August « 2009 « Eden Photography

Drumroll ladies and gentlemen!

Last night was quite eventful printing off all the names and cutting out litttle pieces of paper for the free photo shoot! It was a big turn out with lots of entries-the hat was pretty full! I did video the process of pulling the lucky piece of paper out of the hat, but since it was late by the time we started (andmyofficeisembarrassinglymessy), plus the fact that certain people within the footage would like to remain unseen by public, you are stuck with my word. :D

I have to say I’m pretty excited to shoot with Taylor. Taylor, I’ve never met you- but looking through your Facebook photos (hehe), rumor has it that you’ve won pageants AND have a twin sister! This could be fun! :)

No comments.

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Hello All!

I happen to love birthdays AND free stuff- and I’ve decided that since my birthday is tomorrow, maybe a little celebration on the blog is needed! This summer has been packed with shooting weddings and I’ve neglected to update here. Soooo.. since I’ve heard it over and over again about how my blog is dying, a little freebie is necessary to keep me on everyone’s good side! :D

The prize is a FREE SHOOT! Yes- a $200 value is up for grabs! And- photos are included! YAY!

The rules are simple:

1. Comment on this post.

If you post a tip of the trade or suggestion,

(your birthday present to me in other words!)

your post is worth TWO names in the hat!

2. Cross your fingers.

You have until the end of tomorrow- August 9th to comment. For each comment, I will print your name and throw it in a hat! Winners will be announced Wednesday, August 12th.

Don’t you love birthdays? ;D

-Bethy

PS: Image by the amazing Simply Rosie Photography!

Anton Karbanovich: Hey I know I am late to win thhe free shoot out But Here is the suggestion... Let's make you a website Yeah let's do it I know a little bit about web design Here us my portfolio http://www.Karbanovich.com I like your photography and can make a website for you how you like it Count it as a birthday gift Aug 19th - 21:24
Heidi Schumacher: Here's my tip... It's for all of you out there reading this... YOU should hire this VERY talented young lady! She has shot my kids and does an AWESOME job. Great ideas, she's long on patience and just does just simply beautiful photography. :) Thanks Bethy! Aug 10th - 21:20
Heidi Schumacher: A belated Happy Birthday Bethy! :) Keep up the great work! Birthday Poem: Be who you are; Love what you do; Have lots of fun because you're 21! Aug 10th - 05:53
Mrs. Sheryl Shaffer: Happy Birthday Beth! I remember when you were born. Can you actually be 21? Simply amazing and I do feel OLD! My tip? Life is full of "Kodak moments". Find yours, snap them and treasure the memories. At this end of life, I'm so glad I did! Aug 9th - 22:24
Traci Adamson: i have two tips. 1. Take advantage of a cloudy yet blue sky. It can be a amazing backdrop for portraits. 2. Always take time to go back to the basics. Pull out the ol' film camera(s) for a day and take some friends for a fun photoshoot in the park, or explore a nearby town together. You have an amazing talent and keep it up! Happy Birthday! Aug 9th - 21:27
Abigail Gallagher: You can take this or leave this; but i think it would be neat if you took more pictures like your current profile pic. The graffitti and graphics just add a certain character to the photo. Also, I think it would be cool if you did it in black and white; and then just made one part a color, llike a bright blue or something. Just a suggestion. :) Aug 9th - 21:14
Abigail Gallagher: You can take this or leave it; but I think that it would be really cool if you could do more photos like the profile picture you have right now. The graffiti just adds a certain character to the picture. Also, it would be really cool if you took them in black and white; and then just took a part of the picture and did it in color, like a bright blue or something. Just a suggestion. :) Aug 9th - 21:09
Delila: Happy Birthday Beth! Come to Winnipeg again! That's my tip. ;) And have an amazing day and year! Aug 9th - 20:24
Kayla Goebel: Happy Birthday Beth! Aug 9th - 19:15
Dan Francis: hmmm, tip tip tip. I guess I'd create a checklist of items to do before you go out at photograph. Such as make sure white balance is set, ISO isn't at 1600 for an outdoor shoot, make sure the lenses are where they need to be, and also extra batteries (not to mention fully charged batteries in the camera. (OK, that's 6-7 tips, but overall a checklist to check before you photograph an event. Happy Birthday! Aug 9th - 17:17
Amanda: Happy Birthday! Okay, a tip of the trade? Hmm.. you should pack an emergency kit in your camera bag for weddings with a sewing needle, thread, safety pins, bobby pins, etc. It's definitely not your job but sometimes coming through as the lifesaver is greatly appreciated. Not specific photography tips but still helpful. :) <3 Aug 9th - 17:10
Sheena Moe: Bethy! Happy, happy, happy, happy birthday to you! You know more than anyone, that I am not a professional photographer whatsoever and don't find it at all "right" to offer you any tips as to how you can be better at what you do. I will say this, however, a true and original photographer takes the time to get to know their clients before shooting them which allows you to capture moments, expressions and feelings in ONE photo that can sum up their entire relationship. You are incredibly talented and I say as long as you keep taking the time for each client, your successes will be infinite. :) Aug 9th - 16:14
Rebekah Seeger: Oh I too love birthdays! Especially birthdays in the last month of summer - AUGUST! Be warned that when you turn 30 (off in the distant future) to not touch a mirror. They are horrible things on 30th birthdays that can land you in the ER. Tips: Always wear sunscreen, drink only delicous coffee, only eat high quality chocolate, and remember not to second guess yourself with your art. If you love it then it is perfect. Aug 9th - 14:58
Rebekah Seeger: I too love birthdays. Especially in the last month of summer August! Hope your birthday is fabulous. But please be warned. When you turn 30 (a long time from now) don't touch a mirror. Follow your heart when it comes to your art. No one else can tell you what can be better then what you know yourself to be. Aug 9th - 14:44
Lori Silcox: Happy Birthday Bethy! What a creative way to share your special day. :) Hope you have a super fantabulous time! I am clueless about photography, so I don't have a tip. You do a super fantastic job and have so much talent. I enjoy the way you pull together simplicity and nature. Keep up the good work! Aug 9th - 14:13
Olivia M: Happy Birthday Bethy! I know we live so far away, but I thought I'd nab this opportunity anyway, and if, in the unlikely event I should win, I'll take a raincheck until the next time we are there! (if that is acceptable) Thanks for this opportunity! Aug 9th - 13:26
Frances Kipka: Happy Birthday Beth! This is such a fun Idea! Have been a fan of your photos since I happened to come across your blog online! Awesome ideas and great editing! I don't really know if I have a tip.. as I am just staring out in the photo biz, but I would say just keep doing what your doing and being yourself. Your work is amazing and so original! Aug 9th - 10:29
Val Wagner: Hi Bethy! You have a very amazing talent with the camera. But I've known that for awhile! (My sister is Suzanne Straus, and I've seen some of the photos you've taken of Jason.) One tip for a subject I have, I learned from my 5-year-old: just take a walk. I give my little guy our old digital and just let him go with it. He walks around outside and shoots whatever. When he comes back in, I look through the photos. Most of them are of feet or a real-close-up of a cat, but some of them are really amazing. He's even won awards at the fair for them. And they are all of things just around here, that we don't pay enough attention to. Aug 9th - 08:58
Gabrielle: Happy Birthday! I'm probably to far away to do a shoot, but thought I'd try anyway. Aug 9th - 08:41
Ashley Waldorf: Happy Birthday! That is a very cute photo of you! My suggestion is we do a girls shoot like Free People brand like we talked about, lol! Aug 9th - 07:19
The Thomas Gonser household :): Happy Birthday, Bethy! We hope you have an AMAZING day! :) Aug 9th - 06:48
Kit Wong: Also, happy birthday! Aug 9th - 02:45
Kit Wong: I love all your photographs! Some of my friends actually have gone with you. I think the rooftop would make a great background. Aug 9th - 02:44
Anne Hammond: Happy Birthday! I don't have any tips but I do love all the photos that you post on your blog and fb:). Enjoy your day! Aug 9th - 02:35
Jenna: Your photos are amazing Aug 8th - 23:23
Joy Siebenborn: Awesome idea, I love what I have seen of your work, my suggestion would be to post more of your "proofs" online, especially of weddings and kids, I would love to see more! You have such a good eye, have you ever considered Equine Photography? I bet you would be awesome at it! Happy Birthday :) Aug 8th - 23:09
Taylor Wagner: P.S. Your photographs are AMAZING! Aug 8th - 22:18
Taylor Wagner: For a soft focus on the go, breathe on the front of your lens. Aug 8th - 22:16
josh lancaster: btw, you do a GREAT JOB as a photographer, and I hope you have a GREAT birthday, and I REALLY hope I win a photo shoot! (I guess if I don't though, I could always have my bro. in law give me one for free . . . but who wants to bum off their bro. in law when they can bum off Beth! No offense to Ryan, but you're cuter! :) Aug 8th - 21:37
joshua phillip lancaster: oh, and whatever you do, when shooting pictures in or near water: 1. Have a waterproof camera (and/or) 2. Be VERY careful (and/or) 3. Don't get near the water. (and/or) 4. Don't be surprised if you have to get a new camera! (yes, experience speaks . . . who'd of thought, though - I'm not USUALLY clumsy! just goes to show that Murphy's Law applies to everybody!) :) hehehe . . . got an xtra camera?! lol Aug 8th - 21:22
Joshua P Lancaster: Now that I found the right place to leave comments, I couldn't quit with just one, so, hope you have a SUPER birthday!! :) Aug 8th - 21:13
Joshua Lancaster: Happy Birthday! I hope you have a great day - (and I hope I win a free photo shoot)! :oD Aug 8th - 21:12
Abbey: Bethy! Happy Birthday to you! I guess my 'tip of the trade' would be, "Never run with scissors," or "Never stick a knife in a toaster when it's on." Yea-I've almost done that before until about 10 voices at once cried in unison, "ABBEY! STOP!" Have a wonderful birthday, Bethy. And many more! Abbey Aug 8th - 20:31
Maren: Happy Birthday! Both Ben and I are so excited to see the pictures you took! Thanks for everything! As far as a tip goes....maybe have the people who you take photos of write somethings for you too. Doesn't have to be a lot but could be neat for potential customers. Aug 8th - 19:45
Nikki Davis: Happy Birthday! I pray your day is wonderful. What a fun idea! I need to win this for my nieces, here is my tip. Perhaps you already do this, but I was thinking that you may get a few good shots if you "sneak" a few pics while the subject is preparing for the shoot (when they straighten their clothes, fix their hair, or while a mother helps her child.). You do such an amazing job; I always enjoy looking at your pictures. Aug 8th - 19:27
Rhonda: Happy Birthday. I can hardly believe you are 21 years old. I love your work. You have such a great imagination for the pictures you take. Your use of props and color is amazing. I love the outside photos you take, and I seem to remember some of Matthew G. in one of your dresser drawers, that was adorable too. Just keep up the good work. The Lord has given you a wonderful talent. Make lots of fun memories on your birthday. Aug 8th - 19:15
Vanessa: Hey Beth! Happy Birthday! Your gonna be OLD like me!!! :oD So....Maybe I've missed something..but I have not seen you photograph a girl of color. You better before you get some complaints...lol! :oP Let me be you first! Have a fantabulous Sunday! Aug 8th - 18:28
Kristi Severson: Hey cuz!! Can't wait to get my kids' pics taken with you! My suggestion is just to make sure that you have CUTE subjects to photograph!!! :-) Oh wait...you can make anything look good...so, you don't even need that! Happy Birthday tomorrow dear! :-) Aug 8th - 18:00
JoNell: Happy early bird birthday greetings!! Just want you to know that I've missed seeing all your wonderful photos. You are very talented. I have two tips: Saying "No" is a good thing and take a few business class. :) Aug 8th - 17:17
Straus House: Happy Birthday Bethy!! No tips, but wondering if you have any suggestions on how to take a picture of all the kids together? I like Doug's wheat picture of the kids, but would like to be able to try something else. Aug 8th - 16:23
Bethanie: happy birthday!! same name as me and the same birthday month.. crazy cool!!! A good tip I heard once is when photographing children bark like a dog! They will always look at you :) Also ask if they can see your eye through the lens (that gets you a nice serious look!) Hope you have a wonderful day!!! Aug 8th - 16:03
Sean Walsh: Happy Birthday!!! This really isnt a tip of the trade, but helpful... If you are moving around a site always put your camera away... today i had to slide mine off the side of a cliff so i could get down. good stuff!! Aug 8th - 16:01
Lori Heydt: I forgot to say (and I know this doesn't count as another name in the proverbial hat!), but most importantly, HAPPY BIRTHDAY tomorrow! :-) Aug 8th - 15:50
lindsey sewell: to be honest i was amazed how talented you are my friends heidi and kelsey told me of you; so i had to check you out. Happy birthday . Me and my husband nick hadn't had are photos taken in forever nor do we have pictures of us at all in the house. we would love to have the opportunity with you if you can do tennessee ? let me know ! Aug 8th - 15:48
Lori Heydt: ooo, ooo, ooo! I wish I had a "tip" or suggestion so I could have TWO names in the hat...but I don't! All I know is you do GORGEOUS work - and a photo session with you would be FABULOSO!!! :-) Aug 8th - 15:47
Ryan Sraus: Happy Birthday Bethy! I hope you have a wonderful day today, tomorrow, and forever. Tip: Have a still shot superimposed over a faded action shot. Aug 8th - 15:41
Adrianna: Happy Birthday Bethy! Aug 8th - 14:59
Dana Widman: First off... Happy Birthday beautiful Bethy! My tip: Use packing peanuts to position little babies in baskets, crates, etc. Soft, flexible, and CHEAP! XXOO Have a wonderful day! Aug 8th - 14:58
Laura Beth Wagenschutz: Hey, Beth! Great idea. :) I don't know if I have any suggestions for you... I love all of your photographs! I haven't noticed if you've done any with animals or not, but Amanda just got a new puppy (Mollie) and I think they need a photo shoot all their own. :) Happy birthday! Aug 8th - 14:43
heidi schatz: Happy Birthday 2 You oh so beautiful inside & out Bethy!!!! Hope it's filled with pink sparkles, balloons, glitter & cake!!!! Luv ya! Aug 8th - 14:28
Danielle: Happy Birthday! :) Do you travel to do the shoot? :) I really love your photography work! A tip? That'd seem weird giving you one since I look up to your work. I guess I'd say though if you could give away some of YOUR tips on your blog, like editing tips. I love the "antique" look to the photos, not sepia, but just the older look to them and would love to get that for my photos. Not sure I can do it in Elements though. Thanks!! :) Aug 8th - 14:09
Kerry Zins: The best birthdays of all are those that haven't arrived yet. Happy Birthday Bethy!! Aug 8th - 13:42
Shari Bazemore: OOOooohhhh! another birthday for you! I remember the day you were born....."tear"! You were such a beautiful baby and now you are a beautiful young woman! Did all those years really go by that fast?? Here's a tip for you: I once took an airel picture of Dixie as she was standing on the sidewalk and caught her perfect Mini Schnauzer shadow in the photo.. I thought it was cute and totally accidental! But pictures of shadows can be fun( a bit deceiving?) and creative! Have an awesome b-day! If I win, I will buy your tix to Florida! It really is has been hot and humid.... Aug 8th - 13:29
Lanie K: sorry if this posted twice... Happy B-Day! Love your work and another shoot w/ you would be fun - look forward to our pics.! I like the class idea... Aug 8th - 13:13
Alisha: Beth! Have a wonderful birthday and many happy returns of the day! Aug 8th - 13:10
Lanie K.: Happy Birthday! Love your work - Look forward to seeing our pics. and the idea of another shoot, how fun! Love the class idea... Aug 8th - 13:10
KaijaLea: Happy Birthday tomorrow!!:) You are so talented - I can't believe I know such a cool person, hehe. My tip is for your last post: using the red background is a great idea, but to me, it looks a little too flat to be realistic. To fix this is easy- just lower the opacity of the color layer or use an adjustment like 'overlay' or 'saturation'. And, maybe adjust the colors in the photo a bit- it seems like Steph and Justin should be more saturated because the red is so vibrant? Let me know if you have questions!:) Aug 8th - 13:00
Andee Mattson: Oooh! What a great idea! I hope I'm posting this right. I think it would be a great idea if you could somehow put music in the background of the cd's we get our pictures on. My family and I viewed my wedding pictures on the tv screen so we could all watch, and everyone kept commenting on how great it would be if our first dance song was playing in the background or something. Just an idea! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Aug 8th - 12:58
Steph Sinness: Happy (almost) birthday dear! My suggestion is that you have another Flickr Mixr... this time on a weekend when I can come! :D Haha have a great weekend! Aug 8th - 12:52
Lauren Shaffer: Oops....didn't think it let me post that first comment.....:-P oh well, you'll just have to throw me an extra few names in the hat!! lol!! Aug 8th - 12:50
Amy Sikorski: Count me in! I haven't seen any 1st birthday photo shoots...i guess since today is my baby's first birthday I have that on my mind! Happy Birthday to you! :0) Aug 8th - 12:48
Jaci: shave your mustache. when there is wind, you can clearly see the long hairs blowing in the way of the lens. oh and maybe please start entering your things in fashion photographer contests. ps i found you another model. xoxoxoxoxoxoBxoxoxoxoxo Aug 8th - 12:47
Lauren Shaffer: So we can only post once?? ;-) I think you need to do a western shoot! Complete with a pretty girl, ruggedly handsome cowboy, boots, hat, rope...and a horse maybe? Something rustic & romantic that looks like it belongs in a magazine....that's my idea! :-D Oh AND I think it would be awesome for you to offer workshops for beginner photogs, helping them in the basics as they venture into the photography world. You could not only make some money this way, but gain MORE clients!! I would be the first to sign up too! ;-) Aug 8th - 12:47
Lauren Shaffer: Tip of the trade...uhh??? How about offering workshops for beginning photogs, helping them with the basics as they begin their journey into the photography world?? Wouldn't take much time, 4x a yr maybe, for a couple of hrs each workshop??.... and you could charge $$$....:-D Aug 8th - 12:44
Alexandra Hodges: Happy Birthday Tomorrow Beth! Hope you have a fantastic day! Your work is just totally amazing! Keep up the great work! Alexandra Aug 8th - 12:40
Melisas: Hum....... How far away do I live from you ;) My tip, keep rockin' it like your are. Aug 8th - 12:18
Katie Olmstead: I am not sure what a tip of the trade is, but can I just commnet that you are gorgeous and have better hair than the panda? Aug 8th - 12:17
Andrew Lynch: Happy Birthday Bethy! Nice use of the power of Facebook! OK, this is the only tip that I can think of. I know that your site is using Wordpress. There is a nice tool that I use on my blog called "Twitter Tools". It automatically updates Twitter every time you post a new blog entry. Here's a link if you want to take a look: http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/twitter-tools/ -Andy Aug 8th - 12:03

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