WooHooo! Site Update!

I updated my site today. It had been way too long! What's new:

• I now have a contact form so people don't have to copy and paste my email or call me.
  
• I have a new Promotions page. You can find my notice for Senior Ambassadors as well as a special through the month of July. Go look to find out.
  
• I have a new Partners page. 'Partners' isn't quite the right word and I'm open to suggestions. Right now it has Little Fish Boutique, which boasts some of my portraits and Moment by Moment, an organization I'm involved in. I don't like simply putting 'Links' but I need something that can hold all of the other businesses and organizations that I support one way or another.
  
• I expanded my FAQ (frequently asked questions). I generally email people a list before their session but there's no reason not to put it on the site instead. It goes over what to wear, stuff about shoots with kids and shoots with pets.
  
• I added two new Sessions: Welcoming Baby and Mommy and Me. Welcoming Baby is a package of 5 sessions over the course of baby's first year and special gifts after each session. I'm really excited about this. Mommy and Me is a smaller baby package of a maternity session and a newborn session plus prints.
• And, most importantly, a link to this blog!

Stay tuned for updated images in my portfolio...

Oh, and because I feel like I should have at least one image with every post, here's an image I played around with the other day. It's a Triumph Motorcycle that I shot so the owner could sell it. I shot it on Treasure Island so San Francisco's awesome skyline could be in the background. I really do need to explore that island some more.
Don't worry, the images I gave him show what the bike really looks like.

Senior Ambassadors Wanted

We want those of you who participate in school activities such as sports, cheerleading, drama, band, clubs, and student government - as these students tend to be the most outgoing, and therefore make excellent senior models. But, even if you're not involved in these activities, maybe there's something else that really inspires you. Go ahead and contact me at lmdocherty@gmail.com. It'll be lots of fun, and you will get some incredible portraits in the end.

What:
You get a free photography session for your senior portraits. And these won’t be the “sit there - turn your head - put your hand daintily under your chin - look off into the distance like a fool and smile” pictures. I don’t like a lot of posing; I don’t like big, bright flashing lights; I don’t like taking the same pictures of everyone. Bring props to your session. If it’s meaningful to you, it’s meant to be in your pictures. These can include your guitar, sports equipment, sunglasses, art supplies, car, etc. It is all about getting you and your friends the best possible professional photography for their senior portraits. The more people you refer to Lindsay Docherty Photography, the better your rewards will be. I love the energy and creativity that high school seniors uniquely bring to each session. Not a single one is similar to any other.

Who:
San Francisco Bay Area high school seniors graduating in 2008 are eligible for this fantastic offer. If you think you have what it takes, email Lindsay at lmdocherty@gmail.com and I will send you a short application. Sign up quickly as I’ll only be accepting two seniors from each school and these openings will go fast.

When:
Sessions will take place during the summer and fall of 2007.

Where:
I have some great go-to places but it’s all up to you. Where do you want to go? Anywhere within 30 miles of San Francisco is fair game.

Why:


• Senior Ambassadors receive a fun, free portrait session in the summer or fall of 2007. When you tell people about what a great time you had with Lindsay Docherty Photography, I want it to be the truth. (a $325 value)


• Five free images to post on your myspace account (a $200 value)


• Free senior album with your best pics and room for autographs from friends (only available to senior ambassadors)


• Free student business cards to help you earn credits


• 5% off of your portraits for each referral*, up to 35% off


• The top producing Ambassador will win an iPod Nano

Tips for the successful Ambassador
• Our most successful Ambassadors have made personal contact by mail or email to their classmates – be sure to include your discount business card.


• Take your portfolio to camp or anytime you are going to be with friends this summer, you will always find someone who is interested.


• Show your discount business cards every time you show your portfolio.


• Hand out every business card to someone who you think will actually book a session.


• Look to your friends and family to help you earn a photography session of a lifetime!


*Referrals can be for Families, Children, Seniors, Maternity, Engagement, Weddings, Modeling or even Pet photography. Any one of your referrals that books a session counts!

* Ambassador Program rules and regulations are subject to change without notice.

Destination Wedding in St. Augustine, Florida

While I'm not yet taking on any weddings from clients on the West Coast, I know Kristen and Tom from my time in North Carolina. This wonderfully kind couple were engaged last summer, after being together for seven years. They had a casual beach wedding with smiles all around. Despite threats of storms, there wasn't a drop of rain and the sun was out all day. Here are a few of my favorite images from the wedding day...

His and her rings.
They had the wedding at an adorable bed and breakfast. Kristen had the back cottage all to herself for getting ready.
She was totally stunning. And this was before all the makeup!
The flower girl was not keen on smiling for the camera. Luckily I got some very cute snaps as she stayed close to mommy.
Kristen after the hair, makeup, and dress. She was g-o-r-g-e-o-u-s!
Mom sees Kristen in her wedding dress for the first time. Mom started tearing up after seeing her.
The very proud father.
The wedding kiss! Partners for the rest of their lives. The couldn't have asked for a better day.
And the bliss as they walk down the aisle through rose petals.
First dance as Mr. and Mrs. You could see Tom counting the steps but those 5 weeks of dance classes paid off.
A spin on the sand as the reception began.
Some very funny and heartwarming toasts.
The father-daughter dance shows Kristen gliding across the floor.
Kristen and Tom. Beautiful people. Beautiful Couple.
Thanks for a wonderful day, guys. Here's to wishing them a lifetime of happiness together! Cheers!

Fathers

About this time last year I learned how to develop film and print my own images in the darkroom. I wanted to give my first finished picture to my dad for his birthday on June 23rd. I agonized over which image to choose. I finally decided on this iris and spent weeks perfecting my chemical baths, lights, and dodging and burning to create a portrait I was proud to give him.

He was the one who gave me my first camera and encouraged my love of photography. He has been proud of me every step of the way through all trials and tribulations.

I have just experienced my first Father's Day without my father. He passed away July 7th, 2006 from lung cancer at age 60. I miss him immensely and wish I could share many more pictures with him.

"My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me." Jim Valvano

p.s. I wish I had more pictures of my Dad - take your camera with you every single time you see your parents. You won't regret it.

Moment by Moment Organization

I've recently gotten involved with Moment by Moment, an organization of professional photographers who volunteer their services to families of terminally ill children. I had my first session with the family of a baby girl and it was heartbreaking. The organization gives each family prints and a CD of the session for them to treasure their child forever. Be truly thankful for your little one and cherish every day.For more information or to donate to this incredibly worthy organization, visit MomentbyMoment.org.

Dog Portraits at Baker Beach

What awesome roommates! The girls bought their roommate a gift certificate to Lindsay Docherty Photography so she could have a session with her dog, Beau. Beau is a handsome chocolate lab/rhodesian ridgeback. We had a blast yesterday at Baker Beach with Beau and the tennis ball. I'm pretty sure we were all worn out by the end of the day.




Then we went back home to Beau's favorite chair and watched as he got settled in for a long evening of napping after such fun.

Graduation Portraits in North Beach

Just a few pics from a graduation session I did last week. We wandered around North Beach and found some really awesome new spots. It was a very typical overcast San Francisco day and we made the most of the beautiful lighting that overcast days give off.

Portraits in Nob Hill

I had sooo much fun with Will on this photoshoot. It was a last minute call and I was available to go out that evening. We wandered around Nob Hill and found an awesome old couch on the side of the road that we just couldn't pass up. Will won't admit it, but he's a really good model and takes great pictures. Check them out!