I've moved!!

Hey guys! I've moved to a new blog! Come on over and check it out! maekphoto.blogspot.com

IT'S HOW MUCH?! WHY?!

When I first began getting into photography, I could never understand why professional photographers cost so much money. Hundreds of dollars for the session itself, hundreds of dollars for the prints… so I made it my personal vendetta never to follow in their footsteps. Instead, I’d offer the session along with a CD of all the hand-edited photographs for a very small fee and that was that. As time went on however, my opinions changed. I began to understand why photographers charged the fees they charged. Here are a few things I’ve learned:

1. Editing takes HOURS and WEEKS. The quality that you see in my work may seem effortless, but in reality, it’s hard. The photographs that come out of the camera look nothing like the final result that you as a client will receive. Below is an example of what a photograph looks like straight out of the camera and after it has been edited.



Much thought, concentration, and time goes into getting the colors just right, smoothening and evening the skin tone, lightening the eyes, getting the right amount of contrast and brightness… The hours spent in perfecting each image are typically what you pay for in regards to the session fee.

2.Another thing you as a client pay for is the photographer’s style, talent, and quality artistry. Good photos do not come about by mere chance. As easy as we make things look, a photographer spends years learning the basics of photography, posing, and lighting. Once those are learned, we as photographers begin to develop our own style that no other photographer can imitate entirely. That specific style and quality is what you pay for. It’s why a person despite the price, chooses a Coach purse over a Wal-Mart purse. A BMW over a Ford Taurus. The quality and style of a Coach purse and a BMW far exceeds those of a Wal-Mart purse or a Ford Taurus. Likewise with photography.

3.Professional Photographs=Art. This somewhat goes hand in hand with number 2. I’m sure all photographers would agree when I say that we all take pride in our work. As mentioned earlier, a lot of time, energy, and creativity go into what becomes the final result AKA the photograph. So, in reality, when you hire a photographer, you are hiring an artist to take your face, your family, your life and turn it into a piece of art infused with their own style. Cool huh? Your photographs become a piece of artwork :D It’s why photographs cost a little extra because they’re one of-a-kind creations.

4.Ordering prints from a photographer=FANTASTIC, QUALITY prints. Remember, I used to give CDs away, but I’ve seen the difference in Wal-mart prints and pro lab prints… There is no comparison.

5.Photographs last longer than CDs… From personal experience, I know that if I have a CD of photographs, I am less likely to print them simply because I’m lazy (and on occasion, cheap). However, I remember finding an old CD of photographs labeled “Freshman Year” and dying to see the photographs. Sadly, the CD was so damaged that I was unable to see the photos… and now they are gone forever. If I had printed them, I would’ve still had them. But I didn’t. That’s why I hesitate and dislike giving clients a CD of the photos. Ordering prints instead of CDs from me will guarantee that you will have physical photographs that will be cherished for a lifetime by you, your children, your grandchildren, your great grandchildren.


6.Finally, getting your photos taken is an investment. Photographs capture a time in life that you’ll never get back again, yet having the photographs to remind you will be worth so much to you in the future when your kids have all grown up, when your life has moved on, when your hair has turned gray… You’ll be glad you invested in some wonderful captured memories close to your heart.

Find Us on Facebook!

After much thought, I have finally decided to create a Facebook page to better advertise my work.

Visit and LIKE us at:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mae-Kurihara-Photography/205064206264761

Amari/ Senior Class of 2012

This chick was soooooooo much fun to photograph! Armed with gorgeous hair, gorgeous eyes, and a beautiful personality, Amari was no doubt one of my most favorite people to photograph :) She was a natural. There's nothing more a photographer could ask for!

She had asked for an urban, iron and brick feel to her photos as well, which we shot for :) The light, btw, made everything so FANTASTIC! I had a such a hard time picking which to share, so I decided to share most of them lol. Enjoy!

To see a few more go to maekphoto.shootproof.com/amari

LOOKING FOR CLASS OF 2013 SENIOR MODEL REPRESENTATIVES!

Mae Kurihara Photography is searching for FUN, STYLISH, CREATIVE high school seniors who are interested in becoming senior representatives! This year I will be accepting a total of 3 representatives, one from LaGrange High School, one from Troup High School, and one from Callaway High School.

If accepted, you will be representing Mae Kurihara Photography and telling your friends about our Senior Sessions. For every friend you refer us to, you will receive print credit on your orders.

Why become a senior model representative?

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU???

An Artistic Senior Session for $45 (worth $75). Included in this session as a senior representative:

-2 hour session at selected locations with unlimited clothing changes and poses

-50 personalized rep cards, with your name, your portraits, and our business
information to hand out to both friends and family

-A feature in our blog from which you will be able to share watermarked portraits of yourself with friends on Facebook

-16 free wallets of your choice

-For each referral that presents your Senior Rep card with a booked and paid senior session, you will receive a $10.00 print credit. The Senior Rep card must be submitted in order for you to receive this credit. There is no limit as to the amount of credit you can receive. You can continue accumulating credit up until Sept 30, 2012 but they must be redeemed by October 1, 2012.

In order to be a senior model rep, you must:

• Have great style, lots of personality and enjoy being in front of the camera

• Be a current high school junior graduating in 2013.

• Attend school at one of the following high schools: Troup High, LaGrange High, Callaway High.

• Be available to have one session completed before April 28, 2012.

• Agree to tell your friends and classmates about Mae Kurihara Photography and share your senior portraits with them.

• Have your parents or legal guardians sign a model release form.

HOW TO BECOME A SENIOR MODEL REP:

If you are interested in becoming a senior representative please email me at maekuri@gmail.com for an application. The senior representatives will be contacted and announced on the blog.

Selina Class of 2012

For about a week and a half now, I've been in California! While here, I have had the privilege of taking Ms. Selina's senior portraits :) It was truly an eventful day, and after a messy (and stinky) accident...

(This poor guy got sick in the car)



We weren't sure if we'd actually have time for a shoot! But we did :) And the results were awesome! Hope you enjoy!


























And.... My favorite artsy shot!

Keeping Up with the Kendricks!

This family is very special to me :) They were one of my very first clients and they truly believed that I had the potential to be a photographer. I remember Michelle telling me that she and her family were so excited to get their photos taken by a professional photographer, and me blushing and telling her I was no professional and that I'd probably never become one :) I still feel that way, but alas, it's always nice to have people who believe in you.

Anyway, this shoot was interesting... In all actuality, the weather was extremely overcast and rain was predicted and I had all but given up hope of a photo shoot. The Kendrick's however, opted to ignore the weather and push forward for a photo shoot. And push forward we did :) For which I am so glad. Hope you enjoy!

Cal and Chloe/ Love Struck Session

Just recently, I bought a new baby :) a 35mm 1.8 lens! And, I am so glad that I had a chance to really test it out and use it while photographing Cal and Chloe! They were so fantastic in front of the camera, very natural and comfortable with each other. I've never seen a couple so in love :) They remind me of why couples are my absolute subjects to photograph because the emotions show so clearly in the photos. Well, Cal and Chloe, congratulations on your engagement and I truly wish you two the best! Enjoy!











I couldn't resist editing this quote in there! It just fit so perfectly with it :)


















And of course, another one with a quote edited in. Sorry, but I like cheesy :P

Mcdonald Family Portrait!

This past weekend I had the privilege of photographing the McDonalds family, made up of almost 20 members! They were a blast though, and the kids never ceased to crack us up. The love and family bond they share is so evident and they were extremely laid back and were willing to do whatever we asked! Thank you guys so much! Hope you enjoy the quick preview!