Private Photography Lessons

     What is one of the passions that most of humanity shares? Photography...or rather photographs in general and it's easy to see why. Photos can evoke emotions and have the power to motivate, inspire and raise awareness. They can make you smile, laugh or cry. They allow you to express who you are. They help you remember the past, appreciate your present and look forward to the future. The old saying that pictures are worth a thousand words is truly an understatement. Think back over your life at all of the powerful images you have seen. Then think of the photos that mean the most to you...I'm talking about the photos of your family of course. Personally, those are the images that deeply move me. Especially images of my son.

     I have luckily been blessed with the ability to capture him beautifully and in the way that I truly see him. As I began my journey on the path to becoming a full time photographer, my son was my inspiration. He is who I mainly practiced on. Two years later, he is still my muse. Even when I fall into the grind of back-to-back sessions and late night editing, he always peeks my imagination and helps me keep my dream in focus.

     Taking thousands of pictures of him may seem a bit obsessive to some, but I don't think we can EVER have enough photos of our children. In fact, my photo taking of my son has recently increased! It slipped through the cracks this past fall as I put most of my focus and energy into my clients and their beautiful portraits. This year I have a plan set so that doesn't happen again. It's my goal to take at least one photo a day and when time allows it to take a bunch to create mini stories. In fact, it gives me something to look forward to on my days off :)

     Have I mentioned how lucky I am? I have such an awesome son, awesome family, awesome clients and an awesome job! My blessings and knowledge are always something I'm willing to share. As a mother, I understand the importance of having lots of photos of our children. I also know how appreciative we are to have wonderful images taken of them. At least once a year, we do our best to ensure our children have professional, custom portraits done that are masterpieces in our eyes. We hang them on our walls, put them as our computer and phone wallpapers, we tuck them in our wallets and show them off every chance we get. But what if YOU can take images of your children in between your professional sessions with me that make you just as proud? I'm talking about every day, candid images that you can fill our family albums with. Would you be excited to know that I offer private lessons and workshops to teach you to do just that? Well, I do! Since this is my quiet time of year due to the end of the fall and Christmas rush, I now have more time to book private lessons and host workshops.

     Did you get a nice dslr camera for Christmas? Are you using it in auto because you have no idea how to use it in manual? Or perhaps you've been trying out manual, but simply aren't getting the results you want? Are you aware that taking photos in manual mode gives you more creative control? Combine manual mode with composition knowledge and basic Photoshop skills and you're well on your way to amazing candid snapshots of your children!

   
     Each private lesson in tailored to my client. Before your lesson, I obtain a list of everything you would like to be able to do and build a lesson plan around it. I also have you email me several sample images prior to the lesson to allow me the chance to critique them and give positive and constructive feedback. It also let's me see your current abilities and instruct you on improvement to meet the goals you set. Once the lesson is over, I give you specific assignments to complete that will test your new skills and knowledge. You are then able to email me those images as well for more positive and constructive criticism that will help you keep your eyes on the prize...fantastic candids of your kiddos!

     If you are interested in booking a private photography lesson with me please click here.  I would be more than happy to start putting together your unique lesson plan! If you would like more information on my photography workshops please click here. I offer workshops occasionally throughout the year. If you can't wait until I hold another workshop, you are able to host a workshop to get 50% off your workshop tuition if you know several friends that want to to join the fun! You are so close to taking better pictures...you can almost taste it! 

In Search of Amazing Women...That Means You!

It is my intention over the next few weeks to announce big changes taking place over here at Laura Lee Photography. I will be releasing information about new products I'll be offering as well as sales, contests, events or mini sessions I'll be setting up over the year. I'll start the announcements off with a bang by announcing my special women's project!

MODELS WANTED

Most of you already know that I have launched my search for models to begin work on a project. I have had an overwhelming amount of applicants. I guess I wasn't expecting such a huge response...but it makes me happy! Sure, it will make it VERY difficult to narrow over a hundred beautiful women down to only a dozen, but it has to be done. I wish I could work with all of you! I am still taking applicants so please apply if you haven't already and share this model search with your besties so they can have a chance too! I do not want to release a lot of information right now as I want this project to remain a surprise for the time being, but this is what I CAN tell you...

I am working on a project focused on women. I will be looking for about 12 women to be models in my uniquely styled sessions. Some sessions will be larger than others. I will have a hair and make up artist on set for sessions that require it. (I already have an amazing hair & makeup artist, but I may need a back up in case Liz becomes unavailable. Email me if you're interested in volunteering for my project along with a few portfolio examples.) For models: I want women of all shapes, sizes, backgrounds and ethnicity. I highly encourage women with very unique looks to apply. The themes I am creating are very distinct and models will be chosen strictly on the fact that their physical appearance matches the theme or look I'm trying to achieve.

Remember, these are my visions and my themes so models need to understand that I am going for a very specific look so having an open mind receptive of awesome creativity is a must! The themes will be fun and inspiring. If you are chosen, I will present you with the theme you fit as well as a list of acceptable clothing you will need to acquire. You will also be told the location I intend to shoot this session as well as what types of poses I will be looking to do. If you do not like the theme or cannot provide the clothing, please let me know so I can find another match.

I am starting this search now to give plenty of time for everyone to apply that would like to...as well as find the perfect matches to my themes where some are still in the creative process. I will announce the matches sometime in April and do not see the project starting until May or June.


DETAILS:
~ I am looking for women preferably between the ages of 21 and 55. If you are outside of this age range, it is ok to still apply and if you have a look I'm going for, I will definitely choose you. The themes for these sessions are for women so I don't feel very, young teenagers will fit my project, though you are still welcomed to apply...I may be able to use you in a future project.
~ Hair length/color, eye color, skin color and weight are not specific. If chosen, extreme hair color changes prior to the session is not advised as it may prevent you from matching the theme I paired you with.
~ You need to be comfortable in front of a camera and capable of taking direction on posing. You also need to be comfortable in your own skin and with who you are. Confidence shows in front of the camera.
~ Most of these sessions will be outside and in very public places (like a busy Main St for example) so you need to be ok with being stared at while on-location hahaha like you're famous : )
~ Models will most likely need to provide the clothing and shoes.
~ The sessions are free as well as the makeovers if they require one. (A $250 value!) Prints, products and digital files are available for purchase from your session through a private online gallery you will be provided. The project will be shared through Facebook, my website and my blog.


TO APPLY: Please email me at lauraleephotographymaine@gmail.com and provide me with at least 5 images of how you currently look. I need at least one full length and one close up. They do not need to be professional photos. This is just so I can get an idea of what you look like. A variety is nice as well (i.e. hair up and down, with/without makeup). You will receive a confirmation email from me and another one in the next couple of months whether you are chosen or not.


If you have any questions, feel free to ask them in the Comment section below. Answers will be posted and will be helpful to others since most of you will have similar questions. Please consider sharing this blog post to help me spread the word of my search! It would be much appreciated : )

A Simple Love Story

The date was September 15, 2012 and I finally got Trista & Joey in front of my camera lens. I had been planning a themed couple session for months and spent a lot of time finding models, the location that fit the vision I saw in my head, the perfect pair of wings...even the perfect outfits for my models. Though there had been a couple of set backs on the session date, it was finally here and I was beyond excited! This was something I had wanted to do for so long and it was finally happening!

Trista & Joey were awesome! They were more than I expected and so much fun! It was the first time having a guy in front my camera that took dictation so well and was willing to go along with everything I said even if it sounded silly! The two spent a lot of time literally acting out specific scenes as I photographed them in sequence...dancing with them in a sense...capturing the story as it actually happened.  It was a bit windy, a bit cold and a lot brighter that day than I would have hoped for, but I made the best of the situation and totally love the result! :)

I had initially started the idea as a love story. A forbidden love that forces them to run away together, but something goes terribly wrong. I began writing this love story and even tried working in a few details of Trista & Joey's real-life love story....but as I finished working on the album, it became clear to me that words were not needed. The images were so beautiful and moving. They were a dream to edit. The images truly spoke to me and I hope they do for you as well. Take a moment to look through these breath-taking images and then just close you eyes and take a deep breath. Image the story in your mind. This can be your story...

 The End...

I want to thank Trista & Joey again for volunteering to help me create this story! You two seriously rocked it! I hope to do more themed sessions this year...get really creative and inspired and help write someone else's love story. The perfect session for an engagement...hint...hint...hint <3