Archive for May, 2010

Memorial Weekend Photo Challenge and Contest

May 28, 2010

I love nothing more than a new challenge. When we present ourselves with new challenges, we improve. We grow creatively, and technically. It’s so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day activities, that we often forget to look for opportunities to not only improve in our craft, but to ENJOY our craft! So when I come across challenges or contests, I get all giddy, because it’s an opportunity to do what I love, just because I love it. Today, as I was planted at my computer retouching some images, my phone buzzed with such an opportunity. Scott Kelby announced over at his blog an “Old School Photo Challenge” that sounded way too fun to pass up. Then, as I thought more about it, I decided it would be even more fun to do with all of you! So I invite you to watch the video over at Scott’s blog, then continue reading about the contest we’re holding here.

So to summarize the rules, this weekend:

(1) You have to turn off, or black out the LCD monitor on the back of your camera. You can’t see the shots after you take them.

(2) You can only shoot 24 to 36 shots total

(3) You can’t import the photos or even look at them until 24 hours AFTER you shoot them.

(4) You have to make a print

(5) Scott has invited all who participate to take the $$$ they would have spent on film and processing and donate it to the Springs of Hope Orphanage in Kenya. This is step totally optional (but I’ll bet you feel all warm and fuzzy inside if you do it ;) You can donate by clicking HERE.

Now for the contest part…I’m currently reading a great book by David DuChemin called Vision Mongers. I’ll be giving one copy away to the winner. So how do you win? Upload your favorite image by the end of Tuesday, June 1st to the Boka Studios Facebook Page, and make a note on your submission that it is for the Old School Photo Challenge. I’ll be picking my favorite image from the submissions. Thanks and good luck!

As a parting gift, I’ll leave you with my rock eating monster…the dude can insert rocks into that pie hole faster than I could get them out, as I was pulling one rock out, he had two more fists ready to stuff…needless to say, the beach time quickly turned to grass time!

Posted in Contests | 4 Comments »

Nicole and Vaughn

May 25, 2010

Love is in the air! Nicole and Vaughn were the big winners of the “I’m so freaking in love with the person next to me” contest. They just got hitched in Mexico a few weeks ago, but had so much fun getting married, that they’re going to do it again in a few weeks here in Michigan…so stay tuned for some more of this awesome couple in their wedding attire. We spent a couple hours around Pontiac, and I only NEARLY caused one, ok, maybe two accidents as we drove from one site to another…I always promise my shoots are an adventure! Enjoy a few images from their shoot!









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Posted in Engagements | 1 Comment »

Katrina – High School Senior Session

May 18, 2010

We just have a few weeks left for our first round of applications for 2011 senior reps, so all you seniors-to-be who are interested in a free session, check it out by clicking on the “Senior Rep” tab above.

And now, a peek at Katrina’s senior shoot last week. Enjoy!





Posted in Seniors | 1 Comment »

The Jerks

May 11, 2010

So this post is dedicated to the jerks. All the jerks who keep moving away and making me and Jean weep at night…that’s right, we cry ourselves to sleep. Quit moving away friends! This is the third time in the past year one of our favorite families has decided to pack their bags, turn their backs on the Smith’s and move away!

Meet Brittni and Adam. I’ve mentioned Brittni in other blog posts, as she has been one of the photogs that has joined us on a few of our editorial shoots. They asked me recently to do a “We’re in love” shoot before they moved away. I tried putting them off in hopes it would delay their departure, but alas, I finally gave in to their pressure. As you can see they are great subjects and make for incredible photographs…way fun to shoot! So enjoy their images, but go ahead make your voodoo dolls and punish the crap out of them for abandoning their bestest of friends for something as lame as a “job”.









Posted in Engagements | 6 Comments »

Amy

May 5, 2010

We’re still accepting applications for Senior Reps, so if you’re a 2011 Senior and like the idea of a free session, be sure to check out the details by clicking on the “Senior Reps” tab above.

And now for a few images from a recent shoot with Amy:





Posted in Commercial, Editorial, Model | 1 Comment »

New Beginnings – My Conversion Story

May 4, 2010

Well, the time has come for a bid farewell to a major part of my life, and a welcoming to a new beginning. We discussed it for a bit over on facebook, but at the time, I was hesitant. Now, however, I’m convinced. I’m committed.

It all started about a month ago. My PC was doing all sorts of crazy things that made no sense and seemed to have to solution. For weeks I trouble shot, I replaced components, and with each new component, the problem seemed to have been fixed, but then arose again with a vengeance, bringing along with it several friends. Finally, last week I had done it! I was a hero. I had righted the wrongs I had apparently committed against the PC gods, and they had forgiven me. Or so they led me to believe. Four days after my celebration dance, the demons had returned! I threw my arms up in frustration, disassembled every last piece, and marched into Micro Center, with receipts in hand. At this point, I’d like to commend Micro Center. Those blessed souls allowed me return every component without question. Even those that fell outside their return policy.

So now, after weeks of frustration, tears, and sweat, I’m ready to make the change. Goodbye PC. Hello Mac. While I’m sure there is a lot of the “grass is greener” syndrome, I’m confident nothing can be as bad as my last month with the PC monster. I’ve been on the fence for over a year now. Even started cheating in December when I purchased my Mac Book Pro. But now it’s official. I am now a Mac!

And now that I have bored you all to death with my conversion story, let me reward you with a little eye candy! I have SO MUCH stuff I’ve accumulated over the past weeks to share with you. I’ll be posting daily until I get caught up! I’ll start with a few images from a shoot I did for a local salon, Scappare. The place is incredible, and the stylists were awesome as well, so if you’re in the area and in need of a great updo or spa treatment, you should definitely check them out.





Posted in Commercial, Editorial, Model | 3 Comments »