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Orlando Orange County Convention Center

Written by DanaNPhotography on . Posted in Corporate, Informative, Professional Headshots, Travel.

OCCC is near it all!

Coming to Orlando for a Convention at the Orange County Convention Center? You will be near so many choices for hotels, dining and entertainment! When Dana Niemeier Photography is photographing headshots for companies at their convention, we are thrilled to check out the surrounding area.  We love I-Drive (nearby International Drive). Nestled in the heart of Central Florida, the Orlando Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) is a premier destination for conventions, trade shows, and events. With its expansive facilities and state-of-the-art amenities, the OCCC offers an exceptional experience for attendees from around the globe. Whether you’re here for business or leisure, this guide will help you explore the best nearby hotels, restaurants, and entertainment options.

The Orlando Orange County Convention Center: An Overview

The OCCC spans over 7 million square feet and hosts over 200 events annually, attracting more than 1.4 million attendees. With two main buildings, the West and North-South concourses, the center boasts advanced technology, versatile meeting spaces, and a commitment to sustainability. The OCCC’s central location on International Drive makes it easily accessible and close to HOtels, dining and entertainment!

Hotels near Orange County Convention Center:

When it comes to accommodations, you’ll find a range of options to suit any budget and preference:

  1. Hyatt Regency Orlando
    • Located directly across the street from the OCCC, the Hyatt Regency offers luxury and convenience. With spacious rooms, a full-service spa, and several on-site dining options, it’s perfect for business travelers and families alike.
  2. Rosen Centre Hotel
  3. Another top choice, the Rosen Centre Hotel, is connected to the OCCC via a covered walkway. It features modern rooms, a large pool, multiple dining venues, and a renowned spa.
  4. Hilton Orlando
  5. Just a short walk from the convention center, the Hilton Orlando combines comfort and style. Enjoy amenities like a lazy river, multiple pools, and various dining options.
  6. Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld
  7. For those looking to combine business with leisure, the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld offers easy access to both the OCCC and SeaWorld. The hotel provides spacious rooms, a water park, and multiple dining choices.

Restaurants

The dining scene around the OCCC is vibrant and diverse, catering to all tastes:

  1. The Capital Grille
    • Located on International Drive, this upscale steakhouse is known for its dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and extensive wine list. It’s an excellent choice for a business dinner or a special night out.
  2. Maggiano’s Little Italy
  3. For a taste of classic Italian cuisine, head to Maggiano’s. This family-style restaurant offers hearty pastas, flavorful sauces, and a cozy atmosphere perfect for group dining.
  4. Taverna Opa
  5. Experience the lively atmosphere and delicious Greek fare at Taverna Opa. Enjoy traditional dishes like gyros, moussaka, and baklava, accompanied by live music and dancing.
  6. Bahama Breeze
  7. For a more relaxed dining experience, Bahama Breeze offers Caribbean-inspired dishes and tropical drinks. It’s a great spot for unwinding after a busy day at the convention center.

Entertainment

When it comes to entertainment, the area around the OCCC offers plenty of options:

  1. ICON Park
    • Just a short drive away, ICON Park is a must-visit entertainment complex featuring The Wheel, a 400-foot observation wheel offering stunning views of Orlando. The park also includes Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, and a variety of dining and shopping options.
  2. Pointe Orlando
  3. This outdoor shopping and entertainment complex offers a mix of upscale and casual dining, shopping, and nightlife. Catch a movie at the Regal Pointe Orlando 4DX & IMAX theater or enjoy live music at B.B. King’s Blues Club.
  4. Universal Orlando Resort
  5. Located a few miles away, Universal Orlando Resort provides endless fun and excitement with its theme parks: Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. Don’t miss The Wizarding World of Harry Potter for an immersive experience.
  6. SeaWorld Orlando
  7. For marine life enthusiasts, SeaWorld Orlando offers thrilling rides, animal encounters, and live shows. It’s an ideal destination for a family outing.

Go Green At Trade Shows

Written by DanaNPhotography on . Posted in Blog, Business Head shots, Head shots, Informative, Photo booths, Professional Headshots.

Going green at a trade shows has an appeal doesn’t it? You have been there. You have attended a trade show with a branded bag and collected all of the swag from pens, to stress balls to usb drives. What would you pick up at a trade show that you would use in your business everyday and remember where you got it? As a company AT a trade show with a booth, what would you feel great about offering to attendees that they would love to have and use EVERY day? I have the answer—Professional Headshots.

Lead capture and the good feeling that you and your company are going green at Trade Shows helps show your potential clients that your company is conscientious about the state of the environment. Imagine this>>While our Professional Headshot Team is photographing your potential clients, you are free to talk with them! While they wait in line for their instantly delivered digital Professional Headshots, they are watch a curated slideshow of everyone’s headshots along with your branding. Professional Headshots attract everyone to your booth. We photograph them and you get to interact with those waiting at your booth! WE make it easy for you to book us. One Click, answer a few questions, check it off your list. Right Here>>Book Us   

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Kid’s Headshots

Written by DanaNPhotography on . Posted in Blog, Head shots, Informative, Kids, Professional Headshots.

Melbourne-florida-kids-headshots
Headshots

Kid’s Headshots are important to have when they are just getting into the business of Community & Regional Theatre and Commercial work. Check out Mr. Personality above! Below, his young lady came to the studio with her mom and they both had professional headshots taken to use in a variety of settings. She is a thoughtful child by nature, I think and we captured that feeling. We also took some nice portraits for the wall as well!

Melbourne-florida-kids-headshots

Preparing Your Child

Before you bring your child in for headshots, there are a few things they should know.

  1. This is not a school photo session . Remind them that they are an actor or actress! These photos are meant to show emotion and personality. Practice! Practice! in front of a mirror with your child! It’s OK (and very much encouraged) to be silly! What does surprised look like? What is the look you give when you just don’t believe something someone has told you? Can you giggle? What does it look like when someone has told you the FUNNIEST Joke? A bad smell?? Practice going from no smiling to sloooooowly going all the way to a full on laugh! All of these are used to loosen a child up in front of the camera and try to coax that personality out!
  2. Dress in age appropriate clothing! Beautiful colors that compliment their eye color are always a good idea. No logos or writing on the shirt. Tops with sleeves and possibly a denim jacket, sweater or hoodie. I always like to see the clothing before you bring it in as it helps to choose complimentary backdrops!
  3. Give them a snack before the session. Always a good idea but with NO sugar. Also have their own water bottle. I try to keep the session to 30 minutes so as not to tire them out 🙂
  4. Solo shoot. Most of the time, kids do better if there are no other children around watching them. I know this sounds counterintuitive if they are actors/actresses! The truth is, is that many actors/actresses are usually uncomfortable with people being so close! Especially stage actors/actresses! I use a lens that compels me to be a comfortable distance from them and give them space.
  5. Glasses. Glasses are a super fun and interesting addition!

All set! Kid’s Headshots can be fun and I encourage you and your child to be prepared with the above tips and have a fun time!

If you are interested, here is a link for Disney casting calls !

Going Green at Trade Shows

Written by DanaNPhotography on . Posted in Blog, Business Head shots, Events, Head shots, Informative, Photo booths, Professional Headshots.

Going green at a trade shows has an appeal doesn’t it? You have been there. You have attended a trade show with a branded bag and collected all of the swag from pens, to stress balls to usb drives. What would you pick up at a trade show that you would use in your business everyday and remember where you got it? As a company AT a trade show with a booth, what would you feel great about offering to attendees that they would love to have and use EVERY day? I have the answer—Professional Corporate Headshots. I should tell this guy who was concerned about all of the swag generated at trade shows that probably gets thrown away.

Multi block collage of men and women professional headshots

Lead capture and the good feeling that you and your company are going Green at Trade Shows helps show your potential clients that your company is conscientious about the environment. Imagine this. While our Professional Headshot Team is photographing your potential clients, you are free to talk with them! While they wait in line for their instantly delivered digital Professional Headshot, they watch a curated slideshow with your branding and everyone’s headshots! Professional Headshots attract people to your booth, we photograph them and you do the rest!

Going Green at Trade Shows. It’s a fun atmosphere and everyone wins including the environment.

 

Your First DSLR Camera

Written by DanaNPhotography on . Posted in Blog, Informative.

Congratulations on wanting to buy your first DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera–a camera with interchangable lenses! I know it is overwhelming, so I won’t do that to you. Just a few basics to consider!

What do you want to photograph?

Are you interested in mostly photographing your family? Wildlife? Architecture? A little of everything? Is cost a factor? I wouldn’t go crazy and purchase the most expensive camera if you have never used a DSLR or even an SLR! The bells and whistles on it can be overwhelming and you will be buying more than you need. Buy a car that will get you from point A to point B at first! Here is the REAL in my humble opinion. The lenses matter the most. Telephoto, Prime, wide angle, macro! An entry level camera will usually come with a “Kit” lens. A multipurpose lens to get you used to photography with a DSLR. These are versatile, but may not yield the creative results you may be looking for! However, you will learn how to use it, push it to it’s limits and learn that maybe you would like lower Fstop lens OR a greater focal length to achieve that photo you are looking for! That is what is fun about learning photography! WARNING! When it comes to lenses…you can’t have it all in one lens!

A good portrait lens to begin with is a Canon F1.8 50mm lens. Loved that lens! Then you can graduate to the Canon F1.4 50mm lens!

It’s all about the lens…for the most part

As I mentioned in the previous blog post, I do think lenses are the most important choice when buying a camera. If you think you would eventually like to build your lens collection, then I would buy the lenses that would give me the option to expand into a semiprofessional or professional line camera body. Without going into too much detail about Crop Sensor Cameras and Full Sensor Cameras, I would buy the lenses that would fit a Full Sensor DSLR. You will be able to use them on the cropped sensor camera OR a full sensor camera. You can read more about those HERE and maybe rent a camera body and/or lens before you buy <<<A GREAT TIP!

In my camera purchase journey, when I bought a new camera body, it always had an upgrade that I needed. A full sensor, dual card slot, higher ISO, wireless capabilities. If I had that all at first, I would not have known what to do with it and therefore spent more money for nothing. Digital cameras are small computers and like computers, the software needs to be updated until it doesn’t anymore. Then, you buy another that is compatible with your computers software 😉 It doesn’t end, right?? But, photographers love new equipment and love learning and that is fun-

 

 

 

 

Buying Photography Equipment

Written by DanaNPhotography on . Posted in Blog, Informative.

What I have.

Buying photography equipment can be so confusing! When people find out I’m a photographer, they always ask what kind of photography equipment I use. Canon is the answer. Photographers will want to know what model and how old it is and if it has been a reliable camera. So much thought, money, reading articles and reviews goes into purchasing professional equipment. Tastes change as well!

Cameras I have purchased

My photography equipment and camera choice progression has been this : Canon AE-1, Canon Rebel, Canon 50D, Canon 6D and presently a Canon 5d Mark 3 (which apparently has been discontinued. Oh dear.) Recently updated to the Canon mirrorless R5 in 2021! You see, once you are with a brand you typically stay with it. Why? It’s not because you just love that camera body, but along the way you have purchased lenses that only work with that camera brand. That’s right. Nikon and Canon don’t play with each other. Those film camera lenses don’t work on the digital cameras. Even some Canon lenses won’t work on certain Canon bodies. Wouldn’t that be great for the consumer if they did!!! We might all switch to Sony mirrorless and bring our lenses with us!

Lenses Rule!!

I do have a number of lenses that I love. and definitely make up the bulk of my photography equipment. Actually, I love them all 😉 Because I am a portrait photographer, I have portrait lenses. There are specific lenses for wildlife photographers and others for underwater photography!

What do I use the most?

My Canon 70-200mm F/2.8 with image stabilization if I have the room! If I need to take wider shots, I use the F/2.8 24-70mm L series. This is the most versatile lens I have! It is my 2nd one 😉 My first lens purchase was a 50mm F/1.8 lens. I then bought a 50mm F/1.4. The sticker shock at the time was crazy until I thought I couldn’t live without the 50mm F/1.2. Well, apparently you can live without that one…for a little bit 😉

I treated myself to the 70-200mm F/2.8

White Canon 70-200mm lens

and didn’t use it much for the longest time! Now it is on my camera for every session at some point! I love the clarity. When I don’t want the weight of this lens, I reach for my 100mm F/2.8. Beautiful for portraits and macro shots if you are a wedding photographer and love those ring shots! When I shot weddings, I bought a 16-35mm F/2.8 for those beautiful wide church shots! I still use it on my 2nd camera at events for crowd shots and fun close ups. The 85mm F/1.8 has been a great lens as well. (The 85mm F1.4 is on my wish list!) Prime lenses (those that have a fixed focal length–they don’t zoom) are always a great choice for portraits! I have a fun Rokinon fish eye that I bought very early on that only works on my 50d cropped sensor camera, but it is a very specific look! Would love the Canon Fish-eye 😉

Next up!

If you are just starting out, I would suggest researching your camera brands. What type of photos do you want to take? Wildlife? Kids? Family? Flowers? Macro? Search lens prices. You may be shocked! Those gorgeous flying eagle photos? The lens used may be a great downpayment on a car!

Me? I guess I will be researching that Canon 5d Mark IV…

Next up>>>Buying tips for your first camera

Cheers!

Professional branding headshot of a confident business executive in a blue checkered suit and white shirt, photographed in a modern office setting.

How to Prepare for your Corporate Headshot Session

Written by DanaNPhotography on . Posted in Blog, Business Head shots, Head shots, Informative, Professional Headshots.

Most people are not super excited for their Corporate headshot session, but I am here to HELP YOU OUT with a checklist!  The only thing you do not have to prepare for is posing.  That is my job!!

1-Personal grooming: You are paying for a Professional Headshot, so take some time to prepare. 

Gentleman–Go to the barber and get a nice shave/beard grooming nose and ear hair trim. If you have severe tan lines, get the haircut a week out and return for the shaving and hair trimming.

Ladies–Go to the salon and have your highlights/color etc touched up.  Also eyebrow and lip grooming 😉 I have a makeup & hair artist that can help with styling day of in studio!

For both: No tanning! This will show up red and harsh in a photograph.  A “little color” usually comes off sunburned or an artificial tan may show up orange!

2-Clothing: Please choose your clothing according to your company specs and colors best for you!  

Gentlemen:A professional headshot usually requires a well fitted suit and tie for gentlemen.  These must be wrinkle free.  Best if the shirt is straight from the dry cleaners. The tie must be free of stains. Check.  Sometimes stains show up after being worn!  Try on that suit you may only wear for special occasions…like headshots 😉 Make sure the jacket does not have “pills” (little rolled up pieces of threads usually in blend fabrics).  Check with your company for photography specs and send them on to me!  This helps with my lighting and background setup.

Ladies: Sometimes a company requires you wear a jacket.  I suggest a well fitted one as it will be buttoned in the front and no double breasted jackets!  Usually darker colored jackets work best.  Check with your company for specs 😉

No busy patterns. No pilled T-shirts or jackets.

Most headshots are just that>>Headshots, but typically a Corporate shot is waist up with both shoulders in view with one more prominent to the camera. If your company requires something other that this, I need to know!  If this is a session just for you for your own company and website/marketing material, then obviously we can be more flexible!

These sessions are stress free.  My goal is to photograph you and have you like what you see so that the first impression for your clients is a great one!

Contact me to discuss your individual session or for your entire company!

Cheers!

Dana

Wardrobe for a Feel Beautiful Session?

Written by DanaNPhotography on . Posted in Blog, Informative, Portraits, Women, Women's Photography.

What do you wear for a Feel Beautiful Session? Choosing garments for a Feel Beautiful Session is easy!  The focus is you, of course, but as women, once we feel like we are wearing a beautiful outfit, our entire outlook changes!  I can see it when it happens!  Hair is complete.  Makeup is complete. Wardrobe is on and BOOM!  You turn around toward my camera…I love that.

First, make sure the color complements your eyes and skin tone.  Black or white if all else fails. Second, make sure that the top or the top of the dress is fairly fitted.  Women with ample bosoms (as my grandmother used to say) look great in a well supported bra and a top that is fitted underneath their aforementioned bosom. Heck, anyone looks great with a good bra 😉 Third, some type of sleeve is always more flattering. However, butterfly sleeves may look great on you, but they do not photograph well!  I am a fan of the 3/4 length as I get older… Forth, Foundation garments (Grandmother speak again).  Those can be full length for a dress or whatever length for whatever you want to smooth out and tuck in 😉 Fifth, any top or dress with a texture can camouflage.  Lace overlay is beautiful and a favorite. A monochromatic top and bottom for continuity is always flattering.

What is really important is how you feel in your frocks!  It is my job to use lighting, posing and camera angles to bring out the very best YOU.  A consultation to discuss it all is included in your own Feel Beautiful Session. Contact me to find out more!

Here are a few examples of dresses that I love!  Not my photos, but the links are attached!

Black dresses with lace are always beautiful!Find this dress here

blackwaistlace

Find this dress here

Who doesn’t love a little sparkle?

golddressFind this dress here

black-cocktail

Find this dress here

A styled shoot customized just for you…

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Find this dress here

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Feeling Beautiful

Written by DanaNPhotography on . Posted in Blog, Informative, Uncategorized, Women, Women's Photography.

3 women smiling posing

Feeling Beautiful.  What does that mean?  I suppose it has a different meaning for everyone, don’t you think?

For little girls it may mean dressing up like Cinderella or Elsa with pretty sparkly shoes and a crown. For teenagers it may mean a beautiful prom gown with a bump up in the normal hair and makeup.  For the 20 & 30 year olds maybe its a cute cocktail dress, fun hair and makeup or that wedding gown! So what is it for women in their 40’s +?? Hmmm. Maybe a chance to leave the Mom role for a few hours and step back into the world of carefree pampering.   A chance to step away from the day to day routine of your job and the responsibilities.  Having someone else style your hair & apply beautiful makeup while you sip sparkling water or wine.  Stepping in front of the camera and having a professional capture the beauty and wisdom that you have earned while making your mark in this life by working in your profession, taking care of children, parents, partners.  Laughing about your life experiences and Feeling Beautiful in this world while I capture it in photographs and print them for you and your loved ones to treasure.

A Life Preserver. That’s what printed photographs are, really. Preserving memories for yourself and for those you love. A Feel Beautiful Session is relaxed, fun and a little exciting! Beautiful Memories. Beautiful Photographs. Beautiful You.  Beautiful matted prints, albums and wall art are yours to choose from!  Call 321.446.5236 or use this Link to get in touch.

Here is another link to more information on Feel Beautiful Sessions

Cheers!

Dana

Couture Senior Sessions are Underway!

Written by DanaNPhotography on . Posted in Beach Photography, Blog, Fashion, Informative, Seniors, Styled Photography Session.

Oh how I have waited for Florida in November!  Low humidity cooler days, even cooler  nights!  Well, the struggle is real. Here it is November 4th and it already 81 degrees at 9am. *Sigh* No matter how long you have been transplanted in Florida, your “Fall Clock” is just ticking.  But I digress 🙂  The Seniors have been waiting for our cooler weather to have their Dana Niemeier Photography Seniorography Sessions, but we will have to settle for the Lower Humidity to get it on!! It is off to a gorgeous start and the forecast is for more tulle with a few scattered pearls and preppiness!!  I will TAKE IT!!

Our Northern counterparts with their sunflower, cotton, waving fields of grain make us coastal Floridians long for those gorgeous, color filled shots! However we make due 🙂  Beaches, Botanical Gardens, Lagoons and Palm trees are what we rock here in the Sunshine State!  We even found a field of our own 😉 Here are a few of our first Senior “Fashion Collection” Sessions!  November-December is filling UP with them!!  After we shoot the fun Senior photos with the clients clothing choices, we move on to the Fashion Photography! Love it.

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We are only part way through our sessions now!  Check out the Seession Info >Details for Seniors tab to choose your Seniorography Session and give us a call or text to set up a complimentary consultation to ask and get all of your questions answered! Stay tuned for more gorgeous and handsome!! Cheers!