Concepts Photography and Design

New Product! Super cool slideshows with music!

2011-07-13T15:32:00.000-07:00

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I just received Adobe Lightroom 3, and with it, the ability to easily create beautiful slideshows for all of you to watch, send, and post online! You can even send me your own choice of music. Here is a sample short slideshow.

The Fun Stuff:

Give me your wedding colors, or a custom background image for the slideshow!
Or go full-screen!
Add custom titles or captions!
I will upload your slideshow to my YouTube channel and you can send a link to friends all over the world!
Maximum number of slides for streaming viewers: about 30 (varies based on output file size). My sample above has 28 slides and is 8MB, for example. If you want it on YouTube, you'll probably want to keep it below that.
Maximum number of slides for viewing on your computer: I don't actually know yet!
Note: the file type is MPEG-4 which will play on many devices, but will not play on your home DVD player without using DVD-authoring software. (I'll have this option available soon, though!)

The Technical Stuff:

The slideshow size can be optimized for emailing, posting on the internet, or for best resolution.
The file format is .MP4 (MPEG-4 movie). This is compatible with Adobe Media Player, Apple Quicktime, Windows Media Player 12, and iTunes.
Note that the native file format will require DVD authoring software if you want to play it on your home DVD player.
I will very soon be offering slideshows that can play on a DVD player.

Let me know what you think in the comments, or email me!

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North Idaho Wedding Photographer: Mark & Andrea's Wedding Highlights

2011-06-11T13:17:00.000-07:00

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At the risk of repeating myself, I must say it again: this wedding rocks! I'm sure you'll agree with me once you've browsed just a sampling of the highlights from this wedding. It is SO obvious that Mark and Andrea, the dashing and beautiful bride and groom, are having so much fun on their wedding day! You cannot help but laugh out loud when you see them just outright partying!

I've had the privilege of knowing Andrea from WAY back, back in the early years when we both helped at ALACCA Bible Camp. She told me that she and Mark wanted their wedding to reflect their deep affection for coffee (as seen in the super-cute handmade wedding favors), one of the things that brought them together. :) Back in their hometown of Chicago, they became friends working together at Starbucks and going to Moody Bible Institute.

Thank you, Mark and Andrea, for letting me be there and party with your crew on this most joyous day. I am so happy for you both!

A note on navigation: click on the image below and navigate through with keyboard arrows.

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Joel & Julia's Wedding Portraits

2011-06-02T13:09:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Northern Idaho (Bonners Ferry, to be precise) served as a beautiful backdrop to a beautiful couple. Joel and Julia were about to get married in a couple weeks, and they asked that I do a wedding portrait session with them for the occasion. Julia planned to send out announcements with a photo to their friends and relatives that would not be able to be there for their ceremony.

The weather would simply not cooperate for about a week, but finally, we got together the evening of May 12th, just before their wedding that coming weekend, and ended up enjoying some rare sunshine which made for some dramatic portraits. And how we chased those sunbeams too! We took advantage of a lovely overlook that takes in all of downtown Bonners Ferry and the river with the sunset in the background. And then we ended up going to none other than Grandview Cemetery to borrow that Grand View.

Joel and Julia are obviously totally in love, as I'm sure you can see by the way they look at each other. I had such a wonderful time sneaking in pictures when they thought I wasn't taking any yet! A huge thank-you to you guys for allowing me to capture these special memories.

Please browse and comment to your hearts' desire. Click a photo to bring up a lightbox where you can click through the photos.

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Soli Deo Gloria!
To God Alone the Glory
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Sara's Senior Portraits - Fall 2010

2011-05-25T16:45:00.000-07:00

Sara's sweet personality and graciousness is readily evident in her smile. We had a very fun time trying out several locations and outfits for this series. The day was pretty chilly though, and between locations we warmed up with my car's heater on full blast!

Sara is a talented singer, and has sung in many local and regional events.

She is also the winner of the 2010 Junior Miss competition!

Thank you, Sara, for allowing me to opportunity to capture some of your personality and talents at this important milestone in your life!

Hallie and Lee Roy, Summer 2010

2011-05-25T15:34:00.000-07:00

Last summer I had the wonderful opportunity to be a second shooter at a wedding photographed by the fellow who actually did my own wedding. I ran around a lot, learned a ton, and am so glad I had the experience! A big "Thank you!" to Matt Shumate for having me along for this shoot.

I'm Back!

2011-05-25T15:13:00.003-07:00

Well, here I am again. I know it's been too long since I posted anything on my Blog page, and now that I'm back on task, there is quite a bit of catching up to do! So I will do my best to at least recap a little bit of the elapsed time and projects since my last post... nearly three years ago! :)

Dimuthu and Katie

2008-06-30T14:36:00.000-07:00

Thank you for letting me be a part of your special day! You and your family were a blast to work with! Congratulations to you both.

Soli Deo Gloria

Working on www.Conceptspd.com

2008-05-08T12:11:00.000-07:00

It has been too long since I posted much of anything on here, and I do apologize. I have been devoting so much time to the new face of Concepts Photography & Design at www.conceptspd.com. If you haven't been there yet, please check it out and leave some comments in my guest book. I would love to hear from you!!

Till then-

Soli Deo Gloria

A new step for Concepts Photography & Design!

2008-04-29T23:11:00.000-07:00

I am so excited about the launch of my new site -- here it is: www.conceptspd.com. I am still adding the finishing touches to the layout and design, and will continue to add photos to the galleries. Please give me lots of feedback by commenting on this post.

As I mentioned before, this blog will still be my blog.

Soli Deo Gloria

New News! Website luanch in 5...4...3...

2008-04-28T23:08:00.000-07:00

I will be officially launching my new website tomorrow. There may be a few kinks to work out, but I think overall it will be great. Please feel free to let me know how you like it!

This blog will continue as my functioning blog linked to my new site, and I will post all my news and latest updates here.

~Soli Deo Gloria

Mark

2008-04-21T12:40:00.000-07:00

Thanks for being such a good sport and willing to try new things, Mark!

Photo "safari"

2008-04-21T12:39:00.000-07:00

I just returned from a wonderful "working" vacation to Florida and Texas. There I enjoyed the great pleasure of photographing some awesome places and incredible people. Over the course of the next couple of days I will be posting quite a lot of new material, so please check back.

Soli Deo Gloria

Couple of cutie pies

2008-03-11T19:14:00.000-07:00

Soli Deo Gloria

Rick and Shanna

2008-02-28T22:00:00.000-08:00

Soli Deo Gloria

Cute little guy

2008-02-18T12:52:00.000-08:00

Soli Deo Gloria

YABS Hoodie designs

2008-02-13T14:28:00.000-08:00

Here are a few options for the Young Adult Bible Study hoodies. The color background is not part of the design, just an example of what it would look like on a colored hoodie.

Feel free to make suggestions by commenting on this post.

All designs are Copyright 2008 Concepts Photography & Design.

Soli Deo Gloria

Moyie River, Idaho

2008-02-04T14:37:00.000-08:00

This is a view of the Moyie River in the northernmost end of Idaho, just after the river enters the U.S. from Canada. The approaching snowstorm is just starting to kiss the top of Queen mountain in the background.

Soli Deo Gloria

Another addition

2008-01-30T20:07:00.000-08:00

Soli Deo Gloria

At long last

2008-01-30T14:56:00.000-08:00

It has been quite a busy few weeks! But here at last is at least one new addition, a combination of my design work and my photography . :)Soli Deo Gloria

Winter is nearly here!

2007-12-04T12:18:00.000-08:00

Though you might be tempted to think it is already upon us, judging by the weather in Idaho lately. About 16" of snow in 24 hours, and then sheets of rain to turn it all to slush.

Here you can see the beauty created by the storm before the rain came. I have always been awestruck at the incredible architecture of bare trees revealed by the highlighting of fresh snow.
Another gorgeous display of God's creation.

Soli Deo Gloria

Lake Louise

2007-11-16T14:54:00.000-08:00

Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. Yes, that is a glacier above the canoes.

Soli Deo Gloria

Those adoring eyes

2007-11-14T15:22:00.000-08:00

Soli Deo Gloria

Graphic Design Projects...

2007-10-30T13:19:00.000-07:00

Since I am both a photographer and a graphic designer, it is high time I posted a few graphic design projects too. Below is a sampling for your perusal. To see a larger view, just click on the image.

A couple of logos

A trifold brochure that is still in the review process

A calendar project

A half page ad appearing in July/August 2006 Log Home Design magazine

Full page, four color, full bleed ad featured in Log Home Design magazine, October 2006

Half page full bleed ad

A couple of web ads

Another trifold informational brochure

Postcard

A wedding program

I will post more as I can. As always, I really appreciate your comments!

Soli Deo Gloria

Fall is here!

2007-10-28T23:46:00.000-07:00

I have to share some of my gorgeous North Idaho mornings with you! One day was foggy and another featured a hard frost.

Soli Deo Gloria

Interiors

2007-10-13T17:03:00.000-07:00

Historic Hotels

Soli Deo Gloria

A Game With Zoe

2007-10-08T12:59:00.000-07:00

When I got to know Zoe, I discovered that though she is only three years old, she talks like she's a five- or six-year-old scholar! Here she was playing Memory with her friend Josh. Oh, the drama of the ups and downs of Memory!

Soli Deo Gloria

Corner Pocket....

2007-10-02T15:50:00.000-07:00

Soli Deo Gloria

I know, I know...

2007-09-28T22:19:00.000-07:00

...They always say you have to do things in groups of three. But I just couldn't stand it any longer! I just had to show you these two photos! They really touch me - one, a completely relaxed moment when no one is supposed to be watching, and another, the unguarded expression of a young boy who thinks he is losing big his sister.

Soli Deo Gloria

Been Gone...

2007-09-28T14:50:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have not posted in a while. My sister-in-law and I just returned from a 9-day trip to Colorado. As you can guess, I am dying to get a bunch of wonderful photos posted from the trip, but it will have to wait till I get caught up with my other projects :(. Too many photos to process! I thought that couldn't happen!

I so enjoy all of your comments and feedback! I read each one and it really inspires me. Keep them coming!

Well, check back soon and often since I plan to get more pics up just as soon as I can!

Till then --

Soli Deo Gloria

Vacation!

2007-09-28T13:06:00.000-07:00

This is one of a few incredible sunsets my family and I enjoyed on our recent vacation. (Ps. 19)

Soli Deo Gloria

Sara

Langdon and Lindsey

2007-09-10T14:18:00.000-07:00

After a brief downtime because of computer failure, here at last are some glimpses from Langdon and Lindsey's wedding on September first.

Congratulations! Thank you for letting me take part in your special day.

Soli Deo Gloria

Quest Aircraft

2007-08-22T10:42:00.000-07:00

I had the honor of attending a banquet to commemorate and celebrate the FFA certification of the new, revolutionary Kodiak airplane. To learn more about the Kodiak and its promising future, visit http://questaircraft.com/.

Soli Deo Gloria

Ian and Joy

2007-08-15T17:34:00.000-07:00

Soli Deo Gloria

Another creative project

2007-08-15T14:51:00.000-07:00

I love opportunities to explore creative possibilities with the photos I capture. Below is an expample I had a blast with. I worked on it for the "your name" assigment in the Pop Photo contest I told you about the other day, but ended up not submitting this one.

Thank you to the folks who are leaving comments on the site! I love hearing from you and appreciate your feedback!

Soli Deo Gloria

Sara

Caroline

2007-08-13T21:21:00.000-07:00

A photo of a friend of mine daydreaming. Looks like she could daydream on the cover of a magazine!
Soli Deo Gloria

Baby Thane

2007-08-13T16:54:00.000-07:00

This style had been termed "experiential" portraiture.

Soli Deo Gloria

Levi's Baby Shower

2007-08-13T12:19:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Baby Levi
Adorable cousin Joseph
Cute Thane watching the ceiling fan

Soli Deo Gloria

2007 Photographer of Year - continued

2007-08-12T19:28:00.000-07:00

Here are my submissions for the "Your Name" assignment.

Rock, scissors, paper assignment:

Doing a pedicure: newspaper, rock paperweight, manicure scissors.

Can you find the rock in this one? You got it -- diamonds!

Here is my documentary assignment. I chose the job of a logcrafter. I wish I could have submitted more than just 5 photos because the job is so varied and interesting.

Bonus assignment: take a picture of a unicorn.

Soli Deo Gloria

Popular Photography's 2007 Photographer of the Year contest

2007-08-11T14:05:00.000-07:00

My family and friends who often act as my gracious models know that I recently competed in Popular Photography & Imaging magazine's 2007 Photographer of the Year contest. Approximately 633 people entered the competition from around the world, submitting a total of almost 5,900 photos.

To qualify to be part of the contest I had to submit four photographs. Then during the competition, Pop Photo published a new assignment in the morning which the contestants had to complete and upload by the next morning. This went on for three days.

After the whole contest was completed I had to wait for a couple weeks before I found out who won. I didn't have high hopes since my pics didn't make it into their running "favorites" slideshow.

Sure enough, a great photographer from the Phillippines won the $5,000 prize and the prestigious title of "best shooter on the planet". But imagine my suprise and delight when I discovered I was one of about 35 finalists! Three of my photos were in the finalists' gallery, which works out to being among the top 2% of all the photos! I was so surprised, honored, and humbled by ranking at all since I had entered it for the experience and didn't expect anything!

To see Popular Photography's article on the results (and my name in the finalists list -- woo hoo!!), click this link: http://www.popphoto.com/popularphotographyfeatures/4360/2007-photographer-of-the-year-marc-aviles.html

I will try to get all my competition submissions uploaded soon. For now, here are the photographs I submitted for to qualify -- a landscape, action shot, product shot and a portrait.

A huge thank you to my friends and family who helped me during those hectic 3 days. Martins, you were awesome - so helpful and flexible. Shanna, you have gorgeous eyes. Ricky, your encouragement and believing in me really keeps me going. And as always:

Soli Deo Gloria

Peter & Jess

2007-08-10T18:29:00.000-07:00

Here are a few images from the wedding I shot last weekend. Enjoy!

Sean was doing such a good job smiling -- very intensely!

Poor little Lilly! This one's for you, Jerri!

Peter and Jess, you guys were a blast to work with. Thanks for including me in your special day too!

Soli Deo Gloria

Hi Everyone!

2007-08-10T18:16:00.000-07:00

Hello to family, friends and future friends! This is the spot to visit to see my photos, and to hear about events and news that comes my way. I will try to update my new blog pretty often, but since I've never had one before... this will be a learning process. Please feel free to let me know all your comments and ideas! :)

Till later,

Sara

Soli Deo Gloria