So, I had to share this adorable announcement of Jonathan Alexander Wade! It has to be one of my favorite creations so far. And, what fun I had creating it! Jonathan's mom called and told me she had this cute little owl hat and sent me a photo of it to see if I could come up with an idea for the newborn shoot....well, I fell in love with it right away and set out to find materials to create a nest. Fun, fun, fun! When he came in for the shoot, I was a little nervous about all the scratchy materials around him and that he would never get settled. But, he was perfect and the pictures turned out great! Hope you enjoy looking at them as much as I enjoyed creating them!
So excited to post these engagement pics of Whitney and Jeremy...We had such a great time creating these images and I am so excited to share them with you! We ended the session at my house and surprise! My chickens had to get in on the action! LOL They were running around everywhere while I was trying to photograph the happy couple...I especially thought the one of the chicken staring back at them kissing was just too cute! Congratulations Whitney and Jeremy!
So here are a few images, a video and a few facts about the happy couple. Enjoy!
Where did you meet? We met at WVU through Student Government. I had just been elected to the Board of Governors and he had just been appointed as the Maniac Director. We met at the SGA retreat. What is your Song?"Then" by Brad Paisley is probably "our song." That's how he found inspiration to propose to me and it seems to describe us.
Tell me about your first date? First date was in March 2006, we started dating April 4, 2006- one week after the first date.
How long have you been together? We'll be dating five years this April.
How did he propose? He proposed the same place we met, Dorsey's Knob Lodge in Morgantown. We met at the SGA retreat in 2006, I was in charge of planning the SGA retreat when I was Vice President of WVU Student Government in 2009. He had told me he couldn't come up for the retreat, so I wasn't expecting him. My chief of staff (and best friends) helped him organize everything. We were playing games at the retreat, and during the "Scavenger Hunt" my friends led me to the 3rd floor of Dorsey's Knob and Jeremy was there (with my parents and best friend who weren't in SGA) to watch. So the Brad Paisley song "Then" is kinda perfect: "I remember, taking you back to right where I first met you.." You were so surprised. There were people around, but I didn't care, I got down on one knee right there and once again, I thought I loved you then.."
This week's senior of the week is Olivia Wooten from Logan High School.... We are very exited to announce that Olivia has been chosen as a finalist in the national "spa" modeling contest. Photographers from all over the country sent in senior portraits of their clients hoping to be chosen to model at the annual "spa" event in Palm Springs, California in February 2011. Olivia advanced to the final round of 50 last week; the 15 winners will be announced later this week. Congrats to all the high seniors who made it to the final round and good luck to Olivia. We are so excited for you hoping that you win!
Olivia Wooten Logan High School Storybook session Favorite Color: Hot Pink Favorite Band: Goo Goo Dolls Favorite Movie: Finding Nemo Favorite TV Show: Pretty Little Liars Hobbies: Dancing and Singing
I big shout out goes to Shane Light of Madison, WV and Olivia Wooten of Logan WV. They were both chosen as semi-finalists in the national spa model search. Each year spa (senior portrait artists) runs a national search for high school senior models who are easy to photograph, enjoyable to work with and are representative of actual high school seniors. Photographers from all over the country submit images of their senior clients hoping to win the spa model search. The 15 national winners will be invited to model at the annual spa event in Palm Springs, California. Shane and Olivia will move into the next round of judging. Good luck to them both and keep your fingers crossed!
This weeks senior of the week comes with very exciting news! A few months ago, I was interviewed for the November issue of PPA's Professional Photographer Magazine. So, I gave the interview and sent in photos for the article having no idea what photos or quotes they would choose.....well, last week I got a sneak peek at the article and I was blown away! The layout, the writing...I couldn't be happier. And, Alyx's photo will appear full page in the front of the article...here is the page layout from the upcoming November issue of Professional Photographer Magazine. Doesn't she look beautiful?!!! Congrats Alyx and all the other seniors whose images will grace the page of Professional Magazine next month. I'll be sure to post the entire article once is hits the shelves!
Alyx Stover Chapmanville Regional High School Session: Designer Art Session Favorite Color: Pink Favorite Band: Nickleback Favorite Movie: Sweet Home Alabama Favorite TV Show(s): The Hill's and Sex in the City Hobbies: Shopping, texting, and hanging out with friends Lucky Number: 22 Favorite Website: Facebook Two words to describe me: Spontaneous and Loving
I am very happy to be participating in the f stop for Breast Cancer charitable event. f/stop breast cancer is a groundbreaking photography auction that includes both mentor sessions and photography products where 100% of the proceeds go straight to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. I along with tons of other photographers have donated their time and products to help raise money for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. If you would like to bid on the auction for my 60 minute mentor session and $375 worth of photoDUDS products you go visit the auction here on ebay. We can talk about anything you want via the phone or through a video chat. It's a great cause and I hope we can work together to raise tons of money for breast cancer research. The Auction ends on October 19th so head on over to ebay and check it out! If you have any questions about the auction you can e-mail me at beth@foresterphoto.com
Well, it's finally starting to come together at the new studio....we hung tons of prints last week getting ready for Photovision to arrive for the film shoot. (yes, very exciting news..I will be appearing in the 2011 photovision season!) Anyway, here are some new images of the studio I wanted to share.
Wow! I am so excited! We just installed a metal photo display in our newly renovated downtown studio. The new location is a 5,000 square foot building that was built around 1900, so it has tons of character and loads of exposed brick walls. This display is 7 feet and hangs in a hallway that we believe used to go down to the vault....oh yeah, I almost forgot to mention that the building was originally a bank. Anyway, I wanted to share an image of the installation since I was so excited to see it all together on the wall.
What a great time I had shooting Chelsea!! Over the past year or so I have been photographing her nephew, Chase. It's been such fun to watch him grow from a tiny newborn into a smiling, laughing toddler. Anyway, Chelsea and I had such a great time during her session. She was so enthusiastic and her pictures show what a fun and carefree personality she has...I had such a blast!
Name: Chelsea Paige Belcher School: Sherman High School Session: Designer Art Session Favorite Color(s) Purple Favorite Band: Skillet & Need to Breathe Favorite Movie: Freedom Writers Diary Favorite TV Show: Keeping up with the Kardashians Hobbies: softball, volleyball, reading Lucky Number: 17 Favorite Website: Facebook Pets: Mini Schnauzer Baxter Two words that describe you: fun, energetic
Name: Shane Light School: Scott High School Session: Designer Art Favorite Color(s): Yellow, Orange, Brown Favorite Movie: Drop Dead Fred Hobbies: Golfing, Kayaking, Wakeboard Lucky Number: 3 Favorite Website: Facebook Pets: Dog
Just a few weeks ago I was in Kentucky speaking at the KYPPA Summer School. I always enjoy speaking there because I have some great friends there that I always enjoy spending time with. But also, because it feels a little like home...I went to college at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky and after college, I actually lived almost a year in Lexington. So, it's always fun to go there and see how everything has changed over the years. Anyway, I wanted to share some of the images from the seminar of Little Gracie. I was so touched when I found out how special she is....Her mother, Becky was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago and was told she would not be able to have another child. But as you can see sometimes miracles do happen and our lives are blessed with precious gifts, like Gracie. It was such a moving shoot, the entire crowd was in tears when Becky shared her story. Gracie was a perfect subject and we got some really great photos! Congratulations to parents Becky and Chris and big brother, Jaden.
Wow! I have been having so much fun lately with babies....It seems like almost everyday for the last two months I have photographed a newborn. Here is an announcement I created for cute little Thomas and his parents Jared and Jessica Fox of Proctorville, OH. I have a long history with Jessica and her family. I photographed both her and her sister, Jodi at their weddings and now I am photographing their babies. You may remember Jodi's daughter Isla.... she was the first baby I photographed hanging from a tree. So, we had to do the same for Thomas and it took two trips. Thomas wasn't feeling well the first day and we weren't able to get him calm enough for the cocoon photo, so they had to make the long trip to the studio twice. He was feeling much better atht eh second shoot and the photos turned out awesome! Congrats to Jessica and Jared! Thomas is a beautiful little boy and I look forward to photographing him throughout the year!
Well, now senior season for the class of 2011 has officially begun! We are moving into our new fabulous studio and what fun I am having trying out all the new stuff I have planned for seniors this year...Here is an image of Logan senior Carl Hawkins which I am so excited about.....just one of the new things we'll be doing this year!
Had to share this cute little announcement I made for Adam and Tiffany Tiller announcing the birth of their new baby boy. He was such a cutie and he already had the cutest little rock start hair-do. So precious. Congratulations to the Tillers!
I am super-excited! We started moving onto the new space on Main Street in Madison this week...renovations aren't completely finished but almost. The space has just turned out so awesome and I am so excited to get everything moved! We will be having an Open House later on in the summer once we get settled...so stay tuned!
I just had to post this birthday party invitation to the blog because it is so stinkin' cute! I've been photographing little Mattox since he was a few weeks old...what a fun year it's been! I was so surprised and excited when I cam into the studio to shoot the images for this announcement...I had no idea that Renee was bringing in full Mickey and Minnie Mouse costumes! And I had to share this pic showing my office manager, Holly's ultimate dedication to making your experience at our studio like no other....she actually wore the costume in the pics for the entire session....now that is what I call service! Wow what fun...we had a blast and Mattox loved it! Happy Birthday Mattox!
I am so excited to be a part of this event....and so honored! What a great line-up of speakers!
On June 24-27 you'll have a chance to learn from some of the industry's top mentors, connect with other photographers and enjoy some girlfriend time in beautiful Scottsdale, Arizona, at the fabulous Firesky Resort & Spa. This boutique hotel features an incredible spa!
Whether you are a seasoned pro or brand new to the industry, this conference offers something for everyone. We will feature many topics including Boudoir, Marketing, Sales, Seniors, Children, Posing & Lighting, Weddings, Photoshop, and much, much more. The fabulous speaker lineup features Kay Eskridge, Mary Fisk-Taylor, Beth Forester, Jen Hillenga, Julie Klaasmeyer, Julieanne Kost, Cindy Behnke, Britney Fullgraf, Lori Nordstrom, and Cheryl Ridgeway.
Early registration is only $249 for PPA members and $279 for non-members; after April 30 pay $299 for PPA members and $329 for non-members. Registration includes top-notch programs, social events, mentoring opportunities, some meals, boutique shopping and plenty of great girlfriend gifts.
If you want more information on the event check out the chicks website.
Sorry it has taken me so long to post the winner of our first ever "Make a Difference" contest. First of all, I would like to thank everyone who took the time out of their day to nominate each deserving senior. There were so many touching stories and I wanted to be able to give them all the winning package. But, after a long deliberation, the winner we have chosen is Justin Scruggs of Nitro High School. Congratulations Justin! I will be calling Justin this week to set up his appointment and as soon I process some of his images I'll share them with you.
Thanks again to everyone who participated in this event by nominating a worthy senior...they were all great nominees and I wish them the best for all their future endeavors!
I'm a very excited! I am heading out to WPPI today! I will be giving a program on "Selling the Senior Client" on Monday at 3:30 p.m. Hope to see you there!
Anyway, for a while now I have been working with Animoto and using their awesome service for creating video slide shows. Well, they recently asked me to do a self-portrait for the Animoto site. And in conjunction with WPPI and the launch of my Animoto page, they have allowed me to offer you 3 months free of Animoto when you sign up for a year's subscription ....so you'll get 15 months for the price of 12! Now you can still take advantage of this offer even if you already have an Animoto account...all you have to do is re-up for a year and you'll get the 3 months free as well.
Here's how to do it! When placing your order enter code
wppi10bf
And this special offer is only good until March 10th so you'd better hurry!
It's been a great year! I have been photographing seniors for the class of 2010 since early June and I am still going strong! But, believe it or not, it's time for the class of 2011 to get started booking their appointments! We already have lots of 2011 seniors booked, so you'd better get a move on if you want the prime spots. Here's a taste of what lies in store for you if you choose Beth Forester Photography as your choice in remembering your senior year!
Recently I was working on this cute storyboard of Allyson Plumley, daughter of Christy and Aaron Plumley. Allyson had such a great time at this session that she kept asking me to take more photos of her. I don't think that's ever happened in a two year old session ever before. We want with it and the photos turned out great! Allyson is such a cutie!
