sue richardson photography photoblog

Family Album Debut

2008-04-25T16:51:00.016-06:00

I'm excited to show you my new family albums!

One of the things I love most about my job is designing albums. I love taking the images I created, my vision, and translating it into something that tells a story, something that compiles many images to reflect the true nature of personalities and relationships. I enjoy making art out of my photographs. Up until now my album design has been limited to weddings, but I've branched out to make these available to my family clients.

Part of making the album meaningful is to include personalized text. For this album, the mom provided me with a list of favorite things and personality traits for each of her children as well as a short letter to and from her husband. I also incorporated some quotes that complimented the images. My favorite online source for quotes is The Quote Garden.

A special thanks goes to Carolyn, who is a fellow photographer in the Denver area, for giving me the opportunity to launch my family albums! You can see her website here.

Click each layout to view larger.

Cutting the Apron Strings

2008-03-27T16:02:00.010-06:00

My friend Kris just sent off her only son, only child, on a mission for the LDS church for two years. To say she's missing him is a huge understatement. We took these photos less than two weeks before he left and it's the only family picture they've ever had taken. Criminal, really, to have a family this good looking and not get their picture taken on a regular basis!

I'm not sure if this post will bring a smile to Kris's face, or make her weep like a baby. Better grab the tissue just in case!

Digital Wedding Album- Oakland, CA

2008-03-13T05:38:00.021-06:00

I recently completed the album design for another wedding I shot for Camilynne Photography. It was in Oakland and Merced, California. I want to shoot all my February weddings in California! The bride can comfortably wear a short sleeved dress and it's warm enough to take family photos outside.

Amy and Zach were so much fun! I got to do their bridal and engagement photos also and they were always so laid back and up for anything. Amy is a great digital scrapbooker; you can check out some of her work here.

Nothin' like a newborn

2008-02-02T15:04:00.000-07:00

I've been out of the loop for awhile, playing catch-up and spending some much needed time with my family. But I'm getting back into the swing of things now.

This is my friend's baby Drew, photographed at 11 days old. It's rare that I get a newborn so wide awake and bright eyed. I had been wanting to try some different posing and a wrap, but I needed him to be asleep for those. It took a lot of eating and rocking, but he finally fell asleep.

Newborns are my favorite!

Digital Wedding Album- Salt Lake Temple & Joseph Smith Memorial Building

2007-12-15T13:48:00.001-07:00

Here is another digital album design that I recently completed for Camilynne Photography. Cami was unavailable the day of this wedding, so I was accompanied by Amanda Gregory of Amanda Beth Photography. She did a beautiful job on all of the candid photos.

Click to view larger.

Christmas Deadline

2007-12-07T23:22:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that the deadline for Christmas orders is Monday, December 10th. I need to receive your order (via phone, email, or online ordering) by Monday night in order to guarantee Christmas delivery.

Christmas cards are the exception. For custom designed cards, I need your order by Thursday, December 13th. For standard cards or 4x5 prints, I need your order by Tuesday, December 18th to guarantee Christmas delivery. See my Christmas Card post for more details.

Can I get a little Bling?

2007-12-07T23:20:00.000-07:00

Here is the Christmas card I designed for my brother's family:

My sister-in-law had a vision of gold and silver for her Christmas card and went to a lot of trouble to find just the right outfits. I'd say it was worth it, wouldn't you?

Like the glitter? I purchased it online by a digital scrapbook designer called Flergs. Click here for a link to the glitter styles. While on Scraphead's site you can search "Flergs" and all of her designs will come up. They are awesome! She's also part of a collaboration group that is doing a "12 Days of Christmas" free download of digital scrapbook supplies. If you're into designing on your computer, there is some great stuff!

Digital Wedding Album...at the beach

2007-12-07T22:54:00.001-07:00

I just finished designing a digital album for a wedding I shot for Camilynne Photography in April. It was in California, at the Newport Beach Temple and the reception at a beautiful historic home in Orange, CA. I had such a fun time at this wedding! The bride and groom were both very relaxed and I especially enjoyed shooting the wedding party at the beach. I was on pins and needles a bit about this wedding album because the bride was somewhat disappointed when she first saw her pictures. It's always hard when I'm excited about the photos I took and I feel like I did a good job, but the client has a different opinion. Fortunately, everything turned out well. I just got an email from the bride and she said, "I love, love, love it! Gorgeous! I'm so excited to receive it!"

Phew!

Christmas Card prices

2007-11-23T03:36:00.000-07:00

Standard slimline or 5x7 cards (view all styles here) with name imprinting:

25 cards: $70.00
50 cards: $110.00
75 cards: $145.00
100 cards: $175.00

All standard cards come with envelopes.

Custom designed 5x7 cards with your choice of photos and text :

Design Fee: $75.00
25 cards: $90.00
50 cards: $150.00
75 cards: $180.00
100 cards: $200.00

All custom cards come with envelopes.

4x5 print only:

25: $60.00
50: $90.00
75: $110.00
100: $115.00

Standard card orders must be placed by December 18th to guarantee Christmas delivery.

Custom card orders must be placed by December 13th to guarantee Christmas delivery.

Photo Handbag Deadlines

2007-11-14T09:01:00.001-07:00

For those of you that are interested in getting a Gina Alexander handbag for Christmas, here are the deadlines:

November 14 (that's today!) for

Candy Bag
Nicole Baguette
Audrey Handbag

November 23 for

Classic Line
Fairfax Line
Small Vanity
Casual Luxury

Don't miss your chance for a fabulous, one-of-a-kind Christmas gift (even if it's for yourself!)

Rustic Charm

2007-11-14T08:33:00.000-07:00

I have a new favorite location to shoot at. It's a 3-generation family farm in Pleasant Grove. There are so many fun places to shoot there! I love all the textures and the fall colors have been awesome. These kids were so fun to work with! They were goofing around by the tractor and when I looked over I knew it would make a great place for a group shot.

The farm is so versatile, with lots of different areas to photograph in. It will be a great winter location to shoot at as well. Check out these good looking kids! (click to view larger.)

Thanks to Cheri & Les for giving me the perfect excuse to break in this new location. And a HUGE thanks to Don for being so kind to let me photograph on your property!

This is the warm-up guys!

2007-11-09T19:06:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited because I get to shoot another wedding in California! This bride is neighbors with Michelle (see post below) and her mom met me at Michelle & Scott's wedding. I took Ashley & Brad's engagement photos last week at the Riverwoods in Provo. There was still plenty of fall color to work with so it was lots of fun!

I laughed with Ashley when I first got there because she was a little peeved at her fiance. He was late getting there from an evening class at BYU and the light was starting to wane. She said to me, "I'm really going to have to try hard to look lovey-dovey." I don't know, I think she likes him...

I love this one of Ashley in the blue sweater and Brad in complementary yellow. It's a great color combination and Ashley's sweater really brings out her blue eyes.

I was seriously challenged at this shoot because I kept calling Brad "John". I think I did it three or four times. When we were filling out the wedding contract after their shoot and I got to the "groom's name" part, he said, "Yes, John C...." I think he took it all in jest. I don't know what my problem was, I think it was just that I know two other Brads and they look totally different.

Definitely lookin' like they like each other!

It was well after dusk at the end of our shoot and I nearly called it quits, but then I noticed this great path running through the fall leaves. Brad was driving a scooter and so I had him and Ashley go for a little ride. It was one of those times when I was so, so glad I have a 50mm 1.8 lens that lets in tons of light.

When we were done and filling in the details on the contract, Brad ran to get dinner reservations. After he pulled away, Ashley confided that Brad was so glad I took some scooter shots. She said, "He loves that thing! That shot will probably be the one he wants to blow up huge and hang in our living room!"

Wedding in Paradise

2007-11-03T15:39:00.000-06:00

I've finally finished editing the long, long awaited proofs from a wedding I did in September in California. Scott & Michelle were married in the Oakland Temple and had their reception in Merced. This is one of my all-time favorite weddings, both in the quality of the images and in how much I enjoyed myself. Scott and Michelle were both so fun and genuine and their families were so kind and complimentary.

I had the privilege of shooting with David of David Perry Films. He was really energetic and had some great ideas for different shots. You can view his temple video on his blog here. He often posts videos on his blog so that family members, often missionaries who couldn't attend, can see the wedding day.

I'm always thrilled when I get a couple who is not only affectionate, but also laid back and up for anything. One of the things I try to do as a photographer is just have fun. Scott and Michelle definitely did that!

Much to the dismay of the men in the family (especially Michelle's brothers) the wedding was on the same day as the BYU-UCLA football game. While everyone was getting ready for the reception at Michelle's parents' house, the guys were watching the game. Here's one of Michelle's brothers right when BYU had a touchdown.

I finally had to drag them all away for group photos, but as soon as we were done, they were right back in front of the TV. Poor Scott had other obligations and couldn't join them! Michelle's parents did a fantastic job with the reception. Check out how gorgeous their yard was at night:

I love it when there is dancing at a reception. It makes for some great photos. Often, the groom isn't nearly as enthusiastic about dancing as the bride is, but Scott was totally into it.

One of my favorite moments of the entire day was when Michelle and her Dad were playing the air guitar to "Life in the Fast Lane."

Sparker send-offs are the best!

Thanks so much, Michelle & Scott, for letting me document your amazing day. I feel a sample album in my future!

Bear with me...

2007-10-26T19:13:00.000-06:00

I am SO behind on my proofing right now. I have been shooting a lot of fall family portraits and I was quite a bit behind on reprint orders, so I've put off some proofing to get some orders done. It's a real challenge to stay on top of things when you work at home with two little girls constantly needing you for something. But just this week I've started getting a babysitter for 2 hours a day, so I hope to get back on track. I know several of you are waiting on your proofs (Michelle and Julie, you top the list!) and I really appreciate your patience.

I'm out of town this weekend, but will be jumping headlong into things next week. For now, here's a little sneak peek, Julie!

As the lily among thorns...

2007-10-26T18:46:00.000-06:00

... so is my love among the daughters. ~Solomon Ibn Gabirol

Baby Isabella. Born at 29 weeks. You'd never guess that she was 3 1/2 months old when I took these photos! She was still in that "I sleep all the time" phase and her mom was a little disappointed that we didn't get more awake pictures, but she was SO darling!

You may recognize this Daddy. I photographed their 2-year-old son when he was a newborn and he is the first photo on my babies and children gallery on my website.

When I was shooting this, I was so excited about the light and I said out loud, "Oh, this spot is totally working for me!"

Isabella was welcomed into a house of lively boys. She gets lots of attention!

After making the boys behave and stay clean in the house, we ventured out to the backyard.

These boys have the coolest playhouse!

The boys love swinging in their giant hammock. Connor caught some serious air!

Thanks, Lara, for inviting me back into your home!

Gina Alexander Handbags

2007-10-18T23:51:00.000-06:00

I wanted to show you one of my favorite products that I sell, photo handbags by Gina Alexander. These handbags showcase your favorite photo(s) printed on satin and are constructed with fine quality leather or canvas. Gina Alexander handbags are a unique fashion accessory and they are carried by many of Hollywood's stars.

This is my own personal handbag, the Nicole Baguette:I have had so many compliments on it! Everywhere I go someone asks, "Are those your kids? Where did you get that purse?!" Not only does it have two of the cutest girls in the world (biased opinion noted), it has so many fun design features. I love the fuchsia leather, the candy striped inner lining, and the silver rings. It's very functional, just perfect for slinging over my forearm. The Nicole Baguette retails for $185.00. Gina Alexander charges $50.00 to put two different photos on the handbag, but I only charge $40.00. I also give discounts on other upgrades such as the candy striped lining ($10.00 instead of $12.00) and collage design if you just can't settle on one photo ($50.00 instead of $75.00-$100.00.) I also do not charge you for shipping (regularly $13.50.)

Gina Alexander handbags come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Click here to view all of the different styles. Here are a few more that I have had made from photos I have taken

Classic Small Handbag with leather straps and black inner lining: $160.00

Fairfax Handbag with black inner lining and collage design: $225.00 + $50.00 (don't you love the bottom left picture? That's my nephew doing his best impression of a fish!)

Classic Tote Bag with leather straps and candy striped lining: $230.00 + $10.00. This is the ultimate diaper bag! It's huge (12"x16") and the inside has plenty of pockets for stashing all of your stuff.

The Tote Bag also comes with canvas straps for a more affordable option:

Casual Luxury Tote Bag with candy striped inner lining and 2nd photo option: $165.00 + $10.00 + $40.00

These handbags make fantastic gifts (even if it's a gift for yourself! The previous bag is one that my client talked her husband into giving her for her birthday.) For Mother's Day this year I got one for my Mom:

Julia Handbag with candy striped lining: $195.00 + $10.00. It comes with either a snap or a zipper closure and has only one wide strap instead of two skinnier ones. My mom loves the candy striped lining because it makes it easier to find things deep in the purse. No more black hole!

I also got one for my Mother-in-Law with all of her grandchildren on it. She loves it!

Casual Luxury Small Canvas Handbag with candy striped lining: $125.00 + $10.00. Here is a close-up of the canvas straps:

There are so many fun styles, even a canvas wallet for men! If you're looking for something less expensive there are also cosmetic bags (perfect for a teenage girl) and canvas pocketbooks.

With Christmas approaching, let me tell you the deadlines to guarantee Christmas delivery. All Candy Bags, Nicole Bags, Audrey and Koko Bags must be ordered by November 9th. All Classic Line, Fairfax Line, Casual Luxury Line, Small Vanity Line, the Men's Canvas Wallet and My Everything Bag must be ordered by November 19th.

During the month of October, Gina Alexander is running a Halloween special which gives you a free 2nd photo on any Candy Bag or Black & White Candy Bag. Orders must be placed by October 29th to take advantage of this special.

I have sample bags for you to look at and see for yourself the fine quality craftsmanship. Please call me at 801-792-9911 for an appointment.

Happy Day!

Beautiful

2007-10-18T22:51:00.000-06:00

I don't do senior portraits that often, but a young woman from my old neighborhood in Midvale asked me to do her photographs. Jessica is genuinely one of the finest teenagers I know. I remember telling her dad one time, "I hope Lily grows up to be as good a kid as Jessica." She is kind and strong and she knows who she is.

Here's a little preview, Jess (Julie, I'm still editing the family ones, but getting close!)

Go saucy lady!

Jess is a true romantic and loves drama. I told her to bring a prop that told something about her and this is what she came up with. Love it!

One of Jessica's greatest features is her laugh. It's so infectious!

If you can't read the quote it says, "At the height of laughter the universe is flung into a kaleidoscope of possibilities." -Jean Houston

Faaaa-bulous!

2007-10-18T16:22:00.000-06:00

I just got my new gallery wrapped canvas sample print in and it is so freakin' awesome! The image was taken by my dear friend and fellow photographer Cami Nelson of Camilynne Photography. She and I have worked together for almost 7 years and we always take each other's family photos. I loved the pictures she did for us this year and when I saw this one of my two daughters, I knew this was the image I had been waiting for to do my gallery wrapped canvas sample.

Gallery wrapped canvas portraits are printed on fine art giclee canvas then they are stretched onto a wooden frame just like an artist's canvas. There's no need for a frame because your gallery wrapped portrait stands alone as a unique piece of art.

I love the texture of the print.

I love how the image wraps around the outside edge and gives it dimension.

The quality and craftsmanship of the wrap is fantastic.

Here's my cutie Amelia checking herself and "Biggie" out as I was preparing to replace the family portrait on my Mom's wall from three years ago.

I still need to raise the portrait up, but I wanted to give you an idea of scale.

Clients often misjudge how big to get a print to fill the space on their wall. This is a 24x30 gallery wrap and sitting above our couch it's a nice size, but could go even bigger if it were a photo of a large group. My Mom and I have been talking about getting a large gallery wrap of our family reunion photo from this summer to hang in this spot.

Oh, the possibilities!

Get started, already!!!

2007-10-17T11:38:00.001-06:00

I have been intending to start a blog for my photography business for several months now, but got side-tracked by my personal blog for a few months. Blogging is an addiction, and so much fun! I want to have a place where I can display my latest work, get feedback on custom projects, and tell you about new products or other news for the business.

My banner girls are the beautiful granddaughters of Kathleen & Jeff. I had lots of fun with them on their shoot in September. Kathleen, I don't think I told you but when I was first editing your pictures, my daughter Lily looked at the family and started pointing out people asking, "is this the mom of this girl?" etc. and when she got to you, she asked if you were one of the sisters. Oh, you gotta love that! There were several fun photos with the girls so I designed a panoramic board for Kathleen. I'm still waiting to hear which one she likes best, but here are a couple of my favorites (click to view larger.)

Also from this shoot is a great example of how your finished portrait is improved upon from the original proof. Here is the original of their family picture:

With a little Photoshop magic, I increased the color saturation and brought out the mountains more. Notice the youngest girl on the left is doing something funny with her hands. I swapped those out from another photo, as well as 3 other headswaps. Since I know my family will be reading this and they love playing "Where's Waldo", see if you can tell me the 3 heads that are swapped.

It's not like the old days where you had to settle for a picture with a few goofy faces. Now you can get the perfect portrait! And when you buy a gallery wrapped canvas print, you can headswap as many people as you want with no extra charge.