minimalism

Although I did not do well keeping up with my POTD project, for a few days, I took part in the "Minimalism" pbase.net project for January.

Here's a few of my favs of a lamp in my office:

fine art figure photography

I've been poring through my photo archives lately. Mainly to assemble another wedding portfolio, but also to make sure I know how behind I am in processing. (The answer is years. Years! How sad.)

But anyway, my trip down memory lane has been interesting, so I decided to post a few favorites here. Perhaps I'll even make it a regular thing... it'll definitely entice me to clear out my backlog!

A few years ago, I able to take a workshop on fine art figure photography, an interesting event in and of itself. However, the topic was one that I really enjoy - the use of shadows.

I have to say, I love shadows. I love using shadow to portray shape and form, I love using lighting to bring out texture, I love using B&W photography to emphasize and deconstruct all of these aspects. I love using three examples in a row without using "and."

I was originally wary of taking a figure class - more than a little skittish of being the only woman amongst the class members. Overall, though, I'm very glad I went. I had a wonderful time, produced some admirable work, and was definitely able to concentrate more on the art of photography. The models were fantastic, really helped to put me at ease, and luckily, my classmates weren't all skeezy old men.

more Moo

I've been waiting for my new order of Moo cards, and they did not disappoint! My new order arrived today, and much sooner than expected. My last order (last year) was a little slow to arrive, but I think that they've gotten the kinks worked out of their system, so that delivery from London to the US has become more efficient.

So, my stats:
Ordered: Feb 4
Shipped: Feb 6
Arrived: Feb 13

Not bad!

Again, let me know if you want to add Moo MiniCards to any package... they're adorable.

new camera!

I have been in love with the 5D Mark II since it was only a glint in Canon's eye...

A few years ago, I wanted to update my camera body to the 5D fullframe, but was hesitant to switch, not knowing when a successor would be brought to market. So, I've been waiting. And waiting. Etcetera.

And then, the rumblings and rumors came true last fall... the 5D Mark II is out! I know, I know, this is old news. The news is that, thanks to my friends at Hunt's Photo & Video, there is a new 5D Mark II body winging its way to me right now!

Yay! It should arrive Monday. I intend to play with it all day, and follow the most efficient model of 5D arrival: read the manual while I charge the battery. Waste no time!

mini-Moo cards

I am so in love with these mini-Moo cards!

So here's what they look like. And you can put any text you like (within reason, of course!) on the back. Mine give my contact info in hot pink. Naturally.

I'm starting to offer them in certain photography packages, so let me know if you want to order cards from your session!

I'm also offering these a la carte as wedding favor cards with photo info on the back, or as 411 cards for seniors.

new marketing materials

I've recently moved, and am taking the time to update my marketing materials. Well, to be more specific, I am taking the time to choose a template for my new marketing materials. :-) I've narrowed it down to these two choices:

• The "Simply You Marketing Kit" from Pink Grapefruit Designs
• The Business Essentials, Set A from Jamie Schultz Designs.

We'll wait and see how this works out. I'm aiming to have the marketing templates all customized and the content placed within a few weeks, even though I don't absolutely need to make a decision until my new logo is designed. Oh... that's right! I haven't blogged about this yet. I'm working with a good friend of mine, Rachel from Freerayn Graphics, to design a logo for Sarah Lane Photography. I'm so excited! I'll definitely post the new logo to the blog when it's finished.

first post

Well, here I am. I'm a photographer & a small business owner. A former librarian, I was dissatisfied without an outlet for my creative spirit. So I picked up my camera (again) and haven't looked back. I became a photographer because I love people, from the tiniest baby to the strength of a octogenarian.

I love being an artist. I create portraits of intimate moments. Of family, of love. I create images of beautiful weddings, full of energy and emotion. I love being able to capture the intimacy of family, the beauty of a small child, the passion of a marriage. I capture and preserve the most precious memories of life... the excitement, the passion, the laughter and joy.

For me, photography is simply magic, and this blog is a way for me to pass that magic along to others. Not every post will be this flowery, I am sure that some will be downright terse. Even so, thank you for coming along on the ride!