Sweeney Photography: February 2013

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Coffee with Sean

Thursday: Share Senior Portraits

Over the years I’ve been lucky to be able share many special days with more than a few families. This spring will mark one of those days for one of my favorite families. Sean will graduate from high school.

This senior portrait session was a bit different than most. As I clicked the shutter I saw two faces – the one that was sitting in front of me that day and the other was the face in my head that I’ve seen grow up over the last 11 years. We spent a good portion of a day in the studio and at various locations in Madison. My favorite moment was when we took a short break and Sean bought us coffee. As we chatted about a million different things – I realized that he had gone from being this amazing, sweet and goofy kid into a smart, witty and goofy young man.

Well done Sean.

Senior portrait photographer in Madison WI

Kids portrait photographer in Madison WI

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Photographer in Madison WI decides to share photos with the world

Both blog sites are now commercial free. Woohoo!!!!

I'm kind of tired of trying to market my business.

Okay, five minutes just passed as I stared at that statement. I'm feeling equal measures of panic and peace. As a small business owner, a part of every day for the last 11 years has been spent trying to let the world (meaning Madison WI) know I'm here and to attract new clients. I have the best web site designer who has created a beautiful site and I feel like I'm not using it to it's full potential. That ends right now.

Today marks the first day of the new blogs - here and at sweeneysphotography.com. I will no longer be trying to sell or market anything on the blog section of the web site. There are hundreds of portrait samples in the Galleries. If you want to know services, prices or specials - please click on the tabs. There is a ton of information throughout the site and if it's not - then send me an email or give me a call. I would love to talk to you!! Better yet, stop by and we'll chat over some of my fabulous coffee or tea - I may even have some Chex Mix to share.

So here's how the blogs are going to look from here on out. Each weekday I will be sharing my photographs. Not just wedding or kids pictures, I will be sharing it all - even personal photos. I will share a bit of the story behind the photographs and in the case of my "Art" - I may even be showing you all a bit of the process by way of video (but only if it's a good hair day).

Wednesday is now: Share Random Photographs From The Past

These were taken backstage while the stylists prepared their models for a fashion/hair show in Milwaukee WI at the Art Museum.

Photographer in Madison WI

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Event photographs - Former President Bill Clinton

Recently I was looking through some of my older image files. A client had called looking to replace some lost photos I had done for him a few years ago. I found the ones he was looking for and a few more I had completely forgotten about. Like any professional photographer – I have a lot of images stored away.

These were among the images. They are former President Bill Clinton from February 2008. He was on the campaign trail for then Presidential candidate, former Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. This was his stop in Madison WI.

Former President Bill Clinton - Sweeney Photography in Madison WI

sweeneysphotography.com

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

What this photographer does to relax

I have a friend who (among other many titles and designations) is a counselor in a Wellness Center at a college. She has posted many interesting articles on the subject on various social media sites. Often times the subject matter makes me pause and think about how well I'm really living. Today she shared an article on the subject of "where do you go to relax?" Some suggestions were yoga class, a hike in the woods - a dark room to meditate. All being great places but none that I could say I practiced. So I've spent a few moments throughout the day trying to think where I go or what I do to relax. Honestly, I was stumped. I enjoy many activities but I couldn't honestly say I did anything for the purpose of relaxation.

Tonight I decided to work a bit on what I call my art. I sometimes have images randomly appear in my brain that just swirl about until I'm ready to let them come out. *Side note to self - I may need to chat with my friend about these visions .... Anyway, as I was working I began to feel a bit calmer and somewhat detached from my surroundings. I wasn't thinking about work or home or the tension knot in my neck - it was just me and the art.

So, I guess where I go to relax is in Art. In a about 30 minutes - I will find it in a bag of chocolate chip cookies. ;)

If you want to see more of my Art you can find it on my web site.

"Heart Light" - Photographer in Madison WI

"Plaid Butterflies" - Photographer in Madison WI

sweeneysphotography.com

Monday, February 18, 2013

Getting ready for senior pictures in Madison WI

"What's your favorite type of photograph to take?"

I get asked this question a lot. Truth be told - I like everything. I love the once in a lifetime energy of wedding photography. Here are two people in love, surrounded by their families and friends, celebrating one of the biggest moments of their lives. Happy - Happy - Happy!! Then there are the kids and babies and pets. I love the spontaneity of these sessions. I love that they never worry about things like double chins when they give me a big smile. They just have fun.

What I love about photographing high school seniors is that they fall somewhere in between kids and weddings. I love that they have something to say and are willing to try new things. Senior Portraits are a way of presenting themselves to the world as a young adult. I love being a part of that. And while I'm being honest, they can hold a pose and I don't have to sing "The Wheels On The Bus" ... that often.

Here are some faces that will be receiving a diploma and flipping a tassel this year. I can't wait to meet the Class of 2014!

Senior Portrait Photographer in Madison, WI


Senior Portrait Photographer in Madison, WI

sweeneysphotography.com

Monday, February 4, 2013

Photographer in Madison WI finds haute coiffure

This weekend I had the opportunity to work with Matthew, owner of Wicked Beauty. This is the second time I've had the pleasure of photographing his work which can only be described as "haute coiffure". He has a vision that reaches into the corporate offices of Madison WI to the runways of Fashion Week in New York. I had such a blast working with him again!!

http://www.wickedbeautysalon.com/

Photographer Madison WI

Photography in Madison WI

Today is a great day to be a photographer in Madison WI. Then again, my fabulous clients make every day a great day to be a photographer in Madison WI!!

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. I am truly honored to a part of your family's special moments.

"If you are looking for a wedding photographer, I would highly recommend Sweeney Photography. Mary will be capturing all the special moments at our daughter's wedding this summer. We have already received such gorgeous engagement photos that I can't wait to see the wedding pictures. Mary has already been invaluable in helping us think through timelines and how to keep the evening flowing. Who needs a wedding planner when you can ask Mary about some of the details? (She suggested a button hook for my daughter's dress, a small but important detail that I had overlooked on my many lists.) Her goal is to make the day special for the bride and groom: judging from the gorgeous photos on her website and many other glowing reviews, I am confident that our photos will be treasured memories of this wonderful day. Mary is the real deal. It is obvious she loves what she does. Her retouching is masterful and once you meet her, you will understand why Mary becomes the photographer that families rely on for all of their special events." - Sue P.

Photographer in Madison WI

sweeneysphotography.com

Friday, February 1, 2013

Photographer in Madison WI

What's trendy in 2013 for weddings? Well to start with Pantone recently announced it's "Color Of The Year" - Emerald Green! So I'm going to say that there will be a few bridesmaids wearing it this season.

Also, cupcakes are still a hot ticket for those spunky couples that just can't do traditional wedding cake. I think it's a great way to add flavors that everyone will love without all the leftover cake that will dry out while you're on your honeymoon!

And last but not least - 2013 is going glam! Yes it's true. This year look for brides to be bringing back a bit of old Hollywood mixed in with today's hot ticket designers. Luxurious faux furs, sparkly bling in all the right places (then again, is there a wrong place for bling?) and some life changing shoes.

Here comes the bride ....

photographer in Madison WI

Photographer in Madison WI

Every now and then I get to do some pretty cool things. Last week Saturday was one of those events. Go to their website to find out more:

http://www.pablove.org

"The mission of The Pablove Foundation is to fund pediatric cancer research and advances in treatment, educate and empower cancer families, and improve the quality of life for children living with cancer through hospital play, music and arts programs.

The Pablove Foundation is named after Pablo Thrailkill Castelaz, the son of Jo Ann Thrailkill and Jeff Castelaz and the little brother of Grady Gallagher. Pablo was six years old when he lost his valiant yearlong battle with bilateral Wilms Tumor, a rare form of childhood cancer. Imbued with his spirit and inspired by his strength, Pablove is dedicated to the daily, global fight against childhood cancer and the suffering that comes in its wake.

We fight on in order to amplify one simple message: kids get cancer too.

Your support of The Pablove Foundation helps us help kids with cancer."

Photographer in Madison WI & Milwaukee WI