my last days at urbanite

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:

1. 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.
2. 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).
3. 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.
   
4. 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.
5. 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:

1. 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.
   
2. 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.
3. 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)
   
4. Become a fan of my Facebook business page.
5. Invite me over for dinner.
6. Write a testimonial for me on Flickr or write a recommendation for me on LinkedIn.
7. Offer words of wisdom. If you've started a business or survived hard economic times, please offer your advice.
8. 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

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

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!

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

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

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

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!