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.

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

Samantha + Ron's Wedding, Quakertown, PA

What a Special Day for Sam and Ron, and it was a special day for me as well! I got to celebrate my own Anniversary, March 8, by capturing the love of a new couple! It was clear to me by the end of the day that Sam and Ron had spent their day surrounded by friends and family who loved them and loved celebrating their beautiful day with them.

Day 5: Buy One Get One Free Sale!

Today's post is short and sweet! Buy one Family or Child session, get one Free!
Our regularly priced Family session is $50.00, So you save $50.00 on two!! Great Deal. Sale on until February 25th.
You may order your BOGO Session through email, and you will receive two session Certificates. You may keep both or give one away. The purchased session must be used in 2014, however the free session has a two year expiration date.
Use of certificates based on schedule availability of Photographer.

Day One: FREE Wedding Album!!

 Book a Wedding between now and February 28th and receive a FREE High-End Wedding Album!

 Your wedding album will be your choice of a 5x7 or 6x6 book with 20 Layflat pages. Layflat means basically your book lays flat open, allowing beautiful panoramic photos to cover two pages. The pages feature professional photo paper that are sturdy and inflexible.

 This offer is for new contracts only and must be used for a 2014 Wedding.

 You may chose to upgrade your Album to a bigger size or more pages, ask about upgrades when contacting me!

How do I get this album? Contact me today sabrinaschantzenphotography@gmail.com
When filling me in on the details of your wedding, use the code FREEALBUM
Signed contract and payments received required before Album delivery.
You will receive your album after your wedding photos are processed and uploaded to your online album, you may then chose the photos you would like in your Wedding Album.