Face Value

I just heard this ...


" A smile improves your face value."



One of my friends mom used to tell us ...

"A smile is the most important accessory that you wear."

I guarantee ...

I promise and I guarantee that the portraits you have taken today will go up in value and that they will never, never go down in value!

As you add chapters to the story of your life the pictures/portraits of your past become more and more valuable. Do you have a picture of yourself when you were 5 years old? When you look at that picture it brings a smile to your face and you silently run through the days and the memories that have occurred since then.

This, too, will happen with your son/daughter. Give them a gift that will only go up in value as they add chapters to their lives.

And speaking of gifts ... it is time to be thinking of holiday gifts. A portrait of your children or family is a great gift for your relatives. Or a gift certificate for a friend, relative or co-worker will be a gift that ... will always go up in value!

Call to schedule your family or children's portrait.

Have a magnificent day!
Denise

I'm baaaack ... with Children's Portrait Specials

Good Glorious Morning to you!

I have been away for a couple of months. Fortunately, the reason is because we were very busy at Studio D. We were photographing High School Seniors, a daycare center, I photographed the Radisson's 5th Avenue Grille and Bar. (That was a lot of work, but a blast.) And ... just many, many other sessions as well.

Now we are into the fall and we are photographing children and family sessions for holiday gift giving.

I am running a Children's Special that I would like to share with you ... Please pass it on!

Quick Takes

Children's Session

$75 Includes:

Session Fee/20 minute session

1 – 8x10

2 – 5x7

8 – wallets

$25 Gift Certificate!

All portraits are from the same pose.

Certain restrictions apply. See back for more information.

Next Dates:

Tuesdays in Oct. & Nov. – 9am-Noon & 4pm-6pm

320-202-0288

www.portraitsbystudiod.com

Additional Information:

S $75+ tax is due at the time that you schedule your session. ($80.25)

S All sessions will be photographed on the same background each day.

S Proofs will be posted on-line within 24 hours.

S Proofs will be on-line for 3 days after your session.

S Orders must be placed and paid for within those 3 days.

S Allow 3-4 weeks for orders to be delivered.

Gift Certificate Special:

S Good December 15^th – March 15^th .

S Not to be used in conjunction with any other promotion.

S Family and Children’s sessions only.

Additional Portraits:

Does not have to be from the same pose as your promotional package.

1 – 8x10 - $40 5x7 Holiday cards - $2/each

1 – 5x7 - $25 12x12 Scrapbook Page $95

1 – 4x5 - $18 11x14 - $105

8 – 2x3 - $15 (wallets) 16x20 - $135

320-202-0288

www.portraitsbystudiod.com

IT'S SENIOR SEASON!

I just read an article in today's paper that it is strawberry-picking season. And I am hearing different people talk about cabin season and grilling season and all those fun summer-time opportunities.

Well, for me one of my summer opportunities are the high school Seniors who will be graduating this next May - 2009.

I want to tell you about some of the sessions we have been photographing this past 10 days, but before I do I want to express what our Seniors are telling me right after we have finished their session... guys as well as girls... It is so cool to hear them tell me how much fun they had and how they are so excited to see their proofs. It is so cool to see the big smiles on their faces with their eyes dancing with excitement. It is so cool to see how pleased and happy they are. It is just so cool.

We have photographed a guy from Foley on a tree that was overhanging into the Mississippi River.

We photographed a girl from Monticello with her truck and with the rifle that her grandfather gave her.

We have photographed a girl from Sartell in the studio, downtown, at a park, in her home, with her grand piano and at St. John's.

We photographed a girl from Albany all around her home - with her horse, with an old Ford truck and we took an awesome chair outside when the sun was starting to get low and got some gorgeous evening light.

We photographed a guy from Holdingford with one of his closest friends, his dog, a boxer - TBone.

We photographed a girl from St. John's Prep in the woods of St. Johns - barefoot, with a sundress on and carrying her violin. THEN... we photographed her with her swimsuit at the beach. We got great shots of her jumping out of the water.

These stories are small synopsizes of their full sessions. These Seniors are not only going to have some phenomenal images, but they've had a darn good time, too.

Call to schedule your session!
320-202-0288

Have a MAGNIFICENT day!
Denise

FAMILY IN THE PARK

There are a couple of parks around town that I really, really enjoy taking my clients to. One of them in the Knights of Columbus Park on the Sauk River. I particularly enjoy that park at about 6:30 in the evening. The back lighting is so beautiful. There are many areas to photograph with the river as a backdrop. The portraits that I have here are from a family that I photographed last Saturday night... JUST before the crazy storm came through. I've often said that I get some of the best images just before, during and right after we have rain. This session was proof of that.

As I have often said ... June is a great month for outdoor portraits and we are surely getting some great images right now. I hope that the rains and moderate weather hold out through July.

Call me to schedule your portrait outdoor session.
It is sooo beautiful right now.

320-202-0288

Have a MAGNIFICENT day!
Denise

CREATIVE SENIOR SESSIONS!

Hello everyone!

I'm sooo excited. I've been visiting with many Class of 2009 Seniors and making plans with them to do some super cool things. Truly. The ideas that we have come up with just gets me all jazzed up. We've got great things planned.

--- One girl, from Cathedral, will do a shot in a prom-like dress, her long curly, wavy hair will be a bit damp to show off those curls. She will be holding either her basketball or volleyball.
--- A girl, from Albany, will be photographed on her family's 300 acres which include a lake, a cabin and a wheat field.
--- Another girl, from Sauk Rapids, will be photographed in a sunflower field by St. Stephen.
--- We have a girl, from Monticello, coming in for some portraits at Hester Park.
--- We have a girl, from St. John's Prep, who will be photographed in a 'twirly' dress, barefoot, with her violin, in the woods around St. John's.

There are other sessions that are percolating. I will keep you posted on them.

If you know of a Class of 2009 senior who would like a FUN portrait session with UNIQUE and CREATIVE portraits ... please send them to me.

320-202-0288

Thank you!
Denise

CLASS OF 2009 - SENIOR PORTRAITS

Everyone is talking about the graduation ceremonies and parties right now. And I am getting ready to photograph the Class of 2009. Yup, now is the time to schedule those appointments. I am super excited to be getting appointments scheduled in June. Most all of the Seniors are interested in outdoor portraits and as I have said before... June is the best month for the outdoor session.

I am very proud of the photographs that we take for Seniors as well as the quality service we give. Our sessions are two hours long and we will do as many outfits and locations as possible within those two hours. I know of a couple of sessions this summer which will take us out to a farm. I am really excited about these sessions. I am also looking forward to a session that will be a woodsy setting. Plus, we photograph the more urban/city kids within all the character of downtown St. Cloud. Man! As a creative person it is very exciting and will be such a blast. I can hardly wait.

Because I am so interested in the outdoor sessions being taken during the best month of the year (June) the session fees during the month of June are just $50. That is amazing. You will get sooo much for that $50. I promise. It's important to book your session soon. Our days are filling up FAST. Truly.

Call today - 202-0288

Prior to your session I will talk with both the parent and the Senior to see what your likes and dislikes are. We will talk about what to bring to your session; what to wear and what time of day would be best for your session. Plus, many more tips and ideas. As my tag line says "Portraits by Design".

If you now of someone who is a 2009 grad and who would like fabulous photos taken please have them give me a call. I will be happy to talk with them.

Thanks!

Have a super duper day,
Denise

WHY GOD MADE MOMS

Why God Made Moms

BRILLIANT answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions!!

Why did God make mothers?

1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.

2. Mostly to clean the house.

3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.

How did God make mothers?

1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.

2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.

3. God made my Mom just the same like he made me. He Just used bigger parts.

What ingredients are mothers made of?

1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.

2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.

Why did God give you your mother & not some other mom?

1. We're related.

2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's moms like me.

What kind of little girl was your mom?

1. My mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.

2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.

3. They say she used to be nice.

What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?

1. His last name.

2 . She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?

3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?

Why did your mom marry your dad?

1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my Mom eats a lot.

2. She got too old to do anything else with him.

3. My grandma says that Mom didn't have her thinking cap on.

Who's the boss at your house?

1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.

2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.

3. I guess Mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.

What's the difference between moms & dads?

1. Moms work at work and work at home & dads just go to work at work.

2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.

3. Dads are taller & stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friend's.

4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.

What does your mom do in her spare time?

1. Mothers don't do spare time.

2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.

What would it take to make your mom perfect?

1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.

2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.

If you could change one thing about your Mom, what would it be?

1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.

2. I'd make my Mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me.

3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.

Happy Mother's Day!

Denise

Q. & A.

Do you have a topic that you would like me to talk about??? If you do, email me with your suggestion. If I have not already discussed it I will give you a FREE FAMILY OR CHILDREN'S PORTRAIT SESSION. If I have already wrote about it, but you missed that blog ... I'll give you $25 off your next family or children's portrait session.

I have so much that I can talk about, but would love to hear from you.

Thanks!
Denise

WANTED: Props

Can you help me find a few things ... ?

• I am looking for one of those very colorful lollipops that looks like a long "rope" of lollipop that has been swirled into a circle... like a spiral. They are usually about 3-4 in diameter.
  
• I am looking for shrugs. You know the small little cropped tops. They cover your shoulders and then tie right under your chest. I'd prefer long sleeves. I definitely want a black one and a white one, but may consider other colors. I will use them for maternity sessions. I don't see them in stores. If you see them let me know what store to go to. If you have one (or more) that are still in good condition and you were planning to sent them to Goodwill - can I have them?
• One more thing... I am looking for swimsuit cover-ups. The kind that are completely sleeveless. They have a lot of elastic around the chest area and then they blousen out under the elastic. (I know that blousen is not a word, but do you know what I mean?) I used to have two of them, a white one and a black one. They were made of terry cloth and I found them in the swimsuit department at Target. I had a seamstress cut a slit up the front and then stitch the edges and I used them for maternity and newborn sessions. I can't find an image that I have permission to use to show them to you ... : ( darn)

I offer a free session to anyone who can help me find these items. I'm not a very good shopper so I really appreciate having shoppers out there helping me out.

The portrait proof that I have attached to this blog post is one that makes me giggle. I hope you giggle, too.

Have a fantastically fabulous day!
Denise

HE'S ALL BOY!

Kids go where there is excitement.
They stay where they are loved.

This little guy is very, very loved by his mommy and daddy! And as you can see he was having a lot of fun and there was a lot of excitement during his portrait session.

I sure hope you are having a day that includes child-like excitement!

Denise

HOLD ME PORTRAIT SESSIONS

I have a helpful hint for you today. It is for a Father/Child session or Mother/Child. But it is also helpful during a family session when you will also have us photograph you or your husband with a child.

Mothers and fathers create non-verbal communication with their children. Such as snuggling, hugs, smooches and special pats. If this body language comes out during a portrait session it comforts your children which then leads to those magical expressions all snuggled up in your protective arms.

I've noticed that sometimes a parent will be nervous and want to 'perform' the portrait. When performing a portrait we are coming from our head and not our heart. The children are so wise and they sense that you are not really into the portrait.

I encourage you to connect with your child, from your heart, during the days and hours leading up to your portrait session. Be sure to read books. Be sure to laugh. Create special moments.

Then when you come in for your session remember those tender moments with your child. Remember them with your heart. Remember then with your arms wrapped around your son or daughter.

Those tender moments, that you had at home, can be brought into the session. Such as bringing that special book with you and 'replay' the story-reading - just as you do at home. Or use certain phrases that triggered a belly laugh just like a couple of days ago to re-create the warm, genuine laughter during the portrait session.

Perhaps I sound like I am contradicting myself, in a sense. It's not good to perform a portrait which is when you are within your head. But, drop down into your heart - just like you are when you are at home - and be connected with your child during the portrait session. In doing so, your natural expressions will come forth in the portrait.

I love parent/child portraits. I usually refer to them as Hold Me sessions. Isn't it appropriate? I reminisce of when my young son would reach out to me with his little arms and ask me to hold him. He is now a self-competent 28 year old. There are many days that I wish I could hold him on my lap and smell his hair. I would love a chance to hold my little boy in my arms.

........... If only I had a portrait of me holding him. I know that I would treasure it with my whole heart forever.

OUTDOOR FAMILY PORTRAITS

Hello!

I've had a lot of people talking to me about outdoor family portraits over the winter and would just like to share a bit of info with you.

First of all, the best months for outdoor portraits (on average) are June and September. Here is why:

_ They are the greenest months.
_ The weather is the most comfortable these two months.
_ There is less bugs during these two months.
_ The humidity is lower during these months than July or August.

I went on-line to check the average temperatures in St. Cloud.

July is the highest average. If you remember ... the last two years July has been unbearably HOT. We had several days at 100 degrees.

August is usually humid. It is also the month that many fall school sports start practicing and it is more difficult to schedule appointments. Last year we had a couple of really neat days in August. There were days when their was a very light mist in the air which made all the green colors vibrant. That was fun!

September's average temp is 10 degrees cooler than June and August. The two biggest dilemmas that happen in September is that there is less available time, with school starting, and also, less available daylight. (for those after school/work appointments)

I have SOOO much more to share with you, but I don't want to over-whelm you today.

If you are interested in an outdoor family or children's session please give me a call to schedule your appointment soon. We are already filling up in June. I have weddings on the last two Saturdays of the month.

Thanks!

Have a super duper day.
Denise

FATHER & CHILD

I just want to let you know that the promotion that I have been running for Mother's Day will be the same promotion for Father's Day!

A portrait of you, Mom, and your child would be a magnificent gift to give your husband for Father's Day.

Have a grand & glorious day ...
Denise

MOTHER'S DAY GIFT CERTIFICATES

Mother's Day Gift Certificates!

Every gift certificate purchased for Mother's Day will receive an additional certificate for $25 off their family or children's portrait session.

BELLIES & BABIES

Hello everyone!

It has been a while since I have written. My Gmail was not working last week. Gmail and Firefox were not getting along with one another and that meant that I could not check or send out messages .... or even access my blog. But, now... HERE I AM! ~: D

I am so JAZZED UP! I attended a seminar this weekend that was about Bellies and Babies ... maternity sessions and children's sessions up to one year old. I so enjoyed this seminar. I am super duper excited to now put my newly learned tips and skills to use.

All of this fits well with my special promotion right now. If I may ask, please send my blog address on you anyone you may know who appreciates having portrait memories.

BRAND NEW BABY ...

This tiny, beautiful, little girl is one week old. Doesn't this make you say
"Aaaaah..." ? I spent a couple of hours at my client's home to photograph their new little girl. The reason that I like this image is because not only is it cute of the baby, it shows her tiny size and it shows her relationship to mommy at this time but, it also is flattering to mommy. The way that the sunbeams are dashing across her they make her look slim and she, too, looks BEAUTIFUL... it's no wonder that her daughter is so gorgeous. The soft, muted pink top is very flattering to both of them.

Babies are so magical. I love photographing them.

A reminder of our April Special ...

This month's special is $50 off

MOTHER/CHILD; GRANDMOTHER/CHILD and
MATERNITY sessions.
That is a $100 session for just $50.

In addition: With a $250 order you will receive a FREE 5X7!

Enjoy your day! Make it MAGNIFICENT!

Denise

TIPS & TENDER MOMENTS ...

The following is a paraphrased email that I sent out to a client prior to her portrait session with her three daughters. (18-23 years old)

They were in for their portrait session this last Saturday... I CAN'T WAIT TO SHOW YOU THE IMAGES. We had so much fun. They wore black tops and blue jeans and then ... we did something very special ... where we wrapped them in chiffon. They had tank tops on and we wrapped the material so that you couldn't see the tanks. They were photographed from the waist up. These portraits will have a painted effect done to them. When I get the artwork done I will share them with you. I, myself, can already imagine the final image and I am just so excited. It is possible that I may go with a sepia tone. That will make the portrait even softer.

BEGINNING OF EMAIL: As far as clothing goes ... I would strongly suggest simple, simple, simple, simple clothing.

All four of you should be wearing the same color. Black. White. Ivory. Everyone should be wearing the same color.

Varying necklines and textures are good.

Don't wear bulky material. (adds weight, of course!)

Dressing in a dark color is slimming.

Dressing from head to toe in a same or similar tone is slimming. (White & khaki; black & dark denim)

White and denim is good. Very classic.

Don't worry too much about jewelry. Diamond earrings are okay. Don't wear dangly earrings. You can wear a necklace, but I may have you take it off.. (Why? Dangle earrings will get in the way when there are that many people in the portrait. Necklaces get cut-off in the photo or they are hanging lopsided)

Long sleeves or 3/4 sleeves are best because they hard the biggest part of the arm. If you have toned, skinny arms this doesn't matter so much.

Stay away from big, bulky belts - they just add weight where we don't need it!

Ultimately you want a portrait that concentrates on your eyes, faces - expressions - twinkles, dimples and smiles.................................. NOT THE CLOTHES.

The suggestions that I am giving you are good suggestions to keep the attention away from the clothing. You do not want a portrait about clothes! You want a portrait about how you look similar to one another. You want a portrait that shows all your beauty and love for one another. If the clothes are dominant - then they will steal the show from your faces, eyes & expressions. Your body is bigger than your face so if the clothes are dominant ... how will your attention be drawn to the expressions?

One more thing ... and this is VERY important... DO NOT WEAR FROSTED EYE SHADOW! I have had an epidemic of frosted eye shadow lately. The frosted shadow reflects more light and really draws attention to the makeup! It is not flattering.


Make this a very special memory for your girls. When they view the portrait they will always remember the whole story that goes along with it.

I don't want you to worry about hurrying to get to the studio and I will hope that you won't feel hurried to leave. Soak up and enjoy the moment. The more you are living in the moment the more it will show in your expression.

Come with your heart and leave your head and all it's worries, self-conscious thoughts and list of things to do at home. What is in your head will be in your eyes. Come with your heart and your love will show.

When this is all done ... I suggest that each person or at the very least you, the mom, write (not type) the story about this portrait. Everything about it… Why you are doing it… The date... Conversations that were included in the time frame before, during and after the portrait session. Then put that hand-written story in an envelope (don't seal it!) and put the envelope on the back of the portrait. Now that portrait, which on its own speaks a thousand words, is absolutely until-the-end-of-time ... priceless. END OF EMAIL.

I am very passionate about what I do. I love what I do. If you are interested in a portrait session please give me a call to talk about what ideas you have and what ideas I may have for you. As always, I will help you with tips on how to prepare for you session.

Have a most MAGNIFICENT day!

Denise

MATERNITY SESSION TIPS

Happy Day to you!

I apologize for not being here for a while. I had an "earth shattering" experience last Thursday morning. I met the earth with a THUD and hurt my knee, my elbow - and some muscles, too.

This month's topic is about MOTHER/CHILD, GRANDMOTHER/CHILD and MATERNITY SESSIONS.

Today I would like to give a tip for maternity sessions ... MOST IMPORTANT... you want to come in before you are big! You want to look pregnant and not chubby. I ususally say "seven (7) months." You want to feel good about yourself ... you want to have "the glow."

Every woman is different and every woman's pregnancies are different so for one woman it may be 6 months, for another woman it may be 7 1/2 months.

Have a MAGNIFICENT DAY!
Denise

A MOTHER'S POEM

A mother laughs our laughter,

Sheds our tears,

Returns our love,

Fears our fears.

She lives our joys,

Cares our cares,

And all our hopes and dreams she shares.

- Julia Summers

My commitment to each of my clients is to provide the most personal and creative services that I can possibly give and to provide an enriching photographic experience beginning from the initial contact and lasting through your portrait delivery.

Denise

APRIL FOOL'S DAY!

Hi There!

I think that the biggest April Fools joke is the 6" of new snow on the ground. If you've been reading my blog for the past month you know how much I've been waiting for spring and warm weather. The best April Fool's joke ever played on me was the year my son, at 24 years old, told me that he paid to rent a cat that was owned by one of his favorite singers. He is not generally a joke-ster so I totally fell hook, line and sinker.

Let me tell you about the
APRIL SPECIAL:

This month's special is $50 off
MOTHER/CHILD; GRANDMOTHER/CHILD and
MATERNITY sessions.
That is a $100 session for just $50.

In addtion: With a $250 order you will receive a FREE 5X7!

I am looking forward to sharing portrait images with you as well as tips for a great portrait session.

Have a magnificent day!
Denise

HOW TO GET A GREAT SMILE ...!???

... LOVE YOUR CHILD.

Love and laughter are magnificent gifts we give our children, our family members, our friends and ... acquaintances.

If you want to see a child light up for their portrait ... love 'em... A lot.


May your weekend be filled with love & laughter,
Denise

A LOVE LETTER

Good Glorious Day to you!

Today's TIP is not only for children but, for all portraits that you may have taken. It is THE LOVE LETTER. I always try to tell my moms about THE LOVE LETTER.

What I suggest is that you write - in your own handwriting - the story about this portrait. Write down why you had it taken; write down little things that were said or that happened during the session; describe who they are at this time. And most importantly ... write down how much you love your child.

Do not type your letter. Your handwriting is like your very own hug when your child reads this story 25 years from now. Do not worry about perfection. Don't worry about grammar and punctuation. Errors like that are not noticed in a love letter.

Once you've written the letter then you want to put it in an envelope and put htat envelope on the back of the portrait ... so that the two are always together. They say a picture is worth a thousand words ... when your very own, handwritten words, are together with that picture you have given your child a gift that is immensely priceless.

I have an outline of a LOVE LETTER. If you would like to be inspired in order to write your letter just let me know and I can send mine to you.

Be sure to give your family members a hug today and tell each of them that you love them.

Have a magnificent day!
Denise

CHILDREN'S PORTRAIT TIP - When to schedule

It's going to be 40+ degrees today!!!! WAHOOOOOO!

Today's CHILDREN'S TIP is simple:

When deciding when to schedule your child's portrait session

• Schedule the session during their 'happy time' of day.
• Be sure that they are well fed.
• Bring a small snack and beverage with you - just in case their blood sugar level drops during the session.

You know some days it's just that simple. And most days that is my own personal secret for a good session. I always make sure I've had a good night's sleep, a bite to eat and a bottle of water before a children's session. I use a lot of energy when I photograph a session and I want to be physically and mentally prepared.

I hope that today is one of the best days ever for you!

Take good care,
Denise

WHAT CLOTHES FOR A BABY?

Happy Tuesday!

Today's CHILDREN'S TIP is about how to dress babies that are less than 1 year old.

Besides a cute smile what you want to capture on a new baby is their BABY BODY! Too often I see moms who dress their little bundle in too much clothing! It is the roly-poly belly; chunky legs and round 'piggy' toes that will tug at your heart strings when that soft, new, baby-skinned bundle of love is 18 years old.

• Dress your baby in as little as possible.
• Diapers are great.
• Cloth diapers or a diaper cover is even better.
  
• Avoid heavy material - Such as denim and corduroy.
• Avoid shoes and socks.
• Body-forming material is good - Such as a onesy.
• Avoid name-brand logos and large prints.
• Classic-cut clothing will create timelessness.

One more thing: Be sure to try the clothes on your baby before the session. Make sure that the collar is not going to flip up into your baby's face or that their hands and feet aren't covered because the clothes are too big.

I hope these tips are helpful for you.

Have a magnificent day!
Denise

PS - NEXT MONTH'S SPECIALS will be Mother/Child; Grandmother/Grandchild and maternity sessions. Watch for next month's specials and tips ... !!!

2 CHILDREN'S TIPS

Good Glorious Morning!

How was your Easter Sunday? Did you have a good time? I sure did.

Today I would like to go right into a CHILDREN'S TIP. Actually I am going to give two today.

TIP #1

I am going to talk about this because it JUST happened in the past few minutes. I had a family scheduled for 9:00am. Sonia called in to say that her 2 year old is not feeling well. This family portrait is very, very important to Sonia. It was very wise of her to postpone the session until later in the week. It can be very difficult to try to make a sick child happy. Even if they are in a good mood their eyes will often be red and glossy. You will always be able to see, in their eyes, that they were not feeling well. That is not what you want in a portrait.

TIP #2

Bring personal, sentimental items from home. Your child's personal toys or keepsakes will add so much more to a portrait than the props in the studio. Your personal items have stories built into them that will be woven into the story of this portrait. When your child is so much older you will have a portrait that is rich with stories about who your child is at this time of their life.

In addition to the stories that are told through the personal items they are also good - not as a prop for your child to hold - but for me to use to illicit expression from your child.

Now here is a tip within a tip ... Do not let your child know that you have packed this special keepsake. We want to bring it out at the most opportune time... to illicit expression for the portrait. So we will keep it hidden away until I am ready for it.

One item that is helpful - and not used in a portrait - is a favorite cd that your child likes. Things like this help the environment feel all the more familiar and friendly for your little one. This will help them to feel comfortable and that will show in their eyes.

The little white blanket that is used in the portrait above is his baptismal blanket. Using that blanket has made this portrait all the more rich with meaning and importance. Can you imagine - in 30 years - HIS child having their 3 month old portrait taken with this same blanket?

Oh, it is things like this that make me love my job so much. My heart can feel how important the portraits are in our lives. They hold so much history - the stories of who we are today.

Have a most magnificent day!
Denise

RATTLES AND BUBBLES

Happy Easter weekend!

I hope that everyone has a very, very special holiday with their friends and/or family.

I am wondering if you can help me find a couple of items. There are two particular 'props' that I am very much looking for. If you can help me find one of these item YOU WILL WIN --- A FREE FAMILY OR CHILDREN'S PORTRAIT SESSION! --- The value of a Children's portrait session is $75. The value of a family session is $100. I will try to describe, as best as I can, the items I am looking for.

ITEM #1
A RATTLE

The rattle that I am looking for will be used to illicit expressions during my 6 month old sessions. It will not actually be in the portraits.

I would like it to be about 12" long. A little bit larger. I would like it to be plastic. Preferably with small plastic beads inside... so that it makes a soft swishing noise when it is shook. (the loud noises don't make them smile) I would also like it to be bright colors.

ITEM #2
BOTTLE OF BUBBLES

This is very unique. I have seen another photographer use it in a video.

It looks like the typical bottle of bubbles. Perhaps a larger bottle. The cap of the bottle has a bubble wand sticking up out of it. The cool part is that all I have to do is squeeze the bottle and the bubbles come flowing out. So I am able to blow bubbles with one hand and photograph with the other hand. It's good that I am doing the bubbles and not someone else because then the child/ren are looking toward the camera. It is a cool system because you don't spill bubble soap all over while blowing the bubbles.

Thank you for your help finding these items! I really appreciate it. I will be sooooo happy to give away these portrait sessions!

Thank you so very much!

Happy Easter!
Denise

ILLICIT MAGIC MOMENTS; NOT PREFORM A PORTRAIT

A Good Glorious Morning IT IS!

The sky is blue and the birds are singing and the earth is melting. We have so much new-ness to look forward to.

Today I will be traveling down to the cities with my friend, Maria, to attend a seminar. I am truly looking forward to this because the seminar is given by some studio owners who I MOST ADMIRE... particularly two of them. I love learning and being inspired. I look forward to bringing my new knowledge and enthusiasm back to my studio to share with my customers.

TODAY'S TIP:

This tip pertains to children today but, it is for either a Children's portrait session or a family session or a session with child and parent.

Children have simple, little things that trigger them to laugh. When you are planning for a session be aware of those little things. Remember them so that you or I may use that to engage with your child during the session.

Too often I see a customer come in for a session and they 'forget themselves and their family' at home... They come to "perform a portrait".

...............Don't...........Please!

Remember the things that trigger love and laughter and engage them with your child. Relax. Enjoy your child. Be happy. Love one another. Have fun.

It is amazing the sparkles that are created in eyes when there is love and laughter within the eyes is ......... magic. It is that magic that pulls at our heart strings when we view the portraits. Aaaaah ........... can't you just feel it now? Doesn't it feel great?

Those eye sparkles come from within you. Just as love and laughter does. When planning for your portrait session - make plans for love and laughter sparkles.

I have attached a popular video below. This is what I mean by small things that can trigger amazing magic. Don't you agree ... ?

Have a MAGNIFICENT day!
Denise

TUESDAY, March 18, 2008

My commitment to each of my clients is to provide the most personal and creative services that I can possibly give and to provide an enriching photographic experience beginning from the initial contact and lasting through your portrait delivery.

I just want to remind everyone of my MARCH SPECIAL! FIRST - When you schedule a children's portrait session during Spring Break you will receive 66% off (save $50!) the Children's session fee (Only $25 session fee!) ... PLUS my March customers will receive a FREE 5x7 (Save another $25) with a $200 order.
For a total savings of $75!

Call 202-0288

Stop back tomorrow for a new Children's tip ...

Have a magnificent day!
Denise

p.s. Next month's special will be Mother/Child sessions.

ART CRAWL

Happy Saturday!

I don't usually post on Saturdays but, last night was so much fun that I just really want to let you know about it.

The Art Crawl was a HUGE success. There were so so so many people out mingling with one another and soaking up the talent of our local artists. It was exhilarating! It was a blast to see the smiles on everyone's faces - especially those who were buying artwork.

I also stopped in at Mi Famiglia. Wow. This building/space is an art piece in itself. I had the good fortune of having dinner with my friend, Susan Dean, who owns the Newcomer Service. The staff at Mi Famiglia was SPECTACULAR. The food was DELICIOUS TASTE SENSATIONS..... You can really tell that the chefs are artists themselves who put a lot of thought and attention into each dish that they prepare. If you don't want to have dinner --- just stop in for a beverage in the lounge. It is so awesome!

So worth it!

I marvel at how much we have in St. Cloud... at all the people who pour themselves into making this city a community filled with energy.

BRAVO!
Denise

FRIDAY, March 14, 2008

GOOD GLORIOUS FRIDAY!

I serve as the president of the board for United Arts of Central MN. I love this organization. We raise funds to help support local arts organizations. St. Cloud has an amazing wealth of talented local artists. Have you heard the Minnesota Center Choral? G.R.E.A.T children's theatre? The St. Cloud Symphony? The St. John's Boys' Choir? Quite Light Opera? Did you know that the executive director of the St. Cloud Chamber Music Society will be receiving a NATIONAL AWARD this fall? Have you seen the paintings and sculptures of our local visual artists who enter shows put on by Visual Arts MN.

I am very proud of these organizations and the artists who come together to share their talents.

Tonight there is an Art Crawl in downtown St. Cloud. If you haven't gone before you really should check it out. Stop in at The Loft, which is located above Mississippi Bean and Tea to see a compilation of artists who make up the Avon Area Arts organization.

If you need to purchase a (special) gift for a special person tonight is the night to do it.

There are approximately 10 different businesses and galleries who are participating in the crawl. When you stop into any one of them they will be able to direct you to the others.

I'll be "crawlin'" tonight... I hope to see you!
Denise

P.S. Tomorrow the St. Cloud Symphony is performing at the Paramount.

THURSDAY, March 13, 2008

Good morning to you!

Today is the 13th of March - 1 month until my son's birthday ... April 13th! Tomorrow is my nephew's birthday.

This morning I am featuring a three month old that I photographed recently. The reason that I am featuring this handsome little guy is because the topic I want to talk about is "What NOT to do before a portrait session!" There is not too much that can go wrong with a three month old. They are easy!

Here are a few tips that you may not have thought of before:

• Do not get a new hair cut.
• Do not tan 8-10 days prior to a portrait session. (unless it is a spray tan)
• Do not insult or point out weaknesses to anyone who will be in a portrait. (Please)

I can explain these a little more if you would like to give me call.

Have a super duper day!
Denise

MORE ISABELL

Isn't she cute ... ?!

WEDNESDAY, March 12, 2008

Happy Wednesday to you!

I am excited for you to see the images that I am presenting today. Please keep in mind as you view them that they are JUST PROOFS. I don't want to stall a client's order while working on these images and I don't want to delay showing them to you. It is actually not so much the images as the story that goes with them that I want to share.

This is Isabell. She and her little sister came in on Saturday for "some time away from Mom." With Spring break last week they needed to get out of the house to do something FUN. Mom needed some quiet time. Well, she ended up using the time to pick up around the house but, at least it was a little more quiet around the house while she was doing it.

Although I did some traditional portrait style posing and lighting. I really tried to just PLAY! I told the girls that we were here to have FUN. What was so exciting for me to see is how they became more and more comfortable and confident as the session went on. I encouraged them to DREAM about ideas of what we should do. I encouraged them to move, laugh and be silly. They were magnificent at helping one another come up with ideas and outfits.

For some people having their portrait taken is on the list with public speaking. I truly believe that the time I spent with Isabell on Saturday helped to boost her self confidence. What a great place to gain that confidence but in front of a camera.

The time went by so quickly. We spent a bit of time going through the proofs afterward but, I would have liked more time with her. To compliment her on all that she is.

I hope that each of you will have a most spectacular day!

Denise