Itty-Bitty Emails

If you're anything like me, your kid's baby books are updated right up until about 4 months old. And I'm sure you are. After all, it's totally acceptable for me to put together a scrap book at my desk, but do I do it? No. So I stole an idea from some technology commercial, and started an email account for each of them. I sit at my desk all day long emailing clients and updating facebook, and now when I'm missing my little ones I can email them. I can keep them up to date about what they like to do right now. (Not sharing, and running around with their pants down. Basic boy stuff) So when they have kids of their own and are pulling their hair out and drinking 8 cups of coffee a day, you can give them the password. Maybe they'll read it and realize that it's all worth it.

Adventures in Reupholstery

I thought I was going to be all Martha Stewart and teach people how to reupholster a chair as I remade this one for the studio. What I ended up with is basically a huge advertisement for professional reupholster-ers everywhere. I do have a few words of advise though.

1: When in doubt, use hot glue. (Seriously, this thing has so much hot glue in it)
2: Get a tetanus shot. (There are so many pokey weird metal things holding that chair together)
3: Don't count on finding anything cool in there. (All I found were some really old peanuts)
4: Invest in some Scotch Guard. (The first child to get chocolate on this thing faces certain death)

Now that this mammoth chair is finished, there is no way it is leaving my living room. It will be there forever. Or at least until it doesn't look pretty anymore. Then I will put it by the curb and laugh as the next Martha Stewart loads it into the back of their truck saying "I could reupholster that." Good luck lady, I used a pneumatic staple gun.

Not The Way I Pictured It

We had our day all planned. A trip to the zoo with two groups of friends, and their boys. We had our giant picnic lunch packed and ready to go. Bert was excited to go to the zoo with his friends, and I was excited to bring my camera along and get some great photos of the boys. Phone call number one, "Eli is having an off morning, and we're just not up for taking him out." Ok, we can deal with that. Phone call number two, "Ummmm.... Lucas is still sleeping." Now being a mom that doesn't believe in arguing with a three year old when you don't have to, or waking them up when you don't have to, I was Ok with this. We broke the news to Bert, who's reply was. "Yeah, but I'm still gonna go ride my bike at the zoo." Crisis averted. So off we go to the zoo. A half hour in to our super fun zoo trip, and here comes the rain. Pouring rain. And we're at the back of the zoo. So we end up at Grandma's house having our "picnic" lunch on the living room floor in soaking wet clothes. The rain eventually passed by, and with clothes fresh out of Grandma's dryer, we decided to take Bert's bike out on the river trail. He had a great time splashing through the puddles. We still had the camera with us, so we propped it up on the edge of the stroller and set the timer. Nothing went as planned, but it was the best zoo day ever, with a great family picture to go with it.

Senior Stunner Contest

OK, so we are starting our very first "Senior Stunner" Contest. Each of our seniors can enter their favorite picture from their session, and all of our clients get a chance to vote for their favorite image. The winning image will be used for all kinds of promotional materials for A&R Portraits. You will be the face of our studio for 2012. So, I just need our seniors to let me know their fav image #, and I'll get this show on the road!

I Want More Fun!

As my kids get a little older, and a little wilder, I wonder why my family and children's portraits haven't done the same. After all, my recent family photo included one very happy upside-down two year old. I recently shot a family session where the grown up kids wanted to get a shot jumping off of the swings. It is one of my favorite pictures this year. So, if anyone else is tired of their boring family picture, let me know. I'm thinking trampoline jumping, beach swimming, furniture climbing FUN portraits. Is anyone with me?

Bold Color

Don't be afraid to wear some bold colors for your senior portraits. Show off your personality and style. Long sleeves and solid colors are great for your formal yearbook picture, but feel free to have some fun with your other outfits. Not sure what to wear? Bring in a few choices, and Amy or Rob can help you decide what's going to work best.

Bridal Show Tips

Many of our clients will be attending bridal shows this summer. Here are a few tips to help you keep things organized.

1. Bring address labels. If you enter drawings you will end up writing out your name, address, phone number, and email a lot.
2. Only enter drawings of vendors that you would like to receive more information from.
3. Bring a bag with you. Some shows provide them, but others don’t. You will need something to carry all of your information and vendor giveaways in.
4. Make notes or stars on brochures for vendors that you like. When you get home you may not remember who was who.
5. Take a note book and pen with you. Write down information about vendors that you would like to remember.
6. Ask if your wedding date is available. You may love a vendor and spend time talking with them, only to find your date is unavailable.
7. Don’t fall for high pressure sales. Most vendors will give a discount for booking your wedding at the show, which is a great deal IF they’re a great vendor. If you’re sure of yourself, go for it and save a little money. If you’re not, take some time to think it over.
8. Bring your check book just in case there’s a vendor you feel you NEED to sign on the spot.
9. Wear comfortable shoes. If it’s a good bridal show, you could end up walking a lot.