Holiday Photo Contest!

How would you like to win a prize, just for having a cute/ crazy family!?! 

Welcome to my Holiday Portrait Contest!!

At the end of my Thoughtful Photo series, which was designed to give you great tips on taking the best holiday photos! I hinted at a possible contest where YOU could submit your family images for a chance to WIN a little holiday prize!

This is your chance! How do you enter!? It's simple!

1. Read over my Thoughtful Photo Series for photography tips and tricks
2. Take a family portrait. This can be your pet, your whole family, or your kid.
3. Email me the image at vertephoto AT gmail DOT com
4. Type: HOLIDAY2012 in the subject line, and tell me how my 10 days of holiday photo tips helped you, and/or what else you would like to know before Christmas. 


Rules:
One image submission per family please
YOU must be the SOLE owner of the image (do not submit images done by a photographer that wasn't YOU, even if you have the digital file)
Please no "PRO" submissions.
Judges decision is final.
Submissions open until November 30th! Winner will be announced Dec 3rd.

What will you win?

How about a....

Custom Designed Holiday Photo Card 

PLUS a $10 Target Gift Card

PLUS a Phone Charm from Crafty Gal Creations

Entries will be judged based on...
Use of photographic technique
Creativity
Composition
Exposure balance / Technical difficulty
and overall "feeling"or "story" of the image

Entries will be judged by guest judges (and not just myself!) TBA


So strap on those camera's and get on your thinking caps! I am really looking forward to seeing some fun and creative ideas!

A Sweet Giveaway

Our lovley sponsor and my client Kim at Sweetsie's is hosting a giveaway! I was super excited to offer a very timely product for her to giveaway and I wanted to be sure each of you saw that you had a chance to win a little something from me... and a VERY big something from her! Oh yea... and some other great prizes from many other wonderful ladies! So here is the info and the links!

Thanks again Kim for offering this great opportunity for a lucky viewer! 

 <<Kim's post>>
Hello Everyone!  I have reached 100 followers and I'm so blessed and so very excited!  I've gained a few more since then!  Thank you, thank you!

So in honor of gaining enough followers and out of appreciation I, and a few of my good bloggy friends, have put together a little Give-A-Way!

Please join us and may the luckiest person win!

One winner takes all!!!

First of all, I will be giving away a {Sweetsie}Sampler!  Wait, not just one, but two!  One for you and one delivered to your friend or just keep both for yourself!!

Who doesn't love those personalized holiday cards?  Well, this is one that will beat even the best of the best!  Verte Photography is offering a card design to match your personality!

Next is Ms. Holli from over at Holli's Hoots and Hollers!  Holli has this beautiful unique ornament by one of her favorite artists that she is offering up for this special give-a-way!

And last but certainly not least is Pamela from Pamela's Heavenly Treats!  She is including some wonderful Ad Space to show you off!

Now that you've seen these wonderful prizes, get goin' on entering this Little but Certainly not Skimpy Give-A-Way!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Holiday Photoshoot: Reveal!

I had a BLAST writting my 10 days of Thoughtful photo series and I promised to reveal my own Holiday Card this year!

I also have been doing some guest posting around some blogs, and decided to challenge myself a bit. I didn't use any studio lighting, or equipment. In fact, I used a sheet from the resale store, and a "kit" lens that I had around! I also didn't use my background holder - I taped it to a wall, worked in my office (which didn't allow for much room to shoot), and I tried to use the tips that I specifically gave during that series!

This was TOUGH! I did use my bounce flash, with a white piece of foam core as a bounce which I hand held while shooting which was a tip from one of my lighting posts.

I picked our theme...

I picked our color pallet

I also came up with a fun take on what I wanted: Picked up some supplies... big brushes, paint, drop cloth to put under so paint didn't get on the wall or carpet, a sheet to paint on (that I am recycling into a fun new backdrop for my studio) and of course a new dress good for Thanksgiving this week also!

I set up the studio in the morning and then did a bath after lunch, so she could have new nail polish and pretty hair. (working without a time frame helped us a LOT)

I picked a day where this was ALL I had to do, no running to the store, no big dinner to cook... no other stress.

I even let her pick the first 2 outfits to shoot in, so she could have some fun playing "pop star" and "model"

Then I got her changed and broke out the paints!

I let her go to town!

I didn't pose

I turned on some music... and the paintbrushes became drum sticks...

We even changed the hair to take on her "rock" style.

and now... I can't choose!

Want to help?! Vote for which card you would use! Since most family/friends see photos of her often I don't mind sending the more artsy one with the paintbrush where her face is blurred. But I also love the other... it is just her! Crazy kid. So help me choose! Leave a comment and vote which one you like the most!

Scarf Swap!

I had a super fun time hitting up the stores to find a gift to send out to my scarf swaper... While I opted to send more of a "year round" piece, since my swap person is from Houston as well... and seriously its still 70 during the days! So for Kayla at www.sealedwithakay.com I took some liberty from her pins... where she has this... along with a few other things...

If you want to see what I found... head over to her blog! www.sealedwithakay.comhttp://www.sealedwithakay.com/2012/11/scarf-swap-revealed/#comments 

Breonna from www.brewrites.com sent me my wonderful scarf! She took some insperation from my personal Pins.. I am guessing from....

 and sent me this!

Thanks so much! It is sure to keep me warm now that it is cooling down! I special nod out to Lindsey who brought this all together and hosted the swap!
You should stop by and see what else she has cooking at www.creativelyclassy.blogspot.com

I love to WIN!

I must say I am a little obsessed with entering giveaways! OK, maybe a little more then that... and some of them take a LONG time to do, and go for several days! I just spent an hour doing one this morning! Shesh! AN HOUR! But, part of that is because I don't just follow randomly, and sign up for everything. If I am going to sign up to follow your blog, I would like to get to know you! Leave a comment or two, and be sure I want to go back to read more! But I digress! THIS post, is to say how very much I LOVE entering.. and WINNING!

I have won a few things since starting this blog, and I have been trying to post them as I receive them and tell you a little about my experience!  I am happy to say my luck seems to continue! If you all remember I was entering the Streeter Giveaway back in Oct daily! Not only do I LOVE new mommy Kristina... but I really groove on those that she supports as well! She does a Saturday link up party to introduce you to those people as well! Be sure to check it out!

During her October HUGE fall giveaway I just happened to win a SUPER AWESOME prize from.....
(drumroll please)

Aubrey Plays

This super cute Typewriter clutch isn't just two pieces of fabric sewn together! Oh NO! It has batting inside, making it pillow soft, and feels very durable! It sports a nice magnetic closure, two pockets and by the way.. I read up on her products and this retro vibe fabric... HAND DRAWN by HER! I didn't even know that was possible!

The tab is designed to fit your small keyring and overall it is a great design! I am super impressed with the quality of the stitching and professional nature of Aubrey herself! She was super quick to contact me after the announcement, and shipped out my item in a cute package..

I already had Aubrey on my Holiday wishlist radar... but now, after seeing the quality, I think she might have to get some very specific hints and links sent out to my family this season! 

 I have my eye on this little beauty! 

Thanks again!!!

10 Days of Thoughtful Photos: Day 10

WOW! How fast did that go huh!?

Crazy!

Well here it is, our last Thoughtful tip for making great Holiday (or anytime) portraits. I decided to end with a popular one... and oddly enough the one no-one ever seems to mention or ask about! Posing.

What do you do with all those arms, legs and funny family faces!?

First, I am going to give you some basic posing composition techniques. This will help you create a basic pattern in your image, making it more pleasing to the eye. These are CORE poses: meaning many other poses are off-shoots from these, and you can add or subtract people, or combine them in order to create your unique portrait.

 1. The Stair: Place subjects so that they are stagger eyes to chin. This basic pose can continue in a line for as many subjects as you want. It is the most popular for groups of 2 or 3, but I have done up larger groups (laying on a floor and stair stacking them up).

2. The Triangle: If you add a 3rd person to the stair and instead of continuing to go up, you go down... you create a triangle.  Adding in other people, and creating more triangles.. Like the drawing shows, they are all each group of 3 makes a triangle.

3. The Line: This pose can be done with some variation, but works great for walking, laying down or vertical lines for stacking small groups to show size. Yes, there is some variation in the head heights, that's ok, it simply isn't as dramatic as the triangle, creating a less "posed" image.

By working with these 3 core pose compositions, you can combine them to be able to fit your needs.

Combine a Triangle with a Stair!

Now that you know some core poses, here are a few final posing tips to a great portrait!

1. Be aware of your surroundings, especially outside. No one wants a tree or light pole coming out of their head!

2. Always do SOMETHING with hands. Fold them, hold them, tuck them in pockets. If you don't give your subjects something to do with hands, they WILL go over someones shoulder, or around a back... yes, even on Grandma's bottom occasionally. Give those hands a place, and you wont see wondering "the things" hanging out on shoulders (because you can't tell WHO's hand it is) or have those other embarrassing moments captured.

3. Remind your subjects to sit up straight. Yes straight back, good posture, and shoulders slightly back does make a huge difference!

4. Tip tops of heads closer to each other (just slightly) so it doesn't seem as posed!

Now, if you haven't been loyal and read each of the 10 tips, be sure to go back and review the ones you missed! With these top 10 Thoughtful Portrait tips, you are sure to have a great holiday portrait! I know I can't wait to share mine! I will be doing a reveal hopefully early next week of our card!

Perhaps I can come up with a prize for the best (non-professional) holiday photo as well! Hmmm keep your eye out for that contest!

A surprise hello!

A few weeks ago I had the surprise pleasure of being a winner on the September giveaway hosted by my good friend Kristina at The Streeters Ultd 

I won a fantastic set of note-cards from Brittney, the fabulous owner of the Yellow Umbrella Design Shop. BLOG II   SHOP II   FB   II   TWITTER   II  PINTEREST  Brittney was wonderful and contacted me that same day to ask for my contact information, and even what colors I would like. Even sharing with me that she used to live in my neck of the woods and offering help on finding my way around! HOW SWEET! I LOVE that!

With such attentive service I wasn't surprised at all when I received a bundle from her just days after. And when I opened them, I found she had selected the sage color - which obviously I love!

However, it was a COMPLETE surprise that she had gone one step beyond and also included every other color I had mentioned - browns, blues....

I must say... I am thrilled with Brittney's service, helpfulness and overall generosity. She is certainly on my short list of vendors to shop and recommend to others! I hope you take a moment and visit her blog and shop her store! I know this wont be the last thing I get from her!  

Something to Talk About!

I must start by saying I wish I had thought of this! 

My good friend Kristina  has created a super great way of not only promoting products and women she loves but a way to introduce you to them AND give you a chance to WIN some fantastic items!  I know and have shopped several of the shops myself - and I promise you will LOVE them! Kristina's A-list members not only kick out great products, but also have GREAT customer service! Below is her posting and information about the giveaway - I really hope you all take advantage and enter to win! (don't forget to click her name and visit the "real" post and follow her as well!)




I talk about how amazing each one of my A-list members are quite frequently, and frankly friends, they are at it again.  In a recent email I made mention about having an exclusive A-List giveaway and was curious about how many would be interested in participating. Oh my goodness, the response was overwhelming! So, here it is - the EXCLUSIVE A-LIST GIVEAWAY, the ONLY Giveaway you will be seeing on the blog for the entire rest of the month!

Here are the beautiful faces you have to thank for this awesome giveaway today!!

ONE WINNER PER PRIZE.

That means there will be LOTS of WINNERS - so get to entering and feel free to spread the word!!

A $25 Gift Certificate from Verte Photography - it can be used toward product photography services, or in her upcoming shop to launch this winter!

**2 Up for Grabs!**

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Your Choice of iPhone 4S Lace Ombre Case from Debonair Bandit

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Your choice of a NON-Custom Print from the After Nine to Five Shop

**2 Are up for Grabs!**

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This Trick or Treat Monster Tote from Lu & Ed

 

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One long 30 inch necklace, featuring a 40mm turquoise donut, laced with leather cord and amber beads from Whispering Sweet Nothings.

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A 7" bracelet with 4 strands of different colored beads from Eloping Designs!

(can be customized to any length)

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A handmade stretch bracelet containing your choice of colors. The bracelet will be made with high quality metal/silver beads, glass beads and Swarovski crystals. This bracelet will include 1 charm from the Bluebird Bijoux Designs Shop.

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This sweet, little, padded phone clutch: Orange typewriter, by Aubrey Plays

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Halloween Fabric Bow Set from The Mollie Shop! 

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 This Vintage Pleated Pouch by Sand and Starfish

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A $25 Gift Certificate Towards a Custom Designed Rhinestone Shirt of your Choice by Sparkle Me

 

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A $10 Gift Certificate to Sweetsies 

 

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a Rafflecopter giveaway