Mini Sessions for Good Paws!!

Austin dog lovers meet photography for a good cause.

I would like to introduce you to Mini Sessions for Good Paws.

Recently there has been a certain dog that has been on the minds of a lot of people.  His name is Milo.  He was a stray that has wandered into the hearts of many amazing people simply by being a stoic sweet heart that would have every right to shy from people.  This poor guy has endured things most of us find imaginable.   He has a broken leg, a dislocated shoulder, is blind in his right eye, and has numerous BBs and even bullets embedded in him.

He has not had an easy life.

In spite of everything he has endured, he has shown nothing but love and adoration for his new found adopted surroundings.

Here is a quick video of Milo:

Since this poor guy has had such a rough go, he will need surgery on his leg.  People have been amazing and donated to his cause here:


As a result of people's generosity and amazing desire to help this poor guy, we have decided to launch:

Mini Sessions for Good Paws

Synergy Impressions Photography Austin will be offering Mini Sessions (a mini photoshoot) for you and your pooch!  All proceeds go to Save Milo The Dog.  That's right 100% of the proceeds straight to Milo and his mounting medical bills.

What are Mini Sessions?  30 minute photo sessions on location Austin, Tx

What can I expect?  Digital images of you and your pooch!!  All edited and ready for your use.

How much are they?  $75 with all of the proceeds going straight to Save Milo the Dog

          *discounted from typical session rate

When can I do this??  Sunday, October 21st, 2012  

                                      Open slots will start at 11:00 AM

                                      Sign-Up will be launched asap

What kind of pictures will they be?  Depends on you and your pooch!  Here is a sample pic from the test shoot with Sailor.

What should I bring??  Your smiling face, your happy hound, and whatever props you'd like!!

Email me to book your mini session and reserve your time!!!  

lisa@synergyimpressions.com

SLC Austin SLC Austin SLC Austin

Some of you may know that one week ago, Synergy Impressions Photography landed in Austin, Texas.  More appropriately, most likely, you heard a reference to Austin on a FB status and have no idea what I am talking about.

First of all, for those of you in Utah, don't worry, we will still be servicing the Greater Salt Lake area.  Yes, that's right.  We will still be offering photography, videography, and corporate branding to a grid system near you.  In fact, I will be flying back to SLC at the end of March for a wedding that I very much look forward to shooting.  If you need to book photo sessions within the last week of March, contact me asap so that I may schedule you accordingly.  If that date doesn't work, we can book an additional return flight to make our schedules coincide.  We have also partnered with Face Photography to better accommodate everyone's schedule.  Yes, we are that ahead of the game.

Now. for you Austin, Texas folk.  We will be expanding, re-branding, and continually re-inventing Synergy Impressions in your neck of the woods.  That's right, Lonestar State; it's you, me, and a couple cameras.  Since I am less than one week into submerging myself into Torchey's Tacos, the Four Season's Trio, learning how to pronounce the street Manor, and vehemently staying away from I-35- I thank you for your patience.  While I am getting all of my ducks lined up on Guadalupe (gwadaloop), please know that I anticipate being at full shooting capacity within the next 30-45 days.  In the meantime, awesome Austin friends, please feel free to keep Synergy Impressions in mind for any referral photography, videography, and corporate branding needs.  All referrals will be treated as friends, and bonuses are offered in appreciation.  Tell yo' friends to tell me ya sent them!!

So multi-state readers, I hope that helps clear up some of the confusion.

Here's what I am thinking:

Since I we are new to Austin, and most of my gear has been pulled out of boxes... I feel like running a "Welcome to Texas" special!

The first 3 people that contact me in the next 9 days, will receive 20% off their photo shoot and a mystery gift.  This applies to Austin (and the surrounding areas) friends.  SLC, I have a soft spot for ya- maybe we can work something out too.

20% discount on photography services and a mystery gift.  First 3 people.  Austin.

Ready, set, go!

In with the Old and Out with the New

For those of you that are waiting for this post to be an informative break down of f-stops, lighting techniques, and other photography infused tidbits- you will have to check back shortly.

This post is about ____________________________________.

Out with the old and in with the new.

Does that seems accurate?  It seems to be that, at this time of year, New Year's Eve, when people start updating their facebook status with adages and shout-outs to the past year, while feverishly proclaiming their goals (or resolutions) for the coming "new" year, that this saying has been contorted to satisfy some need to feel a socially motivated progress of sorts.

Wait, wait, wait.  "I have already had a mimosa and a bloody mary- it's New Year's Ever.  What in the hell are you rambling about" you say?

I suppose before dumping this mental plate of scrambled eggs onto the interwebs, I should share a bit of the background story that lead to this proclamation...

Fasten your seat belts, this could be a bumpy ride.

First things first, I do not believe in New Year's resolutions, not one bit.  I am a very type A personality.  This means, I am assessing, re-assessing, assigning, re-assigning, and generally over thinking most goals, directions, and directives in my life on a minute to minute basis.  Those of you that know me personally, know this is true.  With that in mind, I have a hard time understanding why people feel the need to become motivated to "change" the direction of their lives, habits, and goals on a specific day rather than embracing the idea that at ANY point, on any given day, the may do so.

I choose to live my life in such a way, that I enjoy the benefits of being able to make a "resolution" this Thursday, if I so choose.  I urge you to do the same.  Don't wait for the last day of the year to evaluate your life and it's purpose.  Are you happy?  If not, it's time for some reflection.  To me, that is the end of the story.

(I told you this would be a bumpy ride- don't roll your eyes at me!)  tee hee.

Let's say, hypothetically, you are willing to accept this ideal as a premise for this post.  The basic general awareness you may hope to embody then, might also question the saying, "out with the old and in with the new".  Yes, I do believe there is some truth to said statement.  However, I also feel that it might be more poignant to say, "In with the Old and Out with the New".  WHAT??  If your head doesn't hurt yet, bear with me a minute longer.

"In with the Old and Out with the New".  Internalize the old, think about it, grow from it, realize that the "old", the "past" has helped shaped who you are, where you are, and what you have become at this exact moment.  Never forget your past and try to learn from it.  In with the Old.

Now, project the new, out into the universe, out to those around you, and most importantly out to yourself.  This will help keep you accountable.  In addition, if you have put the new "out there", others know about it.  You will attract those to you that also have a semblance of the same goals.  (Law of attraction, thank you John C. Maxwell).  Attracting those to you that have similar goals of world domination, can only help you attain those goals.  Plus, if you get tired or lose hope that you may eventually be the next ruler of the free world, ideally those around you (that you have already attracted) will be able to keep you inspired.

Whatever your cliche status will be today, I hope that you are truly happy with where you are in life, and if you are not, I wish for you to change it- Thursday, or Tuesday if you prefer.

As I wrote that last sentence, I smiled.  In fact, I'm still smiling because I have so very many people to thank for being where I am right now.  Whether you are "old" to me or will be "new" too me... you are truly appreciated.  May this coming year bring that same happiness to you and yours.

Ok, now get back to that mimosa!!  It feels neglected.

Ride it Out

Welp, the 10 day re-brand launch and scramble is finished.  Of course, we all know one is never truly finished with a re-brand.  Keep checking back for minute tweaks, alterations, and promotions.

That being said, for now, the coding is finished, spell-check has been completed, and you guys have sent me come amazing feedback on our new "skin".

It's been an interesting couple of weeks.  Gearing up for this launch forced, or rather, gently suggested that I spend a minute looking back over the last 5+ years of building this photography company here in Salt Lake City.  5 years is a long time.  I mean, in the grand scheme of things, of course, it is nothing.  However, here and now, during a time when a facebook status from 3 days ago is considered archived- 5 years is a long time.

I am of the belief that one of  the things which haunts small business owners is the (in)ability to see subtle progress along the way.  For example, I once had a good friend ask me what I want?  Where is there?  When will I feel like I "got there".  I had a really hard time answering that.  I tried to explain that I viewed my "success" on a sliding scale of sorts.  Meaning, when I hit a goal or actualized something I have been working for, my new goal pushes the slider further down the scale to another goal.  I tried to explain, that the "goal" always moves forward, so I couldn't tell him where there is.  It is fluid and elusive.  There is there- you know, out there somewhere, something to keep moving towards.

His response was, "That is tiring."

I laughed.

I think we were both right.  It can be tiring, especially, if we as small business owners can't see the little victories as they happen.  I guess that is the basic premise I wanted to spend a minute thinking about today.  So for those of you out there that are tired, take a minute to look back at where you came from and realize where you have come.  Things may not have moved to the pace you had anticipated; even better, you may have ended up somewhere that you would never have predicted when you stepped foot on your journey.  Good.

For those of you out there that ride horses (one of my other passions), I think keeping life (and business) in perspective is a lot like approaching a big jump.  Keep the momentum (leg-on), balance, head high (sit up), and have a soft eye.  Look up and forward at where you are going, but keep a soft eye to see where you are right now and have a solid awareness of where you came from.  Don't forget to breathe and thank your horse.  Oh, and for my 3 Peas in a Pony- Embrace the flop.

Ride on, kids.

10 Days of Torture END NOW!!

The time has come.  I know the last 10 days have caused much excitement, as well as anxiety, for some of you!  Thank you for sitting, glued to your facebook accounts, staring at the big orange numbers, waiting, hoping, and eagerly anticipating the marvelous launch that has been sure to happen after the countdown hit zero.

I would like to say two things:

1) From here on this post may have language that is not appropriate for the faint of heart.
2) I hope you have noticed that the blog you are reading looks a little bit different.

So, without further ado:

HAPPY FUCKING BIRTHDAY, SYNERGY IMPRESSIONS!!


That's right!  Synergy Impressions has had it's official 5th birthday.  There were a few years of muddling around in the world of exposure compensation and the like, but we have, officially, seen our 5th birthday with Smugmug.  (If you're a photographer and don't know what that means- you should)

Other than cake, balloons, and keg stands- what better way to celebrate a birthday with a healthy dose of spa treatment??

Yes, you guessed it.  Synergy Impressions went to the spa.  The treatments included a full re-brand overhaul and a eucalyptus massage.  What you are looking at is a whole new website, new logo, new blog integration, and a new streamlined interactive experience.  It's so fresh and so clean, clean.

10 days.

You have to know that none of this would have been possibly without the brilliant web design stylings of Adam Record of OKEE.  A huge thanks to him for making it possible to go from concept to launch in 10 days!

In addition, none of this would have been possible without you.  You, my friends, clients, and support crew.  The support you have shown me over the past 5 years is nothing short of amazing.  Hell, none of you would let me quit- even if all I wanted to do was liquidate all my gear and go live in a hut on a beach somewhere.  Thank you for that.  Although a hermit-like beach existence would also be kinda amazing, the fact that every time I became frustrated (what business owner hasn't) a new client would be there with a giddy smile plastered to their freshly scrubbed face, awaiting that "click" of the shutter that we all love so much.

With my sincerest appreciation for allowing me to create a lifestyle from a passion, I look forward to the future frustrations, challenges, achievements, and "ah-ha" moments with you.  In years to come, I know I will look back at this day and smile.  I will remember the 10 days of people asking me what the hell I was up to.  I will remember the speculation about the launch- which includes everything from getting married to moving.  I will remember you.  Always.

Now for the love of coffee, wipe your misting eyes, stop reading this mushy-ass blog post, and go look at my new website!!!!!!

Oh, and while you're at it- make sure to "like" my facebook page.  I have another secret... but that will wait until tomorrow.  One day at a time.

NOW GO, DAMNIT!!!

www.synergyimpressions.com


ps... I would love to hear you're feedback.  (hint hint)

Separation Between Church and State

This blog was intended to be an extension of my company.  The posts were to encompass insights into the inner workings of the building of my soon-to-be-empire, to inspire, to share relative information, and to (let's be honest) continue to generate that eternally sought-after web traffic.  Often our intention blurs the line for what is, instead, necessary- this blog is no exception.

I haven't written posts as frequently as I promised myself I would.  More importantly, I am finding myself leaning towards writing posts that graze over the relative content of a photography company based in Salt Lake City, Utah.  I thought I would be writing a post gushing about every photo shoot, offering teasing examples of images that would be sure to lure you to my overly stocked website.  No, that was not the case.  Although I'm quite certain you would have been irresistibly drawn to my site, I started writing about what drew me instead.

This became a pondering moment for me.  Do I maintain a separation of church and state with my blog? That is to say, do I post about SEO, photo-geeking, promotional paraphernalia, and other selectively chosen topics to embrace my photography company all whilst writing in a cheerleader-ish rhetoric hoping and withholding the full extent of my personal opinions?  Dare I share information or thoughts or rambling or concerns or nervousness or any other non-marketable trait on my own blog?

I wrote one post.  I wrote another post.  Then, I wrote one that I loosely tied to photography, but the real fervor behind the post had more to do with conquering life in general than it did with aperture settings. It was this one:  I reject your reality.  Though I believe I did a decent job in bringing the blog post back full-circle, you know, to a marketable point...  my voice was starting to come through.

I had more comments on this post, than any other I had written.  It didn't teach anything per-se, it didn't describe the tangible elements of design, nor SEO, nor even shared a photo from a shoot.  Yet, it somehow spoke to people.

This is what I want to do now.  Speak to people.  I have wanted to do that all along through photography and videography.  At times, I have been successful at it.  In a strange manner, it seems I have hid behind my photography and videography to do so.  There was a time (a long, long time ago) when I was quite literally- a motivational speaker.  With such a background, why has it even been a hesitation to do the same with words, here?

I can only assume that we, as visual artists, get used to out work "speaking" for us, such that we stop using our actual voice (in this case- writing) to speak for us as well.  It is almost as if the necessity of speaking (or writing) suggests that our work hasn't spoken loud enough.  Gasp!! I have to describe the feeling I was going for while shooting in black and white, soaking to the bone, in the freak Utah hail storm?!  That pain should have been clear!!

Yea, that pain is.  But the inspiration that might have been possible by just talking about why you even thought to do that shoot, or what complications happened, or why you chose to put cream in your coffee that day... also might have been well-received.

So, for the record, I drink my coffee black.

What the Pink Dot?!!

First off, my apologies for having not written anything in a minute.  The good news is that business here in good 'ol Salt Lake City, has kept me running!  Thank you for allowing me to pursue my dream of world domination via 'the shutter'.  The not-as-great news, is that, I have left you (my reason to work) without a post for what seems like an eternity.

Let's remedy that, shall we?

{cracks knuckles}...

What the Pink Dot??!!  

When some of you read the title of this post, you may have scrunched your eyebrows and wondered, "How much coffee has been consumed at Synergy Impressions today?"  Well, we all know, that answer is- quite a bit.  Regardless of my inherent love of caffeine, a few of you read this title and smiled- because you know what the Pink Dot means.

This past Tuesday, I had the privilege of attending the first annual Pink Dot Utah event.  It was national coming out day.  When I was asked to shoot this event, I had barely heard of this tremendous movement.  I since realized I should have known about this event for a while now.

As per their website, the Utah Pink Dot is:

This pinkdot milestone campaign is being organized by a group of committed volunteers working on behalf of the Support Love Courage Council. pinkdot Utahaims to launch the movement's credo—Support. Love. Courage.—by encouraging Utahns to speak up for their lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) family members, co-workers, neighbors and friends. The Council held its inaugural pinkdot event on National Coming Out Day – October 11, 2011 – where an estimated 3,000 people helped for Utah's first giant human pinkdot. The campaign and event are targeted to attract both straight and gay Utahns and visitors, many who may come to support their family members, friends, co-workers and neighbors. 

Does the title make more sense now?  

Good. 


I am so proud to have been part of this event, I don't think writing it in BOLD,  or underlined  lettering begins to do this post justice.  The overwhelming feelings of compassion, understanding, and love were emanating with such fervor, one had to be there to intrinsically know what I mean.  A smile was permanently glued to my face.  It had to be.  There was simply no way of denying how badly Salt Lake City, Utah needed to come together, showing support for the LGBT community.  

Love is love.  

Those words were spoken that Tuesday evening, as the sun dipped slowly behind a fantastic display of cotton candy clouds, as if SLC was, for that moment, illuminating everyone as equals needing love.  For me, it is that simple.  We all need love.  We all want to be loved.  We all want to love. We all need photographs with our loved ones.  {insert shameless plug}

It is for that reason, that I will continue to show my deepest support of events like these.  I will stand with you.  I ask you: my readers, my friends, my clients, and my loved ones to do the same.


To show my appreciation for wearing Pink alongside many of you, I am offering a 50% discount on portrait sessions to the first 5 LGBT individuals, couples, and families that e-mail me, mentioning this post.

If you were not able to make it, I know I will see you there next year.   Here is a video I quickly took while at the event.  

Pink Dot Utah Event from Synergy Impressions on Vimeo.

"I reject your reality...

and substitute my own.

"I reject your reality and substitute my own."

I was reminded of his quote today by a friend at the stables.  It is from Adam Savage on Mythbusters.

.
Stop to think about that sentence for a moment.  I did.

At the time the reference was made, my friend was sitting on a young horse and I was sitting quietly on Arvo as emotional support.  His young horse was working through a bit of anxiety over the changes in the elements.  The wind was blowing a warm, yet strong, breeze; this young mare was highly tuned to the changes around her. Meanwhile, the three of us sat, smiling and enjoying the breeze, waiting for her to just relax back into the moment with us.  My friend did not take on her anxiety, did not amplify her nervousness by over compensating for her restless movements, he merely sat relaxed in the saddle and smiled- then said, "I reject your reality and substitute my own".

As he said that sentence, I had one of those "ah ha" moments.  That was exactly what it is about.

In a society that is so fiercely driven by individualism, work ethic, personal determination, and success against all odds- it becomes ever challenging to reject the idea of walking in the grass next to the path most are traveling.  The idea of  of plugging into the education system (switch conveyor belts) straight into the corporate system allows for such ideologies commonly represented as the white picket fence with the 2 car garage, health insurance, 401K, and a 40 hour work week dominate the long term goals of said individuals.

How does this relate to photography?  "I reject your reality and substitute my own".

I reject the embedded idea that human beings plug into the system for the security that the above mentioned lifestyle affords.  I am not rejecting working in the corporate world, mind you, but rather that it is too easy to allow the work to become work simply for the sake the the means.

We all want security.  We all need passion. We all crave inspiration.

I reject the idea that I may subjugate myself into working in a corporate environment to be more financially comfortable at the end of the month.  I substitute my willingness to be uncomfortable from time to time while embracing the knowledge that if I work hard enough, stay inspired, and learn from our inherent fear of success- that my reality will always be worth it.

I reject standardized work hours and understand that I may double your 40-hour work weeks to manifest my reality.

I reject the idea that any amount of security is worth a lack of inspiration in your life, job, or career.

I substitute that if I allow the flow of inspiration to merge with an awareness to manifest my personal goals and the flexibility to walk, run, and pause where needed- the "security" will follow suit.

I see this theory reflecting truth from the growth of my photography company.  That is my reality.

Yesterday, I witnessed a long standing goal of mine suddenly become a tangible reality as I unlocked the photo studio yesterday.  I sat for a quiet moment and thought about how much work, time, fear, challenges, growth, learning curves, technical purchases, new information and continued inspiration the last few years have afforded me... I smiled.

"I reject your reality and substitute my own."

NEW CO-OP STUDIO (the beginnings)!!!!!!

What's even better than being a photographer passionate about her job?

A group of passionate photographers getting together to start a co-op photography studio in North Salt Lake City, Utah- that's what!!

Yes, you read that correctly!  I am so excited to have officially signed on board to be a part of this venture.  The co-op studio is just in the beginning stages of formulation and in my hand I hold a key to the studio.  Well, the key is on my key chain currently- I found it difficult to grasp the key in the palm of my hands and type at the same time.  I'm sure with practice...  nevermind, I digress...

Anyway, we have a group of approximately 6 local Utah-based photographers that have come together to create a co-operative venture.  We will be plotting build-outs, gear usage, time management, and general fun shenanigans learning from each other.  Personally, I look forward to each individual photographer sharing their knowledge (and occasionally a frothy brew) while swapping stories.  I hope that we can cross paths the the Utah County Co-op to gather ideas and suggestions to help us bring together a studio that will resemble their success!

While we are all excited to hit the ground running with this venture, here are a few pictures I snapped of what it looks like currently.  These are the quickly shot "before" pictures!  (Do I need to say they are unedited??)  While we are planning on some pretty cool set-ups for the space, I wanted to make sure other local photogs know that we are also discussing being set-up to rent out the space hourly.  If you are interested in finding out more information about renting the studio, please do not hesitate to get in contact with us!!  In the meantime, here is what we are walking into:

PS- there will be a mini fridge.

You better believe I am booking this time out quickly!  Get in touch asap if you want to be part of the initial rush of in-studio sessions!  :D

Let's do this!!   {cue music for impending world domination}

Mehendi (Henna) Celebration!!

It is not often that I am a loss for words... my friends and associates can attest to that.  In this instance, I am having the opposite problem; I am brimming with enthusiasm for the last couple of days and the amazing imagery that has come out of them!

I have had the honor to shoot a traditional Hindu Wedding Ceremony here in Salt Lake City, Utah.  The entire experience has been inspiring beyond words and it is because of my overwhelming feeling of amazement that I am struggling to poetically depict the last few days.  In an attempt to explain all of the events in a somewhat coherent manner without resorting to blushing adjectives and near stream-of-consciousness babbling about colored fabric, I will start simply with the Mehendi Celebration.

What is a Mehendi Celebration??  It is also called a Henna Party.  I will not go into a detailed description of this celebration, so if you would like to know a little bit more about the celebration here is a website to get you started:

http://weddings.iloveindia.com/indian-weddings/pre-wedding-functions/mehendi-celebration.html

Obviously, this is a quick overview, but the above link has (hopefully) given you a short idea of the importance and ritualistic nature of what I was witness to.  Please don't hesitate to do more research on this subject!

While you are researching this amazing experience, I would like to express my appreciation for being asked to photograph this beautiful bride's day!  Without further ado, here are a few pictures from the Mehendi Celebration!!

As you can tell, I even had a difficult time choosing just a few photos to post here!!  What a great problem to have!  If you would like to see more photographs from this celebration, please visit my website here:

http://www.synergyimpressions.com/Weddings/Courtney-Mehndi-Party/17547682_RKZwHg#1335792264_2zgkh9R

Feel free to comment!