As many of you are getting your kids back to school – or know someone who is – I, too, am sending my Bushkins off on their first day tomorrow.  I can’t believe summer is over already.  I know you didn’t hear from me much over the last few months.  I had a very busy, very crazy summer.  I’m steadily booked with appointments, which most of the time doesn’t allow me to answer the phones until late in the day.  Thank you for being patient while I return your calls and get back with you.

Speaking of Back To School, I recently attended the Professional Photographers of Louisiana’s State Convention in New Orleans for a few days. . . my latest school.   I got some ideas about some new promotions, including Birthday Party Packs for kids and Diva Boudoir Sessions.  I also received continuing education on the many skills I maintain to be your #1 photographer.  I am very excited about this coming season, which is my busiest of the year, and look forward to seeing you all soon.  Below is the group picture of the PPLA attendees. . . the best of the best!  That’s me in the very back right-hand corner – in black : )

These girls are two of my favorite subjects (Madeline and Cate).  They have been clients since the oldest was 9 months old.  The live in Dallas, but their sweet mom still makes time to get annual shots of them.  This last session was shot in downtown Baton Rouge, early one morning.  We went with a more urban feel, with rod iron, concrete and railroad as our backdrops.  The balloons, hats and bright colors help “girl it up”.  I had so much fun shooting them.  Enjoy the slideshow and let me know if you like this look.  We can create something similar and personalize your next session.  Pay attention. . . these are the future Miss Americas. . .

One of my good friends had her third child last week.  I finally got to hold her in studio yesterday when she came in for newborn portraits (best time to do newborn moments is within the first week of life).  I knew she wouldn’t mind if I shared them with you.  The first few are with a single light setup and it’s a little more “organic” and natural.  The rest are taken on my white backdrop with traditional lighting.  Avery James, sweet, sweet baby girl.  Enjoy!

Nate’s following in my footsteps and trying his hand at triathalons.  Today was the RocketKidz Rookies (50 yd. swim / 1 mile bike / 1/2 mile run).  He finished in 12:30 min (according to Daddy’s stopwatch).  Not sure where he finished overall, but I’m sure they’ll post those in the next day or so.  We are so proud of him for setting this goal and doing such a great job.  Here’s slideshow of this exciting “first” for Nate.  Enjoy!

Sassy and Splashing

I would really appreciate your vote for my entry in the Professional Photographer Magazine Cover Contest.  It’s an image of my daughter playing in water and is one of my favorites because of the natural light behind her and the carefree spirit that she almost always portrays.  I used my Nikon D3s and a Nikkor 85mm lens.  It was shot at ISO 200 and f/2.5 at 1/3200.  If that sounds like Greek to you, keep your eyes open for my beginner’s photography class coming this summer (more to come : )

In the meantime, click HERE to vote…….thank you!

This year I thought I would try something different and have the frame sale up online for your convenience.  As usual, there are some really, really good deals.  Some studio frame samples are available, as well as quite a few brand new items that were overstocks.  Take a look at the images and see what you can find.  I suggest you come by to purchase them, however, because all sales are final.  Don’t hesitate to call me with any questions about the moldings/sizes : )

Click here to view the FRAME SALE

#144 out of 450, in 1 hr: 23 min.  That was my overall finish in my very first triathalon on Sunday.  Not too bad for my first.  Rocketchix was awesome and I enjoyed the “rush” of it all.  It was 350m swim, 12 mile bike, and 2 mile run.  Got some things to work on for next time, but ‘Hey, that’s the only way to get better’.  Here’s some pics my husband took.  Thank you all for the e-mails and inquiries checking on me.  I love you guys : )

Rachel has been by assistant for almost 4 years now and it’s been great.  I send her off with a great big CONGRATULATIONS on her graduation in May.  She’ll be moving on to bigger things.  Rachel, thank you for your service and loyalty.  I wish you the best.

Sooooo, I’m looking for a new part-time assistant.  Hours are flexible and tend to change from season to season.  He/she needs to be reliable, trustworthy, hard-working and have an eye for detail.  Technical experience with Macs is preferred, but not required.  The most important trait is excellent customer service.  My clients are my friends and I want to take care of them and make sure they are over-the-top thrilled with every experience here.  Job duties include administrative work, answering phones, scheduling and confirming appointments, packing orders, occasional errands, framing, session assistance, etc.  It’s awesome if you have experience in these areas, but all can be learned via on-job training, too.  Most of all I need someone I can depend on and is excited about working in a creative environment and is great with people : )  I’ve posted the application online.  If you’re interested, please submit it by email or by fax to 225-767-7637.  Let me know if you have questions.

Employee Application

"Get Me Outta Here"

Well, I was able to bond out of jail just in time to hand in my donations for MDA.  With your help, bush-photography raised $830.  Not bad.  The entire Bailout jailbirds together raised over $23,000 – way to go!!!

Also, don’t forget about our Mother’s Day & Father’s Day Specials going on this month.  All accessories (bags, jewelry, wallets, keychains, etc) are 15%

Beach Buddies

off.  Orders must be from previous sessions and must be placed by April 20th to guarantee delivery for Mother’s Day.

Calendar Update – Our Beach Portraits are booking up (only 3 spots left).  If you’re interested, call immediately to guarantee your spot!  We’ll be in the Destin/Ft. Walton area the week of June 14th.

Next available for studio portrait sessions is May.  Next available for location portrait sessions is June.