Mountain Hi Photography

2009-04-01T10:53:00.000-07:00

State of Colorado
A marriage license may be issued in any county and used in any county in the State of Colorado. However, the license must be used within 30 days from the date of issue. The license is issued the day it is applied for and may be used immediately.

Fee for a marriage license is $10. Cash Only. No Credit Cards or Checks Accepted.

Age Requirements: The legal age without parental consent is 18 years of age. Ages 16 and 17 require parental consent from both parents. If one parent is sole custodian of the minor; a divorce decree stating custody rights or a death certificate must be presented at the time of applying for the license. If one or both of the parents cannot appear at the time of applying for the license, an absentee application may be completed and notarized ahead of time. This is to be presented when the marriage license is issued. If these do not apply, judicial approval is then required. Applicants 15 years of age or younger, must obtain a court order granting judicial approval as well as complying with the above requirements. The court order must be obtained in the county where judicial approval has been granted.

Identification: Acceptable forms for proof of age are as follows: Drivers License, Passport, Visa, Birth Certificate, Military ID, or state issued ID Card.

Social Security Number: Must be given when applying for a license. If either party does not have a social security number, they must sign an affidavit when applying for the license.

Application Form: Both male and female applicants must appear in person to complete and sign the marriage application. If one party cannot appear due to illness, is out of state, or incarcerated, he or she must obtain an ABSENTEE APPLICATION from the Clerk and Recorder’s office. The party applying must bring the absentee application along with identification for the absent party. Applicants need not be residents of Colorado. ABSENTEE APPLICATIONS MUST BE NOTARIZED.

Previous Marriages: If either party has finalized a divorce within 30 days of applying for the marriage license, the final decree must be produced. This decree must be signed by the judge or court referee. If the divorce has been final more than 30 days, divorce information must be given regarding date of divorce, place of divorce and court in which the divorce was finalized.

Ceremony: A marriage may be solemnized by a judge of a court of record, a public official whose powers include solemnization of marriages, or in accordance with any mode of solemnization recognized by any religious denomination or Indian nation or tribe. As of August 1993, a couple themselves can solemnize their own marriage.

Questions Answers

2009-01-19T08:37:00.000-08:00

Photographer Questions

1. What’s your primary style? Posed and formal, photojournalistic, creative, traditional?

2. Do you capture images digitally? Can you create both color and black and white versions of the same picture? Is that included in the price?

3. What kind of input can we have on the direction of the shots - Can we give you a shot list to work from?
4. Are you the wedding photographer who will actually take our pictures?
5. Will you be bringing any assistants along who will also be taking our pictures?
6. What kind of experience, background, and education do you have? Can you provide references?
7. How many images will you take?
8. What kind of equipment will you bring with you? How intrusive will lighting, tripods, other equipment or assistants be?
9. Do you develop your own images?
10. Can we buy a CD with the images and full reproduction rights?
11. I have hired you for several hours of photography time - Does that include your set up and take down time?
12. Do you charge a "split" reception fee?
13. Do you do engagement portraits?
14. What are the refunds/cancellation terms? When are deposits and payments required?
15. Are there any additional charges (such as travel time) not mentioned?
16. May I see the wedding contract?
17. May I meet you in person prior to my wedding?
18. How soon can I expect to receive my images after the wedding?
19. Why should I select you as my photographer?

20 What do you wear to the wedding?

21. Will you come and take photos at my rehearsal?

22. Do you include any "post processing" in your prices?

23 Do you have online viewing and ordering of images?

24. May I purchase a DVD/slide show of a select number of my wedding images?

25. Are you a member of any professional organizations?

26. Have I addressed all your concerns satisfactorily?

Help for Brides and Grooms, Part IV

2009-01-19T08:22:00.000-08:00

21. Will you attend the rehearsal?

Yes, if you've selected that plan, or if you request and my schedule allows, for an additional charge.

22. Do you include any "post processing" in your prices?

I do basic adjusting of lighting, cropping and do limited artistic work prior to your getting the images. I am available for additional custom work at your request. I always suggest you you order 4 x 6's first before ordering large prints - I can make minor adjustments as necessary.

23. Do you have online viewing and ordering of images?

With a few clicks, anyone can easily view and order the images from my online photo service, through a link from my website. Printed proofs are available for an additional fee, if arranged prior to the wedding.

24. May I purchase a DVD/slide show of a select number of my wedding images? Yes!

25. Are you a member of any professional organizations?

Yes, the Professional Photographers of Colorado, the Professional Photographers of America, the National Association of Photoshop Professionals, are just a few.

26. Have I addressed all of your concerns satisfactorily?

If not, please contact me at your convenience.

Help for Brides and Grooms, Part III

2009-01-19T08:11:00.000-08:00

15. Are there any additional charges, (such as travel time) not mentioned?

All charges will be specified in the contract.

16. May I see the wedding contract?

Yes, just call, write or email me!

17. May I meet you in person prior to my wedding?

Yes, it is nice for us to meet in person, if possible.

18. When can I see my images?

Most images will be posted for online viewing and ordering within 2-4 weeks after your wedding, with additional images to follow within 2-3 additional weeks, and after contracted terms for payment have been met.

19. Why should I select you as my photographer?

I work extremely hard to provide you with high quality images you will treasure forever. I enjoy celebrating your event and getting to know brides grooms and families, which gives you the best possible atmosphere for your photography. I care about you and your guests and I will do everything I can to provide the quality, service and results you deserve. I offer complete customization to make your wedding unique.

20. What is your attire?

I respect the wishes of the bride and groom and the dress code of the wedding location. My dress is conservative. I typically wear black pants and a nice blouse, and I adjust to the style of the wedding.

21. Will you attend the rehearsal?

Yes, if you've selected that plan, or if you request and my schedule allows, for an additional charge.

Help for Brides and Grooms, Part II

2009-01-19T07:42:00.000-08:00

8. What kind of equipment will you bring with you? How intrusive will lighting, tripods, other equipment or assistants be?

I have a 10 megapixel Canon 40D, with a 580 II Flash, a back up Canon 20D, multiple back up flashes and lights, and various other accessories. I will respect your wishes regarding photographer "visibility". I make every effort to balance capturing important images, while being sensitive to the ceremony and your guests.

9. Do you develop or print your own images?

I use a high quality photo lab using state of the art digital printers designed for professional photofinishers, which results in the best possible prints. Images are engineered to last for decades without fading, when treated properly. Typically, images are suitable for enlargements up to 20 x 30", or larger.

10. Can we buy a CD with the images and full reproduction rights?

Yes, for an additional cost, I can provide a full resolution images on a CD. I cannot offer a guarantees on print finishes at locations other than my own print provider.

11. I have hired you for several hours of photography time - Does that include your set up and take down time?

I set up and take down prior to and after the event, on my time. "In between time set ups" will be included in the hours in which you contracted.

12 Do you charge a "split" reception fee?

If the reception is local, the wedding and the reception immediately follows the wedding, there will be no additional fee. The time between the wedding and reception is counted within the contracted time.
13. Do you do engagement portraits?

Yes, as mentioned in the pricing a one hour sitting session is included and it's a great time for us to get acquainted prior to the event.

14. What are the refunds/cancellation terms? When are deposits and payments required?

A non refundable deposit of $100 at contract signing is required to hold your date, 30 days prior to the event, an additional non refundable $100 deposit is due, with full payment due 10 days prior to the even. Deposits will be applied to the wedding fee. In the event of cancellation, the photographer requires immediate notification.

A little help for Brides and Grooms....Part I

2009-01-18T21:35:00.000-08:00

Wedding locations, menus, florals, dresses, tuxes, travel arrangements, hotel locations, limos, djs! The "To Do" List for brides and groom is endless and so are the decisions! It can be overwhelming and confusing and knowing the right questions to ask can give you peace of mind. In the next few posts, I hope to assist you by suggesting questions you may wish to ask in interviewing a wedding photographer. In the final post, I'll provide a condensed "questions only" list. (Or if you need the entire list now, just email me, and I'll provide it -right away!)

1. What is your primary style? Posed and formal, photo-journalistic, creative, traditional?

I would classify my style as creative....I have a mixture of posed and formal, artistic and candid...some traditional, some more photo-journalistic in style. Prefer all formal or all candid? I am happy to fulfill your requests.

2. Do you capture images digitally? Can you create both color and black and white versions of the same photo? Is that included in the price?

I capture images digitally, and have the ability to create both color and b/w...please see examples on my website. Yes, it is included in the price. Just let me know which images you would like to have in b/w. I also offer for an additional price, artistic images from your requests.

3. Can you give us a check list that we may request images we want you to capture during the event?

Yes, a shot list is valuable for both of us. I will make every effort to complete your requests, within the limits of opportunity.

4. Are you the wedding photographer who will actually take our photographs?

Yes, I will be your photographer, unless I have a serious illness or unforeseen event which would prevent me from being there. I work full time as a photographer. In the unlikely event that I am unable to be there, I will make every effort to arrange for another highly skilled professional photographer to take my place.

5. Will you be bringing any assistants who will also be taking our pictures?

Unless specifically requested, I will be the only photographer. Occasionally, I bring another photographer to the event as an added value to you, for which you will not be charged. If you require an assistant, I will secure one for an additional fee.

6. What kind of experience, background, and education do you have? Can you provide references?

I have been both primary and secondary photographer and numerous weddings, large and small, in numerous locations, both in Colorado and out of state. Professional and personal references are available. Please feel free to ask for them. I am constantly training and learning, improving my photographic and photoshop skills. I have Bachelor and Masters degrees from Southern Illinois University. I attended local, state wide, and national classes to keep current of new techniques and trends.

7. How many images will you take?

I do not put an upper limit on the number of images I will provide. You will have a generous number within the amount of time you have chosen for the event.

More choices than ever!

2008-12-23T10:43:00.000-08:00

Anyone who has used my new print service (or even just taken a tour around) who can give feedback would be appreciated - I'm hoping you'll enjoy the lack of advertisements, more choices for prints, and a cleaner look. Even with all the choices that are listed, there are many many more, such as having the prints framed with your choice of frames, then having them sent directly to you. Just email me with what you'd like and I'll be happy to include that for you.

Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!

2008-12-20T08:58:00.000-08:00

Go to my new print service Zenfolio to check out the animals. Be sure to see the hummingbird which built it's nest on our hummingbird chime, right outside our window! We watched the new little hummers as they grew and eventually flew away - a wonderful springtime surprise!

Animals!

Giving voice to her vision!

2008-12-11T09:10:00.000-08:00

Check out the blog for this up and coming writer - she has fascinating stories, incredible insights into life, and a passion for writing. Read a few of her posts, and you'll want to hire her to get your marketing message to clients, grow your business, share your passion, and more than that - she'll give a Voice to Your Vision!

New Logo! New Magazine! New Print Provider!

2008-12-10T16:23:00.000-08:00

Check out our new logo! You'll be seeing it in my new ad coming out in the Colorado Wedding Guide and many more places. Feedback is appreciated!

The TriLakes Business and Resource Guide, featuring the front cover by Mountain Hi Photography, and numerous other photos is on the streets, now!

We're also going to provide a new and improved print provider - it will still be online, but with improved shipping times, quality with no more confusion on cropping.

Soon, I'll be attending "Imaging, USA" in Phoenix. I will be attending a lot of classes and the trade show. More than just an exciting and fun event, I hope to learn new skills and see the new trends in software and equipment.

Autumn in the Rockies!

2008-10-05T16:43:00.000-07:00

We're in the middle of a glorious Rocky Mountain Autumn, with beauty a foot, aloft, and all around. I returned from a trip to the Canadian Rockies and headed straight away to the Colorado Rockies, and at every turn there was jaw dropping light, color, dimension and texture, and I hope to share it with you soon....I'm catching up on wedding albums, and also getting ready for the holiday gift giving season. I received a nice compliment today from the photo professional as I picked up my prints -he said they were the best landscapes he'd ever seen.

I was also fortunate to be able to ride in "Flamebouyant" - a balloon at the Colorado Springs Balloon Classic -a wonderful experience, thanks to Hank and Deb Humistan! As you look at the attached photo, be assured I WAS inside the balloon, but my wonderful new wide angle lens, and a little flipping horizontally and vertically, gives the shot a new perspective. I'm also including a couple of entries into the balloon classic photo competition - I'd love to win that ride for two in next year's classic!!

New Software, New Hardware, New bookings, New Book!

2008-08-14T18:53:00.000-07:00

I've been so busy researching new software,, hardware and equipment, I've delayed posting lots of news. I been attending every class I can to keep current with skills and new trends. Great fun, but it does challenge my schedule! Each class I attend seems to lead me to considering something new...so things I've added to my arsenal recently: OnOne Software....powerful and impressive, this new software allows for creative images, complete with amazing portrait effects, frame choices, and wonderful new looks. My new Wacom tablet....it's just like they say - it's hard to get used to, but once I have, I can't live without it. A new backdrop, a new Canon 40D, a new 580EX II flash, and a great new lighting system makes everything much easier and quicker for my clients.

I have a very demanding (but I must say, fun!) schedule starting in September. Starting with a wedding out of state, and ending with what I hope will be an amazing fall landscape season, I'll be traveling to Glacier, Banff, Tetons, and then back home through Colorado - Maroon Bells, Crested Butte, and hopefully finding some wonderful color right in my backyard.

Please be sure to get your orders for fine art in and portrait sessions scheduled as soon as possible!

The just released Colorado Lake Hikes Book, including an image of mine is coming to bookstores soon!

Mountain Hi photo to be published!

2008-05-31T20:58:00.000-07:00

The second edition of Colorado Lake Hikes, by Dave Muller will feature a photo of Opal Lake, taken a while back by me. Scheduled to be published in July, I'll give you more information about where to purchase it. I'm guessing there will be many photos you'll enjoy and find out some new locations to hike!

New Greeting Card Line for business owners introduced by Mountain Hi!
A unique and personalized way to build your business referrals, by consistently keeping in touch. After an introduction, send one of these scenic cards to your client or customer, and you will be remembered.....Follow up with another card at July 4th or their anniversary, and your clients will be impressed. They are reasonably priced and will definitely make a positive impact in building a great networking system.

Planes, trains and a future exhibit!

2008-05-30T22:19:00.000-07:00

I've been selected to display my work at the Colorado Springs Airport - tentative date is January, 2010! I'll keep you posted on that and the exact location....I'm happy to have been selected!

I've returned from photographing the Smith Byrd House Bed and Breakfast and Tea Room and will be posting some of the images very soon - it's a very nice location for a get away in Prattville, Alabama, so if you're headed that way - stay there! It is wonderful, and the hosts, Beth and Dave Melling offer a charming location, delicious food, and southern hospitality! Look for links and photos posted soon!

As for the trains...I've added a link for a special order for Father's Day cards-It's included on the "In My Backyard" page - the steam engine is the Durango/Silverton train and riding it is a fantastic experience for the whole family.

Extra! Extra! Mountain Hi Aquires.........

2008-04-28T19:16:00.000-07:00

An additional set of top quality lights! They will add portability and creativity for both studio and on location sessions. They are a unique travel set of Broncolor lights (7 in all!), complete with soft boxes, stands, reflectors, two hard sided shipping cases,and all kinds of extras for the ability to get some wonderful new looks and I can't wait to try them out. Photographers often rent these for fashion shoots. Now....for many of you a few new lamps just wouldn't be all that exciting, but they are sure to be a great benefit to all my clients and they mean a lot of fun for Mountain Hi!

Before and After - New Services!

2008-04-18T16:05:00.000-07:00

I am now doing photo restorations and for those of you who are trying to rent or sell your property - check this page! Its shows a photo I've tweaked - the end result? A much more inviting property! Be sure to visit my website - the Before and After page!

http://mountainhiphotos.com/BeforeAfter.html

Please feel free to contact me - a nominal fee could mean the difference between a sale sooner rather than later.

Also, see a challenge of taking a photo of a statue and making it look alive - now that was fun!

More news - already!

2008-04-15T18:56:00.000-07:00

Excitement is building around a ship's bell recovered off the west coast of South America! By a special photoshopping process, I was able to use a photographic image of the bell, separate the colors into channels, and help identify a date on the bell of 1555! Much research and mystery surrounds the bell, and now we are hoping photographs will also confirm the foundry and ship's name. Much of the bell is corroded and little can be identified visually, but it is great fun to be detective.

A new book is coming out this summer will have some nice landscapes from Mountain Hi - I'll keep you posted on the progress.

Mountain Hi Photography Welcomes You!

2008-04-15T11:40:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to give my valued clients a place to comment, give feedback and get involved - it's been a goal for a while, so I'm excited to invite you to join this blog! So, Welcome!

Many things have been going on here at Mountain Hi, I wanted to give you a quick update. A few projects which will be keeping me busy are:

Photography, design and layout for the 2009 Monument Firefighters calendar....we've already begun and it is going to be a lot of fun, not to mention it will benefit a worthy cause - I'll tell you more about that later with a link on how to purchase one - there will be smoke and fire! The above is just a sneak peak at a possible page. Russell Park from the Colorado Springs Gallery is also contributing greatly - thanks so much to him!

Calendars - that seems to be one of the things in demand for 2009, so if you have a subject you'd like to discuss, give me a call!

Seminar: I will be attending a Light Seminar in Nashville, Tennessee in May - sounds like it will be very valuable - can't wait to know more!

Smyth Byrd - Bed and Breakfast and Tea Room, Plattville, Alabama, Photo Session, May I'll be photographing their beautiful location for their website, promotional items, stationery, etc. That will be fun!

Weddings: The busy season approaches, so you might want to book now - I still have a few dates open.

Well, that's all for now....I hope to hear from you now about what you'd like to see!