Another article on netblogs.hubpages claiming to be the definitive guide to making it big also highlights the significance of band photography. They stress the importance of using commercial photographers. “Going to a professional band photographer will always set your images miles apart from other bands, which just use their sister’s best friend to take the photo”.

According to theunsignedguide blog, “Bands frequently spend months writing and recording new material and then rush it out before considering the importance of presentation or brand.” This can be disastrous because “the moment you put yourself or your music online you are projecting an image and people will start forming opinions about what this image represents.” If you don’t want to be thought of as unprofessional or amateur, be careful about posting blurry Facebook photos and concert film taken from mobile phones.

“Let’s get one thing straight here right away-good photography can make or break whether or not people will hire you, feature your music in their magazine, or even just stay on your website for more than 10 seconds.” That is the take presented by hostbaby blog. They suggest that the images you project need to be well thought out and communicate your sound.

Translating the unique sound of your band and the individual personalities of band members into images is usually not something that is done randomly or on a whim. Careful thought needs to go into how you are going to visually portray your band and the music it produces. A really good professional band photographer can really help you define what your images need to portray and then he can help you create them.

Even a subtle facial expression speaks volumes about the personalities of band members and the sound they put out. Those who are serious about making it bid with a new band need to have some strategy sessions and define why they are really about and what kind of image they want to project. Then they need to find a successful and seasoned professional to help them create their photos and their overall image.

15 years and two studio spaces later I finally decided it was time to build the cyc wall I have always wanted. For those of you who don’t know a “cyc wall” is short for “cyclorama wall” it is also referred to as an infinity wall.   Simply put it’s a wall which curves smoothly at the bottom to meet the studio floor. When painted white it becomes the perfect environment to create the images I mentioned above. Alternatively I can gel my studio strobes to create cool lighting scenarios or even paint it chroma blue or green for chroma key effects.

Never one to take the simple route I envisioned a two wall cyc which means not only did these two walls have to meet seamlessly at the floor they also had to meet each other seamlessly. Simple right? Enter Dino. My wonderful husband willing to do almost anything he can to make my visions a reality.  He did some internet research, consulted a close friend and they went to work.

A couple of weeks later I have a really cool cyc wall I can call my very own and brand new flooring. I am one happy photog!

A HUGE thank you to Dino and Mike “picanuey” Hopperton!

See the images and captions below for details on how it was put together and the finished look.

This is where we started after taking down the existing backdrops, lighting and supports and already removing some of the flooring. Here Dino takes down  the last pieces , the white seamless paper I mentioned earlier and our 3 roll paper mover which is currently in retirement:)

The guys are already making progress. They have all curved struts in place and are starting to add the cross supports that will hold the flexible masonite pieces that will create the seamless look.

Doesn’t every guy do construction in his pajama bottoms? No, well Dino does and he considers himself a fashion plate.

That’s Mike Bo “picanuey” Hopperton in the background. He’s know how to build just about anything. Thanks for your help Mike!
A close up of the main supports that meet the floor. The also had to re-route some electrical outlets.

A close up of the area where the two walls meet each other and the floor. I guess this was the trickiest part. Looks like they are doing a great job to me:)

I wider shot of  what will become known as “the bowl”.  The first piece of masonite has been added.Its getting there!The first of several coats of mud and rounds of sanding.Close up of the bowl during the mud and sanding phase. Dino applies the first coat of paint.
And the last coat of paint. Scroll to the very bottom to see the completely finished project with some color lighting effects. Now its time to replace the flooring through out and who better to help than Mr. Bob. You know he has his own Facebook page right? Not a fan you better check him out at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mr-Bob-and-The-Perelli-Pack/111001268920938Yeah, its complete!A pano of our space. The “viewing” area.A different angle. Playing around with colored gels on the cyc wall. In case you are wondering those are pieces of shinny wallboard on the floor. I have them down to protect the floor and sometime like to use them for their reflective proprieties.  Here’s a little hint for my fellow photographers if build yourself a white cyc wall and also use traditional dyed muslin or canvas backdrops be careful about putting them on your beautiful new white floor and letting your subjects walk around on them. I did just this and after pulling up the red backdrop I used on it first I had lovely pink spots all over my new white floor! Out comes the paint again…

High School Senior Portraits only $299 – Includes In Studio and Location session, up to 4 outfit changes, 1 8×10 , 2 5×7′s, 24 wallets and 4 digital negatives.

Childrens Portraits only $99 – Includes In Studio session, 1 8×10, 2 5×7′s and 8 wallets

Executive Portraits only $99 – Inludes In Studio session, 1 digital negative with commercial rights use

What I am trying to say is that the experience and connection are important. Weddings are not an easy thing to photograph. There are many, many things to consider over the course of the day not to mention the hours upon hours of editing and album designing that goes on behind the scenes. If I didn’t thrive on the challenges and enjoy working with people I would have given up shooting them years ago but I am drawn to documenting these love stories which brings me to Cindy and Jim.

I recently photographed the wedding of Jim and Cindy. They are not my typical wedding client. The beautiful bride, Cindy, is 73. When we first met she proudly boasted that she is older than Jim and I teased her that she was robbing the cradle. These two are the inspiration for this post. They are in their golden years. A time when some may have already lost a spouse and given up on love but these two found it again and it is absolutely apparent when they look at each other.

If you have lost your faith in love and relationships you need to come work with me for a while. You will see that relationships are complicated and sometimes trying but ultimately love, friendship and family is most the meaningful part of our lives. As a photographer I am honored that so many people trust me to document these meaningful moments! So here’s to love, the romantic kind and the love shared between family and friends. Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!

That’s the look of love! This image was captured during Cindy & Jim’s ceremony. Its just one candid moment but it speaks volumes!

We are excited to announce a brand new product to our line of portrait products. This adorable keepsake image box is perfect for boudoir, family, newborn, child and high school senior portrait sessions. We can create them to hold anywhere from 20 to 200 5×7 art prints. The custom designed cover features your favorite image and inside the cover there is a hub to hold a disc with your image files or slideshow . Its perfect to display on your coffee table or book shelf and have your entire session right at your finger tips!