carlyvous photography

Supporting local business.

2012-02-26T15:17:00.002-08:00

Now, I know that I've taken the time before to get on my soapbox about supporting local businesses & freelance artists like myself, but I'd like to take a step back up onto that soapbox once more (just as a gentle reminder ;)).

I've been lucky enough to be hired as a full-time teacher, but I still photograph on the side, a) because I love doing it, and b) because it's nice to pick up some extra cash to put towards my hobby. In the past few weeks, however, I've acquired two new beautiful items from two freelance artists who sell their products on Etsy. I know that these two ladies whom I purchased these items from rely on business like my own to help keep them going--as we know, our economy is an ever-changing crapshoot. I also know that by taking the time to handcraft each piece that they make with love ensures me that the product I'm receiving in the mail is a quality product.

The first treat that I ordered was the necklace that you see in the bottom picture. Sara owns, runs, and personally stocks Heavens to Bessie, a Baltimore-based jewelry shop that's completely handmade and, let's face it, absolutely lovely. I've actually collaborated with Sara and took some promotional photos for her previous collections, and I had the pleasure of running into her on one of my trips to Baltimore at the end of January. We met through one of my best friends & college roommates, and we really hit it off. As compensation for my work, she hand-stamped this necklace for me. It reads "that doo-wop feeling", which is what I use to refer to that joyous flip my stomach does whenever a doo-wop song comes onto the radio (or when I see this guy :)). The point is, go to her Etsy store, browse around, and if something tickles your fancy, treat yourself. The best part? Sara's totally willing to customize a piece for you.

So go! Go now! Support what she does & encourage her to keep up the amazing work! I know I am!

Secondly, I finally took the plunge (after years of admiring her work), and ordered one of Hailey's scarves from her Etsy shop. Ozetta is one of the top names in handknit scarves, hats, & other products, and I've genuinely been interested in purchasing myself one of her creations for ages. I'm so glad that I finally did, because in all honesty, it's one of the finest scarves I've ever owned. The yarn that Hailey uses is top-quality, and even though the temperature has been fluctuating lately, I'm so happy to have it to ride out the last few weeks of winter. On top of the fact that she can make an amazing handknit scarf, Hailey is extremely personable & lovely. I ordered my boyfriend a scarf for Christmas and I was so impressed with how quickly she responded to my inquiries and how genuine she was about making sure I was pleased with the product. She's the type of person I'd like to sit down and have a cup of coffee with.

So please, I beg of you, walk the extra mile and look into supporting local artists (or produce stands, or hairdressers, or even plumbers). I know from experience that they appreciate the business as much as you'll feel great giving it.

Gavin's 1st Birthday

2012-01-29T22:06:00.000-08:00

It's crazy to think that a year has already passed since this little guy has come into the world. My cousin Garett & his fiance Ashley were blessed with Gavin and the rest of us cousins were super pumped that another generation of the family was coming into the world. It was awesome to have him toddling around at Christmastime and to see him tear into his gifts!

I also find it awesome that this little baby is the same kid!

He's all boy, that's for sure. Ashley & I tried to corral him into one spot, but he totally ran the show!

(It secretly took a LOT of coaxing to get him to wear this crown long enough to get a decent shot)

As always, it was a ton of fun seeing him and Ashley and getting to photograph him as he grows up. I hope that this is the first of many birthday photos I'll get to take of him!

Matt & Nicole

2012-01-16T18:39:00.000-08:00

I'm one of the lucky people in the world who is able to partake in multiple jobs & enjoy them all. I'm a third grade teacher and a photographer, and a day rarely goes by when I don't enjoy either. The most exciting part of these two jobs is when the two are able to harmonize.

I've known Nicole for little over a year now--she was the student teacher in the classroom I was an aide in last year, and we ended up being coworkers at the beginning of this year (her as the computer teacher and myself as the basic skills teacher). We've been able to bond over classroom mishaps & a similar sense of humor, and the topic of weddings. I was so excited for her when she came to school one morning and subtly tried to hint at the engagement ring on her finger. Sadly it took me a very long time to realize what her discreet hints were directed towards, but when it finally hit me, I was ecstatic for her.

She asked me to take the engagement photos for her and fiance, and I was able to meet the elusive Matt. I had heard so much about him over the time Nicole & I worked together, and it was a pleasure to finally meet him and help the two of them out.

For the record, it was freezing. Nicole suggested we take the photos at a park where her & Matt spent a lot of time at the beginning of their relationship, and I willingly accepted. For those clients whom I've worked with, it's no secret that I love a good outdoor excursion (especially ones where I can climb into precarious spots). Despite how serene the lake was and how picturesque the park was, the freezing temperatures were very hard to ignore. Ironically enough, I was the biggest baby of the three of us--the two of them were complete troopers & I was thankful for it!

The freezing temperatures also allowed for a little playing with props. I'm slowly trying to become more acclimated with using props in my shoots, and the afghan actually proved handy in between photos--Matt hadn't worn a coat & seemed pretty thankful to have the task of carrying it through the park.

As is always my luck, we ended up having a ton of fun, despite the setbacks that would normally seem daunting. The cold didn't deter their awesome senses of humor, or the fact that they're total naturals in front of the camera.

Luckily for them, the wedding will be in June.

June doesn't call for windchill factors.

The best of luck to them both--it was a blast working with them!

The Lera Family

2011-11-27T21:09:00.001-08:00

Initially when the Leras booked me, I was really excited, but a little curious as to what exactly they wanted photo-wise. See, Joe is one of my brother's best friends, so I immediately assumed that his request would be something along the lines of a shoot I did for another of my brother's friends. I suppose things didn't go as I anticipated--turns out the Lera family just wanted a few shots of them together, where they could show off their impeccable style & their perfect smiles.

I was happy to oblige :)

I've been extremely lucky so far weather-wise. We had another beautiful day at Parvins & the lighting was beyond perfect.

Nicole also requested a photo or two of her & her boyfriend, Alfie.

...aaaaaand, with their dog, Dublin :)

Turns out Dublin was quite the ham, & after a bit of coaxing with dog treats, he was a natural.

(a little behind the scenes action!)

Such a stud!

As always, I had an awesome time catching up with the Leras & helping them out with a little holiday cheer. It's funny--we all graduated from SHHS & vaguely knew each other from different paths in our lives. I love that the art of photography can bring us back together, strike up a conversation, & help us to collaborate together on something that's meaningful and heartfelt.

The Kirbys

2011-11-14T12:36:00.000-08:00

When Brittany initially emailed me a few weeks ago to take engagement photos of her & her fiance Ed, I was really, really excited. In all honesty, Brittany & Ed were the first customers that I've booked who I have no real ties to--everyone else that I've photographed has either been a friend of mine, or a friend of a friend (ah, the beauty of word-of-mouth!). Luckily for me, my carlyvous photography Facebook page finally paid off. We booked the shoot, corresponded throughout the next few weeks, & brainstormed a few really cute ideas that tied in the autumn landscape with their 2012 winter wedding.

Every wintertime in college, my roommates & I would put off studying for tests and finals and would congregate in the common room to cut out hundreds of paper snowflakes. I suppose at the time it was a huge waste of precious time, but in the long-run, it looks like it may have paid off (a little).

The shoot was at Parvin State Park. If you're from the South Jersey area, you know how stunning the park can be at this time of year. Ed's mom tagged along for the shoot & mentioned that her and Brittany had been keeping a close eye on the autumn leave watch to see when the colors would be best. I'd say that was pretty good planning on their part--everywhere we turned was prime photo opportunity!

I loved these heart-shaped chalkboards that Brittany brought along. They were perfect props!

Since their wedding will be next December, Brittany mentioned that she wanted to incorporate a lot of pine cones into the decor. We decided to take a few ring shots with some pine cones--they proved to be perfect backdrops!

All-in-all, it was a really great day. We had tons of fun & I think we got more than a few great shots.

Congratulations to Brittany & Ed on their engagement!

The Wright Family

2011-11-13T21:20:00.000-08:00

When Maria called me to take photos of her family for their Christmas card, I couldn't have been more excited. I've been going to Maria since I was 12-years-old to get my hair cut, and I'm so proud and happy for her that her beautiful salon--Salon Exuberance--has done so well since its establishment in 2003. That being said, I found it an honor & a privilege to photograph her beautiful family in their lovely new home.

When I first arrived, Sofia had just woken up from a nap & wasn't too keen on me shoving a camera in her face, but Zio was an A+ model (not to mention quite the photo assistant...at the rate he's going, he may have a job helping me out in a few years!). Luckily for everyone, Sofia finally came around & the photos came out with tons of dimples & a few wiggles, too.

Zio & Rufus...I wonder where Zio gets it from!

There's those dimples!

Good gene pool, am I right?

Last but not least, the next set of photos are by far my favorites from the day. Sofia & Zio decided to have an impromptu dance party out in the front yard. Needless to say, the two can really break it down...

On a last note kind of deal, I want to make a quick PSA (I know, I know...how dare I get on a soapbox this early in the game!). I'm not one to tell people how to live their lives or look down my nose at the decisions people make, but I'd like to make a plea with everyone to think about catering to the small business owners in your towns. Vendors like myself & Maria not only rely on your business for our livelihoods, but we take great pride in providing our services for your benefit. So the next time you're thinking of stopping by any old run-of-the-mill store, put some thought into where your money & patronage may be more appreciated. I know that Maria & I can't be the only self-employed people out there who'd love to see some hometown faces in their place of work!

Keep an eye out for a new post later this week! Brittany & Ed's engagement at Parvin State Park was beautiful & I can't wait to share more with you!

Starting off...

2011-11-13T16:35:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the blog for carlyvous photography!

Keep an eye out for posts from recent shoots--maybe you'll see yourself up here one day!