I'm so glad Michael to see us recently! He is a great kid and even though it was downright freezing, he braved the cold without complaining and we got some awesome outdoor images! I really love the yellow in his jacket, made for cool lines in his images! Thanks so much for coming to see us Michael!
Josh - Mater Dei Catholic High School [Clinton County, IL Photographer]
With the yearbook deadline approaching, we got to photograph a few seniors in this gorgeous snow! Josh was one of them and I'm so glad he called us! We had a great time photographing him - He's a true gentlemen and I love the way his images turned out! At first, we weren't planning on using the coat, but I'm so glad we did! I love the MD logo! The Black and White was his favorite - I think it makes him look like a model!Thanks so much for coming in Josh!
Ms. Kaylyn is 3! [Clinton County, Illinois Photographer]
With the excitment of the New Year, we realized we never posted on the blog for Ms. Kaylyn! I always adore photographing this family - Kaylyn is so full of energy and life and she has the BEST style! Compliments to her beautiful mamma, I'm sure :) At her session, Kaylyn told me all about her birthday party, her farm and of course, her little brother. I know she's a wonderful big sister and helper! Love seeing her in the studio!
Las Vegas or BUST! [Clinton County, IL Photographer]
This time next week, we'll be enjoying awesome sights and beautiful weather, on top of some of the best education the photography industry can offer. We're headed to Vegas for a few workshops and I couldn't be more excited! Last time I was there, it was for a WPPI National convention in 2012 - I met some incredible role models of mine and even got to spend a little time sight seeing. This time, we're headed not only to that same convention again, but also to another workshop centered on senior photography. It's going to be AMAZING! Last time around, I brought my husband along (who spent most of his time golfing ;)). This time, our own creative director, Amy, is packing her bags. She has been studying photography for the past year and has come a long way - I can't wait to see her put some of the knowledge into action at the workshops. PLUS we're looking forward to seeing some new products from top labs and coming home with lots of incredible education and some new products! I get so excited for these workshops every year because, for me, it's like the spark. It gives me the tools I need to KNOW we are providing the best possible portraits, products and service that we possibly can.
Here's to another awesome year!
The 2013 Holiday Special
The first weekend in December, we hosted our first annual Holiday Special for the kiddos. It was walk-in only on Friday and Saturday, with a pre-designed set and packages starting at only $35. It was a huge hit! We had so many cute kiddos come up to see us and we absolutely loved seeing all of them (and their families!) in the adorable holiday outfits! We're looking forward to doing this every year! If you haven't picked yours up yet, the orders are here and the last pick-up hours this year are this Saturday, December 21st from 9am-12pm. Thanks so much for coming to see us!
xoxo, h.
2013 Junior Model Shoot [Clinton County Illnois Senior Photographer]
We planned for months, sent out a casting call and received tons of responses. We sorted through, drew names, and here they are - The 2013 Junior Models. This shoot was a big deal to us - I, Hillary, have been doing this (and by this, I mean dressing my friends up and photographing them) for years. I literally use to invite my friends over for sleepovers, knowing we were going to play "fashion shoot". And, like I said on Premiere night, here we are 15 years later, still doing it. And still loving every second. Afer we announced who would be our Junior Models, we held a Model Meeting. At this meeting we told them what it was all about and how the shoot would go. The day of the shoot, hair and make-up was completely provided by Perfectly Polished Salon (We can't say enough good things about them, we seriously love them to peices). We had the girls bring multiple outfits and Amy, our Creative Director, and I sorted through the many duffel bags and laundry baskets to coordinate the perfect outfits. What we ended up with is even better than we imaginged.
After styling, hair and make-up, we took the girls to an outdoor location, where a dinner party was all set up for them. Although, we didn't have dinner, we had cupcakes. But, that's better, right? ;) The scene was complete with gold chairs, gold glitter vases, pink flowers, pink cupcakes, and even a gold chandelier which hung from the tree above. We photographed as the sun was setting and the light was perfect! We had all the moms carrying bags and holding reflectors as they watched the entire thing (THANK YOU, MOMS!!!!). It was truly something I'll never forget.
Then, we invited the girls back to the studio for PREMIERE NIGHT! Premiere night was everthing you'd expect. Lots of people, a red carpet (Well, ours was pink;)), door-greeters complete with a velvet rope, lots of cold drinks and shelves of amazing chocolate-covered snacks (Thanks Covered in Chocolate!) like strawberries, pretzels, oreo truffles and more. I spoke, gave out a few awards, and we dimmed the lights and watched the video we created that day. (Check it out here!) Then, we debuted the magazine and it was a total hit! I've always wanted to do a magazine (in keeping with my slight magazine addiction, as my husband) and I'm so happy to check that off my professional bucket list - We absolutely can't wait to do another! The magazine will be circulated around Clinton County so be sure to keep an eye out for it! Or, come on up to the studio and see it yourself :)
Check out a few images from the shoot - Full Gallery to follow soon!
xoxo, h.
