VLV Photography

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and I hope the new year is a prosperous & healthy one!  I want to thank my client’s for their support and business in 2010.  I look forward to what 2011 has in store!  And I can’t believe 2011 is just around the corner.  Sheesh!  I think back to this past year and it just really zipped by at warp speed.  It seems everyone I talked to was in agreement that Christmas just snuck up on them this year.  I couldn’t agree more.  We were prepared with shopping and everything but I guess the feeling that Christmas was coming didn’t create any sense of urgency for me to decorate.  I really skimped this year on decorating my home.  And we didn’t put lights up outside either this year.  I’ll say my favorite line from this year….”we’ll do it next year.” 

I have a list a mile long of anything camera/photography related of goodies I would love;  however, 95% of them require online shopping.  My husband isn’t a huge fan of online shopping so I basicly ordered my own gift this year…a Black Rapid-RS-W1camera strap.  I LOVE this thing;  made for women and by a woman.  Plus, as many times as I’ve come close to clunking a kid in the head because my camera was swinging from side-to-side in front of me, it was a liability for tears and an upset mama.  I really justified this gift as a must-have…..for the sake of all children I photograph {and their heads}!  My camera is no light-weight either…with my lens and the body it’s over 4 pounds….that would hurt hitting a little head or any person’s head for that matter! 

The kids were pretty happy this year.  My middle daughter was the easiest to shop for as she’s 4 and into anything “girly.”  Our youngest is easy to please as she’s not quite 2 and doesn’t know if there’s anything better out there.  She loves music and dancing so she got a little kid piano.  Our oldest loves to build and put things together so he got Lego’s, which were a huge hit.  And the hubby…..well, I got him a gift certificate for an hour massage and a little thermos for food for him to use for work.  I think everyone is all stuffed and happy now!  We had three Christmas meals and spent all weekend with family.  So we had a very nice Christmas-we’re just all 5 pounds heavier now!  It’s no longer the “freshman 5,” it’s “the holiday 5!”

So…now it’s back to business {now that I’m about 5 pounds heavier}!  Seriously some good eats this year!  I think later this week I’ll share a few of my favorite recipes from the weekend as they were just that good!  

This week I will be putting together my new investment information pdf documents and the contest I mentioned a few weeks ago.  As you’ll notice too…I still have some product menus to add to my site;  with the Holiday Open House a couple weekends ago that I was preparing for and also Christmas, some things had been put on the back-burner.  Also, my website designer also completed the website updates just before Christmas as well.  So…..there’s lots to do!!!

Anyway…I wish all a HAPPY {early} NEW YEAR!! 

Until next time, Live, Laugh, and Love the one you’re with…..this year and the next!

I had such a productive weekend.  I’m about tired of this weather but we’re not even officially in the season of Winter yet.  Blah!  But having to stay indoors has had its advantages.  I’ve been able to get some business stuff taken care of.  Just today I got my website tweaked a little bit and you may notice navigating has just gotten a little bit easier.  I can’t take the credit though…if you are in need of a blog/website head on over to Lilac Creativeand Genevieve will take care of everything!   And don’t forget to tell her I sent ya!   Give me some time as over the next few weeks I’ll be adding product images and moving things around a bit.  I’m finalizing my pricing right now for 2011 so that comes first as well….the 1st of January is nearly here!!!  Whoah!  Bye, Bye 2010-where did you go?

I mentioned in a previous blog that I’ve been on this DIY kick lately and this weekend I knocked out some really cute headbands and flower clips {in pink & purple with pearl} for my girls-that actually stay in their super-fine hair!  Woohoo!  They were pretty excited and had fun modeling my new creations for me.  I also got some leggings sewn and well…you can see for yourself just how dog-gone cute these are, with or without the pettiskirt.  If your little girl wants to wear a skirt-no problem, just slip these on and voila-probably just as warm if she were to wear pants.  Super-cute for fall photos but your little ones legs won’t get cold!  These can also be worn under a short-sleeve shirt to cover the arms.  I would have had an image of Alexandra also modeling my flowers;  however, she was in just a too goofy of a mood and I didn’t get a good photo of them.  Jozlyn would actually sit still and as you can see from the images, turn her head with the flower toward me in order for me to get a good shot.  I coached her a little but was such a good little model.  I’m excited to make more of these.  Now I just have to learn to crochet so I can make some newborn boy props.  Learning to crochet is on my Winter to-do list before Spring comes around.  I actually want to learn before February so that if my client has a boy I’m prepared!

Also, I managed to paint one wall in my office this evening.  It’s a relatively small room so the rest won’t take me long.  I need the hubby to put up some shelves for me and then I can move all my items back and then move his side of the office to paint the rest.  It’s a very light gray {Fairfax Gray to be exact};  however, in an office where there is pretty much zero natural light, it appears to be more like a taupe color.  I like it all the same and is better than boring white walls! 

So I must say….a pretty productive weekend…..oh and I was able to spend some time with family, took the kids swimming at a hotel and they sure had fun.  I did too…it was nice to do something different.  All of our kiddos love the water too and are already excited for swimming lessons this summer.

Well that’s about all I got for today.  In the next two weeks I’ll will be working on the details of the Session Giveaway I had mentioned on Facebook a while back.  It will not be on Facebook because they’ve just tightened up all the rules and it would be a bigger headache if my page were to be taken down because of it, sooooooo….look for the details to come in early January. 

Until next time, Live, Laugh, and Love the one you’re with-for each person in your life is a blessing this Christmas and always.  Merry Christmas everyone!!

I just wanted to share my new packaging that I’m giving a “test drive” and if anyone has any ideas on how to improve it, I would love to hear it!  The packaging with the 10×20 {bevel-mounted} storyboard enclosed is Kraft paper lined with fabric that somewhat resembles the background on my website.  I picked up all that was left so once I run out I’ll be on the hunt for some new stuff.  The storyboard inside is also wrapped before being placed in the kraft bag.  I love how this turned out but not sure how easily I will be able to keep up IF I were to get really busy.  I would like to use this wrapping for larger prints.  Boxes are quite expensive and even then you can’t get boxes for a 10×20 or larger than a 16×20, so I would have to wrap it in something anyway.  I wanted something pretty that was a reflection of my style and I think this is just the ticket.  Again, it takes time….not sure how readily that will always be available to whip out my sewing machine.  It was a little tricky to get everything even and I still didn’t get it perfect.  It will take a little practice but in time I would like to get these done in advance since storyboards/collages are pretty popular.  Anyway…I would love to hear thoughts on this or just “like’ the post if you well…like it

Now onto fashion.  I’m the least “fashionable” person you’ll ever meet.  I don’t pay attention to trends and I don’t switch out my closet wardrobe every season with the new hottest thing.  I do, however, really like “Maurices” and that is my clothing store of choice-but that’s a treat.  I should add that I do like ”Old Navy” as well.  Otherwise, I usually wear clothes I’ve had for several years.  It doesn’t stop with clothing;  I have shoes that I’ve been wearing too where the soles are cracked. My socks get wet but I just can’t part with them because they’re so comfortable and I would say I’ve had them a good 7 years.  I’ve mentioned before too that I love thrift stores and have no problem with wearing “recycled” clothing.  I’ve grown out of the “Plato’s Closet” stage so now I shop at the “older lady” store next door-I think it’s “Repeat Performance.”  ANYWAY……so don’t take this as fashion ADVICE, but moreso color combo recommendations.  It’s a lot harder to explain to someone what looks good together, as far as colors, so this is my way to help you put the color wheel to work.  Hope it helps!!

Another week down and only a little over one week to go until Christmas!  I’m pretty excited about December 21st {the first ”official” day of winter} though-starting the day after we start gaining daylight.  Wahoo!  I’m already anxious for spring!

This past weekend was our local Holiday Open House with various vendors with booths and I was there with all my goodies and a special-book your session that day and receive 2010 rates and a bonus FREE custom 3×3 mini-accordion!  I appreciate all those that took me up on my special offer and am excited for those sessions and 2011-period.  I have 6 weddings on the schedule starting in May and am soooooo excited!  

I had ever intention on taking pictures of my booth but wouldn’t you know it…completely forgot!  Grrrrr!  I didn’t realize it until AFTER I had everything down so what did I do?  I put my frames back up so I could get a picture to share with all of you!  Also, the husband and wife team that makes the frames I now offer, asked that I share an image from my event.  So I had to take a picture to share with them as well….as the frames are just plain and simply-GORGEOUS!  These frames are hand-crafted and the 16×20 I have is quite heavy.  These do come with hardware for hanging and also optional non-glare acrylic.  I did request the non-glare acrylic for my 16×20 family portrait and you can’t even tell it’s not glass.  Shipping with glass isn’t ideal either so the acrylic is a fabulous alternative.    Here’s my image of the frame samples I had to share-

Aren’t they just gorgeous???  I’m in love   I had posted this next image on my Facebook page but wanted to share it here as well.  These are the other frames available and the many colors you can also get.  Also, I don’t have an example, but you can get these as a double stack and even a triple double where the same outside design would be repeated around the frame closest to the image but in a different color, if you desire.  I really should’ve gotten an example…it’s on my to-do list!

Anyway…the color combinations are endless.  Most of the frames in the above picture have a glaze added to them.  I do plan to order more samples in 2011 but am over-the-top excited to have what I have already!   I just love looking at our family portrait now in my living room!

Also this past weekend I decided I was going to make my first newborn headband.  I’ve purchased a couple online from Etsy.com sellers but thought…why pay someone to make these and pay for shipping, when I can so make one myself?  So it was a DIY {do-it-yourself mission} mission of mine.  One thing I found with a lot of them out there to buy is the sellers will use super glue or a hot glue gun to put the headbands together.  I personally don’t care for that so that was another reason for my mission.  So here it is…..my first one I made {ever} is on the right and the other one I just finished up today.  There is not ONE dab of glue.  These are completely hand-sewn-just how I like ‘em.  My mission now is to find some awesome feathers and some “pretties” to dress up the center   Let me know what you think-please!  If you wouldn’t want your baby photographed with one of these on their heads well then I guess my daughter’s will have some tight headbands and walk around with red rings on their heads!  ha!

I have a newborn baby girl session coming up in the first part of 2011 so I’m anxious to try one of these out for a session!  In the meantime I’ll have to make a couple for my girls to wear.

Also, if you didn’t get a chance to stop by my booth on Saturday I had my personal handbag there {classic handbag}.  And I was quite surprised at the enthusiasm about my bag.  I didn’t get an image taken today but will tomorrow and will share, along with a “What-to-Wear” post.  But in the meantime…here are the different bags offered {and the pricing}!   Book a session with me and one of these could be yours   A wonderful Mother’s Day/Father’s Day gift  

Okay, as I haven’t shared enough information already….the title of my post-this is my resolution and personal goal for 2011;  more than anything in 2011, I want to be able to provide my photography services to those families out there who have someone in their family struggling with a terminal illness.  Whether that be cancer or another disease/illness that is causing struggle and pain, I want that family to be able to have something to hold on to forever and maybe, if even for a short time, think about something other than the monster that has taken over their lives.  I’ve seen first hand what cancer can do to a family, the pain that comes with it, not just for the one experiencing it, but for those surrounding the one who suffers and I’ve also seen the strength that it takes to overcome terrible odds.

 At one time I was attending college with the plan to go into nursing and eventually oncology;  however, my camera got in the middle of that plan and a deeper passion was born.  But I really want to combine the two and offer something greater than myself.  There is an organization called “Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep” and it’s an organization that connects parent’s whose babies are in NICU or tragically have already recently died-with photographer’s that offer a free session at the hospital, in that time of sadness, so that they have something to hold onto forever.  I know myself well enough to know that I could never do that but I do know that I could offer my services to a family who may have an adult or older child suffering.  I used to do home health care and several of those I took care of were on Hospice and I cared for them up until their last days.  I want to help now in another way.  So it is my goal for 2011 to bring to my area this service.  I’m not even sure where to start but if you’re reading this and you have an answer please email me.  I have an idea of where I’m going to call first and maybe I’ll get hung up on, I don’t know.  I know that images are something that are most valued once they are already lost, almost lost, or missed if you never had them in the first place.  If your house was burning down, what would be the first thing you would grab?  Most people would say their pictures.  How much would you pay to get all those back if they were lost?  I have few pictures of my father before he died of cancer and as I’m writing this it saddens me to know there are many others out there who have little left to hold on to, as I do.  So there it is-my New Year’s Resolution.  What’s your New Year’s Resolution?

Until next time…Live, Laugh, and Love the one you’re with….in the moment, right now….for they are a precious gift.

I CANNOT believe Christmas is only a little over two weeks away!!  Insane!!  At this rate, it’ll be spring before we know it!   The birds will be chirping, white-fluffy clouds, and a warm morning breeze….ahhh..I can almost feel it.  Hurry up old man winter, you’re draggin’ me down!!!  I should get one of those SADD lights..know what I’m talking about?  Back in my younger, invinsible years, I would go tanning {a.k.a. fake-baking} and although I went year-round, I loved going during the winter.  Probably because I really think it perked my mood.  That and I’m really quite pasty!  I think I beat my father-in-law in the white legs department!  Yikes!  Get your shades on!

So is everyone done Christmas shopping yet?  I have a few people left on my list and then it’s go-time!

Fast-forward now to Tuesday {today} but this won’t post until Wednesday since it’s nearly midnight.  I was nearly done with this post when I get an alert that my draft couldn’t be saved because I had been logged out.  I had actually started this post originally on Sunday.  Grrrr….so now I’m re-typing and it’s not nearly as interesting, in my opinion, and so bare with me.

I actually ended up heading to Bis. yesterday to finish up Christmas shopping.  I’m happy to report that my shopping is complete and once again I have proven to myself that I’m not a shopper….unless it’s a flea market, thrift store, or rummage sale!  I just love finding unexpected surprises!   But I did manage to score some awesome fabric and I became fast-friends with EB in the fabric department.  EB if you’re reading this, you’re awesome!  She was a huge help as she helped me make up my mind on several items.  I decided about 2 weeks ago that I was going to make my own “props.”  Not really props but pretty things for beatiful, little babies and toddlers.  I’ve been so anxious to get to Bis. which rarely happens so when I finally got there, I spent probably close to 3 hours there!  No lie!  I already started one headband and I just love the colors-totally scream vintage.  I didn’t find really good feathers though or faux pearls, so the hunt continues for those.  I’m also working on a special project to try and make your print delivery really stand out in your mind.  It may be a complete flop, I don’t know but I will share regardless of the outcome.  It’ll be me and my sewing machine until I get something right!  I also would love to learn how to knit this winter so that I can make my own newborn/prop hats.  There are other ideas swirling in my head but I know by the time I get one complete and down pat, winter will probably be coming to a close and then wedding season starts full swing in May for me with two weddings booked.  I have four others through September, so if you’re a bride and you’re looking for a photog who loves to have fun, doesn’t take themselves too seriously, and just loves capturing “love,” then give me a jingle  

The other morning it was so beautiful out so I decided to take my camera out and challenge myself to find something beautiful just outside my doorstep.  I didn’t have to go too far but the dirt road in front of my house.  This is my view to the east and after a night of fog, this scene is what remained.  The one and ONLY thing I love about winter is the beauty that comes with it.  Anyone who knows me, knows that I hate being cold.  My feet, hands, and nose are usually cold and when my personal heater {my husband} is gone, I have to use a heating pad by my feet or I just can’t fall asleep.  But anyway…back to winter wonderland….when I see this image it makes me think “this is my town” like that country song goes.  Just peaceful and serene.  No 3am traffic heading to Wal-Mart, no getting gas past 6pm {not even sure what time the pumps close-which we just got this last summer}, no groceries past 5pm, and no mail past 3:45.  Yep, this is my town.  Quiet, just how I like it. 

Living in a town like this where we don’t have all the emininities like bigger towns/cities forces, well not really forces, but rather makes it more likely that we’ll just stay home and be with our families.  Where else are we going to go?  There are good and bad things about living in a town so small but when I wake up to a day such as this and don’t hear all the excess noise that comes with living in a bigger city/town…I know that I’m right where I should be.  I hope that no matter where you live, that you have your own winter wonderland somewhere, even if it isn’t out your front door.  Take it all in and enjoy the beauty that God has given us.  Many blessings this Christmas and the year ahead.