Donya's & Richard's Love Story

Dana and I consider ourselves to be the most blessed wedding photographers in the business. Why? Because of new clients like Donya and Richard. Donya was the winner of a grand prize that we gave away at a recent bridal show. Initially, she redeemed her gift certificate for an engagement session, but hadn't discussed hiring us for her upcoming wedding. Some time had elapsed since the session and she emailed me her selection for the free portrait.

However, after experiencing the customer care that we offer our clients and believing that our photography fits her style and budget, she has selected Portrait Corner Studio as her wedding photographers. Thank you so much Donya for trusting us with your special day.

Now, you may find it hard to believe, but the following portraits of Donya and Richard were created on one of those COLD weekends we've recently experienced. My hat is off to Donya because she endured the chilly, rainy weather as if it was in the 80s. We've planned another follow-up session when temperatures are back to normal, so look forward to round two with this couple. It should be a much warmer experience.

Enjoy!

Willie

The couple that eats ice cream together stays together.

A photographer himself, Richard wanted a
unique look to some of his images,
so we delivered.

Donya's & Richard's favorite portrait.

(Enlarge previews by clicking image)

To view additional images of Donya and Richard,
click on the play button below.

Portrait Corner Studio, LLC
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Locations: Jaxson's Ice Cream & Signature Grand

Cameras: Canon 30D w/17-55mm IS lens & Canon Rebel xsi w/8mm Sigma Fisheye lens.

Elmer Stacy - 95 yrs Portrait Session

Meet Elmer Stacy. He's 95 years old, lives in Dania Beach, loves the University of Kentucky, and is an awesome gentleman to photograph. I've known Elmer for some time and when his granddaughter, Michele Amsdill, asked me could I come over to his house and take a snapshot of him I said, "No". I informed her that he deserved a professional portrait session in honor of his age. Michele promptly advised me that she could never get "Grampa" out of his bibs for a formal shot. I told her to trust me on this one.

So, here was the plan that I devised. Michele was to tell Elmer that I needed him to model with some bunny rabbits for my Easter promotion. We'd take some formal shots first, then he could change into his everyday outfit for the bunny shots. Elmer agreed and it was just that easy.

Well, Michele, I think we pulled it off. Never underestimate the power of a professional photographer and bunny rabbits!!! You've got some fantastic portraits of your "Grampa" at 95 years of age. It was so precious seeing the tears in your eyes as I was photographing Elmer. They've etched in your heart this priceless memory of him. My only regret is that I forgot to capture a picture of the two of you together. Perhaps we'll do that one when Elmer hits the big 100 hundred!!!

Enjoy!

Willie

This is my favorite portrait of Elmer.
What an elegant man.






The hands of time that have worked through change.






Now that's a COOL "grampa". My
idea and Michele's sunglasses. Elmer
loved every minute of it.










Let's here it for "bunny power!"

Note: Double click images to enlarge preview

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To view a slideshow of all Elmer's portraits,
click the play button below.

Kristen Botner - 1st Ambassador

If there ever was a case of "perfect timing" such is the case with Kristen Botner. I was working on my 2011 senior portrait promotion when her dad contacted me about photographing her senior portraits. I had created her brother's images a year or two ago, and Mr. Botner knew we would do an excellent job for Kristen. I needed a model for my "Senior Ambassador" program (student's receive free senior portraits in exchange for the names of graduating friends), so Kristen and Mr. Botner were eager to make the trade.

Kristen was fabulous and we spent several hours creating an experience that she will never forget. The proof is in the portraits that are displayed below and in the slideshow which features all of my favorites. At the end of the session we wrapped up the day with a fun shot of the entire family. Don't miss that image below.

Thanks, Kristen, for a wonderful session and I believe your friends are going to be REAL jealous of your senior portraits.

We started off Kristen senior session
with a great makeup job by Krystal Bianca.




Traditional cap & gown shots were also taken.


Kristen has a "non-stop" smile that goes forever.






This portrait was taken in a vacated storefront.












The grunge look is really in
with the students for 2010.








Although she was home schooled, Kristen
has been accepted at the University of Miami
with a full scholarship. Go, Kristen!


The Botners

To view Kristen's entire senior session
click on the play button below.

www.portraitcorner.com
Make-up: Krystal Bianca

New Toy

Have you every had a precious item stolen from you and you were so angry about the incident you promised not to replace the item? Well, several years ago I had a camera stolen from me while photographing a wedding at Signature Grand. It was a Canon 10D with an 8mm Sigma fisheye lens. I only used it for weddings, but it was a sweet system because of the unique perspective it gave my images. In all I think the system cost me about two grand back in the day when DSLRs were expensive to purchase.

Canon Rebel xsi with Sigma 8mm Fisheye

Anyway, after having anxiety attacks every time I would see a fisheye image in a magazine or come across some of my old fisheye images, I've relented and reinvested into a replacement system. Lots of improvements have happened to digital cameras in the past two years and the loss of that camera did have an upside. 1) The cameras are cheaper, and 2) Their resolution and file handling is much better. Now I can offer my brides this unique look again!

Check out the images I created with this system while on a trip to Arizona.

Enjoy!
Willie

Location: Boojum Tree

Grace For The Moment

"God is using today difficulties to strengthen you for tomorrow".

Max Lucado

www.portraitcorner.com

Love Story Demo 2010

If you saw the recent "love story" session we created for Shaterica and Terry, then here's a chance to take a look at the behind scenes of this session. I want to give thanks to my awesome videoartist partner (David Cabrera) and my new assistant Laura Randazzo for helping create this video.

It was fun, but "baby" it was cold!!

Enjoy!
Willie

New Owner - Dana L. Hill

Three years ago when my daughter lost her job and asked if she could work a couple of hours until she could find another job, little did I know that would be one of the best days in my entrepreneurship. It was also one of the best days in Dana's life, too. I was glad that I could support her during this difficult time, but I was very concerned about the operation of my business because I'd just lost my only employee of four years. I'd invested a lot of time and training with the previous employee and didn't think Dana could handle the challenge of being a photographer and office person.

Boy, was I wrong. Not only did Dana take ownership of the business, but she has quickly learned her craft as a professional photographer and is considered a great competitor in her field. Slowly, I have been withdrawing myself from operating the studio and very much putting a lot of faith in her managing the business. She has definitely paid her dues and earned her wings. So, in October of 2009 I made the decision to sell her exclusive ownership of Portrait Corner Studio, LLC.

This year Portrait Corner Studio celebrates 25 years in business, and I'm proud to pass along this opportunity to Dana. Currently, she is restructuring the entire business model of the studio in the areas of products and services. Future clients can expect some exciting services from Dania Beach's oldest and only certified photography studio.

Congratulations, Dana...you'll do good.

Enjoy!
Dad

Senior Portrait Models Wanted

We are looking for Senior Portrait models that go to:

Dillard, Ely, South Broward, Hollywood Hills, Hallandale, McArthur, & Everglades, Flanagan, Miramar, and Plantation High Schools.

1. Are you in the class of 2010 or is your child? Which school?

2. Do you like to have your photographs taken?

3. If we do a good job creating your senior portraits, do you think you could get your friends to have their senior portrait created by Portrait Corner Studio, too?

4. Are you willing to get a list of names & address of fellow classmates? You could get your entire senior portraits taken for free and receive cash bonuses as well. We can go into more detail when we meet.

If this is something you feel you can do, contact us today at (954) 921-7959.

Location: Portrait Corner Studio, LLC

My Mother Taught Me #4

My mother taught me LOGIC.
She said, "Because I said so, that's why".

New Studio Logo

I'm very excited about 2010 because we are totally revamping Portrait Corner Studio, LLC. from the bottom up. I truly believe that God has allowed the recession to give us a time to sit back, relax, and rethink everything that is going on in our personal and business lives.

I cannot tell you how many wonderful ideas have come to me over the past months of 2009 which have inspired me to do something different. Below is one of the changes that I've acted on. Here is our new business logo and we're looking forward to branding it on everything we do.

Enjoy!
Willie

New 2010 Logo

Previous Studio Logo


Original Studio Logo