Photography 101 workshop - Glenwood Square - Yakima, WA - July 17, 2011

 Attention fellow photography lovers!! If you follow us on facebook or twitter then you've already heard about the awesome opportunity coming up next month.... a photography workshop for beginners! Where else in town can you go for a hands on digital photography class like this? We run into so many people that have DSLR cameras and don't know how to use them... so we just want to help people out and give them some basic knowledge to get going!! Just in the first week since we've announced this workshop we've gotten a great response from people interested in attending.... so don't wait to register, space is limited!!! If July 17th doesn't work for you, email us {info@memorymp.com} so you can be the first to know about the next 101 class. {tentatively scheduled for January 2012} - we've already got some people on board for the next one, which is awesome!

REGISTER HERE for Photography 101 on July 17, 2011: http://memorymp.com/#/photography-101-workshop/

Who: Anyone who has a love for photography and is ready to take their skill to the next level. Must have a digital SLR or the intention of getting one.

What: Build an understanding of your camera and of photography that will help you capture the images you have always wanted. This includes the basics of camera function, posing and lighting.

Cost: $35 per person. Space is limited.

What to expect: A casual, creative atmosphere of photography discussion. Notes, refreshments and door prizes are provided - just bring yourself & your camera!!!

More Info: This workshop is aimed at the beginner photographer, and everyone is welcome! We'll be going over the three major areas that I feel amateurs need the most help with: Exposure, focus, and composition. When these fundamentals are mastered, it sets the stage for a photographer to focus on being creative and making interesting and high quality images. As full time wedding and portrait photographers, this workshop is our way of giving back to our community. Please contact us with any questions! info@memorymp.com

Results of the SUMMER 2011 Portrait Session GIVEAWAY!!!

To kick off the first day of summer, we are giving away a complimentary portrait session. We were blown away with the response throughout the duration of the giveaway.... 78 entires!!!!

And the winner is.....
Allison Hovorka!! Entry #70!

THANK YOU for everyone who entered the contest... stay tuned for future giveaways with Memory Montage Photography!!!

SUMMER 2011 Portrait Session GIVEAWAY!!!

We're giving away a complimentary portrait session to be used between June 20 - July 31, 2011 in Yakima, WA. The session will be one hour, for 1-7 people and I will give you the rights to your 10 favorite photos on disc. {a $200 value!!}

The session could be for just you, just your kids, you and your husband, you and your fiance, you and your friend, you and your family..... start thinking about what you can wear, bring, and do for your session!!

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The drawing will be held at random on the first day of summer, Tuesday, June 21, at 12pm.  

Enter to win HERE.

Additional Ways to enter:

1. Leave a comment on this blog and tell us WHEN you were last professionally photographed. (1 entry)

2. Update your facebook status about this giveaway & include a link to this blog: http://tinyurl.com/summer11giveaway
(1 entry)  Examples of status updates:

• “Memory Montage Photography is having a giveaway! http://tinyurl.com/summer11giveaway”
• “I entered to win a portrait session with Memory Montage Photography. You should too! http://tinyurl.com/summer11giveaway”
• “I hope I win a portrait session from Memory Montage. Giveaway starts today! http://tinyurl.com/summer11giveaway”
• …..Etc.

3. Post a link on Twitter to this contest page: http://tinyurl.com/summer11giveaway and include the hashtag #memorymp


Up to FOUR entries per person for the duration of the giveaway. The winner will be drawn at random and announced on Tuesday, June 21st at 1pm! Get your entries in before then!

Spring Pictures in Yakima:: our NEW SUMMER INTERN!!!!!!!

That time has arrived!!! Today is my first day with our Summer 2011 intern, Mica Sansaver. She is a lifestyle photographer from Ellensburg, WA, here with us to see what it's like being full time wedding photographers with a crazy summer. :)

We roamed around my house and backyard today snapping a few photos so I could show her my workflow, and here is what we got!!!

Yay for warm weather again. :) It's so fun to see our yard blooming! We bought this house in the winter and there was snow everywhere... so now it's a fun surprise to see the different colors.

my latest yard sale finds {77}

don't judge me because I yard sale! there are some great things out there! :)  yes, there is much more trash at yard sales than there are treasures... you just have to hunt down the good stuff. all these years I've been yard saling but I never had a HOUSE to buy for, and now I do!

for the wall:

for storage & organization:

and for me!

I <3 yard saling

Oops I did it again. {76}

This photo ^^^ has gotten more comments than any photo we've ever taken. It was just a random shot we experimented with, but lots of people seem to like it. Its not super common to have a huge mirror at a wedding or on a photoshoot so when we came across this reflective surface at an engagement session yesterday I couldn't resist but to use the idea again in a different setting. :)

I love colorful things {70}

If you've ever seen our work, then you know that we love color. Of course I can still appreciate neutral colors or muted tones, but something about colors {and unique colorful patterns} makes me giddy.

Look at this sweet photograph Tavis took on the roof at the annual Labor Day car show at Ahtanum Pioneer Church.

mmmmm colors. and mmmmm sunshine. can't wait for warm weather again :)

Yakima Valley Cityfest {63}

Last summer there was a buzz around town about the Cityfest - a season of service and a large two day event at the state fair park with music, extreme sports, and a life changing message from Luis Palau. We had press passes and were able to wander all around and take photos but I never had the chance to blog about them last summer after the event! It was such a great experience!! I think I could get used to photographing large events and concerts.... it was purdy fun :)

Headshots {59}

 Need a headshot for your business card, website or portfolio? give me a call! I'll make you look good :)

Yakima Baby Photographs {56}

Weddings, families and seniors are our thing. I'll be the first to admit that babies & maternity are not my strong point in photography. I didn't want to totally rule it out before giving it a try so I shadowed a friend on a shoot with some newborn twins last month. Although they are completely adorable and I enjoyed watching them.... handling, photographing, and editing babies is a totally different scene than weddings are. The images turned out great, but it did confirm for me that I am not a baby photographer.

My favorite local baby photographer is Samantha Deyette. As a mom of 5 she is so great with kids and captures all of the sweet expressions of kiddos like no one else can. Anytime someone inquires about having us photograph their babies, I send them to Sam.... she's great!

Photo by Samantha Deyette: samanthadeyette.com

Product Photos! {52}

We don't just shoot weddings & portraits.... we also do a few product photos too! From time to time people will ask us to photograph little things for them for their website, etc. These are some photos we took for Sara Holtzinger with Sarai Jewelry. She sells her jewelry locally here in Yakima, you should check her out!

 

 

Another Montage Giveaway!!! {50}

To celebrate my 50th consecutive post in this series of "100 blogs in 100 days" I have another giveaway! Last month our giveaway was a portrait session, "whatever you do" - This time around it's a more specific photo shoot giveaway.... but this is a very sweet deal for TWO deserving couples.

I call this, the UNCLE BOB giveaway.

What is Uncle Bob?? In the professional wedding photographer world, we often refer to certain individuals as Uncle Bob. “Uncle Bob” is typically a relative or friend of the family that happens to take lots of pictures and becomes a nuisance to us professional photographers from time to time. Either we a) lose weddings to this person or b) have to work around them throughout the wedding i.e. when they’re trying to take the same pictures as us and we have to wait for them to get the shot when we're ready to move on. Either way, it can really mess up a wedding day and interfere with our pictures. However, the biggest thing that bothers me is when Uncle Bob offers to take a couple's photos as a wedding present, and at the end of the day, the couple is left with images that disappoint and are often just plain snapshots......nothing like what they imagined their wedding pictures would look like. I have heard of people that have looked back after Uncle Bob shot their wedding only to find out that many images were out of focus, underexposed, and there weren't many photos of the bride and groom. There are just plain horror stories about letting someone who ‘happens to have a nice camera’ shoot a wedding day.

My Uncle Bob giveaway is aimed to get those couples at least one nice image of themselves as a couple that they can frame and PRETEND that it came from their wedding. So here are the details!

Who: Any couples married in the past 10 years with proof that they had a friend/family member shoot their wedding. Images will have to be provided to prove to me that you did in fact get someone that was less that stellar which will be used on the blog along with the new images to qualify for the free shoot. No couples will be accepted that hired a professional photography studio for their wedding photography unless that photography studio went out of business and did not provide photographs to the couple.

What: This giveaway will include a 2 hour photo shoot in the style of a wedding day couples session, 1 full size digital image and online hosting of all images.

When: This giveaway will run until the end of February 2011. All photo sessions must be scheduled in March, April, May, October, November or December of 2011.

Where: There are no limits where I will travel for the giveaway but all travel costs more than 30 miles from my home in Yakima, WA will be paid by the couple.


TWO winners will be drawn at random and announced on Tuesday, March 1! Get your entries in before then!


Here’s how to enter to win:

Send me an email {info@memorymp.com} and title the subject “Uncle Bob Giveaway.” Please include your names, phone number, story behind your wedding photography, at least 3 pictures from the wedding that Uncle Bob provided you, and list all of the additional ways you entered the contest. (subscribed to blog, commented, became a fan on facebook, etc.) This email alone will give you one entry in the contest, but don't forget about the 5 additional ways to enter!!


Additional ways to enter: 

1. Subscribe to our blog. (1 entry)

2. Become our fan on facebook. (1 entry)

3. Update your facebook status about this giveaway. (1 entry)  Examples of status updates:

• “Memory Montage Photography is having a giveaway! www.memorympblog.com”
• “I entered to win a bride & groom session with Memory Montage Photography. You should too :)”
• “I hope I win a session from memorympblog.com. Giveaway starts today!”
• …..Etc.

4. Blog about our giveaway (1 entry)

5. Comment on this blog telling us how much you want to win (1 entry)

Like I said, the two winners will be drawn at random and announced on Tuesday, March 1! Get your entries in before then!

Linda's Lasagna {47}

I've been wanting to do a recipe blog, so here it is! Growing up my mom has always made a really yummy lasagna, and I've never had another lasagna like it.

Here's what you need: 

pound of ground beef, jar of prego traditional, container of cottage cheese (about 24 oz.), 2 packages of shredded mozzarella, 1 package of lasagna noodles, and 3/4 cup water

Step 1:

Preheat oven to 350, brown the ground beef, then add the whole prego jar & the water

Step 2:

 Prepare a 9x13 glass or metal pan with cooking spray and start stacking everything in.

• layer of noodles (uncooked) - you may need to break some to fit if necessary to fit.
• half of the cottage cheese container 
• 8 oz. package of shredded mozzarella
• half of the sauce
• another layer of noodles
• rest of the cottage cheese
• another 8 oz. package of shredded mozzarella
• another layer of sauce

Step 3:

Bake for 30 minutes with foil, bake another 30 minutes without foil, then let it cool for 15-20 minutes (or else it's too runny)

and enjoy! thanks for the lasagna, mom.

Priory show in Yakima! {43}

Priory played a show last night at the Yakima Sports Center and it was jam packed! Greg & Kyle, a couple of my friends originally from Yakima, now live in Portland and are currently on tour with the band. It was fun seeing them play.... and it was great seeing a bunch of Yakima people at the sports center that I haven't seen in a while.

Here's the bio: "Priory began on the musical ideas of long time friends Brandon Johnson and Kyle Dieker. The band added friends Greg Harpel and Richard Joachim In the fall of 2008. Priory's dynamic sound includes honest vocal harmonies, some raunchy folk rock, and just a pinch of casiotone. Priory honors their musical ancestors with haunting lyrics to be chanted in hollow hallways. Spacious sounds and raw falsettos help to outline the bands infectious sound" Want to know more? check them out here.

This is Greg: it was his birthday.

check out the tour bus:

booking info: coattailrecords@gmail.com

myspace.com/prioryband

www.sonicbids.com/priory

www.priorymusic.com

Summer Internship with Memory Montage Photography {39}

This summer we have just ONE internship position available. Summer internships are designed to give practical experience in photographing weddings as well as useful business knowledge. Interns finish the summer with a better idea of what it takes to find success in this high-stress industry. Other opportunities include senior and family photography as jobs present themselves over the internship season. Possibility of Assistant or Associate Status upon completion of internship.

More Info:

Q: For whom is the internship designed?
A: The internship is designed for creative individuals who have experience in graphic design and/or photography and are interested in working with a successful wedding photography business for the summer.

Q: What is the commitment timeline?
A: The commitment timeline is mid April - October 2011.

Q: How many hours per week?
A: 6-8 hours each Wednesday at the studio, along with up to 8 more optional hours on the weekends depending upon scheduled events. The summer internship is a serious commitment. We will count on you every week!

Q: What qualifies someone for eligibility?
A: Applicants must have a passion for wedding photography, and a desire to learn. They must have a basic knowledge of Photoshop and a digital SLR camera.

Q: Is there a stipend?
A: Yes. In addition, interns have the opportunity to be promoted to assistant or associate status after completion of the internship. (for specific compensation information, contact Amy: info@memorymp.com)

Q: When is the deadline?
A: The deadline is March 15, 2011. The application must be submitted by that date in order to be considered.

Q: Can I participate in the Summer Internship and still work another job or attend summer school?
A: Yes of course!

Q: I have another commitment during the summer and will not be able to complete the entire April-October commitment. Am I eligible?
A: If you are unable to commit to the entire wedding season, the reason must be stated in the application. We will review that and consider your information when making selections.

Q: I want to apply, but the March 15th deadline has passed. Can I still apply?
A: Contact Amy: info@memorymp.com for internship status after 3-15-11

To apply for this position, click here.
Questions? contact Amy: info@memorymp.com

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{What our past interns have to say}

{Leanna Hull, summer 2010}

“My summer internship with Memory Montage was an eye-opening and thrilling experience. I had the opportunity to see photography from not only the creative side but the important business components of running a reliable, organized and committed to the finished product type of business. Amy and Tavis were not only amazing bosses, but mentors and friends as well. Learning about the proper equipment, lighting tricks and editing styles was just scratching the surface of their creative professionalism. They both bring so much to the table in knowledge and experience. The care they pour into their work and the patience they had while teaching me was refreshing every day. Aspects like surveying the event venue, capturing the personalities of the couple and keeping a positive attitude throughout the day are what make Memory Montage so personal and unique. I am so thankful of the time I spent interning under Amy and Tavis Guild, and walked away far more inspired and prepared for my future in photography than when I came.”

{Haley Holmes, summer 2009} 

"During the summer of 2009 I did an internship with Tavis and Amy, and learned more than I ever thought I could know about photography. Over the course of the summer I got to become familiar with equipment that I had never used before, and learn through hands-on experience how to be intentional with my shots using the the manual settings on the camera. I really came to understand the flow of a wedding day, and taking on responsibilities of the job. From watching, listening, and observing the way Tavis and Amy operate, I was able to pick up on their style, and the things they do to get the most they can out of their pictures. My overall experience was great, and so beneficial to me in expanding my knowledge in photography. It was a fun and exciting way for me to get exactly the kind of experience I needed to help me grow as a photographer!"

Iphone Dancing Video {37}

ya know, some things cannot be described with just a photograph.

Local Artist:: Haley Holmes {31}

Haley Holmes is an artist right here in Yakima. I would describe her artwork as colorful, modern, and abstract. She has a great mixture of solid colors, random shapes, and a variety of dots. We have a couple of her paintings hanging in our home!

I photographed some of her recent work to give you an example of her style. All of these are available for purchase, and she is also willing to do a custom assignment if asked.

Amy: How long have you been painting?
Haley: almost 2 years 

Amy: What's the first thing you do when you start a painting?
Haley: When I start a painting I usually have it roughly sketched on paper, so after I've come up with a design I decide on a color scheme and begin. 

Amy:  How long does each painting take you?
Haley: Each one takes anywhere from about 5-10 hours

If you'd like to contact Haley about her artwork, here is the contact info:

Email: haleyaholmes27@live.com
Cell: 509.654.3641