dreamscapesphotography's Xanga

"Floral Bubble" Update...?

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 18:41:57 GMT

Well, here's the update on the very strange flowers from a couple of posts ago. As you can see, they have a draping circular cascade of blooms. Some red - some yellow. They can grow over 3 feet tall and have very sturdy stalks. They always turn the heads of passersby, because they're so unusual. They kinda sorta have a "King Kong from Outer Space" feel to them. But wait...there's more! These Crown Imperials have a very distinctive odor. Something like a cross between strong onions...and a skunk. (They're known to keep pesky rodents out of the garden.)

And here we have our very first results from our brand new bubble machines! Way to go, good ol' Big Lots! These units cost under ten bucks each and work waaaaaay better than my old "professional" ($$$$$$) one! Who doesn't love bubbles? Our cats, Bunk & Phooey, (see photos in left hand panel), go crazy over these bubbles. The bubble juice, itself, is a special high-performance formula. You can actually hear the bubbles when they land/pop.

Great Weekend...!!!

Tue, 05 May 2009 15:43:48 GMT

What a GREAT WEEKEND!
The weather was just gorgeous...definitely time to get out the motorcycles! I aimed the trusty "Yamahog" towards Kenosha to pick up slide film to make more backgrounds for our Brand New "VIRTUAL BACKGROUNDS" system.
                         (www.virtualbackgrounds.net/pages/technology.html)

All of a sudden, I got the idea to check-out the Big Lots down in Kenosha to see if I could find another "Billion Bubbles" machine. (I got the last one from the Big Lots store here in Racine). YAY...I scored a 2nd "Billion Bubbles" unit. Plus...I loaded up on spare bubble juice. (This is a special formula that works way better than the other bubble brands!) Am I excited? You bet! This contraption just blows me away by how great it works for Special EFX in portraits! And now, with 2 units, we can have DOUBLE the BUBBLES coming in from both sides of the shot! Way cool!
To celebrate, I had lunch at Trolley Dogs down in Kenosha. (www.trolleydogs.com) If you've never experienced Trolley Dogs, you really ought to try this quirky lil' joint next time you're down in K-Town! The Chicago style dogs are top-notch. And if you're feeling more adventurous, you could try their special "Trolley Dog" which actually has a tamale right inside the bun along with the dog! Another item on the menu is just a tamale in a bun. Get this: They call it the "Mother-In-Law".
The decor is "retro-Chicago hotdog joint". There's even an elevated electic train, (like the Chicago style "ell trains"), that continues to go around up by the ceiling.

It's The Weather, Man...

Sat, 25 Apr 2009 17:28:40 GMT

Believe it or not...'twas a time in my life, (grad school), when I was seriously toying with the idea of becoming a Weather Man! I've always been intrigued by clouds, (hence my business logo!). I can only imagine how bizarre my TV weather program would have been - had I pursued meteorology.

Did you ever notice how Weather has the element of power over people? Weather can change people's moods - even their personalities. Think of long periods of rainy, gloomy days when everything seems dreary and sad. There's a reason why companies manufacture "full-spectrum" light bulbs that simulate natural sun light. They can elevate one's entire outlook on the world around them.

Weather can also cause people to re-arrange their entire plans. People dress for the weather. Leisure activities are largely determined by local weather. Everyone reacts differently to Weather. Like the name of the Marilyn Monroe movie says, "some like it hot"...whilst others prefer more arctic conditions. Farmers pray for rain...while vactioners dream of shine.

But the one thing that everyone agrees on is the unpredictability of Weather! The Weatherman's forecast is a constant topic of lively discussion.

After a long and difficult winter, 2009 in Southeastern Wisconsin finally featured some long-awaited warm temperatures. 70 plus degrees; motorcycle riding weather! The outdoors begin to come alive in Racine, WI as you can see in the photos below:

But shortly after that, everything quickly changed. Check out these photos below:

Wow, what a drag it must be to be a flower! I mean they can't very well go back down into the ground, right?!

Weather Update: Last night, we had about an inch of snow! (We're still WAAAAY up north here near Canada - on our "Virtual Backgrounds" Background-Shooting-Safari.) Meanwhile, back home in Racine it's been in the 70's...

BACKGROUND SHOOTING SAFARI.....!

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 14:27:45 GMT

Check out this really great view! This is what I see when I glance over my shoulder while working on my computer. We're in Britt, Minnesota on a Background-Shooting-Safari for our new "Virtual Backgrounds" system. Britt is WAAAAAAY up North...northern Minnesota----not all that far from Canada. It's also close to Hibbing, Minnesota where Bob Dylan came from.

Last 4th of July season, I rode my motorcycle up here. Awesome scenery! Very long ride though; TEN HOURS STRAIGHT! (There's actually a motorcycle rally called the "Iron Butt" rally. The route takes you around the entire perimeter of the United States. Contestants must put in a minimum of 1,000 miles per day! I don't make this stuff up!) Because of the trip back home, I don't think that I'll ever take the motorcycle all the way up here again. Trailor it...maybe. Ride it all the way...nope. Here's why:
It was broad daylight - and I was on the freeway following a Corvette from Dundee, Ill. We were doing around 85 mph. All of a sudden, a deer comes out of nowhere - galloping right into the freeway. It was like watching a really strange movie in slow motion. At first, I thought the Vette missed the deer. He swerved, and it looked like everything was cool. But then, I see the deer fly up into the air...and land back down right on top of the Vette.

After that, the rest of the trip was altogether different. I was spooked. Heavy woods came right up to the edge of the freeway. There was no way to see what was in there. Anything could jump out at any second - and there wouldn't be enough reaction time to do a thing about it! Well, I obviously made it back okay. Another "feather-in-my-head dress-of-adventures"!

Hey, don't forget to check out our Brand New MUSIC VIDEO!
It's Hi-Resolution!
Make sure to click on the "HQ" part of the YouTube player.
Here's the link: www.dreamscapesphoto.com/videos

Gimme A Head With HAIR...!

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:32:19 GMT

Okay, so today's topic is all about hair. I just got mine cut...so it's still fresh on my mind.

Having lived through the 60's and 70's, I started thinking about how hard it is to come up with new ideas for hair. It's been long - and it's been short - and it's been everything in between. It's especially tricky to come up with new ideas to make extreme "statements" with hair. Sometimes it gets to the point where it seems like it's all been done before with hair. Like the old saying goes, "ain't nothin' new under the sun..." (that's actually very loosely paraphrased from the Bible!)

Mr/Mrs. Dreamscapes (70's) "Cousin Itt" Adams Family (60's)

Retro "Hair" Lyrics: Retro "Hair" Video:

http://www.elwp.com/Joe%20Cocker.html
(READ ALL CAPTIONS!)

At Dreamscapes, we're constantly working with hair and realize what a major part it plays in portraiture! On-location, it's even more of a major consideration because of Wind Direction! Outdoors, there are 3-factors to continuously keep in mind:
1) Background
2) Lighting
3) Wind Direction = HAIR!

By the way, our brand new Music Video is now also on YouTube!
Make sure to click on the "HQ" part of the YouTube player to enjoy the Hi-Res quality!
Here's the link: www.dreamscapesphoto.com/videos.html

Introducing...(drum roll...)...VIRTUAL BACKGROUNDS!!!

Sun, 19 Apr 2009 17:30:54 GMT

Yesterday, it was all about our new "Billions of Bubbles" machine. It actually says on the box, "Ten Thousand bubbles in minutes!" (I wish that I was there watching while they counted 'em...)
We're always on the lookout for fresh, new ideas to incorporate into the Dreamscapes experience. And that's why I'm so stoked about our latest radically exciting addition.......!

VIRTUAL BACKGROUNDS© This is way cool! After constantly coming up with new ways to make our photography more & more exciting, we've really Hit-the-Jackpot this time!
IMAGINE HAVING TOTALLY UNLIMITED BACKGROUNDS! Even better than that...A CONSTANTLY GROWING COLLECTION OF BACKGROUNDS!
Basically, here's how it works - check out this link: http://www.virtualbackgrounds.net/pages/technology.html

Dreamscapes is very proud to be one of the only studios in the Midwest to offer this Cutting Edge technology! We are at a lack of words to describe how excited we are to get our new system up & running! Look out, Class-of-2010... We're on a Mission to make 2010 the most intense, mind boggling showcase of our images!

And don't forget to check out our brand new Music Video! See how many of our "victims" you can correctly identify. Here's the link: http://dreamscapesphotography.xanga.com/videos/

Good Ol' Big Lots!

Sun, 19 Apr 2009 02:45:02 GMT

This contraption was a great find at Big Lots!

Did you know that we once paid over $100.00 for a Professional Bubble Machine to use for special effects during photo shoots? (of course, you didn't...) And it never even worked right so we hardly ever used it.
But this Big Lots one works fantastic! It's so cool---I can't wait to use it! And it only cost like $8.00!

I love Big Lots. What a great place to "people watch". (not quite as good as taking the subway in New York City though...) What a shame that they're closing the one here in Racine. I'll have to check out the one down in Kenosha. I'd like to get a 2nd "Billions of Bubbles" machine. That way the bubbles can be coming in from both sides of the photograph. In the pic of the girl above, we used the old-fashioned way. Someone just outside of the shot was waving a bubble wand around.

As a matter of fact, way back...before we had a wind machine, we actually used to tape people's hair to the wall for a "windblown" effect. And back in our "BFM" days, (before fog machine), we had people just outside of the frame actually blowing cigarette smoke into the scene. Next came the electric bug sprayer...
(I'll spare you the details on that adventure!)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Oh, before I forget...

Check out our brand new Music Video.
Go up to the top of the page. Just above the date of this post, click on "Videos".

Try to see how many people you can recognize in the video.

Let us know what y'all think!

New Photo Album Online...

Thu, 24 May 2007 02:15:14 GMT

New Class-of-2007 Photo Album!

Just go up to the very top of the screen. Click where it says "photos". On the next screen, go down to the lower right corner where it says "Albums". Then just click on the "Senior Pictures" album. (See how many of our "victims" you can recognize!)

Also, don't miss our Musical Slideshow! First, crank up your speakers.
Go to: www.dreamscapesphoto.com/slideshow
(See if you can spot any familiar faces.)

Speaking of familar faces, we saw plenty of them Saturday night as we watched the Prom!
We hope that all of you Prom People had a blast! Also, we hope that you savor the last few days...before Graduation! (YAY!)

~~~Innovators of Unique Senior Pictures since 1979!

Tomorrow's the PROM!

Sat, 19 May 2007 00:28:34 GMT

!!!Wowie Zowie ~ ~ ~ Tomorrow's the PROM!!!

CONGRATS...
to the Class-of-2007!!!
You're the BEST!

We'll be Watchin' Y'all...at our Prom Watching Party!
(Remember...DON'T CHEW GUM when you do your Grand Entrance!)

(Don't Forget..."turning & tilting"...)
Thanks For Your Business!

WE LOVE YOU !!!
GOD BLESS YOU !!! ... -dave & lisa @ dreamscapes- <><

Takin' It To The Streets...

Tue, 15 May 2007 14:51:43 GMT

First things first... Make sure to check out our musical slideshow!
Crank Up Your Speakers! http://www.dreamscapesphoto.com/slideshow

Next, you can hear some really Cool Music while you read this Blog. Once-upon-a-time, we had a Dreamscapes MTV Commercial! We didn't like any of the music that the production company had in their "library", so we provided our own. First, open up a 2nd browser window. (File>New>Window) In the new browser, click on "audio" up above...just beneath the top banner. Then click on the MTV Commercial soundtrack. Turn up the Volume! Leave that browser running in the background. In the original browser, you can now enjoy this blog...as a MusicBlog! (Note: The 2nd browser is needed, because otherwise the music will stop when you attempt to return from "audio" to this Weblog.)

YOU'VE GOT MAIL!

Don't miss out on "Inside Information", "Secret Specials" and Bonus Offers.
Get on our emailing list!

It's Easy...simply send your Name, School, Grad Class ('08?), and Email address
to: dreamscapesmail@yahoo.com

Speaking of mail...yesterday we delivered our Class-of-2008 Senior Picture mailing to the post office. It should have hit-the-streets today. If not, it should arrive at your door tomorrow, for sure.
We know that you might come up with a few questions. So...we'd just like to answer some Frequently Asked Questions right here & now.

Q: What's so special about Dreamscapes? Aren't all studios the same?
A:   It's true that many studios do the same old thing. But Dreamscapes is different, because things are spontaneous.  There aren't any restrictions on what you can wear or what you can bring along with you. Each session is custom geared towards that particular individual. It's improvisational..."Jazz-with-Images! (instead of music) We're constantly "pushing-the-envelope"...seeking Fresh, New Ideas...striving to blaze New Frontiers. But the Dreamscapes "Experience" is just as intense and unforgettable as the finished product. (Just ask anyone who we've "shot"! )
Q: Do you send the Yearbook Photo to the school?
A: You bet.  You pick out which pose and we do all the rest.
Q:  I got something in the mail from Case High School giving me a choice of studios. Dreamscapes isn't one of the studios on the list. Can I still go to Dreamscapes? Will I still be in the yearbook?
A: Absolutely!  Our yearbook pix are published in all Racine High School Yearbooks! (Actually, they're also published in many out-of-town/state yearbooks, too)
Q:  I heard that Dreamscapes appointments really book up fast.  Is it too early to be thinking about this already? When should I call for my appointment?
A: Yes, our shoots really do fill up quickly...especially the outdoor ones!  No, it's never too early to make your appointment. Don't wait and miss out...call NOW for the best dates!
Q: Do you have any "Specials" going on?
A:  NOW is the perfect time to get our "EARLYBIRD SPECIALS"! The sooner you're "shot"... the Better the Deal! (free Wallets, free Originals, etc.)  All the while you're waiting to call...the Best Deals are sprouting wings and soaring away into the sunset beyond your reach. So...call NOW!
Q: Why is Dreamscapes more expensive? My friend had over 50-pictures to choose from and the prices were dirt cheap! Why should I pay more to come to Dreamscapes?
A:  Dreamscapes is all about Best Value. Best Value consists of High Quality and Great Service...at a reasonable price.  Which would you rather have?  Tons of inferior stuff for cheap? Or...plenty of Top-Notch merchandise that you can really be proud of? It never costs that much more to go 1st Class!
Remember what John Ruskin said.  (English critic, essayist, & reformer. 1819-1900) "There is scarcely anthing in this world that some man cannot make a little worse, and sell a little more cheaply. The person who buys on price alone is this man's lawful prey." No one was ever sorry they bought the best.
Q: What kind of Senior Pictures do you take? What is the Dreamscapes "style"?
A: Although unpredictable, the Dreamscapes "look" is timeless class. That means looking totally modern today...without looking outdated tomorrow.  We don't rely on trendy props that went out in the 80's. Nor do we resort to overdone computer effects that look gimmicky and corny. Rather, the Dreamscapes "look" more resembles Natural and FUN-looking fashion photography that stands-the-test-of-time.
Q: Other studios sell 4x6 and 4x5 prints. Why do you sell 3.5 x 5 prints?
A:  The 4x6 format is an amateur size used by the general public.  With 4x5's, you could spend the rest of your life trying to find a frame that size! But 3.5 x 5 is a professional size; standard  for all display material. It's the best-of-both-worlds.

Making Senior Pictures a Creative Artform...since 1979.
~"Dreamscapes is the Real Deal...Don't be fooled by a cheap illusion"~