Prices will not go up!

I've decided not to raise my prices for the 2nd year in a row. I am real happy with the type of Bride that hires me. I seem to get the young professional types that work for a living, and appreciate their vendors, and friends for that matter. These are the type of people I like to work for, and hang out with. I would rather shoot 3 fun weddings for $1200 than one silver spoon high end wedding where the bride doesn't appreciate what she has for $4000. I know I'm at that point in my career where my work can compare to some of the best in the midwest. I could raise my prices, but I'm having fun. That's worth a lot to me.




Tony
www.premierproductions.smugmug.com

Calamus lake

We went to the lake last weekend. Lake Calamus is the most amazing white sand beach you will ever find not on the coast. Great time.



Tony

Travel Fees

Saturday I had my second wedding in a row in Lincoln. Leslie, and Ryan got married, and it was outstanding. The church was beautiful, the couple was beautiful, the park was beautiful, and the reception had great food, and music. Leslie, and Ryan have to be two of the easiest people to get along with ever. I doubt they will ever have an enemy. Leslie was breathtaking. I knew she would be the day I met her. While I was at the reception I was talking to the DJ, and Videographer, and they were talking about how gas prices effect their bottom line. I have to admit the thought doesn't even cross my mind. I keep driving my paid for 1990s Nissan with 150k miles and not even think about gas prices. I am shooting a wedding in Valentine Nebraska in a couple of weeks, and I have no fears about gas prices. My prices will not go up next year due to gas prices, however I may need to retire my old Nissan. I'll buy another old reliable car, and pay cash so I don't have to worry about the price of gas.


Congratulations Ryan, and Leslie! Ryan is a lucky guy.

Tony

www.premierproductions.smugmug.com

Sundays

For 8 of the past 10 years I have tried to dedicate my Sundays to God, and my family. In the last 2 years I started shooting a few Sunday engagement sessions, and family sessions. I've decided I need to go back to my old routine. I will not be working on Sundays, and I will limit my Sunday Shopping, and spending to allow others to have work free Sunday's.


Tony
www.premierproductions.smugmug.com

The hardest part of the race is the first step

I forgot the first day! I have to train myself to write every day I guess. No problem. Just small daily thoughts, and a picture.

Todays thought/question:


Does it feel natural to be running around all the time working, etc.....? I have been so busy lately, and I'm worried it will do some kind of un natural harm to my kids. I'm praying about it. The good thing is I love my work. It feel more like play most days.


The title of this picture is: BBBbbbbbrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr




Tony
www.premierproductions.smugmug.com

Daily image

I am going to begin posting an image nearly daily, along with some random thoughts. I just think it will help keep my blog fresh.


Tony
www.premierproductions.smugmug.com

Jodie and Dustin

Saturday I had the pleasure of shooting the wedding of Dustin, and Jodie. A few years ago I was lucky enough to shoot Brian, and Judy's wedding. They have a lot of friends. Their friends have consistently called me to shoot their weddings. They are all a blast. This wedding was no exception. Jodie's eye's sparkled, and made my job easy. Thank you for asking me to capture your day. I'm honored.

Tony
www.premierproductions.smugmug.com

Amy and Tim

Friday night I had the pleasure of shooting the wedding of Amy, and Time. What a great time. I especially enjoyed myself because I got to shoot at my church, and I got to see my Long time Friend Father Joe. Amy has the most amazing smile, and she was smiling the entire night. Thanks again Amy for choosing me, I am honored.


Tony
www.premierproductions.smugmug.com

Kim and Casey

The most unique wedding of the year may go to Kim, and Casey this year. Their ceremony was at the Double D ranch out on highway 66 near Ashland. It was a blast. Very laid back. Kim was so beautiful. Thank you for having me document your day.


Tony
www.premierproductions.smugmug.com

Chris, and Dominique

Last night I had the pleasure of shooting the wedding for Dominique, and Chris. A beautiful couple. Chris forgot his tie, and had to use the "backup" in the bag. It was pink, and it looked great. Dominique had everything, and everybody prepared as well as any Bride I have seen. When her day came she relaxed, and let her preparation take over. She didn't even get angry at Chris for wearing the wrong tie. Thank you for asking me to document your day.


Tony
www.premierproductions.smugmug.com

Sandy and Jose

Yesterday I had the pleasure of shooting the wedding of Sandy, and Jose. It was beautiful. The thing that stands out to me was Jose's toast. I got a big lump in my throat. He basically said "he was always unsure if what he was doing in life was the right thing. Even when he was young, and foolish. He said at this moment he realized everything he did was the right thing because it lead him to Sandy". Pretty powerful stuff. Thank you for asking me to document your day.


Tony Petersen
www.premierproductions.smugmug.com
402-680-1032

Summer break

My daughter is fun. She finished her last day of school today, and she came home, and did this. My dog is so lazy he didn't even move while she dressed him.


Tony

Slow spring for me

A couple of you have noticed that I had a much slower spring than usual. You are correct. The reason for this was the price change I made last winter. My phone didn't ring much for a couple of months, so I went back to my old price structure. Now I'm booking for next spring fast, and furious. In the long run I'm happy I did it, because it helped me focus more album designs. Things start picking up again for me now, so no worries.



Tony
www.premierproductions.smugmug.com

Christina, and Jeff

Yesterday I had the pleasure of shooting pictures for Jeff, and Christina. Christina is so cute! She went from "To nervous to eat", to doing tequila shots in the trolley. I had no idea she was going to be so much fun. You guys are a great couple. They say rain on a wedding day is good luck. You two should have a LOT of luck in that case. Thank you for asking me to document your day.


Tony
www.premierproductions.smugmug.com

Nebraska Sunsets

For those who think Nebraska is boring, and ugly you're so wrong. We have some of the most spectacular sunsets on the planet. This time of year the bare trees enhance the horizon. As the summer moves on they get even better due to the humidity in the air. Even in the winter we get great looking sunsets. I would estimate they are worth watching at least 75% of the nights. The other 25% of the time we have clouds. Last night I shot this picture in Lincoln. It's terrific.


Tony
www.premierproductions.smugmug.com

Lori and Tommy

Yesterday I had the pleasure of shooting the wedding of Lori, and Tommy. This one was special to me. I had to swallow hard a few times during the ceremony. I have been in the business for over 20 years now, and I have never seen more genuine love between a man, and a woman. They aren't distracted by materialism. Their relationship will always be the number one thing in their lives. They inspire me. God works in interesting ways. Now they are role models for the rest of us. The stone that was discarded is now the corner stone. Or something like that.
One other thing I need to mention: If you ever get invited to a family party, wear something washable. Full contact partying! You will be expected to participate. Great time!


Tony
www.premierproductions.smugmug.com

Free essays if you are serving in Iraq

I just watched a news story about parents in Iraq. It's heartbreaking. They are missing so much. I want to try to try to close the gap a bit. I want to offer free childrens photo essays to anybody who is serving overseas in the Omaha area. That includes Bellevue. I'm really good at creating photo essays of kids because I have been blessed with the ability to somehow get inside that "safe zone" kids put up. I'm not doing this for money, or publicity. Here is how it works. It's real easy. I come to your home, and photograph your kids, and or you doing everyday activities such as bath time, feeding time, just playing with the favorite toys, etc.... The best times in life as a parent are everyday activities. I post the images on my web site, for all of the world to see. It's amazing how moments can be shared now. This free service is not only for children. I can do essays on siblings, parents, etc...... It is for any loved one fighting terrorism any place in the world. If you, or somebody you know would like to do something like this please, please call me. I really feel like I can contribute something to peoples lives, and my country by doing this. Please call, you won't regret it.


I pray for an end to this, and all wars.



Tony
www.premierproductions.smugmug.com

Engagement session clothing

My wife, and I took our engagement pictures 20 years ago. We still have one of the pictures on our dresser in the bedroom. I've seen it everyday for 20 years. They tend to be around for a while. Therefore, I'm going to give you a few tips on choosing the right clothing. The rules are pretty simple. The most important thing you want to consider when choosing clothes is: Are these clothes a distraction? When people look at your picture what is there eye drawn toward? You want people to notice your face (Eyes, smile) first then move to your clothing. If one of you wheres a red shirt, the eye will usually go to that red shirt first. I'm not saying "no red shirts". Bright colors look great . Especially on dark skin. If you have a great tan, red is a good color. However, you should both wear bright colors so one of you doesn't get washed out of the picture. When in doubt earth tones always work. Black, white, brown, tan, blue, green.
Look for things that are trendy, and will look funny in a few years. Watches, and eyeglasses, yellow wrist bands, jeans, etc.... You know what I'm talking about. Someday your kids are going to be laughing, and pointing out how "2008" you look. Remember, these collars looked great in 1978.


Tony
www.premierproductions.smugmug.com

Wedding dress bustle

A wedding dress can be very heavy, and clumsy to carry. I think a good bustle is very important. I've seen the bustle break, and the Bride has to carry it around all night long. Not cool. Before the wedding double check your bustle, and have a practice bustle with somebody who is at the wedding, and you may even want to ask you seamstress to put in an reinforcing hook, or two. Good luck.



Tony
www.premierproductions.smugmug.com

The magazine style album!

here are a few shots of the new magazine style album. It's a really cool album. It comes with a custom dust jacket, and all of the pages I design fit in one album with no extra fees. It's a great alternative, or add on to the Graphi albums.


Tony
www.premierproductions.smugmug.com

The Rockin image events are here

I've been inspired to do a monthly portrait event. I think it will be great. I will go on location to some non typical portrait locations like Rosenblatt stadium, and Memorial stadium in Lincoln. I will be doing some traditional locations as well such as the Old Market, and a Sunset out at Lake Zorinski. I'm going to be limited on some of these shots due to the availability of the location. We will have fun.



Tony

Engagement pictures in February

It can be done. I met Angela, and John in the old market passageway Sunday morning. It was pretty cold out, but nice and warm inside for us. The pictures turned out great. It helps when you you have 2 good subjects.


Tony
www.premierproductions.smugmug.com

Weight loss motivation

What happened to my motivation to stay thin? I know exactly what it takes to be thin. I just don't have the motivation. For most of my life I have been fairly athletic. I played high school football, and basketball. I've run 1 full marathon, and about 10 1/2 marathons. I've done small triathlons, I enjoy lifting weights, and I love cycling. Until about 8-9 years ago I would maintain a fairly strict diet which would allow me to easily compete in the kind of activities I enjoyed. Now I seem content sitting at the kitchen table with my laptop, and a bag of chips, or cookies, and milk, etc... The problem is I really enjoy winding down at the end of a day that way. It's entirely in my mind. I finally get the kids to bed, my wife is in bed already as she gets up at 4 AM for her 5:30 shift. Then I start my unhealthy routine.
___________________________________________________________________
I recently heard of something called "the crowbar effect" . It's a technique in which you try something drastic to change a habit, or ritual. I'm going to try to go to bed by 9PM, and get up at 4AM. Maybe that will be the crowbar I need.

Songza

I'm having a great time with my new Internet discovery. www.songza.com is my new toy. It's a free listening service. Just type in the song, or artist you want to hear, and BAM there it is. It's got a few bugs, but it's free. You can create a play list which is cool. At the very least you can listen to a Song before you buy it.



Tony
www.premierproductions.smugmug.com

Another album choice

I've found a company that will host, print, and bind my designs at a very reasonable price. Here is a link to the first sample I have coming in: Chrysalis and Dan .
So far they are extremely easy to work with. I am using the same 2 page spread design I use with the Graphi Albums. I have to tweak each image to fit the format, and the seam is more visable than the Graphi album, but at $175.00 it's a really, really great album.


Tony
www.premierproductions.smugmug.com

Till Debt do us part.

According to a Gallup Poll 54% of all divorces are due to money problems. I guess that makes it the number one cause of divorce. I think young, newly married couples are especially vulnerable to money problems. Money, and possessions are easy to count, and therefore have become the number one status symbols in our society. However I don't think I will be thanking God for my possessions, and money on my death bed. I think the things you will be most grateful for will be your relationships. Dave Ramsey has been a great resource in my life. www.daveramsey.com . I listen to his podcasts a couple of days a week, and I've read 2 of his books. I think he could be a tremendeous help to a newly married, or engaged couple. Check him out.



Tony Petersen
www.premierproductions.smugmug.com

Snow day pictures

It's been snowing all day, so we stayed in. These pictures were taken at around 8PM. The first picture is my terrific Daughter on the computer. Probably Barbie.com . The second picture was taken from my sons bedroom window while he slept. I steadied the camera against the window pane.



Tony
www.premierproductions.smugmug.com

My favorite eguipment

People are often shocked at my equipment at the weddings I shoot. They often come up to me, and say "I have that same camera". My favorite wedding day camera is the Canon Digital Rebel. When I first started going digital about 6-7 years ago I was trying all of these high end Cameras. They took great pictures. I was having a lot of fun with them. Then I bought a rebel to use around the house. It was so light! It has a plastic body, and the new ones are just smaller in diameter. Yet I defy you to see a difference in image quality. All of the canon lens' fit on the rebel. I often shoot an $800.00 camera with a $2000.00 + lens on it. The real key is choosing the correct lens for what you're trying to convey in the image. My favorite combination is the Rebel with the canon 16-35. I feel like the way I use that lens has helped me brand my pictures. I couldn't live with out it. Just remember the brush doesn't make the artist a good artist.


Tony


www.premierproductions.smugmug.com

The numbers are in

I just looked at the numbers for this month on my web site. Leisa, and Blake's gallery had over 64,000 hits. Individual pictures in the gallery received that number, not the gallery itself being hit 64,000 times. Still a very good number. I guess people like what they see.

Tony Petersen
www.premierproductions.smugmug.com

Color Vs Black and White

As I'm shooting a wedding I can often tell whether the final image should be displayed as a color, or black, and white image. I often shoot knowing the shot will look better as either one, or the other. In the Old days of film shooting we would only deliver the best rendition of the image. Now I deliver both color, and black, and white for each image. Black, and white is great to draw people attention to the subject. No distracting red objects in the background. On the other hand a great sunset, fall colors, and the brides flowers all disappear on black, and white. So what should we do? Call me, and ask me which way you think the image is best presented. I think that is a better solution than only delivering one, or the other.


A few questions I ask myself when I'm choosing between black, and white, or color:
1. What is the thing my eye is drawn to?
2. Is this what you want to show.
3. Where will I display the image?
4. Does the the wall need the color?, or does it need a point of interest?




Tony
www.premierproductions.smugmug.com

Movies

I see a lot of movies. I have a son with some pretty profound special needs, and sometimes the only time he slows down for the entire week is at a movie. There fore I go 2-3 times a week.

My Favorite movies of 2007:
1. "Across the Universe" - A musical with Beatles songs....Forget about it. No goofy special effects, or annoying camera shake. Just great sets, great lighting, and above all great music!
2. "Ratatouille" - Not just for kids. Great storyline. Patton Oswald is a genius.
3. "Superbad" - I kind of hyperventilated the first time I saw it because I was laughing so hard. I guess I'm still a teenager at heart.
4."300" It's a guy movie.

Honorable Mention:
Hairspray -Very fun
Diehard 4 - good action
Shrek the 3rd - Keep them coming if they are this good


Disappointments:
"Bourne Ultimatum"- Why do they have to keep the camera moving all the time like that? I think it's to make up for deficiencies elsewhere.
"Simpsons Movie" - I laughed, however it was no better than an episode on FOX. I felt duped.
"The Bee Movie" - Jerry Seinfeld has his first bomb.


Last word: "Pirates of the Caribbean" Pretty good. I don't get the hype. I haven't seen American Gangster, or Country for Old Men. Those have gotten rave reviews.


I intend to give more reviews as I see them.




Tony
www.premierproductions.smugmug.com

Maggie and Matt 7days later

I'm working real hard to find a system to edit, and post weddings as fast as possible. Under 1 week is going to be my goal this summer. I am posting Maggie, and Matt's images 7 days after their wedding. I think I can tweak a few things, and get it to 5 days. Maybe faster!

What a beautiful Bride Maggie was. The Politos throw fun weddings. I'm so glad they had me capture the day.


Thank You
Tony Petersen
www.premierproductions.smugmug.com

Sangaria wine dance

Wedding DJ Denny Alliano (DA the DJ) does something called the Sangaria wine dance. It gets crazy! The bride, and groom go out in the center of the crowd with 2 bottles of wine. They toast each other, take a drink, and pass the bottle to another man, and woman. Grandparents get as crazy as the wedding party. Leisa, and Blake did it last weekend. I'm sure everybody is still talking about it.


Tony Petersen
www.premierproductions.smugmug.com