Senior photographer ~ Central Illinois » Promos

Learning to Click!

Stacey — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 23:16:31 +0000

When I bought my first dSLR, I had no intentions of going into business as a photographer. But I DID want to learn to take awesome pictures with this camera that I had spent so much money on. After all, at nearly $1,000, it should take amazing pictures, right? Right? Well, I very quickly discovered that there is a whole heck of a lot more to taking great pictures than just having a cool camera. So, I started seeking learning opportunities. Surely there would be a community class here in town where I could learn what Aperture was and how it worked with shutter speed and ISO (what is that, anyway?). Well, I was very quickly disappointed. The classes at Parkland were not what I was looking for. They were aimed at the older generation or for people using point and shoot camera. I needed more than that, so I began the long, tedious process of searching the internet. I spent money on paid forums where I could learn from people who knew what they were talking about. I spent hours engrossed in my camera’s manual. I was a sponge, but I had to go out seeking what it was I wanted to soak up.

So, when some online friends of mine put together this great class, I just knew I had to do it. I’ve been working feverishly, getting the class book just how I want it. Taking pictures for examples, planning your “Swag Bag” and door prizes, putting the final touches on everything. Now, it’s ready! It’s time for YOU to get your camera off of the auto settings and learn to think outside the {green} box!

This class is open to anyone who wants to learn more about how to use their dSLR camera to take better pictures. It doesn’t matter if you photographer your kids, your dog or even you flowers. If you have buttons on your camera that you are not even sure what they are there for, then you need this class!

What you NEED for this class:
dSLR camera
The manual

Things that will enhance your learning:
50 mm f/1.8 lens Nikon Canon
Light Modifier for on-board flash
External flash Nikon Canon
Light Modifier for external flash

*All items are linked to B&H Photo Video. You can often find these items for less on Amazon or eBay. You can also check out Adorama.

Now that you’ve got everything you need, go register for class! There are only 12 seats available for each date, so the longer you wait, the more you take the chance of it being full. I’m really excited and can’t wait to see you there!

2011 Grads!

Stacey — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 21:33:58 +0000

It’s almost here!! Graduation is just around the corner. I know, you thought this day would never come, but before you know it, it will be here. Now is the time to think about graduation announcements. I know, I know. You probably ordered those cards from the school. And they are nice and everything. BUT, invite all your friends and family to your open house with some awesome, personalized cards! Here are some examples of the great cards you can get! They come in 5×7 size, and you can get one or two sided, prints, same price for either. These are $60 for each set of 25. If you order before the end of February, I’ll throw in a second set, half price!

Your cards will be custom designed to match your style.

Haven’t had your pictures taken yet? Well, give me a call! We can do a mini session with two sets of cards for $150! But, only if you book before February 28th. You can schedule for after February, but you have to pick a date and pay half before then.

Call soon! Dates will fill up fast for 2011 graduates, and if you want these in time to mail, now is the time to book!

Kind of quiet around here

Stacey — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 02:19:10 +0000

Yes, it’s been pretty quiet here on the ol’ bloggity blog. Thought I’d share the reason why. This little girly entered our lives just 11 days ago, and I spent some time before that preparing for her. But now she’s here and we are all tickled pink!!

I think, to celebrate our newest arrival, I want to offer something special to you! Book your senior session for the month of October, and I’ll cut your session fee in half! Plus, I’ll throw in a free set of wallets. Can’t beat that deal. Call today!

World Breastfeeding Week

Stacey — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 13:00:07 +0000

It’s World Breastfeeding Week August 1-7. Back in June, I posted about a personal project I was undertaking. This project involved photographing babies doing what babies love to do – gaining comfort and nourishment straight from their mothers. Even as a young, 21 year old, first time mom, I knew I wanted to breast feed my babies. I never wrestled with the decision. I just knew intuitively, and without question, it’s what I would do. It never occurred to me that it could be difficult and that women often have struggles with breast feeding. And I remained blissfully unaware of this, even after my daughter was born. Despite being a tiny little 5 lb. 8 oz. little peanut, she latched easily and beautifully. I never experienced a single second of pain or discomfort. My breast feeding philosophy has changed over the 18 years since I first breast fed a newborn. Over these years, I have learned how important it really is, and how there really aren’t that many rules. You don’t have to wean by a certain time. Babies don’t really need anything else for at least 6 months. Bottles are really a disaster and I hate them. Not that we didn’t use them. We did. I worked and Daddy had to have a way to get that breast milk I had painstakingly saved for when I was away, into our babies. But this is how I know I hate them. They are a pain to clean and keep up. Straight from the breast is so much easier.

As an RN working with laboring women and brand new moms and babies, I did learn that it’s just not as easy for lots of other moms as it had always been for me. I learned how to help moms and get stubborn babies to latch on. I learned the special circumstances that come with special needs babies, like premature born and those with development issues that affect breast feeding, like cleft lip/palette or Down Syndrome. I learned that anyone who says they are going to “try” to breast feed will not likely last more than 2 weeks. Breast feeding success is as much, if not more, based on the mental attitude going in, as it is on the physiology of the matter. I learned the next biggest factor in success, is support for the mom, from Dad, her parents, hospital staff, the pediatrician. I also learned that as much as some women may truly want to breast feed, some simply can not. I learned to not jump to conclusions about any woman I saw bottle feeding a baby in the mall, even though I could tell the difference in the contents of the bottle between expressed breast milk and formula. She could be completely devastated that she’s even having to give that bottle and my judgement may do nothing less than send her into tears of regret. On the flip side, I learned to give positive reinforcement to any mom who is breast feeding in public because they often receive negative comments and reactions and need encouragement to keep doing what they feel is right for them and their baby.

Phew! Hard to believe, but that just scratches the surface of all I have learned about and through breast feeding. But all that I’ve posted and the tons more that I have not, lead me to this project. I had so many beautiful volunteers for this and it just touches me that so many are so willing to share something so special so publicly. In October, my first breast feeding images calendar will be available for sale. These will retail for $20. A portion of ever sale will be donated to support Baby Friendly hospitals locally. I believe getting these babies off to a good start goes a long way in a successful nursing relationship and that start happens in the hospitals where babies are born. If you are a retailer who would like to pre-order a bulk amount of calendars to sell in your location, please contact me for details.

Now, here is where I need your help. I want you to choose the cover image for the calendar. Please click the link below to take you to the page where the images are located. Pick your top three and scroll to the bottom and cast your vote! The winner will be featured on the cover of the calendar and will also receive a surprise gift from me! You can only vote once, but you can certainly rally all your friends and family to help make your favorite image the winner. After you vote, leave me a comment telling me you voted and you will be entered into a drawing for a free calendar and a complimentary mini session collection!

Go vote now!!

And just for fun, here is the first nursing picture I remember having had taken of myself. This is 8 years ago, me nursing my twins.

Lucky Number 7!!

Stacey — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 17:01:59 +0000

This is number seven, cooking away! I’m getting close enough to the end to start planning my maternity time off. This means a great deal for you! To celebrate, and to give me something to do after I stop doing sessions, and am just sitting around waiting for labor to begin, I am offering a great deal to fill my last few weeks of shooting time.

The first three people to schedule and pay the session fee will receive 7 desk/gift prints as a gift from me! That includes 8×10, 5×7, and wallet sets of 16. Session must be scheduled to be done by August 31st, my last day of shooting. You can contact me to schedule by commenting on this blog, leave me a comment on Facebook, or send me a call or email. This offer expires July 28th.

But wait! There’s more!! My generosity is not limited to just those lucky three people. Anyone who books a session, including paying the session fee, and schedules their session to be done by Aug. 31st, will receive 21% off their entire purchase. Why 21%? Well, because that’s my due date! But don’t hold me to it. I’m quite comfortable going a couple of weeks late. Babies come when babies are ready! This offer expires Aug. 21st or when session times are filled. That’s right. They are limited, so schedule soon!

Free Stuff! {Central Illinois Senior Photographer}

Stacey — Sat, 22 May 2010 14:26:52 +0000

Who doesn’t like free? This is what senior reps get for free. There is a proof book that you get to keep forever, and awesome cards that come in this really cool tin. Although, I prefer you don’t keep those. Ok. You can keep one. But the rest you are supposed to hand out to all your friends so they call me and earn you MORE free stuff. I have a feeling Morgan is going to do an excellent job for me!

Are you going to be a senior in the 2010-2011 school year? Are you interested in earning free stuff? Call me now to see if I have openings in your school. Oh, and if you know Morgan, get one of these cards from her. It not only gives her credit, but you get a free set of wallets!

217-689-1208

Senior 2011 Model Rep {Urbana High School Photographer}

Stacey — Mon, 17 May 2010 15:23:47 +0000

This is Morgan. She was so much fun and easy going! She is my first 2011 senior. She is always smiling and happy. I’m sure it’s because she loves Jesus so much, she just can’t contain the joy. She is very active in her church, First Christian. She also participates in swimming for her high school swim team and is on the yearbook staff.

She is one of my model reps so she will have cards to hand out. If you get your hands on one of them be sure to redeem it for your free product when you book a senior session with me.

Now, here are a few favorites from her session, and a video below to see all that she loved.

If you are interested in being a Senior Model Rep and are graduating in 2011, contact me to see if I have spots available for your school.

High School guys wanted! {Central Illinois Senior Photographer}

Stacey — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:33:58 +0000

Looking for junior and senior guys for portfolio pieces. Get a free mini session with session disc – a $500 value!

Anyone else, share this link on your Facebook wall, comment here to tell me about it and you’ll enter a drawing for a free mini session of your own.

School’s back in session! {Central Illinois Photographer}

Stacey — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 22:14:28 +0000

So, three of my kiddos started back to school today, and Monday my little kindergartener will start. That’s a lot of new friends to keep track of! While this doesn’t help ME keep track of THEIR new friends, I thought I would do what I could to help the other moms out because they are probably going to be in a similar situation – well, maybe not with quite so many school aged children of their own. Anyway, I’ve toyed around with the idea of offering “411 Cards.” These are cards with all your contact information. Kind of like a business card, only way cuter. After all, they include your little one’s adorable faces. So, I threw together a couple of samples. The first is the actual card I made for my middle schooler. And the others are from a recent family session I did.

My totally cute, growing up too fast middle schooler, Hannah.

From the family session. Also a very cute girl.

While I was putting these together, I thought how cool it would be for Mom to have her own cards. You know the scenario. You go to a new play group, meet a couple of really great moms that you click with and want to be able to meet up again. Well, if you are anything like me, remembering names and putting the mom face with the right kid faces can be a challenge. The “Momformation” card makes it a breeze!

To make these cards quick and easy to get, I’m now scheduling mini-sessions just for this purpose. You will get one 30 minute session with 8 proofs to choose from and fifty 411 cards. for $100. You will also be able to order my special “mini-session only” mini-collection. Call now! Slots fill up quickly!