Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Willisanne and Mark- Maternity


Congrats to both Willisanne and Mark who are expecting their first child!!! The little bundle is scheduled to arrive in April and I'm so excited to be a part of this fantastic time for them. I shot the first chapter which was the wedding and now the second chapter is soon to start! We are actually doing a baby story book that will showcase images from the pregnancy , the first days in the hospital and baby's first photo shoot. It's a great way to document and preserve this special time. Time goes by so quickly and it's all too easy to forget monumental things so this will be something they can look at and cherish for years to come. Before you know it you'll blink and the little one will be graduating high school and heading off to start their own chapters...

Here's just a sneak peak at a few from the session.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

In Honor of Love....xoxoxo

Arabic: حُب
Chinese (Simplified): 喜爱
Chinese (Traditional): 喜愛
Czech: láska
Danish: kærlighed
Dutch: liefde
Estonian: armastus
Finnish: rakkaus
French: amour
German: die Liebe
Greek: αγάπη
Hungarian: szeretet
Icelandic: ást
Indonesian: sayang
Italian: amore
Japanese: 愛
Korean: 애정, 호의
Latvian: mīlestība
Lithuanian: meilė, potraukis
Norwegian: kjærlighet
Polish: zamiłowanie, miłość
Portuguese (Brazil): amor
Portuguese (Portugal): amor
Romanian: dragoste
Russian: любовь
Slovak: láska
Slovenian: ljubezen
Spanish: amor
Swedish: kärlek, förtjusning, passion
Turkish: aşk, sevgi, sevda

Or in English the word is LOVE......

Whether you use this word as a noun or a verb it can and does mean many different things to different people. Having worked in the wedding industry for several years I have had the pleasure of experiencing so many emotion filled moments with many, many clients. Every time I shoot an Engagement session or a Wedding or Maternity or Newborn portraits I get to witness multiple levels of this seemingly intangible yet omnipotent feeling, this feeling we all call Love. Sometimes I think that I don't allow myself to express my feelings in everyday life properly. I only say this because I find myself so consumed when I'm shooting and often find myself tearing up or near tears. This usually happens when I hear an incredibly heartfelt toast or when I see the way a father holds his new baby as his eyes become misty while gazing at the miracle that he is holding it completely touches my heart strings. I feel that same suffocating pressure of emotion when I see the strong and gripping hugs from a father to his daughter as his dance with her ends and the realization that there will be another man in her life that becomes her center. The list could go on and on and on....but rather than put everyone into a coma while trying to decifer my ramblings I will get to my point and yes I do have one =)

I just want to express how incredibly fortunate I have been in my life to have been a part of so many special and poignant moments in your lives. I have the best clients in the world! I want to thank all of you for allowing me to be a part of these moments and also for referring people like you who value photography as much as I do.

SO Happy Valentines Day to all you Lovahs out there!!!!!

xoxoxo ~ Cindy

P.S
I'm not the first photographer to do this and I won't be the last but I want to do my part to give a little back so I'm announcing today that I am giving away a Wedding Photography Package. This is the sneak peak as it will be announced soon on a major Philadelphia Radio Station as well as at a Major Bridal Show. Get your entries in now before the on air annoucement!

Email me with the heartfelt story and a picture of a couple in love who can not afford to have quality wedding photography for their wedding. My panel of judges will pick a winner and that couple will get:

Me to shoot their wedding =) +
E-session +
40 page custom designed coffee table book +
Trash the Dress/Post Bridal session +
Feature on my Blog +
High Res DVD of All Wedding and E-Session Images +
A few other surprise goodies

The Rules:
  • 2008 and early 2009 Dates only
  • I must be currently available to shoot that day
  • the wedding must take place in the DE, NJ or PA Area
  • Legitimacy of the story will be validated
  • The couple must have been a victim of a studio closing or just deserving of a break- not having an extravagant wedding or just want to "win" something
  • the story must touch the heartstrings of my judging panel
  • must be willing to be featured on my blog
  • Entries must be received by April 15, 2008
  • send all entries to: Contest@CindyGuessfordPhotography.com
SO EMAIL THE STORY AND PIC OF SOMEONE YOU WANT TO NOMINATE NOW!!! YOU CAN NOMINATE YOURSELF IF YOU FIT THE CRITERIA.

If you know of anyone that this contest will appeal to then forward them this blog entry =) The contest goes on the air at the end of February.

Saturday, February 9, 2008

Jen & Mike E-Session


Although the skies were gray the mood was cheery today! I had the pleasure of spending a few hours in Marlton New Jersey shooting the E-Session of Jen and Mike. They live over 1700 miles from here and were only around for a few days but despite a hectic weekend for them they squeezed in some time to hang out for a few hours and trespass with me, Mike assured me that he knew the property owner ;) We didn't get arrested or shot at so I'm guessing that it must be true. We played the have you ever game... Have you ever shot in the parking lot of a gas station before? Nope, not till today. I can check that off my list now. I'm really excited to shoot their wedding. I can't guarantee that we won't trespass again but I can guarantee that we'll capture some amazing moments and get some gorgeous images!









Monday, February 4, 2008

April and Harvey - The E-Session 2-2-08


An intimate table located in the back of The Capital Grille was where Harvey proposed. April said yes and so began their story... They felt that the very table where their engagement started would be an appropriate place to begin our session. I couldn't have agreed more. After we left the restaurant we spent an hour or so enjoying the unseasonably mild February weather while strolling the streets of Philadelphia. I have to say, no matter how many times I walk these streets I always find something that inspires me. It's easy when you have two fun lovin' people strolling along with you! I love the reactions that strangers and passersby have when they see two people in love and having these moments documented. It's as if the harsh and sterile stares that you sometimes get from people in a hurry passing you by is suddenly replaced with smiles and gleams from the very same eyes that ordinarily would have cast not so inviting glances your way. Could it be that love or the idea of love has a way of changing you and how you view the world? I often wonder about this. Maybe I just need to shoot more E-Sessions in the streets and tip the universe a little towards a time and place where smiles from strangers are no longer creepy but acceptable, welcomed and looked forward to....

Here are a few of my faves from the day.
xoxo - Cindy







Friday, January 18, 2008

Neither rain, nor sleet.... Lindsay & Jeremy's E-Session

Lindsay attended a Bridal Expo in the fall and won an E-Session by yours truly! We planned for what we thought would be a nice day in New Hope. Well of course no sooner did we start shooting you could hear the little "ping, ping," sounds of something hitting the rooftops and street. Yeah, sweet, that would be sleet... So there's a first time for everything and I'll add this to my ever growing list of have you ever shot in the...(fill in the blank) No worries, Jeremy whipped out the handy dandy umbrella and we went off on our merry way. Here are a few of my faves.






Thursday, January 10, 2008

LIBERATING - The Boudoir Session Revealed


Although you won't find any galleries on my website and no entries in my blogs..... Last year I shot an amazing number of Boudoir Sessions! There are so many reasons to book one. However there is one feeling that my clients tell me time and time again. Although trepidatous at the start, most exclaim after words what a liberating experience it was to have the session.
So I'm coming clean! Of course I do Boudoir Sessions! They are rapidly becoming a frequently requested session amongst brides. Also, My name is Cindy and I'm a reality show Junkie.... I admit, I know, half the battle right??? Well my inspiration for this post is a wonderful new series I caught on lifetime. How to Look Good Naked hosted by Carson from the Fab Five.

This show explores the self image issues that so many women in todays society have and teaches them how to love themselves because beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. Lastly he schedules a Boudoir Session... At the shows end the woman invariably has embraced her assets and feels a sense of acceptance with herself that money just can't buy. You would think that each person showcased is a size 28+ but oh so not true, real women from size zero on ...

Which brings me too... A little Q and A Followed by my Boudoir Prices and Package info.






Q:Why Schedule a Boudoir Session?
A:Because you are fabulous, it's a great Valentines day surprise, a perfect gift for the soon to be hubby, for your boyfriend, Anniversary etc....

Q:Where does the session take place?
A:Wherever the light is ;) The privacy of your home or on location. Some girls get a room at
an area hotel or bed and breakfast.

Q:What do I bring to the Session?
A: Some people choose to bring a friend or book a "party", strength in numbers. Also bring lingerie that you feel accentuates your attributes or makes you feel sexy, his favorite button down, a tie, cool shoes, stockings or anything that he may love like his guitar, car or Wii controllers =). I have had clients that preferred everything from sexy lingerie to boy shorts and tank tops. It's your style, your choice.

Q:Do I have to get NAKED???
A: Of Course Not! This is a personal choice. I find that implied nudes can come across more sensual than actual nudes. Lingerie and/or outfits are typical. However the level of intimacy captured is whatever you want to project and as a woman I create an environment that is conducive to your utmost of comfort.

Q:What if I'm not a size 2 and I have in my opinion some areas I'm not fond of?
A:No Problem. I believe that everyone has a best feature, you may be seeing something nobody else sees. Your fiance/boyfriend is already in love with you and is going to be overjoyed that you did this for him, besides, I'm a professional and will capture you in the best light and minimize anything that you feel is less than perfect.

Q:Will you keep these images private?
A: You betcha. I won't post them on my blog or website unless you are so liberated that you decide you want the world to see. Otherwise, password protected private viewing and ordering only.

Q:How long does the session last?
A:A typical session lasts 1 and a half to 2 hours depending on the quantity of people and wardrobe changes.

Q:How do I book?
A:Email or call me with your interest and we'll book the date!

note: all my sessions come complete with a hair and make-up stylist so advance notice is required.

Pricing and Packages

Individual Session
  • $400 session and creative Fee - covers unlimited shooting and complete editing of images
  • Hair and Make-up artist included
  • Online Proofing and ordering gallery posted for 6 months
  • Unmarked 4x6 custom prints of finished images - yours to keep
  • 10 sided custom designed wallet book with your 10 faves
  • $50 print credit
  • travel within 1 hour of the Philadelphia area is included.
Group Packages
  • Minimum quantity of people needed in group to receive discount is 4 people
  • $300 per person
  • Hair and Make-up artist
  • Online Proofing and Ordering gallery posted for 6 months
  • Unmarked 4x6 custom prints of finished images - yours to keep
  • $50 print credit per person
  • travel within 1 hour of the Philadelphia area is included
note: if you choose to book a hotel or Bed and Breakfast the Dollar value of the room booking will be added to your package and divided equally between the participants. All payments are to be paid in full 1 week prior to the scheduled shoot.


Saturday, January 5, 2008

The Wedding of Kristine and Jeff 12-29-07


Ringing out 2007 as I shoot my last wedding of the year! Some key ingredients to a great day:
  • Beautiful Bride w/ gorgeous dress
  • Amazingly calm Groom (handsome too of course)
  • Amazing Location
  • Cake - to die for
  • um did you see the size of the coconut shrimp!!!
  • the coolest snowflakes on the ceiling
  • table for the photographers! Woot woot - you guys rock
  • guests clearly having a great time!
  • Let's not forget Love of course!
Ahhh off to New Hope, Val and I, shooting the Wedding of Kristine and Jeff. You guys were so great to work with! It was cold but you bared the weather! Everything looked amazing! Loved, the snowflakes in the sky =) Thanks for making my last wedding of the year such a pleasure to shoot!