Melinda and Ben E-session Slideshow.

Melinda and Ben's engagement slideshow. 



The song set to the slideshow is falling in love at a coffee shop by Landon Pigg.  I thought it fit the atmosphere of the photos being in Athens really well.

Probably one of the most random things I've ever done, but I was also a booth girl selling tee-shirts and CDs at Landon Pigg and Among the Oak and Ash last friday.  A fine frenzy is also on tour with them for the next few weeks if you wanna catch them.  They were all very sweet people and fun to hang out.



Wow.  I look so happy here.  Secret's out.  And I thought I was too old to have crushes.  lol  And check out that scarf that someone made him with his name on it.  Gosh, I want groupies!

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Just wanted to give a special shout-out to a special dad who's birthday is today!

All the years of such sacrificial love... The way you live your life everyday inspires me to love God and love others.  Could not have asked for a better dad. :)





These photos were taken last week from celebrating his birthday.  Yes, he's a very happy dad as you can see from photo one.  It wasn't that anyone was saying anything funny, but being the father of a photographer, he can pretty much make any expression on cue.  I love it... And love you, dad! :)

Cake and card were courtesy of another special person.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!  Hopefully, we won't get rained in all weekend long.  I have two engagement shoots scheduled for this weekend, and I'm really hoping the weather will be kind so I won't have to reschedule.  Looks like the votes are in, and number 1 wins for the Great Gatsby photo.  Stay tuned for Vanessa and Mark's engagement slideshow Monday.

Befores and Afters.

I received a client inquiry earlier this week asking what the difference is between source files and artistically retouched images.  After responding to her email, I wanted to share a little bit about what goes on behind the scenes when I'm not shooting.  I would say 98% of the images that are posted on my website or blog have all been retouched to some extent.

I never consider source files straight out of the camera finished work.  After the shoot, I spend in-studio time on each individual image to tweak and enhance the colors and character in them.  When I'm in one of my pickier moods, sometimes it can even take up to a few hours on one photo to get the exact result I had envisioned.  Isn't that insane?!  Good Lawd, I need some helpers.

Some photographers are beginning to go in the route of outsourcing the post-processing part of their job.  Maybe one day that will be an option for me, because I absolutely love shooting way more than editing.  Right now I like having a lot more control over the entire process, beginning with shooting all the way to the end product.

Take a look!



Above is a set of images in various lighting situations (1. indoor, 2. sunset, 3. outdoor on cloudy day, 4. indoor reception lighting). :)  The photos on the left are still technically sound, but even though it's necessary to understand lighting to optimize each photo in-camera, post-production/digital retouching is necessary to give the photos the estherjulee signature look and feel.  ;)

We may start considering offering "shoot and burn" packages that consists of just photo coverage throughout the day with DVD of set number of source file images for folks who are not looking for artistic photos but just want the day documented.  It may be a good alternative for brides on a budget, but will it bring the overall quality of our photography go down?  Something to think about.

Are the prices of some wedding photographers too good to be true?  Here's an interesting article that talks about shoot and burn weddings.  Thoughts?

A weekend getaway to... the boonies?!

It was just four of us having a weekend getaway to the boonies of Georgia.  Who knew this place existed in Dahlonega?!  It was a little piece of heaven for me, since I missed Cali so much.







Here's Sadee who joined us for brunch at the winery.



Now a glimpse of our cabin that we stayed at.  Wow.  It looks like a fancy dinner.  It's the wine that really makes the photo.  haha We bought marinated beef and chicken from H-mart.  They were life savers and oh-so-yummy.



And notice something in the back?  It's a hot tub.  Yes, a hot tub... smack dab in the middle of the living room!!!  This meant we ditched the afternoon hike and spent nearly 6 hours straight in the tub, chatting, playing games, and watching tv.  Can life get any better?  hahah

I'm sad that I didn't get to travel much this month.  I usually like to take at least one week and go somewhere outside of the A.  Even though it was only maybe half an hour from home and practically our backyard, it was definitely a nice getaway.  If you're itching to travel like me, but can't take extended vacations because you work, I would recommend a day trip out to Dahlonega. :)

The Kwons Lifestyle Session.

Meet the Kwons! Last Friday, I had the great pleasure of shooting a lifestyle session with the Kwons to mark little Teddy's 100th day (Baek-il). In Korean culture, it's quite a big deal to celebrate the 100th day (even 100th day in dating). Here are just a few photos from the session.



So adorable! He's the same size as his dolls.. or even smaller! ;)



Already a brave's fan at such a young age.



New sheriff in town. We went through several wardrobe changes, but he was a good sport about it.





Time for a little stroll in the park.