Happy Friday, you all!  I am loving the feel of fall in the air these days.  I spotted several trees in my neighborhood yesterday that are bright orange.  So lovely.  Fall is my absolute favorite time of year!

WARNING: There is A LOT to read ahead. 

As most of you know, I like to run specials on my sessions and packages, and often, too.  One thing I want to mention quickly - my prices do not reflect my work.  I actually received an email from someone that said that prices people charge reflect the quality of their work.  My reply to them?  No, no and no.  It.Does.Not.  I take pride in my work, love my work, and will keep working on getting better and better.  Let's look at it this way - I am a photographer for those on a {strict} budget!  Ok, that's that :)  I was getting teased a few days ago by some friends that I won't ever make money running specials.  It was all in good humor, of course, but this IS my only means of income, so I do HAVE to make money and I DO make money ;)  Thanks to you all, my business TOOK OFF after only being "open" for about 4 months, and I've now been in business for almost 3 years.  I've been blessed.  God's been good.  You all have been a huge part in my success, and I just want to say THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.

Going back to the specials I run so often...Yes, I do have my "regular" rates, but I'm not in this profession to make a killing.  I'm in it because I LOVE WHAT I DO.  I LOVE to take photographs of you all.  I LOVE, LOVE photography.  And...I LOVE to help people out.  I LOVE seeing the smiles on your faces when you see you photos, getting your messages or phone calls of, "I LOVE my pictures!!  Thank you!" or even sometimes seeing tears from you all!  I LOVE your messages of "Thank you for offering that special.  I couldn't afford pictures without it".  Those things?  Make.My.Day.  So, if this means that every so often I run specials, to help you all out, and in turn it helps me out, then I will continue running specials. 

I kept telling myself - and others - that I wouldn't be running any specials for Christmas (or the holidays), but well, I changed my mind.  And yes, I will be running some specials right now (I know I'm wordy, but just keep reading), but before I tell you what those specials are, please take the time to carefully read the next couple paragraphs.  They are important and go over a lot of things you may want to know if you're purchasing a session or package with me.

1. Any session or package purchased at this point in the year (it's SUCH a BUSY time for me, folks) will have to be used next year (or thereafter).  I have only a handful of availibility left for this year, and I like to keep some of those slots open for reschedules due to bad weather, sickness, etc.  Do consider purchasing sessions or packages as Christmas gifts.  I know for a fact that people love photo session gifts.  If you're purchasing sessions or packages for yourself, that's wonderful, but just keep in mind that they need to be used next year.  My sessions and packages NEVER expire, so you may use them at any time. Just try to give me about 2-3 weeks notice in scheduling, please. 
2. Payment is required upfront for my sessions.  I do understand the hesitation some have in giving money to me like this, but I can give you physical receipts or contracts if it helps you to feel comfortable in paying me upfront like this.  I tried for awhile to just take deposits and requiring the other half later, but after being "screwed over" several times and not receiving payments, I decided to completely change my payment policy.  This type of payment is not for everyone, and I understand, but if it's not what you want to do, then I'm not the photographer for you.  On my packages, I do allow 50% upfront, 50% later, BUT ONLY if the package is not on special.  When my packages are so greatly marked down (as you're getting ready to see), I DO require full, upfront payment.  Once again, receipts and contracts can (and typically are) be given with the packages. 
3. I only accept PayPal (preferred but not required), cash (I have to meet you for this) or check as payment.  Please remember that your session is NOT secured until I have your payment in hand, so the sooner I receive your payment, the sooner I can tell you that your session is set in stone and no one else can have it, otherwise your session is open to anyone until I receive your payment. 
4. Refunds.  Ok, so I'll make this short and simple.  Refunds are NOT given unless it's MY fault for not being able to do your session.  I have no control over bad weather, client sickness or job loss, etc.  This things are all crummy, yes, and I hate it for you, but I hope you all understand this policy.  I do not charge for rescheduling, so feel free to reschedule if you can't make your first session for some reason.  I have no problem at all with rescheduling. 

So, those things being said...and I think I was nice ;)...let me get on to the specials I'm offering you all for the next 5 or so days.  These specials will end on Thursday, 10/11 at 11:59pm.  These are AMAZING specials, as I usually do, and I sincerely hope you all take advantage of these offers, because you know how sporadic I am about running specials.  Your next special might not be so generous :) 

*Full session - $55
*Mini session - $40
*I'm in Love wedding pkg - $500.  $500.  $500.  Yes, $500.  I know I'd posted a special last week for $700 and this included a 20 minute session.  This special now has changed a little.  This package special is as follows - you will get a 30 minute engagement session with a disc of your best images (usually around 20) and printing rights, 60 minute bridal session with a disc of your best images (usually around 35) and printing rights, and up to 6 hours of coverage on your wedding day with a disc of your best images (usually around 175-250, depending on length of wedding day) and printing rights.  This package may be tweaked according to your needs.
*Watch Me Grow baby pkg - $300.  This package includes a maternity session, newborn, 3, 6, 9 and 12 month sessions.  This package may be tweaked according to your needs.

That's it for now.  Aren't you glad?  I know, it was a lot to read.  If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to contact me.  Either click on the "Contact" tab above or email me at boyandgirlphotography{at}gmail{dot}com.  You can also contact me via phone - 336-341-0887.

Thank you - and have a marvelous, beautiful weekend!

Love,
Leah

Man!  I haven't updated this blog in forever!  Y'all should *really* become fans on Facebook.  So much happens there, like this, that I posted today :)

It's Friday.
I got to sneak in a nap this afternoon. Only 45 minutes, but still.
I got some really great (and much needed) news today.
My daughter and I had a Yoforia date :)
It's just been a good day.
Monday is LABOR DAY!
...

You know what that means, right?

Whaaaaa? No? You don't know me well than ;)

When I get to feelin' extra happy, I get to feelin' extra generous!

Now it rings a bell, right?!

(I don't know why I'm spacing out my writing; just more fun that way) :)

I'm gonna give you all some CUHHHRAZZYYY discounts again, but before I tell you what they are, PLEASE take the time to read the following information.

1. I only have a couple Saturdays available for sessions in December. I do have weekdays available for the rest of the year. Please remember that I do not work on Sundays or Mondays unless someone is going to DIE if they don't get their picture taken on those days :) Consider purchasing sessions for spring time or to give to someone as a gift (think Christmas!).
2. Payment is ALWAYS required upfront to secure your session. It's been this way for a very long time. Until I have your payment in hand, your session time slot is up for grabs. Also, your session is non-refundable, unless something happens that's *my* fault. This info is also on my blog - www.boyandgirlphotography.blogspot.com - click on the "Investment" tab at the top of the page.
3. Sessions don't expire. Ever. Purchase now. Book in 2015 :)
4. Please, please, please only inquire if you are serious about purchasing a session.

Alright, you ready?

For the next 5 days - FIVE days, y'all! - you get the following discounts -

FULL session - $49
MINI session - $29
Watch Me Grow baby pkg - $299
I'm in Love wedding pkg - $999

Pay via PayPal or check. Discounts expire on Wednesday, 9/5 at 11:59pm.

Happy weekend - and Labor Day!!

Hi there!  I've been MIA for awhile, at least on here.  Facebook is the place to check out my work and latest postings, folks.  If you're not a 'fan' of Boy & Girl Photography on Facebook, you should be (I say that a lot, don't I?).  But, for those of you who choose not to have a Facebook account (I understand), I wanted to fill you all in on the special offer than I'm running NOW through Father's Day (Sunday, June 17th, 11:59pm). I'm offering mini and full sessions at 40% off.  That's another steal of a deal.  Contact me today to purchase and/or book your session today.  They are going fast! 

Have a great day!

All about...Mother's and Father's Day sessions, BEACH sessions (!!) and rate increases.

Hi everyone, I have several things to mention in this post, so sit back, relax, read...purchase & book ;)

The first thing are the Mommy & Me sessions and the Daddy & Me sessions.  I still have so many time slots open!  Will you all pretty please help me fill these slots?  Tell your friends and family about them.  The details of these sessions are below. 

Mommy & Me Sessions
When: Thursday, April 26th, 3-6pm (20 min slots)
Where: Tanglewood Park, Clemmons, NC (meeting location TBD)
What: 20 minute session of mommy and her child(ren), 10 images on disc with printing rights, $30
Available slots (please email me with the slot you'd like):
3-3:20
3:20-3:40 **FILLED**
3:40-4
4-4:20 **FILLED**
4:20-4:40
4:40-5 **FILLED**
5-5:20
5:20-5:40
5:40-6 **FILLED**

Daddy & Me sessions
When: Friday, June 1st, 3-6pm (20 min slots)
Where: Old Salem, Winston-Salem, NC (meeting location TBD)
What: 20 minute session of daddy and his child(ren), 10 images on disc with printing rights, $30
Available slots (please email me with the slot you'd like):

3-3:20
3:20-3:40
3:40-4
4-4:20
4:20-4:40
4:40-5
5-5:20
5:20-5:40 **FILLED**
5:40-6

All session and package rates are increasing on Monday, April 23rd. That's in just 3 days.  So, you may want to take advantage of the current session and package rates.  To view the current rates, click on the "Investment" tab at the top of this page.  The new rates, effective Monday, 4/23, will be as follows:

Mini session - $110
Full session - $150
Grow with Me package - $500
I'm in Love package - $1350

**Please remember that packages can be tweaked to suit your needs - and they never expire!  Don't forget, also, that I do have a travel fee for anywhere 30+ minutes from me, and I do charge extra for more than 4 people in a session.**

Last thing - I'm doing beach sessions this year!!  I know I talked about it a few weeks ago on Facebook (if you're not a Facebook fan yet, you should be!).  There IS a catch to doing these sessions.  I MUST have at least 15 sessions filled to do these at all.  There's a total of 20 slots available, and I'd LOVE to fill them all, but if I don't, then I must at least have 15 filled. So, PLEASE share this info with others.  Here are the details of those sessions...

When: Monday-Friday, July 9th-13th, 2012
Time: 5-7pm each evening, 30 minute time slots (mini sessions; to view details of the mini session click on the "Investment" tab at the top of this page)
Where??  EMERALD ISLE, NC.  The specific meeting spot will be determined at a later date. It will be ON the beach though.  I went to Emerald Isle for the first time several weeks ago and LOVED it.  Absolutely beautiful there.  Plan your vacation there this year! :)

Sooo...if you want to book one of these spots before this Monday, the 23rd, while the rates are still lower, then NOW is the time to purchase.  Remember, I require full, upfront payment to secure your spot.  Pay via PayPal or check.  All sessions are non-refundable, unless it's my fault. 

I look forward to hearing from you all, and I am really hoping for all Mother's Day and Father's Day sessions completely filled, and I would absolutely LOVE for ALL the beach sessions to be booked.  In fact, if there are some of you that want to book but would rather do an early morning session, I am willing to work with you.  Please don't hesitate to contact me.  You can email me by the "Contact Me" tab above.  Thanks SO much for your support!

Full Military Honors

I was asked yesterday morning by a friend and client to do something I've never done before - take some pictures at a burial service, that afternoon.  Her father's burial.  A full military honors burial.  I had no hesitation to give her an answer.  Yes.  Without a doubt.  It would be an enormous honor. 

Her father was a man of God.  A POW in World War II.  Although I didn't know him personally, I'd only ever heard wonderful things about him.  The respect and love that everyone at the burial had for him was obvious in their faces. 

I knew before leaving my home and even more upon arriving at the burial site, seeing military men standing around, waiting for the funeral procession to arrive, that my emotions, along with others, were going to soar.  Soar in grief for the loss of someone so dear, soar in happiness knowing that he is now in the Lord's presence, soar in pride for the service he did for The United States of America.  Wow.  What a moment...

The hearse arriving, followed by a string of cars that seemed to last forever.  The military men in salute as that hearse drove by them, and the same salute from more of those in service or who'd been in service as the flag-laden casket was pulled from the back of the hearse by the pallbearers.  Family and friends gathered under and around the small canopy area where the casket was being placed.  The encouraging words from a son-in-law, the prayer from a pastor. The firing squad, doing the gun salute, the bugle player on Taps, the folding of the American flag and giving of it to a grandson.  The placing of red roses and white carnations on the casket by grandchildren and the pallbearers.  The hugs, holding, words spoken and words unspoken done by those after the service.  It was a short service but an emotional one that will always have a lasting impression on me, for many different reasons. 

I will never forget it.

(Most of the photos were taken from plenty of a distance, as to maintain respect toward the family and service.  All photos posted with permission by my friend & client).

Mommy & Me date change/Daddy & Me time slots available!

I changed the day of the Mommy & Me sessions to Thursday, April 26th.  Here are the new details - and the time slots still open.  Thanks to all of you lovely clients for being willing to change your session day/time! I appreciate it so much more than you know!  ALSO, for you dads out there - there are still MANY time slots available for you all. Look below for details.  Thanks, everyone.

Mommy & Me Sessions
When: Thursday, April 26th, 3-6pm (20 min slots)
Where: Tanglewood Park, Clemmons, NC (meeting location TBD)
What: 20 minute session of mommy and her child(ren), 10 images on disc with printing rights, $30
Available slots (please email me with the slot you'd like):

3-3:20
3:20-3:40 **FILLED**
3:40-4
4-4:20 **FILLED**
4:20-4:40
4:40-5 **FILLED**
5-5:20
5:20-5:40
5:40-6 **FILLED**

Daddy & Me sessions
When: Friday, June 1st, 3-6pm (20 min slots)
Where: Old Salem, Winston-Salem, NC (meeting location TBD)
What: 20 minute session of daddy and his child(ren), 10 images on disc with printing rights, $30
Available slots (please email me with the slot you'd like):

3-3:20
3:20-3:40
3:40-4
4-4:20
4:20-4:40
4:40-5
5-5:20
5:20-5:40 **FILLED**
5:40-6

Mother's and Father's Day(s) Special Sessions

Hi everyone, hope your Monday's been super.  Is anyone else getting awesome weather?!  We had a weekend of plenty of rain, but today is GORGEOUS.

So, if you're not a 'fan' of Boy & Girl Photography on Facebook (and you may want to be because I post a whole lot more on there than I do on here), you may not know or aren't aware that I'm running some specials right now, one of them being Mommy & Me sessions.  Here are the details and slots available.  I had several cancelations over the weekend, so now I have more openings for those who've been wondering.

When: Friday, April 27th, 3-6pm (20 min slots)
Where:  Tanglewood Park, Clemmons, NC (meeting location TBD)
What: 20 minute session of mommy and her child(ren), 10 images on disc with printing rights, $30
Available slots (please email me with the slot you'd like):
3-3:20
3:20-3:40  **FILLED**
3:40-4
4-4:20 **FILLED**
4:20-4:40 **FILLED**
4:40-5 **FILLED**
5-5:20 **FILLED**
5:20-5:40 **FILLED**
5:40-6 **FILLED**

Now, I'm also doing Daddy & Me sessions as well, and here are the details for that...
When: Friday, June 1st, 3-6pm (20 min slots)
Where:  Old Salem, Winston-Salem, NC (meeting location TBD)
What: 20 minute session of daddy and his child(ren), 10 images on disc with printing rights, $30
Available slots (please email me with the slot you'd like):
3-3:20
3:20-3:40
3:40-4
4-4:20
4:20-4:40
4:40-5
5-5:20
5:20-5:40 **FILLED**
5:40-6

As always, full payment is required upfront.  If you have more questions about my payment policy, please click on the "Investment" tab at the top of this page.  Email me to purchase, book, or if you have any questions or concerns - boyandgirlphotography{at}gmail{dot}com 

Lovies

Just some lovebirds I saw today...(soon to be married!)

Happy Monday :)

Oh my!  I've been MIA.  Sorry, guys.  My personal life and business life are all sort of jumbled right now.  Thanks for loving me and being patient with me through it all.  Y'all are awesome.

Thought I'd post some images from some sessions this weekend.  Go on Facebook to see more!  Enjoy.

Happy LOVE Day!

Valentine's Day is just a few days away, and since I may not get to post on here before than - Happy Valentine's Day!  May your day be sweet and filled with LOVE!

Wednesday Cuteness

Hope your Wednesday's been great!  It's been cold and rainy here.  I wanted to stay in bed...allll day ;)

Here's a {bundle} of cuteness to end out your day.

More Goodness!

Happy Tuesday, y'all! 

I wanted to share a few things with you all this morning.  First of all, you know that I'm still running those Christmas specials, right?  No?  Ok, so yeah, I am, and they are really great deals!

Full session is currently $65
Mini session is currently $45
"Watch Me Grow" baby package is currently $212
"I'm in Love" wedding package is currently $475

These are all really great deals, and I'll keep running them for awhile (but I'm not telling you for how long).  Take advantage while you can.  Payment is due in full upfront, and I accept checks or Paypal.  Your sessions/packages never expire, so you can buy one now and not use it until next year if you want to.

On top of these awesome deals, I'm offering a few more things.

1. Valentine's Day little-mini sessions - for the entire month of February, I will be offering a little-mini session (20 minutes long, 5 images on disc with printing rights) for $30.  As normal, payment is required in full upfront.  These sessions *do* expire, as this special is only good for the month of February.  So, when you contact me to purchase, you must also book at the same time. 

2. Purchase a baby package ("Watch Me Grow") or wedding package ("I'm in Love") and receive a full session for free.  This special is good 1/10/12-1/24/12.  Payment is required in full upfront, but your session/package may be booked at any time. 

I leave you now with some newborn goodness from some weekend sessions.  Have a great day!

The New Couple :)

Wanted to post just a couple pictures from a weekend wedding.  Congratulations on your big day, Melissa & Ben.  Hope you're enjoying your honeymoon!

Happy 2012!

Happy New Year!  2012?!  Could it be?!  Crazy.  Time really *does* fly by, doesn't it?  My daughter turns 6 in a few weeks and my son will be 3 this summer.  *sigh*

I have to share something with you all.  I received an email from a client this morning.  It's posted below (I got permission to post it; copied and pasted from original email).  Take a look...

Dear Leah,

Happy new year!  I can't help but think of how much better this year will be if...well...see, here's the thing...I totally missed out on your specials that you ran during december.  And I can't help but think of how sad I will be for the ENTIRE year now because I so busy with my life that I didn't check into Boy and Girl Photography for weeks on end.  So, for us slow folks, or those of us who are forgetful or don't get on the internet much, what do you think about offering your specials for a while longer?  I'm not asking like FOREVER, but you know...a few weeks?  My year will be complete if I can get in on that special.  See...I just lost my job.  And I have a budget set aside for pictures.  I'm not trying to make this a sob story, but well...ok, maybe I am.  Will you help me out?  And others.  Maybe for a few more weeks?  Please please, please.  I have others that are interested as well.  And I bet I'm not the only one that was slow or lost a job, or didn't get on the itnernet for awhile.  just sayin :o]

Sincerely,
[name excluded for personal reasons]

Sooo...you know where this is going, right?   I'm going to run my Merry Christmas specials for awhile longer.  Here's the thing though.  I'm not telling you for how long I'm running them.  It could be 2 days.  It could be 2 weeks.  Or 8 days.  Or 93 days.  You won't know unless you ask. ;)  Click on the following link to discover those specials http://www.boyandgirlphotography.blogspot.com/2011/12/merry-christmas-specials.html - and enjoy.  I must really love you all ;)  Happy New Year!