Car seat safety info

Occasionally I write a post on my personal blog that I want to share with you on the studio blog.  The one on car seat safety definitely falls into that category.  I wish I had this information when Sarah was little. 

Here is the blog post on car seat safety.

Time for a new look – new image

Guilty – yes guilty as charged.

What am I guilty of?  Being like most people and waiting forever for a new business portrait. 

Yes, I used every excuse in the book. 

-          The old picture is just fine.  And it was/is.  In fact I still like it.  A dear friend and very talented photographer created it for me.  But, I don’t look like that any more.

-          I need to loose some weight.  Uhhhhh, well I still need to loose some weight.  But I have lost some and need to celebrate that!

These are just two of the excuses.  I could list more, but I doubt you want to read a novel.

As an artist, I wanted my business portrait to be more reflective than most are.

It is summer and like most women, I decided it was time for a new hairdo.  I love the one that Rowena at Salon on 10 did for me.  But it made me realize it was definitely time for a new portrait of me.  A road trip to one of my favorite photography locations and I had a new image showing off my new image.

This got me thinking even more.  I know there are other business people, actors/artists and others that need a quality image to help promote their business or themselves.  And I will bet there are many out there using pictures that they cannot remember how long it has been since it was created.

So, I am offering a special business portrait promotion during the month of July.  For $100 you will receive two (I so wanted to do the classic “not one, but two” line here) business portraits to use to market and promote your business. 

Everyone needs a professional traditional business headshot in their files.

The first one will be the all purpose business headshot.  This is always a good image to have ready to use for a variety of things, such as: press releases, marketing materials and speaking packets if you do presentations to groups.  

The second one will show more of your personality and/or related to your profession and what you do.  We will discuss this and come up with the perfect idea for this portrait.  This image will be great to use in your blog or just do a blog post on it, website, in your newsletter and brochures. Or you could just use it on your social media sites. 

“But that’s not all”  Sorry had to use that classic line.

When you call to schedule your session, I will share my secret on what is the most overlooked thing to consider when having a business portrait done.  This secret could improve the impact of your marketing materials.

Plus, for a while I have wanted to feature some local businesses in my newsletters and blog.  This will give me a chance to get to know you and your business and allow me to feature you and your business.  

So take out your business card or other marketing materials that has your picture on it.  How old is that image?  Do you still have that same hairstyle?  Would the public recognize you on the street from that image? 

It is time for a new one isn’t it?  Call me 828-397-6055

Photographing MerleFest = honor, privilege, fun

Scythian rocked MerleFest

My career has given me many opportunities to meet many famous and interesting people and to see many things and places that well, most people only see in my images.  It has been a pleasure and honor to have the chance to photograph each one of them.  You can imagine the honor it was when I was asked to be an official photographer for the 2011 MerleFest.  It allowed me to do something I had only hoped to do.

Doc Watson

Growing up in North Carolina and being a bit of a country girl, I remember listening to bluegrass and county music since I was a kid.  You did not grow up around here if you did not know who Doc and Merle Watson are.

As a photographer, getting to photograph someone like Doc Watson is such an honor.  Being a photographer for MerleFest gave me the opportunity of creating a memory I’ll cherish forever and I have the photograph of Doc to remind me of it. 

Photographing MerleFest provided many opportunities for wonderful memories to be created.  It also exposed me to some incredibly talented artists and bands that I love to listen to now.

Scythian

Over the years, I have developed a love for a variety of music.  Folk and Americana are some of my favorites.  MerleFest introduced me to the group Scythian.  I became a quick fan of his group.  They are AWESOME! and really nice too.  I just love their music and energy.  They give an incredible live performance that can’t help but leave you pumped.

Lyle Lovett during a press conference

Lost Bayou Ramblers rocked the place too and I could listen to the harmonies of the Wailin’ Jennys all day.  So many talented artists that I had the pleasure to get to listen to while working, including Josh Williams Band, Sarah Jarosz (watch out for this young lady), Jeff and Vida and Balsam Range to name just a few.

Doobie Brothers

I even had the pleasure of photographing some local talent; The Neighbors and The Sigmon Stringers.  I’ll never forget the Doobie Brothers rocking the place and Lyle Lovett has such an amazing voice, personality and charm. 

I tell you it was a lot of fun getting to do what I love, photography, while listening to so much incredible music.  Memories I’ll never forget.  I can honestly say, it was an honor, privilege and a whole lot of fun photographing MerleFest.

Here is a short video of just some of the images from this year’s MerleFest.

Burke County's Relay For Life 2011

Caregivers lap during the BC Relay For Life

Wow, I just realized I have been blogging a lot lately about Relay For Life.  But, that is okay.  It is something I am passionate about.  Many of my family, friends and clients (including some of you) have battled cancer.  I am proud to do what I can to help beat cancer.

This year, the two Relays in Burke County joined together to create an incredible force against cancer.  I was honored to be able to be the photographer for the event and meet so many of you.  It was so good to see and get hugs from so many friends.

I am working on the DVD slideshow of the images from this year’s Relay and will have it ready for the wrap up meeting.  But, I thought I would share just a few of the images from an incredible event. 

Remember, you can purchase the full DVD slideshow for a $10 donation when it is ready so you can remember that wonderful afternoon (I am still working on getting it to all fit on one DVD).  Enjoy this little trailer (as they call it I the movie industry) until then.

This Friday, I get to do the same thing with the Catawba County Relay For Life at the Southside Park in Newton.  I’ll have a pocket full of ift cards to give out again as I did up at the Burke County one.  Just tell me “DCP loves to Relay!”  Come on down and join in on the fun.  Remember, we are all in this fight together.

A quick look back at Relays

God's gift

I thought I would share a quick look back at the 2009 Valdese Relay For Life.  It was a lot of fun, very touching and you have to love the rainbow that was a gift from God.  Be sure to check out the 2010 Relay and preview of 2011.

Let’s Relay!

2010 Valdese Relay For Life

Do you relay?  I do! In fact it is very special to me.  Today, I have the pleasure to attend and photograph the 2011 Burke County Relay For Life at Freedom High School.

For the past three years, I have had this pleasure for the Valdese Relay For Life.   This year, all Burke County will be celebrating, remembering and fighting back together.  I am proud to be just a small part of it.

As in the past I will be there photographing the event and then creating a DVD so we can share in this special night for years to come.  If you would like to purchase a copy of the 2011 Burke County Relay For Life DVD, you can order one at the Survivors table. They are $10 each and all (every penny) goes to the American Cancer Society.

Sarah and I were honored to be able to attend the Survivor Dinner last Saturday night in Valdese.  It was a pleasure to get to meet so many of you and to see many of you back celebrating another year!

As I said, this is something very special to me. My first Relay For Life occurred while my grandmother was in the hospital dying of cancer.  I left her bedside that night to go do my time on the track.  I remember there was a light rain, but that did not stop the relayers.

If you are in the area, come by Freedom High School in Morganton and help us beat cancer.  We are making strides, but we can’t stop now.

While you are there, look me up.  Tell me that you “love Denise Clay Photography” and I will give you a gift card to use at your next portrait session.  One per person and while supplies last, of course.

See you at the Relay!

Here is a look back at the 2010 Valdese Relay For Life

CPP?

I was asked what the initials, CPP behind my name stood for.  It stands for Certified Professional Photographer.  I had to go through a rigorous program that included passing an extensive written exam and passing the approval of submitted work from a pristine panel of judges.  It is similar to receiving your CPA or National Boards for teachers.

Not many photographers are willing to put themselves through the ordeal of becoming certified.  Many do not pass it and some fail to maintain the requirements to keep their certification during each 5 year renewal period.  Read more on the certification process and what it means for you as a client.

There are only two Certified Professional Photographers in Burke County (me and Chris Garner) and just a few others in our surrounding area.  We all worked hard to earn our certification.

If you use someone other than me (why I don’t know) for your family portraits or even the images that will represent your business, then take a moment and ask them if they are a Certified Professional Photographer.  You can see if they are certified on this website.

Does it sound as if I am proud to be a Certified Professional Photographer?  Well, yeah I am.  Soon there will be even more initials after my name, but we will save that story for another day.

Photography class offered

Do you have a new camera or just want to learn how to get better family snapshots or vacation images?  Here is your chance.

Being a photographer is my passion and career.  I love photographing you and your family, but I cannot always be there to capture those special moments.  You know the ones like when the kids are giving the dog - wait - the dog is giving the kids a bath.  These are such special memories that I want you to be able to capture them.  So I am going to show you how.

On Saturday, June 4th, I will be teaching a beginners photography class at the studio.  We will go over simply steps to improve your photography and I will answer your questions about your photography.

It does not matter what type of camera you use; you will find what we will cover in this class will improve your photography.  Class size is limited, so call 828-397-6055 to reserve your spot today.  Fee for the class is only $25.

Class will begin at 9:30am on Saturday June 4th and is scheduled to go through 12:30pm, but if we need to go longer and you can stay we can do that.

Spring portrait special

You have been talking about a family portrait or that special portrait of the kids for a while now.  Here is your chance to get that special portrait of the ones you love.

In honor of Memorial Day, we are offering a special session fee for all sessions on Monday, May 30th.  The special Memorial Day session fee is only $25 (a $50 savings) and is for a full session.

As you can guess, I can only do so many sessions in one day; so call 828-397-6055 now to schedule your time before all of the session times are gone.

Welcome to the family, Baby Finley

Sleeping Baby Finley from his first portrait session.

With any job there are both good and bad things.  Being a photographer is no exception.  Fortunately, the goods are very sweet like having the pleasure to watch a family grow.  That is why I love my job.

This sweet adorable sleeping baby is Finley.  I have photographed his big sister and brother since they were his age.  I can already tell that Finley is going to be just as sweet and fun as they are.

Welcome to the family Finley.  We are going to have lots fun!

Happy Mother's Day!

Mothers are special; so special that we have teamed up again with Texas Roadhouse in Hickory for a special Mother’s Day promotion.

Special Mother's Day Promo with Texas Roadhouse Hickory

 Treat your mom to an incredibly meal at Texas Roadhouse in Hickory this weekend and be sure to register for the special Mother’s Day gift basket that Texas Roadhouse in Hickory has put together just for Mother’s Day.  There are lots of goodies in the basket, including a $100 gift certificate from the studio.

But that is not all!!!!

Keep your receipt from your meal this weekend at Texas Roadhouse in Hickory and you can take the amount of your meal off of your next portrait order from the studio (up to $50 off).  All you have to do is call the studio (828-397-6055) by May 31^st to schedule your portrait session and then bring in your receipt when you come to the studio.  (Amount of meal can only be applied towards order from a new session.)

Now to figure out a way to drop the hint to Sarah that she should take me to Texas Roadhouse this weekend…..

Happy Easter!

Around this time of the year, it I easy to think of Easter eggs filled with goodies and cute bunny rabbits.  And I’ll admit we had some pretty cute bunnies and really adorable kids for our Easter portraits this year.

But Easter is so much more than cute bunnies.  It is to remember the ultimate sacrifice our Lord Savior did for us.  I am so thankful that Jesus loves me and you enough to die on the cross for our salvation.

This weekend as you are enjoying your chocolate bunny be sure and remember to thank the Lord for His love.  If you need a church to attend Easter Service, let me know. You are always welcomed at ours.

May God Bless all of you.  He already loves you.

Crossing the finish line

An amazing view.

On my personal blog I wrote a post on my reflection of the 1st annual Robin's Run.  It was my first 5k and was in honor of my cousin.  I thought I would share the link here.  It was a very special day.

Join Team Sarah

Team Sarah vs Team Mom

The other day Sarah was running her mouth; nothing new, right.  Well, she started saying that she could out market me and get more sessions than me.

Those of you that know me know I love a good challenge.  So guess what?  -----  IT IS ON!

From now till the end of April, it is Sarah against Mom.  The one that gets more people to book a session between now and the end of April gets the title of Chief Marketer. Plus, to make it really interesting we have waged a little bet.

If I, and I will, get more sessions booked (aka WIN!!!!), then not only do I get to have bragging rights, but she has to keep her clothes organized “my way” for six months.  Now if by some fluke Sarah wins, then she will get something based on how many sessions she gets booked.  Minimum is $25 and she could earn up to an iPod Touch.

So how can you help me win and keep Sarah’s clothes neatly organized (those that have seen my closet and drawers know this is a big deal to me)?  Simply join Team Mom!!!! And of course call to schedule a session or get a friend to schedule a session.  When you call be sure and let me know you are part of Team Mom so I can get credit for the session.

Now the rules state I must let you know that if you want Sarah to win then you need to join Team Sarah (boo boo boo) and let me know you are part of Team Sarah when you call to schedule your session. 

Other things in the rules: no baby club session counts for either team and no session already scheduled counts for either team.  Sessions must be booked by April 30^th and must occur by June 30^th. 

So, let’s hear it for Team Mom!!!!  

Team Sarah vs Team Mom – It is on!

Who’s up for a parade?

As a mom, I get the joy of watching Sarah to learn, enjoy and grow.  As a photographer, sometimes I get to do that and participate at the same time.  When I can, I try to help out at Sarah’s school.  I have to admit it is very rewarding and I highly recommend it to all parents and business owners. 

A recent event I was able to help out with was the annual Dr. Suess birthday- Read Across America parade.  I spent the morning helping blow up and tie hundreds of balloons for the balloon launch with some fellow moms (oh, and Thurman Roe).  Every year at the end of the parade, the students all go out on the football field and pledge to always read and they do a mass balloon launch.  It is an awesome site to watch.

Tied on the end of each balloon is a note about Dr Suess and reading.  It also includes the student’s name and school information.  Each year the students are amazed at finding out how far their balloon went when they get a note from the person that found it.  This year several have been found around the Statesville area.

If you missed this year’s parade and balloon launch here are some images from it.   Mark your calendar for next year’s.  It is the best parade around.

A cowboy song

This year I have had the pleasure of watching Sarah find something she seems to really enjoy; chorus.  At the Soaring Eagles program at George Hildebrand Elementary School, the chorus gave a great performance.  It was a cowboy theme and the kids seemed to enjoy it.

Here is a little video of some of the images I took during the performance.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did the chorus performance.

Session times added on Monday for the Easter Bunny portrait sessions

I told you the kids and bunnies are simply adorable this year.  This is an image from one of the sessions so far this year.  I love my job.  I get to photograph the cutest kids, oh and bunnies too.

Every year I look forward to the Easter Bunny sessions.  Not only are they a blast to photograph, but the kids are absolutely adorable.  Some how this year, the kids are even more adorable and the bunnies are too.  So everyone can join in on the fun, I have added more session times on Monday.

I can’t tell you how sweet it is to get to watch the kids interact with the bunnies.  The sparkle in their eyes, the excitement in their voice and even down to the blowing them kisses and them it will be alright they are just going to go change into their Easter dress.  Megan was so cute doing that today.  All of the kids have been simply adorable. 

We have the bunnies at least into Tuesday, so I have decided to keep the fun going.  Session times have been set up for Monday for the Easter Bunny sessions.  This gives everyone a chance to come and be photographed with the bunnies and of course have snuggle time.  Yes, there is snuggle time scheduled into each session.

Some of the session times available on Monday have already been booked.  So call the studio 828-397-6055 to schedule your snuggle time with the bunnies.  If you miss this chance, you will have to wait a whole year to be photographed with the bunnies.  But of course, I photograph the cutest kids there are all year round.

Extra day add for the Easter Bunny sessions

An image from last year's Easter Bunny sessions.

The Easter Bunny sessions are always some of the most fun ones we do each year.  I just love watching the kids (and parents) play with the bunnies.  This year I believe we have the cutest bunnies we have ever had. 

We had Friday, March 19^th and Saturday, March 20^th slated for Easter Bunny sessions, but due to demand we have added session times on Thursday.  That is right, we now have even more snuggle time with the bunnies available.

We have a brand new set just for the bunnies this year also.   It is so pretty.

The special session fee for the Easter Bunny sessions is only $25.  Special portrait packages are available for $75 and include an 8x10, 2-5x7s and 8-wallets.  We have some other special items available as well.

Remember, we always allow time for snuggling with the bunnies.  There are new times available for Thursday and still some left on Friday and Saturday, so call 828-397-6055 now to reserve your snuggle time with the bunnies before they hippity-hop away.

Inspired photography

An image I created after being inspired by Jenn's class.

I spent the last week at the annual Professional Photographers of North Carolina’s (PPNC) Convention in Durham.  It is a week I always enjoy and look forward to.

Not only do I get to spend time with my PPNC family; I get to learn and be inspired by some of the best photographers across the country.  This year I had the pleasure of spending some time with Jennifer Hudson.  I came away from Jennifer’s class definitely inspired.

Jennifer shared some techniques that spoke to my artistic soul.  Some of these I have used in the past with my fine art and nature photography.  Some were brand new and have me exited to incorporate them into my portraits.

In the near future, I will need some models so I can hone some of the new skills I have learned.  Photography is a craft and requires constant work, time and effort to grow and improve.

You can read Jennifer’s thoughts on the PPNC Convention and see some of the incredible artistic portraits she created in her class in her blog post “Sweet North Carolina”.  Thanks Jenn for inspiring me.

Say Macaroni & Cheese

Recently, a friend told me about a great new website for moms in the Hickory area, Macaroni Kid – Hickory. This site is a great resource for moms and I wanted to share it with you.

Macaroni Kid – Hickory is the local version of the national Macaroni Kid website.  Both sites are very helpful with tips, craft ideas and other resources for moms.

They each send out a weekly newsletter packed full of information and they have a forum that moms can use to communicate with each other.  Kara, the local Publisher-mom, does a great job adding local flare to the Hickory site.

On the Hickory site, you can find additional resources as well as a calendar of events around Hickory and a list of things to do.  I check the site and calendar weekly to see what we can do as a family.  I just wished Macaroni Kid was around when Sarah was younger.

In love Texas style

Valentine’s weekend I had the pleasure of teaming up with my favorite steakhouse, Texas Roadhouse, Whitfield’s Florist and Hair It Is Salon as part of their Valentine’s weekend.  We each gave something for a special Valentine package that was won by Eddie Taylor.  Eddie will receive a 16x20 portrait from the studio.  Congrats Eddie!

I got to spend Valentine’s night with everyone at Texas Roadhouse.  That place was rockin’.  Everyone I met was so sweet and the staff was bringing the food to every table I was talking to.

While I was there I captured some of the wonderful folks out celebrating the day of love with my camera.  Here is a little video so you can join in on all of the fun we had.

School's Out

While picking up Sarah from school today, I noticed spring school picture day is coming up.  If you are like me, the school pictures are quite lame.  Sarah doesn’t even like them. 

I know I tried to get rid of all of my school pictures and still try to hide when mom manages to pull out another one she must have hid from me.  I don’t want Sarah to have to go through the same thing of school pictures being the memories of her school years she has to show her kids in the future.  I don’t want that to be true of your kids either.

I remember when I was a kid, the days we were out of school were always a lot of fun. Just because I am a grown up doesn’t mean that has to change, right?

School’s out Monday, Feb 21^st and I want to have some fun.  So let’s play!

Bring your kids in and we will have a bunch of fun and create images that your kids will want to show their kids.  And you will want to show all of your friends and you won’t be ashamed to give these to your family.  Image portraits of your kids that are fun and full of their personality.  No school photographer can offer that.

So one day only, Monday, Feb 21^st, session fee is only $25 and you get a special bonus as well.  Receive a complementary 5x7 with your order.

Call (828-397-6055) now to reserve your playtime and let’s have some fun on Monday!

Have Valentine’s dinner on me!

That’s right, have your Valentine’s dinner on me.  Sorry guys, that leaves you no excuse this year. 

This year we have teamed up with my favorite steakhouse, Texas Roadhouse in Hickory, along with Whitfield’s Florist and Hair It Is to create the best Valentine weekend every.  As a special bonus, you can have your dinner on me.  Here is what you do:

1. Take your sweetie or have your sweetie take you to Texas Roadhouse for an incredibly special Valentine date.  Not only will you enjoy some incredible food, you will also get some special treats.
2. Schedule a session during the month of February and bring your receipt from your Valentine date to Texas Roadhouse in Hickory Valentine’s weekend (Friday, Feb 11^th through Monday, Feb 14^th).  Bring the receipt to your session and the amount you paid for your meal (up to $50 off) will be taken off your portrait order.
3. While you are at Texas Roadhouse, register to win the fabulous Valentine prize package: a flower arrangement from Whitfield’s, a gift certificate from Hair It Is, dinner for two from Texas Roadhouse and a framed 16x20 portrait from us!

What a sweet Valentine deal!  Can I enter?

I hate fine print too, but here it is short and sweet.  Offer of meal value off your portrait order is only good for one receipt (up to $50 off, unless you treat me to dinner at Texas Roadhouse that weekend) from a visit to Texas Roadhouse in Hickory from the Valentine weekend starting Friday, Feb 11^th through Monday, Feb 14^th.  Call the studio (828-397-6055) to schedule your session by Feb 28^th to be eligible for the dinner on me offer.  Session must occur by March 31^st.  Can only be applied to a new session and may not be used towards the Easter Bunny sessions.

A Look Back at 2010

Yes, 2010 was an awesome year.  Together we created some incredible images.  I am so lucky to have the portraiture, commercial and editorial clients that I get to work with. You all are the greatest.  Here are just some of the images we created during 2010.

Did you see anyone you know?

New Year - New Look

With the new year comes a new look for Denise Clay Photography.  You may have seen the new logo sneaking in on a few things the past few weeks, but the official roll out for the new look is with the start of the year.  In addition to the new logo, there will be some other changes at DCP in 2011 that I think you are going to really love.  More on them later.

What do you think of the new logo?

I have homework to do

Sorry, I can't come out and play.  I have to do my homework.

Wait, my homework requires me to have fun and play.  So let's go!

What am I talking about?  I have given myself a self assignment for 2011.  My assignment is I am going to aim to photograph something for pure fun every day or at least most days.  Then once a week I am going to share one or more of those images here on the blog.

I may even go into my archives and share some of the images I have created in the past.  Like this one.  Does anyone know which pier is seen in this image?

I hope you will enjoy the images I share.   Please leave comments about them to let me know what you think.  This should be fun and interesting.

I'm in training

Did you make any New Year's resolutions?  What are they?  How are you doing with them?

I am not into setting resolutions very much, but I am tackling something this year that I never have before and I would like for you to join me.  This year I in training

This spring I will participating in my first ever 5k. This is a special 5k and there is a very personal reason for me doing this.

I have a personal blog where I have written about this special 5k and my reason there.  I will also be blogging there about my progress during my training.  The good thing is I will get back in shape doing this.

I would love for you to join me on this journey.  So start walking with me or just send me words of encouragement.

Let's go "One foot in front of the other..."

Happy New Year!!!!!

Just wanted to wish each of you a Happy and Safe Happy New Year!  I am looking forward to seeing each of you in 2011. 
Love you all and May God Bless each of you,
Denise