• are you a professional photographer who is ready to take your business to the next level!  join me and my friend michael, from the carrs photography, for a three day workshop in the tennessee mountains!  click here for all the details and use coupon code "early" to save $200 off your tuition until 12/31 at midnight!
   
• are you a small business owner or direct sales consultant who wants to learn how to take better photos of your products?!  i'd love to help you!  join me for a FREE five week e-course delivered straight to your inbox!  click here to sign-up!
   
• if you're in southern ohio and want to learn how to rock that big girl camera, i'd love to help you!  click here to learn more about my three hour beginner and intermediate photography classes!  ready for a bigger challenge?  click here and join me for a ten week mentoring course!  use coupon code "savemeaseat10" to save 10% off all class tuitions until 01/01 at midnight!

• must be 18 or older
• you gotta own (or borrow) a DSLR (otherwise known as a "big girl camera")
• be willing to be an active participant in class and facebook discussions
• possess a willingness to challenge yourself
   

One of my very favorite things to do is share my passion for photography.  I find great joy in helping mammas (and dad's too) master their Big Girl Camera and become more confident in their photography!  After earning a Master's in Art Education and spending ten years in the classroom, I'm confident that I can teach YOU to take better photos too!

Throughout the year, I teach lots of photography workshops and retreats.  My most popular class is a ten week mentoring workshop (click here to check that out).  But I know that not everyone has the time to invest in a long class.  So, once a year, I offer three hour mini-courses to help you get started!  And guess what?!  That time is now!!!!

Immerse Photography is thrilled to offer two different, one day photography workshops in 2015!  One class is strictly for beginners and is affectionately called, "Dear Camera, You're Not the Boss of Me!"  If you always leave your camera on the automatic setting and have NO IDEA what all those fancy buttons do, THIS is the class for you!

The second workshop, "Beyond the Basics," is a little more advanced and will push you to challenge yourself!  I would suggest this workshop for those who have taken my first class, are ready to challenge themselves, or are considering starting a photography journey.  We'll explore the aperture and shutter priority modes, reading your light meter, shooting in manual mode and other photography essentials.

Click on the photos above for more details!  Here are the class requirements:

• must be 18 or older
• you gotta own (or borrow) a DSLR (otherwise known as a "big girl camera")
• be willing to be an active participant in class
• possess a willingness to challenge yourself

You may register for one or both classes, but please know that due to the hands-on nature, I'm limiting each class to 12 participants.  So don't wait to register!!!  I only offer these classes once a year, so once they're sold out, that's it!  Check out the details, share it with your friends, and click here to claim your seat!  Plus, if you register by midnight on December 1st, you can save $25 by using code "savemeaseat25" at check-out!

I can't wait to hang out with you and have some fun!

xoxo,  
Cyrissa

PS - Still unsure?  Click here to check out my beginning photography YouTube channel!  It will help you get an idea of my teaching style and some basic info that I'll be sharing with you!

• must be 18 or older
• you gotta own (or borrow) a DSLR (otherwise known as a "big girl camera")
• be willing to be an active participant in class and online discussions
• possess a willingness to challenge yourself
   

You see, for many of us dancers, we only feel alive when we’re dancing.  That’s why I’m BEYOND thrilled to announce an exclusive mini-session event, JUST for dancers!!!

As a trained dancer myself, I absolutely love photographing other movers and shakers!  I understand how a dancer thinks, I know good lines, and I know exactly what your technique should be.  So this event is a true collaboration between dancer and photographer!

Seriously.  This is going to be magical!

On the evening of July17th, I’ll be photographing dancers at a gorgeous Ohio castle, approximately one hour from Dayton and Cinci respectively.  Due to the exclusive nature of this event, there is only room for six dancers. 

Here’s how it will work: each dancer will get 25 minutes in front of my camera.  In order to make the best use of our short time together, before our session, I’ll send you a “homework assignment” that will quickly help me draw out your strengths and get a sense of your dance style.  During our session, I’ll coach you through the photography experience; making sure to modify and choreograph your movement so that you look your absolute best on camera!  After our session, I’ll spend several hours editing and making each dancer’s images look gorgeous before you preview them at my loft studio in downtown Miamisburg.

Here are the essential details you need to know: each 25 minute mini session is $150 and $50 non-refundable retainer fee is required to reserve your session (making your payment the day of the session only $100).  

Each dancer will have a final viewing gallery of approximately 15 edited images from which to choose.  Mini sessions come with three digital files and a print release for those three images.  You will, of course, have the option to invest in canvas, prints, books and additional digital files during your ordering session.

i have this silly little app on my phone.  and every day, it gives me a snapshot of my life.  my journey.  every morning, i'm greeted with my social media posts and pictures on this date one year ago, two years ago... all the way up to five years ago.  normally, it's pictures of my kids and hubby or the crazy adventures we've had, but this month it's been different.  this month i've been able to see exactly how far this journey has taken our family.

two and a half years ago, i had a hysterectomy and faced some of the most difficult challenges of my life.  during that long recovery, i had a lot of time to sit and think.  it was in those quiet afternoons that i feel God laid immerse photography on my heart.  it began as a small little dream, just my husband and i brainstorming and thinking of what could be, but has turned into so much more.

i have been an elementary art teacher in centerville for the last ten years.  so in our original vision, we imagined me shooting during the summers and teaching during the school year. it was a perfect fit!  but as we soon saw, there were other plans for our future.  

soon, i was balancing being a wife, a mom, a full time teacher, a Bible study leader, friend.... and all the while running a small business.  i loved it, but the 70 hour weeks and extreme lack of sleep was hard on our family.

so we began to dream.

my life snapshot, thanks to that app, from two years ago this week looks like this: i was shooting my first ever mini-sessions.  i was just about to share my facebook page.  my logo was being designed.  my website was being built.  and i was quickly discovering that, despite my substantial camera knowledge, i still had SO MUCH to learn about photography and running a small business!

now, here we are two years later and life is completely different.

i recently turned in my letter of resignation to the school board and will now be a wife, mommy and photographer full time.  my facebook page is just a few people shy of 1000 fans.  i'm rebranding, and my new logo will reflect me in so many ways!  my website had has thousands of visitors and is about to be redesigned.  instead of working out of my home, i've opened a small loft studio in downtown miamisburg.  i've traded teaching my beloved elementary school digital photography club for teaching workshops, mentoring other new photographers, and hosting shoot-outs.  and still, i'm well aware, i have so much to learn about photography.

really.  when i sit and take it all in, it's just overwhelming.

i cannot even begin to express my gratitude towards all of you.  ALL of you.  my family.  my friends.  my colleagues.  my facebook followers.... i'm in tears as i type this.  you crazy people have believed in me.  you've allowed me into your lives and enabled me to share my art with you.  you've celebrated milestones with me.  you've cheered me on.  you've done ridiculous things in front of my camera all for the sake of art.  you've shared your knowledge with me.  you, who are closest to me, have waited patiently while i was so busy working that i didn't have time to stop and ask how you were doing.  and you've still loved me.  you just have no idea how much i adore you.

ADORE. YOU.

thank you.  thanks for believing in me and enabling immerse photography to become more than just a dream for my family.  YOU are a blessing to us!  as a thank you, i would love to bless you!  i will be giving away a $100 gift certificate to one lucky immerse fan!  check out facebook (www.facebook.com/immersephotography) and instagram (follow: immersephotography) for all the details!

as always, thanks for joining me on this journey... i'm so blessed by your company!
xoxo,
cyrissa

 

• must be 18 or older
• you gotta own (or borrow) a DSLR (otherwise known as a "big girl camera")
• be willing to be an active participant in class and online discussions
• possess a willingness to challenge yourself

i love photography!  i love families, i love babies, i love weddings, i love workshops - i love it all!  but... if i could only spend all day every day doing one type of photography, it would be dance photography. 

THIS is my happy place.

while earning dual art and dance degrees, i spent a lot of time in the studio photographing my dancer friends. i absolutely LOVE the collaboration between photographer and dancer and enjoy the organic process of creating a breathtaking image!

i love movement. i love ambiguity. i love reckless abandon.

i. love. this.

on may 12th, i will be kicking off my senior model campaign and looking for class of 2015 dancers!  check out the exclusive model perks!  and be sure to click on the flyer to see it full screen!

if you (or a dancer you know and love) would love to represent immerse photography for the 2014-2015 school year, please click here to fill out an application.  side note: applications must be completed on a computer and not a cell phone.  applications will be accepted until midnight on june 8th.  potential models will be notified and invited for an interview by the second week of june.

i am so excited to start this journey!  will you join me?

follow me on instagram: immersephotography
stay up to date on important details on facebook: www.immersephotography.com/immersephotography

for those of you who have graced my camera, i adore you! for those yet to come, i cannot wait to create with you! send me a message and let's start the journey!

xoxo,
cyrissa

ps - mom's and dad's, you're an important part of the process too!  the dancer (with the help from YOU) who refers the most friends to immerse photography will win a free family session in november!  when was the last time you had family portraits?!  let's make that happen!  who do you know that needs senior portraits?  send them my way!

This Spring, I'll be offering 60 minute custom family sessions in and around the Dayton area.  I already have an Easter event, several little ones, a handful of seniors, and my annual charity event on the books.... which means family sessions are EXTREMELY limited!  In fact, I only have room for 12 families total in April and May!  Eeeeeekkkk!!!

Earlier this weekend, I gave current clients and early inquiries first pick of the reservations, so at this moment, there are only SIX sessions remaining.

 That's right.  SIX.  

The sold out dates are already crossed off the list.  There are two dates with only one spot remaining, and those are indicated by a star.  I cannot stress this enough: if spring is your thing, email me at [email protected] RIGHT NOW!  These reservations are first come, first serve and I expect them to be sold out by the end of the week!!!  It would be wise to indicate your top three choices when emailing me!

Check out the flyer for more information!

xoxo,
Cyrissa

Let me just begin by saying that I adore this couple.

Adore. Them.

Brittany and Jason met in Australia while Brit was on vacation.  After a long distance relationship, she moved to the other side of the world and they were married.  Due to the distance however, their family and friends in Ohio couldn't join the party.  So they decided to have a second wedding here in the fall.  We did all our planning long distance, but the moment we met in person, I knew we were going to have an incredible time!  They offered to buy me Starbucks, they told me " we just want you to be creative!" and they had a fondue reception.

Let me repeat that.

They had a fondue reception.  

Seriously, people.  It can't get better than that!  Besides the fondue, as a photographer and artist, it is so freeing to have clients who trust me and the creative process.  While there were certainly some "must have" shots that they wanted from the day, Brittany and Jason were more concerned with the little moments that would tell the story of their day.  And they trusted me to make that happen for them.  As an artist, that was incredibly inspiring and motivating!

The day began at Brittany's mom's house as the bridesmaids had their hair and make-up done... and perhaps sang a few Whitney Houston songs.  Loudly.  And with hairbrush microphones.  And perhaps a little drama.  But just a little.

Despite the thunder and drizzle, we found an amazing spot for pictures right across the street.  The fall colors and lush green lawn were perfect backdrops for the girls dresses!  I loved how beautifully all their dresses coordinated!  While they intentionally weren't the same style, the colors blended together beautifully!  I loved all the varying hues of champagne and blush!

While the ladies were getting ready at home, Jason and his guys were getting themselves ready at the church.  Brittany's grandfather had a room dedicated to his memory, and that's exactly where the guys were taken to get ready!  I love the little hug between Jason and his mom.... can't you just feel that moment?!

One of the things I loved about their wedding was their family.  Everyone seemed to be involved in some way!  Brittany's sister and brother in law played music during the reception.  Her cousins did readings during the ceremony.  And they ALL had a great time together at the reception.... you'll see that for yourself!

When we arrived at the Patterson House for their reception, we spent a few minutes taking photographs on the grounds.  Brittany, Jason and their bridal party were such willing (and photogenic) models!  At one point I laid down on the ground to get a picture of the bridal party jumping in mid-air.  

Well.... I got the shot... but had also inadvertently laid down in a pile of dog poop.  Yes.  You read that correctly.  Just take a moment to imagine my reaction.  Yup.  Awe.some.  Thankful that my assistant Kimmy was there to help me clean-up the mess and that Brittany and Jason were willing to laugh it off with us!

Once all the formal and group shots were done, I spent a few minutes just focusing on Brittany and Jason.  I loved the way they looked at each other.  You could see in their eyes that they simply adored each other!  All those little tender moments just took my breath away....

After entering the reception in style, the bridal party took their seats for the food and festivities!  We heard a personal toast from Heather and Jason's brother translated several Aussie phrases for the crowd.  Oh how I wish I could remember some of them now - EVERYONE was laughing!

Do you remember me mentioning their family?  Here they are.  Almost all of them.  While it took a VERY helpful DJ, a microphone, and me standing on a chair to make this group shot happen, I think it's fair to say they were all happy to be part of the fun!

Before the night dissolved into dancing, we enjoyed the cake cutting and the couple's first dance.  Can I just take a moment to tell you about their cake?  Because it was amazing.  Ah.ma.zing.  I'm not exactly sure what was...  but there was some sort of maple syrup or maple drizzle or something else yummy..... and it's possible I smuggled a piece home for my kids!  It was that good.  

Seriously.  You should have a maple syrup wedding cake too.  Everyone will love you.

After the main events were finished, their wedding guests hit the dance floor and spent the rest of the night having a great time together!  There was at least one conga line, a pair of split pants, and lots of laughter through it all!

Brittany and Jason, thank you SO MUCH for allowing me to be a part of your special day!  While I'm heartbroken that you live so far away, I count myself blessed to be able to call you both friends!  I wish you so many blessings in the years to come and I cannot wait to see you when you come home!

xoxo....

My perfectionistic heart is forever tempted to push for more.  More achievements.  More to do.  More ideas.  More, more, more.  It is hard to allow myself to be still and simply enjoy the moment that is now.  In fact, I will go so far as to say that sometimes, I don't even know how to be still.

Through my yoga practice, I'm slowly learning that more isn't better.  It's just more.

I have been truly blessed by practicing at Ignite Yoga Studio in Centerville!  Justina and her team of instructors are absolutely amazing and radiate joy!  When I was asked to photograph their studio months ago, I jumped at the chance to work with such a talented group of women!  Now here we are, half a year later, and I call these girls my friends!  

This past weekend we celebrated the grand opening of their new studio and had an absolute blast!  

Two goal coaches from LuLu Lemon joined the party and spent an hour encouraging everyone to envision their best life.  We cleared the room, we wrote some goals, and we may all be dreaming *just a little bit* bigger than we were before!

If you're looking for an amazing yoga studio, Ignite Yoga is your new home!  I promise, you can find a class that meets you where you are - even if that's at the very beginning.  And, if you're like me, there's even a chance you'll learn to relax every once in a while.  

Click here to head over to their website and tell Justina I sent you!

xoxo!

While I was pretty wrecked about it this morning, I'm slowly beginning to see this as a blessing.  Many of you were interested in taking one of the classes to learn more about your camera, but today's date simply didn't work out in your schedule.  Now, thanks to TWO new workshops dates, everyone can join us!!!

If you were registered for today's classes, you are guaranteed a seat in the class of your choosing.  Please contact me at [email protected] ASAP to let me know which classes you'll be attending!  If you're excited about the new classes and would like to join us, you may grab your seat by clicking on this link!

Additionally, cause this girl loves a good snow day, all classes are on sale for $20 off if you register by Sunday 01/26 at midnight!!!!  Use coupon code "SNOWDAY" at checkout for your discount!  After you register for the class, be sure to share this post on facebook and encourage your friends to join you!

I'll see you in class!

xoxo,
Cyrissa

PS - Still not sure the classes are right for you?  Want more info?  Email me or check out this blog post for more details!

Oh my goodness, people!  Immerse Photography's beginner and intermediate workshops are next weekend!  Have you grabbed a few friends and registered for a class?  Not yet?  Well... why not?!  You are going to learn SO MUCH during these workshops and I promise that your photography will never be the same!

In the intermediate class, we'll be covering what all those different "modes" on your cameras do and how they affect your images.  All the tulip images were taken on the same day, with the same camera, at the same time.  The only difference was the setting that I was using!  Once you know a few little tricks your images can be just as amazing!

Click here to register for one or both of the classes!  And be sure to enter code "MYFRIENDSENTME" at check-out to save $15!  But hurry, there is only one seat left in the beginners class and only a few more in the intermediate class!

I cannot wait to hang out with you and rock your photography world!  See you in class!

Let me let you in on a secret: you can fix that.  And it's easy.

It has NOTHING to do with what kind of camera you have; after all, a computer can't write an amazing novel without an author.  Right?!  Same thing with your camera.  YOU are in charge of your photos and YOU are the boss.  Say it with me, "I am the BOSS!"  Feels good doesn't it?!

I'll be teaching you MANY more tricks at my Intro to Photography course on January 25th called, "Dear Camera, You're Not the Boss of Me!"  If you find this tutorial helpful, but sure to click and "like" Immerse Photography on Facebook and then register for either my beginner or intermediate photography course by clicking here!

First of all, here's the technical side of what's going on (I'll explain the easy stuff later).  Your camera always tries to balance the amount of black, white, and gray in your pictures.  When it sees a lot of snow, it assumes your scene is really bright and tries to darken it for you.  Well, what your camera doesn't know is that you WANT your picture to look bright and white!  So we have to be the boss of our camera in this situation and tell it what to do!  We have to tell our cameras, "Hey, I want my picture to be bright!  Work with me!"  So we're going to overexpose our images by changing just a few little settings.

Some cameras have a "snow" scene (check out your manual or google it).  If you've got one of those snow modes, use it!  If not, look for the over/under expose button on your camera. Move the "exposure" until it reads +2 (see pix).  Now take a picture.  Just right?  Great!  Have fun!  Too bright?  Lower the exposure to +1.  Keep taking test pictures until your snow looks white AND your colors don't look washed out.  Once you have found the perfect exposure, you're good to go!

Just be sure to use that wrist strap so you don't drop your camera in the snow.  Because sometimes your kids will run into you while they're sledding.  And then you'll drop your camera.  And then you'll cry.  I'm not saying that I've done it... this is all just completely true hypothetically speaking.

Check out these shots to see some examples.  I took the dark pictures with my big girl camera set on auto.  WAY too dark!  To make my white look right, I turned my camera to aperture priority mode and over exposed by +1.7 to get the brighter image.  (You can also do this in manual and shutter priority modes - check your manual for more info).  Please know that all of these images are straight out of camera and have NOT been edited in any way.

This is not smoke and mirrors people!  It actually works and YOU can do it too!

One very important thing to remember: turn your exposure back to 0 when you're finished! otherwise the next time you use your camera EVERYTHING will be overexposed!

Good luck and have fun with your new skills!  If you found this tutorial insightful, please SHARE the link on your Facebook page and tell your friends!  Also, I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to see some before and after shots of your snow photos!  Email them to me at [email protected] and earn $10 off your workshop tuition!  See you in class!

xoxo,
Cyrissa

PS - there are only 12 of 24 seats left in the workshops.... so don't wait to register!

And guess what?!  It is now time to bring that workshop to YOU!  Whoooooo hoooooo!!!!

Immerse Photography is thrilled to offer two digital photography workshops in 2014!  One class is strictly for beginners and is, entitled "Dear Camera, You're Not the Boss of Me!"  If you always leave your camera on the automatic setting and have NO IDEA what all those fancy buttons do, THIS is the class for you!

The second workshop, "Beyond the Basics," is a little more advanced and will push you to challenge yourself!  I would suggest this workshop for those who have taken my first class, are ready to challenge themselves, or are considering starting a photography journey.  We'll explore the aperture and shutter priority modes, reading your light meter, shooting in manual mode and other photography essentials.  Please note: this class is strictly about photography technique.  It is NOT intended to be a "how to start a photography business" workshop.  Chat with me if you have questions!  

Classes will be offered in February and March of 2014.  You may register for one or both classes, but please know that due to the hands-on nature, I'm limiting each class to 10 participants.  So don't wait to register!!!  Check out the details, share it with your friends, and reserve your spot.  Click here to claim your seat in class!

I can't wait to hang out with you and have some fun!

xoxo,  
Cyrissa

PS - Still unsure if these classes are for you?  Check out these other blog posts to see what kinds of information I'll be sharing and just how dramatically a few changes can make in your photography!