On Location: Jacobsburg State Park

Every once in a while I share a great location in the Poconos and Lehigh Valley areas that I feel is a great place for a photo shoot. And now I get to share one of my absolute favorites, Jacobsburg!
All state parks really are beautiful and have beautiful natural spots but what makes this park special is also its Historic areas. But I'll let the photos do the talking.

Pros: Variety of natural spots and also bridges and stone buildings, bathroom available while park is open, lots of available parking, doesn't require a hike to get to the many available areas, not crowded. 

Cons: Since there is a creek there is a potential for little kids getting wet or getting in to mud. Something to think about if your little one heads right to the dirt in their best clothes. 

Let's Talk About Black & White

I LOVE color. I have seen some fabulously done black and white photographs. Here's looking at you, Ansel Adams. However, I am first and foremost a lover of color photos. This doesn't mean you will receive only color photos when you get your USB. Some photos I take knowing I will be making into a black and white photo in post-production, a few I decide on once I see the photo.
Most or all photographers take great care in their black and white post production, or setting up the black and white in camera. This is why it pains me to see one of my photos with a "black and white filter", possibly done on an iPad or a kiosk (you know how much I love those). Photographers have a specific style of shooting and also post processing. I'll share my personal black and white interpretation, though there are so many amazing styles, you'll notice as in all of my editing I lean toward a vintage black and white. 

So, what can you do if you see one of your photos that you think would look great in black and white? Avoid hitting the "black and white" button. Instead, you can ask your photographer to process it for you.  I would be happy to.

Oh yeah, one more thing... please don't do this:

I thank you, and your photos thank you.

How To Prepare for Wedding "Getting Ready" Photos

Wait, I have to prep for prep photos?? Um, yeah!
First, you have to decide if you want photos of yourself and your bridal party getting ready. My advice? Yes, you want them. "But I'm just putting a dress on and getting my hair and make-up done." No, you're putting on THE dress. You're spending the morning with your friends and family the last day of being a single person. You have butterflies in your stomach and curlers in your hair, there might be tears, there will be hugging.. it will be memorable. But of course that's up to you.
My favorite getting ready experience I've had so far is when a father saw his daughter for the first time in her white dress and fancy hair, he came up the stairs and immediately covered his face with his hands as the tears poured. He grabbed her and twirled her around and instantly she was 5 years old, daddy's princess. They started dancing to the music that was playing. It was pretty magical, at least a very touching moment.
If you decide you would like to include "Getting Ready" photos, here's some tips to make sure they are all you wanted and more.

1. Keep the clutter under control
It's easy to clutter up the room you are getting ready in with dress bags, tissue paper, shoe boxes, robes, sneakers etc. So it might be good to set aside an area for these things in a corner or in another room. Let all the women know that you want to keep the room clean for photos.

2. Give some thought to where you'd like photos of your Dress and Jewelry
If you've chosen a dark room with no windows or personality, the photos you have envisioned of your getting-ready may not be as whimsical or artistic as you'd like.  A tall window goes a long way for photos of your dress. Or perhaps looking outside for a tree with a low branch to hang your wedding dress is one option. Be creative!

3. FOOD!
Some brides have nerves of steel and have a practical breakfast before their wedding, others are so nervous that that have no appetite. Having some light snacks around are a great idea.

 
4. Pick out your "Getting Ready" spot with photos in mind
Some venues provide a bridal room for you. However, if the choice is left to you, keep in mind that photos will have to be taken in that room. Look for a place with a lot of natural light, as this is the most flattering. Pick a clean room with light paint. Getting ready in your childhood bedroom may seem sentimental but, cramming all 5 of your bridesmaids into a tiny room with dark purple walls is not going to result in beautiful photos.

5. Consider having your Hair and Make-up Appointments at your Getting-Ready spot
Why? The first reason is, you don't want to miss any part of your special day, why not keep everyone together and enjoy the time with friends and family? Also, you will be able to use the time you hired your photographer to the full, if everyone is together you will have photos of you getting your hair curled while your mom is having her lipstick applied and your maid of honor helps her daughter get into her flower girl dress.

6. Have your flowers at your Getting-Ready spot
Some flowers are delivered directly to your ceremony venue, however if you are able to have them at your getting ready spot, your flowers can have their photo session as well. Get photos of and with your flowers at their freshest. Also, if there is enough time you can get some portraits done beforehand, such as with your girls or with your family.

7. Stay Organized!
Keep the stress level down by keeping everything together and in it's place. You won't be relaxed and ready to go if your necklace is missing or you only have your left shoe. Have all of the corsages and flower bracelets (do they have a special name?) labeled, since you more than likely won't be present for the pinning. Make sure you delegate responsibilities to responsible people. Don't put it on all on yourself. For example, assign one person, perhaps an Aunt or someone who won't be in the wedding but will know where everyone is located, to take care of all of the flower distribution. There are many duties you can delegate and it will help your day go smoothly, as well as making people feel included in your special day.

There are so many things to do before your ceremony, hopefully this list, though not exhaustive, can help you organize your morning ahead of time so you can relax and sip on your Mimosa, knowing everything is being taken care of.

On Location: Portland, PA

I know, I know.. Portland?? Yes, Portland. If you've lived nearby Portland, you might think of it for  flooding troubles and a walking bridge to Jersey. But there's so much more!
Somehow, I've ended up shooting probably 80% of my engagement sessions in this little town, which boasts a vintage train station, waterfall and a wooded river front picnic area, to mention a few. Let's take a tour, shall we?
We'll start at the picnic grove next to the river, in any season it looks awesome!

Next we'll walk up to the walking bridge, this crosses from Portland, PA to Columbia, NJ. Columbia is pretty as well but we haven't ventured over there for a shoot yet. Cool things about the bridge:

 

It has an awesome view

 

Great for winter

 

...And rain

Next, the vintage train station. This cute little train station hasn't been in use for quite some time however it really adds character to the town, and some great backdrops for photos.

 

The train station has a great overhang as well in case it starts to rain as in this photo. 

Next, the town itself, which has a charming staircase that goes no where in a park with a tribute to the man who wrote "All I Want For Christmas is My Two Front Teeth". (I'm not kidding.)

 

There's some beautiful flowers and flowering trees around like this Red Bud.

There's some old-timey backdrops along the side roads like this brick number. 

 

There are a bunch of creeks about and also a gorgeous waterfall. Do I have a picture of that? Of course not. I'll get back to you.

Very near by is also the Delaware Water Gap Trailhead in New Jersey, probably a 10 minute drive and a $1.00 toll. But worth it.

Who is this location good for? 

Engagement, Senior, Children, Weddings, Family, People who want the best of both worlds of town and nature.

Pros:

Easy to get to, off of Route 80

Many options for photo spots in a small area

If you want in-town photos taken without an audience, this town is at times almost deserted

A playground nearby for kids to burn off steam after the session

Works for every season, every season is stunning here, even winter with no snow on the ground

Lots of free parking

A bagel shop in town (for the all important caffeine fix.. oh and a quick bite)

In a great location if you are an out of towner to go site seeing after your session

There are some great options for photos even in the rain

Cons:

This is a big one: Flooding! Portland has been flooding out for as long as I can remember, if there has been heavy rains lately, it's best to pick a better area. At the very least the wooded picnic area becomes one with the river. At worst, they close all of the surrounding roads. 

There are options for bathrooms, possibly for customers only

Food options in case the photo session leaves you famished, in Portland and Columbia

To book a photo shoot at this, or another location send me an email at Sabrinaschantzenphotography@gmail.com

On Location: Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area

Sometimes the hardest part of booking a session is knowing where it should take place. So I've decided to start a new little series on my blog called "On Location". I'll show some pictures of the area (usually taken with my iPhone if I find the spot while I'm out and about) and photos of previous photo shoots if I've shot there in the past. I'll include some pro's and con's, it's location, and what shoots I think will work best there.

We'll start in Blakeslee, Pennsylvania. The Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area is very simple to get to. It's off exit 284 on Interstate 80. I found this one day while looking for a place to eat my lunch after a photo shoot.

 

From the pavilion you can see the beginning of the Creek Trail.  This conifer forest is probably my favorite part.

 There's various little bridges, these are my favorite, the log walkways through the creeks.

 Living up to it's name, the Creek Trail follows the creek, not only great backdrops for pictures but a very peaceful and beautiful walk.

 There's a little abandoned house.. perhaps for a highly stylized Wizard of Oz shoot?

 

Who is this location good for?

Children and Family. Engagement and Bridal. Those looking for a very natural location for photos, but who don't necessarily want to "hike". In fact there's many options without even having to walk into the woods except for a few steps. 

Pros:

Gorgeous Location

Endless options for photo spots

No hiking required, walking trail is well maintained

An awesome place for the family to spend some quality time after the photo shoot

The pine forest

Great options for any season, including winter

A Wawa down the street to pick up lunch to eat at the pavilion (and for your photographer to get her caffeine fix, very important!)

Easy to get to, right off an exit

Cons: 

Location may not be convenient, may be far away

There is no bathroom except for a portojohn

If you are looking for a mix of town and nature locations for your shoot there are no towns very close 

There could be other people enjoying the area and could have spots of a lot of people

Could possibly be buggy in the summer

Possibility for bad weather

You can take a look at the trail map here: 

 http://www.longpondpa.com/austin%20blakeslee%20trail%20map.pdf

To book a photo shoot at this, or another location send me an email at Sabrinaschantzenphotography@gmail.com