My mission to help animals:

First, a note about my blog: Absence makes the heart grow fonder? Ok, maybe not. I have sorely neglected my blog and I apologize. Considering all of the undesired information we receive on a daily basis, I may have given you a gift by not adding to the minutia. However, forgive me or thank me, I am going to continue to share what's happening with my photography efforts especially my philanthropy in the animal rescue world.

Many years ago a friend of mine introduced me to the animal rescue group she fostered for (Angel of Hope Animal Rescue). That was the beginning of my love for helping animals in need. The best way to help get these deserving animals adopted is to give them online exposure with eye-catching photos. Anyone can take a cell phone pict nowadays. In fact we are all overwhelmed with photos because of it. But that doesn't mean the person behind the phone has the kind of training and experience in photographing animals in a way that makes one want to adopt them. I've had extensive photography training, education and experience which gives me an advantage in this area so I enjoy using my skills to help animals find loving homes.

It's an art to get animals to look directly at my lens and at the same time not to show their fear and anxiety.  When animals are in a stressful situation, I must try to make them feel as comfortable as possible and get them to focus on me so that in the final images it's as if the viewer can see into the soul of that animal and know that it could be the right companion for them.

Some other skills necessary for this type of photography are getting the correct lighting, focus and composition and making sure there are no distracting features in the final images all while more than likely being shot in a very small corner of a popular pet store (PetSmart, Petco, Chuck 'n Dons) during peak shopping hours. It definitely takes experience and patience but well-worth the outcome when these animals find their forever loving homes.

“Saving one dog or cat will not change the world, but surely for that one dog or cat, the world will change forever.” 

Let's Take A Tour of Woodbury's Newest Photography Studio!

I recently had been asked by a photographer friend of mine if she could take a tour of my studio to get some ideas on how to organize and set up an in-home photography studio. She already has one of her own home studios but is adding to it and changing it up a bit. I was more than happy to show it off because I've put a lot of time and research into setting up the perfect studio. My goal was to design a space that fuels my creativity and gives my clients the best experience possible. Now, after many months of hard work and renovation, I am proud to announce that D.Ricart Photography Studio is finally OPEN for BUSINESS!

Welcome...come on in!

Let me show you my creation. In my main shooting bay, there is a magnificent bank of beautifully organized backdrops! There are also a number of hand crafted dresses, outfits, accessories and props available to choose from. Being able to see all of the choices that are available, makes my clients and I "giddy" with anticipation of the fun we are about to have on our shoot.

Main Shooting Bay

The studio also has a fully functional office space where I do my post-processing work and back-up all of my clients' precious images. It's also the place where I store and display the many wonderful products I offer my clients. Here, they get to see and feel the quality of those products prior to purchasing.

Print Product Samples

Another very important part of my studio is the reveal wall. In the D.Ricart Photography studio experience, every client is taken care of from start to finish. First we begin with an in-person consultation about what their needs are followed by a scheduled shoot designed specifically for them. Then, approximately two weeks post shoot, my clients return to the studio for a reveal session where they get to see their beautiful images, all finely matted and presented on the studio's large reveal wall. Prints are purchased and packaged to be taken home that very same day. Order for custom products can also be done at the time of reveal.

Studio Reveal Wall

Please don't think that "In-home" studio means small and not fully-functioning. My studio offers the latest in technology, creativity and working knowledge of the best in photography services. Yes, it is a part of my home, but that just makes it "smart". I have less cost in overhead which allows me to pass those savings on to my customers while giving them the highest quality photography and products. 

Please visit my website D.Ricart Photography and make an appointment to come and experience your personalized portrait session.

2017...Here We Come!

This year is quickly coming to an end and I think we are all looking forward to what 2017 has to offer. 2016 has had it trials and tribulations for me, however, I will always look back on 2016 with fondness as the year I took the leap into the business of photography.

Ever since I can remember, I have really enjoyed taking photos of my travels, my friends and family, my pets and my children. It has been a wonderful life-long hobby and creative outlet. In my past career as a graphic artist in advertising, I was, at times, also able to incorporate my photography skills into my work. My career as a graphic designer ended shortly after my children were born when I decided to make them my career instead. I stayed out of the workforce and raised them until they all four grew to an age where they could care for themselves. I then realized that I wanted to fill my ever-expanding free time with something that I enjoyed doing in the past, but also making it profitable and worthwhile. Photography was calling me. I decided to take a favorite hobby and turn it into a profitable business. It took a lot of hard work. I knew absolutely nothing about running my own business. I had to educate myself on how to improve my photography skills, how to set up a legitimate business, and how to manage marketing and sales. Now a year has gone by and I look back at all that I have achieved and I feel accomplished and proud of the work I've done and the growth that I have made.

I could not have done this without the support of family and friends that believed in me and my vision. I can't thank them enough.

Writing about a Blogger on "Blogger"

Recently, I was introduced to a new photography genre at my local photography group's meetup..."blogging."

No, I'm not talking about me writing in my own blog about photography.

This is about fashion bloggers and their need for good photographic images for the blogs that they produce.

A local "blogging group" in the Twin Cities approached our "photography group" with an idea that we could have a meeting between the two groups and form a symbiotic relationship. Bloggers would use photographers to help produce good image content for their blogs and, in return, would give their photographers credit and free marketing by exposing them to their reader base.

That is where I met Krista Brumm, the producer of the blog, Wild Styled. I gave her my business card and we discussed getting together for a shoot for her upcoming blog post. She lives North of the Twin Cities and I live South/East, so we decided to meet in the middle for our photo session using the city as backdrop for some of her fashion finds for Spring. It turned out great!

What a fantastic experience, Krista, I can't wait to work with you again.

Beauty found in color, light and soul.

In preparation for booking future photography client sessions in my home, I needed to work through some lighting and posing scenarios as well as how I was going to successfully use my limited studio space.

I called on a beautiful model and soul to help me out, the lovely, Kate Terres. She is a professional through and through and was very prepared to assist me in my endeavors.

I also wanted to include, a beautiful floral bouquet creation from my friend, Kathy Krahn, who runs her own floral design business, Lotus Design Studio. Both of these wonderful women were an integral part of my vision for the day and they didn't disappoint.

As you can see, I am in love with bright color, creative lighting, and props. It all comes together and makes me very happy!

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

Here in MinneSNOWta with below freezing temperatures, there are not a lot of people who want to be photographed outside. So, now is the time to flex my skills inside my warm studio. That's ok. I love working with strobes, backdrops and props. It gives me permission to try things that I wouldn't normally have time to do when I'm on a paid shoot. Also, my two oldest girls are home from college and generally bored over the holidays, so I have in-house models who are willing to pose in exchange for the rights to the car or some shopping with mom, haha. It's a win-win situation!

Congratulations Joel & Shanna!

Could there be a more beautiful bride than my niece, Shanna? I think not!

About a month ago, I had the privilege of photographing and documenting her wedding. I was one lucky girl because she chose me to capture the most precious moments of her wedding day. She married her wonderful partner for life, Joel. It was a joyful day of love, commitment, family and celebration. I was so glad to be a part of it.

The best part of being a wedding photographer is that I get to spend every beautiful moment of a very special day with the happy couple. I get to witness the joy that the marriage brings to them as well as their friends and family "up close."

Congratulations, Joel and Shanna! May you have every happiness always.