Carlsons Studio

Volunteers For Animals Fundraiser

2010-04-28T11:52:00.000-07:00

Well we just completed our second full day of photographing our fine furry friends with help from the VFA . We have successfully raised over $400 for their Spay and Neuter program and look forward to raising even more next year.
It brings us great joy and much laughter to have all of the cats and dogs(and owners) in the studio. I find it truly heartwarming how much people LOVE their animals and want to preserve their spirit in a timeless photograph.

Beach outside of Haast

2010-01-27T13:05:00.000-08:00

This was a very interesting stretch of beach just outside of a small fishing village by the name of Haast on the west coast of New Zealand. I just sort of got a feeling when we came around the corner that this place was going to be special. The sun was setting and we just felt compelled to get out of the car. What we found was quite unique. The beach went as far as the eye can see(about4 miles) filled with incredible pieces of drift wood. Some pieces as large as the small car we had been driving for several days, completely smooth and beautifully aged by the sea. At a closer look realized that the passer bys had fashioned little statue's out of some smaller pieces of drift wood. The sea was very fierce in this paticular area and a bit intimadating for me. There was plenty of evidence that it frequently reached not only the road we were traveling on but the tree's across the road in high tide.

Another especially unique feature were these completely white rocks that were strewn all over the beach. All shapes and size's being pushed ashore. We realized when we got out of the car the white rocks closest to the road had messages hand written on them from traveler's all over the world. They too had once passed through this majestic stretch of road and felt compelled to leave a piece of them selves behind. Messages to loved one's back home, well wish's to friends and family, couples on their honey moon, families traveling together. People from Japan, Germany, France, Italy, the US everywhere you looked their were messages. Some had been aged and faded from the elements some brand new. You couldn't help but leave there with some type of sense, a sense that was unique to only you, but that held great power. I feel blessed to have been able to experience such raw and life changing beauty.

Bartz Baby

2009-06-22T10:44:00.000-07:00

She has finally arrived.....at 6 lbs. 12 oz and 20.5 inches long! Maddison Grace Bartz at 10:32 am today June 22nd, 2009. All are doing well and Becky looks forward to feeling her legs any time now! Congratulations!

Bartz Baby Bump

2009-06-11T11:01:00.000-07:00

Becky, Dave and their "unborn daughter". Becky said they wanted to keep something a secret so the family is awaiting her arrival and of course her name! Dave did give us a hint that the baby will have the name Bartz . Which is the couple's last name...thanks alot Dave! The couple came in to the studio compliments of Sarah(studio manager) as a gift for Becky's shower! Very sweet couple and super excited about their soon to be bundle of joy! Being a mother already comes very natural to Becky, and Dave is ready to lend a hand (or a foot rub) when needed.

2009-06-01T11:07:00.000-07:00

Surprise!

2009-06-01T10:51:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure to photograph the Morgan Twins recently. Rhian and Cara are two vibrant, talented young women who have a great attitude and lust for life. They have appeared on American Idol and had the opprotunity to sing the National Anthem for the Buffalo Bills. Along with their singing talent they both have recently received their Bachelor's degree's and have the world in the palm of their hands. They are a lot of fun and talented to boot! Check out their website to hear some of their original music or their schedule so you can see for yourself!

New prop

2009-04-30T12:17:00.000-07:00

I was finally able to photograph my new prop today! A beautiful couch that Sarah found on Craigslist. I purchased it from a young fellow who was surprised at my elation to find such a great pattern and color. Apparently the couch had been in his family for 65 years, and naturally no one knew what to do with it given it's pallette . But lucky for me it is in great condition because Grandma kept the plastic on it and because says the young fellow "no one was allowed to sit on it". So the next time you go poking fun at someone for having plastic on their couch , you just think again!
Thanks to beautiful little Leah for making this shot so great. Once again I am honored that Mommy Julie, flys Leah all the way here from California for me to photograph her:)

YWCA Fabulous Females

2009-04-29T10:44:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure again this year of photographing the recipients of the YWCA Fabulous Females. True to form the ladies are simply a joy to have in the studio. Each with their own community projects and involvement have affected so many lives in a positive way.
I first met Peggy as a representative of Leadership Genesee and of course we all know her from her involvement in community theater. Carol was a familiar face because she has volunteered for the Crossroads House for 18 years. And Donna currently works for P.W. Minor, and chairs the Diabetes walk. All of these ladies do much more volunteer work than we all realize and with such grace and modesty. They are truly an inspiration.
If you would like to attend the Fabulous Female luncheon please click the link above.

PPSNYS 2009

2009-04-15T09:51:00.000-07:00

Kevin and I attended the state convention of the PPSNYS in Albany this month. These photo's were taken in a photo booth the evening of our banquet. Kevin is working on a portable version of the photo booth to take to weddings and events...we will keep you posted! We came home with lots of new idea's and new SOFTWARE!

2009-03-13T14:04:00.000-07:00

........And then their was Haley. Notre Dame Class of 2010 swim champ. I have seen Haley many times at the studio and heard many a story about how she excels at swimming but had never seen it for myself.Not being a swimmer myself she got a chuckle out of the fact that I didn't quite know the lingo when I asked her to do a stroke that didn't exist. Despite the fact that I stuck out like a sore thumb with my turlteneck sweater, my cardigan and my scarf, I think it was a good time! Even for someone like me with little knowledge of the sport it was clear that Haley is gifted.

LeRoy High

2009-03-12T12:30:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's that time of year again! Time to photograph the Class of 2010. I had lots of fun with Corrin my rep from LeRoy High School.(GO KNIGHTS!) We began the first of several sessions indoor only this time because it was raining buckets, as well as cats and dogs!
I have the official word that Mom(Karen) and Bob finally tied the knot. It's about time...gee I hope someone took pictures. They are a great couple and I wish them the best.
As for Corrin what incredible eye's. See for yourself.