Think Spring!

There’s a spring in my step because while it’s only February in Maine, there’s almost no snow (sorry to my sourthern friends) and I can see green grass. It’s likely we’ll get hammered in April, but I don’t care. I’m ready for spring!

With that in mind, there are a couple of events coming up that I’d like to let you know about!

Keep Your Pets Safe: March 20

Make your pet feel like a star at the pet portrait and ID event at Green Acres Kennel Shop in Bangor. Did you know that April 20-26, 2010 is National Pet Identification week? In celebration of that, I’ll be at Green Acres Kennel Shop (1653 Union Street in Bangor, ME) on March 20 from 8 a.m.-Noon offering mini pet photography sessions. For $25 you’ll get a 15 minute session, a free 5×7 print, an online gallery to view and purchase additional photos from, and a free pet ID passport to keep your pet’s information in just in case.  Please pre-register by calling Green Acres Kennel at 945-6841. Slots will fill quickly! (Snow date: March 21)

What Women Want Expo: March 27

I know what women want! They want to come to the What Women Want Expo at the Bangor Civic Center from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. to meet tons of great businesses that cater to women and families. Come to my booth for a chance to win some great prizes and see my work.

Senior Portrait Ambassadors WANTED: April-June

I’ll be starting my new senior portrait ambassador program in April. Keep an eye on the blog and my Web site for information about applying to be a senior ambassador and get a FREE portrait session and a chance to brag me up to your friends! Information will be coming in the next couple of weeks!

Portraits in the Park: June

In June I’ll be offering a joint event called Portraits in the Park. The date is still to be determined, but this will be a fun, low-cost way to enjoy the start of summer while also helping you look and feel your best. Keep an eye on the blog for more information!

It’s going to be a busy spring, but tons of fun! Looking forward to helping my clients (and new clients) turn their special moments into memories!

Debra Bell

Emmett came in the other day to have his 9 month photos done. He's grown so fast!

I am a documentary photographer which means I usually come to you or we utilize the beautiful backdrop of mother nature or your home. However, I offer my clients the option of a studio shoot too.

My studio is different than what you see at Sears or Wal-Mart. It’s actually portable. This means I can move from the studio office to a larger room depending on the size of my portrait group. My home, where I do my studio work, is a photographer’s dream: lots of natural light, and also darker rooms that allow me to utilize my studio lights. For me, flexibility is key to producing fabulous photos.

But what does this mean for you? It means I’m able to meet your schedule and personalize your photos. Maybe you have a fabulous garden that you are super proud of. Let’s include it in your photos. Have a shy dog or cat that gets stressed out by travelling? I’ll come to you and meet your pet where it is most comfortable. Have a newborn baby? Coming to your home will reduce your stress and make the little one more comfy.Working out of my own home also helps little ones feel more comfortable since it’s not as strange as a big strange looking room.

I offer a satisfaction guarantee with my portrait work. If you’re not satisfied, I’m not satisfied and I’ll happily reschedule a shoot. I’ve been in the situation where I wasn’t satisfied with photos taken by a studio photographer. I didn’t want to hurt their feelings, so I bought sub-standard photographs. I don’t want my clients to feel the same way, so even if your criticism is harsh (but polite) I will work with you to make sure you have photos you’re happy with.

I also don’t charge a location fee (but will charge mileage if the locaiton is farther than 60 miles from Hermon). The location should be special to you. Don’t feel like you have to settle for a studio shoot because that’s what everyone uses. You are unique. Your photos should be too.

I also offer gift certificates for portrait sessions. What better way to give someone a gift they’ll cherish forever than with a gift certificate for photos. Gift certificates are especially great for new parents whose budgets are already stretched but want fantastic photos of their new addition.

Have a wonderful day and let me know if I can help you turn your special moments into memories.

Debra

As you’ve probably noticed, the blog and Web site both have new looks! I had my Web site redesigned by Nikki Shroeher of Third Shift Designs and when she redid the site, she brought the blog under the site. I am loving the new look and I hope this helps you understand my work, find my rates, and learn a little something in the meantime!

This is officially my fifth year in business, although I began my business in 2003 on a sporadic basis. Bell Imaging & Design wasn’t named and marketed until 2005. So while my photography business is really 8 years old I consider it 5.

Age 5 is when a lot of kids start school and so it made sense this year to focus on learning and teaching. I have some exciting events planned this year for both family photos and pet photos.

Speaking of pet photos, I am excited to announce that I’ll be donating $10 from each pet photography booking to the Furry Friends Food Bank. The Furry Friends Food Bank is part of the Eastern Area Agency on Aging, which provides food and basic pet supplies to seniors who qualify. These seniors benefit from having a pet at home (pets help lower blood pressure, decrease doctor’s visits, provide love and companionship, and are endlessly patient) but when times are tough, some seniors choose to share a meal with the pet before giving them up. And the Furry Friends Food Bank subsists strictly on donations. I love my pets and can’t imagine having to make the choice between feeding them and giving them up. I know how devastated I’d be, so I want to give back… and I’m hoping my pet portrait clients don’t mind!

I was a vendor at the Bangor Bridal Show Jan. 16-17 and I look forward to documenting lots of weddings this year… 6 already on the books. If you’re getting married, my best advice would be not to skimp on your photography. Whether it’s myself or another photographer, your wedding photos will last far longer than the reception, cake, and even your gifts. They become a keepsake and a document to show to future generations. That said, I’d highly recommend hiring a videographer to catch all those moving (literally) moments! I can make lots of recommendations for wedding vendors, so even if you don’t use my services, don’t hesitate to call or e-mail!

Enough jabbering for now! I’m looking forward to a great year serving my clients and helping potential clients. Have a super day!

Debra

I had my gall bladder removed mid-month and I’m feeling great! My parents are moving to Bangor to retire. My childhood home is now sold. And we’re in the process of prepping the garden for its first planting in years.

Photography wise, May has been a month full of babies!

I had the opportunity to photography my best friend Trina’s little boy Emmett who came into the world on April 24, 2009 at 4:31 p.m. He’s a sweetie who will no doubt keep them on their toes!

On May 31, Kathy invited me into her home to photograph 8-month-old Bella who is all smiles and cheer. She was the perfect subject, even when she got tired from being a star!

May also started the summer wedding season. I was on hand to witness with my camera the wedding of Nicole and Corry. In a beautiful ceremony at a gorgeous church in Bangor, even the downpouring of rain couldn’t dampen the spirits in the church. Photos will be posted soon of some of the day’s highlights.

Now as June starts, I’m preparing for a busy portrait and wedding season — plus a little time to hang with the family!

I also and a proud greyhound mom and Laura goes for weekly play dates with other local greyhounds at Green Acres Kennel (www.greenacreskennel.com). The greys have a greyt time running and hanging out in the fenced in play area. If you’re looking for a great place to get pet supplies, grooming services, boarding, doggie daycare or training, Green Acres is one of the best in the area! Keep an eye open this fall to have your pet get their picture taken with Santa. More information to come!

June and July still have openings for wedding photography or portraits. And I’d love to see a few more young faces in the lens of my camera. Call today about half-price sessions this summer!

It’s been a busy month here in Hermon and Bangor. In addition to a month full of special sections, the weather is turning into a delight! So in addition to photographing the beautiful bounty of spring flowers, I’m busy doing home improvements and getting ready for wedding season.

In February, I had the delight of photographing a very small and intimate wedding ceremony for Tristine and Barry. She was a beautiful bride and he a handsome groom. Thank you for allowing me to share in your special day!

Currently, I am open for weddings and portrait sessions all through June and July. Many brides and grooms seem to be opting for off-season weddings, which is always a delight. That means that there’s so much more time to schedule summer portrait sessions.

Last weekend, I had the delight of photographing one of my co-workers precious new baby Cora. Cora was about 6 weeks old when we took some photos of her, and her parents, at the Palmyra Golf Course. Photos from our session will be coming as soon as they’re edited.

And now I’m waiting with baited camera for the birth of my best friend’s first born son. She’s due today, but with babies, you never know if they’ll come on time, early or late. I attended her baby shower earlier in April and she’s radiant. Come on out, Emmett. The world is waiting for you!

And because the weather is so nice, please consider taking advantage of this beautiful time of year to update your photo albums. I am running an online special of $60 for a portrait special if you mention the blog. Otherwise, I’m offering $80 portrait specials for the months of June-August.And for those of you who are greyhound lovers, the Maine Greyhound Placement Service in Augusta is holding their second annual open house and reunion on Saturday and Sunday, June 20-21. Our greyhound Laura (above) is from MGPS and she’s been a delight in our lives. The open house will feature lots of events for dogs and humans alike plus a silent auction for items with the proceeds benefiting MGPS. Consider visiting, especially if you’re thinking about adopting a greyhound! Bell Imaging & Design is donating a pair of portrait sessions to the silent auction. We’d love your support.

Just as the winter doldrums are giving way to a spring in my step, my dog Laura is still the consumate couch potato. She loves to snuggle up on my pillows and just veg out. She loves cuddling on the couch almost as much as a peanutbutter-and-kibble-filled kong. But because the weather has been getting nicer, she’s enjoying going for long walks with us and jogging with my husband.

Now I’m itching to get out, do some yard work and photograph!

Still booking too for family portraits and weddings. I’m also polishing up my senior portfolio and can’t wait to start working with area seniors!

I did my first wedding on February 28 (not the pictures from above) and it was an intimate, beautiful ceremony. It reminded me how much emphasis is put on the planning and not the actual marriage.

Don’t get me wrong. Weddings are fun to plan and even more fun to attend (especially when there are lots of personal touches), but after the cake is eaten, flowers wilt, and presents are opened, the couple is left with their consecrated marriage. And it’s for better — or for worse.

I’m helping my soon-to-be sister-in-law plan her wedding which should happen in 2010 and there have been a lot of questions about what SHOULD be done. I keep reminding her that it’s what she and he WANT done that counts. If it’s an unusual day of the week or a casual at-home wedding, that’s what counts.

So for all you brides out there planning your big day, involve your groom and decide on what will make you both happy. Don’t worry about disappointing your guests. They should be attending because they love you, not for freebies and elaborate hosting.

Some quick ideas on how to set your wedding apart (without breaking the budget):
• Make your own favors that represent your interests (and that can be used again by your guests. Think seed packets, coasters, bookmarks, or personalized pens.
• Buy fresh wildflowers from a local farmer’s market or the supermarket and put them in bud vases for table centerpieces.
• In lieu of favors, make a donation to a charity close to your heart.
• Create your own flower arrangements using fresh flowers you’ve purchased or artificial flowers.
• Put out blank CDs for guests to take with them to burn photos from their digital cameras on. This is a great alternative to disposable table cameras. Your guests can burn the images to CD then send them back to you.
• Use items from previous family weddings such as a hankerchief, a ribbon from a prior wedding, a family pin or heirloom, cake topper.
• If money’s really tight look for a reception location attached to your ceremony location (such as a fellowship hall) or book a reception location that will allow you to bring in an outside caterer. Some couples I’ve photographed have had potluck buffets or they’ve done a smaller food spread. Or consider doing an afternoon “tea” with appetizers, cake and drink instead of a whole big spread.
• When dress shopping, check out some discount dealers as well as well-established bridal boutiques. If there’s a veil you like, consider making it yourself if you’re handy. When I got married 7 years ago, I found a veil at David’s Bridal that I LOVED (for $200), but couldn’t afford. I took the same look and recreated it for $20.
• Help your bridesmaids out by allowing them to either choose their own dress, or having them purchase one they KNOW they’d be able to wear again. Same goes for groomsmen. If you’re not tied to tuxedos, consider having the guys buy the same color shirts, ties and pants.

Whatever ways you choose to set your wedding apart, remember that it’s not the money that matters… it’s your marriage.

Now is a great time to look ahead and start planning for those photo album updates! May is usually when the buds start blooming (and before the bugs start buzzing) and it’s the perfect time to schedule an outdoor portrait session.

It’s also a great time to do that engagement portrait for all you soon-to-be-wed’s. What better way to express your love and passion than at a time of year that’s full of promise.

I also still have lots of available dates for weddings. I know that with the economy in a downturn, photography might be one of the first things to be trimmed, but don’t assume that a pro is out of reach with your budget. I work with a lot of budget brides and can develop a package perfect for your Big Day!

Need more incentive? Mention that you read my blog and get 5% off your wedding or 10% off a portrait session!

Looking forward to a beautiful spring! And because I’m a photographer, here’s a picture of my adopted greyhound Laura. She’s three and a perfect fit for my family!

Debra Bell

What is it about capturing a brief moment of someone’s life in a still frame? For me, it’s about really seeing my subjects — be they animal, human, or nature. And I think that’s what the allure is… it’s a chance to make a memory of a moment in time that will stand forever.

I’ve had a camera in my hand since the time I was a grade schooler. Granted, it wasn’t MY camera, but that 110 film camera opened up possibilities… chances to learn how to document the beauty (and quirks) of life.

I gradually graduated to a respectable point-and-shoot 35 mm camera when I was in middle school and my father allowed me to play (supervised, of course) with his consumer level 35 mm SLR camera. I fell in love with the Pentax and all the possibilities it held. My friends, of course, didn’t have the appreciation I had for the camera and my first attempts were decent, but amateurish. However, I took the camera everywhere my friends and I went, documenting our exploits. They rolled their eyes and obligingly posed for pictures.

Senior year I took (after much whining to my parents) a course in classic Black and White photography through the art department. It was exhilarating and freeing! I was hopelessly hooked.

When I graduated from High School, and before our big class trip, one of my graduation gifts was my own 35mm camera and some film. I had a ball on our cruise and happily snapped shots of everything I could… friends, the Scotia Price, my friends on the ship, food, sunrise, etc. I was more than hooked. The spark of photojournalism was born in that one special senior year trip.

In college, I continued annoying my friends with my camera and for Christmas got my very first Nikon N-60 SLR film camera. I still have it today although it’s been replaced by two digital Nikons. I don’t have the heart to get rid of it… It’s the impetus for adding photojournalism to my skills in my journalism degree. While the University of Maine didn’t offer much in the photojournalism field, I began toting the camera with me and documenting the people, places, and things around me. I interned at two newspapers and used my skills to accent the stories I wrote with photographs I took. When you work at newspapers where the photographers are usually busy with other assignments (and you’re an intern) having that one blessed skill is paramount to success.

Then I graduated. There were no journalism jobs open in Maine and I didn’t want to move out of state and away from my family and boyfriend. I went to work in the printing field as a typesetter. But when I wasn’t working, I was photographing things around me. Fall leaves, summer flowers, animals (particularly squirrels and horses), my friends and my boyfriend, my family. I learned about lighting through books and magazines. And I continued to become hooked. There was just something about using the camera as a vessel to document events and beauty.

When I got engaged, we looked for a photographer but they were all so expensive (keep in mind this was 2001-2002… things have changed a lot, especially pricing). My parents suggested we have my aunts photograph the Big Day, but I stuck to my guns. My aunts, I knew, would do a decent job… but I wanted them to be free to have fun and relax and visit with the other guests. I didn’t want them to take on the stress of snapping photos all by themselves. Even though we were on a very limited budget ($500 for photos) we managed to find a great guy from the Lincoln area who did weddings as an added income. They came out lovely and that set me thinking… I love weddings and happy events, I could potentially do wedding photography. A year later, my brother-in-law got engaged and with a severely limited budget they asked me to do their photos. I agreed and got hooked. So I did my research on starting a business and opened Bell Imaging & Design in 2003.

A year later I did my first wedding for a client from Nevada who got married in southern Maine. With a successful wedding under my belt and a thirst to photograph these beautiful events, I branched out and did another springtime wedding. Then a reception for one of my co-workers at the Bangor Daily News.The next year I did six more weddings. Then nine more weddings. I’m already off to a great start this season and can’t wait to see the unique things my clients will bring to their nuptials! And the best part of all is that I get to share their day and document every facet. There’s nothing like love to make you love your spouse even more and to remind you that in these hard times, it all comes back to basics… the love and support of friends, family, and neighbors.

I tell everyone that my job at the Bangor Daily News (I started in 2006) is enjoyable too… it’s my bread and butter. But my photography job is a fun-filled job and I LOVE meeting new people and keeping up relationships with old clients.

That’s why my approach is quiet and observant. I’ll arrange and “direct” the group pictures, but it’s not my job to interfere with the Big Day… just document it. That’s where the marriage of photojournalism and artistic touches come into play. I make sure all my client’s photos are the best they can be and will do minor retouching when needed to emphasize the photos.

I take the same approach with my portrait clients and event photography. It’s not my job to direct your session, just provide insight and quiet guidance. I like to let the natural beauty shine through. After all, my start with photography came with photographing my friends and family. And I can’t wait to meet new people! Feel free to visit my Web site at www.bellphotostudio.com to learn more.