1i Studios...where passion and creativity meet

Santa's Little Helper

2010-12-29T21:15:00.004-05:00

Here is Santa's helper with his friend, Mr. Teddy Bear

Being Santa's helper is such hard work...it wore me out!

I am well-rested after my nap!

This job is so easy....I can do it laying down!

A beautiful wedding

2010-10-07T22:38:00.002-04:00

I had the honor of photographing the wedding of Mark & Tiffany. It was an absolutely beautiful event held at the agency where they met, fell in love and chose to live life together.

Let it snow!

2010-02-06T12:08:00.002-05:00

Woke up to about 19" of snow!

2010-01-25T14:06:00.002-05:00

Unfortunately, I had to be in Ohio to attend a funeral last week. Fortunately, the family lives only a few miles from the breeders where my little Alfie is currently residing. I decided to pay her a visit to let her know I am coming back for her in a few weeks.

As you can see, she likes to chew...I have a lovely selection of chew toys for her...

She is also very playful and loves having her tummy rubbed!

What a face!

2010-01-18T21:15:00.000-05:00

I am SOOOOOO excited! Since I am done with school, I have decided that it is time for a puppy!

I found the perfect little girl for me. She is only 5 weeks old, so I have to wait 3 more weeks before I can bring her home. I am calling her Alfie! Looks like I better have plenty of chew toys!

2010-01-18T21:12:00.001-05:00

Saturday, January 16, 2010 was the end of a successful completion on my MBA. It was a wonderful day and I was surrounded by my family.

Thank you, Lord, Deb, Terrasa & Kristin...I could not have done it without you!!!!

Just Lounging Around...and the Goodness of God

2009-09-08T20:17:00.002-04:00

This beautiful chaise lounge is a gift from mia sorella (my sister in Italian)! After a visit to The Outback, Stephanie decided that I needed a chaise lounge. I had seen the chaise lounge that matches my outdoor dining set so we drove to the store to check it out. The original price had been $499...which I would NEVER pay, especially at the end of the season. It had been marked down to $349, then to $249, which is still a little pricey, but it matched what I had so we went to find someone to wait on us. After the salesman showed up, he left and forgot about us. I was checking out the pallet to see if there were any new chaises in a box. As I walked around the 3 boxes, I happened to see that the price on the bottom box was $159! It was mis-marked, but the store had to sell it to us for that price! When the salesman finally returned, I exclaimed, "I want THAT one!" GOD IS SOOO GOOD!

It arrived today and I put it together....then I tested it! It was so comfortable, that I feel asleep right after I took this photograph! :-) Thanks, Stephanie for the gift to me...and God for the price break!

It is official....The Outback is the name of the deck!

2009-09-07T19:23:00.002-04:00

Here I am enjoying the deck with my book on Economics! I have decided that I shall call the deck "The Outback", not just because it is out back...but because of the size. I have had a few get togethers here and I hope to have many more...I must share that with which God has blessed me....

I am also gearing up mentally to complete my last 2 classes for my MBA. Graduation is January 2010, but I will complete my coursework in early December 2009. Then I can focus my attention on reviving my photography business. Please keep me in your prayers as I continue to move forward in what the Lord has for me...

August 24, deck is not bare anymore!

2009-08-24T22:21:00.003-04:00

A nice place to chill....

Can you believe that I found a dining set for my patio that is the same color as the furniture inside my house? It is Espresso. I can hardly wait to have people over to enjoy this with me. It think it is time for a house blessing party...what about you????

You can lead a cat to the deck, but you can't make her like it!

2009-08-24T22:11:00.007-04:00

August 23, 2009. Today I washed my car and hosed down the garage...there is A LOT of space in there. I moved the chairs I had on my side porch and my grill to the deck along with my herb garden...(basil, mint and cilantro type of herbs!) and the last "leg" of my tomato plant.

I tried a number of times, unsuccessfully to coax my cat Gabi out onto the deck. In my former apartment, Gabi and Hanna did not venture outdoors in the dirt and grass. I lived on the third floor and their outdoor experience was limited to sitting on the fire escape or the roof. This is a great place for them now because it is closed in. When I get a puppy, I am going to built a box with dirt and grass on the deck (far away from the table)...that will be his "potty".

Anyway, I finally got her out onto the deck, she was NOT a happy kitty; her tail was all puffed up and twitching and she was growling. I kept reassuring her that everything was going to be just fine.

Once she discovered that the deck was kinda cool, she stretched out on it and kept purring,

paw kneading the deck and rubbing her face on the spindles of the banister. When it was time to go in, guess who did not want to move? Yes, Mz. Gabi!

If you need a dependable contractor...

2009-08-19T21:02:00.003-04:00

may I suggest Joe Bruni Construction. Joe is local (Verona, PA). He is DEPENDABLE, he does what he says he is going to do. Joe did not ask for all the money up front. He wrote up a simple contract explaining all the work to be completed. Joe was here every single day from around 7:45 a.m. til 4:00 p.m. There were only 2 days when Joe, Mark and Anthony were not here...one day was because of rain. The other day was due to waiting on a lumber order. This has been a wonderful experience. I would HIGHLY recommend Joe Bruni Construction (412) 828-1569.

Thanks Joe, Mark and Anthony for all of your hard work. I could not be more pleased with the job that you have done. Now all I have to do is find some great patio furniture!

WOOOO HOOOOOO!! What a job!

2009-08-19T20:54:00.002-04:00

Just got back from a few days in Myrtle Beach. I am so relaxed! Anyway, when I returned, the job was finished! Joe put some nice finishing touches on the banister. Looks GREAT!

Joe also installed a hand rail so that I could pass inspection.

The security door on the side porch is installed.

The basement, garage and deck are all clean and swept out. Joe left everything as if he had never been here.

Day 21 Garage Door...

2009-08-14T21:40:00.004-04:00

The finishing touches are finally here! The garage door is up. The automatic opener still needs to be installed. I love my new door!

Garage door from the inside...

Joe even installed my security doors (and did a GREAT job)! Now I can keep my front and side doors open and enjoy a nice breeze on a cool day! Not only that, he and Mark re-routed my rain gutter and are going to install a hand rail near my side steps! Thanks for helping me get up to code guys!

Day 20....WOW looking GREAT!

2009-08-12T21:29:00.002-04:00

Here is what my deck looks like from the street behind my home. Last step will be the garage door!

Side view...
The beautiful banister....
The lights are ON!!! WOOOO HOOOOO!!!
I LOVE the light fixture at the back door.

Days 18 & 19...Let there be light~

2009-08-11T22:00:00.004-04:00

I was so surprised when I arrived home this evening to see the deck work almost done! The lights are installed, the electric will be ready before the end of the week.

Days 15, 16 & 17

2009-08-07T22:50:00.009-04:00

Once again, the weather has been very cooperative. The dog days of summer have not arrived in Pittsburgh yet, so Joe and his team had days of weather with temps in the 70's. While I worked during the day, my granddaughters kept an eye on the progress. The Bruni team was able to put the finishing touches on the stairs down to the garage and complete the roof of the pavilion.

The light coming from the top of the stairs made my mind race with ideas for shooting portraits in this space. The pavilion will be great too because we have natural light all around.

I saw this pattern in one of the trusses...looks like 028 to me!

Day 14...Here come the trusses!

2009-08-04T17:07:00.003-04:00

So far, the weather has been very cooperative! Joe has only missed one day due to poor weather conditions. I think it may rain soon by the look of the sky. Today, Joe and his crew finished framing the roof. The trusses are great! All of the upper and lower chords are positioned just right, as well as the braces. This is going to be a mighty fine roof!

Days 11, 12, & 13

2009-08-03T17:11:00.007-04:00

Been away for a few days, my youngest son got married on Friday! (Will post to my new wedding blog soon)

When I returned, the supports for the roof were in place and today, the studs for the roof are in the works.

Joe and his crew are doing an AMAZING job! Now I guess I have to start thinking about patio furniture! Well it is the end of the season, so I can expect to get some great deals!

Day 10 - Things are progressing nicely!

2009-07-28T20:18:00.004-04:00

I am now able to walk out to the end of my deck! What a great view from that end. 2 of the support posts are installed. I am not sure what to expect when I get home tomorrow, but I know it will be wonderful...as long as the weather cooperates!

I am excited to see what will come next!

Day 9 - I HAVE STAIRS!!!!!! LOL

2009-07-27T20:50:00.006-04:00

1/2 of the deck work is completed over the garage....and I HAVE STAIRS!! I can now walk from my deck down into my garage without going down the dirt trail...WOOO HOOOO

I am so excited....soon I will be able to wash my car in my garage (in the rain if I want to)!!!! (I have no water faucet on the outside of my house!)

Days 7 & 8

2009-07-24T18:14:00.007-04:00

Day 8: Amazing what Joe and his crew have accomplished thus far! WOW The joists are in and Monday my deck should extend 40 feet over the garage! WOO HOO!! (that is my rebel yell!)

Day 7:

The cement work is completed. The door and windows have been bricked in. This is one solid building!

Day 5 & 6

2009-07-22T00:47:00.006-04:00

This morning was a little foggy. The cinder block walls are being filled with concrete to strengthen them. I am thankful for how everything is progressing.

This beautiful cloud formation caught my attention....if you click on the photograph and enlarge it, you can see 3 bubbles....I was enjoying myself by blowing bubbles.

Praise the Lord, I have a fence!!!! (aka Day 4)

2009-07-17T16:34:00.001-04:00

You would think that I am the only person who ever had a deck built. I am so very excited about what the Lord is doing in my life. Yes, the Lord! I would never have come up with this idea on my own. He brought the right person to do the work and I am blessed more and more with each passing day.

Today, my fence is complete on phase one of the deck project...I LOVE it! I look forward to sharing it with my family and friends, knowing it will bless them as much as it blesses me.

The deck that Jesus is building...well He is using Joe

2009-07-16T21:54:00.000-04:00

Like the rest of the home with which the Lord has blessed me, I 'saw' my deck before I found someone to build it. When I described to Joe Bruni (of Joseph Bruni Construction) what my vision was, he was on the job immediately. He came by my home, measured and re-measure. He brought his wife, who is an artist, and shared the vision with her and she drew a sketch of my finished deck! I am not going to post photos of the drawing...I want it to be a surprise, but I will post photos of the progress.

Here is a little video of how 'lovely' my backyard was pre-transformation....just click the arrow to play the videos

(p.s. that noise is me stepping on a piece of rubber!!!!)

Day 1...I can hardly believe that this is the same place...

Day 2...First Level of the deck is framed out

Day 3...The upper deck is really shaping up!

2009-07-14T21:48:00.000-04:00

My kitty, Hannah was watching birds outside of our front window when I grabbed this shot of her. She is very inquisitive.

Sunshine & Rain....

2009-07-12T18:21:00.000-04:00

It was about 6:24 p.m. on the first day of summer; the weather was sunny and bright. Suddenly, the wind started to and I could hear rumblings of thunder, but it did not

get dark. I went to a window on the second floor of my home to look outside. It was pouring where I live, but on the other side of the ridge, the sky had puffy clouds and sunshine...

Beauty in dying

2009-07-12T00:31:00.000-04:00

I was giving my bouquet some fresh water when I noticed one of the daisies was wilting. I took it out to discard it, but there was something beautiful about it even though it was no longer full of life.

Sometimes you have to buy yourself flowers!

2009-07-09T23:16:00.000-04:00

Those who know me well lovingly call me the Costco Queen because if it is in my house, most likely, it came from Costco...LOVE that place! Two days ago, I was doing some shopping when I saw this beautiful bouquet! I thought for a moment...I would love to have these flowers grace my home! Then it occurred to me that I don't have to wait for anyone to buy me flowers...I can treat myself...and I DID!

It's been a while....

2009-03-29T21:49:00.001-04:00

A lot has happened since my last post. My mom passed away in January, a few weeks later, my car was stolen, and now I am buying a house! WHEW! I get tired just writing all that.

In the midst of packing and moving, I had my first photo shoot of the year with my first Canon...EOS 5D Mark II. It was a miserable day, overcast, rainy and cold. I actually love shooting portraits on overcast days...the light is very soft. I am still not completely comfortable with it yet, but I took it out for my shoot anyway. Here are a few of the results:

Boredom

2009-01-03T21:18:00.000-05:00

What do you do when you are bored? I was sitting on my mom's couch when the sunlight came pouring through the front window.

The early evening light was so lovely that I began shooting items on her coffee table and the tea pot on her stove.

So I was productive today! I like the outcome....

No Comment!

2008-12-28T22:23:00.000-05:00

My grandchildren received microphones for Christmas (they just LOVE to perform). My grandson, Zion, tried to get my cat, Hannah to sing....or talk...but, as you can see by Hannah's expression, she was giving no comment.

Simple Pleasures are the BEST!

2008-09-18T22:05:00.001-04:00

It was an absolutely perfect weather day for me here in Pittsburgh (sunny, low humidity, big fluffy clouds in the sky, about 74 degrees). I was on my way to a nearby park to do some reading (Foundations of Financial Management), when I drove past this sunflower near a bus stop. I actually went to the park and started to read, but I could not get the sunflower out of my mind. So I did what I normally would not do...put my book away and went back to where I saw the flower. I am so glad that I did!

New Favorite...

2008-08-31T19:09:00.000-04:00

This shot was taken on an amusement park ride. My grandson was enjoying this ride, so I took a photo of him enjoying it! :-)

Product Shots

2008-08-29T22:31:00.000-04:00

I am so excited that I had the opportunity to practice product shoots last weekend! One of my sisters from church hand makes jewelry. For information, you may contact her at: margoo32@yahoo.com

Here are a few samples:

"Stiller" fans can show their team spirit with a "GO STEELERS" bracelet or lariat.

How about a charm for your cell phone or flash drive?

The talent for jewelry-making runs in the family, Marvinia's son, Nate made this one!

A few of my favorite shots of the past 2 weeks...

2008-08-16T01:00:00.000-04:00

I chased this butterfly around near Phipps Conservatory and finally gave up. After a while, it landed a little ways away from me. I grabbed my telephoto zoom lens and was able to get a few shots before he took off again at the speed of light!

This glass globe was hanging inside of the gift shop at Phipps. It looks like a tree growing inside!

This is my cat, Gabi, who is doing one of her favorite things (besides eating). Can you see the "smile" on her face???

Photogenic Pittsburgh

2008-08-14T18:38:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago, a friend and I had the opportunity to get out and photograph Pittsburgh. It was his first trip to Pittsburgh and it was really great seeing Pittsburgh through the eyes of someone seeing it for the first time.

I have been in Pittsburgh for 16 years now, and sometimes I can feel like there is nothing new to see. There is beauty all around us: all we have to do is look....a little harder sometimes, but it is out there waiting to be found.

Pittsburgh really is a beautiful city! The view from high atop Mt. Washington was breathtaking! The weather cooperated this weekend.

Working on location

2008-07-28T23:39:00.000-04:00

I am practicing my blogging! I want to post at least once a week, but I am not going to make any promises I can't keep. I will make an honest attempt...at least until grad school starts again! :-)
If I get in the habit now, I may just learn to love it and continue blogging into my golden years!

There are times when you may need a formal portrait or a headshot for promotional materials or your company website. I really enjoy location work for portraits because most people are more relaxed in an environment in which they are familiar.

Formal does not have to mean stiff or stuffy. My friend, Dana, needed a photo because she has been nominated for recognition for her business. I spent about an hour with her in her office and we selected a photograph showing some of her awards. A studio shoot would not have yielded the same results.

I will often simply engage my subject in a conversation, talk about things they like. As we speak, I watch for their expression. Sometimes, if I see hesitation in their expression, I will stop and show them what the shot looks like on the camera monitor. Most of the time, they will say "Oh, I like that!", then they relax.

Welcome!

2008-07-27T19:40:00.000-04:00

Welcome to 1i Studios' Blog! This is my first attempt at blogging, so please be patient.

1i Studios specializes in portrait, wedding and fine art photography.

Photography is not just an art for me,

it is my passion. A day without my camera,

is like a day without...my camera!

While I love the look of photographs shot

with film, I love digital photography because

I can shoot and shoot without cost and print only what I really want to print. I love the freedom of digital.

I have always be interested in photography. I received my first camera (a Kodak Brownie) at the age of five. I graduated to a 126, Polaroid, 110 and eventually 35mm and 120mm cameras and kept shooting. When my children (two sons) were young, I started photographing their every

move! I shot family events and the neighborhood kids. I began shooting events for my church and then moved into weddings.

It is an honor to be a wedding photographer. People are trusting you with one of the most

memorable days of their lives!

I have become the "official family photographer" for many of my clients after photographing their wedding. I am there for the birth of their childre

n, family celebrations, graduations and more.

Relationship is the key to my success. Every client is different, but equally special. I enjoy getting to know them and their style. I will never get bored in this line of work.

My style of photography is relaxed and natural. I like as little formal posing as possible. I like to catch you in the act of being yourself! As my model moves, I watch for the decisive moment to

release the shutter.

The full name of my business is 1i Studios en Theos.

En Theos means inspired by God.

I believe that God

blessed me with a gift and

I intend to use it to honor Him.

I want to see through His eyes,

hence the 1i (instead of eye).

When I look at all of the beauty

that surrounds us, I am overwhelmed.

Something as simple as a dandelion can become almost magical through the eye of the camera.