My Xmas gift from little sis and her husband. A vintage film camera and President Obama. My guess is only one of these is going to work as advertised...

Beauty and the Breast

National Breast Cancer Awareness reigns this month so DSP and Misha Photography are hosting a fundraiser for the non-profit, Sense of Security - a compassionate organization that provides relief from financial hardship for Colorado breast cancer patients who are in treatment.

We’re donating a generous portion of the proceeds from our gorgeous boudoir sessions to the cause.

Contact Misha Photography at 720-540-3316 for details.

Another year has zipped by, and another birthday has forced some serious reflection and professional focus on my part. First, I am grateful to be in a creative profession – commercial and portrait photography – where I’m ‘living the dream’ among other Coloradans who chose this magnificent lifestyle. I’ll never take it for granted.

My professional dreams are getting bigger. It’s time for creative leaps, fresh sources of inspiration and infinite possibilities. Watch for modern techniques, crisp imagery, and edgy compositions bursting with color to be added to my portfolio.

I’ll be flying out this month to NYC to attend the pdn PHOTOPLUS International Conference and Expo. It’s billed in the industry as the top tradeshow for photography and imaging, with mega exhibitors, innovative products, and informative seminars. I always return from these trips with more ideas than I can handle, but this year I’ll be posting some of them on the blog so fans can keep me honest!

I’m boosting my social network communication, so expect regular blog posts and website updates, Facebook which includes my Dustin Sheffield Photography Fan page where you’ll catch all the breaking business news, promotions and contests.

Add me to your business network on LinkedIn and I’ll do the same. Recommend me, or share your connections, and I’ll give you a percentage off your next studio session.

Interested in photography? Not sure how to get started? Subscribe to the blog and you’ll be the first to watch me shoot on location or in my photo studio via future YouTube posts. Nothing fancy, just a look into my world and some insight into how I do what I do.

I blame the heat.

What a crazy summer! I've been shooting so much I'm considering hiring someone just to keep the blog going... any volunteers? But seriously between the seniors, children and family sessions and the weddings in Michigan (Little Sis is taking the plunge in July!) I haven't had a spare minute to post even a few pics. For those of you faithful fans out there, I just posted a bunch of new stuff on the fan page - and I PLAN on revamping the seniors gallery by the end of the month. Maybe I would get more done if I wasn't insanely picky about the website, but I don't see that changing anytime soon...

I've just started on an Equestrian Series for a friend out in the Chatfield Resevoir and I can't get enough of these beautiful animals. I'm considering doing a small number of Equestrian shoots on location for clients wishing to be photographed with (what my mom calls her "Other Son") their horses. I'll post more images later, but it's absolutely stunning out there in the summer - let me know if you're interested!

2011 DSP Senior Model Program Official Guidelines

HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS - It's that time again!  The 2011 DSP Senior Model Program is underway and we are taking applications for Seniors graduating in 2011.  We're looking for outgoing, image conscious students that want to make an impact this year with their work - and be rewarded for it!

The Program is simple.  We're searching for models to be the focus of our senior marketing pieces next year.  Models will be featured on the website, fan page and mailers as well as some specialty pieces so we want the most intriguing looks and we're ready to pay for it!

Sessions:  Each senior model will get the best of ALL worlds when it comes to their locations. Participants will get to book out three locations - One outdoor (Red Rocks, Botanic Gardens, Chautauqua, etc.)  One Downtown Denver (Little Raven, Art Museum, Graffiti Art, etc.) and One In-Studio session.  These sessions have extended hours for a total FULL DAY SHOOT! Locations are specifically chosen to compliment each models unique style, so a planning session is required.

Post-Session:  Models will view their images at DSP Studio and select their favorite five images for their custom Comp Card.  This card will be designed and posted on the DSP Fan Page for fans to vote on!  There's a limit of one vote per fan per candidate but Models can recruit as many new fans as they like to vote on their work!  This is why personality is just as important as looks for this contest, you've got to want it!  

Now for the good part - the PRIZES:

Grand Prize:  (One Girl and One Guy)  $200 Visa Gift Card 

     50 Pearl Quality Comp Cards

     100 Custom Graduation Announcements

Runner Up:  (One Girl and One Guy)    65 Custom Graduation Announcements

Like Free Stuff?  Well there's more good news.  Model program participants receive $25.00 off their order for each successfully booked referral they bring in!  That means if you get each fan you recruit to book their session at DSP, you could get your order for free!!  

Votes will be tallied in early September.  All model applications must be submitted by July 15th, 2010.  Model sessions are very time intensive and therefore require a $100 deposit to reserve their appointment.  Deposit will be applied towards total order.  

Mallows

A good friend of mine shared this video with me.  Nothing to do with photography, just hilarious.  Which kid were you? 

 The Marshmallow Test

I'm Back!

Back from WPPI in Las Vegas with a new lab, a new camera and a million new ideas for this season!  First off - new products for 2010:  Metal Murals, Accordion Wallet Books, Proof Boxes (Yes you can finally have one of everything!) and plenty of custom work no one else has!  The price list has been completely redesigned to offer you more of what you want.  The studio is being updated with new backdrops and furniture, I've got new locations for outdoor shoots as well as new ideas for Specialty Sessions.  But the biggest news is...

The 2010 Children's Portrait Contest at DSP!!

Here's the Deal:

GRAND PRIZE $5000 CASH!!

Cash prizes for 1st thru 3rd as well as two Honorable Mentions

This contest is for children under the age of 12

There are four categories - Color, B&W, Special Needs and Humorous

There will be two months of entries allowed - April and May, from the 1st to 21st

Sessions will be booked in 30 minute slots

A $55 Session Fee is required to enter - Fee will be applied towards your order!

You MUST choose which category you would like to enter before you book

Each session will be allowed ONE image to enter - You choose which you like best!

All entries will be judged by a panel of esteemed photographers and the final winners announced in July!!

Call now to reserve your spot, sessions are filling up fast.  Since this is a contest I can't wait to hear unique ideas for your session!

Babe...

Babies.  Each one better than the next.  There must have been something going on last June because it seems like thats all I shoot nowadays!  When a child is less than one year old, I don't even bother bringing them into the studio.  Why waste all that time you spent on the nursery?  We'll do the shoot in your home, where the baby is comfortable and you have everything you need close at hand. 

  These sessions are the best.  The consultation takes place in your home, where I can help you decide where your new portraits will look best - which wall/room/presentation style, etc.  I'll measure and take a couple sample images of your walls to use during your sales session.  When you come in to select your portraits, I can digitally present your portraits inside your home - saving you time and making the selection process that much easier!

This is baby Tanner.  Dig the Billy Idol face right before he falls asleep?  All he needs is a little fist pump.  If you're interested in portraits for your new little one, remember the first session is free for new clients so call today!

Ellie

Had a great time photographing Ellie with (sometimes significant) help from mom and grandma.  The trick to photographing two year olds is to engage them in a game and let the photos come naturally.  Ellie loves to run and dance, so we let her!  

So many reasons...

Not much going on today and it looks like Michigan weather finally found me in Colorado.  If you're searching for a reason to avoid looking out the window, check out one of my favorite time-wasters:  Awkward Family Photos.  Unfortunately I've never taken anything worthy of this site, but if you have an AFP and submit it on my fanpage - it might be worth something at your next sales session...

Happy New Year!

Its a brand new year and its already shaping up to be a great one at DSP!  January means great improvements to the studio, the newest equipment and incredible deals on this years' product line!  

This year I'll be focusing on creating special "Event Days" for the children's line... Limited Edition portrait sessions that no one else is doing and a real opportunity to capture your child at their best, having fun!  Stay tuned to the website or join the Dustin Sheffield Photography Fanpage to be the first to book!

The Fanpage is an all-new way to save at DSP.  Simply become a fan and post something on my wall.  It can be a comment about your last session, a (glowing) review ;) or a funny video you think I'd like.  Anything appropriate works!  When you post, I'll mark you down for a FREE PORTRAIT UNIT from your next session!  It works for recently photographed clients as well.  If you post something BEFORE your sales session, you'll get your reward!  Limit one per session.

I've got some great incentives for my class of 2011 Seniors this year as well!  All new locations, make-up artists and a brand-new model program are just the beginning!  I'm still banging out all the details so stay tuned for the official application in February.  Model apps are limited and DSP Fans will be the first to hear about it so sign up today!