Mini-Sessions are BACK, and just in time for Valentine’s Day!

Whether you’d like a fabulous gift for your loved ones, a new image for your social networking sites, or simply missed out on taking family photos for the holiday, NOW is the PERFECT time to take some new portraits…

For only $50, you will receive:

     – 15 minute photo session

     – 15 fully-edited images hosted in an online gallery for 2 weeks

     – framed 5×7 print

And, as an added bonus, you will also receive a $25 credit towards a future FULL portrait session!!! 

Additional prints and products will also be available for purchase.

CLICK HERE for full details and to BOOK your mini-session NOW.

I’m working out some final details, and will let you know as soon as things are ready to launch… but here’s some of the FUN-ness you can expect SOON:

* brand new, pretty and easy-to-maneuver website & blog, all in one!

* brand new client image galleries and shopping carts… much more  user-friendly and with BIG images to view

* super-cool “studio look-book” filled with LOTS of detailed info and images… including session details, how to prepare, FAQs, suggested photo displays, and details & pictures of each of my product offerings. Like a magazine and catalog rolled into one, and waaaay more fun than a simple pricing sheet.

AND, perhaps my FAVORITE new item…

* I’ll be offering an all-new DIGITAL package. This will include a DVD of ALL images from your session (high-resolution digital images for printing AS WELL AS low-resolution digital images for posting & sharing online), a fun slideshow video set to music, and even a DIGITAL ALBUM (.pdf format) ready to show off & share using your favorite electronic devices! (It’s kinda cool, if I do say so myself…)

So yeah, 2012 is gonna be epic. Or, as Barney Stinson (of How I Met Your Mother) would say… this year is gonna be LEGEND-(wait for it)-ARY. Legendary, people!

Who’s with me?! Let’s PLAY!!!

———-

And don’t forget… book a portrait session with me before January 31st and receive a custom accordion calendar personalized with your images.

Ready or not… here comes the holiday season…

I walked into a Target store the afternoon of Halloween, and my jaw dropped to the floor when I saw that the Christmas trees were already up on display. Are you kidding me?

But, ready it or not, here we go… the days will start slipping by, and before you know it we’ll be singing carols, swapping gifts and sipping cocoa by the fire. OoooOOORRRrrr, if you’re anything like me, you’ll be running through the malls like crazy looking for the PER-FECT last-minute holiday gift.

Breathe in. Breathe out. Repeat. We’ll get through this together. I’m here to help.

Spare me 15 minutes, and we’ll snap some pictures for your holiday cards. Another 15 minutes of placing your order, and you’ll have your cards done and gifts galore for friends and family. Easy-peasy, right? Let’s DO it! Here’s how…

Holiday mini portrait sessions are HERE!

Small on price. Big on SMILES. A mini-session offers you just what you need for your busy schedule and stretched budget.

Mini-Sessions are taking place on Sunday, November 20 at a park in Irvine (specific location to be shared at a later date with those who sign up).

For just $75 (plus tax), you will receive:

-15 minute portrait session
-15 fully-edited photos hosted on an online gallery for 2 weeks
-25 flat holiday cards (click here to see this year’s designs) -OR- one digital image

Additional cards, prints and products are available for purchase, and special “mini-collections” will also be available.

the nitty-gritty: A deposit of $40 will be required to hold your spot. Each mini-session can include up to 5 people; there is a $10 fee for each additional person. Remainder of session fee ($40) is due at time of session. Your final images will be ready for viewing within one week. Images will be hosted online for 2 weeks and you will have the ability to purchase additional items, including special “mini-collections.”

This is your last chance to squeeze in a mini-session before the end of the year.

Space is limited (5 slots only!!!), so make sure to snag your spot before they’re gone.

Click here to reserve your mini-session!

Can you believe it’s the beginning of October… already???!!! (gasp!)

The kids are back in school and the temperature is dropping. Pumpkin lattes are back in season and the stores are packed with Halloween goodies. And we are quickly approaching… dare I say it… the holiday season!!! (eep!) The next thing you know, carolers will be “decking the halls,” you’ll be hanging lights and decking your walls, and the hustle and bustle of the holidays will be upon us.

And if you’re anything like me, each year you promise yourself that this year WILL be different! This year, you WILL be ready. You WILL get your shopping done early. You WILL get your holiday cards mailed out. You WILL be able to relax and ENJOY the season. And then that time rolls around… and you find yourself racing around like crazy, doing a mad dash through the mall, and promising yourself that NEXT year will be different…

Breathe in. Breathe out. Repeat. We’ll get through this together. I’m here to help.

Spare me 15 minutes, and we’ll snap some pictures for your holiday cards. Another 15 minutes of placing your order, and you’ll have your cards done and gifts galore for friends and family. Easy-peasy, right? Let’s DO it! Here’s how…

Fall mini portrait sessions are HERE!

Small on price. Big on SMILES. A mini-session offers you just what you need for your busy schedule and stretched budget.

Mini-Sessions are taking place on Saturday, October 15 at a park in Irvine (specific location to be shared at a later date with those who sign up).

For just $65 (plus tax), you will receive:

-15 minute portrait session
-15 fully-edited photos hosted on an online gallery for 2 weeks
-25 holiday cards (click here to see this year’s designs) -OR- one digital image

Additional cards, prints and products are available for purchase, and special “mini-collections” will also be available.

the nitty-gritty: A deposit of $40 will be required to hold your spot. Each mini-session can include up to 5 people; there is a $10 fee for each additional person. Remainder of session fee ($30) is due at time of session. Your final images will be ready for viewing within one week. Images will be hosted online for 2 weeks, where you will have the ability to purchase additional items directly from the online gallery, including special “mini-collections.”

These just might be the last mini-sessions offered for the year! And time permitting, If I DO offer another day of mini-sessions, those will be at the rate of $75 + tax.

Space is limited (10 slots only), so make sure to snag your spot before they’re gone.

Click here to reserve your mini-session.

Pretty awesome, huh?

Because we ALL want to look like a fabulous version of ourselves, wearing the fashionable outfits that seem to fill up our pinterest boards, right? But some of us (myself included) just don’t know where to start and don’t have the big bucks to be dropping on a brand new wardrobe. Enter Nicole. From showcasing the latest trends (and how to actually track down and translate this stuff to fit your own style), to organizing your closet, to breaking down the concepts of how to actually piece an outfit together… her site offers so much information and is simply fabulous on its own. But Nicole also offers wardrobe consulting services, addressing your individual needs and helping you to create the best possible wardrobe for YOU.

Nicole has a fabulous feature on her site called The Thifted Wardrobe where she showcases fashionable outfits that are put together primarily from pieces she found at local thrift stores, proving that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to look (and feel) like a million bucks. I had the pleasure of photographing her in some of these thrifted outfits, the first of which is showcased on her site here.

And remember… The Wardrobe Code would also be a fabulous place to start when trying to answer the age-old question… “What should we WEAR for our pictures?”

This year, I’m doing something a little bit different. I’m offering  a completely custom card set… where YOU choose the front, back, interior, and even the color scheme of your card! Available as a flat (2-sided) card or as a traditional folding (4-sided) card. Click on the thumbnails below to see the details:

And as a special incentive to help the early bird… those who book their holiday portrait session by September 30 (and hold their session before October 31) will receive a COMPLIMENTARY 8×10 print.* It’s the perfect gift for a loved one… or even for yourself.  Contact me to set up your session by emailing me at michelle@theSuitcaseStudio.com or by clicking on “contact me” at the top of this blog.

*note: complimentary 8×10 applies to the booking of a full portrait session only; does not apply to mini-sessions.

(a)     I don’t have a very good camera,

(b)    I’m still figuring out how to work my camera, or

(c)     I just can’t get any GOOD pictures from this blasted thing!”

I’m here to help.

I’m busy putting together a workshop to help you take better pictures using the equipment you already have. I’d like to show you that you don’t need the most expensive equipment (with all the complicated settings) to capture great photographs… instead, it comes down to the creative eye of the person using the camera. And I’d like to give you a place to start.

While most of my workshop is already in place, I’d really like to incorporate a few more of your burning questions. So please, share away… is there something that really bugs you when you take pictures? Something that’s holding you back from taking more? Or something that makes you want to throw your camera across the room each time you use it?

Leave me a comment in the space below of what you’d really like to know, and I’d be more than happy to answer it.

When I meet people and they ask what I do, I tell them that I am a portrait photographer. But that label is just the beginning of of it all… and I find it incredibly difficult to sum up exactly what I do in a 30-second “elevator speech.” Because I do a lot more than just take pretty pictures.

Here’s how I’m different from other photographers…

(and why I really think you should hire ME, when I know you have many lovely choices):

1.     First of all, I get that it’s weird. Because, let’s face it…it can be a pretty strange experience to stand in front of a practical stranger with their camera pointed at your face. But I make taking pictures a whole lot less awkward.  I actually don’t enjoy being in front of the camera, myself (believe it or not), and force myself to do it every couple of months in order to put myself in your shoes and remember what it’s like; then keep that feeling in mind during my portrait sessions so that we can remove that “uncomfortable” factor as much as possible.

2.     How? I make things FUN. It’s not just a portrait session… it’s a play-date. Let’s hang out. Let’s wander. Let’s play with bubbles, balloons, and maybe even fly a kite while we’re at it. Hopscotch? Sure. Play tag? Why not. And yeah… I’ve even got portable speakers to bring along, so we can crank up some cool tunes and add our own soundtrack to the day.

3.     I don’t use stiff posing techniques. I might place you in certain areas (for background and scenery), or ask you to sit or stand in certain ways (to flatter the figure), but I promise to never treat you like a prop. Cross my heart.

4.     I am AWESOME at dealing with kids and avoiding a meltdown. Trust me. Incorporating my experience as a kids’ art camp teacher, a Build-A-Bear-Workshop “Party Bear” (yup, that was my official title), and particularly my experience working in children’s group homes (where patience was a survival skill), I have a LOT of tricks up my sleeve and totally rock the family session when wee ones are involved. I am very aware of kids’ moods and know how to work with and around them… allowing YOU some time off to actually relax and enjoy the experience, yourself. My style is very relaxed and go-with-the-flow, which allows for kids to be kids.

5.     But, Michelle… I don’t HAVE any kids. Are you still the photographer for me? Absolutely! I’m open to sessions with kids of all ages (that means YOU, grown-ups). If you have a sense of humor, like to play and simply enjoy having FUN, we’ll get along juuuuust fine.

6.     I get personal.  I share pieces of myself. You’re not just a client, you become a friend. It’s only natural… I’m asking you to be open and vulnerable in front of the camera, so how can I not offer you the same respect?

7.     I create space for you and your loved ones to connect. I specialize in capturing natural expressions and moments between those involved, and give you a safe space for this to occur. My sessions are interactive, especially my more in-depth Beloved sessions. I might ask you to write love letters to each other. Or tell the other person one thing you are proud of them for. Or ask you to whisper something in their ear that will make them blush. You get to have the natural connections, and I am able to capture the actual emotions and interactions that occur.

8.     Everything is customized to fit YOU and YOUR TIME, from start to finish… from emails and meetings, to the actual portrait session, to product creation and even custom payment plans.

9.    This is a complete experience, and the resulting portraits will be the ultimate souvenir.

Want to learn even more about what I do? My look-book (with lots of sample pictures and oodles of details) will be ready soon. be one of the first to see it by signing up for my newsletter:

And for the rest of you, there’s still something special on its way. I’ll be announcing a very BIG limited-time, limited-quantity deal with the official launch of Beloved in just a few short weeks. If you’ve signed up to keep in touch, you’ll be one of the first to get a shot at this. If you still need to sign up, just click “info” and then “newsletter” up at the top of this blog.

I have fully embraced the Beloved Movement. With arms wide open and the biggest hug ever.

Created by photographer Jesh de Rox, Beloved is a brand new way of approaching the portrait session. Incorporating “experiential techniques” instead of standard posing, Beloved encourages the photographer to create actual experiences between their clients, inviting them in to express their real emotions and have those actual moments captured in imagery.

Over the course of the next few weeks, I will be unveiling more and more about the Beloved movement, and how I will be incorporating it into my own services. And I would like to invite you to take this journey with me.

I am looking for a few volunteers who would like to receive a FREE Beloved portrait session to help me get things started.

Requirements:

• I am looking for real couples to photograph. You don’t need to be married, but you DO need to be in a long-term, committed relationship. (Gay or straight, it doesn’t matter… as long as you are in love!)
• Both partners need to be at least 18 years of age.
• You must BOTH want to be a part of the Beloved session.
• The Beloved session needs to take place within the next 2 weeks.

Details:

• We meet, we chat, we get to know one another and decide what our session will look like.
• Your Beloved session will last up to 1.5 hours total, in one or two outdoor locations.
• We meet up again so I can show you the fabulous images we captured. You will receive your 5 favorite digital images for free, and will have the chance to purchase any additional items (purchase not required).

Interested? You have two chances to win a free Beloved session by doing the following:

1. “Like” the Suitcase Studio on Facebook: facebook.com/thesuitcasestudio

2. Tweet or post the following to your Facebook account (and tell me where): Win a BELOVED portrait session from the Suitcase Studio / thesuitcasestudio.com / @suitcasestudio / http://bit.ly/i805wD

After doing the above, leave a comment here on this blog post. Each entry requires its own separate comment. (In other words: If you want TWO chances to win, you have to do both things listed above, and then make two separate comments here telling us how you did them.) Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. PST on Saturday, March 26th. You can enter up to two times total. Post that you have met both requirements in separate comments to have two chances to win. Comments will be numbered in order of posting. The winning number will be chosen by Random.org, and the winner will be contacted within 24-72 hours.

And for those who don’t win this time around… never fret. There’s some fun stuff heading your way with the official launch of my Beloved sessions. To receive advance notice of what this might be, grab yourself a spot on my “Keep it Real – Keep in Touch” list. I’ll be sharing more information soon, and those on the list will be the first to hear about it (and have first shot at what I’ll be offering… hint, hint.) You can sign up below:

Keep it Real. Keep in Touch:

So, here’s to the photographic revolution. Here’s to adventure. Here’s to the fabulousness of love and real life. And here’s to celebrating all the special little moments that make you smile. And remember… it’s real life. It doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful.

This was my third year attending WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Photographers International) in Las Vegas. It was a surreal experience… surrounded by close to 15,000 other photographers, the lights and sounds of Las Vegas, and 2-hour classes that were reminiscent of my college days. Because, not only is WPPI a playground for photographers (especially as it’s held in a party city like VEGAS), but it’s also a GREAT place to learn and grow the craft. In my 3 days there I ended up taking 5 classes (which amounted to 10 hours of schooling). Whew! And besides the fantastic classes, there were all the vendors to check out at the massive trade show… which was so huge, it had to be housed in 2 separate buildings. I gave myself 2 days to walk the floors, and it amounted to about 4 hours total. My brain was buzzing (and my bags were a lot heavier) from all the information received.

But it was so much MORE than that. It was a complete feeling of being surrounded by my peers and actually feeling like I belonged. And the chance to explore the playground of possibilities and create the world I wanted for myself. It was such an empowering feeling, made even more so by several special events that happened along the way. There were crazy brainstorming sessions, hand-cramps from writing like a maniac, and lots of joyful tears. Because when a person discovers the place within themselves that feels like home, how can one not expect to shed a tear or two of relief?

Here are some of my most precious memories that I brought home with me:

1. FINALLY getting to meet my mentor-turned-friend, Ronalyn.

Having never actually met her in person before, I had the “first date jitters.” I shouldn’t have worried. We got along fabulously from the start, and even decided that we have found “forever friends” in one another. It was amazing to share this trip with her… comparing class notes and cheering each other on through our self-discoveries. And, I’ve got to admit, it was a lot of fun to just hang out in the hotel room in our jammies, munching on oreo cookies & rice krispie treats, having late-night girl talk till the wee hours of the morning.

2. Playing tour-guide to someone who had never been to Las Vegas before.

Now, let me just say that our schedules were quite limited to the time that we actually had to go exploring. And since neither Ronalyn nor myself are “party people,” we were able to bypass a lot of places that most others might be drawn to. But even still, we barely scratched the surface. When I picked her up from the airport, I made sure to take the long way back to the hotel, to show her a bit of the “Strip.” She said that she was already overwhelmed by that. Our first night in Vegas, we wandered through the MGM, New York-New York, Excalibur & Mandalay Bay. And she was introduced to the joy and pain of the slot machine. On Tuesday, we made it over to Caesar’s Palace and the Bellagio.

3. Chocolate.

A friend of mine told me that I HAD to check out Max Brenner while I was there, as she had recently seen the restaurant on the Food Network, and the place was centered around CHOCOLATE as a theme. (um, YES, please…) It is located inside Caesar’s Palace, so Ronalyn and I had a late dinner, drinks and dessert there on Tuesday while we were there. And it was SO incredibly yummy that I actually went back there for breakfast the next day, before my drive back home. (Breakfast included a sugar-topped biscuit and melted chocolate for dipping… how could you NOT love this place??!!) As for what Ronalyn and I had the first time around… these pictures should speak for themselves…

4. Falling in LOVE with a new vendor.

I pride myself on being able to offer my clients the best products available. The tradeshow gave me the perfect opportunity to not only visit with my current vendors, but check out any new possibilities, as well. And I fell in LOVE with these fine art books I came across. I went back three different times and spoke with two different representatives to check, re-check and triple check that this was the direction I wanted to go in. But there was no disputing the fact that every time I saw their books my heart went pitter-patter. Gor-geous! The pages are matte, but the printed images are so vibrant they seem to just POP off the page. And each page is actually really thick and durable. It simply looks and FEELS like a quality product. And let me say… you will be seeing a LOT more of these books in the future. I will be replacing my current book/album offerings with these books instead.

Sample of their cloth-covered book with photo strip:

And check THIS out… a panoramic book! (Isn’t it fabulous?):

5. Beloved.

You will be hearing this word a LOT from here on out. I attended a class taught by Jesh De Rox, and it has changed my world… both photographically and otherwise. Last year around this time, Jesh introduced a new type of photography he referred to as “experiential photography.” Midway between traditional posed portraits and photojournalism, it allows the photographer to use their technical skills of capturing a portrait while allowing the subject to be completely, 100% REAL. No posing. No stiff smiles. And not only are beautiful images captured, but they are of real interactions of real couples… with those resulting images becoming captured memories. Jesh has dubbed this experience “Beloved,” and it is spreading quickly.

As I have always tried to stick to REAL experiences and limited posing, I am fully embracing the Beloved experience and will be incorporating it into my own offerings. Hearing Jesh speak about this style and how to effectively use it just touched something so DEEP within me, especially as we watched it come to life onstage with a few volunteers plucked from the audience. It was an emotional experience, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

As I said, you will be hearing/seeing a LOT more from me on this subject in the near future. My mind has been ablaze since that class, and I will be launching these offerings soon. (Stay tuned.)

And, wouldn’t you know it? This is the one time I don’t have any pictures to show. I was just so enraptured in class, that I simply forgot to pick up the camera!

6. Time to Dream.

This was the first time I had ever made the trip to Las Vegas on my own. 4+ hours there, and about 5 hours back home. All by myself. Plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, sing to myself, and just let my mind wander. The trip there was a bit scary at first. I’m not a “road trip” kind of person, and it was a bit strange for me. But that strangeness soon turned to pleasure of my own company. And the trip home was even better…  my mind still swirling with everything I had seen and heard over the past several days, it gave me 5 full hours to brainstorm, plan and dream.

And now, back home, I have the privilege of bringing my dreams into REALITY.

Can you FEEL my excitement?!!!! No? Let me explain…

WPPI stands for “Wedding & Portrait Photographers International.” Their annual convention takes place in Las Vegas every year around this time (can I get a “woot-woot?!), and it is definitely a great experience.

The WPPI convention is held at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino. And it is HUGE. Last year, there were over 14,000 people in attendance. With over 300 exhibitors at the tradeshow, 75+ speakers offering classes and workshops, special panels and parties, you can see why it’s such a huge draw to the professional photographer community. It’s a great opportunity to network with other professionals, shop for new vendors, test out new products, and learn a lot of new things. And play. Imagine 14,000 people like me… armed with cameras, set loose in Vegas… and you can see the possibilities.  It’s enough to bring a smile to your face. Or make you very, very afraid. Ha!

This will be my third year in attendance. (Click here to see a recap of last year’s adventures.) And this year, not only am I excited for WPPI, but I’m also looking forward to the trip for another exciting reason… my fabulous long-distance friend and mentor, Ronalyn, will be joining me there!!! eep! Long story short, she is a BIG reason of why & how I was able to get started in my own photography business. We’ve become long-distance friends over the past few years (she lives in ALASKA… brrrrrr….), and have never before met face-to-face. So I finally get to SEE my friend! (insert happy dance here.) This will be her first year attending WPPI, so I get to show her the ropes. AAAAAANNNDDD… this will also be her FIRST time visiting LAS VEGAS, as well… so you KNOW I have to play tour-guide, as well. (I feel like doing cartwheels of happiness down the hallway.) The two of us are going to be roomies while in Vegas, and I’ve got a rough plan sketched out to maximize our time spent, divided between the convention and the other stuff.

I. am. SOOOOOOOO. excited.

Keep an eye on my facebook page and twitter site, as I’ll likely be posting some pics from my adventure along the way. I’ll be there from Sunday, Feb. 20th through Wednesday the 23rd.

Perfect for couples, families, and the kiddos. Get details and reserve your spot here: www.feelthelove.eventbrite.com

For years, I depended on someone else when it came time to dealing with anything technology-based. From fixing computer issues to hooking up my cable box, I simply removed myself from the equation. But no more. In an ever-changing world where we are growing dependent on technology for anything and everything… I took a deep breath and am forcing myself to face my fears. And slowly, but surely, I am learning to embrace it in a warm and fuzzy hug.

I am ever-learning and growing. Over the years I have learned the basics of Photoshop, web and blog design, and yes… I even hooked up my own TiVo. I converted to Mac a few years ago (and now own an iMac and MacBook). I am TOTALLY in love with my Nook e-reader that I received for Christmas. I haven’t listened to the radio in months, preferring instead my customized Pandora playlists. And my iPhone is my best friend.

So I totally felt up to the challenge to create a custom “welcome” tab for my Facebook fan page. Following a tutorial I had found online, I carefully constructed my new Welcome page. And I was soooooo proud of myself.

And here’s where I got too cocky, and the technology world decided to knock me down a few pegs…

Wanting to share my new creation with all of you here on my blog,  I decided to take a “screen shot” of my new facebook welcome page. And that’s when I got stumped. Seriously? I could navigate the seemingly complex details of how to actually construct the facebook page, but couldn’t figure out how to get my Mac to cooperate with me on the seemingly simple task of capturing a screen shot? Sigh.

I finally figured it out (as evidenced below)… a long while later. Turns out, it was an incredibly simple procedure. I think my computer was laughing at me by this point, and decided to play nice and point the way. Because I had finally set my pride aside and had used the “help” box at the top of the screen… and the computer instantly gave me the answer I had been seeking.

you win this round, technology…

In any case, here is what now appears on my Facebook page. You can see the real thing on my facebook pan page by clicking here.  Please note that newbies will see this right away, while people who are already fans will need to click on the “Welcome” tab to see it.

Please enjoy. And take a minute to comment here or on the actual facebook fan site, to tell me I did a good job. I’d appreciate a pat or two on the head while you’re at it. I don’t mind if you’re laughing while you leave your comment. I’m laughing at myself, too…

I don’t know what it is, exactly… the sun rises just like the day before. Time passes just the same, too. But there there’s just something almost magical about January 1st that allows you to see it as a fresh start. A new beginning… a brand-new year full of brand-new opportunities.

Last year was great, but let’s make this year even BETTER!

I’ve got lots of brand-new things coming your way. Here are just a few you can expect to see from me this year:

• brand-new full-color look-book featuring studio offerings & pricing details, as well as tips on what to expect and how to prepare for your session.

• brand-new products being offered this year

• brand-new sets of mini-sessions taking place at The Wedding Pantry (head’s up… the first ones are taking place on Saturday, January 29th. Valentine’s Day/LOVE themed. Snag your spot by clicking HERE.)

• brand-new series of blog posts offering creative tips & tricks… from how to style yourself to get the most from your photo session with me (trends, makeup, clothes, posing, etc.) to tips & tricks for at-home photography (getting the most from your point-and-shoot, learning to SEE differently, getting the kids involved, etc.)

• brand-new e-newsletters being sent out with even more awesome information that you won’t find anywhere else. (Make sure you are on the list to receive these… you can sign up ahead of time by clicking HERE.)

• brand-new ATTITUDE!

(okay… maybe that last one is the same as last year’s… but still… it’s a GOOD one!)

Here are a few more things I’m looking forward to this year…

I’m still a member of WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Photographers International), as well as PPA (Professional Photographers Association), but I’ve also just joined SMARTY (a network for women in business). What this means to you: I’m not simply content with things being good-enough just as they are. I’m always striving to learn and grow as a photographer, a business woman, and also as a creative person. And with every new thing I learn, I am able to pass my knowledge along to you, my clients, and serve you even better than before.

I will be attending the WPPI event in Las Vegas again this year in February (next month… woo-hoo)! I’ll be attending the tradeshow to see if any new products should be added to my offerings. And I’ll be taking 3 days’ worth of classes and seminars, in order to better my business and photography skills.

And just as I attended the Jasmine Star workshop last year, I fully intend to take part of a Lyon-Shop (by Amelia & Justin Lyon) later this year. These hands-on (and incredibly intense) workshops are the best investment I could make… for myself, and for you.

Even though lots of new things are happening, a lot of GOOD stuff will stay the same. I’m still offering my client referral program… if you’re a client of mine and refer someone to me and they book a session, YOU will receive a $50 certificate to use towards your next session with me. Send lots of people my way, receive lots of certificates. You can use more than one at a time! more details here

And I’m still looking for a few high school juniors/seniors to help spread the word of my studio to their friends. Still need senior photos? hit me up… you’ll receive a free portrait session, discounts on purchases, digital pics to use on your facebook site, and personalized cards to hand out to people. And maybe the best part… for each referral you send my way that books a session of their own, YOU will receive a $25 gift card to a place of your choosing (Target, Starbucks, iTunes, etc.)

And we’re only getting started!!! I can’t wait to see what 2011 has in store!

Here are just a few highlights of the day…

Here was my own set-up.

I got a LOT of compliments on (and inquiries about) the Christmas tree photo holder I used (see photo on left). Just in case anyone wanted to get one of their own, they can find here it at the Container Store.

Cards and delicious caramel popcorn by Alison Zamora of Red Velvet Occasions.

Holiday cards and 2011 calendars by Darla Marie Designs.

Fun candles by Paoling Che of KokoCandles. I walked by this particular candle sooooo many times, I KNEW I would be upset with myself if I didn’t bring one home. Happy to report that I now own a mac & cheese candle Huzzah!

Handcrafted jewelry by Joie de Vie. I made another purchase here… see the longest necklace in the picture on the right? The silver leaf? Yup… it now hangs around MY neck.

Rockin’ tutus, hair accessories, onesies & more by Swaddle Me Bad & More. I couldn’t resist making a purchase here, either. I bought myself a hot pink & black tutu… can’t wait to use it in a shoot. (Any takers?)

Aaahhhhh-MAZing cupcakes by Kupcakespot. I had to get myself a couple of these, because I couldn’t choose between the flavors… had the chocopeppermint & the chocolate peanut butter. Yummy to the MAX! (And uber cute, too!)

Hand-dipped bananas by Hannah’s Bananas.

Squeaky dog toys in the shape of cupcakes by PeachMailbox. I brought one of these home for my own lil dog, Jasper, and it is now one of his favorite toys. Seriously! He carries it around the house for an hour at a time. I don’t know what’s inside this thing (other than the squeaky toy), but it must be magical.

She also offers scented cards. Yes… scented. They smell yummy enough to eat.

The “cowboy dawg” and “cuban taco” by Taco Dawg. This is a gourmet food truck. I am a BIG fan of Cuban sandwiches, and decided to give the Cuban taco a go. Oh-my-GAWD! It was sooooooo good.

I’ll leave you with these festive shots… totally cute decorations, and Gamie (of PeachMailbox) modeling a tutu from Swaddle Me Bad & More… Perhaps she’s the Sugar Plum Fairy?

I have a solution to ensure you never, ever find yourself  in this uncomfortable situation again.

Mini-accordion books.

Small, cute, and PORTABLE. Carry your favorite photo album around with you in your purse. So the next time someone asks to see photos of your kid/grandkid/dog/etc., you can show them off in STYLE…

Details:

• available in wallet-sized and square (3″x3″) sizes
• magnets in the cover keep the book closed, even when in a purse or pocket. (And also allow you to stick the book to your fridge!)
• matte paper, hardback cover.
• available in several different designs (see slideshow below)

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