Outer Banks – Bodie Island Lighthouse in South Nags Head

In south Nags Head there is a lighthouse, Bodie Island Light (pronounced “body”).  It is 165 feet tall, and painted with black and white horizontal stripes. It is named after the family who owned the property it was built on.

The lighthouse you now see standing on that spot is actually the third built there. The first was so poorly built that it developed cracks and began to lean, resembling the Leaning Tower of Pisa, it was eventually torn down.

The second, which was complete in 1859, suffered a tragic end when retreating Confederate soldiers attempted to foil the Union Navy from using it for naviagational purposes, blew it up in 1861. The Union later found a pile of valuable lighthouse parts including fresnel lenses at the North Carolina Capital building.

Finally on October 1, 1872 the current lighthouse was lit for the first time. Eighteen days later a flock of geese crashed into the fresnel, after which time screening was placed strategically around the lens and further such collisions have been avoided.

Although the lighthouse is not open for climbing you can go inside the base and look up to the top. The lighthouse keepers quarters have been renovated and are currently being used as a visitor center for the lighthouse.

This week as I drove past the lighthouse several times, I was curious when I saw it’s unusual appearance. I decided to stop and check out the situation, on closer inspection I realized that it was surrounded by a massive amount of scaffolding. I apparently is undergoing renovations.  It always amazes me when the government, be it federal, state or local, decide to undertake a renovation or construction project during the heighth of tourist season. One of the main attractions to the beach are our lighthouses. Does it only seem logical to me that this is not the best time to be doing a project like this? Anyway,  soI had to take pictures, I whipped out my trusty digital SLR and took several pictures. This is what our beautiful tourist attraction looks like as of July 19, 2010! While it is interesting to see all of the scaffolding and it can be an artistic element itself, it is not what people expect to see when coming here. So much for using it as a backdrop for family or wedding portraits.

To read more about the Bodie Island Lighthouse and it’s history visit @http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=357

These photos were taken at 8:45 pm July 19, 2010.

Outer Banks’ Bodie Island Lighthouse

Bodie Island Lighthouse and Keepers Quarters

Bodie Island Lighthouse on Outer Banks, NC undergoing renovations

Photography on Hatteras Island

Yesterday I had an appointment with Matt and Alexandra for their bridal portraits on the beach. Their ceremony was at a beautiful historical church in Nags Head, St. Andrews by the Sea. Their reception was held at “The Pearl” on the oceanfront in Kitty Hawk, NC. The day of their wedding ended blustery and cold so we had to forgo beach portraits. A new date was set for those portraits.

Since they were staying in Rodanthe on  Hatteras Island, (on the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina) I thought it would be a great idea to shoot down by the pier. This is the same pier that appears in the movie “Nights in Rodanthe” with Richard Gere and Diane Lane. Then I thought it would be romantic to go to the beautiful house with the blue shutters that appears in the same movie. The house had been moved, so I would have to check out its new location before committing to the decision to shoot there.

When I arrived at their beach house the wind about knocked me off the porch as I waited for them to answer the door. Oh boy, here we go! I knew if the wind was that strong this far from the beach that once we were out there we would be sandblasted, the veil would be blowing straight up into the air, and it would definitely turn into a bad hair day. Admittedly, it is funny to see a veil blowing straight up like that, but not if you are trying to make serious, romantic portraits of the bride and groom. After the suggestion from the bride’s mother and some discussion, it was agreed that we would relocate our session much farther north to Coquina Beach.  As we drove northward to Coquina Beach we drove past the Nights in Rodanthe house and with an air of disappointment waved as we drove by, it is tryly a spectacular house. I am happy that they were able to rescue it from the ravages of the sea and reopen it for visitors to the Outer Banks.

Coquina Beach is one of those beaches that is just far enough off the beaten path, that few people know about it. I have never seen it crowded and it is spacious and beautiful! It also just happens to be across the road from the Bodie Island Lighthouse, which makes for great scenic photos as well as a nice backdrop for portraits. At this time it seems to be under some kind of renovation though, surrounded by scaffolding, so it was not an option for this evening’s portrait session. But there was still plenty of idyllic scenery to take advantage of.

Having just traveled from that direction I knew that it was not as windy up there as on Hatteras Island, and I was hoping that was still the case by the time we got there 30 minutes later. If not, then we would be out of daylight by the time we could move to another location. Luckily the wind was much calmer, and we spent the next hour having a great time on the beach, in the dunes and in the surf. I am sure that we elicited quite a bit of surprise and interest when bride and groom began walking through the surf in their wedding attire and then possibly even a little angst as the both laid down in the surf as it washed ashore. I now for a fact it caused the bride’s mother a little distress because before we even got to the beach she expressed loud and clear that she didn’t want that dress going into the ocean! Well we complied, sort of…just the skirt of the dress got we, as the bride was saved mostly by her groom who provided a great support as she rested on his back.  We had a fun time! Alex and Matt are a fun couple and I wish them many, many years of happiness!! Love you guys!

Bride and groom looking very much in love

Bride and groom savoring a quiet moment at Coquina Beach in Nags Head, NC

Bride and groom strolling on beautiful Coquina Beach in Nags Head, NC

Bride and groom enjoying a light moment in Nags Head, NC

Bride and groom at Coquina Beach, Nags Head

Bride and groom at Coquina Beach, Nags Head

Family Beach Portraits on the Outer Banks (OBX)

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If you are planning a visit to the Outer Banks, why not take advantage of the beautiful locations,  gorgeous weather and all the fact that this may be one of the few times that your family is together at the same time in the same place.  Schedule a family beach portrait. For many families visiting the  Outer Banks, it is a family tradition, and a great way to preserve the memories of your vacation.  We have availablility for July and August.   Give us a call today to schedule a family beach portrait.

Outer Banks Wedding Photographer

We are currently taking appointments for September and October 2010 for Trash the dress Sessions, Engagement Portraits and Couples Portrait sessions.

Book your appointment by July 15th and receive a FREE frame with your wall portrait (16×20 or larger).

Call us at 252-453-4366!!

Wedding Photography

For a limited time we will be offering an all time low wedding package price!!

For only $750

you get up to 4 hours of coverage and a high resolution image disk with a written copyright release.

Book your 2010 or 2011 wedding by July 31st and get this exceptional offer!

Accordion style mini albums!

Available Next Week – Accordion Minis with Custom Covers!

We will soon be rolling out a few enhancements for one of our most popular products.  Beginning next week, we will relaunch our Accordion Wallet Books with not only a new name, Accordion Minis, but also with some fantastic new features!

New Cover Options
We already offer a wide array of colorful cover options, but we’ll soon add Custom Cover options in both Satin and Metallic to the list.

Your Child in Pictures!

Our babies and children’s portraiture are unique.  Children, especially younger children, tend to be uncooperative during standard portrait sessions so we do not require them to hold poses for this reason, unless they want to.  We find letting your child play in the studio with props or personal items allows us to take beautiful, personality-filled candid portraits.  These portraits make the best images of your child and will be a great reminder of their personality at his or her age.  If your child is cooperative, we will attempt more posed portraits, but expect more candid, personality driven portraits of your child.

 

TuTu Cuties                  $75.00

We have tutus available in several colors and sizes for your daughter, ages newborn to 13.  We suggest wearing a swimsuit or bodysuit to match the tutus for older girls and younger ones can wear just the tutu.  These make an adorable portrait of your daughter.  We play fun music and let them dance around and be silly to capture a variety of expressions.  We have rose petals to sprinkle around as well.  We’ll spend 30 minutes to 1 hour photographing your daughter.  The package includes:

            Online gallery (with password protection option)

            1 – 8×10                     2 – 5×7                       8 – wallets

Birthday Parties             $100.00 for the first hour, $35.00 for each hour after

We can provide a candid photographer for your child’s birthday party.  Our photographer stands behind the scenes and takes unobtrusive photographs of your child with his or her cake, presents, and guests.  This is especially great for milestone birthdays (1^st, 13^th, and 16^th).  This allows mom and dad to be in on the fun and mingle with their guests without having to worry about taking pictures.  What you get:

             Online gallery (with password protection option)

            A CD/DVD of all images from the birthday party

To Love a Child              $95.00

A 30 minute session for children, newborns to 16 years of age.  The package includes:

             Online gallery (with password protection option)

            1 – 8×10                     2 – 5×7                       8 – wallets

          Photo Party Invitations     

We can custom design photo party invitations for your child’s birthday party to match the theme and/or colors.  They are available in the following sizes and prices:

             4×8/4×6                                                             5×5/5×7

            10 for $25       20 for $45                               10 for $35       20 for $65

            30 for $65       40 for $85                               30 for $95       40 for $125

            50 for $100     Add’l 10 for $20                     50 for $150     Add’l 10 for $25

Milestone’s                    $225.00

A session for every milestone (birth to 2 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months).  Each newborn and quarterly session includes 1 – 8×10, 1 – 5×7, and 8 – wallets.  The newborn session also includes 1 – 11×14 collage or 25 – 4×8 or 4×6 birth announcements.  The 12 month session includes 25 – 4×8 birthday party invitations or a Folio with 1 – 8×10 & 4 – 4×5.  Failure to schedule your child’s portraits within 2 weeks of milestone forfeits that quarter’s session.  Must be paid for at newborn session.

Baby’s First Year             $350.00

A session every month for your new baby (birth to 2 weeks through 12 months).  Each session includes 1 – 8×10, 1 – 5×7, and 8 – wallets.  The newborn session also includes 1 – 11×14 collage or 25 – 4×8 or 4×6 birth announcements.  The 12 month session includes 25 – 4×8 birthday party invitations or a Folio with 1 – 8×10 & 4 – 4×5.  Failure to schedule your child’s portraits within 1 weeks of each monthly “birthday” forfeits that month’s session.  Must be paid for at newborn session.

Call for models, make-up artists, stylists and assistants for a trash the dress session!

I am planning a trash the dress session in April. If you are interested in participating as a model, stylist, makeup artist or to assist me in organizing, managing, directing and producing this event, please contact me by March 1st. Dresses and accessories will be provided to the models and they will receive prints for their time. Makeup artists and stylists will receive advertising with all images used. Models must sign a model release as these images will be used extensively in advertising and marketing. Contact my office if you are interested or know of someone else who may be interested.

The Dream Duo

 

Dream Duo!

For a limited time I am offering this fabulous Dream Duo! The Dream Duo includes the 9×9 Dream Album and a digital collection. The flush mount, lay-flat, digital mat album is heavenly! It is the perfect way to highlight your favorite images from your session, and tough enough to withstand your three-year-old turning the pages day after day. But the digital collection completes this Dream duo. This gorgeous image box is made to hold a CD of images from your session as well as digitally matted 5×7 prints. The best thing about the full resolution digital collection is that you can make prints from the files on the CD-as many as you want, and as big as you want! Don’t let this offer pass by without getting your own Dream Duo!

New Dream Album

This album is the newest addition to our line of fun and fabulous products. It comes in your choice of 6×6, 9×9 and 12×12 sizes. The cover is waterproof, so no need to worry about those inevitable spills while showing it off to your family and friends. Call us today to order yours from your previous portrait session! The 6×6 Dream Album has the option of a CD button. This is a wonderful option that allows you to keep all of the images from the session on an imageCD, from which you can have your own prints made at the photo lab of your choice (of course you can always call me to have prints made as well).

Digital Collections!

Our new DREAM BOXES are a huge hit in 2010. If you have a session scheduled and would like to have this amazing digital collection, just let me know at the time of your session. If you have had a session with me at some time in the past and would like to have this collection, give me a call and I will make it happen!

I wanted to show some closeup images of this amazing image box.

NEW for 2010! DREAM BOXES!!

Our newest offering is the DREAM BOX!  This beautiful image box includes a CD button to hold a CD of your images. It also can hold up to 18 matted images from your portrait session. You will be able to use the image CD to have your own prints made at your local photo print shop, and the 5×7 matted prints can be used as reference prints. The prints will be your reference to make sure your photo lab is giving you correctly printed images. The box also comes with a silk ribbon inside that makes it easier to remove the 5×7 matted prints. There is also a magnetic closure that keeps the box shut nicely. This DREAM BOX is a fabulous and fun way to keep all of the images from your session together forever. This is perfect for those maternity or newborn sessions or mini sessions!!!

Why Custom Photography costs so much

 

Digital technology is brilliant. The digital revolution has brought amazing flexibility and amazing amounts of control for the photographer, the hobbyist, the professional, the amateur. With flexibility comes a price though. Camera equipment is still considerably more expensive when you factor in its’ lifespan, the need for additional resources for processing those images, the time it takes to get a usable image and the effort that goes into all of this. Even though you pay $1.99 for a print at your local drugstore and paying for film is pretty much a thing of the past (although you still pay for memory) you may be wondering why you may pay upwards of $40, 50, 70, 90 for a custom photography print. Some photographers hear this statement every once in awhile:

“How in the world can you charge $60 for an 8×10 if it costs me less than $2 to print at the local drug store?”

The answer is multifaceted and has a lot to do with the time, aforementioned equipment costs, artistic vision and reputation of the photographer, expertise and the usual costs of running a legitimate business.

TIME of the CUSTOM PHOTOGRAPHER: Approaching it from a time standpoint, for instance let’s imagine that you have hired a photographer who has work that you love and that is traveling an hour to your on location session.

Time break down: session prep time (30 mins – 1 hour, includes equipment and back up equipment checks + vehicle checks)

• one hour travel time TO session • 15-30 minutes prep time at client’s home

• 90 minutes-2 hours with client photographing subject • one hour travel time FROM session

• 30-45 minutes uploading time from digital cards from camera to computer

• 30-45 minutes time spent backing up the original images • 2-5 hours editing time to present you with a diverse gallery of edited images

• 1 hour prep time getting ready for ordering

• 1 hour designing specialty items for client

• 1 hour sorting through and checking order

• 30 minutes-1 hour prep time for delivery

• 30 minutes-1 hour getting order shipped

• any additional phone time or time needed for add on ordering, shipment issues, quality issues

As you can see, average client time for a session ranges from just under 13 hours to 19 hours dependent on the photographer’s level of service. This is time dedicated only to your session. When the photographer charges $150-$300 for the photo shoot you are not just paying for the two hours of session time, you are paying the photographer for 12-19 hours complete time for your session.

COSTS of the CUSTOM PHOTOGRAPHER: Regarding equipment costs, a good quality professional camera with a selection of good optical quality lenses and digital storage mediums and computer set up can run from $10,000-$30,000 costs dependent on the photographer. Even though you can purchase a really good quality digital SLR for about $1000 there are still other costs related to photography. A good lens for portrait photography can run up $900 to $2500. A dependable computer system with software loaded for business and creative usage can run $2500 to $8000 dependent on the photographer. Then come lab costs for specialty products. A good photographer knows the lab is integral to their success. Photography labs dedicated to the professional photographer often cost more and offer a range of products that allows the custom photographer to continually offer new, innovative products for you, the discerning client. Discussion other costs of running a photography business could take awhile so we’ll skip the intricate details of running the business, taxes, vehicular costs, costs of advertising/marketing, costs of sample pieces that the photographer may bring to your session, etc.

APPLES to ORANGES: Often times clients will mention to their photographer that X studio in the mall/department store only charges $25 for an 8×10 or they may mention other things related to discount photography chains. The fact is those discount chains make their money on volume, not on customized 1:1 service. The whole reason the big department stores began offering portrait studios in the first place was to get you, the savvy consumer, in through their door so that you could spend more money with them in other departments. Your “PORTRAITS” are considered the true “loss leader”. Going to a chain studio, as a consumer, you don’t have the benefit of 1:1 attention for 2 hours at your home where your child is allowed to explore, play and be comfortable in their home environment, nor do you get the experience that many custom photographers are known for or the lovely captures of natural expressions. You simply get a bare bones, “SAY CHEESE” experience. Keep this in mind when selecting a photographer.

REPUTATION/EXPERTISE of the PHOTOGRAPHER: Being in demand, being well known for quality work, and having a good reputation often costs time on the photographer’s part. Their expertise comes at a cost, including their time learning their craft and learning the intricacies of lighting, and the commitment put forth on their end to create a persona about their business that oozes professionalism. A great number of photographers go a very long time from the time that they purchase their first good camera to making money at the business of photography. Many photographers, when first starting out, rush in thinking that the business will be easily profitable in no time… after all, how expensive could it be to get a camera and use it to create their dream? They often neglect to factor in the cost of business, the cost of equipment, software, back ups, etc.. Being of sound reputation, a better professional photographer knows that they must always reinvest in their business to create the reputation of being top notch. To create good work, good equipment, reliable equipment, and back up equipment is a necessity. The photographer who desires to be known as better/best/unparalleled reputation-wise knows that the most important thing they can do for their business is reliability and dependability. This is how reputations get built. Good work often is a wonderful side product of building that good reputation. I hope this (lengthy) article helps shed some light on WHY a custom photographer is a better choice for your family’s memories. The photographs that are produced as a result of the professionalism and dedication that your photographer has will be cherished for a lifetime (or more) and great thought and consideration should be placed into hiring who is right for your family’s most precious investment.

text courtesy of Marianne Drenthe (http://www.professionalchildphotographer.com/information/)

Copyright Protection

One of the dilemmas a photographer finds herself in is, unscupulous people who try to circumvent the professional priced photographic prints that she produces. The person who scoffs at the prices of prints are not taking into consideration that we have  expenses that go above and beyond the print itself. To understand this better read 

10 Reasons Professional Photographers Charge What They Do

There’s advertising costs, office expenses, taxes, equipment costs and repairs (which are much more often for photographers who take their precious cameras out onto the beach.)

This past year I found a solution to the problem of someone who thinks they can order prints, scan them or have them copied at walmart, then complain about the prints and want their money back.

A method of processing photosensitive materials in which one or more chemical compounds are at least partially retained after processing. The chemical compounds are unique to a particular process used by a copyright owner. The absence of the unique compounds in a processed material thus indicates that the processing has been without the authorisation of the copyright owner. Additionally, if a photographic image is scanned or goes through a copying process, the watermark becomes visible under a special light designed to work with the specific emulsion used by each photographer. This process makes it possible for a Professional Photographer to know if her work has been illegally copied.

Give the gift of memories!

Gift Certificates now available

So how many of you are ready for the upcoming holidays?  If you need a great gift idea, give the gift of a portrait session and prints from Shelley Chamberlin Photography! Know a new mom-to-be having a baby shower? Be the hit of the party when you surprise her with a newborn photography session.

What about the weddings you’ve got on your social calendar? Give them something they’ll be really grateful for . . . a gift certificate to use towards their wedding photos! Be unique, be fresh, be creative… be a part of the bride’s first family heirloom. Gift certificates may be used toward the purchase of prints, wedding albums, and gallery wrapped canvases. Help them decorate their new home with beautiful images from their day.

I’ve had requests for these so I’m very proud to be offering them. There are two types of certificates available so you can customize your gift for the recipient. One geared towards engagements/weddings and another aimed at family/children/newborn photography.  Each one comes in a nice envelope with ribbon enclosure. All you have to do is hand it to the recipient, no wrapping involved!

Just in time for the Holidays!! New Greeting Card Designs!

In the past I have only offered the 5×7 Flat Greeting Cards, but starting in the 2009 Holiday Season I am now able to offer a variety of card styles.  You can order a folded card that shows a photo on the front and your holiday message on the inside, or you may choose to include a photo or multiple photos on the inside of your card. Also available for the first time are Accordion cards that allow you to select either 6 or 10 images depending on the style and size you choose. The Tri-Fold card allows you to use up to 6 images from your portrait session. For a sampling of the designs available see the gallery below. We can also custom design a card for you for a small design fee. These Premium cards are available in sets of 25 only. Call our office  for more information or to order your holiday cards!

 

 

New for the Holiday Season! Accordion Photo Books!

Just in time for the holidays!  For clients who purchase over $800 in portrait prints and other products from their photography session, you will receive this adorable Custom Designed 3×3 accordion album with your choice of cover color and photos. It’s the perfect size to fit into your purse or keep on your desk. take it with you to all of those Holiday parties and show off the beautiful photos of your children.  We are currently booking Family Holiday Sessions, so give us a call today to book your session. 

Cheryl+Josh married in Corolla on 09-09-09

After several days of cloudy rainy weather, the skies cleared the morning of September 9, 2009 for the sunrise ceremony of Cheryl and Josh. The day dawned to shine down on the happy couple as they exchanged vows in front of family and friends, as a stiff breeze buffeted the bride’s gown and tresses.

After a few posed shots of the couple watching the sunrise and the bridal party, the lot of us headed to the morning reception at the Good Egg Restaurant in Corolla. After a delicious breakfast the couple cut their cake and the best man brought the entire restaurant to attention (easy enough for this Marine) and gave a rowsing toast that included best wishes to the couple as they head to Hawaii in a few weeks (the bride is also an active duty Marine).

Cheryl and Josh had made arrangements with me for a trash the dress session for the following day, over breakfast we decided to go for it and do it after breakfast today. That decision was fortuitous as the next day was rainy and cool, not at all a good day for camera equipment to be dragged onto the beach!

So it was back to the beach for some shots with their two dogs Arizona and Rochambeau. Rochambeau practically dragged Josh the entire way to the beach and when he caught sight of the ocean darn near dragged Josh into the surf before we could get some posed shots. I was laughing so hard I could barely stand! After we finished with the dogs we drove to the Whalehead Club to get some nice portraits then back to the beach to trash the dress. I have to say it is my all time favorite trash the dress session! We got fun shots as well as some romantic and yes, even some sexy shots worthy of the cover of a romance novel!

Congratulations Cheryl and Josh! I wish you both a long and happy life together!

September brings cooler weather and less JUNK on the beach!

One of the Outer Banks Beautiful Beaches

The first day of September here on the Outer Banks consisted of cool breezes and signs that life is beginning, just beginning, mind you, to slow back down to it’s comfortable off-season pace. School is back in session in many areas of the country resulting in fewer families visiting the Outer Banks. September and October are optimum months for couples with no children and couples with children no longer living at home, to visit the OBX and enjoy the beaches, the cooler more seasonable weather and the shorter waits at the restaurants.

I for one will not miss the mass of debris on the beach on a daily basis. As I may have mentioned in previous postings, one of my pet peeves is people who leave their beach gear (canopies, umbrellas, chairs, toys, kayaks, tents, coolers, towels, etc) on the beach at the end of the day when they have gone back to their cottage or rental for the evening. There are a number of reasons that this bugs me not the least of which is that it makes it difficult for me as a portrait photographer to take advantage of the many beautiful views of the ocean and sand dunes without all of that crap being in the way! It is simply an eyesore, oh yeah and by the way it’s illegal in many towns along the Outer Banks to leave this stuff on the beach at the end of the day and or when you are finished with it. It will only take you another few minutes to take it down and take it home with you.  If you leave it there it can be stolen, washed away by high tide, vandalized, and legally confiscated by town officials.

Just like you, many people come to the Outer Banks because of the beautiful beaches and vistas. Every time I walk up to the beach and see all of that stuff it makes my heart sink.  So come on people pick up after yourselves, this isn’t your backyard.

Kaylyn’s Senior Portrait Session on Currituck’s Outer Banks

Kaylyn is a lovely 17 year old from Northern Virginia, who came to me to have her Senior Portraits done. We had it scheduled for last Monday (August 10th) and it was HOT! It has been a very rainy and seasonably cool summer, but that day (of course) was a scorcher, actual temp was 96 and with the heat index it was 102. But she was a trooper, and with her mom and dad and Aunt Cathy tagging along, we sought some shade to get started.

We were at the Whalehead Club in Corolla and started out in the shade of an ancient tree next to the wooden bridge. First she and I climbed under the bridge into the supports and once we batted away the spider webs and looked around to make sure there were no creepy crawlies to surprise us while our attention was diverted, we got some great images. Then I had Kaylyn lean back on the tree by the bridge and snapped off about a dozen images of her there. We spent about an hour in various settings at the Whalehead Club, on the gazebo, on the pier, on the bridge, then we headed over to the beach to get some shots of her in the dunes and the surf.

I think she looks a bit like Country singer Patty Loveless in some of the photos, I had a great time and I think despite the heat that she did too.