What to Wear- Senior Session

Lately I've had lots of requests for Senior Portraits.  Along with "What are your rates?" and "What does that include?" I've been asked for my input on wardrobe.  So, with that, I began to search several trusted websites and found many helpful suggestions.  I thought I would share them with you to get a general rule-of-thumb when it comes to Senior threads.  Keep in mind that I want you to wear whatever you want.  I want you to express yourself (EXPRESS YOURSELF!  You don't ever need help from nobody else!...Sorry, the song instantly popped in my head...anyway)...These are only suggestions, I want you to be comfortable with what you've chosen to wear.  (Thanks to Element One Photography for the WTW Boards.)

Lots of Love

Although it was hot and sticky, it was so refreshing to see such a loving couple.  Shawn and Marty are expecting their first baby in a few days and decided just yesterday to schedule a session.  With baby boy getting fidgety, we decided it would be best to squeeze a shoot in as soon as we could.  Here are some of the cutest moments of mommy and daddy showing their excitement and love for their expected bundle of joy!

A Small Hand = 1/2 Off

After scrolling through my list of Facebook fans, I've learned that the majority of my followers are moms.  I began thinking of ways in which this would be beneficial to my business and quickly realized that I was being selfish and there are other people out there who have NEEDS that are far greater than my WANTS.  That's when I began to research local non-profit organizations and stumbled upon A Small Hand .  It breaks my heart to even think about the small children in our area who are faced with poverty and expected to survive without the basic necessities.    Here's where my Facebook idea comes in...

Newborn sessions booked and paid in full from now until August 19 will be half off with the following requirements:  clients MUST bring THREE of the following items to their session.

1.  Size 4 diapers (minimum 34-36 count)
2.  Formula
3.  Baby Detergent
4.  Size 2T and 3T Pajamas
5.  2+ pack Sippy Cup
6.  Pajamas (Size 2T and 3T)

*All items must be NEW and unopened.  Offer is subject to change at any time.  Please contact ANP for more details!

It's Simple

(Taken from Pinterest)

Touche

(Taken from Pinterest)

In Like Flynn

Two weeks ago, I applied to become a member of the National Association of Professional Child Photographers or NAPCP.  I filled out the entire application and walked away from the computer, came back, looked it over and walked away again.  I was too nervous to submit it.  Finally, I "manned up" and went for it.  From that day on, I raced home after work to check the mail.  It was the same feeling as anticipating a college acceptance letter.  With much disappointment, I assured myself that it would be there 'tomorrow'.  After checking the mail today and still no letter, I sent an email through the website.  Tonight when I received an email notification, I rushed to the computer to read the following:

"Hi Abby!

Congratulations!  We have reviewed your application and website and would love to extend you an invitation for membership into the National Association of Professional Child Photographers. Upon completion of the registration process, your business name and website will be listed under your State in the NAPCP directory, and you will have access to all of the resources and benefits available only to NAPCP members. " 

I-CANNOT-BELIEVE-IT!  I am actually pretty proud of myself.  I honestly, honestly did NOT think I would be accepted the first time around.  I was prepared to read, "I'm sorry...".  Nope, not me.  I'm in!  In like Flynn! :) 

I have such an amazing foundation of clients.  The endless support and genuine compliments mean the world to me.  Being recognized in public as "the photographer" is such a wonderful feeling, seeing the looks on a mother's face as she adores her baby's pictures is priceless, and knowing that I have finally found my passion is motivating.  I am one lucky girl, for that I am thankful. 

Inspiration Borrowed From Pinterest...

Class of 2012- Allie & Tayler

I've known these girls since they were in elementary school, and since I've known them, they have always been the best of friends.  When I thought of taking Tayler's pictures it went without saying that Allie would be there too. I was so lucky to have these two pretty girls to model for me yesterday.  I will be using their portraits to order some sample products for display, more to follow once the items arrive!  Thanks for the help girls!



Ashley+Mark = Married

Her hard work and planning all came together yesterday.  Every piece was in place, each detail was marked off the list and the wedding day was underway.  I spent the morning with the girls while they hung in the salon getting their hair done and met back up with them at the NOVA 4-H Center.  Before we knew it, it was time for the ceremony to begin.  As you can see below, Mark was stunned when his beautiful bride made her way toward him.

Many thanks to my friend, Stephanie for her hard work and support yesterday.  There is no way I would have made it the entire day without her there!

Ashley Jones- Bridal

I've been impatiently waiting to share with you Ashley's bridal portraits we did a few weeks ago.  I was so pleased with the "sofa-in-the-field" look.  I can't wait to see how these look on a canvas, hanging on a wall!

Add a Photo Booth to Your Wedding Package!

I thought it would be fun to add a special touch to Ashley and Mark's wedding reception.  With permission from the bride, we set up a photo booth with fun props for guests to enjoy.  It was so fun to see everyone playing around while snapping their own pictures, plus it was free entertainment for the children who came.  

We're a Host Family

Here in the Valley, there is a summer baseball league.  Kids from colleges all over the country come to the area and play lots and lots of baseball in hopes of making it big.  When I was still living at home, Brett Gardner (who now plays center-field for the New York Yankees) played in this league, he even came to our house once (pretty cool, huh!?).  Now that we are settled in Woodstock, we were asked to host a "River Bandit", after convincing Daniel that we "needed" another (because my 18-year-old brother stays with us a lot) teenager in the house, we finally agreed to give it a try. 

On Monday we met our house guest.  My older kids call him their "summer brother".  How cute is that?  Bobby, our "summer brother" is from Las Vegas, attends UNLV and plays first base.  He's only been here a few days but hopefully the culture shock will wear off soon!  We were fortunate to have landed such a considerate and respectful Bandit.  I already know we're ALL going to miss him when he goes home.

Tonight was the first game of the season, of course "we" won.  All of the guys had a great game and there were even some great plays made by the Luray Wranglers.

Happy 1/2 Birthday!

My sweet baby girl is growing so fast.  <3 <3 <3