Monthly Archives: August 2008

Photographers…do yourself a favor!

Earlier this year I was lucky enough to attend The One Light Workshop in Phoenix. It is one of the best investments I’ve put back in to my business. Fellow Atlantananan(did I just make up a word) Zack Arias is like the Jimmy Hendrix of lighting. AMAZING. Because of the awesomeness of his workshops they sell out quickly. Well now he has just released a 2 disc One Light Workshop DVD. Seriously, do yourself a favor and buy this bad boy asap. He has poured his heart, soul and wallet it to producing it. I’ll also add in he is one of *the* nicest most real dudes you will ever meet. Also in the box were some sweet bonus items – a tshirt, a cd by his very talented girfriend Meghan Coffee and some discounts for other things. Oh and it comes with a book filled with great info to accompany the DVDs.

I love how the DVD is shot in a MTV type style, very contemporary. My favorite is the second DVD (it almost reminds me of a cribs episode with the music and editing style). I really like seeing other photographers shoot and hearing them talk about their process and what is going on in their heads. Also it’s funny to see Zack’s face when he gets kicked out of a few places, the look he gives the security officer is priceless.

So if you want to kick your lighting skills up a few notches you *need* this DVD.
http://www.onelightworkshop.com

*** No I have not been paid, solicited or asked to rave about this. No discounts, nothing, I just had to share how great it is and it will change the way you shoot.***

Here’s Zack getting kicked out of a parking lot… (I so dig the music he uses)
[youtube jm1puuyojiE]

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Debbie - August 16, 2008 - 12:19 pm

If you could see me now, you’d see me doing cart-wheels because I am SO THRILLED to read this post! I have wanted to go to his workshop more than any other workshop that’s out there, but I haven’t been able to. I’m buying this the minute it’s released. THANK YOU ANGELA!!!!

Susan Braswell - August 16, 2008 - 2:30 pm

I have heard nothing but good reviews on his workshops. Do you really believe you can do this without first hand -on hands experience?

Daveen - August 16, 2008 - 8:32 pm

So great to hear such a great review!

Brandy - August 16, 2008 - 8:54 pm

I missed out on the presale for the first batch of DVDs, and now am anxiously awaiting the second batch to be released!

Kylie Banks - August 16, 2008 - 11:47 pm

I just signed up to be on the mailing list for this.. I want this DVD!

Melissa M - August 18, 2008 - 7:58 pm

Thank you so much for posting this! Living out in the middle of nowhere, I never get the chance to go to stuff like that. I’m totally buying this disc set….just put my name on the mailing list.

~M

ashley mcnamara - August 19, 2008 - 4:05 pm

I have not had a chance to go to the workshop but I will be buying the DVD for sure.

Pam - August 19, 2008 - 10:04 pm

I agree with you Angela! Zack has some great info on the DVD and his workshop is hands down one of the best I have ever been to.

jenniferL - October 1, 2008 - 4:48 pm

i was always too late to sign up for one of his workshops. i’ve ordered the DVD and can’t wait!

Officially Initiated

? 1. Have law enforcement show up at your new home.

? 2. Have multiple power outtages.

? 3. Experience thunderstorm.

?? 4. Get lost because your GPS has no clue where anything is, and you are about as geographically challenged as they come. (deserves a double check)

?5. Order “sweet tea”

?6. Visit Gone With the Wind Museum

?7. Have someone cuss you out on the phone because you “stole” their home phone number.

?8. Get stung by a vicious monster.

??9. Listen to your security system blare for an hour because you have no clue what the passcode is because the system technically isn’t being activated until next week. (double checks because it’s happened twice already).

?10. Can’t call home because you don’t know your home phone number and your iphone reset itself and you lost all your contacts and the home number was one of them. You are reapeatedly asked for your phone number and you have to say, I don’t know. You are then asked for your cell phone number and you have to look on the side where you have taped the number on to the phone with a post it note and a piece of tape.

?11. See the big KFC Chicken

I think I can honestly say that I am now offcially initiated and I’m a Georgian. (Is that how you say it? Hmm) Last week law enforcement showed up when the power went out after the storm when we couldnt get the security system turned off. The power has gone out two times in less than two weeks. My GPS is acting like I’m crazy when I type in addresses, I’m wondering where this attitude came from, she suddenly gets upset when she starts all this “recalculating” mess when giving me directions. I’m waiting for her to scream obscenities at me when I don’t go the way she tells me to go. Sweet tea is a must if you live in the south, I’ve drank my share already and its back to Coke Zero, Diet Pepsi and that yummy Chick Fil-A Diet Lemonade.

Comcast gave us someone elses phone number, no they had not cancelled it, they were still using it and they weren’t so happy when their friends started calling and I told them they had the wrong number. Yikes. So sorry about that, didn’t mean to take your number, you can thank Comcast for that.

Today we were at the pool, I was minding my own business sitting there with my feet in the water while the kids were swimming. I started feeling a really bad sting in my arm and looked down and this huge monster was stinging me (ok it was a wasp, but just let me be dramatic and picture the hugest wasp on the planet). I immediately start screaming like I’m at a New Kids on the Block concert and try and get the darn thing off of my arm. He (I’m calling the wasp a he, he looked mean) wouldnt let go and finally I was able to flick him in to the pool. This darn thing hurts, it made me sick then I had to take a nap for a while. My arm is still swollen and I can still feel the stinging, I guess because I can’t get the stinger out. Google repeatedly talks about venom and all sorts of bad things. Yikes!

(gee I’m rather rambly tonight for someone who was stung by a monster ;-) )

This afternoon on my way back from Marietta I stopped for a quick tour through the Gone With the Wind Museum. It’s not real big but they have a lot of neat memorabilia, posters, costumes, etc. So here are a few snaps from there. Oh but before that I passed by the big huge chicken that has googly eyes on top of a KFC restaurant. Apparently it’s a big deal around here as a few people have mentioned it to me, so now I can mark that off my list!

But first, here’s one quick one of my little client Mr. J, from his at home portion of his session…

They sky was completely white for a little while this morning, it was weird!

and here’s that chicken I was telling you about…

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Lisa R - August 15, 2008 - 4:38 am

Oh, you will quickly learn that many things revolve around “The Big Chicken.”

Chick Fil A Diet Lemonade is delightful…yum. And it’s all Coke, Coke, Coke around here, you’ll find (oh, and Delta and Home Depot).

When we first moved here there were no GPS’ – imagine getting around without it. The joy is when you’re driving down one road, look up, and the name has changed – but you never made a turn. ;)

I’ll bet that number was a 770 one, eh? People like to keep their 770s.

Welcome to Atlanta!

Anna-Karin - August 15, 2008 - 4:50 am

Welcome to the south!
Sounds like you are getting the enjoyment of all parts of becoming a southerner again. Once settled you will love it.

Maria - August 15, 2008 - 8:39 am

Oh dear…I totally understand Angela. Having moved 4 times in the 3.5yrs we’ve been married, I am so simpathetic. Hang in there…soon you’ll be acting like a local, talking with a deep southern accent, and making your own sweet tea. ;-)

lroah - August 15, 2008 - 9:40 am

Angela, I am so disappointed that I discovered your blog just as you were moving, as I would have loved to have met you. I live in Los Angeles, and I used to live in Atlanta, so this made me laugh so hard! Your photography is amazing, but I love your blog especially because you always make me laugh!

heather - August 15, 2008 - 10:35 am

Wow, you made it! What a time huh? Well, you give all of us with huge mortgages in CA something to think about (moving)…so I can’t wait to hear how it goes for you. I hope that phone thing gets worked out soon. And about the GPS… have you told your GPS that you’re in Georgia now? I know when I was traveling to AZ, I had to plug in something saying I was in AZ and not in CA…that fixed a lot of probs. Good luck!!!

Kimberly Hill - August 15, 2008 - 10:38 am

You poor baby! (she says as she sucks down her Chick-fil-A lemonade) ;)

Season Moore - August 15, 2008 - 11:09 am

I still can’t believe you’re in Atl!!!! My Mom just told me this morning that they are putting the house on the market and moving as soon as it sells so it look like I won’t be spending much time in A-town any more :-/

corey civetta - August 15, 2008 - 11:43 am

Oh wow – so sorry you’ve had all that to deal with! How crazy about your phone number!! And yes, a lot of things revolve around the “big chicken” here. I was so disappointed when I saw it for the first time … maybe I didn’t expect the googly looking eyes. LOL

You are missing something on your list, though – “get together with Corey” needs to be added. (am I sounding like a stalker yet?) LOL

Kelly - August 15, 2008 - 12:27 pm

Hilarious…sounds like my life! I was in the Atlanta/Marietta area in July to shoot a wedding and saw the big chicken, too! Did you see the NASA spaceship McDonald’s playplace? And if it makes you feel any better, my GPS was very confused and rude to me when I was there, as well. I swore I heard her say, “dang, didn’t I tell you to turn around 10 minutes ago?!” :)

Brandy - August 15, 2008 - 1:29 pm

That chicken is fricken awesome. I need to come see it.

Julia - August 15, 2008 - 7:54 pm

Heh heh, welcome to the South! It took me 4 years of living here before I finally saw the Big Chicken so you are on your game. So sorry about that nasty wasp, and yes, everyone, it WAS the largest wasp in the world. I’m an animal-lover but was glad to see that meanie meet his grisly end being splashed by children in the pool. BTW, now that you’re here I think your GPS system should start talking in a Southern accent. “Turn rahhht at the Biiig Chiiiicken. Bless your heart, you missed your turn. Fixin’ to recalculate…..”

abbey - August 16, 2008 - 6:17 am

oh no!! welcome to georgia…
hopefully things will only get better from here on out!

Marmalade - August 16, 2008 - 8:06 am

somehow you still make it sound fun (i know it isn’t). gps troubles aside, well all troubles aside, i think you’ve had enough drama. time to settle in and rock atlanta as the hip atlanta children’s photog that you are! xoxo

Jennifer - August 16, 2008 - 8:51 pm

hahaha, yep you are offically back in the south girl, have fun!!

alpana - August 19, 2008 - 11:46 pm

what a wild start to life in a new city! All I remember of the city is all those Peach tree streets. Hope you settle in soon.

This little light of mine…

I just had to share with you my latest find. The. best. nightlights. EVER!

They are Tyke Lights by Mobi. The best part about them is that they are portable. Depending on which model you get they sit on a little base to recharge, or have a little cord that charges them, and they hold a charge for about 10 hours. They are totally safe to sleep with, play with etc. They are very hard plastic and very durable.

Here is the description from Mobi’s website:

The world at night is a place of exploration and adventure for your child. The TykeLight casts the perfect glow of light for play under the covers, inside tents, in the back yard and outings down darkened hallways. The TykeLight lights the way and becomes the security friend for any wanderer. Parents can also check on little explorers without disturbing their sleep with the soft glow nightlight feature. Long lasting rechargeable batteries and kid-friendly design make the TykeLight the perfect playtime friend day or night. TykeLight is fully rechargeable and will deliver many adventures for your little tykes over the years.

Perfect for nightlight or playtime
Quick and safe rechargeable batteries
Illuminates up to 10 hours on a single charge. Charges while glowing
Easy to clean surface
Designed to easily fit children’s hands as the perfect glowing playmate
Impact resistant plastic – Safe and Durable

My kids LOVE these! Just a note, the pink looks really like freaky red, so for a girl I would recommend skipping the pink and choosing purple or another color. You can get them on Amazon.com and various other sites on the internet, Costco stores have them too (in a two pack!).  Here are the three that we have – blue, purple and pink.

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Nikki - August 12, 2008 - 10:25 pm

Those are the best little lights ever! Thanks for putting them up Angela!

chantelle bliss - August 13, 2008 - 5:59 am

they are so cute!!!!!

Jennifer - August 13, 2008 - 7:31 pm

oh wow those are cool, love them!

Christina - October 30, 2008 - 6:36 pm

so cool!

Can you see me now?

I often get emails from friends, clients and potential clients asking when my site will be compatible with the iphone. Trust me, I understand the frustration, I’m still surprised that the iphone doesn’t handle flash applications! In the mean time the good folks over at Big Folio have created Small Folio which creates a special little website off of your own website just for iphones!

When you visit my site now via iphone it loads the new iphone version of my site instead of the “no flash for you” icon. Although I must warn you it still needs a little tweaking, but it’s still pretty cool! So whip out your iphone and visit www.angelacalderon.com, feel free to check back often as I add more images and galleries!

If you don’t have a iphone, then I think this is a perfect excuse to get one right? ;-)

It’s 2:42 am Atlanta time, I guess I’m still on California time (11:42 am), does that mean that I am typing this from the future? I’m in a time warp!

Happy Tuesday (or late Monday)!

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Leah Profancik - August 12, 2008 - 7:04 am

Oooo…what a good idea! I hate that I can’t see flash on my iPhone.

Stacey Stowers - August 12, 2008 - 7:32 am

I just checked your site on my iPhone and it works great, I need to get something like this for my site too.

Renae J - August 14, 2008 - 7:17 am

That is too cool!!! Worked fine for me.

Off to a sweet start… | Atlanta Family Photographer

First let me tell you that when they call it HOTlanta they aint joking!  As they say “it’s not the heat it’s the humidity”, I’m hear to tell you every single word of that is true.  Phew!

This evening I met my clients at a beautiful park in East Cobb County.  They have the best last name ever and I hope they don’t mind me sharing, it’s Sugar.  How cute is that and that they are my first Atlanta clients and they have a sweet last name. ;-)   I had such a wonderful time, they were so much fun and were so very sweet and kind.  We had a mission today and that was to get some shots of the three generations of Sugar Men.  Grandpa Sugar was in visiting from New York so this was the perfect opportunity for photos!  Later on this week we will have part two of our session and it will be all about little J.

Thank you to the Sugar family to living up to your name and being so sweet and welcoming to me and for braving the crazy heat together!

Just a side note that I’m currently turning cartwheels in my front yard (ok not really, I would probably break my neck) but our “stuff” arrived today in the moving crates and after 2+ weeks I get to sleep in my own bed.  You read that right, no floor,  no crazy air mattress, yes my very own bed.  My back is already thanking me!

Here are a few sneak peeks from this afternoon!

Don’t you just love those dark eyes and gorgeous red hair he has.  So so cute!

Mission accomplished…

and we can’t forget Mr. J’s beautiful Mommy (who reminds me so much of my friend Monica back in LA)…

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Heather - August 9, 2008 - 10:09 pm

awwww soooo cute!!!!

Jen Lane - August 10, 2008 - 12:21 am

Oh YAY! You made it!!! Congrats on the big move and getting all settled in!

Lovely, SWEET session Angela! What a way to kick off your new world!

Kimberly Hill - August 10, 2008 - 7:23 am

Well, it looks like you started out your professional ATLANTA life with a bang! Beautiful family, beautiful work. What a fun last name and I’m so glad it turned out to be true. Looking forward to J’s session!

Pammy - August 10, 2008 - 8:17 am

Congrats on picking up where you left off. They are a lucky family to have you in Hotlanta! The little boy is adorable.

jen wilson - August 10, 2008 - 8:43 am

his eyes in that first shot are just amazing!!! (and how cute is it that their name is Sugar??) You are going to ROCK Atlanta!!!! enjoy your new city!

jen :)

Brandy - August 10, 2008 - 7:32 pm

Ahhhhh! A family after my own heart!
Great shots Angela, glad that Atlanta is going well!

Julia - August 11, 2008 - 2:07 pm

These are GREAT! I know they are going to love these! What an adorable little boy!

Terrilyn - August 12, 2008 - 3:28 am

Darn, I knew there was something I forgot to mention about living in the South. ;) lol
Awesome shots Angela, looks like Hotlanta agrees with you!

Jennifer - August 12, 2008 - 7:48 am

awww what a sweet family indeed! What a little cutie!

Marci - August 12, 2008 - 10:07 am

oh my! Little J is adorable! I can’t wait to see more of those gorgeous eyes. Mom and dad will have to have them all!!!!!

Lisa - August 19, 2008 - 6:15 pm

He’s a cutie! Love love love those eyes–great captures!

M o r e   i n f o