Whew, picture judging at Chelsea Community Fair was not the ‘piece of cake’ that the judges in the cake decorating committe had!

The photo competition-it took over two hours to judge everything- had at least a dozen different categories, color, bw, animal, people, landscape, collage and more.

My greatest overall impression is that young photographers rock! In the 6-8 year category a photo of a duckling from a very low vantage point was a standout. I felt the 9 to 12 year photographer color landscape photography category was the strongest category of all. A gorgeous 1/2 above &1/2 below water image was a pastel beauty . The second place pond picture with strong cattails in the foreground was a sunny delight. And the third place winner of Lake Michigan sunset was a moody beauty while the 4th place little 4×6 sunset was better than most sunsets in all other categories.

When judging the children portrait categories, Lori Zahn instructed me to judge each image as to “how well the photographer conveyed the child’s ‘spirit’”. That was difficult because of uneven print quality. A few images showed promising personality and spirit, but were printed too darkly or were mis-focused or the composition was a hindrance. Several images were technically sharp and well printed, but the smiles were frozen and ‘unspirited’. One photograph had beautiful lighting, was crisp with nice composition but the little persons demeanor was not pleasing… So I relied heavily on overall ‘impact’ to choose the blue ribbon images.

After judging I suggested they split the children’s categories into ‘professional portraits’ and ‘non professional portraits’. When they told me ALL the portraits in the Children’s categories were professional portraits I was surprised. I expect consistent high quality from professional portrait providers. Lori told me many area professionals sell digital images and the prints were made by the moms–so that explains the poor print quality. (This is precisely why I do not want Photo Generations clients printing images we make–I want to control what the final image looks like!–a poor print can ruin a gorgeous portrait).

All in all, the photo judging was a lot of fun. I’ve returned to the studio happy, feeling strongly that the images I provide for my clients truly are of excellent, if not top quality available in the Ann Arbor area .

Highlights of Jennifer’s family session we did a few evenings ago. What a pleasure! After the pictures by the rocks we Tried to do another portrait in the tall grasses–but the mosquitos were too thick!! We jumped around swatting the skeeters, and disturbed a few deer, who were relaxing in the tall grass before we showed up.

Here is a sneak peek at images made yesterday of newborn Madeline. Madeline was quite stylish! Just 20 days old in her polka dot dress and matching hair band.
but her ‘dogs’ or her feet were the center of attention for this portrait wanted by her mom Molly.
Awesome idea Molly! thanks for visiting the studio.

Happy Valentine’s Day to you and yours!   If you are seeking a portrait for a gift to your special valentine, call the studio today 734.426.0700 or email via the contact button and we can we can email the gift certificate to you!   Then we create a gorgeous portrait very soon.   $150 Valentine Day special includes session and one cameo portrait.  (offer valid today only!)   Here’s to your sweetie!

Pictured above is the cutest little cupid, ‘Brynn’ who is one year old and quite the explorer.  We did her session last week, and she was such a cutie I had to get the pictures for her mom right away.

There is a saying, ‘Charity begins at home’.   Today I’m noting a charity event for FoodGatherers, based in Ann Arbor and benefiting Washtenaw County residents.

The Empty Bowls benefit is being held Wednesday February 3  at Saline HIgh $10 per person, advance tickets purchaseable online. Attendees take a unique handmade ceramic bowl home with them!

Our fundraising efforts for FoodGathers has concluded.  We donated $30 for every gift certificate purchased at the studio in November and December.   Thank you!

dexter ann arbor family portraits in the park sale:  oct 16 & 17 .  Times Remain! Contact Studio for times pricing and availability!

see this link for holiday card pricing

This session reminded me that often the favorite picture from a family portrait session is not the posed picture.   Arron had his senior pictures -Dexter High School Class of 2010 – made last summer.   This June, after graduation, the family is moving out of state and the at  graduation commencement time, the extended family came together from around the country to celebrate & make an extended family portrait.  Can you guess which was  both the mom and grandmoms’ favorite picture of the two brothers?

UPDATED POST:  Perfect for out-of-town friends & family of  Ann Arbor senior photography clients, also grandparents of baby picture clients(especially the baby first year in portrait clients!) and far flung families and guests of Ann Arbor wedding clients, the online picture gallery will complement our in studio Big Show.  It is in BETA TESTING:Check out this mini test express print boutique: the client or friend may directly purchase not only prints, but also fun stuff like sweatshirts (!), a canvas print, keychain, puzzle & other amazing things. Direct–you have final say on the crop-color or BW or if to get a magnet for the fridge with your portrait art.

With freedom comes responsibility
I have been extremely careful to let loose the freedom of the internet, because, with freedom comes responsibility–free not to just see the images on the web, but now also free to immediately order and pay a third party for the prints, then free to have your images shipped directly to you, but also free to err in the process….

This is an experiment to see you use the ‘Express Photogenerations’
It’s a BETA Test. Check it out and drop a line to me….

Warmly,
Colleen

PS If you would like to have an ‘archived vintage session’ made available online in Your PHOTOGEN Boutique give me a shout.
I am excited about the possibilities for us all.

tasteful family portraits, too at wedding time

Just arranged wedding day portrait coverage recently with a mom and dad & their experience might help others planning an Ann Arbor area wedding. It was the parents who are most interested in arranging the photography for this particular wedding.  Most often the families find that wedding day is the ONE DAY everyone is together and looking good-so it is natural to have big family portraits made on wedding day.

One may find other vendors for wedding planning in the Dexter Ann Arbor area here: