A Las Vegas

Two Springs ago my husband and I decided to go to Vegas. It was his last spring break and we had never been together, so we decided what the heck?
I took lots of pictures on the strip, which wad the last thing I expected. But I was really blown away by how beautiful the extravagance was. Anyways, that was before I had an iPhone and Instagram, and as I was perusing these pictures early this morning, I rediscovered my trip to Vegas. Here are three of my favorite images to enjoy. How vintage!

Mod Rock

A few months ago my work laptop, along with 5 years worth of edited photos, marketing ideas, and organized inspiration, was stolen from me.  I've been working for over a year now to get back some of the copies of work I have done from past clients as well as projects I once started on.  Its like a part of me is missing, as I have no way to reconnect with those finished bodies of work that I can't get my hands on. Today I'm reminiscing my first attempt at creating a high fashion editorial with The Fashion Project. My sister and I collaborated artistic efforts, and we were able to come up with costumes, hair and make up ideas, as well as a mild storyline.

Here is a tribute to the past and all its learning experiences and hopefully a future fashion project.

Happy Sunday,

Caryn

Lilac Mist

I am a fan of change...
Sometimes life becomes just a little too monotonous for me, and I find that I must throw a wrench into its gears to avoid becoming bored to death. While I am the kind of person who would love for said wrench to be something like running off to Paris or the St. James Tearoom, I am resolved to be spontaneous without being pretentious or irresponsible. Therefore I seek escape via the little things like a new color of nail polish, or flipping through the latest issue of Vogue, and especially my favorite, instagram.
Today is my day off, and so I choose all three...

In the Crowd

Auld Lang Syne

Boy has it been a terrible, long time since I have posted on this blog.
As with most people in regards to most things, I was all jazzed up about writing every week on this virtual tablet in its beginning. And inevitably along the way, I had lost myself a little at the same time I lost my gumption and commitment to writing.

I heard one of my favorite authors say in an interview when she was asked how she knew which ideas were worth writing down, that the best ideas and thoughts are the ones that just won't leave you alone. The ones that linger on your mind for days. Even though I haven't been updating CWP regularly, I have definitely been thinking about it, missing it as if it were an old friend of mine and wondering what it has been up to.

Well, here I am old friend, ready to start over and ready for new adventures.  And that is just what i will write about in respect to my photography. I'm not going to let this year's first official update be a snooze filled with what happened over the last two months with my life.  Instead there be well a re-focus onto the next chapter that God is preparing ahead of me.  It's time for photography, fashion, and travel, all direct and profound influences on my work.  And hopefully this year weaves a little bit of every one of them into my story, my style, and my experiences!

Cheers & Pretty Pictures,

Caryn

Beauty

It was once said to me that there is no such thing as natural talent.  That every skill in the arts is something that you can learn with time. While I no longer believe this to be true, I used to. And after years of inner-struggle over this idea, all I now have to say to this is that no one taught my sister how to have a beautiful singing voice, or taught my dad how to be a painter and woodworker...no body taught me how to craft a photograph or taught my mom how to decorate...and certainly no one taught me, my sister and my brother how to draw.  In fact we were born that way...it came to us naturally, those gifts are instinctual....

It used to be that loving art and being creative caused me to have a dilemma in my life.  I always felt that I could draw and take photographs for a reason, that talents don't just happen to people, they are gifts.  However I always discredited myself for being the sensitive type.  Art doesn't make the world a better place, and everyone who says that is just using their talents as an excuse not to work a steady job.   I know that lots of people, whether gifted or not, are stuck in that kind of thinking.  Luckily I have a heavenly Father who made me who I am and has a plan for me to live out my life as a creative being.

Lately I've been learning a lot more about what God wants me to do with my artistic gifts.  How can I use them to better the world? How can I bless those around me? How can I be a better wife for my husband with them?

The answer is simple; be ready.  I never realized how crucial creativity is to the body of Christ.  If you read in Exodus 35, it reveals a most amazing story about God's plan in utilizing the imagination and skills of the artisans to decorate the temple and glorify Him.  They tithed with their gifts!  It paints a beautiful picture and biblically accounts for people who take after the creative side of God.  Exodus 35 states that art is a spirit of knowledge, and God handpicks those who he fills with that spirit.  We have a unique calling, fellow artists.  We help reinforce that nothing happens by chance, and that life was crafted by a skilled visionary.  We help to bring beauty to the world, and no one appreciates it more than He who made beauty.

So carry that with you and remember that God made you special in that way...God gave you such wonderful gifts to give life a golden hue.  No matter how we try to deny it, beauty is an important part of life.  Its those things that take our breath away that impact us the most.
Go forth armed with your bright shining gifts, and be the creator you were meant to be!


Love & Pretty Pictures,
Caryn

Capsule

I need adventure in my life...I always have, and I need it and crave it almost daily.
Contrary to popular belief, I am not a bubbly personality.  In my most natural state I am introverted, soft spoken and pensive, and I'd much rather observe and soak up the environment like a sponge than engage in its conversations (unless of course there's dancing involved).  I think that's why photography is the perfect outlet for me; it allows me to involve myself and say what I feel without muddling up my point of view with words.  Photography lets me travel through time, put a stamp on a moment, and preserve it as a keepsake to look back on and remember the birth of that moment.

I owe an apology to my little blog... it is suffering from my negligence as well as my work schedule.  I made a commitment to write a post once a week... how difficult is that, really?  I was looking back at the last post I made and it was in September!  I can't believe I went the whole month of October without writing anything...oh the shame.  It's already November and Thanksgiving is just around the corner...so I definitely need to get my act together.

So here I am writing a post to show you some of my most recent time capsules.  I was able to do a couple of portrait sessions last month for two different families and one newly engaged couple.   Just wanted to show you a few of my favorites from the family portraits here.  Most of you have probably already seen them on facebook, but they deserve a post as well.

In the next post: Leandra & Matt's Engagement Session!  I'd love some feedback on the photographs... So thanks for reading!

Love & Pretty Pictures,
Caryn

Color, Pattern & Personality

Hello my fellow readers! It's been a while since I've made a new post.  Many good things have been happening and I've been lazy about writing on this blog... But there is no excuse for the latter.

I've been playing around with giving my brand a character... At the risk of sounding artsy-fartsy, I want it to represent the essence of how I feel about my work.  I have always been into antiques, the victorian era, steampunk, and the 1940s, and those influences make up a sphere of inspiration that makes me feel comfortable exploring it.   I really like things old-school, partially because I feel that is how God made me, and also because I learned photography in a darkroom.  I like to take a little of the old and the new, and put them together to make a classic yet modern twist on brand.  I wanted it to be a balance between masculine and feminine.  I feel that most wedding merchants (cakes, venues, magazines, photographers) only cater and market to the bride, when hey let's face it, there's a dude who only gets marketed to by Mr. Tux!  And for me that's just not okay.

Anywho, after doing much research and buying lots of samples, I really feel that my brand identity (patterns, colors, graphics, packaging materials, etc) has blossomed into a youthful prospect.  At least for now, it is a great place to start!  Below are some of my designs combined with the extreme talent of others, and there are links to each of my resources because they were there when I needed them!  They deserve a shout out!  All of the designs below were put together by me, however I had a little help from a few different vendors as far as resources.

My Finished Logo!  I used this graphic when I was just Caryn Winclechter Photography.  And the two became one!

My Coffee Date appointment cards for my clients, this is the back.

The front! Printed by Miller's Professional Imaging

                                              

                                                       Round Logo stickers from MOO.com.  Beautiful! 

Sticker books with my four designs from Moo.com, Digital floral papers from Sassy Designs, Inc.  Oh so classy, right?

If you are in the same boat yourself, building your brand from the ground up, I hope that the links provide you with the same help I found.  Again just to refresh you:

Floral Patterns & Digital : Sassy Designs, Inc.

Camera Graphic: The Graphics Fairy

Stickers & Labels: MOO

Ornate Cards: Miller's Professional Imaging

Many Blessings and thanks for reading!  I highly recommend checking out these vendors and hopefully they will prove both resourceful and inspirational!  

Love & Pretty Pictures,
Caryn

p.s. More to come!  Can't wait to show you some new products I am working on :)

The Thief Comes to Steal.

Indeed it has been a while since I have posted anything on my blog.  Several factors have led up to this factoid, and there are new recent developments underway.  Ahem... here we go:

Towards the end of June, I realized that money was just too tight to start investing in this Photography Business.  After we had paid bills, house payments, car payments and debt payments, there was not more than a few bucks left at the end of every two weeks.  Cody and I were really getting frustrated, and our finances were starting to affect our relationship.  One night that week while lying in bed, the Lord really impressed it upon me, clear as day, that I needed to get a job and fast.  I was filled with so much urgency that I decided to look at some applications online.

The next day I called a few places around Grants (where I live) but my search was unfruitful.  I figured there wouldn't be much available in Grants and that I'd probably have to find a job in albuquerque.  After about an hour of searching online,  one job opening caught my attention, at a well known branch of bank.  I decided to give it a shot, and applied online.  The next day I received a call from said local branch, and they set up an interview for a few days later.  I had my interview, and got the job, hooray!  While I've never enjoyed working 9 to 5, the extra money has been so wonderful.  I was able to start right away.

Training was in Albuquerque for three days.  My husband happened to have those three days off, and so we booked a hotel and stayed up in Albuquerque on a mini work trip.  On the second day of training, Cody picked me up at the end of the day, and he was in a strange mood.  I asked him what the matter was, and he said that our vehicle had been broken into.  The people who did it stole my work laptop, my external hard drive, my kindle, his work laptop, and his iPod.    It was upsetting, because I realized I had to start from scratch.  I had been designing my logo for months, I had about 5 years worth of customers photos, about 5 different software programs that I used for business, and all my backup work as well.

Sucky.  But amazingly enough the Lord gave me such a peace about it.  Granted, the rest of that week that followed was stressful, and Cody and I were both distracted by several other stressful things that were piled on top of us.  And even though I was so mad at the people who could be so selfish to take something that belonged to someone else, I knew that God would make it all okay.  No I did not get anything back that was mine, but I have been given a fresh start, a drive to fight for my dream of becoming a renowned artist, and desire to push forward in the pursuit of my career.  He really is good.  And despite the circumstances, several things that had become stagnate are bright and breezy.  All hope is not lost, and I have been given some perfect building blocks with which I can start over.

Anyways,
That is why there haven't been any recent posts.  But now please expect about one post a week from me!    Currently I am working on several projects, like making online ordering more convenient, brochures, business cards, marketing schemes, and a fabulous launch party for Metal & Lace Wedding Photography that will be coming to you in the very near future!

Love & Pretty Pictures,

Caryn

Meghan & Jeremy: June 4, 2011

Saturday, June 4, 2011, I made my way down to the Tierra Del Sol country club.  It was the day my good friend Meghan and I had dreamed of since we were 10 years old, and it was finally here 14 years later!
I was slightly concerned about the smoke from the fires in Arizona that had made its way down south of Albuquerque.  Unfortunately it threatened the deep orange daylight that would normally linger at around 8:00 pm.
But despite my reservations and ardent prayers, the smoke did not clear.  However God always works in mysterious ways.  Even though the evening was darker than I would have preferred, the evening was dripping with the blessings of God.  And most important of all, Meghan and Jeremy became man and wife.
So anyways, here are a few of my favorite images from that day!

I hope you enjoy!  To see these and more check out  my website, Metal & Lace!

Love,
Caryn

Metal & Lace: a Mark, a Mission, a Brand, a Name!

As I had mentioned before in a previous post, I am in the process of revamping and re-creating my brand, my logo, and even my name.  Also, I felt I needed to narrow my market some; I felt stretched very thin trying to reach out to clients who wanted graduation pictures, family pictures, possible fashion photography, and weddings & engagements.  While I still plan on doing all of said styles of photography, I feel that where I most want to focus my business is the wedding industry.   Simple portraits and fashion photography will be done on the side and out of the spotlight.

Through hours of scrutinizing, praying, dreaming and waiting, the deliberation is finally over.  I would like to introduce to all my readers, on blogger, on facebook, and on twitter, to Metal & Lace Heirloom Wedding Photography!

It is time to dissect this a little, because for some people the name might seem a little random. 

I suppose it may sound off the wall, but it was derived and inspired by years of things I know and love.  Like textures (i.e. metals and delicate lace), vintage texts and style,  ornate features on paper and stationary, beautiful script, subtle hues, or classic black ink in a fountain pen.

I wanted juxtaposition in my name, leaving it up to the interpretation of the person reading it to wonder at it's meaning, to leave a little mystery.  Juxtaposition in my name also reflects the juxtaposition of my photography itself.  I have a style in capturing people that is unique and features something else besides cute and romantic.  I seek out edge, simplicity, and a rawness when crafting an image, as well as elegance, subtlety, and beauty.  It was and is very important to me that my artistic works synchronize with my logo and brand, that they reflect and allude to each other effortlessly.

So tell me readers, do you think I have achieved my goals with creating a brand for myself?  I would absolutely love some feedback and to hear your thoughts!

Love,

New Landing Site by flavors.me

Come one, come all!

CWP has an official (not to mention exquisite) landing site. I call it the front door to my online world.

It is definitely a wonderful tool and central focus for all my different online profiles, makes for easier navigation to all my links, and is customized to fit with this blog, my listography, facebook, twitter, and photography website.

What do you think dear readers? I'm dying to know :)

Caryn Winclechter Photography

Love & Pretty Pictures,

Caryn

Caryn Winclechter (CarynW_Photos) on Twitter

Dearest fellow readers,

I am so happy to report that Caryn Winclechter Photography now has a new and delightful Twitter account! It is there that I will be giving twitter updates on seasonal specials on photo sessions, new projects I'm involved with, and giving a heads up on all the latest events!

Thank you so much for your comments and feedback!

Please be sure to give me a follow, and show some love! Tell your friends and retweet me!

Love,

Edge & Elegance

In my opinion, every person, business, fashion blogger, and artist needs an inspiration board.  It's like a window into the subconscious desires.  At least for me, it helps to display things that I hope to accomplish that I could never put into words.   I have finally taken the time to create on for myself so that I have a visual display of where I want this business to go.

I have to say I am really pleased with what my imagination pulled together for me!  I think God's hand is all over it too, because I believe that He gives people dreams that are worth pondering, analyzing, and toiling to achieve.  And I created this vision board in order to help myself understand what I knew I wanted but could not verbalize.  And now, it is here in front of me, reminding me of what I hope the future holds.

I'm not sure how it comes across to everyone viewing it, but it brings several underlying themes to my mind.  I am so inspired by high fashion editorials, delicate and timeless settings and flowers (like Lily of the Valley), the elegance of a lace gown, and classic romanticism (like an outdoor afternoon tea with genteel flair).  I also love the contrast of having something soft and gentle with something dark and durable, like a leather motorcycle jacket and black & white photograph, smokey eyes and wet brick streets.  For me, it can all be summed up by the words in the title of this post, Edge & Elegance.  

That theme exists in the pages of a Vogue magazine, in the laces of chic combat boots, the gentlemanly flair of a classic slim tuxedo, and the soft neutrals of a regency dress.  Yes, after much prayer and deliberation, my theme has found me!  Praise the God of creativity, finally understanding the style of my work has helped me to decide on a name for my business.  But that reveal is for the next post :)

God Bless,
Caryn

Reinvent Thyself

my photograph of some graphic artwork at a cafe in Moab -3/11/2011  

Starbucks.
Albuquerque Uptown.
Friday, 4:52 pm.

I've been sitting here in this small table by the back door since noon.  Every now and then I find myself pulled into a nearby branch by forces that closely resemble gravity.  Or maybe it's the lure of the Cinnamon Dulce Latte.  Anyways.

A little tangent note before I get to the point: I'm definitely a people watcher.  And this table I'm currently occupying has got to be the hottest spot for exercising such parasitical habits as this one of mine.  I've heard the genre of music being played over XM change about 7 times.   And in the last five hours of being here, working on editing and advertising schemes, I have:
-witnessed incredible sketches unfold at the table next to me;
-admired the long thick tresses and old-man loafers of the guy at the table in front of me;
-eavesdropped (perhaps a little too long) on a phone conversation that a firefighter was having while he relentlessly encouraged whomever was on the other end (interestingly, this firefighter works in the small town I live in, and this makes me wonder if, by an awkward chance, I'll run into him again?);
-witnessed the break-up of a couple after an hour of sitting and chatting, in what appeared to be a happy manner.  She got up and left, and as she did, he just put on his headphones and is still sitting at that same table as I write.

Back to the subject.  I am currently in the process of reinventing my business.  Over the last few months I have had to learn some hard lessons.  It wasn't fun in the process, however I feel blessed that God would allow me to gain such wisdom from several unhappy circumstances.  I realized that despite how badly I wanted to pursue a career as a professional photographer, I was not doing anything the way of a pursuit at all!  In fact, I was leaving it up to fate with an shamefully lackadaisical  attitude.  Ouch.  It's hard to save face when you realize that you have been lazy.
I just figured that since I have a facebook page, a blog, a website and a few business cards, that they were enough leads to help all those potential clients to wake up and realize I rock.

I have come to the realization that I was way off track.
Long story short,  I have been doing LOTS of research in order to find insight  into a lot of questions I'd once been content not to have answered.  And in this process, I now feel informed, excited, and anxious for the journey of becoming something in the art world!  The Lord has really blessed this humble agony with help, resources, and most importantly, a plan.  So, in lieu of all I've touched on via blogger, I am reinventing this photography business, and also myself as a professional.   So please, if you've decided to read this post to the end, don't give up on me yet!  I have been forced (by gravity?) to un-learn a lot of bad business habits.  So keep an eye out for some real improvements to Winclechter Photography that include but are not limited to:

A name change.
A website makeover.
Lots more advertising.

A lot is about to change, and not a moment too soon.

Look for updates on my blog and facebook page!  I will be more committed to fresh pictures and posts on here!

Love & Pretty Pictures,
Caryn

April 29, 2011: The Royal Wedding

My cell-phone alarm was set for 3:45 am this morning.  As it went off and I awoke from sleep, I thought to myself, Oh my gosh, it's today.  The Royal wedding is only a few moments away!  I have to make my tea, scones & lemon curd, and banana bread to partake in while watching the nuptials.

Oh how regal it truly was!

I am blessed to have been able to witness something so historic and important, even if from an entire world away.  The young Prince William, only four years older than me, has been in the spotlight for his entire life.  I remember throughout the years hearing of his life with his brother and parents, and mourned with him the day that Princess Diana died too soon.  In a way, I have grown up with William and Harry, and so this is something special for me to watch, something I feel privileged to have seen with my own eyes.

The atmosphere was electric, but beautifully contained in the formality of the unfolding events.  It seemed that for miles all the ladies in attendance were wearing beautiful, extravagant hats of a very unique British nature.  Sir Elton John and his husband were in attendance, as were Posh & David Beckham.  The streets were filled to the brim with commoners all anxiously awaiting the festivities.  No subtle homage was paid to the Union Jack flag.  

The Princes were all decked out in their royal uniforms, and Kate was a vision in her custom wedding gown.  She really did look sophisticated and stunning in her Alexander McQueen dress, complete with long lace sleeves and classic collar.  She was wearing new earrings her parents bought her, lily of the valley in her bouquet, and a tiara bestowed upon her from the Queen Mother.  It was beautiful, and so symbolic of the marriage of Christ and the Church.

Even though it was a ceremony between two people that I have never met, and probably never will, it was history in the making, and I relished every moment of the footage!  The wedding was held in Westminister Abbey, decorated with beautiful chandeliers, live trees, and the longest runner I have ever seen.  Every single moment was dripping with jeweled antiquity, alluding to all the prestige of the past.  I would have given anything to have been the photographer for this wedding!

Then the parade through London in the horse-drawn carriage began and lasted for 30 minutes.  Both the newlyweds were so poised and conservative as they proudly waived to their kingdom.  The countdown to the kiss on the balcony had begun.  And we weren't disappointed when they stepped out onto the balcony of Buckingham Palace in anticipation.  They are truly a handsom couple, and I am so relieved to know they married for love and not politics.

My prayers go out to Their Royal Highnesses, William and Kate, Duke & Duchess of Cambridge.  May they love and support each other, and continue to do their nation and the world lots of good.

 Many Blessings,

Caryn W. 

March 12th: Mike & Stephanie's Wedding

Two weekends ago, I had the privilege of attending and documenting the wedding of one of my best friends in the world!  Not to mention that her family is one of my most favorite groups of people ever.
I've been looking forward to her special day for years, ever since we started dreaming about our weddings as gabby teenagers.  Steph is one of those friends that I spent a lot of time with; we needed each other, especially in such a fragile time as high school.  Needless to say this day was a very important one, for me as well as her and her husband!

So, I put on my game face.  Every moment I had my camera out was treated with extra scrutiny.  Every image I tried to make thoughtful; it's how I do my job!  Everything went so well, even though I was nervous.  I am always nervous before a gig.  Yes, everything was going perfectly until the signing of the marriage certificate.  My camera stopped firing as I was shooting the bride, groom, witnesses, and pastor (the bride's dad).  Strange, I thought.  And then I glanced down at my counter, and it said I had only taken 10 pictures, and that the memory card was full.  WHAT?!

Panic started to rush over me.  I told her I'd be right back.  Luckily, my husband, an electrical brainiac, was attending the wedding.  I called him, and said meet me out front!  I think my memory card didn't store any of the pictures I took!  I pulled up in my truck and we took off like a bullet to go get my laptop.  Checked the memory card on my card-reader adaptor.  "I have bad news," he said. "There are only ten pictures on this memory card.  O,  Lord.  What do I do?  Why this wedding?!  What am I going to say to Steph?  What am I going to tell her family?

It goes without saying that I felt like the biggest loser of all time. I became a blubbering fool as I told the mother of the bride the news.  She was like, "Don't worry!  We love you and we'll think of something."  What a woman.  It didn't make me feel better, but her kind words helped me not to beat myself down so hard.  Only a handful of people knew what was going on, but all of them, my mother-in-law, the youth pastor, and my husband were all so caring and patient with me.  

Then Cody, my husband mentioned to me, "Well, all the pictures you took are on here, but they're encrypted.  Maybe we can figure out a way to get them off."  Really?  Oh man I didn't want to get my hopes up.  But long story short, the pictures were saved.  Praise the Lord, my worst fears were realized and He still came through for me!  He still made it better.  And now I have a great story to go along with these wedding photos.  It's still a win-win situation

Aside from the typical stressors of a wedding, it was such a perfect day and I was so blessed to be a part of it.  Above are a few of my favorite images from that day.  As always, they aren't the ones most people would hang on their wall.  I love the moments between moments, when nobody's really looking, when they are their most humanly candid selves.

To see there rest of my favorites, visit caryn-winclechter.com, and click on the weddings tab!

Caryn