Tuesday, March 30, 2010

What to wear? That is... for a group portrait!

The most common question I am asked when booking a portrait session is "Cindi, what should I wear?" There is no easy way to answer this, and so I will try to give some examples.


1. What type of image do you want to create?
Personally I love "contemporary lifestyle" images, which to me is colorful, simple, everyday clothing. I want my personal portrait to speak of where I am now in my life, and everyday. My family and I are simple people with a fun lifestyle, those are the images that will hang in our home. If we dressed up too much it wouldn't portray our true personalities, the clothing would limit us and of course the final image. What is your style? Or what do you want this next portrait style to be? Contemporary? Traditional? Playful? Solemn? Old fashioned? Black and whites ONLY?

2. Where is the background?
Is it a beach, light tan sand, blue water, tons of light? Well then I recommend bright colorful outfits. Unless of course you want the serene monotone look then go for white, tan, light denim.
Is it a park, with bushes, flowers, ponds, grasses areas? Well then I recommend colors that will stand off of those colors. Don't wear greens, you'll be lost in the tones of the park.
Is it a wooded area with brown leaves, sand, tans, and pine trees? Then do cool colors, vibrant and simple.
Is it an urban area with concrete, brick, traffic, signs? Well then I recommend a more city nights looks. Sleek lines, form fitting, fun. Pick something that makes you feel like shaking it and being playful!
Is it your home? Consider the light, colors and scenery of the area where the portrait is being taken.

3. What's in the closet?
Once you've decided on the style and the background you're ready to hit the closet. NO you don't need to go shopping quite yet... Look through your closet, LADIES, pick your favorite outfit FIRST! Then lay it on the bed. Find something in your husbands wardrobe that compliments yours and then on to the children. Squint your eyes and see if any of the choices punches you in the face! If it does pull that item out of the mix and look for an alternative. IF someone needs an updated shirt or pants then you can shop til you drop. You'll know your working palate of colors and have a goal in mind before you head out to the store.

Good images require a certain comfort level from you, the subject. If you are scared of losing your balance in high heels, exposing sensitive areas or sweating in a tight shirt then good pictures are going to be harder to come by. Stick to clothes you like, that build your confidence, are functional, and comfortable.

4. Fashion No-No's
-Avoid crazy patterns, designs and logos too. Clothing with distinct lines, dots and bright patterns can be troublesome too. Same goes for shiny fabrics.
-Keep your jewelry choices simple and minimal.
-Trendy clothes date the image, so watch out for fads... (remember parachute pants?)
-Overgrown haircuts, chipped polish, treat yourself to the salon.
The goal of clothing is to add interest to the portrait, however you don't want it to distract from the expressions and emotion of the image. Enjoy the preparations and don't over think it. Visit my portfolio at the link below to see some great clothing choices. Cindi's Website
I hope that this entry has helped you in some way. If you're ready for an updated portrait please think of Cindi with an eye!



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Nobody's home





If I was a bird I'd probably love to live in this little house. Cute huh?

I guess I'm most like a wood pecker, always busy and sorta noisy.

What kind of bird would you be? Leave me a comment.

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Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Irritable Mother


Ok I have been known to be an Irritable Mother in the past, who hasn't, this eyeblog entry is dedicated to Karen Hossink. Karen is the author of two books about being an Irritable Mother. She is an exceptional speaker, writer and women of God. I had the pleasure last year of being in her company. She visited Ocala and spoke at a MOPS night at Christ the King Anglican, where I also attend church. Karen recently contacted me to use some of the photos I captured at the event, wow I was thrilled!

Remember my Lenten promise to shut down the computer at 7 pm? Well I am still doing just that and have begun to read her first published book, Confessions of an Irritable Mother. Hope you can go to her site, see my images, and maybe order yourself a copy to read. We all need the support and wisdom to be the best women we can be.

Check them out here on her website
.  http://irritablemother.com/195/moms_night_out.htm
 Karen and a mom at the event I attended.

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Monday, March 22, 2010

Photo Walk Downtown

A much needed photo outing was planned for this morning. It was overcast, and threatening to rain on all three of us. We still geared up and went hiking through the downtown area. We shared some settings, tips, compositional ideas and some laughs. It was a nice time had by all and we agreed to try to get together more often. Sure hope it happens again.

Azalea's are blooming and growing even in this chilly weather!


A fellow shooter on the walk.

Watch out...here comes the train!



Southern Plate & Glass worker. Amazing workshop!

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Thursday, March 18, 2010

YMCA Family Photo Days

Are you a member of the Marion County YMCA? If so you could register for a FREE family photo session with Cindi (valued at $75). Cindi and the YMCA have partnered up to provide this service to the Y families. A portion of the proceeds from print sales will be donated to the YMCA Scholarship fund. Sessions will take place on April 17 and 18, 2010 ONLY. These 13 family sessions will fill up fast so go to the YMCA front desk to register now!

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Got painted at Polished

A new client of mine, Polished Salon, was the location for a recent field trip for the girls and I. The girls wanted a haircut and a pedi, so off we went for an afternoon at the salon. Complete with snapshots! Hope you enjoy the painted look of Polished.

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Monday, March 15, 2010

Eye love Charity

Eye love Charity

Every month, I donate my time and talent to a non-for-profit charity event. This month I had the pleasure to attend Blessed Trinity's Red and White event (again this year!) What a glorious night. It's a fund raiser for the primary school that includes an auction, black tie dinner, live auction, and this year bribed karaoke. NO JOKE! What a riot that was, I stay two extra hours til the stroke of midnight to watch these poor souls sing. I laughed so hard, and was really entertained by a rendition of Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison." The guy who performed that was better than Cash! No kidding.

In my two years of business I have worked with some amazing non-for-profit organizations, here are a few:
Boys and Girls Club of Marion County
Arnette House
Interfaith
Grace School
Humane Society of Marion County
Marion County Literacy Council
Time to Dance
Ambleside School
ARC of Marion/MCBIA
Mary Ellen School of Dance
YMCA
St. Matthew's Lutheran Church
Austism Awareness Club
Druid Hills United Methodist Church
Womens Veterans


Next month's charity is the YMCA. We are raising money for the scholarship fund. Cindi will be giving over 12 free family portrait sessions on April 17 & 18. Twenty percent of the profits from those gallery sales will benefit the YMCA!  WANNA have your photo taken with NO session fee??? Call the YMCA or stop by the front desk at the YMCA to register.

So Cindi is committed for charity well into 2010, however I have a few months open. If you know any charities in need tell them to call me and check my calendar.

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Monday, March 8, 2010

Dinner on the Porch


Cooking out is so much fun in this gorgeous (long awaited) weather. My new favorite is Haas Avacados with coarse sea salt. Thanks to Jason for introducing me to this flavor explosion! yummmy.

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Friday, March 5, 2010

Oh honey!



I had a shoot downtown this crisp morning and drove past the Farmer's Market on Magnolia Ave. I've always wanted to stop and snap some pics. From the road its seems so "organic and lively." I enjoyed the stroll around the veggies, bread, plants, and....honey! Oh the sweet taste of honey on my morning biscuit. It was on my grocery list so what the heck! I bought some organic honey and of course took some shots too!
Yum. Breakfast tomorrow is gonna taste yummy with my honey.

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Thursday, March 4, 2010

Sunshine feeling

Winter has held on way too long. I hope it releases it's grip just a bit. However, how could your heart not be warmed by the apparent love that passes between these two.

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Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Swing like there's no tomorrow.

On a recent photo shoot my client said to me... "I want to swing like I am 12 years old forever!"  You know, you should, I thought to myself. Why not? Life is so short, who said you had to be stuffy, stressed, and so concerned all the time? NO ONE people. Let loose, live a little, smile at a stranger, giggle and sing in your car (way too loud). These things are good and healthy.
A special thanks to Nik for inspiring this entry and my happiness today!

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Monday, March 1, 2010

Friends forever

Do you have to wait until you are retired to sit on a park bench with a friend, sip coffee, and shoot the breeze? I don't think so. I think the perfect day to do that is today or even tomorrow, but don't put it off longer than that.

For me, quality time is put on my calendar, actually "booked" so I don't let it pass. Noooo, I'm not that important or busy or saving the world, it's just that I tend to be a task oriented kind of chic. Time seems to slip away from me in the mundane tasks of life and on my to do list. So I actually make appointments with myself to spend time doing the things that make me happy. I CHOOSE to be happy and to maintain that happiness. It isn't selfish or silly, its important to remember my role in this world and to stay focused and well.

Even this Lent I chose to power down my Mac before 7 pm for the 40 days until Easter. Easy, right?!  Ok you try it!! It was so difficult at first to budget my time and be ready to shut down by 7 pm. It's been a couple of weeks and now I look forward to my evenings. We are back to our game nights, I am reading a BIG girls book (not kiddy literature), and my husband hangs out with me. Happiness.

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PS- Now that The Gathering is over, eye blog will be recommitted to all that I LOVE! Photography, Family, and Photo Tips!  Stay tuned.