TripleCord Photography Blog

LIVE on Sabbatical...Help for the Burned Out!

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Dear Friends, I hope you are enjoying this season of life to its fullest! The reason for not posting lately is that I have taken a partial sabbatical. Which means that growth is inevitably happening and the chance of transcendent works of art are more likely to make an entrance. (-: I encourage all of you to do this from time to time as it will bring about powerful results in your business, ministry, life, art, relationships, etc... If you need some guidance in making this happen for your own life I encourage you to hook up with a great mentor/life coach. One of my favorites is Rex Crain. You can find him at his new website, www.90DayLifeLiftChallenge.com.

So many of you have written me the kindest letters during this time, and I want to say Thank you!andrdquo; I hope that I will have the blessing of meeting some of you. Your hearts are so sweet! Just yesterday, Erica from Kansas City said that she was enchanted by one of my images hanging at WPPIandrsquo;s print competition. Her email surprised me so much because of the time that has gone by since the competition. I was impressed that she took the initiative to write down my name, probably google it, and then approach me through email. Her tenacity impresses me! You are the kind of people I LOVE meeting. Friends, your interest in going beyond nominal living and mediocrity shows that you have courage and I want to be a part of that. (-:

Hooking up with the right people is a favor we do for ourselves. These people will always point us to The Source of their expertise, or The Influence of their artistry. We have to decide for ourself what sourceandrdquo; we are going to trust, but once we make that decision we are limited to its capabilities and resources. Let us choose wisely!

With my "sabbatical" coming to an end, I have learned a very important lesson, to live on sabbatical. Maybe I can talk you into adopting a lifestyle of continual renewal and never ceasing reception of God's WEALTH! It's a journey that can't help but give to others and flows from a never ending source; it never gets burned out! It would be a pleasure to meet some of you kind people this fall for one of our exciting workshops. What a pleasure to share with you the talents and treasures God has poured out to all who have the courage to receive!

Fondly,

Annette

"The entrance of God's Word brings light." Psalm 119:130

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Rick and Kay Warren

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Rick and Kay Warren have influenced my family's life more than any other person currently alive!! Just about 5 years ago Colin and Mike went on their first Saddleback sponsored mission trip to Africa and came home with very different life goals with hearts that were immensely expanded. While attending Saddleback, we allowed Rick and Kay to 'brain wash' us. haha!! They taught us how to live beyond our own little lives and how to live BIG. They taught us to be generous, kind, loving, and inclusive all the way to the most invisible orphan in Africa. Many who have never been under the influence of Rick Warren are sceptical of him because of his huge success. Others judge him because of his lack of legalistic approach to Christianity. I can tell you from all of my experience that nothing negative I hear concerning Rick or Kay Warren is true. They really do live what they preach and WAY under the lavish life that they could be living. Rick and Kay give away 90% of their income and take no salary from the church; even paying back their salary from the first 20 years of pastoring.

I'll never forget the day I walked out the doors of the sactuary into the crowded patio where 3,000 members were filing through to the parking lot and seeing Rick sitting in the grass holding a lady's hands praying with her. Tears rolling down their cheeks. It wasn't shocking to me to see him as such, but reminded me that not even Rick is too busy or lofty for real life. How many times have I been too busy to SEE someone?!!

Rick and Kay will always be remembered as the one's who inspired us to begin Heart 4 Africa. They will also be honored by the 10,000 members who have traveled to every country in the world bringing help and love to the less fortunate. The powerful influence they have had on the congregation comes from living what they believe; which is "EVERYone is a minister."

As I walked up to greet Rick for this photo shoot he says in his bubbly cheerful voice, "Have you hugged your pastor today?!!" He is one of the happiest people I have ever met. We did lot's of other photos that were candid and energetic however I like to keep those private and at their disposal. But believe me, they are a fun, happy and gracious family both on stage and behind the scenes. Which is why I believe his church family continues to grow.

Many people's lives have been radically enhanced and transformed by Rick's book Purpose Driven Life. I highly suggest reading it if you are looking for real meaning and significance.

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Workshop of the Year!!

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

The flyer just went out to all of the students at Brooks Institute today! We are super excited about this one. Jon Hall has been traveling the world singing for all of the sold-out concerts for GLEE and he'll be returning in mid-July just in time for our workshop. He'll be posing with his beautiful girlfriend Sharelle Smith dressed in the latest fashions and magazine ready! The event will be at the most lavish place we could find, San Ysidro Ranch (where President Kennedy stayed on his honeymoon). Modele Weddings Magazine will be publishing the best images and you'll be learning as many of TripleCord's secrets as we can share. Find out more by going to our website and clicking on "Workshops." A speclal thanks to Cynthia Alexander of An Enlightened Event for coordinating this!! THE BEST THING? All proceeds go to Heart 4 Africa! So you'll be helping some cute little kids as you enjoy this fabulous workshop!

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GLEE Season Finale, Tonight!

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

You'll see some great music on GLEE's season finale tonight at 9pm. I can't promise there'll be anything else worth watching but it's always a sure thing that you'll be STUNNED by the music. Last week we photographed two of the season finale's cast members, Cory Tomlinson and Shelley Scarr. They've both been involved all season making GLEE's music great and acting in different roles. Our friend, Jon Hall, landed a spot among the Warblers as well. He is now traveling on the concert tour with them and every concert is SOLD OUT!! Each vocalist and cast member that we have photographed gives all of the props to Vocal Director, Tim Davis. They recognize that his coaching and direction is the best kept GLEE secret. Tim's skill in making people their very best at acting and singing is priceless. Not only that, he offers a friendship that is rarely seen in Hollywood. The future is nothing but bright for all of the Tim Davis Vocalists and we are on the edge of our seats to see what's next for this great group of people.

Congratulations to all of you! Now go light up the place!!

Jon Hall has some great downloads of music he has self produced. Check it out here.

Cory Tomlinson and Shelley Scarr

We'll have more of their photoshoots soon!! Jon will be featured in an UnLock Magazine editorial coming this fall.

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Teen Portrait Session: Orange County, CA

Friday, April 08, 2011

Charlene is super fun to photograph due to her cheerful personality; she put up with a lot of fuss from Annie and I with wardrobe, hair and styling sessions. We were so happy to have such compliance! Deanna Smith came to our rescue and provided beautiful curls and a great cut to compliment Charlene's face shape.

2012 Seniors, now's the time to schedule your special session! We'd be happy to help you design a special theme and look to compliment your own personal style!! (949) 481-1345

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Tim and Melody Davis: Happily Ever After

Thursday, March 24, 2011

It's a hard thing to come up with fitting words to describe Tim and Melody Davis but when Annie said, "They are the perfect 'Happily Ever After' couple," I knew she nailed it. In a culture where marriage seems to be devalued and feared by many, Tim and Melody are a beam of light. I especially love how open they were to dressing up and allowing their romance to be viewed by Cyber world. Perhaps they will inspire others of us to celebrate our marriages through expressive imagery bringing hope to our next generation.

We enjoyed a few days in Placerville, CA for this shoot and many more (coming soon).

Some cool lighting effects by Stacy and Colin. The very best lighting techs ever!

I decided to simplify just a little and use a blue/warm action for a more dramatic look. The originals are beautiful too with lots of warm yellows.

More to come! Tim and Melody changed clothes a few times for different looks. See, I told you they were amazing! Also coming soon we'll be doing a special Chanel-styled shoot with Melody in their Hollywood Regency decor' home.

If you haven't already, scroll down to the video. It will put chills up and down your spine!!

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Competition Results

Thursday, March 03, 2011

There were many great images which made the competition very rough. Congratulations to all those who won this year!!

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WPPI 16x20 Competition

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Hello friends! It's that time of year again when we head out to the largest photography convention in the world! We have such a great time every year and especially cherish the friends we meet while there. It's an opportunity to be set up for "Divine Appointments!" Last year one of our favorite moments was having coffee with Ron and Tasra Dawson. Our conversation was uncommonly holy and empowering. The Dawsons had started a new national movement to fight for the return of God-given identity and beauty for teen girls. In just one year they have become a national icon. Teen Identity is quickly becoming one of the most heard of online magazines while bringing hope to our next generation.

This year we look forward to meeting some new friends and hope that you will reach out if you see us walking too fast or experiencing information overload. I catch myself walking in a dazed-like state through the trade show. It's the one time of year where I KNOW that I suffer from ADD: everything seems to be in focus. My mind is set at f22. It's dangerous! Does anyone know what I'm talking about?!!

We always look forward to the 16x20 competition. It's so fun to walk through and get inspired by the massive talent represented. This year will be my first time to contribute. I sought some advice from Garrett Nudd on printing options since I have no past experience. He suggested art paper with a matte finish. Garrett won first place portrait individual in 2009 along with many accolades of excellence throughout the last few years. After seeing the three prints finished and mounted I knew his advice was perfect. Divinci Digitale did a wonderful job of making my images the absolute best they could be. I talked with Davinci's rep Kathy Ogden about the huge difference I detected in the finished images and she told me that the secret is in the customized attention to detail along with the 20 shades of black that are available through their fine art printer. And yes, it was expensive! But well worth it. If you have the time, look for my three images and pay attention to the detail in the shadow areas; particularly the romantic couple in Vancouver. Look at the umbrella area. The detail would have been lost by most printer capabilities having only 3 shades of black.

Because of Davinci Digitale's custom work, I can say that they look much better in person! These seem like shadows of the real thing. I also love how Linda Harms made them perfect in their display through her custom mounting and matting. Linda works as the custom framer for Davinci Digitale. If you see them in person you will be convinced that your artwork is worthy of the very best printing and displaying available.

Stacy and Marika Siewert made this seem effortless to me. They truly are this romantic! Stacy has since become a part of TripleCord and Marika just recently released her single 'Soldier' on the radio. It is AMAZING!!! Listen to it HERE and then buy it on iTunes!

This is our dear friend, Gloria McCune. She turned blue and about froze to death as she gave me the perfect pose for a dramatic effect.

This image makes me want to cry when I see it. Never could it have been created without the help of our team that day or the God-given blizzard that rolled in at the perfect time. Miranda Rose, the model, worked hard to bring about a deeper meaning to this mysterious setting and story.

Much gratitude for the beautiful people who daily pour into my life the inspiration necessary to create and dream beyond what is impossible otherwise. Annie, Colin and I hope to meet some of you next week!

Cheers to you, friends!!

Annette

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Tim and Melody Davis, Coming Soon!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

A few weeks ago TripleCord traveled to Northern California to the beautiful 35 acre ranch of the Mace Family. Never before has a group of people blessed us so much. During our stay we had numerous photo shoots, one of which celebrated the romance of Tim and Melody Davis. I can't wait to show you the entire shoot!! Much more to come both from Tim and Melody's sessions and the entire week at the ranch!

Possibly the most talented and beautiful couple ever!! Watch this, but first turn your speakers way up and go to the end. You'll get the chills down your spine! (-:

~Annette

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Sweet Valentine

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Sometimes it's good to stop and just celebrate the sweet things in life, and Valentine's Day is the perfect opportunity. My beautiful friend Kelli Lane, of Darling Magazine, agreed to meet us in the meadow for the occasion.

I spent quite awhile inking, cutting, glueing, and painting the paper Valentines, while our friend Lynnda styled the shoot complete with her lovely shortbread cookies. The antique perfume bottles belonged to my Grandma Ellie who was married to my Grandpa on Valentine's Day, so I know she'd approve!

Happy Valentine's Day! Whether or not your day includes romance, don't miss the chance to make a lovely memory.

Love and Cookies,

Annie, Annette, Colin, and Lynnda

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Grace Sng, Let Love Find You

Thursday, February 10, 2011

We're so proud of Grace Sng!! Her new single Let Love Find You hit the airwaves this month. Colin and Stacy worked together to make the perfect CD cover and she looks as sweet and beautiful as she really is. You can buy her single by clicking HERE. Congratulations Grace!

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The Heritage Singers coming soon!

Wednesday, February 09, 2011

It was an absolute joy for Colin, Stacy and I to join the Heritage singers on their 35 acre ranch in Placerville, CA last week. Never before have we worked with a group of people where every person was "from the same planet" (in the words of Art Mappa). We agree. It made our job feel effortless. There is SO much to share about this great group of talented singers and we'll be posting all of it very soon.

Meet our new best friends....

Shani Diehl, Max Mace, Melody Davis, Tim Davis, Becki Craig, Val Mapa, Scott Reed and Dave Bell

Behind the scenes: Art Mappa and Jonathan Beitz on video. And the beautiful lighting produced by Colin Biggers and Stacy Siewert.

Here's a great video by Art Mapa. I love the way everything he touches turns to gold! AMAZING guy!

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Mindshift Media, Lupe Fiasco, Ludacris and Ray J

Saturday, January 29, 2011

We love hooking up with our friend, Tyler Griffin of Mindshift Media whenever possible! Tyler lives in Seattle and we've been trying to get him to move to OC since our trip to Africa a few years ago. He made the AMAZING video that's on our Heart 4 Africa website. It makes everyone cry, and I still can't get through without choking up a bit even though I've seen it about a hundred times. Tyler invited us to be by his side as he interviewed some very special rap artists on the red carpet at a fund raiser event at Club Nokia. His friend, and very special person, Diana Lopez spread her cheer and magic back stage as everyone enjoyed the lively concert of about 20 generous stars including Lupe Fiasco, Ludacris and Ray J.

Tommy "Tiny" Lister also stopped by to support his friends Diana and Theresa Lopez. Here's Tyler (far right) with Diana, Tiny and Chase Griffin.

I just love how Tyler can bring the heart of any person out to the surface during his interviews. He has a special gift that brings a calmness into the atmosphere, making it comfortable for even the most timid. His ability to connect with people is seen in all of his work.

Colin Brickley, the Global Marketing and PR Director for Pony, stopped by with some gifts.

Here's some pictures from Colin Biggers on the other side of the stage.

Have a great weekend, friends!!

~Annette

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Tim Davis Vocal, RaVaughn Brown

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

I can't say enough how much we enjoy watching Tim Davis' influence empowering and impacting the lives of so many young actors and recording artists. It is a thrill to see God's outpouring of blessing and talent in Tim's life however the expansion of his heart to a larger territory namely, Hollywood, is my favorite part. With each new client we photograph from Tim's refferal, we can see the imprint of his divine direction in their lives. Each one is powerfully humble and confidently secure. With the recent success of GLEE at the Golden Globe Awards, we'd like to applaud the vocalists that go sometimes unnoticed; for their contribution of which has the illuminance of a light as a city on a hill. God is building a larger a stage for these wonderful vocalists and we believe that opening night is just around the corner. Congratulations to all of you!!

Last week Annie and I had the pleasure of meeting and photographing RaVaughn Brown. Her mother and hairstylist joined us making it even more fun; always appreciating the expressions a good peanut gallery can bring! We started at TripleCord's home and then ventured out into the surrounding hills. RaVaughn was such a joy to be with and time flew by.

RaVaughn has done work for many artists including Natasha Bedingfield, Jennifer Hudson, Jessica Simpson, Celine Dion and many more.

You can hear RaVaughn's music and read about her by going to her My Space clicking HERE.

You can see more of Tim's work and vocalists at his website, www.TimDavisVocals.com

Have a wonderful week, friends!! Bless you in everything that you do.

~Annette Biggers

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Jeremy McMahan + Amber Nunez

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Colin and I had a great time with Jeremy and Amber last week photographing their sunset e-session in the hills surrounding our studio. Romantic and fun!! It is with such pleasure that we get to be involved with this great wedding in March (Jeremy is counting the hours!). His family has been a delight and constant encouragement in our lives over the last 10 years. Jeremy's mother, Martha, was like an angel of compassionate wisdom and strength in Colin and hundreds of other's high school experience. She has taught me so much but mostly how to love people radically and effectively. It's going to be a very hard task to keep from crying as I watch her watching her beloved son marry the woman of his dreams. Prayers, please!

Amber is a fellow wedding photographer and we are flattered to have been chosen to tell their beautiful story. It started at our dear friend Mike Hind's wedding, where Jeremy walked Amber down the aisle the first time as members of the wedding party. They enjoyed the first moments of their friendship at a wedding and what a delight to see it transpire into a divinely orchestrated union.

Jeremy, I am so honored to have been able to share these precious moments with you and Amber while remembering the past and how you have always honored your parents and leaders. You were such a delightful teenager and have become a man of integrity as well.

Amber, I just love how you adore Jeremy. It is such a powerful witness of the love that reigns in your heart.

Jeremy and Amber, We will LOVE so much being at your wedding watching you make the best promise of your life. We're praying that you will see God's lavish kindness and generous grace everywhere you look. HE will be the honored guest and all of heaven will be applauding your new life together. We're standing with you and want you to know that your story is an HONOR for us to tell.

With our love and friendship,

Annette and Colin

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Roman Holiday

Friday, January 14, 2011

Hello Friends! If you ever have the chance to get to Rome, we highly recommend it! You will be inspired AND impacted by the art and architecture. TripleCord will be returning soon and we'll keep you posted if there is a workshop or coffee house meetup. Sipping on some cappuccino and learning from one another in Rome or Florence would be so fun.

Have a wonderful week!

Annette, Colin and Annie

Models: Olivia Hales, Colin Biggers

Attire: Carlo Pignatelli

Location: Rome, Italy

Textures: TripleCord Store

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