My Personal Photography Challenge for the year and beyond!! {TAMPA AREA PHOTOGRAPHER}

Hey Everyone.. hope you are having a great year so far.. I can’t believe that January is already half way over. And Valentine’s Day is just around the corner.

As a full time professional photographer I get wrapped up in taking client photos and editing and Marketing and Social Media and thinking of new ways to get my brand out there and so on and so on.  So when I have a few minutes, or need to take a few minutes for myself,  I hang out with my pets or redecorate something in my house ( I think I am a closet interior decorator) and I find that I am pulling out my phone to take photos of those things.. my pets.. my little projects – etc.  and I am always getting ticked because I was missing certain shots or didn’t like the way it looked in the photo and then it hit me.. HELLO.. Professional Photographer here.. what are you doing?

SOOOOO I thought about it.  I AM A PROFESSIONAL AWARD WINNING PHOTOGRAPHER.  Why am I not utilizing my talent.. My God given gift.  I wanted to give myself a palm plant to my forehead.  But I realized that would hurt, so I decided to CHALLENGE  myself…  just for me.. no one else.  So here’s what I came up with..  

TO USE MY PROFESSIONAL CAMERA MORE AND MY PHONE LESS!!!  yup that simple.

Don’t get me wrong sometimes I love the shots I get with my phone.. and those quick easy little effects.. sometimes they really rock.  But.. I get lazy.  I don’t challenge myself with lighting sometimes. Or my settings in my camera. ( I do everything manually) Or learning and experimenting with some new technique or looking at something differently.  Some days I am a really good ‘out of the box’ thinker.  Some days-not so much.

I am so adamant about getting the best shot for my clients that I forget that I am important too.  And by that I mean.. my everyday life is important. My day in day out..  It’s what makes me .. well ME!!! 

My house is filled with crazy most of the time.. I mean my kiddos are grown and live on their own.. but I have all these pets and all this STUFF! My girls swear I have hoarding tendencies but I think they are imagining it. ..

OH WAIT.. is that a chair on the side of the road.. gotta turn around. I could paint that and use it as a prop!!! 
Okay so maybe just maybe I have a slight hoarding problem.. HA!  Anyway..

So back to my challenge.. I am leaving my big professional camera out on my table in the dining room all the time. The same stuff I use for my clients during sessions.  So when the dog looks super cute looking at me a certain way or the cat makes a crazy face I can be camera ready and actually get the action.  Or if I set up a little display and I love how it looks.. I can get a true photo of the set up.

I can experiment with the lighting or the settings or take shots from different angles.  No constraints on time or the mood of the 2 year old (haha) or the weather or the sun.  Or making sure it’s just perfect.  These are the times I can mess up. TRY NEW WAYS.. Just doing it.. and then trying out new editing ideas or watching a video on how to do something I didn’t know how to do before.  I mean the sky is the limit.  

So that is my CHALLENGE to myself.. and although it’s a challenge.. it’s not a constraint. There are no rules..   It’s for ME.. when I have or need a few minutes for MYSELF.

So I am inviting you to walk on this photo journey with me.  Not sure how regular these types of post will be.. because remember.. NO CONSTRAINTS!!  I hope you enjoy this little self aware journey with me..

It should be a HOOT!!!      Check out a few from the first couple of weeks.  SO MUCH FUN!!

Beauty and Glamour Day for you - Great gift for yourself or someone special {TAMPA AREA PHOTOGRAPHER}

THIS SPECIAL CAN ONLY BE PURCHASED TILL
JANUARY 10TH. 

SHOOTS WILL BE SCHEDULED BETWEEN NOW AND JANUARY 29TH. 

(to allow time for editing and ordering)

 

FEEL FREE TO CALL ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS..  813-600-8152 

as I expect I will get lots of calls please leave a message so that I can return your call. 

USE THIS LINK TO PURCHASE THE SPECIAL AND THEN CALL FOR SCHEDULING. 

payment plans available for package purchases.  must be paid in full before product delivered. 

EASTER MINI SESSIONS AT THE STUDIO {TAMPA AREA PHOTOGRAPHER}

Hey everyone.. I posted this on FB but wanted to post it here too just in case you don't do FB.  if you do make sure you go and like my page.
So I am doing Easter Mini Sessions  My fav holiday.  I love the colors and the spring feel to it.
the sessions will be at the Studio in Riverview on March 30th.  For the first three people who sign up they get a special gift.  So don't hesitate as there will be limited number of spots available.

I have also had some inquiries about live baby animals and do I do those.. my straight forward answer is ABSOLUTELY NOT!!  for many reasons like liability.. safety.. etc etc.. but the main reason is this simple.  It's really really bad for the baby animals.  I have a blog post about it from last year the Humane Society of the United States actually used.  here is the link to that older post.  http://constanceavellinophotos.blogspot.com/2013/03/plush-stuffed-wind-up-tampa-area.html

So I am really looking forward to these mini sessions.  like I said my FAVORITE holiday.
have a great day.. and look for the next blog post.. hahahaha whenever that will be.  ;)

VALENTINE MINI SESSIONS - THIS SATURDAY IN HILLSBOROUGH AND SUNDAY IN PINELLAS {TAMPA AREA PHOTOGRAPHER}

JUST WANTED TO GIVE A REMINDER TO ANYONE STILL INTERESTED IN THESE.

I HAVE 4 SPOTS LEFT FOR HILLSBOROUGH ON SATURDAY AND

2 SPOTS LEFT FOR PINELLAS ON SUNDAY

IF YOU WANT MORE INFO EMAIL ME.. SUPER EXCITED. 

ME@CONSTANCEAVELLINOPHOTOS.COM

 

THROW BACK THURSDAY - DALLAS & KEELIE - CHRISTMAS SHOOT {TAMPA AREA PHOTOGRAPHER}

So in keeping with my Throw Back Thursday theme.. I wanted to share these photos from about 5 years ago. 

after my job at bed bath and beyond.. I worked at Bright house. 

These girls are the daughters of one of my 'peeps' there at BHN. 

A lot of the people that I met there are still good friends and clients.  And I really value those friendships!

Some of my sweetest relationships have come from that place.

 

I remember this session like it was yesterday.. they were SO SILLY that day.  Little sis Keelie did everything her big sis Dallas did.. these are my fav three shots from the session.  Still some of my all time favs too.  Thanks girls.. can't wait for you to get back to the studio!!  :)

 

btw - they are the girls in the ballerina costumes in the slideshow at the top of my blog that was a couple of years later.. but still just as silly! 

THROW BACK THURSDAY - ANDERSON aka Andy :) {TAMPA AREA PHOTOGRAPHER}

So I decided to start doing my TBT posts on my blog instead of FB!

This is my first one - and how could I go wrong with such a cutie pie!

He has grown a little over the past couple of years

but these are still some of my ALL TIME fav shots!

How darn lovable is he?

I have done this family a few times and have been friends with them for about WOW could it be almost 10 years?? I met mom when I worked at BBB (Bed Bath & Beyond) and we have stayed in touch.  Some of my best relationships have come from my tenure at BBB!

I wouldn't trade that experience for anything.  Love those people!!

You know who you are

 

OH MY WORD!!!! I HAVE NOT BLOGGED FOR AWHILE!! {TAMPA AREA PHOTOGRAPHER}

I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO SAY FOR MYSELF!  UGH!  WHY IS BLOGGING SUCH A CHORE FOR ME...? 
I EVEN PUT THE APP ON MY PHONE SO I COULD AT LEAST DO OR SAY SOMETHING ONCE A WEEK AND I STILL HAVEN'T DONE IT..
What is it that keeps me from doing this.. is it because I am afraid I won't have any 'witty' things to say.. is it because I am lazy.. or am I just too busy to try and do ONE more thing to my already growing list. Do other photographers have this problem..? 
Or maybe it is just that -

I bought this shirt some time ago!  Because the moment I saw it I thought it would make a great BLOG post! So I am always thinking of it.. I have great ideas in my head.. but somehow the execution is just not there.. my problem is when I get the idea.. I fall short somewhere in getting it on the blog... It's so darn frustrating.. BUT contrary to what the shirt says..

I AM GOING TO BE A BLOGGER!!

I am determined.. wish me luck and keep an eye out.. :)

 

WHAT A CRAZY MONTH IT'S BEEN.. BUT YOU KNOW I LOVE IT.... {TAMPA AREA PHOTOGRAPHER}

Hey everyone... hope things are going good for you so far this month.. Mother's day is a few days away and wow did this last month fly by. 
I have been super busy purging some props and stuff to make room for some fresher idea.  YAY!!!  I am telling you.. I definately have some hoarding tendencies.  I look at something and I think about the newborn baby shoot I used that prop in and then I look at a chair and think oh.. I have gotten some cute stuff from that.  ANYWAY - it's been super hard.. but I am determined. So wish me luck all you fellow closet hoarders out there. 

We are also getting ready to REDO the studio in a BIG way.. I am a little nervous as it involves construction and all that.. EEEKKKKK!!!  but in the end it will be AWESOME. 

I have been doing the May Photo a Day on FB so I decided to share what I have so far on here.  I haven't done today's yet.. so that will be in the next batch but here is up through 9!

SOMETHING I BOUGHT!

 so on day one I received a delivery of prints for clients.. how appropriate..

MORNING RITUAL

 I think this speaks for itself.  In left to right order!  hahaha

THIS IS REALLY GOOD!

 I saw this adorable puppy while on a photo shoot.  And I got those client orders out.. YAY!!

IN MY CUP

 WHAT CAN I SAY!!

PAPER!

 When my granddaughter was little she sat and wrote on this pad of paper..

now every time I go to get a piece I am taken back to that day.. I really treasure it.

BROKEN

 I have this long verse about this day of 'broken'  but I will spare you on here.  But it's on FB! 

THING THAT BEGIN WITH - F

 Organic Bloom Frames.. all over my studio and house.

SHAPES

 bird and squirrel feed.  love the difference.



SNACK!

Do I really need to say anything else here! 



I will be doing a special Mothers day post on Sunday..
so check back!!!
 

WOW! APRIL IS OFF TO A GREAT START. {TAMPA AREA PHOTOGRAPHER}

Hey Everyone.. it's already an exciting April.  started the month off with some great April Fool's jokes.. got about 6 people.  haha!! Had a fantastic photo shoot same day that was given to them as a gift certificate from some friends  (GREAT IDEA FOR MOM'S DAY BTW)

and then off to Indiana for my Mom's 80th birthday party.  We had a really good time.. about 50+ people showed up it was so great to see everyone!!
Love my mom so much..

Then a fast trip to Brown County to walk around and just hang out..

 

had a little celebration for my niece Felicia whom I love since her 21st bday was April fool's day.  Isn't she beautiful!

 

met up with some of my friends from high school on Sunday night and then home today.


I designed a book for the guest to sign at the party.  My Mom loved it.
here are the pages.  (before everyone signed of course)

BOOK COVER front and back

 

OPENING PAGE

 

SPREADS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CLOSING PAGE

 thanks to everyone who came and signed the book.. Mom absolutely LOVED IT!!

PLUSH, STUFFED & WIND UP {TAMPA AREA PHOTOGRAPHER}

Plush, Stuffed & Wind up!

I have had several phone calls asking me if I will be doing LIVE baby animal shoots for Easter.  I am not and have no intentions of ever doing such events.

Let me tell you why..

I have always been a big animal lover, have always had numerous pets and I was a successful pet sitter for many years - but in the last 15 years I have tried to become an advocate and a voice for those in our world that don’t have one. Trust me when I say.. I didn’t always have this kind of attitude.  I was uninformed and therefore ignorant of the issue.  But after years of working with and having friends that work daily with the situation I am now more aware than ever.  

Don’t get me wrong - I don’t think there is anything cuter then a baby animal.  Especially those Chicks, Ducklings and Bunnies.  I understand how tempting they can be - But the challenge and question I want to put out to potential clients and even photographers that participate, is this:  Is it really worth it?   

Let’s talk about babies that are taken from their mothers too young and shipped across the country in crates or boxes.  IF they arrive safely unharmed… what then?  Are you sure they are free of disease?  Are your children or client’s children in the shoots going to be able to hold them without harming them?  And after the shoots?  What happens to these babies that have no sense of survival?  Are they released in the wild as I have heard people do?  What do you think their rate of survival is? 

I ask you - don’t you think it is safer all the way around if plush or stuffed animals were used? Or some other form of decorations?   Wind up chicks or ducks or bunnies even.  Children love to cuddle things and what better thing to really cuddle then a sweet, plush stuffed animal? I mean really shouldn’t the photo be about the child, your child or the client’s child?

If you as a photographer really want to do a LIVE animal shoot - Why not contact your local shelter and see if they would be willing to participate with friendly and lovable animals that need homes.  Why not have an adoption drive to find responsible loving homes?  You would be providing a service and bringing to light an issue of a country already extremely over populated with unwanted or disposable animals. 

All anyone need do is go to a local shelter, animal services or any place that takes in unwanted animals to see the impact. Call your local Humane Society or SPCA and find out how you can help. 

I know in the county where I live EVERY SINGLE DAY at Animal Services they are forced to put down anywhere from 125 to 250 unwanted animals.  EVERYDAY!  And that is ONE county in Florida.

Why am I talking about it? Because aren’t we suppose to be the guardians of these creatures that we share this space with?  As guardians are we really doing our best? 

I love being a photographer and I love animals.  I will be happy to take your photo with your own pets or at your farm with your animals.  Nothing makes me happier then taking photos of families where they include their furry, feathered or even scaly family members.  Animals are a joy and I enjoy seeing the interaction between people and their pets.

I am also writing this post to hopefully educate and open up some communication about an ever growing problem.  I hope after reading this you think about it a bit.  I hope if you are in the market for a pet that you go to your local animal shelter or county animal services.  And really – I just hope that at least one person makes a different decision.

All of my pets, with one exception (and I now have seven remaining) are rescued animals. From various situations.  I love them.  They always bring a smile to my heart.  It is a lot sometimes but it never outweighs the joy they bring me. I am blessed to have them in my life.

And as it’s been said:

‘SOME OF MY BEST FRIENDS HAVE NEVER SAID A WORD TO ME’

Thanks for reading and please share or comment if you like. 

www.humanesociety.org/

www.aspca.org/

http://www.spcafl.org/

http://humanesocietytampa.org/

http://www.makeminechocolate.org/mission.php

FEELING INSPIRED SO I ADDED NEW PACKAGES {TAMPA AREA PHOTOGRAPHER}

OKAY -  So I have been toying around with this idea for a few years and I have attended two seminars in the last month.  As I sat there listening to them I was mentally kicking myself for not having done this sooner.  Pretty much everything they were doing I have done, thought of doing or wanted to do.  It just goes to show you how you just shouldn't put things off.  I hate marketing myself.. but if not me THEN WHO!!!  So I came up with these packages.  I am super excited about them..
so check them out.

2012 - A YEAR OF PHOTO FUN!!! {Tampa Area Photographer}

HERE IT IS - FINALLY.. A VIDEO OF ALL THE WONDERFUL CLIENTS FROM THE PAST YEAR.. I am pretty sure I have everyone.. if I missed you forgive me.. it wasn't intentional!! 
enjoy.. Love ya all!

 Now this doesn't include all the fund raisers, events and company stuff I have done.
it's been an incredible year...  can't wait to see what this year holds!!!  :)

THE "W" FAMILY & THE TOOTH FAIRY TOO SOON! {TAMPA AREA PHOTOGRAPHER}

So I did this family a couple of months ago.. I was going to do a blog post a while back but as we know time gets away from us. 

Since my original idea of the post I received an email from Mom "W" informing me that one of the girls fell and knocked out her two front teeth. And could I please put the gallery backup so that she can order some more photos.  I was horrified and of course concerned but Mom assured me that her girl was doing fine and thought it was "cool"  (oh boy)  :)  Mom said she cried A LOT more then her little one did.  I think I would have too.  So needless to say she wanted more photos of her little girl WITH her two front teeth.  All is well though.. it was only her baby teeth.. but long before their time. Sooooo she has no permanent damage but has NO plans on asking Santa for her 'two front teeth' .

So what was my original idea for this post?  It was about the umbrella photo.  Mom brought the umbrella along because it was 'ominous' for rain.  Just as we were wrapping things up.. it started to sprinkle.  I was photographing one of the girls by themselves and when I turned to have the other one come over they were huddled under the umbrella. (it was starting to sprinkle) so I had them all get under the umbrella and we got a couple of shots. Love those spontaneous moments.

A HOUSE DIVIDED & A SLEEPING BABY!!! {TAMPA AREA PHOTOGRAPHER}

I wanted to share a photo from my last session today.
I have done this family several times now and I ALWAYS have fun.. The boys know me as the photographer lady with the root beer and I always have some on hand for them when they come.
But what I want to talk about is obvious!  We have Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboy fans living in the same house..  OH NO!!!!   Finally Dad has someone on his side with Miss Raegan.

But the other thing I really want to talk about is Raegan... when we did her newborn photos we could NOT get her to go to sleep until the very end of the shoot.. so what happens today?  Just when I go to take the entire family photo she falls ASLEEP.. and I mean she was OUT!! We tried to wake her we moved her around we called her name.. NOPE she was staying asleep.  Well we always do a fun family photo after we do the 'serious' one.. so this is what they did.. they all acted like they were sleeping.  So at least for that moment.. this divided football team family came together for the photo!!  HA HA!! Had a great time you guys.  Always love photographing you!  Thanks for being such great clients - actually friends now!!

HOPE - TAMPA CHRISTIAN {TAMPA AREA PHOTOGRAPHER}

Recently I had the honor of doing this project for Tampa Christian.  Each class has to do a 'project' to raise money at the annual fund raiser.  These are the 6 and 7 year olds!  They were all soooo good... which is a great testimony to their parents and teacher.
We had a lot of fun.  And at the end.. they got to do the goofy face.  My fav I might add!  :)