EMAILS

Due to computer maintenance (changing out new computers) any email sent from Dec 19th to Dec. 27th may have not been received/read. I am sorry for the inconvenience.

Unavailable... Dec 20th- Dec 27th

Due to the holidays, I will be unavailable from Dec 20th - Dec 27th to spend time with family and friends.

Happy Holidays to all.

Catherine

P.S. Yes, even my "Alarm Cat" is taking time off.

New Product: Standouts

Standouts!

Description: Your images in a contemporary work of art. This unique, stylish product gives the look of canvas but with style on its own. It is beautiful in its simplicity. Standout is a thick lightweight board finished with a black plastic edge. Hanging holes on the backside (they come ready to hang). The 3/4" board dimensions will be a beautiful sight wherever you hang it.

My cat

We adopted our cat from San Antonio's Humane Society seven months ago.  Technically, he's still a kitten.  We've used different words to describe him.  Feisty, Wanna-be dog, silly, funny, but lately I've been calling him "Alarm Cat" (his real name is Duncan).  

Duncan, aka 'Alarm Cat' has been waking me up between 5:00 - 5:20 am for the past month.  Yes, that includes weekends.  I think it's great, my husband wishes there was a snooze button on him.  He comes into our room.  Meows and jumps on top of me.  He rarely meows, except when he's hungry or waking me up.

Today, he's in trouble.  Last night, he decided that he was a lumber jack.  If he was, he would've said, "Timber" as the Christmas tree fell to the floor... smashing many ornaments that have been on the tree for over 10 years.

He's lucky that we keep our cats forever.

(I'll post pictures of the fallen tree later).

Unavailable from 12/1 to ?

I am currently updating my computer/telephone system.  Please email me at info@dillbergphotography.com and I will try to get back to you a.s.a.p.  Thank you.  Sorry for any inconvenience. 

Are you smarter than a 5th grader?

I can answer that... no. Why? I tried to help my 5th grader with his Math homework and my head was spinning just reading the question. Who, what, when, where.... WHAT? Basically, I said, "Huh?"
I told my son, "Wait until your dad gets home so he can help you."
Luckily, my husband was able to help him. Here is one of the homework questions. I will post the answer in a few days.
The sad part is that I have a teaching degree. HOWEVER... my speciality was early childhood education. Which means, I'd rather deal with the kindergartners than the 5th graders.

Question:
Stephan told his biology teacher his conjecture that the terrible year of cicadas occurred because 12-yr and 17-yr locusts came out at the same time. The teacher thought Stephan conjecture was probably incorrect, because cicadas in a particular area seem to be either all 13-yr locusts or all 17-year locusts, but not both. Stephan read about cicadas and found out that they eaten very quickly by lots of predators. However, cicadas are only in danger if their cycle occurs at the same time as the cycles of their predators. Stephan suspects that the reason there are 13-yr and 17-year locusts buy not 12-yr, 14-yr, or 16-yr locusts has to do with the predator cycles.

a. Suppose cicadas have predators with 2-yr cycles. How often would 12-year locusts face their predators? Would life be better for 13-yr locusts?

answer: The 12 year locusts would encounter the predators every time they emerged or never... depending if it was a 2 year cycle that overlapped with the predators or not.

b. Suppose 12-yr and 13-yr locusts have predators with both 2-yr and 3-yr cycles. Suppose both kinds of locusts and both kinds of predators came out this year. When would the 12-yr locusts again have to face both kinds of predators at the same time? What about the 13 yr-locusts? Which type of locust do you think is better off?

The 13 year locusts would encounter them every other time they came out depending if it was an even or odd year in the cycle. so it could be better (no predators) or worse (predators) than the 12 year locusts!

On the part about 2 year and 3 year cycles.... 12 year locusts meet their predators every time they come out (2 and 3 are factors of 12). 13 year locusts only every other time they emerge (just luck of the cycle). So it will be 6 cycles or 78 years before the 13 year locusts have to face both predators again.

My gallery photos...

I've photographed hundreds of beautiful faces. However, I never ask my clients to sign a model release form to post those beautiful faces on my gallery page. Model release forms gives me, Catherine Dillberg, the right to use the images for marketing purposes. What does that mean? Simply, I use your the image(s) to put on my online gallery or for printed materials (thank you cards, business card, etc).
Names (or other personal information about the person in the photograph) is never given.

I would love to use every photograph I've taken because there are times I want to show how beautiful my clients are, even if they are only a few days old.

If you would like to participate, please for a model release. In exchange, you'll receive (2) free 5x7. I can not guarantee your images will be used, but I do appreciate the model release.

Christmas Cards.. preview

Choose your style and (size):

1. classic photo paper (4x6, 4x8, 5x7)--printed on regular photo paper
2. double-sided flat (4x5, 5x7, 5x5)
3. folded (4x5, 5x7)
4. tri-fold (5x5)

Choose your paper:

1. Standard (not available with classic photo cards)
2. Linen


Here's a Christmas Card preview:

Old Kodak plus-x film

I do not remember where I found this film. I just remember putting it up on a shelf years ago. It's an unused roll of Kodak plus-x film. It's all metal. The only thing that reads on the film: Made in Rochester, NY and it's from an Eastman Kodak company.

I love old cameras. Any old (vintage, antique, etc) camera is displayed in my living room. Yesterday, I was photographing a sample of a coffee table book (great custom product for my clients). I thought it would be a great project for me to photograph my old camera equipment. I still love film cameras. I was sad to read in our local newspaper that Kodachrome is fading away because of the digital age.

Tag, I'm it

I've been 'blog tagged' by another photographer . Culprit: Kristi Eckrich of PA. I'm glad I did, because it gave me a chance to see her wonderful photography.

RULES:
1) Link the person who tagged you.
2) Mention the rules on your blog
.3) Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours.
4) Tag 6 following bloggers by linking them & leave a comment on each of the tagged blogger’s blogs letting them know they have been tagged.

6 Quirks about myself....

1. I don't like my food to touch on my plate.
2. I don't like driving. I was forced by my husband to get my drivers license when I was 25 yrs old. He was graduating from college, so I had to drive myself. Within 2 years, my car was in 2 accidents. One, at college... I wasn't in the car. Second time, a 8 year old back into my car. He was trying to start the car for his mom.
3. I can take naps anywhere (in a closet, head on my desk, sitting on the floor, etc). I can also fall asleep in less than a minute. My daughter is the same way!
4. It took me 7 years to finish college, full time! I couldn't figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up. I loved going to school and children. Duh... so I received my degree in early childhood education. Yes, I am officially certified to teach Pre-K to 6th grade in the state of Texas. However, I still love to learn.
5. If my body is moving faster than my walking, I don't like it. I get terrified of amusement rides, even riding a bicycle. I'm not a thrill seeker.
6. My right ear sticks out. It's missing some cartilage so it's bigger than the other side. I only realized it 2 years ago.

Now I need to tag some other people

Anne Dillon (Kansas photographer)
Petra King (Toronto, Canada photographer)

The Alamo... sort of

This was done by my 10 yr old. I love children's creativity.

Morning motto

My morning motto, "Don't talk to me until I am done with my coffee."

The kitten and the pigeon

Peck, the pigeon, and Duncan, the kitten, are becoming friends. Duncan, the kitten, is still afraid of the pigeon. He finds out every time what happens to him when he sticks his nose near the bird cage, he gets pecked.
Peck still loves to come out of her cage and walks in the living room. She loves belly rubs. Yes, this is the pigeon I'm talking about.

Good-bye Boo (our cat of 15 years)

We made a tough decision yesterday. Our 15 yr old cat went to heaven. Actually, she was closer to 16 yrs old.

16 years ago, my 'boyfriend' and I rescued two tiny black kittens. We named them Boo and Scam. We loved them so much. We decided they needed a brother, so we rescued a puppy, Bourbon. When my 'boyfriend' turned into my husband, then my children's father, those three animals were still apart of our family.
Scam and Bourbon passed away the past couple of years ago. Boo was the last one.

Boo, the cat that didn't care if Peck the pigeon was on her head. Boo reminded me a lot of Garfield, the cartoon cat. She just wanted attention (her terms only) and food. I bet she would've loved lasagna. People would comment on her beautiful black shiny fur and how 'big' she was. My kids loved how calm she was.

Lately, she refused to eat. She didn't want to move. It was depressing to see. When I called the vet, I didn't know how to explain it to them. "I need to see if my cat needs to go to heaven?" They had an appointment at 8:40 a.m. It was 8:00 a.m. I wasn't ready to rush to see if my cat was going to heaven. I picked the 10:40 a.m appointment.

I checked in at the reception desk. The women behind the counter, "You're here for a quality of life appointment?" I had to stop and think. Wow, that what it was, "quality of life". Although, I knew the answer, I nodded my head to receptionist. I bit my lip to stop the tears.
My 8 yr old daughter was sitting in the seat, holding the cat in a Spiderman blanket. I had to take my 10 yr, 8 yr and 4 yr old with me for a 'quality of life' appointment. My 4 yr old asked, "Is this heaven?"
"No, baby, this is not heaven. But this is where we will say good-bye, " I said.
My children were usually quiet. Unfortunately, they experienced Scam and Bourbon's passing.

I sat in the seat, tried to smile for the kids. I called my husband and asked him to come. Like always, he was better at handling those situations than I was. After all, he cleaned Boo's cat litter for 15 years, he was also close to her. Honestly, Boo loved him the most.

I waited and thought, "Don't call me in yet, my husband isn't here..." Just ONCE I wanted an appointment to be late, but it didn't happen. We were called in.

Boo was 5 lbs. She use to weigh 16 lbs.

My husband came in the room as the vet was explaining about our 'options'. That's when I cried. Should I have been stronger for the kids? I don't know. I just knew I needed to cry.
My husband made us go home. We all said our good-byes.

My husband said she went peacefully. My 8 yr old daughter said, "God is taking care of her now."

Good-bye Boo.

Christmas Cards Coming Soon

Yes, Christmas. Keep in mind it is best to take photographs Sept - Oct to ensure Christmas cards are hung on other chimney's EARLY.
Christmas card previews will be up soon. Just like custom photography, your cards are also customized. They are designed for photographers. Choose from unique sizes as 4x5's, 5x7 (front back), 5x7 folded even 5x5 designs. I've had many people request 5x5's trifolds because of its unique design. (Image will be posted soon).

Our pigeon is a girl...

My husband naturally assumed the pigeon that flew the front door was a boy. She flew in the house in January, and has been here since that warm Sunday afternoon. We've taken it to the vet to make sure she was healthy.

Fast forward to last week:

She was acting funny. We are use to letting her out of her cage. She likes to follow my husband around like a duck. She likes him. She will fly to him and land on his shoulders. Actually, she likes me too. I say, "Here kitty kitty." I snap my fingers and she'll come.

Last week, she was just grumpy.

She laid an egg! We were excited, and tried to figure out the last time she went flying on her own. We do get her wings clipped, but they grow back so fast. She will 'hang out' in the backyard with us. We are careful not to have the puppy or the kitten around. The 15 yr old cat could care less.

So I had to google about pigeons and babies. Two days later, she lays another egg. Again, we think... when was the last time she went out. We questioned everyone (the kids). Then we realized that the eggs were not fertilized. We were sad, but relieved. I had to explain to the kids about the birds and the bees .... well, maybe just the birds.

The eggs are about 1.5 inch long. We cleaned her cage and took out the eggs. She seems like her old self now. Of course, I had to take a photograph of the pigeon eggs.

Our new kitten...

He's 2.5 months old and hyper as can be. He sleeps anywhere at any given moment. The minute you carry him, he wants to sleep. If he's not sleeping, he's chasing the puppy.

Here's a quick snapshot of him... two seconds later he fell asleep on my messy desk (first photo).

A bugs life

Beautiful newborn

Why does custom photography cost more?

My prints do cost more than chain stores. Why does custom photography cost more? There is a great article written by Marianne Drenthe that explains what costs and time goes into custom photography.
Here's an excerpt from the article.

http://www.professionalchildphotographer.com/information/?p=6

TIME of the CUSTOM PHOTOGRAPHER:
Approaching it from a time standpoint, for instance let’s imagine if you will that you have hired a photographer who has work that you love and that is travelling an hour to your on location session. TIme break down:
*session prep time (30 mins - 1 hour, includes equipment and back up equipment checks + vehicle checks)
one hour travel time TO session
*15-30 minutes prep time at client’s home
*90 minutes-2 hours with client photographing subject
*one hour travel time FROM session
*30-45 minutes uploading time from digital cards from camera to computer
*30-45 minutes time spent backing up the original images
*2-5 hours editing time to present you with a diverse gallery of edited images
*1 hour prep time getting ready for ordering
*2-3 hours time with client for ordering images
*1 hour sorting through and checking order
*30 minutes-1 hour prep time for delivery
*30 minutes-1 hour getting order shipped
*any additional phone time or time needed for add on ordering, shipment issues, quality issues
As you can see, average client time for a session ranges from just under 13 hours to 19 hours dependent on the photographer’s level of service. This is time dedicated only to your session. When the photographer charges $150-$300 for the photo shoot you are not just paying for the two hours of session time, you are paying the photographer for 12-19 hours complete time for your session.


To read more about custom photography, please visit http://www.professionalchildphotographer.com/information/?p=6
For questions such as "What is custom photography?" "Why does custom photography cost more?"

Trains

I recently attended a birthday party at the Texas Transportation Museum. It's a great place to visit!

Texas State Capitol, Austin, Texas

My family and I had a class field trip yesterday (yes, on a Saturday!) in Austin, Texas. We had a great tour guide. The details inside the Capitol are beautiful. The day was breathtaking.

What is "Copyright"?

Since I'm a member of PPA, I've received a stack handouts about copyright.
This is what PPA says about copyright:

• Important Notice about Copyright Protection

The Copyright Act protects photographers by giving the author of the photograph the exclusive rights to reproduce your photographs. The includes the right to control the making of copies.

It is illegal to copy or reproduce these photographs elsewhere without our permission, and violators of this Federal Law will be subject to its civil and criminal penalties.

We will try to accommodate all reasonable requests. Please feel free to discuss your needs with us so that we may have the opportunity to serve you better.

What this means.

• Copying, scanning, saving on your computer, photographing the image, copying to myspace, facebook, etc is violates copyright laws.
• There are other photographers that do support this law, therefore notify other photographers if the copyright is violated.
• If you would like an image for posting on blogs, webpages, etc, I will email you an image. The image will have my logo. Image will look distorted if printed larger than a thumbnail.
• Please inquiry about images on CD.

Thank you for understanding copyright laws and understanding that as photographers, how we make our living!

Updating my website

I'm currently updating my website. There may be 'things' in my website that do not make sense, so I'm explaining why.

Also, I'm currently working with a vendor that does fanstatic job with her templates for books.
What does this mean to you? You can turn your images into a BOOK! I'll have samples once I turn my images into a book.

My pigeon

Yes, we have a pet pigeon.

In January, we were in our front yard, playing with the kids. The kids were playing with the water hose. A pigeon kept flying near us. We figured it was thirsty or hungry. There is not many pigeons in our neighborhood.
My kids fed it Cheerios. He ate them, but didn't want to get too close to him.
When we were all coming inside, he didn't seem very happy that we were abadoning him. We left the front door open, we joked with each other ---"Maybe he'll fly inside."

He flew inside.

He's been here ever since. We took him to a vet and he was given a clean bill (no pun intended) of health. We also bought him a cage and 'special' pigeon food. (Did you know they have food especially for pigeons? They sell it at a feed store on Huebner.) His name is Peck. I've tried to let him 'go home'. He's gone down the street a few times, but he always come back -- through the front door.

My cat ignores him. She's too old to waste her energy on him. Then again, 15 yrs ago our cat was a stray...

He's a great pet. Messy, but great.

Petti-skirts, yes, they are mine.

If you are looking at my gallery, the petti-skirts that are photographed are mine. I have two available for photographs, the red and white with pastel rainbow trim. They run (sizes) about 2t-6.
They are extremely soft, I love to use them for my newborn imgages (girls).
If you want your child to be photographed with one, please let me know. I will get more colors/sizes later.

Gone fishin'

Ok, I don't fish... but I do take vacations! It's SPRING BREAK!!!!

I'll be 'gone' from March 14th to March 24th.

Thanks ya'll!

What not to wear... during photo sessions

DON'T: Stripes, plaids, logos.
They tend to distract from the most important thing being photographed... YOU!
DO: Simple is always better. Solid colors also work out great.

Bellies and Babies Workshop

I had so much fun at this workshop. I was a 'roadie' there until 3 pm to 1 am. Sandy Puc' was the speaker. WOW was my first thought. Not only is she down to earth, but a fantastic speaker. I've learned so much from her. It also made me realize how much I love photography.
There is a picture of "us" (the roadies, or local photographers) in her blog.
We are under the San Antonio... lol
I'm the last one on the right.... Yes, this picture was taken at 1 am.
http://www.expressionsphotos.blogspot.com/

10 Things about me:

1. I love to listen to music while I clean.
2. I love snapshots. Not every family snapshot has to look perfect.
3. I love learning. I do read a lot of photography related stuff. I never get tired of it.
4. I have 3 kids
5. I need coffee in the morning.
6. I love cats and dogs. We had a dog, but he passed away at the age of 14 yrs old. Scam, my favorite cat, also just passed away at the age of 14 yrs old. I only have 1 cat (she's 15 yrs old)... and a pigeon (long story).
7. When I smile, you can't see my eyes.
8. My husband and I have been together for 17 yrs. I think I'll keep him. :)
9. Photography stuff is what I drool over.
10. Everyday I am thankful for the blessings in my life.