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).

Rate Increase - Effective Immediately

Hey everyone!  Just a reminder that my rates increased today.  Be sure to check out the "Investment" tab at the top of the page to view the new changes.

Thanks!

I'm Thankful

Happy Thanksgiving from my {little} blessings and myself...

Black Friday Special Offers!

I'm *not* gonna make you all wait til Friday for those 'Black Friday' specials. You can take advantage of them NOW (Monday, the 21st) through Friday (the 25th, 11:59PM) ONLY.

Here they are. Sweet & simple.

1. Mini and full sessions are now 1/2 off - making a mini session $30 (!!!) and a full session $50 (!!!).
2. My packages are now 30% off - making the wedding package (I'm in Love) $595 and the baby package (Watch Me Grow) $262.

Payment required immediately, in full and upfront, if you want to book something. Travel fees may apply.

Something else to keep in mind - I'm booked through the 2nd weekend in December, so if you're wanting to book for Christmas pictures or gifts, more than likely, I won't have them ready by the time you need them. I would recommend using these sessions next year (sessions do not expire, ever).

Contact me at boyandgirlphotography@gmail.com. Thanks, y'all!

Rate Increase

My session rates will be increasing on December 1st, 2011. The full session will be $130 and the mini session $100. The wedding package ("I'm in Love") will be increasing to $950 and the maternity/baby package ("Watch me Grow") will be increasing to $425. Take advantage of the current rates while you can! If you're not certain of my current rates and what each session offers, click on the "Investment" tab at the top of the page. Thanks!

[More Charlotte Sessions]

I will be in the Charlotte *area* on Saturday, November 19th, from 9-4.  Any takers on FULL sessions?  Please look below at the time I have available and contact me if you're interested in booking.  I have several location options available.  Email me at boyandgirlphotography{at}gmail{dot}com for more info.  Thanks!

9AM - filled
10AM - filled
11AM - filled
12PM - filled
1PM - filled
2PM - filled
3PM - filled

[caaaaannnnnnddddyyyy]

Hi, my name is Leah, and I'm a candyholic.  Yes, that's right.  But not just any kind of candy will do.  It must be tangy, sour, bursting with flavor :)  Think Nerds, Jolly Ranchers (especially sour ones, MMMM!), Starburts, Sweettarts (FYI...Smarties are NOT the same), Laffy Taffy, Warheads, Shock Tarts...you get the idea, right? 

So, thanks to my bestie, I now have an adorable candy jar, designed by my friend herself.  She's very talented and makes all sorts of awesome things (including cakes for any occasion), and she was so thoughtful as to give me the lovely jar pictured below for my birthday.  It now has a spot on my office desk, and is filled with *some* of my favorite candies.  Now I can eat candy while I edit you all's sessions :)

(and yes, those are indeed smudges all over my glass table; hi, I have 2 children)

(also...please don't ask me what happened to my picture sizing because my answer is "I don't know and I don't feel like figuring it out")

[Because]

It's been an "experiment" kind of day for me.  Experimenting taking pictures on things that I don't really photograph.  It's just fun. 

[leaving on a jet plane, don't know when I'll be back again]

Just kidding, I'm not leaving on a jet plane and I do know when I'll be back again.  However, I do leave for the beach tomorrow - by car - with my husband and his family.  A week's vacation.  Ahhhh...

I may or may not post while I'm gone.  We'll see :)  Hope each of you has an awesome weekend.  I'll be back soon!

Happy 4th of July!

{500 Fans Giveaways}

So, I now have over 500 'fans' on Facebook, YAY :)  I hope it stays that way and continues to increase. You all have been awesome!  Thanks so much for all your support!

I mentioned that once I reached 500 'fans' on Facebook, I would be doing some giveaways!  So here it goes, folks.  You ready?

1. I'm giving away a mini session (absolutely free; disc included) to the first person to post my website and Facebook links to your blog (obviously you'd have to have a blog for this).  You HAVE to send me an email (no texts or phone calls or FB message) saying what you did and send me the links to where you posted them.  My email is boyandgirlphotography{at}gmail{dot}com.  The first email that shows up in my inbox is who wins.  This giveaway is ONLY for those who have NOT had a session with me before.  If you've already booked a session with me, you cannot win this giveaway.  Must be local to the Triad area. 

2. I'm giving away a full session (absolutely free; disc included) to the first person who refers a friend to me and your friend books a session AND follows through with the session.  First person to email me (boyandgirlphotography{at}gmail{dot}com) with this info and to have your friend email me as well to book their session, wins.  This giveaway is for anyone, whether you've had a session with me or not.  Must be local to the Triad area.

3.  I'm giving away a...WEDDING!  This isn't free, but $500 gets you an engagement shoot, bridal portraits, and 4 hours ceremony and reception coverage and a disc with your best images and full printing rights.  First person to send me an email (boyandgirlphotography{at}gmail{dot}com) to book this and pay your deposit, wins this.  It's a really great deal, and although I don't advertise my wedding photography, I DO do it, and I look forward to expanding this part of my business.  If you've already booked a wedding with me, you cannot win this giveaway.  Must be local to the Triad area, or be willing to pay a travel fee if you live outside of the Triad area. 

Looking forward to increasing my 'fans' even more!  I've loved all the people I've met and will continue to meet through this {job} that I'm so passionate about...

{Rate Increase}

My rates will be increasing in just a few days...

Effective July 1st, the full session rate will change to $100, and the mini session to $60.  You can refer to the "Investment" tab at the top of this page to see what the rates are currently and what is offered with each session.

Thanks!  Have a great weekend!

{Mr. "S" telling me what types of dinosaurs these are}

{Faves from the Week}

My favorite photos are generally not the "perfect" shot.  My fave ones are usually when I've incorrectly adjusted the settings on my camera, making a shot blurry or not "lit" correctly (I use all natural lighting as much as possible, so in areas of low-light or shade, it requires readjustment after being in great light), when someone's laughing at someone or something between shots, when a child is running away...for the hundredth time...and they turn around to look at their mom or me and smile.  Anyway, you get the idea.  I do have lots of favorite "perfect" shots as well, and during the past week's sessions, I've had a mix of all kinds of things ;)  Ok, enough blabbing from me.  Hope you enjoy these are much as I do!

This is 3 generations.  This pose was not my idea, but I love it.  I was having trouble focusing on what I wanted to focus on, but I ended up liking this one better than the one where all 3 were completely in focus.  Wait, am I blabbing again? ;)

A little blurry, and she's running out of the frame.  And I adore it.

Just so stinkin' sweet of this couple.  Period.

The soft lighting coming in from the windows to the side.  To die for.  Ok, I wouldn't die for it, but you know what I mean!  Little old church with really poor (but perfect) lighting, and I wouldn't change a thing about it.  I shot a wedding one time in this church.  Super romantic feel to it with this sort of lighting.  Am I obsessed with lighting?  Uhhh YEAAAHHH!

I think it was after this shoot that I decided I'm not a pet photographer ;)  Actually, I didn't mind it, but I certainly specialize in people portraiture, not pet portraiture, heh!  I fell in love with this photo though.

And this one?  Well, I like everything about it.

Friendly Reminders :)

Hi everyone, in case you're not a 'fan' of my work on Facebook, I'm posting on here what I post on there...

Here are some reminders regarding booking your session:

1. I'm on vacation and will be out of town July 9th-17th, so if you're wanting to book a July session, it'll need
to be before or after these dates. 
2. If you've contacted me in the past 2 weeks about booking a session but haven't actually booked a date yet, you might want to do so. Days are filling up QUICKLY! Remember that beginning Monday, June 20th, I'm available for sessions ALL DAY LONG :)
3. No session is secured until I have your deposit in hand. 

Please do not hesitate to contact me for any reason.  Thanks!

{Types of Love}

I can look through my photos and see all the different types of love - between parents and their children, grandparents and grandkids, siblings, spouses, newlyweds, and the list goes on.  Here's just a couple examples of types of love I saw this weekend.  May your Monday be filled with love, whatever form it comes in!

Happy Friday!

I won't lie, my morning started off a bit rough.  So, I hopped in the car with the kiddies, all of us in our pj's, and off we went to the Starbucks drive-thru and Krispy Kreme drive-thru.  I'm feeling better, despite all the extra calories! ;)  Happy Friday, everyone!

{Second-Hand Frames}

I'm on a consignment store/second-hand store/donation center (you get the point) purchasing kick lately :) 

My latest find...some frames that I brought home and spray painted.  Come on, super easy to do and I love the bright colors I picked out.  I also especially love the detail on the frame holding the first photo.

Put some client photos in them and WA-LA!  Whatcha think?

{Booking Date Remiders}

Some things to keep in mind -

1. Beginning Monday, June 20th, I will be available all.day.long for sessions.
2. Sundays are no longer available for sessions, so hurry and schedule your Saturday session if weekends are best for you.  I do make exceptions for Sundays, but it has to be a VERY GOOD reason :)
3. I will be on vacation from Saturday, July 9th to Sunday, July 17th.

Contact me at boyandgirlphotography@gmail.com to book your session.

{Deposits}

Unfortunately the deposit I require to secure your sessions is becoming a huge issue.  Lots of misunderstandings, hurt feelings, etc. on this subject.  If you just don't "get it", call me and we'll discuss it over the phone or in person (discussing through a million emails, texts, and Facebook messages doesn't always work).  If you don't have my phone number, email me yours, and I'll call you.

BE SURE to read the section on deposits under the "Investment" tab at the top of the page.  Like I said, if you don't understand it, contact me.  This is super important, y'all.  And if you can't afford to pay a deposit immediately, then let me know, and I'll work with you!  I'm not as mean as I may appear to be :) 

I've tried over and over to explain to you all how the deposits work and while a lot of you "get it", I'm surprised at the number of people who don't understand.  So, if you have questions, ask!  I'd prefer we discuss everything upfront then for there to be something we have to sort out later. 

Yes, I am writing this today because I had at least 3 people not understand the deposit subject.  Please don't hesitate to ask questions.  I love y'all and don't want anyone mad at me (I know, it's gonna happen) or frustrated with something that could've been avoided. 

Peace out.