Paula Player Photography » a few words from Paula

The Perfect Bouquet?

Paula — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 14:48:59 +0000

A few weeks ago, I got to do the coolest shoot ever!! Mark Gladden made the most beautiful bouquet I have ever seen! He put it together with so many colors, textures, feels and lots of beads. Honestly, I love flowers in such a way that I just wanted to photograph a beautiful arrangement, so I called him and told him to make something wow…and WOW…he totally blew my mind. I met Sarah in a commercial photo-shoot I did a few months ago, and I knew I wanted to combine a beautiful woman with a beautiful bouquet. So, I got the perfect combination and voila! You can’t go wrong when all the pieces fit together…the location, the dress, and of course the flowers.

So, thanks guys for going with my idea, I am so happy to be able to showcase Mark’s work and Sarah’s beauty all in one shoot. Enjoy!!

PP.

Signature jewels to add detail!

I love the colors!! soo rich!

Beautiful girl & Bouquet!

Awww....simply love this one above!

Love the one on the left!

Should I say, enchanting?

I’m a US Citizen!

Paula — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 16:25:47 +0000

Hello!!! and soo sorry for not blogging in like forever! Life gets a little overwhelming sometimes, but I am sooo pleased to say that I am an Amaricana!!!

Yes, I did it!! Well, I guess I need to write my Thank you(s):

First to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! I really do owe it all to him….! Although at times I questioned the way things were happening in my life, He has got me thorough sooo much! My sweet parents for bringing me to this country and supporting me like little girl. My husband is the one person who has really helped me through to complete this process that took about 5 years! My friends and family for encouraging me to start studying for the test..! Oh…this is the funnies part was when they asked me what the name of the National Anthem was, I said: “The Start-Spranklyn Banner” The officer just busted out laughing and told me I was going to be the subject during their lunch break!

I was really comfortable with all the questions they asked me…I really enjoyed reviewing the History of this country…! Ask me anything!! ( ha-ha..not really!) Do I feel any different? umm..not just yet…but this really is such an encouraging fact to keep going and get what I want, so I will continue to move forward with my career and goals I have for this life of mine.

One thing I do want to do is to VOTE!! I can’t wait to just start exercising this my new right…I have never voted, so that would be pretty excited. Thanks to you for being such a loyal friend, and all those people that commented of facebook! I was excited to post that Status Update, I know some of my friends were waiting to hear back! I love all of you and God bless you big time! its time to celebrate!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Paula — Wed, 19 May 2010 01:21:13 +0000

Today was a special day! It was my mommy’s ## birthday…I won’t say exactly how old, but honesty, she is pretty young! Here are a couple of things that I have to say about my mom: she is an amazing salsa dancer, she lovees coming over to my house–she cooks and cleans and play with Miles (really…its amazing!) But on top of all the wonderful things a mother does, she really truly cares about us. I have always admire the way she brought us up even when we lived in Colombia and at times $$ was an issue. She is a hard working woman with an enormous amount of energy. I am specially grateful to have her in our lives…after she struggled for a while with health issues, but we treated it, and she is all better now! I love her so much and we are so grateful to have her in our lives! So here I introduce you to my family…we are a little crazy at a times, but its wonderful to have each other’s support.

* My friend Crystal Lee a fellow photographer in the Myrtle Beach area, took these photos of us today. I really thought of it at the last minute and she was available to take these. However, they have my name since I have my blogging action set up by BlogStomp ( which totally rocks!) Anyways, she deserves all credit! thanks girl…we love them!

Here is all of us! David, me, my sis, Miles,mom, dad and my brother!

Aww....see...that is us!!!

I lovee this!! Miles is soo cute!

priceless!

my sis and dad! yep, you heard that right...I have a little sister, she is 5 yrs old

I LOVE this man!

this is soo sweet! we have been together for almost 7 years! I love this

my old folks...now grandparents!! and they Love it!

Happy Mother’s day!!!!!

Paula — Sun, 09 May 2010 16:53:01 +0000

I have been incredibly blessed to have become a mother! It was about 15 months ago, when I started the experience of motherhood with my loving my child …I love him in a way that I did not think it was possible! One main thing that I feel that I have learned is that this baby of mine, is an actual person that has needs and wants. Knowing what he wants at times is all but a guess! This has been a beautiful experience where there is something to be learned everyday….I do have an amazing husband who helps me and supports this household like no other. The job of parenthood is pretty much 24/7 ( except when he sleeps!) Thank God for naps, right?! But all in all, we’ve been given a wonderful little boy who is pretty much ready to take in the world…yep…he is a pretty adventurous baby! He started walking at about 9 1/2 months, meaning that WE were literally chasing him all over the house at crazy speeds! Now, he runs, kicks the ball, climbs stairs and boy, if you take him to the beach…! Actually, we went last weekend, and although the water was still really cold, he kept running to go back in the water…

I know I have my hands full with Miles, and I have to admit that at times, its hard to manage this household, meeting clients, hanging out with friends, phone calls, emails, blogging, exercising, and overall having a social life…this job of being a mom is the most rewarding one of all! After a long, crazy day, all it takes is a little hug or a kiss from this baby to make it all better.

With that being said, I have to say that I admire all the mommies in the world, who have inspired me! Specially my own mom! Happy Mother’s day!!!

isn't he beautiful?!

THANK YOU!!!!

Paula — Thu, 06 May 2010 14:24:17 +0000

Dear supporters:

This includes: Former & current brides, portrait clients, family and friends! Everyone who so far has told me to keep going! This is a huge honor to receive only after my first full wedding season in 2009 and simultaneously becoming a mother! This year, my business has kept on going and I am planning to rock it out with every single shoot and keep it fresh.

Thanks again for those brides who nominated me, and voted for me! This really was a surprise for me, receiving this award really makes want to get more involved in networking wedding planning. Thanks again and keep coming back to this blog and commenting! It really gives me great encouragement to hear from you!

God bless!

Basic Motion Picture tips?

Paula — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 21:28:35 +0000

I have been completely inspired by this! My great friend Rik from Encore Video Productions gave me this piece of paper that keeps my mind refreshed. I must share! This applies to any artist, specially for photographers and videographers…no matter how little or how much you know.

1. Shoot wide, Medium and Close-ups shots. Establishing shots help orient viewers

2. Change the angle, image size, camera position. Get people faces: get in close once in while

3. Motivate camera movement. Pan or zoom to reveal something and only to make a statement and don’t overdo it.

4. Know your equipment. Eliminate technical goofs. Learn to white balance, focus, set exposure. Read your manual ( yep..I have never read them…time to get to it, right?!)

5. Stop shaky shots. Get a tripod, steady-cam–or a camera ( in this case a lens) with Optical Image Stabilization)

6. Pay attention to composition. Learn the Rule of thirds and how to frame a shot.

7. Think about what you are shooting, think: what is the story here?

Artist often break rules, but they do it on purpose.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!!

Paula — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 02:37:42 +0000

Today was an amazing day! We had about 3 inches of snow here at the beach! We get a very small amount every year, but I think this was one of the “heaviest” storms that we have experienced in the last 10 years or so!! Anyways, it was so beautiful!! We got up very early at like 4 am and made the mistake to look out the window and see how awesome it looked. Immediately my husband ( who is crazy about the snow) was ready to go out and play! It was extremely difficult to try to get him back to bed and wait until the morning. Of course, he woke up at about 6am and ready to go out. We finally made our way to the beautiful outside at about 7:30 or so.

This was such a great treat from God, seriusly!!Here, I’ll just show you:

Have I said how much I loveee comments!!! Share your story too!! What did you do today?? I hope everyone had a snowman!!

This is the view from our backyard!! Love it!

Our lovely home!

Boogy bording!!

sweet....!

Building up Mr. Snow Man!!!

I ADORE this image soo much...I love him and he loves me!!!!

More backyard!

This is the tree house my husband is building for Miles! Isn't it beautiful!!!

Surreal...

His look is just captivating....so vulnerable, so soft, so delicate...there are no words to describe how perfect he looks then...but I am glad I can look back at it anytime...

We are happy...

What is your inspiration?

Paula — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 21:45:06 +0000

His name is Miles, weighs about 25lbs, measures about one foot and 1/2 and although he is a little baby he has the funniest personality! I guess I did not know that he would have his own likes and dislikes, just like a normal person! He IS a person, just little for now. Today, I have been thinking of the reasons that I became a photographer–and there are so many of them but the most important one has been to document my baby’s life! 2009 was a year of change for me! Miles was born in February and literally 4 weeks later the wedding season hit full steam and between shooting weddings, assisting other photographers I came to realize that my main inspiration is to be the best I can be is my son. I have learned an incredible amount of information ever since he was born, but what I learned was to prioritize my life. I realize that photography is very important to me, but not more than Miles and the love that I feel for him, for that reason I decided to become better in everything that I do. Not that I have it down or anything, but I am trying, you know?!

We are learning everyday to be the best parents that we can be! Its a lot harder than I thought it would be, from changing diapers, to doing laundry, to replying emails, to meeting clients, editing weddings, having dinner ready…etc! I could go all day listing all the crazy things that I have to keep up with, but then I think of all the other million women who do this everyday! Not necessarily the photography part, but keeping a household together is a great amount of responsibilities. Well, just the tought of that, makes me want to push myself even harder!

So, for today, there are no fancy pictures, just one…a perfect photo of my child, who pushes me everyday..( and he starts every people, like 7am!) but anyhow…I have learned how to be a mommy, a better photographer and a better business owner. I ask you now, what inspires you?? It is it your job, your kids, your husband, your dog..? Please leave a comment about what gets you moving everyday!

Thanks for reading y’all!!

My Portrait

Paula — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 02:28:24 +0000

By David Player

Thank you honey for this picture! I really love it and I am so proud of you! I really learned today how to be in front of the camera…and I felt what my clients feel when I am photographing them! Of course I already have a connection with my husband, but I could not imagine what my clients feel when I ask them to feel comfortable with me. This has taught me to become more close to them and to get to know who they are! So, if you are my client, please call me! Let’s have coffee sometime!

Lately…

Paula — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 01:48:21 +0000

Lately I have been extremely happy! My 10 month old baby is walking full steam and although it’s been hard trying to keep up with him, we are enjoying every minute. I take photographs of him all the time, but here are some of my most favorite ones!

Look at him taking steps all by himself!

I simply LOVE this one!

Perfect blink!

Look at his big man hands! Oh....

This is my sweet sister! She is only 5yrs old.

Christmas Eve Morning...My little sister took this picture of me! I dont look too hot, but I am so proud of my little sis!

Self-Portrait