Candace Booker's Glamour Session

Many of our portrait clients come from the referral of friends who have either seen our work or have experienced a session with us themselves. Candace Booker is a close friend of Angie Holloway and was extremely pleased with the images that she saw from Angie's session. So, when Candace came into the studio she was already excited about being photographed. Because of her enthusiasm, for me it was one of the easiest sessions I've had in a long time. I had tons of fun and later on I learned from Candace that she had a great time, too.

Candace wanted this session as a gift for her fiancee and all I can say is that he's going to be one happy man when he unveils her portraits. Nice job, Candace. We're looking forward to capturing your wedding images in the future.

Enjoy!
Willie

Previews can be viewed larger by double clicking.

Relocation Of Portrait Corner Studio, LLC.

For 25 years Portrait Corner Studio, LLC has been Dania Beach's only and longest operating professional photography studio. We want to thank all of our South Florida clients who have become a part of our business family. It's exciting for us to announce that August 31, 2010 we are closing the operation of the studio and relocating to the Augusta, GA area.

On behalf of Dana and myself it has been a wonderful experience sharing our talents with so many people who have come to appreciate our work. We wish many blessings upon each and everyone who have become not only our clients but also close friends.

Dana & Willie
willie@portraitcorner.com

My Mother Taught Me #8

My mother taught me CONTORTIONISM.

She said, "Will you "look" at the dirt on the back of your neck".

Makeup Artist Turned Model

What happens when you're a makeup artist who is working with a photographer and you've come to like his work a lot? Or, you've seen how he can transform your handy work into something extraordinary? Well, you schedule a personal session for yourself.

That's exactly what happened to makeup artist NaTasha Barr of Divine Eyez. She was so impressed with how several clients' portrait sessions turned out she asked me to create some glamour shots of her. My first question to NaTasha was, "Who is going to do your makeup". That was an inside joke, of course.

Anyway, the makeup was impeccable, as only she can apply it, and we had two wonderful sessions together. I personally think NaTasha could handle the double role of Makeup Artist/Model. From what I've experienced while photographing her, I don't think you can take a bad image of NaTasha. She's just that good in front of the camera as well as handling a makeup brush. So, take a look at the portraits that we created together as two accomplished artists in our own arenas. She loves applying makeup and I love taking portraits.

Enjoy!

Willie

Images can be enlarged by double clicking on them.

Contact NaTasha at: Divine Eyez

My Mother Taught Me #7

My mother taught me OSMOSIS.

She said, "Shut your mouth and eat your supper".

Stephani Gibbs - Senior Portraits

Stephani Gibbs and I have a running friendship that goes back to her "Sweet 16" birthday party. It is really neat watching her grow up into a young woman who will be graduating in 2011 from St. Thomas High School. Since we have this unique relationship where I have become the "family's personal photographer", naturally Stephani wanted me to create her senior portraits. I could not have been more pleased or excited about photographing her again.

So, we sat down and discussed the locations and wardrobe with Stephani and her mom, then scheduled a day to go out and have some fun. I usually take a ton of images during my senior sessions, but here are a few of my favorites. Stephani was great in front of the camera and we got a variety of images with unique locations that will certainly make her fellow classmates envious of her portraits.

Thanks, Stephani, and I'll see you at graduation in 2011. You go, Girl!!

Enjoy!
Willie

For information about having your senior portraits created for you or your senior, click on this link: hillpics1@aol.com. Additional savings available by mentioning this blog posting.

"CPP" Mark

It is listed in all of Portrait Corner Studio, LLC's advertisement, correspondence, and is promptly displayed in the studio. It is the "CPP" Designation. What does it stand for and where does it come from? Frequently I get asked this question, so I thought I might take the time to answer. Not to cloud the waters with my on interpretation, I went straight to the organization that grants this designation: Professional Photographers of America. The following information is listed on the PPA website (www.ppa.com) and can be reviewed. Here is why we are so proud of this designation.

Just look for the Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) mark

When you hire a photographer, you want the best. Unfortunately, anyone can claim to be a professional photographer. So we made it easier for you to find a true professional via the Certified Professional Photographer program.

The Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Certification program is recognized throughout the industry as a mark of excellence. When you see a photographer displaying the Certified Professional Photographer seal, you can be assured that he or she is among the less than 8% of all imaging professionals who have successfully completed and maintained our requirements.

What does “Certified Professional Photographer” mean?
Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) is a designation granted by the Professional Photographic Certification Commission, the world’s leading certification agency for imaging professionals.

To assure you of the photographer’s level of expertise and continuance to develop new skills and techniques, those who have earned the CPP designation:

• Pass a comprehensive written exam measuring their technical expertise
• Successfully submit their work to a panel of judges for review and approval
• Renew credentials every 5 years with continuing education, submitting work for critical evaluation, or retaking the certification exam

Your Assurance of Quality
Whenever you enter a studio displaying the Certified Professional Photographer emblem, you will be dealing with a professional who is dedicated to providing you with the highest level of professionalism and expertise available.

To end this FAQ, I did a search on the PPA.com website to see just how many certified professional photographers were listed in the Dade/Broward area. Including myself there were approximately nine. Portrait Corner Studio, LLC. is proud to be among this list of elite photographers and studios. Dana and I look forward to continuing the great service and professional photography that we have been giving our clients since 1985.

Enjoy!

Willie (CPP)

The Art of The Portrait

The Art of The Portrait
by Willie L. Hill, Jr., CPP


Candace Booker

I start by looking at the spiritual soul of a person. We all have it, but for most of us it is well hidden, guarded or disguised. The invitation to let someone enter into this inner sanctuary is the essence of a great portrait. That’s what I’m after...I want to intertwine and exchange our personas. Next I select the proper theme, background, lighting, and photographic equipment. Then I blend these ingredients into a prevision of what I want the final image to portray. Embrace the inner person. See what you’ve never seen of yourself. Delight in the discovery of who you really are. There. The charades are gone; the walls are down; you are who you are.

Thank you for letting me share my creativity with you. It happens every time I press the shutter. Tell us if you want to experience a personal relationship with our photography.

Call us at (954) 921-7959 or visit http://www.portraitcorner.com.

Inspiration guaranteed.

7 Steps To Making Tough Decisions

In these difficult times, many folks are having to make some tough decisions that will affect them for years to come. Many of these decisions are life altering, too. So, how do you deal with these tough decisions when you feel there is no answer.

Well, I was in my office last night and discovered a little note on the wall that I'd pasted there years ago. I planted it there during the years when things were going real good. Not so now. I reread what I'd written and was amazed at how appropriate it was for 2010. I thought I'd share those 7 steps with you in hopes that it will give you encouragement.

Here are some tips on how to make tough decisions.

1. Seek God's direction through prayer and fasting
2. Let Him speak to you through his word or other Christians
3. Place your faith in the joint decision by remaining patient
4. Steadfastly join your request with His impending answer
5. Whatever the answer, accept it, claim it, or do it!
6. Leave the consequences in God's hands
7. Thank and praise Him

Enjoy!
Willie

My Mother Taught Me #6

My mother taught me IRONY.

She said, "Keep laughing and I'll give you something to cry about".

Ornamental Home Design, Inc.'s Trailer

The first time that I used one of the products from Ornamental Home Design, Inc., it was one of their decorative doors. Some of their doors are on display at their showroom and they made great backdrops for fashion shoots. I was so intrigued by the beautiful home products they offered, one day I took the time to stop by and chat with the owners Tony Polo and Jorge Fallad. Since then we've developed a wonderful relationship with them and wanted to help promote that business.

I produced his short video trailer as a self promotional piece for Tony and Jorge. I hope they like it!

Enjoy!
Willie

Ornamental Home Design, Inc.
227 N. Federal Hwy.
Dania Beach, FL 33004
(954) 929-9982