Personalized Wedding Dress Hanger | Review

If you read wedding blogs or wedding photographer's blogs, you've probably seen a few shots of the wedding dress with one of these adorable personalized hangers. The wire that connects the bottom is bent to form the name of the bride. I really liked these, since it adds a personal touch to the images instead of just being a generic picture of a wedding dress.

While I was preparing to shoot Aaron & Megan's wedding, I hopped on Etsy just to see if there were any of these hangers for sale. I found Emily's Emporium - they specialize in these custom hangers, as well as some other fun personalized wedding favors and gifts. There are several other sellers on Etsy who offer similar hangers, but I chose Emily's Emporium because I loved their round, curly script and was impressed by the evenness of the writing.

I got two hangers; one personalized for Megan, and another one that just says "Bride," which I could use for anyone. They came securely packaged, wrapped in tissue paper. They're just beautiful... I chose the dark cherry finish and I LOVE it! It's so rich and glossy. The wire is very thick and the writing is neat and uniform. Definitely a quality, keepsake product.

I opted for plain hangers, but Emily's Emporium also offers decoration options, including flowers, rhinestones, bride/groom sets (one white with a flower, and the other black, painted like a tux!), and different colors. You also have a choice of several "fonts"... mine are Classic script, but they also have Romantic script, or Modern script.

If you're getting married, I highly recommend you check out Emily's Emporium... a personalized hanger adds a special touch to your wedding day and looks great in photos (which is what it's all about anyway, right? ;-).

Aperturent | Review

I knew I would need a flash for Grant & Sarah's wedding. The ceremony wasn't starting until 6pm - I'd have time to squeeze in formals before the sun set, but by the time the reception really got going it would be 8pm and DARK. If you have been reading my blog for any significant length of time, you know that I hate flash with a passion. Which explains why I don't own one. Usually I would be able to borrow my friend's, buuuut... she was second shooting for me. So she'd need her own.

Enter Aperturent. I seriously think that renting equipment, especially when you're just starting out, is a fabulous way to expand your gear without forking out hundreds or thousands of dollars. With renting, you can easily wrap the rental costs in with your pricing, so you are out $0 and you can use the high end stuff!

I chose Aperturent mainly because I had a coupon and so it was the best deal. :-) A lot of people it seems like BorrowLenses, and I'm sure they are a wonderful company too. But we're not talking about them right now. :-)

I rented a Canon Speedlight 580EX II, and a Lightsphere diffuser. Since I'm not local to Aperturent, I rented for a week, which was really nice because I could practice around with the flash before the wedding. The items arrived on the day I specified, securely packed in a handy plastic container. I really liked this, as I could just cart that tub with me to the wedding. The Speedlight came with it's padded case too. I think I hardly need to mention that the gear was in great condition and working order. :-) I have pictures to prove it.

It was almost too easy. You just receive the gear, save the cardboard shipping box, use the equipment for a week (or however long you rent for), then pack it back up in the box and slap the included return shipping label on top of the old one. Drop it off at FedEx before their last pickup of the day, and voila!

I will definitely consider renting again in the future... I'd love to try out some L series lenses. :-) And Aperturent provides a great service, so I would certainly use them again! Try it out yourself - they have generously offered 10% off to my readers! Just enter coupon code KGRACEBLOG at checkout!

*Disclaimer: I was not paid to do this review.  I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Review: Fracture

Okay, folks, this is one of the neatest ways on the market to display photographs in your home (or office or wherever). How would you like to have your photos printed on glass?? Yep, you heard me. Fracture prints your photo directly on glass, with your choice of border (or without a border entirely, as you see I chose... I like edge-to-edge printing :-), and you get the choice of wall mount or stand-up mount.

Fractures come in several different sizes... 8", 10", 12", 14" and 18", measured diagonally. They also offer custom services if you have another size in mind!

I received a 10" and an 18" Fracture to review, and as I was aware of their products previously and consequently knew they were nice :-), I went ahead and ordered two additional ones to send to grandparents.

The Fractures arrived securely packaged in a unique stacked package, containing sturdy black cardboard "nests" for the photos. It's really very nice presentation, so if you had ordered for a client you could present them to the client right out of the package and you'd look very professional doing it. :-)

The colors produced in the photographs are very vibrant and the images sharp. A little card that came with them claims that "some call it the 'HD-TV of picture frames,'" and I think that's a pretty good description. Unlike a traditional framed photo, where the glass window dims the photo slightly, Fractures seem to get their vibrance from the glass... probably because that's what it's printed on. :-)

I chose wall mounts for mine, since I figure that leaves me the freedom of hanging it on the wall or displaying it on a stand. They come with a screw and a built in hole in the back of the frame for easy and invisible hanging (both of which virtues I highly esteem - ease and invisibility... as far as hanging frames goes).

Fractures are surprisingly affordable, especially when you compare it to wrapped canvases. Though I do love the look of canvas, this is equally beautiful in its own way and much easier on the purse. :-)

So... the conclusion. Would I buy Fractures? Well, silly question, since I already did. :-) And I would definitely buy from them again in the future. Fractures are a beautiful, sleek and modern way to "frame" and display photos... check them out! Fracture has generously offered a 10% off coupon to all my readers - just enter the code PRAIRIEROSE at checkout up to August 1, 2012.

*Disclaimer: I received the products mentioned in exchange for writing a review.  I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Drop Studios Backdrop Review + Giveaway!

*The giveaway is now closed. Thanks for entering!*

I recently purchased a photography backdrop from Drop Studios. I've had my eye on one for a while, and finally decided I should just get it. :-) I was trying to decide between getting the Solid Teal backdrop, the Solid Charcoal backdrop, and the Solid Mocha backdrop. In the end I went with the Mocha.

The backdrop shipped quickly; I ordered it on a Friday and received it the next Thursday. It was nicely packaged in a cellophane sleeve. I pulled it out and snapped a few photos with it right away with my cat and sister as models. :-) The backdrop was naturally creased from shipping, but even with that I got some nice photos (I was too impatient to iron it first :-). The creases came out easily with an iron on synthetic.

The backdrop is very well made with a pocket at the top for inserting a dowel rod to hang. I'm hoping at some point to try constructing some sort of stand for it. The edges have a professionally serged finish to prevent fraying. It was more lightweight than I thought it would be, but it doesn't look like a lightweight fabric in the photos. The fabric has a nice drape to it and looks great hung "flat" or draped into soft folds. Below are examples of both.

My lovely sister, backed by a draped backdrop...

... and a smooth one!

It has a nice matte texture so you won't end up with shiny spots in your photos. The color is more of a tan color in person, but warming up the photo either with your white balance or afterward in photoshop can give you a more creamy, warm brown (which is my preference). So it's kind of like having two different browns in one. :-)

Bridesmaid bouquet with the backdrop hung flat...

...or draped. Can't decide which I like better!

It measures 5x9 feet. It is reasonably priced at $29.00; I doubt you could buy the equivalent in a fabric store for less. Drop Studios also offers 9x10 photography backdrops, as well as patterned photography backdrops.

I can see using this for a variety of types of photography. I purchased the Mocha backdrop for the reason that it was a neutral color that I could use for lots of things; portraits, product photography, food photography, or any time when you want to block out an undesirable background. Below are examples of some product photography

Now comes the really fun part. Drop Studios has generously offered to give away one 5x9 solid photography backdrop! Check out the details below and enter to win!

Mandatory first entry:

• Visit Drop Studios on Etsy, and and then come back here and comment letting us know which backdrop is your favorite!

For extra entries:

• Blog, tweet or post on Facebook about the giveaway with a link back to this post. Leave a separate comment here with the link to your post. Only one comment, even if you do all three.
• "Like" Drop Studios on Facebook (there is a Like button toward the bottom of the shop's sidebar). Leave another separate comment here saying you've done it.
• Follow my blog (click the "Follow" button in the sidebar), subscribe to my RSS feed or follow by email. Leave another separate comment saying you did so (only one comment, even if you both follow and subscribe). Those who already follow/subscribe may just comment saying they already do so!

Maximum 4 entries per person. Make sure you post a SEPARATE comment for each extra entry. Giveaway is open worldwide! Giveaway will close September 10, 2011. Winner will be drawn at random and announced by September 12, 2011.

*Disclaimer: I was not paid to do this review.  I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

SewTamz Camera Strap Covers

My sister gave me the So Summer Citrus Lime Green and Black Damask camera strap cover from SewTamz for my birthday:

I knew I had to do a review on it. :-) Everyone needs one of these! Not only does it give your camera a distinct look (and if you're like me, you have friends who have cameras that look just like yours, and it's easy to get them mixed up), but it's also SO comfortable! It's like adding a cushion around your neck.

The camera strap cover is very well made; the outer fabric is a durable cotton-type fabric in that oh-so-fun damask design. The inner fabric is a soft and cozy plush fabric with cute little raised dots, and features the SewTamz logo. There's padding in between to add to the comfort level. Ever feel like your camera strap is cutting into your neck? Here's the solution! The cover helps to make the strap a little wider, and the plush fabric helps it to "grip" so if you wear your strap on your shoulder, it doesn't slide off as easily.

I really have nothing negative to say about SewTamz camera strap covers. If there was anything I would say it would be that it was a bit snug getting it on, but that's not necessarily bad as it then stays in place once it is on. The strap is washable, which is a plus... you can't wash your regular strap! I used to want one of those fancy straps that was a design fabric actually made into a strap just like your camera strap, but those were way more expensive and I think would not be as comfortable and practical. Besides... with a camera strap cover, you could even buy several in different colors/fabrics and switch them out depending on the season or your mood.

I highly recommend that you visit SewTamz's Etsy shop and take a look around. She offers TONS of cute fabrics, plus you can get it monogrammed or add a lens cap pocket. Or check out the wrist camera straps!

SewTamz has generously offered FREE SHIPPING to my readers! Just use the code KGFREESHIP when you check out!

Find SewTamz here:

sewtamz.etsy.com

facebook.com/sewtamz
http://twitter.com/sewtamz

*Disclaimer: I was not paid to do this review.  I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Lilla Rose Review + Giveaway!

***Giveaway is now closed to entries. Thanks for entering!***

I was recently introduced to Lilla Rose hair accessories. I had heard of people raving about how great they are and I was a bit skeptical, since it really looks like a regular old loop-and-pin hair clip. My hair is also slippery, stick straight and layered so it doesn't stay up real well. My mom was intrigued so we got some to try.

I was very surprised to find that they worked great! I even put my hair up in a French twist per their instructions, and it held very well with no other pins, which is quite a feat with my hair (I'm usually stuffed full of pins). I love the classy, feminine look they have too, and they aren't junky plastic like most of the other clips I can get to stay in my hair. The pin has three notches in it, which keep it from sliding out and give a secure hold. The loops are made from music wire (the kind that piano strings are made of), so it is strong and durable, but just flexible enough to bend around your hair.

They come in all sizes from mini to extra large so anyone can wear them, from those with baby fine hair to super thick and curly. Styles vary from elegant to more relaxed and modern, and some have colored beads and dangles. It's like jewelry for your hair! :-)

Lilla Rose also sells hair sticks, headbands, jewelry, and more!

So what does this have to do with photography? Well... 1. I took the pictures for the post. :-) 2. Lilla Rose clips would be a very handy little thing to keep in your bag for when you're on photo shoots and need to pull your hair back quickly and still look stylish (or perhaps your client's hair is desperately in need of help? *grin*). And 3. (which really doesn't have anything to do with photography, but oh well! I couldn't just leave it hanging at 2 points)... I want one of you to be able to try it out for yourself!

You can also use them as scarf pins!

It's giveaway time! Our local Lilla Rose representative has graciously offered to give away a free product of your choice (up to $15). Here's how you can enter to win:

Mandatory first entry:
• Visit LillaClip.com, click on "Go Shopping," and choose the product you want to win (any product with a value of $15 or less). Then come back here and comment letting us know that's the one you want!

For extra entries:
• Follow my blog (click the "Follow" button in the sidebar) or subscribe to my RSS feed. Leave a separate comment saying you did so (only one comment, even if you both follow and subscribe). Those who already follow/subscribe may just comment saying they already do so!
• Blog, tweet or post on Facebook about the giveaway with a link back to this post. Leave another separate comment with the link to your post. Only one comment, even if you do all three.

Maximum 3 entries per person. Make sure you post a SEPARATE comment for each extra entry. Giveaway will close March 31, 2011 at approximately noon (central time). Winner will be drawn at random and announced April 1, 2011.


WAIT! There's more! Anyone who signs up for the Lilla Rose email list in the form below will be entered into a separate drawing for another free product (up to $15).


*Disclaimer: I was not paid to do this review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Review: Kelly Moore Camera Bags

My mom got a Kelly Moore brown hobo style camera bag for her birthday this year. Even though it's not mine, I thought I could still review it here on my blog. The bag is very cute and definitely looks more like a purse than a camera bag (which is the idea).

It is rather large, so if you don't like big bags, you probably wouldn't care for it. It would be hard, however, to find a bag much smaller that holds more than just your camera. The Kelly Moore bag has plenty of room for your camera body with a lens on it, and at least two more lenses, plus 3 outer zippered pockets (small, for a wallet or some other slim item). The top zips closed and has a flap with magnetic closure over it. I'm a fan of zippers on bags - holds things more securely.

The bag is very well made, of nice materials and has fun purple lining. :-) The inside has moveable velcro dividers so you can adjust to your size camera and the lenses or equipment you will be carrying. It also came with two sizes of straps, a long one as you see is in use in the picture, and a shorter one for use as a handbag (though I found even the short one is long enough to put over your shoulder if you still like a shoulder bag but don't like it to hang down so far).

Another thing I'd like to mention - while it doesn't have anything to do with the bag itself, I was impressed with the packaging it came in. The bag arrived in a nice white protective bag with the Kelly Moore logo on it, rather than just being in your typical plastic bag.
I like this bag a lot and I just may have to borrow it from my mom sometime, if she'll let me. *winks* It's not cheap, but if you are looking for a quality bag that's also stylish and doesn't look like a regular, boring camera bag, you'll want to consider Kelly Moore. Click HERE to view more colors and styles. Available from Adorama.

*Disclaimer: I was not paid to do this review.  I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.