Photography LOVERS! ~here you go

To all aspiring photographers. Weather you're interested in just taking better photos of your everyday life or becoming a professional here are some things that have helped me along the way.

I became a professional photographer by accident. I was Vice President of Internal Operations for a large furniture company. I was laid off after working there for 8 years. I searched for a long time to find another position that I would enjoy and could have a career I would love. After a long search and photographing on the side for almost 2 years, my husband suggested I start taking myself seriously. He believed in me and my work and said to go for it. If it wasn't for the push from him, I don't think I would have dreamed of starting my business.

I read a TON! Understanding Exposure is a great way to learn about photography. It's a wonderful introduction and will give you a good basic understanding on how lighting and functions of your camera interact. Read your camera manual and then reread it again. You will find valuable information in there. I still carry mine in my camera bag.

I took as many classes as I could. I still attend seminars to keep up on trends and get new ideas.

Join a photography forum. Have your peers critique your images. I truly believe its an invaluable way to improve. Don't take the comments personally. Sometimes they are harsh, mostly helpful and you will discover things about your work, you never would have. People will give helpful tips and tricks. It was on forums that I discovered my personal style.

If you are interested in becoming a professional...There are so many people who can afford professional level equipment and can gain the same knowledge you can. You honestly have to be on your top game. You have to be 10x better than the people around you for you to stand out. You've got to discover what it is that makes you different. It's so easy for anyone to get a website or blog up and going. Search the web and you will see some amazing work and some awful work. You have to educate your clients. If your clients are educated, then your work has to be top notch. You won't be able to fool them, however they will appreciate good quality work and know the difference.

Practice, Practice, Practice. I'm still learning and evolving as a photographer. I don't want to be in such a rut that photography is not fun any more or that all of my clients have the same pose with the same prop on their walls. Every session is custom and I wouldn't have it any other way. I still love photography as much as I did when I was in third grade. I'm still excited to get my prints back from the lab. To keep up the fun, I schedule at least one experimental session just for me each month.

Keep shooting and love the art of it!
~jamie

The 3 Boys

Tony and I had quite an elaborate plan to surprise Anthony and Vinny with Artie. They were so excited and almost surprised. We changed the plan at the last minute due to the weather. We walked into the house and Artie's new doggy bed is near the front door. Anthony said, "A dog bed? Oh my gosh Vinny we're getting a puppy." As Tony was bringing him up the stairs. He is too smart for his own good sometimes. He's like a little detective who forgets NOTHING!

Anthony likes and plays with him more than I was expecting and Vinny loves him just as much as I had thought he would. Artie and Vinny will be life long pals. Vin lays on the floor next to Artie's bed while he is sleeping. Vinny is secretly trying to wake him up, however that is one tough task. I swear the puppy sleeps more than I did in my first trimester of pregnancy. Artie is Vinny's only friend while Anthony is away at school all day.

Tony and I wanted to get a photo of the boys with the puppy. I want a HUGE canvas for my newly painted kitchen walls. I think Tony was a little annoyed when I asked him to come with us. I'm sure he was thinking of a few hours to himself.. She does this all of the time by herself...Why does she need me to come anyway? What he must have forgotten is, usually I have the parents of the child I am photographing at the studio as well. Now while I'm photographing my own children I am no longer a parent I'm the crazy photo lady, who lets them jump on my bed, have wild light saber battles and put mud all over their bodies. Add a puppy to the mix and watch out. After it was all said and done, Tony said to me, "There is no way you would have been able to do the session alone." Really? I thought;)

~jamie

an offer

I am extending the offer of a complimentary session and 8x10. This offer is a value of $140 and only available on sessions photographed before May 31, 2009.
To schedule your session, call 586-855-6549.

Catching up

Lots has happened in the past few weeks...

Jen and Greg from Croft and Campbell are moving out of the studio. I am so sad about this first bit of news. I have enjoyed working with them so much. They decided they weren't using the camera room and are making a few changes to their business. While I am happy for them, I still want to be selfish and keep them. I'm speaking with a few other photographers in hopes to be able to stay at the studio. I enjoy it there and am not quite ready to move out.

Artie, our new puppy moved in.

My little sis Cait turned 30! Happy belated Birthday old lady. And she'll be back in town for a quick weekend visit.

There are a few other exciting new things happening at Jamie Fodale Photography. You'll just have to keep posted until they are official.

One thing I can mention now is a feature article in The Bump a new local maternity magazine. It is a free publication owned by the same company as theknot.com, a helpful wedding web site for the bride to be. If you see it in stores pick one up for me. The Knot also has a web site for thebump.com and thenest.com. The article will contain images from a maternity and new born session of twins. I photographed them almost a year ago! I can't wait for their first birthday session. Two one-year olds and a cake! Messy, but fun! here is their new born session and also the maternity session.

I'm still offering this photo class. If you're interested let me know asap.
Take care
~jamie

Pretty in Pink and Blue

This is to add to our new series, Pretty in Pink. It's a super girly
studio session. Filled with accessories and tutus, sugar and spice and everything nice. I've photographed Abby quite a few times in her young life. Don't you just love her little crinkled nose? Now she's going to be a big sister! I can't wait for her summer session.
I hope you enjoy these as much as I enjoy these fun filled sessions!
jamie

Artie - 8 weeks

We visited Artie last week. He gained 3 pounds in 1 week! Here are a few more photos of him. He's on top in the middle of the group photo. We will be bringing him home on Tuesday and the boys still have no idea. I can't wait to see the look on their faces. We have an elaborate scheme to show them both at the same time while Tony is home from work. Tough, not impossible. Anthony will be on his lunch break at school and we're worried, he won't want to go back. I can't wait to have our first studio session with the three boys. I am getting a HUGE canvas for my newly painted kitchen. Until then here you go!

Tragedy-4 teens killed by a drunk driver

You can read about the tragedy here.

I'm sure, if you live in the area, you've heard about the tragic accident where a drunk driver hit and killed 4 Lakeshore teens. I have known one of the teen's uncle since kindergarten. The community has been in shock and now it has wrapped their arms around the teen's families. People have donated anything and everything they could. Private citizens, Kaul Funeral Home, Viviano's and several restaurants just to name a few.
On Sunday, March 29 a bowling benefit at Continental Lanes beginning at 8am and ending at 11am. You can bowl 2 games for $20, shoe rental will be included as well as a raffle ticket for a door prize. Some great items will be raffled off...signed and stamped Red Wings hockey sticks, a rare Stanley Cup signed jerseys and 4 tickets to a game as well as a tour of the locker room after the game. Buffalo Wild Wings, 2 months free gym membership, tanning packages and I have also donated a photography package valued at $415.
Tickets can be purchased in advance. If you have any further questions, I will try to answer them as best as I can. You can reach me at 586-855-6549. One of the organizers can be reached via Face Book at
Dave.

Take care, drive safe and please help these families any way you can.
Thank you,
~jamie