Autumn and Ivy's Time Travelin' Victorian Picnic

Last week we got to use some extra creativity. Pre-newlyweds Autumn and Ivy had a vision in mind of what they wanted to do for their engagement shoot. Naturally, the Blend Studio was happy to assist!

Ivy wasn't really asleep here btw. The ground was just surpassingly comfortable that day.

(Says the guys who wasn't laying on it)

The Costume Shoppe in downtown Asheville was able to provide some truly excellent vintage clothing for our shoot. You can't get top hats just anywhere you know.

An HDR, I know, I know... but I like this one

One of the features of this shoot that I was really excited about was the historical anachronism that allowed me to rationally simulate the Daguerreotype process. It is a method of exposure and printing that has always been interesting to me. Fortunately, the look can be achieved using the modern marvel Photoshop rather then risking mercury poisoning with dangerous chemicals.

"The King and Queen of Hearts"

Another hansom pho-daguerreotype exposure. Heres to not dealing with volatile chemicals! Cheery-Yo good chaps!

Top hats, I'm getting one.

~ later

Our shoot for Galina's Hair Studio

You know what is fun? Shooting talented models, thats what.

The Blend Studio was shooting up a storm in West Asheville last week. The photos are for Galina's Hair Studio, a talented local salon. They will soon be featured on their new website.

Another fun feature of this shoot was that it took place inside! No rain, no snow, no... pirate attacks. It was nice to be able to use the shooting facilities we have at the studio, especially with the weather being typically unpredictable.

Special thanks to our lovely models Tori, Lina, Oksana, Kathrine, Kyle (who is more handsome than 'lovely'), Valentina and Alona. Also, thanks to Tanya, Erica, Meredith and Galina for getting everyone so gussied up! It was fun.

We have a couple more shoots planned for them on the way, lookin' forward to it!

Bethany and Alan's eSession

The rain comes down on its own accord. I guess it is better to make use of it than hide indoors. That is basically how it went the other day for Bethany and Alan's engagement session at the Biltmore Estate. We got some really romantically mystic frames that day.

It is wonderful that when a couple loves each other the clouds can't rain enough to dampen their spirits. We all enjoyed the breaks in clouds of course but while it rained the smiles didn't turn. Plus, running around in the mud was fun!

We are looking forward to the wedding day. Sweet people, these two.

Nathan Weber presents his Photographs from Haiti @ the Blend Studio

Last Saturday we were fortunate to host a presentation by photojournalist Nathan Weber highlighting his recent work on the aftermath of the Haitian Earthquake. His images were both beautiful and heartbreaking. (If you'd like to see some of Nathan's work, please visit Vellum Media )

White paper background : not a bad projection screen.

After the presentation of such a serious subject we took the opportunity to slide next door, unwind and celebrate the good fortune that we have here in West Asheville... with a little Karaoke.

Ben and Jasmin, soon to be newlyweds, had the singin' skills

Thanks to everyone that came and helped us get a little too close to the max occupancy here. Sorry firemen!

SCARVES! Because it is cold.

We had the pleasure of photographing some really unique and interesting clothing made by textile artist Maggie Pozorski. She produces a variety of articles of clothing including gloves, scarves, belts and leggings.

Marcus and Rebecca, our first 2010 couple had a totally awesome photobooth. Very cool!
Also, that guys looks like Jesus.

Merry Christmas (and happy New Years resolutions)

Well, another year is gone and it's hard to believe. A lot has changed for us this year. We estimate that as a company we shot nearly 100,000 photographs this year. That, my friends is a lot of pictures. That also mean that we've been so lucky to have such wonderful friends and fans. You have supported us through the years and we thank you. Merry Christmas.

The studio will be closed until the end of the year, but we will still be available for appointments and would love to hear from all of you. This years New Years resolution #1 is to stay in better touch with all of you, including far more frequent updates to this blog and the Facebook site. We're also going to be launching a new site (hopefully) sometime in January so be on the lookout for that.

We love you all, thanks for letting us live our dream.

Luke and Peter