Check out these totally cute shots I took of a friend’s twins last week (only 10 days old).  Just so cute!!!  These are unretouched, natural light images.  So fun to hold little ones again.  Thanks, Ashley!

CLICK EACH IMAGE TO SEE FULL-SIZE

Tomorrow is the deadline to sign up for our Basic Photography Class, which is taking place next Thursday, May 17th.  Cost is $115, which covers materials and lunch.  Bring your camera and your enthusiasm to learn.  We’ll cover basic exposure settings (aperture/shutter speed), ISO settings, composition, media/backup, flash/no flash, and much more.  Call the studio by tomorrow to register.  225.935.2235.

We sent out an email blast last week with some important dates for our upcoming photography class, studio sale date and image sale.  If you didn’t get our email, here’s the link:

May Newsletter

Image Sale Going on Right Now!  See link above for pricing and call us to make arrangements.  Katie or Heather 935-2235.

We will be hosting our next Basic Photography Class next month on Thursday, May 17th, from 9:30am-2:00pm. Material covered includes basic exposures (apertures/shutter speeds), ISO settings, flash, lenses, digital media, composition, etc. It’s perfect for someone wanting to do more than use “Auto” setting on their camera : ) Must be familiar with your camera (read manual beforehand so you’ll know how to actually change your settings).

Registration Fee $115 (includes materials and lunch from Jason’s Deli)
Thursday, May 17, 2012 9:30am-2:00pm
At Studio – 1575 Lobdell Avenue, Suite A
**minimum of 5 people required to have class
**refer a friend and get $15 off your registration!!!

Senior Girl

I wanted to “advertise” my studio space.  It is about 1200 sf and is officially 3 rooms, although we put up a rolling partition to make it 4.  Wood laminate floors, bead-board walls, overhead and track lighting (all new), new bead-board doors.  Personally, I think it’s great : )  The back room is our office and framing room, but could be a great storage room as well.  Currently, the waiting room opens up to Lion’s Gate next door, but you could add doors or a partition if your business needed more separation.  Rent includes security and internet.  Please pass on the word.  Trying to get it filled as soon as possible.  I have appointments for a couple more months, but would be willing to get out early and shoot on location, if necessary.  If you’re interested, call me at 925-2235 or call Anne Ogea at 921-8008.

Here are some pics from our Grand ReOpening (not long ago : ) so you can see the space.

Ever had one of those moments when a friend or family member says, “remember?  we talked about that the other day”?  And you think, “how could I have forgotten that?  He/she must have imagined it.  I would remember if that happened”  : )   I have had about 5-8 of those instances in the last month, which has convinced me that it’s not them who is crazy, but me.  I even had a close friend tell me she “was worried about me” because my brain is so overloaded that it’s just not working anymore.  The stress of running a business full-time, shooting into the evenings, managing kids and their schedules and fulfilling my role as a wife has exhausted me (to the point where I sought medical attention in February).

I also had an enlightened moment with my daughter last month when she turned 9.   I noticed what a beautiful young lady she’s becoming.  She’s 9???   Where have the years gone?  My time with them at home is half over.   I know many of you can relate.  Nate is 10 1/2 and Macy now 9.  I feel like I’m missing so much of their lives working full-time.  Soooo, that leads me to my big announcement….

I started taking pictures for people on the side 13 years ago, and officially started bush-photography in the year 2000.  I’m proud that I have built a professional and successful studio with over 900 clients and over $100,000 in annual sales.  While it’s been a very productive business, I just want to take pictures.  Even more importantly, I want to take pictures of MY family.  I’ve been working so hard at capturing everyone else’ memories, that I’ve neglected my own.  Nate reminded me the other day that I never took his annual birthday picture in August (which I’ve done for each of them since birth).  My heart broke in two when I realized that he was right….even more in two when I realized that I hadn’t even noticed that I had forgotten.

While the store-front studio has always been my dream and has been a great location, the time has come for me to retire.  I’ve prayed about this since the Fall and feel sure that it is the right step for our family.  I’m going to be a full-time mom, tennis player and volunteer.  I’m hoping to work with some non-profit groups and get my photography “fix” by doing that : )  I have treasured each and every one of you and have loved capturing your family and little ones.  It’s an honor to know that I was a part of documenting your heritage.  I feel like all of you are friends because I’ve gotten to know so many of you so closely.  I will truly miss you.

What does this mean for the future?  I will fulfill ALL of my contracted Bebe’ Collection plans through 2012 and I will fulfill all appointments through May.  June will be a sale and moving month.  I plan to have a HUGE SALE in June (furniture, equipment, frames, digital images, baskets, stuffed animals, you name it! I’ll sell it!).  Stay tuned on my facebook page and blog for that information.  For those of you who would like a photography referral, please email me anytime, and I’m happy to give you some names of my pro friends.

I hope you all understand my reasons and will respect my decision.  Love to you all.  Keep watching for more details about our future sale!

Heather (and family)

LSU Family

Our Crazy Family

Click on this link to view today’s email blast about upcoming specials and another info bit about professional photography

http://www.firedrummarketing.com/public_message_view.jsp?s=2mdasnzqkk

Check out these A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E shots from our Valentine’s Quicktake sessions last week.  We had so much fun with the kids.  All ages came and we were able to have packages and cards all ready for pickup within 4 days!!!  Thanks to all who participated.  I know your loved ones and friends at school will enjoy these smiling faces.

Just emailed this month’s newsletter with upcoming specials.  We’ve also added an important “educational” section for our clients and prospective clients.  We are starting a 12-week series on what custom photography offers in general, even if you don’t use us.  Please take a look at these so you can learn more about how we are here to serve you.  We’ll also try to spotlight a session each month.  This time it’s a Senior session – popular for this time of year : )  Have a great week!

JANUARY NEWSLETTER

I know, I know, when you think of January, you don’t think of Seniors graduating, but….it all starts now.  I’ve actually had a few sessions already this year (in the Fall) and a few announcements orders (I love these kind of clients – the ones you plan ahead – thank you!!!).  For the majority of my Seniors, we typically start end of January and shoot through early March, ending just in time to get things in for announcements or parties.  Check out some of these great shots from last year and this year.  If you have a special Senior in your life, make sure you plan ahead and get your appointment on the books NOW!!!  We schedule a consultation, the session and your order appointment.  Congratulations to all of our graduates! 225.935.2235