I HAVE A NEW BLOG!!

Here's the link: joannebartoneblog.com

I'm so excited about the new look of my new blog that I'm sure to be INSPIRED to blog in this beautiful new space more frequently - I promise to do my best! You can hold me to that, Heather!

You will always be able to get to this (my old) blog via the link back to it in the new blog's "links" section. And you can find posts easily on the new blog via the "categories" and "archives" links in the blue navigation bar. I may even transfer this (old) blog to my new blog - I'm thinking about it... The Galleries will be completed by next week so everything will be looking fabulously seamless in the end. Did I mention how excited I am about it?

How do you like the look? I created the background image and the header images to coordinate with my website. I think it looks beautiful and I really am pleased with it and with myself [pat on back] especially since I'm not a web wizard, but I do like a challenge! The new blog is "powered" by PhotoIdentities, a company who makes custom blogs and websites for photographers. I couldn't be happier with their service - they've been great in helping me get things set up and have not flinched at the numerous questions or requests for assistance I've asked for. Just a couple more things to work out and viola, it'll be perfect!

Please feel free to leave comments on how you like it, or any suggestions you may have for it, and by all means, enjoy my first wedding post: Katie and Tripp's Wedding - a lovely way to christen the new blog!

Thanks for stopping by - don't forget to subscribe to the NEW blog as that is where I'll be posting from this point forward - ENJOY!

BIG love, Joanne Bartone, Photographer

I'll tell you a little secret...

...about me... I want you to know that before every wedding I say this little "prayer" that I've created specifically regarding my photographing... I pray that the talent I've been given will shine through for the couple whose wedding I am photographing each time and that I am able to create memorable and beautiful images for them to cherish throughout their lives together. And I'll tell you, every week I am given the gift of having my prayers answered! Life, love, the work we do; it's all such a beautiful gift! I have gratitude in ABUNDANCE! And I thank the powers that be, the heavens above, the couples I serve and I look forward to making every one of you happy through the talents I've been given. BIG LOVE, Joanne Bartone, Photographer

long time no blog...!

LOL! My good friend Heather would probably have my head on a platter for not blogging for so long! It is a good thing she's still on pregnancy leave or I'd really be getting some crazy big grief!!! I have been sooooooooooooooo busy since my last post...there really is so much to update you on... - From early November through mid December I pushed hard to get a lot of work wrapped up for my 2007 clients. Many wedding story designs were completed, with a number of the wedding story books arriving and being delivered just before Christmas! I made a LOT of my clients happy, which always makes me happy in return! There is still a few more of you that need to get your "homework" done, but we are progressing nicely and I'll be cracking the whip again on those of you that need to get selections in to me soon! - My holidays were wonderful! I spent quality time with my family and friends and still have a few friends I've yet to see but will be making it a point to see them before my 2008 season starts. - I know of at least three, no make that four new babies that were born from October through December! Wow; busy Spring for some of you!! ;-) LOL! The circle of life is a beautiful gift that never ever ceases to amaze me. It is profoundly beautiful and I got to photograph at least two of those little gifts! Too sweet... - I'm in the throes of organizing my work space for my up-coming 2008 season, something I really wasn't able to do in 2007 having moved into my current residence late November 2006, then having hurt my back badly on January 1 (2007). I was down for the count the whole month of January in '07, but no one really knew about it except for my close colleagues. I never missed a beat throughout my 2007 season and didn't say anything to my dear clients because I didn't want anyone to have to worry that perhaps I might not be able to fulfill my obligations to all of you. And no, it had nothing to do with drinking! It was actually one of my cat 's fault; one of those unforeseen at home accidents that you never think will happen to you. Fortunately for me that it happened in my off season so I had time to rehabilitate via physical therapy, chiropractic, massage and LOTS of rest before the start of my 2007 season and throughout, which really helped. It is just recently that I finished my physical therapy but am doing great now, so look out 2008! - I'm also in the throes of planning; planning for some new and exciting changes and offerings - stay tuned! So...2008...it's going to be another wonderful year! Subject of one of my up-coming journal entries...until then! xo, Joanne Bartone, Photographer

Susan & Rick, September 15, 2007

This season I've been really fortunate to have a series of weddings held in beautiful outdoor garden settings with some of the most incredibly spectacular light I've ever worked with! When one is a photographer, the quality of light means everything to us, and when it is as it has been this late Summer, early Fall season...warm, glowing, dramatic, inviting...it is nothing less than a beautiful gift from Nature and truly exciting to photograph in! This is how it was for Susan and Rick's wedding in the gardens of the Clayton Frick Mansion; it was simply perfect light! Honestly, as I was photographing the group photo session after the ceremony, the sky was like a painting! You'll see a glimpse of it in the image of Susan and Rick in the greenhouse doorway. The day began as a relaxing morning of preparation at Susan's parent's home, however there were a few bumps in the road, literally, that delayed the start of the ceremony quite a bit! Traffic was some of the worst that particular weekend and I thought that Susan might have to attend her own ceremony in her bridal robe rather than her bridal gown holding a clump of flowers from the Frick gardens! But, everything came together without a hitch and the ceremony was as beautiful as ever. Susan was simply stunning in her gown and Rick?...smiles the whole way! My only complaint? That I didn't have more time with Susan and Rick to photograph them. Because of the delays at the start of the ceremony our time to photograph was cut to the quick - I had very little time to do what I needed and love to do, but I worked quickly and conscientiously so I could get them to their celebration at the Grand Hall at the Priory reasonably on time. Not to fear though...I did a great job and the photos I created are absolutely beautiful - I think you'll be able to see that in the slide show below. You'll also get to see Molly, Susan's sister's daughter having fun during the ceremony - she is a doll and had a blast doing what children do best! And, I think some of you will recognize a couple of the world-famous Clarks in the slide show too! ENJOY!!...especially the light... Best, Joanne

Koren & Adam's Wedding, August 24, 2007

Well, as I blog about Koren and Adam's wedding they are enjoying themselves on their holiday in beautiful Italy! They wanted me to go with them to continue with documenting the beginning of their lives together, but I had to decline because I have a wedding this coming Friday that I simply couldn't miss! Next time then... ;-) Wow, it was HOT this past Friday for Koren and Adam's wedding! But everyone were absolute troopers and never complained once about the conditions while we were photographing. Actually, since it was so hot, I kept them indoors for a number of photographs that I created of them at the Airport Holiday Inn, where Koren and Adam prepared and then chose to see each other prior to the ceremony. Koren expressed to me that time for photographs was a priority for her - she had reserved and booked my services two years ago; that's how much she loves my work! - and that the decision for her an Adam to meet and be photographed prior to the ceremony "wasn't really a big deal" because "I see him every day any way." I thought that was a very good point to make as most couples typically live together prior to getting married these days, so the superstitions of the past really don't apply any longer. And they are just that; superstitions and not based on fact. Good thinking Koren, and something others may want to consider if photography is important to you. Think about it, a past superstition was replaced with a new tradition...and it is a really great gift for yourselves: adequate time for the creation of beautiful and memorable images of one of the most important days of your life! I sure hope this catches on! So, after we spent time photographing at the Airport Holiday Inn, we went up the street to Robert Morris University to the gardens where we completed the romantic and wedding party portrait sessions. The gardens there are one of my favorite places to create the romantic photos of my couples! I didn't torture them or the wedding party too long - did I mention that it was just unbelievably hot? So afterwards, we proceeded to the Fez for the ceremony and reception which was so meaningful for everyone that attended. It really was a beautiful day and I had a WONDERFUL time with everyone. Thank you so much, for choosing me as your photographer, for loving my work so much that you made it a priority for your day, and for having me document your precious memories! Here is a slide show of some of the beautiful images I created of and for Koren and Adam. ENJOY!!

Ashley & Matt's Slide Show...as promised...

...you know, I'm amazed every time I look at the photographs I've created for my couples, be they recent images or weddings from years past; all the emotions; the tears of joy; there is so much meaning in these images from every wedding; so many important people; so many important stories... Each story of love is so beautiful and Ashley and Matt's story was no exception! Nor was the previous wedding (Charity & Mark), nor this past Saturday's (Beatrice & Michael). Honestly; I am so lucky to meet and work with all my couples and their families, then witness these most important stories and capture them for all time! Your love, your story is a gift! A gift that I get to create from. Are we all lucky, or what?! And although these snippet slide shows can't even begin to encompass the breadth of the emotions of the day, they are a wonderful teaser to keep everyone's excitement a bit "at bay" until all the images are released. Ashley and Matt, I hope you enjoy this little show of a few of the important moments and people from your very special day. Enjoy the show! My best, Joanne

Henne Jewelers and things to cherish...

I'm a visual person, as you all know, so consequently I'm always observing the subtle messages I see around me. I love the impact that images have on us and how they inspire us to think, or be, or feel. There are lots of powerful messages in images, whether they are in advertising or in our own family photos. This ad for Henne Jewelers caught my attention when I first saw it months ago. I felt it to be such a powerful message that I've wanted to share my thoughts on how it has inspired and excited me, so I'm finally taking the time to do just that. Before I do, I want you to know that Henne Jewelers is not paying me to endorse them in any way. I'm talking about them because their messages are clear to me. Take a good look at the ad... What do you see? I see a LOT of things... First of all, the message they are conveying is very clear to me through this ad: Henne Jewelers cherishes their clientèle and they want to be your "Jewelers for Life." Well, we share the same philosophy; I want to become your photographer for life! I don't know about you, but this is the type of people I would want to (and do) do business with because they get it! These are good people who have a time-honored service they proudly offer and have been providing as a family to their clientèle for many generations. That is really something! This means they care and they want you to come to them because they will take care of you and the heirlooms you purchase that you will likely pass down through the generations of your own family. In the ad you can get a sense of what those family heirlooms might be: your mother's or grandmother's string of pearls - I've seen many brides beautifully adorned by their grandmother's or mother's jewelery, specifically pearls, which are always lovely pieces for a bride to wear on her wedding day..."something old"...something borrowed, or given... And then, of course, there is the "something new"...the engagement and wedding rings; THE most important symbols that mark the beginning of your joining your lives and the creation of your new family; the family that Henne Jewelers wants to be a part of for all your life. They get it; and you can trust them. It's all right there in that one little ad. Amazing! The first thing that caught my eye in the ad is the photograph of Jack and Nancy Henne on their wedding day in 1966. You know; it is a photograph; I'm a photographer...it was only natural that I was drawn to that element of the ad first. Nancy has on a lovely necklace that I can only guess may have been given to her by Jack or perhaps it was a family heirloom. This one photo represents an important moment in Jack and Nancy's life and adds a personal touch to the ad: these are the people that stand behind their business, carry on the family business and tradition and that want to serve you well. What a great photo! There is one more thing to be "seen" that may be a little more subtly noticed in this ad... "Some Things are Cherished for Generations." Such as Henne Jewelers clientèle, the jewelry they offer, the family business they run and THE PHOTOGRAPHS FROM THEIR WEDDING DAY! There you have it; subtle as a brick! I hope that point isn't lost on you, the viewer, and my clientèle too, as you view this most powerful and important ad. Your wedding photography is just as priceless as your jewelry! Quality photography will evoke emotion and will allow you to recall many of the important moments in your life forever, be it on your wedding day, a birthday, on your anniversary or perhaps on a typical day in your life. But, the most important point that I'd like to make here is that after your wedding day has long passed the only thing left to help you recall your memories are your photographs which you will be able to enjoy for many, many years and for many generations to come. In fact, next to jewelry, I don't think I know of any thing (not person) that is more cherished than wedding photos! Honestly! Quality photography by a professional, reputable photographer who cares about their clients and wants to be their photographer throughout their lives (and that statement sums up my philosophy and the type of person I am in a nutshell!) may appear to be expensive but if you look at it as an investment that will last you over the next fifty years, or more, you will understand that it truly is a priceless investment not unlike your jewelry. Hopefully both will be cherished, passed down for generations and enjoyed throughout your lifetime together! So, Henne Jewelers gets it! And they get a big fat A+ for this ad from me because I get it too! My hope is that you will be able to integrate these messages in your own experiences. And my wish is that you will allow me to become your photographer for life; it will be my honor and pleasure and I can assure you that I will cherish your wedding day as much as you do! That is how important you and your photography are to me. And while you are at it, go try on a few rings at Henne Jewelers too! You won't be sorry in either instance. Thanks for indulging me! Love, Joanne

Ending of the 2006 Season!

Can anyone even believe it is December?! Wow! How did THAT happen? 2006 was a special year filled with lots of new beginnings, including some for myself! I simply need to express to all of my wonderful clients from my 2006 Season what a pleasure it was to work so closely with all of you and what a great time I had creating the thousands of beautiful memories for you week after week! Aaaaaaaand, I WAS VOTED ONE OF PITTSBURGH'S TOP PHOTOGRAPHERS! Thank you, thank you, thank you, most sincerely and from the depths of my heart for making my "Season" so bright and my "work" so much fun. You all are THE BEST! You'll hear me say this over and over again...pinch me; I can't believe this is my "job!" What a pure delight it is to do this for all of you. I am so grateful for you, for my work and that I can affect your lives so importantly. I've got a lot of work to do in this "off" season: completing wedding stories, re-designing my website and marketing materials, not to mention that I have a couple of things up my sleeve regarding my work that is coming up in the coming days, weeks and months! So, let me stop rambling on and... ...WISH YOU THE HAPPIEST HOLIDAY SEASON AND ALL THE BEST IN THE NEW YEAR! Joanne