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.

Addie in the Studio

Here are some studio portraits of Addie in her sweet Christmas dress. Her family didn't need these photos for Christmas gifts, so they came in after Christmas, when life was a little calmer, for the photo session. I think that is a great idea!!







Studio 310 Photography

Children's Studio Portraits

I photographed Story and Jack recently. I know that are still pretty young, but I remember when each of them was in 2 year old classes at the preschool where my mom is director and a teacher. She would get me to sub once in a while--especially the year Story was two, so I worked with her a lot. It's fun to see kids growing up.





Jack loved his tie. He thought he was super cool and was so sad when his mom wanted to take it off for a few photos. They put it back on him before they left the studio.


Studio 310 Photography

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

Children's photos for Valentine's Day

Earlier this week I went to Raleigh to photograph some of my nieces and nephew for their Valentine's Day cards. I mostly photographed the family but I shot some cute photos of kids in their neighborhood too.

One of the neighbors playing in the cul-de-sac.


David's favorite thing to do outside is play baseball, well, besides slip-n-sliding, but it's February.


The big sister Alex.




Alex and one of her neighborhood friends.




Two. Sweet 7 month old baby girls.






Studio 310 Photography