I cannot believe the semester is nearly over! My classes will officially be over in six hours. I am so excited! It will take a little stress off of us all.
Lately, I have been interested in other types of art outside my normal realm of photography. I find surfing websites and blogs to be incredibly inspiring. One site I came across in particular is called Society6. It is a place where artists can sell and show off their work. If I understand it correctly, anyone can create an account.
Things the artists sell include original pieces , prints, shirts, iphone cases, and more. It's interestiong to see all the talent that is out there.
This is a great site to network and get your art out there. You never know who could come across it, and who falls in love with it and offers you a big break! I definitely encourage designers to check it out.
http://society6.com/
Monday, December 10, 2012
Monday, November 26, 2012
photos
With the cold weather settling in, my photography business has started to slow down a bit. I am quite thankful for this-I have been a bit in over my head the last few months.
August-November seem to be the busiest months for photographers, and it was definitely the same for me. There were some weeks where I would have two photoshoots a day. I am very thankful that people want me to take their pictures, but I definitely get a bit overwhelmed sometimes.
It gets difficult to balance the business side of photography as well as not start looking at photography as a job. I never want it to come to that point. I love photography, and it is a vast part of me.
I thought for this blog post, I will explain the process of a photoshoot. (In a very simplified form)
People usually contact me via e-mail or phone to book a session. Once their session time comes, I take their pictures (anywhere from 45min-three hours.) Afterward, I explain how the postprocessing goes. I tell them that their photos will be up on my website within a week. I give them a password that allows them to look at their photos once they have their own gallery on annalongworth.com
I let them know that I edit about 15 of the photos, and leave the rest unedited. I do this for two reasons: 1) If I edit all of the images, it is a waste of time. I found this out the hard way. Obviously, they aren't going to order every single image, so putting in hours of unnecessary work is just foolish. and 2) So they can see the difference between the edited and the unedited. (I put the edited images at the front of their gallery so they can see the best ones first.)
I also let them know that if they choose to order a image that is unedited in their gallery, it will get the full editing treatment and everything before it is actually ordered.
About a week later, if they haven't contacted me, I will contact them about ordering. They will then let me know what sizes of what images they want.
Once this happens, I usually start from the RAW file of the images they ordered. I want their prints to be PERFECT, so I spend lots of time on these photos. Especially if it is a large print. For example, someone from a recent session ordered a 30 by 40 print. Yes, as in 2.5 feet by almost 3.5 feet. This was one large print. I zoomed in sooo close when In was editing to make sure that everything was precise and perfect.
Then, I order the prints. Anything larger than an 8x10 I have matted on a styrene board for protection and longevity.
Once their prints arrive, I deliver them, and walah! That's the process.
If you actually read this, thank you! You rock.
If you want to see my photos, check out my website: annalongworth.com
or my facebook page: facebook.com/annalongworthphotography
Thanks for reading!
August-November seem to be the busiest months for photographers, and it was definitely the same for me. There were some weeks where I would have two photoshoots a day. I am very thankful that people want me to take their pictures, but I definitely get a bit overwhelmed sometimes.
It gets difficult to balance the business side of photography as well as not start looking at photography as a job. I never want it to come to that point. I love photography, and it is a vast part of me.
I thought for this blog post, I will explain the process of a photoshoot. (In a very simplified form)
People usually contact me via e-mail or phone to book a session. Once their session time comes, I take their pictures (anywhere from 45min-three hours.) Afterward, I explain how the postprocessing goes. I tell them that their photos will be up on my website within a week. I give them a password that allows them to look at their photos once they have their own gallery on annalongworth.com
I let them know that I edit about 15 of the photos, and leave the rest unedited. I do this for two reasons: 1) If I edit all of the images, it is a waste of time. I found this out the hard way. Obviously, they aren't going to order every single image, so putting in hours of unnecessary work is just foolish. and 2) So they can see the difference between the edited and the unedited. (I put the edited images at the front of their gallery so they can see the best ones first.)
I also let them know that if they choose to order a image that is unedited in their gallery, it will get the full editing treatment and everything before it is actually ordered.
About a week later, if they haven't contacted me, I will contact them about ordering. They will then let me know what sizes of what images they want.
Once this happens, I usually start from the RAW file of the images they ordered. I want their prints to be PERFECT, so I spend lots of time on these photos. Especially if it is a large print. For example, someone from a recent session ordered a 30 by 40 print. Yes, as in 2.5 feet by almost 3.5 feet. This was one large print. I zoomed in sooo close when In was editing to make sure that everything was precise and perfect.
Then, I order the prints. Anything larger than an 8x10 I have matted on a styrene board for protection and longevity.
Once their prints arrive, I deliver them, and walah! That's the process.
If you actually read this, thank you! You rock.
If you want to see my photos, check out my website: annalongworth.com
or my facebook page: facebook.com/annalongworthphotography
Thanks for reading!
Monday, November 19, 2012
holidays
Can you believe the holidays are already here? I sure can't. And actually, the last few years never seem like the holidays when they come around. Maybe that is just a part of getting older...Who knows.
I wish I still got in "the spirit" like I did was a kid, but I just can't really bring myself to do it. I am not a fan of Christmas music much at all. Being cold all the time is annoying. The food haunts me, for I fear gaining weight. (haha)
I do love being with my family, the warmth from the fireplace, the coffee hot chocolate (my famous recipe, I'll share below,) and the thrill of seeing everyone so excited.
The world has really cultivated the holidays in a way I really don't like. They seem to come earlier and earlier every year, just so businesses can take advantage and make more money. Heck, Christmas things were up at Wal-Mart the day after halloween.
I also don't like how the focus has become so materialized. I believe that Christmas is meant to be celebrated because of Jesus' birth. And it makes me sad that it has become so much about "stuff."
I won't go any further into that, but I definitely think I am going to try and keep my focus on the real reason.
Anyway, I do happen to kind of like some Christmas movies. My family always watches Chevy Chase's Christmas Vacation, A Christmas Story, and Elf. They are all so funny and it's so fun to watch them and laugh with my family.
I really miss having that childlike wonder when the holidays come around. But, I really do think it fades with age, unfortunately. Oh well....I'll do my best to be positive and stay cheery and appreciate this season; after all..it only does come once a year.
AMAZING COFFEE/HOT CHOCOLATE RECIPE:
okay, it is super simple....but I am mildly obsessed with it.
-2 parts coffee, 1 part vanilla light soymilk
-stir in a hot cocoa packet (I use Swiss Miss Diet Hot Cocoa, it is 25 calories!)
-microwave for 15 seconds since the soymilk cooled it a bit
Enjoy!
I wish I still got in "the spirit" like I did was a kid, but I just can't really bring myself to do it. I am not a fan of Christmas music much at all. Being cold all the time is annoying. The food haunts me, for I fear gaining weight. (haha)
I do love being with my family, the warmth from the fireplace, the coffee hot chocolate (my famous recipe, I'll share below,) and the thrill of seeing everyone so excited.
The world has really cultivated the holidays in a way I really don't like. They seem to come earlier and earlier every year, just so businesses can take advantage and make more money. Heck, Christmas things were up at Wal-Mart the day after halloween.
I also don't like how the focus has become so materialized. I believe that Christmas is meant to be celebrated because of Jesus' birth. And it makes me sad that it has become so much about "stuff."
I won't go any further into that, but I definitely think I am going to try and keep my focus on the real reason.
Anyway, I do happen to kind of like some Christmas movies. My family always watches Chevy Chase's Christmas Vacation, A Christmas Story, and Elf. They are all so funny and it's so fun to watch them and laugh with my family.
I really miss having that childlike wonder when the holidays come around. But, I really do think it fades with age, unfortunately. Oh well....I'll do my best to be positive and stay cheery and appreciate this season; after all..it only does come once a year.
AMAZING COFFEE/HOT CHOCOLATE RECIPE:
okay, it is super simple....but I am mildly obsessed with it.
-2 parts coffee, 1 part vanilla light soymilk
-stir in a hot cocoa packet (I use Swiss Miss Diet Hot Cocoa, it is 25 calories!)
-microwave for 15 seconds since the soymilk cooled it a bit
Enjoy!
Monday, November 12, 2012
fading into winter
The transition from autumn to winter is somewhat melancholy.
Autumn is my favorite season, yet at the same time it saddens me...it just comes and goes too quickly. Enjoying the colorful leaves and crisp air sometimes seems like a race against time.
I leave my house every morning at 8:25am...and every morning I examine the trees while I drive down my street. Everyday I think, "Today I will sit outside with nothing but a notebook and pencil-no phone or technology. And I will just absorb the beauty of this nature."
But, that day has yet to come. September is gone, October is gone, and the middle of November is upon us.
This morning as I drove down my street at 8:25am, I noticed the trees beginning to look bare. Almost a blue look to them-no longer full of vibrant life.
It left me feeling a bit empty-like something just slipped through my fingers.
Then, I flicked my windshield. I heard ice chunks fall to the ground. I looked to my temperature gauge and saw that it was 31 degrees.
Reality is setting in-the cold is here. Many of us suffer from a bit of Seasonal Affective Disorder. I think everyone does to a certain extent. But it really gets me down.
I guess all I can do is turn on my space heater, burn warm smelling candles, drink coffee, and try to think of all the beautiful things about this frigid season.
Autumn is my favorite season, yet at the same time it saddens me...it just comes and goes too quickly. Enjoying the colorful leaves and crisp air sometimes seems like a race against time.
I leave my house every morning at 8:25am...and every morning I examine the trees while I drive down my street. Everyday I think, "Today I will sit outside with nothing but a notebook and pencil-no phone or technology. And I will just absorb the beauty of this nature."
But, that day has yet to come. September is gone, October is gone, and the middle of November is upon us.
This morning as I drove down my street at 8:25am, I noticed the trees beginning to look bare. Almost a blue look to them-no longer full of vibrant life.
It left me feeling a bit empty-like something just slipped through my fingers.
Then, I flicked my windshield. I heard ice chunks fall to the ground. I looked to my temperature gauge and saw that it was 31 degrees.
Reality is setting in-the cold is here. Many of us suffer from a bit of Seasonal Affective Disorder. I think everyone does to a certain extent. But it really gets me down.
I guess all I can do is turn on my space heater, burn warm smelling candles, drink coffee, and try to think of all the beautiful things about this frigid season.
the great gatsby
I'm sure many of you have read The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, yes? It is a classic, and for good reason. I am currently reading this book for the second time. There are just so many amazing quotes that fill the pages-Fitzgerald was such a talented writer.
Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the book:
"I was within and without, simultaneously enchanted and repelled by the inexhaustible variety of life."
“So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”
“And I like large parties. They’re so intimate. At small parties there isn’t any privacy.”
“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.”
And so many more. How can a book get boring when there are rich quotes and content on each page?
It is a wonderful book, and if you haven't read it yet-I highly recommend it.
I was thinking about creating a new cover for The Great Gatsby for our next project, but I haven't decided yet....
I'm looking forward to this project! Book design, movie design, album covers, etc-that is all right up my alley!
Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the book:
"I was within and without, simultaneously enchanted and repelled by the inexhaustible variety of life."
“So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”
“And I like large parties. They’re so intimate. At small parties there isn’t any privacy.”
“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.”
And so many more. How can a book get boring when there are rich quotes and content on each page?
It is a wonderful book, and if you haven't read it yet-I highly recommend it.
I was thinking about creating a new cover for The Great Gatsby for our next project, but I haven't decided yet....
Monday, October 22, 2012
technology vs. paper
Sometimes, I get very frustrated with technology. Especially Illustrator. Sometimes I wish it didn't exist, and that we still had to create logos/drawings/maps by hand.
Now, of course that isn't true, but I do wish we could use ye ole' pen and paper more often. Technology these days is definitely helpful, I can't argue that. But I miss drawing. There's just something about manually making every line and stroke with your own fingers that feels more rewarding sometimes.
This is kind of related to a previous post I wrote; about how technology stresses me out sometimes. I guess it's kind of the same with this.
Bottom line is, I'm very thankful for the techology we have. But I certainly have my days where I need a break from it all.
What do you think? Do you like working on the computer better, or drawing with a pencil and paper?
Now, of course that isn't true, but I do wish we could use ye ole' pen and paper more often. Technology these days is definitely helpful, I can't argue that. But I miss drawing. There's just something about manually making every line and stroke with your own fingers that feels more rewarding sometimes.
This is kind of related to a previous post I wrote; about how technology stresses me out sometimes. I guess it's kind of the same with this.
Bottom line is, I'm very thankful for the techology we have. But I certainly have my days where I need a break from it all.
What do you think? Do you like working on the computer better, or drawing with a pencil and paper?
one of my biggest blessings
Gracie doesn't really use words to communicate-but she is definitely learning. Because of this, it's kind of like I have had to learn her "language." Each week, I notice her start to use more and more words. I try and teach her little things and sing songs with her while I'm with her.
Autistic children tend to learn by seeing and repeating. One day, we were watching Sesame Street. They were building a tower with bricks on this episode, so she started building a tower with her toys and said "tower, tower!" She has learned that when someone takes a picture of someone, they say "cheese." So today, she picked up her fisher price camera and told me to say cheese.
Her memory is absolutely astounding. Four months ago, she came over to my house while her mom had a meeting, and I took her in my backyard to play baseball. Yesterday, her and her mom came over to visit with my mom-and Gracie remembered "baseball, baseball!" It was quite impressive.
Though she may not use language as much as the average three year old, I don't think she is any less smart. She is quite clever, and even understands when I'm kidding around or being funny. It's truly amazing and I would love to learn more about this condition.
The amazing thing is that the doctor said that people probably won't be able to tell she had autism as a child by the time she is 5. She goes to special classes and has speech therapy every week which helps her greatly.
Enough about the autism-Gracie may have this at the moment, but it certainly doesn't define her. She is such a sweet and fun little girl. Her mom tells me that she always asks for me, and that melts my heart. It makes me so happy to see that she is happy. It's also so refreshing to be able to act like a kid for four hours a day-singing, watching PBS, and playing dolls with her. Seeing her face light up fills me with joy.
I think babysitting is a great way to learn about kids. I certainly won't have kids for a very long time, but when I do, I know I will be a good mom. Even though I'm just Gracie's babysitter, I feel like I'm part of their family.
I am so thankful and blessed to be able to be a part of her life.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
an inspiring website...
Has anyone ever heard of booooooom.com? It is probably one of the coolest sites I've ever found. There's everything from photography to graphic design to architecture design and more. It is soo addicting though-so give yourself at least an hour to scroll :) I'll post a few photos that I've found on there, as well as post a link. I hope you enjoy!
audrey hepburn
Last night, I watched "Funny Face." It stars Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire. I loved it! Audrey always portrays her character so well. In fact, I think she portrays these independent, self confident, down to earth roles because that's who she was.
Audrey was not only an inspiring actress and fashion icon, but a sensible person as well. She had such an innocence to her; yet was so confidently independent. She expressed the importance in loving yourself, and that's something everyone deserves to feel.
Here are a few of my favorite quotes from her:
"Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible'!
"The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mode but the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives the passion that she shows. The beauty of a woman grows with the passing years."
"Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, it's at the end of your arm, as you get older, remember you have another hand: The first is to help yourself, the second is to help others."
I've really been learning lessons in independence lately, and watching this movie made me so happy-I love how Audrey portrayed this trait.
I highly reccommend this movie; there is just something refreshing about watching an old film.
OH- and, it was interesting to watch the graphics. Every time a special effect occurred, I would really wonder how they did it back then. So interesting! And so crazy how styles have changed and technology has advanced.
This is a bit scatterbrained and all over the place, I apologize.
I hope everyone is doing well
-Anna
Audrey was not only an inspiring actress and fashion icon, but a sensible person as well. She had such an innocence to her; yet was so confidently independent. She expressed the importance in loving yourself, and that's something everyone deserves to feel.
Here are a few of my favorite quotes from her:
"Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible'!
"The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mode but the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives the passion that she shows. The beauty of a woman grows with the passing years."
"Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, it's at the end of your arm, as you get older, remember you have another hand: The first is to help yourself, the second is to help others."
I've really been learning lessons in independence lately, and watching this movie made me so happy-I love how Audrey portrayed this trait.
I highly reccommend this movie; there is just something refreshing about watching an old film.
OH- and, it was interesting to watch the graphics. Every time a special effect occurred, I would really wonder how they did it back then. So interesting! And so crazy how styles have changed and technology has advanced.
This is a bit scatterbrained and all over the place, I apologize.
I hope everyone is doing well
-Anna
Friday, October 12, 2012
my dear friend, polly
I am so excited for one of my best friends, Polly! Polly is a senior at the University of Illinois, majoring in costume design. She runs an online vintage/antique/handmade store on etsy, as well as a blog-but recently, she has been offered actual store space! I am so excited for her-she is 23 years old and is going to be running an actual clothing/antique business. It will be located in the same building as Bella on South Neil Street.
If you are interested in seeing her work, designs, and writing- here's a link to her blog. pollybland.com
PS- she was recently interviewed and had an interview published in the News-Gazette. It was about her store, dreams, and what she does. I was on set for the set photos, and was photographing her models. A photographer from the News-Gazette came to snap photos to be shown in the article. If you'd like to give it a read, here is the link to the online version: http://www.news-gazette.com/news/people/2012-10-08/fashionistabloggers-sights-are-being-someone-world-style.html
She has inspired me so much and has always been such a sweet friend to me, and I am incredibly happy for her. Her dreams are coming true! Hard work definitely pays off.
If you are interested in seeing her work, designs, and writing- here's a link to her blog. pollybland.com
PS- she was recently interviewed and had an interview published in the News-Gazette. It was about her store, dreams, and what she does. I was on set for the set photos, and was photographing her models. A photographer from the News-Gazette came to snap photos to be shown in the article. If you'd like to give it a read, here is the link to the online version: http://www.news-gazette.com/news/people/2012-10-08/fashionistabloggers-sights-are-being-someone-world-style.html
She has inspired me so much and has always been such a sweet friend to me, and I am incredibly happy for her. Her dreams are coming true! Hard work definitely pays off.
charmaine olivia
Enjoy!
www.charmaineolivia.com
social networks
Does anyone ever just get really stressed out from how connected you can get to the world? With facebook, instagram, texting, blogging, etc...it can really actually be a stressor instead of entertainment. Ever got to the point of boredom (though you have so much to do...) that you sit there and refresh one social network after another? Yeah...that's happened to me. And then I realize that I am being totally pathetic.
Anyway, I think it is very healthy to disconnect yourself from the world every once in a while. Last night I had soo much to do, yet I was texting and on facebook-a total waste of time. Finally, I got fed up with myself and decided to go running. I live in a small town, so going on a run at midnight is totally safe. Plus no one was out, so it was nice to completely be by myself for those fourty minutes. Once I got back home, I felt totally refreshed-and decided not to get on the computer or phone the rest of the night.
This reminds me of "Walden" bu Henry Thoreau. He went off and lived in the woods alone to clear his mind and find his self. Yeah, that's kind of excessive for this day in age-but even a few hours a day totally disconnected and being alone can be so beneficial to your mental health.
I came across a quote the other day that I really loved-
Anyway, I think it is very healthy to disconnect yourself from the world every once in a while. Last night I had soo much to do, yet I was texting and on facebook-a total waste of time. Finally, I got fed up with myself and decided to go running. I live in a small town, so going on a run at midnight is totally safe. Plus no one was out, so it was nice to completely be by myself for those fourty minutes. Once I got back home, I felt totally refreshed-and decided not to get on the computer or phone the rest of the night.
This reminds me of "Walden" bu Henry Thoreau. He went off and lived in the woods alone to clear his mind and find his self. Yeah, that's kind of excessive for this day in age-but even a few hours a day totally disconnected and being alone can be so beneficial to your mental health.
I came across a quote the other day that I really loved-
“I think it’s very healthy to spend time alone. You need to know how to be alone and not be defined by another person.”
Just some thoughts from my over active brain :)
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
music
There aren't really words to explain music...it's just.. one of the best gifts God has given us. It eases sadness, accompanies our pity parties, raises us up, inspires us, and motivates us.
Lately, I have a few musical obsessions- Especially classical music. Somedays I just set Pandora on the Yann Tiersen station, and it helps to orchestrate my day, in a way. I find classical music incredibly inspiring. It almost makes me feel like I'm in a movie, if that makes sense. And if it doesn't...then maybe I'm just crazy.
Anyway, it just makes me feel like there are no limits. The other day, I turned on my music, lit a candle, opened my window, and just enjoyed time to myself. I wrote letters to dear friends, painted, wrote several pages in my journal, and just took a moment to live in the moment. I listened to my blinds tap against my window sill along with the gusts of wind, I watched the shadow of my candle flickering on my ceiling, I listened carefully to the sound of my typewriter. I enjoyed the warmth of my black coffee with a tad bit of soymilk, I smelled the sweet aroma of autumn flow through my window. I tried my hardest to stop thinking-to just feel. And right there, on the floor of my room while looking around at all of my unfinished projects, I found inner peace. Because in that very moment, everything was just right.
It really is the little things in life that bring glimmers of joy to even the saddest of souls.
-A
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
happenings in the life of anna
Hello, friends! I hope everyone is doing well...
I haven't really posted in a while, which is slightly problematic considering it is part of our weekly assignments in GDS108....
Anyway, in the past few weeks I have been quite busy. I have a photography business, and being that the weather is absolutely lovely lately, things have picked up a bit. I have photographed a few high school seniors, a baby, and a wedding. I shot the wedding with my good friend, Benji Frazzetto. The wedding was very beautiful and it was a complete honor to photograph their big day.
If you want to see my photography portfolio, you can go to my website, annalongworth.com
OR
my facebook page, facebook.com/annalongworthphotography
I love looking through everyone's blogs, I think the blogging assignments for our graphic design class is a wonderful idea!
PS-I am excited about our next asignment, the title sequence. What movie is everyone using for their project? I am going to design my sequence for my very favorite movie of all time, Amélie. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it.
-Anna
I haven't really posted in a while, which is slightly problematic considering it is part of our weekly assignments in GDS108....
Anyway, in the past few weeks I have been quite busy. I have a photography business, and being that the weather is absolutely lovely lately, things have picked up a bit. I have photographed a few high school seniors, a baby, and a wedding. I shot the wedding with my good friend, Benji Frazzetto. The wedding was very beautiful and it was a complete honor to photograph their big day.
If you want to see my photography portfolio, you can go to my website, annalongworth.com
OR
my facebook page, facebook.com/annalongworthphotography
I love looking through everyone's blogs, I think the blogging assignments for our graphic design class is a wonderful idea!
PS-I am excited about our next asignment, the title sequence. What movie is everyone using for their project? I am going to design my sequence for my very favorite movie of all time, Amélie. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it.
-Anna
Friday, August 31, 2012
background photo
Oh! And if anyone is wondering, the background photo on my blog is a photo of three of my best friends and I. Their names are Allegra, Polly, and Hannah.
short&sweet
Hi, friends! I have had this blog for a while..but have never posted on it. I'm taking Graphic Design 108 at Parkland College, and a blog is required for this class. I'm excited! What better "homework" assignment could there be than to express yourself creatively through a blog?
Anyway, I'll make this short and sweet. I'll describe myself with a few adjectives and then let you go on to your everyday life ;) Anna: an old soul, creator, people lover, over-thinker/analyzer, art lover.
I love making new friends and talking to people about anything! So don't be afraid to start a conversation :)
-Anna
Anyway, I'll make this short and sweet. I'll describe myself with a few adjectives and then let you go on to your everyday life ;) Anna: an old soul, creator, people lover, over-thinker/analyzer, art lover.
I love making new friends and talking to people about anything! So don't be afraid to start a conversation :)
-Anna
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