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Wallasea Island, Essex and Vintage Spring Samples

As a photographer living in Burnham-On-Crouch, Essex, I have leaps and bounds of great locations to scout and think about. Now I'll be the first to admit, I'm no landscape photographer. This tends to be very hard to understand to my husband, who thinks any kind of photographer should be able to take great landscape photographs. The thing is, I got my degree from the Art Institute of Colorado. I studied Ansel Adams and his Zone System. I get when a landscape image is great. I don't see greatness like that in any landscape image I've ever taken. (Except maybe a couple in Santorini, Greece- and oh!- I have some nice ones from a visit to Cambridge too.) I DO however, love to work with people. Now put a living being in a landscape and I'm happy as a hamster!

Regardless of these facts, we decided to take the dogs on a little boat excursion to Wallasea Island. It was the first boat ride EVER for our 2 fearless friends, and, per usual, it was a bit of a challenge for Molson. (He's our golden retriever.) These 2 have been in cars, on planes, in parades and all sorts. They are real troupers and always up for an adventure. So we piled on the boat and went to the other side of the Crouch River. I took my Nikon D2X with my 35-80mm lens.

I don't actually think these images are  over the top thrilling, but I do love the textures! Turns out this island is mostly farm land, so there really isn't much to see. We did, however, have a wonderful walk in the sunshine and for Molson and Zuzu, that's the best!

So I thought I'd take a couple of images and show the before and after of what I can do to add a vintage touch to them. Vintage seems to be all the rage right now and I love the looks. It's not for everybody though, but I thought I'd take a stab of showing you the possibilities.

And for the finale, to keep things interesting and a little bit racy... Butterflies procreating!

Give me your thoughts on the Vintage look. Do you likey? Do you think it's a bit too trendy?

An American Photographer in Essex

Being an American photographer in England isn't always easy. I get the "mick" taken out of me on a regular basis. I'm used to it now, and find most people do it in an amicable way. I've even learned to EMBRACE it. Sometimes I take a little "mick" back, in an amicable American way, of course. It's true, I probably say "awesome" a little too often. I forget that "groovy" isn't a commonly used word anymore, but I use it anyway. I once told people after the group shot at a wedding that they could "take off" for the reception, only to hear a few chuckles and gentle jousting. Hey, I'm not always the hippest person in a crowd, but once you meet me, you won't soon forget me! I figure that works to my advantage, as long as I'm behaving myself.

I just read an article by Julia Boggio in the April edition of Photo Professional magazine. Julia is an American who has been living in Britain for over a third of her life. She's got a bit of time on me for that one! I've only lived here for 5 years. She's also married to a Welshman. She's got me on that one too. I'm married to an American. An American from Michigan at that. If I really think about it, the men from Wales and those from Michigan are quite similar! Anyway, I digress, as usual. Back to the article. Julia starts the article by talking about the American work ethic and how she's worked most of her life, even while in school. She goes on to say how ingrained us Americans are about customer service. Now I've often spoke with friends from all walks of life and from different countries about customer service. It comes up most easily when customer service is lacking. But one time, this couple we were speaking to had gone on a cruise run by Americans and actually complained that the customer service was over the top- too much. I gave a big "huh" and contemplated that. Now having been in the UK for some time, I get it. When one becomes accustomed to, let's say, lesser customer service standards (whether it be Britain or anywhere else!,) one can be overwhelmed by 3 different girls in a shop asking how they can help you. This now irritates me when I go back to the States.

Here's the thing. It doesn't really matter where you're from, I'm sure you'd agree that GOOD customer service is likely to bring you back to that supplier again. EXCELLENT customer service will even get you referring that business to friends. If a business is referral based, believes in the product and/or service that they provide and enjoy what they do, awesome customer service is a no brainer. Photography is such a business. Yet occasionally I hear horror stories about what has happened to people concerning their wedding photography. One story was so sad that I offered her a free "Cherish the Dress" photo session so she could at least have some nice images. I won't say who the photographer was, but the venue she got married at still refers him. The last thing the girl said to me was that he didn't even TRY to make anything right in the end. He could have offered her the same "Cherish the Dress" session as I offered her.

There is a dream in America. It's called the American Dream. It's ingrained in us from an early age. We are taught that ANYONE can become president. (Well, anyone who is American, that is. And YES, Obama is an American, despite those who would like to believe otherwise. Last I checked, Hawaii is still a state!) It reminds us that whether we're from the Carolinas or from California, whether we're yellow or white in skin, whether we're richer or poorer, we all have the chance to become somebody. If we work hard and keep picking ourselves up when we fall, we can all become something great. I'd like to think that I've acclimated to life in Britain and I'll be down the pub with the next guy. But in my heart, I will always be an American. I own a British flag and fly it with the rest of the Brits. I also own an American flag and fly in on the 4th of July. I agree with Julia that business is business and that solid principles are the same no matter where you're from. I, for one, will keep offering my brand of American customer service. I know it works and if you want to take the "mick," go for it! I'll just smile and nod my head.

Albums with Essex Photographer, Faith Stone Photography

One of my specialties is albums. I love designing them (after all, I do have an Associate of Art degree- I guess it's good for something!) and I love working with couples to make it perfect for them. When an album is part of a package, I predesign the album. Some photographers just leave it with the couple to choose the images for their album, but I have found this to be overwhelming for the couple. In the predesign, I work up a first draft so the couple at least has a place to start. It is designed with their budget in mind (usually in the form of a Product Credit within their package) and the knowledge that I gain while attending and witnessing their event. Some photographers farm out their album designing, but I like the personalization of doing it myself. 

Louise recently looked over her 1st draft and made some very precise and wonderful changes. I'm happy to say, it's ready to view. Every couple gets 2 sets of changes after the 1st predesign. The first set of changes are typically major and the couple takes their time with this one. The 2nd set of changes is so we can tweak anything that didn't come out just right. Of course, more changes can be made, but these first 2 are included in every album ordered. It takes a little more of my time, but it's worth it to my couples. And that's what my business is all about.

Check out the latest album draft for Louise and Ben. It's gonna be a KISS album!

Christmas Wedding In Somerset

Don't you know, this is a long time coming! In all fairness, the majority of the Western World seems to shut down around the holidays. So I went ahead and took some time off too. I managed not to get the sickies that were going around, as my nephew and brother came for a visit from the states. We met up with some friends in Edinburgh and had a hoot of a time at Hogmanay. The day I put my relatives back on the plane, the sickies descended upon me full force! Timing is everything...

But enough about me, let's talk about this excellent couple who waited patiently for their images!

This is Ben and Louise. Louise found me at a wedding fair when I still lived in Somerset. By the time we got the chance to chat, I was half way moved to Essex. I explained my situation and that I don't charge additional for mileage anyway, so no worries that I'll be on the other side of the country. They must of really liked my photography, 'cuz they took it all in and put a contract in the mail.

You may have seen this couples engagement images last year. We had a great time in Dunster, Somerset shooting in the gardens and at the Railway Station. Of course, Ben told me that he's not photogenic. Like I haven't heard that before! Well let me tell you something, this couple shines from the inside out. They are natural, funny and full of spirit. And that, my friend, is what makes a great image.

Before their wedding date, the sky opened up and dumped snow all over this country. Snow like the UK has never seen before. Mind you I'm in Essex now and planning my trip to Somerset to photograph the event of a lifetime for this couple. So I call Louise a couple of days before the wedding and ease any worries she may have about me making it there. Hey, I'M FROM COLORADO! Say no more...

Although some guests didn't make it to this wonderful wedding, I'm blessed to have been a part of the magical day. Louise and Ben spent hours upon hours of planning and it showed in every detail. I can only imagine what memories they'll have and what stories they'll tell of the snowy Christmas wedding that they enjoyed. Their day was unique, thanks to Mother Nature and careful planning.

Rumor has it that they're going with a "Virgin White Kiss Wedding Book." I love this book, because it is bound with a seamless spread that lays flat. The leather is sumptuous and it's a meaty book to hold. The colour choice will compliment the snowy atmosphere of their day and bring it all together. See, I'm not just a photographer, I'm a designer. I want to think of everything my decade of experience allows me to and make the perfect product for my clients. Ok, ok. I only SUGGESTED this book. Of course, Louise (and maybe Ben) have the final word!

If you'd like to see more of this album layout and details about my photographic style, please have a gander at my website at Faith Stone Photography.

Peak at our latest Wedding Guest Book

Here's a peak at our latest guest book design, an Asuka Book, 7x7" 20 page hard covered coffee table book. It's a lovely keepsake and goes perfectly with a wedding album of the same style. These books are offered exclusively through Faith Stone Photography and are one of our many unique books on offer. We will even design them with your own images if you like! 

Essex Engagement Portraits

Playing catch up here and about to show you a couple I photographed back in July 2010. Lucina found me at wedding fair and took me up on a limited time offer of a deeply discounted engagement photo session here in Burnham-On-Crouch, Essex. First we did some lovely Mother-Daughter pics, then Daniel came along and we went for a wee walk down to the waterfront and park. Burnham is a great place for location portraiture because there's such a great variety of places to choose from. This couple doesn't have a date picked yet, but I know I'd be honored should they choose me to document their wedding day!

"Going Home" -An Essex Photographer's Blog

I'm thinking of a title for this post and this one seemed the most logical. I recently had the pleasure of doing my niece's senior pics in St. Joseph, Michigan. I lived in St. Joseph for 9 years, the rather informative ones. My dad was transfered there from a little town in Ohio called Chesterland. From living memory until the end of 4th grade, Brooklane Road was my childhood. I mostly rode things in that phase of my life. My mom set me in front of her in the saddle of our mare, Chica, before I could even walk. The next thing you know, I have a Big Wheel (oh geez, some of you are guessing my age, aren't you? Do they still make those things?) After that it was a banana bike, then a 10 speed bike. And yes, I had my own pony. But after 4th grade, we packed up the inside of our world and moved to St. Joseph, Michigan. Snowball the pony and Chica did not go. Luckily, my dog, Spanky was invited!!!

But we couldn't take Brooklane Road with us. We couldn't take the expansive woods, the creek I used to play in, the vines I used to swing on or the tree houses we used to tell secrets in. We couldn't take my best friend, Renee and we couldn't take the long driveway where we used to play Mother-May-I and Red Light, Green Light. We couldn't take the acres of neighbors yards where we played Hide and Seek. We couldn't pack my childhood....

It was a hard move for me, but eventually I settled in to St. Joseph. I made some excellent friends, one of whom I still keep in touch with. She's still my best friend. Her name is Jennifer, but please don't call her Jenny! From 8th grade on, we shared our secrets, our fears, and of course, our boyfriends (although I'm not sure "share" is really the word!) And even though I went o a different High School 3 out of 4 years, she was always there to hang out with during school breaks. She's the only one who never dropped a beat. So naturally, when I got to Michigan earlier this month, I gave Jenn a call. She doesn't live in St. Joe anymore, but I was able to hook up with her around Grand Rapids when I was on my way to Cadillac. (Probably gotta know a little about Michigan to figure this map out...) As always, she didn't drop a beat.

Before I met up with Jenn, as you can see, I spent some quality time in St. Joe at, of course, the beach! When I was a teenager, Silver Beach was THE place to hang in the summer. I am happy to report that it still is! But WOW, it's changed a bit. The older houses look more posh now and the newer houses are practically ostentatious.  I used to park my little '74 VW Super Beetle right on the beach. Those days are gone and they now charge $6.00 to park for the day! The pier to the lighthouse looks much longer, (although I'm sure it's NOT!) they've built an indoor carousal and a fountain to play in. But despite all the changes, I still felt the familiarity of the sand, the gentle lapping of the lake, the cool, fresh water and the warm Summer-In-Michigan sun.

Megan, my niece, picked some fabulous locations to do her senior pics. The first place we went to flooded me with long filed memories of Jenn and I just hanging out. In those days the little stretch of beach at the south end was like a secret, quiet paradise. In many ways, it still is. The huge boulders, rusted metal and water logged pylons made for a simple and textured background.

Later, Megan and I went down to the pier, with the muchly photographed lighthouse at it's end. Megan is a great dancer and we had done some shots at the dance studio, but I really wasn't feeling the love there. I wasn't too sure if a teenager would feel comfortable in a tutu on the pier, but Megan didn't blink an eye when I suggested it! She even put on her point shoes and gave me some seriously elegant ballet poses. As I do, I wanted to make the most of her shoot and ended 3 times with, "Just one more location, just one more." It was a day well spent, and I'm still editing the images over a week later!

So why am I settling on "Going Home" as the title of this post? I haven't called St. Joseph home in a very long time. I've lived in over a dozen places since then and if you ask me where I'm from, I'll tell you Colorado- a long way from Michigan! In the end, I decided that "home" IS really where your heart is. And your heart lies in your memories. I have some awesome memories in the cobwebs of my brain- about St. Joe, Silver Beach and Jennifer to name a few. And Megan may not live in St. Joe all her life, but I hope that her Senior Pictures will keep some of the cobwebs in her memories away in her later years. Although it's hard to imagine young, vibrant, fun Megan as she'll be at 30 or 40 years old, I'm glad I got to play a part in her future's past.

I'd love to record special memories for you too. Contact Faith Stone Photography if you'd like more information on our Senior Packages, Portrait Packages, Wedding Packages or any other project. And if you live in St. Joseph, Michigan, I can be there next summer to do some pics for you too! (I gotta free place to stay:)

Now Live, Love, Laugh. I'll take care of the memories.