I am awed by photographers who, despite living full, successful lives, somehow find time to post blog entries regularly. I’m talking great blog entries.
Being swamped with weddings, portraits, hiring a new studio manager, training a new intern, designing a new logo/website, and trying to see my husband, and of course my 3 year old daughter before she graduates high school, I’m falling behind in blog posts. Many are written, but the photos are at the studio. I never seem to be able to select and prepare images. When at work, well, I want to work.
How are you successful people managing to fit “it all” in?! For an example of excellent blogging style and content, check out the strobe master, Matt Adcock’s Flash Flavor. He’s an expert at off camera, portable flash lighting for weddings, and details down to the bolts “how to”. Thank you Matt. But what I really want to know is, how do you make the time?

The Strobist is David Hobby’s informative free on-line “lighting workshop”, and a can’t-miss site. David will also be coming to Seattle in August to do some in-person lighting workshops

Janet’s space for pets is booking quickly, but we do have a few spots left if you think your dog, cat, iguana or parrot have what it takes to strut their stuff for the camera. We are especially interested in exotic animals, or domestic pets with unusual features or mobility issues. Stock photos taken can be used in advertising, magazines, promotional use or for nearly any purpose…so a release must be signed by the owner before photos will be taken. Owners are welcome to participate with their pet, if they sign a model release. You will receive a CD of the images for personal use within 60 days of the shoot. Sessions are 15 minutes long and we have some spots open between 10am and 2pm – so please call the studio if you are interested!  There is no charge for Janet’s time, but we are accepting donations of $10, $20 or whatever you feel inclined to give for the ASCPA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).  Thanks to Patti at PJ’s Paws and Claws in Magnolia for all her help in casting for this event!

Nick Skinner not only looks great in photographs, his helpful, thoughtful personality earns him Most Valuable Player for the fashion Infusion sessions. Nick not only worked long hours, but carried dry wall, closed dirty freight elevator gates, rearranged furniture, and was on board to help in any way he could “to make the sessions go smoothly”. I didn’t ask for any of this. Nick took these tasks upon himself. Attitude looks great. Attitude works great! Thank you Nick, for exceeding the call of duty!

To see his portfolio, visit #376372 on Model Mayhem

The location for this series of photos is Pravda Studios on Capital Hill. They bent over backwards for us.

Hair and makeup by Tiara’s on Location. She is a Tiara of all trades. Hair, makeup, styling dress details, accessory ideas, and a great sense of humor too!

Nick in a Tux Shop tux

Dress from Luly Yang. Ring from Greenlake Jewelry Works. This was everyone’s favorite ring!

Look at those blue eyes! Oh, and the gorgeous dress is from Luly Yang Couture. The suit is Nick’s own.

The New James Bond. Nick gets my vote. The tux, as always, from The Tux Shop

This is Jane P. with a note from the production department; I just wanted to post a few of my favorites from the art walk photo sessions; it was a real blast to watch Chris work!

These guys invited us to the High Dive this Thursday for a Seattle Works benefit show.

You can see the whole shoot here.

Chris B has joined us here at Janet Klinger Photography. Shooting both portraits, events and weddings, Chris is a huge asset to the team. He’s soft spoken, unobtrusive and has an eye for the moment. His portraits are works of art, sophisticated in their simplicity. Decide for yourself. We’re offering an associate special through May 31, 2007. Chris is also photographing art lovers during the annual Greenwood-Phinney Art Walk. Come meet Chris in person, and see what he can do for you!

Janet Klinger Photography Re-introduces Associate Shooters.

Spotlight: Jane P.

I know, I know. We’ve been dealing with the confusion of name similarity for two years now. But she’s worth the confusion! What matters most to me: her warmth, technical savvy, dedication, humor, and personableness. These may matter to you too, but it’s Jane’s talent and personality that will keep you requesting her for your portrait sessions. The fact that she’s 50% less than me for portrait sessions doesn’t hurt either!

Jane comes from a Fine Art Photography background. With training from talented professionals and a fine art photography degree from Photographic Center Northwest, Jane has fine tuned her photo skills beyond my requirements. I simply didn’t want to give her up in the studio. Now, she’s agreed to stay on in both capacities. Ahhh. Beautiful Life!

Jane’s Normal Pricing: Includes one month of on-line proofing, plus a 30 minute design session within the first 3 weeks of being posted on-line.

20 min sessions including up to 16 exposures are $75 in studio weekdays, $100 weekends and evenings.

60 min sessions including up to 72 exposures are $150 in studio weekdays, $200 weekends and evenings.

Additional exposures are $3 each or add $150 for unlimited exposures. A full set of digital file originals is a $300 optional add-on. For print/album orders of $1000 or more, the originals are included, just as with Janet.

New Associate Special. Book a session with Jane by May 31st and receive unlimited exposures and one 8×10 at no extra charge.

Last night a spy was in our midst. As if Jonathon’s presentation wasn’t stimulating enough.

Not only is Jonathon Ross of Andersen Ross a hugely talented photographer and business person, his fast past, energetic speaking style and his generosity in crediting his entire team had me admiring him all the more.

Some ideas for people/lifestyle stock shoots:

*Cast calls include FIRST a signed model release. Then photos taken have dual purpose: remembering the model and increasing your stock portfolio with each click.

* Find out each models profession, hobbies, lifestyle so they can provide props. This helps with inspiration, and keeps costs to a minimum. Do they have a suit, a musical instrument, chef hat, surgeons mask, ballet slippers? Do they own a fabulous or funky house/car/bike/etc? “Can we include them?” (Don’t forget those property releases for the bigger items!)

*Have additional props and clothes on hand for cast calls as well as arranged sessions including “classic” clothing in a variety of sizes.

*Models might include friends, family, and anyone you meet.

* Models come in all shapes, colors, sizes, and levels of attractiveness. No surprise though; Attractive still sells best!

* Advertise your need for models in places frequented by the people you want. Health clubs are great for finding fit models. Post an ad on the club board.

*Have Errors and Omissions Insurance

*Producers are hugely important. They can help with the following:

A) Collecting signed model releases from models, locations, and property including homes, boats, art.

B) Arranges access to locations and gets signed releases, pays fees.

C) Buys or collects props for shoots, covers identifiable branding, keeps photographer abreast of shot list and model’s schedule.

*Don’t stop shooting what you love, but figure out what brings in the most dollars. Then you can make an informed choice about the cost of producing different types of sessions, and what you’re priorities are. You can shoot what you want when you retire (early!).

So here’s Jonathon, Mr Diversity himself. He’s represented at the big agencies , having toes in rights managed, royalty free, and his own stock agency, Blend Images. Reluctantly, he is currently researching the implications of the micro-stock agencies. (Andersen-Ross has no plans to enter the micro stock market.) Having shared this with a sigh and slightly shaking head, we were all shaken when up pops a momentarily sheepish (but ultimately articulate) Chad Bridwell. “I’m with one of “those” micro stock agencies”, Chad states a bit nervously, as if anticipating the pounce of a group of 30. Still physically intact and building confidence, he explains the positive side of receiving $1 per image. $1 thirty times in a month is still $30. The “big boys” with fotolia are making “big bucks”. Really? I felt like I was having Déjà vu. Eight to ten years ago at an ASMP presentation we were comparing royalty free vs. traditional rights managed stock agencies. Jonathon was then in Chad’s shoes, feeling perhaps like the outcast “bad guy” who was challenging tradition. Jonathon represented the guy making “big bucks” which was believed to be a far cry from what the traditional stock shooters were making. You don’t hear Jonathon complaining, but he’s watching this downward trend closely, and isn’t joining the micro stock set anytime soon.

What seems clear is that Micro Stock is here to stay, at least in some form. While there may be dramatic erosion of principal now, having one more way to create income can’t be all bad, at least for hobbiests. And diversity of income source is Good. On a personal note, I see opportunity here, yet I see long term returns moving downward perhaps leaving only the agency owners able to make a living. (Without having a second job, that is.) I am certainly tempted by the “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em” chorus. Photography in all it’s forms is still a fun and exciting job to have. Hey, I used to house clean. TALK about a tough job! But for now, I’d rather be a professional photographer and clean on the side, than the other way around. I’m sticking with rights managed and a royalty free until I know more about this threatening trend. Thanks Jonathon, for both your talk, and your follow-up e-mails to clarify your current perspective.

Jonathon sharing 110 selects from an all day shoot. All were great, attesting to his huge success.

Dum dum dum duuuuuummmm. Talk about a serious moment. When Chad said he was with “one of THOSE micro stock agencies” of which Jonathon spoke, a tense hush filled the studio… But sadly, with camera at the ready, no fist fighting broke out. They probably wouldn’t have signed a release anyway.

But Chad’s honest, thoughtful presentation of fotolia had us all breathing a sigh of relief. Jonathon and Chad proceeded to have an intelligent, if initially tense conversation from which we all benefited. These bonus moments keep life interesting, and our minds expanding. Kudos to both J and C for keeping guards down and minds open.

Counting the many pre-planned ideas Jonathon uses for one shoot. Before he begins the session he has a list often including the angle and lens choice. Improved efficiency keeps costs down and variety up. (No model release needed for this shot!)

Hey Jonathon, do I need a model release for the profile shot? I guess really I should be asking Chris Bowden and Amanda Ringstad, the Profilers themselves.

The pretty gal in the green is Mardee Austin. I feel even luckier than usual. She’s agreed to become a part of the Janet Klinger Photo Team. With a degree in marketing, and a warm, caring way with people, Mardee joins us April 9^th as our client liaison and marketing maven. I’m SO excited and honored to have Mardee on board!

Life sure can throw a powerful curve ball leaving us helpless and woeful. Such were my feeling when loosing my sister and then mother to cancer. But last night, no such gloom was present. A group of photographers met at Souluminations, where good nature, sensitivity, and generosity overflow.

Soulumination celebrates life! Here photographers volunteer to help families when their child is threatened with end of life. While memory may fade, photographs help each child live on. Soulumination charges nothing to the families, but is funded solely by donations. If you know of a grieving family, or one who might like to donate in hopes of comforting someone else, please visit Souluminations.

Big news too! In the past, Soulumination only worked with families loosing a child 18 or under. Now funding is in the works to capture adults in their final stages of life as well.

Save the Date! Now anything goes to get your family and friends to reserve your wedding date. Traditional cards and photos are still king, but messages in a bottle, e-mails, frames with the wedding date engraved, and now, magnets! Jenny Tang and Luan Kinh Le sent out these fun magnets as their Save the Date. Love these! Get them at Magnet Street.
I can wait to photography Jenny and Luan on the Vegas strip and at their gorgeous spa location, Green Valley Ranch Resort.

Last night my studio hosted a gathering of NW photographers. Kudos to the group of generous souls so open to sharing and caring. I stopped counting heads at 22 people, but overall the feeling was of cozy, intimate and enthusiastic camaraderie.

Left to right: Jeff LaPlante, Nancy Cassell, Joann Arruda, Susie Hamidi, Sharlane Chase.

OK. First I have to mention two “single and looking” BABE’S at our gathering. (When I said I’d post this, no one protested!)
Sharlane Chase, adorable in personality and looks, not to mention highly talented, is somehow still available. Under different circumstances, sexual orientation being one of them, I’d jump at the chance to date Sharlane. Get with it fellas! A chance to meet Sharlane Chase would be at Urban Unveiled, a party for brides and their entourage. March 8th at the Palace Ballroom.
Also available is the smart and savvy Stephanie Hicks. Talk about a sales dynamo! She’s really cute too! She also happens to be the NW Art Leather rep, among many, many other things.

Here are but a few of the upcoming events, products, and services shared.

Both Kevin Kubota and Gary Fong had numerous fans at this event. I strongly praised Kevin Kubota’s workshops, and the Asuka albums he reps.
Sharlane plugged Gary Fong‘s Lightsphere. Many of us agree that the quality of the on-camera light is greatly enhanced by the various domes designed by Gary.
Jeff LaPlante has a few two-for-one tickets up for grabs to the upcoming WPPI convention. (If you go, tell Claudia Kronenberg that Janet Klinger says “Hi”. She’s my long-time friend from my RIT and Europe days. It’s an understatement to say Claudia is a dynamic person. She will undoubtedly deliver an energetic and heart-felt presentation.)
Mike Nakamura brought some dramatic, touching postcards promoting Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, a national organization that unites volunteer photographers with families of dying children. Photographers are always needed for this.

Our Seattle based bereavement photography group, Souluminations has a meeting of volunteer photographers on March 22. For those of us going, care to join me for a drink afterward? Perhaps we could go to the hip & urban, yet adorable Oliver’s Twist, my favorite new nibbly and cocktail spot on Phinney Ridge.

White House Custom Color Lab in Minnesota got a rave from Sharlane Chase and several others. They offer great printed press cards, delivery w/in 3 days, b&w with linen finish. Several agreed with the amazing quality, specifically for the b&w.

Jeff LaPlante’s consulting services have gone public. I personally can vouch for his knowledgeable, personable approach, and immense patience. Jeff’s a good guy to have on your team!

Susie Hamidi praised the very helpful Alex Studio who helps other photogs process their Raw and jpg files, color correcting, retouching and backing up to DVDs and hard drives. Sharlane enthusiastically agrees. The charge: $0.18/image.

Joann Arruda was singing the praises of Pink Penny Design who helped her create a truly stunning Queensberry Album. I was agape at the quality of the images (naturally, since Joann is the photographer!), the design, and of course the album itself. They’ve designed for the savvy, super-shooter/business dude, David Jay too, and have a great sample of his work. Talk about community– Visit David Jay’s OpenSource Photo.

Christopher of Kirkland is part of the Canon 5D Club. New members welcome. Projection is Christoper’s preferred method of proofing. If you really want to know how to sell those Fine Art Wall Portraits with ease, check out the notorious Wall Portrait Conference in Yakima. Christopher has info on purchasing discounted projectors in Portland, helpful if not imperative for selling these large prints.

Stephanie Hicks uses Studio Master Pro for slideshow presentations. Many labs and Art Leather provide the software at no charge to clients.
Thanks to Kara Lathrop for taking great notes, not to mention battling snow and baby-sitting juggling to drive from Bellingham with hubby, Andrew.

My Flu-ridden toddler needs my attention, so I’m afraid I won’t get to the rest of the event. Next time, come on by yourself! If interested in joining future events drop a “comment” with your website and/or blog, and your business name. We’ll see you then…

Come join the fun while raising money for a wonderful cause. Doublexposure on Friday, March 30, 2007.
Youth in Focus is a Seattle-based nonprofit that, through photography, helps youth experience their world in new ways and make positive changes in their lives.
Over many years, I’ve personally seen youth benefit from this award winning program. One student and I worked together for over nine years! Help make a difference!

Reserve seats and purchase tickets here, or by phone: 206-407-2121. $75 per seat buys you an evening of auction entertainment and sit-down dinner at the lovely venue of Bell Harbor Conference Center. Besides purchasing world class photography, you might also bid on photo sessions, be the photo assist on the Seahawks sideline, or take a trip to London, including a tour of the Hulton Archive.

If unable to attend, but wishing to make a donation, click here.

Photographers with a volunteer spirit, you’re welcome here!

Gettyimages is one of the auction sponsors. Let’s hear it for Getty and their long-standing support of this program!

Additional generous sponsors include: museum quality FRAMING, Group Health Cooperative, Glazers Camera , Wells Fargo and Hemlock Printing.

Last night was our monthly wild and crazy PUG meeting. Non-members are welcome to try out these meetings held the 3rd Thurs of the month. We had several new folks last night. I’d love to list all of them, but my social butterfly wings weren’t fluttering fast enough to get to everyone. I spent most of my time talking with Jeff LaPlante, Michael Good, Jack Young, Linda Paquin, and some “newbies” to the group, Joanne Arruda, Brook Dormaier and Jeremy Leffel.

The Bridal Consultant, Barbara Guyll, offered her insights into working with the ever-important wedding coordinator. She has a generous, warm nature, and a deep interest in our group’s point of view. I can easily imagine how helpful she is to her clients. Personally, I LOVE working with coordinators. Among many other things, this means I don’t have to be sure boutonnières are donned, the champagne poured, the cake spatula in the correct location and other odds and ends that I usually take care of. Coordinators allow me to be 100% photographer. NICE!

I have a client who’s been WRONGED! Their venue has ousted them for someone even more rich and famous, so they are left looking for a Fab Las Vegas location for their Sept 1st wedding. Do you know of any place with a spa, artistic, or glamorous sensibility?

Photographers take care of their clients; at times overtly, other times quietly. Contributing to the fun and positive energy of the day keeps everyone inspired, yet it is an equally important skill to smoothly flow from outgoing to invisibility. Ask yourself if you feel comfortable with a confident creative photographer who can playfully encourage you while creating works of art, or if you prefer she be a fly on the wall documenting the day unfolding. I wonder why you would choose less than a balanced coverage of both!

Does your photographer want to be your best friend and a guest at your wedding? Is that what YOU want? Granted I have become excellent friends with clients; going away on trips, boating, skiing, swapping babysitting. But I act on the assumption that Brides and Grooms want to socialize with their invited guests during the reception, not their photographer. Having said that, I’ve been surprised to be toasted by the Bride and Groom, publicly thanked, and invited to the post-wedding party. Still, becoming friends with clients is a gift, not an expectation. The expectation is that clients love the photography!

If you listen to your instincts when choosing a photographer, THIS relationship will blossom too!

OK, I guess I should mention this first bouquet shot is in the Spring issue of Seattle Bride. Flowers created by the ever talented John Gardner at Aria Floral. So is the welcome wreath towards the middle of this post.

To help illustrate the details, I “snapped” these flowers during portraits.

A completely candid toast shot. Or is it a ring shot?

Moments ago married, this fly on the wall captured B&G sharing their new rings.

If you thought about it, I’ll capture it.

During the casual formals the B&G take a “private” moment. Is it or isn’t it posed?

Adding the details to your album help create visual texture and ambiance. If you had colorful flowers surrounding your environment, color would be sorely missed if not in the album.

This B&G may have felt alone, but there were probably 50 people enjoying this kiss! Captured.

Printed in Japan, Asuka Books are a gorgeous, high quality, thin, light alternative to our many Albums. These Coffee Table Books are especially appealing for a number of reasons. (Later, a comparison of our most oft chosen books and albums, of which Asuka is one.)

While this Book is not just for our wedding clients, the average couple who chooses *8 hours of wedding coverage includes 130-180 images in their Book collection. Let’s face it. Why would you have me capture so many moments in time and the finer details if you don’t want to include them? Because the images are offset printed onto quality paper (not the heavier mounted or matted photos), you can include many pages and never need to purchase the optional Fork Lift. (When needed for other albums, Fork Lifts come in Red, Black, or Pink with Cocoa-Brown accents. Driver is extra.)
Asuka also appeals to those wanting numerous copies of their custom designed Book. It’s a relief how relatively inexpensive the **clone copies are. All the more so as additional Books are added. Even when purchasing Coffee Table ALBUMS (not books), additional ***”reformatted clone” copies of Asuka Books are cost effective.

Lastly, I adore the classy effect an original Book provides. Asuka is an elegant choice for wedding, portrait or pregnancy collections.

Note: I did not take these gorgeous photos. The very talented and industrious Kevin Kubota did.

* 8 hours of coverage usually means shooting between 1000 and 1600 images. Through your on-line gallery I present the best 600-800 images. Fear Not! I help you edit to a number that is appropriate both for your personal style, taste and chosen Option. My job is to make yours easy!

** Clones are exact copies of album type and layout design as in the original album or book. While the size can be different, the scale needs to match. An original album of 12×12 can also be ordered as 10×10, 8×8, or 5×5 for example. Asuka clones are squares only, however other album lines have rectangular clones as well.
*** Reformatted clones are copies made from the original design, but are crossing-over from one type of album to another. If the Bride and Groom choose a Coffee Table Album, but want to give the entire wedding party a copy of the design in a Coffee Table Book, converting from one style to another makes this possible. Conversion fee is a one time $250, for up to 8 additional copies. There is no conversion fee for 9 or more copies.

The record for number of unrestrained (Naked baby) pees in my studio is 8 times during an hour session (though we may have gone over a bit given all the cleanup). I expect pee. I thought you might want to be prepared too.

Pee Happens.

Party! Coming next month to Janet Klinger Photography, professional wedding and portrait photographers share their favorite products, software techniques, blogs and ideas to keep the creative bar HIGH. We are lucky to live in so committed and creative a community! Included on the guest list (for my cozy 900 sq ft studio) are members of WPPI, PPA, Pictage, WPJA, ASMP and Janet’s Amazing People List. Art Leather will have their quality products on display too.
This party is full to capacity. (Though we’ve held a spot for a few of you have yet to RSVP–Please DO!)

If interested in future gatherings, send a comment to this post and I’ll put you on the mailing/invite list. Please mention your website and any professional affiliations. Hope to see or meet you soon.

I’ve taught parents for years how to photograph children, but since becoming a mom I’ve had to prioritize. My goal is to begin photo seminars again next Spring, so stay tuned. For the time being, I have two things I can offer.
1) I’ve been answering your photo questions via e-mail and phone. Now I’ll post tips occasionally on this blog. Look under category Mom and Dad Resources- Photography Tips.

2) Me Ra Koh has begun teaching “A Childs Life” class in Tacoma. Her workshop is more an all weekend intensive specifically designed for moms. Sounds Fabulous! I might join the fun one of these sessions!

Lucky life! I’m part of a great profession and an all-encompassing passion. Not only do I get immense joy from helping people record life’s moments, I am part of an amazing community. I feel so fortunate to be supported by talented, caring and generous Seattle and Northwest photographers. How many people are in so satisfying a profession?

Last year at The Best of Seattle Bride party, I had the opportunity to celebrate Stephanie Cristalli’s being voted Best Seattle Photographer! And I, yes I, know her. For many, many years. I can say I knew her when…
The BOSB party took place at the Columbia Tower Club. (Fabulous water and downtown Seattle views, even from the bathrooms. Excellent food, modern spiral staircase for photo ops and great managers.)

Afterward, several of us went across the street to Sazerac, which is great place for large groups to socialize. Included were the warm couple, Me Ra Koh and Brian Townsend; their associates, Bleu and Ginger; our community computer-Angel, Jeff LaPlante; the very talented Susie Hamidi, and the life of this party, Charlane Chase.That’s me, Janet Klinger (in case you hadn’t guessed by now who the author is) up front in the white.
Here is a photo taken on Jeff Leplante’s camera by the personable and accommodating waiter at Sazerac. Thanks to Jeff for letting me us it. With permission of course.

Quick. You’re almost out of time to vote (for ME! Oh, me. Choose MEEEE!). Cast your vote here for the best wedding industry vendors.