Saturday, September 27, 2008

Due to illness.....

V Lynne Photography has temporarily shut its doors. If you are a current client trying to reach me, please submit a comment with your contact info (this will not be publicly posted). Comments will be monitored by a friend to make sure that each is taken care of.

More details:

Unfortunately in the spring of this year I became very ill; I have been on medical leave from my main job since that point. I thought everyone had been contacted by an associate; however, I heard from a client yesterday that shows this may not have been the case. As the current prognosis has no near term timeline for recovery, I am opting not to take on new commitments until the medical team can give me clearer answers about what to expect.

Again, if you are a current client who has been trying to reach me, please accept my apologies and comment here so someone can get in touch with you.

Blessings & best wishes to you all,
Victoria

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Vegas baby!

We'll be out of the office from 3/15-3/23, in Vegas at the Wedding & Portrait Photographers International conference. I'm so completely psyched to be spending so many days learning from some of my favorite photographers...and so completely weirded out about being away from a full computer for so long!

I'll have the iPhone with me, so I'm hoping to be able to still respond to mail, but if you don't get an answer right away, I'm either in class or have zero connectivity. I promise to figure out where all the free wifi spots are quickly & will try to get back to each of you as soon as possible.

Can't wait to come back creatively invigorated! Those of you with upcoming e-sessions, be ready to try out some fun stuff on my return. :)

Monday, February 18, 2008

Life lessons from a giant chess set.....

I'm a packrat.

OK, the kinder, gentler phrase might be "I'm a collector of beautiful things." It still translates to "I'm a packrat." I covet stuff, more stuff than any 12 people would ever need. Clothes. Shoes, especially ones that are bad for my feet. Fossils. Schnauzers, real ones, I'd have seven if Steve would allow it. Plants, which promptly die in my care. Camera gear, of course, not just the new stuff, but every antique I can find. And weird, esoteric stuff. Like giant chess sets.

A few years ago, my friends Cheryl & Jackie (see the previous post) were part of the Street of Dreams construction event. And part of the landscape design they created and temporarily installed was a giant chess set.


It was gorgeous. And I coveted it from the beginning.

Let's get something straight up front. I don't know how to play chess. Never learned. Never interested in learning. Chess is for geeks. Never mind that I'm one of the biggest geeks I know, that's just not my kind of thing.

And besides that, if one needs a decorative chess set, there are plenty of smaller ones around. Ones that fit daintily into the corner of the living room, or can be put away into a hall closet.

But desire is never a rational thing.

And somehow....I'm still not sure exactly how in this case, except that Jackie wanted back her garage space....desire tends to manifest into reality in my life. And the giant chess set has come to live at my home.


My home, which has virtually no flat land. And no one who knows how to play chess. And nowhere to store more stuff. Especially chess pieces that are as much as a foot across, each. And weigh from 20-50 pounds apiece. But oh my, they're gorgeous.

Never mind that I now have to redesign the entire landscape. These are fabulous photo props and that means I can write off the garden redesign & installation, right? (Note to the IRS: No, I'm not serious.)

So what have I learned so far from the giant chess set?

Love is irrational. It has far reaching consequences. It requires a commitment you may not be ready for when it comes into your life.

But when you're in love, truly in love, you'll seize that opportunity when it comes your way.

(Even if it means learning to play chess.)

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Meet Axel....

My friends Jackie & Cheryl are well known for their love of anything with four legs. So it never surprises me to hear that another creature in need of a home has found its way to them. The other day, I went to photograph their latest foster furkid, Axel--a one year old purebred dachshund.



Like most critters, he wasn't too sure about the big black camera being waved in his face. But his temperment is such that he pretty quickly adapted.



He gets along remarkably well with the pack of large dogs & crazy cats he was thrust into, but his favorite place of all is still a lap. He's a real snuggler!



And frankly, he's a really handsome boy!



Like all young dogs, he's happiest with something tasty to chew. Look at him go! And I was very pleased to see that he didn't get overprotective of his bed or his chewie, in spite of me holding the camera right under his nose. He's going to make a great pet!



Axel is being neutered this week & then will be ready for his forever home. If you are interested in adopting this sweetie of a dog, please email me here and I'll make sure your mail is forwarded.

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Gretchen -- at 32 weeks


Gretchen & I have worked together for about three years now. We've been through who-knows-how-many-reorgs, my wedding, her solo cross-country drive to pick up her beloved Mini Cooper, and more conversations than either of us could count about...well, about everything! She's been both a friend & mentor to me, and I was simply thrilled for her & her husband David when they announced they were expecting.

And they've been doubly blessed, with twin girls!

Now, I've never been through a friend's pregnancy with multiples. Watching Gretchen's belly swell has been simply amazing. I admit, there are times I've been astonished at how much she changes from week to week! We took this shot at 20 weeks as a progress report....



Back then, her wedding ring was already moved to her pinky finger. Now her rings are strung on her favorite cross.

Last week, we did a full maternity session. She & David clearly have so much fun together. They're so much in love, and so very, very happy about this pregnancy.













Here are a few of my other favorites:







These two are so playful, it was sometimes hard to keep up with them!



But like most new parents, there's a lot of quiet introspection going on as well.





Gretchen & David--you two are the best! Can't wait to meet the girls very soon!

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

....is it Spring (Training) yet?

Waiting for Spring


Yes, I'm perfectly aware that it's still football season, and that the Seahawks vs. Green Bay should be uppermost in my mind. I'll watch the game, I promise. I'll even wear blue. And I'll knit while it's on...we've only ever lost one playoff game since I took up knitting during the games. I swear, I'll do my part.

But....

We're just 46 days from pitchers & catchers reporting to spring training in Peoria. And I find I can't stop checking all the baseball rumor sites to see what moves the Mariners make before then. I'm literally driving Steve nuts, muttering over my computer as I analyze each projected move & rant about not trading favorite players. It amuses the heck out of him that I can quote stats at him regarding righties vs. lefties at Safeco Field & that I'm following the pitching situation so closely.

Of course, he's the one buying Mariner ornaments for the Christmas tree, and reminding me that Fan Fest is on the 26th & 27th of this month--which day would I prefer to go?

My husband loves me so much, he even bought me Mariners socks this year. (see guys, sometimes socks DO make a good gift!)

So here's to my beloved team....and to the promise of sunny days at the ballpark, hot dogs & garlic fries, and maybe, just maybe, a playoff game or two?

Postscript: Right after I finished this post, the same "beloved" husband came up with an anagram of "Seattle Mariners"--"insert real team"--and promptly announced that no amount of trades would accomplish that. I'm not sure I'm still speaking to him....

Happy New Year!

I hope your holidays were fabulous & you got everything you wished for this season!

It's the time of year where everyone takes a hard look at themselves & how they do things...resolving to do better. By now--the 9th--a lot of resolutions have already gone by the wayside!

In my case, I'm actually about to start on my first resolution with this post, and I'm counting on all of you to help me keep it. I've been told repeatedly over the last month or so by a number of friends, fellow photographers, and clients that they count on this blog to help keep track of what's going on not only in my business, but in my life. Needless to say, the frequency of posting hasn't kept up as of late, and I'm in big trouble because of it.

All I can say is, it's nice to feel loved. :)

The second half of the issue is actually just personal. When you convert from a hobby you love to a practicing profession, you tend to lose sight of why you enjoyed the hobby in the first place. In my case, the cameras really haven't been coming out unless I'm shooting for clients, and I find that I miss just shooting for me.

So here's my resolution--I pledge to post much more frequently than in the past, with a goal of at least twice a week. And to work on the second issue, I'll be posting more photos at random, setting myself photo assignments on occasion, and taking the camera along on some of the weird & wonderful happenings in my life that have nothing at all to do with weddings and portraits.

Love the idea? Hate it? Topics ranging from life, the universe, and everything that you think I should blog about? Drop me a line through comments & let me know!

Monday, December 10, 2007

Life's "little" interruptions....

My apologies to those of you who have tried to reach us over the last few weeks. We've been dealing with a medical emergency in the family & have not been as available as usual. I'm plowing through mail and voice mail this week as things stabilize, and hope we'll be back to normal fairly soon!

If you need something urgently, please call rather than email. I'll get the message & get someone in contact with you as soon as possible.

Thanks for your patience during this difficult time for our family. It's times like these that make the honor of attending your weddings that much more special in my heart--they're reminders of my own, and the joy we share in coming together with our families & friends for happy occasions. Be sure to hug your loved ones, often!

--Victoria

Saturday, November 24, 2007

Leftover Thanksgiving Musings

It's the middle of the night on your once in a lifetime vacation. You awaken to the most horrendous noise, the loud clanging of the lifeboat alarm. Crew are pounding on doors, evacuating the ship. Adrenaline surges through your veins at an incredible rate. You have mere seconds to grab & go. What do you take? Do you even know where it is? Passport, wallet, a few more layers of clothing as a shield against the incredible cold?

Two weeks ago, I was talking with a coworker about his upcoming vacation plans. A year ago, he booked a trip he'd wanted to go on for years, a cruise to Antarctica. As someone lucky enough to document life-changing events for others, of course the first thing I'm thinking of is photography, so we talked cameras...including backup plans for images when the cold kills your point & shoot. We talked about trying to pack for such a trip, how difficult it is to have enough layers and still pack light. And about trips like these, a once in a lifetime event, so unusual & sought after that you have to book them a year or more in advance.

Then the news yesterday. The boat that my coworker was on is now underwater off the Antarctic coast. Thankfully, everyone on board is safe & sound. I'm sure he'll have one hell of a story to share when he returns. And I have to wonder what he managed to save when the lifeboat alarm rang. I have to admit, I know I'd be thinking, Where are my memory cards???? Where's my camera????

I'm grateful this holiday for my coworker's safety, and hope for his sake he was able to bring more than just memories back from his adventure. And tempting though it is, I promise we won't decorate his office with a Titanic theme for his return. I'm thinking something tropical might be a bit more tasteful. :)



Postscript: if you have the chance to visit the Titanic exhibit, by all means go. I went when it was here in Seattle a few years ago. It's an incredibly powerful, emotionally wrenching display, and it's well worth attending.

Friday, November 23, 2007

Business update--new lab, proofing options, and packaging!

Just a couple of recent changes I wanted to let you know about:

First off, as some of you know, we've moved our gallery hosting and lab work to Pictage in the last month. This will make it MUCH easier for you & your event guests to order pictures quickly and efficiently, without having to contact me first! When your event is posted, Pictage will send you mail letting you know that your gallery is ready. Be sure to release your gallery to your family & friends so they can enjoy your pictures too!

Using Pictage will not change our guarantee in any way, shape, or form. All prints ordered through our site or included as part of your print credit are 100% guaranteed for quality--please contact me IMMEDIATELY if there are any issues, and I will get them resolved.

Second, we've changed our CD/DVD packaging! I'm very excited to show you our lovely new cases. Each case will be customized for your portrait session or wedding--designs may vary, but each will feature 3 or more pictures from your event: One each for the cover & back, and 1 or more inside.

The case below is shown both closed and open, and is lying on our new sloppy bordered proof prints--those of you who have proofs included in your packages are getting a sneak peek at how those look as well! Click on the images below to get a closer look.




We're pleased with these improvements to how we do business--but as always, your feedback is welcome!

Saturday, November 10, 2007

11/5/2007 - John & Amy's Wedding, Seymour Conservatory

Most people would wonder about the idea of a Monday wedding, but when a particular day is special to you, you'll do whatever it takes to hold your wedding on that day.

For John & Amy, who met online while gaming seven years ago, being married on this special Monday was so important, they even put up with having to make special arrangments for their venue on a day it was normally closed, wrestling with finding vendors who usually take Monday off, having the restaurant for their planned brunch suddenly close its doors....I'm sure they thought at times this would never come together. Instead, everything went perfectly, and Seattle produced a gloriously sunny day--something very very rare in November!



This was a wonderful joining of two souls who fell in love before they ever met "in person"--and that love showed through in every interaction they shared. Their families are some of the sweetest I've met this year, and both sides were clearly very happy to help make this day even more special for the bride & groom.








Make sure you check out their slideshow here to get a feel for their day! It takes a bit to load (don't try it on dialup!), but it's worth it. :)




The wonderful Salon Maison provided hair & makeup to the women of Amy's family. I've said it before & I'll say it again, they are hands down my favorite vendor! I've never seen a bride of theirs who wasn't absolutely stunning when they were done.




Amy's mother actually made her dress and matching cape. As someone who cannot sew, I was completely in awe!







The Seymour Conservatory is a gorgeous venue....I'm sorry to say I've lived here thirteen years & had no idea it existed. I love the things I learn in this business!

John's aunt was their celebrant, and conducted a beautiful ceremony. It's always great to have someone close to the couple officiate, I think it makes the event even more meaningful!












Amy's cousin is an incredible singer. Let me tell you, I was grateful at this point for autofocus, as I teared up along with everyone else. Oh, and she took credit for bringing the amazing weather with her (and her family) all the way from Tucson. So I'm grateful to her for that too. ;)


The toasts were some of the most touching I've witnessed, and the cake was simply beautiful. But you'll have to check out the slideshow to see those!






John & Amy--thanks again for letting me share in your day, and enjoy your time in Vegas!!!!

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

11/5 -- John & Amy's Preview....


I promised a sneak peek to John & Amy, but there are so many to choose from that I'm having trouble making up my mind!

So here's just one, and y'all will have to come back and visit before the end of the week. I promise I'll have the full post & slideshow ready to go! :)

I think this shot really sums up just how in love these two are.....

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Marta & Tom at the Sculpture Park, downtown Seattle

Yesterday was one of those rare sunny, warm fall days in the Puget Sound area. They've been especially unusual lately, with 10 more inches of rain than usual this year. Marta & I have been emailing every few days with weather reports, planning a spectacular engagement session for her & her fiance Tom. And FINALLY, the weather cooperated in the most amazing fashion! These two are so cute & so much fun together.

Marta & Tom--Steve & I really enjoyed working with you, and we can't wait for your wedding in July!

Limiting favorites from their session was tough, so I've included a slideshow you won't want to miss! As always, click on a photo to see the larger version.










Wednesday, September 5, 2007

I'm "IT"! Eight things about Victoria

If you spend any time at all on blogs, you'll find there's quite a few people playing "tag" right now, and the fabulous Katherine of Katherine Tolentino Photography just got me! The object of the game is to write up 8 things that other people don't know about you, and then "tag" other people. So here are mine.....

1. In the span of 2 years, I worked for Godiva Chocolatier, a mall photo studio, a down & feather bedding manufacturer, a business telephony contractor, and a diaper manufacturer. My view of the business world has been a bit skewed since then! I never thought I'd stay in a job longer than 2 years, but have been in the current one for over 7.
2. I flunked sewing in junior high school. Twice.
3. I'm a compulsive, native speed reader. I taught myself to read at age two & simply, literally, cannot stop. I'd rather read than do just about anything at all! Last night, I came home with six books from Barnes & Noble--three of them were finished by two AM this morning....of course, this just feeds my insomnia....
4. I stalk Ebay regularly for a pair of Swarovski crystal encrusted Stuart Weitzman heels I saw as a teenager. Someday they will be mine.
5. I've never broken a bone or spent a night in the hospital.
6. I've also never seen ET. Or virtually any other movie that characterizes my generation. I saw Star Wars for the first time about 10 years ago & still don't understand what the fuss is all about! On the other hand, I can watch Men in Black, Pirates of the Caribbean, Labyrinth, and A Fish Called Wanda over and over and over....
7. Nail polish doesn't stick to my nails for longer than about 30 minutes.
8. Every time I spend a Seahawks game knitting, we win the game. It even worked for the Colts last year. Unfortunately the phenomenon doesn't seem to work for the Mariners. :(

OK--here's my tags--y'all are IT & I want to see what you come up with!

Laurel McConnell (of course)
Shannon, our newly relocated Lucky Red Hen, who I definitely want to know more about!
Gerald & Airika Pope, one of the first local photographers to welcome me into the business
Kacy Cierley, who has the most darling new blog format!
Bill Cawley, whose photography always challenges me to new heights
Auey Santos of Photograffiti, whose blog made me miss my Bay Area hometown :(

Monday, September 3, 2007

Dresden & Rob--Second shooting with Laurel McConnell!


On September 1st, I had the pleasure of second shooting with the fabulous Laurel McConnell! Laurel has been documenting weddings for seven years now, and any chance I get to hang out with her is always both a blast & a learning experience. Lucky me, this was the first of back to back weekends shooting for Laurel's studio. :)






This week's couple, Dresden & Rob, are a wonderful couple from the South, whose wedding was held on private property on Whidbey Island. The views were spectacular, the families were the friendliest & most gracious I've met yet, and the site was amazingly diverse--tons of cute little "cabins", gorgeous antiques, and fun activities such as an oversized chess set!

Just a few favorites:



Rob's son Jules wasn't always happy about having to be dressed up--in fact, the shoes were off in about a minute flat, and the dress pants were swapped with jeans the minute the formals ended! It was awesome to see him interact with his dad though, and he was so darling when Dad coaxed out a smile.



My favorite quote of the day came from Dresden as we were setting up a shot.
Dresden: "Honey, you said I wouldn't feel any different, and you were wrong."
From Rob: "How do you feel?"
Dresden: "Better! Happier!"

That's how every bride should feel. And these two showed it in every interaction. There's just nothing I love to see more than a couple truly in love.

Their getaway was in a gorgeous old Packard convertable!



As always, many many thanks to Laurel for allowing me to tag along! Make sure you check out her blog--her photos of this day were SPECTACULAR (I know, I put together the slideshow & had the worst time narrowing down all the choices.) I'll edit this post with a direct link once she has it posted to her own.

And extra special thanks to my own husband, for allowing me to spend our anniversary shooting this wedding. As Dresden said, "Well, bless his little baby heart for letting you come spend today with us!"

Sunday, August 12, 2007

Natasha & Robert at Jardin Del Sol -- 8/10/2007

We had the honor of photographing Natasha & Robert's wedding at the marvelous Jardin del Sol in Snohomish on Friday! They are such a wonderful couple, so very in love, and their wedding had so many unique accents--
from Natasha's amazing custom-made red dress to Robert's full Scottish regalia reflecting his heritage.

Natasha & Robert--we had so much fun with you both! Thank you again for allowing us to participate in your special day. Steve & I wish you great joy in your lives together!


Ceremony Location: Jardin Del Sol
Celebrant: Shirley Peoples, Unity Church of Kent
Dress: One Wilde Knight (Not entirely work safe, he makes corsets for things other than weddings as well. But he definitely makes a stunning wedding dress!)
Catering: Twelve Baskets Catering
Cake: Mike's Amazing Cakes

Note:
I had the WORST time deciding what to post; when I pulled my favorites, there were over 40 of them! Even after paring them down, this one's long--enjoy!!!!! Wedding pictures are now posted on the main site under client galleries.

Click on the images below to see the larger size.



The dress was a gorgeous custom made corseted ball gown from One Wilde Knight. It was simply incredible--just look at that fabric!




Isn't she stunning?????








I love these two--two views of the same event. I was beyond the archway leading into the ceremony area as the couple exited--Steve was by the seating, watching from behind. Shirley was clearly so excited & happy for the couple she had just joined in marriage! And I love how they've only got eyes for each other. :)











Their families were so loving--and Robert's family came all the way from Australia to join them for this special day!




And my absolute favorite picture of all (I think...there's so many I loved!):