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Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Member Spotlight: Sari Underwood

This week’s member spotlight is Sari Underwood an Orlando Florida Photographer.

4761053622 6096287283 z Member Spotlight: Sari Underwood
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I was born in Puerto Rico but have lived in Central Florida most of my life with the exception of brief moves to New Orleans and Germany. I am a mother to a wonderful 5 year old daughter and a 16 month old son. Married to my “high school sweetheart” for 10 years now (opposites really do attract!). I love Starbucks, sweet tea, digital scrapbooking and chillin’ at home with my family.

How long have you been doing photography?
As a hobbyist, I started about 5 years ago after I had my daughter. Soon after she was born, I got into digital scrapbooking because I wanted to document every moment of her life. I soon wanted to take better photos and got my first DSLR. But I didn’t start to really delve into it seriously until about a year ago when I started to really consider doing this as a career.

Are you a self-taught photographer? If you are not a self-taught photographer how did you learn?
Yes, self-taught in that I love to research things all the time. Probably a little too obsessively! I’ve read books, joined forums and taken a few photography workshops to learn.
Member Spotlight: Sari Underwood

Who is your biggest influence/inspiration?
I am inspired daily by so many talented photographers. But I’d have to say my biggest inspiration comes from my children. Without them, I probably wouldn’t have started on this journey.

Member Spotlight: Sari Underwood

Do you specialize in a certain area of photography?
Newborns, children and families. I’ve had quite a few newborn sessions lately and I’m really enjoying those!

4701783636 4b8bfd4304 z Member Spotlight: Sari Underwood

What equipment and software do you use?
I shoot with a Canon 40D, 85mm 1.8 and 50mm 1.4. I work on a Mac using Photoshop CS4 and Lightroom 2.

Do you have a studio or do you shoot on location?
I’m 100% on-location.

4691166248 291f12727f z Member Spotlight: Sari Underwood

What advice would you give someone who is interested in photography and wants to improve his or her photography skills?

Read as much information as you can get your hands on and get out there and practice! Really know your camera in and out and only rely on Photoshop to enhance your photos instead of “fixing” them.

Share with us the links to your website, blog, and/or Facebook

Blogsite: http://www.sariunderwoodphoto.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sariunderwoodphotography

Thanks, Sari, for sharing a bit about yourself and your photography!

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tamsen - July 7, 2010 - 12:52 pm

wow, Sari is gorgeous!!!! and hers kids are incredibly gorg too! thanks for sharing, i’m off to check out her site for inspiration now! love her work!

jules - July 7, 2010 - 2:12 pm

I love seeing Sari’s interview. I love her work and learning more about her!
beautiful!!!

Jolie - July 8, 2010 - 1:34 am

Thanks for sharing yourself with us!

traci - July 8, 2010 - 1:54 am

thanks for sharing, sari!!
your images are stunning!!

laura - July 8, 2010 - 1:57 am

I love your work too Sari! Thanks for sharing more about you :)

Carrie Owens - July 8, 2010 - 1:57 am

Loved reading this! :) Beautiful images, Sari!

dalia - July 8, 2010 - 2:50 am

thanks for sharing! your images are gorgeous!!

Nancy - July 8, 2010 - 4:29 am

So great to learn more about you, Sari. I love your style!

Samantha - July 8, 2010 - 12:52 pm

Beautiful work Sari..I am in love with your black&whites! Thanks for sharing!!!

Kim Hill - July 8, 2010 - 2:57 pm

Gorgeous work, Sari. And I love love love that portrait of you. You need to change your profile pic to this one!!!

stacey s - July 8, 2010 - 4:39 pm

You rock Sari! It’s great to learn more about you. :)

evie - July 8, 2010 - 7:30 pm

Loved reading more about you, Sari! And your work is awesome!

Monday, July 5, 2010

Win a “Beyond The Shot” Client Ordering Planner

One lucky winner will receive a Client Ordering Planner ($49 value).

Beyond The Shot has created a thorough 10-page guide for your clients as they prepare for their ordering experience. Use this tool to help your clients realize the full potential of their portraits and increase your sales! This is perfect sales tool for those that are not able to do in person ordering.

Do you host your client galleries online, but wish you were able to help them through the ordering process? This is about as close as you can get to actually being in their home with them and walking them through the process of preparing to order their portraits. This 10-page Planner is designed to get your clients thinking about how they can display their gorgeous portraits on the walls in their home, outside of just your ordinary framed 5×7 print. Each section is fully customizable to suit your studio and product offerings and ready for your branding, logos and images. Some of the sections included are:

  • Wish List
  • Around the House
  • On the Walls
  • Keepsakes for Friends & Family
  • The Big Picture

The Client Ordering Planner is in Microsoft Word format and is completely customizable to suit your studio’s needs. Here’s a preview of this unique tool:

COP Preview Graphic Win a Beyond The Shot Client Ordering Planner

Here’s how to win:

  1. Join our Facebook Page (if you already are a fan, leave a comment that you already are)
  2. Tweet about this giveaway and follow us
    (Sample Tweet: Enter to win a Free Client Ordering Planner from Beyond The Shot with @4theloveoffocus http://www.4theloveoffocus.com)
  3. Post on a forum about this giveaway
  4. Join Beyond The Shot on facebook

So you have 4 chances to win.  After you’ve done all that, come back here and post a separate comment for each.

This will end Wednesday, July 7, 2010 at 9:00 PM CST.  The winner will be posted on July 8, 2010.

GOOD LUCK!!!!

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AimeeJ - July 5, 2010 - 2:06 pm

I’m a fan of 4 the love of Focus on FB.

AimeeJ - July 5, 2010 - 2:06 pm

I tweeted. http://www.twitter.com/awew

AimeeJ - July 5, 2010 - 2:06 pm

I’m a fan of Beyond the Shot on FB.

Sarah - July 5, 2010 - 3:08 pm

I’m a fan on facebook

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I am a fan of 4thelove on FB

Kari Smith - July 5, 2010 - 4:22 pm

I am a fan of Beyond the shot on FB

tamsen - July 5, 2010 - 5:30 pm

I’m a fan on FB!

Laura - July 5, 2010 - 5:30 pm

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tamsen - July 5, 2010 - 5:30 pm

I’m also a fan of beyond the shot on FB :) Great prize!

Laura - July 5, 2010 - 5:30 pm

Now a fan of Beyond the Shot on FB :)

Tonya Wilson - July 5, 2010 - 5:32 pm

I am a fan of yours on facebook! :)

Tonya Wilson - July 5, 2010 - 5:34 pm

DisneyMominLA is following you on Twitter and tweeted the giveaway. http://twitter.com/DisneyMominLA

Tonya Wilson - July 5, 2010 - 5:35 pm

I am a fan of Beyond the Shot on FB. :)

Ali - July 5, 2010 - 5:35 pm

I’m following you on Twitter!

Ali - July 5, 2010 - 5:36 pm

I’m a fan of Beyond the Shot on FB!

Ali - July 5, 2010 - 5:37 pm

I’m a fan of 4 the Love of Focus on FB

Emily Hoskins - July 5, 2010 - 5:38 pm

I’m a fan! :)

Carie - July 5, 2010 - 6:17 pm

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Carie - July 5, 2010 - 6:18 pm

I am a fan of Beyond the Shot on FB. :)

Deborah Kocan - July 5, 2010 - 6:27 pm

I am a fan of 4 The Love of Focus on FB =)

Deborah Kocan - July 5, 2010 - 6:27 pm

I am a fan of Beyond the Shot on FB =)

Deborah Kocan - July 5, 2010 - 6:28 pm

I wrote about this contest on my FB page =)

Jennifer Campbell - July 5, 2010 - 6:44 pm

Beyond the Shot Facebook Fan

Jennifer Campbell - July 5, 2010 - 6:45 pm

4 the love of focus Facebook Fan

Jennifer Drass - July 5, 2010 - 7:00 pm

I joined 4 The Love of Focus Fanpage!

Jennifer Drass - July 5, 2010 - 7:01 pm

I joined the Beyond the Shot Fanpage!

Jennifer Drass - July 5, 2010 - 7:07 pm

Posted about the giveaway on facebook :)

Kristina Greves - July 5, 2010 - 7:52 pm

I’m a fan of Beyond the Shot on FB!!!

Kristina Greves - July 5, 2010 - 7:56 pm

I tweeted it at http://www.twitter.com/kgreves !!!

Marisa Bishop - July 5, 2010 - 8:57 pm

I’m a fan of Beyond the Shot on FB! WOO HOO!!!

stacy berry - July 5, 2010 - 9:19 pm

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Jessica S. - July 5, 2010 - 9:25 pm

A fan on FB!

Sarah - July 6, 2010 - 12:37 am

I’m a FB fan of 4 The Love of Focus

Leeann H - July 6, 2010 - 2:39 am

I’m a fan of 4 the love of Focus on FB

Leeann H - July 6, 2010 - 2:40 am

I’m a fan of Beyond the Shot on FB

emilyK - July 6, 2010 - 4:10 am

i am a beyond the shot fan on FB!

emilyK - July 6, 2010 - 4:11 am

joined your facebook page!
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Shannon White - July 6, 2010 - 11:57 am

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Lindsey Culver - July 6, 2010 - 2:17 pm

I’m a facebook fan of 4TLOF!

Lindsey Culver - July 6, 2010 - 2:18 pm

I’m a fan of Beyond the Shot on FB.

Darien - July 6, 2010 - 3:53 pm

Joined the Beyond the Shot FB page.

Darien - July 6, 2010 - 5:03 pm

I’m a fan of 4 The Love of Focus on facebook. Just waiting until I get my website finalized b/4 joining the actual forum :)

Kim Benesh - July 6, 2010 - 7:17 pm

I am fan of 4 The Love of Focus and Beyond the Shot on FB. I also am now following and posted a tweet about 4 the love of focus on twitter. thanks!

Steph - July 6, 2010 - 7:31 pm

I became a fan of 4 the love of Focus on facebook!

Steph - July 6, 2010 - 7:33 pm

I am a fan of Beyond the Shot on facebook-she’s a good friend and has the best products!

Kristen Thompson - July 6, 2010 - 7:36 pm

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Kristen Thompson - July 6, 2010 - 7:36 pm

I’m a fan of Beyond the Shot of Facebook!

Awdrey - July 6, 2010 - 7:36 pm

Yes! I’m already a facebook fan :)

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I just tweeted and started following you there. http://twitter.com/Awdrey

Nikki Painter - July 7, 2010 - 2:58 am

Liked on facebook

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like bts on fb too :)

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I tweeted @shelya

Shelya - July 7, 2010 - 5:49 pm

I’m a fan on facebook now – yay!

Shelya - July 7, 2010 - 5:49 pm

I’m already a fan of Beyond the Shot on facebook

Kim Russell - July 7, 2010 - 9:16 pm

I liked you on FB

Kim Russell - July 7, 2010 - 9:16 pm

I follow and tweeted your contest on twitter (snaqpaq)

Kim Russell - July 7, 2010 - 9:17 pm

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Marcie Franich - July 8, 2010 - 1:23 am

I joined your Facebook page!

Marcie Franich - July 8, 2010 - 1:24 am

I am a fan of Beyond the Shot on Facebook now too!

whitney ulm - July 8, 2010 - 1:38 am

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Michelle C - July 8, 2010 - 1:38 am

I’m a fan on facebook!!

Michelle C - July 8, 2010 - 1:42 am

I’m a fan of Beyond the Shot on FB.

Marisa Bishop - July 8, 2010 - 1:52 am

i’m a fan on facebook!

Friday, July 2, 2010

We Have a Winner | The Photographer’s Marketing Calendar

The winner of The Photographers Marketing Calendar Calendar is:

No. 18
Amanda Eller!

Email us at contact@4theloveoffocus.com to claim your prize!

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Amanda Eller - July 2, 2010 - 3:44 pm

OH WOW! I never win anything!!! THANK YOU!! I’m really excited to see this and I hope I can put it to good use! Thanks for the contest and THANKS for the PRIZE! :)

Laura - July 5, 2010 - 5:31 pm

Yay Amanda!!! So cool :)

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Casey Sturrock | Member Spotlight

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m Casey. Wife and mother to the most awesome family on the planet…just sayin’.icon smile Casey Sturrock | Member Spotlight I have 3 gorgeous kiddos. They are 9, 8, and 2. Between the husband and I we have 3 companies inlcuding the photography so with 3 kids, 3 companies, and the dog…we’re very busy!icon smile Casey Sturrock | Member Spotlight We make as much time as possible for the lazy days, which I love, and we laugh a lot which keeps us sane.
her Casey Sturrock | Member Spotlight
 
How long have you been doing photography?
When I was about 10 my mom bought me an Ansel Adams book and I’ve been in love with photography ever since. I spent hours upon hours looking at the pages but didn’t pick up a camera until high school. I was a photographer for the yearbook and we shot only film. We had an awesome teacher that allowed me to stay in the dark room for an eternity. But then life happened and I got away from it. Last August I finally convinced the hubs that I needed one for my birthday and he agreed.  It was love at first sight. Since then, I’ve upgraded cameras and lenses and there’s no looking back!icon wink Casey Sturrock | Member Spotlight
 
Are you a self-taught photographer? If you are not a self-taught photographer how did you learn?
I won’t say self-taught because I’ve learned so much from the people around me but I have done the research, read the books, watched the tutorials and practiced, practiced, practiced on my own. Of course, there is still a lot of learning left to do!
  
Who is your biggest influence/inspiration?
I know it’s totally cliche’, but, my family. My hubs is my tech guru (a.k.a. nerdicon wink Casey Sturrock | Member Spotlight) and best friend. I wouldn’t have a blog (or a computer, for that matter) or have any idea what SEO is if it weren’t for him. He’s also totally honest with me, if I ask his opinion, I better want honesty, because that’s what I’m gonna get and that’s what I need! He listens to me whine when I could have done better and when I’m done, he tells me to try again.
My kids are amazing too! They teach me everyday to relish the moment, look at the little things instead of the big picture. While I’m worried about getting the groceries inside before they ruin, they are worried about the frog that I just *have* to catch before it gets away!
bw girl Casey Sturrock | Member Spotlight
  
Do you specialize in a certain area of photography?
Children and Families. I’m in love with birth photography! Next to that my favorite sessions are with the little kids from about 4 months to 2-3! I love that age when you can see the whole world in a child’s laugh and everything is new and exciting!
  birth Casey Sturrock | Member Spotlight
What equipment and software do you use?
I mainly use my 5D2 along with my 35/1.4L. Then I edit using CS5 and LR2. I have some other equipment but this is what I use 99% of the time.
 newborn Casey Sturrock | Member Spotlight
Do you have a studio or do you shoot on location?
Totally on location…a girl can dream about a natural light studio on 4 acres with a little creek and a waterfall though!icon wink Casey Sturrock | Member Spotlight
 
What do you love most about your job?
That it’s not a job!icon smile Casey Sturrock | Member SpotlightI’ve met some really wonderful people along the way, photographers and clients, who have become great friends. I really enjoy spending time behind my camera and I’ve learned that if I’m in a weird or bad mood, I can take my kids to the park let them play and snap away. Everyone is much happier afterwards!
girl Casey Sturrock | Member Spotlight 
What advice would you give someone who is interested in photography and wants to improve his or her photography skills?
Put the dial on M and never take it off. Read your manual front to back and find out what buttons do what, read some more, practice, and keep growing.
 
Want to see more of Casey’s work? 
Find her here: 

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laura - July 1, 2010 - 2:57 pm

Casey – you are STUNNING. thanks so much for sharing about you and your passion :)

Jolie - July 1, 2010 - 2:59 pm

You are too cute! Thanks for playing!

Amanda Eller - July 1, 2010 - 3:08 pm

To a beautiful friend and a beautiful soul!! Love you girl! :) Your spotlight is perfect!!!xoxo

Kelsey Anderson - July 1, 2010 - 3:11 pm

Great read! Thanks for sharing Casey!

Janet - July 2, 2010 - 3:48 am

Another very inspiring spotlight. Love reading about you and your Family Casey.

Sari - July 2, 2010 - 4:11 pm

Loved reading about you Casey!

Jenny - July 3, 2010 - 8:02 pm

Loved reading all about you Casey!!!!

dalia - July 5, 2010 - 12:44 am

beautiful images Casey!! I love how natural and candid they feel.

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