Monica Martin Photographer

2011-09-17T21:38:00.000-07:00

A couple of photos of Blake Brock
with 'alternative processing'.

SENIORS

2011-09-17T07:24:00.000-07:00

SENIORS -
Not thrilled with your Senior photos?
Bring a receipt and get a
FREE basic Senior Portrait session at
Monica Martin Photographer in Guntersville.

Senior photos at Monica Martin Photographer are about YOU,
not about my studio or locations.
Tell me what you'd like!

Email monica@monicamartin.com
or text/phone 256-582-9860

Monica M*guarantees* you will be pleased.
Studio or location, indoor or outdoors.
Monica M is experienced in many situations and many lighting conditions.
Monica M knows how to make you look your best.
Monica M wants you to have fun! and have something you'll be proud of for generations.

Morgan Patterson's Senior Portraits! GHS Class of 2012

2011-09-14T16:12:00.000-07:00

Blake Brock - "Dream-It" Senior Portrait Sessions

2011-09-13T20:53:00.000-07:00

Why Does Custom Photography Cost More?

2011-03-23T08:31:00.000-07:00

Here is more information about custom, truly professional photography. The experienced, dependable, knowledgeable photographer really is worth more!
Why Does Custom Photography Cost More?

The New Wedding Guest

2011-03-14T16:18:00.000-07:00

Here's a bit of the 'real world' of being a *Professional* wedding photographer. Thanks to R.E. Esposito in Connecticut. (R.E. is also a member of the exclusive ISPWP, International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers, of which I am a member.)
The New Wedding Guest

Marie Martin PhD Grad

2011-02-26T14:22:00.000-08:00

Marie Martin PhD Grad
Click the link above for the slide show. A while back, my daughter achieved PhD status at the University of Washington. We visited her in Seattle for the occasion. I finally made this slideshow. Though long ago I *did* make her a photo book.

Yacht for Event Magazine

2011-01-31T19:01:00.000-08:00

I was privileged to photograph a truly fine yacht in October at the Yacht Club in Guntersville, for the featured 'Haven'/'home' for the January/February issue of Event Magazine, Marshall County. If you would like a copy, I have several, you could get one from me.

United Way Volunteers

2010-10-14T21:37:00.000-07:00

I am privileged to photograph for the local United Way on several occasions; their board members for instance. Recently three ladies, wives of doctors, came with their United Way shirts on for me to photograph for a local fundraising campaign. These ladies are some of many who help to make our community better.

Bridal Portrait Studies Slideshow

2010-10-01T15:29:00.000-07:00

Bridal Extravaganza Oct 2 and 3

2010-10-01T13:00:00.000-07:00

This weekend there is a Bridal Extravaganza! Saturday Oct 2nd it will be at the Hampton Inn in Guntersville. Sunday October 3rd it's at Val-Monte (formerly Coventant Cove). I will be both places. Both days it's from 1pm to 5pm. Stop by and see me!

Going to the dog(s)

2010-09-08T21:47:00.000-07:00

Addie is a sweet dog. She is just a puppy but so very cute. Bring your special pet to Monica Martin Photographer for a portrait.

Pets!!! Monica loves dogs and cats!

2010-09-08T21:40:00.000-07:00

How cute are these kittens! And of course the young lady...Even had a senior girl bring in her pet chicken once! Bring your pet to Monica Martin Photographer for a portrait of your special pet.

Practically Newborn

2010-09-08T21:24:00.000-07:00

Miss J was exactly one month old, but a bit of a preemie. She didn't sleep much, and when she finally did, she kept one eye slightly open.

More Architectural Photography

2010-09-07T16:39:00.000-07:00

I have always enjoyed architectural photography but haven't had too much call for it. Since Event Magazine of Marshall County started, they have used my services for the commercial features: architectural of a featured home, and commercial of a featured business.

Today's post shows the recently featured house, in Guntersville, on the Lake which was formed by Guntersville Dam across the Tennessee River in the '30s. This home was built to have a feel like Telluride, Colorado. Natural stone, and timber. Beautiful warm feeling. The Great Room is the full two-stories tall. And the owners are delightful.

2010-07-24T13:11:00.000-07:00

Rebekah's Senior Portrait session included music! She made her own! It was beautiful, as is she. Here is the composite we designed for her.

Rebekah!

2010-05-31T22:46:00.000-07:00

Rebekah is a graduating Senior who is about to have a recital playing her violin. She is the oldest of four girls who all play string instruments; symphonic, Celtic, all kinds. Very talented. It was a fun session because she provided the music, and it was beautiful!

And Rebekah is beautiful! This session was in the studio. The request was for classic images. Thanks for coming, Rebekah!

Featured Photographer !

2010-02-03T07:25:00.000-08:00

Wedding and Party Network is featuring Monica Martin Photographer right now! Visit at http://www.weddingandpartynetwork.com/blog/spotlights/alabama-wedding-photographer/

Workshop?

2010-01-27T11:51:00.000-08:00

Recently I have been asked by several people about doing workshops. If you would like to study with me in a workshop setting, please contact me!

Possible subjects:
Portraits/lighting
Digital black-and-white (I used to teach darkroom at UAH Continuing Ed - good b/w is important to me, and I know several approaches digitally)
Composition

Photo Competition Judge

2010-01-27T11:33:00.000-08:00

Monday evening I was the judge for the January photo competition of the Huntsville Photographic Society. Up till 2 years ago, the judge was allowed to mull over his choices by himself, after everyone saw the entire submissions. However, now they have the judge do it 'live' and want to *hear* what is said. Well, I talk to myself a lot, and people in the back couldn't hear me, so I said how it *used to be* and apparently with enough humor that everyone laughed and then I was louder.

There are a lot of people who want to learn and are sponges when told things that will help. Then there are those who only want to be told they did good and make excuses for why they brought what they did, because they didn't have time to work on it. Fortunately, most of the people who wanted to know why I did or didn't choose something were the type who want to learn. Mostly I was able to discuss how it didn't fit the subject of the competition as well as others. (There were a couple of extremely stunning photos which I didn't think fit in the subject.) Some photos could benefit by cropping, to emphasize what the subject is supposed to be.

Apparently I gave more feedback than most judges. Some people remembered a program I gave on portraiture a couple of years ago; some people would like a workshop... Perhaps I will be able to oblige.

Imaging USA/annual convention

2010-01-17T20:13:00.000-08:00

I spent most of last week in Nashville for the annual convention of the Professional Photographers of America. Classes started at 7am Sunday; 4 per day if we wanted, plus a trade show with lots and lots of vendors and opportunities. On the one hand, it was exhausting. On the other hand, it was great. I learned more how I would like to shape my business this year (now I have to get busy and *DO* it!). I made new friends (Hey Tammy from AR and Kim from LA).

We stayed in the Gaylord Opryland hotel where the convention was held so I didn't have to go outside much into the cold; I was prepared for it the couple of times we went out!

Since I am a Certified Professional Photographer, I attended the meeting about Certification to learn what was coming, and to meet newly certified folks. Five people got to have their comments video'taped' about why Certification is important. I was one of those five! I told about the following occurrence:

2 or 3 years ago there was a photographer in Madison and Marshall counties who left her wedding couples high and dry without any photos after the wedding; she tried hard to just disappear. Channel 19 news interviewed me as a 'reputable photographer' - in business for a number of years, having all of the required licenses and sales tax accounts, and by the way being a Certified Professional Photographer. A certified photographer not only has to prove competency in the craft with a test and submitted images, but must adhere to a code of ethics. I suggested that people looking for a photographer check into whether the photographer was operating legally, first thing. Later when I was photographing a 50th Wedding Anniversary party, a number of the folks recognized me and said, "You're the Reputable Photographer!"

Relief!

2010-01-03T00:13:00.000-08:00

... in that I am no longer President of the Tennesse Valley Professional Photographers. I will still be a member, and continue to be a member of the Professional Photographers of Mississippi/Alabama and of course the national Professional Photographers of America. The TVPPA has been important to me in the friendships I have made with other photographers, sharing good ideas and problems, and having people ready to help whenever there was a problem. I have learned a lot over the more than fifteen years I have been a member.

2010-01-02T22:53:00.001-08:00

Monica Martin Photographer Monica recently received notice of being again Certified by the Professional Photographic Certification Commission. I was first Certified in 1999. This involves proving competence artisically and technically, continuing education, and stringent ethical business behavior. There are only approximately 2,000 Certified Professional Photographers.

Wedding Coverage Sale

2010-01-01T13:27:00.000-08:00

This first week of January 2010, 20% off of 2009 prices if booked this week. Booking requires a signed contract and retainer.
Come see us before 2010 prices kick in!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T13:20:00.000-08:00

Wishing you a safe and happy Christmas time as you enjoy family and faith. Tonight I will go to a Christmas Eve service to sing and sing and sing about the birth of "God With Us" (Emmanuel) our Savior Jesus, the Lord.

Meanwhile, Greetings from Guntersville, Alabama
Here is this year's photo:

Monica Martin, CPP !

2009-12-24T12:50:00.000-08:00

Monica Martin has recently been awarded certification as a professional photographer once again. Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) is a designation granted by the Professional Photographic Certification Commission, the world’s leading certification agency for imaging professionals. This is necessary every five years to retain the CPP designation.

As a Certified photographer, I also participate in continuing education programs. This means that
I’m constantly learning new things and renewing my creativity, which directly benefits you
because the constant exposure to new ideas is reflected in my work.
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

Monica Martin is among the less than 8% of all imaging professionals who have successfully completed and maintained the requirements.

Professional Photographers Program

2009-11-24T18:39:00.000-08:00

Monday evening I taught the photographers of the Cheaha Professional Photographers organization, meeting in Anniston, about principles of retouching photographs, and a few tips in this digital age. Everyone learned something! What a good group of people!

I have taught all-day seminars on the subject for "Super Mondays" under the auspices of the Professional Photographers of America, and formerly taught the darkroom class at UAH Continuing Education, until they discontinued that program.

I think it is important for professionals to continue learning, sharing with each other, advancing professionalism. So, I am a member of the Professional Photographers of America, the Professional Photographers of Mississippi/Alabama, the Tennessee Valley Professional Photographers, and the International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers.

Past Sessions - can you still order from long ago?

2009-10-17T10:12:00.000-07:00

I just delivered a baby session order, in his christening gown, from July 2003. Whereas I don't guarantee that I'll still be able to read old files, I don't intentionally throw anything away. So if it didn't fall into the 'bit bucket' and I can still read it, I'll be glad to provide reprints!

Fall Seminar

2009-10-16T12:18:00.000-07:00

Had such a good time in three days this last week at the state seminar. Lots of friends. We share information, we share good times, we share friendship. I always look forward to getting together with these folks!

Professional Seminar and Awards

2009-10-13T20:32:00.000-07:00

Back from PPMA (Professional Photographers of Mississippi/Alabama). Lucky for me, it was held in my very own backyard as it were; Lake Guntersville State Park Lodge. What a load of information I must now process! It was good to see long-standing friends, and make new friends.

Competition of prints consisting of multi-image composites, or mini-albums, or folios occurs at the Fall Seminar every year. This time I entered three; this is the first time I have ever entered a print competition other than an art exhibit. Two of the prints placed:
First Place in the Event Category
Distinguished in the Individual Category.

I only picked up the prints to enter at the last minute; no lengthy/painstaking extra finessing for competition; just my regular work!

Georgia Photographer Visits

2009-03-21T08:03:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, on their way from Georgia to Huntsville, AL, Hassel and Bene' Weems and their delightful 7-year-old daughter visited for a few hours. It is always fun to see other photographers and get to know them better. The Weems hosted me at the end of my October trip just outside of Atlanta, last stop before HOME. AG is a lot like my Marie was at that age.

New products for Seniors.

2009-03-14T22:32:00.000-07:00

New posters for Seniors! This is just one of the many types we do here. It's on metallic photo paper, too! Come see!
My next job is working on a book for Seniors!

WPPI

2009-02-22T19:07:00.000-08:00

Melissa from Alaska, Kim from Milwaukee WI, Monica from Guntersville AL

We three are also among the elite ISPWP (International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers. One must show a high level of quality and experience in order to be allowed to join.

Wedding and Portrait Photographers International

I combined a visit with my daughter with attending this photographic convention. I drove to Dallas, then spent a couple of days with my daughter, visited a photographer friend in Abilene, flew to WPPI, flew back to Dallas for another daughter-day, then drove home. I found a trolley operation in uptown Dallas! Fun! And a couple of good restaurants. My daughter is a sweetie and I enjoy time with her. I'm still catching up on sleep....

Going to WPPI was amazing. I got to meet several folks I have known on-line for several years but never met face-t0-face... from Canada, Alaska, Portland OR, San Francisco CA, Lafayette IN, Milwaukee WI, Dallas TX, Atlanta GA, Utah, Ladera Ranch CA, NY NY. Two evenings with the group, and we were all like old friends! The trade show was useful, since I cannot actually get my hands on much here in Guntersville AL before I buy something.

Bicycle Again!

2009-02-22T19:05:00.000-08:00

My old bike has new tires, new chain, new cables and tape, and was otherwise in good condition. I got it back Saturday and rode it before it rained. I proved I can still ride my 10-speed in traffic; It's just like riding a bicycle... anyway, here comes exercise!

My Bicycle!

2009-02-09T21:09:00.000-08:00

I will soon have a bicycle again!!! I haven't ridden it for several years. Found a place in Trussville which repairs such bikes as a normal part of their business. So instead of getting used to a different one, I get my old one back which I loved to ride!!!

My daughter did get me one of the newer model helmets, the kind that *really* allows air flow, instead of the old way of mostly just clamping down on my head, and making my hair more like a blanket. Hot hot hot!!!

It will be ready sometime in the not too distant future. I am so very excited. Today was warm and beautiful; would have been great biking weather. I will have to search out places to secure my bike all over town now. I plan to ride on the peninsula here, not up the big hill called Sand Mountain. Too steep and long a hill for me.

Special ONLY Through Feb 10

2009-01-19T21:28:00.000-08:00

Save 20 % on wall portraits!

Plus!!! New Gallery Wrap Introductory Sale! Save $50 on any canvas wall portrait made as gallery wrap (the photo is stretched around the sides of the stretcher bars and the back is finished; no frame necessary). Through Feb. 10 we will not charge the $50 extra charge for a gallery wrap. We have just recently started offering this. Your portrait will be sprayed with a protective clear spray against ultra-violet light, and will not need to be behind glass.

So if you want to order a canvas wall portrait, we subtract 20% of the regular price of that size, and the gallery wrap is done at no further charge, for this introductory sale.

When 'good enough' isn't enough, come to Monica Martin!

Derby Girl

2009-01-15T14:34:00.000-08:00

Recently, NEA magazine had me photograph a teacher who is a roller derby participant;

one of Huntsville's Dixie Derby girls. She goes by cuafterclass. Lots of fun and a nice smile until she was in her 'roller derby' persona. My oak floors were great for her skates!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-04T22:59:00.000-08:00

Looks like 2009 will have plenty of challenges for everybody!
Today I will be getting ideas, networking with some other photographers, about new stuff to have.
I have recently added Gallery Wrap to my wall portrait line. I am adding new press-printed books also.

Greetings - Joy - Good Wishes

2008-12-25T23:12:00.000-08:00

Today is Christmas! I am a bit late in getting my cards put up. For those who celebrate Christmas and Epiphany (January 6, about the magi), I have the first card, showing the magi from the east coming to see the new babe by following the star.

For those who don't celebrate Christmas, my wishes for the New Year include Light in the Darkness. This was taken on a foggy evening, looking towards the River Bridge at Guntersville. You cannot even see the bridge, but there you can see the headlights of the cars which have just come over it...

2008 has been a difficult year for me in some ways, and a wonderful year in so many other ways. I have many many friends. I have a wonderful daughter. And I am making plans for 2009.

Check back soon to see what specials I can cook up for January!

Chocolates!!!

2008-12-24T16:19:00.001-08:00

My daughter is visiting for Christmas. She has turned the kitchen into a chocolates factory! Some bittersweet chocolate, a bunch of semi-sweet, some milk chocolate, and a little white chocolate. Plus centers of unusual flavors, such as lemon-pear, apricot-ginger, bellini, carmelized apple calvados, cherry, raspberry, blackberry, blood-orange, grand-marnier, amaretto-almond, peanut butter, and carmel: plus dipped pretzels, apricots, peanutbutter pretzels, cherries, carmelled pecans, and candied ginger. Mmmm, does the house ever smell great! Good thing we had one long counter made instead of breaking it up with the sink (the sink is in the corner).

RANT: Today I received the last order from my lab, but not in time to deliver. Apparently there are multiple trucks delivering for FedEx Ground here, because we received one package just fine; but the important one for my customer (wall and panel portraits) didn't come; then I checked and it said they attempted delivery (NOT - we were here!!!). So I phoned FedEx and a very nice lady helped me and got the dispatcher to get the driver back here TODAY, because they weren't going to try again till next week! Turns out, he admitted he didn't get out of the truck, assumed we were closed, didn't go to the door where a sign says to ring doorbell, yes he knows we have a waiver that he can leave packages without a signature but he didn't want to try that for Christmas. Well, having to come back probably cost him about 40 minutes of time for his shift. Aaarrrrrrgggghh! It was too late to deliver to my customer by then because she had left for MS, but at least I have it and it's not another five days who-knows-where!!!

Yesterday I received the order with the young soldier who is being stationed in Alaska in January. We weren't sure his photos could be done and back before Christmas, but they were! Mom is *very* happy!!!

Tonight we are going to find a Christmas Eve service. I grew up Lutheran and it seems very strange for me in my current church to be *done* several days before *the day* itself. But it is a wonderful church. However, Christmas Eve services and carols really focus me for Christmas.

I thoroughly enjoy being a photographer. Families are important to me, and portraits are treasure in future years. I am always happy when my customers are pleased even more than they had hoped!

New President of local professional association

2008-12-11T22:28:00.000-08:00

Well, I will be the President of the Tennessee Valley Professional Photographers Association for 2009. We currently meet in Huntsville, Alabama. Our membership is all over northern Alabama, and we have one member from Tennessee. Our purpose is to increase professionalism and help each other to keep getting better at not only photography but at doing business.

I have been a member of this TVPPA since about 1993. I have been a professional (including all the necessary business licenses, taxes, and insurance) since 1988. I served as secretary of the organization for several years in the late '90s. It is a privilege to meet with my peers and to be a part of continuing the education and help that the TVPPA has given to many over the years. TVPPA and its member photographers/mentors have been a big influence in my photographic business.

Judging Photos

2008-12-01T22:11:00.000-08:00

Another photographer and I spent the day discussing photos. From 9am till 5pm. (I was too late to pick up the cat from kitty prison; I thought I'd be back during business hours...)
It is always interesting to compare ideas with another photographer one respects. We agreed on lots, but not everything, so we had to justify to each other, and in a few cases changed each other's minds. The photos judged were for the end-of-year awards of the Huntsville Photographic Society. They have eleven monthly competitions, then the best of the photos which placed during the year get a chance at the best of the year in December. I have judged the b/w a couple of times before; this time they had both of us do b/w, color print, and slides, all together. That was fun!
The banquet is this next Monday, and for giving them a program and judging they are providing me with a meal; I think it's Italian. But more importantly, I can see a few people I never otherwise get to see whom I enjoy a lot.

Thanksgiving

2008-12-01T22:03:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was always Diehl's favorite holiday. This is the second year without him, and the second year I have driven to visit Marie in Dallas. We are able to be friends now. I enjoyed the Ikea store and getting shoes (not much is available for wide feet in Guntersville). We ate Thai, and *extremely good* Mexican, plus a meal at the Cheesecake Factory (lemon-raspberry, mmmm)! Besides of course, the actual Thanksgiving meal. I got to meet a few of her friends and it was tasty and fun. We shopped at the Central Market which has soooo much that I don't have here. Lots of stuff to go in her truffles for the holidays. She took chocolatier lessons when she was in Seattle and is very good. Marie made sure I had tasty small sandwiches and an apple for the trip back so I didn't have to stop and could drive straight through.

Commercial Job

2008-11-15T21:28:00.000-08:00

I trained for commercial photography in California before we moved to Alabama. This week I have been called back to photograph in the local plant making fire hydrants. Fortunately, not in the foundry, but in assembly and painting and stacking for shipping.

Bridal Fair in the Studio Nov. 9th

2008-11-02T19:04:00.000-08:00

Next Sunday afternoon, seven wedding-related merchants will set up to exhibit in my studio, from 1-4pm. We have coming: Rodney's Flowers (florist), River Lily (wedding dresses/tux), Wings of Love Calligraphy, Shops at the Cottage (bridal registry), Cake Crumbs (cakes), Blue Heron Limos, and of course me, Monica Martin Photographer.

It is an open house, sort of a more intimate event than some bridal fairs. You can get to know us better in a short time.

If there is a wedding in your future, you'll want to come see what we have.

Trip

2008-11-02T18:40:00.000-08:00

I decided to drive to NYC for photo plus. Some people thought I was crazy not to fly. But I hate flying. And I enjoy driving. Sooo...

First I headed to New Haven, KY where Diehl and I went about ten years ago. We had stumbled into the KY Railway Museum, and a trip on the steam engine they had just refurbished, and an old hotel with restaurant. Diehl used his 4x5 camera to take photos then. I had a great time reminiscing, as this time I was alone. It was the best day all year since he died last October 2007. Then I visited a fellow photographer in Ashland, KY - Teresa, and her lovely family. Teresa cooks a mighty fine breakfast! Then on to Marysville, OH to see Heather! Two pleasant dogs and she cooks lasagna! Then some history in Dayton, OH. Then some history in Hershey, PA. I visited with another photographer there for a couple of hours, Craig. Then I drove to Royersford near Philadelphia to visit Jen (turns out the World Series was beginning and neither of us really were aware of that...)

Then I drove to the Javits Center and followed two photographers, Dan and Bruce, around the show, looking mostly at albums/books. Bruce helped me drive to his place in Brooklyn and offered me the sofabed in his family's living room. I got a quick walking tour of the city between the Javits and Times Square, the St Patrick's Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, etc. Went back Friday and then Saturday to ask questions about a certain hardware/software deal, and was able to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art until my feet hurt too much to stand. I took notes on who painted light well, to look up later. Coney Island on the way out, a shadow of its former self, but since I always enjoyed the CA beaches better in January, I went and enjoyed seeing what is still there.

On the way back I stopped in Washington DC which was doubly interesting. That was the date exactly one year after Diehl died, so I ate Thai food which he loved and I had never tried, helped by friends to choose wisely. These friends are Andy and Erin, photographer/artists, and I got to see Erin's art show and another collection of DC artists, several of whom Erin knew. Then on to Jacksonville, NC where I met Elise and her husband and cat, and she arranged for two other photographers to meet for dinner, Bob and Charo. Such fun! (More Thai food, too.) Then on to Lynchburg, VA to meet Allegra and family. We photographed in a beautiful cemetery with the best fall colors of the entire trip! I learned about croquettes and bechamel. After that, two nights with Diehl's cousin Connie. Her son showed me around Greenville, SC with their refurbished beautiful old hotel, and a theatre he sometimes acts in, and his place of work which is an advertising group. There are palm trees inside (planted in the ground in the hallway, skylights for light). They had about 70 trick-or-treaters and we played Upwords which was new to me (she won the first, I won the second). Lastly I stopped for a late lunch to meet Hassel's family. And then home.

Sixteen days. Driving by myself. Singing a lot of the way. Enjoying memories. Learning. Meeting people.

Monday I need to get the cat out of kitty prison...

Photo Plus in NYC

2008-11-02T18:34:00.000-08:00

I was able to go to Photo Plus expo in New York at the Javits Center. This was the 25th year. Long ago, a couple of years after it started, my commercial photography instructor told us it was important to go to that for our business. Well, I never went (until this year!). When I lived in the LA area it was easier to see whatever I needed to... but here in Guntersville I can't keep up so well on what the new albums or other new developments. So I went. And I'm glad I did!

2008-10-12T05:12:00.000-07:00

Good Morning!
Welcome to my blog!