MY STORY

the BEGINNING
1987, Dana Point, Southern California: For a week I had been visiting a friend and taking photographs with a borrowed camera.   On the last night there, we were sitting on a lifeguard tower watching the surfers as the sun set over the ocean...    After returning home and developed the film, I was so wowed by one sunset image, that I immediately blew it up to 20" x 30" and hung it on my wall...   I was never the same after that.   A few weeks later, I purchased my first SLR... Every chance I had, I was out taking photos.   The more I took, the more I knew this was what I was meant to do.   I enrolled at the Colorado Institute of Art and dedicated myself to becoming a professional photographer...   Before I even finished my degree, I quit my day job and established Creative Focus Photography...   I completed that degree, as well as a Master of Photography Degree...

FAST FORWARD
These days I'm shooting lot's of weddings!   17 years worth, with over 1200... Re-reading some of the feedback I've received from my clients (see 'Rave Reviews'), they rave about the quality of my work...   About me; they most often say things like "fun, professional, organized and easy to be around."   My goal is not only to be a lot of fun to work with, but to capture all the emotion, romance and personality of each wedding, in a variety of styles.   Not just traditional or photo-journalistic, but everything in between - even a little goofy at times!   I believe variety is critical to capturing the true story and personality of your wedding day... and both of you!

CREDENTIALS
In addition to my Associates and Master of Photography degrees, I have a wheelbarrow full of awards.   However, not one of them means as much to me as your satisfaction.   Unlike years past, I'm no longer competing for awards. Instead, I'm attending any and every professional development opportunity that time allows.    I love going to workshops locally and nationally...   Not only do I continue to learn a great deal, but I'm inspired to new heights every time...   I'm committed to bringing you the best photographs, the most beautiful wedding album and the highest quality service from start to finish...

INTERESTS
Photography has been very good to me!   I even met my wife at a wedding.   We now have three fabulous children - all of whom I can't get enough of...   As an individual, my favorite thing is traveling on my motorcycle.   I also love music, rowing, weight lifting, foosball and working around the house...   Today I'm more in love with photography than I was on the day I printed that first Dana Point Sunset.   Whether it's capturing, or creating photos; when I get a really great image, it's one of the best feelings I know...   The ability to take a moment in time and preserve it - forever - is extremely rewarding...   For more, visit me on Facebook.   I'd love to have you become a fan of Creative Focus Photography...

And so, I now look forward to hearing your story...   Until then, I wish you the very best with the planning of your incredible day!    I hope to be a part of it...

Everett Stout
Owner, Creative Focus Photography
Master Photographer
PPA Certified
"The Knot Best of Weddings 2008/2009 Pick"
]]>

Wedding packages are priced from
$2,000* - $7,000*

* Please keep in mind however, because
we only do weddings; off season,
Sun. - Fr. and short term dates are
value priced and may be discounted
as much as $500.

Every package includes Everett Stout
as the primary photographer.

Please contact us to confirm availability
and to set up a personal consultation.

303-683-7879

Thank you!

]]> parts/images/D's--rings--cropped.jpg

Credentials

Background information on the owner, Everett J. Stout:

• 2009 - The Knot Best of Weddings 2009 pick
• 2008 - The Knot Best of Weddings 2008 pick
• 2007 - Re-Certified with the Professional Photographers of America
• 2006 - Photographed my 1,000th wedding
• 2004 - Recipient of the Master of Photography Degree
• 2003 - Kodak Gallery award Wedding category (state) (my last print competition)
• 2003 - Best of show Wedding category (state)
• 2002 - Re-Certified with the Professional Photographers of America
• 2001 - 3rd place Wedding category (5 state regional)
• 1999 - Best of show Wedding category (state)
• 1999 - 2nd place Illustrative category (5 state regional)
• 1997 - Certified through the Professional Photographers of America
• 1994 - Graduate of the Colorado Institute of Art: Associates Degree in Photography
• 1993 - Registered Creative Focus Photography with the state of Colorado
• 1987 - Discovered my passion for photography while on vacation in Southern CA

Experience

Established April 16, 1993, I'm very proud to have photographed over 1,200
weddings... Enjoying it so much in fact, in 2001, I chose to specialize in weddings
and began turning away all other types of photography. It literally is 100% of what
I do...

Certification

While Certification certainly doesn't make one photographer better than another, it does give a couple that much more assurance that you're going to be working with a highly trained professional.

Though no one can guarantee they’re going to do a good job photographing your wedding, if the photographer is certified through the Professional Photographers of America Inc. (est. 1887), I believe this to be one more element that will bring you that much closer to a guarantee.   Certification is not something easily acquired, otherwise all photographers would have earned it.    As of April 2009 there are only 35 certified photographers in the entire state of Colorado. Now in my third term, I am very proud to be one of them.

What does being a PPA member and certification mean? It means you can check references through the PPA, the world’s largest and most respected organization for professional image makers. You’ll find certified PPA members are tested and judged by top industry standards of professional performance. PPA members are dedicated to a professional Code of Ethics and strict business practices. As a requirement of membership, PPA members pledge to always demonstrate the highest levels of professionalism in their dealings with customers.

A PPA member since 1993, I continue to learn from some of the best photographers in the world, as well as the images they have created. . .   That of which has inspired me toward becoming the best photographer possible. . .   In fact, since earning my Master of Photography Degree in 2004, I no longer enter print competitions.   My goal at this point is not to earn awards, but to further my knowledge by attending educational classes, seminars and workshops in an effort to become better with every wedding, and to deliver the highest level of customer service I possibly can...

Everett Stout
]]> How Do I Choose a Wedding Photographer?

With the arrival of digital photography, the challenging economy, and the ability to
advertise on the internet, many amateur photographers have entered the market...
sometimes offering wedding photography at cut rate prices. While cost is an important
aspect of any decision, consider value provided by a professional photographer.

A good professional wedding photographer:
• Has an extensive portfolio you can view before making a decision.
• Communicates with you upfront about your expectations.
• Knows where to be during each part of the wedding and reception to capture
    each moment.
• Understands how to use the unique locations within each wedding venue to show
    off the couple and the wedding party.
• Produces photos are that sharp, colors are accurate, any retouching is undetectable.
• Has backup equipment... and equipment to replace the backup equipment.
• Produces a final album that will still be beautiful on the couple's 50th wedding
    anniversary.
• Knows that total cost is important, but value is paramount.   An album and photos
    that you love, are worth more than a mountain of mediocre snapshots.

The better professional photographer produces high quality work:
• Education: Is professionally trained in photography.
• Organization: Is anti-luck, well-organized and well-prepared, never makes you
    operate on his schedule.
• Experience: Has photographed hundreds of weddings, can provide testimonials from
    countless satisfied couples and family members.
• Technique: Is technically expert, maintains state of the art equipment from cameras
    to computers to software to relationships with album designers.
• Certification: Is certified by the Professional Photographers of America (PPA).
    Certification is rigorous: based on a written exam and evaluation by a panel of
    judges. There are hundreds of wedding photographers in Colorado, as of January
    2010, only 26 are PPA certified.
• Talent: Has been recognized by clients and peers as having a gift (polished by
    experience) for posing, lighting, and composition.
• Professionalism: Has good business systems in place, keeps promises to clients.
• Business relationships: Has good relationships with your venue and other wedding
    vendors: DJs, caterers, florists, etc.

The best professional photographer for you will result in not only high quality photographs, but highest quality photographic experience.
• Connection: Listens to you before, during and after the wedding, builds rapport.
• Style: Photographs reflect your preferred style, more than theirs.
• Personality: Is friendly, outgoing, and at ease; this not only reduces the stress of
    the day, but produces the most natural and becoming expressions.
• Attitude: Sets out to delight you - the client.
• Passion: Loves the whole wedding photography process from getting to know the
    clients... to charming Grandma into a beautiful smile... to sharing the exquisite
    finished work with the couple.

Long after the ceremony is over, the toasts have been given, and your beautiful
wedding gown is in storage, your wedding photographs will endure. You have
only one chance... Choose Creative Focus Photography, and be thrilled by both
the quality of the final product and by the ease and joy of the Creative Focus
experience...
]]>     Thank you!

Because so much of my career has been about the great people I've come
to know, I must first and foremost extend my monumental and sincere
appreciation to the many respected and reputable businesses throughout
the Denver area that recommend me.   I'm incredibly grateful for their
continued support, loyalty and friendship over the last sixteen years. . .
In a business that depends so much on word of mouth, I say without
hesitation, I couldn't have done it without you.    Thank you, so very,
very much. . .

To my wife, Maria; though she doesn't work with me behind the camera,
she does SO much more on a daily basis, in an effort to support me, my
passion, and my pursuit toward being the best photographer possible.
Through my triumphs and my struggles, she continues to help me in more
ways than I can count. . .   I most certainly would not be where I am without
you either. . .

And lastly, I know without question, none of this would be possible if it were
not for the good graces of God. . .   Since discovering photography in 1987,
my life has been blessed like I would never have imagined possible. . .
Not only do I have the most wonderful family (met my wife at a wedding).
but to have made a successful career out of doing something I love,
is most certainly a gift that I am extremely thankful for. . .

Sincerely,

Everett Stout

]]>