thank you for visiting my blog, i'm Amritha Sattvika, nice to meet you..
cheeriO!!
photography is my hobby.. let's start with wedding and babies photography,hope in their page you can get more information about that. enjoy it!
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
I go through phases where I wish I was a better photographer. Often.
I look at my photos and while they please the client and I know they're decent, I wish they were better. I look at the work of other photographers I am inspired by - all of whom seem to shoot in idyllic locations - and my work seems ho-hum. Like many artists, I am my own worst critic.
I recently went through one of my "tortured artist" phases where I felt like my work is crap. The ironic thing is that on the same day I felt this way, I got these amazing compliments from a bride and groom whose wedding I just shot:
"After months and months of researching photographers, I can honestly say that Chrissy and I absolutely, without question, chose the absolute, without question, BEST wedding photographer in Arizona, if not in the U.S. I would have absolutely paid for Melissa to travel if I wasn't getting married in Arizona. She was professional, kind and creative. She is also incredibly quick!" -Anthony
"I can't imagine choosing anyone other than Melissa to shoot our wedding. From a new bride to all of the soon-to-be brides out there who may be reading this, her talent and professionalism are far beyond the industry standards of what you'd expect from a photographer. Melissa keeps her cool at all times and has higher expectations of her photos than the brides and grooms do. She knows when shots/locations are working and aren't working and doesn't waste time on such an important day. And trust me, she gets PLENTY of great shots :) I know I'm probably rambling here, but I have one more really important last note: Melissa makes you feel comfortable! I hate having my picture taken and I didn't feel like a robot - not once, not ever. She allows moments to happen and then captures them, not the other way around. Okay I'm done, I swear <3 Long story short, I love our photos and Melissa Jill."
-Chrissy
Of course these incredibly sweet compliments warm my heart and make me smile. I LOVE making clients happy. But I'm also shaking my head inside. I know I'm nowhere NEAR the best wedding photographer in the US.
While it sucks to feel down about your work, I've also learned to be thankful for and embrace the tortured artist in me. These phases of frustration have always served as an impetus to improve my craft. I want to be better. I want to stay inspired. Even after 7 1/2 years of shooting weddings, I want to continue to push. Negative feelings in and of themselves are just bummers. But if you embrace dissatisfaction and frustration these negative feelings can be transformative.
That day after pulling my sorry self out of the depths of despair, I determined to improve. I made a list of goals for myself. One of them was to try to shoot with more of a sense of place in my photos. I always try to make each venue and location look it's best. Often that translates into NOT photographing the ugly or ordinary. And to be honest, I'm underwhelmed by Arizona venues in general so sometimes the location isn't highlighted in my work. Photographers often get tired of shooting at the same local settings. The grass is always greener and the trees are always bigger on the other side, right? Ironically in this instance the grass IS greener and the trees ARE bigger everywhere else than Arizona. But just because I'm not awed by the venue doesn't mean that it isn't special and beautiful. Including it in the photos really helps give the wedding a sense of place - something I love in the work of other photographers I am inspired by. So that's what I did. I shot the next wedding with that goal in mind. And I improved. I liked my work a little bit more.
I still have a long way to go. Photographers who I mentor or who come to my workshops sometimes ask questions as if I've somehow "arrived." The reality is there's no destination. Only a journey. Thankfully the perpetual journey when you're living your passion is challenging, rewarding and keeps life interesting. Here's to embracing the tortured artist and continuing to put one foot in front of the other!
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Hey photographers! I only have a few spots left for my summer workshops. Who is going to snatch up this once-in-a-lifetime chance for two jam-packed days of learning goodness??
The dates and locations are:
June 13-14, 2011 -- Columbus, Ohio
July 18-19, 2011 -- Boulder, Colorado
All the info you could possibly want plus details on how to register can be found on the official MJ 2 Day website. Hope to see you there!
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I'm so excited to share another fabulous album design with you! Scott and Megan were married Saturday at the Phoenix Art Museum. The wedding was so unique and I think the album design really reflects how special their day was. Click here to see the full design! And keep in mind that the finished album is much larger -- 10 x 14 inches in size.
Note to photographers: If you need help getting YOUR album designs done fast, click here to find out how you can purchase my templates!
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| I've always been told - You just never know when love will find you. To be honest, I only partially believe people when they say it. However, Scott and Megan's story definitely supports that theory. They were a couple that almost didn't happen... It was the evening of April 18th, 2005, Boston was recovering from another Boston Marathon and Megan headed to a local Irish Pub to meet a friend for a drink. About 20 minutes into their conversation, a handsome man came over and interrupted them. His name was Scott. Unfortunately, Megan was in no mood to be hit on and (allegedly) gave the gentleman an icy death stare as he began making conversation. The brave man however, was not deterred by the eye daggers and continued to hang around, even buying the ladies drinks. It didn't take long to find out he was a medical student and as it turned out, Megan planned to apply for medical school in the near future. The tables turned suddenly as Megan began asking the questions and before they knew it, they were talking about a variety of common interests. At the end of the night, they exchanged numbers and found out they lived only 2 blocks from each other. He called her the next day to make plans and by Friday night they were on their first official date. Little did they know that neither of them would need go on another first date again. Both will soon work at Tufts University. Megan just matched there for her Ob/Gyn residency and Scott is going to be an attending orthopedic surgeon. They are an east coast couple but chose Phoenix for a destination wedding to escape the chilly Baltimore weather. Unfortunately, Phoenix didn't cooperate much offering frigid rain and cloudy skies on Saturday. However these two were unphased by the fact that the ceremony was moved inside. They spent every moment of the day soaking up the precious time with family and friends who traveled to celebrate Scott and Megan... a couple that almost never happened, but that was simply meant to be. The day started with the whole wedding party getting ready in a suite at the Hyatt in downtown Phoenix. |
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| This was the view from their room on the 21st floor: |
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| Megan's Enzoani dress hung out on a custom hanger she found on Etsy: |
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| Scott helped one of his groomsmen out with his tie: |
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| Even though it rained most of the day, it dried up for a couple hours just in time for us to do the first look and some portraits outdoors. It was still freezing cold, but I think it was worth it: |
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| The wedding and reception both took place at the Phoenix Art Museum, so we had to take advantage of shooting with some of the art. |
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| Love this: |
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| The bridal party was a fun crowd: |
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| The guys looked so dapper: |
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| I normally don't blog family portraits from a wedding, but I love the light and colors we had to work with! |
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| Even though the ceremony was moved indoors, the site was picturesque: |
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| Megan's dad walked her down a three story staircase in front of her guests and awaiting groom: |
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| And gave her away: |
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| Yay! Husband and wife! |
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| The reception details were beautiful. The flowers and centerpieces were done by Fred's Flowers. |
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| The Art Museum is such a great venue for receptions because the room comes decorated with art on all the walls. |
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| The couple danced their first dance accompanied by my favorite band - The Shining Star Band. |
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| Love this shot I got during toasts: |
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| SO fun: |
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welcome!!
i am carrie, a portrait photographer in los angeles. i specialize in modern lifestyle portraits of families, children, babies and maternity. this blog is a journal of my personal and professional images, and also chatter on daily occurances and other random things.thanks for stopping by...come frequently, and please feel free to leave a comment!
my portrait site + portfolio can be found at: www.urban-baby.com.
palm springs with mrs lilien
my girlfriend kelley and i took a trip to palm springs in spring of '09...a girls getaway. (you can see the post from that trip HERE). and then vowed we would do so every six months, no fail. and we made good on that promise when we returned a few months ago.
however, this time we went to mix business with pleasure, and a great deal of styling and shooting took place for the debut of MRS LILIEN STYLING HOUSE - take a look at what THE MRS has in store over on her NEW website, which just launched today. and you can get a daily dose of SPECTACULAR on the styling house BLOG.
(all blog posts for MILK will live on this blog until the new blog is live...which should be soon!)
the mrs with her french pressed coffee at ACE.
THE ACE is so classic palm springs.
the mrs in trina turk residential. really, where else would she be?
the mrs leaves evidence of her nat shermans. it's all show though, she wouldn't dare smell of smoke.
the mrs just moments away from sipping her vodka tonic.
the trina turk boutique is quite amazing.
the mrs gazing at old school palm springs via slim aarons.
the mrs contemplating her next move.
me and the mrs / my partner in crime.
however, this time we went to mix business with pleasure, and a great deal of styling and shooting took place for the debut of MRS LILIEN STYLING HOUSE - take a look at what THE MRS has in store over on her NEW website, which just launched today. and you can get a daily dose of SPECTACULAR on the styling house BLOG.
(all blog posts for MILK will live on this blog until the new blog is live...which should be soon!)
the mrs with her french pressed coffee at ACE.
THE ACE is so classic palm springs.
the mrs in trina turk residential. really, where else would she be?
the mrs leaves evidence of her nat shermans. it's all show though, she wouldn't dare smell of smoke.
the mrs just moments away from sipping her vodka tonic.
the trina turk boutique is quite amazing.
the mrs gazing at old school palm springs via slim aarons.
the mrs contemplating her next move.
me and the mrs / my partner in crime.
Posted on Thursday, February 11, 2010 at 10:47AM by 
urban baby in daily, milk, portraits | 
11 Comments
urban baby in daily, milk, portraits | 11 Comments coffee table book: ratner family
over the years, i've worked with some fantastic album companies who have produced gorgeous books for my clients. about a year ago, my friend sean flanigan, a phenomenal seattle-based photographer, turned me onto VISION ART BOOKS. and my life changed.
these coffee table books are incredible and every bit the exact product i want to be delivering to my clients after a session. the print quality is outstanding, the colors are mind-blowing, the paper quality is perfection, and they are some of the nicest people i've ever had the pleasure of working with.
i am honored and thrilled that vision art will have the ratner album at WPPI in vegas next month. if you're going, stop by their booth and check it out, along with all of their other incredible albums. you can also contact monica if you're in need of a pass....she emailed to let me know she's got a few extras ;). i'm not sure if i'll be able to attend WPPI this year, but may be rolling in for 24 hrs. let me know if you're going, i would love to see you there!
the RATNER album is one of my favorites as this family holds a really special place in my heart. you can see images from their summer session IN THIS POST. and, i'll be posting images from their malibu winter session later this week.
you can also view the album design HERE if you'd like. i'll be posting photos of the actual album in the next few days.
enjoy!
these coffee table books are incredible and every bit the exact product i want to be delivering to my clients after a session. the print quality is outstanding, the colors are mind-blowing, the paper quality is perfection, and they are some of the nicest people i've ever had the pleasure of working with.
i am honored and thrilled that vision art will have the ratner album at WPPI in vegas next month. if you're going, stop by their booth and check it out, along with all of their other incredible albums. you can also contact monica if you're in need of a pass....she emailed to let me know she's got a few extras ;). i'm not sure if i'll be able to attend WPPI this year, but may be rolling in for 24 hrs. let me know if you're going, i would love to see you there!
the RATNER album is one of my favorites as this family holds a really special place in my heart. you can see images from their summer session IN THIS POST. and, i'll be posting images from their malibu winter session later this week.
you can also view the album design HERE if you'd like. i'll be posting photos of the actual album in the next few days.
enjoy!
Posted on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at 10:44AM by urban baby in daily, news, portraits | 1 Comment
urban baby in daily, news, portraits | 1 Comment valentine
take a look at these insanely sweet valentines! twig and thistle shares these great DIY valentine's day brownie bags. i love the organic feel to these bags, and heart-shaped brownies..? be still my heart.
(c) twig & thistle
(c) twig & thistle
MILK boutique portraiture
it is with GREAT excitement that i will be introducing my latest venture over the course of the next month: MILK boutique portraiture. i've had the pleasure of collaborating with the fabulous kelley of Mrs Lilien Styling House recently, and we've been whipping up some fabulous-ness which will start to unveil next week. SO EXCITING!!!!!
for now, here's a little sneak into MILK portraiture:
for now, here's a little sneak into MILK portraiture:
crewcuts: spring '10
the crewcut line at jcrew just sends me. the layering of dresses, cardi's and sneakers....LOVE. belted dresses with stacked bracelets, ruffled skirts mixed with gingham button-downs and jack purcells sends my heart uflutter. boys layered tees, polos, dark jeans and suede boots....DYING.
the ratner family
i am so thrilled to have met the ratner's, and grateful they chose me to document this stage in their life. their sweet boys, max and ezra are almost identical in age to my two boys, and spending a saturday morning with them was very similar to the energy i would find in my own home with my family.
i love the images as a whole, and am having a hard time chosing only a few to share, so if you'd like to see more, you can click HERE to view the slideshow.
and, i have to share this very sweet and lovely note that alisa sent me:
"Dear Carrie, Wow...I don't even know where to begin! This slideshow is so beautiful, special, spectacular. The music is lovely. You are so talented. I am so glad i found you! I love the photos, they are so rich and say so much. I can't thank you enough. I can't wait for our next event or family photos. Also, let's keep connected about any letterpress stuff. Warmly, Alisa"
alisa in an artist, and works out of this very cool modern shed - inside she has a gorgeous vintage letterpress.
i love the images as a whole, and am having a hard time chosing only a few to share, so if you'd like to see more, you can click HERE to view the slideshow.
and, i have to share this very sweet and lovely note that alisa sent me:
"Dear Carrie, Wow...I don't even know where to begin! This slideshow is so beautiful, special, spectacular. The music is lovely. You are so talented. I am so glad i found you! I love the photos, they are so rich and say so much. I can't thank you enough. I can't wait for our next event or family photos. Also, let's keep connected about any letterpress stuff. Warmly, Alisa"
alisa in an artist, and works out of this very cool modern shed - inside she has a gorgeous vintage letterpress.
fashion: flora + henri
i wrote a post here awhile back about flora & henri childrens clothier. i love this clothing line so much, it's european sensibilities. both of my boys pretty much live in simple clothing - boden, american apparel tees/tanks, flora & henri (when on sale), and dagmar daley are some of what they roll around in daily. my oldest boy, finn (4) loves his converse and flip-flops and my youngest, harrison (3) has such chunky feet that he pretty much lives in his umi shoes, or barefoot which you just can't beat.
i have so much to share with regards to all the above shops, will post soon. in the meantime, this is part of a design for a summer campaign sent by flora & henri earlier this summer. how great would this dress be with a pair of converse?
(c) flora & henri children's clothier
i have so much to share with regards to all the above shops, will post soon. in the meantime, this is part of a design for a summer campaign sent by flora & henri earlier this summer. how great would this dress be with a pair of converse?
(c) flora & henri children's clothier
mila + dalibor
this is another session i loved that never was blogged. enjoy :).
only 5 more weeks of summer!
our summer campaign will be in effect for only 5 more weeks!!! here is the original summer campaign sent out in june, i can't belive it's already the end of july....CRAZY!
me and my boys / shot by: bonnie tsang
awhile back, i asked my good friend and talented photographer, bonnie tsang, to shoot some photos of me with my boys, finn & harrison. the plan was to make a book of these images and wrap it up as a special gift for my husband on father's day. we surpassed the date over sicknesses etc, but recently took some time to go up into the canyon with bonnie and have her document the boys and i together. it is so rare that i am actually in a photo with my family, since i of course, am always the one behind the camera. we, as a family, do realize the importance and relevance of family images and commission photographers once yearly to shoot us together - i absolutely live for these photos and my heart skips a beat every time i walk past one in my home. i often stop and stare at them and am so grateful that we stop and take time out to record our life together.
bonnie, i am forever indebted to you for documenting this afternoon for us. thank you. xo
bonnie, i am forever indebted to you for documenting this afternoon for us. thank you. xo
august . mini session announced
these little mini sessions we added this year have been so fun and super popular! the last 2 months were booked out before i even had a chance to blog them (current clientele always have 1st pick). so, our august mini sessions will be held on saturday, aug 22 @ 8:30a, 9:30a, 4:30p and 5:30p. they are 30 minute sessions and a total blast!! call or email to book your time, they will go FAST. our schedule doesn't permit for mini's in september, but we will announce a date for OCTOBER mini sessions next month!
palm springs trip: viceroy
a few months ago, i headed out to the desert, well to the viceroy in palm springs actually. a little slice of heaven. my good friend, kelley and i had planned this trip since the beginning of the year, and to say we were ready for this trip would be a bit of an understatement. for forty eight straight hours, we relaxed, we swam, we reclined on beautiful chaise lounges in the sun, we ate AMAZING food. and we relaxed some more. we shopped at boutiques like the lovely trina turk boutique and trina turk residential and lunched at the parker. yes, heaven. everything was effortless and unplanned and it happens to be one of my most memorable and treasured getaways.
did somebody say summer?
isn't this the sweetest. it is a small-scale version of our summer campaign, designed by kelley at pink dot press. kelley is on a lifetime retainer with urban baby for all things design because she is GOLD.
these limited edition summer sessions always book up quickly, so hurry to get your date on the calendar. we also have a few dates open for our regular summer sessions!
these limited edition summer sessions always book up quickly, so hurry to get your date on the calendar. we also have a few dates open for our regular summer sessions!
