WELCOME SUMMER!

School is out!  Summer is here!  I survived film photography and even learned to enjoy time in the darkroom...  but Summer is HERE!!!  and it's time for some Arizona travels and photography of course! 

We took a Rt. 66 trip this past week...  heading out of Ash Fork through Seligman, Page Springs and on to Kingman.  If you haven't taken this drive you should.  The scenery is spectacular.  You can really get a sense of what travelers during the Historic Rt. 66 era experienced.  One of my favorite places along the trip is Route 66 Road Runner Gallery in Seligman.  This is an awesome gallery!  It was once a local car dealership that has been transformed into a unique gallery incorporating many of elements of the original building.  Chip does a wonderful job keeping it stocked with great artwork including many local artists!  They also have wonderful coffee, sandwiches and WiFi!... check them out!  www.route66roadrunner.com

Here's a sneak peek from our little day trip. 

 
 Get out there and enjoy Arizona!

BRRRRR

This has been a crazy week.  Sunday afternoon I was out shooting portraits and by Wednesday morning our pipes were frozen.  Let me elaborate...our HOT water pipes were frozen.  Knowing that the temps were rapidly dropping and the wind chills would frost even the most hardy of souls I got up several times during the night to run the water...the COLD water.  We all know that the water in the hot water pipes isn't really hot until you actually run the water long enough to get hot water out of the tank and to the faucet.  This fact eluded me until that fateful moment when I turned hot water handle on the kitchen faucet and all that came out was a little drip, drip, drip.  DUHH!  I blame my lapse in reason on the wind chill...must have echoed around in the empty space usually reserved for my brain.... 

School has been interesting.  I have a great appreciation for all of your film photographers out there.  I can sit for hours working on an image in photoshop making minute adjustments one layer at a time.  However, I can't seem to find that patience when working in the darkroom.  So far, we've created a photogram using objects to filter or block light falling on photosensitive paper.  Wednesday we developed two rolls of film that we shot over the weekend.  Monday we make contact sheets so that we can actually see the images that we shot LAST week.  I'm all about instant gratification!  While I was out shooting my rolls of film I constantly kept flipping my camera over to view the LCD screen on the back....NOT!  No LCD screen available...no preview of the image that I just shot.  I have no idea if my inspiration actually made it to the film or if it flopped horribly.  I cheated a bit...I actually shot digital images at the same time that I shot the film.  I'm not at all sure how they compare but I'm hoping that the digital preview will save me some surprises in the darkroom.  We'll see on Monday! 

HELLO AGAIN!

It's been a long time since I've updated my blog.  Finals, holidays, and personal matters have kept me away.  I'm back now though and ready to post.

Today's topic is web page design.  OK... I'm not that great at web pages.  I updated my wix site today and had to start over numerous times.  I can't seem to wrap my head around what I'm supposed to do.  This site promises "drag and drop".  Drag and drop?  where?  I've managed to create a site but it's really a long way from where I'd like it to be.  The templates seem hard if not impossible to edit.  I'd like to scrap the whole thing and start over but....guess what!.... I'm not sure how!  I suppose I should have really taken that Dreamweaver class at YC....  maybe next semester. 

Speaking of semesters.  This one has started.  I'm just taking one class this time.  Film photography.  Wowzer.  All those chemicals and timers!  New stuff to learn!  I'm looking forward to learning darkroom techniques.  Although I'll probably always shoot digital (because I so love editing) I think it's important to appreciate where we come from.  After all, where would photography be today without Ansel Adams or Edward Weston?

Yavapai College Art Gallery is hosting it's student exhibition through January 28th.  If you get a chance, go by the gallery and check out some of our talented student's work.  Make sure to check out the images by Cindy Travis.  I love her work.  She is amazing!

I still have room for some senior sessions!  Contact me for details!

Here's a link to my updated website.  New images have been added to my portfolio!

http://www.wix.com/susangiovanniniphoto/susan-giovannini-photography

and... in closing... an image from Goldwater Lake

    

FALL COLOR

Fall is probably one of my favorite times of year.  I love the colorful leaves and crisp temps.  This morning when I went to my car there was frost all over the windshield!  About 10 days ago I went to Oak Creek Canyon to capture some of the awesome fall color that Oak Creek is famous for.  This is my favorite image of the day.

I can't get enough of those golden-orange leaves! 

On another note.  I love resale shops!  I spent all morning yesterday happily combing through Goodwill in Prescott.   It must have been "my" day!  I spent a couple of hours searching through rack after rack of clothes.  I came home with two blazers, three shirts, and a wonderful pair of shoes!  We're talking Sag Harbor, Jones New York, Liz Claiborne and Sketchers!  I love the fact that I'm recycling not to mention the savings!  It takes patience and a drive to find a bargain but it's well worth the time!  Yesterday, I was the Resale Queen!...can't wait to go back and try again!   

HDR AGAIN??

My latest image

Thanks for looking!

I'M STILL A PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER!!!

I'm still a portait photographer but you won't be seeing these images on my blog any longer.  I'm going to only post my landscape and fine art images.  I still do portrait photography, weddings, childen, models, etc.  I'd love to share my portfolio with you!  Please feel free to contact me to make arrangements to view my portraiture...  Thanks for understanding...

FALL SPECIAL

It's that time to start thinking about holiday portraits!  Time for a Fall Special!

This is a great opportunity to get those portraits for holiday cards! We're offering 15 minute sessions around Centennial Park in Ash Fork, 5 professionally edited images on disk, $40! Call now to reserve your session!  928-864-6399!  

I LOVE HDR!!!!

HDR (High Dynamic Range) is a digital photographic process that enhances details in the shadow as well as highlight areas...  I know, it's technical... but the results can be stunning...  Here's some images from my Advanced Digital Class...  The assignment was Peavine Trail (Prescott, AZ) with a human element... Arizona Highways Style...

WOW!!! SCHOOL IS IN!!!!

Captured by the Light!  My friend and fellow photographer Tammi (Simply Taken Photography by Tammilynn) were very lucky to attend Captured by the Light Tour 2010 by David Ziser.  http://www.capturedbythelight2010.com/ 
What an amazing evening it was! I learned so much.  David Ziser is a fantastic photographer and has a wonderful stage presence.  It's so inspiring to learn from such a strong photographer.  Our evening was filled with tips on everything from lighting to workflow.  I'm very glad that he included a lecture guide.  There's no way I could have taken notes on all of the topics he covered.  No matter what your art form, I think it's always a struggle to keep a fresh perspective and find new inspiration.  A great seminar never fails to kick start the creative force!

School is in full swing.  We're starting our 4th week tomorrow!  Wow... it's going fast.  I'm enjoying my Advanced Digital Photography Class.  I'm in the presence of some wonderful photographers.  I need my swifty track shoes to keep up!  My images from last week were fun.  It was all about diagonals.  Here's my fav from the week...  shot from the Peavine Trail.  Watson Lake, Prescott, AZ

SCHOOL!!!! IS HERE!!!!

School is here!!!  What an exciting time in our lives. 
I've been out taking photos the last few days.  I got in the car the other day and just drove. We wound up at Government Prairie near Parks and practiced with my new tripod.  It's amazing how much difference a quality tripod makes!  My old one is now the dedicated stand for my flash.  One of the great things about a sturdy tripod is the ability to create panoramic images.  Government Prairie is a great place to do this technique because it has 360 degree views!  

 The image above is just sneak peek.  I combined 4 images to create the panorama.  I have about 8 more images to add.  My eyes, not to mention my brain, got tired as the evening moved into the wee hours.

What is it with photographers and wee hours?  All of the photographers that I know work late into the night editing images.  There must be something inherent in our genetic make-up that drives us to push pixels way past when most normal people are dreaming.  Perhaps it's just that, we are creating our dreams in images.  Personally, rarely a night goes by that I don't dream about some spectacular photoshoot or another.  Sometimes those dreams become reality...or at least a number on my "Photographic Bucket List".   Off to work on the bucket list....

PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS IN PRESCOTT!!!

Finally!  Photography workshops are going to be held in Prescott!  Check this out!!!  I took my lighting class from David Neely.  I learned so much in that class.


...The Prescott Center for Creative Photography is dedicated to helping phtographers explore their creative vision through the medium of photography. We are an independent center offering hands-on workshops in digital and film based photography, with an emphasis on aesthetics and the practical applications of the visual image...
 
http://prescottcreative.com/index.html
 
woohoo!  I can't wait... 
 
 
 

I FINALLY HAVE A WEBSITE!!!!

I finally have a website. 
http://www.wix.com/SusanGiovanniniPhoto/Susan-Giovannini-Photography

Thanks for looking!

WHAT A WONDERFUL VACATION!

We took our family vacation in Laughlin this year.  We seem to go to Laughlin often but you can find some really great deals on hotel rooms.  Of course, the pool was one of the main attractions!  We also saw some movies and did some hiking.  What vacation would be complete without some vacation photos.  Our hike took us to Grapevine Canyon just outside of Laughlin.  The road wasn't too bad and the hike was pretty easy.  Just inside the canyon the walls are lined with petrogylphs.  Here's a few photos.

What a great canyon!

And last night!.... what a moon!  On the way to bed I saw the moon rising and just had to take a "few" photos.  Two hours later I finally headed to bed.  Just another little sacrifice for a great photo!

MY JOURNEY...

As a child I was always interested in art. I remember one of my favorite gifts as a child was an easel and smock from one of my Mom's friends. I think from that moment on my joy in creating was to become a lifelong quest. My journey has taken several different paths along the way. I've done everything from painting tee's for craft shows to commercial quilting with a professional long arm machine and most recently lampworking (making glass beads with a torch). However, all of that came to a screeching halt when I got my first DSLR camera. I have found my little piece of heaven, my nirvana.... I've always loved photography. It as always one of those things I wished I could do. There's something about the brilliance of a sunset, or the tranquility of a lake on a summer afternoon, or even the crazy bold accessories of a model in a fashion magazine that speaks to my heart. It resonates deep within and calls for me to learn, to explore... and that's exactly what I've done. The sewing machine sits idle, the torch is cool to the touch but the shutter of the camera is constantly clicking, creating, exploring....

ETSY SHOP HAS ARRIVED!!!

I finally got my Etsy shop up and running yesterday.  It's loaded will cool images from my landscape and fine art collections.  Take a look!

susangiovanniniphoto

New images will be added frequently!

I'M BACK!

Living without a computer has been interesting but I'm back now.  YAY!  I'm working on creating a store on ETSY.  http://www.etsy.com/  ETSY offers ALL kinds of handmade or handcrafted items.  If you're looking for something unique for that special someone ETSY is the place to go.  Look for me soon!

I'm also busy working on a summer promotion for the Ash Fork area.  Details coming soon!  This will be the perfect time to take advantage of my summer sale!

With summer heat in full swing I did get a chance to cool off for a few days in Laughlin.  What a great place to visit!  I stayed at the River Palms which offers really nice rooms, the most comfy beds, and AIR CONDITIONING!  Laughlin has a lot to offer even if you're not into gaming.  The outlet mall is awesome.  There are two movie theaters, a bowling alley, jet skis, boating, and wonderful restaurants.  It's a perfect "beat the heat" mini vacation.  I got up early one morning and walked the river.  Here's a couple of shots from my adventure.

Have a great week and Stay Cool!

AWOL....my computer

AWOL...absent without leave!  I didn't give my computer permission to take a leave of absence but I'm without one anyway.  It's amazingly quiet without it!  I'm borrowing one to post this blog and take care of a few other items.  I'm totally connected to my computer!  One day I'll probably have a USB port installed in my right earlobe just so that I can connect directly to my brain.  I do everything by computer!  I read the paper, check my email, find movie times, check out recipes, keep up with my friends, post photos and chat with my photog friends!  How am I supposed to survive without one for 3 to 5 weeks?  That's how long the service guys tell me it will take to get mine back....fortunately still under warranty!  I suppose I'll get used to mooching.  Like most libraries...ours has internet access but living in the "middle of nowhere" makes it a long drive to find out how many tablespoons of relish should go in the tuna salad!  As I stated before...it's very quiet without my computer.  Each time I walk by my desk I find myself starting to sit down and plug in only to remember there's nothing to plug into.  I have a deep sense of despair accompanied by the beginnings of paranoia.  Will I really survive for over a month without this electronic connection?  I've become so attached to instant information and entertainment on demand.  I suppose this will be a time to get things done on the home front.   I should look at the bright side...maybe I'll get out and do some walking.  Perhaps my backside will slim down from receiving less time sitting in my comfy office chair...  I might even make that custom camera strap that I've been intending to make for months....the one with the cute cat fabric on the top side and the slinky minkie on the back...you sewists know what I mean!  I suppose I should enjoy the quiet.... no whirring of hard drives...no clicking of printers.  I have to admit though... somehow those sounds have become my lullabye.  Quiet??? who am I kidding!  I have kids....but that's a whole "nuther blog!  In the meantime.... about that tuna salad...

SUMMER IS HERE!!!

The summer heat has finally arrived.  It's time to switch to the grill and splash around in the little blow up baby pool!  Water is precious out here in the desert southwest so our little baby pool is just right for summer fun.  I find that during the warm months we grill most nights.  A few summers ago I learned that the Nesco roaster was great for baking bread.  It doesn't brown the top like an oven but it doesn't heat up the house as much either!  We've even learned to bake pizza on the grill using a pizza stone.  

We've discovered Goldwater Lake in Prescott, AZ.  Wow!  That's some summer fun.  It's a beautiful lake (no swimming allowed :( ) with lots of tables, piers for fishing, trails, and even a playground.  The best part is.....the entry fee is only $2 for the whole day!!!   Find some summer fun and beat the heat!

ASH FORK PROM!!! HERE WE COME!!!!

I'm so excited!  I'm going to be photographing Ash Fork Prom this year.  It's going to be so much fun.  The ladies are going to be so beautiful in their lovely dresses and the guys are going to be so handsome!  It's such a priviledge to share this event with them.  ASH FORK STUDENTS ROCK!

Welcome! to Susan Giovannini Photography

Hello and welcome to Susan Giovannini Photography. For me, photography is mesmerizing...addictive. I can get lost in land and seascapes. Being able to capture nature as I see it has been a driving force in my desire to be a photographer....until... I took a studio lighting class in college. That class completely caught me off guard and changed the direction of my career. I love people and I found that I love photographing people. There is great challenge in finding the essence of a person and bringing that essence to the image. Some people, my youngest daughter for instance, have a personality that is open, bubbly and sparkling. This openness makes an easy connection with the camera. Others are more reserved and finding the key to making them feel comfortable with me and the camera is paramount to good images. It sounds simple but great images really happen when that chemistry between the client and photographer is present.


I still shoot nature photography and fine art photography but my joy is working with people. 

I'm so happy that you've stopped to visit my blog. Watch for updates and sneak peeks!