I have always found it interesting those that choose to have that over the top fancy photography session done, I have often wondered how many of those sessions actually lead to the client really building a great relationship on a "family like level" with their photographer? As a photographer I suppose I feel that this is where the line is drawn between a passion/love for the business and results versus the results driven business ( making money $$$). Now don't get me wrong, Yes, I want to make money for something I am passionate about that I freelance in a business fashion but I also need to be able to match your vision. I took in some personal perspective on this topic after looking back over type of photography I was nervous to start shooting - Newborns. There is so much that goes into newborn photography that most wouldn't think of such as ; the time schedule for mom & baby, the outfits, the positions, feeding time, temperature of the space/room, equipment, emotional state ( of the baby), Props for the baby to be positioned in, lighting and well the list goes on but I am sure you get it. Taking in to account the newborn sessions I have done and some sessions that I have seen others post images from their lavish sessions with their type of photographer. But the client/ photographer relationship is what I have always appreciated the most about this passion I chase after and make a reality. However the realization that my clients really are where my story begins is the best part, I cannot express how much I appreciate that and the opportunity that they provide for growth in my work but also in their personal lives.... Thankfully, I have had the opportunity to work with some of the greatest creations to have graced this earth and I could not be more thankful that I still get to watch these kids grow. Its one thing to just be a photographer, but another to feel like you really are apart of something much larger than freeze framing a moment in time.
Now we cannot forget the French Family!Oh where to start with Jimmy and April - these two are the best couple as a husband and wife team - not mention killing it in the parenting department! This wonderful couple have two of the sweetest and wonderful children that god has blessed them - Oliver and Isabelle are proof that love really is a beautiful thing.
Alright-Alright, enough of the mushy talk - the real message here is that I LOVE my clients and the experiences that I have been able to gain as a photographer to help myself to grow are just results of the same growth I get to witness with these wonderful long term clients. Feel free to share this or check out more on the previous sessions! For those of you who are interested in a booking or quote for a future session please feel free to contact me or comment below! Keep an eye out for up coming updates on the Valentines Day Photo booth sessions- more details to come!
The Phoenix Mural ProjectLast weekend here in Phoenix, there was quite a bit going on with the summer temperatures starting to rise so is the activity in the city. I learned about the Phoenix Mural Project from a facebook " Things to do" in Phoenix, considering it was the weekend of "Cinco de Mayo" I figured this would be a good time to get out and see what the local creative minds had to offer my venturing spirit. Not going to lie i was not ready for just how hot it was going to be over the course of the weekend but I was highly impressed to see some many local artists still continue to push through the heat to meet the deadline of the Mural Project. For those of you who are not to familiar as to what this is, The Phoenix Mural Festival hosts this project. This year it took place May4th -6th. There were a total of 85 Artists that participated and 50 New murals that were added inside of one weekend. It started out with a kick off on Friday @ Unexpected Art Gallery In downtown Phoenix off of Polk Near 7th. If you have not been into this gallery, GO. This has got to be one of the coolest galleries in Phoenix, the collection of art you'll find is beyond awesome, probably some of Phoenix's greatest talent is hidden in there! Seriously check it out! Since the Arizona heat was in full effect on Saturday and Sunday when I had headed out to check out the "Live Murals", I clearly took cover via my vehicle. There were a few artists I was lucky enough to meet and discuss their amazing work, along with what they do here in Arizona. Most of the Artists I spoke with were local, expect for one. Collin SalazarI was driving down a main street and caught Collins, Mural out of the corner of my eye and literally made it a point to turn around and come back, I was not upset for a second that I did. Collin was one of four Artists that are actually not Arizona locals, after talking with Collin I had learned that they had chosen 4 to bring in just to be apart of this amazing project. Collin is one of those people whose creative side just vibes with you. Collin is a self-discovered artist based out Los Angeles, California. Originally he is from Colorado but in the stories of places he has been to share his work will leave you in complete amazement ( as if his work does not already do that ). He shared where his inspiration comes from and that he mainly works off the interactions he has and sees take place around him. I dont want to be biased, but I am crazy about his work, check him out on IG and follow him @collin_salazar! I am without a doubt, hands-down, stoked that they chose to have Collin share his work on our Walls here in the streets of Phoenix. Also while out hunting for the next mural in progress, I came across one that was full of so much color. It was the best representation of the desert in regard to how the colors blended, the colors chosen to be used for the cactus or the clouds. As I pulled up to the mural the scene felt familiar almost as if I have seen the artist work before, however I never expected to see a familiar name ... Kelly Birg. I had seen some of Kelly's work years prior when we had worked together in the education industry. I learned back then just how talented she was but this mural piece was just another reason to add to why I love her art pieces. She is such a wonderful individual and a very talented artist. While visiting over at the gallery I had seen more of her work, some familiar and some new, feel free to head on down to Unexpected Art Gallery as well to check out more of her work along with some artist information. You can check out more of Kellys work on IG @Kellybirg There are so many local artists that I could write about however there just is not enough time for this busy photographer. I hope that if you are cruising the streets of phoenix that you do take time to look around and see what the city streets have to offer you. My, my it has been such a busy year so far! I cannot believe that we are officially in April but I am looking forward to seeing what Spring is going to have in store for this beautiful state I live in. I have been lucky enough that I have been able to squeeze in a few travel weekends to chase what I love the most, capturing those moments in time that we as humans adore the most. Spring break this year made for a good time, I spent it with some good friends down in Mexico! Tons of tequila, tacos and crazy college kids that is for sure. Some of the most beautiful moments took place at sunset. Arizona has always had some of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen but there were some nights in Rocky Point when the sun sparkled across the water before kissing the night. Even though my travels out of the country made for a good time, coming back home sure was a swift reminder of just how amazing the state I live in is. On the way back into the country, I traveled through Why, Arizona. While it makes for awesome taglines for jokes, the small town in itself actually holds some pretty awesome history along with it. I often hear the question, "why on earth would you want to live in Arizona?" Well as silly as it sounds, Why, Arizona actually does the speaking for itself (yes, that pun was intended. ) with the interesting town history, a few gas stations an incredibly good Mom and Pop cafe and views of those mountains for miles. The view really is something to make one want to come back just to take in this picture perfect desert scenery. Perfect enough to get some local artist to leave their own mark. If you have not been, then get out Arizona! Beautiful location!There has been so much that has happened in this first month of 2018....
I am excited for Brittaney and T.J to share their photos with everyone as they so choose!! They shared an incredible day together and this is only the start of their journey as Mr. and Mrs., however here is a little snapshot into the day they had with those they love. Once again I am so happy for you both and wish you all the best for many years to come!
2018 has arrivedJust before 2017 came to an end, I was able to make it out for one last adventure with my favorite crew. The Casa Grande Domes, in Casa Grande, Arizona. The feeling around the place is very eerie to say the least but you find yourself full of curiosity to wander the grounds just to see what you'll find. The gang and I did what we do best and explored every cracked doorway or building we could find. I came out to the location thinking I could adventure on my own but the feeling you get out here, in the middle of no where, in these crazy looking buildings well Ill admit I was scared. So when the crew and I returned, I was much more confident to explore way more than I did with the first visit. The story behind the location is pretty awesome and really cool to learn about then experience. You can learn more If you are interested in the history of "The Domes". Although a good portion of the structure still stands, time has really depreciated the properly as you can see picture in the above photo (left) the dome structure had collapsed in December of 2016. The property currently stands but there is no telling for how much longer, however the stories, the mysteries and the history remain. The scary places are always more fun with your friends!The gang and I have already lined up some pretty awesome locations to scope out this year, be sure to follow me for more on the adventures to come!Finally, 2017 is about to be the past!So many changes took place through the 2017 year, all good ones as a result of growth. I am excited to be able to share that many changes are coming for the business aspect of products with the photo sessions I offer. I am lucky enough to be able to link up with some great third party sources that work awesome with my photos on their products! So to my future, prior and current clients, keep an eye out for all these great things! I am excited to be able to offer them and I am looking forward to the feedback that comes with it. Tis the seasonI am blessed to get to spend my holiday seasons up in the northern part of Arizona where the wild things love to come out and play in the beautiful desert cold weather. Having the opportunity to watch nature and the animals in their nature habitat has me geared up and ready to throw my thirst for wanderlust into full effect!
Next up - Bear Canyon Lake
Trust me the kids will have a blast!Now that I am really getting a chance to see the year wind down and reflect on what I have done and accomplished, I must say I am pretty impressed myself. I cannot believe the opportunities that I had along with the wonderful people that I was able to work with and for. I was able to partner with a small venue in Mesa, Arizona as a preferred photographer.I have been able to start into photographer challenges that have helped my skill set to grow, along with my learning scope. Not to mention I now have a small fan club, which is pretty awesome as I want to invite those who do not currently follow to add me so you can follow my adventures.
I wanted to share a little bit of what 2017 looked like, I know that when you see results, its amazing how your perspective on all the work, time and passion you poured into making your dreams a reality is incredible. I cannot believe how far I have come, the things I have learned along the way but most importantly those who stay through the high and lows. Those who take time to understand the struggle of the start up, building, networking, marketing, branding and somewhere in the mix not losing yourself. I'm pretty excited about what I have in store for 2018 already. Thank you again to all that have given amazing support, I am truly blessed to have such a great fan base. I cannot even begin to explain how busy I have been this year with sessions, but I cannot say thank you enough to those who use myself as their photographer. It truly serves as an honor to take photos of for friends, family and clients who are referred to me! As the 2017 is coming to a close I want to spend this last month of December celebrating my growth, my clients and getting ready for the new year coming.
Check out some of the sessions from this year! Please continue to help me grow by liking my facebook page, follow my on Instagram and check out more on my site! Here we are at November 1st and I am so excited to announce that to celebrate the true spirit of "Thanks-giving", I will be giving a special offer for a limited time through the month of November for sessions booked and paid for in November. Keep and eye out for this special offer as Id like to extend a huge "Thank You" to all of you who help support my passion and continue to refer my services. I am excited to say that there are so many wonderful things in the works and sessions already booked for November so I would say I am off to a great start! However I want to kick off the month of November by getting everyone to join in on my challenge. I will be posting what you need to do in order to participate but the most liked photo from the challenge will receive a gift card from myself and they will have their most liked photo featured on my facebook coverpage! November Challenge!!Its simple to enter this challenge, I encourage you to get your friends and family involved because everyone loves pictures! All you need to do in order to enter the challenge is hashtag your photos on Instagram with " #gratefulme ", then caption your photo with what you are grateful to be or have in this life. There is so much chaos in the world that sometimes I think we forget to really sit down and revisit the things we are grateful for in our lives. The purpose of this challenge is to help spread some kindness with small reminders of the things we love most in the world, those closest to us.
Again help me to spread the word! The individual who is able to get the most likes on their #gratefulme posting and/or photo entry will receive a gift-card with credit value toward photo services along with a debut cover photo on my facebook page! Feel free to tag your friends and family! Get everyone involved! You can even share my blog posting on your social media pages! Good luck y'all! Currently preparing myself for the Mason Wedding on Sunday, November 5th. I love doing anything photography related in Sedona simply because it is one of the most naturally beautiful backdrops Arizona has to offer to couples on their special day. I am incredibly excited about the location that Amanda and Brandon have picked for their small intimate Wedding at the beautiful Poco Diablo. I have attended so many weddings at this location it truly is one of the most breath taking spots for photographers. Keep an eye out for sneak peeks to post later from their special day and their love story updates!
As a photographer, Id have to say that when you are contacted by a prior employer just because they would like to book a photo shoot with you; the emotions that overwhelm you in that moment are pretty memorable. I was shocked, happy, excited beyond belief and to be honest, a little nervous. I felt honored that a company I did marketing work for years prior, took time to contact me and ask if I wouldn't mind doing a photoshoot for their company. However I had never done a photography shoot of this nature before, although I am well comfortable with my talent I was just unsure I would meet the expectations of a commercial shoot. I am pleased to say that I really had no reason to be nervous at all. I was contacted by the company president and he expressed how pleased he was that they went with myself as their photographer. Not only did he give kind words, he also provided new clients! This just goes to show that I love what I do and anything I put my mind, creativity and lens to will produce nothing but success in the end. If you ever have a need for things to be copied, scanned, printed and delivered, this is the company to use! They offer great rates on any and every job along with great quality service! Feel free to check on more on there company or services, and the Q & C team at their website; www.quickandconfidential.com (keep in mind they are revamping the site! )
The fall season is here and finally its the time of year that I am beyond crazy busy because I get to do more of what I love! Even though there are some days that are just so chaotic when I finally get to sit down and watch the growth of happiness that comes from others just looking at my photography, Ill tell ya, it has to be the most rewarding feeling in the world. My Sunday was spent with the cutest little guy to celebrate his first birthday! Not only was his cake super cute, but the photos that we captured during this wild and crazy beautiful mess were fantastic. I am excited to share more "sneak peeks" on my social media outlets and soon available on the site.
Check out more on this session and other sessions "sneak peeks" on my social media links. Keep an eye out for the Next Holiday offer coming up for November!
Living in this beautiful state, with the beautiful weather we have, allows for so much exploring to be done. There is nothing better then loading the car up with a few good friends and hitting the road to find your adventure. Last weekend I found myself wandering a dusty dirt road that led up to an abandoned dog track., located in Black Canyon City. I love when you visit a place that once upon a time had a story however that story clearly came to an end. Which leads any natural human mind to the most common asked question, "Why"? After spending a few hours walking all around this structure your mind begins to build a story, with every shutter snap your mind is questioning the what was. Exploring a place with a few good friends brings all new meaning to what your eye will capture behind the lens. This place was so big and it has so much local art done all over multiple buildings on the property. We spent a good few hours just walking the property and exploring, we quickly learned we were not the only ones that decided to check out this structure as we did run into others who were taking photos. Even though we didn't plan the adventure we stumbled upon, it was still an awesome find and a pretty cool story tied to the building. I also saw that some other photographers have done some pretty awesome sessions at this location as well.
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AuthorRaven Shimmel, photographer, creative mind, crafty, spontaneous, hunger to travel, wanderlust driven, care-free spirit Archives
January 2019
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