2009 Calendars Hit the Presses

It's that time of year, again, when I give thanks for all my blessings and get crackin' on the production of the annual calendar by TRR Photography. This year, I am pleased to say that the 8th Annual Calendar is shaping up to be one of the best to date!

Marathon Press (the same printer that has produced my business cards) will be printing the calendars. I, personally, can't wait for the proof to arrive! Marathon has implemented a new process that takes advantage of the latest digital technology in rendering RGB files in a CMYK format. Translated: The calendar images should be the next best thing to an actual photograph!

The printing, however, is just the icing on the cake. The creation of the images is where the real magic happens. And, this year, I had a difficult time in selecting those to use as I had too many good ones from which to choose. Without actually giving the results away, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the following clients for making my 2009 calendar possible: Bernice Diwald, Monica Dorsey (pictured), Caitlin Downing, Hannah & Amy Galanty, Josh Hargis & Jean Gauchat-Hargis, Randy & Ann Houston, Garrett Rice, Alex Sternhill, and Lynnae Tofstad. Also, a special thanks goes to Mr. & Mrs. Humpback and Mr. Peacock. ; )

As is our custom here at TRR Photography, if you are an existing client, you will automatically receive a complimentary copy of the calendar. It is my hope to get them in the mail the first week of December. Further, by popular demand, additional copies of the calendar will be available for $20 each while the supply lasts.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes!

Fall is finally here and change is in the air, especially at TRR Photography. After years of working either on location or on campus, TRR Photography has a home. Actually, it's a home within a home aka a residential studio space. The new studio is an adjunct to the new Rice residence in Southern Highlands. It features a separate entrance off an enclosed courtyard, up an iron staircase to a turret. For those who prefer it, there is an elevator. (If this sounds like a fairytale to you, believe me when I say that I still have to pinch myself from time to time.) Once through the door, clients are made comfortable in the makeup/dressing room--a room with a view and a full bath! Adjoining this room is the camera room. I, personally, consider this space to be just the starting point of the sessions. Plans already are underway to create living backdrops for clients who truly want a unique experience and product...

The new studio, however, is just the beginning of the changes around here. I also am pleased to announce the creation of our new website: http://www.trrphotography.com/. The site offers many built-in features, including galleries, slideshows, a product shop and, of course, client login/proofs to name a few.

As a result, the ol' portal at DigiLabs has been closed. For those of you who still had active galleries at the portal, you will be happy to know that these were rolled-over to the website. You, however, will need a login name and password to access the images. For more details, just drop me a line at trrphotography@intermind.net.

Also of note, TRR Photography now has a fresh look as evidenced not only at the website, but in our redesigned business cards and menu (shown above). We hope that the colors and design strike a chord with our audience that reflects our brand of Exclusive Photography. If you think we are on the right track, please let me know. If you would like to come out for a studio tour, I'd be happy to arrange it. We look forward to our continued relationship with you.

Dichotomies

As our final, students of the Las Vegas Document Class (see entry below) were each charged with creating a personal project for the book (to be released this summer). My project entitled, Dichotomies, is an exploration of visual metaphors associated with Las Vegas. In it, I have paired familiar subjects of the past and present together with a twist. From the defunct neon signage to the domesticated burro, the pieces invite comparison and contrast. This dichotomy is further stressed by the presentation of the images in the form of diptychs or variations thereof which depict, often ironically, what could be two sides of the same coin.

For a sneak preview of my project visit: http://www.sendtoprint.net/ Login: trr-lvdoc.

A special thanks to the Board of The Neon Museum in granting permission for the use of the images I created at The Boneyard for this book project. And, moreover, I'd like to thank my client-models for their indulgence.

Photo Credit for the image of me (top left) workin' Fremont Street goes to classmate and fellow photographyer Todd Miller--Thank You.

Call Me When You Have No Class

What started out as a short summer course in Basic Photography in 2002 has now come to fruition in the form of a degree. On May 19th, I will graduate from the College of Southern Nevada with a Certificate in Commerical Photography.

The faculty and students I have come to know at CSN have been both mentors and friends throughout my tenure there. And the photography classes of Professor Heather Protz, in particular, have allowed my passion for the art of photography to flourish. I always will be appreciative of her encouragement and mentoring.

For years now, Clayton's running joke has been "call me when you have no class." And now that I have achieved my goal, he may be the first to suggest that I consider a master's degree just to keep me out of his hair! Actually, Clayton has been my biggest supporter from the start. If not for him, I doubt that I would be a professional photographer today--with the credentials to boot!

Have I mentioned that I am graduating with honors? In fact, I made the Vice President's Academic List (GPA 3.90 - 3.99). As I have told Garrett, learning and growing is a life-long pursuit. And, anything worth doing, is worth doing well. So, I'll be tossing my cap high into the air come Monday night! Duck!

New Blog

Hello! As you can see, I have taken my blog to the next level. It is my hope that this new format will make for a more enjoyable experience for all. This, however, is sure to be just the start and I welcome your feedback. -- Tammy Russell-Rice

The Las Vegas Document: Valentine's Day Vegas Style!

As most of you know, I continue to develop my skills and aesthetics as a photographer by taking courses at the College of Southern Nevada. This semester I am excited to be a part of a new venture for the school. It is called The Las Vegas Document. Over the course of the semester, class members (all advanced photography students) will delve into the various facets of Las Vegas and the surrounding areas that make it a truly unique place in the world.

On Valentine's Day, the class was challenged to capture the Vegas experience, especially the weddings in and around town that day. We were told that there would be some 800 weddings taking place! With that many, you would think it would have been easy to photograph a bride or two?! I, personally, found it easier said than done. In any case, I was pleased with my results. Two of my images made the TOP TEN from the class. To see these and other images, visit The Las Vegas Document at http://thelvdocument.blogspot.com/.

Note: The project will culminate with the production of a coffee table book. These books will be available for purchase as a fundraiser for CSN's School of Media Technologies. As soon as the order forms are available, I will be sure to post that info to this blog.

Spring Sessions in the Park

Spring is now just around the corner, and TRR Photography will again be scheduling location shoots at both Red Rock Canyon and Floyd Lamb Park, March 1st - May 1st. Portraits make great Mother's Day and Father's Day gifts, so start planning now to take advantage of the wonderful weather we have in the Vegas Valley during this time of year. Mention this blog and receive one FREE Wooden Photo Box with your session fee on sessions scheduled up to May 1st. These elegant keepsake boxes are personalized with the image of your choice. What's more, they make a great gift for Mom or Dad--a $49.50 value!