Sunday, February 10, 2008

Muscular Dystrophy Association

Every year, the Muscular Dystrophy Association puts on a variety of fund raisers to raise money for MD research. MDA is the world's leading voluntary health organization fighting more than 40 muscle-wasting diseases. Thousands of people of all ages are affected by neuromuscular diseases, right here in the southern Colorado communities. Yesterday was their annual Stride and Ride at the Citadel Mall and I was fortunate enough to be invited back to be the official event photographer. Because my mother has a form of MD, I gladly volunteered my time. All images taken yesterday will be posted to a Pictage gallery and 100% of the proceeds will go straight back to MDA.

There were over 20 teams that raised funds and came together to do a short walk around the mall. After the teams signed in, they were sent down to my buddy, Amon, who took their team photos. Amon is a fantastic photographer; he is so knowledgeable about his photography and every time we work together I try to gain a small portion of his wisdom. He was kind enough to volunteer his time and work on behalf of René Tate Photography.

Next to the team photo area was a René Tate Graphic Design and Photography booth. My good friend Breanna ran the booth, showed my work, answered questions, handed out cards, etc.

Meanwhile, I was out shooting candids of walkers, local team mascots, the band, cheerleaders, etc. The emcees were Cutter, Alicia, and the Road Gato of the Cat Country 95.1 Morning Show, great people who I've worked with in the past.




The day was such a blast. I met so many people and heard so many of their stories. If you'd like to donate to this incredible organization, contact Laura Graham at 719.260.8777 or by email at lgraham@mdausa.org.

Monday, February 4, 2008

Sad Day

I am incredibly sad after hearing about the loss of a new friend, Terrence Webster. He was killed in a car accident very early this morning. He was a junior at UCCS majoring in fine art. I met him when I was the event photographer at UCCS' annual Back to the Bluffs weekend in October. He was a total comedian and always put a smile on my face. I'm disappointed that I didn't get the chance to get to know him better.

I was glad that I could provide a handful of images of Terrence to the folks doing the memorial service as well as to the University's newspaper, The Scribe. Below are just a couple of them.

Terrence was heavily involved on the UCCS campus. He will be greatly missed.


Thursday, January 31, 2008

Chancellor's Leadership Class

So I volunteer a lot of my time with the Chancellor's Leadership Class at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. Most of my work deals with photography, but I also do a fair about of design work for them. In fact, I just finished a four page newsletter that sums up their previous fall semester. Below are a few images, taken last night, of CLC students. The director of the program wanted some group shots to send out to various donors that sponsor the below students. They are a photogenic bunch, that's for sure. :)

Thanks to Adobe Photoshop Lightroom for the awesome black and white conversions. It's such an awesome program that has really enhanced my workflow. I highly recommend it.


Tuesday, January 29, 2008

The Buck Stops Here

So check out my new coffee cup: "Happy to be a hard working, tax man persecuted, buck stops here, 'what's 9 'til 5?' Self Employed Person" Isn't that the truth? This was actually a gift from a couple of friends. Gotta love'em. :)

Monday, January 28, 2008

New Web Site!

So....... as you may have noticed, ReneTate.com got some major plastic surgery done! Today marks the first official day of the new website! I'm very excited about the new website for many reasons. A.) It's so much more interactive for you. B.) It's much more informative. C.) My assistant has her own space now under the "About Us" section. D.) The design is much more fun. And finally, E.) the addition of this blog will be great for people to see all our latest work as it happens.

Please take your time to look around the site and let me know what you think. Feedback is always welcome. Was it easy for you to navigate? Also, just so you know, you have the ability to comment on each blog and send the blog to friends. If you comment, I just might comment back. :) This is especially great for aspiring photographers or designers who are curious about images and how they were taken/designed. :)

Sunday, January 27, 2008

It's a Girl!

Olivia was born on Friday, January 25th, 2008 at 8:33 AM. She was 6lbs 8oz and 19 inches long.

Just days ago I shot Jenna and Amon together before the birth of their first child. The setting was incredibly romantic, as you can tell. The shoot took place in their living room in front of the fire place. There's no place like home, that's for sure. What a beautiful couple, and now family.

Congratulations Jenna and Amon!

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Be Careful What You Wish For...


Because you just might get it.

My holiday card (photography by my assistant, Jesie) proved to be very successful bringing in revenue that will keep me busy til next holiday season! Not really, but for several months. This was my first marketing move and I'm proud to say it was a success. Luckily I have he ability to work from home as I've been ill with swollen glands and no voice for the past couple of days! I've had more tea and soup than I care to admit... nothing has really helped. :( Oh well.. tis the season, I guess. Hey, check back later for updates on all these cool projects coming up.


A few upcoming projects include...
  • many portrait sessions
  • a couple of weddings
  • Vineyard of Colorado Springs logo design
  • Fredrickson and Johnson site updates (and photography)
  • Harrison Middle School graphic work
  • more graphic work for a consultant at Mars, Inc.