Poppy Clark Photography

Good-Bye 2011

2012-01-07T19:13:00.000-05:00

2011 was a great year! I actually took on less weddings and sessions so that I could do more with my family and do not regret it. It is amazing how fast our children grow, I love the fact that I was able to spend more time with them this summer and do some great things together as a family.

With that said we still had some fantastic weddings we got to photograph, two of them were chosen to be published in the Lewiston-Auburn's 2011 Wedding issue (I also had a wedding published in the 2010 issue), we even scored the cover this year.

I have attached a few random photos of the year. I wish you all the best for 2012. We do have a few weddings lined up however it looks like we may be moving so at this point I am not longer taking on any more sessions or weddings until I know more about where we will be living.

Baby Wright

2011-10-03T21:24:00.000-04:00

Another baby I have been photographing throughout the year. His chubby cheeks always brings a smile to my face.

Baby King

2011-10-03T21:06:00.001-04:00

Well i see I had his mommy's maternity photos up and now almost a year later I am going to post some images we have taken throughout the year. Adorable baby blue's and such a good baby all together. Congrats to Caitlyn and Jason.

Brian and Kara Gagnon

2011-10-03T20:55:00.001-04:00

A beautiful wedding held at Sunday River in Maine. Ryan and I really wanted to have some fun so we took four hours of our own time before the wedding and got some great photos of the guys, it was a hot day but great photographs to remember it by.

WOW!!! Time to update

2011-10-03T20:48:00.000-04:00

The summer flew by, I have kept my facebook updated but definelty should've done better with my blog. I will be posting the weddings and other session I did the past few months so enjoy. First to come Michelle and Keith's wedding held at Pinelands in New Gloucester, Maine. The weather was nice while The couple and their party were getting ready and rainy when we needed to be outside. After the ceremony the clouds lifted for long enough to get all the family shots after the ceremony and some of the couple, as soon as we got back on the Trolly the sky opened and it poored the rest of the evening.

Isaiah

2011-06-06T17:19:00.000-04:00

How cute is this little boy! In order to get any photos of him I needed to find a way to keep him busy so I have to thank the Ducks and the climbing tree for all these great photos. We were quietly approching the ducks so from time to time I would have him stop by a tree, or lay on his belly to watch them, I would get in front of him etc.. and just take photos of him admiring these beautiful creatures and on occassion he would look at me too. Isaiah and I had a blast!

Fantastic Mother's Day Special!!!!!

2011-05-04T14:43:00.000-04:00

This is a fantastic offer for all those mom's out there wanting an updated photo of their family or perhaps your children are grown and have a special pet in the house you know she would love photos of. 1/2 hour session (for pets it would be longer so I can let them adjust to me), package includes 2 8x10's, 4 5x7's, and 24 wallets, and your photo will be put online so that you can send your family and friends a link should they want more photos of their own. All this for ONLY $65.00 which is a $130 savings. Photos are to be taken in the Auburn, Lewiston area, should you want to go somewhere else additional feels for time and travel would apply.

Katie and Derek

2011-04-08T08:29:00.000-04:00

Katie and Derek are so sweet! We had such a good time at their wedding and glad to say they were our first to celebrate for the 2011 year. Congrats to you both!

Published Work

2011-02-09T14:21:00.000-05:00

I was recently published in the LA Magazine located in Lewiston, Maine, it has made a fantastic impression on the area and does an incredible job informing all its readers about the LA area and what it has to offer. I was also published in Real Maine Weddings, another great honor that I am proud to share with you all.

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Presby

2011-01-18T19:59:00.000-05:00

Crystal and Andrew were our last wedding of the 2010 year and it was the sweetest, most intimate gathering thus far. The camp they found in Raymond, ME was theirs for the week, it was so rustic, comfy, and beautiful with all those fall colors. I met Crystal through a childhood friend who was also Crystal's Matron of Honor. Andrew is such a kind man and girls let me tell you he loves his wife. lol. Here are a few photos from their special day.

Caitlin

2010-12-27T22:23:00.004-05:00

Oh my!!!! Caitlin is sooo fun, she was up for anything so we went for it. These are a few photos of the session, Caitlin was 6 weeks from her due date, as of today she is about 4 weeks and on bedrest so we are praying for her and her baby. The photo of Caitlin in the red is a joke to resemble her husbands hobby and how proud she is to still be wearing her red pumps. Caitlin and Jason don't know if they are having a boy or girl, I am thinking a boy but we will have to wait and see, baby pics will be posted.

Jennings

2010-12-14T17:48:00.000-05:00

Heidi and Matt are such a sweet couple, we met them at church and have been friends every since. Heidi is pregnant with baby boy number two due on Christmas Eve. Being that Heidi was put on bedrest we took a drive to their home, the kids had a playdate, we all gathered for pizza, and then the fun began. Enjoy!

Alexander Wright

2010-11-21T20:31:00.001-05:00

Another cute baby that I was blessed to photograph. I met Sarah just days after she found out she was pregnant. A friend of ours introduced the two of us. Immediately I liked Sarah and knew I would have fun photographing her as she was closer to her due date and of course her new baby to be once he arrived. Now with a full head of hair, and a personality all his own Alexander is part of our world growing bigger everyday and of course wanting to be cuddled and not liking it in the nude.

Mr. & Mrs. Donnie Uva

2010-11-20T16:05:00.000-05:00

Heather and Donnie were married on September 18th in Plymouth, MA of this year. What a wonderful wedding. The day was beautiful (very bright), their location was rustic with a garden and the ocean nearby for those perfect shots. We had so much fun photographing and were even invited to stay for the after party, Thank-you Heather and Donnie for allowing us to be a part of your day, we have been blessed to meet you both.

Hinson Family

2010-11-07T22:15:00.001-05:00

Here are some precious photos of the Hinson Family. Alayna had a full head of hair with beautiful golden highlights. Congrats!!!!

Wright Family

2010-10-30T17:02:00.000-04:00

Sara and Adam came for maternity pictures on Tuesday then two days later little Alexander came and introduced himself. Congrats Sarah and Adam on a beautiful baby boy.

Our Family Photographs

2010-10-17T23:16:00.000-04:00

Good Evening All!!! Today my family and I drove 2 hours to meet with fellow photographer to have our family photos taken. Jeff Dachowski did a great job, his work is amazing, and he is another great photographer who has a fantastic success story and is wonderful about sharing his insight, time, and passion for photography. Thanks Jeff!!

I just loooove babies!!!!

2010-10-13T15:23:00.006-04:00

Weekend in New York

2010-10-12T12:31:00.000-04:00

Columbus Day Weekend is a very popular month for weddings. On Saturday Ryan and I photographed a wedding at the Hilton in Auburn, Maine and then at 4am Sunday we left to attend my Cousin's wedding in New York. I thought it would be nice to share some personal photos of myself and my family being that I am always sharing everyone else's.

Champions of Hope Banquet with Patrick Dempsey

2010-10-08T20:27:00.000-04:00

Hi All! First thanks for visiting my blog now about the banquet. The Champions of Hope Banquet is held by the Patrick Dempsey Center of Hope and Healing. The mission of the Dempsey center is to provide the highest quality of education, support and wellness services to enhance the quality of life of individuals, families and communities touched by cancer. They strive to embrace the whole person including body, mind and spirit in a respectful, inclusive and healing environment.http://www.dempseychallenge.org/. Below are a few photos that I took during the evening, enjoy and please think about donating funds, items and/or your time for the Dempsey Challenge of 2011 or just anytime throughout the year.

Lathrop Family

2010-10-03T21:40:00.000-04:00

I babysit Ian once a week, he and my son met at school. What a cute and fun little boy and Zander loves him. Kerry and Gregg are two great parents and friends. Thanks for allowing me to photograph your family.

Crystal and Andrew

2010-10-03T16:31:00.000-04:00

A childhood neighbor/friend referred two of her friends to me for weddings photos luckily both choose us and I am so delighted to be working with them. One couple is Crystal and Andrew, they decided to go to an apple orchard to have some non-traditional, fun shots taken and then I brought them to another location for some more formal style shots. It was a hot, muggy day, odd for this time of year and the sun was extremely bright yet we managed to get throught he session not to tired out and we even included their new lab in some of the shots.

Paradis Family

2010-10-03T16:06:00.001-04:00

What a fun session this was. With 4 kids we knew we needed to make sure we got to know them so we could all be comfortable. In order to do this Ryan and I stopped by the day before to say hello and check the Paradis home for a good session spot. I had found a great spot in the field but as luck would have it the day of the session it rained so we arrived with camera and lights, had dinner with the family and then I helped Angie get the kids changed and ready to go. As you will see we had some fun outtakes inbetween shots.

Poppie's Custom Cakes and Chocolates

2010-09-20T13:24:00.000-04:00

Here is a photo I have taken of two kinds of chocolate favors created by Meaghan Vallee. These chocolates were AMAZING!!!!! My husband isn't into sweets much but he LOVED these as did everyone who was able to try a sample. If you are in need for cakes, chocolates, or cupcakes for some kind of event call Meaghan at 577-3367 or email her mjwsvallee@yahoo.com.

ME MASSAGE

2010-09-19T20:12:00.000-04:00

Misty, owner of ME Massage, is the sweetest person ever, she is full of positive energy and a warm heart. Misty's Massage room is tranquil and warm, you feel comfortable as soon as the door closes behind you. Misty does a fantastic job massaging all those achy and tender muscles. Misty's office is located on the second floor of the YMCA building, her number is 240-6415. I definetly recommend you go for a visit "where your table vacation awaits."

Zielinski Family

2010-09-19T19:00:00.000-04:00

This was a quick and successful session. Mandy and her family were so easy to photograph,and boy oh boy was Colin ready for his day view. He LOVED posing and smiling for the camera, I think we have a model on our hands. Enjoy!

Verrill Wedding

2010-09-15T10:26:00.000-04:00

Marisa and Matt Verrill got married at the Hilton Garden Inn in Auburn Maine on August 14, 2010. What an adorable couple, so friendly, fun, and thankful for everything. I loved Marisa's dress it was white with red embroidery, different from what you normally see and red is absolutely stunnding on her. These are just a few sneek peeks.

Tarsha and Mitch

2010-09-12T21:50:00.001-04:00

Vallee Family

2010-09-12T21:33:00.001-04:00

What a nice family! Meaghan and I actually met during a few weddings I photographed and since then have kept in touch. Her daughter and my daughter LOVE each other, our boys have yet to meet but can't wait. Today we had their family session. Wyatt, not fond of having his picture taken, seemed to have a good time. Of course I had to use my charm and pull something out of my bag of tricks but no need to tell, all that is important is that the session went well and he left without a tear or a frown.

Karen and Bradley Dupuis

2010-09-09T23:21:00.000-04:00

Karen and Bradley are from Texas and got married at the Portland Regency in the Old Port. Karen's parents live here in Maine however the rests of the guests (minus some of Karen's dads coworkers) were from Texas, Scotland, and Canada. It was a beautiful and fun wedding. The food was great and so far the wedding cake here (not sure who made it) was the best we have tasted yet.

NHPPA Conference

2010-04-29T13:17:00.007-04:00

It has been a year since i entered my first competition winning two reds and one white (earlier blog from last year has the two red prints uploaded). This year I entered a photo of my son and won a blue. I did enter a second print and won a white. By entering two I am able to be eligible for scholarships I honestly didn't really focus too much on the second photo I entered as the one of my son was the print I truly wanted to enter and see do good.

NEIPP

2010-04-29T12:50:00.003-04:00

The week of April 11th-16th I was fortunate enough to going to NEIPP in Cape Code, MA (a photography school for PPANE members). It was a blast. I was in Greg and Lesa Daniels class (amazing people) and learned a ton. There were also the fun nights with a Toga party, sultry/Saucy night, and a pirates themed evening. The participation was great and I got to model for the sultry/saucy night (the photography posted here). The most memorable moment for me during this week is when I was trying to decorate our pirate ship and the super glue came out from under the cap. Yup, I superglued not one but two fingers to the bottle and had to go to the ER. At that point all you can do is have fun with it so my roomate took pictures of me with the nurses, me with the Dr., in the end I was fine and got some humor and a hospital bill out of it.

2009 Wedding Season

2009-08-05T22:54:00.009-04:00

2009 has certainly been a very busy year so far for us. I decided to start a business page on facebook in which I create an album for each wedding we have done (once edited) and put up our favorites for all to see. They have all been so fun and great and believe it or no we have only had one wedding in which it poored, that was on July 31, 09.

Each bride, groom, and family we meet are so unique and all so fun. Each new location we go to we become so excited because it gives us different opportunities for backdrops and photo ideas. I would have to say thus far my favorite wedding has been an Indian Wedding we did on July 18th. I loved the vibrant colors, and to experience a different tradition from what we are accustomed to (however it was rather long).

Please visit my page on facebook-Poppy Clark Photography (pick the one with the photo of the cake).

Thanks.

Bodwell/Parks Wedding

2009-05-31T21:11:00.010-04:00

This wedding was at Sunday River on April 25,09. It was a beautiful day with the last of winter still around us but the warmth of spring soaking in our skin. Bethany was a beautiful bride, her eyes were illuminating as you see in one of the photos posted. Bethany was also relaxed and so easy to work with as well as her family and now husband Jesse. I can say that the wedding went off without any problems and all the photos came out wonderfully. Thanks Bethany and Jesse for allowing us to be a part of your day and to capture all the memories of it that you will treasure for many years to come. For more pictures please go to my site www.poppyclarkphotography.com

Jola

2009-05-31T21:03:00.002-04:00

On June 8, 09 I had the great pleasure of photographing Jola. Jola is such an adorable baby! I had so much fun with this session, between the drewl and the bright eyes, it was a great session. These are my favorite and best yet and can only hope for the same and better results in the future. Not to mention Jola's mom and I have become friends and have had playdates with our children a few times now. That is the best gift of all!

Award Winning Photographer

2009-04-30T11:44:00.005-04:00

Hi all!

So this past weekend Ryan and I attended the NHPPA conference in North Conway, NH and had a blast. I submitted 3 photos, all winning awards with 2 obtaining scores 3 points from blues, one entitled "Petals of the Sun" and the other entitled "Rosie in Pink". Once I had heard the judges were the toughest anyone had seen and noticed the photographers who hadn't received red ribbons in years receiving them at this conference made me feel even better about the quality of my work. The third photo I submitted was one I knew was just a "drive by shot" but I submitted it to see what I should do to make it an award winner, it still received third place so I was happy with that.

So why did the above two not receive blues, I was told most likely because the reflection of the flower wasn't straight on (thought that could be debated) and the reflection was too bright making it hard to decide which was my main subject. On the print with the baby I had a pink matte which I was told didn't match the pink in the background and helped lead the eye to the white instead of the baby's face. It was suggested I put a white boarder on next time. That was it, everything else I was told was great and that in fact the baby's photo was a 100pt expression so I do plan to enter another competition with the white boarder next time to see if it makes a difference.

This was my first conference, the first competition I have entered in 2 years of photography so I am thrilled with my results and can't wait to enter again next year with new photos. There are some great photographers out there, creative, and talented, I am privileged to be participating in the same events with them and scoring the same scored.

Education

2009-02-12T12:03:00.007-05:00

I had the great opportunity through NHPPA to take a one day seminar with the owners of Story Tellers Photography from New Haven, CT. They Spent the day teaching us their techniques on working with smaller children when taking their photographs. They also did a child session as well as a family session to show them in action. It was fabulous. I learned so many neat ways to gain a childs attention and help them warm up to me. My husband and I also attended a seminar entitled weddings A-Z. In this we learned some lighting and posing techniques for the brides, as well as some marketing advice. I am thrilled with all this new information we have learned and can't wait to put it into action. Ryan will be attending a lighting seminar in March, he is the technical one so it helps more for him to learn it and then to show me.

Also, thanks to a fellow photographer I was given a gift certificate for a competition print so I am so excited to enter two photographs in the print competition held in April.

Weddings in 2008

2009-01-29T19:09:00.001-05:00

Hi all! This is my first time blogging, it has been an interesting experience so far. From the day I started my photography business I have been self-teaching myself everything from advertising to learning photoshop. A journey it has been for sure.

A quick bit about myself before I post. My name is Poppy Clark. During the summer of 2007 I had a gentleman ask me to take a business photo of him for his newsletter. I had no idea who this man was (he knew my mother) or why he wanted me to take his photo being that I didn't even own a decent camera or have much knowledge about the photography business (luckily my in-laws were photographers for 20 years, few).

Well I ended up taking his photo with my mother-in-laws camera and then I was asked to do a session for a friend with her child. At that point I got the idea that photographing as a hobby would be a great way to get me out of the house (I stay home with my children). My husband and I agreed to invest in a "good" camera, the next thing I knew I was asked to photograph a wedding for another friends mother, all this in a 2 month span. It was at this point I decided I was going to make a business out of this, I started taking classes on-line, I have purchased over 20 great photography books that teach everything from posing to lighting, photoshop to printing. I joined the New Hampshire Professional Photographers Association, have had some great help from some veterans in the field. Gosh, I am so thankful for those who have helped me.

It was 6 months later that I started booking my 2008 summer for weddings and was surprised and grateful for the response to my work and the trust I was building. I also booked 2 senior portrait sessions, a handful of family sessions, had a special on mother's day that got a couple of clients, and at the end of the year was able to celebrate the new year by photographing couples at a New Year's Eve ball.

Operating my own business is not always an easy task, but it is fun. When the job no longer becomes fun I will stop, but I hope that for as long as my husband and I want to photograph weddings, to meet new people, and hear those sacred vows from couple to couple we will always have fun and that comes out in our personalities and our work. At this point I refuse to join in competitions and such, the pressure is tremendous and the judging in competition is far different than what clients look for when it comes to "personal" photographs.

2008 was my businesses first full year photographing weddings. Together with my husband we photographed 11 weddings. Not bad for photographers new to the wedding industry. Due to the fact that we have two small children we have limited our services to two weddings per month so that we are able to have family time, which is another reason why it was 11 and not 22.

I want to thank you brides and grooms who trusted us to capture your wedding day. We had fun at every single event, we felt like we knew you before your day arrived, and even have become friends with some of you, and some of your family. Because of you we were able to travel the state of Maine, allowing us to go to places we wouldn't normally go. It was a fantastic journey and we are so looking forward to working with all our 2009 brides and grooms and travelling to more places.

There is a lot of competition out there, from the professionals that have been in the industry for 20 some years to those who are able to buy a nice camera and shoot in auto. There is a lot more to photographing a wedding than just pressing the button, something I have learned through my education in the past year, which by the way I continue to this day (there is always something to learn).

The competition part is the hardest part of this industry for me because I HATE sales, I hate to be pressured or to pressure anyone else, I hate to be deceived or be deceiving in anyway. I believe in order for my clients to trust me I have to be honest about all areas of the business, but this doesn't help me when trying to capture a potential clients heart. This is my weakest point in my business right now and hopefully through the next few seminars I attend within the next week I will learn more about approach, what and how to say, etc... so that each client I greet will want to talk with me again.

I am so glad that 2009 has arrived, I am more confident then ever in my abilities as a photographer and the business I strive to make a good name for and see succeed. I am a perfectionist but realize in order to learn mistakes will be made, errors will occur, Yet great things will happen as well. I look back at wedding number 1 and compare it to wedding number 12 from the work to my social skills and am thrilled to see how much I have grown all around.

I hope that anyone who has a chance to read this will be delighted to meet with myself and my husband. There are great photographers everywhere, as a previous bride I know that overwhelming feeling of who to go with, payments etc... I just want you all to know that I understand, I can relate, I will do my best to work with you the best I can, and note that my prices are lower than the longer term photographers 1. because they have been in the business for 20 plus years so have earned that right for their prices and 2. it was my goal from day one, when I considered opening a business, to be as affordable as possible so that more brides (and families) would have the opportunity to have their memories captured in a way that those who can afford to splurge on more expensive photographers recieve.

I hope all of you have had a great start to 2009, it is the year of hope they say. If you are a bride to be or even a groom to be I want to personally send along my congratulations to you and wish you the best with all the planning of your big day, through the rough patches all marriages have, along with all the great times you have together. Marriage is not to be taken lightly, it is a commitment, a convenant. The vows you say to each other are not just words to be said on your wedding day but a promise you make to yourself and to each other. God Bless.