Have you got the Quirk Factor? asks Lisa (Bride & Joy Editor) on her Irish wedding blog. Lisa describes the Quirk Factor as “that indefinable spark that we all show when we express ourselves.” How fitting it is that she fell in love with David and Allison’s wedding – an event completely decked out in self expression!
Check out their awesome personal details on Bride & Joy!
Sooo stinkin’ excited and proud of my bride Candy for her wedding feature today on Modernly Wed!! Casey and Candy planned and executed the PERFECT aquarium wedding with just the right amount of fish & feathers details (and no cheese!)…check out their beautiful feature! :)
Photography is a field that is constantly evolving. Technology is constantly improving, new software/apps are created daily, fantastic and drastically different products are offered by companies across the globe. Complacency is really not an option in this field. So, to be a truly great and relevant photographer, you must be constantly learning. And THAT is one of the things I love most about my job. I loved school, I loved classes…and I love learning! Sure most days I wish I knew it all already and didn’t have to learn anymore…but where’s the fun in that? :)
For those who’ve seen some of my last few posts, you know that I recently attended a photography conference in Las Vegas. WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Photographers International) hosts an annual conference for over 15,000 photographers each year. And while there are classes galore (don’t worry, I’ll fill you in on those soon), this particular workshop was one of the highlights of my trip. Katelyn James is one of my absolute favorite photographers, and when I heard she was going to be teaching a small, private workshop for only 18 students…well, I think I bought my ticket without even looking at the cost! I feel such a strong personal connection to Katelyn (even though we didn’t meet until Vegas!) because she wears her heart on her sleeve blog. Every time she shares something I’m like “Me too Katelyn! I’ve felt that way too!” But the main reason I love this girl is because her style and photography most closely resembles everything I strive to be.
Since the day I defined my style as “clean, colorful, bright, and fun” I searched for others who did the same. At the time, every photographer that I admired had a very soft, gentle and romantic style with muted tones and a certain lack of “pop.” And while I LOVED their work (and obviously so did Style Me Pretty)…it just wasn’t me. I’m kind of the opposite of soft and gentle…I’m loud and bright and I laugh WAY too much. I wanted to make sure that my photos communicated that…I wanted to show warmth and fun and vibrance and POP! But it was hard carving my own path in a world that I didn’t think was quite ready for my colorful contrast. And then I stumbled up Katelyn James. As I started to scroll through her images my jaw slowly made it’s way lower and lower until it hit the floor. This girl was doing what I was doing! And she was doing it REALLY well. And it made ME want to do it really well. It’s almost like she gave me permission to be me. I know it sounds silly…and maybe it is silly. But I loved having permission to be bold and bright in a world of unsaturated softness.
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So, that’s Katelyn James. My permission giver. And my fellow bright and giggly red head! Now that you know who she is, let’s talk about what I learned. THIS GIRL IS A POSING MACHINE! Her Vegas Edition workshop was focused on The Posing Evolution. I thought I was pretty good at posing until I watched this girl rock dozens of poses with the couple never even moving their feet! So, 2013 couples…I hope you are ready to reap the benefits of barely needing to move at all…get ready to get lazy haha! Just kidding, there is no laziness allowed! :)
And while this was definitely a POSING workshop and not a shooting workshop, Katelyn did let us grab a few cute shots while we practiced what we learned. After all, this couple looked way too cute not to be photographed! I am in looooove with the florals from Layers of Lovely. I want that headpiece so bad!
These images aren’t really a great example of what I learned since I only brought my 100mm macro lens with me to the shoot, and in order to be truly successful with the posing evolution you should have variety in your lenses to capture wide shots (35mm) and “normal” shots (50mm) and intimate shots (85mm). But, I think it’s a pretty good amount of variety considering I was shooting with 18 other photographers in the same teeny tiny space with only one lens! :)
We took a group photo on someone’s camera, but I haven’t seen it yet. Once I can find it, I’ll add it into this post! For now, you’ll just have to believe me when I say it was an AWESOME group of photographers who are all extremely talented. And it was wonderful learning along-side them! And they were extremely patient with my millions of questions haha! Thank you Katelyn for bringing us all together for such a wonderful morning!
…because I am spending monies like CRAZY! Today is like Christmas and my birthday and the first day of summer and Coney Island and all-things-wonderful, all rolled into one! I started off this morning by purchasing the camera I’ve been drooling over since it was first announced…the Canon FIVE DEE MARK THREEEEEE!! More commonly known as the 5DMIII. What does that mean? Well, it’s basically the more awesome version of the camera I have currently (the 5DMII). Canon VASTLY improved the focus on this new addition to the family, and they also souped up the ISO capabilities. Side note: Who decided that “souped up” should be spelled like that and not “suped up?” They’re dumb.
While the camera does not define the photographer (I shot my first year of weddings on a Rebel T2i), having the best professional quality gear makes my job much easier! :)
Reason number two of why today is awesome. I discovered Kate Spade’s new line called SATURDAY. It’s like it was made just for me! Bright colors and stripes galore!! I feel like I’m finally understood…thank you Kate for validating my taste. You can find all of the goodies below in their Home section and soon to be in MY home section! :) I have like a million point five more things that I want, but I’m going to have to wait until I work my little (who am I kidding?) butt off some more! For today, my office will be getting a little spruce…not my closet. Although, April is coming up soon which means spring is almost here which means it’s almost time to clean out my closet and *maybe* fill it with some cute new things! Bwahahaha! :)
The whole trip I kept referring to “my New York girls.” And how we’re all BFFs and how we all came together to Vegas. “My New York girls” this and “my New York girls” that. People were shocked that we could all be friends…“but you’re all wedding photographers? In the same market? Isn’t that…difficult?” The answer in short is NO! It’s the complete opposite of difficult. These ladies keep me focused, challenge me to be better, are who I go to when I’m having a crisis…we turn to each other, because we are each other. We are all young small business owners. We are facing the same struggles, learning the same topics, and we live in the same “world” – the world of weddings, all things pretty, and LOVE! Without these women, I would not be the photographer I am today…I would not be the person I am today. So, here are just a few of the lovely ladies who each hold a little piece of me up, so I can stand tall and feel confident in who I am and what I do.
The lovely Michelle of Michelle Lange Photography! Not only does this girl rock from behind the lens, but she obviously works the front as well! She is all things glitter and girly, full of giggles, and sweet as pie!
Then we have the beautiful Amy of Amy Rizzuto Photography! Amy is a cheerleader, a motivator, an energizer bunny, a goal-setter and accomplisher, and one of the nicest people I know! She is genuinely interested in everyone she meets, and I’m so excited to be on this journey with her!
Angela, oh Angela. A true Southern charmer. Beautiful inside and out…she radiates warmth and hospitality! I just want to hug her every time I see her! I love having her around me, and not just because we can wear heels together (yes, she’s the only other tall girl in the group!). And her work is gorgeous!
I absolutely love these pictures of Mikkel (of Mikkel Paige Photography). They embody her personality to a T! Funny, fierce, and fantastic! This is the girl I turn to when I need a good ole slap of honesty! When I’m about to do something desperate or lose focus, Mikkel is the one who calls me out (lovingly of course!) and reminds me of the big picture. She is my second set of eyes and my good dose of comedy! Oh heyyyyy Johnny! :)
I don’t even know where to start with Jaine (of Brklyn View Photography). She was my very first friend when I moved to Brooklyn and has become one of my closest. She patiently listens to my rambles, we are each others “vents,” and our conversations are about so much more than photography. This girl has picked me up time after time, and I don’t know what I’d do without her. We started our businesses around the same time and have nourished each other along the way. And her work is seriously swoon-worthy. Like, seriously.
 
 
And last, but certainly not least…maybe not a “New York girl” but definitely the one I would be lost without. My darling husband, Christopher! He had to have his turn hamming it up for the camera…work it babe!! But seriously, this is going to be sappy. I would have quit a year ago if it weren’t for this man. When I’m having cry-fest after cry-fest because this business is just too hard, and I’ll never be good enough, and am I following God’s plan for my life, and ugh, why are taxes so difficult…etc., he is the one who holds me tight, whispers all the reasons he loves me, and reminds me of all my blessings. He is the one who turns my tears to smiles, and then giggles, and then full-blown laughter. He is the one who inflates my ego probably bigger than it needs to be, but just enough so I can still fit through doors! He is the reason I can walk through NYC feeling like I own the place. And he is the reason I fell in love with weddings to begin with. Because my wedding day was easily the best day of my entire life…and because every day since has been just as magical. I love you darling-face, babels, Christa-poo, and yes, snuffle-uff-a-gus. I went there! :)
 
 
 
 
And I also want to thank my beauties who couldn’t make it to Vegas this year…your face might not be on my blog today, but it’s written on my heart! :) Love to Caroline, Melissa, Lisa, Kristen, Judy, Lindsay, Sidney, Christina, Jackie, Mekina, Diane, Bethany…and I’m sure I’m missing someone, but you know who you are!
Cassi Claire Photography is headed to Vegas all next week! I am so excited to get to be a part of some shoots, take classes with other amazing photographers, learn from the best, eat tons of food, and party like a rock star…er, Dad, I mean go to bed early and behave like an angel! I’ll tell you all more about it when I get back, but for those of you who want a sneak peek at my schedule…especially if you are going and want to meet up…here are some things I’ll WE’LL be attending (my hubs Christopher is coming too!)…
SUNDAY: Kenny Kim‘s class on Destination Weddings & Cabo Wabo with the Showiteers
MONDAY: Lawrence Chan‘s class on SEO & the sold-out Madera Party
TUESDAY: Katelyn James’ workshop, Elizabeth Messina‘s class, Jasmine Star‘s class, a special Fotofafa dinner, Photographer’s Ignite, and of course…the Lazers & Blazers party!!
WEDNESDAY: Relaxing & Going to see “fake Paris“
THURSDAY: Jill LaFleur‘s class & Jeremy Cowart‘s class
But to get a real sneak peek of what I’ll be experiencing along with thousands of other photographers…check out this video! See ya’ll when I’m back to reality!
Oh yeah, and there's THIS!
You’ll remember Rory + Kaitlin from their City Hall ceremony a few weeks ago. For being such a young couple, they really do have a forever-kind-of-love…the kind you don’t really see until a couple has been together for 40 years. Although, I guess the 10 years they have been together really helps! :)
Rory and Kaitlin chose to have a very New York City wedding day – which I couldn’t be more excited to have been a part of!! We started the day at the Washington Square Hotel, caught a cab over to the Jefferson Market Library (thank you Frank for allowing us to grab a few photos!), and eventually landed at the Manhattan Penthouse for the rest of the evening.
Love all the red accessories! Kaitlin and her maids found these unique clutches at various vintage shops in the city!
I think this moment had us all in tears!
The First Look on the stairs at the Washington Square Hotel…
You have to be pretty much the coolest couple in the world to be able to have such joy on a rainy wedding day! I absolutely LOVE how happy Kaitlin + Rory are, even as they wait for a cab in the cold and rain!
February 23rd was finally in the 10 day forecast…and they called for 80% chance of rain. Our hearts sank while we frantically tried to come up with an alternative to beautiful outdoor portraits in Washington Square Park. While searching Google street view (my bff), I stumbled upon the Jefferson Market Library! With permission from the library director (thanks Frank!!), we quietly made our way through some of the picturesque spaces. What’s truly amazing is that Kaitlin had planned red vintage books for her centerpieces – completely unbeknownst to me!! I super thankful that the rain forced us indoors, and into a MUCH more cohesive story for the day! :)
I adore Kaitlin’s red Badgley Mischka pumps!
Thank you Allison for grabbing this adorable shot of Kaitlin laughing on the stairs, and for lending an extra hand all day long!! I should also thank my hubs Christopher for being my amazing assistant and second shooter. Not only did he carry most of my gear, but he also kept an umbrella over my head all afternoon! We definitely made the most of the rain, and everyone was so positive!! :)
There were incredible views from every side of the building!
This is an old Irish tradition of tying a ribbon to symbolize the joining of two. This is actually where “tying the knot” comes from!
Oh Manhattan Penthouse…you so pretty! Kait, I LOOOOVE the red vintage books with one simple stem…gorgeous!
And of course, the classic end-of-night-pose-with-the-photog shot! Rory + Kaitlin, I hope you are living it up in New Zealand!! xo!
Credits // Venue: The Manhattan Penthouse // Hotel: Washington Square Hotel // Hair & Make-up: Miss Harlequin // The Dress: Elianna Moore via Demetrios Bridal Salon //Shoes: Bagdley Mishka // Hair Piece: Haute Bride (handmade Swarovski crystal) // Pashmina: Stella Dallas // Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Lela Rose // Guys’ Tuxes: Jean Yves via Jack Silver // Invitations, Programs, Golf Ball Design: Simple GD // Florist: Ariston Florist & Wholefoods // Vintage Books: Various book stores & vintage shops around NYC // Wedding Bell Wands, Table Numbers, Placecards: DIY // Favor Golf Balls: Golfballs.com // DJ: Mike Banfield (Ultimate DJ Entertainment) // Special Musician: Steve Reilly // Cakes: Buttercooky & Reinhold’s Bakery // The End!
*Special thank-you to DJ Mike for introducing me to Rory and Kaitlin! It was such an honor working with you again! :)
We’re coming up on the almost a year of having our beautiful kitties Penny and Sasha, and I thought it’s time they make it onto the blog!! Seeing as they keep me sane while working from home with no other humans, I can’t believe I haven’t talked about them sooner!! And yes, we are those super annoying people who refer to them as “our babies” – but until I pop a real one out, they come pretty close! After all, we do feed them, clean up their poop, and yell at them when they break things. Sounds like kids to me! :)
At a little over a year old, they are just as cute as the day we brought them home! They aren’t birth sisters, but they might as well be. They were both rescued from the streets of NYC and traveled from shelter to foster care together. We knew we wanted two cats so they could be friends and play together, and we knew we wanted two girls because they don’t spray like males. So it was extremely fitting to find out that the shelter wouldn’t give away one without the other. They had become best friends. They depended on each other for safety. The kept each other warm and cleaned one another. Now that they have a cozy and safe home, they don’t snuggle together nearly as often…but they do run around the house wrestling each other! I love them so so much! :)
So, without further ado…meet Penny and Sasha! Penny is on the left – she’s super friendly, snuggly, copper-toned (hence the name Penny), and demands almost as much attention as I do! Sasha is a little more timid, but she is super friendly when it’s just me and Chris. When we have company, Sasha can be found hiding under our bed! If you stay over for more than 30 mins, she’ll eventually come out of the bedroom, sniff you, look at you like you’ve come to kidnap her, and run away! I stinkin’ love them and their awesome personalities!! Okay, now I need to go wake them up from their naps…it’s when they’re the snuggliest! :)
WINNER ANNOUNCED!! The winner is selected from the BLOG comments section (not through the facebook comment section). There were 44 comments and random.org selected the 21st comment! The winner is Erin Quigley!! Woo hoo! Thank you to everyone who shared their favorite movies! You helped me pick some gifts for future couples who book with Cassi Claire Weddings! But I’m not telling which movies I chose so there will still be some surprise for my lovely clients! :)
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So, I’m working on a something new and fun…but I need your help! I can’t for the life of me seem to narrow down these awesome wedding movies! I need to pick one favorite for a lady and one favorite for a gent! :)
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PICK YOUR FAVORITE FOR A LADY:
PICK YOUR FAVORITE FOR A GENT:
By telling me your two favorites through the blog comments section (not through facebook or through the facebook comments section) on this blog post, you will be entered to win this awesome vintage camera bag and this Opteka fish-eye/macro lens attachment. The attachment is sized for a 52mm lens, but it also includes two adapters (67mm and 58mm) and a protective pouch.
Woo hoo!! Can’t wait to see who wins!! Feel free to share this with your friends! If one of them wins, tell them
they owe you joint custody! :)
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Fine-ish Print: One entry per person. Winner will be chosen from the blog comments section (not facebook) using random.org and will be announced tomorrow, February 21 at 12:00 p.m. noon EST on this blog post. All contestants must be able to provide a valid mailing address within the continental U.S. upon winning. Cassi Claire Photography is not responsible for items that are lost, stolen or damaged during shipment. The winner will have 24 hours to contact me and redeem the item or a new winner will be chosen.
I just read this article provided by Wedding Wire, and I’m pretty excited about what my branding colors communicate! I didn’t know any of this when I chose these colors…I just picked colors that made me happy! :)
As you can see above, my colors are teal, yellow, and pink! I love bright colors because they make me feel happy and warm and excited! Which is how I want people to feel about me and my business! Turns out, there are more to these colors than meets the eye! Here’s what Wedding Wire’s research shows about these three colors:
Blue: The color blue is very popular for branding. It is associated with trust, dependability and strength, it is also universally well-liked.
Yellow: The color yellow is generally associated with the sun. It communicates optimism, positivity, warmth and motivation. It also is the first color that the eye registers, so can be attention grabbing on signage.
Pink: The color pink is associated with femininity, and conveys excitement, romance and youthfulness. Pink’s wide variety of shades can send different messages, from light pink’s sentimental tones to hot pink’s high energy.
I totally agree with these descriptions, and I think they do a great job describing what I try to convey about my business! And if you’ve ever met me, I think you can back me up on the high energy and positivity haha!! :) And if you haven’t met me, you can tell because of my over-use of exclamation points and smiley faces!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) :) :)
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Photogs, what do your colors say about you and your business?
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