Eunice Brownlee Photography

Moved!!

2011-06-28T23:51:00.003-06:00

Congratulations! You found me. But alas, I have moved.

Please visit my new website and enjoy all the photography goodness I have to share over there.

You've been waiting for it.

2009-12-18T09:19:00.003-07:00

A few weeks ago, I read this amazing short story by a friend of mine, Sarah Ann Noel. She was inspired by the comments of her readers wondering if there was more to the story. Being the creative genius that she is, she has challenged her fellow writers to see how they would contribute to the story.

And to make it super fun, it's a contest. With a prize and everything. Woohoo! All the fun details are here.

So for all my writer friends, have fun with it, pass it along to others, and check back to see the next piece of the tale.

hey writers!

2009-12-15T13:30:00.000-07:00

I can't tell you why you need to tune in to Sarah Noel's Musings on Friday, but I will tell you that you're going to want to. It's something fun and different and I'm excited to be involved.

Click on the link above and stay tuned!

It's great to be back in Denver

2009-11-17T09:12:00.001-07:00

This week has been a blast. The display at Il Posto has been extended through the end of the month, we raised over $1000 for Ezra in the Convergence show, and I had the fortune of shooting three super cool families.

Tonight, I'll be shooting and awards banquet for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, which is sure to be a blast.

I've extended my stay in Denver for a few more days, so if you're interested in booking a shoot, please get in touch with me.

denver arts week. il posto.

2009-10-26T21:47:00.007-06:00

I originally discovered my passion for photography while filling my art credits in college, so much of my early portfolio work is art photography. When I got involved in portraiture and event photography, I haven't spent as much time on art photography as I used to.

So you can imagine my surprise when I was asked to show some art pieces for Denver Arts Week in November. It's actually been almost a month since I received the invitation and I'm still a little floored. And also excited.

Denver Arts Week runs from November 6-14th and features a number events, as well as local restaurants and artists teaming up to celebrate art in our fair city.

My work will be shown at Il Posto, an Italian eatery featuring the work of Chef Andrea Frizzi. Il Posto will be celebrating the "complicated simplicty of Italian food and wine" during the week. In addition to dinner, they are also open for "Ora Felice" each day.

They are located at 2011 E. 17th Avenue. Call 303-394-0100 for reservations.

I'll never forget the last photography class I had in college -- we had to create a series of work to show. It took me over a year just to decide what I was going to attempt to work on before I ever enrolled in the class. At least this time, I was able to get an idea of what I wanted to show. Although editing the collection down to a few pieces has been a challenge -- I've already rejected a few of the prints after not liking the way they flowed with the other pieces, and changed them out for others. I am certainly picky, that is for sure.

The series that I will be featuring during the week comes from the amazing dance performance I was fortunate enough to photograph this summer from the Isolated Incident performance group's "The Things They Say."

Dance is amazingly beautiful to watch, although challenging to photograph, but I was lucky to snap a few shots to capture the beauty of movement. To see a small preview of the work that will be shown, please click here.

I invite you to come out and celebrate art with me during the week, and I hope you'll stop by Il Posto and enjoy the pieces I've chosen and some awesome food.

more great info from christine boulton.

2009-10-21T16:18:00.006-06:00

Christine Boulton is not just your average wedding expert. She's a wedding industry goddess. So it's no wonder that I follow her Wedding Dish blog pretty regularly and love the comments and insights she provides "from the other side."

Having worked as a banquet manager for the first two years of my professional photography career in an effort to really understand the wedding industry, I can relate to a lot of the information and insight she provides on a regular basis. The wedding industry is fun and exciting, but it is also stressful and demanding. Trust me, I once had to reassure a Mother-of-the-Bride, three times in as many hours, that yes, the signs directing guests into our hard to find driveway would be out on the street at our agreed upon time of 4 p.m. She called at 10 a.m.

A recent post really hit close to home. It was all about realistic expectations when it comes to your photography.

I don't want to do the points highlighted to be given a disservice, so go ahead, have a read.

Since I tend to be a complete and total overachiever/perfectionist, shooting weddings stresses me out. Big time. But one of my mentors once told me that when you lose that bit of care that causes you to stress, that's when you lose your edge in this industry. I still believe it to be true.

So believe us, our sleepless nights, high rates and taking three weeks to process your images are because we want to make sure that the memories of your wedding day are captured and documented perfectly.

bailey. adam. just married. (a quick preview)

2009-10-19T22:52:00.011-06:00

One of the things that I love about being a photographer is the way that we become part of the special moments in people's lives. Weddings are one of the most intimate celebrations to share with a family, and it was such an honor to celebrate the marriage of Bailey and Adam with their families.

Their reception was set poolside at Seville in Gilbert. On my visit to the country club a few weeks ago, even my creative mind could not have imagined how the staff transformed the space into such an elegant setting for a sunset dinner.
I particularly liked the contrast of the rust colored linens with the aqua color of the pool.
As I headed down from Flagstaff, I noticed some funky clouds in the sky, and hoped they lasted until the sun went down. Adam had told me he really wanted a photo of him and his bride with a signature Arizona sunset. While I cannot tell Mother Nature what to do, I was so glad she cooperated. The sky was amazing that evening.

One thing I simply could not get over was Bailey's stunning beauty. As we laughed and joked about how much the camera loved her, her bright red lips and giant eyes reminded me of a 50's pin up girl. Simply gorgeous.

And did I mention these two were hilarious? It seemed like we were constantly cracking jokes and laughing, in between the serious pauses to take a formal shot. But we got some dramatic ones too.

I really love this one, where the look on Adam's face says it all: "I am the happiest man in the world, to have this amazing woman as my wife."
After all the formal photos were done, we joined the family down by the pool for lots of dancing, laughing and celebrating. I have truly never seen a group of people so filled with love for one another, and having so much fun together, in celebration of two amazing people united in marriage.

To check out the rest of the photos from the evening, please click here.

branding. check.

2009-10-19T10:59:00.005-06:00

Even though I have been working as a professional photographer for about five years, I haven't pursued it as a main source of income until this year. With that shift in mindset, I realized that there were a number of things I hadn't done to make my business "official." The biggest one being my brand. What is "Eunice Brownlee Photography" all about, and what makes me special?

I have been working with a high school friend, Cara Elizabeth, on this project for quite a few months, and I am just about the most indecisive person on the planet. I vacillated on color schemes, logo design, ideas. You name it, I waffled. On some level, I'm surprised she hasn't kicked me to the curb just yet.

But in a moment I least expected, I was at the fabric store on Saturday, picking up supplies for my daughter's Halloween costume, when I was struck by a stroke of inspiration. At long last, I have finally made a decision on my branding that I like. And plan to stick with. For now.

now on twitter

2009-10-13T11:19:00.002-06:00

For those of you that know me, I have resisted getting a Twitter account for as long as I possibly could. In fact, I even teased my sister for getting one for her business. But alas, the more I read, the more I learn, the more I know that it's just a necessary part of doing business in the electronic age.

So follow me already, would ya?

learn to blossom.

2009-10-09T10:51:00.007-06:00

Shari and I met up in a park in Lakewood to shoot her business portraits for her company, Blossoming. She really wanted shots out in nature, because she wanted to reflect not only her love of nature, but the fact that the form of therapy she practices truly is "all natural." As we walked through the park, we talked and laughed, and she shared with me some of the new developments her business is taking.

For someone who seems to hate having her picture taken, she was a great subject. As we shot frame after frame, I witnessed a common transformation in many portrait sessions: stiff and uncomfortable to soft and relaxed. As a photographer, I enjoy fostering that level of trust and ease so that a person's true essence can shine through.

In her line of work, Shari often sees a similar transformation in the clients she works with. When they come to her, they can be closed off, unsure, or hurt. She helps people to bloom, to open up, to let their inner self glow. Shari is a personal transformation specialist.

When most people hear the word "hypnosis," they think of a magic show act that gets a pretty girl up on stage clucking like a chicken against her will. They imagine someone using "mind control" to manipulate someone into doing things they would not ordinarily do.

Used therapeutically, hypnosis is a powerful tool to overcome the conscious mind and help a person to become a better version of themselves, whether it be to quit smoking, lose weight, or simply deal with emotional issues that are difficult to face.

So rather than calling herself a hypnotherapist, Shari Gordon has titled herself "Chief Blossomer." Shari uses a variety of techniques to teach people how to become the best version of themselves. She hosts a series of classes called "Project Blossom" and is available for private sessions as well. She can be reached at 303-570-5661, or you can email her.

If you would like to hear some of my own personal experiences with hypnosis under Shari's guidance, please feel free to email me.

The rest of her portrait session can be found here.

dcc art show.

2009-09-20T20:01:00.003-06:00

I am fortunate enough to be the coordinator for this show for the second year. Last year, we raised a lot of money for a local artist's charity and this year, we look to outdo ourselves.

Please mark your calendars and bring your tastebuds as we'll have a delicious selection of food, wine, and art for any palate.

Announcing the official call for entries to this year's show:

Calling All Artists! The Annual DCC Community Art Show (Posted: 9/20/09) -- The DCC Community Art Show is seeking applications for its annual art show/wine tasting event, November 14 being hosted at 1101 S Washington St. in Denver, CO. We are currently looking for artists who are looking to gain more exposure for their work or are new to showing and/or selling their art. This year's show has an emphasis on the greater community and what that means to its artists. The show will be open format and all mediums will be considered within discretion. We ask that artists submit 1-3 pieces (either separate or part of a set or series) that are framed or presentable for showing (no works in progress). To submit a piece/s for entry, please email a JPEG of your work along with the name, medium and sizing of each piece. If you are looking to sell your work (encouraged), please include all prices. There will be no entry fee this year but we will be accepting donations from any sales. We are also looking to get a short bio on each artist including a sentence of what community means to you. Please send all entries and questions to dccartshow@gmail.com. Submission deadline is October 25th.

family portrait time.

2009-09-18T11:22:00.010-06:00

"Family Portrait Day" is a phrase that has the ability to strike terror in the very souls of many. When was the last time you had a family portrait taken? Have your kids sprouted up (as they all tend to do)? Have you added any new family members? Babies? Spouses? Is your son's ex-girlfriend, whom he can't stand the sound of her name, in it? I know our family can list many of the above reasons for needing to update the family portrait. Those holiday cards and newsletters will be going to friends and family around the world. Why not include a current family portrait for them?

Announcing our fall family portrait package!

$279 includes:

60 minute session at the location of your choice

20 holiday cards printed on Kodak Professional Endura Metallic paper

$100 in print credits .

An additional charge of $15 per person will be added for parties greater than six people.

A $50 retainer fee is required at the time of booking to reserve your session time. Reservations made prior to September 30th will receive an additional $25 in print credits.

Space is limited, call to book your session today! 720-227-5505. Dates are available in Denver and Seattle as well.

growth.

2009-09-09T22:30:00.011-06:00

Although I have always loved taking pictures, my career in photography started by accident. I never really had a "good" camera and never had more of an interest in photography outside of capturing the odd memory of certain occasions.

My camera collection started with a small 110mm camera that came in a cereal box and my first 35mm was found in the glove compartment of a car we rented after I hit a deer in the middle-of-nowhere-Colorado. It wasn't until college that I used an SLR for the first time. The class was photography 101, chosen merely to fill an art credit I needed because I couldn't paint, sculpt or draw. The class was intended to round out my degree; little did I know it would change my life.

My first day in class, I vaguely knew what shutter speed meant, and I'd only heard the term, "f-stop" from conversations with others I knew that had taken a photography class. I don't know if it was the amazing instructor I had or something about tapping into an as-yet-undiscovered passion, but that class changed me.

I spent the better part of a year isolated in the darkroom at school, and by the end of the summer of 2004, I was asked to photograph my first wedding. I actually considered declining the offer. To that point, the only people I had ever photographed were the ones required of portraiture assignments, which I hated with every fiber of my being. Despite my nervousness, I shot the wedding anyway, and had a blast. Suddenly, I wanted to shoot fewer flowers and dilapidated buildings and more people.

I consumed the idea of shooting portraits and found some workshops to take and learned more about the art of portraiture. The more I shot, the more I realized how dynamic and amazing the human form is. As I look back on my portfolio from those first awkward portrait assignments to the work I have shot this summer, I love seeing how much I've grown as a photographer, and find it funny that I find so much joy in the very situation that used to make me wish I had enrolled in ceramics instead.

Even though I surely have some favorite landscapes and still life images in my portfolio, I certainly enjoy taking pictures of people more than I did when I first started shooting six years ago.

emily.

2009-09-03T01:29:00.007-06:00

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

This session was awesome. I have known Emily since she was about five years old, but I was truly floored when she came to me and said that she wanted me to take her senior portraits. Knowing her family's "usual" flavor for portraits, I wasn't sure that accepting was a great idea. I didn't want her to be disappointed when her photos weren't of the cheesy-background-in-a-department-store-studio style. She insisted.

I haven't slept in three nights in anticipation of this shoot. I had a ton of ideas, but still wasn't sure that my client and I were on the same page. So we headed out to the beautiful ponderosa forest of Northern Arizona this afternoon and went in search of some decent places to take pictures. I wanted to avoid, at all costs, the typical senior portrait of my generation: letter jacket wearing senior leaning against or hugging skinny pine tree.

Let me tell you this girl did not disappoint. She climbed up rocks, mossy wet slopes, laid in rotted out tree stumps, and ventured down a dark and muddy wash, all for the sake of some great portraits. As we hiked and talked, I asked her why she wanted me to shoot her portraits so badly. She said, "because I'm not an ordinary person. I don't want my senior pictures to be ordinary." Ahh, a girl after my own heart. Her reason for wanting me to shoot her photos were the exact reason I wanted to start shooting senior portraits. To take a step away from ordinary.

The rest of her awesome session can be found here.

katie.

2009-08-29T14:29:00.008-06:00

I have to be honest: I didn't get the best start on this portrait session. Fighting sleep, the elements, and copious amounts of traffic, I was a little frazzled when I arrived to shoot this gorgeous gal, my first senior in the class of 2010.
A funny thing happens when you have the coolest gal in the world to shoot -- you forget all that was wrong with the day and just focus on capturing her beauty. We quickly jumped into our session and started talking and laughing and having a blast.

Katie is one of those girls that's just darn cool. She was an excellent subject, taking direction and posing as if she'd done it her whole life.

And the thing I love most is that she was adventurous. If I asked her to climb up something, she did, despite the fact that she had on four inch stillettos. Lean on a hot piece of metal, hold it while it sears your flesh? You got it.

I had a great time in this session, and am enjoying going through all of the images. The problem is, when you have someone that doesn't take a bad photo, it's hard to narrow them down to a reasonable number to work with. At least I don't have the burden of picking the one for the yearbook (sorry Katie). The rest of the photos from the session can be viewed here.

the delgadillos.

2009-07-30T13:02:00.006-06:00

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here in Arizona this summer and I feel super fortunate for the opportunity to shoot Christi & Andres and their darling daugher, Krysta. I enjoy seeing couples who are so in love that it shows in every photo you see. Krysta was a kick when, at the end of the session, she sat down and began nibbling on the grass as we shot some of just mom & dad.

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

isolated incident.

2009-07-23T19:09:00.004-06:00

"The Things They Say" is a poignant portrayal of a young woman searching for equilibrium as she confronts the demands of single parenthood. Although she never steps out on stage, her struggles are shaped through the emotional imagery of dance and the ofttime judgmental remaks of her peers. The performance weaves dance, poetry, acting, and live music into a rick mosaic that takes us on a poingant and sometimes humourous journey of self-discovery.

I have the honor of photographing this amazing performance tomorrow night. I attended the first rehearsal a few weeks ago and left feeling confused. "I don't get it," I said. Erin Glockner, one of the dancers, had to explain it to me. I still didn't get it. I guess I'm a bit ignorant when it comes to modern dance. However, last night at the dress rehearsal, it all clicked. Everything made sense and I was filled with wonder and excitement for what is guaranteed a great show.

Please join us:

Coconino Center for the Arts
2300 N. Fort Valley Rd
Flagstaff, AZ
Friday, July 24th, at 7:30 PM

Admission: $10 Adults/$5 Students
10% of the proceeds will go to the Marshall Magnet School Art Program.

trees.

2009-07-10T23:58:00.007-06:00

It's been a while since I have shot a more corporate type of event, but I was certainly flattered when Art Daley, "The Tree Doctor," of Arbor Pro Tree Care, asked me to photograph this conference. You see, Art was the chairman of this inaugural high altitude conference presented by the Western Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture (say that six times fast) and wanted to create a truly unique event.

I know, I know, you're wondering, "what the heck is an arborist?" I happened to learn that the best way to describe an arborist is that they are simply "a forester who manages trees in an urban setting." Now I know how to answer that question, since I do get it a lot.

It was a fantastic day filled with firsts: the first conference of this kind held in Northern Arizona, the first "non-boring" tree conference, the first time the mayor gave a key to the city to somone who wasn't a firefighter or "somone who saves babies," and the first time a photographer was present to document the occasion. I even took my photography to new levels when I willingly climbed in a bucket truck and went up 70 feet to take this group shot, even though I am ridiculously afraid of heights. Go figure.

This day was personally very special to me because I have spent my whole life around trees -- from counting them in stand exams to peeling them for log cabins, and even helping take a few of them down now and again, I have grown up in a house where money really did grow on trees.

Despite the fact that I had the edge going in -- I have known Quercus Gambelii, Pseudotsuga Menzezii, Juniperus Depiana, and Pinus Ponderosa since I was thirteen; I actually did know what an Arborist was, and I can tie a mean knot in a climb rope -- I learned a lot that day about trees, insects, and even business.

It was a great day had by all and I look forward to attending in 2010. Click the photo above to view the slideshow.

fan me.

2009-07-03T14:04:00.004-06:00

Are you a fan of Eunice Brownlee Photography? If not, you should be! Please visit our Facebook Fan page and leave us a note!

Need a better reason to fan us? We will give away a free portrait session to a lucky fan and a friend of their choice when we hit 1000 fans!

Tell your family! Tell your friends! Be a fan!

jess. scott.

2009-07-01T11:08:00.007-06:00

If you know Jess & Scott, you'd know that they are two of the most hilarious people you'll ever meet. So their little bundle of joy is in for a ride with these two as parents. Since they decided to keep the sex of the baby a surprise, we'll have to wait until August before we can actually say "him" or "her" (although I hear boys are prominent in the McTaggart family line!). These two were so goofy as we wandered around a school playground, shooting photos and cracking jokes about how this baby might think its parents are nuts. Well kid, they are, but we love them despit.

I am looking forward to meeting this new little one in a few short months.

create better images.

2009-06-14T16:46:00.006-06:00

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending the Create Better Images Intermediate workshop in Mesa (http://www.createbetterimages.com/). We had an intense six hours of information and shooting and I learned a TON. My favorite part of photography workshops is that regardless of how much you think you know, there is always room to learn more. From tips and tricks to learning how to leave my flash and tripod behind, I was able to put my new skills to use. Thanks to Jennifer Bowen and Kimberly Jarman for hosting this amazing workshop.

Our lovely model wanted to make sure that we clarified that this man in the photos with her is her cousin, who became the stand-in when her husband couldn't make it.

An added bonus: Kimberly and I were really good friends in first and second grade and haven't seen each other since. It's always nice to catch up with old friends.

brenda. andrea. bff's.

2009-05-22T17:37:00.005-06:00

Upon arriving at Union Station in Denver, Andrea and Brenda immediately let their hair down and started goofing off like the best friends they have been for the past eight years. They were so great in coloring outside the lines a little to get the unique & interesting shots. I also managed to avoid being hit by a few cars while getting some of the shots, and just as we finished the session, we were serenaded by a street performer.

senior special.

2009-05-15T15:39:00.004-06:00

We are now booking senior sessions for the class of 2010. All sessions booked by June 30th will receive 25% off the session price. Print the coupon for a bonus offer.

linked in.

2009-05-12T22:20:00.003-06:00

It was probably close to two years ago when I was invited to join LinkedIn by a fellow photographer. I signed up and did nothing with it (much like I did with my Facebook account a few years ago). Then I read a fantastic article in Fortune magazine about how LinkedIn is one of the best ways to network and find jobs. With that, I jumped in and finished my profile.

I invite you to connect with me!

allyson's art.

2009-05-12T00:46:00.008-06:00

I have recently had the pleasure of becoming the official photographer for artist Allyson Porter Daley. Allyson is a mixed-media artist in Northern Arizona. She has a variety of items that she creates and sells, and all of her work can be found at http://www.allysonsart.com/.

zane.

2009-04-27T17:29:00.006-06:00

Zane had to be the world's easiest baby to shoot. We got all of these shots in a span of 20 minutes, on a cold and windy day. But Zane didn't seem to mind. He just smiled and giggled and showed off those darn cute dimples.

joanne.

2008-09-30T17:39:00.002-06:00

Joanne was the funniest young lady -- she has a natural beauty about her and yet, she didn't seem to believe that she looked as great as she did. She was adventurous though, climbing up onto walls and finding great places to shoot her at her best.

connie.

2008-09-30T17:32:00.001-06:00

Connie was such a doll. We had fun running all over the Wash Park neighborhood and grabbing shots in doorways, windows, and alleys.

jdrf.

2008-09-15T16:31:00.004-06:00

I was called at the last minute to photograph the teams participating in this year's Walk to Cure Diabetes to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. What a great event. Thousands of people came out on an ice-cold day to raise money for this very worthy cause.

After the run was over, teams gathered to watch dancers, played with reptiles, and ate lunch provided by KFC.

Photos of some of the teams can be seen here. All of the team shots are mine; some of the other images belong to another photographer.

pete butler. turns 50. for the fourth time.

2008-08-30T16:43:00.004-06:00

Once again, the Butler family and friends convened to celebrate Pete turning 50. This year, a few celebrity musicians popped in.

There were also glimpses of Billy Idol, Madonna, Jimmy Buffett, and a crew of zany fans looking for autographs.

jamela. reggie. love.

2008-01-24T21:09:00.001-07:00

There's nothing like a couple in love. I had the pleasure of meeting Jamela & Reggie through another client of mine. In December, I spent an hour with their family, laughing and joking and fitting family portraits in between. I'm looking forward to their wedding next summer; if this session was any indication, it's going to be a blast.

favorites.

2008-01-01T09:51:00.001-07:00

eli.

2007-12-10T20:58:00.004-07:00

The creative act lasts but a brief moment, a lightning instant of give-and-take, just long enough for you to level the camera and to trap the fleeting prey in your little box. ~Henri Cartier Bresson

pete butler. turns 50. for the third time.

2007-09-20T15:46:00.001-06:00

I've been fortunate enough to be the official photographer for both the first- and second-annual 50th birthday parties for Pete Butler. With this crowd, you never know what you're going to get.

This year, with the Hollywood-themed crowd, I saw everything from old-town Hollywood to Hugh Heffner, to a giant penguin. An unsuspecting bartender got a surprise lap dance from the DJ, and Marilyn Monroe had a couple of clones.

The challenge to shooting an event is capturing the best moments of the night. This is precisely why I chose to go digital -- you can shoot as much as you need to in order to catch that perfect moment. Out of almost 600 images shot that evening, I came away with just under 400 that can be used as prints or as part of a custom Askua Book that I will be designing.

These types of events are fun for me because I get to be a part of something special in someone's life.

If you have an event coming up, whether it's a birthday party or a corporate event, I would love to be a part of it. Please e-mail me for rates and availability.

slice of time.

2007-09-17T10:52:00.001-06:00

A photograph is nothing more than a permanent memory of a specific moment in time. Capturing the right ones is the biggest challenge.

As a photographer, I take hundreds of shots in hopes of ending up with a few great images. It's really more of an odds game -- the more you shoot, the better the chances that you'll end up with that prized shot. More often than not, that moment is more serendipitous than we photographers care to admit. However, knowing how to look for that opportunity is key to being a great photographer.

digital images.

2007-07-22T17:23:00.001-06:00

It's a constant debate in the photographer's world -- should I offer my images on disc? There are some professionals that will send you off with a bill and a CD of images, leaving you to do the work of obtaining prints and dispersing them to family and friends. When I tell prospective brides that I do not offer a disc of images, many presume it's so that I will force their friends and family into buying prints at a higher price. It isn't about the money, it's about preserving the integrity of the work, and making sure that the photographs you share with your family reflect your good taste.

In the day and age of the Internet, it's hard to know how those images will be used and when they will show up. However, many print shops, including Wal-Mart and Costco, have taken strides to protect the copyrights of the photographer's work. However, it's about more than just copyright protection, it's about brand-name protection.

Imagine for a moment, if you will: you go to the grocery store and buy a bag of Cheetos, impatiently waiting to dive in to their cheesy, crunchy goodness. You tear open the bag, and what's inside are a few handfuls of some twisted corn something-or-others, but they are most certainly not Cheetos. Disappointed? Yes. Now what if that was your experience every time you bought a bag of Cheetos for a month, would you keep buying Cheetos? Probably not.

The same is true with photographers and the brands that we create -- our names. We work hard to uphold a certain style and image with our work, knowing that when people see the art that we've created, they will associate it with us, the brand.

What happens when we send our work out into the world, uncontrolled, is that we are now diminishing the brand that we have worked so hard to create. The image that is printed from the disc at a retail print shop is of lower quality than the print we would provide from a professional lab. Give that copy to Aunt Mary, who scans it into her computer and e-mails it to your cousin that couldn't make it to the wedding, who brings it to work and shares it with all of her friends and the high-quality photographer has a very low quality print. Regardless of how amazing the image is, her friends are all wondering why you didn't hire a professional photographer.

A better alternative is to find a photographer that offers an online gallery of your images. This allows the guests to peruse the images from the comfort of home, purchase quality prints, and saves you the headache of figuring out which photos on the list Cousin Susie really wanted.

hire a professional.

2007-07-19T20:29:00.001-06:00

I’ve heard the answer all too often – “I’m having my mom/sister/uncle/best friend take care of that.” The words make me cringe.

This is your wedding. You have dreamed about this day since the first time you made a veil from paper towels and had your neighbor friend walk you down the hallway to the “altar” in front of the TV in the living room. Every perfect detail has been thought out and choreographed in your head like a beautiful ballet…suddenly, the CD skips and the dancers are thrown off and the performance suffers.

Why do wedding professionals hate to hear these words so much? It’s not because we are greedy and want to take money – I would gladly lose business to a well-trained competitor than to know a bride didn’t care enough about her wedding photographs to make sure they were done right. It isn’t about the money. It’s about peace of mind.

Amateur: Shows up 25 minutes after the ceremony starts, slips in to set up cake minutes before the guests are let in for dinner. Botches gorgeous cake while setting up in a hurry. Cake is still frozen in middle.
Professional: Has an appointment with reception site for specific delivery time. Baker arrives, sets cake up with plenty of time to spare. Guests enjoy delicious, frost-free cake.

Amateur: We’ll just plug the i-pod into the speaker system and set in on random. I can make a great mix from my giant CD collection so we have a little something for everyone. Guests mingle for a little bit, but are all gone by 10.
Professional: Works with you and your fiancée to discover songs that are important to you and songs you absolutely don’t want to hear – like the one that reminds you of your ex-boyfriend that can’t take a hint and is still calling after 5 years. He gets the crowd up and moving and having so much fun they don’t notice that you slipped out for a breather.

Amateur: Has the nice camera, can take shots of the ceremony and important stuff, the rest will be snapshots the guests take with the throw-away cameras on the tables. Will burn CD’s for anyone that wants one. Parties with the gang Friday night, hangover keeps him in bed, doesn’t even call to say he’s not coming until 30 minutes before the ceremony.
Professional: Will take photographs of your entire day, so they tell a story, not just a collection of snapshots. All prints are done on high-quality professional paper, so they not only look better, but also last longer. Contract in place requires them to find you a comparable photographer if for some reason they can’t make it on your wedding day.

Amateur: Goes to grocery store, buys variety of flowers, arranges flowers in a vase. Many are wilted by dinner. Guests talk about the centerpieces (and not in a good way).
Professional: Has better quality flowers and a knack for creating stunning arrangements that people are wowed by. The simplest arrangement can make a room look 100 times more beautiful and inviting. Even if the florist gets her flowers from the grocery store, your guests will never know it.

These are all “horror” stories that I saw first-hand in my days as an event manager. What bride wants to spend her day worrying about what could go wrong?

Not everyone can afford to hire the best-of-the-best in every detail of her wedding, but there are ways to afford to have all professionals taking care of you on your wedding day. Rank all of your desires in order of importance and splurge on those things that matter most to you. Ask the vendors that you have hired for referrals and let them know what you are looking for. They may know of someone who fills a need and fits your budget and you can rest easy.

By hiring a professional and building a relationship with him or her as you plan your wedding, you allow yourself to do what a bride is supposed to do on her wedding day: relax, have fun, and bask at your glorious moment in the spotlight.

on being a photographer.

2007-07-17T22:03:00.001-06:00

I come from a very creative gene pool. My mom is a talented artist of many mediums; my sister, equally as talented. I somehow missed out on getting the drawing gene, but the fire for creativity burns fiercely inside me.

A few years ago, when I went back to school to finish my business degree, I had to fulfill an art requirement and drawing, painting and sculpture were all off the table. I knew we had an SLR hiding in a closet somewhere, so I signed up for photography 101 with the amazingly talented Brendan Regan. I learned how to print a contact sheet, I learned how to develop film, make a print, and learned how to manipulate the settings on my camera for the desired compositional effect. All of this, I expected to learn, as that was what I paid my money for.

What I didn't expect to learn was that I had a passion for this medium, and even better, a talent for it. It didn't take much coercion to register me for 102, and subsequently, 103. It was somewhere in the many hours I spent in the darkroom, by myself, in complete bliss, that I realized that I wanted to be a photographer when I grew up...which is what brings me here today.

four things to think about before you hire a photographer.

2007-07-15T19:32:00.001-06:00

Choosing a photographer is probably one of the most stressful choices to make when planning a wedding. Choose the right one, and you will be delighted to share your wedding album for years to come. Choose the wrong one, and you'll reach for Uncle Harry's snapshots before you let that album see the light of day. Here are a few helpful hints when you begin to interview potential photographers:

What does their portfolio look like? Do you like their style? If you want something more photojournalistic and prefer candids to formals, don't waste your time looking at more traditional photographers. Don't limit your review to only wedding photos, ask to see some of her other work too. Are the images on the page in front of you something that you would hang in your own home? If the answer is no, chances are, you won't like the shots they capture commemorating your wedding day. It doesn't make him a bad photographer, just a bad match for you.
What does the service include? Do you want a photographer that will spend your entire day with you, capturing every moment of the day, regardless of the length of time? Some photographers include a set amount of hours, while others have unlimited coverage. Does their price include a second photographer? Does the price include both the wedding and reception locations? Do they offer an online gallery of all the images or do they give you a CD and task you with sharing with friends and family? Don't be afraid to ask a bunch of questions; better to know than to wonder where your photographer is when it's time to cut the cake.
How do your personalities mesh? If you feel awkward around your photographer, it will be more of a challenge for her to capture you and your family genuinely. Photography is an intimate art and the camera is very telling on how well the photographer jives with his subject. By the end of your wedding day, you and your photographer will most likely be friends, and your wedding portraits will certainly capture that.
How much are they? At the end of the day, you need to hire someone that fits into your budget, but don't let price fool you. The most expensive photographer isn't necessarily the best, and someone who doesn't charge much for their services might have excellent photos, but terrible service. Ask if the photographer offers a package -- many do, and slightly discount their prices as part of the total package. Also ask about off-peak rates as some photographers will give you a discount for having a wedding outside of prime wedding season. Lastly, if you have found the photographer of your dreams, and he is a little out of your price range, ask if payment plans are available.

blog.

2007-07-14T17:15:00.001-06:00

My name is Eunice Brownlee and I am a photographer in the Denver metro area. I specialize in weddings and events, but I am happy to help you with any of your photographic needs.

As a former event manager, I also have a smattering of contacts from the industry, from DJ's to bakeries to florists, and I plan on sharing my favorites with you here.

It is my hope that you will use this blog as a resource to help you plan your events -- whether it's a wedding or a surprise party, or just a small gathering of friends.

Feel free to e-mail me if you have topics in mind that you would like me to discuss.

Of course, please visit my web site as well.