Take time...

Life is unpredictable. It's a ride into the unknown. But, one thing is for sure - it goes by all too fast.

Today, take time for the little things. Hug your children. Snuggle with them. Watch them play. Sit and enjoy their company. Be grateful they are here with you and that they have blessed your lives. Be thankful for them and all the ways their being with you has changed your life.

*******

In memory of Bobby. 1/2/93 - 1/29/07

itty bitty valentines

How flippin' cute are these?? We had our own little "sessions" at my house specifically so that I could get some pics of my little guy to send in these adorable cards!!

These "itty bitty valentines" are perfect for you to send out to family and friends. These are also perfect for pre-school and school valentines!! They are mini cards - while folded, they are about the size of a business card. When opened, they are bookmark size (2"x7") - and come printed on beautiful Art Linen paper. These will come customized with two pictures of your choice from an archived session and with the sayings "be mine" on the front and "happy valentines day" on the inside. If you'd like to have yours personalized, you may do so with a minimum order of 50 cards (please contact me for a personalized quote).

Front (be mine):
Inside (happy valentines day):
These will be mailed to you and come ready to share - envelopes included. 10 for $22; 20 for $38 and 30 for $52. Shipping is $3 per order. All orders MUST be placed and paid for by Saturday, February 4th. Your mini cards will be mailed to you by 2/10.

You're giving away WHAT??

Some of you will probably think I lost my mind... But, alas, I tell you - neh! I am perfectly sane and just in need of some uplifting stories...

So, that brings me to the new CONTEST. Are you ready?? Here's the scoop: I am giving away $500. Yes, that's right. For the winner of this contest, I will be giving away two - $250 gift certificates to Essence Photography for you and one other person... Now, what in the world do you have to do to get such a thing?? I want to hear (in as many or as few words as you like) why your friend, mom, sister, neighbor, co-worker, man on the street - whomever - deserves this $250 gift certificate. I want to hear lots and lots of good stories!! And, you don't even have to be a current client to win this....so, if you know someone who knows someone who could use this gift certificate, then send them here and tell them to enter!!

Well, surely there must be a catch, you're thinking! Just one....your "someone else" can't be a current client. That's it! I will close entries for this contest on Friday, February 9th, and will announce the winner shortly thereafter. And, oh yeah, the winning story (and possibly excerpts from others) will be posted on the blog....so, you must be willing to have your story shared!!

Send your entries to me at info@essenceportraits.com. I can't wait to hear everyone's....so, don't be shy!!

All the legal mumbo jumbo: The gift certificate is good on a future session and can be used towards the session fee and/or prints or custom creations (i.e. collages and storyboards). This cannot be used on canvas prints, custom jewelry or Altered Art. Gift certificates must be used within 6 months of issuance.

Move over Cinderella!!

The answer to your question - I have no idea. The question, of course, would be how in the world do I get all the cute clients with awesome houses?? Do I have a partnership with Pottery Barn? Nope. Gerber? Nope. I guess I'm just that darn lucky!!!

So, little Bella here was at a great age - 6 months. Just about sitting up by herself. And, cute as a button. I absolutely LOVED this session. I had such great surroundings that my creative juices were just a-flowin'!!

Like I do with most clients, I helped mom pick out a few things for little miss Bella to wear and when I saw this tutu, I said - we have GOT to get a picture in that. Mom had purchased it for her first birthday, so it was a little big, but I LOVE that it covers her whole bottom half! And, to explain the title - that's what her cute shirt said!! Move over Cinderella, is right!!

Next post - I promise - will be the new contest....stay tuned!!

The Portrait of Strength

This post will be one of few words... Mostly cause I've been trying to write this entry for four days, but can't seem to find the words. After a little advice from a wonderful client and a peek inside myself, here goes nothin'...

Meet Bobby. He is a fun-loving, quirky boy (sorry...umm...what are they calling 14 year olds these days?!?), and from what mom told me, he's quite the ham. I'm afraid I was there too early to get any "haminess", though. He is very sweet...I didn't get any "sass" at all while I was there! And, so willing to do whatever I asked.

It truly was a blessing and a pleasure to be allowed a glimpse into your lives and to help you capture and remember this time. I wish you all nothing but strength, hope and unconditional love as the weeks and months ahead pass by.

Finally - to Bobby - Here ya go....you're gonna be famous now... :-)

...this and that...

I know, I know...these aren't the most fun posts to read, but they just have to be done!! A few housekeeping things that you should be aware of:

**I was notified by my online hosting company that I have too many active slideshows and soon I will run out of space. So, effective immediately, your slideshow will remain online for the two weeks allotted, then removed. Of course, you can opt to have your slideshow republished for the fee, but they will no longer remain online indefinitely. For those previous clients that currently have slideshows online, they will be removed on Friday, January 12th.

**There was set to be a new splash page contest to run in January. However, I'm planning to run a different contest...the prizes will be bigger and you will have to work a bit for this one, but I promise you it will be worth it! Stay tuned in the next week for details on this.

**If you are contemplating purchasing photo jewelry for Valentines Day (ahem...husbands? are you listening??), please start thinking about placing your order very soon. Turn around time is generally about 4 weeks, so we are getting very close to a deadline.

That's it! Not too bad, eh? And, don't fret....I've had a couple sessions already in the New Year, and I plan to stay on top of the featured sessions this year!! (notice how I said PLAN to... :-)...so, stay tuned for some new pics!

What a welcome back!

Build train. Check. Watch movies by the light of the Christmas tree. Check. Stop and smell the flowers. Check. I can't believe it...but I actually DID stop...rest...and relax like I said I was going to! It was GLORIOUS!! And, of course, went by all too fast.... But, I am back in the swing of things and I think I'm caught up on all voicemails and e-mails left while on my little vacation. If you sent an e-mail and haven't received a response, please send again cause that means I didn't receive it!

Well, while on my little break, I got some wonderful news... In a November contest, I received two finalist awards and one second-place win! My "winning" image is from my 100% ~ head over heels ~ totally in love ~ blissfully happy ~ bride and groom that I had the pleasure of photographing for their wedding in September. Don't they look in love?My two finalists both come from one of my favorite little girls in the whole world....Sweet Kaya. I have my third session with this cutie coming up in a couple of weeks and cannot WAIT!! Awwwww....isn't she cute??Well, I suppose I better get back to work and quit slacking off.... Hope you all had a marvelous Christmas and celebrated the New Year in style (on the couch, like we did). :-)