Senior : Zach Carlson

Zach is so very handsome, and so kind. He was so much fun! Guys always get anxious about how their sessions will be, but I think even he would tell you we had a great time as well. His Mom was so funny, and I could totally keep her as an assistant, wink! We found a new hideaway location that I absolutely love and w...e have the funniest stories to tell about it, love it!

Enjoy your sneak peek Robyn and Zach! I saved the best for here at the Studio of course. :-) See you soon!

Kamm Family

These sweet little dolls were so much fun! The sun presented me with all kinds of challenges that day, but we made the most of it and had a good time! We have some super sweet images of the girls, and of Mom and Dad too! I can't wait to show them the rest. Enjoy!

Our New Website is Here!

We are so excited to announce the release of our new website - updated and full of images that have not been seen! Please check it out and share it with all your friends as well! Leave us your feedback, we cannot wait to hear what you think!!!

http://www.foryouphotography.com/

Check it out!

Hugs!
Jamie

"H" Pickett

WOW, time has flown by! I got emotional during this session, as I realized that if Little Miss "H" was this old - my babies are next! As we sat and looked thru the images, we kept oohing and aahing because she worked the camera! ;-) You GO "H" - high five!!!

Hugs all!

"H" Banks

Okay, okay - I am a little partial on these images, but boy oh boy, I sure have a cute nephew!!! :-) We have to plan each session perfectly as his parents live in Texas, so we only get a few visits each year. At the wedding, we had the joy of playing with Mr. "H" and got some great images that captures his true personality, and his brothers as well. Enjoy your Sneak Peek, Aaron & Stacy! (Hey, Stacy... about time for you to get FB too I think, right?!?!? WINK!)

I'll be in touch soon about seeing your images. Hugs, see you both soon!

Zanger Kiddos

This session was absolutely a blast! We laughed, we played, and laughed some more. I have opted to put these images into B&W so that when Mom comes in to see them for the first time, she gets to see them in full color because quite honestly, they are amazing in color! The Zangers have some good genes, and make some GORGEOUS babies! :-) So... I've saved the best for you to see at the Studio Carla & Travis, can't wait! I'll be calling soon!

Hugs!

When working with kiddos, I've learned that being quick is just a rule of thumb and little "N" was definitely that... quick! Her eyes absolutely breathtaking shades of blue (sorry, keeping those a surprise for Mom!) and by the time we were almost finished, she was too! I had such a great time with Jessica & Patrick, and hope to see them again soon!

I'll be in touch this week to schedule your Viewing! Can't wait! :-)

Hugs, Enjoy!

Senior: Olivia Busbey

Olivia, as you will see, is very friendly on the camera. She was such a sheer joy working with her!! Her joyful spirit was so very catching, and her eyes are just gorgeous!!! Here is a sneak peek for everyone else Olivia, hugs! Congrats on your new job!!!!

Busbey + Shoopman

So young and in love! I know I've said it a couple times, but these appointments are one of my favs! I just love to capture that raw intensity in a relationship, as they look in each others eyes - laugh - and play. I find myself going back to when Matt & I were young, but hey... who are we kidding, we ARE still young and in love! ;-)

Hugs, enjoy!

Little Man is growing up!

This little guy had quite the photo session! We took him all over town, and did more than probably any 6 month old has done to date in a session. I'm keeping the best for last -- full of teeth and joy, and his blue eyes, wow -- but I thought I would share some of the fun images that we got rather than the ones that I think will end up on the walls at home. Enjoy!!!

Innocence & Hope

We had so much fun with our Innocence & Hope Clients!!! We laughed, we played, we joked, we pranced, we even stuck our tongues out! Nothing more fun than playing like a child as an adult. It's so easy to forget about the time in our lives when we were so full of innocence and hope, isn't it?!

Here is a sneak peek for those girls, and their families! They are just beautiful and such sweet children of God!

Hugs all,
Jamie

ps... plan to be bombarded with an influx of updated Blogs tonight! we are waay behind! ;-) so behind in fact that i'm pondering this is something i can keep up or if i just need to keep my posts to Facebook. let me hear from you!!!

2010 One Day Special is here!

Okay all... I'm realizing that I'm waaaay behind in my blog! I apologize over and over, thru and thru! Will you ever forgive me? Okay, I know you will but seriously, I feel bad! So behind that I forgot to share my One Day Special with all of YOU... so here it is! Give us a call tomorrow (Friday) to take advantage of these great specials! We've already heard from a few Clients that they are planning on calling... can't wait!

Big hugs to all, and some day... some day... I will get caught up! :-)
Jamie

Bemis Boys

Okay, anyone reading this.... SSSSHHHHHH, huge secret for Father's Day!!!! Therefore, I am only putting one sneak peek just in case it would get out by mistake.

The boys were hilarious! They wanted nothing to do with me, until Mom walked away. Once I showed them one image, they were TOTALLY digging the session - love it! Aren't they so handsome?!?!?

Kristine has been a friend for about three years, so I was very excited when she called to schedule. She had thought it all thru and had the same visual images that I did. Always love that when that happens!!! Only thing we didn't find... an old Mercury, but we rocked it out anyways!

Hugs Kristine and HIGH FIVE BOYS!
Jamie

Mr "T" is two!

Small world... I received a call from this little guys Mom that I worked with eleven or twelve years ago before we were both married. It was such a joy to talk with her, as well as get to capture this time in the life of their son. We had a great time!!!

This little man was just a joy to play with!!! But I think we wore him and Mommy out by the time we were finished, gotta love it! Two year olds are full of spunk and energy and I always am prepared to be in a full blown sprint most of the time. However, his Mom brought some balls along and he laughed as he threw it at us, watched it roll into the street and come back, and so much more. Oh to be a toddler again - carefree - spirited - and not a care in the world!

And the thumb.... oooh, it SOOOO melted my heart!

Thank you O'Brien's for sharing him with me, and sharing with me in lots of fun!!

Hugs,
Jamie

Amanda + John

I know I've said it before, but I just love being with a couple about to get married. The memories of that time in my life come flooding back in, and takes my breathe away! Such a delicate, such a beautiful time in life to be treasured and I am so honored that Amanda + John graced me with the opportunity.

Each kiss, each laugh, and oh the rain drops and honks too! We had SOOO much fun, and these two rocked their session out!! By the time we headed back to the Studio, we were dripping wet and had to run as it started to come down harder. I emailed Amanda to say with big blushing cheeks, "UM... because the rain got me distracted - I forgot to ask you one important thing that I really wanted to know!!! How did you meet?"

Amanda + John were introduced to one another by John's older brother, Josh. And it was love at first sight, and they have been madly in love ever since! How precious is that?!?!?!?!?! You could feel their passion for one another - so deep, so true, so intense! I cannot wait for the big day, you two!!!! Much happiness!!!!

Become Extraordinary!

Hey All! It's been a busy few days, weeks, months, and I have so much on my mind... so many things that I would like our Studio to offer this community. I have many plans in the works, and a few more on paper but not started yet. I have things I would love to change - things I would like to add - things I would like to create... I think I might need to duplicate myself! :) So... consider this blog a dumping ground for all thoughts tonight... this late Monday evening.

What I do know is that my priorities... my priorities.... oh they must change! I'm such a work-a-holic... it's BAD!!! Because I just LOVE what I do! I love the challenge ~ the joy ~ the emotion. However, I need to change that and get back to what's important first and foremost... God and my family! And the rest will fall into place. Become extraordinary!

I heard a great speaker this last week, and he asked if a man were working our specific business (he was speaking generally to a group of woman in that question) - and a Client asked for something that they needed right as they were about to head home for the day, would that man stop and get it done before he left or would he let it wait for the morning? What's your guess? Yep... he'd let it wait! WOW, what a wake up call! As woman, we are natural born nurturers and we want to get things done immediately for the sake of the others, but at times, forgetting who we are neglecting to put first.

So... you can see my personal goal starting to reveal itself right? Allow myself to let someone wait... I always call each phone call back within the same day or the next, unless they contact me during the weekend or while I am away, but it's okay to let someone wait two days... Jamie, it really is! LOL, yes, I am trying to convince myself - you are right! :)

What priorities do you have out of alignment? What do you need to reorganize? Take a moment to to reflect on that today as you go about your day... you can change whatever it might be. Become Extraordinary!

I absolutely love what I do, the amazing honor of capturing these precious moments for each family that walks thru the door of our studio, and it is my goal to provide superior service to each person! This first year of owning a retail business has been such a learning experience, and we are chugging along - switching things up as we need to - as we see new things that are causing major issues.

We have soo many exciting things coming up, be sure to add us to your RSS Feed so that you get the updates each time we post right in your mailbox. You won't want to miss out! I promise!

Many hugs, many blessings, and THANK YOU for being YOU!
Jamie

The Journey of Wedding Photography

Multiple times during the day, I get calls regarding our Wedding Pricing. Sometimes we hear back, and sometimes we do not... I think the important thing is to find someone that you find a connection with, as well as enjoying their style of work. I think this article hits on a lot of great factors to contemplate as you start your Wedding Photographer journey, and I look forward to meeting you and your fiance!

Your wedding day is a story... what do you want that story to tell? Let us capture that story as it happens, and make a dream become a reality!

One of my favorite moments to capture at a wedding is the emotions that the Bride and the Groom have when they see each other for the first time that day!!! Enjoy this image from the last wedding that I captured a story at.... it overwhelmed me as J broke into tears so much that I too almost had tears streaming down my face. Those are the magical moments!!!

Many hugs to you, and enjoy the article below!
Jamie


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Vanessa Dewson, a professional wedding photographer in Ottawa and Kawartha Lakes, Canada , explains in language a customer understands, why good wedding photography costs what it does and why skimping on photography is a disastrous choice. Excerpted from Avoid Hiring a Cheap Wedding Photographer on her blog Vanessa Dewson Photography + Design.

….And now here I am on the other side, listening to brides and grooms who seem to want awesome photography for a rock bottom price AND own all the digital negatives at the end of the day. Trust me, I know how expensive a wedding can be and how desperately you want to cut a few corners to bring the overall cost down, but I just don’t think photography is the place to do that. It will be your only lasting visual reminder of your day and frankly, if you are spending a good chunk of change on your wedding, you want professional artwork to remember it by and not just settle for snapshots.

I don’t think many people know what it takes to shoot and edit a wedding and create a beautiful album. I have spent up to 12 hours on the day of a wedding, then more than 40 hours editing and laying out an album, making revisions, etc… As a professional, I value my time as an expert and an artist. I want to work with clients who value my work as well and don’t just see me as another line in their budget. Yes there are ‘weekend warriors’ out there who offer their time and all the files for ridiculous prices, but I can almost guarantee they aren’t making any money and the quality is not nearly as good since they are still working other jobs that are allowing them to pursue this as a hobby. Professionals are constantly working to improve their craft through workshops, forums, conferences and competitions, as well as investing in top-of-the-line equipment and software and using professional labs and suppliers that really produce a far superior product than any online or in-store photo lab.

[Photography] will be your only lasting visual reminder of your day and frankly, if you are spending a good chunk of change on your wedding, you want professional artwork to remember it by and not just settle for snapshots


I also know so many people who just got the files and didn’t do anything with their images for well over a year! The advantage of having someone else create an album for you is that

* It actually gets done
* A good photographer is building a story when choosing which moments and details to capture.

How is someone else expected to sift through hundreds of images and figure out the best way to tell it? It would be like asking a bakery to give you all the ingredients and you would then have to make your own wedding cake. I can guarantee it won’t be nearly as nice or taste as good as it would be if you let a professional do their job.

If you really, truly cannot afford a professional, find someone who is striving to be one, whether a student or someone looking to build their portfolio. Help them out by showing them the style of photography you love and I’m sure they will do their very best. And you never know, you just might be hiring the next rising star!

I hope this helps educate engaged couples about the value of hiring a professional and doesn’t come across as a rant. I just want brides and grooms to be left with nothing but the best memories from their wedding day. Don’t just take it from me, here is a blog post I came across where a bride DID choose a cheap photographer and regrets it: http://everylastdetailblog.com/wedding-planning/i-took-the-cheap-photographer-route/

Ok, so now that you know WHY it’s better to hire pro, HOW do you choose? Well, a portfolio is a good indication of their skill but the best way would be to meet face to face and see if not just their style but their personality and philosophy fits with yours. The last thing you want is someone you don’t click with because you just won’t get the same results as you would with someone who totally puts you at ease.

—-

The door is wide open now wedding photographers. It’s up to you to close the deal.

Baby Jahki is here!

I feel so honored to be able to capture my newborns for the first time, what a joy! I now treasure every moment since I am finished having children, as a nice baby fix. HA HA! Mr. J was absolutely a delight... he never woke up! We kept him nice and toasty and we were able to get some great shots!!! I adore his Mom and have greatly enjoyed getting to know her as well, she's gorgeous!! You might remember her from her maternity session not long ago.

Hugs, Enjoy!
Jamie

Mr. M turns one!

We had such a great time with "M" last week. When he walked in, I was just in love with his sweet little eyes... he was so precious! He wasn't quite sure what we were doing, so we played for quite awhile and got some great shots. I'm going to keep most of them a surprise, but here is a sneak peek for his Mommy.

Let's just say YUMMY!!! Of course, we had to cut ourselves a piece before her tore into the cake, ha ha! Who wouldn't right? I tell you what, I opened that box, and wow... the smell was so delicious that we both just HAD to have a piece! Thanks to Melanie Green for her fabulous work on the birthday cake - it was SOOOO yummy! I do not think I've ever tasted a cake so delicious! Contact me to get her info so that you can get yours!!

Hugs, have a great day!

Baby "L" is now three months!!

WOW, time has flown by and L has gotten sooo big! He is such a bundle of joy, and just as sweet as pie. I could've just kissed all over his little face - ha ha. I had so much fun with him, and his adorable little tootsies... oh my!

Can't wait to see him again!

Hugs, Jamie

a photographer and his kids

A good friend posted this on the Fan Page on Facebook he runs, and i just thought it was too cute to pass up sharing. This is what happens when a photographer tries to capture his/her own children... ha ha!

Things are going great here! Busy busy, and God's doing some very interesting things in our home. They are exciting, scary, interesting, amazing, and all that you can possibly describe the unknown as. However, we are just clinging to God's amazing promise that HE HAS THE PLAN, not us, but HIM!

Tomorrow, I have a super fun birthday session that will be so messy and fun! I cannot wait to show you the images from that session! For now, off to finish up the morning strong and start the afternoon... whohooo!

Big hugs all,
Jamie

Let me tell ya! Brittney absolutely ROCKED out her session! This is just a sneak peek into the fun fun fun fun that we had during her session. The other images are SOO fantastic that I have to keep them a surprise for her to see in the Studio. SOO excited for her to view her images! (I'm excited, can you tell? HA HA)

Every suggestion that I gave to Brittney regarding what to bring, what not to bring, ideas to throw around, etc she took to heart and came more prepared then I had imagined. That is when I get stoked about a session... when Clients come in prepared with fun and exciting things!

Cannot wait to meet little "J" Brittney!
Hugs, Jamie

Brittney, they are stellar! You're gorgeous babe! I'll be calling soon!

Nothing better then a yawning baby, too precious! We had the honor of meeting little "O" when he entered this world. He was such a treat, and I do look forward to seeing him as he continues to grows. He's just a doll!

Well, we are starting to get caught up from our exciting trip to Imaging USA. What a life changing week! Our 2010 Pricing is being edited as we speak, and should be on its way to the printer very soon! We are so excited about everything that we will offer this year, and plan to kick the year off with a bang!

We've been shooting like crazy already, and getting orders in as fast as we can - if you are waiting on yours, the next shipment is to arrive very soon. We'll give you a buzz when they are in!

I just love that I am able to be homeschool my boys! What an honor! It's such a delicate time in their lives and I am truly blessed to be able to share with them in their every day. I hear some Mommy's and Daddy's complaining about the kiddos being home today for the "Ice Day" and it just breaks my heart. I am just thrilled to enjoy this time in their lives with them each and every day, up close and personal.

Hugs all!
Jamie

Time for a SENIOR special!

WHOHOOO, we are back from Nashville and working on overload to get caught up. I admit, being gone is great for the time you are away, but boy, on the way home - it hits you juts how far behind you will be when you return. Not to mention the PILES of laundry, right?

We gained so much knowledge while we were away and I already have a lot in the works for this year! You will LOVE the new Boutique products that we will be offering this year!!! I was feeling the excitement of all that is to come, and figured what better then a SPECIAL to top it all off!!!! WHOHOOO!

Parents, let's get your son or daughter booked for this Spring! Seniors... let's get YOU booked for SPRING, give us a call! And to those reading this that are not the parent or the Senior... spread the word! This might be one of the best prices all year round!

We cannot wait to see you! Hugs!
Jamie

60 in 2010

What is that? I will fill you in on that, but give me just a second to tell you how super excited I am to wake up tomorrow morning!!! We are heading to Nashville for the national photography conference of the year, Imaging USA. I cannot wait to come home with a much needed revamp of energy, excitement, and fun new ideas/products. As you can imagine the Christmas season is always a fun filled time, but once it's over - whew, you find yourself quite wore out. :-)

Matt and I will be there thru Wednesday, and back at the office for a jam packed day at the Studio. Cannot wait! (Have I told you that I think I am addicted to Orange Juice, okay - so it was random, but it made you think didn't it?)

60 in 2010... a photographer whom I admire a great deal does something of this nature every year, except her list is always 101 things and it's much much more detailed. I find myself looking forward to her posting it every year, and I thought... "If I look forward to it, my Clients surely will love it also." So, here's my own twist on it... :-) {I apologize, I do believe my nice formatting got messed up in transferring it here to the blog}

1. Get a massage at a Spa
2. Get my bedroom organized back into a bedroom
3. Go to Maui again.
4. Buy my husband a truck!
5. Go somewhere else exotic.
6. Read my Bible everyday!
7. Purchase a Shootsac for myself
8. Get back to my workout regimen and get into size 27!
9. Hire staff at the Studio
10. Have smooth running Studio operations!
11. Get rid of all the extra clothes/shoes in my closet that I do not need!
12. Find two great vintage pieces of furniture to shoot on… chair and couch
13. Take boys horseback riding
14. Run five miles without stopping
15. Buy new furniture for the house
16. Become the most sought out photographer in our area
17. Complete an entire devotion series of my husbands choosing at night before we go to bed
18. Get front desk at Studio designed and made
19. Hire 2nd staff person for Studio
20. Finish my piano lessons with Elizabeth and/or get thru my piano book
21. Purchase newest Canon camera and learn to use all its features!
22. Schedule time to shoot for ME and stick to it!
23. Print gallery canvases for my house
24. Set more of a daily routine for myself and the kids, and stick to it too!
25. Enter print competition and fail miserably – well that’s not my goal, but just preparing myself!!! HA HA!
26. Go on a bike ride with the boys
27. Have a KICKIN’ Senior program ready to go by February!
28. Buy a new pair of BKE’s for myself
29. Get a Video interview of myself on my website
30. Double my 2009 income and sales
31. Start another business
32. Get up earlier and go to bed earlier
33. Finish all books that I’ve started the last year and have not finished
34. Learn my light meter like it’s the back of my hand
35. Ride horses on the beach at sunset
36. Shoot a session in a State that I have never been in before.
37. Earn 2010 Seniors Choice Photographer
38. Second shoot with someone that I believe has a fabulous style
39. Purchase a 70-200 lens before June!
40. Go on a romantic getaway with Matt
41. Pass the photography certification test!
42. Get back to an intensely structured schedule so my mind isn’t crazy!
43. Have my own budouir session – skinny, buff, and hot
44. Learn PROSELECT like it’s the back of my hand!
45. Work on posing placement and feel confident
46. Hire staff at Studio – did I say that? OH… guess you get the idea!
47. Take the boys to DisneyLand
48. Purchase a boat for our family
49. Pay off all debts, and work towards starting to pay off Matt’s student loans! Can we say MAJOR BUCKAROOS? WOWsers!
50. Possibly another romantic getaway?
51. Learn how to cook something magnificiant
52. Take a film photography class at a local college
53. Begin selling my favorite frames on the market, which will remain nameless for now :wink:
54. Do a live Radio/TV interview and rock it out
55. Find my bedroom again, wait, I bet I said that already as well!
56. Give a large amount of money to a local non-profit in the business name
57. Grade my kiddos papers as they do them
58. On that subject, write down my mileage in the correct place rather then 10 different locations to compile at tax time
59. Go to bed at 10:00 every night, that’s a big LOL – it’s 12:30a as I type now!
60. Go sledding with the boys

And what would a blog be without an image? One of my favs for the year... isn't she adorable? We'll hopefully post while we are in Nashville, but they tell me I might not have time... :-(. If you have not added us to your Blog feed, please do so as we will be blogging on a daily basis once we return. I would like YOU my Clients to get to know me in more of a personal level... so we are friends before we even meet.



Hugs,
Jamie