just in case you were wondering what I would like for my birthday this year.....

The first thing I want for my birthday which will be on Saturday, September 24th, the second day of autumn,  is for everyone to remember, that it will in fact be, my birthday. I will be thirty something, just as I was last year... don't you dare (ask)......

 I know I have a lot friends and family members who enjoy peeking into my blog (thank you guys so much and I love the feedback!!) so now that I've gotten your attention.... let me show you guys what Miss Chrissy is lusting after..... And I'm sure once you see it, you'll laugh.. because it's so "Me". *smile*


http://www.etsy.com/listing/73973391/preorder-digital-slr-hobo-camera-bag-lge?ref=sr_list_32&ga_search_query=damask+camera&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade

Aren't they so sexy?

AND... the best part.... is they would be totally useful to me! I'm not really happy with the camera bag I have now. With this one, my equipment (lenses & such) would also be better protected from scratches and very secured in this gorgeous ensemble. With that strap cover, it would provide better cushioning on my babys strap so it wont rub the back of my neck or shoulder too much as it sort of does now during long shoots. So if you love me and you see this, you'll feel the urge to get this for me, or to team up with someone else who loves me and pitch in together. You totally know this is my style! It's bad enough some of you see anything in damask and think of me isn't it? *smile* You could even call a few family members and spread the love even more! Not only would yours truly get what she would totally LOVE and be able to use for her birthday, but you could get in touch with family members you don't normally call that you've been meaning to! I mean... just think of all the possibilities! This is a win win situation for us all guys!!! I'm so glad I posted this for us!


*laughs*

my little mountain girl....

I have a bazillion things I will be adding here within the month... I've been as busy as a bee.... Summer has been so fun! Right now I just wanted to share a couple of pictures that I know I will always love. I'm sure someday, these photos will bring tears to my eyes. I knew as soon as I loaded them and saw them, this is going down in the family history books lol.
I went camping up where my parents live for a couple of days. I live right outside the Adirondack Mountain Park, but my parents are right in it. On the last day I was there as I was leaving camp, my dad showed up and my daughter wanted to stay there with her Papa for a few nights along with an uncle and some cousins. She's a Papa's girl. I'm an only child and so is my love bug. So my daddy is really attached to my baby and vise versa.
My father grew up in the Adirondacks so this is very much home to him. I am a 6th generation "Adirondacker", but I did spend many years down south in the city until I was a teenager, when I was violently transplanted into the mountains. It took me awhile to adjust to this place, but it's definetely home now.
Before I left, my daddy & daughter went out on the canoe for a peaceful ride. It was her first time in a canoe and she learned very quickly what to do. She was even spinning around in the seat, unlike her scaredy cat mama (show off lol). And I snapped a few from far away (zoom). My baby is growing up so fast! And my dad is turning her into a mountain girl. She loves to camp, fish, boat, you name it. When she first showed up I expected her to sit and complain about bugs but instead, she went on the hunt for firewood. lol. And by golly, she found it. lol. Here is my baby and my daddy in the canoe :) and yes.... I am quite aware that I am my fathers clone. lol

Family photos in the park....

You know whats way better than getting family photos done in a portrait studio with a generic or obnoxious backdrop and sitting in weird poses that will embarrass you and be outdated in 10 years? Skipping that whole scene altogether and having FUN family photos done in the park where are you are more relaxed, timeless, classic, with a beautiful backdrop provided by mother nature that will never go out of style!

I had one such smart family give me the opportunity to do that for them this past weekend. What a fun group with three little cutie pies to work with! I loved it! Thank you so much guys for working with me!

and as always.. be sure to look at the bottom of my blog for "older posts" to see more.

CgW

God Bless America!

I hit Crandall Park for the 4th of July celebrations this year! Very glad I did! It's a short walk from my house, so I was able to avoid traffic, there was so many nice people there, the weather was absolutely perfect, beautiful classic cars, and the Glens Falls Symphony Orchestra, which I can not say enough about! They were awesome! And I was thrilled to discover my daughter also shares my joy for the symphony! It was very inspirational to hear beautiful patriotic music playing in the background during the fireworks!
There were also some great vendors at the park with some really fun treats for the young and old. I may have indulged in a snow cone.....
I didn't sit not once, because I was having too much fun walking around and shooting! I was also very blessed to come upon a gracious family who welcomed me to photograph an intimate family moment during the star spangled banner while they sang and lit sparklers together. I was not able to catch their names, but if anyone who sees this recognizes them, please let either them or myself know and I'd be honored to give them a disc of the photos I took.
Here are just a few of the hundreds of photos I took!

and as always... be sure to check the bottom of my blog and click "older posts" to see more!

oh how they make me puuurrrrrrrr

CLASSIC CARS! MEEEOOOOWWW!

There were some beauties parked in the back of Crandall Park on the 4th of July, so people like me could come over and drool and dream.... and take pictures :) The car owners were most gracious for those of us like myself who were snapping away and admiring their treasures. Some day, by golly, I will have one of these. You mark my words!! If I ever strike big or win the lotto I am so totally getting myself a vintage beauty and pimpin it out! She'll be either pink or red, with black and white leather and velvet interior, rhinestones around the mirrors, sexy shiny chrome, with a lacy looking pearlesque finish on the hood! Mmm hmm!! Yup. I will dream her to life!

But for now... here are photos of the cars at Crandall Park.

Kristen Stewart Confirmed For 'Snow White And The Huntsman'

Kristen Stewart Confirmed For 'Snow White And The Huntsman'


YES. I have got to see this. Kristen Stewart has blossomed as an actress so much since the first Twilight Movie. At first, for me, it was hard to buy into "Bella" because she didn't seem comfortable in her own skin. It was "Edward" who kept me hooked until the second Twilight, "New Moon" when Kristen finally made me believe, she was "Bella". And she's only gotten better. Now that she has that ability to play such a cut throat, emotions through her fists character, I'd really like to see her in her newest project, "Snow White And The Huntsman". I bet this is gonna be good!!!

A little vintage humor....

I am not the creator of ANY of these. I simply found them floating around on the web, with no way to trace the original artists who made them. This is the kind of thing that totally cracks me up! Here is a small collection of my favorites.

Quack

this shot was the most difficult. It's not easy to snap a zooming dragon fly. :)

Jimmer Jam!

June 23rd was Jimmer Jam at the Glens Falls Civic Center. Jimmer fans (including myself and my baby girl) gathered together to watch Jimmer be drafted to the NBA. Jimmer is from Glens Falls, and attended the same elementary school my daughter did. She's going through a little bit of Jimmermania right now, along with many others lol. My daughter wound up for a brief second on Fox23News saying Jimmers name, and was followed by an array of other cute critters who were also happy to be there. In the photos the civic center appears to be empty but it wasn't. We were all on the side I was shooting from. lol. Hence the empty seats in the background. I got us at about halfcourt at the bottom. Very good view. And I got some shots of super cute kids! Enjoy!

and as always.. be sure to click "older posts" at the bottom of my blog to see more!

cGw

Jimmer Jam: Local residents celebrate NBA draft pick

Jimmer Jam: Local residents celebrate NBA draft pick

Video from Jimmer Jam. My little love bug is at 1:18 saying "Jimmer Fredette". She's in pink. :)

Blasts from the past.....

I love old photo's. The ones you stare at to study well and you find yourself caught up in what you see. When you are either remembering something you once recalled, or learning something about someone you never knew, or someone who you decended from, those are the best.

Do you have any old photos to share? feel free to add me and post them, or hit me up on facebook @ www.facebook.com/cgwardphotography

The Wild Center

Took a trip to the Wild Center in Tupper Lake Friday afternoon....

as always.... don't forget to click "older posts" at the bottom of my blog for more.... Thank you!

CgW

South Glens Falls High School Prom 2011

Saturday afternoon I hit the park near Coopers Cave to do some prom photos! What a crowd! A lot of limos too! Boat loads of teenagers dressed up to the nines all ready for the prom. My biggest dilemma was the amount of parents and grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins etc...... who all wanted to jump in front of myself and the other photographers present to snap pictures. lol. At times it made it a bit difficult, and in all the chaos of relatives and friends parents screaming "look at me" it was hard to get groups looking at the camera at the same time. Note to self. Next time, bring a step ladder.

But let's get onto the prom pictures from South Glens Falls High School, prom 2011. I was hired to do portraits for a stunning, lovely, young lady and her group of friends. We had a lot of fun and they really seemed to be enjoying themselves. We even got the boys to show us their tailfeathers lol. I couldn't help but smile when one beautiful girl showed up in a killer dress, luscious curls and cowboy boots! It's fun to see how everyone figured out a way to show their own personal style in their ensemble. I'm looking forward to having a much more slow paced, less chaotic senior portrait session with the same young lady She'll be great to work with....

as always... don't forget to click on "older posts". Thanks for stopping by!

CgW

ahhh the fresh scent of flowers in the air.....

I LOVE the fresh fragrance of all the flowers and trees when I walk downtown this time of year. The breeze literally carries the floral scent like potpourri...

don't forget to check out my older posts :)

WWW.CGWARDPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

My site is up and running! CLICK HERE

My prices and details for packages are listed in their proper category. Have another idea in mind? I want to know about it!

Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me and helped me along the way! You're the best and I can not thank you enough!!! I'm loving what I do! This is how life should be! *big smile*

Boudoir Portraits.. how it works....

It's a myth that you have to be super thin and flawless to look fabulous in boudoir style portraits. I think just about anyone can pull it off. It's all about angles, and wardrobe. Most ladies know what works for them. From behind my lense, I can see which angles are most flattering for you. I will also walk you through the poses, I will go out of my way to make you comfortable. You are more than welcome to bring a friend with you if that eases you, listen to your favorite music, or crack open a bottle of wine if you'd like.

Are you worried about skin imperfections? No need for that either. I'll remove them when I edit. There are a lot of tricks that can be done in digital photography to make you look your absolute best. I'm a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to the final image that I can create, so you can be assured, you will look fantastic.

I also recommend that you consider either tanning, or a light self tanner, unless you love your natural skin tone, by all means.. stay you. Don't use too much self tanner if you opt that way, you'll look blotchy, or you'll resemble a cheesenip lol. Just a bit of color. For that ultra glamorous look, a good manicure, make up and hair style is a must. If you don't own anything sexy to wear it's worth shopping for something. Even just a couple of ensembles with a few accessories is really worth it. Try victoria's secret or fredericks of hollywood. There is a growing trend in the modern pin up look. I also happen to favor that look as well... it's great to work with and quite frankly it flatters ANY lady. If you need ideas on props or wardrobe.... anything... PLEASE do not hestitate to ask me.

Generally boudoir portraits are done for engaged ladies for the hubby to be.... married ladies to their husbands, gals with a special someone in the military far away (warning, this may prompt a marriage proposal lol), or even single ladies who just want to do it for themselves.

They are ALWAYS done tastefully. Generally there is no full nudity. I will never ever take any images that are pornographic. Sexy should ALWAYS be classy. I know many many poses where you can have certain areas covered yet still be showing thats super sexy look you want.

You may have your images put on disc with a copyright release form so you may print them whereever you want, OR, I can easily have them printed out professionally for you, in complete privacy. ALL images will be digitally enhanced. Sometimes this is as simple as tweaking the lighting, or slight cropping, and it can be as far as completely airbrushing all exposed skin, adjusting skin tone, whitening teeth, lightening eyes, removing stretch marks, moles, freckles, scars, and adding make up.... etc. Sometimes even a light airbrushed tan where it is needed.

In the end you will still be you, but you will be your hottest you.

None of your photos will ever be put on the internet or shared without your complete and full consent given to me, and you are NEVER required to share your images with anyone. If you are simply looking to have it done for your husband for example.. nobody but you, me, and him will ever know. Wouldn't that be an awesome birthday or anniversary gift? *smile*

To see Boudoir Images... scroll down my blog. Hope to hear from you soon!

check out my webpage for more info! http://www.cgwardphotography.com/

You may contact me at 518-524-4192!

Boudoir Portraits. sexy!

I took a dip into boudoir style portraits a few days ago. Cerina was my model and she was fantastic. We had a great ice breaker by first hitting the mall and a few other places on the search for fishnets... a must for many boudoir photographers and clients. Cerina brought a lot of wardrobe ideas which really made the shoot fun and gave us a good variety.
After a few shots in front of the brick wall in my livingroom, we ventured into the studio I had set up. I prefer to use natural lighting as it bests compliments most any skin tone, so we cracked the all the blinds.
The combination of going out shopping together, music in the background, and Cerina's cell phone blowing up during the shoot kept the energy upbeat and fun, (I snuck a couple pics of her texting lol) but it got really funny when Cerina's foot tapped the closet door which caused the other door (sliding) to "tap" back... It sounded like someone was in the closet knocking! Poor Cerina was there in a pose and I saw this look of sheer terror on her face through the lense for a second before we both busted out laughing. Did I get a picture of it? No, because I'm not that mean.... should I have taken a picture of it? Probably... Cerina would have totally appreciated it. lol. It will definetely be memorable for that reason lol. As always, Cerina's pictures were fantastic and once again I fell in love with a couple of the candid shots I snapped as she was moving into another pose. She has the best smile when she's just being herself.





Please keep in mind when viewing these photos, they are rated PG (semi nude) in nature. No full nudity is done. If you are interested in boudoir photography, please give me a call at 518-524-4192. I'd love to show you how beautiful you are!

and as always.. don't forget to check out my "older blogs" down at the bottom.

CgW

Spring is in the air

I should be able to debut my website sometime in the next week or so. I have a boudoir session coming up shortly that will complete it. Been working on that. Very excited for next month... prom portraits....
Has anyone else noticed the flowers blooming? They really perk me up. Got some good shots of birds across the street from my house.. and a close encounter of a squirrel on the playground.... swiping a french fry off the ground lol

Engagement Portraits in the Park

Last Wednesday I met with a very fun, super in love, newly engaged couple for some romantic portraits in the park. We also ventured downtown and even shot a few pics outside of the place they had their first date at. Janie is an absolute sweetheart with a contagious smile and her fiance Kevin, bares a slight resemblance to actor Rob Pattinson in the eyes. (or so I think, you judge) lol. But anyway.... they were very comfortable with eachother... and not only does that make a great relationship, but wonderful engagement portraits. Both of them were extremely photogenic and very open to fun ideas and even had some great ideas of their own and I loved it! I had a great time doing pics and visiting with them. I was so pleased when I loaded their photos and began editing. I really enjoyed the smiles they not only gave the camera, but to each other. Looking at their pictures so happy and in love together was just as refreshing as reading a romance novel..... not the cheesy kind.... the GOOD kind... the kind that makes you sigh.... I have no doubt these two will have an epic love story to tell their grandkids someday..... Enjoy the photos.....

“True love is friendship -- caught on fire."

You are my sunshine... my only sunshine.....

It's been awhile! I'm back! I was never gone... just busy... *smile*

Yesterday I took my little one out for some park portraits... and for a chance to finally wear the dress my grandmother got her last year! ha! We had a great time and my little angel modeled like a pro. Keep in mind, I can easily do portraits just like this for your little girl! You'll love the pictures, and she'll have fun. It's a win, win, for both of you!



and as always, be sure to click on "older posts" at the bottom right of blog to see more!



Engagement Session Park/Downtown

rain, rain, go away. It almost ruined my E-Session today. THANKFULLY... it held off for a little while and we actually got a whole bunch of sunshine. Maybe a little too much. I was really looking forward to a little overcast, but hey.... we worked with it. So it's all good.

Today I did an engagement session with a couple named Regina and James. I happened to meet Regina in the mall where she works, just a few days ago, and the rest is history. Well.... you know what I mean. lol. I have a boat load of pics from today. First we started in Crandall Park. Regina & James weren't as shy as they thought they would be. They warmed up to the camera very quick and it shows in their photos. *smile*

Here are just a few of their shots...

and as always... don't forget to read my "older posts" when you get to the bottom of my blog.

Cheers



and she has jedi texting powers....

She's very spontanious & I think I love that about her. Plus she isn't too shy or proud to climb in a tree for me, jump in a giant cement fountain, or pose like "baby" on a bridge. This time we got together on a whim for some park shots at Crandall Park. It was a very cold windy day, and at times it was sprinkling but we managed to pull off some good shots.

....P.S. She can also run in wedges! I mean seriously? Who can do that? Cerina can do that. lol

Also be sure when reading my blog at the bottom to click "older posts".... there's more....CgW

I wear my sunglasses at night....

Actually.. I.... really don't. I was just singing. But I did get Cerina to wear my shades for a bit earlier for our last minute mini session of night shots!! We did a little experimenting and had a blast in the freezing cold and wind. Cerina has modeling experience and she was a great sport and didn't mind laying on the ground, the stairs, or the floor of the gazebo we shot in. There are many more but I'll post a few here for her sneak peak.... We'll be getting together again really soon for more casual day shots... and maybe we'll play around a bit again too....

Thank you Cerina! I look forward to working with you again!

 

Senior Portraits...

They said it would snow.... it didn't... they said it would rain... it did.. but only a little... and I'm very grateful for that... because I had a long awaited appointment for senior portraits and they traveled all the way from Tupper Lake! When we first hit Crandall Park it was beginning to drizzle a bit.... so we started out under trees and I think once the rain saw we weren't giving in... and how bright and pretty Miss Jenna looked in yellow just like the sun... the clouds gave in and let the sun come out afterall!

Don't let me forget to mention this is my baby cousin! Jenna was my new years kiss when it turned 1994! I was babysitting her at a hotel in Buffalo and she was only 6 months old.... but I was always superstitious about making sure you kissed someone at midnight, so Jenna it was! LOL

We began by trees in the park.... trying to warm up a bit... you know... there's always that ackwardness when someone gets in your face with a huge camera and starts clicking away... it takes a few shots to adjust and loosen up... lol.... after a few park shots we decided to head downtown.... the background at the park clearly showed we still have some snow left here.... and Jenna was in a short sleeved shirt.... ha.... I didn't want her to freeze and I didn't want her pictures to scream "hey look at me I'm an adirondack girl!", She is.... and I guess so am I... but that's not the point... so downtown we went. Before we knew it we were finding bright red doors to shoot by and my girl was climbing up in trees for me! It was a great day!

Here is Jenna's Sneak Peak of her Senior Portraits...

Congratulations Jenna! You can do anything you put your mind to! I can't believe you're all grown up! Much love from the whole family!