Silk Proof Boxes!

We just received a shipment of three proof boxes from Cypress, and I just had to have a little photo shoot with them to show you all how beautiful they are! These boxes are available to go along with any package from this year that comes with printed proofs (starting price of $250). They are also available on an a la carte basis with a minimum of 200 4x6 proofs (price will vary based on how many proofs you will want printed but will start around $500). These are a great way to store your proofs in more than just a black cardboard box!

Joanna & Mike - August 26, 2006

This past Saturday, Chris and I had the honor of photographing Joanna and Mike's wedding on John Brown's Farm in Lake Placid, NY. The reception followed at the Hotel Saranac. It was such a beautiful day for an outdoor wedding, and this couple could not have made their wedding more unique... from Thomas the Train ring bearer's pillow to smurfs as their cake toppers, this couple added their own spice to these old traditions. Congrats to you both! You were so kind and generous to us both; thank you. Enjoy the Virgin Islands!!

New look for the blog

Check out the new look for our blog! We might be tweaking it a little bit in the near future to match the look of the new site and logo. Keep checking back!

"Photography by Rae" says good-bye

Well, not really. Just our title.

I came up with the name "Photography by Rae" for my studio several years ago when I was still a Schultz. (yeah, try saying Rae Schultz ten times fast!! i dare you!) Rae Schultz had no ring to it, and I was waiting on a ring that I knew would change my name. So, now, after a year of being married, I am ready to change the business name to "Rae Barnes Photography." Boring? maybe. But, it is important to me that my clients and my potential clients associate me and all my character traits and quirks directly to my business. Besides... it was either this or "catch-a-star photography," and that made my husband, Chris, gag. (no go) So, "rae barnes" it is! Afterall, that's who i am... well, not legally... Rachel Elizabeth Barnes, if you want to be formal, but if you do, i will probably mistake you for a telemarketer.

So, to go along with the new name, i HAD to get a new image. So... coming very soon... a NEW funky, cool website!!! My logo will be coming soon also (but not as soon- more like in a month). You can still find us at www.photographybyrae.com, but we will be shifting over to www.raebarnes.com or www.raebarnesphotography.com. We will own all three sites for the next year at least.

Thank you all for your support as we lay "Photography by Rae" (and that scripty Zapfino font you see EVERYWHERE at spas these days) to rest... this should be a joyous occassion, but i know it may be difficult for some of you. call us anytime toll-free at 1-800-raefans for any consulation you may need. ;-)

P.S. we also own www.barnesphotographers.com for that hopeful day when Chris is doing this full-time with me!! who knows when? ;-)

Baby Rose!

Yesterday, I had the privilege to photograph baby Rose- the youngest of 5 with all big brothers! My mom always told me that I was "the rose amidst the thorns" because I had so many brothers; this baby girl fits the description well. And, oh my gosh, Rose is the cutest thing ever! I must have this magic lens because these babies are just instantly entertained by their reflection in the glass. Rose just kept sqwatting and pointing and laughing. What a joy!

Samantha & Dave's Engagement Session

Last week, I had the joy of shooting Samantha & Dave's engagement session in Lake Placid. It could not have been more perfect weather- not to mention a more happy couple! They were all smiles throughout the entire shoot (and i know i am not THAT funny). It was great to get to know this couple, and we really can't wait to share the big day with the two of them and their families! Chris and I will be celebrating our first anniversary on the big day! Can't wait! The slideshow for this will be up in a litte while.

Karin & Matthew - August 12, 2006

Holy cow! It was SO hard for me to pick my favorites for this wedding blog!! What a beautiful wedding with a beautiful couple- swear these kids belong in a magazine. Chris and I had a blast with Karin and Matthew and their whole gang at her parents' place on Butternut Pond in Keeseville, NY. What a wild and fun crowd! Who ever has seen a father of the bride whip out hats, wigs, and costumes halfway through the reception?! They definitely kept us laughing and dancing, and it was such an honor to have become so close to this couple over the last year. It was pure joy to see you unite in marriage! God bless!

Album central!

Alright... third post today (I am in need to keep you updated). I know that I have not posted a wedding in a few weeks (our next one is this Saturday in Keeseville, NY, for anyone waiting to see what is coming up next!) ... but that does not mean that i have not been busy. It has been album central here- designing up a storm! So, I just thought i would give everyone a glimpse at a couple of the most recent layouts I have designed.



To view the entire thing click here. You will need to register your email. And remember, this is a first draft design that will be bound in a Leather Craftsmen album (once approved by the bride, of course).

Color image on black and white background- whatdoyoucallit?!

In case you were wondering, we still do it! I know it is a fading trend (not to mention a sparse ability among photographers), but if you have always wanted one, we do these... (image describes it better than i can!)

Cypress Albums

In addition to our hand-made leather albums, we are now offering our hand-made silk albums by Cypress. I could not be more excited about their products. Some of our brides this year have already received silk proof boxes with Swiss ribbons- these are just gorgeous! These images are from a guest book with a series of images from Laura and Eli's engagement session that we made a few weeks ago. It should be a big hit at the wedding as these products are so unique. These albums are only made in the traditional matted format, so they are definitely for the elegant, classic and feminine bride. Unfortunately, we will not have a sample in studio until closer to the end of the year, but you may see our swatches at any time! Please, visit www.cypressalbums.com for more information and images.