Mircle Babies

These two little guys were a long time in the making. If I remember correctly 9 years in the making. They are the luckiest little dudes in town. You should see their nursery. So so cute! And they have the most kind parents. I just love twin sessions. They are so much fun and Carson and Connor cooperated so well. Completely opposite personalities, but quite the team. Congratulations again!
~jamie

PS I just love the yawning!

Darcy & Jeffery

My cousin Darcy is engaged to a very nice man, Jeffery. My mom is a crafter and a card creator. She is making their invitations to the wedding. We needed a photo of them so hence our session. After a comedy of errors including Jeffery's glasses needing to be repaired, here our some of my favorites.

Joe and Kellie

Some very good friends of mine are expecting their first baby in just a few short weeks. Since they are friends, I took advantage of the situation and tried out a few new ideas on them. (Yes some people may think of them as guinea pigs, but I choose to call it friends with benefits.) Either way...I'm so glad they were accommodating because I could not just choose my usual 3 or 4. So many are my favorites. Thanks Kellie and Joe for indulging me and ENJOY!

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