PixelArt Photography

Sarasota Weddings at Longboat Key, Bradenton Beach, Selby Gardens and Ringling's Ca D'Zan

2011-12-06T07:56:00.000-08:00

It has been a very busy fall season for us with weddings at Longboat Key Club, Gulf Drive Cafe on Bradenton Beach, Selby Gardens, St. Pete Yacht Club and Ringling's Ca D'Zan Mansion. We are happy to announce our new photogrpaher assistant Catie Sweeney who will join us for weddings in 2012. Catie will play an integral role as an assistant, 2nd shooter and sales coordinator.

Sarasota Fall Weddings

2011-11-03T13:06:00.000-07:00

Hi again! Hope everyone had a wonderful Halloween. This fall is very busy so I will be brief. Our new Epoca Albums are gorgeous wedding books. Make an appointment to see samples in person. Here are a few images from recent weddings at the Selby Gardens and Ringling Museum Ca D'Zan Mansion on the bay.

Sarasota Ritz Carlton Wedding

2011-09-22T11:53:00.000-07:00

Below are a few images from Rebecca & Jon's wedding 6.11.11 at the Sarasota Ritz Carlton. It was a beautiful event with the Bride wearing a mermaid dress with feather accent, and the groom in a white tux.

New Pricing and Book Options

2011-06-10T12:54:00.000-07:00

Now offering low payment plans to make high-end wedding photography affordable to all brides!
Basic Packages from $10 / month
Book Packages from $69 / month

We also just picked up Epoca® Albums as a new vendor. These Italian books come in different exclusive covers ranging from chic silk to traditional leather. Contact us for a complimentary consultation to see samples in person.

A Few New Shots

2011-03-24T20:32:00.000-07:00

Hi!

Happy Spring.

Here are a few new shots from recent weddings and nature.

Anna Maria Island Wedding 03/11

Sandhill Crane with chick

Florida Photographer Anna Lythgoe

New Special Offer

2011-02-28T14:27:00.000-08:00

SoHo Book Photography Package $1,990

4 hrs Coverage
Touch-up
Disc with Hi-Res Files & Release
8X12 SoHo Wedding Book
Prints: Ten 5x7s; Six 8x10sOnline Proofing & Print Ordering
Tax, S&H

Act now! Limited dates open. Call:727.459.8884
Email us>>

Back to Work

2011-02-10T14:05:00.000-08:00

Hi again!
Back to work after 7 days in beautiful Deer Valley, Utah. Posting a few pics below.

Recent Shoots

2011-02-01T20:05:00.000-08:00

Hi!
Getting ready for a ski vacation in Utah Feb 2-9. Before I go I just wanted to add a few recent images from Sammie & Aarons engagement shoot, and Carder D'Amico's Baby shoot. I'll be back soon!

Maternity Photography on Longboat Key

2010-12-30T15:42:00.000-08:00

Enjoy a few pics from Kelley's maternity shoot. She was a beautiful bride at her 2009 wedding at the Sand Pearl Resort on Clearwater Beach, and now a gorgeous and glowing mother-to-be. Although it was very cold during the maternity shoot, her attitude was great and she stayed positive. Good luck with the February delivery!

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-18T07:37:00.000-08:00

Wishing all of you former and future Brides a very merry Christmas and a wonderful Holiday Season. Below are a few recent images from Susan & Darrin's wedding on Marina Jack II in Sarasota.

Sarasota Bradenton Tampa Weding Photography by

PixelArt Photography

Anna Maria Island Wedding & Holmes Beach Wedding Reception

2010-10-27T15:59:00.000-07:00

A recent wedding on Anna Maria Island was a great success. The bride was beautiful with a bouquet featuring peacock feathers and autumn colors. The bridesmaids wore short purple dresses that complemented the flowers. The wedding reception was held at a fantastic waterfront residence on Holmes Beach. The swim-up bar featured whimsical decor that played beautifully in the night wind. The family had helped decorate, cake by Publix Bakery and catering by Ezra. All photography by Sarasota wedding photographer PixelArt Photography.

Longboat Key Wedding

2010-08-26T09:15:00.000-07:00

One of our most popular wedding locations in SW Florida is Longboat Key Club & Resort. They offer beautiful rooms, excellent food and wine, tranquil beach and a trendy poolside deck. Since they have two properties (Island side and Harbour side) they also offer a marina setting and a spanish courtyard perfect for romantic photos.
Below are a few samples

Fall Weddings

2010-08-24T15:42:00.000-07:00

Hi Again,

After 2 months in wonderful Utah, hiking, biking, golfing and enjoying the cool summer (!) I will be back in the Florida heat September 2nd to meet with some of you and start the busy fall season. Upcoming weddings will be at the A La Carte Pavillion, Longboat Key Club & Resort, Longboat Key Hilton, DOn Cesar Resort and a few various beach weddings in Sarasota and St. Pete. Like us on Facebook so we can get noticed!

Here are a few images from our hikes in Utah:

News-New 1099 Rules

2010-07-26T09:07:00.000-07:00

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-New 1099 Rules Aimed at Curbing Tax Cheaters

Get References and Read Reviews

2010-02-03T07:18:00.000-08:00

Hi again,

I have recently had quite a few clients contact me because the photographer the originally hired
A: Have disappeared with the deposit;
B: Did not deliver the complete package;
C: Did a terrible job on the engagement shoot, and now the couple want to hire someone else for the wedding.
I am always happy to help, but it is sad that photographers treat their clients this way as it brings a bad reputation to our industry. I guess the best way to protect yourself as a client is to check references and reviews. Many of us established firms have 3+ reviews on Google and Yahoo! by now, and you should always ask for references. References should include phone numbers, not just email addresses. Also check with the Better Business Bureau, and check the State corporate licence office for filings of annual reports etc Make sure everything is up-to-date and in good status. Ask the companies you are looking to hire what name they are registered under as it may be different than the DBA name. PixelArt Photography, for example, is a division of "Business Information Technology Services, Inc.", so we are registered with Florida under that name. Also ask:

~If the company has insurance

~To get a printed PR brochure

~If they are members of any professional organizations

Anyone that is serious and successful in the industry and has positive cash flow should have professional liability insurance and professionally printed brochures and business cards (nothing home made...) Price lists are different and can be simple sheets as pricing changes quite often. The vendor should also be a member of at least one professional organization. PixelArt photography is a member of WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Professionals International) and NAPP (National Association of Photoshop Professionals).

On a lighter note, my sister is getting married on 2/20/2010 at The Longboat Key Club, so we are all getting excited. It has been fun being on the other end of the spectacle for a change!

New Year New Trends

2010-01-13T18:57:00.000-08:00

Hi!
Sorry for slacking over the holidaze.
After a busy December I finally have some time to write again.
Our first wedding of the year was 1/2/2010 in St. Pete.
Michelle and Romeo had a beautiful St. Pete wedding at St. Jude's Cathedral followed by a reception to remember at the Bayfront Hilton. The bride was wearing a full princess gown for the ceremony and then changed to a mermaid gown for the reception. A very nice touch as her athletic figure and exotic look made for a complete look overhaul beteween the events.

We coordinated several shoots during the afternoon. We started at the Vinoy Golf Club, then on to the Vinoy Resort entry, followed by the Museum of Art, and then a few fashion shots by the Vintage night club.

The reception was hosted in a beautifully decorated ballroom at the Bayfron Hilton. The decor was chocolate brown, gold, and a blend of burgany, red and pink. A gold canopy enclosed the cake table and enhanced the 5 tier cake and the cutting ceremony. The head table was positioned pointing straight onto the dance floor, making a very interesting room layout. To top of the reception Michelle had insisted on a martini ice fountain. The feature was a great addition to the party atmosphere, and DJ Felix kept the music playing into the wee hours. Please enjoy a few photos from the first 2010 wedding!

Fall Update

2009-09-18T06:35:00.000-07:00

Happy Fall everyone!

Rain...

After a few rainy weeks I have a tip for brides... Eventhough it is not something you want to think about when planning your wedding, hava a solid backup plan for rainy weather. All planners talk about this, but I find that clients do not face the reality of rain very well. Have coordinating umbrellas ready (same size and color, preferrably black or white) for all bridal party members. That way you can get fun shots even if it does rain. Make sure your photographer is ok to shoot in the rain.

Sun...

If you are planning a mid-day wedding, be prepared for harsh sunlight. For the photo session, have a sunbrella or parasol handy. These can be great props and provide shade for closeup bridal portraits using natural light.

That's all for now. We are off to Hawaii in October, so I will post more after that adventure. For high-end Sarasota and Tampa Bay wedding photography contact us to discuss your wedding needs. Read unbiased wedding reviews from brides and make informed decisions for your wedding. Get a free wedding planner via email PDF. Wedding Jewelry

Wedding Dresses

2009-08-10T07:27:00.000-07:00

With so many wedding dress choices out there it can be a major chore to select your gown. Here are a few hints and ideas... Some bridal salons offer video taping of your visit, and can even have a live fee to those who are not able to be with you.
Another option is to bring a video camera or at least a camera to document your trials. Be sure to take good notes and keep records of what gowns and styles you try, which ones you like and don't like.
For a good FREE bridal planner can be found at WedPlot.com. Here you can find details about dress ternimology and styles.
For more ideas visit Sarasota and Tampa's premier wedding photography business PixelArt Photography.

The Knot Feature

2009-07-20T12:40:00.000-07:00

Great news! Our images will be featured in The Knot, Florida Spring/Summer 2010 issue. Our 2008 clients Joanna & Oz Ozkaya got married at the Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, and we submitted images to The Knot for consideration. We are excited that our work was selected and look forward to some PR!
The Knot Wedding Resource

2009-06-24T08:34:00.000-07:00

Hi again!
I have been slacking with my posts... :-o
Wedding season is busy and I just returned from a beautiful wedding in Toms River, NJ. The couple hired me and flew me up to NJ for the weekend. The wedding was a complete success. The weather was not good, but luckilly the sun came out right as we were getting some great beach shots. Some snafus did however occurr... The limo driver decided to give the couple a heads up that they were running on overtime... Not a good idea as the bride had paid for numerous hours. As a vendor you should not interfere in the couples big day. Save disputes to after the wedding. Anyway...now I am back in the office and looking forward to some family events coming up next month. I have been working on a free wedding planner and it is finally ready. Please visit WedPlot.com for registration. Congrats to my beautiful niece Stina who turnes 21 today!

Wedding Dress & Tuxuedo

2009-02-13T06:56:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone. We are buzy with weddings. Please check backsoon for more info. Vist Sarasota and Tampa wedding photographer >>>>

Wedding Flowers

2009-02-04T07:12:00.000-08:00

Wedding flowers should to some degree add a statement to your wedding décor. Vibrant colors in tropical bouquets are very beautiful and photograph well. Calla lilies are pretty, but are not easy for the bridal party to hold (as they are quite long stemmed and awkward) and (in my opinion) Calla Lilies do not photograph as well as other bouquets.

Here are a few pastel / soft colored bouquets:

Tropical / vibrant colored bouquets are very popular and beautiful both for accent color and photography:

Brides maids and flower girl bouquets do not have to completely match the bride's bouquet, but should compliment in color and design:

Groom's butonnieres can be simple and "manly", or vibrant and fun while still making a statement. Most butonnieres contain orchids as they are very resilient and beautiful:

Search the web for photos and details of the flowers. Below is a list of some popular bridal flowers and a few photo charts (©TheFlowerExchange):

~ Gerberas

~ Roses
~ Calla Lily

~ Hydrangeas
~ Snapdragons
~ Bird of Paradise

~ Stephanothis
~ Sunflowers
~ Campanulas
~ Orchids

~ Aster
~ Alstroemeria
~ Chrysanthemums
~ Ranaculus
~ Brassica
~ Lilly of the Valley
~ Various Fillers (greens)

Lilly of the Valley smells great and is very pretty in a bouquet. However, they do not last long and will start drooping after a few hours. The Ranaculus are beautiful in bouquets, both bridal and centerpieces.

Make sure your flowers are delivered to where you are getting ready and that all bridal party members (including parents and GPs know that they will get flowers, and know where to be to receive the flowers). Make sure flowers have arrived by the time photo and video coverage begin. Also, it is a good idea to designate a person to be in charge of putting the butonnieres on the groom and groomsmen. This way there is no confusion as to what side to place the butonnieres on, or how to attach them. This is almost always a problem and involves debates and confusion the day of the wedding...

Bouquet Accents:
Bouquet accents are almost a must. They make the bouquet come alive and are very photogenic. Such accents are: Pearls, Crystals, String beads, Shells or Starfish.

Keep an image log of the flowers you decide for your wedding and email/mail this you your florist a few days prior to the event to ensure you get the correct bouquets incase the florist have staff changes.

One money saving tip is to do the butonnieres and corsages in artificial flowers to match the bouquets. This only works with a few flowers, but is an option worth looking into. Try not to use dyed flowers, as the color may run of it rains or is very humid out.

That's all for this week. Most photos (except for flower charts) by PixelArt Photography. Next week we'll discuss Wedding Dresses & Tuxedos and attire. We are Sarasota and Tampa Bay's best wedding photography value!

Wedding Cakes

2009-01-28T08:46:00.000-08:00

This week’s entry is about wedding cakes. As a Florida wedding photographer I see a lot of different cakes and variations thereof. Here is a brief discussion:

Candy Buffets & Cup-Cakes
As s general guideline the wedding cake should match your overall décor in terms of color and design. However, in the last year I have seen a variety of alternatives. For example, many couples are offering candy buffets as part of the wedding cake/dessert table. Alongside they offer either a small cake, several small different cakes, or cup cakes. The candy also serves as the guest's favor and can be bagged in a personalized plastic or paper bag, or in a small decorative Chinese “take-out” box. I have also seen gift boxes used as wedding favors for the candy buffet.

Artistic
Fun and artistic wedding cakes are a sure show stopper. If you have an artsy theme a whimsical cake will fit right in.

Plain Beauty
Plain cakes are very pretty and are not boring if they are done right. Many couples nowadays opt to not have a cake topper for a more modern look. Just beware that if you choose a simple wedding cake design and no topper, it may look like something is missing, literally. A few simple flowers are a great substitute for a topper and will fill the void without being too cheesy.

Classics
Today’s classic wedding cake designs are very beautiful. Rarely do we see the traditional pillar tiers, although they are still available. Trends have moved towards delicate floral designs and draping of ribbon and accessories. If you are to use a ribbon design, it is best to pay the extra for the actual edible ribbon (i.e. sugar glaze) rather than the fabric ribbon décor. The real ribbon will not cut when you (as a newlywed couple) go to cut the cake (!). I have seen very surprised brides and sometimes angry couples because the ribbon does not cut. It makes cutting and slicing the cake difficult. Also, try to plan where your cake will be placed in the reception room. For wedding photography purposes try to make room available behind the cake table so that the photo/video crews will be able to capture the cake cutting without blocking the guests. It is also a good idea to have initials, emblems or other design features duplicated on both the front and back of the cake so that they will be visible in the cake cutting photos. If the design is only on the front (especially initials and emblems) and the cake cutting photos are from behind the cake to capture audience in the background, then the cake will be photographed mainly from the back side. Always plan for photo/video crews to face away from windows and towards the guests. Keep the cake away from high traffic areas, sun and warm areas such as spot lights and heating vents. Lastly, avoid using chocolate as a cake décor unless the baker can guarantee that the chocolate will not melt nor run.

Groom's Cake

If you cannot decide on a flavor, consider having a groom’s cake. Usually these are one tier cakes with a sport theme. This cake will be cut after the main wedding cake is cut. If you want to have nuts in the cake, be sure to let guests know, as many people have allergies.

Try lot's of cakes and have fun!! All wedding photography by PixelArt Photography serving Sarasota, Tampa, Orlando, Naples, Florida. We also photograph wedding all over the US and Caribbean. Next week's entry will be about Wedding Flowers.

Wedding Invitations

2009-01-14T07:23:00.000-08:00

This is the first entry of the year and the first part of our year long series of "Wedding Ideas and Chit Chat".

As a wedding photographer I get to see alot of weddding invitations. Mainly I photograph them for clients for inclusion in their custom wedding books (SoHo Books). Below is a brief discussion with samples:

This invitation was for a very tropical beach wedding in SW Florida. Palm leaves and foliage was a theme throughout the wedding and the invitation really set the tone well. Very simple, yet effective. For photo purposes the invitation should be colorful, and represent your wedding colors. The graphic on this invitation was very easy to scan and use as a theme throughout the wedding book.

This home made invitation is another cost saving example. The bride has glued small daisies (the wedding theme) on the invitation. Note that this will add postage to the mailing.
Beach weddings are very common in Florida and we see many variation of shells and ocean scenes. Although folder style invitations are nice, they add unnecesary weight and postage, and are difficut to photograph.

This invitation (below) had satin ribbon to hold the invitation card in place

Invitations with charms are very nice. Beware of the additional postage for mailing though, and pad the charm so that the envelope is not pierced. This couple (below) made their "Save-the-Date" card as a fridge magnet. Simply print your own business cards and adhere to the magnet. Lastly, the bottle post invitation is a great idea. This one was filled with fine sand and small shells. The invitation was printed on translucent paper, rolled up and tied with a ribbon. The bottle was plastic to make it lighter for mailing and more durable. This item has to be mailed in a box. Be sure to seucre the cork so that the sand does not seep out...

That is all for this enrty. All photography by Sarasota wedding photography PixelArt Photography. Hope you got some good ideas. Next week's post will be about Wedding Cakes.

News for the New Year

2009-01-12T11:12:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Everyone!

To celebrate 2009 PixelArt Photography has decided to add a 2nd photograpaher free of charge to select clients. This will enable us to become more competitive and offer extended services.

We are also proud to announce our partnership with Don Cesar Resorts and look forward to many successful weddings at this beautiful venue.

In 2009 we will be working numerous local (West FL) events as well as a destination wedding in New Jersey.

This year we will try to add a post every week and focus on different aspects of the wedding in each post.

http://www.pixelartphotography.com/

2008-11-26T07:44:00.000-08:00

Go Green
Hi Everyone!
Just a quick note and FYI:
If you no longer want to receive the Yellow Pages, or White Pages phone books (save trees) you can opt out of future deliveries:
http://www.yellowpagesgoesgreen.org/stop-yellow-pages/

Happy Holidays!
Anna
www.PixelArtPhotography.com

Fashion Seminar - Los Angeles, CA

2008-10-06T18:00:00.000-07:00

After a week in Los Angeles helping an old friend host a fashion couture seminar, it is nice to be back home. We want to thank Fete Catering- Polo Grill, Sarasota for recent referrals and look forward to our next destination wedding in Naples, FL. Happy fall everyone!
Enjoy a few beautiful designs by our friend Nasrin Ansari Couture, Newport Beach, CA.

Hurricane Season...

2008-09-10T17:50:00.000-07:00

With hurricane season in full force we just want to emphasize the importance of having a plan B for your wedding day. When planning your wedding in Florida, always have a plan B in case the weather does not cooperate.

Check with your vendors to see if they offer any refunds if a hurricane is approaching. This can help you avoid many headaches and disappointments.

We are starting a new "Baby Pixels" baby photography service this fall. We will be offering on-location Baby Portrait Sessions, Baby Announcements, and New Family candid Portraits. Look for special offers soon.

Thanks for stopping by!

Summer Weddings

2008-07-23T16:57:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

This is the blog of PixelArt Photography (and me, the owner - Anna). As summer is in full force so is wedding season. As we operate primarily in Sarasota and Tampa Bay, Florida, our summer months are not quite as busy as in the North. Nevertheless, we are busy and here are a few ideas for those of you who are planning a summer wedding in Florida:

It will with no exception be very hot and humid. Most likely 90+F and 70% humidity. Keep this in mind when you insist on the groom and boys wearing black...
Use fans as programs. This will give guests shade, a fan, and a program all in one.
Provide custom bottled water and towels for guests.
Consider using large shells instead of a ring pillow, decorate chairs/isle with shells.
Avoid unity candle ceremony at a beach wedding... it's breezy. A sand ceremony is a better choice.
Beach weddings are great, but stay away from food on the beach as the seagulls are...well... hungry, and what goes in must eventually come out...
It is a very good idea to wear flip flops or go barefoot in a beach wedding. It makes walking easier and it is a romantic look.
Consider foot jewelry instead of shoes.
If you insist on shoes with heels and a beach ceremony, plan a white or off white carpet runner. This will ease the walking.

Rose petals on the beach are very pretty and romantic, but it is difficult to have them stay in place in the wind. Use mesh runners on each side of the isle and glue or sew the petals (referrably silk petals, not real :-0 ) to the mesh runners. This will keep the petals in place and the mesh is not visible as it sinks into the sand
Arches are very nice, but remember to select an arch that will hold up in the wind/breeze. The best looking arches for beach ceremonies are the bamboo arch with fabric "curtains". This creates a very romantic and chic arch.

Stay away from torches as those will rarely stay lit.
Lastly, have a plan B. Most thunderstorms pass through between 2pm and 7pm (in prime ceremony time), and have a plan with your photographer incase it rains.

For more samples and ideas visit our website: PixelArtPhotography.com

Happy wedding planning and have a great summer!