Anita Roach Photography

I've moved

2009-03-27T16:26:00.000-07:00

I am now blogging here

Anita Roach Studios...the blog

Please update your links and stop on by and leave me a comment to let me know what you think of the new digs!

2009-03-24T10:54:00.001-07:00

Big, exciting changes coming this week. Stay Tuned.

Newborn Shoot....Ain't she Sweet

2009-02-24T08:46:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure of taking this little one's photos on Sunday. What a lucky little girl she is...she has the sweetest mom and dad! Here are a few sneak peek photos for you Christin...

Sharing the Love

2009-02-14T08:38:00.001-08:00

Since I made an offer to the contest winners blog readers and since it is Valentine's Day, I thought I would do the same for you (is there really anybody out there).

For the next 2 weeks, if you are in need of a brand identity of your own (like the ones shown below), I am offering a massive discount of my branding services! You get your very own, shiny, new, logo based on my branding questionnaire. As you've read from the contest winners, this process with help you define things in your business that is bigger than what your logo will look like. It will help you develop your image, make you look at your customers, and who you want your customers to be, and more so that the logo we develop reaches that clientele with a true vision of you and your services!

So act now...$250 for your new brand! That is a whopping 75% discount of my usual fee!

3rd Contest Winner: Carrie Hasson

2009-02-14T08:18:00.000-08:00

Carrie Hasson was our 3rd and final contest winner. She was great to work with and we have even struck up a little Facebook Friendship making it all the more fun to watch her put her logo into action!

I thought I would show you the evolution of a logo. Carrie's answers to the branding questionnaire were very good, she shared her love of the ocean, the colors related to it and that she had envisioned the C in Carrie as a wave... so we started with this..
.

knew designing it that there would be some tweaks...I just didn't feel it was perfect yet and Carrie did ask that I modernize the logo a little with sharper points, a more silvery color and only 1 font and we got here

I knew it still wasn't right but this is often how these things get worked out, Carried loved the color, and the new modern feel but she still wasn't feeling it. She asked that I make the waves closer to each other like in the first one and we got to this version of the logo...as you can see not a big difference.

At this point, Carrie was happy but not thrilled and I want my clients to be THRILLED. I realized that the "sticking" point was making the C in Carrie a wave. So even though I try never to do this...I scraped what Carrie wanted and designed as if she had left that detail out our information gathering session. I revisited the questionnaire and took the elements that I knew Carrie loved about the first designs and came up with this logo
Here's what Carrie had to say about this version as we were chatting on FB:

I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE it. I am on the verge of tears. This is it!

And this is what Carrie says on her blog:

Anita knows her stuff. She sent me a questionnaire that asked just the right questions and really made me, for the first time, define my business and how I see myself as photographer, as a brand. And it wasn't hard. It was almost like she was asking trick questions, questions you're actually excited to answer but secretly give her a lot of meaning into who you are. After I completed the questions, it wasn't long before I received in return an amazing logo. When I opened it I was like WOW! Really, WOW! A few tweaks later, and she came up with just what I had in my mind (but I didn't even know it myself!). The telling part of it all is that I truly would have been lucky to have any of the designs she presented to me. They were all equally creative, special and somewhat a part of me. But the last one, it was a perfect fit. Kinda like finding the perfect pair of jeans. Which we all know is so hard to do. Thank you Anita, for being such a perfectionist, having an amazing eye for detail, and for really listening to my vision, and actually helping me take what I had in my head and making something concrete and fluid out of it. Forever grateful!

Thanks for being so great Carrie!

Contest Winner #2 - Toni Johnson Studios

2009-02-10T19:10:00.000-08:00

Toni was the 2nd winner of the new logo contest...so without further adeiu here is her new logo

As you can Toni has 2 creative yet diverse disciplines so we had to work out whether there was a way to combine both into one logo (where there is a will there is a way!) one we consulted on that Toni's answers to my branding questionnaire allowed me to quickly deduce what she was about. So combining her love of trees, the colors red and blue, chocolate (the color and the candy) along with what I determined was a playful (she concurs) personality and voila!

Here's what Toni had to say about her new logo:

I was very fortunate to win a free logo on Anita's blog and was so excited at the opportunity to develop an identity for my new business. Anita sent a questionnaire to complete that would help her in creating the logo. I had some personal business decisions to make before answering the questionnaire and Anita very patiently talked me through my decisions. I completed the questionnaire and two days later Anita delivered the perfect logo, in which she thoughtfully incorporated my answers and personality. Anita is "da bomb"! She will definitely get my business when it comes time for my future marketing needs. Thank you again!!

First Contest Winner's Logo - Cider Press Studios

2009-02-06T17:42:00.000-08:00

Julie of Cider Press Studios was one of the winners of the new logo contest...so without further adeiu here is her new logo

Julie was quick to get me her answers to my branding questionnaire and her thorough answers allowed me to quickly deduce what she wanted her brand to be about.

So let me know your thoughts! And I still need the branding questionnaires from you other two fab winners!

1000Markets Staff Pick!

2009-02-06T09:47:00.001-08:00

I just was informed that Matt at 1000Markets made Anita Roach Studios his staff pick and featured me on the site. So go on over there, peek around and see if you agree with Matt that "my photos are a joy to view."

New Online Shop at 1000markets.com

2009-02-03T12:40:00.000-08:00

I have launched a new online store for my fine art photography at http://www.1000markets.com/users/amrstudios.

This online store will be growing over time as I include all my fine art photography. For now I will be concentrating on my remnants work of old barns, dilapidated signs, and other rural scenes as well as my macro flower work and my urban landscapes collection which features a lot of windows and walls from Italy, France and the United States.

11 Years in Business!

2009-02-01T09:45:00.000-08:00

UPDATE: Here is the email address to send to anita at anitaroachstudios dot com

past and that I am still lucky enough to work for myself. When I started out I was under contract with my old company, Turner Construction, and little changed except that I had a little more power over my schedule and I could work from home. Which was extremely important since my daughters were still young and I often worked 20 hour days. Today, TriadDesign is part of Anita Roach Studios and I have added photography to the mix -- everything from product photography and headshots to weddings and newborn portraits, and of course my fine art photography. I love design, I really do, but photography is a passion so I am thrilled that it is now part of my business!

There have been ups and downs of course, and once I even took another marketing job out of fear that the business would not survive...only to quit the day before I was supposed to start! I just knew that I need to keep on going and after considerable prayer knew that I couldn't let my dream die...and I'm so glad I trusted God on this one!

So as promised, I said I would announce the winner of the logo contest...and because each woman has a dream of her own to start her own thing...each of the commentors is getting a logo! (Good thing there aren't a lot of readers to my blog yet :))

So ladies, send me an email and I will send you a questionnaire that I use for my branding clients and we will get started on designing your logos which is a great building block for making your own dreams come true...and hopefully in 2020 we will be celebrating your 11 year anniversaries of being your own boss!

Remember this little Guy

2009-01-31T14:11:00.000-08:00

I have had the honor of photographing Jack since before he was born (I did his mom's maternity pics and his newborn shots). These are his 3 months photo, its so fun to watch him grow. Shooting an infant can be a challenge as you have to just go for it since you can't ask them to pose and there is no control over their emotions or facial expressions. But it can also be so much fun, as long as you are open to whatever the little one offers up and also have parents who see the memories and cuteness in even the grumpiest of faces. I highly recommend shooting the session in their home so that they are as comfortable as possible and so that the shots truly reflect what was going on in their lives at the time.

When doing a "first year" progression I always try to recreate certain poses so that the growth and changes are even more evident.

Here is Jack at 3 months...I love the "bear papoose" that his mom puts him in when he goes outside in the cold. So adorable.

Remnants

2009-01-26T12:04:00.000-08:00

I am working on a personal project that will eventually take me all over the country to photograph the remnants of life in the small towns of America. This weekend I started with a trip from Denver to the Kansas border along Highway 36. A couple of towns made me cry, a couple made me angry for the people who owned the now defunct business but in each place I found beauty in the remains. I am grateful that big business has not come into these places and bull dozed away these important monuments of what life used to be like. You can view more photographs from this trip here.

New Brand Official Launched!

2009-01-19T07:56:00.001-08:00

Today TriadDesign and Anita Roach Photography officially become Anita Roach Studios - Design + Photography! The new brand features a new logo, website, and future for my companies.

TriadDesign began in February 1, 1998 and is celebrating the end of its 10th year so a new look is more than perfect for its 11th birthday! I think its also appropriate to inaugurate my new brand while we inaugurate our new president!

I am excited to see what 2009 brings to my business and to see how the new look impacts it!

As part of the launch I am giving away a prize or two. You can choose from the design of a fresh new logo for your own endeavor or a set of my photo magnets. Just leave a comment about what your goals for 2009 are and what excites you about them! I will post the winner on TriadDesign's anniversary, February 1, 2009.

365 Project: Pet Portraits

2009-01-15T15:56:00.000-08:00

Winston (my boston terrier puppy) provide endless photo ops...these are just a few of the gems from today. He is how I got into pet portraits and while he is still my favorite subject, I love capturing these same types of moments for others.

If you are interested in having your pet photographed please contact me to schedule a session at your/your pet's favorite location!

365 Project

2009-01-15T09:23:00.000-08:00

Along with my resolution to do the 365 Project, I am also trying to eat healthier. This grapefruit helped me kill two birds with one stone :)

365 Project...Skipping to the Present

2009-01-13T09:00:00.000-08:00

I'll fill in the missing days eventually. Here are the photos from yesterday...I just couldn't resist this sweet little snowman...someone was obviously excited that we actually had some measurable snow here in Denver!

365 Project...Days 2-9

2009-01-12T08:37:00.000-08:00

Coming out of the (365 Project) Closet...

2009-01-11T11:39:00.000-08:00

So I have secretly been trying to do the 365 project so I thought I'd start posting some of the photos from it, to make it "real" and to hold myself accountable.

I took this during my recent trip to California.

16 Things About Me

2009-01-09T19:37:00.001-08:00

Since Tracey asked...I figured I'd oblige...especially since so many things on her list are on mine

I am:

a crier
not formally trained in either of my professions (photography and graphic design)
a virgo
dependant on my morning coffee
secretly trying to do the 365 project this year
the proud mother of adult twin daughters
hoping that this year I meet (exceed) all my goals
addicted to reality tv
a dog person (well a Winston person - I can take or leave other dogs)
relishing my 40th year
an excellent cook
trying to find my way in my post-parenting world
uncharacteristally optimistic most of the time
anti-organized religion while being a complete follower of Christ
tired of making myself pay for my past mistakes
finding it hard to think of a 16th thing

So, if anyone reads this....please leave a comment as to your 16 things or where you blogged them!

New Year...New Blog Commitment

2009-01-09T11:04:00.000-08:00

Ok, so its been starts and fits since I started this blog but in addition to a bevy of other goals blogging regularly is top on the list. For those of you that have been checking regularly, I apologize.

2008 ended with a bang, as I shot my first wedding. Here are a few sneak peek images for the bride and groom, and everyone else.

The new year is also off to a bang with the combination of my 2 businesses and a new brand to go with it. Including the embracing of my silly little name after 40 years of wishing I could be ann smith or jane doe. Here is the new logo and the new website will be launching at the end of next week!

December Project: 12/6

2008-12-06T17:31:00.000-08:00

I was at a church today checking out the space for a wedding that I am photographing later in the month. These roses were tucked into a corner. Just beautiful.

December Project: 12/5

2008-12-05T07:55:00.000-08:00

I am trying to meet one of my goals to blogging everyday...I'm cheating a little bit because I took this photo a few days ago, but today was super crazy and I couldn't stop to take a picture

December Project: 12/4

2008-12-04T07:28:00.000-08:00

Replaced Thanksgiving's Sunflowers with Christmas' Poinsettias...where has this year gone.

December Project: 12/3

2008-12-03T19:24:00.000-08:00

The lights at the Town Center were just coming on as I was walking home. Any later and it would be too cold to snap this shot. BRRRRR.

December Project: 12/2

2008-12-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite subjects, Winston helped me develop my love of pet portraiture and is such a ham that its impossible not to want to have the camera on him 24/7.

December Project: 12/1

2008-12-02T07:56:00.000-08:00

These beautiful sunflowers adorned the Thanksgiving table and now are on their way to seeing better days. I wanted to capture them and the memory they will evoke before it was too late.

Hibernation

2008-12-01T08:19:00.000-08:00

Over at Shutter Sisters there is talk of hibernation. That is how I feel right now in regards to my personal photography. I even "forgot" to take pictures at Thanksgiving...all that food, which I love to photograph, and no photos. Now it could be that I was the cook of most of that food so I was just to tired to think about it, maybe too much wine added to it. But this is not the way to continue to hone your craft, to capture moments in life and in time.

So I am going to participate in this. A photo a day until Christmas...of what I am seeing in my surroundings. I think I can manage that. And it will help with my goal to post everyday for at least a month.

So stay tuned. I will post something this afternoon.

What are you doing to counteract your own hibernation?

First Snow...Finally

2008-11-29T16:12:00.001-08:00

So its the end of December and we finally woke up to our first snow. It was gorgeous. But in typical Denver fashion its almost all melted and not so pretty anymore.

Photographing Your Home

2008-11-23T09:28:00.000-08:00

Shutter Sisters has a great post about whether you need to travel anywhere to find the muse or if you can find it right in your backyard. Its something I struggle with all the time. Every weekend I say I am going to pack up the car, the dog, the camera and head out. Every weekend I end up saying NEXT weekend I am going to....

As they say in the article, based on Bob's post last year at No Traces it is true some of my most popular photos were taken inside my home or in the near vicinity of it. I wonder why that is. Is it the fact that in your own surroundings you are more comfortable and confident? Not so afraid to get belly down on the ground in front of your family or the neighbors. More willing to try something different.

Here are a few of my "from home" shots...

Taken last Valentines Day from some flowers my neices brought me.

IMG_9074, originally uploaded by thrivestyle.

Taken last weekend as the sole remaining leaf strives to hold on to its home

158, originally uploaded by thrivestyle.

Tea time

029, originally uploaded by thrivestyle.

So show me your favorite home shots! Oh and the first comment receives an 8x8 of the macro photo above!

Tree Lighting

2008-11-22T14:40:00.000-08:00

Last night my friends who run Cafe of Life Chiropractic asked if I would come in and do photos of the kids as a way to draw people in. What an honor and a blast! Here are a couple of the many adorable little sprites I got to interact with last night. Parents don't forget to go check out your pics. The photos will only be up for 2 weeks.

Food Friday

2008-11-21T07:56:00.001-08:00

In honor of the gorgeous photos and post over at Shutter Sisters. I deem today Food Friday. Since the greatest food holiday of all times is just around the corner its perfect timing.

I love food. I love to eat it and cook it. I love the textures, the smells, the sights and even the sounds. I also love the heritage that food brings to us. And the way that food can be used to bring people together. The importance of the family meal in training your children. The camaraderie of a great girls night out complete with decadent dessert. The way that the food of your childhood can comfort you and the way that trying new food can ignite passionate response (good and bad).

I also love to photograph food...here are a few of food photos and you can view more in my food gallery.

IMG_4904, originally uploaded by thrivestyle.

IMG_9050, originally uploaded by thrivestyle.

new york 331, originally uploaded by thrivestyle.

IMG_8910, originally uploaded by thrivestyle.

Post it Like you Stole It...

2008-11-18T08:25:00.000-08:00

Which I did...from this amazing blog that I am addicted to:

You are supposed to bold the things you've done on the list:

1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band (Does the french horn in 5th grade count?)

4. Visited Hawaii

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

7. Been to Disneyland (been to Disneyworld, does that count?)

8. Climbed a mountain

9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang a solo

11. Bungee jumped

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty (I've seen the Statue of Liberty...but wouldn't wait in the lines to see it)

18. Grown your own vegetables

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France

20. Slept on an overnight train

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitch hiked

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill

24. Built a snow fort

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping

27. Run a Marathon

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice

29. Seen a total eclipse

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset

31. Hit a home run

32. Been on a cruise

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language (un petite peu (a little french does that count)

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michelangelos David (I was in Florence but I would not wait in the lines to see it)

41. Sung karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited Africa

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted

48. Gone deep sea fishing

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris (I've been to the Eiffel Tower - would not wait in the line to go up)

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling

52. Kissed in the rain

53. Played in the mud

54. Gone to a drive-in theater

55. Been in a movie

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies

62. Gone whale watching

63. Got flowers for no reason

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma

65. Gone sky diving

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp (can't remember if I did this in Berlin or not)

67. Bounced a check

68. Flown in a helicopter

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten Caviar

72. Pieced a quilt

73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London

77. Broken a bone

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person

80. Published a book (I self published a photo book...does that count?)

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car

83. Walked in Jerusalem

84. Had your picture in the newspaper

85. Read the entire Bible

86. Visited the White House (I've seen the outside and taken its picture but never been inside)

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

88. Had chickenpox

89. Saved someone’s life

90. Sat on a jury

91. Met someone famous

92. Joined a book club

93. Lost a loved one

94. Had a baby

95. Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a law suit

98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee

100. Read an entire book in one day

This list made me realize a LOT...1) I really have had quite an extraordinary life to have been able to do over half of the things on this list...and honestly some of the ones I haven't done...I don't think I want to (Been involved in a lawsuit, killed and prepared my own animal to eat).

I also realized that when it comes to my siteseeing I am impatient as all get out. I go to the place, photograph it, but never actually experience what the tourists are there to experience. Anyone else do this?

Here are some photos from the experiences I've had:

12 & 50 (AND PROOF OF 19)

38.
86.

70.

94.

New Options for your Shoot

2008-11-17T10:25:00.001-08:00

I am getting ready to reveal a total new offering: Choose your Look.

Choose your look will offer you 6 different post-processing options based on my favorite places around the world: California, Colorado, New York, Paris, London and Florence.

In addition to the post processing options, there will be 4 location options: Country/Botanic, Urban, Rustic and Modern. I'm location shopping right now.

Stay tuned!

2008-11-16T13:49:00.000-08:00

I photographed this little spitfire while I was in Paris. She is a hoot and a half. She is an artist at 4, complete with her own easel and style. Her dad is also an artist and they have time together where the paint. As a thank you for taking her picture she gave me one of her paintings. Even though there was a HUGE language barrier the shots I captured that day show that the human connection goes far beyond words!

I Want...

2008-11-15T10:41:00.001-08:00

I want to attend this conference so bad...

FROM AUDREY WOULARD'S BLOG

Registration opens Saturday, Nov 15 at noon EST. Update: as of 12:20, 40 out of 60 spots are full! Because Learnfest '08 was such a HUGE success, I am so happy to announce Learnfest '09 with my wonderful co-presenters, Lena Hyde, Laura Novak and Tamara Lackey. This workshop is sure to sell out extremely fast! You can view more details on the the Learnfest Website and be sure to see "the buzz" section for what our '08 attendees are saying! The program was aptly named, built as a true learnfest for portrait photographers who are ready to take their business to the next creative and strategic level. Join us for an amazing 3-day/3-night learnfest that runs from April 6-9, 2009 at picturesque, Chateau Elan, located in the serene and picturesque Georgia countryside, just 40 minutes from the Atlanta airport. Experience in-depth instruction on shooting, post-production, marketing, business strategy, revenue generation, and studio and daily workflow. Redefine what success can mean in the portrait photography business. Interact in small groups of 15, meeting with each instructor throughout the course of 3 days as part of an overall program that is tailored to deliver a comprehensive leaning experience for the portrait photographer. Network with other photographers from around the world, in addition to the hosts, in an environment built to encourage sharing and connection. And offer yourself the opportunity to completely focus on imporoving your skills, your business, and your future in photography in an invironment that fully encourages you to step away from the pace of every day work/life. Given the high level of interest we've received to date, we expect all spaces to sell our quickly again this year, so if this does sound like a fit for you, we'd encourage you mark yor calendar for November 15th when we open resistration!

here's hoping the graphic design and photography businesses pick up SOON - like in the next 10 minutes since registration is already almost full! Maybe next year.

Flower Fridays: Fuji Mum

2008-11-15T09:49:00.000-08:00

I love photographing flowers...the colors, the details, the unique shapes. Everything about it makes me happy. They even pose themselves and never have a bad day :)

Here's a shot I took this week for Cafe of Life's new website and advertising pieces. I love these Fuji Mums...especially this green color!

So show me your favorite shot from this week!

Baby Love: Jack

2008-11-14T09:27:00.000-08:00

This sweet little boy…what a joy. His parents are my neighbors and they make the lovliest little family. I was so honored to be able to do these shots since I also did her maternity shoot. Here are some sneak peeks from the Saturday’s shoot.