Welcome:
Hi there, I'm so glad you're here! I'm Melissa, the creative mind
behind Soul Mates Photo. I enjoy spending time with people - with or
without my camera.
Twitter:
I've had a pretty exciting week over here! Published 3 times makes a girl feel loved, for sure. I've been walking around with a extra big smile because of it (that, and Britany Spears tickets!!). Thanks to Ruffled Blog featuring a recent Green House inspiration shoot, Junebug Weddings featuring Jen and Nick and Elizabeth Ann Designs featuring Danielle and Tyler's Maui Wedding for the opportunity!
Send To A Friend
- Share This Entry
-
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
Published
. TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://soulmatesphotoblog.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/125
I've always wanted to teach photography, it's been one of my goals for quite some time. Beginning this month I'll be teaching classes almost weekly! Scheduling something like this is new for me so please if you have suggestions on times and topics I'm all ears. I've currently scheduled lessons for May-June. Please also feel free to download and use these calendars as desktop images!
To signup click here! NOTE* you must register to add items to your cart.
The Class Levels:
Level 1 are beginner level classes. It's geared toward someone who has a interest in photography but doesn't know where to begin or how to use their camera.
Level 2 are intermediate level classes. This level is great for someone who is very interested in learning more about the craft of photography or is interested in starting/furthering a photography business.
Level 3 are advanced classes. This level is for the photographer who wishes to fine tune their skills both in photography and business.
- May 12th 6-8pm - Intro to Photography. Bring your camera. Level 1 Class.
- May 15th 4-7pm - Framing your photograph. Learn how to frame your photographs by better composition. Bring your camera. Location at Studio. Level 1/2 Photo Shoot.
- May 19th 6-8pm - Post processing using Lightroom. Bring your laptop and download the 30 day trial if you do not already have Lightroom. Level 3 Class.
- May 31st 9-11am - Mastering Camera Settings (Shutter + Aperture). Bring your camera. Level 1 Class.
**All Classes with the exception of Photo Shoots are at my studio located at 3906 SW Kelly Ave. Portland OR 97239.
SIGN UP!
JUNE CLASS SCHEDULE:
- June 7th 6-8pm - Setting up your photography business in OR. Level 2 Class.
- June 12th, 5-8pm - Seniors and Editorial Portraits. On Location (my favorite place for summer time shooting! Location to be released after you register). Level 2/3 Photo Shoot.
- June 30th 6-8pm - Mastering Camera Settings (Shutter + Aperture). Bring your camera. Level 1 Class.
MORE ABOUT CLASSES....
- Classes are 2.5 hours. 2 hours of teaching and a half hour of optional Q&A.
- Classes are $55 per person pre registration; $75 at the door. Purchase 3 for only $150 and save 10%. Purchase a class and a photo shoot together and save $15!
- Attendees are suggested to bring their laptop for notes and questions.
Understanding yourself and making the camera work for you
Decoding what type of photographer you are
Scheduling that helps you AND your client
Interactive teaching environment
Opportunity to meet more photographers in the area!
New product details and vendors to research for your product
Make your photography experience easier!
Opportunity to build and foster relationships and networking
In person questioning and answering
After class refreshments, mingling and Q&A
MORE ABOUT PHOTO SHOOTS...
- Photo shoot classes are 3 hours. 2 hours of shooting and 1 hour of explanation, prep, model release, Q&A.
- Shoots are $80 per person pre registration. $90 day of. Purchase 3 and save $15! Purchase one with a class and save $10!
- Able to use the images for your portfolio, website and blog.
Arrival on location: How to find the good light
Location scouting: Making each spot ideal
Wardrobe details: Hair and details and makeup count!
Being comfortable with yourself and with your client equals ideal expressions
Posing. Flatter everyone and anyone!
Taking the time to set your exposure correctly
Understanding your camera makes YOU the artist
Mastering the light you have
Shooting to sell. More options in less time
I'm excited to meet some new friends this summer! If you have any questions please send a email to soulmatesphoto@gmail.com.
Send To A Friend
- Share This Entry
-
Erika says:
I'm interested in your photo shoots, but can't do Sundays. :( Maybe in July or August you can have one on a different weekday.
(05.02.11 @ 05:03 PM)
Lauren Pinchin says:
Genius! You're a regular Machiavellian. Wedding, boudoir, baby and now teacher! Professor Tomeoni. Has a nice ring! This is going to be so fantastic!
(05.03.11 @ 09:04 AM)
melissa says:
are weekdays better for you?
(05.03.11 @ 03:39 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
Workshop and Photo Shoot | May and June Classes 2011
. TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://soulmatesphotoblog.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/118
An afternoon in the snow. Only a group of girlfriends could enjoy a snow day to it's fullest extent. Laughter, joy and fun abounded! Cheers to girlfriends! If you would like to read about the shoot click here.
What is your favorite snow day activity?? I just tried snowshoeing for the first time and I think I'm in love!
Send To A Friend
- Share This Entry
-
Winnie says:
Love the colors combo, the fur coats, the knits....nice job Melissa!
(01.14.11 @ 04:10 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
Snow Photo Shoot | Mt Hood, Oregon
. TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://soulmatesphotoblog.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/98
Last week I went on a "conference." By calling it a conference is actually downgrading the trip but it was awesome! I spent time writing business and personal goals for 2011 holed up in a cozy cabin near Mt. Hood. In just a few short days I was able to kick my lazy holiday bootie into gear for this upcoming wedding season. It was exactly what I needed - to be motivated and motivate.
I decided it would be a great opportunity to do something outside the norm. I don't think I've ever really had the opportunity to shoot in snow, I decided it would be a fun thing to do. So, I ralled some friends and props and put together a little shoot. The theme was simple: girlfriends having fun in the snow. I just focused on those simple ideas and went to town.
I'm a firm believer in being creative with what you have. It's how I run all my other shoots from newborns to weddings. I survey the scene, move things around, and try and come up with a unique way of displaying objects/people/outfits. For this shoot I wanted the girls to be in chunky knits, in show, with fur. I know I needed one prop and furs so that's what I bought. Yes, these are real vintage furs. Some I had, some I had to search for.
Anyway, here's just one for now. More tomorrow.
*BTW I'm no expert on styling. I'm just sharing my planning process.
Send To A Friend
- Share This Entry
-
Deyla Huss Photography says:
Loooooooooove it! cant wait to see the rest! what a fun trip!
(01.12.11 @ 11:07 AM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
Styling a Photo shoot | Portland, Oregon
. TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://soulmatesphotoblog.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/97
It's October. Cheers to me and you, we've made it through the bulk of wedding season and have survived (presumably. wink, wink). However, the work is not over... I know it may be crazy, but as photographers we have a lot of post... a lot. We have thousands of images to edit and albums to design, etc...
Album. Design. Album design is just like personal style. To each his own flow, style, order and taste. I believe the wedding album functions the same way jewelry functions in a outfit. It pulls everything together and seals it with flair. However, just as there are a few rules to pulling together a great outfit there are a few rules for putting together a good album. I hope they come in handy to at least one person.... we could all have some better looking albums roaming the streets!
1. An album spread (left side and right side) should be viewed as a single composition. They function together not individually.
The best way to think of this the same way you would think about composing a photograph. Your eye needs to start in one location and move to the rest of a page in a smooth flow. Now, because this is a book we will most likely be reading across the page from left to right. Keep this in mind when deciding on image placement.
2. Your subjects eye should not look off the page. They should always face "in".
Facing "in" means they are facing in toward the gutter of a layout. If you layout your pages and have a image on the right side of the spread with your subject looking to the right you loose flow. Your viewers eye will always follow the eyes of the subjects in the photograph. It makes a composition and a layout uninteresting.
3. It's ok to have a lot of images on one page. It's ok to have one image per page.
An album is your brides and grooms first heirloom. Generally speaking brides and grooms will of course want details in their album but they will also want the people they love and care about in their book too. Find a way a happy medium to provide that for them. It's ok to have one layout with one image and one layout with 18 images. Take the time to make sure they are the correct ones.
That's a little taste of my suggestions for album design. I hope that helped at least one person. If you have any questions please leave them in the comment box below and I'll post answers for you!
Thanks for visiting!
Melissa
Send To A Friend
- Share This Entry
-
erica ann says:
Thanks Melissa! I love seeing different people's album designs. I don't think I would ever think to design a layout like that first one but its beautiful! Very inspirational! Did you take publishing design classes in school or does it just come natural?
(10.06.10 @ 03:23 PM)
melissa says:
thank for the comment erica! i was a photo editor for a publishing co before i opened my business... that's how i learned a few tricks.
yes! everyone has their own style!
(10.06.10 @ 03:35 PM)
Amy Sexton says:
Thank you for the tips! I'm horrid at album design! It overwhelms me every! It's helpful to read your post - makes it a little less intimidating! BTW I adore your work! It's lovely!
(10.06.10 @ 09:47 PM)
melissa says:
you guys are so welcome! if you have any other q's just let me know!
(10.07.10 @ 04:06 PM)
Melanie Jade: Photographer says:
LOVE the middle spread!!!!!!!!!!!! Did I put enough exclamation points?
(11.01.10 @ 03:02 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
For Photographers | A Lesson in Album Design
. TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://soulmatesphotoblog.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/81
Yay, congratulations on being published again, this is so exciting!!!!!
(06.10.11 @ 02:48 PM)Yeah!!! thats so fabulous! Congrats Melis!
(06.12.11 @ 08:16 PM)I will recommend not to hold back until you earn big sum of money to buy all you need! You can just take the loan or just credit loan and feel yourself free
(07.14.11 @ 09:35 PM)