2013 Favorites Video!

  It has taken awhile but I finally worked out all the technical glitches and now have the 2013 Favorites Video up and running! 

  2013 was such a great year and I had great experiences working with everyone! I met a lot of new people and got to see a lot of familiar faces as well. I love my job and I love capturing all your beautiful moments! Thanks for making 2013 a fantastic year and all the best in 2014!

 ~Life is Beautiful~

Here it is! I am sure you will see some familiar faces! 

(to watch it in a bigger screen click here)

Week in Review: Catch Up Week!

    This week was a catch-up week for me. I had time between shoots to catch up on editing, back up my computer and design/order new business material! I also spent some time learning new things and participating in a mentoring session online. It is great to use these colder weeks to catch up on all the things that get put on the back-burner in the warmer months.

  I hope you are all staying warm this week. Hot drinks are a must for me on these cold days.
  Have a great week!

A couple of Instagram photos from the week: 

Links I'm Loving: 
- This site has some great prop ideas!
- I love the colours in this photo
- This looks tasty
- Love this! 

Highlights From the Week: 
- Participating in a mentoring session
- Had a great day of riding at Lacadena
- Watched "The Lord of the Rings" (for the first time)
- Had a great photo shoot

Looking Forward To: 
- Warmer weather (hopefully soon)
- More winter shoots
- Packages in the mail

Week in Review: Wedding Photography Information

   For this week's "Week in Review" I thought I would go over the steps of the "Wedding Photography Process" from booking until you get your photos. Since this time of year is very popular for engagements I thought this would be helpful and informative to anyone looking to book Wedding Photos!

  If you just got engaged, are planning a wedding this year or are getting married next year please feel free to contact me anytime for more information or to book your wedding photography session!


Here is a breakdown of the process:

Before the Wedding

1. The first step is contacting me about booking your wedding photos and the date of your wedding. 

2. Once you book with me and a deposit is sent I will keep in touch with you about engagement photos (if you are wanting them) and more details about your day. 

3. Closer to your wedding day you will receive a "Welcome Package" in the mail which gives you more information and gives you some things to think about when it comes to your wedding photography.

4. The last step before the Wedding is a consultation which we will book a month or so before your wedding day. This is where we meet in person or on the phone to discuss the details of your day. 

The Wedding Day

Getting Ready

The start of your day is always exciting!

I love capturing the getting ready process!

This part of the day includes everything from: the makeup, hair, dress, tux, details and the

 fun candid moments of you and your family/wedding party getting ready for the day! 

Ceremony

The most formal part of the day. 

This is where I hang back and capture your beautiful wedding ceremony.

This part of the day includes everything from: the moments before going down the isle, the vows, the first kiss, the signing of the registrar and the exciting walk back down the aisle!

Formals/Casuals

This is my favourite part of the day! 

This is where we get to have fun and get all of the shots you are wanting. 

This part of the day includes: the formal shots of the family, the rings and the candid fun shots of the bride and groom as well as the wedding party. 

Reception/Dance

You are married and it's time to celebrate! 

This is the last part of the day and includes photos of: the decorations, the speeches, first dances, cutting of the cake and the tossing of bouquet and garter. 

After the Wedding

Feel free to contact me anytime after your wedding day! 

I will be posting a Sneak Peek and then soon after that you will receive 

your photos in the mail! 

I hope your wedding day is as beautiful as you imagine! 

Links I'm Loving: 
- This made me laugh!
- This DIY project is pretty neat
- I started watching this tv show this week.
- Looking forward to going to this again next month! It was awesome last year!

Highlights From the Week: 
- Visiting with friends
- Designing and ordering business supplies
- Yoga
- First shoot of 2013

Looking Forward To
- A full week of photo shoots and a mentoring session
- Getting my order in the mail
- Designing my Wedding Welcoming Packages

Week in Review: 2012 Favorites Video!!

 Last January I did a quick video showing some of my favorite images from the previous year and it was a lot of fun to go back and review all of the great shoots.
  This year I decided to do that again. Looking back I am so grateful for all the great shoots and clients I had in the past year! Life truly is beautiful! I am looking forward to 2013!


Here is the 2012 Favorites Video:
Check it out! You may even recognize a few faces!
If you want to see it bigger go here. 

Links I'm Loving: 

- I just picked up this cookbook. It is pretty interesting! 

- To check out 2011's favorites video click here. 

- I have been listening to this song this week. 

- We watched this movie the other night. It was pretty good. 

Highlights From the Week: 

- Having a relaxing weekend in the city

- Cleaning and organizing the house 

- Wrapping up 2012 business and starting fresh

Looking Forward To: 

- Planning my 2013 business year

- A winter family shoot

- Visiting friends

- Trying out some new recipes

Week in Review: Photos in the Snow!

   Now that the snow is settling in and winter is on it's way I thought I would share with you some information and tips for having your photo shoot during the snowy months!
 
 - The morning or late afternoon is great for light. It is also important to remember that the days are getting shorter now so these times will change from day to day.
- Clothing may be a more difficult thing to decide on in the winter. What is most important is that you will be warm and comfortable. Bringing extra coats, scarves or mitts is a good idea too, especially for young kids. Adding pops of colour to your outfits can really make you stand out in the snow!
- When planning your location consider places that may have some shelter just incase the wind is cold. Sheltered areas tend to collect more snow too!
- It is a good idea to have an indoor location in mind if it is really cold and we can't do all the photos outside.

   Winter photos are often overlooked but can be so beautiful and fun to shoot! Hope you are all enjoying the snow.

Links I'm Loving: 
- This Christmas Sweater makes me laugh!
- This coming week is Agribition! Not sure if I will make it or not this year.
- I've started a new "Winter" board on Pinterest!
- I just finished reading this and now I'm reading this. 
- I love this photographer's kitchen tour! 

Highlights from the Week: 
- Had some great outdoor shoots on the weekend and met lots of new people!
- Had great visits with friends
- Went riding

Looking Forward To: 
- Starting to get into Christmas mode
- More photo shoots in the snow!

Week in Review: Fall Photo Shoots

 The leaves are so beautiful right now and unfortunately they don't last long. October is the perfect time for photo shoots! The leaves are so colourful and the light is beautiful. It is also a great opportunity to get your "Christmas Card Photos" taken.
If you are interested in getting your photos done in fall here are some things to think about:

- What is the best time of day to get photos? Evening is the best time for light! The light is so golden at this time of day and if you love that "fall glow" this is the perfect time for photos. If it doesn't work for you to get them done at this time of day that is fine too!

- What to Wear? Don't worry yourself too much on this topic. The best outfits are ones you all feel comfortable in. They can be "dressy casual" and they don't all have to match. It is best to leave out shirts with big logos or sayings on them as those can be distracting in the photos.

- How much does it cost? Family shoots are $225 and include up to 2 hours of shooting and multiple locations if you would like. Multi-Family shoots (your immediate family and their immediate families) are $325 and also include up to 2 hours of shooting and multiple locations.
For a complete price list click here. 

- How do I get my photos? Your photos will be mailed or delivered to you. Your photos come in two formats: Print Ready and Web Ready. Print ready photos are large files for printing and the web ready photos are smaller so you can upload them easily to the internet. You will receive them on a disc and can use them however you like.

- Should I bring anything? If there are any props you are wanting, feel free to bring them to your shoot! If there is something that you would like to have in your shoot don't hesitate to ask me and I could possibly arrange to bring it with me to your shoot!

- What about Location? Location is mostly up to you. It is best to have some shade available just in case it is very sunny out. If you are wanting "fall feel" to your photos, choose a place that has a lot of trees and leaves or plants with a lot of colour!


If you are interested in booking your Fall Photo Shoot or have any questions please contact me!
Email: rachelle.d.hodgins@gmail.com
Phone: 306-375-7930
Facebook Message: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachelle-Hodgins-Photography/192093857487719

Links I'm Loving:
- I have been loving this song this week
- I just bought this book and am looking forward to reading it
- I am looking forward to buying this book when it comes out this month. Her food photography is beautiful!
- If I found one of these I would be so excited!

Highlights From the Week: 
- Went for some great rides (indoor and outdoor)
- Worked on editing wedding photos
- Got a pumpkin and some fall flowers!

Looking Forward To: 
- Thanksgiving!!
- More Fall Shoots

Week in Review: A Look Into My Photo Bag!

      This summer will be very busy with photo shoots, events and weddings. Tomorrow kicks off wedding season for me and I am so excited! As I was getting everything packed and ready to go for the weekend I decided it might be fun to give you a look into my camera bag to show you what I normally take with me to shoot a wedding. I love looking at what other photographers have in their bags so I thought I would show you what's in mine. I hope you enjoy!

The bag that I take to weddings is a camera bag by Kelly Moore called "The Libby." 

I love it!

Here is a look at what I have in it:

1. My cameras. Main Camera - Canon 5D Markll, Backup Camera - Canon Rebel Xsi

2. A bag of things I may need throughout the day - Gum, Deoderant, Halls, an Energy Bar, Hair Ties and Tylenol

3. Sophie - My assistant for getting small kids' attention, Raincoat - for my camera incase of bad weather

4. My lenses - The two starred are my most used which are my medium focal length lens and zoom lens, the other two are my macro lens and portrait lens. 

5. Extra Memory Cards, Extra battery,  Eraser - to clean the contact between my lens and camera

6. My flash, diffuser and extra flash batteries

*I also bring along my shot list and information from the consultation as well as business cards

 *I bring extra things such as lense cleaner, battery chargers and reflector in a different bag just in case! 

I hope you enjoyed this peek into my bag! 

 

Links I'm Loving
- I have been listening to this song a lot this week.
- Here is a DIY video on how to make your own fancy makeup brush holders out of old candles.
- Retronaut is a neat website where you can view images/culture from different time periods.
- Pedro Campos' Oil paintings are so real looking they look like photos. Check them out!
- These lamps made by Calabarte are beautiful!

Highlights of the Week 
- Celebrated Father's Day with family
- Had 3 really great photo shoots. You can see the sneak peek for one here.
- Had a great time at a Stagette even though I am a terrible golfer.
- Organized the office

Looking Forward To: 
- Shooting my first wedding of the 2012 season
- Grad Shoots this week
- Moving down to the lake

Week in Review: NEW Client Gallery!

  For the past month I have had a lot of help setting up a new section of my business called: Client Gallery! This gallery is a place for me to post photos and allow clients to view them and order prints online! I think it will be especially useful to use for sporting/event shoots.

  How it Works: 

  All photos placed on the gallery are unedited and un-cropped

  All orders will have all necessary editing and cropping 

  There are 3 choices of sizes: 4x6, 5x7 and 8x12

  Orders are paid for online using Credit Card or Paypal 

  Orders will be printed and sent to the client in the mail

  I am so excited to offer this service to my clients. I hope you enjoy it! 

Here are some screenshots on how to view the gallery from my website. You can also go directly to this link to check it out:

http://gallery.rachellehodginsphotography.com/index.php/

Links I'm Loving:

- My mom made these this week. They were delicious! 

- This photographer's welcome video is so fun! 

- I love Ben Heine's work: "Pencils vs Camera" 

Highlights of the Week:

- Going to watch "The Avengers" in 3D at the Galaxy.

- Checking out the new Cabela's in Saskatoon

- Launching my new Client Gallery and getting the first batch of photos on there! 

- Taking photos at the Herbert High School Rodeo. You can see some of of my favourites here. 

- Getting a lot of editing done.

Looking Forward To: 

- Walking in the MS Walk in Swift Current

- Getting caught up on editing

- Bringing my horses to Biggar to go to some barrel jackpots! 

Week in Review: Print Ready vs Web Ready

 Hello Everyone! 

I am excited to let you know that I have been working on some changes to the photo dvd's that I give to my clients from their photo shoot. Now, instead of just getting all your photos in high resolution and ready for printing,  I am now going to include a copy of all your photos in a Web Ready format as well! This way you can use your large files for printing and the smaller Web Ready files to share on the internet. 

I love when people share their photos online! I also realize that online photo albums are becoming more and more popular. Having Web Ready photos ensures that the upload time will be shorter and the colour will be more correct when viewed on the internet. 

Here is the difference between the two: 

Print-Ready - These photos are all large files and high resolution. They are best suited for printing. They are also ideal for making larger prints as they are very detailed. 

Web-Ready - These photos are smaller files and are therefore much easier to upload to the web. They have also been saved so that the colours appear correct when placed on the internet.

Your web ready photos are also saved in a way that makes the colours look most like the original photo when viewed on the internet. 

Here is an example to show the difference in colour between a photo that is not saved for the Web and one that is. The Before photo was saved normally and the After photo was saved specifically for the internet. The variation is very slight but in some cases the difference is much more noticeable. You can see the difference in colour variation most clearly in the slice of lemon in the glass. 

BEFORE

AFTER

Links I'm Loving:

- What a creative idea. Rashad Alakbarov's "Painting with Shadows."

- Check out this video about a boy who made his own Arcade!

- This photographer explains her project to do 101 things in 1001 days. See some examples here.

- I just started using this App as my new "To Do List" for day-to-day things. So far so good!

- I just added this book to my Spring Reading List!

Highlights from the Week: 

- Going to "Titanic" in 3D 

- Sitting at the head table at 2 wedding showers

- Playing some badminton

- Going to a BFA reception at the University

Looking Forward To: 

- Going antique hunting at an auction sale

- Taking pictures of the Lighthorse group 

- Warmer weather

Week in Review: Brand New Website!

  Hey everyone! I hope you all had a great Easter weekend!

This week I worked a lot on my new website and I am excited to say it is finally ready!
The web address is the same: www.rachellehodginsphotography.com, but it has a new look, some new photos and most importantly can now be seen on all smart phones, iPads and tablets!

So here is the grand unveiling! Hope you like it.

www.rachellehodginsphotography.com

Some screen shots of the new website:

Links I'm Loving: 
- Need a good spring cleaning list? Here is a good one from Lil Blue Boo's blog.
- This food blog is so neat and has great photos.
- Someday I want some of these Silkie chickens! Too funny.
- I would also like one of these great weekly stick-up calendars.
- If you need a good laugh check out Awkward Family Photos.com!

Highlights from the Week: 
- Celebrating Easter with family and friends
- Designing and launching my new website
- Had a great time at West Edmonton Mall!

Looking Forward To: 
- going to Some wedding showers
- hopefully watching Titanic in 3D

Week in Review: New Changes Coming Soon!

 I have been really busy the past few weeks researching and planning some new changes to Rachelle Hodgins Photography! I am hoping I can have them all complete and ready before the end of Spring to share with you all. 

Some of these new changes include: 

- Photo Shoot Packaging. I have decided to take a "Greener" approach and make a move to materials that are more environmentally friendly! I also have a few other fun ideas to add to the packaging! 

- Wedding Welcome Packages. These will be a great way to help me give my brides/grooms the best experience I can offer on their special day! 

- New Website: I have decided to re-do my website and make it so it will also be accessible on iPads, tablets and iPhones/smartphones! I am really excited to get started on this! 

Here is my Packaging Inspiration board: 

You can see it in detail here.

Links I'm Loving:

- I love Yoga and this video of Yoga by Equinox is just amazing! 

- I had a good laugh looking at these "Unique" poses by Photographers trying to get their shot.

- These "Pantone Tarts" are so creative and colourful.

- I can't wait to give these Sweet Potato Burgers a try.

- I love this stamp! 

Highlights from the Week: 

- All the great photo shoots I had! 

- Our yoga windup was fun.

Looking Forward To: 

- Mailing Photo Shoots and finished orders!
- Helping at the 1st Annual Kyle Fish and Game League Indoor Archery Shoot.
- Warmer Weather.

Week In Review: I Love Mail!

      I love getting packages in the mail! I especially love it when it is something I have been anxious to see. Last week I was busy designing my new brochures, magnets and mailing labels. This week the package arrived and I was excited and happy to see how they turned out! My senior cap and gown and kindergarten cap and gown came in the mail this week also! I am looking forward to trying them out. 

I hope you all had a great week and an even greater weekend!

Links I'm Loving:

- This week I made these Cinnamon Vanilla Almonds. They were so good and very easy to make! 

- This is awesome! Team Illuminate on America's Got Talent. 

- Love this sculpture project by artist: Jason de Caires Taylor called "Drowning Beautiful."

- "Dear Photograph" is such a neat website. What a great idea! 

- I love these jars and the photography by Rikki Snyder Photography.

Highlights from the Week: 

- Celebrating my birthday with family! 

- Enjoying the beautiful warm weather and the beginning of spring.

- Getting my brochures and cap and gowns in the mail.

Looking Forward To: 

- Trying some of the new photo props I got for my birthday.

- Designing my wedding "Welcome Packages." 

- Mailing off all the photo orders from the past week.

- Celebrating St. Patrick's Day.

                                                          

Week in Review! Photo in a magazine!

Hey everyone! It's Friday again! 

Monday was a great start to the week. I was pretty excited when I woke up to texts from friends saying they saw my photo in their Costco Connection magazine! 

I knew that I had been awarded an honourable mention for my photo but did not know if it would be published in the magazine or not. Hearing that they had seen it was a great start to the week. 

To see my photo in the online version of "The Costco Connection" magazine click here. 

 

Links I'm Loving: 

- I love this commercial. Optimism is definitely contagious - pass it on!
- The light in Meg Borders' Photos is gorgeous plus her website is so much fun!

- This week I am reading, Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer, and listening to, "Coin Laundry" by Lisa Mitchell.
- My Facebook Page has been updated check it out! 

Highlights from the Week: 

- Painting an antique dresser with my Mom

- Seeing my photo in a magazine
- Having lunch in the city with an awesome friend!

Looking Forward To: 
- March - Spring is soon here! 
- More photo shoots!


I hope everyone has a great March!

New Section on the Blog!! "Week in Review"

 

Hello everyone! 

This is an introduction to a new section that will be appearing on my blog every Friday called "Week in Review."

To celebrate the 1st birthday of "Rachelle Hodgins Photography," I have decided to create a special section in my blog. I hope this section will help you to get to know me better and be a lot of fun as well. 

This section will be a great way for me to share some photo related things as well as some personal things in a casual/fun way. I hope it can be of some interest to other photographers as well.

Please feel free to comment and let me know what you think and what you might like to see featured here! I love feedback!

So here it is! My first "Week in Review" post! 

 

Some iPhone photos from the Equine Expo

Top left - trainers challenge, 

Top right - Sanguine Clydesdales, 

Bottom left - Vet demo, 

Bottom right - Stormy with his new N.A.G bag from the trade show.

Links I'm Loving:

- The very addictive, Pinterest. You can follow me here.

- This vintage inspired shoot by Elizabeth Messina

- Katie Quinn Davies' awesome food photography.

- If you need a laugh, check out this fishing bloopers video! 

- This week I am drinking Cold 911 to ward off all the cold/flu going around.

- These little treats are SO tasty and easy to make!

Highlights from the Week:  

- Spending the entire weekend at the first annual Equine Expo in Saskatoon!

- Learning a lot at my Uncle's horse training clinic in Lacadena

- Spending time at the farm 

- Celebrating the 1st Birthday of "Rachelle Hodgins Photography"

Looking Forward To: 

- My photo shoot this weekend! 

- Watching the Oscars on Sunday.

Goodbye 2011! Hello 2012!

I feel so blessed, happy and hopeful! 2011 was such a great year.
I officially launched my photography business in February and I am so overwhelmed by all the support and by everything I have learned and accomplished so far.

I am currently coming up with a list of new goals for myself and my business for 2012. I am really looking forward to everything 2012 will bring.

Make sure to check the blog/facebook/website for new and exciting updates! One of my goals is to blog more often and to become more connected with the photography community and with my clients so I am looking forward to hearing from you! Comments and questions are always welcome!

www.rachellehodginsphotography.
rachelle.d.hodgins@gmail.com

To celebrate the end of 2011 and to ring in 2012 here is a video of some of my favorite shots from my first year! I hope you enjoy it and I hope you all have an awesome 2012.
The song credit is: Feel So Close by Calvin Harris and can be purchased at the iTunes Store.

Introducing: Alphabet Photos!

 

Rachelle Hodgins Photography is now offering alphabet photos and custom prints for sale! 

They can be purchased separately as 4x6 prints or can be made into a custom print. I will also take requests for custom letters if there is something specific you want. 

An example of a custom print:

 

Prices: 

Single Letters (4x6 only)    

$5 each

Word on a custom print:     

8x10        $30          Framed $60

11x14      $40          Framed $80

12x18      $50          Framed $100

** A quote or saying of your choice can be added upon request.

Contact me for more info or to place an order at: 

rachelle.d.hodgins@gmail.com

or 

375-7930

Fall Family Photo Special!

 

Take advantage of the good weather and book your Fall Family Photo Shoot today!!

Great for getting your Christmas card pictures done! 

No mileage charge if in Kyle or Biggar area. 

Contact me at: 

306-375-7930 or rachelle.d.hodgins@gmail.com

Summer Mini Sessions!

 

Hey everyone! I am putting on a summer mini session deal for the months of July and August (details can be seen above). I will also have a booth set up tomorrow, July 13, at the Clearwater Lake Hall garage sale from about 11:00am - 2:00pm. Come check it out! 

Hope everyone is enjoying summer!

Summer Props and Pins!

IT'S SUMMER!!

Over the Spring I have been busy gathering props and finding new ideas for displaying pictures. I have collected a number of old suitcases and picture frames which I have been having fun altering and experimenting with. I have also been searching Pinterest (an addiction of mine) for DIY projects for displaying pictures. One of the ideas I found was creating your own magnetic pins using: paper, magnets and wooden clothespins. I have spent the last couple evenings making these pins and I am loving how colourful and "summery" they turned out!

I hope everyone is enjoying the warm weather!!

First Blog Post!

Well here it is! My first blog and my first blog post. Bear with me as I work out the kinks.

It seems that blogs have become an increasingly important part of many photography businesses that showcase their work online so, I thought I would jump aboard and take advantage of this opportunity, too. This is where you will find my most recent work (and sometimes something else.) I am so excited to share my work and my business with all of you and I am hoping you will get to learn a little bit about me and about my photography style as well! 

Here it goes:

Valentines Day 2011. What can I say.... I am definitely spoiled. At Christmas I got an awesome macro lens and this Valentine's day I really got to test it out. I am still getting the hang of it but am becoming addicted as you will probably see in more posts to come. 

"That I love you like all little children love pennies
And I love you ‘cause I know that I can’t do anything wrong
You’re where I belong
Like red on a rose"

 -Alan Jackson "Like Red on a Rose"