The Camera’s Eye and Binghamton Yoga

Posted on by

Work at The Camera’s Eye keeps me more than a little busy – but I try to find time to relax and take care of myself by going to my Friday morning class at Binghamton Yoga.

The Cameras Eye011

I’ve been going to Binghamton Yoga since 2012. At first, I did a little exploring with different classes. Eventually I fell in love with Flow yoga – a 1-hour class that combines movement with static stretching or poses.  It loosens my overworked muscles and strengthens my weak areas. It lets me relax – shavasana, anyone?  – and at the same time gears me up for the weekend, when I’m usually working!

As studio co-owner Jason Shaw puts it, “We help people find physical ease so that the mental and emotional stuff is easier to handle. Once someone feels themselves, then they’re better able to hear themselves and deal with the other things in their life.” Put another way, Binghamton Yoga is perfect for adults who are very settled in their bodies and want to strive for improved alignment, graceful movement, and the many other benefits of consistent yoga practice.

The Cameras Eye016

The Cameras Eye002

Binghamton Yoga has nine teachers, each of whom brings a unique style to the yoga mat. The teachers come from a range of schools, and there isn’t any single way of thinking or teaching that defines what goes on at the studio – variety of instruction is key! What’s most important to them, above all, is “do no harm.” Something I think we can all get behind!

The Cameras Eye046The Cameras Eye042 The Cameras Eye043 The Cameras Eye044

The teachers at Binghamton Yoga know that when it comes to trying out yoga for the first time, or even just in a new place, the simple act of stepping through the door can be huge. Their mission – and I can tell you they’re successful at it! – is to make you feel safe and accepted once you’re there. And if I didn’t feel safe and accepted, would you catch me doing things like this?

902088_10202609217846327_9186331023556294873_o

 

The Just Keep Believing (JKB) Foundation in Owego, NY

Posted on by

One of the things I adore about being a professional photographer in the Owego/Apalachin/Binghamton area is getting involved with so many community causes and groups. For the past few years, The Camera’s Eye has been proud to support the Just Keep Believing (JKB) Foundation.

This organization raises money to find a cure for spinal cord injuries, and was started to help Jessica K. Burrell, an Owego Free Academy student-athlete who sustained a spinal cord injury in a car accident in 2008 . It’s near and dear to my heart because I had a chance to take Jess’s senior portraits at Tioga Gardens, post-injury and only shortly after she returned from a rehab center far from this area. Her attitude was, and still is, simply amazing. Just look at the sparkle in her eyes…I love it!

Jess, The Cameras Eye

Every year, The Camera’s Eye supports JKB with gift certificates to auction off throughout their tournament event via gift baskets and raffle tickets. This year, the tournament runs from Thursday June 12th through Saturday June 14th at Owego Free Academy. The proceeds from this year’s tournament will go to The Miami Project, The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, and the Shepherd Center.
Stop by and see us in Owego, and support a great cause!

Creating Your Graduation Announcements with The Camera’s Eye

Posted on by

It’s a crazy time of year for graduating high schoolers, which means we’re pretty busy ourselves at The Camera’s Eye!

TCE Grad Card Front

Graduation announcements and party invites are finding their way into everyone’s mailboxes. I love working with high school seniors and their parents to design cards and other products from our senior session photos, which are completely unique for each student.

 The Camera's Eye, Grad Card

Would you want to show up at prom wearing the same dress as someone else? I doubt it! At The Camera’s Eye, we offer completely customizable graduation announcements, ensuring that you’re getting something that’s yours and yours alone.

The Camera's Eye, Grad Cards

I usually touch base with the moms and dads about the nitty gritty details of the graduation or other event. But the seniors have the most important input – telling me their favorite colors and the type of style they are looking for. Flowery? Bold and outgoing? Softer and understated? Things like a printed font list can be helpful, but at this point in the process, having worked with them during their senior session, I usually have any given senior’s style down pat.

Senior Photo Sessions at The Camera’s Eye – What to Know

Posted on by

Of course, you’re posing and posting selfies on Facebook and Instagram – but what if you’re not sure what to expect when it comes to a custom senior session at The Camera’s Eye?

The Camera's Eye, Seniors

Clothing:

For starters, bring a variety of outfit choices.

If you’ve just vacationed at the beach (I’m jealous!) and you have tanlines, bring some options that won’t show those or wait for some fading. The same applies if you’re at a sports event or tournament – those are classic places to accidentally get sunburned.  Retouching is always free at The Camera’s Eye, but this type costs extra.

Solid colors are usually the way to go, as they’re less distracting than heavy patterns. However, so many seniors have unique clothing that defines who they are. If you have something to say, by all means, say it! – but be “tastefully awesome.” Bring a range of colors – we have a lot of locations with different color themes.

The Camera's Eye

To make changing and deciding what to wear even easier, think about a few interchangeable clothing pieces that can lead to a whole new outfit. Throw on a scarf, slip on a skirt, change the shoes, and voila!

Wear something that you can move around in. You’re not going to be sitting there primly waiting for the flash bulb to explode – there are tons of locations and pose options, and you need to be able to bend, climb and move around comfortably.

This is not what we're going for.

See this? This is not what we’re going for. (Flickr user robertsharp)

Additionally, wear clothing that covers you in all the right places. Something that’s a little tight or only just the right length might not fit so well once you’re in a fun pose.

Ladies: Your undergarments might be “under,” but that doesn’t mean they’re invisible. Bring bra options that can hide under your trendy shirt style, and remember that anything black underneath a light colored shirt is likely going to show up in your photos.

Guys: Think about socks and shoes if you’re switching from formal pants to shorts.

The Camera's Eye, Senior2014

Grooming:

Girls:  It can definitely be worth it go to a salon, but make sure that the style is still truly you! Sure, you were stunning at prom – but is that how you always have your hair? If you love to color your hair, do it a week beforehand or so to make sure it comes out the way you like!

Guys:  Similarly, don’t get a new haircut just before your session.  Those first few days after a cut don’t always look like you. Also, make sure you’re freshly shaved!

Extras, extras!

I’m game to chat about ANY props you might want in your photos. Sports equipment, instruments, books, animals – bring it all!

The Camera's Eye, SeniorYear

Glasses often create glare, so think about not wearing them for this shoot. I once had a senior who insisted on wearing glasses… asked for one shot at the end without them. The next time I saw him, he was all about contacts –he’d just never seen himself without glasses before our senior session! All’s to say – who knows how your life will change after a senior session at The Camera’s Eye!
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? – CALL OR contact us via email, Facebook, or Twitter. I use Pinterest as a source of inspiration for my photography sessions, so you can check out my Senior Session Style Ideas and Senior Portrait boards as well!