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I was going to start this off by saying that today’s giveaway is for photographers.  But really, it’s for anyone who has an SLR camera and who knows a baby.  :)  Two things I LOVE and absolutely cannot do without in my business life are my hats and headbands from Click Knits and my Phat Straps camera strap lined with minky.  Love does not properly express how I feel.   So today, a two part giveaway (winner gets both):

$40 gift certificate to Click Knits
Jacqui (the woman behind Click Knits – find her HERE ) comes up with the most beautiful designs.  I have been working with her for about three years now and I have yet to be disappointed.  Not only does she turn out beautiful products (and quickly!) but she is wonderful to work with.  Very communicative, very helpful.  She is just flat out wonderful and is far above and beyond my favorite vendor.  From adorable newborn hats to delicate headbands she offers a wide variety of products.  And they are not only for newborns – she can often make things for older babies too.  :)  Definitely take a look at her page and become a fan if you’re not already!

$30 gift certificate to Phat Straps
My camera gets really heavy, especially depending on the lens I have on it.  And I learned right away that the straps that come with the cameras are crap.  Well, that’s a touch mean, but really, they are not made for comfort; after a while they dig into your neck.  Plus, it always bugs me that they just scream out Canon! or Nikon! in bright lettering.  So early on in the game, I went on the hunt for a pretty and comfy camera strap.  And I found Phat Straps on Etsy (they’re no longer on etsy, now they have a standalone site).  They make adorable camera straps in a variety of fabrics.  But the main thing that sold me on them was that they offer an option lined with minky.  Minky is that super soft furry-like fabric with the raised dots.  And when that is on your neck, heaven!! Check out their website HERE – you can customize your strap with different colors of minky, or add embroidery or buy something ready to ship for a little bit of savings!

First, congratulations to Kate for winning yesterday’s giveaway!  She was lucky number 18 from random.org.

Today something for the ladies.  :)  When I first moved to RI I started to hear about “Alex and Ani“. I had NO clue who they were or what they did but I heard the name mentioned constantly.  Turns out it is this wonderful jewelry company based right here in Rhode Island.  Their mission: “to design products that adorn the body, enlighten the mind, and empower the spirit.”  And the main thrust of their business is bracelets.  Adorable, simple, meant-to-be-stacked bracelets.  They offer a huge variety – bracelets with stones, bracelets with beads, lots of options.  And the idea is that you keep getting more and more and stacking them on top of each other.  My favorite out of all of the styles is the single charm bracelet.  Delicate and simple and with a sliding mechanism that allows it to fit all sizes of wrists.  I have always sworn off bracelets when suggested, believing that they get in the way, they are bulky, annoying, etc.  It is NOT the accessory I would ever do.  Until these!!  I got two for myself with the kid’s initials on them and I think my husband’s jaw actually dropped when I showed him that I was wearing *bracelets*.  Unfortunately since the move I cannot find them and miss them very much (hint, hint, husband).  So I have decided to give one away.  Get some lucky person started on a collection.  (Lots of RI women already have them so you’d just be adding on.)  These guys get mentioned everywhere from Lucky Magazine, to Real Simple to Sports Illustrated to People, etc.  So get in on it!

The one I’ve chosen to give away is the Path of Life bracelet.  I was taken not only with the design but with the intended meaning behind it:
“this charm illustrates life’s twists, turns and unexpected winds, all the while complimenting the beauty in its pattern”

Man does that sound like the lives of most mothers LOL!!Same as yesterday, simply leave a comment below to be entered and I will select one person at random tomorrow morning!  Good luck!

I met up with this gorgeous mama on Saturday evening this past weekend.  Jen needed some new head shots for various things she is involved in.  On top of having three (gorgeous) daughters, she is one of the creators behind Rhody Mamas, writes a wonderful blog called Keekoin, is going to be the mommy blogger for Providence Monthly’s new website coming out soon AND is on a panel for a Conde Nast product launch.  Oh and she also does design work.  Whew.  She makes my life look easy!!!  We headed downtown for some quick shots and I have to say – if all head shots were like this I would do them ALL OF THE TIME. Not only is she gorgeous and sweet, but she was an amazing natural in front of the camera and it shines through in her photos.  :)

She is.  Simply, completely, stunningly glowing.

Thanks everyone!!  Currently the class is full but if you wish to be added to a waiting list please let me know!

That’s right, I’m doing it again (again, again)!!  It’s been over a year since my last one and since people keep asking so I figured, why not?!

Major Details:

Do you have a DSLR camera?  Would you like to learn what goes into taking a good photo and how to get OFF of auto?  If so, my “Get Manual 2011″ workshop is for you.  You will learn about what goes into taking a photograph with your camera – from how to create pleasing compositions to aperture, shutter speed and ISO and how they work together to form the “exposure triangle.”  You’ll also learn a few things about lighting your subjects.  Please note I will NOT be teaching you how to portfolio build or any other aspect of business.

Will you come out of this shooting like a pro?  Not at all – that takes years of hard work and practice.   But will you learn WHAT goes into a photo?  Definitely.   This mini-workshop is limited to only 5-6 participants so it will be a nice small intimate learning environment and you will have plenty of opportunity to ask questions.  Each participant will receive a copy of notes to take home with you along with some other handouts .

WHO is this workshop for?
Moms, dads, anyone who wants to learn the basics of taking a decent photo.  This is designed for beginners to digital photography and SLR cameras.  Any photographers who are currently skill or portfolio building or in business are not allowed.   (And besides, if you’re taking this class you shouldn’t be in business!)

WHAT are the requirements?
You must own an SLR camera – a camera with interchangeable lenses.  You do not need to have a bunch of lenses, but you must have the ability to change lenses.  No point and shoots.

WHERE will it be held?
My house in northern Cumberland, RI.  The address will be provided to attendees.  Please note we do have a cat in the house so if you are allergic to cats it would not be a good environment for you.

HOW much does it cost?
The cost will be $150 per participant.

WHEN will it be held?
Sunday, October 16 from 10:00-3:00.  Light refreshments will be served.  The deadline to register by is Wednesday, October 12, 2011.

Please contact me at amy@amyrophotography.com to sign up for the workshop.  There are only five or six slots for this class and your spot is reserved when your payment is received.  I will have a waiting list for those who do not make the first five and if there is enough demand will open up a few more slots.

Just one from yesterday’s session.  :)  I don’t normally do first birthdays or styled shoots but when it’s a former client, mom is going to do it all, and when the baby is this cute, how can I say no??

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