to blog or not to blog...

A brand new blog!

Phew!  This has been in the works for a LONG time now and while there are still a few kinks to be ironed out I'm thrilled to announce the arrival of my new blog.  This blog will no longer be updated, so if  you're the kind that likes receiving email messages letting you know of updates, PLEASE subscribe to the new blog.  You will find the new blog at www.photographybystacy.com/blog.  There is a new post and some cute new pictures just waiting for you to view over there.  While you're there feel free to leave me some feedback on the new blog.  Just click below the post on "add a comment".  I look forward to seeing you all at the new blog :).  Happy Reading!

a few new images...

Once again I have had a steady stream of newborns.  I love these squishy little human beings!  I truly enjoy all of my sessions, but there is something magical about a newborn session.  The magic starts by making sure the studio is very warm!  I always feel bad when I've forgotten to warn a new mom (with fluctuating hormones!) how warm the studio will be.  Of course the warm studio is just the beginning, settling baby into a comfortable position and keeping them happy and content is all part of the magic, it takes time and dedication by not only myself but mom and/or dad too.  We need to be patient and wait while baby is soothed either into a calm state or into the land of nod (anybody remember that poem? Winkin', Blinkin', and Nod, one night sailed off in a wooden shoe...).  These poor babies finally settle, I step back, compose, snap and now I have to reposition them and the process starts all over again.  Occasionally I get lucky and have a baby sleep through the entire process, most of the time it is a bit more work, but always so rewarding.  The magic continues when the families have the chance to view the portraits of their new little bundles of joy.  For me that is the most magical time of all, seeing the look on mom and dad's face as they review each portrait with amazement.  I've heard more times than not that they just weren't sure what to expect.  For them all they remember is the time spent trying sooth, then the baby being hungry, then the baby peeing everywhere (it happens ALL of the time!), then some spitting up.  I love when I can really exceed their expectations and show them how beautiful and peaceful their sweet newborns are, and how well they did for their very first portraits, truly a magical experience for all of us.  But again the magic doesn't end right there for me, it continues on as I get to see these babies grow into 6 month olds and 1 year olds and 2 year olds and so on, really one of the best parts of my job! 

Baby B... such a sweet, sweet baby!  And her older sister, oh my goodness, so sweet, smart and full of spunk!  Grandma came along to help entertain the older one, and she was convinced I wouldn't get Baby B to sleep if she was naked.  It took a little bit of help from everyone but we finally soothed her into a very sweet sleep.  Come see for yourself :)

 

And one with big sister, who really isn't quite sure what to think of her baby sister quite yet, but I'm sure as of this posting has already grown to love her.

And then there are the 'C' siblings!  I have been photographing these two since they were just newborns.  They sure have grown up!  I had a blast chasing (yes really!) them around the studio a week or so ago.   Look how cute they are! Their mom loves kid clothes as much as I do.  Between our two garage sales you probably would never have to step foot in the mall for your kids clothing again!

a series...

Often times in discussion with clients or potential clients I hear the question "what make you different" (or some variance of that).  We're all familiar with the chain studios, their large bundles for not much money and quick turn-around.  I'm probably going to get lashed with wet noodles by other photographers for this, but I don't always see them as a bad thing and quite often tell my newborn clients it's ok to take their baby to a chain for their three month portraits, but then they better bring them back to me for their 6 month portraits when they're all smiley, giggling and sitting "so pretty".  :) 

Many months ago I had the privilege of working with several other photographers from around the country in putting together a consumer guide for choosing a custom photographer.  A wonderful photographer,  Marianne Drenthe, has taken the project to the next level and created a wonderful website called "Professional Child Photographer, The Consumer Guide To Custom Photography".   Below is an excerpt from the first of several questions and answers on the site.  To read the full answer please take a look at the site by clicking here.

Why Choose Custom Photography?

The luxury of great service, better choices and a superb end product.

• Going to a chain studio, as a consumer, you don’t have the benefit of 1:1 attention for 2 hours, nor do you get the experience that many custom photographers are known for or the lovely captures of natural expressions.  You simply get a bare bones, "SAY CHEESE" experience.  Keep this in mind when selecting a photographer.

• What custom photography ultimately is all about is choice and experience (as in THE experience). Custom photography is about finding someone who will photograph your family, give you devoted 1:1 attention without worry of the next ‘in line’ or the feeling of a crowded portrait studio. A custom photographer will typically show you a fairly extensive gallery culled to only show the good images that meet the photographers’ creative sensibilities. Often the images are fully edited images-color corrected with blemishes and undereye circles removed. Custom photographers are also known as boutique studios, offering a range of products and unparalleled service. Think Lexus vs. Hyundai, think Nordstrom vs. WalMart.

  Custom photography should have you, the client and your experience in mind.

I am aware that many of my clients budget to be able to afford their custom portrait sessions with Artistic Impressions Photography.  I am very appreciative that they do, it's an investment that will surely be treasured for years.   They will realize the return on their investment and so will their children and their children's children.  Priceless!

a few sneak peeks...

a few sneak peeks for all to enjoy!  I have more to post later today but for now enjoy a few of the newborns I've photographed in the last week or so...

Baby S... she is the baby of 4 children, sure to be doted upon by her older sisters and brother.  Such a sweet baby girl, with the most amazing mom ever.  I am so thankful for the friendship I have formed with Baby S's mom, really such a joy to work with her and her family. 

Baby A was a true delight to photograph, she was a dream newborn, the type that slept when we needed her to sleep and was awake when we needed her to be awake, a photographer couldn't ask for more.  Have I mentioned how amazing her parents are too??  Really just the sweetest couple, I am so grateful they called me to document this time in their lives. 

 

I finished off the week with Baby C.  She came to me on her one month birthday.  We had tried to have her session more than one time earlier in the month but due to our family being sick and the poor thing getting sick and spending a few days in the hospital our session was a bit later than I normally recommend, however it worked out just fine.  She has beautiful skin and a sweet disposition.  Near the end she made it clear to both myself and mommy she had had enough of us letting her sleep then moving her, but it was all worth it as the portraits are stunning.  Big sister (who I had the great joy of photographing when she was a newborn) came along for some family and sibling portraits early in the session and I managed to sneak a few of her in during a break from the newborn portraits.  Enjoy J family!

one of big sister :)

 

the return... and other musings

I've returned from my quick trip to Chicago where this morning I attended a fantastic workshop run by the very talented and knowledgeable Sarah Petty. She kindly answered some nagging questions I've had for a while, helping to clear my head and make some decisions I've been wrestling with for a while.  Changes are coming and they are for the better!  More on that in the coming months! 

While I was gone there were some issues with my slideshow software, I believe it is back up and running smoothly, but if you are still encountering problems please drop me an email or phone call, I'll be in the office nearly all day tomorrow. 

I mentioned in my post the other day that the MOST asked question I receive is "what should we wear (or dress our child/ren in)?"  I have the answer!  Very soon an online guide will be available. I already have some printed guides in the studio just waiting to be sent out when that question arises :).  In the mean time here is a little excerpt... happy shopping!

“Flowing white shirts and khakis on the beach.  Navy polos and yet more khaki.  We’ve all seen those photos--heck, most of us have been in those photos.  But did you know that coordinated but not “uniform” looks for families create a much more pleasing photograph? Moreover, it is not nearly as difficult as you think it is!  The cardinal rule of family dressing for portraits is simple: choose items for the entire family as if you were creating one outfit.  If all of your choices were somehow on one person, would the result be pleasing, color wise?  A handy trick for those who are hesitant to break away from the monochrome madness is to choose one patterned item (for example a print dress for your daughter) and then select the rest of the family’s clothing from colors within that pattern.”

I will soon be posting some examples and a short shopping guide.  With spring right around the corner (THANK GOODNESS!) and families already calling to schedule April and May sessions now is the time to start thinking of your clothing choices.

I have a ton of new portraits to share with you all tomorrow, but for now my very full of ideas head is weary from travel and needs some sleep... happy dreams!

so much to say... so little time...

Oh my, can I just say I am VERY thankful February is over!  Somewhere between the awful flu we had go through the house, then the nasty colds that took over, topped off by an ER visit by my husband, our friends from Chicago arriving and coming down with the flu and then my dear friends accident a week ago, I am not sad to see February leave us, here's to hoping March will come in and leave like a lamb, we deserve it.  Just a quick note my friend was released from the hospital yesterday and is doing very well.  I appreciate all of the thoughts and prayers that you all sent, I know it made me feel better and ultimately I think made her well enough to come home. 

I will have some new images posted in the next few days for everyone's enjoyment.  I've been trying hard to get sessions rescheduled and taken care of this week and last as everyone started to feel better, I think you'll all enjoy the new additions. 

There will be some new items being debuted in the next month as well as some new options for sessions.  I am really excited about all of this and can't wait to share it all with you.  I also have some great new resources for you, from a "what to wear guide" (probably the most frequently asked question I receive!) to a guide to choosing a professional photographer that helps answers some of the other most frequent questions.  I am also putting together an on-line welcome packet, that will guide you through all things Artistic Impressions from start to finish. 

And lastly, coming soon is a brand new BLOG!  That's right folks, it's time to move on to a blog that offers more options and larger images for your viewing pleasure.  I'm super excited about it's launch!  With the launch of the new blog will come at least one (if not more) fun contest with a great prize! Remember to visit often so you don't miss out!

Just one more note... I will be on vacation from March 21st through April 6th.  If you are in need of a session during this time please call me ASAP to make arrangements.  Also all Friday sessions through April are booked, the next available Friday session is May 3rd.  I do have some Monday, Tuesday and Thursday sessions available through March and April, but appointment slots are limited.  If you are looking to schedule Easter or Mother's Day portraits please call soon to guarantee your preferred date and time.   

appreciate the moment...

In a very scary turn of events this weekend a dear friend of mine ended up in the ICU.  We have had a long couple of days but things are really looking up as of this afternoon.  I'm sharing this with all of you not so you can shake your heads and wonder what else could possibly happen around here to slow up production (I AM working on getting this taken care of), but as a reminder.  If there is something to be learned by the events of the last few days it's that we need to appreciate those around us.  I have a huge and amazing group of friends, we can be overbearing and a pain sometimes but when it matters, really matters we are there to take care of one another.  I know that in the event something should happen to me my friends would be there to help in any way they can.  I'm very fortunate to have a very large family that I know would be there taking charge, but you can bet my friends would be right in the thick of things making sure all loose ends were being dealt with.   Please, I ask you to take a look around you, know who those people are that would come to your rescue in the event of an emergency and tell them how grateful you are to have them in your life.  I know this week has just reaffirmed what I already knew about my friends and was a very eye opening reminder that I don't tell them often enough how grateful I am to have them in my life.  So to all of my friends(I think there are only a few of them that actually pay attention to my ramblings...), truly words can not express how much I appreciate each and every one of you.  You each bring something special and unique into my life and I am forever thankful you have found your way into my life. 

A quick note to my clients... I really can not begin to tell you thanks for all you have put up with the last several weeks.  I had such high hopes of beginning the year off on the right foot and shortening production times, and here it is the end of February and they have been longer than ever.  I am working very hard right now to get the things that need to be caught up taken care of and the proofs that need to be delivered finished.  I am forever grateful for your never ending patience.

Stacy

to do something good...

Honestly I know I've said this before but it really has been a rough couple of weeks here.  Today is the first day in 2 weeks where all 4 of us have felt semi-normal, one small step, I'll take it.  While feeling miserable the last few weeks or while tending to a sick child or husband I have spent plenty of time snuggling and just waiting for the call of "mom" which has left me plenty of time to cruise the internet on my iPhone (why I didn't use the laptop is beyond me!).  I have a favorite photography related board I visit frequently (most likely more than I should some weeks!).  While digging through some recent posts I came across a post about a boy named Hunter. Hunter is a 5 year old little boy fighting the battle of his life right now he was diagnosed with a rare form of non hotchkins lymphoma called Burkitts cancer. It only affects about 300 children a year.  Five...  really made me sit back and realize that while we were all sick and cranky, I still had a lot to be thankful for.  Hunter is on a mission, all he wants is to break the world record for receiving the most paper airplanes.  Below is Hunter's story and how you can help.  I hope you will take a few minutes to fold a paper airplane and send it on to Hunter.  I know my family and I will be working on a box of airplanes this weekend. 

Hunter's Story:

"My son Hunter has been diagnosed with a rare form of non hotchkins lymphoma called Burkitts cancer. It only affects about 300 children a year. Usually between the ages of 2 and 11 and its usually boys but can effect girls also. Burkitts is one of the fastest growing tumors that we know of. He went into the hospital on a Friday and the tumor was about the size of a tennis ball. By Monday it was a little bigger than a cantaloupe. He was started on cemo and it shut down his kidneys and then his liver started failing. On Wednesday, He told me that he could not see very good and then he quit breathing. He had tubes placed down his throat, nose, arms, and toes. He has swelling of the brain due to high blood pressure. Hunter went into the hospital weighing 40 pounds and now weighs about 70 because of fluid build up. He is now stable and is in the intensive care unit at Buffalo Children's Hospital in Buffalo, NY. Hunter is only five years old. I would just like everyone to know, that Hunter has been set up with the Guinness book of world records to try to receive the most paper airplanes. Please forward this on to everyone that you know. All you have to do is make a paper airplane and write the state or the country you are from on the wing of your plane and send it to..

Hunter Winship (The Airplane Cancer Goal)
11227 North Hill Road
Freedom, NY 14065
United States of America"

Happy Valentine's Day! Share the LOVE...

It has been a really rough 2 weeks in this house, between Eli having the flu for 4 days and then promptly catching a nasty cold which he so kindly shared with the rest of us, it's been a long 2 weeks.  I'm hoping today will be the hump that we slowly climb over because I'm not sure how many more days I can handle of snot stained shirts, misc. kleenex and endless snoring.  Enough complaints from me though, I know I'm not the only one going through this.  I have been trying to get newborn portraits done for a great client but her little 2 week old caught her big sisters cold, I'm certain that has to be worse than what we're dealing with.  Here's to hoping we're both feeling better tomorrow.

In an effort to feel positive this Valentine's Day I've decided to run my "Share the Love" promotion again this year.  It was such a HUGE hit last year so I thought I would again Share the Love with my clients and in turn let them Share the Love with their friends and family.  Please be sure to read the promotion carefully, it is for 2 sessions, one for you and one to give away to a friend or family member (or just split the cost).  I know you're wondering what the *catch* is, and with all good promotions there is one, tiny, little catch, the person you gift or split the promotion with HAS to be a new client to Artistic Impressions.  That's it, doesn't sound so bad does it...  Imagine a FULL portrait session for only $50!  This is the only time of year I run a promotion this GREAT...

flu season...

So I opened my big mouth a week or so ago to a girlfriend that was telling me her stories of strep-throat being passed from child to child to parent in her house, without thought my mouth opened and out came "we have been so healthy this year, beyond a few silly colds and a 10 day cough we've been really healthy".  It was like the kiss of death, my little guy started throwing up on Sunday and as of 4:00 this morning was continuing with the trend.  Now as of this afternoon I'm fairly certain he is on the mend, because his "I love you mommy" has turned into "you're so mean" when I refused to feed him a ham and onion sandwich for lunch (another clue he's getting better, the first time in days he's asked for real food). 

To those of you waiting on orders chances are good they're here and I just haven't had the chance to open the boxes or they will be here in the next day or two.  Due to the storms some boxes have been at a stand still or rerouted.  I apologize if I haven't returned a call or email to you this week, this is the first time since Saturday that I've even stepped in the office.  I promise to get caught up through the weekend with all emails and calls.  If you have an emergency please put that in the subject line of your emails or let me know it's important in any messages left and I will make it priority to get back to you.  I appreciate everyone's patience.  Now let's just hope E is the only one to come down with this (probably another kiss of death...)