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

TUESDAY, March 11, 2008

Good glorious morning!

I have missed you! My computer got over-loaded with cookies or something! It took some spyware, cuss words and a lot of patience to get things fixed. Probably didn't need the cuss words. I've got to learn more patience.

I told you spring was right around the corner. Today is going to be a 'melting' day. Wahooooo! I'm so excited for the warmer weather.

With the warm weather I have customers who are ready to take some spring pictures. The new clothes are in the stores and it is a great time to hang a fresh portrait on your wall.

The storyboard that is posted above is a great example of keeping the clothing SIMPLE so that the expressions and the love relationship within the family comes forward. Too often we put sooo much into the clothing selection that the portrait starts to be more about the clothes than the people. I sarcastically say "If it is about the clothes then you would have portraits of clothes on your walls and no people." That being said... it is important to plan well. Just go for the simple approach. Solid colors are best. I will help you A LOT with your pre-session plans. I have a lot of experience. I've seen the good, the bad and the ugly. I promise to steer you in the right direction! Promise!
: )

I hope your day is magnificent ...
Take care,
Denise

THURSDAY, March 6, 2008

Hello everyone!


I want to show you one of my fun images. I get a lot of these with kids. This little guy has been in to the studio 3 times and will be back for his second birthday in a couple of weeks. I have gotten a few images of him that are so expressive like this. He cracks me up.

This is a great time for spring-type portraits. The clothing stores have the new spring clothes on the racks. If you have a co-worker who often updates her children's portraits ... let her/him know about Studio D.

One of the tips that I have for children's portrait sessions is to come in for a "field trip" a couple of days prior to the session. This allows your child to check out the studio ... and me ... so that they are more comfortable when they come in the day of their session.

Have a magnificent day!
Denise

WEDNESDAY, March 5th

Good glorious morning!

Think Spring! Think Spring! Think Spring!

I am adding an additional SPECIAL to my March Special! In addition to 66% off the Children's session fee (Only $25!) ... my March customers will receive a FREE 5x7 (Save another $25) with a $200 order. For a total savings of $75!

Tell your friends. Tell them about this blog and tell them to mention the Studio D blog in order to receive the SPECIAL SAVINGS!

I promise to give each one of your referrals a personal pre-session consultation, a comfortable portrait session and fabulous portraits!

Have a fantastically awesome day ....!
Denise

MONDAY, MARCH 3, 2008

HAPPY MONDAY EVERYONE!

I am so ready for warm weather. How about you? What I wouldn't give to splash in a mud puddle and smell the earth. I don't want to wish my life away but, I hope that warm weather is here SOON.

Well, today is Spring Break for the St. Cloud school district so that is almost as good as seeing the first robin. And this weekend we will "spring forward" with our clocks. Easter is only a few weeks away. All signs that warm weather is right around the corner.

Here is the promotion that we are running right now ...

All Children's portraits are 66% off! Regularly $75... Now just $25. If you know of someone who may be interested in this offer please refer them to me.

Have a great week. I hope it is awesome for you!
Denise