Colorado Wedding and Portrait Photographer – Jennifer Schumacher Photography

In today’s mail my Sundance catalog arrived and I was totally awed by the image on the cover.  It was a beautiful girl standing in the setting sun under a simply breathtaking tree.  I totally wanted to find that tree and get one of my beautiful brides under it to recreate that stunning image (I also totally wanted her boots but that is another post).    It was then that I realized many other photographers mention high fashion magazines as their inspiration.  I’ve tried to look through those pages and find my muse but I just never relate to the images in there.  But give me a Sundance catalog and I fall in love.  Simple, natural, approachable women in gorgeous outdoor locations, places that I have access to here in Colorado.  They look like real people – like the real people that I love to photograph.  This is where I find inspiration for my next photography session.  Along with  Sundance catalog I also regularly peruse Sunset and Martha Stewart Living for inspiration.  If you love these magazines too let’s find some inspiration for your photo session.  Any other magazines I should know about?

I’m back from the WPPI convention – sorry I haven’t posted but my head is still spinning with all of the information we got last week.  Right now I am trying to organize all that information and catch up with all that I missed last week.  I’ve been busy ordering some samples, catching up with my awesome clients and going through notes (oh and my new D700 camera arrived yesterday…)  Watch for announcements of some cool new products for you.

One item I did find at the convention last week that I wasn’t looking for was a new photographic jewelry line.  This is an special product for me to offer you.

My mother wore this photo of me everyday for years.  It was one of those department store portraits and I just hated it – I had missing teeth and my hair part was oh so wrong – plus I was 17 and she still wore this 10 year old image of me.  But now that she is gone and this charm is mine – I love it.  In fact, I’ve thought of wearing it myself.  So when I saw a beautiful line of photo jewelry, well, it didn’t take much to sell me.  So in plenty of time for mother’s day JSP is now offering gorgeous sterling silver and gold jewelry.  I just ordered some samples (with photos of Sparky dog of course so I can wear them to show off).  We can use images from previous portrait sessions so let that special someone know what you’d like for mother’s day.

So a little more about the history of photo jewelry.   According to the Smithsonian website, when photography was introduced in 1839 photographic jewelry quickly became a popular vehicle for displaying images.  Many photographers marketed an array of  necklaces, bracelet and rings.  Until June 21, 2009 the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery will be displaying  a private collection of antique photographic jewelry.

If you are in the DC area go and see the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery Tokens of Affection and Regard through June 21, 2009.  Jewery from 1840 – 1900.  If you aren’t in DC at least look at the website for some fun heirlooms.

We are going to Vegas Baby!!!!

I am going to Vegas to attend my first Wedding and Portrait Photographers International convention.  I’m ready for a week of overload on education and fun.  I will be checking out all the cool new products and can’t wait to share them with you when I return.  I won’t be taking my laptop so I can focus on the convention.  So please be patient and I will return any messages when we return to reality.