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…..