"Photographers Near Me"

So it has been so long since I wrote....It's been a really busy summer and beginning to the school year, so there have been a ton of jobs that I just haven't posted about, but I thought I would start up again with my first client that found me through a Google search, and not through a referral or a previous acquaintance, etc.

The R Family was such a lovely family! It was even on a nice weather day so we were able to go outside just before the sun set and get some really nice shots, thanks to that 6D of mine with its huge sensor that gathers in all the available light!

It was so nice for me to have a satisfied client who didn't know me previously or heard of me through someone else. Looking forward to even more!

If a nice day pops up, be sure to book me, because there won't be too many of them in the winter. Here's hoping...

Holden Arboretum!

WOW. I can't believe we've lived in Cleveland for 6 years now and NEVER been to the Holden Arboretum. Yesterday was our first major outing with the baby, and we had a great time. These pictures speak for themselves, and I think I found a new place to suggest to clients. Don't forget to book your shoot soon! (wherever it may be)

The "Golden Hour"

Presenting....my best shoot since starting the company! This is what happens when you start up in the winter. Even if you get random nice days for outdoor shoots like we do in Cleveland, there's no foliage yet. But Tuesday was a different story.

The Davis Family asked me to their backyard, which was teeming with lush greenery, and I think these are the best photos I've taken so far. No offense to previous clients, of course! :-) You just can't beat that green. 

Also, they picked a different time than previous clients - the late afternoon, or as we like to call, "The Golden Hour." This is when the sun is not as strong or high in the sky as it is at noonish. It allows for warmer pictures and lovely colors, without having to worry about shadows or too much sun. 

Just a reminder - I'm not around from mid-July until August, so if you want photos like these, hurry up and book!

It's been awhile.....

OK, so I know it's been a while since I posted, lots of other obligations, etc. I figure I would post my last few clients in one blog post. Thank you so much to the P. family, the Z. family, and Mr S.S. for your business! I also added a really cute picture of my son because I couldn't resist....

ALSO - the weather is getting really nice lately, and I won't be here for a month in the summer (late July-late August), so if you want photos, make sure to book now!

Lake Farm Park!

Every winter in Cleveland, it seems like there's a random beautiful day. I have folders going back five years on my computer that say "Nice Day in _______" (fill in the month) full of pictures outside, taking advantage of the good weather. This past Sunday was no exception, as we went to Lake Farm Park (highly recommend getting a membership there, totally worth it), and took some great pics of the family. 

A place like this can be an awesome option if you ever want to do a location shoot with your loved ones. Ours went pretty well.  :-) Feel free to contact me if you want to discuss one for your family! 

Canadian Butterflies and an Android App

So we took the kids to the butterfly conservatory in Niagara Falls, ON. They lasted for maybe 10 minutes, but I was able to get some great shots. 

The thing about all the shots you see below is that I downloaded them straight from my camera using my EOS Connect app and then uploaded them here - nothing you see has been altered in any way, or even cropped. Pretty cool stuff to be able to access your pics on the go by making your camera into what is essentially a Wireless Access Point. I also took the selfie with my wife using the remote live viewing function. It's not perfect, but when you're out and about and your oldest child is 5, this is the best we can do. :-)

Also, my favorites here are the four shot sequence where you see Reia go from delighted to terrified that there is a butterfly on her hand.

Business cards have arrived!

So, I love the idea of this business and the service I'm going to provide, but the moment I start taking myself too seriously, I want someone to let me know. These business cards hopefully strike that balance between serious photographer and the guy everyone knows me as. Meaning, I want your business, but this is the person you're getting. You've got the QR Codes so people can see I'm "with it" (that email me code one actually calls up your mobile email app with a pre-addressed email and a subject line that says "inquiry"), but you also have the "Akiva emoji," as my favorite co-worker has come to call it. This way, people can decide beforehand if they want to associate themselves with the likes of me.

Also, on a related note - I've never had business cards before and I love this.

Business in the front....

Business in the front....

....party in the back.

....party in the back.

FIRST CLIENT!!!!!!

Today I had my first real client!!!!!! It was a single baby shoot, and it went great! The family was awesome, all the siblings helped out trying to make him laugh, and my initial nervousness for my first job was easily calmed by such a cute, smiley baby!

Here are some of the photos I selected. These are not the ones the family is necessarily going with; these are just my own standouts. Can't choose my favorite....

One other note: The family agreed to let me use the photos on my website, provided I don't use their names. Whoever recognizes will recognize. :-)

Shot with a Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 IS. Never needed another. What a great lens!

P.S. If you like what you see - use the buttons on the side or above to contact me or check out my rates.

P.P.S. I know the background has wrinkles in it, but it's brand new and I didn't have  a chance to get the fold wrinkles out, so I figured for my first client I would just edit out the wrinkles in photoshop in the pictures they end up selecting.

Kids in School

I love the end of the day when either I pick up the kids or my wife brings them up to visit me after she picks them up. Just a few shots from hanging around school.

My first client?

So someone at work asked me this morning if I could take pictures of these snowmen she knitted that she is trying to sell. What's funny is that I don't think she knows I just started this business. She was just asking me a favor like everyone always has. Of course, I did it for free, as I would have before the official launch of Fleischtography, but it was just funny, because she's sort of my first client. Anyway, here's the "shoot."