Casting Call!

*** Update: Spot has been filled! Thank you all for your interest! ***


Hey all!

So, a few blogs back, I had myself a revelation, and I'd like to get the ball rolling.  Okay okay, I'm taking myself back into the portfolio building stage, of course all while still working. And no, I'm not ashamed to admit it.  Yeah, go ahead and feel sorry for me. hehe  At first, I felt sorry for myself, because its almost like starting all.over.again, but really, I am sooo excited!!

Okay, really, I have some great ideas that are collecting dust in my inspiration journal, and I think its about time to give them wings and help them fly!

So every now and then, I'll have a casting call/model opportunity. Of course you don't have to be a model, but fun and ready to shine is def a plus! 

For this particular casting call, I am looking for a brother and a sister around the ages of 5-7.  Both brother and sister will be photographed in this session.  This session will of course be a styled session, but no worries, I've got all of the main goodies, just need you to put your creative thinking cap on, and provide the wardrobe. But again, no worries, I'll be your shopping guide!

The session will take place next month, June.  I am not certain of the exact date yet, but we can discuss that later. 

Again, looking for a brother and sister around the ages of 5-7. 

(Preferably longer hair for the girls, and curly is a plus.) 

** With casting calls, in exchange for complete creative control, the session fee is waved, however the $200 minimum print order does apply and 25% off your print order thereafter. You'll also receive a complimentary 11x14 print. **

If interested, please shoot me an email at {info@dreamtree-photography.com}

Serious inquiries only, please.

Thanks so much! 

Love and Dreams,

Casey

Anchor of Love | The winner!

Thanks to all who entered and shared their beloved love stories!

Also, a special thanks to those dedicated voters! You guys rock!

The winner of the Anchor of Love styled session is...

::drum roll, please::

CONGRATS to ERIC & PATTY!

And for all the hard work, I'd like to extend a 2nd prize to the runners up! This couple missed the 1st place mark by only a few votes!

Congrats to Henry and Maria!

You have won a $50 Gift Credit to use towards your next session!

Winners, please contact me within 48 hours to claim your prize.

info@dreamtree-photography.com

Thanks again, everyone! 

Be sure to follow my blog and Facebook page for future updates, giveaways, and other announcements!

Love and Dreams, 

Casey

Once Upon a Dream | Ava & Chloe

"Having a sister is like having a best friend you can't get rid of.  You know whatever you do, they'll still be there."  

~Amy Li

Banners created by: Emma Love Boutique

Hair Accessories created by: Momma of Dos

Love and Dreams, 
Casey

Once Upon a Dream | Camila

"Good Morning, Sweetie Pie."

Love and Dreams,
Casey

Anchor of Love | Vote!

Voting has OFFICIALLY begun!

How to Vote??? 

Share the contest link with your friends and family through Facebook, email, Twitter, your own blog... wherever! ONLY ONE VOTE PER DAY! Voting will end Monday @ 10am cst!  At the end of the contest, I will review the records, and announce the winner! YAY!  

Here's the link you want to bounce around:

http://dreamtreephotography.blogspot.com/2011/05/anchor-of-love-vote.html

Ladies and Gents, I present your entries!

GOOD LUCK!

#1. Eric & Patty

" We met in High school, we had no interest in each other our only connection
was soccer, we would actually skip class sometimes and a lot of friends and I
would go to the soccer fields and play soccer. I moved schools and lost
contact with everyone.  After I graduated, I stayed in touch with mutual
friends, and January 2010 we reconnected on the amazing social page FACEBOOK.
He gave me his number and to my surprise I still had his number under "Brother
Eric".  We texted and texted, and finally met up to have ice cream, and within
weeks I fell head over heels.  We could just connect in so many ways and I had
realized this is who I needed/wanted this whole time, we wasted no time and
got married September 22, 2011/ in between our birthdays my birthday is 9/21 his
is 9/23. :) It’s not a romantic love story, but it sure does show you, you
never know who you will fall in love with :)   "

#2. David & Ana

" Where can I start with David and I? We actually have two beginnings... I guess a pre-beginning and a beginning. Our pre beginning started when I was a sophomore at Hastings and David was a senior. I had seen him around school and thought he was the cutest thing ever. But he never saw me. Until one day we were dared to kiss... we kissed… and that was the end of it... David went on to graduate ... I went on with my high school life... It wasn't until 5 years later that we got reconnected again by my awesome friend Laura. I saw David on her MySpace and I was like OMG your friends with David? And she's like yea why? I'm like I just had the biggest crush on him in high school...and she said well come to my birthday party this Saturday and I'll make sure he'll come. I didn't think much of it until that night she called me and said well aren’t you coming? I said No I can't it's too late my mom would never let me go out this late... she's said we'll he's waiting for you. I said well the only way would be if I snuck out but I can't get my car ... she's said we are on our way lol... So that night I snuck out and I re-met the man that I call my love... We have had our ups and downs ...but mostly ups ... He's the center of my world… we complete each other... We can actually have conversations without the other one saying a word ... I know him better then he knows himself and vice versa... He's is the mellow calm How's it hanging kind of guy and I'm the always on the move get out of my way kind of girl... He stops to smell the roses ... I'm in front telling him to cut the flower and lets go we have sooo much to do ... It’s funny because our dogs have that same personality Chacho is like me and Stella is like David... We've been together for the last 5 years... God only knows what he has in store for us... But as long as we hang on to him and each other... we can take on THE WORLD  ;D   "

#3. Matt & Brittany

" Matthew and I met 4 years ago as juniors in high school. We had a similar circle of friends but it was not our time. We went out separate ways but soon enough our paths crossed and here we are 7 months later and going strong. The best part about being with Matt is that he adds spice to my life. We are so very different in every way but I believe that is what makes us so compatible. I push for him to make great strides in his life and he pushes me to relax and have fun. We have our rough times but we work extremely hard in order to make things work and we strive to be as happy as possible. I move to San Antonio in August and we are going to be together long distance but we can make it, we will make it. Our love is strong and I have faith in it. "

 #4. Henry & Maria

" Henry and I met my sophomore year in high school, September 2002. He was the
new kid and I was the over friendly person that had to get to know everyone.
 I pretty much invaded his person bubble and made him be my friend. We
quickly became best friends. I am just lucky to be able to call my husband
my best friend. After 6 years of fun, tears, love, hate and more love we got
married, and April 18th, 2008 was one of the 3 best days of my life. In our
case opposites *definitely *attract we were each other’s missing puzzle
pieces. I know what he needs to keep going everyday and he knows me better
than I know myself.  It’s been almost 9 years since I met my love and each
day I fall deeper in love with him. With God on our side we know that
together we can face anything. Not a day goes by that I am not wishing I was
in my Sailors arms where I belong. However, duty calls. "

#5. Charles & Lindessley Brown

" Well me and my hubby were in a computer class together in the 9th grd. he sat a person away from me. We really didn't talk but he was my hero when my computer would freeze in our computer class. We saw each other in the halls throughout our high school years but we never really clicked, sparked... until... One day 3 yrs later I was crossing the cafeteria and he was going the opposite way... Don't ask me how or why, but it was very different. We saw each other and said hi, did the typical Hispanic thing gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek, and bam. You know how they say you feel butterflies in your stomach, goose bumps on your arms and just it was pretty hard to let go. It was incredible. But as weird as it was, we said good bye and walked off. So the last time we had really talked was in the ninth grade, and had seen each other in a high school of thousands of kids, not to mention we hadn't talked in three years. I couldn't get him off my mind, but here's the worst part I couldn't remember his name. gosh! I thought of our mutual friends that might know him but no one knew who I was talking about. So, eventually when I had lost all hope of seeing this mystery guy that gave me goosebumps, I get put on the spot in my government class. You and that guy are going out he says I'm like no I have no guy I don't know who you're talking about and his like d, I saw y'all in the cafeteria, and still confused neglected and said stop playing. and finally, the light bulb clicked on my head, and said, what you know him, whats his name again. wow, I felt hope was in the right place again. I was like can you give him my number, please. I got a better out come I got a visit from him the next day :) and he swept me off my feet literally. we have been together 6 years and a daughter later still much in love. I thank God, who would have thought a person who just come to my rescue for a computer freezing would in a later time become my prince charming. so that's my story. "

#6. Aaron & Mary

" Aaron and I were introduced by a mutual friend. He went to High School with
her and I went to Business College with her. The first week of school she
(Angie) she asked me to come to a party with her so I could meet her friend.
"You guys sound exactly alike when you talk. You like the same music, watch
the same movies, say the same things - it's weird!!" At first I didn't want
to meet him. I had just moved to that city for school and still had a
boyfriend "back home". So I passed... Well, after me and the BF called it
quits a few months later she asked again... I agreed.
It was January 1995 and there was a blizzard (central Ohio will do that to
ya!) but we still made plans to go out. As it turned out we had a LOT of
things in common - starting with our friend, Angie, and ending with our last
names! Mine was Stevens and his is Stephens. Nifty! We ended up spending the
entire weekend together and have been together ever since. There have been
times when I have been soooo mad at him, but I still loved him right through
it. I know I have made him crazy as well. It's like they say - "all's fair
in love and war"!
He has been my best friend when even I couldn't be a friend to myself, he
has always supported me in whatever crazy thing I wanted to do (most
recently by sending me to school so I can live my dream of photography), and
he has always been honest with me even when I didn't like it. If the truth
hurts, do something different! I love that we have inside jokes, and that we
remember the same things so completely differently. His surprises and off
the wall comments are always unexpected and AWESOME!

As you can see by the pic we need some help! I may be a photographer, but it
sucks to set the timer and run into the scene and try to look natural. The
only pics we have of ourselves as a couple are either from our wedding or
were taken as a snap at whatever random event we were attending. A nice
portrait session would be a good thing ESPECIALLY seeing as how we have both
lost some weight and no longer wear glasses... THINGS HAVE CHANGED! LoL!

Anyway, I wish I had time to write a more sappy lovey dovey story about us -
I'm sure there's one in there somewhere, but this will hafta suffice. He
knows I love him and that's what's important! <3 <3 "

 Thank you all for entering! I wish you the best of luck!

Love and Dreams,
Casey

Once Upon a Dream | Muckelroy Family

Carry laughter with you wherever you go.  ~Hugh Sidey

Love and Dreams, 

Casey

New! New! New!

Alrighty, guys.  If you've stayed with me for a while, you know that I am continuously evolving.  It seems like every other 3 months are so, I am making major changes to DreamTree. And although, its kinda stressful on my end, as an creative being, I think its necessary, especially when just starting out, like myself. 

I've been in business for almost a year and a half now, and I feel like I just started... like, yesterday.  There's always something new to learn in the gigantic world of photography, and each time I learn something new, its almost a set back in a sense, because its just one more thing I need to learn in order to progress.

This job isn't easy, and to be honest, all other jobs I've had before this were way easier.  Its hard being your own boss, because there isn't as much structure as one would think.  When you work for someone else, you have people hired to create ideas, put those ideas into place, and execute them flawlessly.  I, on the other hand, am a one man band, and all of these duties (plus others) are left to me, and only me.  And to be honest, I'm one of those where if I don't do something myself, I don't like how its done. (horrible, I know).  So with that being said, its been a slow start for me.  Possibly slower than others, because I have this "perfection" mindset, and I won't settle for anything less. So it is a constant trial and error for me.

I am incredibly blessed to have a few photographer friends who are willing to take time out of their busy and hectic schedule to sit down with me, to mentor, coach, and guide me.  Being a photographer isn't just about talent.  Its much more than that, and to run a photography business, talent will only take you so far, and this I've learned first hand, but am thankful to those who have helped push me out of that rut. (and I'm sure there will be more to come)

I've spent many many many nights flipping through magazines, websites, and gazing at other photographer's work, and its just completely overwhelming.  I love all aspects of photography, and I love this style more than that style, but I have to ask myself, "Is that MY style?"  I want people to look at my work and see ME, not just a good image that's abiding by the rule of thirds, or is perfectly exposed.  That's just boring. For instance, I've always been taught that the sun is your enemy, but I soon came to find out, its my BFF!  I will chase after some good light, and in that light is where I found my "signature"; my sun flares. I MUST have at least ONE sun flare shot in all of my sets. Its a must, and this image tends to be a favorite, which of course gives me warm fuzzies, because I know that image was produced by my own personal inspiration, and not by what the books say of what's right and what's wrong.

I've tried different approaches to my style and to my "visions", and I always come back to that one particular style that gives me butterflies.  I look at my work now, and I don't see consistency, and it drives me mad.  Now, don't get me wrong, each sessions I've had the pleasure of shooting has been memorable, and each has left a foot print on my heart, but I want to take it further.  I want to push my own boundaries, and see where I and my work end up.

So after all that mumjo jumbo talk, the work of my own personal style will begin to evolve.  And you'll begin to see me, in my images more so than you have already.  All that inspires me will convey into each session, and honestly, I think it'll be a good run!  

This style won't be for everyone, as everyone has their own individual style, and what they're looking for in a portrait session, I might not be able to provide.  And that's okay.  Promise, my feelings won't get hurt if you choose to go with another photographer.  I believe there is a photographer out there for everyone.  

So from now until my next "change", I will no longer be photographing weddings or events.  So far, that's about it.  I wanna take a go at more children photography, couples photography, singles, maternity, newborn, and boudoir.

A few of my fave inspirational links:

http://www.etsy.com/ 

(I subscribe to their daily emails. It's an addiction)

http://www.FreePeople.com

http://www.forever21.com/htg81/girls.asp
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/index.jsp

http://www.shopruche.com/

Those are only a few... I have a zillion others!  Love looking through DIY magazines, too!

I have loads of ideas that I am just waiting to implement into my sessions, only thing is, I need full reign over the show, and usually when this happens, these sessions are by far everyone's favorites, including mine. And if you think about it, it doesn't take away from your personality, because, well, that's why you hired me in the first place, because of the particular creative style.

A lot of these ideas will be used in the upcoming Beach Mini's!  For more info on those, follow the link, below!

http://dreamtreephotography.blogspot.com/2011/05/beach-minis-mini-sessions.html

And as always, I thank you guys so so so much for your love and continued support! 

Love and Dreams,
Casey

Anchor of Love | Session Giveaway

 Yay! 500 has come! Thank you, guys!!

So, I won't keep you guessing any longer, here is the contest and the contest rules...

This contest is for COUPLES! Yes, all of you love birds! <3

You can nominate your parents, your friends, your aunt and uncle, your cousin and beau, or heck, even yourselves! But please make sure you have the proper permission.

Submit a picture and short story of how you met, what makes you two click, and you know... all that good stuff! However, keep in mind these stories will be posted here on the blog as this is where your friends and family will be voting.

Contest begins today, Friday 13, 2011 and ends Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 1pm.

Voting will begin Wednesday at 2pm!

Submit your entry to:

info@dreamtree-photography.com

Please only ONE submission per person/couple.

Okay, okay, you're waiting to here the prize, right? Of course!

The prize will be a 1 hour session with yours truly!  This will be a themed session, and trust me, its a good one!  The session will take place September 4, 2011, so make sure you're available that date.

So, here's how to vote:

All entries will be posted, here on the blog, in the order which they are received.  I will post your image as well as your story along with a number assigned to your entry.  Share the contest link with your friends and family through Facebook, email, Twitter, your own blog... wherever! The voting bank will be available at the very bottom of the post! Simply click and vote!

oh! 

Ps. For a hint at the theme, refer back to the title of this blog post.

Good luck! I look forward to seeing and reading each entry!

Love and Dreams,
Casey

Beach Mini's! | Mini Sessions

I'm proud to announce DreamTree's first-time BEACH MINI'S!  These aren't going to be your average white shirts, jeans, smile and pose beach sessions.  But rather, I've got just about a little over a zillion ideas I am dying to implement into these sessions!  All of which are customized and inspired from any and all things vintage and shabby chic! I can honestly say, this time, I wish I were the subject, and not the photographer!

As you can see, these sessions will be held in early September.  Why so late?  Well, my lovely sister will be graduating from Marine's basic training in mid-July, and I will be out of town for 2 weeks, and then back out of town in August.  Plus, I want to make sure I have all elements and details ready as a lot of these props will be hand-made, and I will have to hunt them down.  Plus, it'll be a lot cooler then, so you're not having to swipe away sweat beads the entire time. Plus, we'll have more time to work together into perfecting your individual session!

There is a limited amount of session available, thus the $99 is due at the time of booking in order to reserve your session slot. Each slot is based on a first come, first serve basis.

Refer a friend, and you both get a FREE set of wallets valued at $29!

Should you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to contact me! 

I look forward to working with each and every one of you! 

Can't wait!

Click image to enlarge.

Love and Dreams, 

Casey