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.