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Finding MY Joy...Day 1

Today I started an online workshop with the oh-so-very talented Kelly Willete called "Finding Your Joy". Like all photographers, and even avid hobbyists, there comes a time when you go through your family photos and realize how few of them you are actually in. So...when Kelly offered this workshop which is all about self-portraiture and making it a point to get into your family photos, I jumped in. So it is with great reluctance that I'll be posting on my journey with Kelly for the next 3 weeks. Our assignment for this week is to take 20 self portraits. Anything from "wearing a cute hat" to "your reflection in a puddle"...basically any shot you can capture of yourself. Luckily, I've never been camera shy, although in my current state of pregnancy, I'm finding that I'm a wee more picky about how I'm positioned for photos and things like that. I hope you enjoy following me on this...and keep in mind that there are photos I will be posting that will likely not be the caliber of portrait I would present to a client - however, I am finding that taking portraits of my self is a much more challening task than taking them of you!

Fall Promo!

BIG CHANGES FOR ASP!

All Smiles is going ALL DIGITAL as of September 1, 2010.

There are going to be some major changes happening for me here at All Smiles. I am currently expecting my second child, and thus a much greater portion of my time will be needed by my family in the coming months. All Smiles has been a blessing to me in my first year of business, as I have not only learned a great deal about photography as a profession, but I have also learned a lot about myself. I have also had the privilege of meeting and truly getting to know a very loyal and supportive clientele – which I would love to continue providing services for. So, in response to a delicate balancing act, I am reevaluating what is important to me in my quest to provide quality photography to my clients.

 

Timeless portraits on a budget. That’s what I look for when I seek out photography services. If you’ve ever spoken with me regarding my sentiments on photographing my own son, you know that he is absolutely impossible for me to photograph…because...I’m Mom, I guess. So, I want a talented photographer to capture my family's memories without charging me my left arm. I realize that although I feel that my pricing is fair for the services I provide, I couldn’t afford me more than once a year. When push comes to shove I want the digital files. I want to be able to print as many as I want of what I want. So, it just made perfect sense to me that with my upcoming challenges, digital didn’t sound so bad as a primary product to offer. Less ordering and packaging for me, and ultimately a better value for you. I will still offer enlargements, as your digital files are released up to an 8x10 print to ensure the best quality. For a complete price list on enlargements, canvas options, standouts, and other specialty products, please email me and I will send it your way.

 

I will be making some changes to current pricing, and some will remain. Although I want to be more affordable, it is important to remember that professional portraiture is still an investment. So I hope you find that my evolution is conducive to your needs. I am always open to suggestions on how to make my services work for you and with you.

 

I will no longer be offering a-la-carte pricing or the family pack print options. Digital images may be purchased individually for $60 or as a collection at a discount price. I encourage all clients to make backup discs of their images in the event of damage to the original disc.

 

Changes to pricing include changes in the high school senior package pricing and the digital collections.

 

Senior Budget Package $250.00

• Includes one hour at one location, or two thirty minute mini-sessions at 2 locations.
• Private viewing gallery with 15-20 images available for 2 weeks.
• Your favorite 5 images on a custom disc with print release for up to an 8x10 portrait.
• 48 wallets (two poses)
• 10% off any enlargements

Senior Smile Package $400.00 

• Includes two hours at two locations.
• Private viewing gallery with 20-30 images available for 2 weeks.
• All images on a custom disc with print release for up to an 8x10 portrait.
• 96 wallets (four poses)
• 15% off any enlargements

*Senior Packages are not valid with any other discount offers.

 

 

New Digital Collection Pricing

Smirk Collection (5 images) $200

 

Grin Collection (10 images) $300

 

All Smiles Collection (up to 25 images) $500

 

I will be updating my website pricing so that all of these changes are reflected by September 1, 2010. Thank you for your support through this evolution, and please don't hesitate to let me know if there is anything I can do for you! Thanks!!

 

NEW!! High School Senior Rep Program!

It's time for all of those high school juniors to start thinking about having their senior portraits taken. So I'm offering a special program for one lucky guy and girl from each high school in Whiteside, Lee, and Ogle Counties.

The ASP Senior Rep Program is looking for fun, outgoing 2011 seniors who are not afraid to be in front of the camera. This program not only gets you two free photo sessions, but also can earn you credit in the form of prints and cold hard cash.

The Requirements:

• 2-3 hours shooting on location (agreed upon by photographer and senior/parent), and 1-2 hours shooting in the studio. This includes unlimited clothing changes with some creative discretion by the photographer.
• Model Release Contract to be signed by senior and parent.

What's in it for the ASP Senior Rep:

• Up to 50 referral cards to be given to classmates/friends to market All Smiles Photography.
• 5 low-resolution images for you to post on your website of choice (facebook, myspace, etc.)
• For each referral booked, you will recieve $25 in print credit.
• After 5 referrals are booked, you will recieve a professionally bound 8x8 album with a custom design and 20 of your favorite poses from your sessions.
• After 10 referrals are booked, you will recieve a 20x30 framed wall portrait of your choice.
• For every 5 referrals booked, the Senior Rep recieves a $50 visa gift card!

Classmates must present your Senior Rep Card at the time of their session in order for you to recieve credit. All referred seniors presenting a Senior Rep Card will recieve 10% off a-la-cart print purchases.

Referrals may include anyone who books any of the following sessions: senior, family, newborn, or maternity. As long as they present your referral card, you will get credit towards your senior session! This means that parents can help out too by spreading those Senior Rep Cards around!

Applicants may send an email to info@allsmiles4u.com to submit their application. Just copy and paste the following and fill in your information. You may attach a recent picture to assist in the application process.

Name:
Date of Birth:
Gender:
Parent Contact:
Address:
Phone:
Email:
School:
Extra Cirricular Activities:

The program is first come, first serve, so act fast if you are interested!! I look forward to hearing from you!!

Momma 'P'

I had the pleasure of working with this lovely couple this morning, and capturing the anticipation of a new member of their family. Momma is 7 months along and I can't wait to meet that little guy!! C'mon May!

Spring Ahead!

With this weekend being Daylight Savings Time, I would like to offer a special discount for my loyal blog readers. Drop me an email through the contact page this weekend, and I will offer you a complimentary sitting fee for a spring session (i.e. through May). Hope to hear from new and old clients, alike!! Yeah for spring!!

Senior Session

Such a busy weekend! This morning was a studio style shoot with one of my favorite girls! Hope she enjoys the preview!

Baby "C"

I had the pleasure of spending a morning capturing the anticipation of a very special momma. Hope she enjoys the sneak peeks!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Hello! Anyone else getting bored with this snow business? I'm ready for spring...and excited to announce a few new promotions coming up...so stay tuned for that.

As a lovely surprise, anyone who drops me a line through the contact page on Valentine's Day will recieve 10% off a future print order. Digital Collections and Packages excluded. Hope to hear from you!

I hope everyone has a Happy V-Day, and that we all remember to take a second out of our day to truly cherish our loved ones. I know I have a tendency to get wrapped up in the busy world we live in, and  sometimes forget what's really important in life...my family. I am so blessed to have such a supportive and loving husband, so I'm excited to spend the day with him this coming Sunday.

Have a great day!

Big Change!! Please Note...

Hello again. Thanks for stopping by! Just wanted to give everyone the heads up that after careful consideration, I have decided to change the website address. It is kind of a mouthful to say and to type when clients are attempting to access the site...sooo...the new web address is:

(drumroll...)

www.allsmiles4u.com

(applause)

Way easier, eh? I thought so. Don't worry, if you forget or if you happen to still have the old address on my business card (which I am working on getting new ones with the correct information), you will still be rerouted to the website. You lucky dog...you get to take the scenic route in the never ending land of cyberspace. Too bad it all moves way to quickly for you to notice! :)

Anyway, it's getting late and I'm rambling, so consider yourself informed, you loyal blog reader, you!

New Specials!

Hey everyone! I'm excited to announce a couple new specials you will see on the homepage slideshow of the website. Who doesn't love discounts right!?

The "Sweetheart Special" is geared more towards a Valentine's Day theme and will be shot as a studio session. As an additional discount, for being a loyal blog reader, I will offer you 25% off Valentine's Day cards when you mention this article. This offer is valid until February 14th, 2010, and cannot be combined with any other offer.

The "Let It Snow" discount is simply a free 8x10 portrait for letting me take your family outside for pictures (a $20 value). The snowy landscape can be beautiful in portraiture, so I'm excited to get out there and freeze our buns off together! :) This offer is good until the end of March 2010, and cannot be combined with any other offer.

Hope to see you soon!

Happy New Year!

Hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday and new year. I look forward to 2010 as my ideas and creativity expand, hope that you can all join me on that journey!