Lori Wong Photography

We haven’t done fireworks like this in my family in years. Mostly just what happens when a family grows up, I guess.

We had Otter Pops out.

We had dud fireworks.

We had the chairs lined up at the end of the drive way.

We had matches that wouldn’t work.

We had the bucket of water ready, you know…for just in case.

We had Dad watering the lawn for practically 30 minutes, to protect the lawn and house from stray fireworks, until we told him to stop it and come watch!!

We had my younger brother trying to light me on fire…okay, that may be a slight exaggeration. haha.

We had love.

We had laughter…a lot of laughter.

We had an amazing time.

I hope you had a memorable 4th of July as well.

I had a conversation not too long ago. This is how it went:

“Lori what type of editing do you do in Photoshop?”

“I will edit blemishes, maybe lighten or darken a photo, sometimes bump up the color. If I am going to do any sort of  major Photoshopping it will be obvious. But for the most part, I edit a photo so you don’t notice it.”

“What do you mean, so I don’t notice it?”

That is when I tried to explain, I don’t edit photos to prove I have edited a photo. I want you to see the people and places in a picture, not any sort of heavy editing in photo. It takes away from the purpose of why I take pictures. I want to show the light in people’s eyes. To see the beauty I see. Personality and relationships and love. I try to edit in the way that though there may be editing, I don’t want you to think about your photo being edited.

If you would have never seen the “before” picture, you would you thought I did a lot of Photoshopping to the “after” picture?

My goal is that your answer is no.

Granted, this means, sometimes my clients wonder what they have paid me for (hahaha), but in this day and age, when photos are manipulated to the point of awful distortion and lack of realism and truth, I don’t want to be a part of that.

I have thought time and again to go back to film for that very reason. It keeps you honest and makes you work hard and think better. But I also enjoy technology. I love looking at a picture right after I take it…if I need to. I like the option to take 15 pictures in 15 seconds. I am able to capture some amazing real moments when I am able to hit that shutter button numerous times in a matter of seconds. If you ask any of those who have been in front of my camera, they have heard that shutter go off a lot at times.

So I try my hardest to find the truth that film brings by thinking about the photo I’m taking while still taking advantage of technology.

I hope this brings a little more understanding to my post work and the work I do in Photoshop, or don’t do in Photoshop. (;

I am happy to talk more about things related to photography, the things I have learned about having a small business and about photography in general. I have had the opportunity to share a meal or two with a few different people to discuss anything photography related…or not related and I just ended up making a good friend! (:

Shoot me an email lori@loriwongphotography.com. Or Facebook me www.facebook.com/loriwongphotography. Or my website www.loriwongphotography.com.

I have not posted these two session on the blog yet, they are coming soon.

I am really excited for this casting call. I am looking for one senior delegate from high schools around the Las Vegas/Henderson area. You must be graduating in the Class of 2012 and be a delegate for Lori Wong Photography.

Here is some more info:

So now I bet you are wondering what the “catch” is right? And what are the bonus’? Well check this out too:

Delegates must have their photo shoot done by September 10th. Their friends must mention your name at booking to receive credit for your bonus. If your friend uses one of your delegate cards, they will also get a $25 print credit with their session.

Wondering what schools I might be talking about…

Palo Verde, Centennial, Arbor View, Cimarron, Western, Cheyenne, Bonanza, A-Tech, Canyon Springs, Durango, Foothill, Legacy, Green Valley, Shadow Ridge…on and on! (:

So this is some exciting stuff right?! I know! So as you read above, I am looking for ONE delegate from high schools around the Valley. If you are interested or know a high school senior who would be great for this (guy or gal) then email me, lori@loriwongphotography.com to apply.

Here are some shots from past senior sessions:

Email me soon, you don’t want someone else from your high school getting your cool free stuff!! And also don’t forget the deadline of September 10th!

My baby brother, Kyle (who is in no way a baby) is graduating from college!!

He is receiving a Bachelor of Science with a major in biology and minor in psychology.

I am SOO incredibly proud of him and love him a LOT.

Kyle and I were always called “the babies” of the family, so we bonded together because of the title. Okay, okay, I would throw him under the bus sometimes saying that he really was THE youngest and only he should be called the spoiled one! (; But if truth be told, I looked up to him in so many ways. When Kyle wants to do something, he finds the best way to do it, works really hard to get there, and gets it done. He is extremely talented and is hilarious. He cracks me up.

He is a pretty awesome brother.

We took a few shots for his graduation announcement.

My favorite shots.

And of course, behind every great man…is a fantastic woman. Kyle and his wife, Kristi. Aren’t they cute…barf…JUST KIDDING! hahaha! (I’m still his older sister, remember I can always tease him!!)

Love you brother! (: