It's Party Time Again!

That’s right the first facebook party was so much fun that we decided that night to do another one. We had thought about July or August, but we all had visions of sand between our toes and the cool breeze coming off the ocean. Ahhhh… now I want to go back to the beach.

So we are going to have another facebook profile party on Thursday, Sept. 17th at the studio from 6-8 pm. Come by and stay as long as you want. We will do a mini-session and from that you will get an image file to use for your profile portrait on facebook, myspace, linkedin, twitter or whatever you are online on.

Nancy Hunt will be back with all her pretty bling, bling! Nancy is an independent distributor for Premier Designs High Fashion Jewelry. They have some great new fall pieces.

This time we are going to have your Avon lady, Renee Bradshaw here. Renee will have some Avon samples for you to check out as well.

It is going to be lots of fun. Since it is a party, you know there will be food.

There is no admission charge, but if you could bring a donation of dog or cat food that would be great. During the month of September DCP is working with Catawba County Humane Society by collecting donations for their food pantry. With the economy the way it is, some families are struggling to be able to afford to feed their family pet. Many of these pets are brought to the shelter or worst abandoned. The food pantry gives food to families in need so they can feed their furry family member and not have to give them up.

Let me know if you have any questions and don’t forget to bring a friend!

Beautiful Sleeping Baby

I recently saw a news story on Good Morning America about beautiful sleeping baby images used in advertising. The story referred to the proper sleep position for babies to reduce the risks of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). A new article was released discussing the importance of having your baby sleep on their back and not on their stomach and/or on soft comforters, etc. Read the full story to find out about the recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on sleep positions for your baby.

Watching Sarah sleep when she was a baby is one of my fondest memories. I still love sleeping babies and capturing the sweet innocence of that quiet time. I always know we are going to have a special treasure for mommy when her little one falls asleep at the studio. Every parent should have a portrait like that. Take it from me, it becomes priceless. You will need that reminder of how sweet they can be, when you are trying to get them up for school in a few years.

Jailhouse FACES Exhibit

Earlier in the spring, I was asked to participate in a special exhibit for the Burke County United Way showcases the “FACES” of those involved in the United Way projects. It was an incredible honor to be one of a few photographers asked to do the photography for this project and during the month of June I went to some of the projects to do the photographs needed for the exhibit. I can say it was a lot of fun doing this and I met some incredible people. Our county really does have some wonderful people.

The projects United Way funds really do some incredible things for our community and the staff and volunteers of the United Way are hard working and caring people. We are fortunate to have them working to make our county a better place.

The exhibit is now on display at the Burke Arts Council’s Jailhouse Gallery on the square in downtown Morganton and will be there through the rest of August. Last night, they held a special exhibit reception and I got to see for the first time which images of mine they selected to use for the exhibit. The exhibit looks great. You really need to run by there and see it. It truly does put a face to the United Way.

While at the reception, I was able to meet the other two photographers that were selected to participate in this project; Kimberly Lajzar and Jeff Starks. It was a real pleasure getting to meet them and their work is great. I hope they had as much fun with this project as I did. I also got to see many old friends that I have not seen in years. Yes I know “me bad”, but it is always great to see them and hopefully it won’t be as long before we see each other again.

Of course everyone knows how much I love spending time in jail – the Jailhouse Gallery that is. It has been several years since my last exhibit there and I must say I love the changes to the gallery room the recent remodeling project did. Ann DiSanto, the staff and volunteers at the Burke Arts Council always do a great job in displaying exhibits and I always feel at home when I am in the jailhouse. Okay no smart comments on that…

Here are a few of my images you will see on display, but you really should check out the exhibit and let me know what you think. Visiting hours are 9-5 Tuesday through Friday. Hope to see you there!

School Days

While it is still hot and we are all still trying to enjoy every moment of the summer we can; before we know it the school bell will be ringing again and all of the children will be heading back to the classrooms. Unfortunately, some children will not have all of the school supplies they will need to do their school work.

We can help. Again, this August DCP will be collecting school supplies to be given out to children in need. As a thank you for your generosity, for every full bag of school supplies you bring in you will be given a gift card for a session that you can use any time in the future. On top of that if you schedule you session in August, then you will also receive a $25 gift card you can use towards your order from that session.

Since Sarah has been in school I have been very active and have served on committees. This has really opened my eyes as to how many children out there really do not have the simple items they need to learn and to grow. I can’t do much, but together we can. There is an old saying that I have no clue who said it first, but it takes a village to raise a kid. Sorry if I butchered the actual saying. You get my point though.

Below is just a short list of some items you can get and bring. I’ll even meet you some where to pick them up if you need me to. Many of you are school teachers. Please feel free to add to this list by placing a comment. And by all means; forward this to everyone you know. Let’s make a difference in the children's school year and life.

Oh almost forgot. The sale tax holiday weekend is coming up. This year it is August 7^th-9^th and here is a link to the official list for what is tax-free that weekend. Perfect time to pick up a few extra items for the collection. http://www.dornc.com/taxes/sales/holiday_4-08.pdf

One more thing to all of my photographer friends that read this: I am sending out a challenge to each of you to collect school supplies at your studios as well. Just let people know and put out a box and then call the closest school. Trust me, the hard working staff at the school knows just who needs these supplies. Thanks all you big hearted photo nuts.

Suggested school supply items needed:

Loose leaf paper

Backpacks (no wheels)

Pencils

3-ring binders

Pencil pouches

Glue sticks

Rulers

Tissues

Scissors

Pencil sharpers

Spiral notebooks

Folders

Wipes

Have I got a deal for you...

Spring is here and the weather is wonderful. I love this time of the year; being outside working in the garden and spending time in the hammock. Now that is living. But it is also a great time to go outside for those portrait sessions that we have been talking about. The temperatures are not too hot or cold and the bugs have not gotten too bad yet. It is time to get your session scheduled.

And do I have a deal for you!!! – Okay that sounded like a bad TV commercial, but it is true.

Regardless of where you want to have your session; your home, on your boat at the lake, your favorite park, you get the idea – during May and June your session fee is a mere $25 donation to Relay For Life. Each year DCP has a RFL promotion and since I am so eager to get outside this year, it is for on-location sessions.

Your session can be any time in May and June, but since I have to turn in the donations by the end of May all sessions must be scheduled by May 31st. Also if you want to help out the BCFFA food pantry drive too, then I got a very special deal for you. Donate both the pet food and the $25 to RFL and you will get both sessions; one now and one any time this year. What a perfect way to get a session ready for the fall when it is perfect for outdoor portraits again!

Give me a call 828-397-6055 or email me so we can start making the plans for your special session. Summer will be here before we know it and there is only 226 days left till Christmas… Hint this is perfect for kids of all ages, families and upcoming high school seniors…

So let’s go out and play!

Sarah's Project: Pet Portraits With A Cause

It is a well known fact I am an animal lover. Just ask my husband if you don’t believe me. The bad thing for my husband is Sarah has taken my love for animals too. Reno, our lab, is definitely a big part of our family. I just love him so much, even if he just lies around all day and then gives me those sad eyes that melt my heart. Just like Sarah, he is my baby.

It hurts me to see animals mistreated or neglected. But it hurts me even more when I see someone who loves their animal and they are no longer able to take care of them. In a lot of these cases, the animal is their only companion during most days. In some of these cases the animals are giving up for adoption or even worst they are abandoned.

We are lucky to have incredibly caring individuals that try to help in such cases and try to find good homes for the animals they have under their care through our local humane societies. During May and June you can help DCP help stock the food pantry at the Burke County Friends For Animals so that they can give out this pet food to the families that need assistance in feeding some of their important members of their family.

Sarah and I are collecting donation of pet food, both dry and can to take up to the shelter for their food pantry. You can help by making a donation during May and June and in appreciation for your donation you will receive a free pet session. This session can be of just your pet or you and your pet or your whole family and that includes your pet. The session can be of any type animal, although if it is a snake - I’ll use my long lens. J

Sarah has challenged me to have to make multiple trips up there to take the food; so I need your help. Help me make sure I don’t let my little girl down or our furry friends.

It's Party Time!

Are you ready for a new profile image to use facebook and the other online social sites? Would you like to have one that truly represents the “you” that you want to show? The fun happy go-lucky person or even the business person? Maybe even with that special someone?

Here is your chance. There is a facebook profile party at the studio on Thursday, May 21st from 6-8 pm. For a $10 donation (make check out to Relay For Life), you will have a special session to create images that your friends will love when they see you online. As you may know RFL is very special to me. I am an active sponsor of the Valdese RFL and their relay is Friday, May 22nd at the Old Rock School. Please help me in donating to this great cause. Because together we can make a difference.

We are going to have lots of food. After all what is a party without food? There are lots of free goodies to be given out and some special ladies will be here to show off some incredible jewelry and make-up. Nancy Hunt, independent jewelry consultant will be here with some incredible jewelry for you to look at. It is really cool stuff; even I like it. An independent beauty consultant from Mary Kay will even be here with some of the latest make-up to try.

You do not need an appointment and you are welcomed to bring friends or send your friends. Please do RSVP so I can plan on how many people to expect. But by all means come on by. It is going to be loads of fun.
It had been a long time since I had changed my profile, so the other day I had a photographer friend create a new one for me. And I can tell you we had the best time doing this session. Join me for the profile party and as a friend on facebook.

It is going to be so much fun!!!

National Teacher Winner

I am so thrilled to send out congratulations to a long time client and now friend, Paula Tate. Paula is a teacher at Draughn High School and was recently named Teacher of the Year at Draughn and now she has been awarded the First Freedom Teaching Excellent Award. You can read more about this national teaching award and Paula here.

Paula’s students secretly recommended her for this honor and she is so deserving of it. Over the years of knowing Paula, I have seen her dedication to her students. She is a true educator and perfect for the job. As a parent, I realize how lucky we are to have such wonderful teachers like Paula molding our children.

Above is an image of Paula’s pride and joys from a recent session. She has two of the sweetest boys and they are the joy of her life. Congrats! Paula and keep up the good work!

Over The Rainbow…

“And when it rains on your parade, look up rather than down. Without the rain, there would be no rainbow.” – G.K. Chesterton

The Lord gives us some gifts some times. We just have to stop long enough to be able to see them and then to enjoy them. While helping Sarah with her homework, I glanced up and saw the most beautiful rainbow. We went out and enjoyed a double rainbow for a little while. One was very faint and one (the one here in the image) was very strong, but both very beautiful. I guess getting soaked while trying to mow grass earlier was worth it.

What other gifts of the Lord’s are we too busy to see and enjoy?

The Mountain Called And We Had To Go…

Every once in a while Sarah and I take a day and have a mommy & me day. We always have fun and it is really nice to have some fun time just me and her without worrying about housework or homework. This past week she was off for spring break from school so we took yesterday and went to one of our favorite places, Grandfather Mtn. Sarah loves to go spend time with the animals and will watch them for hours and I just love being on the mountain.

We could not have asked for better weather; well the photographer in me would have liked to have had some clouds in the sky. But otherwise it was awesome; not cold or hot, virtually no wind. Yes, my GFM photography friends; no wind. Hope that is the case in May for our weekend up there. The sky was a perfect solid Carolina Blue, no polarizer needed. I am sure that was just Hugh Morton’s way of celebrating UNCs becoming National Champs again! Yeah!!!!
One of my favorite quotes is by John Muir, “The mountains are calling and I must go.” I go to GFM (short for Grandfather Mtn) several times a year and wish I could be up there more. The mountain and the staff up there just make me feel like I am at home each time I am there. It was neat to see just how much progress has been made on the new gift shop on the top. Sarah is ready for it to open so she can go spend some money there.

I can remember the first time we took Sarah up there and she was scared to cross the bridge, but she did. Yesterday, I could not keep up with her skipping around on the rocks up there. She is really growing up and becoming more like me every day; yes a scary thing. I did beat her by finishing my ice cream sundae from the new fudge shop up there.

I am not sure where we will head for or when our next mommy & me day is, but I am sure looking forward to it. I am also sure we will be making another trip to GFM soon too. I will be heading up there to photograph a wedding, a family portrait session and for a photography weekend all in May and I can’t wait. In fact someone better hide my keys, I think I hear the mountain calling me…

America’s Cutest Kid – Vote For Me!

This is Zander. I have photographed him since he was just a baby and he is definitely one of America’s Cutest Kids in my book. Zander is participating in the national search for the cutest kid contest. This contest not only awards some really nice prizes (like a $5,000 US Savings Bond – I would love for Zander to win that!), but each vote (only $1) benefits a wonderful organization that is very dear to my heart; Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep.

This is the image we select to use for the contest. It is from Zander’s “Model” session we did in downtown Hickory. Zander worked hard modeling for us and we all had a great time. I cannot think of a better way to have spent that morning. Although, I am still waiting on the recipe for Zander’s Mac n’ Cheese using Fruit Loops.

You can help Zander win the city competition by placing your vote here. It is tax deductible so you can use it on your taxes next year. Voting ends April 2nd, so go vote now. Your vote counts!

The Luck of the Irish

Happy St Patrick’s Day!!! Hope you are wearing green today.

I had a slight problem at the studio this morning. A little leprechaun named “Patty” ran around and caused a bunch of trouble. I finally caught him, but not before he had some fun. This is where I need your help.

Patty got into the website and apparently he left some messages for all of you. He has confessed to leaving 5 messages on the website each one on a different page, but he is not saying any more until his attorney gets here. Can you all help me find them so I can clean-up the website again?

A reward has been posted. Find three of them and receive a $50 gift certificate to use at your next session. Find all five and receive the $50 gift certificate to use at your next session and a brag book with 8 images from that session.

All you have to do is find the messages and write them down as they appear and what page you found them on and email them to me. Oh, Patty did say one last thing before he stopped talking. He said the messages go away at 11 pm tonight. Thanks for your help and may the Luck of the Irish be with you!

Celebrate With Me

On March 2nd at the Professional Photographers of North Carolina’s convention; I took the Certified Professional Photographers (CPP) exam. I had been studying heavily for the past couple of months for this exam. While taking the exam the only thought I had was “this is not what I studied.” After finishing the exam I was left with the feeling of uncertainty on how I did; as did the others that took the exam with me. The past almost two weeks has been filled with wondering the outcome. Today I found out the results of the exam. I passed! Big sigh; yeah and even do a funny dance; mostly a big sigh.

Becoming Certified is a goal of mine. Less than 3% of all professional photographers have past the Certification process. It is a vigorous process that requires you to pass a comprehensive exam on the technical aspects and also submit images to a panel of judges for review and approval. I still have to submit my images. The next submission date is May 2nd, so I guess the next couple of months will still be filled with uncertainty.

But for tonight, I am celebrating passing the exam. And I want to share my excitement and make an offer to you. To celebrate I have decide to a have promotion that you can enjoy too. Call (828-397-6055) or email me and mention you would like the “CPP” special and schedule a regular session between now and April 24th and receive a $100 gift card to use on that session. The “CPP” special is only for regular sessions and is not available for Baby Club, Doodlebug Club or Bunny sessions. If you already have a regular session schedule, then contact me and you can still join in on the “CPP” special.

This is a great chance for you to get that session you have wanted to do and to get some images to give as gifts to Mom for her special day and who knows you might just get to be one of the stars in the images I use to submit to complete the Certification process. And that would be pretty cool for both of us.

Is your child America’s Cutest Kid?

Denise Clay Photography is participating in the National Charity Model Search to select “America’s Cutest Kid” and to raise funds for not one, but two charities.

I am looking for cute children ages 18 months to 14 years old to model for a portrait to be entered into the contest. And I know there are some mighty cute kids out there. I have some great ideas for this.

Models Search Special:
$25 entrance fee (all of the entrance fee will be donated to Relay For Life), which includes a 30 minute model session and one image submitted to the national gallery.

Finalists will be determined by online votes. Anyone may vote. Each vote is $1, and all proceeds from votes benefit the non-profit Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep. (NILMDTS.org)

Grand prize national winner will be determined from the 50 city finalists. Winners selected by photography and modeling industry experts.

If your child is selected the national winner, you’ll receive many prizes, including a $5,000 US Savings Bond and a Canon PowerShot G10 digital camera.

If you’re interested in entering your child(ren), please call the studio at 828-397-6055 or email me. For more information about the contest, go online to http://www.sandypucmodels.com/ or just ask me.

Deadline is March 27th.

Here Comes Peter Cottontail

That’s right it is time for those cute and cuddly bunnies. The bunnies will be at the studio one day only this year, Saturday March 28th. A new set is ready for this year that is simply adorable and it is perfect for kids of all ages. I can’t wait. It is going to be so much fun. Give me a call for more details and to schedule your time. Session fee is $20 and packages are $75 and portraits will be back the week before Easter Sunday.

First Facebook Contest Winner Announced

Congratulations go out to Shawn Reavis. Shawn’s name was pulled from all of the Facebook DCP Fans and she wins a custom Portrait Art Glass from her next session. All fans of DCP on the last day of February were put into a hat and Shawn’s name was the one drawn. I am looking forward to Shawn’s session and creating the Portrait Art Glass just for her. Thanks Shawn for being a fan!

More fun things are on the way that is specific only to those that are fans of DCP. If you are not a fan and want to join in on the fun, then all you have to do is click on become a fan and you will included on the future promos, contests and specials.

Snow Cancels School!!!!

As most of you know school is out today for the snow. At least through out a good portion of North Carolina. Sarah is at home having fun, but I am not able to be there with her to enjoy it. I am in Raleigh with my second family at the Professional Photographers of NC Convention (PPNC).

I love coming here every year to get to meet all of my old (hehe) photography friends and to talk with them, laugh and of course eat (we all love to eat). But also to learn from some of the best photographers from across the nation. PPNC is known through out the country for having one of the best conventions every year with a line-up of speakers packed with talent. I will blog more about this later.

Right now I am getting ready to go take my Certification exam. It is at 1 today, so everyone send me good vibes. I have been fighting a cold for a while and still struggling with it, but I am rested and I think ready for the exam. I just hope I don't start second guessing my answers and change them. I have a tendency to do that when I take exams.

Sarah is getting a big laugh out of all of the studying I have been doing and the fact am having to take an exam while she is playing in the snow. Well when the warm weather returns I'll get her back.

Let's since I am stuck in here and not able to get out much to play in the snow send me some images like the last time it snowed and a little story and I'll post them on the blog.

Throw a snowball for me,
Denise

Packed And Ready - Well Almost

Hi everyone. Tonight’s blog is going to be short and sweet. I just got home a little bit ago and have spent the time eating supper while trying to fix the internet. I think I have it about half-way fixed.

One week from today I will be in Raleigh with some (actually a whole bunch) really wonderful photographers; who I am lucky enough to call friends. The Professional Photographers of North Carolina’s convention starts next Saturday and I am so excited to be going. I always enjoy going and getting to study with some of the most talented photographers from across the nation. This year is not going to be any different. I am so excited about getting to attend programs from one of the top high school senior photographers in the nation, a program on fine art photography (yes I am going to find time this year to get back to some of that), a special program on maternity sessions (her work is breath-taking) and so many more. I am not sure I can sleep this week waiting to get there. On top of all of the programs, I get to spend time and talk with many photographers from across our state. I get so energized and full of ideas while I am there.

PPNC has one of the best trade shows around as well. There are always so many vendors that I can spend hours in there looking around at what all of the vendors are offering now. I am going to be looking out for some new items that I want to introduce here at the studio. I want to actually touch and see some of the things in person to make sure the quality is worth having.

Want to help me out? Give me some ideas of things you would be interested in and I will see if I can find it there at the trade show and see if it is something we can start doing here.

Keep your eyes out on the blog next week. I will be blogging from the convention and I know I am going to get some great ideas for us to try at your next session.

I HAVE BEEN FRAMED I TELL YOU!!!

Yes I have been FRAMED!!!

Of course I have always sold frames, but I am really excited now that I have a frame corner display area. This has been a long time goal of mine, but it is finally a reality. Thanks to my sweet hubby! And I am so excited about it that till 10 pm Tuesday, February 24th, you can receive 14% (in honor of the 14 Days of Love event) off any frame that you order.

Do you have any of the portraits we have created over the years still in the box on the shelf? Or any other art piece you would like to have framed? This is the perfect opportunity to get those portraits you treasure or some other art piece properly framed so you can display it so you can truly enjoy them and show off your precious child or family to everyone that comes over.

There are many frame corners here to select from and I am getting more to add to the ones that are already on display. Plus, we have a whole catalog that we can go through to find the perfect frame for you. Just call me (828-397-6055) or email me by Tuesday night and you can be FRAMED too!

A Special Request

Tonight’s blog post is a little different than I have ever done before. But on my way home just now I really felt I needed to write it. I apologizes if it is a bit too down for some and I am sure this breaks some rule on blogging, but I promise tomorrow the blog will be back to it’s normal fun self.

The past couple of weeks I have learned of several people I know that have lost a close family member unexpectedly. Tonight I learned of another. On top of that my family is facing the loss of a loved one too. My aunt is loosing her battle with cancer. I guess all of this got me really thinking tonight on my drive home.

I want to take this opportunity to really let each of you know how I feel about you. How much I appreciate each of you being in my life and how much of an impact each of you have in helping me be the person I am. It does not matter if you are a family member of mine, a dear close friend, a client (in which many of you are dear friends now) or just some one that just happens to be reading this blog post; I want to let you know I truly care about and I am grateful for each of you. You are always in my thoughts and prayers during the good times and bad. I pray that God protects, blesses and gives you joy and happiness.

I ask only one thing of you tonight. Take the time to call, email, write a note and mail it, or simply go in the other room and give that person a hug and let them know how much you care about them. If there is someone you haven’t told that too lately, then do it. In today’s busy world it is so easy to put it off till another day, but I ask that this time you don’t.

May God Bless and I love ya,
Denise

Help Me Out & Become Famous

Today I need you to help me out. I am getting ready to start working on the next newsletter that will be mailed out in March and as you know we have a section called “Your Corner.” The section is where you get to share some knowledge about an area you are an expert on or share something that would be useful to everyone else.

What I need is for each of your to share something with everyone else. All you have to do is pick a subject and write a few paragraphs on it and email it to me. I’ll pick one and put it in the newsletter and you will be famous; well to me any way. If I get a whole bunch then I’ll save some for the rest of this year’s newsletters and will start using some in the e-newsletters and on the blog.

Not sure what you can write about? If you are a kindergarten teacher than send me a piece on how to prepare your kid for starting school Older grade teacher, how about how your kid and you can survive the EOGs (please someone do this one for me!!!!). If you are a chef, then how about something on low cost nutritional meals that taste good or something like quick meal tips. Are you a mechanic? Then send me tips on getting your car ready for the summer. Are you getting the idea?

I have a helpful gift for each of you today. It is a website that you can go to and print off coupons to use at the grocery store or other stores. www.coupons.com check it out. Oooh there is a coupon for Dr Pepper!!!!!

Thanks for helping me out.

Can't Help But Smile At This Cutie

This cutie is Lathan. His grandmother brought him in back right around Christmas, told you I was a bit behind on blogging about some sessions, for his first Christmas portraits. He is definitely a sweetie. Loves his trains just like his daddy.

We had a great time during his session. He was so cute in his Christmas outfit and we even managed to find some snow laying around the studio for him to play in. I sure hope he got the chance to get out in the little bit of the real stuff we have had. And if we all cross our fingers, maybe Lathan will have a chance to help make his first snowman either tomorrow or this weekend. Grandmother will have to send me some pictures of him out in the snow.

Don’t forget this is only day 3 of the “14 Days of Love.” Be sure to post your Valentine story on the post below. Cindy and Leonard, enjoy your date out without the kids this weekend. Remember everyone that posts their story will receive a $25 gift card to use at their next session. Also, be sure and become a fan of DCP on facebook to receive the special fan updates and to be entered into the DCP Fan drawing at the end of the month for a beautiful Portrait Art Glass.

Become A Fan

For today’s post of the “14 Days of Love,” I want to invite you to join me on facebook both as a friend and as a fan of DCP. If you are on facebook then you know it is loads of fun and a great way to stay in touch with others. If you are not, well then you are missing out on all the fun.

If you become a fan of DCP, then you can chat with others that are fans and with me about some of the cool things posted on the DCP page. Plus you will get occasional updates from me telling you about interesting things that are or will be occurring at DCP and some will contain special bonuses made available only for fans of DCP.

In fact, I will let you in on a special update that has just gone out to the fans of DCP. As one of the special events during the “14 Days of Love,” all fans of DCP on the last day of February will be entered into a drawing to win a custom Portrait Art Glass. The Portrait Art Glass is simply beautiful. It is so new to the studio that I am still waiting for the brown truck to drive up with the studio sample (I’ll post an image as soon as it gets here). To be eligible for the drawing of the beautiful Portrait Art Glass, just become a fan of DCP and you will be in the drawing. Simple as that. See you on facebook.

Be my Valentine…

Here is the first of the “14 Days of Love” blog posts and it is all about you. Actually it about you, by you.

What I want you to do is share how you and your sweetie celebrated your Valentine’s Day. Just click on the comment link below and type in your storybook story. And for taking the time for sharing your story, you will receive a $25 gift card to use at your next session. That is right; everyone that shares their story here on the blog will receive a $25 gift card.

I’ll start. It is a good thing that I am not eligible to win, because I am sure everyone had a much more romantic day than I did.

After Dwayne and I both finished working for most of the day, we just spent the afternoon celebrating Valentine’s Day with Sarah out by the fire watching the sunset and then staring at the stars in the sky. I know it was not the most romantic date, but with the schedule I have had lately – it was perfect.

Now what is your story? Remember just click on the comment link below and type in your story on how you celebrated the day of love. I look forward to reading your stories.

14 Days of Love

Okay so what is the deal with the “14 Days of Love”?

We all know the song “12 Days of Christmas.” You know the song, so sing it with me “on the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me…” This famous song is just like most things dealing with a holiday; lots hype counting down to the holiday and then when the holiday gets here it is like someone flips a switch and it is all over but cleaning up the mess. I have never liked that.

Yesterday was Valentine’s Day; the day of love. So how about letting the love flow? That is just what we are going to do for the next 14 days. Why 14? Valentine’s Day is on the 14th and there are 14 days left in this month, plus it just sounded good.

For the rest of the month, I will be posting a new blog post each day. Some will be about interesting stuff and some helpful tips I have found and want to share. Plus there will be some posts on some recent sessions I have not had a chance to share with you, some updates on what is going on and coming up with the studio and some things that I am working on that I am really excited about. And there will be some special offers just for those that are reading the blog each day. I am even going to ask for your help with some of this. I think this is going to be a lot of fun. Join me; want you?

Now let’s get started letting the love flow….

My Little Girl

I really enjoy creating beautiful images for all of you, but once in a while I get to create one for me. The other day my little girl, yes I know she is not that little any more, allowed me a few minutes to do some images of her. This is one that we did. I just love it. It is after all, my little girl.

Ella's First Real Snow

There is nothing like watching a kid really figure out what snow is and how to play in it. Here are some images of Ella playing in her first real snowfall sent to me from her mom, Mandy.

I have photographed Ella since she was just a few days old and it was so cool seeing these images of her out in the snow. I would say she is a real snow angel.

I wish I could have been there to see Ella running around and having fun, but that is the beauty of photographs; we can share in on the fun through them. Thanks Mandy for letting me be a part of your family.

If you have some really cool images from the snow, please email them to me. I would love to see them and will post them here on the blog. Hopefully this will not be our last chance for snow this year. I want some snow cream.

Let It Snow

Those of you in the area probably heard the loud sonic boom last night when Sarah realized it was finally snowing. After a whole day of asking me when is it going to start snowing, how much is it going to snow and if it is going to be the sticky type of snow; she finally got her wish and it started snowing. I am sure that was the wish every kid around.

We did not get much, just a couple of inches, but she was out in it bright and early this morning. I went out for a little while and played a little too (my style). Here are some images from this morning and I have posted some more on my facebook pages. http://www.facebook.com/home.php and http://www.facebook.com/pages/Denise-Clay-Photography/43976139602

Oh I would love to see some of your great snow images. Feel free to send them to me via email and I will post them on the blog tonight.
I think this is called a wipe out.

Knew I should have brought my boots in last night.

5-4-3-2-1 We have lift off of the Doodlebugs

The wait is finally over. The much anticipated launch of the Doodlebug Club has finally arrived. The funest (is that a word?) kids club around, the Doodlebug Club is designed for kids ages 2 to 7 and is designed for the kids (okay me too) having pure fun and there are lots of special perks just for the Doodlebugs. Yes, mom and dad you get to join in on some of these perks too and if you behave you can have some fun also. The perks for joining the club are too numerous to list here. But call the studio and I will be glad to fill you in on them and all of the other details about the club.

When you sign up your kid to be a Doodlebug, they will receive a special membership packet in the mail. Included in the packet will be a special Doodlebug Club membership card with your child’s personal membership id number on there. There will be a bunch of other goodies in the packet as well.

Oh, two more things; if you sign your child up between now and the end of January you will receive as an introductory bonus gift a custom designed dry erase board (see the sample here) from your first Doodlebug session.

And last; if your kid is not yet 2 and you would like to go ahead and join the Doodlebug Club to receive all the benefits from the ages 2 to 7 (we’ll go ahead and start the benefits now – just don’t tell my boss) then give me a call. I don’t want you to miss out on the special introductory bonus of the custom dry erase board just because your sweetie isn’t two yet.

The launch is here and the Doodlebug Club is officially having fun, but not as much fun without your kid being a part of it. So call the studio and I will let you in on how your kid can get up to 5 years worth of perks that you and your child will not want to miss out on. Oh this is going to be so much fun. Now we need to create a Doodlebug dance…

The Countdown Has Started

Launch sequence has been initiated...

All systems are a go…

launch in t-minus… well okay so I don’t know how to put in here something to do a count down so that regardless of when you read this it tells you the hours, minutes, seconds till launch. Sorry, guess I am not that much of a techno geek.

But keep checking back for the launch of the Doodlebug Club this afternoon.

Keeping In Touch

The January enewsletter just went out and it got me thinking. Is everyone that wants to receive the monthly enewsletter on the list to receive it? If you are suppose to be receiving it and are not or if you want to start receiving it, please send me an email and let me know. I will make sure you get on the mailing list.

Also, just to let you know the printed newsletter has not been forgotten with all of this modern online technology. It is scheduled to go out three times a year. I am actually going to start working on putting the first 2009 printed newsletter together so you can read it in March. I do need your help though. I need to get someone to write a piece for the “Your Corner” section. If you have something you would like to share, please send it to me. Send it in an email will be great. Hey, I just had an idea; since it is still close to the New Years and we all know about the famous resolution, if someone has something about loosing weight or healthier eating – that would be great. Send in your healthy and delicious recipes and I will include as many as I can in the printed newsletter and the rest on the blog. Okay now I am getting hungry.

If you are not receiving either the enewsletter or the printed newsletter, just let me know. I need to go munch on a carrot or something now.

Later,
Denise

Special Economic Stimulus Package

You turn on the news and it seems to be all they are talking about; bailouts and economic stimulus. With the new president about to take office, I have decided to try to help things out. I am calling it the “Gift Cards Economic Stimulus Package.” Sounds like something someone up in Washington would come up with for a title, but it is a lot easier to understand. And it is something that we all can truly participate in.

For the month of January, you can purchase gift cards for yourself or as a gift for someone else at a special price. Want the fine print? Here it is: no fees, no hidden charges and no expiration date. All you do is call me at the studio and I will mail out your certificate to you. Now get something that simple from Washington.

Here are the special gift cards available during the month of January:

$500 gift card … your cost $400
$250 gift card … your cost $200
$100 gift card … your cost $75
$50 gift card … your cost $40
$25 gift card … your cost $20

School's Out!

On Monday January 19th school is out and the banks are closed, so it is a perfect opportunity for that session you have been trying to find the time for. And Sarah is so excited about being out of school; she said “do something special mom”, so no session fee for any session on Monday the 19th. Bring the kids for that special portrait of them or bring the whole family.
It is also a great time to come in for a mini-Senior session and get some incredible images that will not be like any of your classmates.

Simply contact me to reserve your time for this special day.

The Brannocks

Back in the fall I had the chance to meet and photograph a wonderful family, the Brannocks, for their Christmas cards. And did they ever have a beautiful Maple tree to use for their backdrop. I wish I could take that tree to my place. Of course the tree paled in comparison to how beautiful this family is. Jeanne, Hannah and Seth were a delight to work with. They really made Sarah and I feel like we had known them forever.
I don’t think we could have picked a better day for the fall colors for their session. The trails in their woods were perfect to get Hannah and Seth off with the other family members; Mini Z, Violet and Peaches. Of course you know Sarah had fun with the dogs and Mini Z seemed to really like me too.

Here is Seth with Mini Z.

And Hannah with Peaches out in their field.