Carr Portrait News

Moving On

2011-12-22T09:49:00.000-06:00

My last post generated a lot of attention. A couple of friends suggested I post a link on a photography group page on Facebook. Although I did, I hesitated for a couple of days for two reasons. First, I knew no matter how tactfully I tried to put it, no matter how many disclaimers I tacked on it, someone would choose to be offended. Second, I knew that most of the people who looked at it would be photographers. Although it's nice to have a lot of traffic on my blog, generally, I try to orient my posts to interested or potential clients.

I was right on both counts. Most of the people who responded to the link on Facebook were positive and supportive. Another way to put it is, those who were positive and supportive, chose to respond publicly on Facebook. Those who were offended apparently didn't want to be identified, and the 2 or 3 who responded, did so with anonymous comments on the blog, and that's okay. While I would love to have the opportunity to speak at photographic guilds, I'm really not interested in doing a blog for photographers, at least not under my studio name. (Maybe someday, under my own name.)

I posted the "Fauxtographer" article because I want my clients to be aware that "there is a difference in a duck." It was not a list of rules. Most of the things on the list, I've done, as have most professionals, at least at one time or another. Most of the techniques I included in the list are things professionals have experimented with, or did at one time, but amateurs and "fauxtographers" identified it as "professional" and made it their specialty, did it poorly, and/or overdid it to the point that it's now passe.

There are a lot of people who call themselves professionals who frankly are not, as evidenced in a video by Kevin Newsome of Tampa, FL where he tells of a client calling and asking, "Are you a real photographer?". Some are "Moms With A Camera" as portrayed by Missy Mwac on YouTube (although it could also be a dad or a high school student - it's usually a mom who started out photographing her own small children and whose husband provides the family income). There are a lot more who are just getting started, who have a lot to learn, but they are committed to doing so. They call themselves professionals, and rightly so. They are talented, but they may not be able to produce the quality of photography you're looking for.

I'm not concerned about any of these as "competition." All of these have always been part of the photography industry. That last group mentioned above, the ones talented ones who are serious about becoming true professionals, is important to the industry for two reasons.
First, because of their lower prices, they meet a market need for those who cannot afford a professional portrait experience.
Second, every industry needs new blood. New, innovative creatives keep the whole photography industry on its toes and fresh. And, businesses come and go, people retire, etc., so we need new photographers to keep the craft alive. I was one of those "newbies" once, so as I said before, I don't begrudge anyone the opportunity. And if they are serious about learning the craft, I am more than happy to help them.

My only concern is that with the proliferation of digital technology and the ability to post images online in so many public venues, with so many claiming professional status, the public is not getting a good picture of what constitutes quality, professional portraiture.

It's your image, don't settle:
A local business recently sent out postcards and posted new staff photos on their Facebook page. They were taken by a friend of a staff member who "has a nice camera and wants to start doing photography." The group images are posed like a snap-shot of high school cheerleaders. The outdoor images are either in full sun with harsh shadows, or in the shade of the building with blue skin tones. The business itself has a beautiful building, state of the art equipment and well-trained, experienced professionals. The images don't portray that. They went for a cheap photographer, and got cheap images.

When you settle for less you generally get even less than the less for which you settled.

You Might Be a Fauxtographer If:

2011-12-16T19:03:00.000-06:00

I recently saw the term "fauxtographer" on a photography forum. I kind of hate to say so, but I think it aptly fits many of the new "professionals" entering the photography market over the past few years. With the ready availability of high megapixel amateur and advanced amateur digital SLR cameras, there has been a huge number of people who think photography is an easy way to make a buck. They've taken a few good photos, got some complements....

please note: some of the things mentioned in this list are techniques that can have their place if used sparingly or for special effects or purposes. But if it's "what you do," if it characterizes your work, you just think it's "cool," and you don't know how to do things better, you might just be a fauxtographer. Also, not any of these by itself would qualify someone as a fauxtographer, but several? You may want to give it some thought.

And one last disclaimer: Everyone's got to start somewhere. So if you're serious about becoming a professional photographer, go for it. However, you've got to know your limits. You've got to realistically assess your abilities. Seek advice, counsel, education, maybe even a mentor, in order to constantly improve and raise your work to a true professional level.

You just might be a fauxtographer if:

you "shoot pictures"
you think your camera is a professional camera because it has interchangeable lenses
your lens is the kit lens that came with the camera
you think the best way to control depth of field is with a wide open aperture on a super fast lens
you're willing to photograph up close on a portrait subject with a lens smaller than 85mm
you think the product you're selling is pictures
you don't know the five lighting patterns for portraits
you don't know how to light hair
you only shoot with natural light
you don't know how or when to use off camera flash
you don't know how to use studio strobes
you don't know how or when to use a reflector, a diffuser, or a gobo
you don't know that light has different colors in full sun and shade and how to correct for it
you expect your customers to do all their ordering through online proofing
your only product offering to clients is on CD or DVD, no prints, and unlimited rights to reproduce the images
you think $25 for an 8x10 is expensive
you think an 8x10 is a big picture
you think your competition is JCPenney, and price accordingly
you base your prices on 3 or 4 times your cost, but you only figure the cost of the tangible paper print - and don't count your time, equipment, overhead, packaging, etc.
you don't package the images you deliver to your clients in anymore than a paper or plastic bag
you over saturate your color images
you line people up against a wall for a group portrait
you have the front row of people bend forward with hands on knees for group portraits
you "don't believe in posing people"
most of your portraits are slanted
you don't know how to use a gray card (or black card or white card)
you photograph couples or families sitting against a wall with their feet straight toward the camera - double this one if you use a wide angle lens so their feet look disproportionately large
you include color, b&w, and sepia versions of multiple prints on each session
you use PhotoShop actions for almost all your special affects, retouching, and editing, and don't know how to create an action for yourself, or do the editing without using an action
you figure you can "fix it in Photoshop"
you know you're a good photographer because your clients tell you so, and maybe some other beginning photographers, but you aren't willing to have your work critiqued by more experienced professional
you don't charge sales tax
you don't participate in any professional photographer organizations at the local, state, or national level
your photographic education consists only of the classes you took in college
your photographic education consists only of occasional touring workshops
your photographic education consists only of what you can find on websites, forums, or Facebook
when you offer prints, you have them printed at a one-hour lab

And for the ultimate fauxtographer, visit this YouTube site: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-S3NFW2c7hA "Missy Mwac" has a series of videos done somewhat tongue in cheek, but done so well, it's hard to know whether she's serious or not.

The Power of Fitness

2011-12-14T20:40:00.004-06:00

The following is a guest post by David Haas, staff writer for the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance Blog. I hope you enjoy it and gain useful insights. Although his comments are geared primarily to cancer patients and survivors, his insights, especially on mood, energy, and mental health are useful to all of us. And, if being healthy reduces the risk of cancer, I'm all for that, too. As a cancer survivor myself, I'm especially pleased to present this for my readers.

The Power of Fitness

Regular exercise and attention to diet can increase the overall health of a person dramatically. Regular fitness can also provide many benefits to a cancer patient. Before beginning your exercise regimen, consult your oncology doctor to ensure that it is safe.

Disease

According to the Mayo Clinic, regular fitness can help prevent and manage some diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, depression and some forms of cancer.
Fitness can also help even if you have already been diagnosed with cancer, such as breast cancer or mesothelioma. Doctor Matthew Hoffman from WebMD support this research. He states that, although not a cure for cancer, regular fitness can lower the risk for remission and increase the length of survival after a cancer diagnosis.

Mood

It is hard to stay positive when you have just been told you have a life threatening illness. Regular fitness increases the activity of endorphins, which causes you to feel happier and more relaxed. Fitness also makes a person feel proud that they are attending to their body and may raise your confidence level.

Energy

Although it may be difficult to exert extra energy to exercise while struggling with cancer, doing so will actually give you more energy. In addition, exercise will provide you with more strength to get through difficult treatment and procedures. Fitness can also help decrease the common fatigue that accompanies cancer and cancer treatment.

Weight Control

Exercising on a regular basis can help you to attain and maintain a healthy weight by burning calories. Cancer patients who are overweight after receiving cancer treatments survived for fewer years and had a higher probability of remission.

Mental Health

Having fitness in your life can help with your mental health as well. Fitness combats the negativity that often comes after a cancer diagnosis. It can also combat more serious bouts of depression. Fitness can also help relieve stress and feelings of anxiousness.

How Much Exercise?

Cancer patients and cancer survivors can often complete the same amount of exercise as the general population. This consists of exercise for 30 to 60 minutes a day. Cancer patients should complete this exercise regimen at least five days a week.

Fitness plays a vital role in developing a healthy lifestyle for cancer patients and survivors. It provides many benefits, including weight loss, mental health advantages, mood enhancement, and increased levels of energy. Most importantly, it can help to prevent the recurrence of cancer.

Never Give Up

2011-12-14T09:03:00.001-06:00

I visited the local office of a group of radio stations a couple of weeks ago. After a brief explanation of our survivor project, the receptionist gave me the name of the people to call in their marketing department. When I called them, they referred me to their PSA (public service announcement) department. The PSA guy asked for as much info as I could give him in about a minute, then suggested I send him an email explaining the project so he could talk with others on their staff about it. I worked up an email, explaining it and the benefits to the stations for participating. I even called the marketing director at their affiliate stations in another city that had participated in a similar project by another photographer. I never heard back from him. I called to follow up and got his voice mail. I never got a call back.

So, I did some research and found there are actually several companies that own networks of radio stations in this market area. Yesterday, I visited another one of these networks, and it was a totally different experience. The receptionist immediately started thinking through to whom to refer me. They were in a meeting. But the meeting broke up a couple of minutes later and she found the right person and I got to speak with him on the spot.

He was very interested and began talking about how to make it work. He also asked if I could write something up he could share with the staff. I already had it and pulled it from my pocket. He was thrilled, and talked about having me in the meeting when he presented it to the staff.

It isn't a "done deal," so I won't name the stations yet. But it was very encouraging. I'm glad I didn't give up after the first network dropped the ball on it. (And if this one doesn't run with it, I still won't give up.) But, right now, it looks like they're going to go with it. Good publicity for the project will only make it more effective at raising money for cancer research.

A Celebration of Life

2011-12-11T19:00:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was an interesting and inspiring day. I had the opportunity to photograph a charity event for Hope Transplant Support Organization. They offer support, obviously, and help raise awareness and funds for organ transplants. Their event yesterday included a brunch (with music provided by local classical guitarist, Edgar Cruz), a group photo of all the transplant recipients who were present, and a program. The program involved several speakers, mostly recipients, and awards given to the most recent and the longest surviving transplant recipients based on the organs received.

Each recipient is encouraged to create a patch that is later used in the making of a quilt. There were 4 or 5 complete quilts on display.

And, each recipient is also encouraged to bring an ornament to go on one of the Christmas trees. There were 5 trees full of ornaments. Troy Golden brought one that spelled out the word HOPE.

Specifically, the speakers included a couple of transplant recipients, local pastor Troy Golden - who is awaiting a transplant and has an artificial heart operated by a pump he carries in a backpack - and a young mother who donated 20% of liver to her infant daughter (who is now 3 years old and quite healthy and active).

As a 2 year cancer survivor, I could relate to much of what they said; but at the same time, my situation never seemed as life-threatening as most of those I met yesterday. It was very inspiring to hear the stories of their struggles, how they made it through, and how they learned to cherish life by coming so close to losing it.

Heroes

2011-11-20T15:24:00.000-06:00

I've been photographing, editing, ordering, etc. - all the usual photography stuff. And, I've been working specifically on the survivor project. Check out the updated survivor page on our website - acknowledging the cancer survivors we photograph as more than just survivors. In more ways than one, they are heroes!

I haven't blogged much on this site, because I've been working on my personal blog quite a bit. Check it out if you'd like.

Survivorship

2011-09-02T17:54:00.000-05:00

This month is a big month for cancer awareness. It's best known as breast cancer awareness month. But did you know it's also:
Gynecological/ovarian cancer month
Childhood cancer month
Prostate cancer month
Leukemia & Lymphoma month

So, for the month of September, if you call and schedule a family, child or senior session for September or October, 50% of your session fee and 10% of your order will go to American Cancer Society or to Oklahoma CureSearch Walk for Children's Cancer.

And, today, I got an e-mail from OU Cancer Center that they aren't going to participate in the Survivor Project this year after all. I was a little disappointed. But at the same time, it was a little liberating. I was waiting to hear from them, thinking we would be moving forward aggressively toward getting photographs and designing a calendar to raise money for them. So I was kind of holding back on pursuing the broader project, since they wanted the photos to be of their patients.

When I originally went to them, I was looking for two things. The first and most important, was a willingness to be on the receiving end of the project - mainly because that's where I was treated for my own cancer, and I really wanted to give something back in the form of raising money for research. The second was maybe some help in finding more people to be photographed for the project. I figured on doing the design work and getting the calendars printed myself, and even doing the distribution for the most part through area businesses. They seemed to really catch a vision for it and were offering to do more - including the printing and helping with the distribution through the hospital and through various support groups. However, the more they seemed willing to take on, the more the bean counters were wanting to see some numbers, and the more they realized they didn't have the time to invest in it this Fall.

So, here we are! No help. No resources. Only a passion and a plan.
I need help from area business who are willing to donate to the printing of the calendars. We may need to raise about $5000 to print 1000 calendars - unless we can find a printer willing to give us a better price. If we can sell the calendars for $20 each, depending on the help we get with printing that's around $15,000 we can raise to fight cancer.

If we can get the people in front of the camera, we could print an 18 month calendar (July 2012 through December 2013) to sell next Spring. Other wise we would sell it in the Summer & Fall as a 2013 calendar.

In addition, I will print images to be displayed in area businesses, like the displays we have at Contemporary Family Dentistry and Ribs 'n' More. We will publicize the displays in order to drive traffic to the businesses, and may even have a contest where people can vote on their favorite images. If anyone books a portrait session from the cards we will have with the displays, 10% of their session fee and 10% of their order total will also be donated.

So, I'm also looking for cancer survivors - that means you currently have or have had cancer. You may still be in treatment, or you may be "in remission," or you may have been declared cancer free. This may be your first year to deal with it, or you may be a 20 year survivor. Doesn't matter. You may not feel great, or feel particularly pretty, especially if you're still in treatment. I know the feeling. Been there. I'm a survivor, too. That's why I want to fight back and give cancer a punch in the gut. And I'm asking you to join me. Call me at 517-4654 and let's talk about how we can create an image of you that will make a statement and help give cancer a worse beating than it's given you! It won't cost you anything. If you want to purchase photos, I'm not out to make money off you - how does just 10% over cost sound?

Tell your friends who are battling, or have battled cancer, to call me, too.

Hancocks on I-240

2011-08-03T18:47:00.000-05:00

Many, many thanks to Hancock's Fabric Store on I-240 for help in finding and getting the best price and discounts on fabric for the scarves for our survivor project. Most of the images will be black and white with a splash of color. The color will be a scarf or hat in the color that represents their particular cancer.

More Survivor News

2011-08-02T08:46:00.000-05:00

Had a great meeting yesterday afternoon at Stevenson Cancer Center. Von, Jari, & Joel were very encouraging and supportive of the Survivor Project. They have a couple of things to run by "legal," mainly to see if we need some type of contract saying who does what toward the completion of the project. Then they should be referring people to participate in the project within the next couple of weeks. We're hoping to have a calendar printed and for sale by sometime in November!

We also got a tour of the Center. It's amazing! I hope you never need it, but if you ever have cancer, consider it. It's state of the art - for both treatment and research! The equipment they have for radiation is some of the best. They are in the process of installing one of the newest and best proton therapy machines.* They can do PET Scans, and other diagnostics on site. They can do chemo on site. There is a cafe, a large "living room," family areas, children's play areas (as children often accompany parents who are there for treatment). The living room is right next to the cafe, with lots of comfortable seating, coffee tables, books and a player, grand piano with everything from classical music to Beatle's tunes. Lot's of books and resource materials.... Children are generally treated at the children's hospital, but radiation equipment is too expensive to duplicate. So, children needing radiation would use the equipment in the Center, and there are toys and books for them in that area, too. There's even a beauty salon to help women get a wig, get it styled, and learn how to deal with hair loss and how to style their hair as they lose it and as it grows back. Ah, I keep thinking of things I saw, but suffice it to say, they seem to have thought of pretty much everything to make help people deal with the experience of cancer and treatment. It is all so much less "clinical" than anywhere I went for diagnosis or treatment. Much more comfortable and relaxed.

I asked Trish what stood out to her. She said it was the people. Everyone we met, receptionists, treatment staff, people in the hallways, elevators, or offices, had a smile on their face. It was as though they were actually glad to be there, as though this was more than just a job. Von, Jari, and Joel were the same way. This wasn't about fund-raising so the Center would be there and they would have a job. This was all about the patients and how to meet their needs.

*The proton therapy machine will be one of three in the nation by the time installation is complete. There are currently 6 cities (if I remember right) where proton therapy is available, including OKCity. This will make the 2nd location here. Pretty unique that Oklahoma City will have two! But OU is also involved heavily in research as well as treatment, so there is double value in having this machine located here.

Survivor News!

2011-07-28T11:14:00.003-05:00

I am pumped! I have been wanting to get back to the Survivor Project for a while. It stalled out on me last year as I got busier with other things and the number of survivor's contacting me to participate slowed. Yesterday I made a phone call to the director of research for OU's Stephenson Cancer Center. He said he'd just been talking about me the day before. Their staff has increased, they're in their new building, and they're in a much better position to pursue the project including getting participants and distributing the finished product.

Let me clarify something real quick - "Survivor" means you have or had cancer. You may have just been diagnosed, still be in treatment, or be in remission or have heard the word cured. You may be a one day "survivor" or a 10 or 20 year survivor. Doesn't matter. You're a survivor.

The Survivor Project is something I started after having cancer myself. I wanted to fight back, and give others a way to participate. What I have to offer that is of most value is my talent as a photographer. So, I'm photographing survivors to create portrait images that will go into a calendar, initially. Over time, it will probably also result in a book of images. The calendars & books will be sold to raise money for cancer research.

Most of the images, if not all, for the 1st calendar are relationship portraits (like our "Love Is" series), of the cancer survivor with one or more family members or a care-giver. The images are black and white, with a splash of color (usually a scarf) representing the color of that individual's cancer (just about every kind of cancer has a "color").

Another part of the project will include displays in area businesses. We will set up a display for about 1 month at a time, publicize it on Facebook, Twitter, and here. That means lots of free publicity for the businesses that provide space for the displays. We will donate 20% of the proceeds from any sessions that are booked from the displays to cancer research as well.

Now, I realize, most people are a little reluctant to "have their picture made." When you're self-image is beaten up by cancer, and even moreso by cancer treatment, you may feel like you're "not pretty enough" or "good enough" to participate. You're definitely not at your best. That's okay, I know exactly how you feel. However, this is about the emotions, good or bad. This is about the fight. This is about raising money to give cancer a major slap in the face!

For the OU part of the project, I'm looking for people who were, or are being, treated for cancer at OU Medical Center. If you were treated somewhere else, that's okay, too. I'm still working on a similar project for American Cancer Society. It just might take a little little longer since they aren't helping me find people to photograph. However, if you would be willing to help, it will happen that much quicker.

What's the difference in a duck?

2011-07-17T16:16:00.000-05:00

There really is a difference in photographers, but if you asked most people if it mattered who did their photos, it would be about like asking, "What's the difference in a duck?" There are so many people with nice cameras who "shoot" good pictures and even call themselves professional, that what passes as "professional" photography these days often isn't.

I did senior portraits for Morgan's cousins and her brother, so I asked her if she would be willing to be a spokes model for us. We'll be photographing her "real" senior portraits later at some locations she's picked out, but we did a model session this week at our studio and outdoor portrait area just for some samples. I decided to try something. I created some portraits that reflect our typical work. You can find them on our Facebook page. However, I also created some images like many of the ones I see on Facebook and even some photographers' websites.

Many of the new photographers have several things in common. Most often, somewhere on their website, you'll find "I love natural light." Then you'll see images with very vivid, saturated colors.
Here's natural light.Some of the "mom's with cameras" photographers call it SOOC - Straight out of camera.

Notice how there's a slight bluish tint to the natural light images? They were all created in the shade in order to eliminate harsh shadows in the sun. The first one, the exposure was set for the scene. The background colors look rich, but Morgan's a little dark. Camera's are dumb that way. They average everything. So, unless your light on your subject is the same as the light on your background, one or the other is going to be either too light, or too dark. So, natural light isn't all it's cracked up to be. You have to supplement the light in order to get an overall pleasing image, or else, just settle for something less.

In the second image, I set the exposure to be more pleasing on Morgan, but the result is a slightly "blown out" over-exposed background. Not too bad since Morgan still looks good, and the background is blurred enough that it isn't extremely distracting.

What a lot of photographers do to compensate is "fix it in Photoshop." They've figured out, or learned from an on-line or DVD training program, how to "saturate" the colors. And boy do they saturate. The image on the left is the same as the image above, just over-worked to saturate the colors and vignette the image. Hey, there's a time and a place for this kind of technique. But as a general rule, in professional photography, if you can see the technique, you've gone too far. A vignette, for example, should be there, make the photo look better, but not be particularly noticeable itself. Also, there's still that slightly bluish (or "cool") tint. It needs to be warmed.

Here (left) is the same pose with a flash for the mainlight, and using natural light and a reflector for hair and fill lights. On the right is a better pose, again using flash for a mainlight to balance the light on subject and background, provide more flattering, and realistic (directional) lighting, on her face, and using the natural light and a reflector for hair and fill lighting. Occasionally, I'll saturate the colors of the background and/or clothing, but only if it seems to be the "right" treatment for the image - not to salvage poorly photographed images.

These two images are the same natural light photo. At left is the "sooc" image, and at right, the same image with the cool blue tint removed. It didn't take a "Photoshop action" or special software. I don't photograph with my camera set for jpeg. I photograph raw and load the images onto the computer with a program that can do minor adjustments to exposure, color temperature, and cropping on the raw files before converting them to jpg.

There really is a difference in photographers. For starters, look for a certified professional photographer. You need a photographer who can start with a quality image in camera. Whatever art work and retouch they do from that point should be to make you look incredible, not to fix a bad image. Remember, you get what you pay for. You want photos that look good, and more than that, photos in which you look good. It's your image; don't settle.

Visit our Facebook page to see a video of the images from Morgan's spokes model session.

More of the Hardins

2011-06-29T22:02:00.000-05:00

Here's a couple of more images from my time with Billy, Jessie, and their twins, Billy & Braylon.

What a month?!?

2011-06-28T14:08:00.000-05:00

A couple of weddings, a large dance studio, and some family sessions, and mid-May thru mid-June have been really busy. A lot to blog about, but not much time to do so. I usually prefer to wait until our clients have seen their portraits at full size before posting very many online, but this is a special exception. I contacted Billy & Jessie about doing portraits of their newborn twins. We photographed Billy's high school senior portraits, and also their wedding. As part all of our wedding collections, you never have to pay another session fee for life for any sessions we photograph for you - family, child, pet, senior....

Here's one of my favorites from our time with the Hardins.

I'll post some more later, along with some favs from some of our other sessions.

What do you do if you lost your photos in a storm?

2011-05-29T13:44:00.001-05:00

It's one of the first things you hear after a disaster - a fire, tornado, hurricane, flood - "Everything else can be replaced, but we lost all our photos, that's our memories!"

We want to help. If we created portraits for you and they were lost or damaged by the recent storms, call us. We may not be able to replace every image you ordered, you probably gave some away to friends or family anyhow, but our framed wall portraits carry a lifetime guarantee. And that includes disasters! If you also lost some 8x10 and smaller prints that we created, talk with us, and we'll do what we can to help replace some of those as well.

It's one of the things that makes us unique among photographers. A lot of people, including some photographers, think photography is about "taking pictures." Some even think it's a "service" industry - that they can charge a high session fee and give away the images, or sell them dirt cheap, usually on a CD. Where's that CD, or the computer you saved the images to, if your home is gone. And will that "shoot and burn" photographer (as in shoot the picture and burn it to CD) be willing and able to replace your images?

Photography, to me, is about relationships. The images should be about the relationships in your life. But it's also about the relationship we have with our clients. (I'll be the first to admit, I've not always been as consistent as I need to be with staying in touch with all of our clients, but I do try, and I am getting better.) The fact is, though, that I really do care about our clients. God brought you into our lives, and us into yours, for a purpose. A nice portrait is only part of that purpose.

So, again, if you're home was damaged or destroyed by the recent tornadoes, and if the portraits we created for you were lost or damaged, please give us a call. If you want to wait until your home is repaired/replaced, that's fine.

Also, if we've not done portrait for you before, and you lost all those precious memories that were your family photos, give us a call when you're back in your house (or new house) and let us help you start fresh with a new family portrait. We'll do the session at no charge, and offer a storm discount off your portrait order.

Newcastle Graduation 2011

2011-05-24T07:22:00.000-05:00

Just a quick note to the Class of 2011.

First, of course, CONGRATULATIONS!

Second, we're extending the deadline to order copies of you diploma photos through this Friday, the 27th, at the graduation day price. The "late order" price on the form won't go into effect until next week, and orders will be accepted through Friday, June 3rd.

Congrats Candice & Kevin

2011-05-16T14:03:00.000-05:00

Candice and Kevin started their marriage journey Saturday, May 14, 2011! Here's a video of their engagement session.

Candice is my niece, so I got to be Uncle Rick and enjoy being family. Trish and I helped make sure the Devin Boat House was decorated and ready for the reception. I met some great folks, too. Geoff Willis of the Boathouse worked tirelessly to coordinate the event. Kudos to Jan, Whitney and Tawney of the The Flower Girls for a great job with the flowers and table decorations!

Debbie Schwab of Sweet Treasures created a beautiful wedding cake (enhanced by the Flower Girls arrangements)...

...and a delicious array pastries for the grooms table.

A different Debbie catered the food for the reception - and it was wonderful, and her crew did a great job. I didn't get a chance to get her card, but I will.

So, if you need information on how to contact any of these folks give me a call.

Prom Candids - Newcastle Prom 2011

2011-04-24T19:38:00.000-05:00

Here are the candid images from Newcastle Prom 2011 - hanging with friends, and a night of dancing! Lot's of great memories!

Newcastle Prom 2011

2011-04-23T21:26:00.000-05:00

Newcastle Prom! We had a great time! Hope everyone else did, too. Here's a slide show of the formal photos. I'll upload a video of the candid images in a couple of days - more of them to sort through.

Prom!

2011-04-22T11:11:00.000-05:00

Newcastle Prom tonite!! I am soooo looking forward to this! A couple of people have called with questions about how to order - that's great! glad to help. We'll have extra order forms at prom. See you tonite, Racers!

Mowing, Oklahoma style!

2011-04-02T20:22:00.000-05:00

It was a beautiful day today. It's 8 pm now, and the thermometer still says 78 degrees! Don't know what the high was, but it was a gorgeous day for yard work. We seriously did some work pruning shrubs in our "portrait park" part of the yard, cleaned the pond, and did some other projects around our house, and at my mom's. But when we took our lunch break, we realized the back yard needed to be mowed. So, we recruited our Oklahoma lawn mowers - Domino and Rocky.

I don't know about you, but I could mow the yard like this all day long!

Natural Light, Available Light, Unnatural Light?

2011-03-15T18:48:00.002-05:00

I see a lot of photography websites and Facebook pages popping up these days. Most are pretty much the same. Most photograph primarily outdoors, because they don't have a studio. And most talk about loving natural light. What they generally mean is they don't use artificial light enhancers, they just use whatever light is available. Occasionally you can tell one has used flash to light their outdoor subject, usually an on-camera flash. You can tell it was on-camera by the way the face is lit and by where the shadows fall.

There is a difference between natural light and available light. I'd define available light is the light that's available whether indoors or out, without any modification. If not done right, it can be very unnatural. Natural light starts with available light, but will use modifiers to make sure the scene looks natural. That means there's a proper balance between the light on the subject and the background. It also means the light is flattering to the subject, while still looking "natural."

Next time you're outdoors with your family or a friend, look at their face and notice the bright areas of the face and the darker or shadowed areas of the face. Light is directional. If the sky is cloudy, or you're in the shade, it may be a little harder to see, but it's still true. It is normal for there to be an area of the face that is better lit and an area that is a little shadowed.

You can modify the light by adding light or subtracting light. You can add light with a reflector or a flash. You can subtract light with a diffuser or by using something dark such as a black panel, a wall or other object, and by how you pose the subject in relation to the light. If done poorly, it looks as unnatural as no modification at all, but if done well it looks totally natural, but incredibly wonderful, too. It's difference between a snapshot and a true professional image. It's the difference between something that is only worth putting on a CD to post on Facebook or print off your at home "photo-printer," and something that you would want to really display in your home and hope it will last to be enjoyed by future generations as well.

There are five lighting patterns that are used in classical portraiture. Ask your photographer if they he or she knows what they are, when and how to use them to make you look your best, and how to create them before you book your next portrait.

Hey, we all gotta start somewhere. But if you really value your photographs, make sure your photographer really understands light and how to use it and modify it to make you look incredible!

Happens every year

2011-03-14T20:13:00.000-05:00

I'll never learn, but that's okay. Every year it warms up for a week or two in early to mid-March. The redbuds start getting red buds, threatening to burst forth and enrich the countryside with their velvety lavender blooms. The garden bulbs - daffodils and narcissus, tulips and crocus are blooming. The fruit trees are already covered in white blossoms and some are already transitioning to lush green foliage. The elm trees are lending a pale green hue to the scene as they are giving birth to the seeds that will soon be coating our lawns and flowerbeds and ponds and porches and floors and....

I love it! The landscape is rich with the promise of springtime! I so enjoy the warmth, going outside without a jacket. The decrease in cedar pollen!!! Spring is here!!!!!!!!!!!

Then we have another cool front and reality hits: The key word is "promise." Spring is almost here. Oh well. It isn't near as cold as it has been, and there are more warm days ahead than cold days. It's Oklahoma. It won't really green up around here until mid-April. But that's okay, too. It won't be long!

Hey, and now's the time to plan those outdoor spring portraits. Call me and let's chat about updating your home decor with a beautiful, emotional family portrait!

Updates!

2011-03-13T22:35:00.000-05:00

Lots of exciting things happening - some photography related, some not.

We are still working on the Survivor Project. Will be contacting more people to participate in the coming days. If you know of someone who has cancer, or who has been successfully treated for cancer, have them call me asap - 405-392-3929 - so we can include them in the project. Initially, we're planning a calendar; ultimately a coffee table book. Both will be sold to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. If you or someone you know was treated at OU Medical, be sure and let me know as we may be doing a separate project for them.

We have a dance studio project and a couple of weddings coming up. We are still photographing seniors for the class of 2011, but are looking for spokes models for class of 2012! Spokes models, we need you now to provide you with sample images you can use to help promote Carr Portrait Art with your fellow seniors. We are looking for people who want amazing senior portraits and aren't willing to settle for mediocre (or worse).

I'm also working on some photography programs that I can share at professional photographer associations. God has blessed me with great mentors who helped me learn how to create beautiful portraits and how to market my business, and it's time for me to pay it forward. Also, if anyone is interested in photography classes or PhotoShop classes on a local level, I would be willing to set up some classes at my studio. These classes would oriented to amateur and advanced amateur photographers to help them learn how to better use their cameras and to do basic photo editing. If you're interested, call me: 392-3929.

On a personal note: I am working on getting my book published. It's a book sharing some very foundational principles for living a victorious Christian life. In conjunction with that, to help spread awareness of the book, I've started a separate blog at: www.heisarewarder.blogspot.com and opened a Twitter account. Most of what I'll be "tweeting" will be related to the book, but there will also be some photography related tweets as well I'm sure. So, I hope you'll sign up to follow this blog and the book blog, as well as follow me on Twitter!

Family, winter photos, and projects

2011-01-08T11:09:00.003-06:00

I've been out of town a few days. My brother-in-law passed away and we went to the funeral. Got to see (and meet) a lot of relatives. On the way back, stopped and visited with cousins from my mom's side of the family. It really was a week that reminded me how important family is. We all have a desire for roots, for a place of belonging, for people who care about us, somewhere we fit in. We benefit from the emotional security and strength that comes from being part of family. We may have close friends with whom we spend more time than we do with anyone outside our immediate family/household, but it's still comforting, encouraging and strengthening to at least know family is there and that they care.

We're starting off the year with a couple of projects in the works. We just sent out a mailing to part of our mailing list of current clients with a winter portrait/Valentines promotion. If you didn't receive it and would like to know about the specials, give me a call: 392-3929. We will also be sending out one final Class of 2011 senior mailing with some specials on reprints for those who've already done their senior portraits, and some specials on sessions for those who haven't.

I've got a couple of personal projects I'm working on as well. Foremost is the Survivor Project, photographing people who have or have had cancer and want to fight back by being part of a fund-raiser. I need to get phase one wrapped up soon, so if you have or have had cancer, please call me and let's schedule a time for a photo session for you to be part of this vital project. For more information you can visit www.carrportraitart.com.

The other project is something I'd like to do just as a personal photo project - maybe come up with an art print-style image I could submit to professional photographic print competition. I need a couple with a newborn - preferably less than 3 weeks old. If that's you, and you'd be willing to help, give me a call.
Rick

1-1-11

2011-01-01T12:54:00.002-06:00

Happy New Year everyone! I am so excited about the New Year! I know, as one of my Facebook friends pointed out, it's really just another day. Yet somehow, this year, it really does seem to be an opportunity for a fresh start. I think it's just how the lessons of last year timed out. It's as though it took me right up till the end of 2010 to grasp some of the things the Lord has been showing me and get a handle on the lessons, etc. So, it really feels like a new beginning - an opportunity to take what I'm learning and run with it.

It's my anniversary, 33 years married to my best friend, Trish. So, I'm not going to spend a lot of time blogging or Facebooking. But I just wanted to throw some of my optimism over the new year out there on the first day of the year, and get that fresh start started!

Expensive? or just care too much?

2010-11-24T20:08:00.003-06:00

I used to have clients tell me they came to me because they heard I was really good, but I was cheap, too. I never wanted to compete with department store studios on price, because I felt my quality was better, even when I was just starting out. I've always been sensitive about whether our prices are too high. I don't want to be "expensive." I didn't want "cheap" to be associated with my art either. I've always longed to have my art evaluated on quality and the emotions it evokes, and not price (even when people thought I was "cheap").

I understand that sometimes there just are budget limitations, and you have to make a choice based on whether you can afford something. However, I also know that almost all of us spend money on whatever we really want to spend money on. We eat out, we buy cars, we buy pets and invest in food, vet bills, toys for them, etc. It's called discretionary spending, and if we really want something badly enough, we'll find a way to get it - charge it, save for it, stop spending on something we value less - whatever it takes.

The past couple of years, with the pressure we've all felt due to the national economy, I've often second guessed my prices and whether I should lower them (in spite of the fact I have a consultant who tells me I'm "giving away" my wall portraits and should at least double my prices immediately). I know people invest in photography for emotional reasons - because of love for family, because it makes them look good and feel good about themselves, because it captures and preserves special memories and moments in their lives.... When it really touches the heart, price is irrelevant. (If it wasn't, I know of some studios that could not possibly still be in business, because they are really "expensive." Yet they are in business, and quite successful.) Even so, when the economy is tough, and people are struggling to make ends meet, it pushes me to get really analytical about my prices.

So, today, I took a recent client's order and compared it to the prices of three other studios. One is in a small west central Oklahoma town. One is an independent studio in the OKCity Metro area. One is a chain of studios with several studios throughout OK and No. TX.

The client ordered a 16x20, a collection of 8x10s and 5x7s, and 90 wallets (3 poses, with free name imprint). Our wall portraits are framed (even a 20" senior portrait gets a nice frame of your choice - from 20 or more frame moldings) and carry a lifetime guarantee. The frame is included in the price. The small print collection had no limit on poses, they wound up with 11 different poses, plus the wallets. All our portraits, whatever the size, receive basic retouch - removal of blemishes and softening of facial lines. But we also soften the skin, enhance the eyes, remove stray hairs, and do any other art work that's needed to get the best possible print. We just care. We want people to be absolutely thrilled with their portraits and look their absolute best, and never have to settle for something less. The client's total with tax was a little over $800. We included a bonus 5x30 6 image digital composite (framed), and a DVD of images for Facebook.

She called the chain studio, and was told she could get the same thing for a little over $600.
Using the price lists of the three studios I mentioned above, here's what I found. None of the other studios included the extensive retouch we do. They all included basic retouch, but for the softening, the removing of stray hairs, whitening teeth, they all charged additional fees. None offered the 5x30 as a bonus item, and only one offered the DVD. Only one offered a frame, but it was a basic 1" cherry or oak frame. Anything else would be additional. The studio that told her she could get the same for less, also limited the number of poses in the collection to four! For additional poses, it was $12/pose. All charged extra to imprint the name on the wallets. The most notable difference between Carr Portrait Art and the other three studios is none of them offered a 100% money back guarantee, and none of them offered a lifetime guarantee on wall portraits!

To get exactly what she was getting from us from the other studios, here are the price tags:
The west OK, small town studio - $1080
The OKCity Metro independent studio - $968
The chain studio that quoted her $600+ - $1,127 (plus - she'll have at least an $80 session fee)

Now, if she drops the frame, the name imprint on the wallets, the 7 additional poses, the 5x30, the DVD, and the softening of the skin, enhancing the eyes, and removal of stray hairs the price at the chain studio will be $608 (plus the $80 session fee).

That's why we don't post our prices on our website - an apples to apples comparison would take more than a quick glance. If you looked at the individual print prices, ours would appear more expensive. To get what we offer you for our price, you'd have to read through pages of price lists at the other studios to find all the details and the added fees. You may not even realize you might want some of these things. We used to offer a pricing structure like the other studios. But even though some of our clients "settled" for the cheaper prints, I couldn't. I wanted them to look great in their portraits, and usually did the extra artwork anyway. A photograph is more than an image on a piece of paper. It's the moments, the memories, the emotions it evokes. That's why we are committed to excellence.

The numbers show we aren't the most expensive studio around, especially for our level of experience and the quality we offer. Maybe I just care too much? But I have a hard time using the bait and switch tactics of showing one level of work on my website, displays, and studio walls, but quoting a price that does not offer that level of work without additional fees.

We want you get to know us, and know that we really care, that we are going to take great care of you and create beautiful, meaningful portraits for you. We guarantee it!

JoyfulNoise Picture Day in 3 weeks!

2010-09-03T16:35:00.004-05:00

Sneaky Peaky!
We do a few "daycare" style pictures here and there. It's not the main line-up for our business, but there are a few daycares and Parent's day out programs that we help out with for "Picture Days".
This year we want to offer our parents a higher quaility outcome than the drab backgrounds we've done the past few years.
I wanted something new and while looking through fabrics and online "backgrounds" I just couldn't find anything that said "I'm awesome! Use me!" But then I remembered the new background we made last year our Ballerina's promotion. When the curtain is spread to it's full length, we have a nice backdrop, add some fall flowers, pumpkins, rustic wooden wagon, and Wallah!

So, Joyful Noise mommies, let me know what you think, I still have a few weeks to make a few changes. I love suggestions! And since you're the ones who display the finished output in your homes, I want to know that the parents love them!

Anna is dressed in the outfit she had on the day that I picked through my "props" corner to design this set. Fall colors would work well with this set- I don't recommend bold stripes or bright colored outfits- those are fun for outdoor sessions or playing in the outdoor leaves, but your child will photograph best in simpler outfits for an indoor studio set up.

2010-07-20T15:05:00.002-05:00

Here's a couple of senior '11 videos:

Taylor - from Norman High School

Hillary - from Yukon High School

2010-06-26T22:57:00.003-05:00

Ana's a Blanchard senior. We did her sister's senior portraits, and are thrilled to do hers. Her senior portrait experience is scheduled for later in the summer, but we did a mini-session so we could spread the word about summer senior portraits.

2010 Spring Models

2010-06-24T14:54:00.003-05:00

We decided it was time for some fresh new samples and thus needed some fresh new models. We posted a status on Facebook stating we needed children ages 3+ to come help us out.

The turn out was great! So we may do another one this year, maybe later in the summer or early fall. Check our Facebook page often if you'd like to participate next time!

Here are just a few favorites from our 2 day ordeal. But if you'd like to see more, enter these codes in the EventCode box on our homepage.

AnnaNoelle

Kaitlyn

ZoeD

SamEmily

IanWill

Carter & Alicia

2010-05-15T21:08:00.005-05:00

Carter and Alicia are getting married this month! Alicia's dress is beautiful and unique and Carter is such a lucky guy to have her!
We're really looking forward to your wedding at the State Capital in a few weeks. From all the great wedding plans you've shared with us so far, I know it will be absolutely amazing and a one-of-a kind ceremony and reception!
May 29th is on the way, Congratulations you two!

Click this link to view an engagement photo slideshow:
http://www.shareitvideo.com/watch.php?v=241555592266269

Baily!

2010-05-03T19:43:00.000-05:00

Some images from a recent senior session:

Ballerina Babies, part two

2010-03-18T09:31:00.000-05:00

Here are some more of the ballerina baby images:

2010-03-13T17:51:00.001-06:00

We had a lot of fun with our "Ballerina Babies" today. Here are a few of Rick's favorites. I'm hoping to get a few more posted in the next few days. The response was good and we appreciate everyone who participated!!

Seniors

2010-03-06T12:57:00.000-06:00

Great day for outdoor portraits!! Cloud cover was perfect, wind wasn't too strong (that's saying a lot for Oklahoma, huh?), and it wasn't too cold. Did indoor photos for Lauren a few days ago, and finished up this morning with outdoors on location. We got some beautiful images both days, and I'm getting them ready for Lauren & her mom to view next week.

I've been updating our websites and going through images that would be good to add to the site, and noticed several families who had come to us for portraits because they had dealt with cancer and realized how precious relationships with family really are. Being a cancer survivor myself, it really made me want to act on something that's been on my mind for several months. So, yesterday I went to the American Cancer Society in OKCity to talk with them about how I could help. They liked some of the ideas I presented, and we'll be talking more in the next few days about a fundraiser project that hopefully we can tie in with Relay for Life.

Ultimate Senior Portraits

2010-03-01T16:04:00.000-06:00

Great news!! Our new senior website is online! Ultimate Senior Portraits is the new division of Carr Portrait Art that we created to help better promote our senior photography services. Since seniors represent a significant percentage of our business we decided to devote a whole website just to seniors!

If you visit our Carr Portrait Art website (www.carrportraitart.com) the links for seniors now go directly to the www.ultimateseniorportraits.com website! The "contact" and "directions" links take you back to Carr Portrait Art.

The new site has all the vital information you need about senior portraits. It has photos, testimonials and video. It is similar to our main website, both of which are UNLIKE almost any other photographer's website. It seems almost any photography site you visit now-days has a flash player slide-show gallery (usually accompanied by obnoxious music which you have to look for the symbol to turn off). Our sites are about informing you - useful information that can help you make wise choices about your photography needs - whether or not you choose us as your photographers!

We will soon also be updating the Carr Portrait Art site. It's almost done! Please check out both sites. You can use the contact form and give us some feedback. Be sure and tell your friends about them, too.

Santa Pictures

2009-12-09T23:51:00.000-06:00

We were so excited to offer our time, expertise, and services again this year to the city of Newcastle's Annual Tree lighting and children's program and pictures with Santa! We had so much fun taking pictures of all the kids (young and younger :) ) and listening to them tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas.

Your free 5x7 pictures will be in the mail shortly!

Thank you to the Newcastle Chamber of Commerce for asking us to be your professional photographer again this year! We really enjoy getting to serve the community!

One of my Favorites

2009-12-03T10:07:00.000-06:00

I'm not usually the type of person to pick favorites. I honestly love all of my clients and have so much fun at each session making them unique and different.
As the Children's portrait photographer for the studio, I get to enjoy all kinds of different personalities. And Anna's is one of my favorites.
My first session with Anna was when she was just 3 months old. Followed by: 6, 9, 12, and 18 month sessions, and then each birthday afterwards, and she even came for 2 of our spring bunny specials the past 2 years. Which means, over the past 5 years, I've had the great joy of photographing little Anna 11 times! (and 30+ images at each session!)

It is so rewarding to me to have a client who runs into my arms when she gets out of the car before our session begins! It literally melted my heart and brought tears to my eyes that she likes me just as much as I like her!
And the bonus here is: Anna now has a little sister! I'm thrilled to get to have another favorite join the first! Kamryn already has a winning smile and laid back mannerisms in front of the camera.

Anna's favorite thing to do these days is play dress up. So her 5 year session included just that. We had a blast playing and posing, and then when she waited patiently while Kamryn took a few more pictures she slipped on her Mimi's old heels with her beige sweater, so we had to take a few more of course!
So, Anna, I want you to know how blessed I am to have you as one of my regular clients, and how excited I am about the many more years to come. And I'm so glad you get to bring your new little sister with you too!

2009-10-16T17:38:00.000-05:00

What a great week it's been. Engagement portraits for Carter & Alicia, bridal portraits for Sam, several senior sessions, maternity portraits for Tori & Jeff - a little bit of everything. We went to Mt. Scott for the engagement session and got lots of great images on the mountaintop, and in the town of Medicine Park. We'll post some of those later.

But what I've been wanting to share was Emily's senior photos. Here's a video. Elise took the images on the spiral staircase. They turned out awesome!!!

The Scotts

2009-10-13T14:44:00.001-05:00

Clay and Elizabeth spend a lot of time together, and were engaged, in Bricktown, so this is where we did their engagement portraits a few months before the wedding. And the wedding was so much fun! These 2 are one of the most laid-back easy going couples that we've ever photographed. Here's a slideshow of their engagement session, and their wedding album is at the end of the show as well. And don't forget to notice the blue or black Converse shoes that the entire bridal party is wearing. They even convinced both sets of parents to kick back in the "chucks" that day.

Clay & Elizabeth

Posted using ShareThis

Congratulations Liz and Clay!

2009-10-01T13:43:00.000-05:00

Elise commented that we've had a busy summer, so I thought I'd share a little of what we've been up to:

Busy Summer!

2009-09-28T08:59:00.000-05:00

We've had a very busy summer at Carr Portrait Art. Busy is good. It means we're doing our job of keeping satisfied customers. But it also means we didn't stay up to date on the blog. So for our regular readers, we apologize, but we hope to get back in the habit of sharing our fun sessions with you again.

Congratulations to DeAnn and Keenan! We're so excited about your wedding this weekend! We did some bridal portraits for DeAnn last weekend, and her dress is gorgeous! The church is beautiful! And the flowers and wedding colors will blend so well with the reception hall too.

Can't wait to spend Saturday with you two!

See us on youtube!

2009-04-27T14:29:00.000-05:00

We've set up a YouTube account to start posting videos of some of our images on-line. Tell your friends.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HW__uHs_Aq8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGpdbirg9Us

2009-2010 Seniors

2009-04-24T08:58:00.001-05:00

It's What We Do

2009-04-01T10:37:00.001-05:00

In the Professional Photography industry, there a lot of photographers who call themselves "professional". And I was looking through a few sites of new photographers in the area, just to see what is being marketed these days, and saw one of them even called himself a " "professional" "- with the quotations- as if to say he himself wasn't really sure what to call his work.
A Professional is one who (according to definition of the word) is an expert; or who belongs to a learned profession. Another definition classifies a professional as being an authority qualified to teach apprentices. Is your photographer qualified to teach someone about photography?

Rick and I are both PPA Certifed. To become Certified, we each took (and passed) an extensive photography exam on posing, lighting, and other technical aspects of photography, as well as submitted images before a panel of judges to show our work as photographers. This means we have both studied our craft to the extent that the Professional Photographers of America recognizes us each, as individuals, as being someone capable of their National recommendation.

A professional will commit to his/her client. And if an emergency arrises, they will do everything they can to help find a replacement who is just as good as, if not better than, themselves.

This was the case last weekend.
We received a call Monday morning last week from a fellow photographer who had a past client that had opted to hire a "friend of a friend with a camera" for their wedding last weekend. They just received a call from their "photographer" that they would be unable to make it to the wedding. This friend photographer had cancelled a week before the wedding!
Our fellow Professional was already committed to an event that weekend, so he told them he'd get on the phone and call a few professionals he knew and see if he could find an available photographer. He called us first (what a compliment!), and since we had scheduled this weekend off for the Professional Photographers of Oklahoma convention (Rick was going, but I was still deciding if I would attend some or all of the convention) I opted to help this photographerless Bride and Groom. What's a wedding without a photographer?

It's what we do.
I photographed the wedding that Friday night, and the family was so greatful that I chose to help them. And we all had a lot of fun with it too. The Bride and Groom even let me do a few fun poses that not everyone will do.

Saturday morning I received a call from another photographer in need of some help. She had someone lined up to take some candids at a family event (a fairytale ball) downtown that evening, but her photographer wasn't going to make it. So, of course, I helped her out. I was glad I had a free weekend to be available to other photographers.

It's what we do.

Photography is more than a job for Dad and me. It's more than our business. Photographs allow us to capture this moment in life. This very moment in your life - what's happening? Do you have kids graduating high school? Moving out? or even getting married and never living at home with you again? Or are your children still in the phase of life where everything is fun? Are they playing outside with sticks or playing little league games? Maybe you just had your first child (like me) and you're constantly overwhelmed by how much she's changing everyday. Or you could be an empty-nester and in need of some updated portraits of you and your spouse, reconnecting and enjoying the now quiet home. (Display your portraits of just the two of you in your home and I guarantee your children will be blessed by the constant reminder of the love you two share!)

We didn't seek out the title of Professional Photographer because we needed a status or letters to follow our name. We studied, and continue to attend conventions and photography classes to further our photographic education becuase we desire to be aware of the most up to date ideas, and technology so we can capture this moment. This very time in your life.

It's what we do, because we LOVE to do it. And because you deserve a photographer who values this moment in your life just as much as you do!

Felicia

2009-03-27T13:38:00.001-05:00

When Felicia came in for her consultation for her Senior portraits, she said she wanted something different. She loved the look of rustic doors, or old front porches, or said we could try the downtown OKC area and find some fun alley ways.

So we scheduled her senior experience for the following week; and I drove around a few local towns to find the perfect spot for miss Felicia's session. I love the opportunity and challenge to be creative. And this was the perfect challenge.

I found it! A nice fun alley with big colorful doors, a spiral staircase, and close to some other parts of the town that had some old front porches too. Everything she wanted and then some!

Do you have some ideas for your senior session? Want something different and fun? Call us!

Lindsay

2009-03-26T14:47:00.000-05:00

What a privilege we had this morning. Elise and I got to do senior portraits for a young lady who is finishing her high school studies this year at home. A few years ago, she was in a car accident and was crippled. She's 20 years old. She can't speak. She's mostly confined to a wheel chair. She can use her right arm enough to drive the chair to some extent, but mostly depends on others for mobility.

She was excited to be doing her senior portraits, though. She had three clothing changes, including a formal dress and homecoming queen ribbon and tiara, and a bouquet of red roses. Her biggest smiles came at the reminder that she was done with school (pretty much like any senior). It was hard work for her to do the session, somewhat tiring, but she loved it. She loved the attention. She loved being treated as someone special. Oh, I hope and pray that she loves the images - not because I need the approval, but because I want her to know how beautiful and special and precious she really is!!

Spring break & bunny season!

2009-03-23T08:24:00.000-05:00

The bunnies are here! People are calling to schedule Spring children's portraits, and photos with the bunnies. Last week was Spring break. We took the first couple of days to do maintenance around the studio, especially outdoors - minor repairs to some of our sets, clean the pond, trim the grass on the berm, weed flower beds, prune shrubs, recover from sore muscles.... Then the rest of the week was mostly senior portraits. We did squeeze in a day at the zoo, and bunny photos for the little ones in our own family. We got portraits of Elise's little one, Anna, and her cousin Eva (Adam's little girl) one day.

Then this weekend, Trish & I got photos of Sarah's boys, Thayer & Aidan. We learned very quickly that two toddlers, and two hyper-active toddler bunnies in front of a camera is at least a three person job!! But we still came away with some cute images.

Spokes Model Search

2009-02-19T12:52:00.000-06:00

Our annual search for senior spokes models is winding down. We still have openings for spokes models from a few schools. If you are a junior in high school (class of 2010), female (sorry guys, but girls and their friends just get more excited about photography) and you would like to be a spokes model for Carr Portrait Art and UltimateSeniorPortraits.com give us a call as soon as possible. We need to finish photographing our 2010 models by mid March at the latest!! That means we need to talk with you before the end of February in order to get you scheduled and plan your session! The number is 392-3929.

Our spokes model program is like none other in the OKCity Metro area. Call us and we'll schedule a time to chat (no obligation, no cost) and explain the program to you and a parent. Do a good job and you'll receive a coffee table book/album of images from your model session. Plus, you'll save money on your senior portrait session and order. Our top model will win an i-pod at our senior kick off party in May!

We are especially looking for models from Mustang, West Moore, and South Moore, Norman and Norman North. If you are not a junior, but no someone, please tell them about this. If you refer us to someone and they sign on as a model, I'll buy you a $25 gift card to the movies or your favorite restaurant, store or mall.

In the meantime, check out our website: www.carrportraitart.com, and our Carr Portrait Art Facebook page, as well as the Facebook group: Carr Portrait Art Made My Senior Portraits!
Our new senior website: www.ultimateseniorportraits.com is still under construction. We hope to launch it this spring featuring images from our 2010 spokes model sessions.

The First 48

2008-12-30T11:01:00.000-06:00

Dad and I (Elise) have been discussing different product lines that we would like to add to our portait collections, and some are portrait product lines that are new experiences all in themselves.

I greatly enjoy photographing our maternity sessions. We don't do very many, and I've found that it's mostly because we cater towards Wall Portraits. The majority of our clients invest in a wall portrait for their home, and most pregnant women don't want a larger image of their belly displayed in their home. My initial idea was to offer a coffee table book or small album of the maternity session, but then I thought how excitingly special it would be to have an album for our clients that tells the story of New Family. It could start with the maternity portraits- maybe just one session, but hopefully a few sessions that tell the story of a mother's pregnant journey; followed by a portrait session with the parents and their new child.

In the summer and fall of 2007 I had the honor of photographing several families with their new babies on the day after the mother delivered. I was so blessed to get to be a part of that. An infant is usually more awake in the first 48 hours of his/her life, than it is in the next few weeks. I greatly enjoyed watching the new parents revel in the wonderment of their new baby.

How precious and cherished would an album with all 3 of these sessions be? A mother's pregnant journey, The first 48 hours, and then a relationship style session of Mommy and Daddy loving on their new addition. And how do you start a new series of portraits and let your clients know what you offer without samples?

I met Devon late last spring. She was the bridesmaid of one one of our summer brides, and 4 months pregnant. Her husband was serving our country overseas, and wasn't scheduled to return until November/December, but none-the-less, I knew she would be a perfect model for the album I was wanting to create. We created her maternity portraits at the end of July when she was 7 1/2 months along. I then had the honor again of meeting little Presley Grace when she arrived in late September. Ideally we would have photographed Jason with Devon at all 3 sessions; the 3rd taking place within the next 3 weeks after Presley's arrival. But how many times do we actually have an "ideal" situation anyways? And I knew from the start that Devon and her new little family would be perfect for my project. We're scheduled to create the final family portraits next week, after which I'll add some additional images from that session here too.

I am so excited about this new experience we're offering our clients! Our goal as a business has always been to offer our clients portraits that will be cherished for generations, to capture the Love that is Family, and offer unique and professional services.

That's why we say, "It's all about life, it's all about family, it's all about the Love".

Last Week's seniors and Next Year's seniors!

2008-10-22T08:50:00.000-05:00

Had some fun sessions last week. Several people came in for their consultations and had "no idea" what they wanted - just something different. So we got to be creative - using some different backgrounds around the outdoor studio, doing some things with the patterns in their clothing to create "blends" - overlaying the image of the pattern over the actual photograph to create a whole new background. I was about to post some images, but I need to make sure we have model releases on everyone first.

It's almost time to kick off our Senior Spokes Model program for Class of 2010!!! Can you believe it? If you're a junior this year - I know it's way to early to be thinking senior portraits - but effectively marketing to seniors actually begins several months in advance. If you're a junior girl and you're thinking of using us for your senior portraits and would like to earn some incredible rewards just for helping to spread the word about Carr Portrait Art, call our office (392-3929) and talk to Rick, or e-mail him, or use the contact form on our website and let him know you're interested. He'll explain the program to you. If you want to talk with your parents about it before you call that's a great idea, and if you'd like we can set up a time for you and them to come chat with Rick about being a Spokes Model.

2008-07-23T15:16:00.000-05:00

We have decided to name our black & white relationship portrait product line. I hope this name and concept works - i.e., communicates well to people. We're calling it "'Love Is' Portraits." It's about relationships - the track on which love can flow. It's a product line designed to reflect the love people share by capturing moments and relationships in simple, uncluttered, elegant, classic black and white portraits. It's designed to show what "Love Is." It's for engaged couples/young love, parents to be, young families, parents and their children whatever their age, empty-nest couples, and senior adults!
Hmmm: "engaged couples/young love." Where could we go with this?
parents to be/expectant love
young families/multiplied love
parents and older children/tested love, or coming of age love
empty-nesters/revitalized love, rediscovered love
senior adults/timeless love, seasoned love
Tell me what you think.
Here are some images I've posted to the web and on Facebook and Plaxo. Some you may have seen before, but they are in layouts for postcards that we plan to send out late summer/early fall.

2008-06-18T23:36:00.001-05:00

I'm really excited about our new black & white product line. We'll officially be kicking it off this summer. Trish & I wanted some for ourselves, and needed to update our portraits together anyway, so we got Elise behind the camera and had our own session. I'm still working on a name for the product line.

Most people simply refer to this style as "relationship portraits." I can live with that, but would prefer to come up with something more exclusive for our own company. If anyone has a suggestion I'm open to ideas - but I need to decide soon so I can finish designing marketing materials.

Anyway, check out these images of my sweetie & me.

Lisa & James

2008-05-07T20:24:00.000-05:00

Okay, so the bunnies aren't here anymore. They went back to Pet Lovers Pet Store in Mustang. Again, many, many thanks to Pet Lovers for being willing to take them back. If you've never been to Pet Lovers, check out their new location in the log building on the south side of Hwy 152 just west of Hwy 4 (Mustang Rd) in Mustang.

Now, to Lisa and James - check out these images!! These are some of their engagement portraits. Tell us what you think! We're going to be introducing a new line of black and white portraits soon, and James & Lisa agreed to model for me. We're waiting on our lab to get the printing up to the standards we're looking for before we actually offer this portrait line for purchase, but that should happen within the next couple of months - hopefully by mid-June?!?

The Bunnies Are Here!

2008-03-05T11:04:00.000-06:00

We're getting a couple of bunnies to spend a few weeks with us and help us with "Bunny Sessions" at the studio. They'll be here until Easter weekend - March 22. Much thanks to Pet Lovers Pet Store in Mustang for helping us with the bunnies and the supplies to take care of them while they're here. Please check out Pet Lovers for your pet needs. They've got all kinds of pets and the supplies for them, from fish to reptiles, to rodents, to rabbits, to kittens. (With all the super stores around with various specialties, it's getting hard to find individually owned stores of any kind anymore. When you find one, support them. Owners of "mom & pop" stores are usually very passionate about what they do, and very knowledgeable. You won't find that in the super stores or discount stores! But, I digress.) Visit Pet Lovers; I think you'll like it. They are about to relocate to a larger store on Hwy 152, just west of Mustang Rd.

We are offering $25 children's sessions while the bunnies are here - that's half off our regular children's session price. We will create some beautiful children's portraits, and finish the session with some portraits with the bunnies. We're offering a special package of 1 8x10, 2 5x7s and 8 wallets for just $149, and all our regular portrait collections are 20% off on any children's sessions photographed by March 22. Orders must be placed by April 18, 2008.

If you would like more information about specials for children, families or high school seniors, call us at 392-3929, or use the contact form on our website: www.carrportraitart.com/contact.php

Class of 2009

2008-01-12T13:10:00.000-06:00

Big priority right now is finding a few more ambassadors for Class of 2009! We need to begin photographing our ambassadors soon. This is an exciting new ambassador program that will be a lot of fun for you and your friends. And, it will reward you with some great photographs!
We have several ambassadors hired, but still need at least one more ambassador for most area schools - for some larger schools we could use two more.
If you're a junior this year, and are active in your school, please call us right away at 392-3929! We'd love to talk with you. More details of the program are available on our website - www.carrportraitart.com; and we'll fill in even more when you call.
Don't miss out on this cool opportunity!!

29 + 11

2007-12-01T17:05:00.000-06:00

It's December 1st, Trish and I are one month away from our 30th anniversary. God has been so good to us. We don't have a financial fortune, but I am the richest man in town. I love my wife. We have a fantastic relationship. Her Aunt Peggy told us before we got married: "Never be angry at the same time." We've lived by that through the years. We're not perfect. We have been angry at the same time, but the application of that advice is that we don't express that anger at the same time. We give each other time to deal with our feelings. We work through our differences rather than fight, yell and insult. Not fighting doesn't mean we never disagree. We just don't fight about it.

We have 4 wonderful children, all married now, and 6 grandchildren. They're not perfect either, but they all know the Lord Jesus, and are doing their best to serve and follow Him. I couldn't ask for more.

Our 3 yr old granddaughter Eva was here yesterday evening, and found a folio of some of our favorite family pictures. She was going through them trying to figure out who everyone was. Many of them were of our children when they were toddlers and infants. She guessed most of them to be her cousins, and didn't realize she was looking at her daddy, Aunt Elise, Aunt Sarah and Uncle Tim. Going through them with her brought back a lot of good memories.

Pictures are a wonderful way to preserve our memories and to give us time to reflect on them. That's why I'm a photographer. I love capturing moments and memories for my own family and for others as well. I hope as my clients look back on their photographs, they have the same kind of fond memories and pleasant moments of reflection.

Purpose

2007-11-21T18:24:00.000-06:00

I believe God has a purpose for each of our lives. That purpose, ultimately, is that we be in relationship with Him, and that we grow in that relationship - to love Him more passionately, and to become more Christ-like. Beyond that, I couldn't say for certain that He has a specific career chosen for each of us. But, I do know that He uses our careers, and wants us in a career, that will facilitate His purpose of drawing us into a deeper relationship with Him, and helping others to enter into that kind of relationship as well.

For me, that career is photography. When I started turning this hobby into a career, I did so with much prayer. One day, still seeking confirmation of His leading, and seeking to understand how photography fit into the sense of "calling" I felt in my life, I prayed, "Lord, Why photography?" He reminded me of my trip to Africa a couple of years before, and the lessons I learned there about His compassion for the multitudes. He reminded me of the multitudes of faces I saw there anytime we set up in a village or marketplace to preach. I had never seen crowds gather like that here. He showed me that day that photography was a way of putting faces on the multitudes. I may never see crowds gather in America like I did in Africa - 100's to even 1,000's of people spontaneously gathering at a time just to stand and hear the gospel preached. But I would see a multitude of people in front of my camera, and each one was just like me - they would each have needs, for which I could pray, and which Christ could meet.

Become a fan!

2007-11-19T07:13:00.000-06:00

Check out our new Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=5694334098

I didn't know it until recently, but businesses can set up Facebook pages. Instead of a "friend" you can become a "fan." Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Victoria's Secret, the NBA, Microsoft, are a few of the companies that have pages. It's apparently fairly new, as even Coca-Cola only has a little over 600 fans at this writing. I'm hoping this will be one more way of making people aware of our studio. Check it out, and tell your friends!

Thanx!
Rick

Ambassador search underway

2007-11-05T13:13:00.000-06:00

We are searching for ambassadors for the class of 2009! If you are interested, contact us during the month of November. We will meet with candidates and their parents to explain the program the first week of December. If there are still positions available, we will accept applications until December 21st. However, there are only a limited number of positions available at any school, so don't put it off.

We are looking for junior girls (face it, girls get more excited about photography and are more likely to talk to others about it than guys), who are involved in activities at their school, are well-liked, and are willing to put forth some effort to help us get the word out about Carr Portrait Art senior portraits. If you're involved in one or more activities such as cheer, softball, basketball, volleyball, band, FFA, football or baseball team manager, etc., please call Rick or Elise at 392-3929 by November 30th!

The students we hire will be photographed in January or February, be provided with a folio of images to show your friends, and will help us build a mailing list of students from the Class of '09. More details will be given at the December meetings, including "what's in it for you!"

Late summer & Fall promos for the studio

2007-08-17T09:09:00.000-05:00

I'm excited about what we've got planned for the 2nd half of this year! (Can you believe we're into the 2nd half of the year!?!?!? Wow!)

Post cards are ordered for our late summer/fall/holidays marketing.

High school seniors!! August is almost full. We are now booking September and October senior portrait experiences! Call by September 20th for 30% off September sessions - 40% off October sessions - or 50% off November sessions!! Call on September 6th - ONE DAY SALE - for 80% off Classic, Custom, or Deluxe Senior Portrait Experiences!!!

Visit our Family and Child portrait pages for information about our Toy Sessions, Fall Family Portraits, Home for the Holidays, and more to come for high school seniors. Plus, this Fall we'll be kicking off an all new Senior Ambassador program for the Class of 2009! If you would like to be kept up-to-date on any of these promotions, use our contact page to let us know! We mailed a newsletter in July (and would be happy to send you a copy of it), and will be mailing some postcard reminders as each of these promotions is taking place! Don't miss out on your best portrait experience ever!

2007-08-17T09:02:00.001-05:00