Name:

Karen Michael CPP

Studio: EZ Memories Photography

Site: www.ezmemories.com

How long have you been a photographer:

13 Years professionally, but I received my first camera at age 7

Camera that you use:

Nikon D300

Your favorite lens:

50 mm 1.4

Fisheye

Your favorite photography website:

I don’t have one favorite web site. I love to just browse Google and Facebook to find obscure photographers that are not on the teaching circuit. I have found many extremely artistic photographers that way.

What advice would you five the first time buyer of Forbeyon albums?

I would suggest that they order their albums using the on-line ordering method. It is extremely easy to use. Also, the customer service is outstanding!! I feel as though when I call Forbeyon, I am speaking to a friend. Whenever I have an issue or a problem, they ALWAYS help me out!!

How do Forbeyon albums compare to others you've seen or used?

In the past we have had to send numerous albums back to the companies due to mistakes made and images lifting off the page. We have never had a problem with Forbeyon’s workmanship.

What inspired you to use Forbeyon?

We were lucky enough to find Forbeyon at the PPA Nationals about 5-6 years ago. We took a coupon to receive a discounted sample album and we have been hooked ever since. 75-80% of the albums that we order are from Forbeyon.

If you could create your ultimate album, what would it look like?

WOW!!! Let’s start with the location. Let’s say, Tuscany Italy, with a bride and groom that popped out of Vogue Magazine. I would love to photograph in an area that has so much beauty and history. Ok...now that the images have been created, and let me say, since this is my dream the images are absolutely to die for!! LOL. The album would be obviously from "Forbeyon" and the size would be 19x7.5 in which Forbeyon would create the layout.

As a photographer, what is your most important objective when shooting?

I love to capture the wedding day from the inside out. Meaning that, rather than making moments happen externally, I think capturing emotions and the small nuances of the day is what makes each wedding special. I love to catch natural moments during a wedding when the bride is laughing, crying or looking at her man with so much love.These are the types of images that speakto the couple for years to come.

What is your most embarrassing wedding moment?

My most embarrassing wedding moment... hummm.... I have to say, it was 12 years ago, and I haven't been able to top it yet. I was just starting out and was an photographers assistant. The main photographer, Eric, with whom still work for, had a medium format Rolliwaist level viewfinder camera. I was still using my 35mm Canon camera at that time, and had never handled a medium format camera before.

Well,right after the ceremony Ericf ell over a concrete flowerpot and had to go to thehospital for stitches. He handed me his camera and said "goodbye I'll see you later.” My thoughts were "how am I going to pull this off.”

I dug deep inside and gained an inch of confidence and thought since I understood exposures, lighting etc, the only obstacle would be the waist level viewf inder and trying to untangle myself from the many power cordsgoing from the camera to the battery packs and flash.

We got to the reception and everything is going great. But I was still waiting and hoping for my knight in shining armor, Eric, to rescue me from this perilous situation.

When it came time for the toast, and Idirected the bride and groom to obtain the "traditional" toasting shot. The cake was in front of the bride and grooms table, and I thought I was able tomaneuver the camera around the cake to get my shot. But after I took the toasting shot, I went to the lady’s room.

And it was there when I looked in the mirror and saw the power cords, battery back and my clothing covered with frosting from the wedding cake.

I wanted to stay in the ladies' room all evening, but I cleaned myself off and made my way back out into the reception. I glanced over at the cake and thought, "if I move this flower here and that flower over there, it would look so much better." So I did just that as the Maid of Honor stared me down. No one ever said anything to me, and Eric was told this story about 15 minutes ago. PS- I got a photo of the cake before this all happened. thank goodness.