Moments Caught Photography "Real life... captured"

MY BLOG HAS MOVED!!

2008-04-14T09:24:00.000-07:00

I have updated my look with a brand new blog, hope you like it!!!!
http://www.yourmomentscaught.com/blog/

See you there!

"PROJECT CHILDHOOD" I've been searching for something just like this!!

2008-04-09T16:11:00.000-07:00

I am honored and proud to be a part of a wonderful charity program that is near and dear to my heart. Project Childhood, which corresponds with Child Abuse Prevention Month during the month of April, is about creating a unified front among professional photographers in order to accomplish one goal: TO CELEBRATE CHILDHOOD

Here's the deal:
Project Childhood is a non-profit community of professional photographers dedicated to celebrating childhood through the art of photography and community service.

The ultimate goal is to provide a web gallery of photos that will ultimately seek to inspire others to see the beauty of childhood to remember how precious children are. It will be a site meant to CELEBRATE CHILDHOOD, a site filled with content by those who spend each day doing just that through the art of photography. What better people to capture the essence of childhood then photographers. Photographers all over the country will be offering a free session to a child who normally wouldn't be able to afford it, and giving the parent's a beautiful portrait of their child. Next the photographer will donate the session fee to a children's charity of his or her choice. It's a win-win situation for everyone, a parent gets a free session and portrait, a child gets to feel special and honored and a children's charity gets a donation.

I am so excited to be a part of something like this, one of my personal goals is to figure out way's to use my passion for children's photography to help make a difference. The talented man behind this venture Christopher Lee is a successful Director, Photographer, and Writer who is following his calling; he is actually trying to do something about child abuse and using his gifts to accomplish it.

Now the fun part, I get to pick a subject and that is where you can play a part. If anyone in the Philadelphia area knows a family who would not be able to afford the (very important) luxury of a professional portrait session please e-mail me at: momentscaught@mac.com
I have a few ideas for which charity I will donate to and will let you know when I decide. By the way any of my photographer friends who are reading this you must go check out the Project Childhood website and join me in this wonderful opportunity to make a difference. www.projectchildhood.com

The workshop special!!! Attention Moms to be!!!

2008-04-06T19:25:00.000-07:00

No, I'm not offering workshops (that would be scary). I was so inspired by my last workshop on photographing maternity and newborns, and I want to put into practice all of my newfound knowledge so.... Anyone who books a maternity and newborn package with me gets a 50% discount on the session fee and... a 20% discount on a la carte prints. Ok, you don't know what my maternity newborn package is? Here it is: A full maternity session between your 6-8th month and a newborn session within the first 2 weeks of life for $250.00 this package includes 2 5x7's and 1 8x10 chosen from either session. All additional prints are a la carte ( see my website for a la carte pricing www.yourmomentscaught.com )

Look out Mom's to be and newborns...

2008-04-06T19:07:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a great weekend. One thing I pride myself on is my desire to constantly improve and learn. To achieve this aside from going back to school last year to study Photography in more depth, I continue to attend workshops by photographers who's work I respect and admire in areas where I know I can grow. My emphasis has always been on photographing the relationships between family members, and catching the unique spirit in each child. Needless to say newborns and maternity work has not been as much of a focus. One photographer has always stood out in my mind when it comes to artfully capturing this magical time in a woman's life and the magic of a day's old newborn. Jodi Otte is her name http://www.jottephotography.com/ (check her out). Anyway she led a small intimate workshop and shared her secrets for the most flattering light for pregnant woman, how to calm a newborn, unique positions to capture the magic between newborn and new parents and just about everything you would want to know. My only regret was not being able to put what I learned right to work. Of course I had to satisfy this need right away so, I grabbed one of the other participants who just happened to be pregnant and had a go at it. Much as I wanted a newborn to practice on, I decided she should keep her baby safely inside her for a few more months. Here are a few sneak peaks from my impromptu session. Stay tuned for an announcement for a workshop special to help me satisfy this itch.

ok, I admit it... I am a BAD blogger! Plus some ski pics from spring break.

2008-03-31T18:34:00.000-07:00

I'd like to think their are a few things I'm good at, but blogging on a regular basis is not coming easily to me. I do apologize to my recent clients who I am behind on posting sneak peaks for. Well the least I can do is let you in on a glimpse of my personal life. Over spring break our family went out west to Colorado for a week of "spring" skiing with another family. Now skiing is not my favorite sport by a long shot, in fact the only time I will even think about going skiing is for "spring skiing". This was anything but spring skiing, it was freezing! It was also very challenging for me a not great skier to ski while holding my camera and big, heavy 70-200 mm lens, but well worth it. Here are a few shots from our trip of my kids and the other families kids. Enjoy!

True Love

2008-03-18T16:22:00.000-07:00

True love the second time around, celebrated with true friends!

This group defines the word "family"

2008-02-24T13:26:00.000-08:00

Wow! What an incredible group of people! I am so honored they chose me to immortalize the love, and spirit so evident between them. I drove away more than a little jealous to be part of such a big fun family, you guys are truly blessed.

A new head shot for the woman behind "Stuff for Sprouts" (see the link at the bottom of post)

2008-02-24T13:05:00.000-08:00

You have to check out her website and incredible line of all natural skin care for kids! She is as real and down to earth as her pictures and products. PS. although her product line was designed for children I have been using them myself and my kids might not be getting them back any time soon!

http://www.stuff4sprouts.com/

Ms "D" works it!

2008-02-09T14:59:00.000-08:00

The title say's it all. All I can say is her parents are going to have their hands full in a few years, and I think they know it.

The "D" wedding sneak peak!

2008-02-04T20:25:00.000-08:00

Here is a little glimpse at what is to come. What adorable children these 2 have, I had fun getting to know everyone!

This woman was a natural...

2008-02-01T20:56:00.000-08:00

Love when this happens, not only was "V" a natural, but we really connected. I always find that when I connect with my subject we are able to create images that really show the persons inner soul. That's what this is all about for me, so I can't call this session work at all. Here is your teaser Ms. V... tons more on the way!

Wow! I couldn't have said it better myself. Actually I wouldn't have said it at all, but am very glad someone else did!

2008-01-31T18:43:00.000-08:00

Why are Professional Photographers so expensive?
(This article has been very well received by the photography community, and is now referred to by many Photography websites across the country)

In this digital age where everyone has digital cameras, scanners and home "photo printers", when people upload their photos to a local drug store website and pick them up a few hours later, we hear this all the time - How in the world do Professional Photographers charge $55 for an 8x10 when they cost just $1.50 at the drug store?

Here's why.

Simply put, you're not just paying for the actual photograph, you're paying for time and expertise. First, let's look at the actual time involved. If you don't read this entire page, at least read this first part.

For a two hour portrait session:

- one hour of travel to and from the session
- two hours of shooting
- 30 minutes of setup, preparation, talking to the client etc.
- 30 minutes to load the photos onto a computer (2 - 4 Gb of data)
- 30 minutes to back up the files on an external drive
- 3 - 4 hours of Photoshop time including cropping, contrast, color, sharpening, saving a copy for print and a copy for the internet and backing up the edited photographs
- 2 - 3 hours to talk to the client, answer questions, receive their order and payment, order their prints, receive and verify prints, package prints, schedule shipment and drop package off at Fed Ex.
- For local customers, we also print a set of all of their photos, and meet them at our studio to review the photos and place their order. Meeting and travel time averages 2 hours.

You can see how one two hour session easily turns into more than ten hours of work from start to finish. So when you see a Photographer charging a $200 session fee for a two hour photo shoot, you are not paying them $100 / hour.

For an eight hour wedding:

- I won't bore you with the details, but an eight hour wedding typically amounts to at least two to three full 40 hour work weeks worth of time. Again, if they are charging you $4,000 for an eight hour wedding, you are not paying them $500 / hour.

Now for the expertise.

Shooting professional photography is a skill, acquired through years of experience. Even though a quality camera now costs under $2,000 taking professional portraits involves much more than a nice camera.

Most Professional Photographers take years to go from buying their first decent camera to making money with their photography. In addition to learning how to use the camera itself, there is a mountain of other equipment involved, as well as numerous software programs used to edit and print photographs, run a website etc.

And let's not forget that you actually have to have people skills, be able to communicate, make people comfortable in front of the camera - and posing people to make them look their best in a photograph is a skill all by itself.

Think of it this way - the next time you pay $X to get your hair done, a pair of scissors only costs $1.50. But you gladly pay a lot more to hire a Professional.

What about the cheap studios at the mall?

Please don't compare us to the chain store studios. But if you must, consider all of the time and work that we put into our photographs, compared to what they do. Good luck getting a two hour photo shoot at a chain store. Not to mention they won't come to the beach! And of course, look at our work compared to theirs. You get what you pay for.

The truth is, most of the mall and chain store studios lose money. In fact, in 2007 Wal-Mart closed 500 of their portrait studios because of the financial drain they were putting on the company. What the chain stores bet on is that you'll come in for some quick and cheap photos, and while you're there, you'll also spend $200 on other things. They don't have to make money, they are just there to get you in the door.

Conclusion

We hope that those who have taken the time to read this page will have a better understanding of why professional photographs cost so much more than the ones that you get from your local drug store.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Shawn, Pamela & Gavin Richter
Caught on Film Photography

My new referral program!

2008-01-24T15:56:00.000-08:00

I'm overwhelmed by all of my clients generous referrals, and must give you something back!!!
Specifically: When someone you referred completes their session with me, you are entitled to either a free 11x14 or a free new session! Just my way of saying thanks to all of my loyal clients.

Onto other business, I had a great session today with the "M" family! (no pictures posted at their request) Thank you guys for allowing me into your home and I feel like into your lives. I drove away feeling a little nostalgic for when my family was just starting out. I wouldn't trade where I am for anything, but those day's of 1 child under 1 are very special and go by very fast. I felt a lot of very special love within these 3 people, wish I could show you because it really shows in the photos!

Well, I can't very well post without a photo so up above is something new I'm offering. They are mini storyboards with a simple definition at the bottom that hopefully pulls at your heartstrings a little.
(The writing is showing up too small to read here so this is what it say's:)
Brother
Best friend, tough as nails, someone to share childhood memories, jump in puddles and build forts with.

Sale on Gallery Wrap Canvas

2008-01-16T14:42:00.000-08:00

Ok guys! Here is how I work! I just got an e-mail from the people who do my gallery wrap canvas that for 1 week Canvas's are 20% off so... that means you get 20% off to. This offer is only good on orders placed with me by January 25th. It's a great opportunity to get your favorite shot made into a piece of art. Act quickly if interested. I know I'm getting a few canvases for myself and my family.

Back from St. Kitts with photos galore!

2008-01-07T15:06:00.000-08:00

Had a wonderful, much needed vacation in the sun with my family! The best part is I got some great shots of my own kids and my niece and nephew!!! I have neglected taking pictures of my own family in this busy season and I have them all so well trained it's a pleasure. I barely have to bribe them anymore. Even my nephew humored me with a photo session. Here's a few of my favorites from the trip. I have lots more of scenery and tons of monkeys but they don't excite me quite the same way that children do. Enjoy my family!

Moments Caught is closed for 1 week!

2007-12-25T17:23:00.000-08:00

Moments Caught will be closed from Dec. 26th until January 3rd. I will get back to everyone after the 3rd! I'm off to St. Kitts for vacation with my family so I hope to have some awesome shots when I return. I haven't had a chance to take pictures of my own kids since summer time. I am so in need of this vacation, but I hate to leave my dogs, luckily for me my 3 brothers stay at the house with my dogs so I know they are in good hands. Here is a shot from today of my little one to keep you happy until I return.

So behind on posts...

2007-12-13T17:55:00.000-08:00

WOW! December has been crazy. I have been very neglectful of my blog due to tons of holiday orders. Bear with me and I will get your sneak peaks up soon or more likely you will just get your whole session at once. I do see a light at the end of the tunnel, after all Christmas is 2 weeks away. I have been busy with corporate head-shots, maternity, and newborn sessions on top of all the holiday cards from fall sessions and of course holiday gift orders. Hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season and I hope to get back to regular posting after the new year.

12 going on 20

2007-11-27T11:31:00.000-08:00

Here is a sneak peak of "T" as promised. Check out those eyes!

Another teaser for the "D and S" family

2007-11-20T17:09:00.000-08:00

It's cold here in the East Coast, but these little troopers were great (especially when the lollipops came out) More to come, but here is your sneak peak.

A sneak peak for the L and F family!

2007-11-15T16:08:00.000-08:00

It was a little cold out, but we couldn't pass up these gorgeous fall colors. Thanks L and F family for bringing me equally beautiful children... sure makes my job easy! Enjoy the preview, lot's more on the way!

A sneak peak from a great family session on Sunday!

2007-10-30T17:14:00.001-07:00

This ones personal, a dear friend and her gorgeous family. She warned me that her husband and older son might not be thrilled with the idea of family portraits during a football game. They were actually not only cooperative, but really got into it. Her husband especially got into it when I requested some romantic shots of the two of them..

proud member of "Think Pink Photographers"

2007-10-18T20:59:00.001-07:00

What is Think Pink? A charity that I am participating in to help in the fight against breast cancer.
Celebrating Life
Through our photography network, we are helping breast cancer survivors and their supporters to celebrate life with charitable photography sessions. Sessions are available to document the fight before or during treatment or to celebrate the victory when treatment is completed.
Supporting the Cause (The Beverly Family Foundation)
Through donations and various fundraising efforts, all profits from Think Pink Photography will be donated to The Beverly Family Foundation. As a 3-time breast cancer survivor, Danielle Beverly and her husband Eric joined together to form a foundation dedicated to promoting education, increasing awareness, and providing support and resources for families who have been touched by breast cancer.

The Foundation focuses on providing financial support for the chemotherapy and mammography needs of uninsured or underinsured individuals; establishing social and psychological support programs for individuals facing breast cancer, their caregivers and children; and fostering opportunities for individuals to educate themselves and others about the life and death importance of early detection.
Celebrating Life...
Through our photographer network, we are helping breast cancer survivors and their supporters to celebrate life with charitable photography sessions.

Any individual that has been diagnosed with breast cancer or completed treatment within the past 12 months qualifies for a Think Pink session. Sessions are available to document the fight before or during treatment or to celebrate the victory when treatment is completed. For every woman who comes to me for a Think Pink session, I will make a personal donation in their honor.

Clients will receive a complimentary session, (20) small prints, and a discount off additional print orders.
Ask me about the Think Pink Collection - storyboards/collages and note cards. Purchase a product from the Think Pink Collection and I will make a donation to Think Pink Photography in your honor.

A sneak peak from a extended family shoot!

2007-10-15T06:42:00.000-07:00

This one was fun, we had the grandparents and 2 sets of kids and grandkids. The beautiful little girl is so in love with her older cousins that I didn't have to work at all. All of these were inspired by a gift to the grandparents of family portraits. In my eyes their is no greater gift (and I'm not just saying that because I'm a photographer).

Ok, here is a little sneak peak for you guys!

Went to an awesome photography workshop in DC

2007-10-08T12:39:00.000-07:00

Spent the weekend in DC with my inspiration, an incredible childrens Photographer. I learned so much, and can't wait to share it with all of you in future photo shoots. Above is a sampling of some of the images from the weekend.

I'm just going to keep them coming... More Holiday card samples for you

2007-10-04T05:16:00.001-07:00

More Holiday Card Options

2007-10-03T19:35:00.001-07:00

2 more from how cute is she...

2007-09-29T16:15:00.000-07:00

How cute is she?

2007-09-29T16:08:00.000-07:00

a few more holiday samples

2007-09-28T21:10:00.001-07:00

It's that time again...

2007-09-27T16:48:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not it's time to start thinking about Holiday Cards. I have many gorgeous options available to send your holiday wishes in style. Holiday card sessions are booking up quickly and November 1st is the deadline to get your orders in. I have room for about 6 more family sessions with Holiday cards in mind. Don't forget if you are a past client I am happy to design your holiday card with your favorite photo from our session (November 1st deadline applies). Here are a few examples of cards I am working on at the moment and remember all cards can be personally customized.

A sneak peak of little "K"

2007-09-19T03:50:00.000-07:00

This just doesn't feel like work!

2007-09-16T13:19:00.000-07:00

Had such a fun session yesterday with an incredible group of people. It was little "K's" 1st birthday and I was hired to document the ocasion. All I can say is, "it wasn't work". Little K was adorable which makes my job so easy, and all of their friends and family were a blast. Got some great shots which I will share as soon as I can get through the hundreds I took.

My favorite neice

2007-09-06T08:50:00.000-07:00

Ok, back to reality. Summer vacation is over and the kids are back in school so it's time for me to get back to work. We had a great week in the poconos followed by a fun weekend at the shore. While at the shore I convinced my favorite neice (also my only neice) to let me take some pictures of her in my favorite spot under the boarddwalk. She had no interest what so ever, but she loves me so she humored me. I got a few great ones. Her coloring is so pretty next to the sand and the light was just right to bring out the gorgeous colors of her eyes. Here are a few of my favorites. Hey, an Aunt can brag... right?

On Vacation

2007-08-26T08:42:00.000-07:00

It's the last week of summer vacation for us, and we are on vacation. We ususally take the kids to Canada this week, but decided on renting a house on a lake in the Poconos. We were able to take our boat and the dog's, so that made the decision very easy. No clients this week, but hopefully some good photo ops of my own children. Hoping to get a great picture for my holiday card. I will keep you posted on our vacation happenings through photo's. I think I like this blog thing, it's like a journal with photo's ( I know I'm a little late to realize this )

My current favorite shot!

2007-08-24T20:43:00.001-07:00

Trying more creative crops, I like it here.

Trying this blog thing out!

2007-08-24T05:55:00.000-07:00

Not sure if I'm doing this right, but I wanted to have a place to post outtakes from recent sessions and keep clients and friends up to date on the going's on of Moments Caught!