Melissa Cockman Photography {the blog}: January 2009

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Session Pricing

Hey everyone out in Bloggerworld! I just wanted to post my standard session pricing today. I've had a lot of emails from clients in the last few weeks and I want you all to know I can't can't wait to work with you! Let me know if you have any questions!

Sorry I've been such a slacker of a blogger. Ben and I have been working on and painting a house that we plan to move in to this weekend! Hopefully I'll have photos up in a couple weeks! Have a great day, all!

Friday, January 23, 2009

Prayer Request for Jenny Coffey...

I just wanted to send out a message to everyone to keep my sweet aunt in Kentucky in your prayers. Her name is Jenny Coffey and is currently at Jewish Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky. Doctors yesterday found cancer cells in fluid taken after a biopsy earlier in the week. Jenny has been very sick for the last several months with her primary diagnosis being pneumonia.

We know God is an all powered, omnipresent healer and my thoughts through all this has been: if God can save, God can heal. I'm asking through faith that everyone who reads this post will stop and say a short prayer of healing and of faith. If you attend church, please mention Jenny's need as a prayer request so others can lift her name toward heaven. Thank you!

We are believing of God.

Jeremiah 30:17
"But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds," declares the LORD.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Want your own website?

Then I've got a great one to recommend! Lots of people have asked me what site I use and how I like it. I use Photobiz and I love it.

The templates are super easy to use & customize. You can change templates as often and as many times as you choose. It seems as though every time I log on there are more user-friendly options available for clients. The templates are snazzy and professional in appearance!

Customer service is wonderful via phone or email. And, oh yes! I also purchased an online cart through them....love that. It makes client proofing much easier. And - there are no lame pop-ups to worry about.

Photobiz has a great referral program. If you are a member and you refer someone to their company, they will send you a check for $20! Soooo..if you sign up, use me as a reference! *wink-wink*

So if you are a photographer, a SAHM who is forever more proud of kids' pictures, an entrepreneur with a new business venture or just want a website of your own - try out photobiz...

{Just a disclaimer: I also looked at PortfolioSitez and BluDomain before ultimately going with Photobiz. Drop me a comment and let me know what you think!

Here are a couple of screen shots from my site:

www.MelissaCockmanPhotography.com

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

My First Digital Camera...

I remember clearly at a teenage moment hearing about these 'digital cameras' new to the market. No film, I loved computers-how great to upload pix to your p, I HAD to have one! Living in a small town in rural Kentucky, I found myself driving to the local K-Mart and finding this purple little puppy. I loved it.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Venues for Photography Sessions

Many times when clients are interested in booking a session, I hear a great question asked: "Where do you want to do the photo shoot?"

Obviously, with my being an on-location photographer, this is key. Choosing your session locale is very important in conveying emotion and feeling in your photographs. Here are some local venue ideas:

Murray's Mill Historic Site
Eastern Catawba County, NC
Guided tours close for the Winter Season , but the grounds are generally open year 'round.

Link to Photos at Murray's Mill:

http://benmelissacockman.blogspot.com/search/label/Murray's%20Mill

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Christian Tours Grounds
Highway 16 at 4643 S NC Hwy 16, Maiden, NC 28650.
Christian Tours Grounds is a favorite locale for senior/portrait/prom & engagement photography and is open to the public.

Link to Photos at Christian Tours:

http://benmelissacockman.blogspot.com/search/label/Christian%20Tours

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The Ranson House
412 S. Old Statesville Road, Huntersville, NC
(704) 948-4445
$50 fee for location usage payable to The Ranson House

The Peacock Inn
1670 Southwest Blvd, Newton, NC 28658
(828) 464-5780
Available for weddings, parties, receptions, etc.
$100 fee for location usage payable to The Peacock Inn

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
6500 South New Hope Road
Belmont, NC 28012
P: (704) 825-4490 | F: (704) 829-1240

The Duke Mansion
400 Hermitage Road
Charlotte, NC
(704) 714-4400
$250 for 2-3 hours on the grounds and in the mansion – any space not contracted by another client. Fee for location usage payable to The Duke Mansion.

Asbury Park Grove
9300 Bob Beatty Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28269
{located 10 minutes from uptown Charlotte}
(704) 921-0098

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Carolina Bride Magazine

Ok girls! Wedding season is fast approaching....I wanted to share this great magazine with useful info for those hectic days ahead! Great vendors, vivid pictures and helpful ideas.....

http://carolinabride.com/

Friday, January 2, 2009

Wedding {Rebecca & Brandon}

Last weekend while home for Christmas in Kentucky, I photographed a very special wedding...my cousin, Rebecca married her sweetie, Brandon on Saturday! It was a small ceremony with just family and close friends in attendance at a quaint country church. Congratulations Becca & Brandon!

The lovely Flower Girl....

One of the beautiful Bridesmaids...(also my beautiful cousin!)

The Bride being escorted down the isle by her brother, Matthew....

Cameron, the Ring Bearer (also, the nephew of the Bride)

The Bride

Details

My style is very natural, photographing you just being you! And at my photo sessions, no one is allowed to say, “Cheese!” I strive to make you feel at ease, and establish a friendship between us. If you have an idea for a neat pose or action, tell me! We’ll do our best to make your idea picture perfect! If at any time, you or someone in our photo shoot needs a break, we’ll stop and take as long as you need!

Location: I shoot on location (of your choice, or my recommendation) using available ambient light taken outdoors, usually in the late afternoon or early evening. The Midday bright sun is many times too harsh, especially when photographing children. If you prefer to do indoor shots (in your home, for example), we will use available light from windows or doors or a flash if necessary. We will always be sure and check the weather forecast before our scheduled shoot to keep en eye out for dismal conditions.

Props: I might bring a few props to our shoot that I think might add interest or enhance the beauty of the photos. Feel free to offer any ideas of what you think might appeal to the photograph using props or other items!Family or

Group Portraits: When photographing you and your family or group, we’ll make sure you are comfortable in the location, and we also want you to feel relaxed in what you’re wearing! When it comes to colors, it’s a good idea to dress everyone in a similar color tone range, you don’t want a single member of the group standing out because the clothing is too light or dark compared to the rest of the group. Light pastels, bold stripes or patterns are sometimes too distracting. It’s a good practice to stay away from logos, decals or brand markings on clothing, as this can be distracting. Short sleeves or sleeveless tops tend to photographer wider than they actually are and can take away from the beauty of the face; therefore long sleeves or mid-length sleeves work better. Often, white or like color shirts and khaki or denim bottoms look great for a casual look!

Time Frame: Anticipate our photo shoot to last anywhere from 1-2 hours (or more!), especially if photographing more than one individual. As long as we have available light to shoot, it’s fine with me if we continue over this time frame! Sometimes those twilight silhouettes are just dazzling after the sun sets!

Clothing Changes: Feel free to do a wardrobe change during our session! The photographs I take are a reflection upon you, and if you’re happy, I’m happy! If working with children, it’s a good idea to bring along an extra set of clothes for those inevitable spills or accidents.

What to Bring: With small children, you might want to bring their favorite toy and blankie. These serve to help comfort the child and sometimes assist me in getting an emotional photo showing the relation between the child and the object. If your child plays a sport or certain instrument, be sure to bring along any sports equipment or uniform or instrument if you so desire!

Photographs: Shortly after our session, I’ll work hard to get your photos edited in my digital darkroom. Expect 20 of our best shots together!

Communication: You are welcome to call or email me at any time prior or subsequent to our session with any questions, comments, ideas or concerns. I want you to be happy with the photography I shoot!

Full Disclosure: Some of the photography I take during our session may be used for advertisement purposes (either on the blog or marketing materials)

Copyright Notice © Melissa Cockman Photographs may not be used without my prior permission. Please do not copy any pictures from my blog without my knowledge and permission.

*Pricing and Details subject to change at any time.*

Melissa Cockman Photography
melissam254@hotmail.com
www.MelissaCockmanPhotography.com

Senior & Teen Photography

If you are a teen or a senior, the Photo Session is all about you and your unique personality! Bring along your favorite skirt, pants and several tops if you would like to do clothing changes. Remember: it’s a good idea choose apparel without logos or decals, as these are sometimes distracting. Solid colors usually work best. Earthy colors, such as brown and green, look great outside. Just a reminder: black makes you look thinner, white is the opposite. Leather jackets can be worn or thrown across your shoulder for a more casual look. Don’t forget to bring your school jacket, sports items or instruments along! Jewelry, hats or other clothing accessories are great to have along. They can be mixed with every outfit, giving some really distinctive images! During our time together, don’t be afraid to make suggestions! We’ll be sure to use your own ideas during your photo session! Have fun!

What to Wear