Saturday, December 31, 2011

The Lam Session

Hello! 15 blogs to go till midnight. Just got word that my sister is taking care of a domesticated baby raccoon. So I'm kinda excited to finish early!

Any who, Richard Lam first contacted me about a 2 months before he came to Miami on vacation from Hong Kong. He was married years ago, and with his beautiful bride for years before that. They decided they wanted to do a wedding anniversary session full out gown and tux as well as a more relaxed session. It was such a great day. A little windy, but great none the less.


Jessica and Vinny Wedding

Normally I would say..."Remember this pretty bride form a previous session back in August???"..But since I was so horrible blogging this past year and her last session was posted just 2 days ago, I'm going to assume its not to far underneath this post. The goal is to have all my sessions blogged by midnight tonight. I'm trying to finish earlier of course so I could enjoy the days festivities, but I'm going to do what ever it takes to finish so I could start the new year with a clean start :).

I arrived at the Biltmore to my bride beginning to get her hair and makeup done. The smile on her face was from ear to ear and her lovely mother had tears in her eyes she was working hard to keep back. As the time was drawing near I could see the anticipation in everyone's face. It had begun to rain, very light, but quickly stopped. Even though it was a nerve racking moment it quickly passed and it was like the rain was a beautiful gift for them both, on their beautiful wedding day. After that it was all sunshine and rainbows (literally).

Friday, December 30, 2011

Lisa and Jorge's Wedding

Nothing makes me happier than having loved ones I know have faith in my work. Especially being young, its hard sometimes when dealing with older generations, trying to prove that the modern times are nothing to be afraid of. I was very fortunate to have been contacted by an old friend of mine, who's known me know for about 11 years. We were school mates for a very long time and knew each others families pretty well. Even though as we got older our lives took us into different directions, as soon as she found out her mother was remarrying her first thought besides "Yay mom!" was Ali can take the photos! Well this is all assumption but it makes me feel good thinking I was the second thing on everyone's mind ;) Long story short Lisa who is responsible for having two amazing daughters, one of which was a very close friend of mine, was also very amazing in the sense she couldn't wait to have something more modern for her wedding. After all she did the totally late 80's/ early 90's theme back in the day, and she was looking forward to really having something simple yet gorgeous. And if I may say, she did an amazing job. Her now husband Jorge was so excited, and very nervous about accidentally leaving things behind, so he was very cautious, continuously knocking on the brides room to ask for stuff as we forced him out a few times. Once we finally got to the ceremony location my lovely Bride and groom opted for the first look while the sun was still out and amazing (BEST WORD EVER) The look on Jorge's face was...wait for it...AMAZING! Yes ladies and gents, the love was infectious and definitely made me all warm and fuzzy wishing Ricky wasn't in the reception taking pictures during the cocktail hour. Any who, here are some photos from the day...




Cherly and Kurt's Wedding

They had only known each other for a few months before they knew they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. Being from New York they decided they wanted something a little different from their usual scenery and decided a small wedding in Miami was just what they needed. They were so amazing and so absolutely cute together.

Boudoir Miss J

Honestly? No need for words except I love my brides and how amazing they are! Isn't she gorgeous?




Baby Adrian

I met this gorgeous mommy back in 2007 when I was working at Chili's. I had left high school and found a job that to me at the time was awesome! Patty and I didn't hit off when I first started working there. I was very....Peppy. But I have a way of growing on people and we eventually a couple months in grew to really enjoy each others company. Years later we parted ways keeping in touch via myspace and later facebook. So it was an absolute joy when Patty contacted me to shoot baby Adrian's baby session.  He just had the cutest little nose and fingers and oh my I could go on! But better I show you just how adorable he is.



Thursday, December 29, 2011

Little Miss Bianca

So far I have about 20 sessions left to blog about. Jeesh. Any who, this is Bianca! Isn't she a cutie? Yes she was another gorgeous little model we had showing off the Suga Muffin Boutique hair pieces. May I say she looks fabulous? Because she was rockin it out. She did get a little shy when Ricky (love of my life/ awesome assistant) was around. Even though we should always teach kids to share, that was one thing Bianca was not allowed to have! Sorry Bia, he's mine! ;)



Little Sophie

So Back in August (YES I AM THAT LATE!) I had written on my fb biz page that I was looking for some little ladies from the ages of 12mo-3yrs. Earlier in the summer my amazing older sister decided to venture into the world of accessories, hairpieces, and fabulous-ness galore. That's when Suga Muffin Boutique was created, and like the AMAZING sister I am ( wink ) I wanted to not only help her out but also give the opportunity for some of my Facebook friends to experience a stylized session! After putting in the request I had a large amount of responses which I wasn't expecting so to be fair after weening out the ones whom didn't qualify because they were too old, too young, or didn't live in Florida!, ended up with 4 amazing little girls. Two of which I posted earlier (Riley and Mackie) and Sophie! She was a doll! Her lovely mommy Heidi was so excited and amazingly helpful. We had such a great time. Here are a few images from the session. Enjoy!
    -Ali


Update/ Riley and Mackie




Hello everyone! I know I promised myself I was going to put more effort into updating but I've been swamped not just with work but with life! And so since it used to take me soooo long just to upload all the images individually I would simply procrastinate. Yes I said it. My name is Ali and I'm a procrastinating blogger. But all of that is about to change! Yes you heard right. 2012 is going to be a fabulous year and thank to the lovely blog temps I bought at OhSnapBoutique i'm able to speed up my blogging making it faster, easier, and more fun! So that being said here is a session from many moons ago. Hope you enjoy!

Friday, October 21, 2011

Before and After: An Inside to photography

Hello Friends!

I've had such a dreadful week with this cold. Barely any desire to do anything let alone edit. But today I'm feeling so much better, although still a little queasy, I decided to do a "Fix it Friday" brought to you by iHeartfaces. I'm recently new to their photography community, but not to their work. Had them on facebook for quite some time. "Fix it Friday" is fun way to get different photogs to send in their edited version of a SOOC (Straight Out Of Camera) image chosen by iHeartfaces. The following image was the image chosen by them to be edited.

An awesome fall picture don't you think?


 Here is my Edited version. :D



  What Your Photographer Really Does

There is another reason why I posted this. Many times my client friends come to me asking me what the difference between out of camera and edited is. Its not always easy to explain because its a very visual thing. I've had people ask me: "Don't the images come out that way, Don't you do that sorta thing in the camera?"

The answer is no. Although Canon and Nikon do have camera's that can crop, re-size, and turn into b/w and sepia, to achieve a picture like this, it requires software (i.e Photoshop/Lightroom/etc...)

The photographers work doesn't end after the 8 hour wedding coverage, or 1 hour Portrait session. It doesn't even start at the session! It starts the moment we're contacted. Just like law your not just billed on the hours your in court, your billed for the consultation, the research hours, the meetings, the court time. Same thing goes for us.

Image from a post Kamieo Photography Shared today


 I know what some people are thinking..." But I found this photog who's charging significantly less then you, whats the difference?" 

I know its hard to justify spending a large amount of money. When you can get "the same thing" much cheaper but its not. Most of time these inexpensive photogs don't charge a lot for a few reasons.

1. They may have just started out. So they're inexpensive now, until they realize how much it actually cost to run a legit business.
2. They don't pay taxes yet because its a "hobby" or this is a job to create "Extra" cash when they have a normal 9-5 job already.
3. They don't own very expensive equipment and the latest software. So they don't need to charge for upgrading it. 
4. Their images aren't up to their own standards so they know they couldn't get more than what they are charging for them. 


What a Photogs Job really comes down to and Why it's called an investment


Time does not stop does it? Your wedding day that you spent countless months planning is gone after 8 hours. Where did the time go? One moment your getting ready,  next minute your married, and next thing you know the reception is over. After the place is cleaned, the flowers are dead, and everyone's gone home, you're left with knowing your images have been captured by a photographer who's work you not only loved but whom you trust. And you know your memories of that day will be with you for a lifetime. 

Or how about that moment you find out your having a baby! What an amazing feeling right? How quickly does it fly by? Now the baby is here, and next thing you know your new bundle of joy is running around getting ready to start pre-school. And even though you couldn't stop time, you can sit on your couch with your album and look back at the special moments, like your maternity session, you baby's newborn photos, the first birthday, the family session last winter... and know that even though time is passing by, you still have the ability to be transported back to those moments simply by revisiting your precious images. Because Life, after all, is worth Capturing don't you think?

I hope I've helped some of you see into the life of the photographer. And what goes into the creation of your memories.

Have an Awesome Friday Everyone!!!!!
-Ali.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Little Miss Mia

Hello Everyone! I really have to do better with my uploading. This past Saturday I had the pleasure of meeting Mia and she's turning 2! She has such a beautiful story as well as two amazing parents. Here are a few Sneak Peeks. :)

 
 


Monday, September 12, 2011

Alejandro & Alexa Turn 2!

Hi Everyone! I know it's been a long time since I've updated so get ready to be bombarded with at least 4 updates today!

So a year ago I had the pleasure of meeting Alejandro and Alexa for their 1st birthday. These two cutie-pa-tootie twins just last week turned 2!!! I love working with them and having the opportunity to spend some time capturing their special day.

Here's a peek....





Wednesday, June 1, 2011

S&E Wedding Peak

Since it's very late. I just wanted to update by posting a quick image from this memorial day weekend wedding. More to come tomorrow. :D

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Demi's Sneak Peek!

Last Saturday I had the wonderful pleasure of shooting Demi's Bat-Mitzvah portrait session/ Dinner. Session started out very quiet as her and I got to know each other. I even asked her if she enjoyed taking pictures and she bashfully said "not really". But to my surprise she was such a natural! At the end of the day we were laughing and taking the last minute shots when she admittedly told me "remember when I told you I didn't like taking pictures, well I actually REALLY do, and I'm having so much fun!" I was thrilled. Such an awesome session. There were so many adorable kids to boot! Everyone just laughing and playing, and having a great time.















Saturday, March 26, 2011

Sister Session Sneak Peek :)

Today I had the pleasure of meeting Aly and Alexandra. Two sisters, both amazing. Maybe I'm biased since I share my full name with one, and my nickname with the other ;). With both of them doing there communion in April, their lovely Aunt decided she wanted them to have their own session. Let me tell you I had an awesome time today. They even came with their own entourage. That's right Aly and Alex came with mom, both aunties, and grandma. Not to mention I didn't have a puppy sister today, so Padmé came along with me.

Now on a side note... Just yesterday I found out I (along with another lovely photographer) won a contest The Maternal Lens was hosting. For a while now I had been trying to win Michelle Kane presets since my budget didn't allow me to splurge on them at the moment (try to move and all isn't easy on the pockets ;] )
So I entered for the umpteenth time another contest, and to my surprise I won!!!! I'm not the type who wins anything, but I didn't dwell too much on that, instead I skipped around with joy like a little kid. Long story short, the MK actions were sent to me today, just in time to debut in todays session. I love them. They really did make everything simpler.

Now its time to go to bed. Goodnight everyone! Hope you enjoy the peak!


 

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Sasha & Erick's E-Session Sneak Peek

I had the pleasure this past Sunday of shooting an old highschool class mates engagement session. Sasha first approached me last year asking about my services and when she told me it was for her, I was thrilled. I love getting to be apart of peoples lives, and its all the more sweeter when you know the person your working with already. I first met Erick when I ran into them about a year ago, little did I know I'd be part of their big day. :)

Here are a few sneak peeks of their E-Session. E

-Ali