BIG Announcement

When I first began Ball Photography in 2006, I used my maiden name to build my business with the thought that my married name would be too difficult to remember. When it was time to purchase my web domain, Ball Photography had already been taken but I really wanted a .com. This is when I decided to add "by Stephanie Warmoth" to my business name and lock in stephaniewarmoth....com as my domain. Over the past few months, it has become apparent that my business name is confusing as I'm working under 2 different names. After much consideration, I have decided that if I'm going to make a change, NOW is the time to do so. So here it is...I will begin making the changes this week and will soon be known as Stephanie Warmoth Photography. (original, I know. LOL) I am hoping this will make my business easier to find and less of a confusion. Thank you to my family, friends, clients and fans who continue to offer your love and support!! I continue to grow because of all of you! Much love, Stephanie
 

 Thank you to Cre8tive Mind Designs for making the logo revisions!! YOU ROCK!!!

{Boudoir}

Happy Valentine's Day!! 

With permission from a few recent clients, I would like to share with you some of the amazing shots from their boudoir sessions. 

What is Boudoir Photography?

OK, so you have been hearing about boudoir photography but not sure what it is. Who should do it? Why? What does is entail? 

Well, you’ve come to the right place! Here are the answers to the commonly asked questions.  

First thing first….how do you actually pronounce the word? 

Boudoir – pronounced bŏo dwăawr comes from late 18^th century French word and is translated as – a woman’s bedroom or a private sitting room. Boudoir photography, therefore, usually takes place in a setting such as a bedroom or a hotel room… an intimate setting to create classy images that can be soft, romantic, sexy, sensual, or naughty. The main focus of a boudoir photographer is to capture you in the most flattering way by guiding you through the poses that compliment your body type. 

Who should go for boudoir photography?
1. A woman that wants to surprise that special one in her life with a unique and personal gift…. There’s something about seeing him open that photo album for the first time and drool all over your sexy photos (and not the ones from Maxim magazine)!

2. A woman that needs a confidence boost. O yes, we all occasionally get really tired of looking at these glossy magazines with “perfect” models on every page. Well, now it can be you looking back from a sexy picture. Why should only models have all the fun in front of the camera? Boudoir photography will help you discover that secret seductress in you.

3. A woman that is already confident and just wants to strut her sexy stuff in front of the camera and have some fun! Why not just make it all about you and give yourself a gift? It’ll be your little secret (ssshhhh, we wont tell anyone).

4. A woman that wants to capture her beauty forever. Lets face it, none of us are getting younger. 30 years from now a boudoir photo shoot will be the proof of your hotness. Boudoir photo album will be one of your most cherished possessions ;)

5. A woman that’s been married for a long time and well….wants to revamp her private life with her husband. 

6. A woman that is thinking of having a baby and wants to have a reference point of what she wants her body to look like after the baby ;)

7. A woman size 0 to……100, well maybe there is not such size but you get the point, there is no size, weight, or height limitations. Every woman is beautiful in her own special way and boudoir photography is there to help you bring it out. 


OK, so pretty much any woman is a great candidate for boudoir photography session. The only quality you need to have is well, to actually be a woman J  


 Information from: http://fedali.wordpress.com/what-is-boudoir-photography/

Boudoir Party

Have a different kind of girl's night!!

Let us come to you for some pampering and tons of fun. Boudoir sessions are perfect for a girl's night, bachelorette party or just because.  They can be as sexy as you're comfortable with and can be personalize with your own items such as jerseys, button up shirts, ties or jewelry, just to name a few. ;) 

ALL attendees must be female and at least 18 years of age.  NO EXCEPTIONS!!!

Package includes each attendant's photo session, hair and makeup. Instant proofing will be provided for easy ordering.

Party must consist of a minimum of 4 girls (hostess included)

$35 deposit per girl (due at time of booking)

$20 per digital image with a minimum of 5 images per session.

Hostess will receive ONE free image added to her package.  For each additional girl beyond the minimum who attends, hostess receives $10 in {PHOTO BUCKS} to use toward her session.

Why Does Custom Photography Cost More?

     The digital revolution has brought amazing flexibility and ability to control various factors during the image taking and making process. Photographers, the hobbyist, the professional, the amateur all benefit from this ability to manipulate pixels. However, with flexibility comes a price. Digital camera equipment is still considerably more expensive when you factor in its' lifespan, the need for additional resources for processing those images, the time it takes to get a usable image and the effort that goes into creating a work of photographic art. We all know that you can go to the local Walgreen's and pay a $1.99 for a print – as a client you may wonder why you may pay upwards of $50, $70, $90 for a custom photography print. Photographers hear this statement every once in awhile: "How in the world can you charge $60 for an 8×10 if it costs me less than $2 to print at x store?"

The truth of the matter is the answer to this question is multifaceted. Much of the cost of a photographic print produced by a professional photographer has a lot to do with the time, equipment costs, artistic vision and reputation of the photographer not to mention expertise and the usual costs of running a legitimate business. The cost of TIME Approaching it from a time standpoint, let's imagine that you have hired a photographer who has work that you love.  This photographer is traveling an hour to your destination to photograph your session. Here is an example of a time break down:

• booking time: 30 minutes to one hour (client contact time + paperwork)
• pre-session prep time (30 mins – 1 hour, includes equipment and back up equipment checks + vehicle checks)
• one hour travel time TO session
• 15-30 minutes prep time at client's home
• 90 minutes-2 hours with client photographing subject
• one hour travel time FROM session
• 30-45 minutes uploading time from digital cards from camera to computer
• 30-45 minutes time spent backing up the original images
• 2-5 hours editing time to present you with a diverse gallery of edited images
• 1 hour prep time getting ready for ordering
• 2-3 hours time with client for ordering images
• 1 hour sorting through and checking order
• 30 minutes-1 hour prep time for delivery
• 30 minutes-1 hour getting order shipped
• any additional phone time or time needed for add on ordering, shipment issues, quality issues

     In this example, the time spent per client can range from just under 13 hours to 19 hours – dependent on the photographer's level of service. This is time dedicated only to ONE session. When the photographer charges $150-$300 for the photo shoot (aka SESSION FEE) you are not just paying for the two hours of session time, you are paying the photographer for 12-19 hours complete time for your session.

The COSTS of Maintaining a Custom Photography Business:
Regarding equipment costs, a good quality professional camera with a selection of good optical quality lenses and digital storage mediums and computer set up can run from $10,000-$30,000 costs dependent on the photographer. Even though you can purchase a really good quality digital SLR for about $2100 there are still other costs related to photography. A good lens for portrait photography can run from $900 to $2500. A dependable computer system with software loaded for business and creative usage can run $2500 to $8000 dependent on the photographer. Then come lab costs for specialty products. A good photographer knows their professional lab is an integral part of their success. These labs often cost more and offer a range of products that allows the custom photographer to continually offer new, innovative products for the discerning client.

     Discussion on other costs of running a photography business could take awhile so we'll skip many of the intricate details. An overview: the costs of running the business, taxes, studio rental/mortgage if the photographer has ownership of a dedicated studio, vehicular costs, costs of advertising/marketing, costs of sample pieces that the photographer will likely bring to your session, etc.

     APPLES to ORANGES to BANANAS: Often times clients will mention to their photographer that X studio in the mall/department store only charges $19.99 for an 8×10 "sheet" or they may mention other things related to discount photography chains. The fact is those discount chains make their money on volume, not on customized 1:1 service. In February 2007 a company who has leased photography retail space in a rather well known discount retailer closed down 500 of their portrait studios across the nation. The reason it happened is simple, you cannot make money on 99¢ "professional" prints if you do not sell enough of them. Interestingly enough – those same studios that offer the loss leader packages often charge much much more for their a la carte pricing vs. many custom photographers (as high as $40-50 for an 8×10).  A little history – the whole reason the big department stores began offering portrait services in the first place was to get you, the savvy consumer, in through their door so that you could spend more money with them in other departments. Your "PORTRAITS" are considered the "loss leader". Your portraits that are meant to symbolize a once-in-a-lifetime stage in your child's life are part of what a store considers a way to get you in there door to spend more money on goods that you might not really want or need but because you're there "anyway" you buy.mAlso keep in mind that when you go to a chain studio, as a consumer, you don't have the benefit of 1:1 attention for 2 hours at your home where your child is allowed to explore, play and be comfortable in their home environment, nor do you get the experience that many custom photographers are known for as well as the lovely captures of natural expressions. You simply get a bare bones, "SAY CHEESE" experience.

     REPUTATION/EXPERTISE of the PHOTOGRAPHER: There is an old story about a ship that cost a company millions of dollars. Something went wrong in the engine room and the ship was stuck in dock. They called various "experts" who spent weeks trying to fix the issue to no avail and at a cost of tens of thousands of dollars. Finally a older gentleman was called in who simply brought in his small tool bag and a hammer. He set about pinging on various parts of the vast engine with his hammer, finally settling on one area. He spent a few minutes pinging in that area, took out a few tools and fixed whatever what was wrong. After a few moments the man straightened up, looked at the captain and instructed him to "start her up." The captain disbelievingly went to get the engines started while the man sat in the engine room listening as the engine roared to life. The man tipped his hat as he exited the ship to the staff who sat dumbfounded because they had seen all the experts come on board for days with their expensive equipment only to have the ship not fixed. This man did it in a few minutes with a few pings of his hammer!  A few days passed and the man sent the shipping company a bill for $10,000. The accounting department contacted him immediately. Why all the rumors mentioned that this man had only spent "a few minutes" fixing the ship "with his hammer and a few other random tools". When questioned about why his bill was for $10,000 – did he accidentally leave an extra zero on the bill? The man confidently responded: "In fact the time was worth the $1,000. The other $9,000 was for the years of experience and the ability to discern the issue as quickly as possible for the company." Now I'm not saying that photographers fix large ships but being in demand, being well known for quality work, having a good reputation often costs time on the photographer's part (years of practice, study, experience, etc). A photographer's expertise comes at a cost, their time learning their craft and learning the intricacies of lighting and the commitment put forth on their end to create a persona about their business that oozes professionalism. A great number of photographers go a very long time from the time that they purchase their first good camera to making money at the business of photography. Many photographers, when first starting out, rush in thinking that the business will be easily profitable in no time, how expensive could it be to get a camera and use it to create their dream? These photographers often undervalue what they do because they have the realization that they do not have experience or expertise but are very adept at pushing the shutter on the camera. Many times these casual "professionals" neglect to factor in the cost of business, the cost of equipment, software, back ups, etc.. When you hire a photographer of sound reputation, you are hiring an expert, one that knows that they must always reinvest in their business to create the reputation of being top notch. To create good work a photographer possesses not only sound knowledge in the technical and creative aspects of photography but also good, reliable equipment and back up equipment.  The photographer who desires to be known as better/best/unparalelled reputation-wise knows that the most important thing they can do for their business is reliability and dependability. This is how reputations get built. Good work often is a wonderful side product of building that good reputation.

     I hope this (lengthy) article helps shed some light on WHY a custom photographer is a better choice for your family's memories. The photographs that are produced as a result of the professionalism and dedication that your photographer has will be cherished for a lifetime (or more) and great thought and consideration should be placed into hiring who is right for your family's most precious investment.


Content from http://www.professionalchildphotographer.com

content is inspired by discussions with other photographers, my own personal experiences and outline based on an article by San Diego Photographers Caught On Film Photography

How to Avoid Family Drama during the Holidays

Tips on Dealing with Eager In-Laws, Multiple Celebrations and Keeping the Kids Happy  -- By Hillary Copsey, BabyFit Contributor  Hating the holiday season never made much sense to me. Then, I got married.  I am sure there are couples for whom the holidays are no big deal. The in-laws all get along and don't mind sharing their kids and grandkids for celebrations. Travel isn't necessary, so no one ever worries about how they're going to get home or how much it'll cost. Two families' traditions blend together seamlessly and everyone shares a good laugh over eggnog. The only couples I know who fit that description have just one family to please, either because of death or distance.  For the rest of us, the holidays are a balancing act between cheer and stress. Working out the holiday visitation schedule--and surviving those visits--is key to happy holidays, but how to do it?  Above all else, remember: Parents hold the power.  Who enjoys the holiday most? Children. Who receives the most gifts? Children. Whose reaction is everyone watching 'round the Christmas tree? Children. Holidays really are for the kids, and that gives parents--the keepers of the kids--the right to decide how to celebrate. Your job is to make the holiday season special and important to them. For many families, that means limiting holiday travel. It's hard for a grandparent to argue when you explain you want to keep some of the magic alive by allowing kids to wake up in their own beds Christmas Day. I like this guide from Simple Mom, advising parents to get their holiday calendars in order by deciding as a family what events are most important to attend. The goal isn't to dictate traditions but to make the ones you follow meaningful.  With power comes great responsibility. Isn't that the cliche? Well, it holds true during the holiday season, too.  You might put your foot down and ban holiday travel. The husband and I did early on in our marriage after one disastrous Thanksgiving where we spent more time in the car than around the table and still made both our mothers sad. I decided I enjoyed the holidays too much to ruin them with guilt. No more, we told our families. We might visit home near the holidays but not on them. Our mothers wailed, they gnashed their teeth--and then they bought plane tickets. We exchanged holiday gridlock for two weeks of visits from our parents. To be honest, I'd almost prefer the gridlock to the lengthy visits. But these, too, are survivable.  First of all, if you can, get them out of your house. Long visits are easier if your home is still your own. If your mother-in-law is rearranging your cabinets and your father-in-law is hogging the bathroom (hypothetically, of course), it might set you over the edge. Even if you can't force them into a hotel or a rental house, encourage them to take a daytrip or two. Leave local tourist attraction brochures in their room.  Secondly, stick to your schedule as much as possible or necessary. Be up front about this. If you can and want to, take a day or two off and give them your undivided attention. But if you can't--or don't want to--explain that you have to work and this is the schedule. You'll be home at this hour. Dinner is at this time. Bedtime is at this one. Especially once kids are involved, schedules make things run smoothly. Maintaining your family's might maintain your sanity.  But don't be too much of a stickler. It is the holidays, and they are visiting because they love you and your kids. Let the kids stay home a day or two with Grandma and Grandpa, or spend an evening up well past their bedtime. Those are the times memories are made, and you look gracious doing it.  Still, every family visit has those moments, the times when grandparents question your parenting skills or grown siblings revert back to childhood disputes. Dealing with those is tricky, but doable. Keep yourself above the fray. Don't get into a child-rearing debate with your mother-in-law. Stand your ground with a smile, a joke or a breezy comment. Take a timeout. Do the dishes while everyone plays cards. Take a walk around the block. Find a safe place to vent, whether it's online (try the BabyFit Message Boards) or a close friend. Everyone needs an escape hatch. And, I find, a glass of spiked eggnog doesn't hurt, if you're not pregnant or breastfeeding, of course. Article from: http://babyfit.sparkpeople.com/articles.asp?id=996

What should we wear to the photo shoot?

There are many answers to that question, the most basic of which, is something comfortable! Babies and young children are antsy enough without us forcing them to wear something itchy, tight, unwieldy or hot. Besides comfort, there are many other things to consider when dressing your little angels for portraits.

1.The Birthday Suit-Newborns and babies have gorgeous skin, and nothing shows off that natural, innocent creature like nakedness. An added bonus for slightly older babies, is that eyes tend to stand out more when they are not overpowered by clothing, and, let’s face it, some of us tend to make our babies look silly in outfits that either don’t fit, or that look more like costumes than clothing.

2.Mostly White Clothing-This is a popular look for baby and children portraits. All white clothing gives a clean and natural look to the images, and is a great way to create a classic portrait that captures the purity of childhood. This is a common choice for family portraits, as well. White clothing works great for outdoor photos as well as in-studio portraits with a white backdrop.

3.Bold Colors-Don’t be afraid to put your baby or child in bold colors or prints. Although we generally wouldn’t recommend a bright print for an adult (or newborns,) vivid colors on young children will result in a playful, lively portrait, especially primary colors like red, blue, and green. (Take a chance with yellow only if you know it is flattering against your child’s skin color.) Bright colors really pop against the greens of nature, so consider a meadow or woodsy area for your photos.

4.Avoid Stripes-Stripes can wind up looking distorted in the final image, and, like bright prints, can be a distraction from the subject.

5.Layering clothing can be a stylish effect.

6.Multiple Children or Family Portrait Photography – Here is where it becomes important to avoid prints. Typically, you don’t want loud, distracting clothing in a portrait since it tends to lead the eyes away from the subject. It’s nice, in a multi-person or family photo, to try and coordinate clothing so that colors and styles complement one another. For instance, you don’t want one child wearing wintry clothing and the other in shorts and t-shirt, or one wearing a nice dress and the other wearing ratty-old tennis shoes. Choosing clothes with same or similar colors unifies the picture and keeps the focus on the persons in the picture.

7.Accessories and Props-Finally, I’ve done some adorable portraits of children wearing hats, tiaras, scarves, fairy wings, even tutus. If your child wears his Superman cape everyday, maybe you should let him wear it in a few pictures. Why not? You want pictures that capture that your little guy really is, right? Besides, he may be much more willing to take other non-cape pictures afterwards. Props can be great addition, too, so consider bringing your child’s favorite book, stuffed animal or toy.



Courtesy of
 http://www.benipayo.com/