Feeling the Heat!

So this past week was by far our first HOT taste of the 2011 Wedding Season. Between Wedding Consultations, engagement sessions, bridals, (along with our other photo sessions)--- it was quite a week!  Friday finally rolled in with some beautiful weather, and we rocked out with Amanda & Kenneth's Engagement session! Kenneth was a trip with his non-stop smile, and Amanda's laugh would get him every time! ... and not to mention the dress I absolutely LOVED! I am deeming that a true Swamp Fox Dress!! I loved it Amanda!

After an awesome shoot Friday-- both me and Ola were pumped up for our Saturday shoot with Brooks & Brandon. We did our first mini engagement shoot with them out at the fair.. and let me tell you that was a TOUGH shoot! Having all of those people stare at you while you are trying to get those emotion filled shots was a little awkward--- but once we got them out in their element (Yes Miss Brooks is a true Lincoln County Southern Belle!) .. those smiles came shinning through. Brandon totally rocked it out (even in a pink shirt!!) for his beautiful bride to be Brooks! That song You Can Have Whatever You Like, was definitely running through my head with this shoot, because Brandon does whatever it takes to make his girl happy!

                        

Both of these couples were a blast to shoot, and it's shoots like this that make my job something I want to wake up to everyday! My intern Ola has totally found her voice in lighting and just might find herself with a spot on the Swamp Fox Photography payroll before long! Everything is falling in place here at Swamp Fox Photography! It is totally a dream come true ((even when I am stuck in the office working!))

The love that I see in ALL of my 2011 couples this year really hits home with me. There are times when you question that "fairy tale," and whether or not it really exists---- but let me tell you----- ALL of my couples thus far have some of the strongest flames, and I don't think they will ever go out. Congrats to all of my 2011 Brides & Grooms! I cannot wait to watch those sparks fly when y'all say I do! 

Baby Jake!

Here's a few sneak peaks of Mr. Jake two weeks after his arrival! He was a little excited when I got there.....and refused to nap for a little bit, but his Mommy knew just what to do--- Once she rocked him a little and kept talking to him ever so softly, Jake drifted off to sleep and allowed us to get these angelic images of him.  He is truly a blessing! Congrats Ashley & Eric!!

Makeup Tips for Bride's to be!!!

Since we are doing a wedding challenge with a first place prize of  $100.00 SEPHORA Gift Card,  we wanted to share some makeup tips we have found!

Excerpt from: March 2010 Professional Photographer Magazine, “Glamourpuss – Bridal tips for a picture-perfect face” by Lorna Gentry
1. BLEND, BLEND, BLEND. You can use your everyday makeup, but use more than you normally use every day. Many makeup professionals use airbrush makeup, the method of choice for high-definition TV, because it’s lightweight, waterproof and gives flawless coverage.
2. SOMETIMES LESS IS MORE. Use less makeup for a day wedding and more for evenings. You can get dramatic with eye makeup.
3. DON’T SKIMP ON CONCEALER. Use a moisturized concealer on the thin, sensitive skin under the eyes. If your concealer isn’t moisturizing, blend it with a skin cream. For blemishes, first treat them with a natural or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory, then cover with concealer.
4. DO A MAKEUP TRIAL RUN. It’s the only sure-fire, stress-free way to make certain your makeup will look beautiful.
*I would also add that my trial gave Cindy a chance to work with me and my skin and get an idea of what I liked. I have to admit – my trial experience was only OK – because it was the first we’d ever worked together – but the final results on my wedding day was MORE THAN SPECTACULAR!*
5. NOT ALL MINERAL MAKEUP IS CREATED EQUAL. Titanium dioxide, a chemical used as sun block, can reflect flash, giving the bride a ghostly appearance. In 2009 makeup artist Annie May launched a line of mineral makeup especially formulated for photography called Advanced Mineral Makeup. May promises it won’t white-out the bride under a flash.
6. USE WATERPROOF MAKEUP WITH STAYING POWER. You don’t want to spend your reception in the bathroom reapplying your makeup. Foundation, eyeliner and mascara all should be waterproof. And in case you cry (and you probably will), have a tissue or handkerchief handy to gently blot your tears right at the eye.
7. KEEP YOUR LIPS MOISTURIZED AND COLORED. Dry lips look dreadful in photos. Have someone carry your lipstick for you and touch up often. Matte and gloss lip-stick both photograph well, and be sure to use blended lip liner for enhanced definition.
8. DON’T FORGET THE GROOM. If the groom is red faced due to too much sun (or drinking), a little powder can help. That goes for shiny heads, too. And it’s a good idea to slip a tube of Chapstick in the grooms’s pocket for his dry lips, as well as a handkerchief to dab well-wisher’ makeup smudges off his suit.
9. DON’T SPRINKLE ON GLITTER. In photographs, it tends to look like little white spots, as if there’s something wrong with the camera.
10. REMEMBER to apply foundation and powder to your neck, shoulders and décolletage — you want your head to look like it belongs to your body!
Lornal Gentry is a freelance writer in Atlanta

Bridal Beauty: Eye Dos and Don'ts

Big, sparkling eyes always get attention. Want to get yours picture perfect on your wedding day? Follow our list of eye dos and don'ts:

DO

• Think seriously about hiring a makeup artist; everyday makeup is different from your wedding day needs.
• Take time to try a few different makeup artists and choose one who understands your personal tastes.
• Use eye drops if your eyes look red or tired on the day of (but stick with a brand you've used before to avoid unwelcome surprises).
• Get as much sleep as possible the night before the big day.
• Apply concealer to banish dark circles under your eyes.
• Use matte eye shadows (they won't reflect light or look too shiny).
• Use an off-white matte shadow along your brow bone if you have light skin, or peach if you have dark skin, to illuminate your eyes even more.
• Blend well, especially at the corners of your eyes, since cameras pick up visible makeup lines.
• Define your brows with a pencil or powder that matches your hair color.
• Wear at least two layers of mascara.
• Use an eyelash curler before and after applying your first coat of mascara.
• Prevent makeup meltdowns by using a smudge-proof or waterproof mascara. (If you really don't like its look or feel, use one coat of regular mascara overlaid with a light coat of waterproof mascara.)
• Buy a new mascara for your wedding day, but test it a few days before the wedding if it's a new brand.

DON'T

• Wear too much eye makeup: You'll look like a drag queen.
• Change your eye color with colored lenses (unless you always wear them).
• Try to be too trendy (that glitzy silver shadow may look silly ten years from now).
• Use an under-eye concealer that's too light for your skin tone (you'll look like a deer caught in headlights).
• Experiment with eye products you haven't tried before.
• Wear dark shadows like charcoal or dark brown (you'll look like you've been punched).
• Wear frosted, shiny, sparkly shadow (It creases easily and will reflect camera flashes).
• Forget about your eyebrows.
• Tweeze your brows at the last minute on your wedding morning.
• Wear false eyelashes if they're not 100% comfortable and you're not 200% confident they won't fall off.

Two final tips: DO have a fabulous wedding. DON'T forget how gorgeous you are.

-- The Knot

Read more: Bridal Beauty: Eye Dos and Don'ts - Wedding Beauty Tips - Bridal Beauty Secrets - TheKnot.com http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-beauty-tips/bridal-beauty-secrets/articles/bridal-beauty-eye-dos-and-don-ts.aspx#ixzz1EoISUQly

Wedding Challenge #1

So as we are getting ready for wedding season, we are wanting to have a little fun with our Brides & Grooms--- and we decided we want to do our first Wedding Challenge of the year! 

Who can play?
Any wedding clients from 2010, 2011, & 2012

Here's What you do:
If you are interested in playing, please message me on facebook or email me at swampfoxphotography@comcas t.net

We will be posting one of your engagement photos (if we haven't taken one yet, please email me a non-professional picture of you and your "sweet thang") The faster we get the ok to put you in our album the faster you can start working!

Now here comes the challenge-- you need to get at least 100 people to "like" our page and "like" your image! You can post it to your status-- share your picture on your page-- post the link-- tag yourself in the photo--- whatever it takes!!!!

The stakes are high because the prize.. well, it's AMAZING!
So.. how about a $100.00 gift card to SEPHORA, one of Katie Harris' (owner of Swamp Fox Photography) favorite makeup store!


Remember, they have to like the fan page, and LIKE your image, not comment on it (unless the want to do that too!) The FIRST person to get 100 likes on their image will get the gift card!

Contest ends March 5th 2011. If no one reaches 100 "likes" by then, we will keep the Sephora gift card and combine it with the next wedding challenge! GOOD LUCK!

If you have any questions, feel free to
call Katie 706.726.0788
email Katie swampfoxphotography@comcas t.net
facebook Katie
drive to her house and bang on her door *wink*
JUST GET IN TOUCH WITH HER!!!!!!

A Sunday Surprise

This past Sunday's paper had a little surprise in it for us! TWO out of 5 couples in the engagement announcement section were Swamp Fox Photography couples! Yes, as I am sure you could image me jumping around and going crazy--- which I totally deny (with my fingers crossed behind my back *wink*) !

So I want to take this time to tell Michelle & William and Brooks & Brandon congrats again! I personally have had a blast getting to know you and helping out with the details of the big day, and I am stoked to have all four of y'all to work with!

... and I must say... you two ladies were the most beautiful ones in the paper!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

xoxoxoxo 

--Swamp Fox 

Chelsea & Dustin: November 2010

Thanks to our amazing office staff, our Fall 2010 Signature wedding has been selected!

Watching this video brings back memories that everyone here at Swamp Fox Photography felt as we got to know this couple. Chelsea & Dustin are surrounded by amazing friends and family! It was the opportunity to capture their special day that really touched my heart.

The day started out with laughter, especially when Dustin and his trusty groomsmen arrived. We got some of the best candid shots you could ever imagine with this bunch of crazy guys!

No daughter could ever imagine walking down the isle without their father-- that is an important role in a wedding that cannot be replaced. After hearing about the loss of Chelsea's father-- honestly-- I don't even know how to put into words what I felt.

While we were taking some detail snapshots before the ceremony, I noticed a basket holding what I thought to be basic programs. I picked one up and started flipping through the pages. I stopped when I came to the page dedicated to her father's memory.

To Honor Chelsea's father's memory her bouquet is adorned with a photo locket of her father and she will place a rose in the chair beside her mother. 

Lord please clear a spot for him:

He should have the perfect view.

His little girl's a bride today, 

and I am counting on you.

Let me feel his presence; 

as I journey down the isle.

But let me notice his absence;

If only for a while.  

Let me stop to think of him;

as I am given away.

and know that if he could; 

he would be here with me today.

Dear Lord please clear a spot for him;

he should have the perfect view. 

And if he should get sad today;

Dear Lord I count on you. 

After reading this, I realized that even though the Big Man Upstairs works in ways in which I will never truly understand, he always leaves behind blessings--- and after getting to know Chelsea's Mom and siblings and Dustin's family, I knew that Chelsea has been blessed with the most loving family one could ever hope for. 

Dustin and Chelsea danced the night away after a fairytale ceremony, feasted with all who came, and made memories that were spectacular to be able witness from behind my camera. To end the magical night, the two ran through a path created by sparklers until the reached their chariot:  a HUGE white limo with neon lights from every angle-- A ride simply perfect for Chelsea and Dustin! 

Congrats to both of you!

xoxo 

Katie 

Wait--- me-- in front of a camera?????????

Yes.. it finally happened: I came out from behind the camera for a photo shoot with Hound Puppy (Matt, my wonderful boyfriend of 4 years).

When I arrived home from San Antonio, TX from the photography convention, I realized not only did I bring back some amazing new knowledge about photography, but I also brought back the flu! And... given that Hound Puppy picked me up from the airport... he got it too. So we spent about a week cooped up in my house barely moving -- and for you who know me... THIS NEVER HAPPENS! I can never just sit still.. it's against all laws of physics for Swamp Fox to sit still.


So anyway, after about day 6 of being stuck on the couch, Hound Pup came up with the idea to go take a picture of my beautiful babies:

Dixie

General Lee

Little did I know, Hound Pup's real motive came out: "Hey babe, let's get a few pictures of us! We haven't taken any in almost 4 years..." Apparently, cabin fever has reached an all time high for me at this point because I agreed to this madness!