Salt and Light Studio

Coming to America...er...Alberta

2012-02-07T14:06:00.000-08:00

For those of you who do not know: Alberta, is my home.

I was raised amidst vivid yellow canola fields, muted barley and wheat fields, crumbling wood barns and skies that seem to go a full 180 degrees. With it's hovering mountains just a stones throw away, Alberta is indeed a place chalk FULL of inspiration.

I loves me some Alberta. (somewhere my English teacher shutters...)

Thankfully, my dear client and friend, Christine will be tying the knot in picturesque Canmore, Alberta and I have been lucky enough to be her photographer of choice. Yay, me! (High fives self)

It's going to be absolutely awe-inspiring. I'm kind of giddy about it, frankly.

Since I'll be in the neighborhood, I figured, hey, why not toss in a few photo sessions, too. The icing on my proverbial cake, if you will. Plus, some of you have been practically beating down my (online) door asking when, oh dear when, I would be coming back to Alberta to photograph you and your gorgeous husband/boyfriend/kids/parents/dogs.

So, dear friends, I'm coming. Go ahead, give yourself a high five too. ;)

You can find out all the details by clicking on the new tab way up there titled "Summer Loving Sessions - Alberta" or by clicking HERE.

Until next time,

Lisa

Girly Girl

2011-12-23T08:03:00.000-08:00

It's no secret that I'm a bit of a girly girl.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not afraid of spiders and I have been camping and hiking. I've even gone a week without showering on several occasions. There aren't a lot of showers available at 3000 feet up a mountain, you know.

But given the choice between rugged wilderness and say, the luxury of a good hotel, well....check me in, sir.

I try to showcase these two parts of me in my work. I love to blend the opulent with the honest beauty of creation. The textures of a boutique hotel set in natures reverie. The best of both worlds.

My children are a wondrous mix too. My son is a sensitive soul, easily wounded by the harshness of the world, and yet full of fierce determination. My daughter is as at home covered in dirt head to toe as she is demanding to put on her princess dress and have her nails painted.

I love the complexity of people, that way. They can't be boxed in, defined by one moment alone. I think that's why I enjoy photographing families, kids and couples rather than turning my talents on the beauty of nature alone. To me, a beautiful place to photograph is made even more beautiful by the people that interact with it. Without people, it's just a place. Devoid of the character and charisma that only a person can bring.

In that way, the people define what a place is.

My kids, for example, turn my house into a home. The living room space becomes a play room complete with couches to jump on and cushions to toss. My kitchen becomes the dance floor and two times a year (actually, THREE now if you read my previous post!), my dining room becomes the party room as we celebrate the birth of these incredible little people who's character and charisma bring definition and purpose to our space.

For my daughter's recent 4th birthday, our dining room turned into a tea party room.

Complete with real china tea cups, lace table cloth, handmade felt flower centerpiece, some adorable little girls and heaps and heaps of pink.

I love seeing our dining room transformed into a space that reflects my daughter's girly girl side. In fact, I love it so much the decorations are still up a week later!

Maybe we'll keep them up until the kids need that space to become something else. A rocket launching station, toilet paper unraveling plant, or stuffed animal zoo, maybe.

Until next time,

Lisa

Pin It

Three.

2011-12-12T12:02:00.000-08:00

It is unbelievable to me how fast time seems to go. I know this is a cliche sentiment but SERIOUSLY, how does it go so ridiculously fast?? I'm stymied, frankly. One second ago I was 10 and misguidedly running away from home, then I blinked, got married, blinked again and had three kids.

Yup, THREE.

For those of you who are new here, THREE kids is new around here. Regular readers to my irregular posts may note that the last you heard from me there were, in fact, only two small people demanding my attention and running away from my camera. Their numbers have multiplied in the interim between my last summer post and this very overdue one.

Sept 7th was the official date of kid multiplication. Or is it simple addition? I've never been very good at math....

So yes, THREE, explains why I am so tardy in updating this here blog of mine. THREE, is also the reason my house is a mess, all of my camera batteries need recharging and I can't even think about what I'm going to do for New Year's. Stay in, probably. Because I have THREE KIDS.

What say I go ahead and introduce #3 to y'all, hmmm. Sound like a plan?

On behalf of Salt and Light Studio, yeah, that's just me being all "formal" and stuff......I present to you,

THREE!! (We call him Adler) (insert rowdy applause here.)

Cute, isn't he? Yeah, we think we might keep him.

True Story: My boys (read: husband and 7 year old son) are big time into camping. Me, I'm a camp geek, but that's a whole different story. Nope, not band camp, if you are wondering. So I was daydreaming about Mr. Adler before he made his big debut this side of the womb, imaging what kind of guy he was going to be and wondering if he would be a little camper too. Naturally this thought turned into a full fledged Stylized Portrait idea and the result is this:

Did I mention that THREE kids is AWESOME? Well, it is. Awesomely hard work. But, awesomely worth it.

Until next time,

Lisa

Pin It

Humbled

2011-08-05T18:51:00.000-07:00

Gosh, I seriously stink at being a blogger! Good thing there aren't admission requirements or standards to being a part of this blogging community because, wowzers, I would be the first person kicked out of the blogosphere!

Life is so busy. Crazy busy, in fact! I'm still not sure how we're going to handle adding another addition to our family in 5 short weeks. Valium, maybe. And Prozac. Or maybe just a lot of mommy time-out's and strong tea....yeah, that's pretty likely.

So since we are all way too busy, let's not mince words. I'm sure all of my very very patient clients are looking for an updated time line on their albums, proofs and CD's; the good news is that all of my current orders should be sent into my lab by this coming Tuesday, so you are this close to getting your goods and I am this close to being able to relax. I'm not sure who will be more excited. ;)

Before I get some down time though, I do need to follow up on something important. I have been remiss in not posting this sooner. You see, there is someone incredibly AWESOME who MUST be singled out for a blog post. This amazing friend is my wonderfully amazing Rhode Island Assistant, Kameron.

Kam, is the yin to my yang. She's the one who busted her hump finding, getting, moving (repeatedly), setting up and taking down all of the sets we used for our Vintage Americana Sessions. She shlupped, painted, glued, sewed and sweated her butt off to bring my vision to life. And the girl did it with incredible team spirit and willingness to serve. I am so so humbled to have a friend like Kameron in my life, and eternally grateful for all that she has done for my sake.

I'm sending out big puffy hearts to you, Kam. You.are.the.best.period.

Until Next time,

LisaPin It

Vintage Americana Sneak Peek - That awesome Michaud Family!

2011-07-16T13:16:00.000-07:00

If I can get a little mushy here, I have to say how deeply touched I am by all of my repeat clients. It's one thing to put yourself out there the first time you've had your family Professionally Photographed, it's a new and unique experience with a novelty factor that makes the whole thing both slightly frightening and incredibly exciting.

When a client returns though, that's when fear of the lens and fear of the unknown are replaced by a sense of unity with the photographer. After all, it is my belief that the best photography is, in fact, a collaboration between the client and the photographer. The magic happens when you are you and I am me.

That's why I am always so tickled to have clients return for another session with me. We always have fun (even when things are not exactly going to plan because our pre-schooler has decided to boycott!), we always enjoy our time together and in the end we always find those in between moments that are authentically you.

I live for those moments.

On that note....

Meet the Michaud Family!!

I first met two thirds of this family on my last visit to Providence in May last year. Unfortunately handsome dad, Courtenay, was unable to make our session last year and poor little Aiden was suffering from a sinus infection (unbeknownst to either his mom or I) so he wasn't exactly having a great day. Despite these obstacles, my team and I (thank goodness for my assistant, Kam!), were still able to capture and create some beautiful moments that this family loved.

This year, with the whole family in attendance and no runny nose in sight we were destined for success! Things may not have gone exactly to plan but I figure if you can't roll with the punches than you probably shouldn't be photographing children. Unpredictable. Unique. Yup, that's kids and it's also real life. Luckily I am an expert on handling unpredictable and uniquely personalitied children (you may thank my two kiddos for this later).

Enjoy your sneak peek Ariana, Courtenay and Aiden, it was a pleasure to see you guys again! Next year: Michaud's x4!!! Congrats again!!

Until next time,

Lisa

Pin It

Vintage Americana Sneak Peek: Those Awesome Butler's

2011-07-16T10:13:00.000-07:00

I will flat out tell you it has been a very stressful week here at Salt and Light Studio. Not only did I arrive back from Rhode Island to the news that my precious Mac had been smashed in my absence but a few days later also discovered that my external hard drive had also died.

You know what they say, "When it rains it pours".

I shake my fist at those know-it-all "They" people. Why, I say why??

Sigh.

On the positive side, at least I truly know how awesome my clients are (as if there was any doubt!). I can't tell you all how grateful I am for your major amounts of patience. I know some of you have been extremely anxious to see the sneak peek of your session but somehow you've restrained yourselves from sending threatening e-mails or rotten eggs via post. Thanks for that. Truly. ;)

The good news?

We're up and running again. Not yet at 100% but we are getting there.

In fact I'm going to make one client very happy today and introduce you to:

The Butler's!!!!

Meet Aaron and Victoria and their crazy adorable l year old, Desmond. This super cute family was by far the easiest to photograph. They eased into the shoot like old pro's and their natural grace and comfort shows through. I adored their wardrobe choices, the perfect blend of timeless style and yesteryear charm. This was the kind of shoot that gave me goose bumps despite the blistering 90F heat, it may in fact, have been impossible for me to take a bad shot of these guys, they were just that awesome!!

Thanks so much Butler Family for trusting the vision for these sessions, I can't wait for you to see all of the gorgeousness we captured!

Until next time,

Lisa

Pin It

An offer you can't refuse.

2011-05-17T12:59:00.000-07:00

Update: Thanks so much to all of you who opted in for our session giveaway. The contest is now closed however the registration deadline has been extended until JUNE 15th.

One of the inner conflicts I've experienced as a Professional Photographer has to do with pricing my work for profit. I, like most photographers, photograph from a place of intense passion for the craft.

I create and capture images that are an extension of who I am and how I see the world and the amazing people who inhabit it. I absolutely LOVE to photograph. Can't live without it. In fact, when I am photographing I am so completely FULL of that love that I am incapable of feeling anything else. It doesn't matter if I am starving or laying in a patch of poison ivy (umm...yes, I did just that two weeks ago!), whether I've got 50 mosquitoes making lunch out of me or whether my bladder is going to explode, I literally cannot feel any of it once that camera is in my hand. I am pulled in by the beauty I see, entranced by the moments we are creating.

But as we all know, passion for creating art alone, even one so consuming, doesn't pay the bills. All of the world's most successful shooters know this. They have learned how to mesh their passion for the work with level headed business sense. The kind of sense that allows them to price for the long term success of that business so that they can keep doing what they love instead of working a the local Kinko’s. This business sense reminds them that profitability is a must in order to feed their families, pay the mortgage and invest in a stable future.

For me, and many others out there, pricing for long term profitability brings up a lot of emotions. At times, I have felt a lot of guilt about pricing. After all, if I love to do this so much, shouldn't I just offer to share my gift with the world? Is it selfish of me, to ask people to pay for something I would want to do regardless if I ever got paid for it?

But the truth is, my gift is worth something. In fact, it's worth a lot. My detail-oriented-type-A-controlling-as-all-heck efforts, time away from my family, emotional, mental and physical investment in my clients alone (not to mention equipment and prop investments, etc) IS more than worth what I charge. For those who understand the value of this art form, what I do is priceless.

So how do I reconcile my soul's need to photograph with my families need to eat? There really is only one reasonable choice - price for profit. Use my God given gift to fill my soul and their bellies. What it means, is putting aside any guilt I feel and choosing to focus on who I have been created to be and what I am being asked to do. Taking seriously not only my role as an Artist but also those of Mother, Wife, and Provider.

The choice isn't always easy for me. Especially when I encounter families who can't afford my prices. My heart aches to give and give and give. I'm a softie like that. And when I can give, I do. Sometimes, I even give when I shouldn't. When we have needs that aren't covered, when the gas money is short or the pantry is bare. And I believe that giving when it hurts is the best kind of giving, putting others needs before my own. This kind of giving humbles and softens our hearts the most, so I welcome those opportunities when they come.

When I started this post, I was planning on sharing about an awesome giveaway I'm doing for the Styled Portrait Sessions I'm doing in RhodeIsland July 2-10. That was the plan, anyway. But apparently I had some things on my heart I wanted to share, thus the ramblings above.

Because I do so love to give, I am really really excited about this giveaway for the "Freedom Sessions", styled in amazing Vintage Rustic Americana Chic.

I know some of you would love to come but are struggling with finances. And as my team and I have worked to bring the details of these sessions together your needs have been on my mind. In trying to reach out to the most people I could, while reminding myself that my gift is worth paying for and my obligations as a provider to my family, I decided that there was a way to do both.

Soooo....here's what I'm offering.

ONE FREE STYLED PORTRAIT SESSION for every THREE bookings I receive.

This offer is specifically for clients booking the Rhode Island Sessions July 2-10.

EVERYONE is eligible. Whether you have a booked session, are intending to book a session or thought you couldn't participate because your check book said so, this contest is for you.

So what do you need to do to WIN, you ask?

The criteria is simple: actively refer clients to me for these sessions. Every time three clients book, I will draw a winners name from those who OPT IN. This means in order to have your name in the hat for a chance to win you must contact me either via e-mail at saltandlightstudio@gmail.com or by leaving a comment below to tell me you want in and are actively referring your most awesome friends and family our way. Clients who don't opt in aren't eligible.

So if you have been dreaming of having kick butt portraits of you, your family or your pet turtles, this contest is for you. (Okay, maybe not for your turtles though, those little green guys kind of freak me out!)

If you've already contacted me to register for a session but would highly enjoy having your money returned to you because you won your session FREE, then start sharing your love of Salt and Light Studio.

You can tweet it, blog it, post it on Facebook, e-mail your entire address book, call all the mom's in your MOPS group, twist your second cousin twice removed's arm and call in all your favors if you want. What you do is up to you but the point is your efforts will be rewarded and isn't a FREE Styled Portrait session with us worth this effort? We think so, and we know you will too when all of those people you referred us to thank-you for making them a part of the awesomeness we will create for them.

So start sharing the love!!

Until Next Time,

Lisa

Here's the fine print details you should know: A maximum of 3 winners will be chosen (one winner for every 3 new clients for a maximum total of 9 new clients). Contest will exclude the first 5 registrations in the overall tally, counting begins as of the sixth registrant. The term "bookings or registration" indicated that the client has paid for their session. If the client hasn't paid, they are not booked or registered. Winners who have paid will have their session fees refunded to them less Paypal and/or credit card fees and CD pre-orders which are non-refundable. Winners selected without a booked session will receive the "after first five" registration package described in detail here. Contest begins now and runs until May 31st. May 31st is the deadline to register for the "FreedomSessions", late registrations may be accepted on a case by case basis for a limited time only if spots remain available and at the discretion of the photographer.

Pin It

Vintage Americana Inspirations

2011-05-02T06:47:00.000-07:00

We are a mere 9 weeks from the big trip down to Providence, RI, gosh where has the time gone! This may seem like a long time from now, but if you are familiar with Styled Portrait Sessions, you probably have some inclination about the amount of time and effort that goes in behind the scenes before that shutter even clicks. There is a lot more prep work to pull off the details that will make these kinds of images POP and make you look like the coolest family on the block. My team and I are super excited to start pulling these details together to bring out the Inner Awesome of all of our participants!

If you're on the fence about whether these sessions are for you, let me offer up a little tasty Vintage Americana Inspiration today. This Styled Portrait Session is just one example of what we can do. It's bright and colorful, cheery and fun but we also recognize that this exact styling may not be suitable for everyone. The sooner you book your session, the sooner we can create images that are perfectly you, we love working to bring out your best so e-mail us now at saltandlightstudio at gmail dot com to get in on this limited time opportunity.

About this Styled Portrait Session: Meet the Stevensons! This year marks 10 years of marriage for this gorgeous couple. They are probably the most naturally cuddly couple I've ever worked with! They were practically giddy when I told them the shoot would include compulsory "make out time". HA! I find it truly inspiring to work with a couple so in love. They've weathered storms together, fought through those lows and are connected in love in a deep and powerful way. And it shows.

As it turns out, this fun loving couple had a dreadful experience with the photography for their wedding. Unfortunately they fell victim to a common problem, opting to "hire" a friend to shoot their day only to have this person take money in advance and then not show up for the big day. Oh they have a few snapshots but even 10 years on, they still feel the loss of those images. Sad, isn't it?

So with that in mind, we set out to create not only lasting memories but tangible, collectible, keepsakes of this wonderful time in their lives.

Just a note: We have not yet met our minimums to ensure these sessions happen as planned July 2-10. We know there are A TON of you out there who have expressed interest in participating, if that's you, please note that the registration deadline has now been set for May 31st. If you are interested in using our payment plan option, your first payment must be received BEFORE May 16 as the second payments are due ON May 16th (and June 16th respectively). This is the part of the show we like to call Audience Participation, we know you love looking at our work, and judging by your e-mails we know you are uber excited about being photographed by us but now is the time to register so you don't miss out.

Until next time,

LisaPin It

Ah Ha

2011-04-12T10:53:00.000-07:00

I think I've had another "Ah Ha" moment.

At least, that's probably what Oprah would call it.

I was editing a few images I'd taken of my daughter and something inside this little ol' noddle of mine kinda clicked.

You see, I was only 2 when my parents began the process of divorce, 3 by the time it was officially over. Like most people (according to the scientists, anyway), I don't have a lot of memories of that time. In fact, I really only have one specific memory. And it's a powerful one.

It was the summer of 1981. My parents had decided to go for one last trip out to the cabin. One last time all together before they went their separate ways. My grandparents had come along too. They were in the cabin next to ours, a vacation home borrowed from a distant relative whose identity I no longer recall.

We weren't there long before the fighting began. A morning, maybe a day before I was reminded why Daddy was leaving and Mama wanted it that way.

I remember how it felt to escape the noise of the cabin, walking alone down to the water's edge. I remember my grandmother, I spotted her out of the corner of my eye standing on the adjacent dock, her camera in hand. But mostly I remember the overwhelming feeling of sadness that struck me as I stood watching the waves lap at the lakes edge. I remember knowing that life was never going to be the same again.

I was a young adult before I came across the photograph my grandmother had taken of me that day. The power of that single images resonates deep within me still. And somehow I've found myself recreating it over and over again. That is what I struck me as I edited this most recent batch of images. I saw myself in them. I saw this image reproduced and yet reinterpreted.

Because my girl will never know the deep sadness I felt that summer day back in 1981. Her story is her own, and because of the choices my husband and I have made, her future is secure, her path set on a firm foundation.

Not that things have been easy, far from it. But my Eden isn't me and when I look at the multiple images I have shot of her at water's edge I am struck by feelings of joy, of contentment, of hope.

I think the best images are those that impact us inside. Ones that resonate within and maybe even give us "Ah Ha" moments too.

Until next time,

LisaPin It

Vintage Rustic Americana Chic - RI Sessions, 2011

2011-04-01T12:47:00.000-07:00

As some of you may know, there's a little piece of my heart that lives in Providence, Rhode Island. When I first visited there last year, I was taken in by the amazing people I met. Those Rhodies are just plain awesome. I had so much fun with my dear friend Kam, that knew it wouldn't be long before we made plans for a return trip. Don't judge me, but, I even cried when I left Kam at the airport. Yeah, I'm a big ol' softy.

Here are some images from just two of the families we shot last year, in case you missed them on the other blog or just wanted a chance to drool over them again...;)

I am soooo excited about the plan for this year's sessions! I'm actually ridiculously giddy about them, it's almost embarrassing. Almost.

Since we will, in fact, be photographing over the Independence Day holiday, I was inspired to put together some incredible Stylized Portraiture Sessions with a distinct "Vintage Rustic Americana Chic" flavor. Not cheap souvenirs and tacky flag decor everywhere, but a thoughtfully designed set up meant to inspire memories of classic American life, natural, rustic, a nod to days gone by.

If you are interested in learning more, you can go to the pages tab above, the one that says RHODE ISLAND SESSIONS to get all the details.

Until next time,

LisaPin It

Might as well face it, I'm...

2011-04-01T11:48:00.000-07:00

addicted to Junk!

When Tammy and I got together to capture the beauty and strength of her gorgeous pregnant self, we decided to work against the grain. For some reason, people always picture soft feminine, ribbons and bows and bunnies when they think of maternity portraiture. There's nothing wrong with that vision if it's yours but for me, and many of my clients, growing a life inside of your body is the epitome of strength, endurance mixed with feelings of unbridled excitement, joy and sometimes even fear. It's not soft and serene, fluffy clouds and pictures of hands making heart shapes over belly buttons. It's raw, natural and requires strength that should be celebrated.

With those thoughts in mind, Tammy and I headed to the local junkyard and amongst twisted steal, vintage cars and even a wingless airplane, we found heaps of inspiration.

Here's a few of my favorites.

Until Next time,

LisaPin It

Trash Talkin' - Those Awesome Horner Boys Part 2

2010-10-23T13:58:00.000-07:00

There is nothing quite like when the vision you have in your head becomes reality. That point where what you want to happen intersects with what is happening - magic!

As I was shooting with the Horner boys today at a vintage car repair shop, I tried to keep my enthusiasm contained. I'm not sure I did a great job masking my joy, however, as I vaguely recall a couple of spontaneous happy dances and a few moments of gleeful exaltation. What can I say, I wear my feelings right there on my sleeve, somewhere just above the elbow, and when I'm happy - well, I'm really happy! And nothing makes me happier than old ummm....trash. I do love me some "antiques". The husband wants to know if I'm planning my next shoot at the dump or local trailer park. All I can say is, with images like these, I'm not ruling it out!

Thanks boys for making my trash-tacular vision come to life!

Until next time,

Lisa Pin It

Test Post

2010-08-19T12:09:00.000-07:00

Yeah, my kids are AWESOME....