New Blog Series: Hello Sweetie!

I need your help!

I'm about to do a blog series on the struggles of getting good photos with your partner!

So you're in love! Over the moon, head over heels, all that jazz. Neat! But you know how it is... meetings, work, who has time to relax for photos? Plus, EVERY time you pick up your camera, the love of your life goes "Noooooo, I HATE having my photo taken! I look gross!"

Geeze. All you want is maybe ONE damn picture of this person you care about!

Sound familiar? I can help!

I'm looking for three couples who will be willing to model for me in the Columbus area between the dates of July 22 - July 26th or August 5 - 18th. I would prefer those who have been together a year or more. Gay or straight is awesome! (Dating, engaged or married - any are fine.)

These shoots are relaxed, about an hour, and I PROMISE to get at least ONE photo of you both looking cute. (Because fact: People who like spending time together are cute anyway!)

ALSO!

For being willing to jump in front of the camera, I have a special thank-you gift  from Emperor's Newest Clothes and Smartypants Vintage, who are sponsoring the series. (Hint: It's pretty great!)

If this sounds like something fun for you and your Sweetie, please call me ASAP. If you know someone who would enjoy a fun Couples Shoot and free gift, please forward this to them!

I can be reached at 740 350 3848. If I don't answer the phone, please leave a voicemail so I can call you right back!

You can also reach me via e-mail: ctgraphy@gmail.com.

Local Tuesdays!

I am a HUGE fan of shopping local. I like being able to talk to people and hear the stories behind their products. Being able to hold an item, talk to its creator and share their excitement... there's just nothing like it! Spending money to help a neighbor just feels right - I get something cool, and they get to keep making the cool thing. Winners all around!

This philosophy is one I try to apply to all areas - including costuming and clothing! So,  I am going to be featuring some of my favorite Local Resources for all you lovely readers! This is going to be a regular series, posting every other Tuesday. Tomorrow, Tigertree will kick it off, and then Wholly Craft. These are both fantastic shops. The passion of these store owners is amazing - and I found out a couple of cool things to help my readers on the way to puting together some really fun and unique projects!

I hope this will encourage you to get out and explore Columbus! If you can't, go exploring in your own - and then share YOUR favorite places in the Comments!

Cheers!

The 5 Minute Photo Fix!

These days, cameras are everywhere. We all have the power of photography at our fingertips, in our pockets. Yet I still see lousy selfies popping up on Facebook. Dark hallways. Great Aunt Ethel glowing like a ghost from on-camera flash.

I just want to grab people and go "Oh sweetie, no. NO. You can FIX THAT, it would take you TWO SECONDS."

But, since I probably should NOT start shaking people, I made a tutorial instead!

These are little, TINY things that make a HUGE difference. These are mistakes that everyone has made. You. Me. That guy with the Canikonony 9000.* Big cameras do not equal great photos - so this tutorial is going to help you whether you shoot with a cell phone or an SLR.

*Note: Not an actual camera. Yet. Give them time.

Also, these are tips aren't just for costume. You can use them in ALL your photography. Trust me. Once you start noticing trash cans and bad carpeting, you can't ever unsee them!
 
In fact, I came up with so MUCH stuff, I turned it into a pdf file! How do you get it?

Through the Mailing List!

Sign-up is totally free. Along with "Better in 5", you'll also get Weekly Flashing (my newsletter) and first crack at con photoshoots, too!

So sally forth, brave photographer! And I hope you find "Better in 5" useful!