Who Knew This Would Work

I've got it! Let's make a Broadway musical out of a 70's cult film.

Not only did it work, but it won several Tony's. Spamalot is the musical version of the cult classic "Monty Python and the Holy Grail." Now the traveling version is in Atlanta. There are only a few shows left, so get tickets if you can. I'm going Sunday.

The Whole is Greater than the Sum of the Parts

The story behind a movie is sometimes as interesting as the movie. During the preshow for the Oscar's Sunday, three Mexican directors were interviewed. I knew nothing of them, except that I had seen a few of their movies. Alfonso Cuaron, director of "Children of Men", Guillermo del Toro, director of "Pan's Labyrinth", and Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, director of "Babel" talked about the effect of their friendship on their movies. Three men who are great because of their relationships with each other. They discuss screenplays and editing to make each other better. They don't worry about beating each other, but uplifting each other. They celebrate each other's successes. Individually, they might have been good at their craft, but together they are great. I think we could all learn from this example.

Take time to watch this Charlie Rose interview with them. It is a little long, but inspiring.

Name That Promotion

So, I know you have all been waiting with baited breath to find out about the contest. It is easy. As you might have noticed, I am now scheduling sessions for St Simons during the week of July 4th. The problem is that I need a name for these sessions. "Beach Sessions at St Simons" lacks pizazz. So, I leave it to you, my faithful blog readers, to come up with an imaginative name for the promotion. It can be funny, campy, or just silly. Email your suggestions, along with your contact information, to neal@inwardstudio.com. Put "Name That Promotion" as your subject. You are allowed to enter as often as you like. You have until March 31st to send your suggestions. Then, I'll select my top 5, post them on the blog, and the voting starts. Voting will last until April 14th. The winning idea will be featured on the website, blog, and other promotional materials. Want to know what you are playing for? A FREE beach session, which thanks to you won't be called that, including $150 print credit. Now, I know some of you are saying, "I'm not going to be at St Simons for the 4th." So, you have two fantastic options. You can give the session as a gift to a friend, or you can use it for a local session. Either way, it is a great opportunity for a family session. Good luck!

Clock Work Orange

So, as many of you know, I tie my print boxes with orange ribbon. I'm always on the lookout for unusual orange ribbon, but I'm having a hard time finding new designs. So, I thought I would put all my loyal blog readers to work. Each client who brings in a spool of orange ribbon will received a FREE 5x7 print. Now, while my logo is what I like to call "burnt pumpkin", I will accept any orange ribbon. It can be all orange, mostly orange, or contain orange with other colors. Most important is that it is cool. For really great ribbon, you will receive a FREE 8x10. Keep your eyes peeled.

(No, the title doesn't really have anything to do with it, but it was the first thing that came to mind.)

But Wait, There's More!

Monday, I will announce the first (of what I hope are many) blog contest. Get your thinking caps on and check back Monday. Tell you friends and family...the more the merrier.

Simple Pleasures, Part Trois

I'm trying to learn French. I decided to throw it into conversation to help me learn. But, I digress.

Simple Pleasures
1. Popcorn
2. Grilled hamburgers (they're always better at home)
3. Blue sky days (while not necessarily great for photography, great otherwise!)
4. Smiles (they're infectious, free, and yet very valuable)
5. Clean sheets

OK, enough for now. Please leave your suggestions in the comments section. Comments rock.

Mabry Returns

Well, it wasn't your usual Monday morning. For those of you who don't know, I am not a morning person. I fake it well. Oddly, babies tend to be happiest in the morning. So, I do what is best for my clients. Thankfully, photographing babies is quite enjoyable. Mabry was all smiles...again. It was too easy. Here is one of my favorites, but there are more in children portfolio. Thank you, Mabry, for making my morning. Kathy, you'll have to tell her since she doesn't read, yet.

July 4th Beach Sessions

I am planning beach sessions at St Simons Island July 3-6, 2007. There will only be two sessions early each morning and two sessions near sunset each evening. The beach is a great location for large family portraits, small intimate family images, or just the children playing in the surf. Each session is $250 with a $150 print credit. There is no extra charge for large families so consider a multi-generational portrait. Sessions are very limited so don't delay reserving your time. I look forward to seeing you all for a fun week at the beach.

Macon Monogramming

I have started a print display at Macon Monogramming (next door to the studio). I have two of the new Fine Art Gallery Prints hanging right now. Hopefully, there will be more soon. If you get a chance, stop in for a peek. Also, take a look at all Macon Monogramming has to offer. Their prices are amazingly reasonable.

Kristen and Chad

Kristen and Chad met me at the studio for their engagment session Saturday. Chad, who had had a very little sleep, was a trooper. After a few minutes at the studio, we headed downtown for some fun. It was quite cold, but Third Street park and Josua Cup were great locations. Good coffee is always important. Kristen and Chad were up for all my crazy ideas. Thank you.

Bridal Show

I just wanted to thank everyone who came out in the rain for the Macon's Wedding Ring Bridal Show. I had the opportunity to meet many really interesting people, and I hope to speak with many of you again. It is always fun to get out before the populous to show my work. Fine Art photographers have gallery openings with wine and cheese to reveal their latest work. Portrait and wedding photographers have studios, but it is different for me. I think I should have an "opening." I'll start working on that.

What I Learned in San Antonio

I learned two lessons while in San Antonio. Actually, I learned one of them at 41,000 feet somewhere between Houston and Atlanta.

First, don't judge a book by it's cover. Gregory Heisler, a well know editorial and portrait photographer who appears to be 60 years too late, spoke one evening. He wears black round glasses, a suit with a bow tie, and a fedora hat. Not your normal photographer's attire. Needless to say, I was expecting a boring lecture about his work. I was wrong. I laughed through most of his presentation. He had a fresh take on some old problems. He was even a little blue. I could not have been more surprised.

Second, a sense of humor is important no matter your occupation. "Hello from the pointy end fo the airplane!" That was new one for me. A pilot with a sense of humor. "We're cruising at 560 miles per hour...but, not that you could tell...don't spill your drink!" It made the flight seem shorter and smoother than it was. I was quite impressed.

I'll post some images from my trip in the next couple of days. I'm playing catch up with phone calls and emails. Have a good day.

San Antonio

I'm heading to San Antonio for the first time tomorrow. The Professional Photographers of America convention is the reason for my visit, but I've wanted to go since I was a child. I saw a movie (Cloak and Dagger, I think) with a chase scene through the river front. Ever since, San Antonio was on my list of places to visit. Unfortunately, the list of places I don't want to visit is now shorter. I won't be back until Wednesday, so please call if you need something. 478.361.2500 I'll post pictures when I get back.

4 am

What were you doing? I hope you were asleep. I was not. I decided to watch the American Masters documentary on Annie Leibovitz. While not a huge fun, I decided to watch because it was a documentary on an iconic photographer. As is oft the case when I do something with preconceived notions, I was proven wrong. So many of her images have grown to be greater than the photographer or the subjects. The image of a nude John Lennon lying with Yoko Ono taken only 5 hours before he was murdered is one of the best examples. Yoko's tears as she recounted the day gave a purpose to Annie's work. A fleeting moment in time captured forever. Annie Leibovitz's talent lies not only in her photography, but in her ability to connect with her subjects. It is an amazing feet. If you have the chance, it is well worth 90 minutes.

Winter Special

I have a new special offer for the months of January and February. It is a great time to create a portrait in the studio (or, if the weather holds up, in the park with flowers) which captures personalities and expressions. Studio sessions will be available for only $25. I'm also launching a line of limited edition, Fine Art Gallery Prints. These prints are specially framed using all archival materials to create a portrait that will last for decades. Best of all, the Fine Art Gallery Prints will be 33% off until the end of February. Don't miss out on an these unique, expressive prints.

Also, keep in mind a gift certificate makes for a great gift for the expecting mother, new mother, or any mother for that matter.

Simple Pleasures, Part 2

Here are a few simple pleasures from the holiday season.

1. Good coffee with real half and half, not artificial creamer.

2. Fireworks, not the home brew, but big shows

3. A crisp, clean white shirt

I guess the fireworks might be the best one...they are free! The coffee is expensive and bad for you, and the shirt is hard to maintain and ironing is not fun.

Simple Pleasures

Some of you know the story behind the name of my studio. Some of you even know of the "Simple Pleasures" list that was a part of my college website project. I've been thinking about that list and have decided to work on it a little more. For those of you who don't know, Simple Pleasures are little things that bring joy to your heart. Nothing elaborate or expensive, just simple, perfect moments.

For example...a green glass bottled Coke so cold it burns a little on the way down. Or...Oreos and a big glass of ice cold milk. They don't have to involve food, but many of mine do. As for the non-culinary type...the moment of silence that happens when you pass under a bridge during a rain storm. Or...fall leaves blowing behind a car.

Jeca, my wife, reminded me of a really good Simple Pleasure on the way home tonight... bedtime stories. When was the last time you read someone a bedtime story, or, better yet, someone read a story to you?

So, please add your Simple Pleasures to the comments section. I'd love to know what makes you happy.

Cirque du Soleil

Dinner at Taqueria del Sol: $33
4 tickets to Corteo: $300
An evening of magic: Priceless

For those of you who haven't experienced the wonder that is Cirque du Soleil, don't wait another minute. Corteo will be in Atlanta for only a month more. It is unlike anything you have ever seen, and better than you can imagine. Take the time...you won't regret it.

THANK YOU!

I wanted to thank everyone who has been a part of the first six months of iNWARD STUDIO. They have been amazing. The past months have literally filled with blood, sweat, and tears. They have also been filled with friends, love, and laughter. I have enjoyed the past six months so much more than I could have imagined. The outpouring of well wishes from friends, family, clients, and complete strangers has been phenomenal. I am fortunate beyond measure. Thank you. Happy Holidays to all! I look forward to seeing you all in the New Year.

Abbey

Tina asked me to photograph Abbey in her natural environment. What an excellent idea. Her nursery made for the best location to capture Abbey's personality. She was full of smiles. This is a small sample of the great images we got that morning. There are more in the Children's Portfolio, so take a look to see what a great location your child's nursery could be.