Best wishes on a safe and beautiful delivery of baby Audrey!

September is a crazy month for many families ~ sending kids of all ages off to school can be a daunting event, and a pricey one! Before all of that insanity hits full swing, get in on the chance to purchase a 1/2 price Mini Session!

A Mini Session lasts for 30 minutes, and is for up to two subjects. Your images will be posted in a password protected gallery for you to share with friends and family, and place your order. The best part about this package is that it includes three (3) 8×10 prints!

Purchase this package by August 13, and you’ll also received a set of 8 wallet prints as well!

How to order: Send an email to the address below stating that you’d like to purchase the Mini-Session special. I will then direct you towards the payment system, and then we’ll work together on getting you scheduled!

Some of my favorites so far are…

Portrait Projecting Ring – A man made this amazingly neat ring to be his future-bride’s wedding ring.  It has a little lens, and when you use a tiny light source, the ring projects images he built in to the ring of he and his lady.   (I checked out his site, and sadly during a break in the ring was stolen, along with his wife’s jewelry box).  HOWEVER, he also made a very cool engagement ring that plays on a record player, producing his 20 second proposal.  I love the creativity!

Where’s Waldo: Wedding Edition – If anyone ever does this with their own wedding, please god, hire me to photograph it.  It would make my life.

Wedding-to-Go – After the wedding, they all popped on their rollerblades and headed to the reception.   I love a beautiful, classic wedding….but I also enjoy the fun, quirky ones!

One set of siblings has always been a favorite for us.  Three kids, Mercedes, Kevin, and Billy charmed us with their big blue eyes and sweetness.  Mercedes, the oldest, was always sweet and helpful to my Ava, who is a bit of a shy kid.  On field trips and other days, Mercedes would hold her hand keep her close, making Ava feel better.   Kevin and Billy are bookends to Ava in age, and I can remember them through the years, especially Billy as he is closest in age to Ava, and I have seen him go from a baby with big cheeks and amazing eyes to a Kindergartener (the rumor is that Billy is also my daughter’s best friend’s boyfriend).

In Chester County, PA on June 17th. Kevin Mengel, Jr – the kids’ father – was murdered by their mother, Morgan Mengal, and her 21 year old boyfriend.   Details can be found here.    Because of their mother’s unbelievably horrible actions and intentions, the Mengel kids face a future different than anyone could have imagined.

The Kevin Mengel Jr. Children’s Fund has been set up to help provide for the kids the things their father would have wanted for them.

C. Raysor Photography has put together portrait packages with the Mengel fund in mind.  A donation from each session purchased will be donated to the Kevin Mengel Jr. Childrens Fund.

Thank you for your support, and I hope that together we can make a difference for these kids!

Call C. Raysor Photography at 484-888-2643 to book your Mengel Benefit session today!

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Mini Session $150 ($50 donation)
This session is for 1 subject only, and will last 20 minutes. The client will select and
receive 3 gift prints (sizes: 8×10, 5×7, or 8 wallets) from a password protected,
sharable online gallery. Additional purchases will be discounted by 25% off
regular prices.

Mini Multiple Session $225 ($75 donation)
This session is for 2-3 subjects, and will last 45 minutes. The client will select and
receive 5 gift prints (sizes: 8×10, 5×7, or 8 wallets) from a password protected,
sharable online gallery. Additional purchases will be discounted by 25% off
regular prices.
Fundraiser Family Session $300 ($125 donation)
This session is for one family (parents and children), and will last for up to 90
minutes. The client will select and receive 6 gift prints (sizes: 8×10, 5×7, or 8
wallets) from a password protected, sharable online gallery. Additional
purchases will be discounted by 25% off regular prices.

What I love about photography is that, in my opinion, if you take a picture and capture something that evokes an emotion, or makes you want to look at it more than once….you’re doing it right.   I have some portraits of my children that I adore, and on the wall next to those portraits are printouts of pictures I took with my iphone.   I have no fancy gallery in my home – I simply have pictures of all types, everywhere  I look, showing me images that speak to me.

There are rules and guidelines to all crafts, but there is also always a degree of subjectivity.   I’m a “feelings” person, so even if a picture is technically correct, lighting is good, angle is engaging, subject has eyes open and is smiling…I might not like it.   The next frame might have the subject rolling eyes, giving attitude, and showing personality, and THAT will be the one I think should be framed.

Are the portraits I take of people more valuable than their personal pictures taken with a pocket-sized digital camera, or a cell phone picture?    Are my unedited snapshots acceptable to post online and share, when I know that in technical terms…they’re pretty bad?   There aren’t any definite answers – art is subjective, and the tools of the trade are wide and varied.

In these busy summer months, more often than not, if I’m sharing a picture with friends and family, it’s been taken on my iPhone.

Enjoy, and keep snapping away with whatever tools you have.

First of all, you have to know my favorite thing about Jennifer and Kyle:  The way they look at each other.   Yes, yes, everyone is in love on their wedding day…but seeing the looks they give each other was just beautiful.  Kyle has this look in his eyes and this smile that I’d see just when he was looking at her, and Jennifer has these gorgeous brown eyes that just light up and go dreamy at the same time, when she looks at him.  Never lose that, you two – it is beautiful, and I hope to see you looking like that at each other in 50 years.  Well, I hope to be able to see anything in 50 years – I’ll be 80, so I might have to get really, really close to your faces to see.

The wedding took place at the Downingtown United Methodist Church in Downingtown, PA with the reception to follow at the Revere Tavern in Lancaster, PA and was wonderful from start to finish.  At the end of the night, I think I had a big sad face when I let them know that it was time for me to leave.  I didn’t want to go!  They walked me out and thanked me so much, and both gave me giant hugs goodbye.    

They, and the wedding party, both appreciated and supported my spider moneky tendencies (I’m a climber when I shoot – I love different angles!).   One of the bridesmaids at one point let me know that later in the night she wanted a picture with the bride and another guest, and I told her “Sure, no problem – just flag me down when you’re ready.”  Her response?  “Should I look for you in the chandaliers, or hanging from the stage?”   Ha ha…but…um….that would be a good place to start…    They’re my kind of people. 

Announcing the new Mr. and Mrs. Kyle and Jennifer Greenwood!    See the gorgeous saphire?  I LOVE non-traditional engagement rings. 

The first dance….    and the shot that got me beeped at by traffic along Route 30 in front of the Historice Revere Tavern    Yes, that was me, the crazy woman hanging shoes from a sign.

New Rule:  I need a photo of me with my amazing couples at the START of the day, before the “glow” accumulates… 

But?  I love this picture… Jen and Kyle?  I love you guys.

If you love Photoshop, love photography, love Lightroom, love love, or love me…come on down!  Come to my apartment and we’ll eat, play, and have some fun.

Date: Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Time: 6:30pm

Location: West Chester, PA (RSVP and I’ll give you the address)

Theme: YES, theme!   CARNIVAL!!!

We’ll be dining on corn dogs, popcorn, cotton candy and more, and partaking in some lemonade (virgin or alcoholic), cold beer, and soft drinks.

Here is the invitation on Facebook – you can RSVP there, or comment on this post!

What/Who is/are Totally Rad Actions?

Well, as the name suggests they are…Totally Rad.  For lots of info on them, hit up their website at http://www.gettotallyrad.com or the blog at http://www.gettotallyrad.com/blog

But the cliff notes version is that Totally Rad Actions have been created by Boutwell Studio, LLC — i.e. Doug and Chenin Boutwell — for use in Photoshop and Lightroom.  These actions are undeniably incredible for speeding up your workflow, adding awesome effects, and mixing and matching to create your signature look.

They’re not just actions anymore either – You need to see Dirty Pictures. Totally Rated G,  Dirty Pictures is an intuitive interface that allows you to play with 21 different textures quickly and without the normal hassle of  finding/adding/tweaking/sighing/undoing/deleting/crying that usually accompanies my efforts at using textures!

Photographer:  Eric Mott Photography, and C. Raysor Photography

Videographer:  Tuyen Tran

Caterer:  Enck’s Catering

Flowers: Floral Designs of Mount Joy

Hair:  Kimberly Carmer and Marty Fisher

Makeup:  Casey

DJ: Chris Perry

Pianist:  Sherry Ziegler

Cake:  House of Claredon

Awesomeness:  Stephanie and Dan

by Alia Hoyt

(reposted from TLC’s How Stuff Works)

By nature, weddings are fraught with details, with the possible exception of last-minute elopements in Las Vegas. Brides everywhere agonize over the location, décor and floral arrangements with an intensity rivaling some nuclear arms summits. On the most important (and most photographed) day of any bride’s life, it’s crucial that her makeup doesn’t fall by the wayside.

After all, going easy on the makeup can leave a woman in white looking unnaturally pale, and overdoing it can quickly turn a blushing bride into a Bobo the Clown clone. Fortunately for brides of all seasons, times of day and locations, TLC has some suggestions for looking natural — yet radiant — and keeping that glow for the entire ceremony and reception.

5: The Evening Wedding Bride

Photo courtesy Mary Kay
Smoky eyes draw attention at an evening wedding.

Easily the most glamorous of all weddings, the evening wedding also holds a great deal of potential for cosmetic disaster. Makeup experts caution brides not to go overboard with excessive eye makeup, too-bright lips and cheeks, and heavy, cakelike foundation. After all, the groom should be able to recognize his bride as she walks down the aisle!

Instead of over-emphasizing every lovely feature, experts encourage brides to play up one and take it easy on the others. Beautiful and slightly dramatic eye makeup offers the most bang for your buck in terms of appearance (and it will photograph nicely, too). Smoky eyes, paired with sheer or light-colored, glossy lips are a glamorous, but not overwhelming combination that’s popular for evening brides. Just be sure to keep a light hand with the eye makeup as “smoky” can quickly morph into “raccoon,” especially if the bride sheds a few tears during the ceremony.

4: The Day Wedding Bride

Photo courtesy Mary Kay

The natural light that accompanies a daytime wedding can be a bride’s best friend, both in pictures and in person. An unfussy look is the safest bet for daytime weddings because neutral tones emphasizes the bride’s true beauty, rather than relying on a lot of attention-stealing makeup. Brides should use minimal foundation to avoid unsightly caking, which is revealed in detail by daylight. Blush in a peach or pink color (depending on skin tone, of course), paired with pastel or natural-toned eye shadow creates a look that’s both fresh and classic.

Daytime brides — especially those having outdoor events — should also consider steering clear of dramatic eyeliner colors, such as black or dark brown. Instead, opt for softer colors like charcoal or mahogany, which will still make the eyes pop. Wise brides who intend to spend time in the sun during the ceremony or reception will also incorporate a little SPF into their beauty scheme via a light moisturizer, foundation or sunscreen to avoid unfortunate burns. No one wants to start peeling halfway through the honeymoon!

3: The Outdoor Wedding Bride

Photo courtesy Mary Kay
Outdoor weddings require a palette that’s sunny, bright and befitting a bride.

Wind, bright light and precipitation quickly turn a blushing bride into a sticky mess. The elements can be unpredictable, so take steps to minimize makeup distress. Waterproof mascara (which should be worn during any type of wedding!) is an outdoor wedding must-have to avoid unattractive streaks. Powdered foundation is a useful tool because it holds up better when faced with heat or perspiration, unlike liquid foundations, which may run. Cream-based blush also tends to withstand the wind better than the powdered variety, although the latter fares better during the hotter months. Sticky glosses are best replaced with a matte lip during windy outdoor weddings when hair is likely to be blown about. The ideal lip palette can be achieved ahead of time to allow for maximum lip color staying power. Simply use a toothbrush doctored with a bit of sugar and olive oil to slough away dead skin, then apply a neutral lip liner to the entire mouth. Finish off the job with a matte lip color of your choice, and reapply as needed for the perfect pucker.

2: The Church Wedding Bride

Photo courtesy Mary Kay
A compact is a wedding day must-have!

A bride probably won’t wear a super low-cut gown in a formal wedding that takes place in her church’s sanctuary, so it makes sense to keep her makeup clean and understated, too. A church wedding is certainly not the time to let your inner pop star shine (leave the glitter and rhinestone body decals at home, girls!). Pastors, priests and rabbis alike will silently thank understated brides for exhibiting such decorum in their house of worship.

Instead, opt for classy makeup without all the fuss during the ceremony, and if you want a little extra drama, add a darker lip color, extra mascara or smoky eyeliner before hitting the reception. Be sure to test your mascara ahead of time to pick a variety that won’t clump when you add an extra coat or two.

1: The Beach Wedding Bride

Photo courtesy Mary Kay
Beach brides will love a touch of bronze in their look.

The sun, sand and ocean spray are all well and good when sunbathing in a bikini, but they’re not so kind to brides. As with outdoor weddings, stick to powder foundation or simple spot concealer, if your skin tone allows. Oil-free foundation applied sparingly with a foundation brush is another viable option. Creamy shadows and blushes, although radiant when worn in temperate climates, run like the wind in hot and humid tropical settings. Powder versions are the much more sensible option, particularly if layered on top of an eye and face primer, which considerably lengthen the lifespan of your makeup.

No matter which type or what quantity of makeup the beach bride dons, it must all be applied on top of a layer of sunscreen to prevent sunburns and skin damage. Makeup touch-ups, which can sometimes be avoided at indoor weddings, are an absolute necessity at beach weddings. Blotting papers, coupled with extra eye shadow, lip color and powder can keep a beach bride looking radiant (rather than greasy) long after the sun has set.

Related Articles

• 10 Great Wedding Themes
• 10 Wackiest Wedding Themes
• 10 Classic Engagement Ring Styles
• 10 Classy Wedding Shower Ideas
• 10 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Planner
• 10 Fresh Color Combinations for Summer Wedding Décor
• 5 Wedding Planning Tips for the Summer Bride

Sources

Honor them with the gift of portraits, and C. Raysor Photography has several ideas on how to do that!

The Mini- $250

Surprise him with a portrait session from C. Raysor Photography for him and the kids (or just the kids if he prefers).  This package includes a 30 minute outdoor mini-session (guys are notorious for not wanting to spend a long time for pictures!), an 11″x14″ Standout Mount print, and four 5″x7″ prints.

The Crew -$400

A gift for the whole family!  This package includes a 1 hour portrait session with C. Raysor Photography for the family, a 16″x20″ Standout Mount print, and a $100 print credit use when purchasing prints.

The Pets – $250

For the Fur-Daddy!  This package includes a one hour session for up to 2 pets, and a $100 print credit to use when purchasing prints and products.

Just for Him $500

Moms, show your appreciation for him by surprising him with a little black book… pictures of yourself, in a way only he gets to see you.  C. Raysor Photography is proud to offer Boudoir Photography.  Session includes a 1.5 hour photoshoot in your home, and a 7″x7″ Little Black Book album containing 20 images from your shoot.

(To see sample images, contact me)

This offer is subject to availability, so contact us ASAP to schedule!  Also note that your session does NOT have to occur before Father’s Day, June 20, 2010. I am happy to provide a certificate for you to wrap and gift your guy with, to be used at at later date.