Tana Huffman Photography Blog

Viva Las Vegas~

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 14:29:22 -0700

Just a quick update that I will be out of the studio the week of March 8-12. I will be attending the annual WPPI convention in Las Vegas with my many talented photographers and friends. I will be checking emails and phone messages sporadically, but with the long year it's been, even thus far, I'm going to try to take some time out to enjoy a mini-vacation and am going to attempt to de-computerize myself as much as possible. Have a wonderful week and I will begin the blog posts upon my return.

Wish me luck...... I'm taking special half-dollars from Nyah to bet with! :)

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New, new, new!! New blog, new interns, new photography!

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:47:26 -0700

The last few years have been a wonderful, wild roller coaster. I have learned through trial and error where the studio weaknesses and strengths are; what direction I want this business to take and even at times, areas that I need to concentrate on more than I currently do. I've discovered those areas of my business that I enjoy and excel at; and those that I need to devote more time to. I've also had to be humble in learning where I need help and that it's okay to delegate. (Did I just say that outloud?!) *gasp* It's been an insightful journey - one that would not have been possible if not for the endless support and encouragement from my friends in business and each day, with their encouragment, I become more of a dreamer and optimist at this wonderful business I've started.

So as 2010 swings into full gear, there are a lot of changes for TH Photography that have been in the process since late last year.

(1) the new website!! We've had some coding issues that prevent it from looking 100% to my vision), but it's being corrected and I still think it is wonderful nonetheless. The current site will remain devoted to engagements and weddings.

(2) a new blog!! The team at Flosites is amazing as always and have worked tirelessly to bring my custom blog vision to life! I've signed off on the final revision and we hope for an early April launch! It will carry the simple, clean-lined and fashion-forward feel that my website and branding will, and I'm excited to see all of your reactions.

Here is a sneak peek at one of the layouts you'll see in the new design:

Now..... I know the first thing you are asking yourself - Tana is a horrible blogger! Why the new blog? Well my friends, because Tana Huffman Photography is getting a facelift. And blogging is one of the first things to get "plumped" up! Monthly contests and prizes will be coming along with updated photos from sessions.

(3) new studio direction!! - Tana Huffman Photography has primarily focused on weddings and engagements over the years. One of the biggest transitions for Tana Huffman Photography is the branch-off of THPhoto to include more boudoir sessions, family and children sessions and most excitedly - HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS! There will be a new, dedicated website for our portraits and the new blog will showcase all the new promotions and campaigns that TH Photography will be embarking on!

(4) Office help!! Though I love my job more than anything and my clients keep me motivated, the business is ready to propel forward and I need help to keep us in flight! I am instituting a new intern program, will be hiring an office manager as well as an associate photographer! The full details will soon be advertised, but I am excited and know that the changes will make your TH Photography experience that much better! What this means?! Quicker turn-around time; faster email and phone response; better studio availability and more blogging!! Hooray!

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So, for my current clients who are nothing but an undending source of inspiration and love to me - and to my future clients who I cannot wait to meet - 2010 is going to be a great year and I'm so excited to continue down this road with you all. XOXO

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Out of the office - Jamaica bound

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 21:27:46 -0700

I'm excited to start the 2010 wedding season off with a BANG! I will be out of the office from Sunday, February 7, 2010 until Monday, February 15th. I will be traveling out of the country to shoot a wedding in fabulous Jamacia!! I will be unable to retrieve my messages or emails until I return, so I thank you in advance for your patience!

See you later, MON!! :)

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Valentine's Day deadline

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:12:25 -0700

I cannot believe it is already February - feels like just last week that I was taking down my Christmas lights. Oh wait! Maybe it was last week!! ;)

Speedy calendars and all, but I wanted to remind my lovely clients that a deadline is fast approaching. As most of you know, I will be leaving this weekend for a wedding out of the country and will be gone for one week. Therefore, to meet my vendor deadlines, this week is the last chance to get your Valentine's Day orders in. Most boudoir session orders have been placed, but for those who have expressed interest in placing product orders, this is my friendly reminder that this Friday, February 5th, is the last day to place your order to ensure Valentine's Day delivery. If you have any questions, please give me a call.

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Sneak Peek - Elaine and Jonathan

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 20:02:08 -0700

I'm working on Elaine and Jonathan's wedding photos and wanted to share a quick peek at two of my favorites!!

Oh, and have I mentioned how much I LOVE casual/linen suits for men's wedding attire!! Wait until you see his shoes!

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Shopping Cart reminder

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 12:37:35 -0700

Just a friendly reminder to my current clients that the current shopping cart will be retiring at the end of this month to make way for an updated, more user-friendly shopping cart in February. Please make any final purchases using the coupon code provided to you via email before January 29th before the client galleries expire. I can't wait to show you the new cart - your shopping ease just improved exponentially! :)

Please email me with any questions. tana (at) tanahuffman (dot) com

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The new website is live!!

Sun, 03 Jan 2010 01:34:47 -0700

My new, custom wedding site is finally live! There are still a few kinks to work out and galleries will be uploaded soon, but the new site is up and ready to go. A very big THANK YOU to Tessa Gilbertson of Joyful Design for her endless kindness and hard work on getting my vision onto the internet.

www.tanahuffman.com

I wanted a site that was clean-lined and simple. I love the fashion-forward feel of sites like Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters and I wanted a sophisticated simplicity for my new site and brand. I wanted the photos to speak for themselves without the busy feel that a lot of flash sites give. I also chose an html site for ease of viewing on iPhones. I like the simplicity of all white and wanted the photos to scroll like a film reel, from left to right. When you view the site, make sure you scroll to the right to view the photos. You can use the scroll bar on the bottom of your screen by scrolling with your mouse or use the right arrow key.

THP clients will soon see a new shopping and proofing gallery and a new custom blog is in the works as well. Thank you to all of my clients for being so patient while we worked at this rebranding campaign. I'm very excited for all that 2010 has to offer!! Happy New Year!

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Bloggity, blog, blogs!

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 19:17:38 -0700

Blogging. It's a constant battle for me. I love blogs, I read them religiously, I can quote you lines from some of my favorite blogs. But do I use my own? Um.... yeah, you know the answer to that one. But I have to say, I don't mean to neglect it. I really don't! I put a priority on my clients and make sure that my clients have their photos and products first and foremost, and sometimes when all that is done, my blogging skills are a little depleted. But, I'm going to fix that problem! I know that many of my current and potential clients (not to mention family and friends) come to see what is the newest and latest with my life and my business, and I plan to make it easier, and more entertaining for you all. This upcoming year, among many new years resolutions I plan to make (and yes, I will once again proclaim them publically), my number one photography resolution is to blog, blog, blog!!! :)

As so that you don't think I'm a big 'ol liar, here are just a few blog posts in the hopper:

Studio/office pictures

Fun details and information regarding new THP products

The Best-Of 2009 gallery

News on a recent photography nomination! (Very excited!)

Rebekah and Gary - wedding

Vivian and Andrew - wedding

Elaine and Jonathan - wedding

Helene and Shay - wedding

Lindsay and Alonso - wedding

Andrea and Brad - wedding

Lisa and Andy - wedding

Abi and Seth - wedding

Rachel and Justin - wedding

Zach and Karli - wedding

Nate and Jennifer - wedding

Chase and Theresa - wedding

John and Jennifer - wedding

Derek and Aleigha - wedding

Kelley and Lee - wedding

Mora family session

Boudoir marathon previews

My New Years Resolution will be to blog at least 4 times a week, more if possible. I have had requests to include more personal items as well, and I will try to find a nice blend that doesn't bore you to death! In the meantime, here is a sneak peek of one of the photos I'm working on.

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New website preview

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 18:19:14 -0700

It's been a long time coming, and I'm the first to tell you that my excitement can hardly be contained, and that the new website is almost ready to launch! We were hoping for a Christmas launch, but as with all custom projects, deadlines didn't come together quite as we had hoped. I'm trying, with my very best manners, to be the patient and appreciative client to my graphic designer that I appreciate that my clients are with me, but MAN, OH MAN!! excitement gets the best of you, doesn't it?!

The new site has been a labor of love, and while I think of nothing more than my new site, putting my clients first; client orders, sessions and meetings take first priority, and sometimes that extra time alloted for creating a site from scratch are more limited than originally anticipated. But, I'm happy to say, we are there! The new site is much more reflective of my brand and business model is, in my opinion, very clean, classic and fashionable. The new, romantic logo and more user-friendly shopping cart are just among a few things to look for. Here is a quick screenshot of what's to come! Hopefully it will be up and running for a New Years launch!! (fingers crossed). EEEEEEEEKKKKKK!!!!!! (Have I mentioned how excited I am?!)

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Kelly and Garrett - Sneak Peek

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:53:40 -0700

As the season winds down, and I can refocus on getting my blog updated, among one of the many, many, many blog posts to follow, here is a sneak peek of the lovely wedding of Kelly and Garrett in Sacramento, California at The Vizcaya Mansion.

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Sneak Peek - Helene and Shay

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 02:08:00 -0600

Couldn't have asked for better lighting... yet another little sneak peek of a beautiful couple.

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Sneak Peek - Viv and Andrew

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:53:07 -0600

This season has been such a blur! What month is it? January? How was Christmas - did I miss it? Ok, I've picked up a flair for the dramatics - call it wedding-expert-itis! haha. But honestly, it feels like it was just July! I have so much to catch you all up on! I literally have 15 weddings to blog and share with you all; I have to up date you on the new happenings with the studio - we have new decor, new branding, a new intern (cross my fingers - it might be two!) not to metion sharing a run-down on a recent workshop I just attended that has changed my life. And yes - I have not forgotten, I still have to get the new website up and running! My designer, Tessa, is beyond amazing and she is putting the final touches on it as we speak. 2009 has been a wonderful year for Tana Huffman Photography and I'm appreciative of all the support you have given me. Bear with me, my blog and my new site will be up to date soon.

Here is a sneak peek of the wedding I'm working on now. This is the lovely Vivian - I just adore her. That handsome fella with her is her new husband, Andrew. He's pretty darn awesome himself.

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Abi and Seth - Sneak Peek

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 01:40:51 -0600

Before I head out for a wedding this weekend, I just wanted to post a quick sneak peek of a recent engagement session with Abi and Seth. Full session to come! Have a safe and relaxing Labor Day weekend!

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Katie and Brandon - wedding

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:32:02 -0600

Internet and social networking - you can't beat it! Growing up, I moved around a lot - the life of an Air Force brat. At one of my first high schools in Oak Harbor, I had a wonderful friend, Meredith, and I held such fond memories of her. At the time though, before email, texting and Facebook (yeah, I'm that old!), once you moved = you moved. You really didn't have same opportunities to stay in communication that you do now. So, years and years later (and no I'm not really going to say the number out loud), when Meredith and I reconnected on Facebook, one thing led to another and I was shortly thereafter contracted by Meredith's younger sister in Utah to shoot her wedding. It's really amazing how it all works, really.

Katie and Brandon had a beautiful ceremony at the Seattle LDS Mormon Temple. While I am not of the same faith, and photographers are not allowed to shoot inside the Temple, it was still very important to Katie to have photos to document her special day and I was very excited to be able to shoot her and Brandon just moments after their ceremony. Here are just a few of my favorites:

Katie and Brandon had the most beautiful wedding bands.

The Temple itself, was a very important aspect of Katie and Brandon's wedding day, so we had some fun shooting around the grounds.

I loved this one! I was trying to get some details of the Temple for Katie's album and saw the American Flag in the reflection. (If you look closely, you can even see it in the photo above as well).

Thank you Katie and Brandon (and Meredith too!) It was a wonderful day and as always, felt very loved and welcomed by your family!

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My computer calls me Babe!

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:04:57 -0600

As in .... "How you doin'?" Or as in... "It's 2am, and you're still staring at me ... hubba hubba!" Lately, my computer is getting just a tad bit too comfortable with me at all hours of the day and I think he thinks I'm his girlfriend with as much time as we spend together. He is becoming increasingly dependent on my keyboard carresses and my late night company. I think he is mistaking my glassy-eyed stares as love instead of exhaustion. Come to think of it, my iPhone seems to be developing a bit of an affair with me as well - you know? All that fast text typing and all. A girl with fast fingers sure can impress the electronics. So ~ as to show these machines that I'm just not that into him, I'm taking a break. (Not a Ross and Rachel kind of break), but a real "I'm going to go enjoy the company of my real-life human family, and enjoy the beauty that the Pacific Northwest has to offer" kind of break. I'm going to breathe and laugh and dance. Ahhhh..... (the machines are whimpering a bit as I type this...)

So, after a few last minute projects this afternoon, the studio will be closed until Monday morning. The phone will be turned off, and the computer will be shut down (and not just sleep mode). haha I'm going to go enjoy the ocean with my family (Great White Sharks allowing) and will be accompanying my family doing a little bit of this.....

But, not to fret, I have weddings to finish editing, albums to finish creating, and 5 weekends of weddings coming up back-to-back-to-back.... so my computers can begin schmoozing with me then and I will be able to return all calls and emails on Monday. Have a wonderful weekend. I hope that you too, can go enjoy life for a bit!

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Lisa and Andy - Engagement

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 02:06:15 -0600

First, it is no secret that I adore my clients. I know it sounds cheesy because you see every photographer say the same thing, and I can't speak for those other photographers out there, but for me, it's honestly true. Because I only shoot a selected number of weddings a year, I am just as selective about the clients I work with as they are about hiring me. I talk to my clients and get to know them and get a feel for their personalities. I make sure they can handle my sarcasm and spunk and we discuss their vision for their wedding photography to make sure I'm a good match for them. Plus, when a bride showers me with compliments and then laughs at my jokes - I KNOW we're a good fit! Clients like Lisa are good for the ego! I'm just sayin'!

I drove to Olympia this week to shoot Lisa and Andy's engagement session. When Lisa asked if I would be willing to shoot on her family's farm - I gave a loud "Um, are you kidding?!?! Of course!" It was a photographer's playground there. Lisa and Andy were so much fun, treated me like an old friend and tolerated every request I made of them - Andy's recently repaired knee and all. It was hard to narrow down my favorites for the blog ~ I can't even imagine how hard it will be to narrow it down for their wedding!

Thanks you guys! I had so much fun!

UM, HELLO! Can you say Whoa mama?!

Okay, I loved this!! We were shooting and Lisa's horses were quite intrigued by us. Right about the time I was trying to get this picture of Lisa and Andy (in the background to the left) this fella came up to check me out. At the same time, hidden from this picture, horse number 2 is nuzzling my left ear; and horse number 3 is whispering sweet nothings to me in my right ear. I think horses 3 and 4 were out behind Lisa somewhere. Having been around horses on-off throughout my life, I wasn't afraid of them, but man - I'll tell you, having them that up close and personal sure renews your respect for how large and magnificant they are!

We were in between rain clouds that day. The rain stopped *Just* for us. ;)

Right at sunset, we went down to oldtown Olympia for a few pictures on the piers. (All available light - no flash work for these.)

The End............... how cute are they?!

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