Enjoying Macro Photography | Image Peddler Photography

Photography is my passion...and sometimes an obsession. But most of the time I'm taking pictures for others and don't get time to simply shoot for the love of the art. Today was an exception...and I went on a quest for bugs. Yep...you heard me correct...bugs. What I really wanted to find were butterflies  & dragonflies...but instead I found bees, wasps and lady bugs. Oh well...beggers can't be choosers and I wasn't adventerous enough to delve deep into the woods & valleys to find what I was looking for (actually, it had nothing to do with adventure and 100% to do with laziness). What I was hoping to find...I was hoping to find in my backyard. Guess I'll need to broaden my territory for the really fun stuff. I'm happy nonetheless...I beat the storm, got some great shots, and there will always be tomorrow. Enjoy...

Angelman Syndrome (AS) Walk 2010 Update | Gallery Complete

Update...I have completed the gallery of images from the Angelman Syndrome (AS) Walk 2010. Please view your images at the link provided below. As mentioned previously, this was a charity event and all images are INTENDED for distribution and reproduction. Simply follow the directions within the gallery to copy the images to your desktop. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions and/or special request. Thank you for allowing me to share your special day...God bless you and your families.

www.imagepeddler.smugmug.com

(Password: Angel) - Case Sensitive

Image Peddler Photography | For the Love of Family...

Just when things are starting to get exciting...I am planning to slow my business down just a little. I'm going to be very selective on the shoots that I undertake in the near future due to some health concerns with my Mom. Life often times helps us to prioritize those things that are most important to us...and mine happens to be family. She's always been there for me...now it's my turn to be there for her. Something has to give...so this is my decision.

If I have already committed to doing a shoot for you...no problem! I am moving forward with all scheduled events. What I will be doing, however, is minimizing the amount of time on the weekends to possibly only one day (Saturday or Sunday), along with only 1-2 nights per week. I feel it's only fair to ensure that I have enough time to give 100% to my day job, 100% to my family, and 100% to my photography clients. With the schedule I've currently been managing, no arena is getting what they deserve and I don't like giving less than 100% to anyone.

For a sneak peak into the life of my Mom...the picture below was taken for my cousin's wedding. This was just shy of my Mom's 87th birthday. Doesn't she look wonderful for 87 years old? The picture on the left is of my sister and her family; the picture on the right is of my sister and I. And doing the picture-taking was my youngest son, Danny (17), who enjoys being on the backside of a camera almost as much as I do. Only regrets...he's never in the pictures then (which I think is intentional).

Up-coming Events:
- I still have 1-2 spots left for next weekend's Insane Saturday shoots...let me know if you're interested.
- I am planning on a Landscape Arboretum weekend in June, an "At The Farm/Cowgirl/Cowboy" theme in July, and an indoor/studio "retro" theme in August to beat the summer heat. If you have any other thoughts/interests, please let me know.
- I am still taking reservations for Father's Day shoots. Moms...bring the kids and have your pictures taken for that special Father's Day present...the perfect picture.

Till next time...thanks for stopping. Enjoy your week!

Preview | Angelman Syndrome (AS) Walk 2010

Medical Background: Angelman Syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by an abnormality on the 15th chromosome. The syndrome results in a significant delay which is very severe, making independent life impossible. Angels require a lifetime of 24/7 care and support. They suffer from a speech impairment, and have little or no verbal communication skills. Angels suffer from a movement or balance dissorder... some angels walk with difficulty, some don't walk at all. Angels suffer from multiple types of seizures which are often very difficult to predict or control. Angels also suffer from sleep disturbances that can keep them awake 2-5 hours a night. Angels suffer from feeding difficulties; this can require a lifetime of feeding intervention. Despite all of the challenges they face; Angels are blessed with a behavioral uniqueness. Children with Angelman Syndrome are often referred to as "Angels" due to their happy demeanor, warm smile and unconditional love for people. Angels have the most beautiful smiles!!! They're laughter can brighten anyone's day! The genetic cause and understanding of Angelman Syndrome was only discovered in the mid-1900's. Most people have never heard of Angelman's Syndrome. And through all this ~ there are still SMILES, LAUGHTER and HOPE. The sky is the limit for our Angels! Please support our Angels, so that one day they may find their voices.

(Text provided by National Angelman Syndrome Walk FB Event Log)

This was by far one of the most emotional photoshoots I have ever done...even more so than weddings & births. I received a wealth of thanks for volunteering my time and taking pictures. But my involvement paled in comparison to the love & commitment that I was shown by the families of these Angels. To the parents and families of the Angels present at the walk, this is a small preview of the 500+ images I took yesterday. Thank you for sharing your families and your time with me. Please visit my "Angelman Syndrome" gallery on my image website, where you'll be able to download any images you want with full print releases. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me. God bless you and your Angels.

http://www.imagepeddler.smugmug.com/

(Password - Angel)

Gallery should be completed within the next week...there are a lot of pictures!

INSANE SATURDAY MINI SESSIONS WITH CAROL | IMAGE PEDDLER PHOTOGRAPHY

dates:
saturday, may 22th, 12:00-2:00 (4 slots)
saturday, may 29th, 12:00-2:00 (4 slots)

* no sitting fee
* indoor studio shoot; choice of existing props/backdrops (or bring your own); one outfit change if time permits
* these minis are for one individual at a time (toddler, head shot, teen, senior, intimate, talent)
* 30 minute sessions

* i will edit a minimum of 5 of the best images and put in a private gallery for viewing

* after the session you will email me and let me know which image(s) you want to purchase at $29 a piece. after i have received payment i will email you your image(s) with a full print release (you will also be able to order prints from the images that you purchased from me if you prefer that I handle the printing for you). all print prices per my reprint price chart.

what i ask of you is that you arrive on time as the time periods will be short…and please be ready to move quickly. if you have any questions on clothing, don’t hesitate to ask. i love bright colors, fun prints, props…etc. since you aren’t paying for a sitting fee go ahead and splurge on a cute outfit for yourself.
again, this is my first time offering mini’s without a session fee…what do you have to lose? please email me or call at 612.240.0762 to book a time:) hurry as they will go fast!

Carol

Image Peddler | Off-5 Studio & Co-Op First Shoot

First Official Image Peddler Photo Shoot at the new Off-5 Studio...

Colleen was an absolute joy to photograph today. By the pictures, one would think she is a model. But...she was having pictures taken in an effort to build her website and promote her talk show (watch for me to include her link once she's up & and running).


My co-op partner, Kelly, allowed me to shadow her today for her shoot...and I can't thank her enough. I LOVE...LOVE...LOVE doing photography and meeting new people. Hopefully each shoot will continue to expand my knowledge and help me to improve. To my co-op partners...we are going to ROCK the South Metro Area! So happy we did this...

Local Nature Shoot - Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

There is something amazing about Minnesota's seasons. Although Spring IS NOT my favorite (Fall is), there is no arguing the signs of new life in Spring are uplifting after a long Minnesota winter. Last weekend I spent a couple of hours at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum...walking the 3 mile trail around the entire grounds and taking pictures to my heart's delight. Here are just a small sampling of the flowers / trees / shrubs that are blooming.

If you live in the wonderful state of Minnesota...I highly recommend visiting the Arboretum in both the Spring and the Fall...absolutely gorgeous. I can't wait until my Senior sessions start to take advantage of having this basically in my back yard.

If you are interested in updating your frames with new family pictures, or have a 2011 graduate that needs Senior pictures, contact me for information on the "Arboretum Location Package". It is  just one of the many location shoots that are available. Thanks for visiting...and thanks for your references. My business is starting to really pick back up again after my little "vacation" from doing shoots...and it's all because of your support.

Official Studio Grand Opening | Off-5 Photography Studio & Cooperative

The Off-5 Photography Studio & Cooperative is officially OPEN! My Co-Op partner, Paula, has already completed a couple of shoots and her pics were aMazInG!

Here are a couple of samples of the lighting and fLoOrInG you can expect to enjoy at the studio. The walls have all been painted white for optimum lighting and we are slOwLy putting on the finishing touches.

My current hours of business are:
M-F 5:15 PM - 7:00 PM
S-S 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

If you are interested in booking an appointment, please contact me at imagepeddler1@aol.com. Thanks!