Jennifer & Stephen's Wedding Day - North Carolina Wedding Photography

Here is the first of three photo videos from Jennifer and Stephen's beautiful wedding day in Princeton, NC. This video includes all the wedding day anticipation and portraits of the couple, their families, and the bridal party at Princeton Baptist Church.

The other two videos will be posted in the next couple days; they include the wedding ceremony and the reception at The Wagner House in Clayton, NC.

Enjoy the photos. Let me know what you think.



Studio 310 Photography

35 Year Class Reunion - Studio 310, North Carolina Event Photography

Smithfield Selma High School, Class of 1974, recently got together for their 35 year class reunion. They had a fun party and I had a fun time photographing it. Check out the video of some of the photos from the evening.

The disc with all the images from the evening is available for you to purchase for your personal use. If you buy the disc you can view the photos on your computer or print them, and I'll include this video on the disc for free.



Click the "Buy Now" button below to purchase the CD with all the reunion images.
$20.00 (includes shipping)

Please contact me if you have any questions.

Studio 310 Photography

Jack-o-lantern and Toasted Pumpkin Seeds

Jonathan and I had a fun Halloween. We carved a jack-o-lantern this year. Last year we went house hunting after work on Halloween and got home in time for the bigger kids trick or treating. So no jack-o-lantern. This year we are in our new house and hung out together all day--no work--since it's the weekend before our wedding anniversary; and we had plenty of time to carve this cute pumpkin face.

Ta-da!!




I also toasted the pumpkin seeds, and I think they're very tasty.

Here is the "recipe" I used for the toasted pumpkin seeds:
--Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
--Boil the seeds in water with salt for 10 minutes--I used quite a bit more salt than I would if I were boiling pasta for example.
--Drain and spread the seeds out in one layer on a greased baking sheet--I sprayed the pan with canola oil and then sprayed the seeds after they were on the pan.
--Bake for 10 minutes or until they are toasty brown.

Amanda Dengler

Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Portrait Sessions with Studio 310

PinkFact: 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime.



Today is the first day of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Studio 310 is joining with other wedding industry professionals to help fund awareness, outreach, education and research for breast cancer through Pink Initiative.

During the month of October, proceeds from all portrait session fees will go to Pink Initiative to help fund a cure for breast cancer.

Also, to say THANK YOU to my customers for supporting this cause, those who purchase either a digital or print collection will receive 50 custom Christmas cards. Click here to see a couple examples of cards from last year.

October is a busy month at Studio 310, so please call or email me now to book your session. Thanks for considering partnering with Studio 310 Photography and Pink Initiative.

PinkFact: About 85% of all women diagnosed with breast cancer do NOT have a family history of it.

Studio 310 Photography

Website Sneak - Dunn, NC Wedding Photography

Pretty bride on her wedding day in Dunn, NC.

I probably won't post more photos until next week. The wedding I'm photographing tomorrow starts early, and I'm looking forward to my Saturday evening off work. YES!

Studio 310 Photography

Raleigh, NC Wedding Photographer Studio 310

This photos is from the same wedding as yesterday's post--at the Mordecai House near Downtown Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Website Sneak Peek - Raleigh, NC Wedding Photographer

This is from another 2008 wedding. I photographed this wedding with April at the Mordecai House in Raleigh, NC. I hope I can use a lot from this wedding on the new website, because all the details, locations, and people were so unique and fun.

I love this photo. I have it in a 20x30 canvas for my office.

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Website Sneak Peek - Chapel Hill, NC Wedding Photography

A solitary hunter. . . the photographer stalks her prey.

Here is a sneaky shot I got in 2008 when photographing a wedding at the Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill, NC.

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Website Sneak Peek - Raleigh, NC Wedding Photography

I'm working on my new website, so anyone trying to see my main website and portfolio is temporarily being redirected to my blog. I hope no one has been confused by this.

It's been fun and tediously time consuming looking through images and getting them ready for the website. I've been doing a lot of freelance shooting for other studios lately, and I don't always look through the images immediately. I'm almost certain I've never posted any on my blog. So, I'm challenging myself to post one new image a day on the blog. That will give you blog stalkers some fresh material everyday and get a sneak peek of what I'm working on for the new website. This will also help me get moving on finishing the website.

Bride and groom from a wedding I photographed with April in Downtown Raleigh.


Studio 310 Photography

Tough Stuff. Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep

You won't see any photos in this post, and I'm not much of a writer, so I don't know where to begin.

Friday at the wedding I photographed with April, she told the groom, "Amanda doesn't say a whole lot, but her face will tell you exactly what's in that head of hers." Classic!!

So maybe I can communicate to you something about my day before I went to the wedding, without photos, and without you being able to see my face.

Thursday evening, after a busy day working at home and going to a meeting, I received a call from a nurse at the local hospital. I was sort of expecting a call like this from WakeMed (one of the 3 big hospitals in my area) all week. Last week I was on call for the eastern Triangle, Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep team. Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep (nilmdts) is an organization of 7,000 photographer volunteers that provide professional photographs to families of infants who are dying, or have already passed away.

The call I got Thursday evening was not from the big WakeMed with it’s Level III ICN, but from a local hospital that generally deals with healthy moms and healthy babies. The nurse told me they had a mom who’s baby had already passed away, and she would deliver the baby that night. We talked and decided that if it didn’t happen by 12 that night, that she would call me in the morning before she got off work and let me know what was going on.

So around 5:00am Friday morning after a night of pouring down rain, hail, and crazy lightning storms that mom delivered her tiny baby girl, who she would not dress in a special going home outfit, put in her special car seat and take to their house, or feed and put her to bed in room that she had prepared just for her arrival. The baby girl never breathed on her own. Her family shouldn’t have been expecting her until late October. She was only 27 weeks along.

I went to the hospital Friday morning for the photo session. I met with a nurse and she introduced me to the grieving family. I knew at 27 weeks the baby would be small, but I was not prepared for just how small she would be. She was in the room with her mom, dad and grandmother, lying peacefully in one of the hospital bassinets, wearing a tiny hat and wrapped in a pink blanket.

I spent some time photographing the baby by herself and also took some photos of her with each family member. Her skin was very fragile and her nose bled any time someone moved her. She was tiny and loooong. Her grandfather came in while I was there. At first he was tentative about looking at her, but when he did you could hear the love in his voice when he saw her the first time. “That’s a pretty baby!”

She is beautiful.

The session was certainly difficult. I was sort of in my “photographer-zone” while I was in the room working with the family. But on my way out of the hospital I walked by rooms with giant blue bows on the doors and a sign that said a mom was breast-feeding her daughter. There were excited families in the waiting room and looking at the healthy babies in the nursery, anticipating getting to meet their new little one for the first time. It hurts. I hurt for the mom and family that had to face the reality on Friday that they lost their baby girl.

I hope the photos that I give them will honor their baby and help with their healing.

Amanda Dengler

Senior Class of 2010 - North Carolina Senior Portrait Photographer

Yea yea, summer is here, and it's time for the new senior class to start thinking about portraits. Studio 310 has awesome specials again this year. Here are the deals:

•• We need students to be models this summer, so if you book your session before school starts back in August, you'll receive 50 free cards to give to friends when you head back to school.

•• These free cards are really good for you, because for every friend you refer to Studio 310 that books their session with us, you'll receive $25 off your order.

•• AND for every 3 friends you refer that book sessions, you'll be entered in a drawing for an iPod shuffle. (If you don't need the iPod, we'll figure out something equivalent for you--like a gift card.)

•• We'll probably have some runner-up prizes too--like iTunes gift cards--depending on how many people end up in the drawing.

So check out the video with senior portraits from Studio 310 and contact me if you'd like to book your session or you have any questions.



In case the video isn't showing up for you, or you're looking at this from facebook, here's the link: Vimeo
And if you want to see some blog entries with senior portraits, look here, and here. (the second link is a family session that we did along with a senior session.)

Mentoring Session - North Carolina Senior Portrait Photography

I had the privilege this spring of mentoring a Princeton High School senior, Sam, for her senior project. She wanted to learn about lighting, so she brought her cousin to model for us, and I brought some instruction on light. Coincidentally lighting is one of my favorite aspects of photography, so it worked out really well for both of us. I had so much fun teaching and experimenting and learning a lot from the practice too.



























Studio 310 Photography

High School Prom Photography, Smithfield, NC

You get to see another sneak peek today--this one is of Courtney and Jake. These two came to the studio yesterday evening before their prom all dressed up. We did a few traditional photos in the studio then headed outside for some fun stuff. Here is one of the faves.



Studio 310 Photography

Faith - Headshots and Portrait Photography, Smithfield, NC

Here is a sneak peek from Faith's portrait session from last weekend. She needed a portrait to go with a project she's working on. You can read about her journey of getting laid off from her job and starting her own work on her blog. She's a writer so her blog posts are interesting reads--like a complete contrast to mine, where I'm just trying to get some facts straight before I get to the photos. But I'm a photographer, so that works for me.



Check out Faith Dwight's blog.

Studio 310 Photography

Sarah's Senior Portraits, Smithfield, NC

Here are some more photos from Sarah's senior session from a few weeks ago. I've been photographing lots of kids and babies over the past couple weeks, so check back soon for some more new portrait session posts.



















Studio 310 Photography

Easter Bunny Portrait Sessions :: Dates Added

I've decided to extend the dates for the Easter bunny photo sessions. I've had a family schedule a full portrait shoot during one of my bunny days which is going take out a lot of the bunny sessions, so I don't want anyone to miss out because of scheduling conflicts. I updated the original post to reflect the new dates.

The original dates, next week: Sunday, March 22nd, Wednesday – Thursday, March 25th–26th
And the new dates, for the following week: Sunday – Tuesday, March 29th-31st
check with me to see what times are available.

You'll still be able to receive your photos before Easter!!

Studio 310 Photography

Sarah - Senior + Lifestyle Photography, Smithfield, NC

Last week I had the opportunity to photograph this beautiful high school senior with my friend Christina. We photographed all over downtown Smithfield--some places where I shoot a lot, and some completely new locations too. I loved it. Shooting in the new spots made me feel like I was in a different town. It was refreshing.

Here is a sneak peek from the session. You'll see more later this week.


Studio 310 Photography

You can use Twitter too

You might have noticed at the top of the right-column of this blog is a section titled "twitterings." That's my made up name for my twitter update. I think I first became conscious of twitter late last summer. I had probably seen twitter updates on others' blogs, but ignored them for a while. I looked into starting an account for myself around that time, but was completely intimidated by it--but now I don't remember why--maybe the thought of keeping it updated? I finally decided I was going to do this thing at the start of 2009. It's totally not scary, just sign up.

I'm going to the WPPI convention (that's Wedding and Portrait Photographers International) on Sunday, and I'll be back late on Thursday. It's in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand--sweet. I'm not going to try to blog while I'm there, but you'll be able to follow what I'm doing through twitter. Which is the whole point of this post--you can use twitter too.

So what is Twitter?
Twitter is real-time micro-blogging. Users update and share whatever they are doing in 140 characters or less. You could share what you are doing, your plans, your thoughts, the music you're listening to, what you're eating, who you're meeting, ask questions. . . It's good to join in conversations too. You can respond to what others are talking about. This is one of the times where your two cents (in 140 characters or less) is always welcome! Since I know a lot of my blog audience is facebook users, I can compare twitter to the facebook status update; not exactly, but it's similar.

Once you're signed up, you find people to follow. You'll receive their twitter updates. And people will follow you. They'll receive your twitter updates. You can choose to follow people you know, people you know of, lots of businesses use twitter, follow people that are interested in the same things as you. I follow wedding photographers, wedding planners, and other wedding vendors; people I know in real life, people that are very wise about marketing, and a few businesses I like. My friend Lisa is one of the trainers at my gym--it seems that she is networking through twitter with others interested in health and fitness throughout the US and Canada. You could get hooked up with others in your industry, your hobbies, your family, your friends. . .

People will follow you. I'm much more of a one-on-one friend person, not so much someone who has lots and lots and lots of girl friends, so when I signed up for twitter I only found a few people I knew in real life. But since I've been using twitter, I've developed a network or twitter community of people I can learn from and talk to.

You can update as frequently as you like. Some people post updates throughout the day, everyday. Some update once or twice a day. Some people update once a week or so, or less. And I think some people use twitter just to update friends and family about whats going on when they are out of town or during a big event. So you can use it however you like.

I hope this info has been helpful for you. Let me know if you have any questions about twitter; I'm happy to help.



Amanda Dengler

Belk of Smithfield Hosts Bridal Expo

Belk of Smithfield, NC is hosting it's bridal show and expo Sunday, February 22nd. It will be from 2-5pm at 1231 N Brightleaf Blvd. I'LL BE THERE!!! I participated for the first time last August, so I know a little about what you can expect. Food--Casey's Catering and Florist will likely be there with plenty of reception food samples, cake, and punch. You'll have the opportunity to meet local wedding vendors, and register to win prizes. There will probably be a gift just for showing up--it was really nice last time--and you can start a wedding registry at Belk if you'd like. If you're from Johnston County you might as well start a registry at Belk because you know all those old ladies from your church are going shopping for you at Belk.

I know some couples are recently engaged and don't necessarily have a date set for the wedding, but you can go anyway. It's a great way to do some preliminary research, and WIN STUFF.

**BIG HINT** on registering for prizes: the way it worked last time was the brides had to speak to each vendor and check off or get them to check off that she had spoken with them--there aren't too many vendors so don't get intimidated. But some vendors aren't as, mmmm, outgoing as others, so some brides didn't meet everyone because the vendors weren't taking the initiative to introduce themselves. SO, either make an effort to speak to all the vendors, or come see MEEE and I'll make sure to introduce you to everyone. (cause I love you and I want you to win!!! Yea!)

All the wedding vendors are asked to give something for a door prize. My give-away will be an engagement session and you can choose from a 16x20 print or a coffee table photobook of your proofs. It's a $300 value, so come to the show so you have a chance to win it!

I've set up this show as an event on facebook. If you're a facebook member you can click this link to RSVP or invite others to attend. I think there is some way to set up events on facebook for the public to see, but I don't know how. If you have any tips let me know. You're always welcome to be my facebook friend or become a fan of Studio 310.

Win a Gift Certificate from Wedding Paper Divas

I love paper. Probably because I studied graphic design in art school with a bunch of paper loving professors. My typography teacher creates beautiful hand pressed books, and he occasionally spent time in class showing us his work and explaining the letter press and book making process.

Because of all the time and work that goes into designing and creating these items, they are generally outside of my budget, so I was excited to hear about a contest Wedding Paper Divas is having right now. Brides (or grooms, what an awesome surprise for the bride) can submit their engagement story through February 22nd for an opportunity to win a gift card for wedding invitations, response cards, and thank you notes. Awesome!! Check out the website, their designs are gorgeous.





Studio 310 Photography

callie and devin's wedding day

My brother-in-law Jim grabbed this photo during the ladies' photos. I like how the soft focus works for this one. Jim's a computer engineer with a major photography hobby, fun lenses, and a good eye. It wasn't planned, but he ended up being my non-contracted second-second shooter at the wedding.




Some of the musicians. You'll hear their beautiful sounds if you watch the video included in this post. This photo also shows off the chuppah (or huppa)--the canopy the bride and groom stand under for the ceremony.




This Messianic Jewish wedding included both Messianic/Christian wedding traditions and Jewish ones. One of the Jewish traditions is the bride circling the groom 7 times.




A couple photos from Nia--my fabulous (contracted) second shooter for the day.




Congratulations Callie and Devin.



Studio 310 Photography

7 Circles video from one of the wedding guests. Watch it!!



|hotel: Hilton Wilmington Riverside, NC (getting ready and bridal party photos)|
|wedding ceremony + reception: The Balcony on Dock Street, Wilmington, NC|
|hair: Melinda Keener of Sizzor Trix, Goldsboro, NC|
|makeup: Rosa Bourgeois with Mary Kay, Goldsboro, NC|
|dress + veil: Tre Bella Bridal, Durham, NC|
|bridesmaids dresses: Lynn Lugo|
|bride's flowers: Caitlyn W, Goldsboro, NC|
|bridal party's flowers: Julia's, Wilmington, NC|
|chuppah: Linda M, Goldsboro, NC|
|ceremony music: Faith + Simon Dwight, Smithfield, NC; Christina R, Cincinnati, OH; Daniel W, Goldsboro, NC|
|reception dj: Done Deal Entertainment, Wilmington, NC|
|cake: Allison's Cakery, Wilmington, NC|

If you'd like to contact any of these vendors that do not have a website, let me know, and I can help you get a phone number or email address.