Get that camera out!

Too often I get wrapped up in taking photos for clients and neglect to break the camera out for my own children. Today we tried to fix some of that. With my beautiful wife acting as baby wrangler we filed the kids through and updated their portraits. I feel like the accountant that does their own taxes last.

What a fun time, I am very happy we did it. My advice to all parents out there. Grab your camera and shoot. It doesn't matter how "good" the shots are, they are priceless. Of course if you would like to step it up a notch we are more than happy to help!

Granny Nichols for Christmas!

Somehow it was just fitting to have Granny Nichols and her family in for portraits right before Christmas. I don't know if there is any direct connection to Ol' St Nick, but you gotta wonder. Granny it was my pleasure, your DVD is ready and I tucked a little extra bonus in there for you. Merry Christmas.

Back to basics

Recently I have had more opportunities to get back to basics, photographically speaking anyway. I teach middle school students in a photography club and this allows me to force myself to work with one camera, one lens, no lights, and lots of creativity. It's refreshing to get away from the gear and get my head back in the artistry.

Sometimes nature doesn't even need me to be very creative, it has that down pat. I was out walking the dogs when this sunrise started to get interesting. I made a dash for the studio and my camera and made it just in time. This shot was taken right out in front of the studio, and yes having this for a view is something I exploit regularly!

What do these things have to do with each other? This shot was simply good photographic technique. No bells and whistles, no photoshop tricks. Just a glorious morning, a camera, and one happy photographer to be there to take a photo. Basics are good.

Maintaining the blog.

It's been a very busy time here at MSP. Lots of new clients, new work, and great creative projects. In addition we welcomed a new member to our team. My wife (also my studio manager) and I were blessed with another child. Our first girl, and you can be sure that she has daddy wrapped firmly around her finger. Expect blog posts starring this little cutie.

As life begins to regain some semblence of order, I am going to make a concerned effort to maintain the blog as a place for people to learn a little more about us and keep track of what the studio is up to. As part of this effort I have added a twitter feed to the top of the page. If you twitter please feel free to follow us. I try to update the twitter page daily.

Thanks!

Matt

School Photos = Cute Kids!

I recently had the opportunity to provide group and individual portraits for My Favorite Preschool in Wasilla, as well as My Favorite Preschool Too in Eagle River. Both shoots were great fun, with enthusiastic children ready to ham it up for the camera. For both of these schools we brought the studio to them, as we wanted both children and parents alike to be as comfortable as possible. Choosing a location everyone was comfortable with really helps. I worked with Miss Cheri and Miss Kiri of My Favorite Preschool to develop a shooting schedule and my hat is off to both of them for a very smooth shoot at each location. We were able to capture some fantastic smiles, grins, and silly faces from the children. Parents have expressed that they are very happy with the result and I must say that we are too.

If you have a preschool age child in Wasilla or Eagle River I would encourage you to consider My Favorite Preschool. This is not just a plug, my wife and I trust them with our own children, and have been more than pleased.

If you have an organization that could benefit from similar photographic services please don't hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to talk with you about your project.

Local Links #3 Batteries Plus

As a photographer working in a small town I often come up empty when I need parts or equipment that are specific to my profession or are just hard to find in general. When you need something "yesterday", Anchorage might as well be New York. Well it happened again on Saturday. In the middle of a shoot a rather odd battery in my flash transmitter gave up the ghost. Fortunately I always have a back up plan, but I still wanted to get that battery. During the lunch break I ventured out into the snow storm (Yeah it was coming down!) in what I thought would be a vain search for the battery. Enter Batteries Plus. Newly opened in Wasilla they have all the batteries one could ever need. I walked in and literally in two seconds found the battery for my transmitter. Now that is cool. I have stopped in the store on several occasions now and found the guys behind the counter helpful and knowledgeable. When it comes to batteries I will no longer scour the valley in the desperate hope that someone carries what I need. I will simply go straight to these guys and be sure they have what I need. 

New Professional Lab For Online Orders!

We are pleased to announce that our provider for online print orders has been upgraded. The old lab was good, but the new one is GREAT! The new lab is more expensive but I truly think the added quality is worth it. As a result our print prices have had to be slightly adjusted, however I was able to maintain the price on prints of 4x6 and 5x7. We retain the ability to print right here in our studio with quality that meets or surpasses anything else available. Now that same quality is available to you online.  Another bonus is the Giclee printing now available directly from the site. If you have never seen a photograph printed on canvas or watercolor paper you are missing out. Yes they are a bit pricey, but the oohs and ahhhs from everyone that sees your print will make it worth every penny. 

For that personal touch I still encourage customers to contact us directly prior to ordering any fine art or large dimension prints. 

Keep an eye on the blog as we have located another vendor for our "Coffee Table" books.  A test book is on the way and if it's as nice as I think it will be, you are going to be very happy customers!