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Behind the Camera, Capturing the Moment...

Yasmin Tajik, Shalimar Studios

With Love, Yasmin

Welcome to Shalimar Studios' Blog!

Here you will find fun events and sessions we are working on, as well as special offers and upcoming promotions. You'll get an exclusive look behind the camera and experience what you normally wouldn't see. Check back often for updates and can't miss info. See you back here soon!

Interview for Goodbells.com

I was thrilled to receive an email recently from Anand of the website Goodbells.com.  He had found me on twitter and was impressed with my work and more importantly my specializiation in the South Asian market and wanted to interview me.  Wow, what an honor it was and I was happy to oblige and answer his questions as if Barbara Walters or Oprah were sitting across the table from me.  Luckily, neither of those ladies were here, but I was able to maintain my dignity and share a litte about myself and about Shalimar Studios.  Thanks again to Anand for your kindness!  Click here to be linked to the full interview.    

Quirky, Cute & Creative Marissa

I posted a quick sneek peak of Marissa right before we ended out 2011 and now here is the big reveal of some of the other great images of her from her mentoring studio session.  When she wasn't behind the camera capturing images of her best friend Kristine, she was in front of it modeling so I could mentor Kristine as she photographed Marissa.  Both Marissa and Kristine took turns modeling and shooting.  They've been best friends since middle school and their partnership is one that can not be broken.

Of course I couldn't just stand there as Marissa and Kristine modeled.  I was mentoring and guiding each of them, but also had to jump in and capture some images of my own since we were having so much fun.  Both Kristine and Marissa have natural, creative minds so when you put these 2 together, you'll get an eclectic mix of props, expressions and all around fun.  I'm so blessed to have met both of these girls and will be sharing images soon from one of the most ambitious projects I have taken on to date, all with the help of Mariassa and Kristine.  Until then, here's Marissa.  Enjoy her smile, her infectious personality, and boisterous spirit.

 

Photo Chic: Pantone's 2012 Color of the Year, Tangerine Tango

Welcome to our first Photo Chic edition of 2012!  Let's get started.  I'm sure by now you're asking yourself, "What the heck is a color of the year and who decides that?"  For those of us in the visual arts, color has a huge impact on our work.  It can convey emotion, mood, emptiness, passion and joy, and we all use color in different ways to relay our vision and message to the viewer of our images.  Even the absence of color evokes powerful emotions.

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Each year Pantone releases it's choice for color of the year, and for 2012, it is Tangerine Tango!  Chosen for it's vibrancy and need for uplifting spirits in these hard times, Tangerine Tango will definitely add an eye-catching element to any image or event.  Throughout the year you'll see this color making it's way into your life through marketing, design elements and even fashion.  

Tangering Tango is one of those colors that photographs beautifully, and here are some suggestions when implementing it into your portrait session or wedding.  If you're traditional, add a pop of Tangering Tango in a scarf, on your shoes, or a skinny belt to add that extra little punch to your outfit.  Pair it with gray tones or powder blue for a polished and chic look.  Or go all out, bright and bold and make it the centerpiece of your outift pairing it with subdued accessories and shoes in neutrals such as khaki, white or light gray.

Below I've gathered some images to give you ideas how to incorporate Tangerine Tango into your outfits and events whether it be a family portrait session, your wedding color of choice or even your own personal fashion shoot.  

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(Images via Pinterest and Google)

 

How Photography Connects Us

 I am an academic at heart.  I love reading, exploring new media to research about the world around me, and constantly surround myself with those that can educate me.  So it comes as no surprise that I am a huge fan of TED talks, the organization bringing together charming individuals in a global platform to share and teach one another about ourselves and the world around us.  

One such TED talk given by David Griffin, the photo director for National Geographic, has particularly resonanted with me.  I've watched it many times before, and just now watched it again with my father who saw it for the first time.  David's presentation does not delve into the mechanics and technicalities of photography, but showcases how powerful photojournalistic imagery tells stories.  "Visual narratives" as he calls it, freeze those moments that tell broad stories in a focused way and does so brilliantly.  Although first filmed in 2008, it is worth the 14 or so minutes to watch.  Please enjoy.

 

Thank You for a Wonderful 2011!

I sincerely can not believe the end of 2011 is upon us.  Each year goes by so fast, and when this time of year arrives, I feel as if there was so much more I wanted to do.  But this year was the exception.  There were many goals I set out for myself and I am so thankful for wonderful friends, collegues and clients who helped me achieve them and bring beautiful imagery into your lives.  In addition to taking on stylized and concept driven sessions, I expanded the reach of destination weddings by photographing Jd & Terri's wedding in Oregon.  Additionally, I became the co-leader of the local SmugMug group, leading monthly educational seminars for fellow photographers, as well as received my certification in underwater photography.

As a photographer I feel I made my biggest leaps this year and the momentum with only continue through 2012.  I already have a packed calendar of fun events, promotions, giving back to the community and stylized sessions.  My excitement grows daily as I push my own boundaries, find inspiration in obscure areas, and bring my vision to life in front of my camera.

None of this would have been possible if it was for you, my lovely clients and friends.  Thank you all for making 2011 such a wonderful and fulfilling year, and I eagerly look forward to photographing you and your families as we make our journey through another year together.  Wishing you Happy Holidays and a Joyful New Year!