March 16, 2009

  • a fun day in old sacramento

    We headed out to Old Sacramento Sunday for some fun time shooting, and scouting for future shots.

    First stop, was Temple Coffee Shop What a cool place!

     
      

    A quick walk on our way back to the car…

     

     

    Then we arrived in Old Sac. Kerri walked looked at the horses while Brian and I parked ours…

     

    You never know what you’ll find when you explore the alleys in Old Sacramento

         

    In Old Sac you never know what you’ll come across.


     

    So, get out of the house and go explore your town!

March 13, 2009

  • A Day in San Francisco…

    We went to San Francisco recently to get out of the house, spend the day together as a family as well as take some fun pics!
    The day didn’t disappoint – the weather was beautiful!

    We started out in the Haight-Ashbury district – it’s always a fun place to walk down. There was an impromptu concert in the street by a local band until the police decided they were disrupting traffic. Reminded me of early Santana.
    After walking around we walked over (and up…everywhere in SF is either up opr down…) We brought a picnic lunch to share in Buena Vista Park. Then it was over to Chestnut street to our favorite coffee shop – The Grove.

    Next was the Cliff House. Amazing view of the ocean. If you’re ever in San Francisco you HAVE to get out here to see it.
    This is where Kerri use to go all the time when she was growing up, so it’s a nostalgic place for her to visit. It’s also where my sister was married. And any place where there is the ocean is a GREAT destination! We hung around until sunset – well worth the wait!

    Then it was back to downtown to Union Square. It was only a couple blocks over to China Town where we ate dinner – YUMMY!! There is a place on Grant street where you get your own private enclosed booth – it was the perfect place to sit and relax at the end of the day!

    Then it was time to head home.

    We love the city and can’t wait to get back down there again!

    If the slideshow doesn’t show up in your browser, you can go here: www.lydellphoto.com/slideshows/sfmarch09

March 11, 2009

  • Engagement sessions, Part 2: What to wear



    I last posted about Engagement Sessions and why they are important. Today I’ll be talking about what to wear.


    Remember that your images are designed to showcase YOU. Very simple garments and accessories always photograph best. You can be as casual or as formal as you want – most couples like to have great casual shots, but think about starting a little more dressed up, and then change into more casual clothes to finish the shoot. It really adds to the variety in the shots.

     

    These are some suggestions we pass along to our clients:
     

    Hints:

    • Wear what you usually wear – this is not the time to try out a new style which could make you feel uncomfortable. Your clothing should be comfortable and reflect your personality. Being comfortable is the most important thing, because if you feel self-conscious about what you are wearing it will show in your pictures.
    • Avoid logos, numbers, lettering and words on your clothing unless it’s part of a theme for the session. Large logos draw attention away from you and onto your clothing, and will probably clash with the background.
    • Select colors that go well together. You don’t have to “match” – It is flattering for couples to wear colors that compliment what the other is wearing. Many times solid earth colors are best.
    • Bring some mints if you wish – but no gum!
    • To avoid unsightly bulges and creases, don’t put too much stuff in your pockets.
    • Feel free to bring some small props that reflect you and your personality. Do you have a favorite hat, sunglasses, etc.? Bring them!
    • Think about a theme – what do you enjoy doing together? We’ve had couples who like to cook, so we start out with them cooking in the kitchen! Or couples who like to ride bikes! Whatever your passion is as a couple, let your photographer know ahead of time to plan for those moments.
    • Pets!! If you have a dog or cat, get them into some shots as well! (I’m not discriminating against other pets…Iguana? Ferret? Parrot? Goldfish? Bring it on!)
    • BOTTOM LINE: Your engagement session is the perfect opportunity to get pictures that really show who you are as a couple. Don’t settle for just some posed head shots!
       

    Hair and Make-up Tips:

    • Have your hair and make-up done before you arrive for your session begins.
    • Now is not the time to try something completely different! Stick with comfortable hair and make-up styles.
    • Avoid wearing makeup heavier than usual. (unless your photographer let’s you know that your particular setting requires different makeup)
    • Bring a small touch-up kit: hair spray, gel, lipstick/gloss, mirror, etc. (It should be in something easy to carry, and set down during the day)
    • Use lotion on your hands; make sure your hands and nails are well manicured.
            


    If you have any questions feel free to email us: office@lydellphoto.com

    (Do you have a topic for us to post on? Email it to us!)
    REMINDER: We’re in the race for the “photographer of the year” award in 2009 awarded by KCRA 3′s A-list in Sacramento
    If you would please take a moment and vote for us we’d be grateful! You don’t have to be in the Sacramento area to vote. You can leave a comment or just vote – it’s up to you!


    It’s very simple:
    1. Click on the following link:  http://kcra.cityvoter.com/lydell-photography/biz/26076
    2. Towards the top left, under our name “Lydell Photography,” click on the yellow oval that reads “vote.”
    3. You’ll be prompted to enter your information. (they promise not to spam you or sell your info.)
    3. You then check your email to confirm your registration which takes you back to the KCRA site.
    4. If you want on the next page you can leave a comment or click the link next to the “Post” button that says “Not Now”
    5. Forward this info to all of your friends/co-workers/family!

  • Thank you for your support!!

    UPDATE: March 11th – we’re in 11th and close to the top 10!

    This post will be here until April 17, 2009, but keep checking below for new posts

    We’re in the race for the “photographer of the year” award in 2009 awarded by KCRA 3′s A-list in Sacramento
    If you would please take a moment and vote for us we’d be grateful! You don’t have to be in the Sacramento area to vote. You can leave a comment or just vote – it’s up to you!


    It’s very simple:

    1. Click on the following link:  http://kcra.cityvoter.com/lydell-photography/biz/26076
    2. Towards the top left, under our name “Lydell Photography,” click on the yellow oval that reads “vote.”
    3. You’ll be prompted to enter your information. (they promise not to spam you or sell your info.)
    3. You then check your email to confirm your registration which takes you back to the KCRA site.
    4. If you want on the next page you can leave a comment or click the link next to the “Post” button that says “Not Now”
    5. Forward this info to all of your friends/co-workers/family!

March 10, 2009

  • Jayden Turns Two!

    At long last, here is the slideshow from Jayden’s Second birthday. It’s funny – the reason there aren’t any pics of him opening up presents is because he opened the first one, which was a “Lightening McQueen” car from the movie “Cars” and he left the room to go play with it and wouldn’t come back to open any more!

  • It’s that time of year again – ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS!

    The weather is starting to give us hints of spring and it’s time to start thinking of your engagement session!


    Why do we do an engagement session? Years ago, the couple did their engagement picture to use in the newspaper to announce their engagement. These days with the internet, email, blogs and all sorts of personal communication the news paper announcement isn’t used as much any more. But there are very important reasons to have an engagement session.

    Not only do you want to have some great shots of you and your fiance, but you can use the e-session as a practice run for your wedding. Unless you spend a lot of time in front of the camera, your wedding day can be overwhelming when you are the center of attention. In addition to your wedding photographer taking pictures of you ALL day, don’t forget all your friends and family with their cameras. It’s like having your own paparazzi for a day! So you want to be comfortable in front of the camera.

    You and your fiance also want to be comfortable with your wedding photographer – how does he/she shoot? What is their style of giving directions to you? If you are experiencing this for the first time on your wedding day, (in front of everyone else) it can be uncomfortable if you haven’t had a chance to work with them before.

    You can also see from your e-session poses that flatter you, looks that don’t, etc. so that you can be better prepared for the big day!

    Next: What do I wear for my engagement session?

    If you are planning a wedding visit our website (www.lydellphoto.com) to see our work. Email us at info@lydellphoto.com for a price list and more information.
    SPRING SPECIAL: Take $500 off any wedding package booked before the end of March 2009.

March 7, 2009

  • Lydell Photography Nominated for Best Photographer!

    Hi Everyone!!!
    We would be especially grateful if you would take the time to vote for us! We are  humbled by all the comments already! We know there are many many great photographers out there but it would be a great feather in our cap to have as well as the opportunity to give back as we have a really nice offer going     on right now.
    THANK YOU!!!
    To all of you who have voted! We are overwhelmed at how fast we are moving up the list! There are sooo many great photographers in our area so it will be a hot race!
    *********



    Lydell Photography Nominated for     Best Photographer!


    We Need Your Vote!

    Vote Here

    Please also take a moment to write a recommendation to let everyone know why you think we are the “Best Photographer”


    We’re so excited to be nominated for yet another year!


    When voting is closed there will be a drawing from those who voted AND wrote a recommendation. The winner will receive a  $50.00 Gift Certificate from Crush29 Restaurant in Roseville.
     (but you have to take us with you….just kidding.)

    Contest ends April 17th. Winner will be notified by email. (We’ll also post your name on our blog!)

    See special coupon below for the special
    Photo Package for those who vote.

    Spread the word – please tell all your friends to come and vote for us!



March 6, 2009

March 4, 2009

  • Prom Dress Drive!

    .
    ******
    If you GOOGLE this you can find lots of info on this type of idea. If you are looking for something closer to you see if there is someone already doing it and if not maybe you could start one!

  • Calling all engaged couples: Enter for a free $40,000 wedding!

    Engaged Couples!
    Wedding Wire and Star101.3 FM are presenting a $40,000 Wedding in Sononma Contest

     

    Win a FREE $40,000 Wedding!

    WeddingWire and Star 101.3 have teamed up to give one lucky San Francisco couple the wine country wedding of their dreams BUT they only have one week to plan!

    Beginning March 2nd, enter to win a $40,000 wedding at Viansa Italian Village and Winery in beautiful Sonoma, California. You’ll get it all, from the dress to the reception and everything in between. Give us a week and we’ll give you the wedding of your dreams!

    Here’s how to enter:
    1. Upload a photo of you and your significant below
    2. Answer the question “What will be the best and worst parts of bringing your families together?”
    3. Return on March 20th to vote!

    		 CONTEST DETAILS
    March 2 to March 19 Registration Period
    March 20 Top 5 finalists selected
    March 20 to March 26 Voting for Finalists
    March 27 Winner Announced on Star 101.3
    March 27 to April 2 Wedding Week
    April 3 The Wedding at Viansa

    *CONTEST RULES


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