Change...chills and butterflies

Change. That one word alone can either send chills of fear up your spine or put butterflies in your stomach with excitement.

For me I've experienced both over the last 10 months. Selling my building...excitement..a little fear but I knew I needed a change; the idea of what's next but not really knowing... alot of excitement AND fear; Realizing I can reinvent my business to keep my passion fresh...A LOT of excitement; being led to see that anything IS possible...more excitement; seeing along the way that things happen exactly as they are supposed to (and it isn't by MY plan)...awe and wonder; reflecting on how people are put into our lives exactly when we need them or they need us...awe and excitement!

My husband and friends each hold and important part in helping encourage me to identify and dream what my clean slate should look like. One person who I owe much to is my amazingly talented and insightful friend Jeff who coached me through the process during which I realized that yes, I needed some change.  At first I didn't know what the answer was that I was looking for but I came to realize that there really is a calling in all our lives. I just had to listen for it and follow the path. I love my portraiture and I love connecting with my clients. That connection makes the difference between a technically nice portrait and a soulful portrait. I cherish that connection and how I can make people feel good about themselves with my photography; and I love helping people in general.

For me, I really love to create artistic portraiture. It's what I've always done but I wanted to take it to a level that no other could touch and doing it while focusing on my client - through and through. So with great excitement, I've expanded my fine portraiture and phased out the work that isn't quite as artistic.  I've changed the name a little bit and the "look" of the business a lot!  My dream is to make having your portrait created be a "memorable journey" that will make you smile every time you walk by the finished portraits, not a "stressful process”.

So....I'm proud to be your Concierge Photographer.

What is Concierge Photography? Well, for starters I come to you to create your portrait. Have an idea?  No request is too big or too "out there".  Ask me and I will do everything possible to make it happen. Wondering how you are going to get it all done so you can even think about having a portrait created? Call. Yes, I am your personal concierge in your portrait journey. How does it all work?? Well we talk. If you need some extra help then yes, I'll make sure the dry cleaning gets picked up in time, I'll shop for  your perfect accessories to match your outfit, make arrangements for your favorite place for dinner after the session, have a nanny help get the kids ready and even hang your final portraits...whatever it takes to simplify your life.  It's all about making your life easier while I create an heirloom for you!

As part of this change, I'm training to be a Concierge (I take my test tomorrow) in addition to my ongoing photography training that keeps me cutting edge. Concierge training will help enhance the services I will offer you in addition to the highest quality products my industry has to offer. I've added some unique things that you will love. Over the next week you will see the website change to reflect this new business. And if this wasn't enough, I am also offering coaching and workshops as well.

Change IS good and I've been so excited about this new beginning that I'm considering naming those butterflies in my stomach!

Your Concierge Photographer

Winter pictures from the inside out!

Ok, so it's confession time...

           I love snow.

                    There I've said it.

                                But I hate the cold. (huh?)

When it comes down to it I would love to be outside photographing winter if it was say, at least 40 or more degrees out. Like so many others I know, we are all pretty tired of the never ending winter. It seems to be longer every year.

But I'm facing the never ending desire to be creative even when I feel my DNA wanting to continue to hibernate...

               ...but I don't feel like bundling up and trying to fit my camera under my coat to keep it warm (it's only about 10 degrees today which means I'd only get about 10 minutes before the camera died if I didn't keep it warm).

So I decided to just have a little fun and be warm while I photographed winter. I love the form of the drifting snow and the sparkles of sunshine that catch my attention and ice. So call me lazy but I got some cool shots of winter from my dining room window! Anyone can do this and have some creative fun in the comfort of your warm house.

At this temp, who doesn't have some ice on their windows someplace in the house? Maybe even steam from the morning showers leave some ice on the bathroom window. In my case the bright sun has made some frost and crystals between the double panes of glass. Looking closely at the ice, it's really cool and there are so many different looks to it when you view them with different things outside as a background. Shadows, the blue sky, etc. all give the crystals different looks. 

Take a look. I took these photos with my Canon PowerShot SXS510 camera that I keep in my purse. Just to prove that any camera can do this.  I tweaked them a little bit with contrast and exposure. That can be done in any basic photo editing software. I even did a couple photos with an incandescent light balance setting, pretty cool look I think!  So it may be cold out but there's so much you can do for winter photos without getting cold. Next, I think I'll just pop quickly outside on my front door and see what I can find from there (as usual, without a coat or shoes). 

Tips: try your camera in manual or one of the other NON-Program modes. Change the exposure settings because the camera's meter wants to make the snow a middle gray. Try different light balance settings. Just play with the menu and try different things!

Most of all have fun with it!

 snow drift

 ice crystals with a shadow behind for contrast

 snow as the background for a higher key look.

Frost with a shadow behind

landscape with a midnight look to it. Taken with incandescent white balance setting.

News News...Important, exciting news!

I just had to share quickly, my Sunday morning view. Stunning isn't it? I got out of bed, saw this and ran for my camera. My husband, after all these years doesn't even ask. I don't think he's even phased by my sudden flurry of activity, he knows I saw something need to photograph.



So on with the news! We are moving!!

Our autumn-holiday newsletter is due out soon but so much has been going that I wanted to let you know of some exciting news right away!

Over the summer I realized how much time I spend doing upkeep & chores around the studio building (as gorgeous as it is) and realized I'd much rather use that time for the plans I have for my photography and taking care of my clients and that I would like to do it a little closer to my home in Scott Township. As you may have seen on Facebook, my husband and I decided to put the building on the market.  Well, much to our surprise it sold very quickly. So with contracts signed, now I have to start doing some serious planning so business can go on as normal until the closing on October 31st.

As of November 1st, Kaiser Fine Photography will be moving temporarily right next door!  I am excited about renting the gorgeous home next door. It's beautiful inside. Holiday portraits are going to be stunning!! The house boasts a beautiful staircase at one end of the room where a Christmas tree will be beautiful and the other end of the room will be a Christmas tree next to grand fireplace. A second room will be my regular camera room for studio portraits and yet another for selection appointments.

I am thrilled at this opportunity to offer limited edition holiday portraits and having fresh inspiration to create your portraits in this new, but temporary space. In the meantime the search continues for a permanent studio location.

In the meantime, it's been a great summer of photographing our seniors and kids and the many families both here in the studio and many on location.  Watch your mailbox for our autumn newsletter and update!

Of course we can always be reached at 282-4090 or via email Portraits@KaiserPhotography.com.  Watch your mailbox for our next newsletter!

Cheryl

Here's a photo of our winter home!

 

 

Fine Bridal Portraiture as only Kaiser Fine Photography can do

Your Bridal Portrait 
Located in the heart of historic Carbondale, Kaiser Fine Photography, owned by Cheryl Kaiser, Certified Professional Photographer, has specialized in artistic, classic studio and location portraiture for over 20 years. With her vast experience Cheryl will combine her style and vision with your grace into an exquisite portrait commemorating your special day. Formally trained in the art of portraiture, her style of posing is timeless and elegant. 

About your Session:

Kaiser Fine Photography offers both studio and location bridal portrait sessions. After a portrait consultation, your portrait session will be designed specifically to your vision.

Select studio bridal portraits and you will be surrounded by beautiful soft sculpted light and a setting custom designed just for you, while enjoying your favorite music in our Victorian style, homey studio.

If location bridal portraits are what you have in mind, we recommend scouting the locale prior to your session in order to better prepare for your session. Some of our brides opt for their bridal portraits to be photographed at a private residence for its uniqueness and to help create a one of a kind portrait. During the scouting session, Cheryl will determine the areas you will be photographed in and discuss your vision for the final bridal portraits. Bridal portraits are typically photographed 4 weeks prior to wedding day.

Bridal portraits photographed by Kaiser Fine Photography are not wedding day candid style photographs. Extra time, location lighting other special equipment are required to achieve her style of distinction for portraits. Effective lighting techniques are crucial and proper posing is critical while photographing a bridal portrait. A photographer can add weight to a person and also the final image by implementing improper lighting and posing techniques.

Professional hair and makeup is of the utmost importance so we will work with you and your stylist to coordinate the timing of your portrait session. Bridal portrait sessions serve as an excellent ‘trial run’ for proper dress fitting, veil placement and flower color scheme for your bouquet.

Call today for your private consultation with Cheryl to discuss and plan your perfect bridal portrait 570-282-4090.

The Great Things They Do - Griffin Pond Animal Shelter

Each year for the last 9 years, in anticipation of the Easter holiday, The Griffin Pond Animal Shelter in Clarks Summit, Pa.  allows me to foster a bunny or two for a portrait special. The session fees are then donated directly to the shelter.

We certainly have had interesting bunnies over the years. There was that giant bunny about four years ago - he was a happy bunny but dwarfed most of the children, there were other good bunnies too...and some not so good, like the psycho bunny last year. Each year I make the phone call to let them know the date is coming up and then on the "selection day" I spend time with a staff or volunteer who knows the personality of  each bunny. We handle each bunny they suggest and select the best one to work with children (although sometimes we are fooled it would seem). Yes, there are many bunnies that are awaiting adoption.  The bunnies stay at "club Kaiser" for two days and then are returned, well fed with carrots and a clean cage. We really love having them around and the kids love them too!

About a week later I make arrangements to do a photograph with the donation for the Shelter.  This year, as I waited for Kate Andrews for the photo op, I was looking around at the bulletin boards.  I looked at each one carefully, not just a passing glance like before, but at each of the faces in the hundreds of snapshots of happy people and happy pets. While I'm sure these are just a small sampling of families that have adopted from there, it really hit me the difference these volunteers and staff members make not just in human lives but animal lives too. The people in the photos found companionship and love that only a pet can bring and the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter brought them together.

I thought about the work that these people do. Mostly volunteers. As I observed what was going on around me, there was someone taking dogs one at a time for a walk, several others cleaning cages, and someone taking care of phone calls - all before regular visiting hours begin.   A recently adopted pet arrived for neutering (part of the adoption process) and everyone gathered around the kitten to see how he was doing.  The owner beamed as she talked about how the cat was quickly accepted by her other two cats at home and how happy they were to have a new family addition. After a couple minutes of "cooing" over the cat, it was back to work.

Their work is tireless and goes mostly unnoticed by you and I. Their officers also rescue animals and I was horrified looking at another bulletin board where there was a progress poster of a dog who was rescued and near starvation. I don't understand the cruelty and lack of care by some pet owners. This particular story is a happy one though, thanks to the hard work of the shelter. The dog was restored to full health and I met the little guy in person, all happy and furry and adopted by one of the staff members!

The Shelter does such wonderful work but it takes money. This is why myself and many other organizations and individuals work hard raising money to make donations. Every animal is vaccinated, well fed and cared for; the building overhead, insurances, and salaries are all maintained but it all takes money. Each year our bunny portrait donation varies but no matter what it is, it is so appreciated by the shelter. They appreciate every donation no matter the size.

If you love animals and have some extra love to share, they are always looking for volunteers. Even if you can only give a couple hours a week. If you want to help with expenses, no donation is too small. But most of all, if you want to share some love, adopt a pet from them. I know each time I go there I want to take home every animal there! Who can resist such cuteness!

For complete information please visit their website or call.
http://www.griffinpondanimalshelter.com/

The Seasons of Life

We all have thought about “seasons”. I’m not talking about winter, spring and summer, but the seasons of our lives. When you suddenly realize all your friends have “big kid jobs” after college graduation or maybe all your friends are now all married and having babies because your life is full of baby showers. For me, I’m in the season where we are attending our friends’ kids’ graduation parties and in some cases, weddings.  Our daughter is in college so the season of running to ball games and school functions is just a memory. I kind of miss that but being in a new season brings its own joys. When you reflect on this and look back at each of the seasons of your life – these seasons together create your life’s journey. Each holds fond memories and good stories to tell, and I’m sure even some thoughts of “boy I’m glad I don’t have to go through THAT again”. Our memories can bring us comfort and laughter - but what is it about those memories that you can pass to your kids or grandchildren? The most popular answer here are photographs.

Daily snapshots of our lives, carefully printed are priceless and so necessary. But professional portraits, created with longevity in mind, are what will stand the test of time…to be the legacy that is passed down to the next generation. The ipods and other toys and gifts become outdated and quickly forgotten; the season for ball games comes too quickly to an end, but photographs never become tired or outgrown.

For 2013 we are concentrating on the seasons of your life. Getting to know your family or child or yourself is the key to our work. As the artist I strive to find the joy within and do what it takes to portray that through my camera.  We see seasons such as the season of family enjoying each other outdoors, or with the beauty of fall colors; the season of a child’s life – portraits masterfully crafted preserving this milestone in your child’s life that school pictures just don’t capture; the season of new life – from maternity through first year portraits; each season is worth remembering and documenting. After being in business in this area for over 20 years, I have seen generations grow and live through each of their seasons. I just had a newly engaged man mention to me that I did his First Communion Portraits.  Another who brought in her baby for portraits, I had done her senior portraits 10 years before.  This is what life is all about, seeing the joy and growth of others.

This year, we are proud to be offering new canvas collections and growth albums. All with your legacy in mind but that you will be proud to display now. And you will never look back at your portraits and laugh saying “what was I thinking?”

Take a moment from your busy schedule and make this season in your family’s or child’s life a priority and ask us masterfully and creatively preserve this time for you. Making the decision to do this you will find you are glad you did and so will generations to come. What season is your family in?

Winter Protection for you Camera

The winter can be harsh on more than just our poor cold toes. It can be harsh on your digital camera too. That's not to say you should stay inside (although I HAVE taken some nice shots from an open living room window!) but when you do go out, keep some basic things in mind and you will get some great shots.

1. Keep your camera warm! This is the most important of all. A cold camera battery will either yield error messages or a camera that doesn't work at all. So if you have a point and shoot, keep in in a very warm pocket - like maybe the front pocket of your jeans. If you have a dslr that won't fit in a normal pocket - put the strap around your neck and zip your jacket up over top of it. Yes, it will look odd but it isn't a fashion show - you have to keep your camera very happy that way. And once you take your shot get the camera back to it's warm spot.

2. Protect the lens. It's never a good idea to breathe on the lens to clean it anyway, but you especially don't want to do that in the cold. Moisture is not a friend to any electronics.  Use a lens cloth or even an eyeglass cleaning cloth in a pinch.

3. Exposure. The snow will totally mess with your camera's sensor and it will want to make your snow gray. That is the meter. It is set to give you an average exposure so it wants to even out all that bright snow to be average. This means your snow will be gray and the darker things look black and have no detail. Fill the frame with a combination of the bright snow and the darker subject and focus, hold the shutter button and recompose and then shoot. You will be more satisfied with the results. If you have dslr...get it off auto (that is the T or A or P) Put it on manual, read your meter inside the camera, set your camera manually and even take a couple exposures.

4. When you camera is left in the car or someplace that it gets very cold. Bring it indoors. DO NOT REMOVE THE LENS CAP OR ATTEMPT TO TURN IT ON OR OPEN IT UP IN ANY WAY. The moisture is building up on the outside of the camera. Opening it up in any way will expose the inner-workings of the camera and the moisture will then be inside. Allow the camera several hours to come up to a warmer temperature. Don't attempt to use the camera either because you will risk damaging it, if it will even work (remember you also have a cold battery). You can't force a camera to get warm without damaging it.

Keep your camera protected and warm, learn how to adjust the exposures manually (or by tricking it) and you will have a blast getting the kids sledding or playing in the snow or those sunlit crystals on the branches.