photography. Tom with his gorgeous daughters and handsome son made great subjects for us to work with…then, his Mom-in-Law came with her daughter and friend…so, of course, we added them into the mix too. We think that sometimes the more family and friends we have the more fun the session…We changed things up a bit and added pictures with the Grandchildren and their Grandmother, and of course the whole family. We ended with a charming and close sunset image of Tom and with his kids…Such a meaningful and memorable image for us all.

Senior amongst the family groups – Cierra McCoy

2008-12-05T11:11:00.000-08:00

This time of year, when kids are out of school, also brings along senior pictures. And among the fun ones we did was Cierra….and what a sweetie is she! Gorgeous and fun…nice combination, for sure. She is a vision in green…both the dress and the outdoor location that was full of greenery…Beautiful, for sure! Here are a couple that we created and Melisa played with on the computer…we use LOTS of computer programs to create our unique images!

Farr Family

2008-12-05T11:06:00.000-08:00

In case you do not know the Farr Family, it will be great if you do…Lat is a fellow Rotarian and about to become President of the Venice Nokomis Rotary. He is also the main man at the local Farr Insurance Group here in Venice. We have photographed Lat’s family a lot…both separately and together. This month I had the privilege of photographing the whole family in Lat and Cindy’s backyard …Mom, Dad, Sister and kiddos…and of course, the faithful family Lab. Do you notice how often pets are included in family portraits? We happily do that all the time! What a great setting for a fun family portrait!

A Better Place…

2008-12-02T11:12:00.000-08:00

One of the super fun sessions we have done during the holiday frenzy was with a young lady from the Dance Studio in North Port called A Better Place Dance and Fitness Studio. There’s is an awesome studio with a great philosophy! Check them out at http://www.abetterplacedanceandfitness.com/

Anyway, our little lady was magnificent and certainly enjoyed being the center of attention…of course!

The Zeliffs and “Gallia est omnis divisa partes tres*…”

2008-12-01T11:04:00.000-08:00

Ooops, sorry, High School Latin Flashback…*”All Gaul is divided into three parts” and so are the Zeliffs! Just one of many families that are able to have all their “parts” spend the holidays with them. We had the best time with this group. Mike and Barb and their family had the first appointment with us.

Then two days later we had another brother Jim and his family and finally that same day, we had the whole Zeliff family including an appropriately attired Cocker Spanielwe had the whole Zeliff family including an appropriately attired Cocker Spaniel…don’t know what we would have done if the puppy was the wrong color!! Anyway, this family group is an awesome example of what can happen when everybody does the needful in terms of attire and showing up at the ideal time of day. We have the whole family group, the three separate families, and the grandparents together. Then we added the grandparents and the grandchildren, some of the grandchildren siblings, and finally the “My Three Sons” group! You know, whatever combinations anybody wants to do, we are happy to oblige…as long as we can see, we can photograph! I think I can safely say that we have never EVER had anyone say they wished there were more images to view!!! Even back in film days, I have always had a ‘heavy trigger finger’. Believe me, nothing has changed!

Thanksgiving Week…Families, families, families!!!

2008-11-26T12:55:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday I was back in the studio after a superlative trip to Augusta…and bang…!!! Two or three family portraits every day…Yes, Thanksgiving is definitely about friends and families. LOTS of visitors in town, for sure! We have been photographing on various beaches, in the woods, at homes, and in the studio…Soooo delightful…I am particularly thankful that I had an early Thanksgiving dinner party with James and his fiancée Angelle in Augusta…that leaves me plenty of time to photograph your families this week. Watching family dynamics is one of the very fun things about doing family portraiture. We normally have the Nervous Nellies (the ones who planned this whole thing), the Alpha Annies and Allens (“OK, where do you want us!”, said with great authority), the Patient Pattys and Peters, and the Rolling Eyed Early Teens, and of course, the Wailing Wee Ones – Recognize the group?? I certainly do…! The cool thing is that the dynamics do not usually change…even in the families I have photographed many times. Now we all just tease each other and laugh about our respective rolls…You know what family portraiture is REALLY FUN!!! You should try it sometime…!!!

Up Up and Away…for a day or three…!

2008-11-22T12:53:00.000-08:00

Lucky me…having someone in the studio that is as competent as Melisa is wonderful…It allows me to do what I am doing which is that I am in Georgia visiting James (my son) and Angelle (his fiancée and my soon-to-be daughter…notice I did not add the “in-law” part). They are both amazing and so super together…Love it…and them too!

But, if I thought it was a bit nippy when I left Florida, ha ha ha…..I am now reminded of the meaning of seriously cold! But it is bright and sunny and fun to be here!

I fly back into SRQ late Monday and will be back in the studio on Tuesday…In the meantime, have great fun with Melisa!

Some like it hot…even when it’s cold!!!

2008-11-18T12:23:00.000-08:00

OK…Julie and Mike are engaged!!! And they also happen to be the most amazingly fun couple to photograph. They went to a lot of effort to get ready for the session and, as you can see, they did a great job….Their session was beautiful, edgy, fun, romantic, and so many other things…

And despite the fact that the day was blustery and cold, they were red hot to play! I love love love their images…and so do they! When we got down to the sand and water, I was crazy about the way the sea oats out-of-focus (intentionally!) framed the two of them…It gives so much intimacy to their special moments. We also used the white fencing to give us great leading lines…Enjoy their images…we certainly enjoyed creating them!

What a coincidence…

2008-11-14T21:23:00.000-08:00

Don’t believe in coincidences…well, ok…but this one might just change your mind.

On Thursday the 20th, I am going to Augusta, GA, to visit my son and his darling fiancée. They are both Arab Linguists and both work, now in a civilian capacity, at Fort Gordon doing almost exactly what they were doing in the military. James as a Marine, Angelle as Air Force.

I will be staying in Angelle’s apartment – how sweet an invitation is that??!! Anyway, they asked me what I would like to do while I was there…And suggested that there was a dinner theater play going on at Fort Gordon and would I like to go? Well, of course I would without having the vaguest idea which play it was…Angelle said, “It’s called Plaid Tidings” and had I ever heard of it. I started to laugh.

Well, yes I have heard of Plaid Tidings. You see, this year we have been doing the promotional photographs for the Venice (not Little) Theater…and just exactly the night before, I had been photographing the four main singers in the production of, you guessed it, Plaid Tidings…

And Real Estate…Oh my yes!

2008-11-13T13:21:00.000-08:00

We photograph an amazing number of Real Estate agents and brokers. Most of the images are created in the studio, but sometimes people want something entirely different for a brochure. The standard non-busy background headshot prevails but check this out. Denise Conrad has definitely opted for something different…and we did it for her! We started with studio images and then on another day (weather issues) did the last images of Denise and her Search and Rescue Dog I’kaika running on the beach at sunset.

Incredible! Thankfully both Denise and I’kaika were fit and did the ‘run’ about a million times while we got the right wave, the right expressions, the right view, the right sunset…and we got it!!!

From 13 year old Orthodontic Patients to Caldwell Trust…who better to provide for your family’s future?

2008-11-12T23:18:00.000-08:00

We have been photographing Trust Officers and other staff members from Caldwell Trust for a long time. We photograph them individually, we photograph their families, their expectant families, and we go on location in the elegant office headquarters. They are some of the warmest, most professional, wonderfully caring and most competent people you will ever meet. I know, from both sides of the proverbial fence because I am one of their clients.

I know Lee and Suzanne Thacker on so many levels…Lee as my trusted advisor/friend, as an active Rotarian, and both Lee and Suzanne as civic minded people heavily involved with the Boys and Girls Club. I know they do lots and lots of other things community oriented things, but this is how I know them. They are both awesome…as are all the Caldwell Trust folks…Check them out at http://www.ctrust.com/

Other than VRMC who???

2008-11-12T13:10:00.000-08:00

How privileged are we? A lot, that’s for sure! Our client list is so much fun! And believe me we are grateful for each and every one of them!

Have you or your child had braces? Well, if so, you will probably be coming to us for a gift portrait from orthodontists, Drs. Ehrlich and Sallapudi. Check them out at www.crossbite.com

We have been photographing gorgeous teeth in the smiles of great kids, for years. Many of the youngsters are from about 13ish to 18ish…with several adults scattered in along the way…Matter of fact, we have photographed one whole family who were all in braces at the same time…I think there were four of them!

Anyway, photographing teens is always an experience…a happy experience – mostly! J But there are notable exceptions: it’s about those ‘schlumpered’ down (you know the pose!), grumpy, eye-rolling, 13 year old guys (sorry, but it’s usually the guys) who are only at the studio only under extreme duress of Motherly Wrath. Well, how fortunate am I…God knows who needs to have boys and I have one. Once upon a time, he was 13…I know the drill!

Now then…The docs need a smiling image to show off their miraculous work…and a 13 year old is not necessarily a beamingly happy smiling individual… (Exceptions Noted!!) My son, at 13, said that there is no one on the face of the earth that I could not annoy…I take my work seriously . But, by the end of the session, I have usually managed to annoy the guys to the point that they are laughing…at me, I’m sure, but I am undaunted and I’ve got real smiles!!! Mom and I are happy…and actually so are the kiddos...they just don’t want Mom to know!

And the week started with a Monday…!!!

2008-11-11T22:05:00.000-08:00

What a week it was…we are super busy right now…but ever so overjoyed to be so!!!

After a busy weekend, Monday was fun with lots of activity…It started with a studio Executive Portrait session with one of the doctors from Venice Regional Medical Center. For years, we have been photographing the doctors with hospital privileges for Kathy Turner, Director of Marketing. The photographs are used in the Physician’s Directory and in much of their advertising. It is fun to get to know the doctors who are often newcomers to the Venice area and end up being family portrait clients/friends. A couple of times a year, we go to the hospital and set up for two or three days and photograph the doctors before or after they have made their rounds. You know, we have discovered as I am sure many of you have, VRMC has some terrific physicians and hospitalists on their staff (if that’s the right word). We have met a lot of them and they are super!

With lots in between, Monday finally ended with me heading north to our Bay Professional Photographers Association monthly meeting. I was the Moderator for the program of guest panelists of Master Photographers.
And then came Tuesday…Veteran’s Day…a time to reflect on our freedoms and those who fought for them…Including my son who, as an Arab Linguist and Analyst in the Marine Corps, was treated to an all expense paid view of life from Fallujah, Iraq…much to the consternation of his Mom!!! As he reminded me, however, in his words: “Mom, the guys (and gals) who went to Viet Nam did not have a choice. I do. And I believe in the good that we are doing in Iraq.” And so do I…

Dr. Rob, Gia, and 3 Gorgeous Girls…well, actually 4 Gorgeous Girls counting one of my favorite Moms!

2008-11-09T21:10:00.000-08:00

We have had the great pleasure of photographing this terrific family for several years…There is just so much I could write about each of them, but I’ll try not to ‘carry on’ too much. Gia is one of those smart Mom’s (wish I had been so clever) who really has kept up with her children’s albums. Listen to this…each one of her girls has a beautiful individual album with their newborn, three-six-nine-twelve month baby pictures and then pictures every year thereafter. Each time we get to add pictures to their albums, I am in awe of how the girls have changed and how wonderful the years are to them! Each child is individualized and must feel incredibly special that they have their very own album of their lives growing up…Wow…now there is an esteem booster if there ever were one! Gia…you are Amazing!!!

And, by the way, yes, we do have an album plan…and yes, you too can do this for your children and for you! It’s great…Trust me!

But I digress...after being thwarted several times due to weather – major wind, rain, and much etc., our Sunday (yes, especially this time of year, I will photograph on weekends) appointment day arrived and was awesome. We had decided to photograph in one of my favorite spots…As you can see; it was not the beach but gorgeous woodsy landscaping. The plumbago shrubs and bauhania orchid tree were blooming…and all was well…

Matter of fact, it is from this very spot that I received my first Honor Print and Distinguished Award Print from the Florida Professional Photographers Association. Might just have another one from this family session…!

This time it’s Mom and Dad…

2008-11-09T12:46:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we photographed Nate Whitehead’s Four Generations…Today it was Mom and Dad’s turn. We went down to the beach for their session. It poured – no, deluged – rain for some time but then cleared beautifully for an interesting and gorgeous sky. As you can see, Andy and Melisa opted for the Columbia shirts in pastel colors…Love how Andy’s green shirt all but matches the green water and their colors are of the same density. It does not always have to be matchy matchy and/or khaki and white although that is often still the preferred look…a little theme and variation can be a good thing!

Generations are amazing…

2008-11-08T12:31:00.000-08:00

Nathaniel Patrick Whitehead is one lucky little boy in so very many ways! Nate is 2+ and is fortunate enough to know four generations of his family on both Mom and Dad’s side. We just photographed the Whitehead side of the family in jeans and white shirts in the studio setting. The images are casual yet the posing gives it a pleasantly relaxed feel and pleasing results.

Bonnie & Dick's Family

2008-11-08T10:50:00.000-08:00

Family dynamics are some of the best most fun part of our job as professional photographers. Bonnie and Dick’s family with their two grown children and their little ones was no exception…Although everyone was on time (a joyous thing) and dressed appropriately (double the joy!), the weather was not helping us. It was a temperate, bright sunny, high pressure kind of day without a cloud in the sky and we were on the beach. Lovely you say…I say, in the inimitable words of Calvin and Hobbs, “ARGH…We gotta wait.” The sun was so super bright that everyone including me was squinting unmercifully…so wait we did…

Fortunately the Butens are a delightful family and conversation was easy. But, we were trying to wait for that gorgeous golden soft sweet light that happens right at dusk…On a clear day, that light does not happen until the very short minutes before the sun and the water meet.

Important Note for Photographers: Get out your notebooks and write this down! Ready?

Whenever there are one, two, or more adorable and energetic little boys and a wee baby in the family portrait, minutes get a lot shorter than 60 seconds!
That’s a law of photography!

But, with the help of a fill flash and strategically placed people, we photographed the smaller family groups - earlier than I might have liked - but because we knew what to do, our results were beautiful images anyway. As the sunlight softened, we were able to photograph the whole family group. And finally, when the sun was just below the horizon, we finished with some pictorial fun family groups.

Thank you to you all…you were great!

The Wonder of Passion

2008-11-06T07:50:00.000-08:00

We at Island Photographics have such a privilege combined with the world’s best occupation….and believe me…we are reminded of that fact every single day! The pure joy of being able to do what we love and to have our friends/clients love what we do is INCREDIBLE!

I think we must have not only the world’s best occupation, but also the world’s best clients. You have commissioned us to be the chronicler of your family events and historians of your family’s generations. We take that responsibility with humility and with great respect.

The history of your family is a marvelous circle that can be entered at any point…just ask any new “in-laws”! So let’s start with weddings… the new family, then come the tiny babies, the First Year, First Day of School, new additions to the growing family, First Communions, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, Anniversaries and significant birthdays, grandparents and grandchildren – the generations, High School Seniors, Cap and Gowns, the new jobs and executives, Family pets, and weddings…back where we started…and so very much life in between! Yes, we have, with many families, become the chroniclers of time passing.

We have worked with so many of our clients for such a long time that our clients have become our friends. We share your joys and your worries, we share triumphant moments and some…well, not so triumphant moments! You know our children and we know many of yours…

But, for those of you who are new to Island Photographics Inc., here is a concise history. Island has been around for about 20 years (I think I said that a couple of years ago, but then, who’s counting??). Founder, CEO, President, Owner, and a Photographer – is Kate Hill-Moore… (That would be me loving those lofty titles!) Other titles I have are Mom, about to be Mother-of-the-Groom, artist, music lover, sports enthusiast, reader, apparently writer, and Standard Poodle (named Calliope) owner. Though I believe ownership of a Standard Poodle is highly debatable. In reality, I think I have really been well trained. I have been around Island forever but, the person who really runs the studio and keeps me pointed in the right direction, is Melisa Whitehead...Studio Manager, Production Chief, Advertising Manager, Creative Genius, and Photographer. Melisa’s other titles include Wife of Andy, Mom of Nate, Owner of Shad (Border Collie) and Emma (Great Dog), daughter, granddaughter, sister, music lover, computer lover (sometimes!), reluctant camper and fisherwoman and volunteer par excellence!

That’s it…when you deal with Island, you are dealing with one of two people and most likely both of us…and we both care…We care a lot about not only your terrific images, but about you! We are both ‘people pleasers’. One of the few things that we really insist on is that you must be happy – at least with what we have created for you…That desire is not only our guarantee, but it is also our passion!
Thank you for reading our new blog. In later additions, we will be talking more about where we see photography going, some tips about Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanza and New Year pictures, more about the super people we have the privilege of photographing, some funny and fun and beautiful images, and more about whatever you might like to read.