Tag: tampa engagement pictures

  • Closing out 2012

    We at Ashley Yvonne Photography would like to thank all of our loyal Tampa Bay Friends and Families for being with us this year! We’ve had a fantastic, busy and challenging year. We look forward to what 2013 will bring. I, personally am so excited to meet new families we will come across and to see all of the families that have been with us from the beginning. I’ve compiled a few of my favorite children and family portrait photographs from this year along with favorites you have chosen.

    I’m excited and happy to be starting a new year refreshed as your Tampa Bay Family photographer.

    See you all in the New Year!!!

     

  • Photography Discounts

    I recently read a blog from a fellow photographer out of Virginia. (Go Hokies!) It hit hard and the topic is something I’ve been dwelling on for quite some time. After many, many hours of education on business and financial management, this is one of the MAIN topics of discussion:

    Photography Discounts

    It’s so difficult for me to turn people down when they tell me how much they love photography but just can’t afford my pricing. Now, I’ve made sure I’m not the most expensive in the Tampa Bay area for Family photos. In fact, my pricing is competitive for the amount of experience. Its been on my mind a lot if I should be giving so many discounts. I love my clients and I love that you all love photography as much as I do. But the bottom line is, I spend a lot of time away from my husband and other family and friends. It does effect me. I don’t mind working weekends to a certain extent. But it’s unfortunate for my family and I if I have to consider supplemental income because I’m giving things away for free. I can assure you the business costs are no where near free.

    I have tried to reduce my overhead costs by having a studio in my home and making my own props but that’s not even half of costs. With a heavy heart, I have to say No, even when I want to say yes to a discount so you may have “the most amazing family photos” , I just can’t do it. I cannot work for free. As my husband often says in relation to any business ” If an individual has a surplus of money one month, they aren’t going to call you and ask to pay you more, so no one should expect a discount.” I regularly remind myself of this.

    With that said, I view this as an opportunity to remind everyone to save up for those yearly family photos. Just as you save up for a new outfit, a new car, a toy, etc.. I recognize the economy we are in and have adjusted my pricing to reflect that but remember the value of your family photos will never depreciate. You’ll remember these family photos for life but you probably won’t remember that new outfit you purchased last week. Your great grandchildren will see these photos but they won’t see that new outfit

    I do offer limited edition sessions as well as incentives like my Referral Program, which you can find here.

    As always, thank you for trusting me to be your Tampa Bay Family Photographer..till we meet again! Feel free to check out our portfolio of Tampa Bay Family and Children photos here.

    Take a look at the original post here.

  • Matt & Kara Engagement {Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer}

    Matt & Kara are an amazing couple I met at University of Tampa. They are so wonderful!! I had an amazing time out with them on such a perfect day. I asked them a few questions about themselves and their plans for their wedding so that you could get to know them like I did.

    How did you two meet?

    We met at The Rack at a mutual friend’s birthday party.  It was actually kind of funny because we were both working at the same place at the time, but in different departments, so we had never crossed each other’s paths.  Once we realized we worked near each other we started taking our breaks together.

    What do you two love to do together the most?

     We love riding our bikes together when we have the chance.  It is so convenient living in South Tampa because we are biking distance from a variety of restaurants.  We even made a list of restaurants we want to try, but there are so many to choose from!

    How did he propose? (If you would like to mention about him proposing atop the tallest building in the world, that is up to you)

    Matt’s family lives outside of Dubai in the U.A.E.  While we were visiting last Christmas, Matt tried proposing on top of the Burj Khalifia, the world’s tallest building.  I am very shy, so when I noticed what he was doing I whispered; “you better not do that up here!”  Needless to say he changed up the plan and proposed in the hotel room later that evening.  It makes for a funny story.

    When and Where will your wedding be?

    We are getting married June 29th at Old Town Manor in Key West.  It is a bed and breakfast located one block from Duval Street.  We are looking forward to having a relaxing yet fun weekend celebrating with our close friends and family.

    What made you decide to choose a destination wedding?

    After Matt proposed, I initially started planning for a big wedding.  We both realized during the process that the traditional wedding was not for us.  Once we started exploring other options, we both fell in love with the idea of a carefree destination wedding.  We decided on Key West because we both enjoy the keys and would love to begin our life together there.

    Where will you go on your Honeymoon?

    We are spending our honeymoon in Chile.  Matt is dying to check out the world’s largest pool, and I am hoping to visit some of the wineries.  I minored in Spanish in college and I think Matt also wants to laugh at me while I attempt to speak with the locals!

    Congratulations you two!!! I had a great time with you guys!

     

    As always, thank you for trusting me to be your Tampa Bay Engagement Photographer..till we meet again! Feel free to check out our portfolio of Tampa Bay Engagement photos here.

  • Styling Guide {Tampa Bay Photographer}

    There are a lot of things on my to do list and a Styling Guide has been one of them. So here we go…

    I am by no means a “fashionista” but I do happen to know what looks good in photos. By all means, if you have any questions please let me know and I’d be happy to help out but always remember, “Rules are meant to be broken” so you can always stray out of the lines if you really love to.

    When I was getting my outfits together for my own photography session, the one thing I realized I didn’t have was a guide as to what to wear. I’m not a fan of matchy, matchy. I like some contrast but not too busy. I like elegant but edgy. I like bold and I like simple. So I knew I needed a few different options. I created this guide to help others choose their outfits and props as well. Yes, I said props because I know as a lover of Pinterest I’ve seen ideas I love and want to incorporate. I also know photographers don’t have every single prop to fit my personality or wants. So I got prepared to bring my own props based upon my own inspirations and ideas. It’s okay to bring your own ideas to the table because these ideas are yours and that means your photos will scream with your personality. I love it when my clients do this! And sometimes my creativity comes to life even more and I can bounce even more ideas off of yours.
    Things to Keep in Mind

    Your body type. There is no shortage of information about general body shapes and clothes that will be the most flattering for all body shapes. Do the research, and dress accordingly.
    Coordinate colors. An outfit doesn’t have to be the exact same color. The same color family would work well too (example: Royal Blue and Light Blue).

    Coordinate styles. If she’s wearing a dress, the guy should dress up a little nicer, maybe a button up shirt and tie. If it’s more relaxed, then both wear shorts and nice shirt.

    Wear solids or simple patterns. Don’t over do it with the patterns. Solid dark colors are the most flattering. Don’t wear anything with words or shapes, it takes away the focus of your photo.

    Stick to more fitted clothing. One thing I like to tell most people, wear clothing that hugs your body more than falls off of it. Bigger clothing can make you appear bigger in photographs.

    Accessorize your outfit with a stylish pair of heels, a chunky necklace, a clutch, cowboy boots, a tie, etc.. (Remember, Pinterest has great ideas!)

    It’s always best to keep it comfortable though, bring flip flops if you are wearing heels and make sure your outfit reflects you, most importantly. I personally love the dark Jeans, high heels, funky jewelry for girls and dark jeans, button up shirt, loose tie and blazer for guys. Splashes of color here and there can spice it up too.

     

    Props
    A fun way to make your session unique and fun is to bring props.

    – Sunglasses
    – Hobby items (guitar, hockey sticks, etc)
    – Umbrella

    – Picnic Basket

    – Tricycle
    – Balloons
    – Hats
    – Your favorite cool couch or chair
    – Anything else that makes your relationship unique or that is special to you.

     

     

    Dress nice, but don’t get so “dressed up” that you are uncomfortable. Interact with each other the way you normally would. Goof off, make faces, cuddle, laugh, play. In short, have fun and be yourself! Again, if you have any other questions, please be sure to let me know and I would love to help!

  • New Backdrops Ordered and Delivered!!

    I ordered some amazing backdrop and floor drops from Lemondrop Stop a week ago and I finally got them in! I’m so thrilled to be using them tomorrow in a Children Studio Photography Session. The first time user: Kaia- Our Cutest Kid Contest Winner!

  • Desi + Kim {Tampa Engagement Photographer}

    I wanted to share an older photograph that I came across just the other day that I absolutely LOVE… the natural lighting makes this photograph absolutely amazing!

    Thank you to Desi & Kim for being so much fun during their engagement shoot. To see more photos from this shoot in Lakeland, Florida, take a look at www.ashleyyvonnephotography.com