Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Garter Toss XLII

from Altadena Field brought to you by Polka Photos
As I was editing photos for a slideshow, I noticed how competitive the garter toss has become. So in the spirit of football playoffs, here's my take on the tradition.

As in most sports, there are spectators, photographers and beer.



The Players



The QB eyeing an opening


Game Faces



The Throw



The Catch



The Thrill of Victory



The Agony of Defeat



What we're still missing is the announcer saying things like "What they'll probably wanna do here is use their hands to make that catch." And for those guys out there who didn't get the garter, there's always the next game, er wedding. Play ball!

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Monday, January 14, 2008

New Year Goals

Los Angeles, California
I don't believe it's already two weeks into the new year! I'm busy working on a few albums - actually I'm still looking for the right album to complement the photos. One of my favorite album companies is Kolo. There are a few local stores that carry their line but the selection has been meager lately. I'm probably going to end up buying some online.

I jotted down a few of my goals for this year - the list is still a work in progress but I thought I'd share it with you all.

Polka Photos Goals for 2008

1. Have fun at every shoot
This is always my goal. I love seeing the world through my viewfinder and trying new techniques to capture different moments. I'm excited before every wedding and I don't want that feeling to ever go away.

2. Decrease turnaround time
Most of the time I spend on your wedding is actually in the weeks following your wedding. I usually end up with a thousand or so images that are edited into the best 500-700 photos. Each image is individually toned to look as good as possible. I make some images into black & white, sepia or other color effects depending on the vision I have for the photo. The entire process usually takes between 40 and 60 hrs. My goal is to have the online gallery up 2-3 weeks after the wedding date.

3. Blog at least once a week
Well, I'm already behind on this one.

4. Find a studio
There's a studio I rent for shoots but I'm looking for a permanent place that'll be a work/live space. Almost found one last week but it was not meant to be.

5. Update website

6. Make new sample albums

7. Shoot more with my vintage cameras
I acquired a few cameras over the years - Brownies and a Holga and an old Russian camera given to me by my uncle are among the treasures. This is the year I will actually find the film and start having fun!

8. Keep updating this list

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Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Happy New Year!

Los Angeles, California
Thank you all for a great 2007. Special thanks to my loving husband, family and friends who mean the world to me. Thank you to my awesome clients - you were wonderful brides and grooms and I enjoyed photographing each of your weddings and I wish you only the best as you start your new lives together. I'm looking forward to 2008 and photographing all the couples who are counting down the weeks to their special day.

Wishing you all a New Year that brings you everything you desire!

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