Getting as much sun in as we can - Stoney Creek Family photographer

We were trying to soak up every bit of sun while it lasts.  Here are a few of my favorites from the beautiful family beach session. 

Enjoy
~j

Blowing Kisses

This little cutie has so much personality.  It was hard to choose a few favorites.  I hope you enjoy!
~j

My head says Yes, but my heart says NO!

It is with mixed feelings that I am officially announcing I will be moving my studio.  I am so sad to leave my building in Roseville.  I love so many things about this space.  The fact that it was built in 1931, the hardwood floors, tin ceilings, the skeleton key on my key ring that really works and a million other little things.  I love that it is in the city I grew up in and still feel so much at home there.  I love when people send me a message or text and say, "I drove by and saw you photographing a baby in the window."  I love the updates we made to the building and the girl scout in me is proud that I am leaving it in a better state than I found it.  I still love the space and that is what makes me sad to leave.  It has been a decision that has weighed heavy on my heart for a long time.  When I first moved to this space I KNEW it was the right decision.  It was only 5 minutes from home and I could see the potential.  It was a HUGE upgrade from my first studio. 

Now, 3 1/2 years later… I have moved my home 35 miles away.  The location of the studio is just not a great fit for me.  I've been commuting for 2 years and I tried to make it work, sadly it is not.  That is the hard part of leaving.  There is no one real reason to leave right now other than my brain telling me it's time.  My heart is still there and makes this decision so much more complicated.  I am excited to be able to spend more time with my family.  My boys are growing quickly and they are involved in many sports.  They will be teens and adults before I know it.  I am truly going to enjoy the extra time this move is going to allow.  

I will be making major changes to my business.  My website that has been under construction for WAY TOO LONG… yeah that will be completed.  This poor neglected blog and my ezine will be updated regularly.  Pricing and collections changes, digital image collections, a limited number of weddings, new products and so much more.  For now I will move back to my home where my business began 10 years ago.  I have had a studio for more than 6 years.  I will take my time finding a perfect new space a bit closer to my new home. 

I, of course, will still be photographing sessions on location or in your home.  I rarely shoot in my studio, however if you are in need of a studio session I will be borrowing a few different places until I find a new space.  Thank you to all of my friends and family who have helped me along the way.  I am a lucky girl to have so many wonderful people in my life and to be doing exactly what I LOVE doing… giving you a fleeting moment in time captured forever.   

I am selling or permanently retiring (aka destroying) all studio samples. If you are interested in purchasing anything that I have hanging or on display please contact me.  There are also many prints tucked away.  I will post a photograph with as many samples as I can next week. 

Sample Sale prices for pieces ALREADY printed
 8x10or smaller $5
11x14 $20
16x20 or larger $35

Canvas $50

I still have some appointments available for August.  Please contact us at 586-855-6549 to schedule your session. 

Take care,
j

Winter White Sale

Any session from July 2012 and previous, that you have placed a print order from, you may purchase additional prints for 35% off the a la carte pricing.  Call (586)855-6549 or message me for details. 

Christmas orders are due Dec 1

I know that December 1st may seem early for our ordering cut off and I've had quite a few people ask why so I'll explain.  I used to have my Christmas order cut off around Dec 15.  It usually takes 2-3 weeks in the non busy season.  The closer we get to Christmas the longer shipping and deliveries take to arrive.  You can imagine the last minute running around that went on in my already crazy life. 

My sons are still small and I want to enjoy the holidays with them.  As my husband constantly reminds me, "They will not always want to hang out with us."  I'm taking advantage of it while I can.  We have our Giving Jar task that we need to complete every day in the month of December, baking, shopping, cooking, parties...  I LOVE it all.  My Mom and Dad always made Christmas a big deal for my sisters and I.  I want to do the same for my boys.  I want them to remember that their Dad loves this time of year so much, he can't wait for the radio station to begin playing Christmas music ridiculously early, baking cookies, the lights, the snow, sending and receiving mail, picking out our real tree, the smell, feeling loved, loving each other, decorating Grandma and Grandpa's Christmas tree on their anniversary, the art of gift giving, the excitement of Christmas morning, being thankful... all of it and more!  I want them to have a dance party and bust a move when the ball drops on New Year's Eve wearing the crazy hats that they picked out just a few hours before on a spur of the moment dinner and trip to the store.  Remembering the past and looking towards the future.  Most of all I want them to realize how lucky we are to have each other, appreciate all of the advantages that we have in life that get taken for granted at times and the real spirit of the season... giving.  These lessons are important for me as a parent to teach my children. 
  
When I started college, I wanted to be a doctor.  I LOVE science and it's something I thought I would enjoy and could be very "successful."  The more classes I took, I didn't find it necessarily difficult, however it was so much more time consuming than I had ever imagined.  I had only ever wanted to be a mother and I kept thinking, "How much family time am I going to have?", "How long will I have to wait to start a family?" and "How involved will I be as a parent?"  I knew that if I put this much time, energy and work into my career, I would concentrate on my career and not necessarily on starting and raising a family.  Within a year or so I started to think of switching my major to education.  I thought I could have the same schedule as my children, enjoy the summers with them and these were much more important to me than having just a "career."  I never even considered becoming a photographer until after my son Anthony was born.  Becoming a photographer developed slowly and organically.  It is my perfect happy.  Believe me it's not all pretty pictures and unicorns, but there are perks.  I get to do something I love, I'm helping other people and my schedule fits my family's needs. 

In years past, my Christmas cut off was a couple of weeks later than it is this year.  I have spent too many hours on the computer editing and placing last minute orders.  I've missed watching all of the old good Christmas movies and snuggling on the sofa with my boys.  I even delivered an order on Christmas Eve at midnight (so technically Christmas Day) with icy streets after we left my parents house for our family Christmas celebration.  I will not EVER do that again!  No amount of stress or money is worth loosing my family time.  I will be happy to photograph your children and family after December 1st and I also will be accepting orders, I just will not guarantee Christmas delivery.  I appreciate you respecting my family.

I wish you a happy, loving, stress free Christmas filled with wonderful memories and lasting traditions. 

Giving Jar

We are doing the giving jar again this year.  We did it last year and really enjoyed it.  It has become a tradition in our house.  This idea came from a fellow photographer.  Instead of an advent calendar, we do something nice for someone else everyday of the month of December.  Here is the link to her super cool website.  Giving Jar  Here is the list of our good deeds. 

1. Make a donation to a can drive at the Holly Days Parade in Armada
2. Write a Christmas card to a soldier and thank them for their service and wish them a Merry Christmas
3. Random act of kindness of your choice
4. Mail box of goodies to cousins in TX
5. Donate a coat and mittens to a coat drive
6. Send a letter to a friend you haven't been able to see in awhile
7. Donate your favorite book to a book drive
8. Bring Grandma Sue and Grandpa Tony a Christmas wreath
9. Give a toy to a Toys for Tots
10. Give treats to some of the school staff and thank them for the work they do
11. Help Grandma Dale and Grandpa Jim decorate their Christmas tree
12. Write a letter to your teacher telling them what you enjoy about her class
13. Deliver baked goods to a neighbor
14. Christmas Caroling at the rehabilitation center/nursing home in town
15. Adopt a family in need
16. Donate a blanket to an animal shelter
17. Dust Great Grandma Pepie's apartment and take her to dinner
18. Drop off spare change to a Salvation Army's Red Kettle
19. Make a blanket and give it to a woman's or homeless shelter
20. Deliver treats to the firestation
21. Pay for a random persons coffee order
22. Give a box of cupcakes to the police station
23. Write a note to your brother telling him what you love most about him
24. Deliver food to someone who has to work on Christmas Eve

I will update this post with photos as soon as I get some of our jar. 

If you decide to create your own giving jar, let me know what your tasks are.  I would love to hear!

jamie

November 24 - Santa is coming to the studio!

Your time with Santa is so personal and not rushed. You have a scheduled time. There will be no waiting in long lines like the mall. This will make your visit with Santa the most personal experience for your child. The session will be a mini 15-minute session which will be plenty of time for you child to speak with Santa and read a story. You will select your images immediately after your session and you will have them in about 14 days. In order to schedule a session with Santa, you must purchase one of the packages below which start at $40. A la Carte items are available as well.

*NEW* Digital files of the largest print in your package will be a complimentary gift this year.  You will receive it in an email before your prints arrive! 

Packages
(1) 8x10 (2) 5x7 (8) wallets - $80
(2) 5x7 (8) wallets - $60
(1) 5x7 (8)wallets - $40

A la Carte (after the purchase of a package)
8x10 - 30
5x7 - 25
8 wallets 10
24 5x7 flat cards $32

*Images will not be on Matboard


These sessions will fill fast. Call 586-855-6549 or email jfodale@comcast.net to schedule your appointment.

jamie