Thursday, December 17, 2009

DeyeY Christmas Ornaments


Hi my happy photo friends! Merry Christmas, only eight more days. I hope that you all are enjoying this season in preparation for our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ!

I have the coolest and easiest way to make a keepsake ornament for your tree and all of your families' trees too! It's a D(eye)Y project you can really do.

STEPS to success.
1. Get a digital file of your favorite shot this year! See I picked three cause I always have more than one favorite! (Email Cindi with an Eye if you need to purchase one from me)
2. Buy a teeny tiny frame, Hobby Lobby has them for 50% off! (I paid $2)
3. Measure the frame and print out a small print of your favorite image.
4. Trim, install, and then glue a short piece of ribbon to the back.
Wahh Lahh, you have an ornament to last a lifetime. Be sure to write the date on the back.
For the ones I am making today I am using a ribbon that says "2009 2009 2009" over and over, also from Hobby Lobby.

Special DeyeY gifts for your loved ones, made with love.
Merry Christmas.

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Monday, December 7, 2009

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Film Festival in Ocala? YUP it's true.


Film Festival in Ocala!? Yup, it's true and yours truly (Cindi with an Eye) will be there enjoying all the organic food, vendors and a film! Reserve your $5 tickets here or call 629-4000 See you there!

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Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Online Deals for Holiday Cards

So its the time of year to send some OLE' fashioned stamped mail. I know you ALL want holiday cards, so DO IT..and DIY! Its easy and fun, trust me I've done tons of them.

Step One: This involves finding out the current stamp price ($.44 WOW have times changed).

Step Two: You already have a gorgeous image to work with if you are a past client of Cindi with an eye! $15 per image buys you the digital file to use on a greeting card. So go ahead an email me which one you want! I'll email you the files and you send me a check.

Step Three: Hunt down the best deal on cards, most of them include envelopes. I've done the hard work for you...but look some more there's a lot going on out there.

Step Four: Address the envelopes and find relatives in your address book you didn't even know existed! Fun, maybe some of them even have you in their will!

You'll be so happy you followed my directions and sent a personal greeting. Emails don't cut it anymore, they aren't as personal as schlepping it to the mailbox and opening a handwritten note from someone you haven't heard from in a while.

Click http://www.bobbysbest.com/Discount-Holiday-Cards-Cheap-Photo-Christmas-Card.html to find the most recent online coupon codes so you can find the best deals!!!

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Wednesday, November 18, 2009

new ad


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Wednesday, November 11, 2009

POETRY for those that aren't cultured enough. (me being one.)


Poetry from Women's Wear by: Mary S. Allen

"Family Portrait"

"Gather, dear family, over here;
Gether more closely, Mother dear,
Dad, too, move in, Alice, up straight!
Billy chin down - here's Grandma! Wait!
Everyone set? Then I will snap -
(Billy, you get on Mother's lap.)
Alice your nose! Grandma, turn quick!
Well here it goes! Relax folks!" Click..
From babe to bald each face wears pain.
The picture's called "Our Family Strain."


CUTE HUH!? I loved it since that's the way my dad takes the family shots! Love you daddy!
My service is a little bit more fun, at least that's what they say!

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Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Rockin' it with the family!

Oh Halloween what fun. A time to reach deep inside your soul and dress up like there's no tomorrow. We decided to join the girls in dress up and play a rock star family. Of course the preparation of the event was way more fun than walking through neighborhoods in the dark with a man sporting a pink mohawk. We had the best evening of our lives, standing before the mirror smearing gel into each others hair and finding accessories in the "dress up station."

Life is so short, enjoy the very silly moments like they are your last ones. Capture those moments on film so you can giggle, laugh, and even cry a tear when the moment slips away into the past. We set up the tripod, used the remote trigger and made that night last FOREVER! Rock ON!


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Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Photo Tip-Hard light and shadows!

Hard light and shadows!

So its a bright day, not a cloud in the sky, a great day with your loved ones and you want to take some pictures. All right so you try to find a tree or a building to shade your subjects behind... no luck or the light is still streaming through.

Well kick it to the trunk of your car and get the umbrella that hasn't been used in a month (cause you know you never have it when you need it)! A white umbrella will work best, most golf umbrellas are large and have some white on them. Open it up and hold it over your shoulder while you shoot. Stand in front of your subject with the sun behind you. That way the sunlight is filtering through the umbrella and your subject doesn't have to squint. You also aren't shooting into the bright light.

Ok people now go out and try it. Don't be surprised if people look up at the sky looking for rain clouds when you are trying this out. Love to see your requests before and after! Send them to hi@cindi-withaneye.com

HAPPY SHOOTING!

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Monday, October 26, 2009

FAFO exhibit




FAFO was great this past weekend! Both of our girls were on exhibit for Ocala Springs Elementary! Yippie an entire family of starving artist! We wouldn't want it any other way. A few other favorite artists and friends of ours were there including, Greg Smith, Potter and Jack Thursby, Painter. A great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

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Monday, October 19, 2009

Making new friends and lovin' Fall





What a pleasure it has been getting to know so many wonderful families from Marion County. The Druid Hills Pumpkin Patch was buzzin' this weekend with children, adults, even animals, looking for the perfect pumpkin. Cindi has donated her time and talent to the patch and if photos are purchased will give 10% back to the church. Come on out for some pure fun and have your complimentary photo made with Cindi!! Check the times that you can meet her on the website. See you soon!

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Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Headshots?




So tell me this. What's the deal with the JC Penney headshot? Is that a representation of you as a professional. Does a fake velvet backdrop communicate your ability to provide a service to a customer? Ok you got me I am being a bit silly, but alas to prove a point. Being, that your professional headshot should convey to your audience who you are. Can you be trusted? Are you friendly, focused, creative, or plain fun. I have yet to complete my headshot but I have had the privilege to shoot others. It's sorta tough shooting your own headshot since my head is necessary in operating the camera. I know tripod & remote. I think it's sorta disconnected, I want a human doing it. Fredeck Noir is doing mine soon, so stay tuned. You know I'll write about how nerve wrecking it was to be on the other side of the lens, and how I'd still like to loose a few pounds.

Know someone who needs an updated headshot. Help a friend out and send them to Cindi.

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Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Fall is time for Family!






Fall is a time for Family. If you haven't yet gotten out to enjoy this change of weather make an effort to do so. I know in our quaint town of Ocala, October is the time for festivals. Every weekend or evening there is something to get out and do. Check Ocala.com for event listings, ask other parents, look at the market for flyers.

Take your entire family, pack your camera, some bug spray and an open mind. You'll be pleasantly surprised at the images you can capture when just having some good ole' fashion country fun!

These images were captured at Coon Hollow Farm. We highly recommend a visit before Nov.1. Hope to see you all out at the Druid Hills Pumpkin Patch! If you plan to visit while I am there I will take your photo for FREE! Yeah I know nothing is free, well my time and talent are for 12 days! So come on out and have a fall memory with your family. See you there.

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Wednesday, September 30, 2009

How to catch eight people at once?


SO the question of the day is how to catch eight people at once? Well it isn't easy! Photoshop is very helpful, however my best advice for a large group is spend some time getting to know your subjects. Talk to them prior to the shoot, know their names by heart, make them feel at ease, tell them what is going to happen and how long it will take. Then joke with them, say something silly, have fun, did I mention HAVE FUN! My approach to photography is to capture the family as they are. How can that be done if they are posed like manequins? Last ditch effort, bribe two year olds with marshmallows (inside joke) hehe


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Monday, September 28, 2009

Junior League Autumn Gift Market 2009






Click the title of this entry to go to the online gallery of images at Cindi-withaneye.com!
Junior League's Autumn Market was a joy to attend and be a part of. Photographing the talented children of Marion County was entertaining and challenging, boy was it HOT! If you came out, you know what I am talking about! Water, water, and more water is all I can say! Here's a few of my favorite images from the afternoon. Along with the outdoor entertainment they had an indoor market that hosted some wonderful items, all for sale and perfect timing for the holidays.

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Thursday, September 24, 2009

Why Does Custom Photography Cost More?

The digital revolution has brought flexibility and control for the photographer, the hobbyist, the professional, and the amateur. With flexibility comes a price though. Camera equipment is still considerably more expensive when you factor in its’ lifespan, the need for additional resources for processing those images, and the time it takes to get a usable image.

Even though you pay $1.99 for a print at your local drugstore (although you still pay for memory) you may be wondering why you may pay upwards of $40, 50, 70, 90 for a custom photography print. Some photographers hear this statement every once in awhile:

“How in the world can you charge $60 for an 8×10 if it costs me less than $2 to print at the local drug store?”

The answer is multifaceted and has a lot to do with the time, aforementioned equipment costs, artistic vision and reputation of the photographer, expertise and the usual costs of running a legitimate business.

TIME of the PHOTOGRAPHER:


Here's a scenario: So you have hired a photographer who has work that you love, and that is traveling to you for on location session.

45 min-online gallery hosting
30 mins – 1 hour session prep time (equipment checks, packing, and vehicle checks)
travel time TO & FROM the location
15-30 min prep time at client’s home
60-90 min with client photographing subject
45 min uploading time from camera to computer
30 min backing up the original images
3-6 hours editing time to present you with a diverse gallery of images
1 hour uploading images to online gallery
1 hour processing order & financial paperwork
phone time or time needed for customer service, ordering, and editing requests.

As you can see, average client time for a session ranges from just under 11 hours to 17 hours dependent on the photographer’s level of service. This is time dedicated only to your session. When the photographer charges $100-$300 for the photo shoot you are not just paying for the hour of session time, you are paying the photographer for 11-17 hours complete time for your session.

COSTS of the PHOTOGRAPHER:


Regarding equipment costs, a good quality professional camera with a selection of good optical quality lenses, digital storage mediums and computer set up can run from $10,000-$20,000 costs dependent on the photographer.

Even though you can purchase a really good quality digital SLR for about $2100 there are still other costs related to photography.

Lab costs for specialty products. A good photographer knows the lab is integral to their success. Photography labs dedicated to the professional photographer often cost more and offer a range of products that allows the custom photographer to continually offer new, innovative products for you, the discerning client.

Don't forget to include the costs of running the business, taxes, studio and equipment insurance, vehicular costs, costs of advertising/marketing, costs of sample pieces or gifts given to clients.

APPLES to ORANGES:


Often times clients will mention to their photographer that X studio in the mall/department store only charges $25 for an 8×10 or they may mention other things related to discount photography chains. The fact is those discount chains make their money on volume, not on customized 1:1 service.

The whole reason the big department stores began offering portrait studios in the first place was to get you, the savvy consumer, in through their door so that you could spend more money with them in other departments. Your “PORTRAITS” are considered the true “loss leader”. Going to a chain studio, as a consumer, you don’t have the benefit of 1:1 attention for 2 hours at your home where your child is allowed to explore, play and be comfortable in their home environment, nor do you get the experience that many custom photographers are known for or the lovely captures of natural expressions. You simply get a bare bones, “SAY CHEESE” experience. Keep this in mind when selecting a photographer.

REPUTATION/EXPERTISE of the PHOTOGRAPHER:


Being in demand, being well known for quality work, having a good reputation often costs time on the photographer’s part.

Their expertise comes at a cost, the constant education to stay current and knowledgeable is not free. Being of sound reputation, a better professional photographer knows that they must always reinvest in their business to create the reputation of being top notch. To create good work good equipment, reliable equipment, back up equipment is a necessity. The photographer who desires to be known as better/best/unparalelled reputation-wise knows that the most important thing they can do for their business is reliability and dependability. This is how reputations get built. Good work often is a wonderful side product of building that good reputation.

I hope this article helps shed some light on WHY a custom photographer is a better choice for your family’s memories. I chose this profession out a desire to help others to cherish the present and hold on to those memories. The photographs that are produced as a result of the professionalism and dedication that your photographer has will be cherished for a lifetime (or more) and great thought and consideration should be placed into hiring who is right for your family’s most precious investment.

Article content is inspired by and has direct excerpts from Laurel Housden Photography, as well an article by San Diego Photographers Caught On Film Photography.


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Friday, September 18, 2009

Holroyd clan! Oh their beautiful eyes!!






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What to do after the prints come home?


One of my fabulous clients, Marcia, came up with a beautiful arrangement of her metallic 5x7's. Isn't is awesome! Such a nice show piece for her main hallway leading to the bedrooms. Doing your own framing is fun and makes the art speak in your language, however sometimes people put it off and let the prints sit in a box. Don't let beautiful images go unnoticed. Frame them and enjoy them!
The frame used in this photo was purchased at Ikea in Orlando for under $25. SUPER deal, it doesn't have to be expensive to show well.

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Thursday, September 17, 2009

My model boys!




Wow it's only been 6 months since my last visit to the Batsel home and let me tell you what?! Evan has grown like a weed and actually dropped his seed...Welcome to the world... JAMES! Oh boy oh boy. The Batsel boys are cute, fun, and always full of adventure. James I completely forgive you for the golden shower, it happens. Thanks mom for letting us rearrange the entire living room and play to our hearts content! See you in 6 more months for an update on my little critters.



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Friday, September 11, 2009

Junior League Autumn Gift Market


The Gift Market runs for two days. Cindi will be present on Saturday helping in the performance area. Hope to see all of you out there! Check the link for more information on Junior League's website.

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Wednesday, September 9, 2009

NO sitting fees at the PUMPKIN PATCH


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Park Portrait


Allison, Rick and their three beautiful and bustlin' boys met me at the park at sunrise. What a beautiful morning to hang out and explore nature. Thanks Holroyd family for a fun time! Your gallery will be online soon!

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Tuesday, September 8, 2009

End of Summer Portrait


Aidan & Aubrey sure know how to end the summer! An afternoon in the park with Cindi taking fun pictures. We did piggyback rides, bug hunting, and butterfly observing. This is just one of the many beautiful images we created. Good job guys!

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Friday, September 4, 2009

Chloe has dog breathe.


Of course she does!! Chloe is an adorable little dog that I had the pleasure of working with. What a super dog, she took direction so well and loves her master Bruce! Chloe is the happy pet of Bruce Fishalow, the Executive Director for the Humane Society of Marion County. Please take some time to visit there website and make a donation to help in caring for the pets of Marion County that don't have permanent homes yet. If you're looking for a pet then consider adoption first! We adopted both of our dogs in Orlando, when we lived there and love having them.


HUMANE SOCIETY WEBSITE


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Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Published in Florida Horse!


How exciting to arrive back to the studio today after a hot afternoon of shooting to find the September 2009 issue of Florida Horse! Cindi with an Eye's images from Kiss the Horse Fundraiser were featured in a story. YIPPIE KI YEAH! A special thanks to Marion Literacy Council of Marion County for including me in such a honorable cause! Cindi donates her time and talent, once a month to a non-for-profit group to help in their photography needs. If you know of an agency or person that would benefit from this please contact Cindi below!

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Sunday, August 30, 2009

Great weather makes for an excellent outdoor wedding!


So you take a gamble every time you decide to have an outdoor affair in Florida. With the daily, unpredictable, thunderstorms you never know what to expect. However, for last night's marriage of Adam & Jennifer Scott, the sky was clear and gorgeous and so was the bride! Congrats to you too, I was happy to be a part of your intimate and romantic ceremony. This is just a teaser image, I couldn't resist.

Want Cindi to cover your special event? She only books one wedding a month to ensure that it gets the upmost attention it deserves. Call or email me to have a quote drawn up and no charge.

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Thursday, August 27, 2009

Pottery by Potter's House



Nice work Greg Smith. Your pottery is stunning and inspirational. I really enjoyed working with you and Stephanie to capture the essence of your art. The pottery is hand made and fired in a kiln. The glazes are amazing. And yes, I bought a bunch for Christmas gifts. They'll be hot out of the oven just in time for gift giving! If you are interested in contacting Greg call or email me and I'll pass on his information.

This shot is at 9 am with a diffuser clipped to my step ladder. I loved the morning sun light and the color it made the grass. The dew on the grass glistened in the sun in some of the shots. It was a nice morning to be out and working.

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Friday, August 21, 2009

Great Ocala Scavenger Hunt






WE DID IT! Our family of four made a Friday night event out of this Ocala Star Banner Challenge!
Mission...find 20 downtown locations, photograph them and use the riddle clues and small photos. Mission accomplished. We ROCK! Check out the On the Go section from today's Star Banner paper to see how to have some fun yourselves.

So we found out that we were the fourth group to complete the scavenger hunt!!
Hot diggity dog! I knew we were a good team, but it feels hood to hear someone else say so!
Go Williams family!


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