Make a Wish

Posted on June 6, 2013 by Stephanie McCauley

I have amazing friends.

For example, there’s the Hallberg family, Doug and Laurel, who have three kids (Tyson, Siena, and Corbet). All three kids have birthdays within 2 weeks of each other. Instead of having separate parties, the family has one giant party for all three of them.

Each year, in lieu of gifts, the kids ask for a donation to Make a Wish, selecting a local Make a Wish recipient. The impact of their generosity is felt at a local level and that makes it even more special. They raise THOUSANDS of dollars for Make a Wish every year, and it keeps growing.

But this isn’t your run-of-the-mill birthday party. It is an EPIC event. They commandeer neighboring properties, and spread out “game stations” (each year following the theme of the party) so guests can have some friendly competition. After games, we all gather around the kids and sing Happy Birthday.

Then, kids go to the front of the house for their group picture (see gallery). The mom, Laurel, is amazing at organizing this. I just stand there with my camera but get all the credit. While we are doing this, dad (Doug) and all the guys are busy putting buckets of water balloons all over the lawn. I mean, like, thousands of them. Doug starts making them in January, I think. Once they’re ready, we all head to the backyard to have the biggest water balloon fight anyone has ever seen.

You can see a video of it here.

It is a wonderful time for our entire community, and we all feel good about ourselves for giving back a little. Thank you, Hallberg Family, for the opportunity to be a part of something so special.

What Every Woman Wants

Posted on April 11, 2013 by Stephanie McCauley

Didn’t we all once imagine ourselves inside a glossy fashion magazine, wishing we looked like those perfect girls? Boudoir photography is all the rage these days, making this a reality for everyone!

There isn’t a woman alive who doesn’t want some really gorgeous images of herself, just celebrating HER! No occasion, no reason, just … because.

Here’s the recipe:

One or more women who (at least for a few minutes) have thrown away all hang-ups about their bodies and looks
One awesome hotel suite (let me choose one with lots of flattering natural light, a great bed, high thread count sheets, the works!!)
One female photographer (me!!!) with super expensive and very make-you-beautiful gear who knows how to flatter every body type and age
1/2 hour for the magic to happen
1 day for me to gently retouch any imaginary flaws you think you have

Voila! Your gorgeous self in a private, password locked online gallery. Prints if you want. Video if you want. What you do next is up to you, but I guarantee you one thing … you will feel beautiful. Let me make that happen for you.

There’s more information online here, it’s specific to our Las Vegas boudoir sessions, but we can do one in your hometown too! In fact, we are working on one for the Albany, New York area in late May/early June. My girlfriends who have already tried it say it was one of the best things they have ever done for themselves.

If you’d like to host one in your hometown, please email me at stephaniemccauley@mac.com! It’s easy, fun, and yours can be FREE!

Rock the Shot January Photo Challenge

Image

I belong to an online forum called Rock the Shot, which is a great educational resource for professional photographers. Each month, they run a photo challenge. This year, I am going to enter it every month to sharpen my skills and try new things. You are required to enter through your blog, so you’ll get to see my submissions each month. :)

January’s challenge was tough … to submit your most favorite photo from 2012. iSmile photographed more than 10,000 sessions last year. I took more than 4,000 pictures outside of iSmile of my poor unsuspecting family. There were many that stood out, but this one really captures the love between a mother and son. This is my friend Stacie and her son Alex. We were at a park with Stacie, her husband, and two kids to do a family photo shoot. After doing a pose of the family lying on the ground, we gave them a little break and Stacie started tickling Alex. We snapped the shot just for fun and it became one of the top images from the session. We enhanced the color and sharpened lightly using Aperture.

Hope you love it!

Shannon Speaks: The 518 Movement - A Community's Reaction to a Tragedy

Posted on December 5, 2012 by Stephanie McCauley

Reblogged from University 101:

On December 1, four local high school students were hit by a drunk driver, while coming home from a Siena Saints basketball game around 10 p.m. in my hometown of Clifton Park, NY, according to local newspapers.

The four students, three Shenendehowa High School students and one Shaker High School student, were all well-known athletes. Shenendehowa seniors Deanna Rivers and…

SmugMug Success Stories: iSmile Studios, Inc.

Posted on October 22, 2012 by Stephanie McCauley

Reblogged from The SmugMug Blog:

The Card Shark: Maximizing Profits With More Than Just Seasons’ Greetings

Name: Stephanie McCauley
Position/Title: CEO
Name of Company: iSmile Studios, Inc.
Location: Albany, New York
Market: Portraiture (Child/Family)
Website: www.ismilestudios.com
Bragworthy Factoid: A community VIP at a Chamber of Commerce function assumed iSmile was a national chain with hundreds of locations, based on its marketing and strong brand presence.

Funny Story

Posted on October 21, 2012 by Stephanie McCauley

Reblogged from Melissa Derenches Photography:

So, here's a funny story. Yesterday, I decided it was time to take some Fall photos to add to my online gallery and store (www.melissaderenchesphotography.com). My husband and son decided to sit this one out and stay home so I gathered my things and off I went. A popular, but often quiet fishing area was my first stop followed by a local and beautiful park nearby.

Ally

Posted on October 6, 2012 by Stephanie McCauley

I first met Ally Crowley-Duncan a few years ago, right after I opened the studio. Her mom’s friend works with a friend of mine. My friend suggested to Ally’s mom’s friend that she bring Ally to the studio for portraits as a surprise for Ally’s mom for Mother’s Day. I know that’s really confusing. :)

Ally’s mom’s friend made the appointment and brought Ally into the studio in the spring of 2009.

Ally was so beautiful!!! She had gorgeous curls, tasteful make-up, pretty outfits, and an amazing smile. Her portrait session was really fun, and Ally was totally at ease in front of the camera. I was excited for Ally’s mom to receive such a thoughtful gift from her daughter.

Shortly after Mother’s Day, I got a call from Ally’s mom, Justine, whom I had never met. She was practically crying on the phone, saying “I just want to talk to the person who took such beautiful pictures of my daughter, I will treasure them forever and ever”. She asked if she could come in sometime to say hello, and we have been friends ever since.

So, I’ve had the privilege of watching Ally become a amazing young woman. That journey has been anything but ordinary. Ally began playing the bagpipes in 8th grade, and in three short years has won awards at the regional, national, and international level both solo and with the Scotia-Glenville Pipe Band. She just got back from Scotland!

Talk about finding your calling!!

And, lucky me, every time something significant happens in Ally’s life, I get to photograph it. Today, I had the honor of taking pictures of her with a trophy and shield from the 2012 World Championships in Scotland. It was really really cool. Her other sessions, whether it’s bag pipe or the prom, are plastered all over our websites. I can’t wait to do her senior pictures … her engagement session … her wedding … her babies … etc etc etc!!!

Here’s a recent news story that ran about her. Oh and a cool side note, both the news anchor and reporter’s head shots were done by … iSmile!

Love you Ally and Justine! I treasure our friendship.