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.