Facebook Fridays

With the start of a new year and new decade here, it's time to update your image. And, what better way to do so than with a new portrait?

Yes, you can attract new "friends" and impress old ones with a professional image by yours truly. Even better, throughout the month of January you and a friend may enjoy one of my Facebook Friday sessions (not limited to Fridays) at TRR Photography for the price of one!

This special session comes with two enhanced images--each specifically formatted in the square crop for use on Facebook--for you and a friend for only $79.

So, bring a friend and plan to have some fun! To book your session, just drop me a line at trrphotography@intermind.net, subject line: Facebook Fridays.

The 2010 Calendars are HIP!

Once again Marathon Press has come through for me. My 2010 calendar is a winner, and I hope that you will agree.

Featuring both personal and professional work as usual, the 2010 calendar is nonetheless unique. Having become bored with the more traditional format, I thought it would be fun to be square this year. As Huey Lewis once chanted, "It's hip to be square." At least, I think it works for the calendar. The major challenge was deciding how to crop and present the 14 images which resulted in some pleasant surprises! You, however, may be the final judge by letting me know which format you like best.

The calendar will be mailed out next week to existing clients and Facebook Fans of TRR Photography with our compliments. To confirm that you are on the Nice List, please drop me a line, along with your current mailing address, at trrphotography@intermind.net. While the supply lasts, additional copies may be purchased for $20 each.

It's Family Portrait Season!

It's family portrait season! With cooler days here and the holidays just around the corner, Fall is the perfect time of year to update your family portraits. Whether it be just the kids or the whole clan, TRR Photography is here for you to create your most cherished art for your home or office as well as gifts for your circle of family and friends.

And as if that were not reason enough to book a session, I will personally create a custom holiday card using your favorite image and give you a box of 25 cards as my gift to you. To receive this session bonus, you only need to book your session between now and November 15th.

There is no time like the present, so call me at 702-889-4011 to schedule your complimentary portrait consultation before Fall, like the wind, comes and goes.

Photoshop World Conference & Expo

Starting October 1st, you will find me at Mandalay Bay for three days of Photoshop, Photoshop and more Photoshop with the gods of the medium at Photoshop World. And with over 100 classes to choose from, it doesn't get any better than this!

Catering to professional photographers and graphic artists worldwide, this live learning experience is a must for anyone who uses Photoshop and wants to stay on the cutting-edge of the his/her craft. I only attended the expo last year, but vowed then not to make that same mistake twice. Don't get me wrong, there is something for every enthusiast at the tradeshow.

For those of you who are interested in attending the tradeshow, I'd be happy to get you a pass. Hobby photographers, in particular, will enjoy the show demos conducted on the floor each day of the conference.

With so many great classes offered, it may take me a couple days just to come up with a game plan for myself. Although, even for this task, the NAPP team has created a PDF to make the job easier--they think of everything. Now, if I could just find my "Gone Fishing" sign for the studio door...

It Starts - The CPP Process

Thinking that the portfolio review would be the easier of the two main components in the process for certification as a professional photographer, naturally, I started there. Boy, did I underestimate the hours that would go into preparing my 20 images for judging!

The image selections as I learned must reflect, in proportion, the types of photography the candidate shoots. So, first I had to figure out what it is that I do. My breakdown worked out as follows: 10% Advertising/Commercial, 20% Corporate/Industrial, and 70% Portrait. Crunching the numbers, however, was not the real challenge. It's what followed that had me pulling out my hair! The images to be submitted cannot include personal work which eliminated a boat load from being considered, including all my Kauai images. Further, the select images must be from 20 different job assignments and no two images may contain any of the same folks--even if they are repeat clients. And, here's the kicker: all work must have been completed within the last 24 months!

Thanks to the input of my PPA liaison, Master Photographer Sue Altenburg, I was able to take the next step and narrow down the remaining field of images. I also learned a few things along the way. Moreover, I was reminded of what makes a good image. This panel, after all, will not be judging my Photoshop skills, but what I can do with a camera and light.

Upon sizing the images as required and writing a Statement of Purpose for each, I finally was ready to upload the portfolio for review. The images are judged as a body of work. So, it's either sink or swim. I expect to learn how I fared by the end of next month. Now the hardest part of the image review phase begins--the waiting. If I'm smart, I'll make good use of the time and start studying for the 100 question written exam now!

And the Winners Are...

The results are IN! Enlisting the assistance of those present on Saturday afternoon at South Valley Animal Hospital , TRR Photography announced the winners of our drawing in celebration of the Dog Days of Summer, including the Grand Prize for a pet portrait session and 11x14 print as follows:

GRAND PRIZE
Meghan Minor
Winner of a $175 Gift Certificate

SECOND PRIZE
Chloe Wood
Winner of a $100 Gift Certificate

THIRD PRIZE
Casey Kamen
Winner of a $75 Gift Certificate

All three of our lucky winners also won a copy of the hardcover book: Dirty Bow Wow. Congratulations to all of you. We look forward to photographing your best friend. To book your session, or for more information on pet portraiture by TRR Photography, please call 889-4011.

Thank you everyone who entered the drawing. We appreciate and share your love of animals and hope to hear from you in the future.

WIN a Portrait of Your Pet by TRR Photography

To enter just stop by South Valley Animal Hospital and drop your business card (or one of our generic cards) into the bin. In addition to the Grand Prize Portrait Package, there will be two additional prizes awarded good toward products or services of TRR Photography. Plus, all three of our lucky winners will receive a copy of the hardcover coffee table book: Dirty Bow Wow.

South Valley Animal Hospital is located at 11940 Southern Highlands Parkway, Las Vegas NV 89141 - (702) 451-5111.

We hope to see you there for the drawing on Saturday, August 29th at 3:30 pm.

Pahrump Valley Winery - A Wonderful Sunday Drive

In anticipation of planting our own vineyard in the near future, my husband and I recently took a Sunday drive to Pahrump Valley Winery with our friends and my long-time clients, the St. Martins. While there, the four of us enjoyed an educational tour and, of course, wine tasting!

With the blessing of the winery's proprietors and winemakers, Bill and Gretchen Loken, and the indulgence of my friends, I also "tested" the grounds as backdrops in my photography. To my delight, I found the location full of surprises. Even outside in the middle of the day, the property offered several scenarios for romantic portraits as seen here. And while the location exceeds my usual 30-mile limit, for a bottle of the winery's award-winning Burgundy, I may want to make an exception for that special engagement session.

For more information on the Pahrump Valley Winery, visit http://www.pahrumpwinery.com/. Like us, I am sure you will find the Lokens to be gracious hosts and the hour trip from Vegas a wonderful Sunday drive.

What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas!

Question: What happens when you bring 21 top sales people and executives together in front of a camera while attending a trade convention in Las Vegas? Answer: You get some great blackmail material--I mean outtakes!

The team members of VNC Sales, a major beauty supply distributor representing all 50 states, were in town for their annual industry convention this week. "It's the only time of year when they are together in one place, noted Charisse Solomon, Director of Marketing. So, what better time to have executive portraits created, especially as the company's new website is under construction."

While our session did begin at 8 am, it did not take much (once the coffee kicked-in) for all involved to get into the spirit of things. For VNC Sales, it was like old home week. Playing on the good feelings and camaraderie that prevailed, my assistant and I could not have asked for a better gig. What's more, as seen here, they obviously enjoyed it too!

Lemur, Toucan, Gila Monster...Oh My!

When the SeaWorld Animal Ambassador Team visited the students of Southern Highlands Preparatory School, yours truly was there!

SeaWorld's visit was a part of the park's ongoing commitment to educating the public about the importance of wildlife conservation, animal care, education and research, while at the same time inspiring what is hoped to become a lifelong passion for animals. From the expressions seen on the faces of the children, I can tell you that the team is succeeding at doing just that--and without the dogma that often accompanies such presentations. What's more, Gary Faucher and his team made it fun!

All in all, the program was an enjoyable experience and one in which TRR Photography was proud to be a part. Special thanks goes to Nikki Berti for serving as the event coordinator. For more information on this program, contact Kelly Terry, SeaWorld Public Relations at kelly.terry@seaworld.com or visit http://www.seaworld.com/.

Meet Cane Corso

I believe the name Cane Corso translates from Italian to "no mess with big guard dog"! ; ) I, however, couldn't keep my hands off of these adorable rascals. Actually, this is an ancient Italian breed of medium-large stature with a "molossus" head. The Cane Corso is revered for its loyalty and work ethic as a watchdog and hunter of difficult game such as wild boar!

The breeder of the litter pictured here, Rich Hudgens of Campo Cane Corso, hired me to photograph the pups just one day before they turned eight-weeks-old. As a dog fancier myself, I jumped at the chance. I was overdue for a puppy-fix. Not even the 100-degree weather forecast for the day could keep me from this location shoot. Although, for the sake of the puppies, we stayed in the shade as much as possible (which itself presents challenges when shooting black dogs). I've included my picks from the images created here.

Presently, the Cane Corso is a member of the Miscellaneous Class of the American Kennel Club and expected to be fully recognized in the near future. I know that I, for one, am now a fan of the breed.

Here Ye, Here Ye!!

Expected in some 7,000 mailboxes next week, the current issue of The Village Piper will feature a collage by yours truly (pictured here). The subject of the poster is the Hearts & Roses Parade of Southern Highlands Preparatory School.

When I was asked to cover the parade by Principal Barone, I told her I normally do not shoot events, but that I was happy to help (especially if it got me off the hook for the next field trip). Further, I would consider it a personal challenge. After all, it entailed the entire student body, teaching staff, community leaders and, of course, floats made (for the most part) by the children. And, did I mention all the props? There was definitely a carnival feel in the air that morning. When each class presented its float to the judges, however, they were all business. It was great fun!

I actually had so much fun as evidenced by all of the wonderful images captured, that I decided to create a poster for the school. One thing led to another and the next thing ya know it's on display in the main entrance of the school, posted on the school's website, and now printed in The Village Piper. The editor of the magazine loved the collage so much that she has asked me to do some community-based work for her. So, don't be surprised if you see me on the street wearing a press badge soon!

WANTED! Client-Models for Certified Professional Photographer Project

As my next goal in photography, I have submitted my application to the Professional Photographers of America to become a Certified Professional Photographer. This is step one toward my ultimate goal of achieving Master Photographer status.

A requirement of this process is a portfolio review consisting of 20 images--each of a different subject. I wish to include as much NEW work as possible in the portfolio, and that's where you come in.

Between now and April 30th, I will be booking a limited number of sessions for half-price in order to obtain the images required. That's a savings of $75! As further consideration, client-models will receive an 8x10 print and eight wallets (a $70 value). That's more than $150 in total!

Subjects wanted as models include couples, children, and expectant mothers. For more info on the Certified Professional Photographer project, please contact me at trrphotography@intermind.net or call (702) 889-4011.

For Everything Else There is Now PayPal!

PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay

TRR Photography is pleased to announce our new online shopping and payment options made available through our partnership with PayPal. The best part is that anyone with a major credit card may utilize the service--there's no need to be a PayPal member. What's more, PayPal allows you, our clients, to make purchases without exposing your card number or bank account information. To access the service, just start shopping using the cart located in your image gallery. Once placed, your order and payment will be confirmed by PayPal via e-mail. It couldn't be easier!

Here at TRR Photography we pride ourselves on delivering the best products and services available to you, our clients. And, with PayPal we are able to do just that.

TRR Photography on Facebook

Calling all fans of TRR Photography!

Now showing, TRR Photography has a page published on Facebook along with a personal page for yours truly.

If you already are a "friend," don't be surprised to be tagged soon! I will be posting a gallery of my favorite client images for you to share with your own friends on Facebook. I only ask that in return you become a "fan" of the studio.

If you are not currently socializing on Facebook, you may get into the act by simply setting up a free account--it's easy and it's fun! Visit: http://www.facebook.com/.

Now, if I could only figure out how to use my new cell phone...

IMAGING USA continued

Imaging USA will no doubt prove to be the photographic event of the year for professional image makers in 2009.

Over 7,500 photographers and vendors attended this year's event in Phoenix and yours truly was among them, along with my BFFs in photography pictured here (L to R: Molly Purvines of GA, Me, Syndy Resler of CA and Monica Frere of AZ), at the reception following Anne Geddes' address--notably the highlight of the convention.

The education and networking that occurs at Imaging USA has become my edge in today's aggressive business market. What's more, it allows me to better serve you, my clients, by keeping me on top of the latest developments--both as an artist and businesswoman--in this industry. And, let's not forget the shopping! The tradeshow featured over 600 booths--priceless!

The next time you are either visiting my gallery/office or studio, please be sure to ask me about my purchases, especially the new frames by Wild Sorbet.

IMAGING USA, January 11-13

This year, the Professional Photographers of America will be holding its premier event--Imaging USA--in Phoenix and I'll be there! The Headliner this year is none other than Anne Geddes. While I do not photograph a lot of babies, I must admit, I do own one of her coffee table books. Needless to say, I hope to learn a thing or two from her presentation. After all, she is one of the most successful photographers of our time--female or male. Although, the entire slate of instructors at this convention comprises a who's who of the industry's best and brightest. Returning home inspired and armed with some new skills is guaranteed. I can't wait to check-in...

TO BE CONTINUED