It has been exactly 3 weeks since I wrote the words, “So, after two years of juggling both a full-time teaching career and running a business out of my home — it is clear that I have to make a few changes.” But as I was writing those words, the only major change I was announcing was a new studio space. I published the post Tuesday morning and left for school like any other morning. It was a normal day. Back to back photo classes, lunch with my department, and graphics arts at the end of the day… until I received a hand written note from my principal around 3:20pm. My heart sunk, my stomach was in my throat, and I knew I was not winning any sort of award. I gathered up my things, changed clothes (I had my last graduate painting class at 5pm) and tried to breathe calmly as I headed to the main office.

I was greeted by an unfamiliar face who was not wearing a Lee-Davis High School lanyard — and the worst case scenario began to unfold…again….

“I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but, you will not be receiving a contract for this next school year”

Again? Really, this was happening again? I’ve been here before – this can’t be happening. Are you serious? I don’t have a position, again? Are you sure you have the right person?

And…. it has NOTHING to do with my performance, NOTHING to do with all the evaluations and observations? NOTHING to do with how much my students have achieved or accomplished? I could be the best teacher or the worst teacher, and yet, that’s not even being considered at this moment. I am only a number. I am the last full-time Fine Arts teacher in all of  Hanover County, and therefore, I am the one who will be eliminated. Mind you, I am not a first year teacher. I’m tenured. This is my 4th year teaching…

Deja Vu. Here we go again.

It’s been a difficult, and emotional, 3 weeks. It is clear that I will be making several changes — although slightly different from what I anticipated several weeks ago. I am happy to report that my studio space IS coming along! Scraping, sanding, and painting can do wonders when you need to relieve some stress. There are newly painted walls, new lighting, and I received the call today that the furniture will be delivered by the end of the week. I still have curtains to make and plenty of decorating to do! But I am SO excited to see the space become my own and  I can’t wait to start meeting there with all of you! I am hoping that by July 1st – I will be settled in and I will be sure to post LOTS of pictures!!! I would tell you where my studio is — BUT — I don’t want you to see it before it’s complete. I just need a few more weeks!!!

I am planning to continue to teach. I am not ready to let go of that career or part of my life. I’m not sure where… or what, exactly… but that is still part of my plan to teach. I will certainly be investing heavily in my business throughout this year. As many of you know, this is exactly why I have my own business, and perhaps it’s time to see just what it can do for me… it is the most reliable income I have at the present time. I am immensely grateful to everyone who has supported me in this business venture, and those who continue to speak so highly of my work and their experiences with me. I have loved being apart of my client’s lives, and would not be here without each of them. I am optimistic about this year. There is a lot of freedom that comes with change, even when it’s not your decision. So, I am really looking forward to having the Summer to shoot, shoot, shoot!

If you feel inclined, please continue to tell your friends, your neighbors, tell your family about M. Chase Narrative Photography. I want to continue to share my gift with others. I want to continue to create beautiful images of people and the ones they love. I believe I was cautious last year when I was booking sessions in the Fall, because I was trying to balance my school schedule. This year, I don’t think I’ll be as cautious — so, if you’re thinking about a family session, engagement session or senior session for late Summer and into this Fall — I’m excited to meet with you and get it on the calendar!! Let’s do this thing!

I got so caught up in all of this that I never got to share with you my graduate painting final piece.

Here it is…. something COMPLETELY different than I’ve ever created… but I’m rather pleased with it.

This is a 35mm negative that has been scanned and printed through an industrial size printer. THEN, because it was a painting class… I painted out the background and did a few washes on her face. I then hand-stitched and embroidered on the collar — those are french knots in there and all those black lines are stitches… lots and lots of stitches. I decided to machine-stitch the background. Finally, I added more paint in her hair and around the edges to finish it off.

Texture on top of texture on top of texture – what’s not to love? She may have lost some glamour in the process, but she has certainly gained experience and wisdom. Perhaps, it was a bit of a self-portrait after all.

Here is what the image looked like originally — which I still LOVE. 35mm black and white!

I think that about catches everyone up — and although this THIRD year is business is starting a bit differently than planned, I still think it is going to be the best year yet!!!

Megan [Senior 2012]

Megan, her family, and fun-loving boyfriend, Will,  and I got together last week and met downtown on the James River — and it felt just like SUMMER! Several times during her session, we joked about having to go to school the next day because.. really.. are we done yet? Megan will be graduating in just a handful of weeks, and it’s safe to say that both students and teachers are all counting down!  The humidity hasn’t hit, yet, and I am loving this late Spring and early Summer weather.  I must say that Megan has a wonderful support system around her — and I loved meeting her entourage. Thank you Will — you were a fabulous assistant, juggling a few of my lenses and providing the entertainment behind the scenes! Megan is one of my photography students and I am really going to miss having her in my class — another well-rounded young lady taking on AP classes and components on the soccer fields with a great head on her shoulders. I know she will be accomplishing great things as she continues her education at VCU. I am so glad we could squeeze in your Senior Session just in time!!! That’s a wrap on 2012 Seniors!

Enjoy your preview Megan — I loved shooting with you! I’ll have your FILM images soon!

A few black and white favorites — Megan, you are such a classic beauty!

Texture city – how fun!

The light loves you!!!

Every Saturday is BOOKED between NOW and the end of JUNE. Please send me an email about booking your Senior Session this SUMMER so we can make plans and get your date on the calendar!!! mchasephoto@comcast.net

(according to my very fancy business license)

WOW — Two years in business!!! Wo-hoo!! It’s so wild. I never set out to be business owner, actually, it was never on my radar AT ALL. Many of you know my story — and if you don’t — I won’t repeat myself, but you can read all about how M. Chase Narratives came about HERE.

 I’m really happy with this business venture and I really feel like I’m beginning to make it what I envision it to be. To be completely honest, two years ago I just threw myself into it. There wasn’t time to think about branding, marketing, or equipment. It was “use what ya got and make it happen” However, with time and perspective, I now have opinions on all fronts of my business. I am really happy to make steps to make those ideas and goals achievable. I have BIG dreams for where my business could take me, and I’m certainly open to seeing where this may lead me. However,  like I’ve said before, this business is only a small component of who I am as a an artist and as I person. Where I am as an artist and a person may take me elsewhere than my business, or maybe they will all stay intertwined and connected. It’s too early to say — but it has been an exciting two years of business so far!

So, after two years of juggling both a full-time teaching career and running a business out of my home — it is clear that I have to make a few changes. I am fortunate to be teaching at a local high school in a photography and fine arts classroom. This is part of my life that is also really important to me — I am a teacher at heart, and it takes A LOT of planning to pull off the expectations I have for myself to serve my students. On the other hand,  I am also thrilled to be booking sessions and meeting AMAZING people through my business. I get to build memories for wonderful people and give them moments they might never have otherwise. This, too, has been a very joyful experience. It’s important to me to keep balance between these two careers and creative outlets, because they both require a lot of time and attention.

So as I enter another year of business it going to be vital that M. Chase Narrative Photography become more of what I envision it to be — so it functions better in my life and for my clients and so we’re moving forward in a BIG WAY!

I am SO EXCITED TO SHARE WITH YOU that…….

M. Chase Narrative Photography will officially have a STUDIO SPACE!!!

This space with be your first impression of my photographic style, the images I love, and the feeling I want you to have — not just on a website, but in person!

YES!!! I will no longer try to squeeze you and your family around a small Starbucks table, or loose internet connect because we’re at Panera during peak hours… those days are gone!!

I will now invite you to my personalized space where no one will be eyeing us for the table!!!

I have worked all weekend sanding, scraping, and painting… there is a lot to be done before it’s complete, but I am so excited to have this small space to make my own. It’s needed. I have an office at home that functions beautifully, and I have a studio in my house for all my art making (but let’s me honest, I don’t clean enough for company!!!) So, I am so excited to share a space with my clients that will be a reflection of myself.

I just need a few more weeks to finish getting it together – but as soon as I do – there will be plenty of pictures and I would LOVE to meet you there!!!

I feel strongly that this THIRD year in business is going to be the best yet!!! I can’t wait!!

]]> http://mchasenarratives.com/2012/05/01/were-turning-two/feed/ 0 New Studio mchasephoto New Studio http://mchasenarratives.com/2012/04/25/richmond-film-photographer-spring/ http://mchasenarratives.com/2012/04/25/richmond-film-photographer-spring/#comments Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:29:29 +0000 mchasephoto http://mchasenarratives.com/?p=1506 Read more]]> Richmond Virginia Film Photographer

Film Series [Early Spring 12]

I am so excited for the Spring weather to be here! We didn’t have much of a winter to begin with, but despite the pollen.. I love this 70 degree weather! Even more exciting — the days are longer with more time to shoot sessions and capture the light in my FILM cameras!! I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again. I am really enjoying the slower pace of film and the overall look and feel as an artist. I’m continuing to shooting all my sessions digitally and I’m enjoying the addition of film at most of my portrait sessions (when light allows). I have a LARGE box of expired film that was gifted to me, so why not use it! I am loving the addition of film to my Senior, Engagement, and Bridal sessions. It brings such an authentic look and feel to their images. I don’t alter them in Photoshop at all – except to remove some dust.

The color, the contrast, the composition… it’s all from the camera and not from the computer. It’s the best practice there is as a photographer. I’m all about it.

Here’s a few images from Haylie’s Senior Session — which was gorgeous digitally, but she also has these beautiful images to pick from too!

Dark, saturated, and dramatic – love it - Kodak Plus-X 125

Still working my way through some expired Fuji film – which is not my favorite – but it did add some “umph” to this set

Again, it’s expired, so the colors are a little off and I’ve heard Fuji tends to be on the red side… I could “correct” this in Lightroom or Photoshop, but.. why?

It’s the film. It’s part of the process. It’s not an error.

Fuji Pro 160S

To see this session digitally click HERE.

If you love this look — let’s schedule your session and add film too! Get a taste of both digital AND film! mchasephoto@comcast.net

Haylie [Senior 2013]

This Senior Session has been a labor of love for the past several months. Haylie and I have been collaborating on ideas, styles, outfits, venues, and the overall concept since January — her 40′s style inspiration comes from a very personal place. Over the past year, much of Haylie’s own artwork has been influenced by her Grandmother. Therefore, it made perfect sense to style this shoot with her Granny’s essence in mind. We kept the style in the  30′s / 40′s — WWII era — and we wanted to have elements of both Haylie and her Granny – a mix of old and new. Thinking about your Senior Session in this way will make your Senior portraits much more meaningful to you. (And if you don’t know where to start – I can help with that!) Haylie’s personal style consists of lots of layers, like oversize sweaters, throwback t-shirts, scarfs, and lots of flats — and she’s always out to find a good bargain. We certainly wanted to keep some of those elements within our concept. Haylie chose the outfits – giving herself one very vintage look, another more modern approach, and something more casual. The ladies at Guys & Dolls really out did themselves and made the vision come to life with the perfect addition of hair and make up for this session! The best part of all — all the jewelry is her Granny’s. The beautiful orange earrings, bracelet, both necklaces, and even the watch. I love that so much. We also used her Grandmother’s suitcases and Bible. The personal touches make this shoot one of a kind.

It’s hard for me to articulate everything I want to say about this session because this session, and this Senior, are so special to me. I have taught Haylie for the past 3 years in both fine arts & darkroom photography. She is also attends weddings as my assistant, and often shoots with me. As her teacher, and mentor, I have loved seeing her gain confidence in her skill set as an artist and photographer. Mark my words — this girl has got IT. She is extremely strong-willed, doesn’t take “no” as an answer, she’s quick with her wit, and despite her size, she’ll put up a fight. I like her a lot. I know that her Senior year is going to be FULL of art making and chasing her dream of attending art school. I’m excited to see what’s in her future, and I love being apart of it!

If you look at these images and want to know how you can have a Senior Session like this one – shoot me an email and we’ll start the planning process!  mchasephoto@comcast.net

We’ll start with look most inspired by her Granny — a picture of her has been tucked in her Bible.

There is no doubt in my mind that she is smiling down on you, and is incredibly proud of the young woman you’ve become.

LOVE IT!! Look at those curls!
Love. Love. Love.
Plllleeeease…. this screams “MOVIE STAR!!!”
Quick change into something a bit more modern with a burst of color!The heels didn’t last long — and we found some nice light with a couple airplanes!I’ll leave you with this one — but just know — there are MORE to be seen.

I also shot her session in FILM!!! I cannot wait to show you those in the next few weeks.

Amy [The Dress]

This is not your typical bridal session, because this is not your typical bride. Mainly because she’s NOT a bride at all. Her mother, Jackie Beasley, is an incredibly talented floral designer in the Richmond area. Jackie asked if I would take a few promotional shots for her as she builds her portfolio for weddings and special events. She and her daughter, Amy, came up with the entire concept and execution of this shoot. They re-styled Jackie’s wedding gown from the 80′s by pinning the sleeves, adding some great PURPLE heels, and modern jewelry to update this look. The floral arrangement is made of white roses and gorgeous purple tulips that match Amy’s shoes. The bouquet is the perfect size and  I love the mix of textures in this arrangement. It’s important, just like choosing your photographer, that you have a floral designer that understands your style and vision for your wedding day. You don’t want a cookie-cutter look on your wedding day – everything should mirror your unique style, and that includes the flowers!  We met at Tredegar Iron Works for this mini session and had a beautiful March day — the trees were blooming early and there wasn’t a drop of humidity! It’s a beautiful venue and I would love to shoot there again soon!

Here are a few of my favorite from our styled bridal session! No doubt about it — Amy is going to make a GORGEOUS bride one day!

This took some effort — I think she’s at least 8 feet off the ground here. But, I LOVE this archway! 

Love the lime green and various purples in this bouquet — fresh and vibrant!

Floral Design | Jackie Beasley

Hair & Make Up | Guys & Dolls Hair Salon and Spa

Photography | M. Chase Narrative Photography

If you’re interested in speaking with Jackie about floral designs for your weddings or special event — contact her at jbjackiebealsey@gmail.com

Senior Sessions [Yearbook Package]

  Spring Break is just 2 weeks away and then we’ll be in our last quarter of the school year!!  I know both students and teachers are counting down! As we head into our Spring Season, we are already thinking about our Summer Sessions that will be right around the corner! I love the warmer weather AND that the days are longer and sessions can now take place in the evenings and over the weekends. One of my favorite portrait sessions to shoot during these warm months is our Yearbook Package which is for high school Seniors. This package is a creative portrait package specifically designed for rising and current Seniors. We want to cater to their individuality and versatile sense of fashion! It is our only package that INCLUDES professionally styled hair and make up with your session. All session come with a consultations where we meet up and plan out all the details for your Senior shoot. We encourage lots of outfit choices with bold colors and patterns, funky shoes & accessories, and of course, hair and make up styling.  We will also discuss locations and any other props that mirror your sense of style.

Spring Break is a great time to begin to think about your Senior Session and I would LOVE to meet with you to start to discuss your session! You can find out about prices HERE

and if you’d like more information, please send me an email at mchasephoto@comast.net

Here are a few familiar faces that were styled by Guys & Dolls last Spring & Summer for their Senior Session. I love how the hair and make up compliments their styles, and enhances their natural look.

I love teaming up with the ladies at Guys & Dolls Salon to create these personalized shoots and I thought this would be a GREAT time for you to meet the ladies!!!

Amy Beasley, Hair Stylist with Guys & Dolls Salon and Spa

1.How long have you been doing make up professionally?

4 years down, 96 to go.  

2. Do you have a moment when you knew this would be your career? If not a moment, describe your journey.

Growing up, one of my Mom’s friends owned a hair salon. I loved going in there and sitting in the corner, watching while my Mom got her hair done. I was intrigued by everything happening around me. I knew I wanted to work in that atmosphere.  It was a small, old house that had been converted into a classy salon, just like Guy’s and Dolls.

Madison Pullin, Make Up Artist with Guys & Dolls Salon and Spa

1.How long have you been doing make up professionally?

I have been doing makeup for about 10 years, but graduated from trade school about 7 years ago.

2. Do you have a moment when you knew this would be your career? If not a moment, describe your journey.

I always loved doing make-up for myself.  Then friends started asking me to do theirs for special events, such as prom, and it got around that I did it. I started doing brides and thought, well maybe I should start looking into pursuing that instead of hair, which is what I always thought I was going to do. When I started researching into schools I realized that facials and waxing were included in the training, which I also was interested in. So it worked out for me to be able to expand my Mom’s salon business into a new avenue of skin care services she was never able to offer before.

Jon & Alicia [Married]

I have had their folder on my desk for over a year now. It’s been covered in sticky notes and endured a lot of shuffling around for the past 18 months, but as of today, it will graduate to a new location. It will be among other happy folders of “Completed” because this weekend Jon and Alicia officially tied the knot! I met up with Alicia and Jon in late 2010 when it was my first year in business — actually, I hadn’t even been in business for 6 months. They were the first client to book me a year out — actually over a year out! I was so excited that I couldn’t stand it! It’s been a long time coming and although the plans changed a couple of times, it is safe to say that we have ALL been anticipating this day!

Alicia is entering her last year at VCU in physical therapy (hurray!!!!) this Fall and Jon is a police officer for the City of Richmond. It is no surprise that the two of them would find, and fall for each other. Neither of them enjoy the spot light. They are used to being behind the scenes, helping, and  serving others. Today was different, as it should be, and they were surrounded by family and friends all coming together to celebrate their commitment. They planned a March wedding anticipating the madness of clinicals that start this late Spring and early Summer for Alicia. AND, how wonderful has this March weather been!?! It was a SUNNY day in every sense of the phrase from the decor to the expressions seen on everyone’s faces.

Congratulations Jon & Alicia! Enjoy a few of my favorites — and I hope you’re soaking in all the sunshine in Florida this week!

Alicia, I love the lace. So beautiful on you!!!

Love the bridesmaids dresses too — I would totally wear this dress again!!! 

MARRIED!!!

Love this shot — SOOO happy to be married!!!

And so sweet together!

A few more accents of yellow as we move to the reception!

And everyone lets loose!

The photo booth photos were used as a guest book — and no one was shy about the camera!

Congratulations Alicia & Jon! 

Film (and Painting) Series [Making Hay]

I read somewhere that you need to give yourself 36 hours of time away from what you’re doing in order to come back to it and be inspired. I don’t know who said it. I can’t even remember where I read it, or if I read it at all… but this thought has been in my head the past few weeks. And, I agree with it. Sometimes you have to come back to something in order to get it right. This is where I find myself with my school work and with my business. It’s been constant (and believe me, I am thankful for them both)… but it’s been a constant cycle of giving. But what happens when you have very little left to give?

I needed some time away from them both to be inspired again.

A 3-day holiday weekend would be the perfect opportunity to recharge and refocus my energy so I can continue to give to both arenas that I love. You may remember these two images below — well — they’re back. I spent a good chunk of my weekend with them. I consciously made an effort to work for myself this weekend. Two things were off-limits —  I would not write lesson plans this weekend and I would not edit pictures this weekend. Instead — I went out to dinner, I ran errands, I caught up on Top Chef, The Voice, and Smash, I went to the VMFA to support to my students who were recognized for regional art awards, I took time to look around the museum, and I saw the incredible Elvis exhibit (LOVED it!), and spent more time in my studio than on my computer. It was a nice change – a needed change. I can feel a difference in my attitude towards planning lessons for my students, and excitement for the next season in my business.

Part of my time spend in the studio was at home – I turned a guest bedroom into a small artist studio with shelves GALORE and large table to work on. I mentioned before that I am taking my first Graduate Painting class… and that I would never call myself a painter. So,  I am starting with what speaks to me — and adding paint. I really love my “Making Hay” images so I  scanned the negatives, and digitally printed them and began to paint. Below are some quickly taken Instagram photos documenting the process. I am not in love with the piece… I actually think it’s quite ugly. But I also know it’s unfinished, so I don’t have to like it. Yet. This is a new process for me – I HATE altering my photographs. This is completely out of my comfort zone… and really goes against everything I believe in as a photographer. (which I realize is quite a big statement) I take pictures in a way that I DONT have to alter them. BUT, I’m going it a shot… we’ll see where it takes me.Because we had Monday off from school, I was able to go in and work in the darkroom — this is by far, my favorite space to work. I finally got a chance to PRINT my hay images WITHOUT a computer. I had the whole afternoon to myself in a nice, quiet, student-free darkroom. The prints are beautiful and just the way I envisioned them to be. I love them. They’re rich, they’re tack sharp, there’s depth, the tonal range is beautiful and there’s a tremendous amount of detail… I love them. The image below doesn’t do it justice, but you’ll have to take my word. They’re stunning. I knocked out 3 different images and made some duplicates along the way. I still have a few more prints to go to complete the series, but this will be the last picture I show you until we have our exhibit in May. Then you’ll have to see them in person!!!

I’m on the right track now – I have these personal projects in the works that allow me some time to give to myself, and now I can serve my students and clients with a fresh perspective. I’m reminded just how important it is for artist to be creating in order to create for others.

I will continue to work behind the scenes in my business for the next 2 weeks or so, but then we’ll be back in action! I am LOVING my 2012 brides!!! The first wedding of the year kicks off in March! I am SO looking forward to the warmer weather and getting the Spring Session started! If you’re a current Junior, keep up with us because our Senior Sessions will be beginning soon! And… if you’re one of my students reading this… buckle up – I’ve got some lesson ideas for you!

Finding Your Valentine

Alfred Eisenstaedt is one of my favorite photographers, quite possibly my favorite photojournalists. I love his style and technical execution. He was quick, he knew when to react, and how to anticipate the action. You must have a lot of patience and wait for you moment. I do love that about photography. I am even more impressed with Eisenstaedt because clearly he was not shooting with a digital camera. He had to get it right at that moment. He is looking down to see his subject, not outward like most of us are accustom to. The camera is held below the chest and can be very discrete in a crowd – which is great for a photojournalist. However, the medium format camera he had also is a little backwards – if he looked right, then it went left and if he moved left then it went right. Tricky.. I owe one of these cameras. It is also one of my favorites, but it not always easy to operate on the fly… with so much movement, trying to anticipate which way the subject will go, and get the right exposure, and don’t forget to focus it can be a bit of a challenge. Again, this is why I love his work – the technical aspect is beautiful.

So on this Valentine’s Day, here’s a “love” story worth sharing…this image may be one of the more recognizable kisses – by the two most unrecognizable people.

As the story goes, On August 14, 1945 –VJ Day– Eisenstaedt followed a sailor running through the crown of people and on his way he was kissing just about everyone – from babies to grandmas in Times Square. WWII was over — victory over Japan! Eisenstaedt caught the white shape out of the corner of his eye and turned to see the sailor kissing the nurse. He took the shot. 1/125 of a second – and he got it.

Eisenstaedt got it right.

                                                                    (Source: life.time.com)

I hope you find your Valentine today, although, I don’t recommend kissing your way through a crowd. BUT, the sailor found the nurse, and it is still one of the most iconic images today.

 Although a few people have come forward claiming to be the ones.. there is no way to prove or disapprove the statements. What a story to have! Happy Valentine’s Day!

Read more: http://life.time.com/history/the-best-of-life-37-years-in-pictures/#ixzz1mK16mIoF