Sneaks of the Week {Foto Fridays}

posted in Foto Fridays, Then Comes M-A-R-R-I-A-G-E

Friday February 24, 2012

I had a conversation with a friend of mine recently who asked me when and if I actually sleep.  Ha, ha.  Of course I do sleep, somewhat of a Vampiric (yes, I made this word up – don’t try to use it on Words with Friends) schedule but I’m a big fan of sleep.  I asked why and the response was that she knows how much we have going on over here at Cindy Guessford Studios with the addition of cinema and existing workshops, projects etc…  It is a busy schedule and there are many irons in the fire and more news to come in the very near future!  Sometimes, however,  things fall to the wayside and blogging new work unfortunately has been one of those crack seeking tasks that often slips through.  I can’t even lie and say that I would be a better blogger.  Especially knowing that we have 5 different sites to update.  What I can say is that we are in our final stages of studio restructuring and with the restructure I am in the process of freeing myself up to do the things I love most.  Which are, shooting, filming, blogging and corresponding on a one to one basis with our many devoted clients.

I’m so excited to share work from 2011 that I feel really illustrates the vibe of my studio.  I’m even more excited to post sneaks from this year which for us, Wedding Season began 3 weeks ago and is in full swing.

So far this month we have had, rain, snow, heavy winds and spring like days all within a few weeks.  CRAY-CRAY-CRAYZINESS I say!  Bring it on =)  I personally love the adrenalin that courses through me when I have to work against odds stacked against us to create an image that is either meaningful, artistic or cool.

The image above was shot during the snow fall that we had a few weeks ago.  Glancing out the window during the reception I noticed these beautiful white flakes cascading towards the street.  The wind was blowing hard enough to send the flakes spiraling towards the dark asphalt.  I got excited and used my ninja skills to hone in on Sarah and Michael’s location within the room.  Sarah must’ve had a sixth sense because as I approached them I could hardly get the words out.  I think the conversation went something like this:

Cindy: “OMG it’s snowing outside, do you want to…”

Sarah: “Yes!”

Cindy: “Sweet, lets roll.”

It really is that easy.  Actually I should say, it’s that easy when your vision is so completely supported that I don’t even need to finish my sentence before the answer is a solid YES.  Yup, that’s my new favorite word.  So here’s our script for this year….

Cindy: Do you want to go make some cool……. images

You: Yes!

Cindy: I know it’s cold but….

You: Yes!

Cindy:I know it’s hot but….

You: Yes!

Cindy: Yes, the bridesmaids shoes are sinking in the grass, let’s go further into the grass…

You: Yes!

See, it really works in all kinds of situations.  Yes + You + Us = Happy In the end.  You see, when the dust settles and you have nothing left to remember the moments except your memories, the images and the film then these stolen seconds weigh more than having hour long blocks of time.

It doesn’t interest me to block off hours of your day and dedicate those hours to photo time.  What does interest me is shooting when the situation and timing is appropriate to capture, document or create the kinds of images that keep us all happy =)

On a side note.  THANK YOU SARAH &MICHAEL!!!!!  Thank you sooooooooo much for simply being wonderful and for selecting such a perfect bridal party.  Having the right people standing by your side, without agendas and there for the sole purpose of loving and supporting you is key.  Sometimes we end up , do I even say it, “babysitting” bridal parties.  You know, the ones where everyone knows better than you and they become the center of attention by displaying unnecessary resistance, disappearing, creating havoc on time lines that are already compressed, inappropriate behavior, etc….  Well, that just doesn’t play well.

Your friends, family and Bridal Party could not have been any more helpful than they were and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for yours and their efforts.  THANK YOU also for the beautiful words on your  Thank you card that we received today as well as your generosity!  To know that our efforts are noticed by you is like putting premium gasoline in my engine!  A full blog post is yet to come showcasing the beauty of your day.  For now – Here is our Foto Friday Sneak =)

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Our Cinema Launch Promo film!

posted in B-A-B-Y, Beholden, Beloved, Engagement, First Comes L-O-V-E, Lifestyle Portraits, Maternity, Personal, Then Comes M-A-R-R-I-A-G-E

Sunday January 29, 2012

What’s our style, point of view, inspiration for photography or cinema????  It’s easy, “We shoot what we love and we do it with emotion + Art.”  I’m not interested in making images or films that depict otherwise.  Don’t imaging having your life documented based on the things you want to remember, think in terms of the things you NEVER want to forget =)  Watch the promo……… Now =)

Be{love}d Cinema a Division of Cindy Guessford Studios from Cindy Guessford on Vimeo.

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We are expanding!!!!

posted in B-A-B-Y, Beholden, Beloved, Engagement, First Comes L-O-V-E, Lifestyle Portraits, Maternity, Uncategorized

Tuesday January 3, 2012

Yup, It’s true I say!  I’ve been hinting around about the changes around the studio for several months now and at some point I will write a blog post about the many things, people and circumstance that have made 2011 such a tumultuous yet outstanding year both personally and professionally but for now I’m super stoked to announce that here at Cindy Guessford Studios we are officially launching our Beloved Cinema Division.  We have been quietly shooting all year both stills and video and have made some beautiful pieces that absolutely document and preserve the memories of you and the ones you love.  We have also launched our Beloved Experience which will be the only type of portrait session that we offer moving forward.  What this means for us is that we are embracing our creativity and not limiting it to a specific medium.  My studio will be a full service hybrid photo/cinema studio.  We offer photo and cinema coverage for The Beloved Experience as well as Weddings.  To learn more visit www.theBelovedExperience.com or just contact me.  I would love to chat about future projects and commissions.

I’ve also had to re-evaluate my business model and will no longer be accepting as a studio multiple bookings.  In the past 8+ years, the studio has employed several photographers, editors, designers, filmakers etc… We have shot multiple events per date.  The new model will require that each person employed here at CG Studios to be cross trained in every aspect of studio operations as well as both still and cinema shooting.  We will only be accepting 40 weddings/events per year.  This will allow me to focus on the things I love (shooting, planning, pleasing my clients) and for the rest of the team to be fully present and available under my direction to do the same.  The 2012 Wedding season is nearly booked to capacity and 2013 is shaping up to be one of our quickest and earliest years of bookings to date. phewwwwww! such an exciting time to embrace technology =))))

Now on to the hiring bit.  I’m looking to have a few very special candidates join my team.  Specifically photo/cinema shooters.  I can tell you that my expectations are high but I will never ask of you anything that I myself won’t personally do.  Everyone here works together in unison to create not just the type of product we love but also the kind of experience for our clients that means something.  Those who do not posses exceptional client relations skills need not even read any further.  Here is a short list of qualifications that will get you to the top of the list:

Candidates must have:

  • knowledge of available light photography
  • ability to utilize flash, strobe, led lights, wireless triggers
  • pro level gear ( i don’t so much care if it’s Canon or Nikon – just get it right in camera and in focus)
  • working knowledge of at least 2 of these  -Lightroom, Photoshop, Premiere, Final cut (insert any video or audio editing software) Excel, Wordpress, HTML
  • full knowledge of color theory and the color wheel
  • no ego – we are all important parts of the body of work and collections presented to clients

Here’s the catch, if you have all of the qualifications listed below then I may let that trump missing some of the above qualifications:

  • A great disposition, positive outlook
  • the ability to leave your problems at the door and get the job done
  • a thick skin and a cool head
  • a passion for film, digital stills or cinema
  • excitement, creativity, a point of view
  • excitement, creativity, a point of view
  • excitement, creativity, a point of view
  • excitement, creativity, a point of view – yes – wildly important
  • timeliness ( lateness is not tolerated ever – it brings the angry out in me – you don’t want to see me when I’m angry ;-)
  • a willingness to learn, grow, create, prosper
  • last but not least – the desire to be fearless in how you pursue the moment, the image, the scene, the shot, the task and most importantly  fulfilling the needs of our clients.

SO that’s the skinny! If you feel that you are the next addition to my team or know someone who is please send a resume and a letter of Why I should hire you to Cindy@theBelovedExperience.com

extra points awarded to those who have an affection for home brewing and/or are a great cook.  Okay, not really but we do like to have a cool, laid back work environment providing all of the work gets done.  Just sayin!

Resumes will be accepted until January 20th.  Interviews will be conducted on Saturday January 21st & Monday January 23rd.  I’m looking forward to hearing from you.

PS! I have the uncanny ability to find the diamond in the rough and I appreciate heart more than credentials but you must have photo/video skill sets.

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Mark + Jen {beloved}

posted in Beloved, Lifestyle Portraits

Thursday December 8, 2011

Jen is truly an example of how resilient the human heart & body can be and how a positive attitude can effect  your life in so many ways.   When we first met, she was taking a chance on me as I was just delving into my portrait business.  That’s the kind of person that Jen is.  The kind that see’s the potential in someone, the kind of person that looks on the bright side, the kind of person that you want on your side and you will undoubtedly be on hers.  To see more of this blog post hop on over to: The Beloved Experience =)

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Patty + Mike {wedding}

posted in Then Comes M-A-R-R-I-A-G-E

Wednesday December 7, 2011

ahhhh man, I love style, sass, emotion, fun…. The list goes on and on and on.  Spending time with Patty and Mike on their wedding day was so easy peasy.  It was effortless to document their day since they gave so much of themselves through their smiles, laughter and tears.  What an emotional walk down the aisle!  Mike, you got me!  Maybe I’m super early pre-menopausal but I can’t seem to keep the tears back these days.  Especially when you see such a strong and wonderful man shed a few tears because he is so happy to marry the woman who is walking towards him.  Today was all about celebrating family, friends and love.  Yup, let’s add to that Patty and her ability to look gorgeous in any light.  She can pull off  the sexy, the lovely, the sassy, the beautiful – no problemo.  When we get the luxury of having days like this where every thing we ask of results in the answer yes, well you bet it’s easy.  Thank you so much to Patty, Mike and all of your family for doing just that!  Saying yes!

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Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad

posted in Personal

Monday December 5, 2011

Over 4 decades ago a handsome young Air Force soldier met, fell in love with and married a beautiful Taiwanese young woman.  Their playground was the streets of Taipei and Taichung and all parts in between.  listening to the stories of how my father would whisk my mom around town in his flashy little sports car and no matter where they were treated like royalty.  Entrance into all the crowded nightclubs, prime tables at any restaurant they wanted and so much more.  You see, at that moment in their lives, the movie Dr Zhivago had been playing and the people at these clubs, restaurants and even in the streets thought that my dad was OMAR SHARIF!!!  The lead actor in Dr. Zhivago.  Can you imagine that your doppelganger is in the height of his career and well, you can see why the royal treatment =)  Regardless, imagine that you are young, in love and having the time of your lives and able to create and share in these amazing moments.  This is their story… Quite often when I speak of my childhood I know that there may be people in my company that could question the authenticity of my escapades.  Only because I have had the opportunity to live a very colorful life.  Having been born in Taiwan and living their until I was 4 I was privy to many things because of my mother’s family.  I was a little princess in the eyes of my Grandfather and even though he spoke no English, communication was a non issue.  I spoke fluent Taiwanese ( as much as you can expect for a 4 year old) and my Father spoke conversational Taiwanese.  I am told that despite the language barrier between my Father and Grandfather they would talk for hours.  People around them thought they were crazy that they could not only understand each other but could carry on highly emphatic conversations filled with laughter and debate.  Before my Dad’s tour in Taiwan was over my Grandfather had a conversation with him that still holds so much weight.  My Grandfather made my Dad promise that he would love, provide for and honor my mother for always, no matter what!  Shortly after, we moved to Michigan.  This would be the first move in my life of many.  Growing up in a military family is very similar to being a gypsy.  Always moving.  A new place.  New people.  Never having roots but the experiences, ohhhhhh the experiences.  These experiences are a whole other blog post reserved for another time.  My mother chose my father and he chose her.  Then in the early 70’s, together they left Taiwan with me and my  brother.  Leaving everything she knew and her family, my mother made a new life with her growing family.  Through the years I have learned a lot from their relationship.  First, nothing is ever perfect.  There were tough times and there were celebrations.  Resilience as you grow older together and change is so important in sustaining a relationship.  If you want longevity then you must know that love is work.  You work at it every day.  You work hard if you want to keep it.  You don’t judge.  You support.  You stand by each other and like my father has repeated to me on more that a dozen occasions, you love each other NO MATTER WHAT.  No matter if you age, gain weight, lose weight, have poor fashion sense, bad eating habits, new hobbies, new friends, old friends, pressures with life, jobs, kids etc….  Life, much like love is what you make of it, what you put into it and the insight you gain from these experiences mold you and those around you.  So today on your anniversary, I wish you both many more decades of ups and downs and all the things that kept you together all of these years!  I love you both so very much I hope you are doing something today that helps you to remember the “why”.  Why you fell in love, why you married, why you raised three beautiful, amazingly talented, super smart, kids (it’s my blog, I can brag if I want to, hee hee)  Happy, Happy, Happy Anniversary !!!!!!

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A Delaware Beach Wedding {Jenn + Ryan}

posted in Then Comes M-A-R-R-I-A-G-E

Sunday December 4, 2011

What do you get when you rent a mansion on the beach and add an MTV DJ, a beautiful son helping his parents get ready, a groom clapping when he sees his bride walking down the aisle, a sexy shower gnite shot and a runaway Wedding Planner?  Jenn & Ryan’s freakin rockin wedding that’s what!  More about the MIA planner later.

Despite arriving to find that the Planner was a no show, we did like we do.  We rolled up our sleeves and jumped in to help where we could for one very important reason, to create a space for Jenn, Ryan and their families to enjoy in the day and to not worry about the things that needed to be done.  We did just that and I can hold my head high knowing that today we did more than just document and create.  We facilitated, we organized and we rallied!  As a  result of our hard work we were able  to be present and available to capture these beautiful moments for such a deserving, fun and loving couple.  Ryan’s reaction to seeing Jenn walk down the aisle is one of my all time favorites.  He was so excited for this moment that he started clapping with enthusiasm.  So adorable!  This brought tears to Jenn’s eyes. I of course smiled while clicking as the scene unfolded.  Just one of many moments that are embedded into my memories of their day that bring a smile to my face when reflecting.

So on to our runaway planner.  It makes me so mad that anyone would contract for a job and blatantly blow it off.  For real?  This is someones wedding day.  There is no do-over.  Unfortunately I’ve seen a surge of people who suddenly decide that they are a planner or a photographer or a fill in the blank because their mom told them they were so amazing at it.  Listen people!  Stop taking and potentially stealing moments from people who place their trust in you!  Get some training, put in the work, practice your professionalism and maybe then think about assisting or interning with someone in the industry to gain experience.  Don’t practice on actual clients…  I had a chat today with my friend Christina Hill of cHill weddings

We were discussing what a planner’s role should be and why it’s so important to hire someone that is accredited, has a reputation of proven success as well as documented positive reviews online.  Here are a few key reasons that Christina says hiring a real planner is important:

  • you, your family and friends can be present and enjoy in the moments of the day
  • a Planner will make sure that everything from the timing to the vendors are smooth sailing
  • Crisis and Wedding day emergencies are dealt with without interfering with your enjoyment of the day
  • your Planner  is a neutral party and can be a great go between for you.  They can buffer situations arising with family, guests and vendors
  • your Planner is on Your Side!  They will fight hard for your vision and bringing things to fruition is their absolute pleasure
  • They are a Professional, they will show up, they will make your life easier

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Siobhan + Jason {beloved}

posted in Beloved, Engagement

Sunday December 4, 2011

I remember so specifically the day that Siobhan & Jason walked into my studio for the very first time. Lilli happened to be hanging out with me because she was on 24 hour watch. The poor little puppy had a throat injury and had her teeny tiny neck was all wrapped up. Normally I don’t take her to work because she is a distraction to anyone near her. Her cuteness assaults you like a strong wind whipping your hair around and her cuddle factor makes it nearly impossible to get any work done. Since she was on 24 hour watch to make sure she did not try to take the bandage off or further injure herself she was with me that day. It took Lilli about 1 1/1000th of a nano- second to squirm out of my arms and into Jason’s once they had a seat in my consult area. It took about the same amount of time for her to wedge herself comfortably between Siobhan and Jason, creating a warm little nook for herself with their legs. Lastly her signature head nuzzle against their hands were rewarded with comforting rubs and scratchies. I thought to myself, that little attention seeker, jumping ship!!! Ha. The funny thing is, Lilli is a momma’s girl. She rarely leaves me for long. Sure, she’ll make her rounds but after she says hello she comes back. Lilli must have already known that they were full of kindness, gentleness and love. Yep, she stayed with them for the duration of the consultation, I apologized for her neediness but her snores kinda trumped anything I was saying =) So that was the beginning…

Wann read the rest of the post and see some more images? Well pop on over to www.TheBelovedExperience.com

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the {Beholden} Experience

posted in Beholden, Beloved, Engagement

Monday October 31, 2011

Pop on over to the Beloved Experience site to see what’s new with the studio!  We’ve been busy this year shooting and developing our path.  We have evolved into a full service hybrid studio.  What does that mean to you?  Well, the experience we create will now include all of the emotion and advantages of video.  Inquire via our contact page to learn more.  In the meantime, here is a little taste of one of our new offerings.

This is a sneak peek of Lauren + John’s Session =)  Yes, that’s video and we over here at Cindy Guessford Studios  are L-O-V-I-N-G it!  Our cameras are capable of so much and there is a beauty in the world of motion that really enhances the still frame.  Session images and blog post soon to follow =)

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Angela + Matt {engagement}

posted in First Comes L-O-V-E

Tuesday June 14, 2011

One thing that I truly love about spending time with the many people who we come into contact with is hearing their stories.  You always think that people have no interest in hearing the details of your life because maybe we think that the day to day happenings are just ordinary.  When in reality nothing really is ordinary at all because good, bad, indifferent and all of the in between constitutes what molds us and shapes us and in and of itself those moments can lead to very extraordinary things.  Listening to Angela tell Lori and I the details of going to the shore early on in their relationship and together they purchased a sea shell that had two little fish kissing and the word love above them.  Their relationship was new and so full of promise, they were happy and at that moment marriage wasn’t even in mind, just happy to be in love and looking forward to each day.  Now whenever she looks at the shell it makes her smile and reminds her of that time so long ago when things were just starting.  Matt described the day that he proposed and how he bought a bottle of Dom Perignon to celebrate.  He made a scrapbook for Angela and on the last page of the scrapbook he had placed the engagement ring.  He said that moment when he proposed was one of the best he had experienced in his life and to see the emotion in his eyes as he relayed his feelings just touched my heart.  I’m a sucker for a good love story and theirs truly is…  I’m very excited to have my studio document their day and Lori is even more excited to be shooting such a beautiful couple in love =)

  • Jenna: These pictures are wonderful! I love the way you captured the sparkle in my beautiful baby sister's eyes...best of luck Ang and Matt! (06.15.2011 11:02am)

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