Rebel Belle Photography's Blog

Oh – Me – Oh – My — It’s Miley!

Casie Shimansky — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:03:38 +0000

One afternoon we gave Miley an apple to see what she’d do with it…and in true Miley fashion — she made it into a game.

Adventures in Maryland…

Casie Shimansky — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 23:23:06 +0000

A spontaneous adventure to visit Maryland was sparked just two days before I packed my bags and ran (literally RAN) to catch my flight. Gotta love sleeping in, right? Eek! But I caught the flight and I took off one bright Florida morning…up, up and away!

Did someone say Coffee?!

Walking over to Visit CHARM CITY CAKES! Where Ace of Cakes Shoots!

My Aunt from Southern Maryland came to visit and have lunch with me and my friends on Saturday!

She’s a Yankee Fan just like me…this makes her EVEN cooler! ;)

Did I mention my friends husband, Robert is in the military? I borrowed his hat. I think it makes me look super cool. :P

Im a baseball girl — and Yankee Great Babe Ruth is from Baltimore — so I took a picture with his statue in Camden Yard.

Me and my three best girlfriends from high school — yup! We’re still BFF after all these years! :)

Inner Harbor, Baltimore.

A sign of the times — I asked if anyone needed hand sanitizer…this was the response. ;)

Some Creative Images from around the base where we stayed.

This trip made me realize ALL over again just why I am in love with not only my career — but my life. Im surrounded by amazing people who love me for…well, me! ANNNNND — I get to capture all these incredible moments in life as they unfold. So, in it’s entirety…the weekend really helped to renew every sense of “me” from personal to photographer, and helped me to realize that I definitely need to ensure that I get a break in life every now and again to just go out there and LIVE. Plus, you can’t beat a SPONTANEOUS trip…I need more of those too. Nothing like packing a bag for two days and just going somewhere…anywhere!

I really truly love the fact that this blog allows YOU ALL to see just a little bit more of who’s BEHIND the camera. So…Im going to do my best to incorporate more “Adventures of Casie” here as well. I really hope you all enjoy the personal side of the photographer. :)

Until next time…

Creative Photo Challenge!

Casie Shimansky — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 02:19:58 +0000

So, my phenomenal boyfriend, Sean and I are “challenging” each other with creative ideas to keep our cameras sharp & our eyes always looking for new details and adventures. This is a post he created (with a few minor modifications) to let everyone know about the Challenge and to get YOU all INVOLVED in our fearlessly fun creative little world!! Can’t wait to hear your ideas!!

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Wedding photography is amazing, awesome, and adventurous… but my boyfriend and I want to challenge ourselves to do more personal creative work on the side. We love taking pictures, and though very busy, there is always time for more photography!

So this is the idea… There are plenty of of blogs and ideas floating around the net with a myriad of photography challenges. Examples: shoot red (pictures of anything and everything red), reflections (mirrors, water reflections, etc), alphabet (pictures of everyday items that resemble letters A-Z).

You get the idea, but this is where we need YOU. We need your ideas fresh ideas, old ideas (that we’ll make fresh), ALL your ideas. True we can go online and find them ourselves and, we have, but if we get YOU involved then we have fans to keep us on point! What about you??? We have that covered, we give a free print to whomever’s idea we pick for that session. So, in essence you get a free print for a comment… but what if we dont pick you?

Odds are in your favor: We are going to start taking ideas RIGHT NOW, and we will pick our selections by 10/23/09. Our first few photo challenges will last two weeks from the date of selection, this will allow us to work out kinks and get the timing figured out in our busy schedules. Soon enough we will go to one week long challenges. This means that eventually you will more then likely get picked and therefore get a print of our photography from that challenge.

Are you redecorating, or have child in love with a certain color, or sport, or animal??? Throw us a challenge, and maybe we will pick yours. And here is something else… if you want to get in on the action, take a picture that fits the current challenge and we will post it on our blogs. Hey, maybe we will give free prints to submissions as a prize in the future, but you need to show us that you WANT to submit your pictures.

Last but not least, make posts here, and I will approve them once they come through… but also join as a “fan” of Rebel Belle Photography on our Facebook Fanpage, because we may post the challenge ideas on there for voting to see who has the best idea… (you want to be able to vote on yours)

Last few important points – Make sure you leave your email so we can find you, along with your real name (wordpress has you make a screenname, but we need to know who you are and how to contact you — plus! We love being in touch with our fans, friends, & family!!)

My incredibly talented boyfriend, Sean of Sean Wells Photography will also be posting the same rules & contest on his blog…..You may think this lessens your chance of having your idea being chosen — but it does NOT as we will be selecting different challenges from each other every week or so, we may however revisit one anothers past challenges every so often… SO give your idea to both!

WHEW!!!! that was longwinded for me, if I missed anything or if you notice that I may have missed a loop hole, let me know and it will be fixed!

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Well, there ya have it, folks!! Now let’s get to brainstorming!! I can’t wait to hear your incredible ideas!! :)

-Casie-

BRAND NEW Website!

Casie Shimansky — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 04:34:37 +0000

You waited. We waited. Now it’s FINALLY HERE!!

For those who may not follow us on Facebook (and, really, what are you waiting for — click HERE!) we wanted to “OFFICIALLY” announce the launch of our BRAND NEW Flash Website. We put many, many hours of love into creating this site, and genuinely hope you enjoy it!

Please visit us at

www.RebelBellePhotography.com

& Let us Tell your Story Today!!

Robert & Sandi : Loving Maryland

Casie Shimansky — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 06:45:05 +0000

So a spontaneous trip was planned a few days ago that brought me to the Baltimore area for the weekend. Not only does my Aunt live about an hour and a half south of here, but I have manyof my best friends here. Two, Sandi and Rob, just moved here after being stationed in Texas — and a deployment overseas for Robert. So it has been incredible to see them, spend some quality time with all my grestest friends…and explore areas like Baltimore, MD — we saw where Ace of Cakes is filmed!! — & enjoyed Historic Annapolis last night where we shared lots of stories, laughter, and great times at a tavern on the water. Today we had lunch with my Aunt Diane, annnnnnnd had a photoshoot! FINALLY! I’ve been trying to snag photos of these two for years! :)

I’m in love with them – for more than just because Sandi has been one of my best friends for more years than I can remember, and for more than just because he is the man who loves her and takes care of her…and…well, drives her crazy somedays, right? ;) But mostly because they are REAL. It entirely goes back to the theory that comfortable couples make the best models. Rule Number One : BE YOURSELF!!

& also, because these are two of the strongest people I know. I am PROUD to be a friend to many US Military Couples & Families – and the great men & women who protect this incredible country. From having two of my best friends enlist shortly after 9/11, and seeing John and Joel go through boot camp and beyond…to having many of my girl friends meet & fall in love with their men in uniform…and having to watch them, watch their hubands deploy…words just simply will not do that emotion justice. I dont quite know how they do it when their husbands or wives deploy overseas for months and years at a time, but I can tell you that I have such a huge respect for them all. My heart is with them every step of the way, and I wish I could do so much more for them…God Bles this country & our Military!

I think these images of Rob & Sandi tell their story and just how in love they are…Im so lucky to have people like these people in my little life!! :)

This just gives me the warm-fuzzy-heart feeling.

Their Baby, Peanut — a Puggle!

Love-Love-LOVE this next sequence…

Father & Son. :)

& he’s a pirate puppy too!!

Hands Down, Might be in my Top 3 Favorite Shots. LOVE. THIS. :)

Thank you, Rob & Sandi! For everything…from a lifetime of friendship,

to simply letting me crash this weekend and eat your Bagel Bites at 1am. LOL.

Quite quickly, I am falling more in love with the Maryland Area…

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PS: If you haven’t already been to our BRAND NEW Website — PLEASE check it out!!

www.RebelBellePhotography.com

& Let us know what you think!!

WSHS Fall Production : Father of the Bride

Casie Shimansky — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 00:24:30 +0000

I graduated from WSHS in 2001 — wow! Almost NINE years go! ((gulp)) My friend, Jen, now works at the school and is involved in their theater program, and asked if I would like to help them out. Their Fall 2009 Production is Father of The Bride. Jen thought it’d be a great idea to have the kids pose for “wedding day” portraits so that they could have images to help them get into character, as well as to display around the lobby area for parents & friends. I was totally in love with the idea, and absolutely thrilled with being able to help out WSHS.

Both casts were incredible to work with, and excited about their upcoming play — which opens Thursday, October 15th. I can’t wait to see it…but, here, for you now — are some of the images we captured for them on their wedding days. :)

Groom Cast.

Mother of the Bride.

Father of the Bride.

The Groom.

Bride Cast

Bridesmaids.

Groom & Bride.

The Groom.

Love the Look!

Groom Cast.

Bride Cast.

Congratulations to both casts! Hopefully, we’ll see you soon!

Lance & Rachel’s Wedding

Casie Shimansky — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:38:44 +0000

What to say about Lance & Rachel? Words like relaxed & fun & totally in love all come to mind. I met Rachel in our school days, and we graduated together from WSHS – I think one of my favorite parts about my career choice is that I’ve been able to not only reconnect with so many friends, but I get to share in their most special days and life moments. THAT is an incredible opportunity!

Quite simply, Lance & Rachel are beyond perfect for one another. A match that could not be paired better if it weren’t heavensent itself. :) So I was excited for this day for many, many months and each time I spoke with either Lance or Rachel the excitement only grew — because, go figure! THEY were just as excited too!

Married in Downtown Orlando, their reception was held at the gorgeous Longwood Community Building which is more an incredible old Florida mansion than Community Center, and their DJ, Chuck Johnson? Hands down, one of the BEST I’ve seen and had the pleasure of working with. Lance & Rachel’s friends & family were dancers, and people who knew how to party — but Chuck Johnson kept them out on the dance floor and had everyone from flower girls to grandparents twirling the night away from beginning to end.

I cannot tell you how important it is to have a phenomenal DJ, as they are the life and vibe of your reception! Plus, they help us photographers out when it comes time to cut the cake & toss the garter and boquet! :) To top the day off and file it under the “perfect day” folder — Sean was also hired by Lance & Rachel to capture their wedding day moments. Working with the love of MY life? Yup. Count me in! I’m not even going to try to tell you how amazingly beneficial it is in having TWO fantastic photographers with you at all times…that, my friends is a different post for a different day. ;)

Now…on to some lovely photos, if I do say so myself…of Lance & Rachel!

I think, not having Fall colors in Florida makes me love these colors even more.

Hello, Beautiful Bride!

I told them at their engagement shoot…eventually? Everyone becomes a model. :)

First Dance.

Flower Girl Power!

One of my favorite moments!

Congratulations Lance & Rachel!

Fearlessly. Fun. Creative.

Casie Shimansky — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 01:47:37 +0000

Thought I’d try something a little different for this series of creative images.

I went out to Old Town here in Kissimmee, Florida one night for their Saturday Night Vintage Car Show. Hopefully I’ll get to go back soon — I decided to head out there pretty late, so most of the cars had driven off due to the storms we had roll through earlier that evening. But it was still nice to roam around for an hour or two and get to see what was out there. I hadn’t been in years, so the place has really grown up!

Last Saturday, Sean and I took a day trip to Gatorland. We’ve been wanting to head out there for a while, but they’re currently running a Florida Residents special for $10. Can’t beat that!! So I’ve included those pictures as well. We had such a great time, even though it is STILL a bit too hot here in Florida to not want to curse the sun and heat. Hopefully in the next month or so we’ll get even cooler — then we’ll head out to Disney World!! Woohoo!! :)

| View Show | Create Your Own

Danny & Jill’s Wedding

Casie Shimansky — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 02:48:27 +0000

This was quite a fun little experiment for us. Danny & Jill contacted me a while back, wondering if I’d be able to attend their wedding and capture their memories in a COMPLETELY candid way.

This may not seem like such a bizarre request – most of our brides and grooms ask for candid moments over posed images on their wedding day. However, it was genuinely a first for us as we were a guest in attendance of a cruise ship wedding for two of our greatest friends, and of course, quite naturally — we’d have our camera in tow to capture each sparkling memory of Danny and Jill’s wedding day.

Cruise Ship’s have their own personal photographers on board for use throughout the cruises themselves, during port-of-calls, and yup! Even the wedding’s held on board prior to disembarking. And so we were an incognito-guest-ninja photographer of the seas as we worked mostly behind the scenes…and we were more than up for the challenge!

Danny & Jill’s beautiful daughter, Isa.

My Favorite? I think so…

A little Mommy & Isa time before the big ceremony.

Danny & Jill’s vows = Priceless.

& Hilarious…even though they’re not Yankees Fans, haha. :)

First Dance.

Everyone got at least one turn out on the dance floor!

Congratulations Danny & Jill!!

If you’d like to view more of Danny & Jill’s images please feel free to visit us on our FACEBOOK Fanpage and become a Fan of Rebel Belle Photography Today!! Also, keep an eye out for our BRAND NEW website which we’re hoping will FINALLY be released sometime this week! Stay tuned, folks!! We’re going places!! :)

The Launch of Shuttle Discovery

Casie Shimansky — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:12:40 +0000

This past Friday, August 28, Shuttle Discovery launched over at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, FL. A few of my girlfriends and I made a spontaneous decision to drive out there on Monday night to capture an event of a lifetime. This was the original launch date for Discovery. As we headed out there it was an 80% “GO” — after we got there, spontaneous storms rolled in and just a few moments before liftoff? The mission was scrubbed and we were sent to wait in 2 hour traffic back to Orlando…These first two photos are from Monday nights scrubbed mission…

You can see the storm rolling in here. Thanks unpredictable weather!

I went back Friday night with Sean, and we found a prime location on the riverside across from KSC. We waited for a good hour, until — FINALLY — Liftoff of Shuttle Discovery. It was hands down one of the most miraculous and exciting experiences of my entire lifetime and ABSOLUTELY worth the wait.

Godspeed Discovery!!