Monday, June 27, 2011

Merry Monday-40s themed party pt2

Here is another preview for Asha (part 1) of some of the infamous dancers on her birthday. Most notably the little ones. Two children around the age of four attempting to break dance? Adorable. Two children around the age of four being TAUGHT to break dance by a father? Priceless.
 And of course speeches were made, hugs were had and tears were shed. It was a beautiful evening. Some of the speeches brought tears to my eyes! Asha-you are incredibly lucky to have those amazing people in your life, but they are JUST as lucky to have you!
 The evening got heated up once the 40s music slowed, and the modern stuff got cranked up! This was accompanied by more dancing in the teen section!
Once again, I am so honored to have been able to spend an evening with this group. They were beautiful, friendly and funny people. I hope you enjoyed your birthday Asha! Can't wait to be invited to that 80th you're already planning! ;)

-aria

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Blogging Break Information

Eek! I made an announcement on Facebook about this, but forgot to make a blog post!

A little late, but here's the update:

I am in the process of restructuring Silver Daisies, and I decided to do so in three steps. The first phase was the pricing which was unveiled on June 1. In mid July (ahem, the sooner the better!) I will be unveiling phase two. And the final phase will be September 1!

No hints, but (OMG) I am so excited! I'm working hard to get everything back up and running quickly and smoothly, and more importantly get back to shooting! Cutting off cold turkey has been difficult! Because of this I will not be updating blog posts (at least not with the typical post themes) for at least a couple more weeks.

In more exciting news, I have a new contest coming up this weekend! Really excited to share it with everyone. Lots of $$$ in savings so get ready to share with friends!

See you soon!
-aria

Monday, June 20, 2011

Merry Monday-40s themed party pt1

I don't normally post events, however this poor birthday girl has had too many technical difficulties for my taste and I wanted to dedicate a couple blog posts to her! 
Asha recently celebrated her birthday with a 40s theme party! Held at the Aviators Restaurant at the Sacramento Executive Airport, it was the perfect location for the theme. 

I was pleasantly surprised to see how many of her loyal friends and family came dressed for the occasion! As difficult as it may have been to recreate, everyone did wonderfully and looked amazing!

And from the rate the cupcakes and shrimp disappeared, the food was equally amazing!
Happy birthday again Asha, I hope you had an amazing time! I am so honored you allowed me to be apart of your special day. I have one more post coming, so check back next week for more peaks into her party!


-aria

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Auburn Lovebirds pt2

Remember Roxanne and Mickey from last week? Back again with their second location. Just down the road from the previous was the ARD Rec park. Popular for walking dogs, working out, kids baseball…oh and weddings! 

Although not where these lovebirds are getting married. They decided to 'get hitched' at Roxanne's parents ranch in Ophir. So of course I couldn't resist bringing a lasso to their engagement session. 
As we walked around the park we spent time on the play set, climbing trees and making them practice their vows in the gazebo! ;)

I'm happy to say that they are ready! And I am so excited to see these two wonderful people get married among their friends and family! See you in October!
Don't forget to check out my brand new website!
 
-aria

Monday, June 13, 2011

Merry Monday-Trash the Dress pt4

The final in Brittany's trash the dress series! See pt1 HERE, pt2 HERE, and pt3 HERE. This last dress is the most sentimental, her very own wedding dress sported only a few years ago when she walked down the isle.
The only difference being she decided to pair it with her cowboy boots! Staying in the Folsom Lake area, we wandered towards the Rainbow Bridge near the water front. 
Below the bridge we found graffiti and rocks. Definitely a fun and versatile location. 
We finished up this amusing session on top of the bridge, Brittany pretending to jump and spinning around.
Stay tuned for next week, a new series, 40s themed birthday party!

-aria

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Headshot Sunday #2

Welcome back to Headshot Sunday!

This week I stumbled across a shoot from last September. The model, Annie, was trying to get some updates for her portfolio. We had a couple wardrobe changes, as well as some feet shots for parts modeling. You can find her original blog post HERE and HERE, and some more shots on facebook HERE.
(Processed with my 'Sunrise' look)
This shot didn't make the cut, for multiple reasons. Partly the composition wasn't flattering (oops), and partly because it was a hot day. I mean REALLY hot, and unfortunately that came with sweat.
(Straight out of camera)
(Minor processing in PS4)
(Processed with my 'Black & White' look)
   

Side by side, before-and-after. As you can see the biggest help was a simple crop. A few minor edits, including ridding/dulling some of the sweat glistening (hey, there is a time and place for sweat in photos. This wasn't one of them), and the shot is gold.

Special of the week:
A new contest on my Facebook page! Take a look and check it out!


-Aria

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Auburn Lovebirds pt1

Meet Mickey and Roxanne. Two young love birds getting ready to tie the knot.
These guys met at a local Pizza parlor about six years ago, and in October will be finally saying 'I Do'. And I'm both honored and excited to be part of their special day!
We decided to split the session at two locations, so of course I had to split it into two blog posts! The first location was at Roxanne's mom's house. The backyard was a beautiful array of flowers and trees and cats! In fact if you look closely, you might catch a glimpse of [the cats] in the background! 
These kids couldn't keep their eyes (and lips!) off of each other! After a session like this, it's difficult to understand why someone isn't in love with LOVE!
Don't forget to check back next week for the rest of this session! It includes tree climbing and lassos!
And be sure you check out my brand new website!
-aria

Monday, June 6, 2011

Merry Monday-Trash the Dress pt3

Part three of Brittany's trash the dress series (pt1 HERE, pt2 HERE)! For this adorable number (yes a beautiful SHORT contemporary lace wedding gown), she paired with cowboy boots and a birdcage veil. What can I say, I'm a country girl at heart, this outfit appeals to me! ;)
Now for the twist, we decided this beautiful cemetery (yes...you read that right) the Historical Cemetery in Old Folsom, would be the perfect backdrop. 
One of my favorite parts of my job is being challenged in a location for both unique and beautiful shots. This location definitely challenged me, and I loved every second of it!
It helps to have a beautiful and talented model! And don't worry, still one more for the series coming up next week!
Make sure you check out my brand new website!




Sunday, June 5, 2011

Headshot Sunday

So my new protocol has been to upload one 'teaser' shot (or rather, collage) to facebook for every entry posted in the blog. Except Headshot Sunday. These posts wont be found anywhere except the blog and will contain limited time specials, promotions, and other fun secrets! Want to be the first (and only) to know? Make sure you hit the 'follow' button and check back every Sunday!

In the midst of editing 3+ sessions every week (as well as various events and weddings), I make time to go back to earlier sessions and re-edit old pictures. It's amazing how something that didn't make the cut the first time, can look different a year later.

This particular shot was taken back in September of 2010, the model is Kristina. You can find her original blog post HERE and HERE, and more pictures of her on Facebook HERE.
(Processed with my 'Sunset' look)
This shot didn't make the cut, not because I didn't like but because simply, I liked other ones better.
However, after playing around with the shot with some of my newer techniques, this might be one of my favorites from the shoot!
(Straight out of camera)
(Minor processing in PS4)
(Processed with my 'Black & White' look)
 
Side by side, before-and-after.
As promised, special of the week: 
Take a look at my new website, www.SilverDaisiesStudios.com, and take 10% off ANY package! Information is also available under 'Session Investment' and 'Wedding Investment' on my blog! Plus use the new contact feature right here on my blog to ask questions, book sessions or consultations!

-Aria

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Loomis Grad pt3

In this final part of the Grad series of my dear friend Emily (pt1, pt2) we ventured to Loomis, CA and wandered on the train tracks.
And by venture I mean, avoiding fresh tar on the tracks, abandoned doll arms, and skeletons of creatures I'm not sure I want to know what they belonged to…
  But alas, this photogenic woman can make any scenery work, and she worked this location to the max! Focusing on her and her DLSR for her new website.
Congrats grad! Best of luck on your new adventures!
NOTE: the website is back up and running, with new information, more organization and easier access to everything! Make sure you use the new contact form
Stay tuned next week for another dear friend, Jessi!
-Aria