LaKaye Mbah: Wedding and Editorial Photographer

fiesty' photos in time for valentine's day!

2009-01-23T09:05:00.005-05:00

Surprise your boo or surprise yourself!! Take advantage of my special 1/2 price boudoir session sale available until February 14th only. Sessions done after the 7th will not have guaranteed Valentine’s Day delivery, but you’ll still be able to take advantage of the special rates until the 14th.

These packages can be customized for a Boudoir Party with you and your friends. Ask me how!

A Whole Lotta Love $900 (Usually a whole LOTta more!)

• 1-2 hours of shooting time in my home studio, your home or hotel room* (1-2 outfit changes)
• Professional make-up artist
• 20 page book with leather or custom photo cover
• 30 fully-edited images on CD with printing permissions**
• 16x20 framed photo of your choice, 4-5x7 prints & 8 wallets

Queen B $500 (Save 500 bucks and go buy a fur coat!)

• 1-2 hours of shooting time in my home studio, your home or hotel room* (1-2 outfit changes)
• Professional make-up artist
• Your choice of one of the following options:
• 20 page book with leather or custom photo cover
• 20 fully-edited images on CD with printing permissions

Lady Marmalade $350 (Chez cheap!)

• 1-2 hours of shooting time in my home studio, your home or hotel room* (1-2 outfit changes)
• Your choice of one of the following options:
• DVD with all of your digital negatives with printing permissions (not edited)
• 16x20 framed photo of your choice, 4-5x7 prints & 8 wallets

Sweetest Taboo $250 (This quiet storm's usually $500)

• 1-2 hours of shooting time in my home studio (1-2 outfit changes)
• 10 retouched digital images w/printing release
• 25% off print & album purchases

Custom and ala carte pricing is also available.

* Hotel fee and travel outside of the Baltimore area not included. I will also travel to DC, Northern VA and most of Maryland. Please ask me about travel rates.
** It will take at least 5 days to edit 20-30 images. You will need to book your session for before January 31st.

please participate in my wedding prices survey!

2009-01-22T15:47:00.001-05:00

I'm in the process of changing all of my pricing, specifically wedding photo packages. I'm sending out this survey to see what my target audience (smart, fun, beautiful women) wants and finds value in. I realize that some of you are already married, but your experience will help tremendously. Please read below and answer by Friday afternoon. You can leave your responses in the comments or email me at lakayem@gmail.com. Thanks!

1) I plan to offer the following services on all wedding packages:
Engagement session
Engagement session proof book
8 Hours of coverage
2 Photographers
DVD with about 500 digital wedding images

What would you expect to pay for this service?
What else would you expect to be included in the basic service?

2) Do you think albums are valuable or outdated? If valuable, what sizes would you consider?
a. 7x7
b. 8x8
c. 10x10
d. 12x12
e. other size (describe)

3) Which add-ons do you consider valuable? (select as many as you like)
a. engagement photo slideshow
b. wedding photo slideshow
c. iPod touch loaded with wedding images
d. $500 credit toward print purchases
e. 4x4 mini albums w/ paper covers (same design as wedding albums and can be used as thank you gifts)
f. save the date photo postcards
g. 11x14 engagement photo with mat for guests to sign at wedding
h. large gallery canvas-wrapped photo
i. professionally framed prints
j. images to put on facebook, myspace etc.

4) What size prints would you be likely to order and/or display? (select as many as you like)
a. wallets (8 per order)
b. 4x6
c. 5x7
d. 8x10
e. 8x12
f. 11x14
g. 16x20
h. 20x24
i. larger than 20x24

5) I would like to give my couples thank you gifts for working with me. Which of these would you find valuable? (select as many as you like)
a. gift certificate for starbucks/restaurants
b. gift certificate for yoga classes
c. box of fancy local chocolates
d. gift certificate for hair/make-up services
e. gift certificate for spa services
f. thank you photo-postcards to send to guests

6) What would be the single most important factor in hiring a photographer? (choose 1)
a. quality of website/online portfolio
b. referral
c. low price
d. quality of printed wedding samples

7) would you prefer an all-inclusive wedding package, or to create your own custom wedding package?

Thanks in advance for your help! If you know another smart, fun, beautiful woman who would participate in the survey, please forward it to them. Remember to return your responses by Friday if possible!

my mamma!

2009-01-21T12:50:00.003-05:00

After many months of encouragement and research, my mom has started a community newspaper called the Hampton Roads Gazeti. I'm so proud of her! Please check out her blog and PLEASE follow it and leave her comments. We all need as much encouragement as possible.

a tale of two blogs

2009-01-19T11:20:00.002-05:00

a few folks have been tuning in to my blog here on blogspot. this was a great tool for me before i got my new website up and running. but now with a blog as the homepage of my website, i debated if having this one would be redundant or worth it.

the solution i've come up with is to use my webpage strictly for photo-related topics, and use my blogger account for my musings and random thoughts as i turn from a part-time photographer to a successful, full-time, fancy schmancy photographer. i'll share my trials as well as my triumphs and maybe others can learn for me, or at least be amused. a few posts may be redundant, like when i annouce sales and changes to my pricelists, but for the most part i will have separate content-so now you need to visit both places! :)

thanks for staying tuned.

lakaye,
the fancy schmancy photographer

My New Site is Up!

2009-01-09T13:34:00.002-05:00

There's no time like the new year to start fresh. In 2009, I'm starting a new career as a freelance photographer and with that comes having a new website. Please check out http://www.lakayembah.com and let me know what you think.

The site is still very much in beta-testing phase and any comments would be appreciated. For instance, I only know how it looks on my mac laptop and everything is great. But you may have a giant screen or slow connection that might effect the way it looks.

So if you wouldn't mind...please check it out.

Thanks!

i have some great friends!

2008-12-17T16:46:00.003-05:00

I'm going through this transition from full-time employee to all-time freelancer. It's not a lonely journey thanks to the help and support of some really good friends.

My homegirl, Kelly, of Kelly Blue Yoga, took me to dinner to explain the ends and outs of business record keeping. Now I have my very own big ass binder that I plan to fill with important business info in the new year. Hana, who survived a similar situation, gave me a lot of useful tips for staying sane and is one of my biggest champions. Nache of Creative Route is a web developer and graphic designer who not only allowed me to photograph her wedding, but also stayed on the phone with me for two hours while talking me through the development of a good website. Thanks to her persistnace (and bossiness!) my new site will be up & running by January 6th! I'll keep ou posted on the development. Last but not least, my diva friend Wendy is making big moves in the make-up world. We plan to collaborate on several projects in 2009. I encouraged her to sign up for a blog today because she has tons of great info to share about being fierce! So when that's up, I'll share.

I just want to show gratitude for their help & support.

miss bria's head shots

2008-12-11T21:05:00.005-05:00

My friends Kelly and Hana passed my holiday promotion flier to their coworker Kim, and she brought her beautiful daughter, Bria to my studio for some headshots. Here's one of the photos from the session and I'm working on more. Isn't she a cutey patootey?

my last days at urbanite

2008-12-07T20:34:00.008-05:00

Wouldn't you know it? As soon as I landed my first cover, I was downsized due to the economic turmoil. Initially I was shocked, but I had the weekend to mellow out and begin my personal economic bailout plan. While working on my plan I decided to write these Ground Rules for My Last Days at Urbanite to send to my coworkers. These rules apply to my family and friends as well.

Read carefully and avoid the following:

There will be absolutely no crying or looking at me with those big sad eyes. The first person who cries will be punched in the nose.
Please don't stop by my desk offering apologies. It's not your fault and it's not Urbanite's fault; but if you offer an apology, I will hold you personally accountable (and punch you in the nose).
Do not feel sorry for me. Feeling sorry for me implies that you don't believe I have the skills, determination or talent to make lemonade from this situation. The offender will probably be punched in the nose.
Do not attempt to hug me or pat me on the shoulder. These acts will make me feel like you're feeling sorry for me, and you know how I feel about that.
And the most important rule-There will be absolutely no going away parties. I appreciate the sentiment but I find them extremely uncomfortable and depressing. And when I get depressed, I usually punch people in the nose.

Constructive ways to show your support:

Subscribe to my blog, read a few posts and leave comments. http://lakayephotography.blogspot.com. Comments are awesome and they make me feel like you care.
Hire me! I would love to continue to shoot for the magazine. I especially love to shoot the food reviews cuz they come with free food! Also, did you know that I shoot family portraits? For those of you daring enough, I also shoot boudoir. Read more about my holiday specials here:
http://lakayephotography.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-portrait-special.html.
Help me market my business. I have a stack of fliers, business cards and resumes at the front desk. Chat me up to your friends with babies or who are getting married. Sing my praises to your jewelry-making, art gallery owning, clothing & accessories designing, small-business-owning friends. Casually mention me in your conversations to your industry contacts. Tell your clients their photos suck and they should hire me to shoot instead. (just kidding about that last one...maybe)
Become a fan of my Facebook business page.
Invite me over for dinner.
Write a testimonial for me on Flickr or write a recommendation for me on LinkedIn.
Offer words of wisdom. If you've started a business or survived hard economic times, please offer your advice.
Stay in touch. After the end of the month, you can reach me by email at lakayem@gmail.com.

Thanks in advance for your cooperation.

Your pal,

La Kaye

my first urbanite cover

2008-12-04T09:13:00.002-05:00

For those of you who don't know, I work full-time for Urbanite Magazine, a Baltimore-based publication. I've been here for some time and I've been a staff photographer for about a year. As my skills have improved, I've had the opportunity to shoot more often and better subjects.

I shot the images for the feature in the December issue, and they decided to use a few of the images to design the cover. While I don't think these represent my best work, I'm very proud to have finally made the cover.

If you'd like to see more images or to read the article, visit: http://www.urbanitebaltimore.com/sub.cfm?issueID=67&sectionID=4&articleID=1109.

December 2008 Pricelist

2008-12-03T17:58:00.008-05:00

December 2008 Portrait Rates

(Prices Subject to Change)

Avoid the Mall-Treat yourself to some quality photos instead!

Head Shots/Profile Photos

Suitable for 1 individual
Up to 2 outfits
In studio
Convenient online proofing
$65 (prints sold separately)

Custom Portrait Session

Perfect for when you just need a few prints
Up to 2 hours in studio, on location or in your home
Convenient online proofing
$65 (prints sold separately)

Grand Family Portrait Session

Perfect for large groups who need lots of prints
Up to 2 hours in studio, on location or in your home
Includes $150 towards your print purchase
No more fighting over prints!
Convenient online proofing
$250

Boudoir Session

Discreet, professional photo session perfect for a special gift
2 hours in studio, on location or in your home
Professional make-up artist
Cd or online proofing
$115 (prints sold separately)

Event Photography

Includes both hi-res printable images and lo-res web images
Convenient online viewing for your party guests
$65 per hour

Prints

4x6-$5
5x7-$10
Wallets(8)-$12
8x12/8x10-$20
10x15-$35
Larger sizes available, please ask for a detailed quote.

*All portrait options include a lo-res, watermarked cd containing all the best images. These are perfect for your MySpace, Facebook, Linked In or dating website pages.
**Please contact me or leave a comment if you would like to book.

unique holiday portraits in your own home!

2008-12-02T18:23:00.004-05:00

This holiday season you may be considering gathering your family to take family portraits at the nearest mall. But, did you know you can hire a high-quality photographer to come to your home?

Imagine you, your family and your closest friends relaxed near the fireplace or gathered around the Christmas tree; I'll be there to capture the treasured moments you can't duplicate at the mall. Your customized portrait session will include photographs in your own environment and convenient online proofing. Plus, you choose and order any final portraits you desire, including wallet bundles and other special products. I also have a fully equipped studio if you would prefer to do your session off site.

Portrait sessions start at $50. Take $25 off with this flier. Prices and availability are listed on http://lakayephotography.blogspot.com.

Save yourself a trip to the mall! Contact me at 410-261-3200 or lakayem@gmail.com to secure your spot today!

felice & yah's book release/open mic

2008-11-24T16:25:00.005-05:00

I applaud the efforts of anybody who jumps out there on faith and champions their own projects. Last Thursday, I photographed a book release party and open mic in celebration of Freedomstyle by Felice Hodge and Yah Jenkins.

I'm not sure how Felice found me, but I'm glad she did. She and her friends, relatives and tons of talented poets gathered at the Gallery in Silver Spring Maryland and the room was full of love and support.

Thank you Felice for the opportunity to shoot your event!

Additional photos from the book release party can be found here: http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/ThumbPage.aspx?e=4306706&s=75

chris & lisa's wonderful wedding

2008-11-24T08:55:00.010-05:00

My co-worker/manager Lisa got married recently and I was asked (along with another co-worker) to shoot her wedding. Naturally, I accepted and just as naturally, I was nervous. Not only was this my second formal wedding to shoot ever, but my success could earn me brownie points and accolades at work.

Lisa is a production manager and gave us VERY detailed instructions for the day. LOL! But it was a blessing because there were so many blended families and so many activities going on at the same time. I would have felt awful if something was missed!

I think I got some really great shots. The one in the limo is my favorite.

See more photos from their wedding at http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/thumbpage.aspx?e=4311413

my first drink

2008-11-06T16:20:00.003-05:00

You would think it would be easy to take a photo of a non-moving wine glass on a white background. But, think again! I was assigned to do this photo for my job and I had to consult many books, including: Light, Science & Magic: http://www.flickr.com/groups/84897717@N00/ to figure out how to do it. It's an awesome book and I would recommend it to anybody.

Here is one photo from the shoot. I'm proud of it!

Stay tuned for more!

euphoria

2008-11-05T20:12:00.001-05:00

IMG_0236, originally uploaded by soulsticecity is back.

Unless you live under a rock, you know that Barack Obama has made history as the first African American President (elect). I remember attending the February rally in Baltimore and being utterly euphoric and transfixed on every word this man was saying. He moved thousands of people to an uproar and sometimes to complete quiet as we strained to hear every single word he said.

Well, last night was momentous for this racially-divided country. My niece and nephew- who have never voted or had interest in politics called me last night to express their joy and to tell me about how much they enjoyed going to his recent rally in Virginia Beach. Another niece, away at college studying to become a lawyer, voted by absentee ballot and also called me. My mom, who with her giant afro and dashiki participated in sit ins in the rural south, called me immediately after the announcement to express her joy. She must have been happy-it was way past her bedtime.

Each one of my family members called me independent of each other and I called the people who I loved while they were also receiving calls. I can only imagine this type of excited communication was happening for thousands of family members all over the country (and in Kenya too). And it let's me know that this election has had a major impact and I'm proud to witness this newfound history.

random sunday thoughts

2008-11-02T20:35:00.003-05:00

hey there cyberspace and future customers!

i'm almost done with my first wedding book. i'm a big fan of white space and i'm trying to keep the layout simple.

now my challenge is blending black & whites with color. i'm so glad my bride is so patient with me because i still have a while to go. i've been experimenting with some new photoshop techniques and i'm really enjoying the effects. i love this flower and ring shot that i took at this wedding.

thank goodness i have the warm glow of the tv to keep me company as i work.

wish i was here

2008-10-19T17:18:00.003-04:00

Park001, originally uploaded by soulsticecity is back.

i'm sitting in bed, sick as a dog and avoiding designing a wedding book that's stressing me out. the client is a friend AND a kick ass graphic designer, so the pressure is on.

i wanted to look at some photos that made me feel like i was back in the spring enjoying the park. this photo makes me feel like i have talent and maybe designing this book won't be so bad. wish me luck. i'll post the results when the book is printed.

stepping into "new" territory...

2008-10-17T15:54:00.000-04:00

Hello all,

I've been doing photography for a long, looong time. Almost 15 years! And I've just now gotten to the point where I'm seriously thinking about making this my full-time career. I've let all kinds of things sway me away from it; Excuses like "I'll end up hating photography if I do it full time!" or "I'm just not good enough to charge." Well, I'm here to remind myself and to let you know that I've been doing what I didn't want to do for OTHER people for too long and I'm just as good as half of these photographers out here-the difference is, I'm striving every day to get better.

So welcome to my forray into professional photography. I will use this blog to showcase my wedding, portrait, maternity and event photography.