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Sharing images and thoughts on the
Art of Portrait and Event Photography
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I , like many other photographers, donate gift certificates to charities and fundraisers to market my business. Some photography businesses base the majority, if not their entire business plan on this strategy. They are good at their craft no doubt, but I personally feel like it takes away from the meaningfulness of the donations. So I pick and choose the fundraisers and charities I donate to carefully. I have to believe in what they represent and what they are trying to do. To me it means more than the per plate average that a donor pays to attend.
One such Charity is Autism NJ. They held their 50th Anniversary Gala this past Thursday, November 5th at Liberty Science Center. I first contacted them because I wanted to inquire if they were interested in accepting a couple of gift certificates from me for their silent auction. I did this because I have a good friend named Carolyn whose youngest son lives with autism. We worked together for over a year during a time when she was struggling with her local school district to get her son the services he so desperately needed. In the end she was victorious, but man, did she have to fight. It takes an amazingly strong and patient person to parent an autistic child. So, when Autism NJ said they would be happy to accept my donations, I was thrilled! Then they turned around and asked me if I would photograph their milestone event. Of course I jumped at the chance!
I'll be honest, I've never photographed a fundraising event this big before. There were very influential private citizens there accompanied by politicians and policy makers. It takes a village to make something like this work and I learned that people are generous beyond belief. (I watched them raise over $30,000 in less than 15 minutes!) I also learned that you have to work from the inside to effect change on the outside. There is just no other way to do it in this world.
Did you know, it turns out that NJ has the second highest rate of Autism in the country? 1 in 45 children born here are affected. The other thing I learned is that at age 21, basically all state services stop and this is one area that Autism NJ addresses. They help families and individuals living with autism lead productive lives... independently if possible. What an amazing foundation!
So what did I get back from donating my time and services? Well, as a photographer , I got some fabulous images and possibly some new clients. The biggest plus though, was that I met some amazing people and most of all, I felt like I was part of something bigger than myself. And that my friends, is an awesome feeling. That is something you can't buy, it only comes when you give. Click here to see the Autism NJ 50th Anniversary Gala gallery.
PS - If you are involved with a charity or fundraising event and you are having a silent auction or tricky tray, please
. I would love to learn about what you are doing and maybe I can help out with a donation or two.
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Are you having a Company or Holiday Party in December? Take a look at my the special Holiday Party package below. I'm already booked for New Years so
contact
me
while there are still dates
available
!
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A Different Point Of View
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Photo Credit:Arthur Sasse
In the infamous words of Rod Stewart, every picture tells a story, don't it? I guess that's why I like the blog, Humans of New York so much. Every picture posted comes with a story. There's really nothing special about the photography, no tricks or changes to the imagery. The blog isn't trying to catch your eye or change what you see every day. It's just pictures of random people walking around the Big Apple.
And every photo comes with few sentences or entire paragraphs that tell a unique and special back story. I've read some amazing and heart breaking posts. I've looked into the faces of a thousand strangers and felt like I made a friend. I'm not sure if that's the picture or the story but I know I'm not the only one who likes it. The guy, Brandon Stanton has millions of followers and has published books.
Now just because there isn't a story that comes with every photograph doesn't mean there isn't one. Sometimes you have to dig around to find it and other times, it may just be in the photographer or subjects head. But when you can research and get the story, that's even better! Take the Albert Einstein photo shown. Apparently, he was out celebrating his 72nd birthday and while being hounded by the press, in a brief moment of levity, was snapped sticking out his tongue by photographer Arthur Sasse. It is said Einstein liked the photo so much; he put it on greeting cards and sent it out to friends. Now that is a funny story.
So, how can a picture tell the best story? Well I'm sure it happens when the photographer is so enthralled in their subject matter, they cannot help but ask questions, take pictures and be as relaxed as their subjects. In other words, when a photographer really loves their work, it's all telling stories with the lens even without words. I like it better when they share the story. But in my head, I still hear Rod Stewart reminding me: "Every picture tells a story, don't it?"
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Shooting Stars Composite Art Portraits
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 This is a new line of creative portraits that my studio offers!
I am so happy to be able to combine my fine art , graphic art and photography school training! I have been searching for a way to satisfy all 3 in my work and here it is! I am concentrating on sports themes at the moment but I am exploring other compositing as well. Imagine a poster style portrait of your young athlete! It's not like other sport photography and it's created on commission so there is no template. Of course, if you see a design I have already created that you like and want one just like it, I am happy to accommodate. Commissioned Composite Art Portraits start at $450 for a 16x20 custom design on Metallic Paper. (session included) I also print them on Metal. If you've never seen an image printed on either surface, let me tell you, it's unlike anything you've seen before. The colors are so rich and deep! This art piece will definitely become a focal point in your home.
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This is an ongoing series I created to show my past and present photographic works. Some of the photography is from my own personal work and some is from my work with clients. I think that a true photographer doesn't put their camera aside until they have a job to use it on. They have to love it. It's more about the art of creating imagery rather than the business, as I believe the business follows once people see how much you love it. Photographers who love the art form must find ways to bring it out so they can hone their craft. We are after all, visual artists.
If you would like to see this portfolio, you can find the gallery
here.
I am always adding new images.
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Did you buy a DSLR camera? Are you planning to buy one for yourself or a loved one over the Holidays? Get off the automatic setting and learn how the pros do it. Call me for private photography lessons and before you know it ... I'll be out of a job. Oh wait, did I say that out loud? Oh well ... just contact me and I'll teach you how to use it. $50 an hr. Gift certificates available.
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Give the Gift of a Portrait this Season
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The season of gift giving is coming. Consider the gift of a portrait session!
The certificate does not expire till December 31, 2016. That gives the recipient a whole year to have their portrait created.
It can be used for babies, children, teens, families or even
an executive portrait.
The gift certificate includes an
on location or in home portrait session, an 8x10 print and private online gallery.
A gift that keeps on giving for generations to come.
Contact me
here for a customized certificate.
$100
+ tax
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Holiday Party Time Special!
Contact me here to schedule your Party photograhy! |
Up to 4 hours of party coverage, a photo gallery to share with attendees where they can purchase prints (free downloads for host/hostess) and a custom Photo Album Phone App with 40 highlight images of your event to share with everyone.
$300 + tax
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Offer Expires 12/31/2015 cause I know some of you have your party after the New Year. Just Sayin...
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Copyright © Nicole Hymowitz Photography 2015 . All Rights Reserved.
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