destin memories

Summertime means beach time for my family, and has for over 20 years. The memories we have from the time our daughters were toddlers through the time they were teenagers and couldn’t go with us unless a friend went with us, to the memories we are making now as we go with them, their husbands and their children are priceless. The kids always love just sleeping late, building sandcastles, flying kites and playing ball on the beach. One of their favorite memories is a pirate ship cruise we took a few years ago where they got to dress like pirates, shoot at passing ships ( with water guns), and help pull up sunken treasure that they got to take home. The men always love the time spent at their favorite local restaurants, experiencing a new seafood dish each time. And, of course, us girls always enjoy our time spent at the outlet malls. It is truly a time of family togetherness away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. And, even as we return to our daily routines, we can relive those moments through our beach portraits displayed throughout our home.

our family

Destin-blue waters, breathtaking beaches, beautiful memories and Beyond Photography.

–Shiela

Word leaked out in the fowl community about the rousing success of last year’s Easter Portraits.  Since then, I’ve seen flocks of resumes.  One of the applicants actually sounded too good to be true!  [Even ducks aren't beyond lying on a resume.  Sad, isn't it?]  Despite my scepticism, I called for an interview . . . and I’m sure glad I did!

Sven dashed into my office, talking on his cell, sipping his venti non-fat, skinny latte.

“This isn’t your average duck,” I thought.

You may not have considered it, but I’m really in a tricky position when I’m shooting Easter photos.  As the Photographer, I’m thinking about the lighting/shadows, posing, variety, and still entertaining the kids in front of me.  Just like some kids don’t love being in front of the camera, animals feel the same way!  That’s why I need only the finest of ducks–I simply don’t have the luxury of waiting on a reticent bird.  How would Sven perform for the camera?

Wisely, Sven brought a portfolio of his previous work.  Could Sven handle the intense pressure of being named “Beyond Photography Duck?” You can judge for yourself.  Here’s a photo of Sven on the runway in Milan:

Sven in Milan

I have to admit:  I was impressed.  But still–was this the kind of duck that could work well with others?  I couldn’t risk a power struggle with a duck, during a session.  So Sven produced a few more photos.  These were snapped backstage during the recent Victoria’s Secret show.

Sven and Friend

He seemed to get along well with his co-workers.  Some of the girls liked him so much, they kept snapping photos.

Sven Again

At this point in the interview, I was sold.  Before I could hire Sven, though, he resoundingly sealed the deal.  I don’t know how I missed it in my dozens of viewings, but Sven actually appeared in one of my favorite movies!  Here he is, talking to a couple of no-name actors with whom he worked:

Amazing, isn’t it!  If you’d like to see more of Sven, call or email to schedule your appointment.  Remember that we’re shooting in Bryant, North Little Rock, and Chenal.  For more information about dates and package information, click here. You’ll also be able to preview the background for this year’s Easter scene.  I’ll leave you with one more photo from Sven’s portfolio.  Attached is the original movie poster, before ego-wars ensued.  Apparently, the dark-haired guy thinks he’s something in the movie world.  After he saw the original [more brilliant, if you ask me] movie poster, he demanded a reshoot.  His ego just couldn’t handle sharing the spotlight.  Ridiculous.

]]> http://blog.beyond-photography.com/easter-duck-auditions/feed/ 0 http://blog.beyond-photography.com/easter-portraits-for-arkansas/ http://blog.beyond-photography.com/easter-portraits-for-arkansas/#comments Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:59:26 +0000 Mr. Bill http://blog.beyond-photography.com/?p=146 Normally I don’t start work on our Easter special in June. Unfortunate events, though, are forcing me to plan much earlier than usual.

Those of you who have followed the blog remember our highs and lows with last Spring’s ducks. If you haven’t heard the background, search the blog archive in February and March to read about our adventures.

We enjoyed a great Easter season of ducks and kids and photos!

I thought it would be simple for next Easter: I call the ducks [after all, I live in Arkansas--the duck-calling capital of the world!!!], we schedule the event, and everyone is happy. Sadly, it’s just not that simple.

The ducks have hired lawyers. And an agent. Worse still . . . the agent . . . is a guinea!!! [if you read the old blogs, you'll remember the problems I've had with guineas. Sorry, tick-eating fowl!]

It seems that the rousing success of last Spring’s event inspired the ducks to hire representation. Now the ducks are making demands. Some of the demands are especially . . . demanding. I don’t know that I’ll be able to provide a penthouse suite for the ducks to inhabit, and it would be tough to grant time & a half pay for each hour past 4 hours per day! Who knew that a duck needed–or WANTED–a daily pedicure?!

I’ve entered the formal negotiation process with the ducks, and hope to reach an understanding before Springtime. Just in case, though, I am exploring all options. God has created an abundance of beautiful creatures . . . why do I need to consider only bunnies or lambs or ducks for Easter portraits?! Each month until next Spring, I’ll be introducing our possible animal candidates. Luckily, I’m in Florida right now, so I’m able to interview species that are unique to this area.

Aside from being awfully tasty on the grill, the Red Snapper is a mighty helpful fish. When I first advertised my need for an Easter-Animal, the Red Snapper immediately volunteered. I’ve taken the liberty of creating a few images, and now I need your help. I want just the perfect look for Easter portraits. As I post a new image, I’d appreciate any feedback. Help me find the perfect Easter animal, just in case the ducks and I cannot come to an agreement.

[Again: regular followers of the blog will recognize the handsome little dude in the images]

In the last two blogs, I have made some disparaging remarks about guineas. Since then, I have been henpecked without mercy! I have been nagged, and nagged, and nagged from the National Association of Guineas, Grouses, Egrets, Robins, and Sparrows. Their legal team migrated over the studio, dropping piles of . . . complaints. In the midst of the squaking, I imposed a voluntary gag order upon myself. Their complaints have been dismissed, and I am happily blogging again.

Soon you’ll hear the end of the Tim & Bev love story, and a few other episodes. I’ve been furiously snapping photos of kids and ducks at the studio–which has also hindered my ability to write. If you haven’t brought your kids to the cutest (!) Easter session EVER [maybe that’s exaggerating, but it sure is cute!], it’s not too late. We still have some appointments available this weekend, March 14-15, at Lads and Ladybugs in North Little Rock. The following weekend, March 21-22, we’ll be in Hot Springs at Jack-N-Jill.

Call or email immediately, and we’ll be glad to schedule a time to see you. Merry Easter!!

Holland kindly brought several (!) different changes of clothes. If you’re wondering how to dress your kids for portraits, here are some great examples of formal clothing. [The parasol is ours. If you love it, remind me when you arrive–I’ll have it handy.]

Here’s another example with casual wear.

Personally, I love the look of either, and the scene accommodates either formal or casual. I’ll have a stack of towels on hand, but if you think about it, bring one. Between kids and ducks, I’m expecting a few splashes. One other random note: Ducks poo-poo! We’ll be rotating ducks for feeding and photographing, but be aware that accidents happen [we all had plenty of accidents at a week old], and we can’t be responsible for a dry cleaner’s fee.

[It’s great being a Photographer–I just blogged about the hazards of duck poo!]

One final note: I have never seen anything like this! We have scheduled more appointments than we’ve ever seen for a Quick Pic! We are afraid that we may run out of available appointments at the studio. Our other locations in Hot Springs and North Little Rock are also filling up. If you haven’t scheduled yet, or have a friend who needs to schedule, contact us immediately! Call or email and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible [the phone did not lay silent for even 10 minutes yesterday]. Check out the “Promotions” tab for pricing, dates, and to pay your reservation fee. If you’ve never been to a Quick Pic, scroll down in this blog to read about the process [it’s a fun, crazy week].

A few days ago you read about Troubled Tim, the duckling who fell into the wrong crowd (&*^%$#@ guineas!), then ended up in the back of a police car. Yes, the story ended sadly, but there is hope on the horizon! Check back tomorrow to see how the love of Bev turned his life around. Soon thereafter, you’ll hear the classic children’s story of the “Not-As-Attractive-As-The-Other-Ducklings, Duckling.” Finally, you’ll see the beautiful, crazy love tale of Little Liz and Trey. Subscribe to the blog so you’ll always know what’s new.

See you soon!

[Another of the ducklings, we’ve noticed, loves watching stupid teen movies, eating beef jerky, and listening to 80's rap music. We don’t know where these peculiar behaviors originate.]

Sheree and I underestimated the influence of Youtube videos. Somehow, our video of Anne scrawling complex algebra problems garnered the attention of our bank’s upper management. They approached Anne with a lucrative offer (which she shrewdly negotiated to an even sweeter deal!). The Bryant branch of Arvest bank performed brilliantly, we learned, except for one key person. It would take Anne’s discerning mind, coupled with her no-bull attitude, to rectify the problem. Anne set to work.

Anne first met with Janell, a friendly Deposit Counselor. Janell, understandably, felt an initial wave of panic. Janell immediately recognized the angry swagger of a duck on a mission. After a quick review, Janell received a raise. Attagirl, Janell!

A new wind, fanned by duckling wings, blew through the bank. Waddling across the bank foyer, Anne then surveyed Angela and the commercial lending department. Anne immediately knew that Angela demonstrated fantastic skill and charm. Another generous raise, this time for Angela.

“A raise?!” Angela protested. “But the bank’s budget . . . how will we afford your generous–?”

“Don’t you worry,” Anne interrupted. “I’m going right now to tighten the belt of this operation. I’m about to create a windfall.”

Angela felt both grateful and unsettled. The cold determination and steely-eyed gaze of a fowl sent chills down her spine. Angela wondered where the problem could be.

Anne spoke up: “Justin, we need to talk.”

The air of the bank turned frigid. A tumbleweed blew across the lobby. Silence.

Justin’s blood frosted while Anne’s webbed feet made their way comfortably onto his desk. Within minutes, Anne detailed the problems in the bank, clearly illustrated Justin’s shortcomings, and offered the only solution. Justin would step down.

Ouch, Justin. Replaced by a 5-day-old duck.

Mercifully, Anne did not fire Justin on the spot. Anne found it helpful to conduct business at the customer’s eye level. Hence, Justin would prove useful. Here we see Justin, the guy under the duck, escorting Anne. Justin hides his shame well, as the lovely Teller assists a customer.

I’ll be proud to introduce you to my little girl [Sheree’s little girl], Anne, at Easter Quick Pics. If you haven’t scheduled yet, the time is almost here! Be certain that you are signed up for our email list, and you’ll see a photo of the actual scene within 24 hours. Also subscribe to this blog, as there are more gripping duck tales to come. See you next time.

The countdown is over!! This guy [not me; the duck] and 10 of his closest, newborn friends have been added to the Ramsey family. Mother and babies are doing well.

I like animals as much as the next guy, but I don’t get too excited about pets. That notwithstanding–these ducks are super cute! Make sure you schedule for Easter portraits–seeing these critters is worth the price of admission! If you’ve never been to one of our Quick Pics, read the preceeding blog. You’ll see prices and dates on the “Promotions” tab.

Follow the blog closely over the next several days. The ducks are only 3 days old, but they have already seen a lifetime of adventure, love, danger, and redemption. I feel a personal obligation to share these amazing duck tales. Each of them has a compelling story to tell, and I am certain that we’ll all be better citizens for the listening.

Stay tuned for the story of Byron the Braniac. You’ll be amazed at his technical savvy. Soon thereafter you’ll hear how the love of Little Liz saved Troubled Trey from a [short] life of havoc [I'm certain you'll see more of them on a Hallmark movie]. You’ll marvel at Walter’s muscial gift, and weep at Tim’s run-in with the Law.

Imagine the serenity of a dozen baby ducks, a few hundred kids, an indoor pond, a guy with a camera and a shoe balanced on his head, all within five days. Doesn’t it sound like huge fun?!

It sounds like Easter Quick Pics at Beyond Photography.

Just last night I began the construction of our Easter scene. Santa’s workshop wall and window are gone [he shouldn’t have left them at my studio]. By the end of today, we’ll have the dock built, stones laid, and the pond in place. Soon thereafter, Sheree will work her magic. She’ll select the best botanical beautification [plants], and arrange the scene. [It sure is nice being married to an Interior Decorator.] Then I’ll fill the pond, drop some water heaters, and get ready for our guests. Most exciting to my kids, though:

THE DUCKS ARRIVE WITHIN 31 HOURS!!

It’s 7:12 a.m., Thursday, February 21st, and the countdown to the ducks has begun. My new children, an entire dozen, will arrive only 1 day old! What an adventure!!!!

If I’ve never enjoyed the chance to meet you or your kids, Quick Pic week is the ideal time.

*****

Finding a photographer for your children is similar to finding your hairstylist. Obviously, the stylist you choose will be technically capable, and know how to create what you want. There is no shortage of stylists–all cut hair, all set perms, all create highlights [or hide roots, but we won’t mention names]. You’ve seen a WIDE variety of skill-levels, and you know the people who can deliver what you want. So how do you finally decide on the person who does your hair?

If you’re a man (pardon the slight exaggeration here), you shop for the optimal location, the cut most cost-effective versus time expended, you take careful note of the proper Board Certification letters (framed in plain view), and interview the stylist to assess his/her strengths as displayed in his/her performance at Cosmetology or Barber School. While in the chair, you sit quietly while the stylist works–you dare not create a distraction.

If you’re a lady, or not Type A personality man, you find someone capable, and then you choose them . . . just because you like them. What matters with your stylist also matters with your photographer–it’s about the relationship. If you’ve established a great relationship with a stylist, or a photographer, then stay there! You’ve found what you want, someone you trust, and someone you like.

At Beyond Photography, we’ve always viewed our relationships through a long-term lens. We’re blessed that most of our appointments are people we’ve already photographed. Offhand, I can think of at least six great benefits to a long-term relationship with one photographer, rather than visiting multiple studios [but that’s another blog for another day].If you and your kids don’t have a regular relationship with a Photographer, Quick Pic events are the perfect time for us to meet. Let me explain the process of Quick Pics, and why it’s a great introduction.

*****

Call or email the studio to schedule your appointment. We’ll probably ask you, but be sure to mention if you’ve never been to see us. We’ll be sure to spend a little more time learning what you want, and who you’re bringing to see us. We’ll ask you to leave a deposit of at least $55 [cash, check, card # via phone, or through the Paypal button under the "Promotions" tab on the site]. This deposit is not a session fee! Your $55 deposit actually applies to your purchase.

This year, we’re shooting Easter portraits in 3 great locations! March 4-8 we’ll be in studio [in Bryant, just off the Interstate]. March 14&15 we’ll see you at Lads & Ladybugs Children’s Boutique [in North Little Rock, at the top of JFK]. We’ll then drive to beautiful Hot Springs: We’ll meet you on March 21&22, at Jack-N-Jill Children’s Shop. Each location will feature an elegant garden scene. The ducks will arrive at each locale, happy to pose for photos and sign autographs. The pond will only be available at the studio. The scene will look fantastic with formal Easter clothes, or with a casual outdoor look [think denim, overalls, etc.].

If your kids are wearing anything remotely formal, I’d encourage you to arrive early and dress them on location, thereby minimizing spill/spit-up/stain opportunities. As you would rightly infer from the name, Quick Pics are quick. We schedule appointments every 20 minutes, which gives me ample time to chat, visit with your kids, and shoot. I’m happy to shoot images of kids together, individually, close-ups, full-body shots, etc. It’s very common to shoot images of the entire family. Immediately after shooting, we’ll show you what we captured–approximately 20 images. You’ll select your package(s) (each package, except one, is one pose), and pay for them that day. Package prices start at $55–and you’ve already paid that! Often we’ll see people buy different packages of different poses, or add ala-carte portraits of different poses. Learn more about the packages on the main page or the “promotions” page of the site. Three weeks later, we’ll contact you to pick up your portraits [two weeks at Christmas].

Due to the volume of work (typically around 100 appointments for studio week), our packages are drastically discounted, and we absorb the sales tax (another 9%). I’m using the same equipment I always use, so the quality is equal to the large wall portraits in our studio.

Why is this the ideal time for us to meet? At Quick Pics, your time and financial commitments are minimal. Even still, you’ll see the quality of work we produce, and see how your kids and I interact. I live with 3 great kids, ages 6, 4, and 2 [and their awesome Momma]. Thanks to them, I’ve discovered that I love photographing children! Come see us during Easter Quick Pics and you’ll see one of the only men in Arkansas who will actually have a great time with excitable kids, water, and yellow baby ducks.

If you haven’t already, sign up for our email newsletter. I’ll send photos as soon as the ducks arrive. It’s gonna be crazier than herding cats–won’t it be fun?