A Fairy Tale Wedding

What little girl hasn’t looked at Cinderella’s Castle at Disney World, and thought how extraordinarily wonderfully awesome it would be to be married at Disney….

The dream usually involves our bride being dressed by fairies in pink and blue, then magically transported on Cinderella’s coach drawn by six miniature snow white horses to the base of the castle, where Prince Charming waits in breathless anticipation of the first sight of the love of his life…… it is a very good dream.

A Possible dream!

Ok, a VERY expensive dream too!

Disney has a variety of incredibly picturesque locations for weddings, besides the castle. The wedding Pavilion on Bay Lake, the point at the Polynesian Resort, the Yacht club, The Grand Floridian and Wilderness lodge all have glorious views – the perfect setting for your happily ever after.

But hold on to your pocketbooks!

A simple escape for 4 is a minimum of $4,500 (plus lodging), and larger weddings have minimums of $10 to $20 thousand or more, depending on season and venue.

These rates do NOT include the photographer… I felt I should add that…

There are alternatives to the full monte, of course.

Consider the delightful, intimate affair I took part in last September which was accomplished for under $2,000…. And that included the dress!

The bride and groom rented a 2 bedroom villa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort for one night, and held the wedding in the common room. After the simple but elegant ceremony, the wedding party went for drinks in Disney’s Port Orleans resort, where our bride and groom took a half hour carriage ride along the canal - not for the huge fee that they get for Cinderella’s coach, but for $45 – the normal tourist rate.

As the photographer and, (I have to admit), father of the groom, I had an exceptional variety of beautiful places and people to photograph; and great memories to capture for our couple.

Was their Disney experience a bad one? Of course not! It was exquisite in every way – it was just not held at any of the iconic “Disney” locations.

In retrospect, the location didn’t matter at all. Doug and Sara were so “in” to each other that they didn’t seem to notice their surroundings. The wedding was, as all weddings should be, an affirmation of their love for each other, NOT a show to impress guests.

Instead of a bachelor party, we all spent the evening before at the Magic Kingdom, at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party (in costume, of course), and the day after, the couple celebrated their first full day as husband and wife alone, at…. Universal Studios.

Even a Disney wedding doesn’t have to be ALL Disney…. Just MOSTLY Disney…

For more information of your own Fairy Tale Wedding, go to www.disneyweddings.go.com, or call them at Disney’s office of Fairy Tale Weddings, at 321-939-7100, or 407-827-6799

For more information on doing a wedding without spending a fortune, you’re on your own.

“WHAT? I’m on my own???”

Yes, you’re on your own. All of the bridal magazines and specialty brochures you read are designed to sell you something and usually an expensive something. Even MY advice and ideas are, at least in part, designed to sell you on my profession’s services.

So while you are on your own, think of families, friends, pretty locations that don’t involve Maitre D’s or liquor licenses and remember how much you are in love with your intended mate. THAT is the only really important thing.

But Disney is nice too.

For a few photos from that delightful, intimate Disney Wedding, click here.

The REAL America

The REAL America….

Forget politics. Forget Government programs.
Forget right and left.

I experienced the REAL America this past Saturday, at a benefit for Shannon Johnson, who was left paralyzed by an auto accident last year.

This event made me reflect on this great country and its people, to try to identify what and who we really are – and I have come up with a few observations. What makes up the REAL America? Who are we really?

The REAL America includes the guys in the tractor shed next door roasting the pigs and drinking beer.

The REAL America includes those friends who give of themselves to put on a benefit with no reward other than the heartfelt thanks of everyone that they touch.

The REAL America includes the friends who solicited donations from local wineries and businesses.

The REAL America includes those businesses who give from their profits and stock to help someone in need.

The REAL America includes band, vocal group and a DJ who donated their time to help someone who needs it.

The REAL America is young, old, skinny, fat, professional, redneck, employed and unemployed.

The REAL America is people with dreams, whether it is to start their own business or work at a job.

The REAL America includes all those who paid for the party with money that might have been better spent elsewhere – but knew a real need and wanted to help.

The REAL America looks to themselves first, then to each other.

The REAL America IS the most generous people in the world.

What an awesome people! What an awesome country!

For more photos of this event, please visit http://monroepayne.smugmug.com/Events/Shannon-Johnson-Benefit. Profits from any sales will go directly to the family.

My Review of Photogenic StudioMax III AC Operated 320ws Constant Color Monolight, with Reflector & Flashtube.

Adorama

Photogenic StudioMax III AC Operated 320ws Constant Color Monolight, with Reflector & Flashtube.

Photogenic StudioMax III AC Operated 320ws Constant Color Monolight, with Reflector & Flashtube.

Lightweight, Reliable and Consistent

Monroe Payne Ithaca, NY 4/25/2009

 

5 5

Pros: Attach Securely, Long-Lasting, Durable

Best Uses: General Use, Portable

Describe Yourself: Pro Photographer

My use of the StudioMax 320 is location photography. I transport a pair to my location sessions, and have had 100% reliability and consistent color, every time.

Although I would not recommend dropping them, when it has happened, they have continued operation as if nothing happened.

()

Still Standing Guard

Meet Sindl. She is an old, old kitty, but you will always find her at the ready if one of the Grandchildren is sick.

She's been on guard since my son the Knight was in Junior high, worrying over his hurts and woes.

What a comfort she is. Always there and always gentle - unless there is a foe about.

Then she becomes Camo-Kitty, the war cat.

When she is gone, I'll have these photos, and will be able to tell young Gabriel what a valient cat it was that would stand over him, protecting him, and trying to make the hurt go away.

Will you have those photos of your loved ones, or your pets to tell the next generation about?

Talk to me. I want to help.

Monroe

Displays of Art Work to View

" Just a few last minute instructions..."

This is one of a series of photos of the Sterling Renaissance Faire photographed in July 2007.

The Cardinal is actually Michael Reilly, a software engineer from Massachusetts, and the horse belongs to the "New Riders of the Golden Age" jousting troupe, ridden by the evil knight Sir William Dudley.

I'm often asked, "How do you get a photo like that?"

The answer is, the camera has to be with you, on and ready at all times.

The other answer, is that you must be open to recognizing these images as they occur, and be willing to actually lift the camera to your eye instead of just standing there in open mouthed awe. Yes, that is a difficult thing to do at the Ren Faire.

Another way is to leave the camera at your eye continually. I would, but my wife Janet, who makes the exquisite costumes we wear, seems to think that a camera in my face detracts from our overall regal impact as we walk the faire....

But now to the actual purpose of this post - We have two brand new displays up at local businesses, Transformations Hair Salon, http://www.transformationshairstudio.com/, and at Trumansburg Optical on Main Street in Trumansburg, NY. http://www.trumansburgoptical.com/. These businesses have been supporters and clients for years, and are the best of their types.

Also, I would like to recognize the Lansing Star Online, http://www.lansingstar.com/ for being a tremendous supporter of the Lansing community. I appreciate their client centeredness and sense of civic responsibility. Thank you, Dan and Karen Veaner, publishers.

Until next time!

More thoughts on kindness

This week, my family and I are coping with the death of my Mom, Jean Payne. She lived a very full 90 years, and we are now attempting to put together a fitting memorial service for her.

If there is a perfect word to describe her, it would be "Kind". "Selfless" and "Loving" would also fit, but "Kind" fits best.

Six years ago, she had a brain "incident", which caused her to be hospitalized for two months, then moved to a nursing home for three more months. Her recovery  - her REAL recovery began at the nursing home when she began to pay attention to the hurts, woes and concerns of the other patients, putting their problems  before her own. 

What a glorious lesson for us all. The self-healing power of concern,  love and kindness that was embodied in her life, can work for all of us in our own lives.

I have a purpose in my own life - I have a need to make someone - ANYone, at least once a day, laugh.  Snickers, half smiles and rolling eyes don't count. It has to be a really good laugh.

Have you ever been in a supermarket and been the person BEHIND the booger who is giving the young cashier a hard time? You know the scene. She is dutifully taking care of the next customer (you) but what she really wants to do is dissolve in tears. She's biting her lower lip, and you can see her lips and hands trembling - her eyes are moist.....

Here is where humor and kindness can truly make someone's day, week or month.

I lean over and quietly whisper to her "You know, if it wasn't for the assholes, you wouldn't appreciate the nice folks...."  The clouds part, the sun shines and the smile takes over the formerly upset face. Then the laughter begins. It's worth it.

Ok, it's a gift. But even gifts take practice.

The more you practice at being kind, the easier it gets, and the more you want the results of your being kind, the more it becomes a need.... kind of like a narcotic....

I think I understand Mom a little better.

Until next time.

Monroe

PS, I hope you like the photo above. Find more like it at http://www.yessy.com/paynephoto/gallery.html. There are several galleries within my site. Please enjoy them all.

No act of kindness is ever wasted. Ever.

So what is an act of kindness?

It should be self explanatory, but in case you missed the memo, let me elucidate.

Monte Zucker, one of the all time greats in the photo business, took the time to respond to an email I sent him; a 4 page letter that I received only a few short hours after I sent mine to him.

As a beginning professional photographer, I had no reason to even consider the possibility that he might even respond with an automated note - I was a nobody. But not to Monte.

Monte knew that everyone was special, and had incredible gifts that just had to be properly nurtured and allowed to grow. His willingness to take the time to encourage me has helped set the tone for my professional life, a tone of sharing and continual growth.

We have no idea what our words or actions will have on those we touch. Negative words are poison, and once they leave our lips (or keyboard) they are nearly impossible to erase. It is amazing how clearly they are remembered by those who heard, and how they affect those in the line of fire.

Positive words, on the other hand, don't usually make the news. But they are remembered, nurtured and cherished by those who have the fortune to be their recipient.

And they are life changing.

So back to kindness. What is kindness?

It is taking the time to help someone who has no possibility of paying you back. It is a smile; a kind word or a forgiving attitude. It is three minutes with a child, paying attention like there is noone else in the world.

It is knowing that you will leave each person you touch a little better than you found them.

Practice your kindness. The smiles you get in return are addicting.

Until next time!

September's Wedding in a Fantasy World

And you thought all I did was take pictures......

This past September in the fantasy world we keep in our back field, a great celebration took place; the marraige of Sage Hektor Malthesian and Aleah Juleswood, an elven healer.

Ok, not your average wedding, not your average town, and definately not an ordinary day.

Welcome to the world of LARPing, or Live Action Role Playing. Janet and I have been hosting this game (or some version thereof) for the last 16 years. During all of that time, we have played our separate characters, never being the man & wife we are outside of the game.

This year, we corrected that gross oversight, by injecting a little romance and intrigue, and finishing up with a marraige celebration and feast (including a pig roast) to reward all of those players and characters who have kept us young these last 16 years.

For more information (and more photos), go to http://www.lansingstar.com/content/view/4087/66/ for the Lansing Star's article. While you're there, look around the publication. You will be surprised and delighted.

And while you're on line, please check out http://www.yessy.com/paynephoto/gallery.html, where I've posted a few of my landscape photos. Enjoy!

Autumn Lane Most Watched Image

Although I am primarily a portrait and wedding photographer, I get a real joy from my landscape and art images. And it sometimes surprises me which images are looked at and enjoyed by people on the web.

This item, Autumn Lane, is the most viewed of any on my images on www.yessy.com/paynephoto/gallery.html. This image is part of my "Signature" series, which are all signed. See? Signature.

This image was taken last October near Cayuta, in Schuyler County, NY.

Right now, I am in the process of creating a web site to showcase my art work - well, I am having a great designer Dave Makar of 544 Productions in Ithaca, NY do the work - and while the task is daunting, it will be gratifying to be able to share these images with everyone.

A feature of the new site will be a "Photo of theWeek" link, where the image that I find appealing at that particular moment will be shared with everybody on my list. I welcome critiques, and may even offer freebies to people who share their opinions!

Also, coming soon, I'll share with you articles I have found of value in my business, my life and in my photography.

That's all for now. Have a great week!

Monroe

Autumn Splendor in the Adirondacks

Columbus day weekend is the most spectacular time of the year in New York's Adirondack mountains. The colors are rich and vibrant, the weather is cold at night and crisp during the days, and the sun seems a little closer than in the city.


Up at Big Moose Lake, each of the branches of the lake has its own personality. North bay is quiet and soft, shallow and peaceful. East bay is a bit more breezy, and the lake itself changes moods at its whim.


In the crisp mornings near dawn, the mist rises from the lake like a blanket being slowly removed after the night's slumber, to reveal a playground for visitors and wildlife alike.

This photo was taken at Camp Waldheim, on Big Moose Lake.

What to look for in a Professional

Here's something we don't think about nearly often enough, what to look for in a Professional Photographer.

Ok, it's not something we talk about a lot, and choosing a photographer is not something we do every day - or year - but a good decision here can be the beginning of a joy forever.

First, does he or she take good photos? I know, that's a no-brainer, but some people are so unable to fight sales pressure that they agree to a package and a photographer that isn't first rate. Look at their web site. Look at their portfolio. It is a fair question - "Did you take all of these?" Some photographers work for a studio that has several photographers, and the sample work may not have been taken by the one you're hiring!

Second, would you feel safe, alone with this person? To get extraordinary images, there has to be trust. Me - I'm far too trusting. My wife, on the other hand, is not. In this case, I defer to her judgement when we are choosing someone to do a job for us, or hiring a third photographer for an event.

Last, are they reliable. Once you pay your money, do they show up on time? Do they deliver what they say, when they promise? Get references. Talk to former clients.

Remember, a good photographer won't be cheap. If you want cheap, go to Wal Mart. If you want emotional, fun, exceptional photography, use a professional.

A Keynote Speaker

Ok, this is not usual.

I was invited to be a keynote speaker at a conference at Cornell University.
Sounds impressive, don't you think....

Actually, it was fun. I was speaking to about 150 4-H'ers and parents on adding photography to their projects, and actually entering their images at State Fair.

They gave me 40 minutes, and I found it wasn't nearly enough time.

So lets hit the high points, and you be the judge of my material.

First, photograph what you love.
Second, make the photo technically correct, exposure, color, contrast etc.
And third (most of the talk), composition.

Start with the background. Fuzz it out. Eliminate it. Soften it. Uncluter it. Darken it, but make your subject stand out no matter what.

Next, apply the rule of thirds. If you don't know what that is, e-mail me and we'll have a conversation.

Next, don't shoot straight on. Photos look better with perspective, diagonals, curves and the DaVinci Curve as compositional elements. DaVinci Curve later.

And most important, carry the camera with you every day, so you can capture those moments that are otherwise lost. Images like the 2 geese flying at rooftop levels into the sunrise. Kids climbing on the jungle gym over your head. Natural Ice Formations from this past March's ice storms.

Very last, be sponges. Never grow tired of learning and improving. Play with that camera. Push it past its limits. Every day. Go for it.

And for you budding great photographers, check out www.shootsmarter.com. The best advice and tutorials in the world!

See you next time!

Monroe

Ice is Cool

The ice storms that the Northeast has experienced this past week created a veritable candyland for photographers!

And for the truly dedicated (or slightly insane) photographer, even falling flat on your back (while holding the camera up to protect it) doesn't stop you from capturing truly sparkling images.

Like this one.

I had just fallen and was seeing stars after slamming my head on the ice. When I turned my head, I saw this image and took it.

Sometimes a new prespective, whether by choice or accident, can help with one's creativity....

And I have no idea why Blogger won't let me add spaces between paragraphs...

And this is totally unrelated to anything. Click here for one of the most beautiful slide show creations I have ever seen, an Irish Blessing.

Stock Photography

What exactly IS Stock Photography?

And why should you care?

Everyone in the world who has any contact with civilization has contact with Stock Photography. Virtually every brochure with a smiling face, every sign with a pretty background, a hairdresser working on a client, a group of executives in a heated discussion; most of these images are not created for the advertisement. They are purchased from a stock agency.

http://www.istockphoto.com/ and http://www.shutterstock.com/ are two companies I have some experience with, and they deal very differently from each other. iStockphoto sells subscriptions, where their clients can download 2 or 10 or 100 images a month (depending on their subscription).

Shutterstock allows 25 images per day or a max of 750 per month for a monthly fee. You can subscribe for a month, or any longer period...

The stock agency I am most familiar with is http://www.photoshelter.com/, which is designed by and run by photographers. This company sells individual images to end users, not subscriptions. Find the image you want, and don't worry about cluttering your computer system with extra photos that you have no need for.

I have recently been accepted into PhotoShelter as a contributor. The link here is to my collection, small at first, but it will grow. http://psc.photoshelter.com/user/paynecollection

When you get there, go ahead and sign up - as I post new images, you will be notified. Some new, some fun, some sassy. I photograph what I see and what I feel. Like seniors, there are no gimmicks, just real images, done in a way that pleases.

Introducing Senior Photography

This has been a delightful week.







I had the singular joy of photographing my great friend Tom and Jane VanderZee's twin seniors, and presenting the photos to them.

Tom and I have known each other since we were 12, and to be able to tell stories to his kids about those long ago days - stories that they had never heard - was so much fun... I think that Nick and Lauren have a better appreciation for their dad now.

So what's this about adding Seniors to our products?

I've seen so many Senior photographers adding gimmicks and presentation ploys to get business at the expense of providing good photography. We simply take great photos that make our clients look their very best.

No, I don't do buttons, fancy posters, big books and such. Just great photos that will bring back the pride that their parents feel each time that they look at the beautiful portrait displayed on the wall. And we don't forget the cool photos that the seniors will be proud to hand out to their friends.

More next time!

The Cardinal

In the gentle town of Sterling in Northern NY is the famous Sterling Renaissance Faire, where, as I have posted before, my son Douglass has jousted this summer with the New Riders of the Golden Age.

My purpose in attending the faire this particular day was to photograph the jousters only. I left family behind so that I could pay attention to the task at hand.

When you set on a photographic task, you are sometimes blind to other opportunities. Happily, this was NOT hte case today. Sir William Dudley had just completed outfitting his horse Marcus in his gleaming armor when the Cardinal came to visit. To the left is the result, which I call "The Blessing".

Busy Summer!

The centerpiece of Central New York's summer is the Sterling Renaissance Festival, held in the tiny village of Sterling NY, right near the shore of Lake Ontario.

My reasons for visiting were entirely family related, as my son Doug is performing as a jouster twice daily, putting his competitors in mortal peril twice daily.

This is him, having just ridden out to greet the cheering crowd as they are chanting Doug-Lass Doug-Lass. Although the ground combat is choreographed, the jousts are not. The one that wins the joust is truly the victor. Unlike other shows, the lances that these combatents use are NOT designed to break. The sword strikes are not held back. This is full contact battle, reminiscent of those days of yore...

Also at the faire are comedians, musicians, jesters and wenches, and a fair number of ruffians and scoundrels. Don Juan and Miguel, with the lovely Esmeralda, is the longest running show, now in their 20'th year of laughter, whip and swordplay.

Baltimore Pyrate Invasion

Harrrrgh, Matey's, Landlubbers and you scurvy little bilge rats!

We've just reached land after a mighty good time at Fells Point in Baltimore Harbor, site of the 3'rd anual Pyrate Invasion (and Pub Crawl).

The lovely lady to the left is Ma'am Marie, one of the best dressed ladies (and a comely wench to boot).

Those who came in costume were invited to board Baltimore's own "Clipper City" tall ship, then sail into and storm the Broad Street dock. With so many pirates in the ship, the doors could not open, so when we made the dock, we had to jump the gunwales.

Hundreds of spectators were on the dock - and we gave them quite a show - but as to storming the port, it wasn't quite the "storm " we intended. The organizers had left a space on the end of the dock for us to land on, but no path through the crowd to run. Had we "stormed" as intended, many a young lass or laddie would have met the briny deep and Davey Jones!

Photo of Casino, PPSNYS Conference

My new web site is up, www.paynefamilyphotographers.com, and I am delighted with it. Ellen Chesler of Lake Effects Web Design, www.lake-effects.net, has done a wonderful job. Please visit, and tell me how you like it!

I don't recall being so jazzed about the future of photography and life in general.

Conferences can do this to you, especially if the speakers are the great ones. The conference was the PPSNYS or Professional Photographers Society of New York State (www.ppsny.com) and was non stop info, beginning to end

Helen Yancy for example, one of the greatest teachers of Corel Painter that exists. www.helenyancy.com, and Suzette Allen, the perkiest photoshop guru of all time. Read her tutorials on www.shootsmarter.com.

When you leave their presentation, your head hurts, both because there was SO much information, and because you want to know so very much more. Their enthusiasm about their craft makes it even better.

Also, Suzette is selling her materials, in part, to finance her ministry www.shineforhim.com. Visit the site. It is far more eloquent than I.

One of the neat features of this conference was the Early Bird speakers, usually members who had expertise in a particular aspect of the business. I attended Steve Chesler's talk about intelligent marketing using the web. Wonderful Eye opener.

How do you like the photo of the Casino in Niagara Falls? This was across the street from our hotel. Cool, Huh!

The next several posts, I'm going to be recounting some of the last weddings I've done, and some of the helpful discoveries I've made. No, I haven't found anything new, just new to me. Maybe the photographers and brides who see this might take something positive from it.

Until next time!

Monroe

www.paynefamilyphotographers.com

New Family Member, and New Affiliation

This is Izzy.

Probably short for Isabel, but she was named by my 5 year old Grandson...

There is nothing quite as wonderful as a curious puppy, and the puppy smell - there is nothing quite so calming and peaceful.

My business is weddings and portraits, but I so rarely get to practice on the very cutest subjects, puppys.

On another subject, Mindy and I have joined a volunteer organization of professional photographers called "Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep", whose purpose is to provide photographic services to families who have lost a baby. This tragedy happens from time to time, and families are usually so stricken with greif that the idea of photography is not on their mind.

Later on, the family has nothing to remember this life, that was lost before it even had a chance to begin. A mother develops a bond and love for the baby before it is born, and what we provide is a remembrance of what is good and wonderful about the time that they did have.

Yes, it's hard. The enormity of the loss hits home every time. The family may not want photos until years later, but they exist, done in a careful and loving way. It is what we can do.

For more information, the organization's web site is www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org.