Blog
Behind the Camera, Capturing the Moment...
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!
Fabulous Printing Lab
Recently I received a direct message on Twitter. First I didn't know what a direct message was as I'm new to Twitter, but I quickly figured it out when I saw who the message was from. It was from Mike Hanline, the owner of the printing lab that makes all your fabulous portraits, and albums, and mini-accordians, and gallery wraps. It was a personal message, just for me. As I was reading it, I had to look behind me as if it was directed at someone else. Then I realized, yup, it was for me! It was a personal invitation to come see the headquarters and printing lab. What? Did I read that right? I did a little happy dance in my office, then sat down and re-read the message about 50 more times.
So I made my trip to the headquarters and have to admit that at each step of the planning process, I was more and more impressed with the facility. I was immediately contacted to set up my appointment and tour, and when I arrived on that wonderful day, I was personally greeted by Nicole, one of the guest services representatives.
As I stepped in behind the secured doors, I felt like I was given the key to the treasure chest full of photographer's gold. Everything was streamlined, clean, ergonomic, and I knew if I lived in this city, I would want to work here. For some reason I expected to encounter sounds and old-time printing presses, and smells of ink, yet those were not there. Instead, I witnessed what could have been the happiest employees in the US, comfortable in their own clothes, and happily working away printing and viewing the nation's most stunning photography crossing their desks every day.
Here are some of the images where your Shalimar Studios portraits are printed, prepared, and given a stamp of approval before being delivered to your homes. I was thoroughly impressed with the facility and can not thank Mike and his staff enough for extending the invitation. Their warmth is unending!
Their fabulous customer service department. I feel like the only customer they have when I give them a call.
Here's the inside of one of the portrait printing machines. It all looks so complicated. This gentleman must have read the confusion on my face so he talked about the pretty colors.
This is where the printing and binding for our albums take place. The two big stacks on the right side of the table are all albums with custom designed covers, just like yours from Shalimar Studios!
For those of you that love the linen texture on your portraits, just like I do, this is where that magic happens. Each portrait after being printed, is individually fed through this press where it gets embossed with the texture. So amazing the details that go into our portraits!
Here's another image being pressed with the linen texture.
And this is where the magic happens. This is where all your Fine Art Portraits come from. Whether it's an 8x10 or 40x60. I put my hand on her and named her Bertha.
Next after printing and texture is applied, the portraits are mounted. This is a tedious and detailed process, but they made it look so easy!
And those darling Mini-Accordian albums, yup, this is where they are hand-assembled. Such great gifts for Moms or Grandparents to carry around in their purses!
And my favorite, here are Gallery Wraps which are loaded into the printer via a server and printed here, directly onto the canvas. The beauty of these Gallery Wraps is the simplicity of the image, hung on the walls, museum style.
Next, they are trimmed and mounted on their wooden frames.
These contraptions stretch the canvas over the frame and allow for fine adjustments to make sure the image is perfectly centered and wrapped around the edges.
And this is one of my favorite images of the day. Here I am with Mike and his wife, standing along a wall documenting the growth of the printing lab. From a small mom-and-pop facility catering to local photographers, to a multimillion dollar operation now spanning 3 states and employing hundreds of employees, I'm proud to be associated with them. Mike, your lab is unbeatable in print quality, customer service, and warmth. Thank you so much for extending me the offer to visit the facility and meet you. I look forward to a long and healthy relationship and look forward to seeing you in a couple of weeks!
Your fan, Yasmin
Minneapolis Wedding ~ Brett & Mallory
She skated by him and he was immediately smitten. It was the frozen pond at the Woodhill Country Club and since that cold winter day, they each frequently returned. And that is where their relationship blossomed. Now 8 years later, Brett and Mallory have matured and grown even closer. They returned to the Woodhill Country Club to wed, and amidst the beautiful location full of meaning and growth, they finally became husband and wife. But the day was not without it's adventure. Due to rain, lightening, thunder, and a tornado warning, last minute changes occurred, yet the importance of the day continued. Surrounded by their closest friends and family, Brett and Mallory endured the torrential weather, and made the ultimate commitment to each other.
It was a true blessing to witness and photograph this event. First, as a guest photographer for my friend Kelly, but also to feel the deep connection and love each side of the families displayed. Brett and Mallory, I can only thank you for letting me be a part of your special day, and I wish you both many years of happiness and blessings!
Brett sees Mallory for the first time. What a precious expression on his face!
Vendors:
Florist: Bonnie Keller, Cake: Buttercream, Rental/Decor: Apres, Dress: Badgley Mischka for Grace Bridal Boutique, Groomsmen: Foursome, Bridesmaids: J Crew Special Occassions, Entertainment: Lake String Quartet, R Factor
Click the play button below to watch the slideshow. You can click HQ to view it in HD quality and even watch it full screen. Enjoy!
<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->Office Mascot Memoir
As some of you know, our dear Office Mascot Balboa passed away last week. He was 12 years old, and outlived his brother and littermate, Ponce, by only 11 months. Balboa was the official greeter for order sessions, and had lived a long and joyful life. He always enjoyed meeting new people and made friends with them fast, especially if they threw the ball for him. He had such a fluffy coat, and would shed like you wouldn't believe, but once that brush came out, he would lay down nicely and enjoy a thorough brushing and massage.
Balboa was very inquisitive of his surroundings. He would venture and explore so as not to leave a morsel of food, or just to learn what the world had to offer. His curiosity earned him the name Balboa for his explorer-type personality, and he proudly lived up to that. From living in a small 1 bedroom apartment, to 10 acres on the North shore of Lake Superior, to the heat of Las Vegas, he adjusted well and as long as Ponce and I were by his side, it didn't matter where we were. A true explorer he was!
When it came to photography, in typical golden retriever fashion, he obliged me when I posed him with new props, or to test out a new lens. He was my first and original model, along with his brother Ponce, and never once huffed or turned away from the camera. One of the most memorable photos I have of him is when he and Ponce were only 6 weeks old and we were up in Northern Minnesota at a cabin celebrating New Year's Eve 1997. This was the first picture of the 2 of them sitting nicely for the camera.
Balboa was a typical golden in many ways, playful, full of energy, and a lover of tennis balls. It wasn't until about a year ago did he venture into playing with toys, but even then, he would always return to his first love. I learned early on which brand of tennis balls would be the most hardy and withstand his hours of chewing them, (Penn, in case you were wondering!) He would take the ball with him to eat, to go to the bathroom, in the car, and even to bed. Such a simple joy it was for him, but a powerful lesson for me to learn. The joy is in the simplicity of life.
There were hundreds of photos taken of Ponce and Balboa over the past 12 years, but none mean more to me than just this simple snapshot taken a couple of weeks ago. Balboa, you are dearly missed and I can only be thankful for the 12 years of joy and unconditional love you brought to my life. I know you are reunited with Ponce and are ecstatically playing together once again. I love you my dear boy!
California Girls - Allison, Shelisa & Jessica
Friends since Middle school, Allison, Shelisa and Jessica sure know each other well and how to enjoy each other's company. Having accompanied each other through school, life-changing moments and into adulthood, they managed to still keep a tight bond and make time for good friends. And so it was recently that Allison contacted me for a fun portrait session to document the friendship and bond she shares with her long-time friends Shelisa and Jessica. They were coming to Las Vegas for a girl's weekend away, and planned for a session with tradition Las Vegas scenery at Calico Basin.
Even though each has taken their own path, Allison a medical student at Stanford, Shelisa a self-proclaimed computer geek works for Apple, and Jessica, a budding artist, they still make time for each other. This trip to Las Vegas has become part of an annual get-together for the three to cherish each other and spend quality time. To the session they brought their playful personalities, and carefree spirits. After all, what group of California girls wouldn't? And with a blond, brunette and a red-head, you never know what these three will do!
Girls, I had a blast at your session, documenting such a strong and unique bond you each share. I wish you all luck in your future endeavors, and look forward to seeing you again next year on your annual trip back to Las Vegas.
Here's medical student and leader of the pack, Allison.
A self-proclaimed Apple fan, here's Shelisa.
And finally, free-spirited Jessica.
Good luck to you all!
Click the play button below to watch the slideshow. You can view it in HD quality by clicking HQ, and can even watch it full screen. Enjoy!
2010 Heart Walk Kick-Off Party
As many of you know, I'm dedicated and devoted to the issue of fighting heart disease and stroke. For me it was a very natural decision to join this cause because my father is a cardiologist and I've watched him dedicate himself, his career and his life to fighting this battle. Following in his footsteps, I was inspired earlier this year to contact Lacy Ekert, Heart Walk Director, and Kristi Wong, Heart Ball Director, from the local chapter of the American Heart Association. Lacy, Kristi and I had a face to face meeting and discussed options and ways that Shalimar Studios could help in the fight against heart disease, as well as how the studio could raise money.
One such avenue we helped in, was photographing the 2010 Annual Heart Ball Fundraiser. That was held at the Ritz-Carlton at Lake Las Vegas in April, and not only did we photograph the event, we also donated a portrait package to the silent auction. The lucky winner of our package was Jennifer Martinez of which I will be photographing her and her family, later next month.
Another way of devoting my time and energy to the American Heart Association is through the annual Heart Walk. I am a past Heart Walk participant and this year I formed Team Shalimar Studios. To date, we are the top grossing community team in the Las Vegas area, and so Lacy, the Heart Walk Director, asked me to speak about my fundraising success at the kick-off party held at the M Resort. I was not only nervous, but proud to be asked to speak as I think my little contribution can be a catalyst for others to get involved and make a difference. This year's Heart Walk will be on Saturday, October 16th and I am eagerly looking forward to not only reaching my team goal, but exceeding it, all the while crossing the Heart Walk finish line side by side with friends, clients and family who can support this cause. Please click here for a direct link to the Shalimar Studios donation page and make your pledge today. Or join our team and help raise funds of your own. We are looking for team members to participate in the walk, as well as raise funds, and the participant with the most donations, will receive a complimentary portrait session from Shalimar Studios.
Here's me nervously speaking to the crowd at the party. I even started to tear up when I talked about my father and his devotion to this field.
And here I am with Lacy and Kristi. Ladies, I'm so proud to stand next to you in this crucial fight to save lives.
