Light up the Night | Appleton portrait photographer
I have to preface this by saying, "Do not attempt this without finding out all the details and using safety precautions." I heard about steel wool spinning quite a few years ago and have always wanted to try it, so when Austin came home for the weekend and needed to do some light painting for his photography class and suggested spinning, I was all in!
He did the research to find out what we needed and the settings that are recommended for photographing it. He did all the spinning and I just pressed the shutter button. It was really very cool, up until the time my camera stopped working. It was snowing very heavily and I think some moisture got into my camera. It's all good now, but I was a bit worried.
This was a group effort. Along with me & Austin, we also had Jenna, Jennifer and Jef with us. Jennifer is another photographer, her husband Jef was the light man to make sure we had focus on Austin, and Jenna was the encourager :) If it hadn't been so cold, if Austin had dressed warmer, and my camera hadn't died, I'm sure we would have tried different types of light painting. We had LED lights, and glow sticks along, but didn't get to use them.
I posted the top photo on Flickr and it made explore! For those of you unfamiliar with Flickr, it's a photo sharing community. Every day Flickr chooses some of the best photos for Explore, so it was pretty neat that one of the first photos that Austin did with me made explore :)
Maybe we'll try again this summer when we're near water. We still need to use the LED lights and glow sticks. There's so much you can do with night photography!
Embrace Winter! |Kathy Weigman-Appleton Portrait & Sports Photographer
Like most people, I'm wondering if winter will ever end. Snow and bone-chilling below zero temperatures have kept most people inside. I'm here to tell you to get out, and embrace winter and the beauty it has to offer. I think we all enjoy the beauty of a summer day, but bundle up, get outside and see the beauty of winter in Wisconsin.
Now, I'm not saying that you should be outside when wind chills are -40, but on a day when temps are above zero it's great to get out. Put on those long underwear and Cuddle Duds, along with a hat and mittens and your warmest jacket and take a walk. Head out to one of the local nature preserves or 1000 Islands to see the eagles, or one of the many State Parks; they have so much to offer.
You can head over to the Lakeshore and take in the beauty of a frozen Lake Michigan, or take a weekend trip up to Bayfield to see the Apostle Island Ice Caves. This phenomenon hasn't happened for 5 years. Lake Superior is frozen solid for over 15 miles out! If you don't want to go that far, head to Wequiock Falls just outside of Green Bay, or check out the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary in winter or the N.E.W. Zoo in Suamico.
There is so much to see in winter, and before you know it, the snow will be gone, the temps will be in the 90's and everyone will be complaining about how hot it is!
Calling all 2015 Graduates! |Kathy Weigman Appleton Sports & Portrait Photographer
I know it's hard to believe, but it's almost time to book your senior portraits! Typically, senior portraits are done the summer before your senior year. If you're set to graduate in 2015, that's YOU!
What makes my senior portrait sessions different from other area studios, is that I offer all my sessions at any location in the Fox Valley for no additional charge! I even have one week in August where you can book a session in Door County at no additional charge! Alec, in the picture above, had his session in Door County. If you're not the on-location type of person, I also have an in-home studio where you can have your session done. I find that most seniors enjoy being outside in an area that fits their personality. It's relaxing, low-key and fun!
Each session is unique and I encourage seniors to bring along things that define who they are. Pets, cars, sports items, or anything that makes you, you.
When you call to book your session, I'll talk with you or a parent and find out the things you like to do, and find a location that fits you. Plan to spend between an hour or two at your session. We do lots of traditional poses, and lots of fun and unique poses. I guarantee you'll walk away having had a great experience!
So, in order to get the best dates for your senior session, call to book your session now. Anyone who books before March 1st, 2014 will receive an additional $50 print credit. Call now! 920-733-3425
Time for Winter Sports Collages! |Kathy Weigman-Appleton Sports & Portrait Photographer
I just finished the weekend with my Open House. Most parents have picked up their child's fall sports or theatre collages and that means it's time to begin with winter sports! I love the reaction of the parents when they see the collage for the first time. So many emotions! If you have a son or daughter participating in a winter activity, think about ordering a collage for them. It's a great way for them to remember their season.
I LOVE sports photography! Besides being able to "freeze" the action, I also get to watch lots of high school games and love the passion that they athletes have for their sport. I was at my first basketball game last night and will be going to lots more in the next few months. I have examples of collages I've done on my website under Sports Photography, and an order form under Investment. If you'd prefer, just send me an email and I can get you an order form.
Empty Nest | Kathy Weigman Photography - Appleton Portrait Photographer
August signals the end of summer and back to school for many. As a teacher, August is always bittersweet. I love my students, but I also LOVE summer! As a Mom, I was always that mom who loved having her kids at home during the summer and didn't look forward to them going back to school. I know, I'm in the minority!
This August brings a big change for me, as my baby will head off to college. I have to say that I am struggling with having him gone. I know there are many of you that will experience the "empty nest syndrome" this fall. I'm thrilled that he has found a school that really seems to fit him and that he will have the chance to continue to play the game he loves - soccer. I'm also thrilled that he will be close enough for me to get to see many of his games. It will take some getting used to coming home and not having him here. I have a great support system with family and friends and my photography keeps me really busy! Fall sports are starting soon and I'll be busy taking sports pictures, expanding into all Fox Valley Schools and designing collages for athletes. I have lots of senior portrait sessions to do in August and September and a few family sessions.
Empty nest doesn't have to mean lonely. Connect with others in the same situation, reconnect with old friends, volunteer, find a new hobby or join a club. Take advantage of things in your community like free concerts, art shows, and farmers markets. We will all survive this change in our lives.
