Beach Portraits

Beach Portraits!

My dream was to have my family’s pictures taken on the beach…I always pictured this large, framed print on my living room wall.  Finally, about 3 years ago it became a reality.  I hired a professional photographer (yes, I know.  Why would I do that if I am one; however, my children behave much better for others!) at the beach.  Wow..they image was beautiful, but I was very disappointed over several factors.  #1.  It literally cost us a small fortune #2. When the box finally arrived after 3 months, we all had red eye!  I couldn’t believe that a framed professional portrait came with red eye.  I called the company and they told me to go to my local craft store and purchase a red eye remover pen for $10.  And fix it myself…I was sooo shocked, I literally didn’t have words (that doesn’t happen often!).  I guess that is what happens when you hire someone who knows they will never have to see you again and don’t plan on future business.  At Bernlohr Photography, this scenario would NEVER happen.  When hiring our professional services, you will ALWAYS get professional results…guaranteed!  We hope that our clients will be customers for life and will continue to come back for many years to come as well as referring us to many others. 

I wanted to pass on the opportunity for some of you to have your family picture taken at the beach.  Our family will be traveling to Corolla in the outer banks from July 23^rd –July 30^th.  If you will be in the area during that week, let me know and we can make plans to take your family portrait.  I also plan on adding 2 weekends at the beach sometime over the summer in the Rehoboth, Bethany, Dewey beach area.  If you are interested in a family portrait and will be traveling to that area this summer, let me know the dates you will be there.  I will TRY to coordinate the weekends so that we can take your family portraits during your stay.  Email me or give me a call with your dates and location. 

March "headshot" special!

March “headshot” special: (business profiles, social networks, marketing, business cards, realtors, etc)

Not all headshots are the same!  A professional photographer will help you to create an image that shows others who you are and what type of feeling you are portraying.  A headshot for a business marketing piece may look far different than a headshot for a facebook page. 

If you schedule your “head shot” studio session in the month of March, you will receive a 30 minute session, on-line password protected gallery for proofs and your choice of 5 retouched digital  images in both high resolution (for printing) and low resolution (for digital media).  You may choose color or black and white (or a combination of both).    $49.00 +tax 

What should I wear?  Headshots are designed to focus on the face and its features.  Something simple and neutral is advised.  Wear clothes that portray the feeling you want to show others.  For example, business may choose to wear business professional tops.  You will have the opportunity to create a second look.  For example, a man may wear a jacket and tie in 1 image, then for another may remove the jacket and tie for a more casual look.  Wear something you are comfortable in.  Wear something you like!  More important than your outfit, is your expression…try to relax and have fun!

And remember, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”  Often this is the first view of you that your potential clients may see. 

The "barefoot photographer?"

Ok.  Now it has happened to me for the 3rd time in the last month.  My goal in photography is to make people, family, kids...anyone who happens to be in front of my camera, as comfortable as possible in order to get images who truly show who they are.  Typically, most people are not comfortable in front of a camera, especially in a studio setting.  Outside or in your own home, is a little easier...these are places that people naturally feel more relaxed and at ease in front of the camera.  This is my main reason for being an on-location photographer...you all are much happier with your images when they truly represent who you are and you had fun creating them!  I try twice as hard trying to make people feel comfortable when they are in front of all my lights and equipment in the studio.  I play upbeat music, talk a lot (which is something I always do!), give you snacks/drinks and anything I can think of to help relax you.  The one thing I always do that relaxes me...take my shoes off.  I always shoot barefoot because that is something that relaxes me and hopefully creates an environment which relaxes you! (Dont worry brides...I will wear shoes to your ceremony.  If you take your shoes off at the reception, I may just do the same!!!)  For the 3rd time this month, I had a client say to me, you really ought to call yourself "the barefoot photographer."   Hmmm...just maybe thats not a bad idea! 

Questions to ask when planning a wedding

Congratulations on your engagement! Enjoy the initial burst excitement, because wedding planning will soon kick into high gear! Here are some questions to keep in mind when you and your future spouse start the planning process:

1. What is most important to you?
Is having all of your friends and family present a must? Or did you dream of a small wedding at a French castle with your parents and siblings? Maybe you wanted to elope in Vegas style, Elvis wedding and all. Make sure you discuss it with your spouse now before you decide on the date (it will make the next steps easier).
2. What kind of experience do you want to have?
Now that you know what each other wants, discuss the experience you want to have. This is a great exercise in compromise if you didn’t see eye-to-eye when discussing the first question. If he wants a small, destination wedding and you imagine a large wedding in a church, you can find middle ground! Talk budget, because it can add up quickly; budget doesn’t have to limit your experience, but knowing what’s most important to you will help figure out what’s best for you.
3. When do you want to get married?
The time has come to pick a date! Saving up to create your dream wedding experience might push your wedding out a year or two, and that’s OK because you know it’s important to both of you! However, you should choose a venue now. Dates fill up quickly, especially Saturdays. Picking your venues for your ceremony and reception will save a lot of headache later.
4. What are the next steps? What should we secure?
   • photographer, videographer
   • save the date/invitations
   • dress
   • caterer
   • florist
   • and other wedding professionals who will make your experience memorable

All wedding professionals agree that the earlier you book, the better. You don’t have to book everything at once, especially if you are saving up. Remember what’s most important to you and have fun planning!

dreamweddingspa.com

Great song for a marriage proposal!

  "Marry Me" by Train

Marriage Proposals: 10 Valentine's Day Ideas - TheKnot.com

Marriage Proposals: 10 Valentine's Day Ideas - TheKnot.com

Need ideas for a wedding proposal?

It has been said that as much as 10% of all marriage proposals happen on Valentine's day!  Check out this link from The Knot for creative suggestions for proposing on Valentines day!  Then dont forget to call your photographer to schedule your engagement photo session!  This is a fun, candid session where we then will create a slideshow for you to use at your wedding!

Thought for the day!

Of all of our inventions for mass communication, pictures still speak the most universally understood language.
~Walt Disney