Preview - Stephanie and Paul Portraits

Stephanie and Paul have been married about a year. They knew each other when they were young and their love blossomed from that early seed.

Stephanie and Paul had never had professional pictures taken together, so they decided to search for a photographer. I feel so fortunate it led them to me. I had a lot of fun with the two of them.

They visited my Port Angeles home for the studio shots, and a nearby location for the outdoor shots.

They were troopers - Paul who wasn't really sure about the whole "taking pictures" thing, and Stephanie who I made tromp through the fields in her awesome shoes. 

Here's a preview for what we captured...

I shared some laughs with them over fun stories about their engagement and road trips, and captured some special moments between the two of them. I truly enjoyed creating memories for the two of them and I'm so excited to share these images of their amazing bond!

Click here to see one of the products Stephanie and Paul will be receiving with their order!

Preview - Amanda & Brandon Engagement Photos

This is the session I made a point to mention in last week's feature blog.

Amanda and Brandon have been together for 7 years. They met at college and both currently work as Video Game testers. I'm awful at video games, so bonus kudos to them both for that.

We took a trip out to Discovery Park in Seattle. This was the first trip for all of us to the park and from photos with random dogs, frollicking through the fields, and hiking a mile and a half uphill - laughs were to be had the whole time.

Here's a preview for what we captured...

I'm so glad for the crazy random happenstance that brought about such a fun photoshoot. A special thanks to Amanda and Brandon for entrusting me with these special moments- I think we made a few fun memories along the way, too.

For engagement photos, a great product offered are Photo Books which can be created to be used as a guest book at the wedding

Feeling Nostalgic

I start tonight with a disclaimer: I am not using my usual browser tonight and do not have a spell check available. There may be a slip of the typing or two and I apologize in advance.
I began typing a blog about the pros and cons of digital files... but then inspiration struck.
I feel tonight like blogging about something that has been on my mind for the majority of the week and much, much longer. I feel a little like story telling tonight. Each and everything you read in here is my honest opinion and the facts are as truthful as I'm aware they are. (Aka: I may not have all the back information on some things, but I know what I experienced and I know what I was told.)

I recently heard the news that Picture Me Portrait Studios in Port Angeles will be soon closing it's doors. Port Angeles is one of about 300 locations nationwide that will be shutting down.

I worked for Picture Me for 6 years - well, sort of. I actually started working before it was owned and operated by CPI Images - back when it was called the Wal-Mart Portrait Studio.

I always had a frustrating time trying to explain to customers that even though we boasted the name Wal-Mart Portrait Studio, my pay check never came from Wal-Mart but rather a company named PCA. PCA (about a year or so after I was hired on) filed for a reconstruction bankruptcy and was soon purchased by CPI Images who also runs Sears Portrait Studio. (They also now run Kiddie Kandids and Bye Bye Baby photography)

I will never forget that a local photographer came to visit me shortly after the filing of the (I think it's a chapter 11? But you don't have to quote me on that) bankruptcy. I had not yet heard the news of this and this particuar business-person felt the need to boast to me about how the studio would soon close and I probably wouldn't have a job anymore. They felt so proud of the fact that we wouldn't be surviving because we only charge $10 for a sheet, but they charged $50 for one 5x7 and people would pay that.
I have never felt warmly about this particular person because of this instance and will forevermore refuse to do business with that local studio - despite the interaction they have with the community.
Needless to say, I did keep that job for a number of years more.

When CPI took over, I felt proud to be a part of a company that could provide quality product at an affordable price. However, the longer I was there, the more I felt they didn't quite care as much as I initially felt.
I was told by someone once that the Vice President of the company felt in ernst that if a mother had to choose between feeding her family for a week or purchasing a $300 picture package, we should be convincing her on the pictures. The last few months I was working there, we had call lists that had to be completed to entice previous customers to come back and see us.
I also know he felt that I was one of many managers that needed to be replaced within the company.
I can honestly say that I'll be happy to never work underneath him ever again.

Working at the studio definetly helped me realize that what I wanted to do was photography. I loved playing with kids and making families smile. I enjoyed capturing an image and having a mother tear up because it was exactly what she was looking for.

There were plenty of ups, but there were also plenty of downs.

SIDS was my least favorite word to ever creep up in conversation - especially after having my own son.
There were a few babies I had the bittersweet experience of photographing before their untimely passing. Even thinking about it now makes me want to cry.
However, it's also a reminder of how important my job as a photographer was then and still is now.

I also witnessed plenty of family unpleasentries.
The most common argument was so silly but some families really tore into each other for it.

Mom: "I don't know. Which one do you like?"
Dad:  "I don't care."
Mom: *Sighs impatiently* "I just want your opinion."
Dad: "I don't care this is your thing. You get whatever you want."
Mom: "Which one of these do you like, though?"
Dad: "Do what you want. I don't care."
Mom: "Fine. What do you think of this picture/package?"
Dad: "What about this?"
Mom: "You like that one?" (or "Do you think that will be enough/too many?")
Dad: "Just... whatever. Do whatever. I don't care."

If I had a dollar for every time there was a rendition of that conversation in my presence (Especially at Christmas) I could have retired years ago... and that's saying something considering I'm not yet 30.

I guess the idea of the studio closing is just hard to wrap my head around. After seeing the end of the studio at the old store and being there to open the new studio at the new store - seeing it close is tough. I put so much of my heart and soul into that job... and then I remember that I still get to do all that fun stuff, but on my own terms now. I can do what I need to for customer satisfaction and for my own personal satisfaction.

If you managed to follow me through my nostalgic journey, thanks for reading. I don't know if it was actually something to keep interest for everyone, but I feel satisfied knowing these bits and pieces of my journey to where I am now are recorded in the depths of cyberspace.

Because of the studio closing, I think I'll be running am Easter special very very soon. Keep your eyes peeled for that.

For first dibbs on any sort of special, make sure you sign up for the VIP list!
You can sign up for that by clicking here!

Next week I'll be discussing another great tip on making your every day photography a little more frame-worthy!

A Sunday in Seattle PLUS Feature Blog - Fill your frame

Don't ask me for directions...
This blog comes a little late tonight - mostly because I have no personal sense of direction, really.

I went and shot an amazingly fun engagement session at Discovery Park in Seattle this afternoon where I definetly got my workout in. I knew I was out of shape, but wow.
After parting ways with Amanda and Brandon, we somehow found our way much farther north than needed... As the driver, I seriously found my way to the Fremont Troll and Archie McPhee's without any intentions of doing so. My phone died and therefore so did my GPS.

My assistant for the day (Alex) and I found our way back to downtown and ate at Blue C and did a little shopping at Teavana before heading back to our little corner of Washington.

Favorite quotes for the day:
*"Can we frolic?"
*"I forgot my glider..."
*"Okay. Now you can bite her."
*"Who wants to wear the hiking shoes?"
*"Do you know what the worst part is?" "We could have driven?"
*"I'm going to fall..." "You're not going to fall. I've got you." "I'm falling!"

Overall I had a great day - thanks so much in part to Amanda and Brandon, and my assistant Alex.


Feature Blog - Fill your frame
The easiest and best thing you can start with for better at home photography is fill your frame.
Zoom in so that your subjects are the main focus of the photo, but don't forget to leave at least a little around the edges. This is so that no matter what size is printed or when the photo goes into a frame, no one is being cut off.

Here is an example:

Just a little prenote here: I did not take this photo. This was at my cousin's wedding last summer - while I was snapping away at the wedding party, someone snapped this shot of my son and (now) fiancee.

This is the original picture taken:

Note how it's a cute photo, but the different lighting from the room and adjoining hallway, carpet patterns, the vase with reeds, and the people at the next table take away from the two of them.

I flipped the photo from landscape to portrait and zoomed in just enough to cut out a lot of the distractions in the background.

Stay tuned. Our next feature blog will have more simple tips to make your home photography a little more frame-tastic!

Jumping Hurdles

I've been staring down a blank page for far too long. I keep telling myself "It's time to try again" and I keep finding distractions, instead.

So, here is me, sitting down, and doing this again. No excuses.
Every week. On Sunday. New Blog.

You will see feature articles on little tips to make your home photography better.
You will see product spotlights
You will see previews for recent photo shoots
You will also get up to date information on our latest events.

Here is a quick update on what we've got coming up this year...

• This year Optimistic Photography will be taking the photos at the Middle School Tolo.
  For pricing information, please visit our Blog Post HERE!
• Baby Pictures, Engagements, and Weddings!

Stay tuned for our first Feature on tips you can do to make your every day photography look better!

Rainbow Tolo 2012 Formal Portrait Information

Optimistic Photography will be taking the formal portraits at the 2012 Rainbow Tolo.

Rainbow is a non profit service organization for girls ages 11-20. I am providing my services and my equipment for their fundraising opportunities towards service projects and funding for their activities and membership. Because of this, checks are to be made to “Port Angeles Rainbow”

If you are attending the Tolo this year (or your Middle Schooler is), here are the packages and products available:

All images are copyrighted and may not be copied. Copyright automatic with CD.
*Please note there is a LIMIT OF 8 PERSONS PER PICTURE

Package A - $75
2- 8x10, 4- 5x7, 8- 3.5x5, 32 wallets
Plus 2 magnets and 2 key chains and CD
(great for large groups!)

Package B - $60
2- 8x10, 2- 5x7, 4- 3.5x5, 24 wallets
Plus 2 magnets and CD
(great for smaller groups!)

Package C - $40
1- 8x10, 2- 5x7, 4- 3.5x5, 16 wallets

Package D - $30
2- 5x7, 2- 3.5x5, 12 wallets

Package E - $20
2- 5x7, 8 wallets

Package F - $20
4- 3.5x5, 8 wallets

Ala Carte
8x10 - $10 each
5x7 - $8 each
3.5x5 - $5 each
Wallets - $5 per 4
Key chains - $10
Magnets - $12 for 2
Photo CD with copyright - $45
Have your photos shipped to you instead of pick up - $10

Photos will start at 5:00 pm. Checks are to be made to “Port Angeles Rainbow”
Photos will be available for pickup at Stevens Middle School by April 13, 2012.

Any further questions may be directed toward optimisticphotography@hotmail.com

Preview - Leaha's Maternity Photographs

It's been awhile since I've photographed a maternity session. It's always an exciting time when a baby is on the way! I knew Leaha growing up, so being able to capture this next step in her life is all the more thrilling.

Here's a preview of what we photographed:

Thank you, Leaha, for allowing me to be such a part of this special time. I'm very excited to meet your baby boy!!

Click here to see what Leaha purchased!

Preview - Aaron & Miranda Engagement Photos

I had a lot of fun working with Miranda & Aaron to help them capture their budding romance as they begin their journey down their path of life together.
I've been fortunate enough to know the both of them prior to this photo shoot and was very honored that they asked me to capture these special moments.

Here's a preview of what we photographed:

Thanks, Miranda and Aaron, for letting me be part of such an awesome milestone!

To see the products they purchased for their session, click here!

Fairy Day 2012

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Product Spotlight: Customized Photo Books

Ensure that your photos are showcased in a high-quality with a  professional archival quality photo book. Each book is as unique as the photographs in them. 
Don't be stuck putting your photographs by hand, one by one into an album they may fall out of or discolor in over time. Entrust Optimistic Photography to create a book that will bring you back to your memories with every page turn.

Everyone enjoys reminiscing - let the pages of a customized photo book do all the talking!

Better than a brag book!

Every book has at least 20 pages filled front and back with your memories. Additional pages are available upon request.

Put it in your bookshelf, on your coffee table, or take it to the office! Photo books also make a great gift for yourself or someone special.

For more information on our customized photo books, please e-mail optimisticphotography@hotmail.com

Preview - Stella Carr Mini Session

Stella's first birthday! It's been really exciting to see Stella grow this last year. I got some absolutely adorable images of her! She really was enjoying playing it up for the camera. :)

Thank you so much, December, for sharing Stella with me! I'm very glad we got these great shots of her for her first birthday - she did an awesome job!

Click here to see what December purchased!

Feature - iPhone vs Android (and Blackberry & Windows, too!)

As promised, here it is. The new feature blog: iPhone vs. Android.

Let me start by talking over what a "Smart Phone" is.
A smart phone is an internet-centric device that allows you to not only do what phones have done in the past (calls, texts, photos) but also internet. Browsing, YouTube, and (oh my stars!) the apps. Tons and tons of beautiful, amazing, time saving (and wasting) apps!

A smart phone is basically a phone and computer melded into one magic package. However, like a computer, phones have different operating systems. Blackberry, Apple, Android, and Windows.

First, let me skim over the less-popular operating systems (OS) that you find on well-known smart phones.

Blackberry OS- more of a corporate based system. There really isn't much rhyme or reason to the menu layout but it's great for e-mail... except a lot of attachments you can't view to the fullest. However, if you're looking to sync with outlook, look no further. The blackberry does that fantastically!

Windows OS- it's almost a blend of Android and Apple. It has a series of tiles you can arrange on your main screen and you can also keep up with your Xbox live account. The camera will load without having to wake the phone up first. The layouts to the menu are very similar to a windows computer system. I won't lie and say I care much for this particular OS, but the user reviews are high on the newest Windows 7 phone: the HTC Trophy.

Alright. With that out of the way, let's get down to the main contenders....
In one corner, we have Apple. Their product: the iPhone. (Verizon carries the iPhone 4 and now iPhone 4S. Sprint recently began carrying the iPhone 4S, and AT&T carries all previous versions mentioned but also has all the models prior.) I will be referring to iOS 5 (and the iPhone 4S) in this article as it is the most recent update and has a few more bells and whistles than the previous Apple operating system.

In the opposing corner, we have Android powered by Google. All carriers have a few Android phones to offer their clients with all different sizes of cameras, processors, and memories.

After a few rounds who would come out on top? Well, that all depends on you.

Apple OS (or iOS) has great graphics and simplicity to boot. You plug the phone into iTunes and it will activate itself. It syncs with iTunes (this is now possible over wifi) and has the power of the almighty icloud letting you download a song onto iTunes from your computer, and then pull it from the 'cloud' to your iPhone without syncing the two. The graphics are called "Retina Display" where the pixels are so small you can't see them with the naked eye.
The iPhone also has Facetime - video chatting with your phone. (Yes, folks, we have fully moved into the future!)
When you power on the phone, all your applications are staring you straight in the face. You can create folders (games, work, downloads, etc) and move the application icons into those folders for customization.
Also, the new iPhone has a feature you can speak to it (Call Bob, Navigate to Starbucks...) and it will do that for you.
Sounds great! What are the downsides?
Facetime is only compatible with the same versions of Facetime... so only on other Apple products such as iPods and MacBooks. On the Verizon network, facetime ONLY works over wifi as their network does not process data on the same port as their talk and text.
The iPhone can also not process JavaScript, nor is it compatible with Adobe Flash - two major applications that a majority of websites run. On an iPhone there are about 80% of websites that you are not able to view properly.
There is also the fact that an iPhone is sealed shut. You are not able to remove the battery or the memory - at least not without ripping apart your phone and voiding any warranty there may be on it.
Also, the app market may be big, but it's a closed app market. This means it has to have been built under Apple's strict policies. This isn't a bad thing, except that it allows Apple to charge you for a large majority of the applications.
Speaking of applications, make sure you are very careful with the predictive text on the iPhones. It has caused quite a few embarrassing and interesting conversations. For more information on that, make sure you check out:
www.damnyouautocorrect.com
The majority of the snapshots are from iPhones. Be sure to have a sense of humor when checking this website out as many of the auto-corrects are highly inappropriate... but very funny.
Last, but definitely not least, is the support for the phone. I will apologize in advance as I do not know how other carriers work, but with Verizon, an iPhone is hands-off. If there is a problem, you must speak with Apple. That isn't a huge issue in major cities, but out in the Twilight Zone (Forks, Port Angeles, Sequim, etc) the nearest Apple store is in the Seattle area. That's at least a 2 hour drive. You COULD call Apple Support, but if it's past 90 days and you don't have the Apple Care plan, they will ask you for a credit card number before you speak with a live person.

So, let's talk about the Android.
Android, as I said before, is powered by Google. You will need a Google account to access the market, but it will back up your contacts and if you do purchase one of the paid apps, your account will back that purchase up so you won't have to ever pay for it again.
The Android App market is an open-user market, making it so that other people can create apps and put them on the market for either a fee or for free. Android has had multiple apps available for quite some time allowing you to tell it what to do.
Also, many Android phones have larger screens and many of them had 8 megapixel cameras long before the iPhone.
Speaking of screens, the Android OS offers anywhere from 5 to 7 screens for you to customize with shortcuts and widgets (a program that runs on your screen so you don't have to open a full application)
Android is also the only OS currently working on any 4G LTE phones. Many of the 4G LTE phones can not only talk and surf at the same time, but they can also video chat over Windows Live, Google Talk, and Skype. (Many 3G phones including the iPhone are carrying a mobile version of Skype that allows calling but not video chatting.)
You will find a slogan with some Android phones - it says "Droid Does." Droid does flash, backup, and has many more customization options.
Sidenote: There are many android phones that are not labeled "DROID" - if it is labeled 'DROID' the company is paying out extra to Lucasfilms for the rights.

So, what can Android do that iOS can't? Flash, Javascript, 4G LTE, removable memory and batteries, customization.

What can the iOS do that Android can't? Facetime, Retina Display, and syncing with multiple Apple products. Also, Android doesn't exactly have simplicity staring you in the face. It isn't hard to customize it to MAKE it simple, but it doesn't come that way out of the box.

So, that's it in a nutshell - and I do mean that. There is so much more in depth about the systems it's ridiculous, but there's no sense in throwing out more information than what's needed.

If you do have any questions about iOS vs. Android, please visit your nearest retailer.

So, before I finish up, let me talk about a cool free app - again, this one is for Android. :)

Handscent SMS





Handscent is an app for SMS or texting messages. It allows you to completely customize your backgrounds, fonts, and even have special notification tones for specific people. It also gives you a quick reply box that pops up so you don't have to go into the messaging application, you can just reply when the full text appears on the screen.
I was very hesitant to download this app as I really liked just using my stock SMS (the one that came on the phone), but the more I play with Handscent, the more I'm loving it!


Thanks all for this week, m'dears! Be sure to tune in next week for an important message about getting your photos printed - including photos from your phone!

Preview - Dustin Beck Senior Photos

Dustin Beck was a great session to do! His mom works at the daycare I take my son to (and she's awesome with him!)

Dustin helped me with setting up my studio in their home before I took the photos. He's a regular gear-head and I really enjoyed seeing the cars he's working on and helped restore. He does an awesome job. I caught a lot of moods and personality in his photos - I really think we did him justice. :)

Thanks, Dustin and Sharlene, for letting me capture such an awesome milestone! (And happy belated birthday, Dustin! I know you turned 18 on the 4th!)

To see the products reccomended for Dustin's session, click here!

Preview - Laura & Matt Taggart Wedding

I've known Laura since she was about 16 years old. It was such a joy to be a part of the day she became Mrs. Matt Taggart. This was my first international wedding (as it took place in Canada). I felt honored to have been picked by Laura and Matt to shoot their special day. Laura was absolutely glowing, and Matt was all smiles from the second they laid eyes on each other as she came down the aisle.

They were married at the Chief and Petty Officers' Mess in Victoria, British Columbia. After the wedding we stole about an hour and took some awesome shots at Beacon Hill Park and Sach's Point. I loved taking the pictures of them overlooking the Straights of Juan De Fuca together because it was what had separated them for so long...
Congrats, again, Laura and Matt! You two were made for each other!

See their complete wedding album here!



Gift Portraits

Pictures are the greatest gift. They capture moments in time and memories that can not be replaced. Babies before they're grown, weddings, senior portraits... all very special places on your journey of life.

Gift prints range in size from 8x10s to wallets and make great gifts for family and friends.

Matted and hung on the wall with accents of baby shoes, toasting flutes, or even just flowers or candles can create a decoration that make a statement.

Ledges, window sills, or mantels make great places to show off your captured moments!



Don't let your images sit on a CD or in your computer waiting to be shown to the world! Order gift prints of your favorite images and get professional quality pictures that you'll be proud to display in your home, or have displayed in the homes of your family and friends.

For more information on gift prints, send an e-mail to optimisticphotography@hotmail.com

NEW Feature Blog! What the heck is a 'G'?

Photography is definetly my first love, but anyone who knows me also understands that I love technology! In high school I even was webmaster for the PAHS website and my 6th peroid was "tech support" where we made powerpoints for elementary schools and helped when teachers had computer malfunctions.

Anyway, I've decided that every other Sunday I'll be doing a feature blog and I thought long and hard about what to write it about.
Technology is moving so fast these days, and one of the top markets in technology is Smart Phones. iPhone vs. Android, App markets, etc.

My actual 9 to 5 is in a Verizon Premium Retail store in Sequim, WA. Every day we have people lining up to ask questions about their phones. So, since I talk about it alllll day long, I'll write about it. Each feature blog will be something about a smart phone and also about a cool app you can look into.

Please note that a lot of the information I have pertains to the Verizon network as that is the strongest signal in our area and also where my training is.

In the spirit of not procrastinating, let's get to it!

First - the question everyone always asks: Android vs. iPhone. Tune-in in 2 weeks and I'll have a nice, spiffy blog all typed out and let you make your own decision.

This week?

3G vs. 4G

The question I get asked second most is "What the heck is 4G? What's a 'G'?"
'G' stands for 'Generation'. 4G is the 4th generation of speed for the data networks. To make things more confusing, some of the 4G networks (Verizon and AT&T in particular) have thrown in an 'LTE' - LTE stands for 'Long Term Evolution', meaning the network will start to improve upon itself instead of having to introduce new equipment or programs to make it run better.

Currently, in the area of the Olympic Peninsula, the fastest you will get on ANY network is 3G. 3G isn't terribly slow... depending on the network. However, 4G is significantly faster - and the 4G LTE network is the fastest that anyone can currently provide. It is 10 times faster than the current 3G network that Verizon currently has and 3 times faster than AT&T's regular 4G network. (Must be why they're putting out billions of dollars to put themselves onto it...)

Verizon 4G smartphones are backwards compatable (they'll run both the 3G and the 4G LTE network)
Verizon 4G LTE can currently be found in Olympia, Seattle/Tacoma, and Spokane. The Seattle/Tacoma area (I hear) spans from about Chehalis past Everett. It is ever-expanding and we are expecting it everywhere 3G coverage spans by the end of 2013... and they're ahead of schedule. :)

So - do you need a 4G smartphone?
If you're the kind of person who wants the most out of your device and love to stay ahead of the curve, than a 4G smartphone would be a good pick for you.

If you're just breaking into the world of smartphones and are more concerned with having something easy and internet speed isn't your biggest priority, then a 3G phone will work just fine for you.
Which one?
Visit your closest provider and they can answer that question for you. There really isn't a "Which device do you sell the most of?" because it's more about fitting you into a phone you'll love.

So, now you have an idea about phones. Let's talk Apps.

I have an Android Smartphone (The HTC Thunderbolt to be exact) - so I know much more about the Android market than the Apple market. Many of the apps available for Android have something similar on the Apple market, and vice versa.

What is an App? App is short for 'Application', and can be a program, widget, or game.

The App I'll be discussing this week is...

Shush! Ringer Restorer




I absolutely L-O-V-E this application! If you turn your ringer down from the volume key on the side of your phone, it pops up a box to ask you how long you want your ringer to be turned off.

I don't know about you, but I am terrible at remembering to turn my ringer back on after having to turn it off for work, movies, naptimes, whatever. Then I end up missing important phone calls because I set my phone down and walked away with the ringer off. This app has saved me many times and is the very first app I download when I get a new phone.

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Digital Files

These days, everyone is on Facebook, Flikr, Twitter, and other online communities. It's how we stay in touch with friends - past and present - as well as family who we may not get to see all the time.

What better way to share your memories than digital files?

Each disk is presented in a customized case with a magnatized enclosure option

The CDs come with full copyrights, so you can print them from home or from anywhere you'd like!

With the your digital files and copyright release, you will also recieve a list of reccomended places for printing and websites that offer great products like greeting cards, calendars, t-shirts - whatever your heart desires!
Once you have made your prints and posted your photos on Facebook and Flikr, we ask you consider placing your disk in a fire-proof safe. This way your memories stay safe, even in the worst-case scenarios.

To find out more information about digital files, call us at (360) 565-6545