2009 was a big year for me. I left a job of 15 years to become a "full-time" photographer. I got my first studio and I had a hurricane of a year. But as luck would have it, 2009 also introduced me to Luciana. It was one of those kinds of meetings when you talk and it feels like you've known each other for ages. It was clear that she and I had known each other for many lifetimes and were best friends in each. So, when Su Voz Latina Magazine's Farzard wanted to feature her new line of work, Gypsy in Stilettos, I had the pleasure of shooting "behind the scenes" and actually starting a year-long relationship with the magazine. Here is our first story. :)
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Here is their info:
Address: 6633 N Mesa St Ste 400, El Paso, TX 79912
Phone: (915) 588-5499
Here ya go:
Top 10 Wedding Songs 2015 List Latest Playlist
01. Can’t Help Falling in Love — Elvis Presley
02. My Heart Will Go On – Celine Dion
03. Up Where We Belong – Joe Cocker
04. You’re the first, my last, my everything — Barry White
05. Everything I Do (I Do It For You) – Brian Adams
06. I Cross My Heart — George Strait
07. Come Away With Me — Norah Jones
08. Stay With Your – John Legend
09. Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman – Brian Adams
10. You Are So Beautiful – Joe Cocker
Top 20 All Time Wedding Songs Collection
01. I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing — Aerosmith
02. Lost In The Fifties Tonight – Ronnie Milsap
03. We’ve Only Just Begun – Carpenters
04. Can You Feel the Love Tonight? — Elton John
05. How Sweet It Is – James Taylor
06. You’ve Got A Friend – James Taylor
07. After All is Said and Done – Beyonce
08. If I Were You — Collin Raye
09. Fly Me To The Moon – Frank Sinatra
10. Making Memories of Us – Keith Urban
11. I Hope You Dance — Lee Ann Womack
12. Crazy Love – Van Morrison
13. From this Moment — Shania Twain
14. You Won’t Ever Be Lonely — Andy Griggs
15. Always On My Mind – Willie Nelson
16. A Moment Like This – Kelly Clarkson
17. Truly Madly Deeply — Savage Garden
18. Looking Through the Eyes of Love – Melissa Manchester
19. Get Ready for This — 2 Unlimited
20. Grow Old With Me – John Lennon – Mary Chapin Carpenter
Popular Wedding Music 2015
I Loved Her First – Heartland
A New Day — Celine Dion
I Will Not Take My Love Away – Matt Wertz
All For Love — Bryan Adams
Forever & For Always – Shania Twain
Love Of A Lifetime — Firehouse
Nothing Compares To You — Sinead O’Connor
Can’t Help Falling In Love – Elvis Presley
Almost Paradise – Mike Reno & Ann Wilson
Wonderful Tonight — Eric Clapton
Top Of The World – The Carpenters
Just The Way You Are — Billy Joel
Because You Loved Me – Celine Dion
I’ll Be There – Michael Jackson
Colour My World – Chicago
There You’ll Be — Faith Hill
Happy Together — The Turtles
You’re Beautiful — James Blunt
Saving All My Love For You – Whitney Houston
Could I Have This Dance – Anne Murray
http://youtu.be/VtlOIImZToQ
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When it comes to meeting future clients; I usually meet most of you at the bridal expos. At times, they can be tiresome. The DJ is usually blaring music and it doesn't give me much of a chance to really get to know about your special day.
But expos are important. They help brides and quince's to get an idea of where to start when it comes to planning their event. You meet the right people, you connect with them later and then you're all set.
Back in 2006, I had hopes of doing just that. We had bought a booth and the big expo downtown... cumulative expenses of $3,450. Everyone from family and friends pitched in and helped. It was the first time I had "maxed" out a credit card so I could make that event happen. The woman who I booked the booth with even promised that I would probably get 10 weddings/quinces and more than likely sign people on the spot. This was not the case.
I had spent over $3,000 and I didn't get a single client. Granted, I was still a little "wet behind the ear" when it came to the business but I knew a bad deal when I had one. AND that was a bad deal.
Out of necessity, my mentor and friend, Arturo Lopez (Masters Studio) approached me with the idea of doing our own expo. Now, around this same time, I met Elvia (Parisian Bridal) at a Dillards event. Now, if I hadn't met Elvia...Arturo and I would probably still be talking about the show but Elvia made it happen.
As the show grew, my partnership with Elvia grew as well. Having a partner who works and can hustle helps. All these years later, we have a bridle expo that is organic, genuine and modern. Many of the vendors that have been with us from the beginning are still with us today.
January 11, 2015 is the date for the next expo and with lots of changes. First, we have a new location. Initially, we were at the Marriott and outgrew the venue. Now, we are at.... Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino! We have also branched out on our own (with Elvia's blessing of course) and re-imagined the expo as "From This Day Forward Bridal Expo". A new name for a fresh start. Just wait til you see what we have in the works.
The beauty is that we have all the amenities of a great show along with the entertainment that a casino can offer. The "brides to be" will also have a bunch of things to look forward to at the show.
We are having 3 fashion shows, a bunch of El Paso's top vendors AND we are having a $100 wedding dress sale! In addition, we are also creating the lounge in front of Ventanas Restaurant as "Man Cave". We know its important for you to bring your fiancee along but it's also playoff season. So, when you want to take a break from the show, you can walk upstairs and have a drink or two and watch the game. :)
My history as a vendor also wants everyone involved to be happy. We made a very "vendor-friendly" event so that they can comfortably speak with each prospect while being able to enjoy all that the casino has to offer as well. It was important to be comfortable in our new "home" for EVERYONE involved.
As we are hard at work on the expo, we encourage you to stay tuned to this blog as we unveil more goodies for you...the bride.
-Omar
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In the wedding industry, you work with a lot of the same businesses. One of the businesses we deal with very often is with Ruben Escandon Jr. of From this Moment Weddings. Over the years he has provided an excellent service to my clients and continues to be at the top of his game. Here is a video of what he can do for you! -Omar
From This Moment Weddings
1340 Murchison
El Paso, Texas 79922
Phone (915) 252-9840
http://youtu.be/2CVOGAinsAg?list=UUkdubGISsqdFZ4zV6Fgm5PA
Video sponsored by:
Mena Video & Photography
814 N Virginia
El Paso, TX 79902
(915) 694-5799
www.menavideophotography.com
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Her photos are haunting, dark and simply breathtaking. You see, my goal is not to inspire photographers. With people like Bambi Cantrell, Frank Villa, etc... that's been done. What I want to do, is find the feeling that Sarah Moon brings to me to you; my client. I've been grateful to make a good living doing what I love to do BUT nothing compares to seeing your client in tears from the feeling they get when they see their images AND they love them.
This is when I realize that what I do isn't a choice but what every genuine photographer has is a calling. The same way a comedian feels the need to hear the laughter of a crowd, we feel the need to help you remember your special moments.
So, starting Monday, we will begin a series of videos that will help you understand how to select the right photographer to capture your special moments. We will release a new video every week. We will also start a video series that will help brides select the right vendor for their event (Wedding/Quinceanera); it's called DIY Bride and we can't wait for you to be part of this!
-Omar
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From the engagement session to the wedding. We loved working on this wedding!
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-Omar
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/06/09/funny-wedding-signs_n_5474792.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000063
]]>Give It a Shot! (Entering Grades 6-8)
This class will teach you how to use your manual or automatic camera. You will learn the basic principles of photography and become familiar with the full potential of your camera. Topics include lighting, composition, color, depth-of-field, editing and selecting images. Bring any type of digital camera (except cell phones) to learn and practice your shooting skills. Indoor and outdoor photography will be part of the course. Please bring your camera to class.
Meets: June 9-13, 2014 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
Time: M, Tu, W, Th and F from 9:00 AM to 12 N
Location: Liberal Arts Bldg, Room 102
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nza, Alexis for helping me remember this and laugh every time I think about it.]]>
Don't worry, I'll have the recent wedding images up soon enough. :)
-Omar
I became really close to a bride and groom. From the moment they came into the studio... the mom was amazing... the couple was amazing and they even brought another friend who was getting married with them...I knew we had an amazing pair of weddings heading our way.
So, the first wedding gets here. The church service was beautiful and then we get to the reception. It was a full on party! So, the dancing begins and the dancing "circles" start. One of the brides pushes me into the middle of the circle. I just blank out. Total deer and headlights moment. As gracefully as I can, I just kinda step out. Then the same bride drags my video guy into the middle of the dance circle and same exact reaction. Total shock. :)
Then, the groom pushes Lorenza (owner/photographer) into the dance floor and the crowd was probably expecting the same "deer and headlights" reaction but she starts to dance! Everyone lost it. Great moment, great wedding, great times.
I share this story because this video reminds me of how you can be taken by surprise and still come out graceful. Not everyone was ready for such a "fun" moment like in this elevator video but when you just let go and have a blast; the life just pours out.
I'm sure if I had the "dance circle" moment again, I'd have a lot more fun with it. Cause all I know is that if anyone breaks out into song while i"m in an elevator with em'... I'm gonna have to break out a little "Running Man" action and play along. Life can be fun that way. ;)
-Omar
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First, let me say congrats! Getting engaged is the first step to you happy ever after! As you are now in your wedding planner "zone", we would love to hear from you! As a photographer, I not only strive to give you my best but capture the emotions of you and your groom (as well as your family and friends) on your special day!
It's my goal to be an emotional story teller. You combine that with the best custom albums in the industry along with prints, acrylics, canvases, sign-in books, digital images, etc... we give you the whole package!
If that was any incentive, we are offering 20% off all wedding collections for the next month. Please call us so we can chat about your special day. There is no obligation or cost to come by. 915-694-5799 or [email protected]
You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter and Youtube with plenty of samples of our work. With almost over 300 events underneath our belt, we are ready to shoot your wedding!
-Omar
Mena Video & Photography
]]>The sequence during the "first look" is awesome. :)
-Omar
]]>When you bring in grandma with her first grandchild; I've studied for it. When you bring in a four generation session; I've learned the best way to capture images that will bring tears of joy to your eyes.
It's why I study, it's also why I now offer a money back guarantee. You don't love your images, we don't deserve to get paid. Let us capture your special moment(s) and we'll guarantee you'll love them. - Omar
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Word of mouth is the backbone of any business BUT I believe that referrals from previous clients are the heart and soul. I met a couple, did a great job for them, they referred another bride who was extremely happy and then they referred another couple, Nephtali and Chris.
The original bride, Rachel, is nothing but sunshine. I knew that if she sent me Chris, he had to be the same. When we initially met with Chris and Nephtali, it was an instant connection. The event was booked and we did a lot of talking via Facebook and text (the bride lived out of town).
Finally, the wedding day arrived. They had their reception at the gorgeous outdoor tent at Grace Gardens. If you haven't been to Grace Gardens in the Upper Valley, it's a beautiful venue. Since the reception was at the bigger outdoor tent, we had a ton of space to work with. The sunset was golden and we captured that gorgeous light that only the west side can provide.
As we are hard at work on their products, we thought we could share and relive the day through the blog. Please enjoy and consider our studio for your special day! Thank you.-Omar
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In the new "Man of Steel" movie, after the bad guys from Krypton attack Superman's childhood home, Superman comes back to check on his mother and guess what she's doing... collecting her PHOTO albums. She's not collecting her jewelry, expensive sheets, etc... she's collecting her prints. This is why we invest into our products. Did you know that we print our images on Kodak Endura. Kodak Endura is the best quality prints in the world! They are meant to last 100 years, unless of course Kryptonite enemies attack your home, but think of that quality!
So, my point, Jennifer and Edgard's wedding was amazing. They had a beautiful ceremony at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Horizon City, then we took some shots in downtown, then we headed over to the El Paso Club for the reception.
During their first dance, they broke out into a John Travolta/Uma Thurman, Pulp Fiction remake and tore it up on the dance floor. The event was just right. No craziness or drama, just two folks having a blast and celebrating with family and close friends. These are the kind of events that we live for. Now that they're coming in to see their photos, we can proudly recreate their day with their images AND select the prints (to be printed on Kodak Endura) and book (BEAUTIFUL hard cover leather) along with pages that are thick, beautiful and are smudge proof, fingerprint proof and even WATERPROOF! How about that for quality!
Thank you Jennifer & Edgard for your trust in our studio and we look forward to our meeting and any future events we may have together. Ok, back to work! :)
As a photographer, sometimes you get in a rut. Keeping that renewed sense of inspiration for the brides comes with shooting on your off-time (when you have some!) you can learn new things and keep your skills nice and sharp. So far, prepping and planning for this exhibition has the inspiration flowing at an all time high! Look for new things. :)
Like always, have a wonderful day.
-Omar
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=4DA0vf9x2Fw#at=75
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]]>When I got to the studio after visiting the mountain mansion for a future wedding site, I sat at my chair and crashed out...hard. I'm talking about falling asleep with my head back, arms dangling on the side of the chair and my mouth open - kinda hard. I woke up today feeling invigorated! I feel like a new man. Maybe it was a blend of all the work we've been knocking out lately or just my body's way of telling me to slow down a little but the great nights sleep was very welcome. I'm up early today and I'm ready to get to work! We have this coming weekend off but it won't go to waste. I'm planning the re-launch of the studio (along with our new video line).
We're growing and I'm very grateful for it. :)
-Omar
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]]>So...what I guess my point is... this past weekend I did a lot of shooting. This made me a happy camper. Getting lost in the business part of running a business can get cumbersome. When you get that opportunity to get out and shoot what you love and then come home and work on it...well...that's what makes it all worth it.
The studio is closed today and I may take a much needed "nap" but I can't wait to get to the images I shot this weekend. And this weekend had a big event each day. :) Thank you for your business everyone and I will have some stuff to post tomorrow.
-Omar
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We had a blast with Tina and Robert. I met Tina and her lovely mom at the KISS FM Bridal Fair (the best bridal trade show we've ever participated in). Immediately we clicked. The wedding was beautiful and even though I didn't meet Robert until a few days before the wedding (he lives out of town), we clicked too. I wish nothing but happiness, endless love and a bunch of loud rugrats to you guys! God bless you and I'll wait til' you come back from your honeymoon so we can screen your beautiful wedding images. :)-Omar]]>
Nothing worse than tooth pain. So you can imagine what it's like to have 2 molars cracked at the same time. My dentist will see me on an emergency basis before he opens (thank you!!!) today. I don't know how the rest of my day is gonna work out after this but I'm hopeful it won't be as painful as it is right now. :/ ]]>
These guys reminded me of a "classic" couple. Their look, expressions are very timeless. Just felt these images had a nice aesthetic in black and white. :)
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This year has been the biggest growth for the studio. A balance of education, hard work and experience just kinda fell into place for us. As we continue to strive towards our goals, I can only think of one thing; I feel that I'm starting all over again. With a lot of personal growth as well, this change couldn't of come at a better time. Just like this little guy in the picture, I have a lot to look forward to. -Omar]]>