WIN A FREE SHOOT!

Maybe it's the sunshine, the melting snow, the fact I actually picked up a rake today and not a shovel... I'm itching to get outside and shoot AND feeling very generous. So, to celebrate spring (which *fingers crossed* is just around the corner) I'm having a contest.

What's up for grabs? a FREE photo session and a special digital package including 10 digital files. (valued at over $750!) 

Who can enter? Anyone! This can be a family, child, newborn, high school senior, couple or a 'just you' shoot. 

Here's how to enter (you get one entry for each of the following):

1. enter using this link (give it a minute to load directly from my site - it may appear, disappear and reload - not sure why, I'm no web master but let it do it's thing and then fill it out. 

2.  Fan me on Facebook. (Already a fan? You’re automatically entered.) 

3. Get friends to become a fan and as long as they say who sent them in a quick message (either message me or post on the wall), you both get an entry.

4. Make a blog comment on any new or recent blog post for the rest of the month of March. Each comment (one per post though please) will get you an entry.

So lots of ways to enter - the more you do, the greater your chances. The contest will run from today until March 31st (midnight). A winner will be drawn at random on April 1st - check the blog that day for the winner.

**BONUS **
Forward this blog post (just use the envelope button at the bottom of the post) to any and all of your friends who might be interested in winning a FREE session. Make sure to tell them to put your name in the message space. For each friend that you refer, you will receive a bonus entry. The more you spread the word, the more chances you’ll have to win!

Photoshoot must take place before September 2010 and can include up to 5 immediate family members. Session must take place within 35kms of Woodstock (there may be some exceptions - ie. if from Toronto and I can squeeze you in on a weekend I'm already there doing a shoot, there's a good chance we can do it in your home town). You don't have to live in this area to enter, but must be willing to travel if you win or if you'd prefer I come to you, my usual travel fee will apply. You must sign a model release form allowing me to use images taken for promotional purposes (I ask this of all my clients). You can be a new or returning client - the contest is open to all. Good luck  : )

Oh baby...

I had the pleasure of attending a workshop recently hosted by Stephanie Robin - photographer and baby whisperer extraordinaire. The day was flooded with some seriously cute newborns while myself and 3 other photographers got to soak up all Stephanie had to share (which was loads!)

Here are a few images I took throughout the day...

Just passing on some contest info...

AMAZING contest form the folks at Epiphanie (they make gorgeous camera bags for those of you who haven't heard of them). Enter to win a great camera (the one I use) or some cash for a little getaway. 

Click below to head to their site.

share : my newest friend

And now here's my chance to share. You saw him here, now here's more of that little cutie...

Happy family day :)

show : my newest friend

I'm changing a few things in how I run my business. First off, I'm going to push in-person gallery viewings. Partially for selfish reasons, I'm asking clients to come and have the first viewing of their gallery in person at my home office (or I can travel with laptop to my client's home). Half the fun for me is seeing the reaction of the client when they first see an image. I've received emails right after I post an online gallery from clients telling me they cried when they saw the pictures - I've had quite a few of those actually and without sounding awful, I want to see those tears - they mean more to me than a purchase. They validate why I'm doing what I do. A client screaming via all caps in an email just isn't the same as hearing it when they see their images for the first time. 

During this in-person viewing I can also show samples, help with ideas and answer any questions. I will also offer an incentive for orders placed during that meeting. I do understand however that there are always grandparents, friends, family that may also be interested in purchasing images and for that reason, I will also post an on-line gallery for 7 days, during which time all additional orders must be placed. 

I want to be part of the entire process - from the initial contact to the product delivery and beyond - and this (the initial viewing) is a major part. 

That said, it's not always possible to do an in person viewing. Approximately 40% of my clients are out-of-town and to travel one or two hours to show the gallery is out of the question. In those cases, an on-line gallery will have to do.

This client is one of those. Why am I telling you this now? Well, another change is that I'm going to show just one or two images per sneak peek. I don't want to spoil the surprise that awaits clients in their gallery. These posts will be labelled 'show'. After the gallery goes live, I will then post more images from the shoots and title those posts 'share'. Show and share... that's how it's going to work.

This is my first 'show'. This little man kind of stole my heart. I travelled to Toronto to see him the other day, fought rush hour for over two and a half hours on the way home and smile the whole way. His happiness must have been contagious. He's the most content wee dude I've had the pleasure of spending a couple of hours with in a long time. And who am I to resist a red head... 

More to come from this shoot in a few days once the gallery goes live.

Sample share

Just thought I'd share a few pictures of some alternatives to framing. Frames are great - they come in all shapes and sizes, different finishes, colours, with and without mats, you name it - but it's not the only way to display prints.

One option that looks gorgeous on the wall is the gallery wrap. Your photo is printed on canvas, UV laminated for added protection and wrapped on a 2 1/4" stretcher frame. These are stunning as a stand-alone or as part of a collage of canvases. They're available in many sizes - the larger the better in my opinion - and come ready to hang.

The flush mount is another option. Great for storyboards (more than one photo) and look especially good in kids rooms. They're laminated, so they're easy to keep clean, and come ready to hang.

And one of my favourites, the float mount (just had the one below printed - 20x30). Your image is printed and mounted on masonite, laminated to protect it from UV and fingerprints and then attached to a frame that brings it out from the wall so it appears that it's floating. Very modern.

There are more options than what I've shown here and I'll hopefully be able to share more samples soon.

So when it comes time to order, don't just think standard prints and digital files... there's lots more to consider and I can definitely help out with some ideas. And think BIG. I consider 5x7s and 8x10s desk prints - go larger for the wall. Hang something that is going to have an impact. A 24x30 canvas has much more of a 'wow' factor than a small framed print. It's art!