Baby R ~ 10 months

Choo Choo!!  Well, we managed to squeeze off one shot of him sitting still with his train. That's the life of a crawler...they don't spend too much time in one place!  Needless to say, that's why the rest of his pictures look like he's on the move!  :)  Action shots...the best ones since they show the childrens' true personality. 

This family had the perffffect home for an indoor session!  Lots of windows and wonderfully decorated.  When and if I can ever have an in-home studio, I'll take into consideration the decor from this home.  The black flooring and wainscoting in the dining room make for perfect pictures! 

Oh, I almost forgot...the last image was totally mom's idea!  I love it when my customers have something special in mind.  :)

Enjoy baby R!!!

Wee Bit Wednesday

{one} what is your favorite breakfast food?Hmmm...it depends where I'm having breakfast...At IHOP-stuffed french toast topped with strawberries.  Cracker Barrel-pancakes with turkey sausage.  At home-blueberry pancakes with scrambled eggs (cheese, bacon and onions please!)

{two} how many pairs of shoes do you currently own?oh man...I don't want to get out of bed yet...so I'll estimate..workout shoesyard shoes4 flip flopssilver sandalssequined sandalswhite sandalsbrown pumps (can't remember the last time I wore these!)black pumps (ditto)timberland bootsugg knock-offsbrown flatsblack flatslands end trekkers (my fav in spring/fall)black boots = about 20 pairs of shoes. I'm sure there are more I've forgotten about.   

{three} city or country?country!  I want to live there!

{four} what is your favorite part of your job?Which job?  Being a mommy? Watching my son grow everyday. Photography? Close call between flexibility and getting paid to do what I love. 

{five} what is your favorite junk food to snack on?chocolate! 

{six} have you ever been mentioned in the newspaper?Back in high school I was for swimming/track/cross country meet results and our engagement announcement. 

{seven} do you use post-it notes?absolutely!

{eight} do you have freckles?no, just tons of moles.

{nine} is it okay for men to wear pink?If they're comfortable in it.  And nobody should comment negatively about what someone else wears.  It just shows your true heart. 

{ten} when was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper?Around Christmas time.  And I always hand write thank you notes when we receive gifts.

March Mini Session

{March Mini Session}
When: Sunday, March 20th (make up day Saturday 26th)

Where: Explorium - outside by the bright and colorful walls! Or inside with brick wall.

Times: 4:30-5:00, 5:00-5:30, 5:30-6:00, 6:00-6:30, 6:30-7:00
Pssst...I also have 2 funky blue and hot pink chairs for the kiddos!
Cost: $30 for 30 minutes.  Disc with images included

This month's mini session is in honor of my childhood friend, Brittany.  As a friend or family member, wear anything orange to show your love and support for Brittany and her family.  All proceeds from this month's mini session will go to the family to help offset everyday and medical expenses.  To show your support contact amanda.mitchell08@yahoo.com to book a session!

How Do I Sign Up?

Email me back with your requested date and time.  I will send you an email back confirming your session along with the contract.  Simply fill it out and return it with your deposit or entire session fee by March 16, 2011. 

Anything else I need to know?

Deposit of $15 is required for reservation.  Deposit is due by March 16, 2011.  In the event the deposit is not received by 7:00pm on March 16, 2011, the requested date and time will be made available to the public. If mentioned parties fail to show at designated time, AMANDA MITCHELL PHOTOGRAPHY is not responsible for photography coverage and all deposits are forfeited.  In the event of rain, excessive snow, ice or unsafe travel conditions, CLIENT is responsible for attending weather make up day.  AMANDA MITCHELL PHOTOGRAPHY will not refund any monies, deposits may be put towards another photography session. I will make decision based on Lexington's weather and road conditions.

 

If you still wish to have a mini session, but cannot make the above dates or dates/times are filled, you may book a session with standard fees or wait until next month's mini session.  
 

I will email out reminders, pointers, tips, and recommendations as our  mini-session approaches.

Baby M ~ 3 months

Oooh I love watching little babies grow!  I guess because it seems like my little boy has grown SO fast...I can relive his infancy through my customers.  :) 

Here's Baby M, you may remember her from Christmas when I did her newborn pictures.  :)  I can't wait to watch her grow through this next year!

Wee Bit Wednesday

{one} ice: crushed or cubed?doesn't matter
{two} what is your worst traffic pet peeve?tailgating!  especially when i'm already driving or going over the speed limit, or when the driver in front of me is slow.  really?  what are you trying accomplish? a higher auto insurance premium when you rear-end me?  and don't be surprised if i actually slow down...sometimes your arm flailing is entertaining-viewed from my rearview mirror. 
{three} what room in your house best represents your personality?my bedroom. but in our next home it will be MY office...devoted purely to my love of photography.
{four} do you save old birthday cards?every single one from my husband and from others if i find them sentimental or humorous.
{five} when was the last time you went on a picnic?does ice cream at the park count?  we did that back in the fall...i believe temps were 40s/50s so ice cream probably wasn't the best idea!  hot cocoa would've been more like it!  :)
{six} do you regularly check your horoscope?i used to in middle and high school, but not since then.  i think you can read any horoscrope and feel like it applies to you.
{seven} when you’re home, what do you wear on your feet?slippers
{eight} what’s your favorite gambling game? i don't care for gambling unless it is just for fun, but i know people's reaction 'what's the point?!'  a good game of texas hold 'em is a beach past time.  :)
{nine} have you ever written (or started writing) a book?how can you NOT go through an elementary education program and NOT write a book?  even a simple children's book.  but am i published?  no. 
{ten} what is your favorite musical?The Sound of Music

The 29 Gift Challenge

Cami Walker's life was changed once given the challenge to give away 29 gifts in 29 days.  Here's her story in a nutshell.

Within a month of marrying her husband she was diagnosed with a crippling disease; multiple sclerosis.  Cami also battled an addiction to prescription drugs during her younger years, which surfaced again during her early treatment of MS.  Cami, a beautiful, young woman in love... now bed-ridden and writhing in searing pain...fears 'through sickness and health' vows will be broken...hopes of having her own children shattered. 
A neighbor gave her an odd prescription; to give a gift for 29 days.  Cami was shocked...here she lies in the utmost pain she has endured her entire life and she has been asked to think of everybody else but herself.  A miracle in the making?  But just giving gifts isn't part of the prescription...journaling about each day is also a requirement.  And if she forgets to give a gift one day, she must start over.
Read about Cami's 29 days of gift giving and see how it changed her life.  Does her husband still stand by her side?  Will she ever be relieved of the side effects of this paralyzing disease?  How will she look at life differently?

During Cami's 29 days of gift giving, she launches a website and encourages friends and family to join in on the altruistic movement.  You can check it out here.  You can also order the book, journal or starter kit for your journey of 29 gift giving days.

I considered blogging about my gift giving challenge, but then decided against it. 

Matthew 6:2-4

''So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

Just a thought...contest for free shoot

So with Mother's Day closer than we realize, I started thinking about what I'd like for Mother's Day.  For starters, a haircut (WAAAAY overdue...my stylist can vouch for that!) a pedicure (the Pedegg can only do so much between visits)...and then I got to thinking...what if I could give that to one mom...and document it all with a free photo shoot?!  How much fun would it be?! 

So here are my ideas...possibly looking for a make-up artist (Avon, Mary Kay, etc) and manicurist, and maybe someone for jewelry (Premier, etc).  Maybe even a hairstylist.  I would organize some sort of contest for one (maybe more) lucky mom.  After her special treatment we would have a little photo shoot.  Who doesn't like to be vain every now and then? ! ;) 

It would be my way to give back to customers or potential customers AND for other small businesswomen to get their name out there.  I would provide images for the women who provided their services, for advertising purposes.  And of course the pampered mama wouldn't leave empty handed.  :)

Let me hear your ideas and thoughts!  Or let me know if you might be interested in donating your services!

Baby B ~ 6 months

Another sweet little Valentine!  I can't wait for her next few sessions...her mama showed me some pink cowboy boots, rocking horse, and antique rocking chair they want to use!!! 

Wee Bit Wednesday

{one} what was your favorite sitcom growing up?full house.  totally had a crush on uncle jessie!
 {two} what song always makes you happy when you hear it?one song?!  how about my top favs... something beautiful by newsboys, lost in this moment by big & rich, and cinderella by steven curtis chapman.  coincidentally all songs played at our wedding.  :) {three} do you still have your wisdom teeth?nope. {four} what is your go to way to relax?it usually doesn't happen until after 7:30...when little man has gone to bed.  a bubble bath, a good book, and some yoga. {five} do you play any instruments?ha NO! {six} nude beaches: yes or no?NOT FOR ME! {seven} do you chew your pens/pencils?nope {eight} can you change the oil in your car?nope.  that's what my brother is for.  :) {nine} can you curl your tongue?sure can. {ten} can you knit or crochet?crochet!  and i'm using my skills to make my own photography props!!  :)

Changes

Sometimes change is a good thing. I timidly made changes to my pricing for image discs and prints. 

Why?

Well, you see, I found an AWESOME printing lab.  I received my test prints in the mail and compared them to prints from your corner store pharmacy...and the result...WOW!  The skin tones, vibrance, and brightness are had to pass up from my new lab.  Not to mention the variety of photo finishes...lustre, metallic, linen, and mounted on matboard.  Metallic is my new FAV photo finish.  It is just that...it looks as if the photo is made of shiny metal.  The linen finish gives the print an oil-painting type of feel, without compromising the crispness or clarity of the image.  I have samples to share with you next time we meet.  :)

So what does this have to do with pricing?

Well, as a photographer I'd like to make a good name for myself.  If a client prints their pictures at a corner store pharmacy and they are well...you're average-run-of-the-mill print, dull colors, blotchy or inconsistent skin tones...do I really want my name associated with that image?  I hate to say it...but no.  That's why the price of the image disc has increased; I'm trying to get more of my quality prints out there for everyone to see.  I'm also resizing the images so they are printable up to 8x10.  You wanted a canvas to hang over the fireplace?  I have you covered with my new printing lab!  I want to make sure you're getting the quality canvas you deserve. 

Please don't be discouraged!  I'm keepin' it real with my repeat customers and their referrals!  I respect you for your loyal business and sending your friends my way.  So I have something in return...after your session you will receive coupons to give to friends, family, coworkers that entitles them to a $30 print credit.  Don't worry...I didn't forget about you...I mean, you wrangled in your friends and directed them in my way, so you too will receive a $30 print credit when one of your friends books a session.  I value your business and want to keep your business. 

I hope to hear from all of you soon!  :)

PS  If I already quoted you on a package/price prior to my price changes, you still receive the original price. 

Will you be my Valentine?

How can you NOT steal a kiss from this little Valentine?!  Precious baby blues, a contagious smile, and a bubbly personality made this shoot a success!  Most crawlers are natural wiggle worms, but a few plush roses did the trick to keep her put for a few shots.  Awwww...And this shoot is the whole reason we need a little girl!  Frilly skirts, headbands, and plush roses.  You just can't do that with boys...and unfortunately there are two generations going strong with only boys in our fam.  :(

Miss L is a few weeks younger than my little guy, so after the shoot they headed to the playroom to chase after bouncy balls and chew on some stuffed animals.  Oh wait...that would be my son.  Miss L's mom and I watched as these two crawled, cruised, and bulldozed over each from toy-to-toy.  Great fun!

February Mini Session!

When: Sunday, February 20th (make up day Monday 21st)

Where: Explorium - outside by the bright and colorful walls! Or inside with brick wall.

Times: 4:00-4:30, 4:30-5:00, 5:00-5:30, 5:30-6:00, 6:00-6:30

 

How Do I Sign Up?

Email me back with your requested date and time.  I will send you an email back confirming your session along with the contract.  Simply fill it out and return it with your deposit or entire session fee by February 13, 2011. 

Anything else I need to know?

Deposit of $15 is required for reservation.  Deposit is due by Feb, 13, 2011.  In the event the deposit is not received by 7:00pm on Feb.13, 2011, the requested date and time will be made available to the public. If mentioned parties fail to show at designated time, AMANDA MITCHELL PHOTOGRAPHY is not responsible for photography coverage and all deposits are forfeited.  In the event of rain, excessive snow, ice or unsafe travel conditions, CLIENT is responsible for attending weather make up day.  AMANDA MITCHELL PHOTOGRAPHY will refund all paid monies if same weather conditions apply for make up day. I will make decision based on Lexington's weather and road conditions.

 

If you still wish to have a mini session, but cannot make the above dates or dates/times are filled, you may book a session with standard fees or wait until next month's mini session.  
 

I will email out reminders, pointers, tips, and recommendations as our  mini-session approaches.

Wee Bit Wednesday!

{one} how tall are you?5'6" {two} besides bills, what do you spend most of your money on?my personal money or photography money???  personal money goes to clothes.  photography money goes towards new lenses and killer props!! {three} what are your three favorite websites? shaun ring photography - our wedding photograher who I keep tabs on...awesome work!, etsy- ideas for props, kellys closet.-where I buy son's cloth diaper stash...speaking of...this week's giveaway is...

Fluff Friday
2-Thirsties Duo Fab Fitted Diapers
1-Thirsties Duo Diaper Wrap {four} what brand of tennis shoes do you prefer?I used to be really picky and only purchase New Balance, but that's when I was actually training for road races.  Ha, I've given up road races...a 5k feels like a marathon now.  Now I buy what looks good and is on sale.  I picked up Saucony's for $45 just a few weeks ago.  And yes, they are hot pink.  :) {five} what food can you absolutely not stand to eat?anything with eyes still in/on it {six} How many pairs of jeans do you own?well...I  have pre-maternity, maternity, postpartum, and what I can wear now.  I can fit into prematernity, but they sure don't look the same!  Curses to the low-waist jeans!  Once you're a mom those darn things just don't fit the same!  You can weigh the same, but proportions are different...Oh, back to the original question...I currently wear 4 pairs.  A 5th pair I refer to as my 'weekend' jeans.  Hubby calls them 'mom jeans.'  Is there something wrong with one pair of relaxed jeans?! {seven} if you could have any job, what would it be?I already have it...wife, mom and photographer.  :)   {eight} have you ever ridden in an ambulance?Nope. {nine} how many pillows do you sleep with?1, sometimes 2. {ten} on a scale of 1-5, how organized are you?Hmmm, well.  I'd say 4.  But if you look at my desk right now you'd scoff at me.  I just haven't gotten around to my 'weekly' paperwork.  Seriously, it wears me out to take care of that on a daily basis.  I let it pile up, then put everthing in its proper place.

Fresh idea for indoor sessions...

So I was checking out my sis-n-laws blog to take a peek of her sons' 1 and 3 year old pictures.  ADORABLE!  You have to see for yourself, so here are a few of the images.  To see all of them, visit her blog.  So why am I posting her work on my blog...well, the backdrops are fabric she bought!  And to make it even sweeter...THEY WERE ON SALE!  I thought, "Hey, I could totally stock up on fabrics for backdrops."  And then I got to thinking...well maybe the fabrics I have aren't what the families would choose.  Where would I store MORE props?  Would I get my money's worth out of the fabric purchases?  So I've decided to opt out on stocking up on backdrops fabrics.  But, hey, they are adorable aren't they?! 

So keep the fabric backdrop an option when you think about booking a session!  That way your session will be unique...no one will have a backdrop like yours.  On top of that, you can coordinate backdrops and outfits!  Really, we're not talking that much money for a piece of cloth.  Laura said she only needed 3/4 yard. 

Get creative!  Hmmm...maybe I should have some sort of promotion for those who buy their own fabric backdrops....JUST A THOUGHT!!  What do you think???

Thanks Laura for letting me post some of your work!!