Archive for October, 2010

Celebrate Family | Los Angeles Baby Portraits {Mia Natalia}

October 29th, 2010

Mia is just 3 weeks old and I almost melted the moment I saw her. I love kids and this tiny little person instantly stole my heart. Sharing time with a 3 week old is simply amazing. The world seems like a completely different place. Every movement she made felt like a tiny miracle. Princess [...]
 

Mia is just 3 weeks old and I almost melted the moment I saw her. I love kids and this tiny little person instantly stole my heart. Sharing time with a 3 week old is simply amazing. The world seems like a completely different place. Every movement she made felt like a tiny miracle. Princess Mia was a little fussy during our session, so mom broke out the pacifier for the first time and even that was amazing to watch. Let me just say, she was quite content with the pacifier… and not so much when we tried to get a shot without it.

Example A: (my favorite shot of the day)

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Celebrate Love | Northridge, California Engagement Photography {Tracy & Cameron}

October 26th, 2010

They are photographers, who are most certainly in love… and awesome people too. (And I’m not just saying that because we all graduated from CSUN.) Cameron and Tracy met at Cal State Northridge some number of years ago. He studied business, she studied communications, yet now they spend most of their time behind the lens. [...]
 

They are photographers, who are most certainly in love… and awesome people too. (And I’m not just saying that because we all graduated from CSUN.) Cameron and Tracy met at Cal State Northridge some number of years ago. He studied business, she studied communications, yet now they spend most of their time behind the lens. But for two hours I had them in front of my lens, and we had so much fun! Although we had just met, we cruised down memory lane like old friends, attempting to recall what the campus used to look like before all the renovations.

Cameron and Tracy are getting married next fall, so they wanted to have an autumn inspired shoot, so we started our day at CSUN’s famous orange grove.

Then they turned the cameras on me for a minute

The Oviatt Library

And cue the amazing light…

Cameron and Tracy, I had a great time with you two. I wish you a wonderful life together!

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blog about it | Starting a business

October 22nd, 2010

My favorite part of building my business is experimenting with the visual elements. My undergrad studies were in graphic design, so i have a little bit of experience in this area, but I’m having so much more fun designing for myself. I like to think I have an artistic gift. I think in design, color, [...]
 

My favorite part of building my business is experimenting with the visual elements. My undergrad studies were in graphic design, so i have a little bit of experience in this area, but I’m having so much more fun designing for myself. I like to think I have an artistic gift. I think in design, color, and composition. In most cases, I immediately have an idea or inspiration of what I want something to look and feel like. My package design elements weren’t so immediate. I actually had so many different samples of ways to present my brand to clients, it didn’t look like I had any idea what I was doing. Maybe thats because I didn’t. When I was in Seattle, I was hoping to get a glimpse at Jasmine Star’s client package… you know for inspiration. Long story short, I didn’t see even a business card and I’m so glad I didn’t. I created a package that reflected me, and I love it. Jasmine Star asked us to think of three words to describe our brand, after realizing what I don’t want my brand to represent, I fell in love with the words: rich, raw and natural. Rich meaning color, texture, contrast, and emotion. Raw meaning unaltered, contrasting and in the moment. Natural meaning real, fresh, and simple.  I would use all those words to describe myself, and I can see those elements in my images as well as my brand. I also wanted to choose as many sustainable materials as possible. I think I nailed it. Check it out.

Petal envelope: local print and card shop

Custom rubber stamp: rubberstamps.net

White ink: rubberstamps.net

Mini cards: Michael’s

Ribbon: Offray.com (in lemongrass) can also be found at JoAnn Fabric and Craft stores

Thank you tags: darice.com

CD and Disk Storage labels: Avery

Thats it for this installment of…

Yesterday I read something that said “leave the world better than you found it.” I’m working on it, how about you?

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Celebrate Love | La Habra, California Wedding {Maggie & Sonny}

October 18th, 2010

Along with many newlyweds, 10.10.10 will always be a special day for me. I started this company 7 months ago and my ride has been nothing less than amazing. I’ve been meeting so many friends along the way and now I get it when other photographers say “I love my clients,” because I love my [...]
 

Along with many newlyweds, 10.10.10 will always be a special day for me. I started this company 7 months ago and my ride has been nothing less than amazing. I’ve been meeting so many friends along the way and now I get it when other photographers say “I love my clients,” because I love my clients. Maggie and Sonny are no different. I booked this wedding about three weeks before their big day and I knew that this wedding was going to be special. I met Maggie a couple of weeks earlier at Madden’s christening, and it was an instant connection. It was like we booked the wedding without even talking about the wedding.

On Sunday I arrived at Maggie and Sonny’s home and the first thing Maggie said to me was “have some pizza.” Like I said before, instant connection. The sun was shining, family was all over the house getting ready at their own pace, and no one seemed stressed. Who could ask for more on their wedding day?

The ceremony and reception were held at the Westridge Golf Club in La Habra, Ca. The dessert table was compliments of Sonny’s daughter Irene who makes the best macaroons in the world! And the event designer was my favorite Cinthya Barreras who handled all the florals and custom linens. Irene and Cinthya are also startups and I think its awesome that Maggie and Sonny gave us this opportunity. Thanks guys!

To see more of Maggie and Sonny’s Wedding click here.

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Celebrate Life | Long Beach, California Birthday Party {Debbie’s 50th}

October 15th, 2010

Wait, what? Its Friday? Already!? Last weekend I shot two events. Solo. And I’m pretty sure that one-two punch had me out for a good minute because I have no idea where the week is gone! So now here I am scrambling to get 2 events finished before this weekend’s shenanigans, uh, I mean shoot. [...]
 

Wait, what? Its Friday? Already!? Last weekend I shot two events. Solo. And I’m pretty sure that one-two punch had me out for a good minute because I have no idea where the week is gone! So now here I am scrambling to get 2 events finished before this weekend’s shenanigans, uh, I mean shoot. ;) In all seriousness, I am happy to be busy and blessed to have wonderful clients and family who keep me busy! Last week we celebrated the birthday of the youngest looking 50 year old I have ever known. Debbie is a dear friend to our family, and in my clan good friends are pretty much family. Despite the fact that I cried through her wedding when I was a year old, she still took care of me though college and somehow always has good things to say about me. Debbie is a wonderful person with a gigantic heart of gold. For her big 50th celebration Debbie’s family and friends collaborated to surprise her with a dinner and dancing soiree at The Reef in Long Beach.

The Reef has the most beautiful scenic views of the Long Beach harbor. I actually thought about getting married here. :)

Waiting… and waiting for the guest of honor to arrive.

SURPRISE!

A special musical performance by Debbie’s goddaughter Felishia.

Debbie, I hope this was the best birthday yet!

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My first double header weekend…

October 11th, 2010

I made it out alive. I don’t know what I was thinking when I agreed to doing two events in the same weekend without any help, but somehow I pulled it off. Fortunately the florists and the pastry chefs were amazing people who do amazing work and made my job a whole lot easier. The [...]
 

I made it out alive. I don’t know what I was thinking when I agreed to doing two events in the same weekend without any help, but somehow I pulled it off. Fortunately the florists and the pastry chefs were amazing people who do amazing work and made my job a whole lot easier. The only problem is now I want to be a florist and a pastry chef so I can make beautiful and tasty decorations! Can’t you just see it, S. Miller | photographer | florist | pastry chef | and I can wash your car too. :) Here is a peek at some of Saturday and Sunday…

Saturday: 50th Birthday at the Reef, Long Beach, CA

Sunday: 10.10.10. Wedding {Maggie & Sonny}, Westridge Golf Club, La Habra, CA

More images are on the way!

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blog about it | Inspirations

October 7th, 2010

Lately, there has been a lot of buzz about where photographers get inspiration. Most people give credit to magazines and pro blogs, which are undeniably inspirational. We can’t help but to be influenced by what we are exposed to, but I like to take it one step further. Last year during the Winter Olympics, I [...]
 

Lately, there has been a lot of buzz about where photographers get inspiration. Most people give credit to magazines and pro blogs, which are undeniably inspirational. We can’t help but to be influenced by what we are exposed to, but I like to take it one step further. Last year during the Winter Olympics, I was watching skier Lindsey Vonn preparing to head down the slope. She was at the top of the incline with her eyes closed and her head bobbing around like Stevie Wonder. Now I’ve only been on the bunny slope once in my life, so naturally I turned to my tennis pro husband  and asked what she was doing (you know because all athletes understand each other). Well he’s not only handsome and talented, he’s smart too. He explained the technique of previsualization to me and my world was changed. Now I previsualize every shot. The night before a shoot, I think about angles and different poses, I actually try the poses in the mirror, and I think about what lens I’m going to use for each shot. Another thing I do is carry my camera with me everywhere. If I see something inspiring I shoot it. I love architecture and symmetry so I get easily inspired just walking down the street.

I spent last week at the La Quinta Resort with Jeff for the USPTA Conference and while walking around I came across some gorgeous locations. Here are my favorites…

When I saw this door I had poses flying through my brain, plus there a huge white wall behind me perfectly lighting the shot. Here are a few ideas for this type of shot: Couple kissing just in front of the door, couple sitting on the ground/girl leaning into guy, guy’s back against the wall/ girl’s head on this chest looking at the camera.  If any of that makes sense at all… Man, I wish I had models there!

I love this spot. I’m not giving away all my ideas, how would you use this space?

Both of these were shot with a 50mm 1.4. But if you don’t have your camera, I don’t know of a modern cell phone without a camera…

Taken from a golf cart on my Blackberry. And if all else fails, take a mental picture. It’ll be easier to access when you’re doing your previsualizations anyhow. :)

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Holiday Portrait Sessions Have Arrived!

October 6th, 2010

I’ve been planning this all summer! I wanted to wait a little longer, but I just couldn’t. I’m the type of person who loves giving gifts and I don’t like to wait to give them… thats why we open all of our gifts on Christmas Eve at my house! Well, here is a gift for [...]
 

I’ve been planning this all summer! I wanted to wait a little longer, but I just couldn’t. I’m the type of person who loves giving gifts and I don’t like to wait to give them… thats why we open all of our gifts on Christmas Eve at my house! Well, here is a gift for you all. For a short time I’ll be offering mini-sessions for all of your photo needs. Family portraits, children’s portraits, gift portraits… you name it. To book your session email smillerphotos@gmail.com with two possible dates, your contact information and location. Travel rates may apply. If an hour isn’t enough, let me know! We can always work something out!

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Stephanie Miller | Celebration Photographer

October 4th, 2010

Each day I wake up and ask myself what am I going to do today to make S. Miller Photos a stronger brand? This question used to stump me. I felt like I was on the track, but I wasn’t moving. When I was in Seattle, I learned a very important lesson: above all, I [...]
 

Each day I wake up and ask myself what am I going to do today to make S. Miller Photos a stronger brand? This question used to stump me. I felt like I was on the track, but I wasn’t moving. When I was in Seattle, I learned a very important lesson: above all, I just have to be myself. Since I’ve been applying that principle, have been gaining serious momentum. I might even describe myself as a runaway train. Recently, I have been working to enhance my brand, starting with a blog facelift. When I designed my banner I wanted to define myself, making it clear that I’m not just a girl with a camera. I’m a professional with a purpose.

What does it mean to be a celebration photographer? It means that I capture images that reflect the greatest moments in life. Moments that are dedicated to family, friends, dreams, success, freedom, health, love and happiness (just to name a few). Life is so precious, yet people often rush through it. My photographs are intended to suspend a moment in time so that my clients can look back and smile, laugh, cry and relive moments as if they are happening once again.

“The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.” – Oprah Winfrey

We didn’t have a professional photographer to take our picture after our helicopter ride in Maui, but I still love this picture because I can remember how happy we were that we were finally on our honeymoon!

ps. Thanks to Cinthya for a little inspiration. <3

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