Dayton Weddings | Echo by Design | Wedding + Portrait Photography

..Winter Ice Storm | Just Because..

First of all, is everyone alive and okay??

Secondly, WOW! I have seen a couple of crazy storms in my life so far, but I’ve NEVER seen this much ice. Layers upon layers of ice. It all started Monday night just like the weather man said it would. But honestly, who ever actually believes the weather man anyway? They are never right, and half the time they are just getting my husband’s hopes up for the next biggest snow storm.

The rain started to pour and I could hear the pitter patter on the roof above me. After a couple of hours it gradually turned into layers of sleet. The cars were being covered, and there was nothing anyone could do to stop the icy conditions that were on us. Night fell and the first ‘one-two punch’ was over by morning. We awoke to news that Brad didn’t have to report to base, due to the conditions that laid on the roads. I was glad he didn’t have to travel. Tuesday morning newscast reported jack-knifed semis, police warning people to stay off the road, and a level one emergency warning. I wasn’t going anywhere with an inch of ice on the roads! I was smart and got all of the groceries I needed before the storm hit. Our cupboards were prepared for the worst…or so we thought.

Tuesday brought a calm morning and afternoon. After dinner it started again, the rain came and it didn’t stop. The wind began to howl and I knew that not even the best plow systems would be able to keep up with the roadways the way it was coming down. The lights began to flicker, as I was slightly nervous if we were going to keep our power. The power lines outside had an angry and irritated buzz from the weight of all the ice. Whew!…the flicker passed and we continued to enjoy our evening relaxing in front of the TV. Just as ‘Million Dollar Money Drop’ was wrapping up, the lights began to flicker again…once…twice…and power GONE! I thought for sure the generator would kick in, it sure didn’t.

We headed towards bed knowing there was no other option for us. We closed the bedroom door to trap in as much heat as we could for the night ahead. The howling became worse outside and the ticking clock coming from our bathroom was the only sound that was to be heard. I was so tired that I was glad to head to bed a little early. But before I could drift away in what I hoped would be good dreams, I made sure I had extra blankets and clothes by the bed if need be. I lay there slightly awake praying that the power would come on by morning, everything in our apartment runs on electric. I knew that we could get through breakfast with milk and cereal and some of the fruit that was still left in the fridge. But I began to worry about lunch and then possibly dinner. Everything I bought at the grocery store needed to be cooked on the stove, microwave, or oven. So I fell asleep praying and BELIEVING that power would be restored by lunch the following day.

Since I haven’t been sleeping that well lately, I was alarmed when the wind and a car alarm startled me out of my sleep. It was 4:30 a.m. and our room was definitely a little chillier than it had been a few hours earlier. Just as I was about to grab another blanket the POWER CAME ON! I was so happy. I nudged Brad and he awoke to turn off the lights in the living room and crank the furnace back up. He came back to bed and said our thermostat read about 55-59. Burrr! It took me awhile to fall back asleep, and when I did I was still praying to keep power by morning.

Today brought another day of no work for Brad, Greene county was up to a level two emergency warning, and the good news is that we still had power. A peek out the window told us that a lot of Tuesday’s ice melted with the rain, but in it’s place was a steady snow fall. The newscast held the same stories as the day before. I counted my blessings one more time that we were inside with heat and power and safe off the roadways. And unlike most people, it was just another day in the office for me!

Praying that you are all safe and warm along with your families. If you MUST go out, please do use the utmost caution! Wondering what tomorrow will bring…

..NO POWER..

love, echo

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echoes of love

..Apple Pie and Answered Questions | Talking Business..

Last November I shared how making Apple Pie was a tradition with my grandmother at Thanksgiving. Along with that post I decided to throw in some questions that fellow aspiring photographers had asked me, thus became the birth of the first ..Apple Pie and Answered Questions.. I got such a great response out of it from not only the aspiring photographers, but with anyone that had a general interest in photography. So I gave my facebook fan page followers a chance to throw some questions out there for everyone to enjoy the answers once again.

Q: RACHEL WRITES As a photographer, I am curious if you have a set amount or a ranged number of pictures you give your bride and grooms. I know it may depend on how many hours of coverage, but if you did 8 hours of coverage for a wedding, just about how many would you give the couple?

A: It is my unwritten rule that I never ‘promise’ any certain amount of pictures for my clients. Honestly, the biggest factor is how much time I am given to photograph the wedding day. Each wedding may be different on coverage hours, so we have that set amount of time that we are there. I try to photograph every possible thing that I can to tell the story for the Bride and Groom during their coverage hours. Some photographers give only a couple hundred images to their couples, where others will give over a thousand images as finished products. I personally will give my couples simply the amount of photos that it takes to tell the story of their wedding day, still not promising any certain number. I feel that if I can put together a good ‘storybook’ album of their wedding day with ‘x’ amount of images than I have succeeded in doing my job for them. I know this isn’t a direct answer, but it all depends to me on what images tell the story the best. I’m always going back to that quality versus quantity equation, as should everyone.

Q: NORA WRITES Do you have any recommendations of cameras for people that really enjoy beautiful pictures but have ZERO photography skills? Something under $200 or so that gives great quality photos but takes little-to-no experience to operate?

A: I wouldn’t say that anyone these days has ‘ZERO’ photography skills, as long as you can press the shutter button you have the easiest part mastered! But in reality if you are looking for a haggle free camera that does all the logistical stuff for you, do not be dismayed. There are plenty of ‘point and shoots’ to choose from, and most of them anymore come under the price range of $200. Since I prefer Canon, a good amount of the PowerShot series should do the trick for you. These are the things to look for: a rechargeable lithium ion battery (they last longer), image stabilizer (helps avoid blur), presets (such as macro, action, night, landscape, etc.), decent mega pixels (depends on how large you want your printed photos to be), face-detection (has become a really nice feature), optical zoom (the higher the better), and if wanted, video.

Q: ELISE WRITES As a starting photographer what is the most recommended lighting? Obviously outdoor light is preferred, and flashes help, but are there particular light bulbs you use or take with you? Or do you just have a great flash?

A: Natural light is ALWAYS preferred, if I can shoot with natural light, you bet that’s the first thing I’m going to do. It’s the best way to photograph, in my opinion. So the best way to utilize natural light in low lit situations is to have the best equipment you can afford; such as low aperture lenses or SLR cameras that have great ISO (light sensitivity) ranges. I also use manual white balance, which helps in less than ideal lighting situations.

If and when I need a flash I use the Canon 580Exii, which is an off camera flash. This is the only ‘lighting system’ that I currently carry in my bag. In the future for receptions I plan to expand on this, but for now this is it. I try to never face the flash straight on towards my subject, because that is exactly what an on camera flash does. So I always use low ceilings to ‘bounce’ the light and spread it out for a more even tone and look to a photo. This always helps especially at the reception.

Q: BRITTA WRITES My question is what types of shoots do you recommend for getting started? Obviously I wouldn’t start with a wedding for my first shoot, but it would be nice to know what shoots tend to be easiest and how to find people to schedule with you.

A: I would recommend anything that someone will let you photograph, whether it be their dogs, their child, or their family. I always disliked the saying ‘Practice Makes Perfect,’ but it couldn’t be more true with photography. The more you shoot, the more you are going to learn about your camera, your photography, and even finding your own style. At first, give a few sessions away for free, it gives you the practice you need. Eventually, when you feel your getting the hang of everything start charging for your time.

No matter what way you look at it, for a beginner no shoot is necessarily ‘easier’ over the other. They each have their own challenges. If you can’t decide, start with what you know or think you want to photograph on a regular basis. At least that will get you in motion towards your goal.

Q: ABBY WRITES What do you love most about photography, and what inspired you to become such an amazing one at that?! 🙂 AND TARA WRITES What makes you so passionate about your photography?

A: So to make things easier I’m going to combine the answers to both of your questions. What I love most and what it truly comes down to is having happy clients. I love when a client emails or calls me and tells me they just can’t stop looking at my work, or they just can’t possibly choose which portraits to print and display on their walls. It’s the best feeling in the whole world, but not like self-satisfaction…more like fulfillment that I captured all the memories their heart ever desired. This is also my inspiration!

I’m passionate about photography because I love what I do! Just think, I get to be with my clients during the happiest moments of their life, the moments that they never want to forget. I get to experience a groom seeing his bride for the first time, a father wiping his daughters tears away before he gives her away, and the biggest smiles one can imagine as the couple makes their way back down the aisle as husband and wife. I also get to photograph the baby bump with a miracle on the way, the tiny fingers and toes of a newborn, or a family laughing together and forgetting about the messy house or dirty dishes at home. Capturing life in general and sustaining a memory is enough to keep me passionate about photography.

I hope I was able to answer all the questions thoroughly enough for everyone. If you have an unaswered question for me, feel free to email me or message me for our next apple pie session!

..APPLE PIE AND ANSWERED QUESTIONS..

love, echo

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..Whats in a Name | Free to be Me..

What’s in a name? More recently I have had the chance to reflect on this question more than I have ever thought before. It’s my turn along with my husband to figure out this answer since we are expecting our little bundle. It takes more planning than I would have initially thought, after all it is stuck to you your whole life.

I look back and reflect on my own name, I LOVE my name…now. But when I was younger, I would have to say not so much. I can remember the times on the bus when older kids that went to other schools would tease me with the endless repetition. That got really old…and FAST! I wondered if it would ever end, and honestly it didn’t. I will say that it’s something that made me stronger as a little girl turning into a woman as if preparing me for the road that laid ahead.

Now I find it funny when someone thinks that they are the first to ever repeat my name more than two times in a row. I often get asked if my parents were hippies or if I ever played the video game ‘Echo the Dolphin.’ The answer is no to both. But the question I get the most is, “How did you get your name?” It’s quite simple actually, my father already had three beautiful girls before he married my mom. He named them Veronica, Denise, and Nicole in that order. Normal names, right? Prior to conceiving me he had seen the movie ‘Every Which Way but Loose’ starring Clint Eastwood. Later in the movie Clint’s pal picked up a lady friend at a fruit market and she introduced herself as ‘Echo.’ My father told himself, “If I have another daughter, I’m going to name her Echo.” And truth be told as his fourth daughter and taking my mother’s middle name, I became Echo Lynn. (On a side note 15 months later Yolanda, the 5th and last daughter was born.)

I love telling how my name came about, because there is a story behind it. Because there was a reason I was named Echo. I had a total stranger tell me once, “Your parents must have known even before you were born that you would live up to your creative name.” Talk about a compliment! I sit back and think, I want someone to have that kind of reaction some day about my children’s names. I want something different and unique that will be ‘them’ even before I know them. I want their name to mean something that they can live up to. I want it to be creative but not wacky. And most importantly I want it to help shape who they become.

Beverly D’Angelo played the part of Echo in ‘Every Which Way but Loose.’ She is also well known for her roles in the Lampoon’s Family Vacation series. So here is a little bit about how I received the name Echo and hopefully how I will name my little bundle on the way!

..NAMES..

love, echo

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..My Thank You | Talking Business..

Looking back on last year I couldn’t be more thankful (seriously!) on how well everything went with Echo by Design. My thoughts keep wandering off and telling me I just got lucky, or it was some kind of fluke to be where I am already. But then I dust off those thoughts that aren’t of my own, and with the help of others keep pressing on into the great unknown. Honestly thats the only way I’m going to get to where I’m going!

This last weekend I received some exciting news, it’s not a for sure yet so I can’t spill the beans. But I’m not even going to lie, it’s pretty darn exciting for me and for my business! I will say that the only reason that this opportunity and a couple of others have come my way is because of the fantastic clients that I have. I couldn’t thank you all enough for the places that you have already taken me.

I know I mentioned a couple of months back that I was going to release a promotion on the blog. To be pretty honest I got busy with the Holiday season and becoming a mom, that it got swept under the rug for a later date. But I promise today is the day! Thus far, Echo by Design has ran on a complete referral basis, which is the way I would like to keep it. I absolutely love having the inner connection of knowing someone else you know, it’s comforting in a way!

So today I’m releasing a referral promotion for the amazing clients that have already used Echo by Design as their photographer for their wedding or portrait sessions. I will say this, I know already that I will not be shooting nearly as much this summer or fall that I was able to last year due to my current pregnancy. As much as I would love to photograph everyone that is being sent my way, I know that this year it just isn’t going to be possible. I hope everyone understands.

2011 Echo by Design Client Referral Promotion:

Refer a friend, co-worker, or family member for a Portrait Session and receive $25 off of your next Echo by Design Portrait Session.
Refer a friend, co-worker, or family member for a Wedding and receive $50 off of your next Echo by Design Portrait Session.

*Keep in mind that the referral must BOOK and KEEP the session or wedding date to be valid. Please have the referral mention you for you to receive the credit. I appreciate all the sent referrals in advance, but do again keep in mind that I may not be able to photograph them all this year.*

2011 Echo by Design Future-Client Referral Promotion:

If you were referred by an Echo by Design Client for a Portrait Session, receive a free 8×10 or two 5×7’s.
If you were referred by an Echo by Design Client for your Wedding and you book, receive a free 11×14.

All of this just to say THANK YOU! I hope that as the years pass by that you will continue to seek Echo by Design for all your Portrait Artist needs.

..PROMOTIONS..

love, echo

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echoes of love

..Alexis & Josh 1.1.11 | We Said I Do..

I was working in the office while juggling last minute details of wrapping Christmas presents and packing for the two weeks I would be home, when the phone rang. I expected it to be my husband calling while he was on lunch, but instead the caller id revealed another name. It was one of my girlfriends that I met in college and I was excited to pickup the line. She called to tell me that she was engaged and was looking for a photographer for her wedding day. She said she was getting married on January 1st, and I questioned if that was the January 1st coming in just 3 weeks!? She laughed, confirmed that it was, and asked if I was available. “Of course,” I stated excited for both of us.

As you can imagine the weeks following went quickly for all of us with the Christmas season and New Year’s Eve. But we all knew what was in store for New Year’s Day! Alexis and Josh decided on a late evening wedding located in Alexis’ hometown of Bucyrus. It was the first time I was to meet Josh and when we pulled into the parking lot one right after the other he greeted me with a great big hug! I loved it and knew it would be a good day.

I watched both Alexis and Josh get ready for the evening of their lives, and I couldn’t be happier to see a couple get married that was meant to be together. They met through a mutual friend, Thana who played matchmaker in two different states. Thana told them both that they would just “love each other.” The couple started to talk on the phone and then chatting on facebook, and then starting skyping to get to know each other. Josh stated,”We met for the first time in Indiana on a night I had a gig, I kissed her the moment I met her.” How is that for a dreamy love story? Except it gets better! He proposed with his guitar, on ice skates at the Rockefeller Center in New York City! I would have loved to be there to photograph that one, so romantic.

I can tell you standing back and watching the day unfold I could sense the happiness in the air. There were plenty of tears and smiles from both families as they had genuine love for Alexis and Josh. Lucky for me I had a pretty tight hold on my emotions that day with being pregnant (which none of them knew.) I could have easily been a sappy train wreck. So without any further waiting please dive into Alexis and Josh’s New Year’s Day love affair!

Thank you so much to Alexis and Josh for choosing me in the rush of all your decision making! I had such a blast with you both and your loved ones. Congratulations again to you and the Kaple and Chalfant families.

..NEW YEARS DAY..

love, echo

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echoes of love