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Showing posts with label Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. Show all posts

6.01.2016

Wordless Wednesday: Photos from the Conference

by Mary Denman    @MaryDenman

Welcome to Wordless Wednesday!

Last week, I was the conference photographer for Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. (Yes, it's a mouthful!) 
In addition, I took head shots for almost 40 clients. 
As a result, I have a TON of photos to go through and deliver.
I think it's about 2,278,621 shots, more or less.......   ;)

I will be back for Wordless Wednesday on June 8 and then photo tips for Friday, June 10th. 

Enjoy these shots from the conference and I'll see you next week!


5.10.2016

Wordless Wednesday: Author Head Shots

by Mary Denman   @MaryDenman

Welcome to Wordless Wednesday! 

SIGN UP for email and get Monday's Musings, Wordless Wednesday and Friday Photo Tips right in your inbox!

Prior photography  tips:

I take overall conference shots and head shots for authors. 
Here are some recent photos for my good friend and conference Director, Edie Melson.
Check out her personal blog for fantastic writing and social media tips!


Edie Melson

6.08.2015

Monday's Musings: Do What You Love, Love What You Do

by Mary Denman  @MaryDenman


Do what you love by Mary Denman Photography
We frequently hear the quote, "Do what you love, love what you do", but have we taken the time to really think about it? Is it true?

I think it's very profound.

Why?

Well, let me tell you about a journey I've been on. Not a physical journey, but on a life journey.

It's about photography.

I've enjoyed photography for years and years. I had a point and shoot that I used all through high school. Then, a Minolta X-700. I have tons of printed photos from the years of my children growing up. Well, 1,378,964 shots of my first born to be exact, and then it went downhill from there for my other 4 kids. My fifth child has about 26 newborn shots. Maybe. You know, I was a little busy.

5.11.2015

Monday's Musings: Benjamin Franklin Inspirational Quote

by Mary Denman    @MaryDenman


Benjamin Franklin Quote by Mary Denman Photography
What a choice. 

Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing. - Benjamin Franklin.

There is so much wrapped up in that statement. 

And it's really been challenging me.  

You see, I am a writer. Not just here on my blog. I've written a novel and started my next. I've been to writing conferences like Blue Ridge Mountains Christians Writers Conference to hone my craft. (I'm going next week!) Been in a critique group to for accountability and learning more. 

But I haven't been able to put my novel out there for editors. Why? Because I'm afraid it's not good enough. I guess you could say that I'm afraid I haven't written something worth reading. . . . 

1.16.2015

Photo Tip Friday: Tips to Help Take Great Head Shots

by Mary Denman @MaryDenman

Brian Bird, Producer
As a photographer, I love interacting with people. Each photo shoot is a little different than any other shoot I've done.

At Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, I've been the photographer for both the overall conference and for authors who need head shots to use on their business cards, their blogs and their book jackets.

How can this apply to your photography? Let me share a few tips I use to take head shots and apply this to your everyday photography.

5.26.2014

Monday's Musings - Being With Like-Minded People

By Mary Denman


Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference
This past week, I had the pleasure of being the conference photographer for Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. This means that I got to go around the campus, taking pictures of people and things that were of interest to me. 

I especially love the people part. Specifically, the head shot part. Writers need head shots for their business cards, blogs, and book covers. While I could just put everyone in front of a backdrop and ask them to tilt their head this way or that, I don't. We've all seen too many "posed" shots that don't look natural at all but are supposed to make us look our best.

5.14.2012

5 Reasons for a Quality Headshot at Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference


5 Reasons for a Quality Headshot
Edie Melson
As an author, you may be contemplating whether or not you need a good headshot.  Well, if you are serious about your craft, you need to consider investing in a professional headshot.  Why?  There are at least 5 reasons you should consider.
1.    Your headshot may be the first time an editor, reader, or someone who is booking you sees you.  You can't possibly go and meet every editor, reader or casting director in person.  So what precedes you? Your headshot. That first impression can either work for you or against you. Just as your first line is important as a writer, so is your first impression to the audience who awaits you.

2.    Headshots help people make a good decision about who you are. As an author, do you write suspense, romance, mysteries or thrillers? Make sure your headshot reflects who you are and doesn't send a mixed message.  
      
Lynn Blackburn
     3.    Headshots reflect your level of professionalism. What does a casual, cluttered, improperly centered photo say about you?  That you're casual about your craft. It may not seem fair, but that's the impression you give. If a so-so shot is good enough to tell people about you, then how much time will you spend on your craft?  A so-so amount? You need leave your comfort zone and get the best shot you can to show you're committed to excellence in your craft. And yes authors, that means you!

Alycia Morales
4.    Good headshots have a variety of uses.  For authors, headshots can be used for social networking sites as your profile picture, on your business card, on your website, as your accompanying photo in print articles and for the holy grail of writing, on the back of your novel. Don't think you have to hit the "big time" first in order to need a good head shot. Once you are serious about the craft of writing, reflect that with a quality headshot.

5.    It's fun! I realize I may have just lost you here, but stay with me.  When you were a kid, did you enjoy playing dress-up or dreaming about being a superhero? This is your chance to have a little fun and recapture a little of your childhood. Writers, you create entire worlds for your readers to enter and then invite them in with your first line. Invite them to read your article or book with an inviting photo. Let go of your fears of how you look. Express who you are and have fun with it!

Dan Case
Looking forward to seeing you through the lens of my camera at Blue Ridge!