First snow, then sun, then snow again. And now it’s raining with a hint of thunder. Go figure. Hopefully spring will officially be here to stay soon! I know I’m getting confused with all the different temperatures lately….

Anyways, we have a secret to share tomorrow! It’s exciting, and I promise it’s not an April Fool’s Day joke. So there, now that you have warning, it can’t be discredited! Keep an eye out for the studio event that will be posted tomorrow, and make sure to participate (it’s for a good cause).

Enjoy the last day of March!

We photographers don’t get out from behind the camera very much, but I promise it’s not because I dislike having my picture taken. Yesterday, I was able to break the mold and take the place my clients normally occupy.

My portrait session was somewhat simple, but I had a great time! Steven created some wonderful portraits of me, and I can’t wait to share them. For those of you wondering who Steven is, that’s my also-photographically-inclined husband. He often works behind the scenes here at Betsy’s Photography, but yesterday, he got to take over as head photographer for the session.

We didn’t do anything fancy, and since it’s a little too cold out with the snow still on the ground, we stayed in the studio for the entire session. Even so, we had a great time, and yes, I had fun. I was even relaxed (sometimes it’s hard for photographers to stop “thinking” pictures)!

Anyways, I absolutely love these images and you may have already noticed that my “About” page has been updated with the new portrait. So, without further ado, here are a couple highlights from my amazing portrait session.

And then to finish things up, a black and white headshot of yours truly. I am still really excited about how wonderfully these turned out (yes, I knew they’d be good but they are great!), so I will just stop typing and let you enjoy the images.

Ok so I want to get my portrait created, but I don’t really like the “typical” portraits I see people getting all the time. What do you do to make every portrait session different, and how will you make sure that my pictures are unique and different? — Wanting “Different”

I don’t like doing the “same thing” over and over any more than the next person; I do my best to make sure that I am consistently creating unique portraits (at a consistent level of quality of course, that is something I insist on repeating!). So, while you can expect me to consistently apply my creativity and talent to create beautiful portraits, I am more than happy to work with you to create a truly unique portrait.

Beyond that, there is really a simple answer to your question: we talk! One of the things you’ll find at your portrait consultation is that I want your portrait to reflect you and your personality. At your consultation appointment, we will talk and discuss any concerns you have, as well as the ideas you can think of. If you can’t think of anything, that’s ok, I do have suggestions, but one of my goals is to prompt you to come up with at least one or two ideas that are meaningful to you.

Finally, there is another element that makes every portrait unique. Can you guess? It’s kind of cheesy, I know… but it’s you. Now, I’m not saying we have to do any cheesy “theme” portraits, but your hobbies and personality definitely can influence the overall “feel” or “concept” of your portrait. The more thoroughly we can explore your personality and your interests, the more unique your portrait will be.

Ask the Artist! features your questions, answered by Betsy Finn, photographic artist. Trust Betsy’s Photography, You’ll be Trusting the Best!

Finding the right shoes can be hard work. I know from first-hand experience! It’s hard to find the right balance of stylish and comfortable — especially if you’re looking for high heels.

For my wedding, I needed pretty shoes that had a good-sized heel (I’m *a little* shorter than Steven, so I wanted to minimize the height difference!). As a result, the search for the right show took a long time. I finally found a pair, but they had to be special ordered to match my dress. I guess that’s the price I pay for not choosing something cute and classy like baby blue stilettos… now those stand out on purpose!

Make sure, above all, that you are comfortable in your wedding shoes, because you will be on your feet a lot (wearing a beautiful dress). I’m sure you want to be able to enjoy every minute of your day, and honestly the last thing you will want to have happen is for your feet to start hurting. Many brides bring cute slippers or slides, or even go barefoot once their feet have said “I’m through!”

Anyways, I had a request to see some wedding shoes. I know it can be tough to think of something original and unique for your wedding plans at times… but why not add your personality to your attire through the shoes you wear? While there are no baby blues here, I want to let you know that even white or off-white shoes can be unique (but I’m sure you know that already).

Well, it looks like the weather decided to pull one last *knock on wood* snowstorm on us. Steven and I were out last night while it was snowing, and by the time we came home, the roads were not too fun.

I didn’t actually measure how much snow fell, but it had to be ~5 inches here. Anyone else ready for spring? I know I am! Here’s to warmer weather, and finally being able to start our exciting landscaping project!

Well, I was testing out some new equipment and Jake was being the perfect kitten. Ok, so he’s a full-grown cat at this point, but still. He acts crazy enough to be a kitten (not that you’d know it from this portrait). We have lever-handled doorknobs throughout the house, and guess who knows how to open those doors? It’s actually very amusing to watch, because he stretches up on his back legs, pulls the handle with his front paws, and uses his body weight to swing the door open.

He is a good cat though, and normally comes when called — if he’s slow to come, we know he’s been napping, and if he doesn’t come, he’s stuck in a room somewhere. Last night we came home to find that Jake “trapped” himself in the office. The door was slightly ajar, but he was being lazy and had given up on opening the door to get out. Go figure.

Anyways, have a good afternoon, and enjoy the warmer weather!

Making Life Manageable: I want to share some of our “wedding strategy” that allowed my husband, Steven, and me to enjoy ourselves and not spend all of our free time wedding-planning – after all, you need to have some time to relax! So listen up as I share some tips on making your life manageable as you balance everyday life with wedding tasks.

The most important thing is to not let wedding planning overrun your life. I know, it’s a tricky balancing act, but if you can pull this off it will make your life more enjoyable. Set aside a night each week and outlaw any wedding talk! You can do something fun, like go to a movie, or even just relax at home over hot cocoa – what you do doesn’t matter, as long as it gives you a break from wedding stress. Can’t dedicate a whole night? That’s ok, do lunch or dedicate an hour for something fun!

Another key is to plan ahead. The more you get done now, the less you’ll have to do as your wedding approaches. Trust me; you don’t want to be scrambling the night before your wedding to take care of loose ends.

Why not enlist some help turning your vision into reality? Delegate tasks to your maid or matron of honor, best man, and attendants – they’re here to support you, after all! It could be as simple as helping you to print your wedding ceremony programs, or the guest name-tags. You can even turn tedious activities in to a party when you add snacks, drinks, and music – the more hands the merrier!
Whether you’re doing most of the planning yourself or sharing the duties, remember: yes, it’s important to make sure things turn out well, but don’t sacrifice your sanity to make sure that every last detail is perfect. It’s all about finding balance, and finding a place where you can get your planning done but still have time to relax and enjoy yourself.

I know, it’s so obvious, but I’m going to say it anyways – relax! Clear your mind of wedding worries and enjoy the company of your friends and family. Trust me, you can ignore your “to-do” list for a couple hours and it won’t run away on you. It does take effort sometimes to relax, but when you do take some time to do so, you’ll be able to return to planning with renewed energy. Everyone needs a break, so make sure you give yourself one – you deserve it!

As one last word of advice, let me tell you the best decision my husband and I made: we decided to be done with anything wedding-related before our rehearsal dinner started. By having this deadline, we had time to wind down and were able to enjoy the wedding festivities. Set a deadline, and then after that, take off your planning hat and start enjoying YOUR wedding – you will be glad you did!

I almost forgot that this weekend was Daylight Saving Time! Well, not really, but I was surprised that it snuck up on us this quickly. While double-checking that the clocks actually were set to turn back this weekend, I came across this neat article/website online: About Daylight Saving Time. It explains a lot of history about DST, some quirky facts, and even discusses which states and countries observe DST (or have in the past).

So, anyways, enjoy that link, and don’t forget that we lose an hour between now and tomorrow…

The secret is out! As Betsy mentioned earlier in the week, her images were recently entered in a regional print competition, so read on to find out what awards her prints won.

Dayton, Ohio – Betsy Finn of Betsy’s Photography in Dexter, Michigan, recently competed in the Mid-East States Affiliated Print Competition hosted by the Professional Photographers of Ohio. All of Betsy’s entries received awards, and three of her prints were awarded Blue Ribbons. The culmination of the competition was the Mid-East States Print Exhibition, a display of all the award-winning prints.

Betsy was one of the over 200 photographers entered in the five-state regional competition. Each photographer is permitted to enter four prints. Betsy’s print Three vs. One, which portrayed a local Ann Arbor family, was awarded “Seal of Merit” and received a Blue Ribbon. Two other prints also received Blue Ribbons and each was awarded a Seal of Merit: Something Old, Something New was created for one of her bridal clients on the day of the wedding, and Spring Green was a fine art piece that Betsy created of a Michigan Dogwood Blossom. Betsy’s final print, titled Narcissism, was awarded a Red Ribbon and “Award of Merit.”

Of the more than 800 entries submitted for judging, only a fraction of prints were selected to receive Blue Ribbons. By earning three “Merit Seals” at the Mid-East States Affiliated Print Competition, Betsy will earn Merits when the print is submitted to the International Print Competition held by the Professional Photographers of America (PPA). After earning 25 Merits, a photographer may earn his/her Master of Photography degree from the PPA.

Professional Photographers who hold a minimum of a Master of Photography degree judged the Mid-East States Regional Print Competition. These judges traveled from all over the United States to be a part of the regional competition. The 2008 regional competition included entries from Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio, and is one of the largest print competitions in the country.

Whether you’re building a new home or buying a house, there are always plenty of do-it-yourself projects that seem to turn up. My husband, Steven, and I bought an “almost-new” house in 2007, and since then have been hard at work turning our house into a home.

After getting our stuff into our house, it was then time to tackle decorating. Well, kind of. We found a number of issues needing fixing, so we haven’t quite finished picking paint colors yet. Did you know that you can get a custom paint color made from your favorite blanket, picture, or decoration? With today’s technology, your paint supplier can “read” the color makeup of almost anything, and translate that into a paint color. It’s pretty neat. Then, of course, there are the magnetic paints and chalkboard paints – perfect for any kid’s room.

Before doing any major renovations, check your home’s floorplan. We started putting up shelves in our pantry, only to realize one of the walls contained our plumbing wall. Thankfully, none of the screws we drilled punched through the protective cover behind the wall, and we were able to develop an “alternative” pantry shelf-hanging method. But, as a word from the wise, do your research beforehand… it will save you trouble in the long run!

If you must DIY, ask the experts! Even though there are a lot of things you can do yourself, make sure to take the time to ask someone who knows what they’re doing. We’ve run ideas past the lumberyard staff, stockroom employees, and even consulted those flashy “how-to” books. A little bit of knowledge can be dangerous; make sure to research the whole scope of your project beforehand so that you don’t get in over your head.

Another tip? Always allow extra time for your projects. We have started a few “weekend” projects that dragged out over several weeks, either due to a supply shortage, or just because the job went more slowly than we expected. While it’s ok to start “last-minute” projects, just make sure to give yourself a cushion of time so you don’t start stressing out as your deadline approaches.

When you’re ready to start decorating your walls, feel free to give me a call. I would be happy to create some wonderful portraits of you and your family! Happy homemaking!

I volunteer for a non-profit organization called Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep (NILMDTS), and I think their mission is too compassionate not to share with you! I also wanted to share this video clip from this morning’s Today Show (NBC). Reporter Kerry Sanders profiled a NILMDTS photographer and family from Minnesota during the show. If you are not familiar with Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, this video clip will give you a better sense of the value of NILMDTS for families faced with the loss of their newborn angel.

About NILMDTS:
Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep (NILMDTS) that exists to assist families suffering an early infant loss or who have children in hospice situations. The foundation provides Infant Remembrance Photography to families, at no cost, in a sensitive and compassionate manner.

“Our mission is to provide Remembrance Photography to families faced with the untimely death of their infant or Hospice Care child under the age of seventeen. In addition under certain criteria, we offer Maternity sessions to parents who know prior to delivery, their unborn child has little chance of survival during or after birth.”

Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep (NILMDTS) is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization, and there are photographers participating in almost every state and even in other countries. Their website is www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org.

Families:
Photographs are one of the most precious and tangible mementos that a parent can have, showing the love and bond that was given and shared with their baby. These portraits will last for generations, and will honor and remember a tiny life that is forever loved and cherished. NILMDTS can help honor the life of your child in a compassionate and loving manner. Visit the NILMDTS website to find a photographer in your area, or to learn more about NILMDTS.

Photographers:
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, please visit the the NILMDTS website and explore the “for photographers” section. Your time and talent will mean the world to the families who are going through a terrible time of loss.

I keep hearing that phrase a lot lately, the “end of an era.” It’s often said when a great leader passes, or a visionary retires. My grandfather, Major M. Ash, developed revolutionary techniques that dentists are still using today. Up until his death in 2007, he was still involved as an emeritus professor at the University of Michigan Dental School. When he died, dental magazines and dentists alike proclaimed it the “end of an era.”

Now, again, I’m hearing those words, but it’s for a slightly less severe passing. Brett Favre announced his retirement from football. Of course, Favre’s retirement has been coming and prolonged for a while now, but this time it’s official. While Steven and I are true Detroit Lions fans, we’ve also cheered for the Packers. It was great to see the Packers’ comeback last season, and we were happy that Favre was an integral part of it. And unlike some other key football players that overstayed their prime, no one can say that about Favre….especially after last year’s season.

And so another era comes to an end…. but always a new one begins I suppose. At any rate, best of luck to Favre as he makes the transition from pro football to retirement, and the next stage of his life. We’ll miss seeing him on the field, but it’s not like we didn’t know this was coming… (I’ll say something cheesy like: “his legacy will live on”).

This past weekend, Steven and I geared up to take Betsy’s Photography on the road — to Plymouth, Michigan for a Bridal Show, held in the Inn at St. John’s! We met many wonderful couples and enjoyed hearing about all the amazing wedding plans. To the brides we met at the show — it was a pleasure chatting with you! We’re always happy to answer questions, and I look forward to talking with you about your wedding plans at the studio soon.

I have to admit, while I do like being on the photographer’s side of the “bridal show experience” — being at these shows brings back many “fond” memories. Of course, I am happy that our wedding planning period is long gone, but it is fun to reminisce! Our first bridal show experience was much different than the intimate and elegant Bridal Show we were at (organized by Whimsical Occasions). When planning our own wedding, we drove out to Auburn Hills for a Bridal Show at the Palace. It was quite overwhelming; Every level had different wedding vendors, and even the court was full of wedding vendor booths. We almost had trouble taking it all in (let me revise that, we DID have trouble!). This weekend’s show was a nice contrast because it allowed brides a chance to talk with us, and it was also easier to find a spot to sit for the bridal gown runway show.

And just as a hint, in case you’re a bride-to-be reading this… make life easy on yourself if you plan on coming to a show. There will be many vendors, regardless of the show size, and you will want to enter drawings, or give your information to vendors you’re interested in. Steven and I were “informed” of this nifty hand-saver before our first bridal show when wedding planning, and we are indebted to whomever shared the tip. Before the show, print out your name, your fiance’s name, your address, phone number, wedding date… all the good details — print these out on address labels. That way, when you do see a vendor you want to hear from, you won’t have to spend as much time writing and you can spend more time chatting and learning about how they will make your wedding wonderful.

Another tip: if you do handwrite your information, please do your best to write neatly. I’m pretty good at reading handwriting, but every so often I come across a couple whose contact information I just can’t decipher easily. To make sure your information (or prizes!) get into the right hands, make sure to write legibly!

And above all, make sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes! If you are attending anything but a small show, chances are good you’ll be doing a fair amount of walking. So, leave the stilettos at home in favor of your comfy tennis shoes; your feet will thank you later.

You may find that bridal shows just aren’t your thing; that’s ok! Some brides love them, and others don’t. But, if you are looking for a place to start, attending a bridal show can give you some great ideas for your own wedding, and maybe you’ll even be able to find several of your wedding vendors while you’re there!

This weekend was rather exciting for me! While I did not attend the Mid-East States Regional Print Competition and Seminars due to a full schedule, I did have a friend who attended. Thanks to my “eyes” during print competition, I was able to get a sneak peek about how well my prints fared. While I don’t have the “official” results, I did hear that all four of my prints that I entered received awards and were on display for the Mid-East States Print Exhibition. As to what awards… I can’t say, but I know it’s exciting!

Once I have access to the full details, I’ll post that too — but I just couldn’t wait to share the news!