Monthly Archives: June 2011
The New Viewing Lounge
As we continue to re-decorate the studio, I’m happy to debut the new Viewing Lounge! I wanted a relaxing, comfortable environment where you can view your images projected onto a 42″ widescreen TV. There’s plenty of seating, so friends and family are always welcome to attend the ordering appointment and see first-hand what makes a LUXE image so special. ~Sindi
Portraits Can Be FUN!
If you dread getting the family portraits done, you may be going to the wrong photographer. Going to the studio should be a fun, relaxing experience that leaves you happy and excited to see the images. The goal of the photographer should be to highlight the subject’s personality in an artful way. This is usually not accomplished by systematically making your way through a list of pre-determined poses and scenes. A great photographer can take a great image anywhere and sometimes wandering a bit outside will yield the most natural and breath-taking images. Steve and I like to “watch and wait” and sometimes capture those moments of contemplation that may be missed if the subject was over-posed and bossed into uncomfortable poses.
Being the mom to five kids, I always have a few tricks up my sleeve to get the kids to open up, feel relaxed and have the time of their life.
Capturing emotion is the surest way to turn those images into keepsakes…..
You can see more images from Julia’s session here: Julia’s Album. Become a fan to keep up to date on all our new work. ~Sindi
PPA International Print Competition
I am so incredibly happy and proud to announce that one of my images has merited and been accepted into the General Collection!
The Photographic Exhibitions Committee (PEC) of PPA uses the 12 elements below as the “gold standard” to define a merit image. PEC trains judges to be mindful of these elements when judging images to the PPA merit level and to be placed in the International Print Exhibit at Imaging USA, the annual convention. The use of these 12 elements connects the modern practice of photography and its photographers to the historical practice of photography begun nearly two centuries ago.
Twelve elements have been defined as necessary for the success of an art piece or image. Any image, art piece, or photograph will reveal some measure of all twelve elements, while a visually superior example will reveal obvious consideration of each one
The Twelve elements listed below are in accordance to their importance.
Impact is the sense one gets upon viewing an image for the first time. Compelling images evoke laughter, sadness, anger, pride, wonder or another intense emotion. There can be impact in any of these twelve elements.
Technical excellence is the print quality of the image itself as it is presented for viewing. Retouching, manipulation, sharpness, exposure, printing, mounting, and correct color are some items that speak to the qualities of the physical print.
Creativity is the original, fresh, and external expression of the imagination of the maker by using the medium to convey an idea, message or thought.
Style is defined in a number of ways as it applies to a creative image. It might be defined by a specific genre or simply be recognizable as the characteristics of how a specific artist applies light to a subject. It can impact an image in a positive manner when the subject matter and the style are appropriate for each other, or it can have a negative effect when they are at odds.
Composition is important to the design of an image, bringing all of the visual elements together in concert to express the purpose of the image. Proper composition holds the viewer in the image and prompts the viewer to look where the creator intends. Effective composition can be pleasing or disturbing, depending on the intent of the image maker.
Presentation affects an image by giving it a finished look. The mats and borders used, either physical or digital, should support and enhance the image, not distract from it.
Color Balance supplies harmony to an image. An image in which the tones work together, effectively supporting the image, can enhance its emotional appeal. Color balance is not always harmonious and can be used to evoke diverse feelings for effect.
Center of Interest is the point or points on the image where the maker wants the viewer to stop as they view the image. There can be primary and secondary centers of interest. Occasionally there will be no specific center of interest, when the entire scene collectively serves as the center of interest.
Lighting—the use and control of light—refers to how dimension, shape and roundness are defined in an image. Whether the light applied to an image is manmade or natural, proper use of it should enhance an image.
Subject Matter should always be appropriate to the story being told in an image.
Technique is the approach used to create the image. Printing, lighting, posing, capture, presentation media, and more are part of the technique applied to an image.
Story Telling refers to the image’s ability to evoke imagination. One beautiful thing about art is that each viewer might collect his own message or read her own story in an image.
And now I’m ready to capture your images with the same style and care……Sindi
Desperately Seeking a 2012 Wahlert Grad
LUXE Photography is craving a 2012 Wahlert graduate for our Senior Model Program. As a Senior Model you will receive a free session, free exclusive products, bragging rights because of the rockin pics you will get and best of all…..a crazy fun party to unveil your images. Complete our application today to be considered. Only five will be chosen and our final decision will be announced on our Facebook page June 20. Are you ready?
Senior Model Program
We have already received several awesome applications for our Senior Model Program. Final decisions will be made by June 20, so get your application in ASAP to be considered for this amazing opportunity. In addition to the greatest images you could hope for, as a LUXE Photography Senior Model you will receive exclusive free products, a free session and earn prizes and credit towards your senior portraits. But the best part of being a Senior Model for LUXE Photography is the party! Our models and their images will be revealed at our annual “Are You Ready?” party. Friends and family of the model are welcome and will enjoy a personalized slideshow of the graduate, as well as food, drink, music, dancing and fireworks!! Don’t wait any longer to apply. Only five select graduates will be chosen……let it be you!
Click here to complete the application and get ready for a spectacular ride! http://www.jotform.com/form/11625928884
2012 Senior Model Search
The 2012 Senior Model Search is ON!! Applications are now being accepted for 2012 Senior Models. There will only be 5, so APPLY NOW! Details and the application can be found here: http://www.jotform.com/form/11625928884
LUXE Photography by Sindi Mueller 
