I'm SUCH a L.O.S.E.R. | Northern Utah Photographer

    My husband is that guy. That guy who calls into the radio station and wins free concert tickets every time he tries.  That guy who wins free CD's (or did when they were still 'cool').  That guy who wins a free iFlip camera. He calls. He wins. He enters. He wins. I, however, NEVER win.

   I've come to terms with who I am.  Or better yet, what I am.

A   L.O.S.E.R.  

   I can't remember if I've ever mentioned how much of a book worm I am (I know I know, not helping my loser status and I promise it will all make sense in the end).  Well, I am. When my photography business 'slowed' down for the winter last year, I read 22 series.  Not books, series. I simply love to read. All. The. Time. 

  

  If you haven't read any of Maria V. Snyder's books, do it. Now. Turn off your computer. Go to your local library, or grab your kindle, or even just head here to read a free short story. You think I'm kidding, and I'm not. You will thank me for it. I promise.

...You're Welcome...

  Maria Snyder is, without a doubt my favorite author. No one has come close to beating her out in my own personal 'author's hall of fame'. I've read multiple series' of hers, more than once...& I'm just dying for December to get here..the next book of my favorite series is being released.  ;)  

   A few weeks ago on Maria's Facebook page, she asked what her fans' favorite short story was and why.  She was going to pick winner's to give her book series too. Yes, I've already own them all. Yes, I still answered.

   Guess what?  I won.

  Now, you're probably thinking, okay weirdo, this does not qualify to un-loser you. That's okay. Not only did I win, but I won one of my all time favorite book series.  To me, that is a HUGE, and a very exciting thing. I'm half tempted to buy some of those 3D display boxes, hang them on my living room wall, with giant vinyl above them that says, 'Yeah...I WON'.

   In all reality, I won't go to that extreme (because I'm sure my husband would leave immediately after seeing them and come right back home with divorce papers) but I will likely display them in my home somewhere. :) 

This post really has no big point. I just had to share with someone who cares (or maybe you don't)  that I finally won...Watch out world...My 'loser' status is slowly changing.  ;)

-Rachel

Julie Parker | Get Schooled

          If you haven't heard of Julie Parker before, you're missing out. She is a celebrity in my world. I adore her and her work more than words can say.  I 'discovered' JP 4 or 5 years ago. I have been a blog stalker ever since.  3 years ago, when I decided to do photography as a business, not just for myself, I decided I NEEDED to take the 'Get Schooled' workshop taught by my photog idol. Every year, when she would post, I would beg, plead and beg some more with my husband to let me attend...For one reason or another, it wasn't ever a possibility. I helped JP with a wedding last spring, and learned a lot from her then...BUT, I still wanted the Get Schooled JP experience. Well, JP announced that this 2013 Get Schooled Workshop was going to be her LAST. My heart stopped a little, and I signed up without a second thought. SO glad that I did.  The models were gorgeous. We had lots of fun. AND we learned some photog/business goodness.

Here is a link to Julie Parker's images from the workshop (group shot included)!

Here is link to the wonderful cake maker. They were DELICIOUS! 

Here is a link to the awesome boutique that has the dark grey and orange/grey dresses.

Here is the link for the talented hair/MUA who worked with Shay.

Models: Shay Peck (red hair) & Kenzie Call (blonde).

Here's JP making her magic!

 

Me. 'As a person, not as a photographer' | Northern Utah Photographer

'...yes, it's about the imagery, but more so, it's about the Imager'.

  -Jasmine Star

   I've always been annoyed with the 'About me' sections of hundreds of small business websites/blogs. They seem so repetitive, and so unreal. So, I never made one.

   Jasmine Star is an international wedding photographer who I admire to no end. She's also an incredibly talented writer. If you haven't read her blog before, you totally should. Even if you're not 'into' photography, she'll have you hooked with her humor, wit, and fun posts.  I've recently read her magazine, EXPOSED, in which she talks about 'selling' yourself not just your images. And it's true. When I look for a photographer, I look for someone who I can 'click' with. Someone who could be my friend. Someone my family and I will be comfortable around.

 So, here is my (long winded) attempt to let you know about me.

'As a person, not as a photographer'. -Jasmine Star

You. Me. Let's 'click'.

I will start by telling you the most important thing about me. I am a mother. A mother of 3.

First, A beautiful, crazy daughter.

                  

(<---Beautiful)                           (Crazy --->)

   Second (& I guess third), two very cute, loud & obnoxious, extremely lovey & cuddly dogs: Bear & Koda.  I consider my dogs my kids. They are a part of our family.  Yes, I am that crazy dog lady. If I could, I would have a Dog Hotel, just like that cheesy, but oh so cute movie.

   I am from Kansas. I moved to Utah to be with my husband, who I met online. Totally serious. I am slightly obsessed with the KU (University of Kansas) Jayhawks. Rock Chalk baby!  I can't say Kansas with out an accent. I can't say accent without an accent. I have a Kansas accent, when I say Kansas or accent.

   I am horrible with spelling and all things related. I probably should have put that at the top of this post as a disclaimer or something. Hmph. Oh well. If you've made it this far, it can't be making you too miserable. ;) 

   I have more than any one person should have of lotion. I worked at Bath & Body Works 7 years ago, and still have a stash of product. When I say stash, I mean close to 100 bottles. I think this goes for Chapstick's too. I wish I was kidding. So does my husband.  ;)

   Vanilla. I love you. Specifically, vanilla syrup. & ice cream. & tootsie rolls. Any ways. I put vanilla syrup in my drinks every possible chance. If I have to decide where we eat out for dinner, I will chose somewhere based on if they have vanilla flavor to add to my drink. I even put it in my water. Yes, I make vanilla water, and you should too. It's fabulous.

   Anything zebra or black and white 'chevron' I want.  If it wouldn't seem like one giant optical illusion, I would decorate my entire house in those two patterns. 

   Shoes (specifically high, and I mean high heels) and purses are a major weakness for me.  But, what girl doesn't have this 'obsession' right? Right. Just because I NEVER (and I mean NEVER) wear any of the many many heels I own, doesn't mean I have a problem does it? After all, they do look pretty sitting in my closet...

  I am ALWAYS in sweats or PJ's. Well, if I'm home that is. I also always wear hoop earrings. Plain, boring, silver hoops. I'm pretty much a fashion 'failure'. I see things I love. I buy things I love. But heaven help me if I'm ever in anything but your basic t-shirt and jeans. 

   I'm also really horrible with interior design/decorating. I buy lots of cute stuff, however, my house continually looks like Hobby Lobby and your local craft store barfed a little in each room.

I do have one little 'beauty tip': Vaseline. Instead of lotion at night, I slather Vaseline all over my face. Baby bottom soft. From a severe acne 'graduate', I promise, it won't make you break out!

I don't run. I hate running. I do love yoga (Jillian Michael's to be exact). & pulling weeds. Yes, like weeds out of my garden. It's a strange stress relief for me and can be a decent workout too. 

   I've been known to unload, and reload my dishwasher so it's in the 'right' order. Even the silverware has a certain 'spot'. Ugh. Yeah, I'm serious.

   I work for a company called LazyOne. We design, and distribute pajamas. I've recently started shooting the photography for their catalog as well. Sounds fun right? It totally is. 

  I am 'closed' Monday nights. Biggest Loser and the Bachelor are very time consuming. ;)  I'm a *F*R*I*E*N*D*S* fanatic. I know what you're wondering...the answer is no. I did not name my daughter Emma because Rachel from FRIENDS named her daughter Emma. I'm not that crazy. Well, maybe I am, but not for that reason.

  When I'm by myself, I sing really loud in my car. Mostly to GLEE, *Nsync, or BSB. Yes, I'm serious and yes, I realize I'm no longer 16. Frankly, I just don't care. ;)

  I have a photography bucket list. A very very long photography bucket list. It ranges from shooting a white tiger, to an old couple on the merry go round (gosh those first two just sound bad), to attending certain workshops & WPPI, to getting Russell James' coffee and watch him shoot, eh, photograph the Victoria's Secret Angels.

I prefer to always wear flip flops when I'm at a photography session (in the warmer weather obviously), or no shoes if I'm inside.  When I army crawl, climb, hike and stuff, it's best for everyone if I'm comfortable. ;)

I am a horrible (<--see the italics?) cook.  & by horrible I mean I burn Easy Mac. Yup.

My comfort food is McDonald's, Peanut M&M's and a Diet Coke. I can thank my daddy for that. ;)

I think Dalmatians are the prettiest dogs. If you own one, and want pictures with him/her I will probably give you an awesome discount.

The best job I've had was working for a concert arena in Kansas City. I've been to more concerts than I can count and met a lot of fabulous (some famous) people.

I love my family. My little family is everything to me but also my mom, dad, sister and brother. They are my family, yes, but also my best friends. I miss them terribly. I wish they lived across the street because frankly 5 hours is just too far when I need a hug, want to say hi or go visit about nothing and get some good laughs in. I haven't lived at home in a long long time, but it never gets easier to say 'goodbye' after a too short of a weekend. Pretty sure tears are always involved on my end.

I'm a mommy's girl. I'm a daddy's girl. My sister is my other half. My brother is my 'homie'.  ;)

My two boys are my 'uplifters' and my cuddle bugs. My husband is my best friend, my rock & eternal companion. My daughter is my precious angel, my biggest blessing.

 My family is my everything.

My name is Rachel Eve.

I am a photographer. I am a friend. 

Yours? I sure hope so. 

52 Weeks | Northern Utah Photographer

This year, I decided to join a 52 week photo project. 1 photo a week for a year. Each week is a new 'theme' to follow and is to be posted at the beginning of the week (Sunday).

Week 1: Breaking the 'Rules'.

You were supposed to break: The Rule of Thirds

I broke: The rule of thirds, the one posted photo, AND the posting date. Yup. Week 1 and I'm nearly a week late to post. Can we just call it rebellion? ;)

I got this crown in the mail earlier this week, and ever since my daughter has been asking to take 'her princess' pictures. I'm sure, any parent would agree, if your child ASKS you to take their photo, you can not say no! She even told me how she wanted her hair, and which tutu she wanted to wear. She's my rock star and we have SO much fun with our little, tiny, nothing fancy photo shoots. :)

P.S. I'm aware there are a few that are actually 'following' the rule of thirds.  ;)

& we had some skittles in her princess tent to 'celebrate' her becoming a princess. Kids are. The. Best!

Cheers to Artsy Couture| Northern Utah Photographer

Dear Photographers,
  This post is just for you. A special one. You will understand my excitement over the little things & today, I got a package... This one to be exact.

Now, there's only a few possible things it could be to get me so excited. The box is way too big for a lens (bummer) or a camera (BIG bummer)! So, what else do we photogs get excited about?? Yup. A canvas.

I've ordered canvas before. I've done the DIY canvas too (shhhhhh, I'm not too thrilled to admit that)! In fact, I just ordered a few canvases for my living room a couple of weeks ago. Oh, how I wish I would have waited. Here's why:

   This 'bubbly' package is from Artsy Couture. Packaged so well, I almost woke my 2 year old up from her nap to help me open it. My scissors and I were in a 'battle zone' for a minute, but I got it opened & I literally said, 'WOW' the second I saw the canvas!
   After signing up on www.artsycouture.com, I instantly had my sign up info and 'Welcome' letter sitting in my inbox. Fast customer service? Yes, please. Downloading their software was a breeze. Artsy uses ROES software. WHCC & McKenna Pro are two others I've used ROES for while ordering. I am sure there are more!  ROES is a simple great way to order, so it was nice to see a 'familiar' software being used with Artsy as well!
   The entire process with Artsy Couture, I only came across two little things that were not top notch, over the top amazing. Now, I don't know if this first one is a ROES thing or an Artsy thing. Either way, it's not a big deal, and it will NOT prevent me from ordering from Artsy again..I will be, no doubt! When using ROES you select a 'folder' from your computer from which to chose your photo from. I personally, have one large folder on my computer titled 'Rachel Eve Photography'. Inside this folder, I have about 14 other folders, one being 'Sessions'. In my 'Sessions' folder, I have each separate session. Now, typically, I select the particular session folder I am ordering from. When I was placing this order, I couldn't select the one session folder. I couldn't even select my 'sessions' folder. I had to select the entire 'Rachel Eve Photography' folder...Not a big deal, except it wasn't so much fun scrolling through hundreds and hundreds of (now) unorganized photos to find the one I needed. After that, it was a BREEZE!
   I did NOT opt for color correction with this order. The colors were SPOT on with out it. I am VERY pleased!
  The ONLY other 'downfall' was the turn around time. The turn around time was a few days longer than the other company I have previously ordered with, and the time to get the canvas was almost an entire week longer..which, when you're anxious, you know can seem like an ETERNITY! Again, not something that would derail me from ordering again. Now, I know and can plan accordingly. Okay, now, let's fast forward to the good stuff.
   I was just going to write a blog post about my experience with Artsy, because it really has been great. BUT, I thought I'd take it one more step and do a photo, side by side comparison with this 'other' company to SHOW you what I mean.

First of all, I wish I could somehow show you the weight difference. I couldn't believe how much heavier, and how sturdy the ARTSY canvas was. I never thought the 'other' company was light, or bad, etc. UNTIL, I felt this heavy duty ARTSY canvas.

Here is a corner from the ARTSY canvas. The other 3 corners are identical. They are PERFECT. 

Here is a corner from the 'other' company. Not super even, and you can see the little white edge. You don't see this when it's hanging, so it's not a HUGE deal. However, keep in mind presenting these to your clients. I pretty sure a client would prefer to pay more $$ for the better quality canvas. First impressions ARE EVERYTHING! 

This next part REALLY is the winner for me. Below is a picture of the hardware from the 'other' company. Cheap, probably .99 from Lowes & nailed to the board. It was a PAIN to hang on my wall because it was SO flimsy. You would not believe (okay, maybe you would) how RIDICULOUS I looked trying to hang three of these canvases with the flimsy hardware. It was bad.

So, the 'other' company includes two pieces of the cheap-o hardware. It's almost like they have bulk of canvas and just pick one to print on, without paying attention which direction it hangs. Why not invest in stronger hardware and have one hanging in the direction of the photo?

Oh, wait...Artsy Couture does! When you order on ROES, you pick the orientation. This is why. This stuff is hardcore. I even tried to yank on it. I hung it on my wall in two seconds flat. Easy. Peasy.

But, wait, it gets EVEN BETTER!!!! #1 reason why ARTSY COUTURE is my new canvas company: Those little clear doo-hickey's on the bottom corners. Yes, I just said doo-hickey's and that's as technical as I can get. 

See? There it is again.

The 'other' company is on the left. ARTSY is on the right.

Why do I love this little clear doo-hickey so much?? Take a look!

These canvases are from the 'other' company. Color/print wise, I couldn't tell a difference with Artsy and with the 'other' company. BUT, check out that GAP?! Okay, not so bad with just two canvases like above right? Well, what about three??

Can you tell how BAD it annoys me with the million angles you're seeing?! 

IF this 'other' canvas company had used those cool clear 'doo-hickey's' this annoying, horrible looking GAP would not be an issue! I want to hug whoever it is at ARTSY who thought of this wonderful 'devise'. It will save me A LOT of time staring at my wall trying to decide how to 'fix' it. Let me tell you, when I buy a canvas, I shouldn't have to 'fix' anything.

So, there you have it. There's a reason some 'other' companies are cheaper. I honestly, will invest the extra few bucks and wait the extra few days to order from Artsy Couture for my home AND for my clients.

 'Cheers' to ARTSY COUTURE

P.S. Look how FLAT it hangs against the wall???! {Squeeeeel}!   ;)

Action Sale | Northern Utah Photographer

Back to School season already?! SUMMER FLEW by and I don't even have school aged kiddos!  Today through August 31st, Rachel Eve Photography's 'The Basic Workflow' and 'The Dreamy Haze' action sets will be on SALE! Just in time for all of your back to school and fall sessions!

You can purchase here, here or here. If you have any questions about the actions, please ask!

You can check out our Facebook wall for more action Before & Afters from photographers who are already enjoying their actions!

Digital Collections| Northern Utah Photographer

Photography is a tough business to be in. There's always the struggle of finding the price point that works for the photographer, but also for the client. I've said it before, and I will say it again. When I first started my photography business I had NO clue what it really took. It's far from just taking pictures. It's a legit business. There's marketing. Taxes. Business licenses. and SO. Much. More! I thought I was going to be taking pictures, editing for hours and calling it good. Boy, was I wrong!

Put the business aspect aside, and I LOVE my job.  It's a part of who I am. I pour my heart and soul into each shoot, each package I offer, each edit. When you own your own business, you never truly leave 'work'. Your mind is always thinking, trying to improve, develop, and create.

Which brings me to my newest addition to each and every package now offered! I am so excited to show you the new digital collections. Each session currently offered includes a digital collection. What does that mean exactly? Check it out.

As of today, 8/3/2012, when you purchase The Basic Package, The Full Package, The Complete or Ultimate Package, you will receive a custom keepsake digital collection at no additional cost to you!

The case is tin, which is the BEST way to keep your digital collection SAFE & it looks amazing! 

If you have any questions about any of the packages offered, please feel free to ask! Don't forget to check out Rachel Eve's new referral program! There's some great ways to get MORE just for telling your friends and family about Rachel Eve Photography!

J & C Wedding Day | Northern Utah Photographer

This lovely couple met online. As far as I'm concerned all the cool people, meet online. You think I'm kidding or being sarcastic? I'm so not. I met my husband online. BAM! Point proven. ;)

**Just to clarify, I don't really think I'm cool. I just think it's cool how many people to meet online these days!**

Groom is from Texas but has family here, who I happened to take extended family pictures of last summer/fall. SUCH a fun family! The one request this groom had, was FUN family pictures. Okay, alright, I can TOTALLY do that!

I LOVED the gorgeous purple colors and the dreamy lighting in the reception hall. I'm such a geek, I know it. 

&& here is one of many, FUN family pictures! :)

Again with the decorations...are they not PERFECT?!

 This group KNEW how to have a good time. There was chicken dancing, calling me maybe's, and there was even some worm breaking going on.

 I had so much fun with this wedding!!! Wedding like this, I could do over and over and over. BUT, I wish this bride & groom a world of {yes we met online AND we're} happiness'!