Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Slick Pix's Cutest Kid Contest and Free Giveaway!

Well it's finally here people. It's time to begin the contest!

It's not going to be as cool or glamorous as Willy Wonka's Golden Ticket contest, I'm not going to be dressing up in a purple suit with a matching top-hat. But I hope it causes a stir just as large :)

October's Contest: The Cutest Kid


This contest is based off of the largest networking site ever, Facebook. As you can see on my Blog, if you look to the right, there's a Facebook Fan Page window. Clicking it will take you to my Facebook Fan Page, an information page about Slick Pix Photography along with the latest posts, specials, and of course, this contest.

The way it's going to work is this: You're going to "Like" my Facebook page. (Liking used to be called 'Becoming a Fan' but they changed it to "like" recently) After you do that, (if you haven't already) you'll be eligible to enter your kid or kids (12 and under please) by posting a picture of them on the Slick Pix wall. They'll go into a gallery where they'll be voted on by the fans. Voters will need to "Like" the Slick Pix Fan Page for their vote to count.

In Facebook you're able to "Like" a photo. The kid with the most "Likes" will win a free photo shoot, along with two free 8x10 prints, enhancements and adjustments on select photos, and a free personal online gallery for sharing with friends and family, and for print ordering.


The first runner up will receive 1/2 off a session fee, One free 8x10 Print and One free 5x7 print, and 1/2 off all other prints! You'll also get the same great enhancements and adjustments on select photos, as well as a free online gallery for sharing and print ordering.


Third runner up gets a $50 gift certificate to use toward a photo session, one free 8x10, as well as enhancements and adjustments on select photos, and a FREE Online Gallery for sharing and print ordering.

Only one photo per kid, please. Also, since I'm based in Houston, I'd like to keep it in the Houston area. But if you're from out of town and don't mind driving to Houston for the photo shoot, it's all good!

Feel free to tell your friends and family to come vote for your kid. Again, the one with the most "Likes" will win. So it's not up to me, it's all up to the fans! :)


I'll be posting periodic reminders on Facebook to get your pics and votes in. The contest will last From the time you read this, until 11:59 P.M, October 31, 2010, and a winner will be announced soon after that. So break out those kid photos and get 'em in early to get those votes started. For a full list of rules and restrictions you can email me or message me on Facebook.

For all those without kids, don't worry, I'm working on a random drawing featuring a giveaway for you guys in the near future.

I look forward to seeing the competition!

Lates

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Slick Brides - Myra's Bridal

Well it's been exactly two weeks since Mayra and Anibal were married (see the previous post for a sneak peek of their wedding). That being the case, it is now officially safe to post the Bridal shoot we did with Mayra.

She wanted a country type setting, so we did the shoot right here at the studio- outside, of course. The summer time greenery was in full swing, and so was the summer time heat! I was soaking wet at the end of this shoot and had to carry a towel with me so the camera wouldn't slip out of my hand. I don't know how Mayra kept her composure during the inferno, especially sporting a multi-layered wedding dress and cowboy (er, cowgirl) boots at that.

But as expected, she looked gorgeous in her gleaming white dress, summer heat and all. Because it was so hot, we only shot for about 45 minutes, however we got several different looks and settings, so it was a success.

If you're viewing this from Facebook, head on over to the Blog to see the bride in all her high-res splendor.












We had such a great time shooting this bridal, and I think the above image is my favorite. Feel free to leave your thoughts on them.
Mayra's husband's Brother-in-Law, Fred and his wife accompanied Mayra on her Bridal shoot, and Fred got some cool behind the scene shots. So thanks Fred, for sending me these photos:

Doing some directing...

Thinking in a precarious position...
And shooting in a precarious position...
For the gear-heads: In the above photos, I'm using the Canon 5D with an 85mm f1.8, and a Boomed Alien Bee 800 with the Socked High-Output Beauty Dish and Vagabond II Battery Pack. Great for location shooting, but it sure is heavy!

If you're getting married soon, I highly suggest doing a bridal shoot. You've spent quite a bit on that custom-tailored dress which fits you like a glass slipper made only for you. You'll only wear it for one day, so it's a good idea to 'immortalize' it in a formal photo shoot. You'll be glad you did :)

I've got some big stuff in store for Slick Pix Photography in the next few weeks. We're going to be doing a contest for a give-away, but that's all I can say for now. If you haven't "Liked" the Facebook page yet I suggest you do, since that's what the contest is going to be based out of. It's going to be HUGE! So stay tuned.

Lates

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Mayra & Anibal - *Sneak Peek*

Well I just got back from Bryan, Texas, where I shot the wedding of two very close friends, Anibal and Mayra.
All I can post at the moment is a sneak peek, because it's 2:52 A.M. and I've been on my feet since 7 .A.M. after only 4 hours of sleep last night. Saying I'm tired is a small understatement. Just a smidge.
It was such a fun day and a really beautiful wedding. It flew by just like I knew it would. So here's one shot I liked from the night. Many do not approve of the lens flare effect, (J.J. Abrams certainly is not in that crowd- just watch 5 minutes of Star Trek) but I think it can be used in good taste as long as it's not over done.
I feel this shot has a touch of intriguing mystery to it because the flare hides the faces a bit, so it leaves the rest of the wedding to the imagination but gives a hint of great things to come. Stay tuned, I hope to post more within the coming week, but it might be longer. We'll see. There's a fluffy pillow and a warm bed with my name on it.


Lates

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Houston Wedding Photographer - Mayra and Anibal: Engagements

Anibal is an old buddy of mine, and we've been through a lot together. A couple of years ago he told me he met a girl, and that she's really great. We hung out as a group many times, so I can honestly agree that yeah, Mayra is indeed a great girl. But you never really think of "Hey, these two might get married one day..." Well fast forward to present day, and guess who's getting married? Yep.

So imagine how excited, how honored I felt, to be chosen to photograph their wedding day. I suggested they look at several other photographers to cover their big day, and they did, but they said they definitely wanted me to cover it. I think they mentioned that it would make it more special if I covered it. I have to agree. As the photographer of the union of a man and woman in the Divinely instituted marriage arrangement, I get to record the nuances of each emotion during that special day. I also become part of that wedding. A major part in fact. The photographs that I record will be seen by friends, family and others for years, decades to come. And to become such an integral part of the wedding of some of my closest friends is something that I truly cherish.

Well, tomorrow is it. Actually, since it's 1:20 right now, it's later on today. In fact, around 12 hours from now, it will be happening. So I offer my utmost congratulations to Anibal and Mayra, and wish you both an eternally successful friendship to each other.

I had the privilege of shooting their engagement portraits too, and we had a great time. We went to The Woodlands Waterway area, did some shots, had dinner at The Goose's Acre, then did a few more shots with the fountain and colorful lights.












Well guys, I'll see you two in a few hours. I won't be getting much sleep tonight, but it's OK. We're going to totally rock that camera and get some great shots. See you at the wedding!

Lates

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Houston Wedding Photographer - Daniela and Dennis

On the last post I mentioned an incoming hay-maker to this Blog, and boy I wasn't kidding. I'm not sure how many photos are in this post, but I know it's more than a handful. I hope you enjoy viewing them as much as I enjoyed shooting them...

Meet Dennis and Daniela. They like to have fun. You'll see what I mean as you scroll down...

I was shooting once again with Janet of Rainy Day Photos on this wedding, and we had such a blast, the night was just too short. This wedding was from back in March, so I'm a few months behind, but trust me, I'm getting caught up. It was another amazing day weather-wise (we seem to have a lot of those lately...) and there was not a rain cloud in sight.
Viewing from Facebook? Check out the Blog, if you don't mind.

A little something to calm the pre-wedding jitters? Or just a gift from the guys? I guess we'll never know...

A splash of her favorite cologne before donning the penguin suit...

It's all about the details people...

What's this? Hmm...

On with the tie

Yeah that's right, he's putting the Chucks' on...Mighty cool if you ask me

It's getting close...

Gotta get the boutonnieres pinned on...Can't forget those


Time for a group shot with the guys...



The amount of wood used in this church was mind blowing

I love it when couples pass looks at each other during the ceremony...


On with the rings...

And the kiss...

It's time to go party y'all...


They made quite a grand entrance- Mariachi's and all...

It may look like Dennis is attempting a failed spider-man impression, but in fact he's pulling off a successful mid-air flip-and-roll. Daniela doesn't look too impressed. I had no idea that was coming... You gotta be quick on that shutter button!

First dance...

Shortly after things got started, we went outside for a quick mini-shoot with the B&G...

Who doesn't like spinning?



Did I mention they like to have fun? All I had to say was "Captain Morgan" and they were down...And how hawt are Daniela's shoes!

Back inside for some dancing...


They had a fully stocked candy bar with enough goodies to satisfy children of all ages. Willy Wonka would be proud...


They had a pair of masterfully crafted cakes...

...Complete with a great looking Patron Silver Tequila bottle Groom's Cake

It always hurts a little to see such a well-crafted piece of art get chopped and consumed, but hey, it sure did taste good...




Yep. With his teeth...

Conga Line!

And one last shot for the road...

I'm not sure if I mentioned this before or not, but I really, really love what I do. Thanks to Janet for allowing me to shoot with you once again, and thanks to Daniela and Dennis for such a great time.

This coming weekend Janet and I have back to back weddings- My wedding Saturday and Her wedding Sunday and I'm really looking forward to it. So I'll be sure to share the results after a bit, hopefully not too long. It should be fun!

Lates