Mastroianni Photography

Carla and John: Engagement session in Tremont

Steven Mastroianni — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 18:07:13 +0000

After loosening them up in the studio, we hit a couple of locations nearby and at Lincoln Park on a lovely April afternoon…

Looking for a wedding photographer? Contact me for availability and see more information here.

Engagement session season in Cleveland

Steven Mastroianni — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 16:40:33 +0000

While engagement sessions can be shot any time of the year, this is typically a busier than usual period–just before the mad rush of wedding season. Here are a few faves from the past year or so for your enjoyment and inspiration:

Looking for a wedding photographer? Contact me for availability and see more information here.

Kilimanjaro Express: New work by Terri P Tufts

Steven Mastroianni — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 13:17:20 +0000

Kilimanjaro Express: My African Adventure, new work by Terri P Tufts will open at Mastroianni Photography and Arts on Friday, April 13th, from 6-10PM and runs throughout the month of April (other hours by appointment). This exhibit features work inspired by Ms. Tufts’ recent trip to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, the highest peak on the African continent. Tom Orange will be providing musical ambiance with trumpet, percussion and electronic stylings at 8 oclock and FRASS ACCOLADES will perform at 9 pm at Friday’s opening.

Join us for a gallery talk and presentation by the artist on Friday, April 27th, at 7PM.

Terri P Tufts graduated from the Cleveland Institute of Art in 1988 with a BFA in Printmaking and a Minor in Painting. Born in Southern California, she has lived in the Cleveland area since 1983.
Currently, Terri lives in Columbia Station with her daughter, dog, cat and fishes and has a studio on her property in which she operates her business “Art Crimes Inc.” which specializes in Decorative Painting, Murals, Fine Art, Theatrical Painting, Interior Decorating/ Contemporary Church Interiors and many other strange and interesting artistic projects that come along. She recently had an exhibit at the Brandt Gallery in August of 2011 that showcased her personal artwork.

Serengeti Slideshow, by Terri P Tufts

The calm before the storm–wedding season is nigh

Steven Mastroianni — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 14:18:35 +0000

It’s been a long (albeit mild) winter, and I’m itching to get back into full swing with weddings. Although we do see a handful of ceremonies in the off season, things really ramp up from around the middle of May straight through October, with bookings nearly every weekend, sometimes even two or three. This season is no exception, with a good number of prime Saturdays already spoken for; that being said, there are still a few good dates open left in the schedule, including some prime weekends in August and September. If you’ve been dragging your feet trying to decide on a photographer, please contact me for availability. 2012 pricing is still in effect for a short while longer, but I’m already booking and making changes for 2013. If you’re planning a 2013 date, it is not too soon to book, as several prime dates are already off the market!

In the meantime, I’ll be checking and replacing gear, adding some new book and print options, and shining my shoes for the new season. Things are also afoot at Mastroianni Arts , with some exciting gallery shows scheduled for the year. Don’t forget to check us out during the Tremont Artwalk, which takes place on the second Friday of EVERY month (going on 20 years now!).

Skip the tchotchkes and flowers–get mom a family portrait instead!

Steven Mastroianni — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 12:54:41 +0000

Mother’s day is coming up soon, and if you’re like most people, you’re probably scratching your head trying to figure out a nice gift or gesture for your mom. You know she doesn’t need more junk in that house, and taking her out to lunch can be an exercise in stress and frustration. Why not book a professional portrait for her and the family? You know she’s been bugging you for some recent photos, and those snapshots you took at your cousin’s wedding five years ago are pathetic, and you know it. Now is a great time to finally get that professional portrait made, whether it’s of her and the extended family, or just you and your kids to give to her. Any way you want to frame it, we can make it happen.

If you book your portrait session anytime between now and May 13th (even if the actual shoot is at a later date), we will include a studio session, online proofing gallery, and a $50 print credit for $175. This is a $75 savings over regular rates. Location shoots add $25.* You can schedule your session in advance of Mother’s day, or present the session in the form of a gift certificate redeemable at a later date.

*This offer is subject to availability and must be paid for in advance to receive the discount.

Choosing a wedding photographer–”where is a good place for photos?”

Steven Mastroianni — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 18:02:36 +0000

Another post in an ongoing series dedicated to planning your wedding in terms of choosing your photography, today we talk about photo shoot locations…

I am often asked if I have ideas for places to go for couples who want a unique location for their photography. These are generally shoots which are more formal in nature, with some posing and specific direction given to get the most out of the experience. First off, not all clients choose to go to a different location for photography, some have their event at a location which happens to have decent areas for shooting, while some are simply less “into” the formal photo shoot. For those that do want to go to another location, I do have suggestions, however, I like to ask the clients what kind of locations are of interest to them? Are there specific places which hold significance, such as a favorite park, or a place where you met or were you popped the question. I wouldn’t presume to suggest a park if you were more interested in an urban environment, or vice versa, so I want to know what is significant to you.

So, where is a good place for photos? Aside from the considerations already mentioned, choose a public space which is readily accessible, keeping in mind that your transportation (cars, limo, or bus) as well as your photographer will need easy access and parking. Also keep in mind that you and your wedding party might not be dressed for a more vigorous expedition. If you choose a private or commercial space, it is your responsibility to gain permission and access, as well as permits or fees if applicable. These are all part of your wedding itinerary planning, and are not the responsibility of the photographer. Do not assume that a “public” building is necessarily public. Keep in mind other factors, like holidays or other events which may impact traffic and potential crowds at your location. When choosing outdoor locations, be sure to pick areas which have access to shade. Direct sunlight is not conducive to formal portraits, and will result in squinting and unwanted, harsh shadows. While all professional photographers will bring extra lighting to address these issues, it is still difficult to compensate for extreme situations under strict time limits.

Remember as well that you and your party will be subject to the elements, the most common and usually not considered being harsh, hot sunlight. A contingency for rain or other inclement weather is also the client responsibility, so consider spaces which have shelter, if not a secondary indoor location. In the case of threatening rain, I often suggest that clients purchase and bring umbrellas, which can be used in a pinch and add some fun and flair to a photo shoot.

Indoor locations should have plenty of space and depth for the photographer to utilize the proper focal lengths to avoid unwanted distortion. Less complicated or detailed space is preferable to lots of distracting decoration and furniture. Having access to good window light is also a bonus. A good photographer can make effective portraits with little more than a plain wall and strong light source or auxiliary lighting; less is more.

It is not unusual to need at least an hour or so at your location, so plan accordingly, setting aside travel time and extra time it will take to organize your people. Have realistic expectations, if you have several locations you’d like to go to, you’re going to need more than several hours to accomplish that. Prioritize and pick the most important or significant location. While most photographers welcome the opportunity to shoot more extensively, it’s your day and you should take care to not turn it into a lot of work for yourself and your party.

In the bigger scheme of things, the most important elements of the photos are you–the clients, not so much the location which is secondary. A park is a park, I’ve been to plenty of them. It’s my clients who really make the photos.

Looking for a wedding photographer? Contact me for availability and see more information here.

Choosing a wedding photographer–”unlimited” coverage?

Steven Mastroianni — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 14:15:17 +0000

Since we’re in the late winter/early spring “off-season”, I’d like to devote a few posts to wedding planning in terms of choosing your photographer. The first topic deals with the duration of your wedding day coverage.
A question which comes up frequently when shopping for wedding photography is “do you offer ‘unlimited’ hours?” The idea of offering unlimited hours is not uncommon with new or amateur photographers who believe that this is a way to offer value to the customer while gaining an advantage for themselves. Of course the reality is quite the opposite. Most professional photographers offer coverage based on the number of hours needed by the client, and for very good reason. The amount and duration of coverage can vary widely from one wedding to another; it is not unusual for me to spend barely five or six hours covering a smaller, intimate, possibly single location wedding, and the very next weekend spend eleven or twelve hours covering a larger event with multiple locations, photo opportunities, and guests. Now, if I were to charge the same amount for the six hour event that I did for the twelve hour event, one of us is going to get ripped off. Just like with any other job, a professional photographer is going to charge by the duration and scope of the work being done.

Looking for a wedding photographer? Contact me for availability and see more information here.

Wedding Photography Sale ends soon!

Steven Mastroianni — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 14:33:24 +0000

You only have until March 17 to take advantage of the post Valentine’s wedding photography sale. Book any level of wedding photography coverage for any available date and we’ll include a complimentary engagement session!* (New pricing goes into effect for all wedding packages after March 17th.)

Engagement sessions are a great opportunity for couples to get in front of the camera and get to know your photographer before the wedding, and the images can be used for save-the-date cards and guest books or photos for signing.

What’s the catch? Just mention that you saw this offer on the blog Facebook, or Twitter. Don’t hesitate, many prime dates for 2012 are already taken, and we’re booking for 2013 as well.

*Based on availability of your date; booking requires a signed contract and retainer. Engagement sessions are shot either in studio or within the greater Clevleland area, and must be completed no less than six weeks before the wedding date. Images are posted online for purchase; prints, guest-books, and other products are extra. Offer limited to new contracts booked during the promotional period, and cannot be exchanged or substituted with any other service or cash discount. Engagement sessions can be booked without a wedding package, call or email for more details.

Post Valentine’s Day Wedding Sale 2012

Steven Mastroianni — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 19:09:08 +0000

Now that the dust is settled and you’re looking for venues, flowers, and dresses, we’d like to make a special offer for any new bookings made between today (Feb. 17th) and March 17th: Book any level of wedding photography coverage for any available date and we’ll include a complimentary engagement session!*

What’s the catch? Just mention that you saw this offer on the blog or Facebook. Don’t hesitate, many prime dates for 2012 are already taken, and we’re booking for 2013 as well.

Lauren and Jason and a sunny winter wedding

Steven Mastroianni — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 18:20:16 +0000

For a February wedding, Lauren and Jason couldn’t have done any better for the weather, actually going to the lake for photos on this sun drenched, unseasonably mild day in Marblehead, Ohio.

If you would like to see the whole set, please contact the clients for permission.