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  • Why Prints Are Better Than Digital Files

    Why Prints Are Better Than Digital Files

    Or how I learned to stop worrying and have tangible memories of my cherished moments in life . . . . .

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    “I’ll print them myself one day.”

    This is a common excuse for not ordering prints after a photo session. In fact, there are many excuses people use for only purchasing a disc of files. Unfortunately, these people are missing out on many fantastic benefits that come with having a print. Here are a few points to consider when ordering memories from your photographer:

    Technology changes, prints don’t.

    Records and 8-tracks have seen better days, so why should we think DVDs will be different? Whether we like it or not, things change and files get corrupted. One day, you may find yourself struggling to view your beloved wedding photos. Prints stay consistent and make the perfect heirloom piece in your family. And besides, you spent all that money to have photos taken, so why not keep a visible reminder above the fireplace?

    “I’ll print them one day.”

    Let’s be honest. You’re not actually going to get your photos printed. It will get put on your To-Do List and slowly fall to the bottom until it has been six months since your photo session. At that point, you’ve probably also permanently misplaced the disc of images. Life gets busy, so let us worry about getting your memories printed.

    “Look at this beautiful… disc?”

    Passing around a shiny piece of plastic at the next family gathering is not the way to grab Aunt Betty’s attention. With a print, everyone can instantly see just how cute your kids can be when they aren’t running through the house.  No computer required, just immediate satisfaction.

    AUTO is for amateurs.

    I love printing, and I want to make your photos as beautiful as possible! Taking your files to be printed at Walgreens will leave them in the hands of someone who has no personal concern for your images. At Don Wright Designs, we have control over every aspect of each photo. We pay attention to details and make sure that your charming face matches your quality print. For those of you looking for a little more pizzazz, we also have a nice selection of materials and paper types to choose from for your images.

  • 5923 Pettus Rd, Antioch, TN 37013 | Real Estate Property for Sale

    5923 Pettus Rd, Antioch, TN 37013 | Real Estate Property for Sale

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    Contact KAREN C NEAL

    Office:Coldwell Banker Barnes Address:114 Cool Springs Blvd., Franklin, TN 37067 Office Phone:(615) 465-3700 Mobile Phone:(615) 305-7468 Fax:(615) 465-3744 Email:KarenNeal@coldwellbanker.com

  • Available Light vs Off Camera Flash and Umbrella

    Available Light vs Off Camera Flash and Umbrella

    This is a quick little comparison I decided to put together tonight after tax-filing burnout kicked in.  I hope it speaks for itself somewhat and will inspire you (those who don’t yet know lighting) to start learning more about controlling the light around us.  As a photographer, all we have to work with is LIGHT and we can choose either to be it’s slave or learn how to harness it and coax it into doing what we need it to do to properly balance a group of bridesmaids, maybe a product you have to sell, or even that shiny bmw in on the latest billboard.

    wedding group with available light and off camera flash example comparing

  • Nashville Event Photography | Easter Party

    Nashville Event Photography | Easter Party

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    Aventura Apartments in Hendersonville TN had a lot of fun with us at our last Holiday Event Photography shoot during Christmas 2012, so i was really excited when they called me back and asked me to come document their Easter festival for the residents this year. They had quite a setup and the event was very fun and colorful to photograph, as you’ll see in the images below. There’s nothing better than that look of pure joy on a child’s face to make a tired grown-up smile! If you have an event coming up that needs to be remembered, whether a kids’ party or a black and white cocktail party, don’t hesitate to contact us!

    See more by viewing the whole post . . . . .
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  • Things to consider before buying a new digital camera

    Things to consider before buying a new digital camera

    1) Is there a particular budget you’d like to stay under/around? ($400-$600, $1000 – $2000, etc)

    2) What will be primary types of photographs taken? (ie: Landscapes, children playing, animal photos, travel photos)

    3) What is past photography experience? (ie: ever owned a film slr? have you used point-and-shoot digitals before?)

    4) Is size/weight a concern? (some larger heavier cameras have more features than lightweight, smaller cameras)

    5) Is buying used something you’d like to consider to save $$$ ? (we buy many of our cameras used from reputable sources)

    6) Do you plan on using any OLD lenses that you’ve perhaps inherited from a family member’s OLD camera??

    7) What type of computer do you plan on using to edit/organize your images? How old is the computer?

     

    All of these questions help us identify the best type of camera for your specific, individual needs and can also help us tailor our private photography lesson for your camera and primary usage habits.

  • The Investment of Custom Professional Photography

    The Investment of Custom Professional Photography

    The explosion of digital photography, online sharing, home printing, and social media over the last decade makes it easier than ever to capture those everyday (and special) moments. We are thrilled that the art of photography has become more accessible to the hobbyist. Often times our clients have top of the line gear, similar to ours, and are well versed in how to use it.  But even with all of the tools and resources so widely available, and the ability to capture the every day, nothing beats the work of an accomplished professional photographer to document your family, in its entirety.  Yes, we know you’ll be in some of the images at your cousin’s wedding… and  of course there are all your own family milestones… but the return on the investment of capturing who you are, today, is enormous.  There is so much to gain from a custom, professional photography session, one that is created specifically for you, solely for that purpose. (more…)

  • Real Estate Photos Statistically DO increase final sale price!

    Real Estate Photos Statistically DO increase final sale price!

    FROM DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS | THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

    Adding at least one photo of your residential listing online can boost the final sales price by 3.9 percent, according to a new study of more than 4,000 homes.Adding interior photos were found to be more effective than exterior photos in increasing the sales price. For example, adding interior photos netted buyers a 3.9 percent increase versus a 1.9 percent increase from exterior photos, the study found.Each additional photo you add of the listing could potentially pay off too, adding about $150 to $200 to the final sales price, found researcher Ken H. Johnson, an associate professor of finance at Florida International University’s Hollo School of Real Estate. (more…)
  • Very Rough First Attempt at Creating Moving Photographs

    They are sometimes called “cinemagrams” but really it’s just a fancy word for an animated gif. Gif is an old type of image format made popular back in the 80s that stands for “graphic interchange format” and allows animated frames. The unfortunate part, however, is that it only allows 256 color-spectrum meaning we photographers are severely limited in color gamut when we create these the old fashioned way. I’m no expert, in fact I’ve not really been very interested seeing as how you cannot print a moving picture and put it on the wall, but I do think they have their place in the internet/web world. It’s as easy as shooting video or taking lots of images (with camera on tripod so it doesn’t move) and then select the frames you want to use and mask out the entire background other than the small section of the image which you with to animate. Select your frames, then export into gif format and voila, you have a cinemagram. More on this later.

  • Questions you should ask your Wedding Photographer

    These are simply questions that I recommend you ask ANYONE you are interviewing to consider to shoot your wedding, this will help you eliminate any doubt that you know their policies, and that you know whats going on! Ive answered mine in blue

    Will he/she be taking the photos at your wedding?
    Absolutely. I shoot all weddings and bring only my BEST photographers along!

    What styles do they specialize in? Do they do any creative shoots?
    I’m comfortable shooting any style you’d like, but I prefer to stray away from Olan Mills – style work.

    What type of camera will the photographer use?
    Equipment list is as follows (updated regularly)
    Nikon D700 Body
    Nikon D300s Body
    Nikon D200 Camera Body x 2
    Nikon D90 Body

    Nikkor 70-200 2.8 VR ED IS Lens
    Nikkor 17-55mm 2.8 ED Lens
    Nikkor 50mm 1.4 D Lens
    Nikkor 85mm 1.4 D Lens
    Tamron 17-50 2.8 Lens
    Nikkor 35mm 2.0 Lens

    Multiple Flashes x 7
    4 Pocket-Wizard Wireless Triggers
    2 Alien Bee 1600 Watt Studio Strobes
    3 Alien Bee 800 Watt Studio Strobes

    Software I use:
    Adobe Photoshop CS5, Adobe Illustrator CS5, Adobe Lightroom 3, DXO Optics Pro

    Does the photographer use an assistant? Is there an extra charge for this?
    Assistants are Included at Every Wedding I shoot. There is no extra charge as they are included in price.  Why do I need assistants? To help handle the lighting equipment that I use to make your images POP, to hand out information on where guests can find photos online, to help run and find missing groomsmen when we’re trying to shoot a group photo, to hand me lenses while I’m shooting, to hold a sunshade to block your eyes.

    Will there be backup equipment available? And what happens if the photographer is ill?
    We have more equipment than necessary and I have 4 Photographers who I trust unequivocally to cover for me if I’m in the hospital.

    Can other people take photos while you are taking photos?
    Only AFTER I’ve gotten the group shots I need . . . they can shoot all the candids they want, but you have HIRED me to do the best job I can possibly do documenting your wedding, and I need 100% participation from your wedding party, which means not distracting you with other cameras flashing at you while I’m trying to create a well crafted, beautiful image.

    Has he/she worked at your event locations before? How did it work out?
    Lighting issues and restrictions on using flashes may come up as a surprise once you are at your event location. If your photographer checks out the location beforehand, he will be prepared for these surprises.

    Should your event last longer than scheduled, will they stay? Extra charge?
    Depends on what we have agreed upon prior, but make sure and ask this question when you sit down with a prospective shooter!!!

    What types of photos will be taken (B/W, Color, Antiques, etc..)?
    You should know what type you want and if the photographer is willing to take more of what you want.

    Will they accept of list from you, for specific photos to be taken?
    Make sure the photographer is willing to accept a list of your must haves!

    What attire will they and their assistants wear?
    We wear Dark Colored clothing and stay professionally dressed – blend in with your attire

    How long after the event will the proofs be ready?
    Proofs will be ready GUARANTEED WITHIN EIGHT WEEKS, sometimes as soon as 3 Days

    Will they give you the negatives or what is the charge?
    For me, it depends on what we have agreed upon price-wise for your particular wedding, but PLEASE make sure and ask this question so there are no necessary surprises!