Guilty as charged

So who never got around to sending out your Christmas cards?  Guilty.  I did not get around to creating my own Christmas cards this year.  I did create some really beautiful ones for some of you though. 

Now 2011 is knocking at the door and it is time to start wishing everyone best wishes for the New Year.  What a better surprise then to send someone a custom card with warm wishes?  These would also make great Happy Valentine's Day cards!

Perfect for friends, loved ones and for those of you that own or manage a business; they make a great "Hello we appreciate you" cards.  Your cards will be custom designed just for you and we have various shapes and sizes for you to select from.  You can use a previously ordered image or we can do a new session to create just the right one for your cards.

Contact the studio today (828-397-6055) so we can get started on planning your New Year cards. 

Oh, don't forget.  If you order a wall portrait when you order your New Year's cards, you will receive 25% off your card order.  This offer is good through January 22nd.

One little girl’s Christmas wish

It is that time of the year; we hustle around trying to find the perfect gift for everyone on our list.  In between checking his list twice, Santa is going around spending time with all of the kids to find out exactly what they want.  They climb up on Santa’s lap and tell him their Christmas wish when he asks “What do you want for Christmas?”

Like most larger kids (aka adults), I have been mentally working on my Christmas wish list too.  For the most part, my Christmas wish list does not include materialistic items.  There are no baby dolls or latest computer games on there. 

Instead, my Christmas wish is for simple things; good health for the next year, continue getting to do what I love (photographing your family), spending time with my family and friends and things like that.   Well, okay a new Nikon camera or Mac computer under the Christmas tree on Christmas morning – all I can say is now we are talking Santa. 

With the whisper of one little girl, my Christmas wish was changed. 

I was at a store recently and Santa was there with a line of kids waiting to tell him all of the cool toys they wanted this year when he asked them “What do you want for Christmas?”  I overheard the response of one little girl.

“I know you can't do anything, but all I want is a happy family” was her reply.

I have never seen this girl before and have no clue who she is or her story, but her few words that made up her Christmas wish has changed mine.  My Christmas wish now is that this little girl’s family finds peace and the happiness that she so longs for and that no other kid ever has to wish this for their Christmas wish. 

May the Lord Bless this little girl and grant her Christmas wish. 

Merry Christmas everyone and may God Bless you and your family too.

Hitting the links - it's for the dogs

     Hitting this links - well it is for the dogs and cats.  Recently I had the pleasure to help out the Burke County Friends For Animals by photographing their annual golf tournament.  The weather was perfect.  We could not have asked for a better day.

      I spend the whole day out there.  Don't worry, I was strictly photographing and not attempting to hit any small white balls.  I am sure the other golfers were glad of that.
     Me and my friend Marcus rode around the course over at Quaker Meadows Golf Course, photographing the golfers.  They all seemed to have a great day out on the course.  And BCFFA raised some money to help our furry friends.  They do a great job at BCFFA.  Can't wait till next year's tournament.  Hope to see you on the course.  Here is a short video of the day.

Giving back

     The past few months I have been busy traveling, teaching and giving programs to other professional photographers as well as putting on a major two day workshop.  Since the end of August, I have traveled across the state twice to give programs. 
     At the end of August, I traveled down to Greenville, NC to give a program to the Professional Imaging Group of Eastern North Carolina (PIGOENC).  The PIGOENC group is a Professional Photographers of America (PPA) regional affiliate association.  It was great to share with many photographers I have learned from over the years and to meet some new friends.

Larry Conley took this image during my program with the PIGOENC group.

          A few weeks ago, I traveled to Durham to give the program to another PPA affiliate group, the Photographic Society of the Triangle (PST).  I had so much fun with this group.  It is already in the plans for me to go back next year to do another program for them in 2011.
          Then last Monday, photographers from North Carolina, Georgia and South Carolina came to the studio for a PPA's Super Monday program I taught.  I participated in several Super Mondays in the past as a student and it was great to be able to share what I know to other photographers.
         I also had the honor of serving as the Chairperson for the Professional Photographers of NC (PPNC)'s Western Seminar in October as well.  PPNC has meant a lot to me and my career as a photographer and it was indeed an honor to give back.  We had two incredible days of learning from international and national speaking photographers.  We had fun, learned and even donated some food for the local food pantry.   
        All of my teaching and workshops are done till next year.  I enjoy spending time and sharing what I can with my fellow professional photographers, but I am looking forward to some time at home.  Next year looks like it is going to be busy again though.  It appears I will be giving programs not only in NC, but in Georgia and possibly Virginia.

Merry Christmas

     Merry Christmas?  It is the beginning of November.  We haven't even had Thanksgiving turkey.  Don't worry we will do that, but it is time for Christmas sessions at the studio. 

     This year we have not one, not two, but three set to choose from.  Can you tell I am really in the Christmas spirit this year?  We have a brand new Red & White Christmas that has a very contemporary look to it.  The Winter Wonderland was so popular last year that it is returning.  And it has been several years, but the one and only Santa's Chimney is back. 

     Santa's Chimney is so awesome.  It is perfect for young kids that can sit up and bigger kids that are too big to fit in the chimney (no we don't know how Santa does it either).  For the bigger kids, we have a special trick to where they can sneak up and catch Santa going down the chimney.  It is also great for the whole family too.
      The session fee for any of the special Christmas sessions is only $25.  We have special packages available only for these Christmas sessions.  And you can even order custom Christmas cards from these sessions as well.  This year's cards are going to be so great.  Not only are they custom designed just for you, but you can also get them in a variety of shapes and sizes.  Call me to find out more.
      The session dates are:
Red & White Christmas    Fri Nov 5th, Sat Nov 6th and Thur (no school this day) Nov 11th
Winter Wonderland          Sat Nov 13th
Santa's Chimney              Wed Nov 24th
       The special packages will be back for you to select from before Thanksgiving from the Red & White Christmas and the Winter Wonderland sessions.  Call the studio at 828-397-6055 for more information and to reserve your time.

Sweet baby Claire

Here is another sweet sleeping baby.  I just love newborns.  Claire was only a couple days old and had just gotten home from the hospital when I had the pleasure to go meet her and photograph her at her house.

Claire's dad is known for his cheesecakes, so we had some fun in the kitchen.  I love cheesecake, but I doubt any Claire's dad whips up is as sweet as her.

Mom, dad and sweet baby Claire.  A perfect family portrait. Here is a little video with some of the images from Claire's first session.

Welcome Marshall

 Is there anything sweeter than a sleeping baby? This is baby Marshall.  I have a feeling this boy is going to break some young girls hearts in the future.  He looks so precious here.  I love my job.

Alabama fans may have something to worry about in about 18 years.  Yes, Marshall is one of those Tennessee Fanatics.  For years I have photographed his big sisters in Tennessee stuff.  Can't wait to have some fun with Marshall in all of the Volunteer gear.

Trick or Treat Halloween Contest

     Was your kid the scariest creature or maybe the cutest this Halloween?  Maybe it was you or even your pet?  Did you take an image of it?
      If so then you need to enter it into our facebook Halloween Contest.  It is easy to enter and vote for you favorite. And if your entry receives the most likes then you will win a $10 gift card from a local store or restaurant of your choice.

Here is how to enter:
1. Go to the Denise Clay Photography fan page
2. You must like the DCP page before you can enter or vote
3. Post on the DCP page your favorite Halloween image
4. Ask your family and friends to vote by liking the image
5. The easiest way to share this with your friends is to click on the photo once it is posted on the DCP page.
6. Once you have only the photo on the page, you can share it by clicking on share.
7. Be sure to type a message to your friends to vote by liking the image in the box.
8. You can also copy and paste the url into a new status update.

     On Nov 10th at 9pm, I am going to look at the total number of likes for each entry on the DCP page and the one with the most likes wins!

Have fun!

Growning up

      Maybe it is the mom in me, but I have noticed over the years that the kids I photograph become almost like my own kids to me.  This is especially true for those kids I photograph since they were just babies. 
      The beauty of this is I get to send them back home with mom and dad after the session.  Hum, that is starting to sound like a grandmaw.  Let's move on to the point of the blog post before I grow any older.
       I have photographed both of these two girls since before they were even born; we did a maternity sessions for both.  And I have had the pleasure of watching these two girls grow up. 
      Now I know Ella and Nora are not grown up.  They are still young girls, but it has been really cool to be a part of their lives.
      Ella is in school now and Nora is helping mom with their new brother.  Yes, they have a little brother to torture, um I mean watch now.

     While we were doing the maternity session for Marshall, I spent some time photographing the girls.  The girls were so much fun that day. 
      We kept it simple and just focus on the different personalities of the girls.  They each played it up for the camera, but still showed their sweet quiet side as well. 
      I just love these two images from the session.  The first one shows the love between the two sisters.  This one shows the shy quiet side of Nora.
      While I was there talking to their mom, Ella showed just what a big girl she has become. She took care of her little sister without even having to be asked.
      I was so proud of Ella.  She has grown up into a great big sister.

Loaves and Fishes

One of my favorite stories in the Bible is when Jesus fed thousands of people with just a loaf of bread and two fishes.  This weekend I had the chance to be a part of something special.

The 2010 Professional Photographers of North Carolina Western Seminar was held this past weekend at the Meadowbrook Inn in Blowing Rock.  It was an honor to serve as the Seminar Chairman for this workshop.

Being the Chairman took up a lot of my time lately, but I really enjoyed spending time with my PPNC family and the speakers were awesome.  But while were we up there, we got to help some families that are going through tough times.

We held a food drive and donated the food to the Hunger and Health Coalition.  Their food pantry distributes food to over 750 families in Watauga County every month and one out of every three people that receives the food is a child.

We each brought a few cans, boxes or bags of non-perishable food to the seminar and together we donated 401 pounds of food.  It was a really cool site to see the pile of food build.  My friend James Dockery captured this image of my other dear friend Sherry Coffey stacking the food in a neat design.

Here is an image of me and Hunger and Health's Executive Director Compton Fortuna.  Thanks to my pal Lisa Carter for creating this image for me. 

And a big thank you to all of my PPNC family for making this happen.

Keep them fleas and ticks off me!

     I don't know about you, but the ticks have been terrible this summer. It seems we have gotten more ticks off of Reno this summer than ever before.
     So I asked my friend Liz Hueber, a volunteer at the adoption center for the Burke County Friends For Animals, if she knew of an organic method of keeping ticks and even  fleas off dogs.  She sent me a recipe that not only for dogs, but humans too.  I thought I would share what she sent with you.

Homemade, organic flea and tick repellent for dogs (and humans)

     Summer is here and with it, once again, those annoying little pest, namely fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. Various commercially made repellents are available, but one should always be cautious with it comes to the toxic nature of many "kill all" chemical mixtures.

      After some research on the web, I found the following recipe for an organic, homemade insect repellent.  Aside from being less toxic than commercial products; this mixture is also organic and can be made with fairly benign ingredients.

   

     Ingredients:

     2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

    10 to 25 drops of Rose Geranium essential oil

    Mix ingredients in a glass jar and shake well to blend.  Keep in a dark bottle in a cool place, shelf life is approximately 6 months.  To use, dab a few drops on your skin and clothing as well as your dog' coat and collar.

     

     Important: 

•  Use essential oil sparingly.  Start with the lowest possible dose (10 drops) and only increase if necessary.
• Try a few drops on your skin and your dog's coat and watch for an allergic reaction before apply to your arms and legs and the rest of your dog.
• If you or your dog is allergic to Geraniums, you can try essential oils of cinnamon or citron instead.
• Essential oils should not be used on cats in any concentration.
• As with all medications; you should use as little as possible to achieve the desired effect.

     Caution: 

• Some recipes on the web use Pennyroyal (essential oil or leaves).  Do not use Pennyroyal if anyone in your home is or may become pregnant (humans and pets). Do not use Pennyroyal on cats or if cats are in the home.

Liz Hueber, volunteer - BCFFA


     Thanks Liz!  The Burke County Friends For Animals has helped find loving homes for over ten thousand animals that once was destined to be euthanized.  The adoption center up in Morganton has become the largest no-kill animal shelter in Western North Carolina.
      Through the wonderful staff and volunteers like Liz, the adoption center takes care of hundreds of animals and in some cases even nurses them back to health.  If you would like to help to BCFFA, there are several things you can do.

•   Consider adopting an animal from the adoption center.  Not only would you be adding a loving and caring member to your family you will be opening up a spot for the adoption center and allow BCFFA to save another animal from being euthanized.
• Volunteer to go to the adoption center and help out with the animals.  They are all loving and caring and just need some attention.
• Donate some pocket change; or even more if possible.  The adoption center always can use funds to help with expenses or additional purchases needed to truly take care of the animals.  Currently, the adoption center is working to raise $5,000 to purchase a commercial washer.  The other washers they have been using, just wear out too fast and the furry friends there need clean bedding to keep from sleeping on the concrete.

     Sorry for the long post, but I hope you found it informative.  If you can, please help out BCFFA and all of their furry friends.

Mike & Amy

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure and fun of photographing Mike & Amy's wedding.  It was simply beautiful.  The best part is I have gotten to know two wonderful people.

Their passion and love for each other is unreal.  That was obvious during the engagement session we did in downtown Newton.  Now that was a fun session.

I just love Amy's dress.  It was so vintage and went perfectly in the setting.  She reminded me of one of the beautiful Hollywood movie stars back in the 30s and 40s. 

First family portrait

This was a special treat.  I have known Stacey for years and TJ even longer.  I even photographed their senior portraits when they were high school seniors.

Since they have met, we have done several portrait sessions of the two of them.  It has been a pleasure watching their love grow for each other.

Recently, they got married and Stace contacted me for their first family portrait.  No, there are no little ones on the way; yet.  But they do have their big baby, Shelby.


Shelby is a sweetie and was a perfect model during the portrait session.  Best wishes to Stace and TJ and I am now looking forward to watching your family grow in the years to come.

Good morning sunshine

I'll admit I am a morning person.  I love getting up and spending time alone in the early morning and watching God's beauty as the sun rises.  I call this time "having breakfast with God."

It seems these days I have fewer and fewer opportunity to have breakfast with God out in His wonder.  Yesterday, I got that chance and was able to go spend some time at sunrise in a friend's sunflower patch.

Needless to say I loved it.  I started my photography out photographing our beautiful world.  Any chance I can get back to my roots, I just love.  These times seem to charge my batteries more than any thing else.

I have posted more images on the facebook page, so go there and enjoy them.  Then find some time for your alone time and recharge your batteries.

Happy Fourth of July!!!

Today is a special day. It is our country's birthday. We are so blessed to live in a country that gives us the freedom to do what we love. That is what I do every day I go to work. I love having the opportunity to be just a small part of your lives by being able to preserve your special memories through my photography.

I hope each of you have spent some time this weekend with the ones you love. After all, our loved ones are the most important things in our lives.

May God bless you and may God bless America.

It Hot!!!

Summer has snuck up on us and fast. Seems like just the other day we were out making snowmen and trying to see just how fast we can go down a snow-covered hill now that we have gotten older. Now we are wearing shorts and sweating.

To help beat the summer heat I have something special for you. From now till June 25th, you can save 30% off the current price list on any size reprint of a portrait you have ordered from prior years’ sessions.

I could blame the summer heat for such craziness like a car commercial, but I won’t do that to you. Honestly, my intern Stephanie (more to come on her later) is getting ready to transfer the files from last year to their final storage place. We thought it would be a good chance for you to get that wall portrait from your session that you wanted or a reprint of the image that Grandma loved of her grandbaby when she looked at your portraits.

Email me or call the studio to order your prior year reprints or to get more information.

In the other shoe

Sometimes it is good for all of us to spend some time in someone else’s shoes. I got to do just that this past weekend.

Stacey and TJ got married this past weekend and I got to attend as a guest. Stacey has been like a member of our family for almost five years now. She is like a big sister to Sarah. TJ is actual family.

This is the first wedding in a two or three years I was not working as a photographer. It was nice to be able to be just a family member attending the beautiful ceremony. I’ll admit it was nice not watching Stace officially becoming part of the family through the lens of my camera.

Stace and TJ’s wedding was a perfect opportunity for me to spend some time in the other person’s shoes. As a wedding photographer I try to always put the bride and groom and their family and guest first and do what I can to make their day as special as it can be. As a guest at the wedding this weekend I was able to experience what it is like to wait while the family group formals are being photographed.

I know the formal group photographs are not the fun part of a wedding, but they are very important if not now – they will be in the future. That is why as a photographer I try my best to create the family group photographs quick, fun and as relaxing as possible. I know you want to get back to your family and friends and have fun.

Some newer photographers put down doing the formal family groups photographs. They often say they are boring and dull. Family group formals are a lot of work, but as I said they are very important. Looking at my own wedding album, the images of me and my grandparents were the last ones taken of me and them before they died. I often think that some people just don’t understand this and that some of the newer photographers avoid the family group photographs because they haven’t had the proper training to photograph them. That is a shame, because it is a disservice not to provide them for the couple and their families.

I have often said it is important for photographers to get away from behind their cameras and remember what it is like for those on the other side of their lens. It only makes us better photographers. Speaking of getting on the other side of the camera; I need to contact our family photographer and schedule a portrait session for a new family portrait.

Congrats Stace and TJ! May you have many happy years together.

Field Grass is perfect

I am not sure how, but I have managed to keep hubby from bush hogging the grass out in the fields and it is just perfect for portraits now. I have begged him (actually I have hidden the tractor keys) to give me a couple of weeks for portraits out there before he cuts the field grass all down.

I love photographing out in the fields especially when the grass is perfect like it is now. It is a perfect relaxed setting for families, seniors, couples, brides (grooms can join too) and even kids. We might even be able to get the tractor out there for some as well.

But we will need to have sessions on the calendar or hubby may start cutting it all down. I know I can’t keep hiding the keys forever, so we better get these sessions done soon.

Give me a call or email me and we will schedule a time for you on the calendar I have posted on the fridge for hubby to see.

Thank You!

Here it is another holiday. Sarah is out of school, the banks and post offices are closed. But this is not just another day off from work.

This is a special day. A day to stop, reflect and give thanks to all of those that has served our country and gave the greatest sacrifice. A thanks to all of those that allow me the freedom to do the job I love and raise my daughter in the land of the free.

On this Memorial Day, may we all remember how we are able the freedom we have. It is from the men and women that fought and many that died for our freedom. Two words do not seem to be a fitting tribute to show my gratitude, but they are what I have to give. Thank You!

May everyone have a wonderful Memorial Day and may God watch over and protect those who are serving now to protect our freedom.

A look back at 2009

Lost memories? Thankfully no!

On Easter Sunday, we all met at my mom’s for a family cookout. We all had great time. Seems we all get along better now that we have grown up than we did as kids. Maybe it is because we no longer live under the same roof???

I started looking through a box of old photographs my mom keeps in her room. Sitting and looking at old photographs has always been a favorite pastime of mine. Who would have imaged that?

In the box was an old photograph I have seen many times. It is one of my favorites. It is the one you see here. The young mother is my grandmother and the child is my mom.

I am very fortunate to still have my mom to go with on one of our many excursions. I do miss my grandmother though.

I am grateful that grandmother went to a portrait studio and had this portrait of her and my mom made XX (mom won’t let me say exactly how many) years ago. If she had not, then I would never have seen what she and my mom looked like at that age.

Grandmother was beautiful. BTW, the look on mom’s face is one I see all the time on Sarah’s when I tell her to do something.

I am going to take the time to restore this image for mom and give it to her for her birthday. I think she would like to have this memory framed where she can enjoy it everyday.

There were no computers back when this image was made. So I am glad there is an actual photograph of this memory. The paper is a little worn, but I am not sure I would have ever seen it if it was on a computer disk sitting on a shelf somewhere.

In the box are more old family photos, some from other studios and some just family snapshots. I love them all; well maybe not some of the ones of me in a puffy perm. But I am glad this portrait was done by a photographer that knew what they were doing.

The highlights are not blown out and the photograph was not poorly lit (like what many photographers these days call “creative” or “natural” lighting), nor was any special technique needed to fix the image. Since the photographer knew what he/she (more than likely a he back then) was doing, I am able to look into both of their eyes and even see that sparkle in grandmother’s eye.

I remember that sparkle. Maybe I’ll frame me up one of these memories too.

Easter Sessions

This is always one of my favorite times of the year. Spring flowers are beginning to poke up through the ground and the trees are starting to show off their blossoms. At the studio we get to spend some time with the bunnies.

I love the bunny sessions at the studio. Watching the kids play with the bunnies and the joy in their eyes. The bunnies are cute, but the kids are cuter (is that even a word?).

The bunnies were a bit active this year; which made the sessions a bit interesting. Especially for Sarah who had to chase the bunnies down during the sessions. But we had a great time and created some great images. I posted some of the ones from the bunny sessions on the facebook fanpage. I will try to post more a little later.

Easter Sunday is April 4^th and is a special time to rejoice and honor our Savior Jesus Christ. I am thankful for what He has done for me and for all of us. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

Spring is hoppin’ in

I know, I know – lame pun. Seriously, spring is just around the corner and I know I am ready. It is almost time to plant the veggie garden and enjoy the pretty flowers blooming in the flowerbeds.

Spring starts this Saturday and to celebrate, we have the bunnies here at the studio for Easter sessions. Here is a portrait of the bunnies for this year. Aren’t they just too cute?

If you haven’t scheduled your session, give the studio a call or email me and we will find a time for you.

The bunnies are back

With all of the snow we have had this year, I am ready for spring. Beautiful flowers and sunny days is what I am wishing for. I definitely need to get out and start working in the flower beds.

Spring starts Saturday, March 20th and the bunnies will be back at the studio to kick off spring. A new set is being designed for this year’s bunny sessions.

The bunny sessions are some of my favorite. I love seeing the excitement of the kids (and parents) when they first pet the soft and cuddly bunnies. The joy in the kids’ eyes is precious.

Session fee is $25 and special bunny packages are only $75. Portrait packages will be back before Easter.

Don’t forget that if you refer a friend and they come for a bunny session, your bunny session fee is on me.

Stephanie’s tips on helping your child succeed in school

EOG testing is sneaking up on us fast. It is hard to believe that March winds are already blowing. I am fortunate to have many wonderful educators as friends and clients. So I asked one for some tips on how we as parents can help our kids do better in school and on the EOGs.

I asked Stephanie Eddings to share some of her tips. Stephanie is a fifth grade teacher at Ball Creek Elementary School.

David Letterman has his top ten, but we have Stephanie’s top nine on how to help your child succeed in school. Thanks Stephanie for your tips. I know I will be using them with Sarah.

Stephanie’s top nine tips on helping your child succeed in school:
1. Get a good night sleep and eat breakfast every morning.
2. Have your child explain their homework to you. It is a good indication on whether or not they understand what they have learned in school. If they have no homework, have them explain what they have learned that day.
3. Read all the time. Magazines, newspapers, books, etc. and ask questions about what they read. It's also a good idea to set up times to where everyone in the house reads. This helps your child to develop a love for reading because they see their parents wanting to read also.
4. Be on time to school everyday and keep the absences to a minimum.
5. Communicate with your child's teacher on a regular basis.
6. Have high expectations of your child and make sure they know your expectations.
7. Make a place where your child/ren go every day after school at the same time to do their homework and read.
8. Limit the amount of TV and video game time to provide opportunities to use their imaginations.
9. Play math games with your child to help them master addition/subtraction facts for the lower grades and multiplication/division for the upper grades.

What happen in Durham…

Last week I attended the Professional Photographers of North Carolina (PPNC) convention in Durham. The theme this year was a play off Vegas – Viva PPNC!

Like my time in Vegas, there was very little sleeping that occurred, but a whole lot of learning and getting inspired. There were some great times with some of my photography buddies as well. Around 400 of them attended the convention.

PPNC is one of the strongest photography associations in the nation. We always have on of the best conventions each year with the top photographers from the country speaking.

But the learning and inspiration I get while at the convention is just the start of what I receive as being a member of PPNC. The greatest treasure I receive from being part of PPNC is the friendships I have developed with other photographers.

To be a member of PPNC you must be a professional. So if for some reason I am must refer you to another photographer, then I will refer a fellow PPNC member. I know they are a professional and not just someone with a camera and that they will do a quality professional job for you; just as I would do.

But back to the convention. While at the convention I was honored to be sworn in as a Board member for PPNC. I take this position with the greatest honor and the vow to do the best job I can.

PPNC has meant so much to me and has helped me develop into the photographer I am today. I am reminded of a quote by W. Clement Stone; “If you are really thankful, what do you do? You share.” Hopefully I can give back to others what I have received.

On to more fun things. I did get a lot of ideas that I want to play with. Yes play – ‘cause we are going to have fun with these. At the same time we (oh btw, I volunteered you to help me with this) will be creating images needed for me to earn my Masters. To do this I must earn merits in print competition.

I have lots of ideas already of images to create. Some will be during regular sessions, some I will be doing model searches for and some I may even run special limited time only sessions for. We have less than a year to create the images and have them ready for the print competition. Guess we better end this blog post and get busy.

Thanks for your help with this.

Time for the contest again

Last year the studio participated in the America’s Cutest Kid contests and had a great time. The contest raised $164,775 for Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep. This year, we are going international!

The International Charity Model Search to select North America’s Cutest Family and to raise funds for the non-profit Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep Foundation (NILMDTS.org) is going on.

I know I photograph the best and cutest families. Now is the time to prove your loved ones are North America’s Cutest Family? Many exciting prizes will be awarded, and the grand prize winner receives a new car!

Model Search Special:
$25 entrance fee includes a model session and one image submitted to the national gallery. Saturday sessions are available and receive 10% any portrait order from the model session.

Finalists will be determined by online votes. Each vote is $1 (no limit on the amount of votes you can cast), and all proceeds from votes benefit Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep (NILMDTS.org).

Grand prize international winner will be determined from the 52 city finalists. The winners will be selected from the finalist gallery by photography and modeling industry experts.

Call 828-397-6055 or email me now to enter your family in this exciting contest. Entry into the contest ends April 5th.

*Contest open to residents of the US and Canada. For more information, visit http://sandypucmodels.com/.

New website new blog

Just wanted to let you know that I am building a whole new website and the blog will be moving to the actual website. I will leave this one up for all of the archived posts and will let you know here when the new site is up and running.

The old website was down for a little while last night and today, thanks to an oops on my part. Hopefully that won't happen again, but if you go to the site and it looks weird or it gives you some error you will know I did something again. I know it gave me a nice headache today. But when the new site is up; it will be so worth it.

Hang with me and enjoy this winter weather.
Thanks
Denise