I'm only human...

This is kind of embarrassing to say the least!

I have been having problems with the studio keeping up to temperature lately with how cold is has been getting at night sometimes. I figured it was because it was electric heat and it was just having trouble because most days it was fine in there. It was just some mornings it was really cold.

Well, I mentioned it to my landlord when I saw him. He asked if I had electric or gas heat....I said that it is electric because I don't have a gas bill. Then, he said he'd go take a look at it. He walked outside and pointed to the gas meter and said that I have gas and that's the problem! He says he told me when I signed the lease, but you'd think after being in there for 1 year and 8 months that I would have figured it out sooner!!! I guess it wasn't as cold of a winter last winter! Well, I called the gas company today and they are suppose to be getting the gas hooked up. I feel really stupid....but, it's also kind of funny.

Today was a record...

for the number of people that were in my studio at one time!! I did formal portraits for a couple for their 50th wedding anniversary today. We had planned to do the session outdoors so that we weren't limited on space. It was quite a large family and a tight fit in my studio. We had a total of 19 people being photographed and 24 people total in the studio (not including myself and my assistant). WOW! It was definitely hectic, but very productive. They look really good. I'll post some of their portraits as soon as I have a few finished.

Merry Christmas!

We are leaving this morning to go to Hilton Head to spend time with my parents. I just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas! I hope that you have a wonderful day celebrating Jesus' birthday!

Can you believe it's Christmas Eve?

I'm having trouble believing that Christmas is here already! The year has gone so quickly! We will be opening gifts as a family today. My kids love it because they get to open everything early. We do it this way so we can leave first thing in the morning to go to Hilton Head to be with my parents. This way the kids have all day on Christmas eve to enjoy their presents before we leave.

I hope everyone is done with their Christmas shopping and has all of their gifts wrapped!

Merry Christmas!!

New Client Information Poll!

I've posted a poll at the beginning of my blog for clients. We currently provide our clients with 8 wallet sized referral cards that feature one of the images from their session and our information. If someone that they refer brings the card into the studio, they receive a complimentary 8x10 portrait. Unfortunately, we haven't been having very many referral cards coming back into the studio. Clients are sending in referrals, but the referral cards aren't making it back. This very well may be that clients don't think to bring it or loose it. Make sure to cast your vote as to whether or not you are using them. This will help us determine if we should continue to provide them with each portrait order. Thanks!

WOW! AMAZING RESPONSE!

We are getting such a great response from the Best of 2008 Contest! I'm amazed at the number of votes that have been cast so far! I'm enjoying watching the numbers jump in such a short period of time! Keep the votes rolling in!

Best of 2008 Contest - VOTE NOW!

We have selected 20 of our best images from this year and would like you to vote for the best image of 2008! Only one vote per computer will be permitted; therefore, make sure to have your friends and family vote as well! An email invitation has been sent out to our email distribution list which can be forwarded to family and friends. Voting will be closed January 15, 2009, and the winner will be announced shortly thereafter.

The winner will receive a complimentary 16x20 Fine Art Canvas ($560 value) or they can choose any Gina Alexander Handbag or tote which will feature their winning image!

CLICK HERE TO VOTE NOW!

Still hiring for a Studio Assistant!

Many have asked if we have filled the position yet, the answer is no. I have done some interviews and have others coming up as well. But, we have not hired anyone yet. If you are interested in submitting your resume, e-mail it to erika@erikasphoto.com. Thanks!

Introducing the Monarch Club....

This is something that I have been considering adding as a client benefit for some time. But, I finally have the cards & card holders designed and on order! So, we are pleased to introduce the Monarch Club to you!

Monarch Club members are entitled to a LIFETIME OF SPECIAL OFFERS MADE EXCLUSIVELY TO THEM!

Monarch Club members also enjoy a LIFETIME WITHOUT SESSION FEES for the cardholder and their immediate family! A Monarch Club Card is presented which is the size and weight of a credit card. Monarch Cards contain a sequential number which is assigned specifically to that cardholder with the cardholder's signature on the back of the card. The cardholder must present the Monarch Club Card at each session for session fees to be waived. There is no limit to the number of sessions that can be redeemed with a Monarch Club Card. However, an additional fee per person per session will apply for anyone outside of the cardholder's immediate family.

With a Monarch Club Membership, these elite clients never have to worry about session fees increasing, minimum orders, custom design fees, or payment plan fees ever again!

MONARCH CLUB CARDS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR SALE. MONARCH CLUB CARDS ARE ONLY GIVEN AS COMPLIMENTARY GIFTS TO ELITE CLIENTS ONCE THEY HAVE SPENT A CERTAIN DOLLAR FIGURE WITH OUR STUDIO. WE WANT TO REWARD OUR LOYAL CLIENTS; THEREFORE, THIS IS OUR GIFT TO THEM. CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT EARNING YOUR MONARCH CLUB MEMBERSHIP!

A Monarch Club Card is non-transferable and should be treated like cash since lost and stolen cards will not be replaced.

Announcing The Caterpillar Club!

We are converting our Baby & Toddler Plans into The Caterpillar Club! Everyone knows that little caterpillars turn into beautiful butterflies! With our branding being butterflies, we thought it very appropriate to transition our plans for growing babies & toddlers into the Caterpillar Club.

Instead of paying a session fee for each milestone, our Caterpillar club members enjoy up to 6 sessions without session fees, no session fee increases over the term of the plan, no minimum orders, no payment plan fees, no additional fees for portraits with Mom & Dad, and purchase whatever portraits you desire.

The Caterpillar Club is $395.
It will include the following sessions:

Maternity Session (3rd trimester)
Newborn Session (up to 2 weeks)
Sitting Session (6-7 months)
1st Birthday Session
18 month Session
2nd Birthday Session
DVD Slideshow of all 6 sessions

If your caterpillar is on a diet, we are offering
Pick any 5 sessions - $350
Pick any 4 sessions - $300

Upon purchase of The Caterpillar Club, you will be presented a Caterpillar Club Card (size and weight of a credit card) to present at each session. Any sessions not included in the plan will be punched out with a butterfly punch. As sessions are redeemed, they will be punched out on the card as well. CATERPILLAR CLUB MEMBERS ARE ENTITLED TO SPECIAL OFFERS ONLY AVAILABLE TO THEM EVEN AFTER YOUR LITTLE CATERPILLAR GROWS WINGS! These special offers will be redeemed with your Caterpillar Club Card as well!

This new program will simplify all of the plans into one card. You will just present your card for everything and no longer need to keep track of a coupon book! We are so excited about this program that we will be grandfathering in previous Baby & Toddler Plan members to the club on their next visit to the studio. Current members of a Baby & Toddler Plan can upgrade to the new Caterpillar Club if they wish to add additional sessions for the difference in price. Contact us for more details about upgrading your current Baby & Toddler Plan to a Caterpillar Club membership.

We are looking for a Studio Assistant!

Heather, my assistant, had to resign last week due to some family issues. She & I were both extremely sad, but it was something that she had to do. I understand that she had to put her family first! Due to her resignation, I am actively seeking a new studio assistant.

We are seeking a computer savvy, customer service oriented, and creative person who loves to work with children. At this point, the position is part time. We are hoping that whoever we hire would eventually like to have a full-time position as the studio continues to grow. We are looking for someone who is available Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 9-12, Thursday 6-8:30 p.m., and Saturday 8:30 - 1. Some Saturday afternoons and Tuesday evenings are possible as well.

This person will attend sessions and assist in changing backdrops, getting props, moving lights, repositioning fans, steaming backdrops, and holding reflectors. There are numerous clerical as well as customer service duties that this position performs as well as mounting, framing, and packaging portrait orders.

No experience is necessary; however, knowledge of Photoshop CS3 is a plus. Starting pay is $10 per hour with a raise plan to get you to $13.25 per hour once fully trained.

Please e-mail your resume to erika@erikasphoto.com if you are interested in applying.

WE ARE HIRING!

We are looking for a computer savvy, customer service oriented, and creative person who loves to work with children. Applicants for this position must be available to work Monday 9-12, Tuesday 9-12, Wednesday 9-12, Thursday 6-8:30 p.m., Saturday 8:30-at least 1 and sometimes in the afternoon. This is approximately 16 hours a week. If you or someone you know is interested in this position, please send resume to erika@erikasphoto.com.

Have a friend you don't know what to buy for....

and they have admired your portraits from our studio?

If they are expecting a baby...you could get them a Baby Plan! If their little one is getting close to their first birthday, you can get them a Toddler Plan! We also offer Gift Cards in increments of $50. That way they can get whatever they want!

Call to get your Christmas gift TODAY!!

I'm sure many of you are wondering....

if we are going to be implementing a price increase as of January 1st. The answer is...no. Our last price increase went into effect May 2008; therefore, we will not be implementing a price increase on January 1st. Our current 2008 price list will remain in effect for the beginning of 2009 as well. With the change we made in November of taking out the Select Collection and the addition of the Supreme Collection, we do not feel that a price increase is necessary at this time.

Make sure to call TODAY to book your January creation session since we will be giving away a 20x24 Fine Art Canvas Gallery Wrap valued at $675! To have your name in this drawing, you must hold your session before January 31, 2009.

BIG BIG BIG PROMOTION!!!

Would you like to win a FREE 20x24 FINE ART CANVAS PORTRAIT VALUED AT $695?

Anyone who holds a creative session between now
and January 31, 2008, will be entered in a drawing for a
free 20x24 Fine Art Canvas Portrait/Gallery Wrap.

Drawing will be held February 2, 2008, winner will be notified by telephone,
and their name will be announced on the blog!

Call to book your session TODAY!
Timeslots will fill up quickly!

Also, all referral bonuses are being doubled now through January 31st for current clients!!

December Newsletter Issued!

Our December newsletter just went out today. If you aren't on the list to receive these mailings, make sure you subscribe to our mailing list. To check out the December issue: Click here! This is a web version that will be available for 30 days in case you have problems viewing it through your email.

Sherri's little angel boy

Sherri brought her little guy in last week for a session to duplicate a Mom and baby image that she had of her 1st born. He behaved like a little angel plus he looked like one dressed in an adorable while knit outfit! I just loved that outfit! We got awake as well as sleeping images...both are precious. Sherri, there are so many good ones I think you'll have a difficult time picking! Here are a few from his session:

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!! I know that I have a great deal to be thankful for including my awesome studio! So, enjoy the turkey, stuffing, and all the other goodies that are part of this awesome holiday! We have relatives in from out of town and I will be cooking Thanksgiving dinner today for our family plus a couple of friends that we have invited. I'm going to try to relax and take it easy, but then it's back to the hectic studio schedule as the December 1st Christmas deadline is fast approaching.

The Hill Family

I had the pleasure this past Saturday to photograph John, Lucy, and Kara. They were great subjects and the session went extremely smooth. When Lucy booked the session, I had an idea for a photo of her and her daughter that I wanted to capture as we were talking. I absolutely love it when people are patient and allow me to follow through with my artistic vision. The 2nd picture below is a result of that idea. Kara was just a cutie! I loved being able to capture her relationship with Mom & Dad. Here are a few from their session although there are so many more excellent portraits I could show.

Lady in Red

Mirren was in for her very first professional portrait session this past weekend. She was a little doll with beautiful blue eyes and exquisite dresses! She fell asleep while I was changing backgrounds for her Christmas portraits so I got some precious sleeping photos of her! She woke up from her little catnap smiling like crazy! Before she fell asleep, I got to use my new baby wings! I just love those wings and how those images turned out! Kelly, I know you are going to love all of these!

Updated Featured Session Again!

I've been really wanting to update my featured session more frequently. So, I just couldn't resist using the Payne twin's session as the featured session on my website. Who doesn't love to look at newborn twin babies???? They are so adorable and their session turned out so beautifully! Make sure to check it out!

The Barius Family

I had a lot of fun last night with Jessica, Chris, and Heidi. Jessica and Chris are such a cute couple. They were very easy to work with. Heidi, their dog, was a little angel...but, we were offering her treats like crazy! What dog wouldn't have loved to be at my studio??? Lol! Jessica, I sure hope she's not sick today! She will want to come see me all the time now!

Here are a few from the session. I really love this Iron Oxide backdrop! It went really nice with their orange clothes! All of the images turned out really well. Jessica, you'll have so many to pick from! I can't wait for you to see them!

Opal arrived and new seasonal gallery!

I wanted to announce that Opal, our newest backdrop addition, has arrived and is up in the studio for use! This background has a cream tone to the backdrop with subtle hints of yellow, blue, and green. I think it will work with a lot of things especially little girls and boys! I can't wait to try it out!

Also, I just added a new gallery to the portfolio on the website. This is a "Seasonal" gallery. This is where we are going to be putting featured images from Christmas sessions, Easter sessions, etc. We have added 3 images to this gallery as a start and will be adding more as time goes on! Make sure to check it out!

The House of Payne!

The Payne family brought their twin baby girls in for their newborn session this past week. They are just so adorable and it was so much fun to work with both of them! The title of the blog was stolen from their answering machine...it says you have reached the "House of Payne"! As you can imagine, the Payne family has their hands full! Their machine declares that they will be sure to call you back before the girls graduate high school! LOL!

Here are a few of the portraits from their session which turned out beautifully. Kellie, I think you are going to love these! I can't wait for you to see them!

The Center of Attention!

Congratulations to the White's on the birth of their baby daughter, Landen! She was in the studio this past Saturday for her newborn session and she is adorable! I think she is going to be spoiled rotten since Mom is declaring that this is going to be her one and only child. She even has Daddy wrapped around her finger after only a couple short weeks....he hates his picture taken and he cooperated beautifully all for his baby girl! The first picture below is my favorite from the session! I just can't decide if I like it best in color or black & white! Here are a few of the portraits from her session:

New Featured Session!

I just uploaded a new featured session. This time WEB's 1st birthday session was chosen which features some fishing expedition shots and cake smash! Make sure to check it out!

Angel Wings are here!

The Angel wings came in Friday and I forgot to post saying they were here!! I just remembered when I had someone call asking about them wanting to book a session using them! So, they are here! I have 2 colors for newborns: white and pink. I also got a set for babies that are sitting that are white. I can't wait to try them out!

I double crossed my assistant!

While metering lights this morning for our session, I told Heather that I needed to check my backdrop lights and started taking a couple of pictures of her. After the 2nd one she realized what I was up to and that I wasn't taking them just to test the backdrop light. So, I finally have a portrait of my assistant, Heather. So, here it is:

Doubling Referrals for November!

This will light up your holiday cheer!

Referrals are the highest compliment that you can pay us...so, we want to give you an extra reward during this extremely busy time of year! Exiting clients, for every referral that holds a creative session in the month of November, the referral bonus will be doubled! Therefore, instead of receiving a $50 gift card...receive $100 in gift cards for each referred session!

Your testimony to others is a much more effective advertising tool that we could never match! You probably have already raved about your images. Simply forward a link to our website or the monthly In Focus Newsletter to your friends and family, make sure they mention that you sent them in, and let us take it from there!

Speaking of the November Newsletter....did you notice that it contains a coupon for a free Gina Alexander Dana tote or Emma handbag with the purchase of a baby or toddler plan? Feel free to forward the newsletter onto your family and friends so that they can take advantage of that as well!

Don't forget to go vote!

I just wanted to remind everyone that the election is tomorrow. I'm sure you can't wait to get rid of all of the campaign ads on the tv! But, don't forget. It's important for the future of our country! Keep in mind that if you don't vote, you ARE casting a vote!

The Garcia Family

The Garcia family was in this past weekend for their creative session. We had a lot set to accomplish for this session. We planned to duplicate an image that was done of their oldest son, get a family shot, and get some other images of Austin who will be 14 months at the end of this week. I'm just in love with this fish expedition scene! Little boys just seem to have fun playing in it! Even though their session was during little Austin's naptime and he was a sleepy little guy, we got some incredible images! Here are just a few of the images that we captured. Danea & Richard, I'm sure you will be extremely pleased with what we ended up getting.

Some Iron Oxide and a little Essence....

It seems like I'm always doing my girls pictures when I have a new backdrop to try out. This time they actually cooperated for a little while which is very different than usual. The first 3 images are on Iron Oxide and the last 2 are on Essence. I'm thinking these are going to be great additions to our backdrop collection. Our new backdrop support came in today which is really exciting. I can't wait to get it up and be able to have 10 backdrops on my shooting wall at all times! The question will be.....which 10....lol!

New picture of me....

I was playing with the newest background addition, Iron Oxide, today and decided to update my picture for the blog and website. So, here it is...on Iron Oxide....
I'll have a few more of my girls on Iron Oxide and Essence to show once I get them finished.

Ho Ho Ho...A Wee Little Santa

I just had to share a couple of Ayden's Christmas Portrait. I already shared his Naked Cowboy one, but thought that these turned out so cute that I had to add them to the blog as well. Ayden made such a cute little Santa!

Iron Oxide is now up in the studio!

WOW. This looks like a gorgeous backdrop. I just hung it and it has reds, oranges, yellows, browns.....all of the fall colors. It reminds me of fall leaves!!! I'm working on getting the wrinkles out of it now, but I can't wait to try it out. I think this will look awesome with any fall color clothing....as well as a fall set of leaves, hay bales, pumpkins, etc.

Also, don't forget to complete the Custom Jewelry potential new product survey. It has been up for a little over a week and we are getting ready to close it. So, this is the last call to complete it.

Click this link to take the survey!

Once you complete the survey, there is a link on the last page to view the results if you would like to see what the reaction has been to this new potential product!

Naked Little Cowboy!

I have been wanting to try this for some time and finally rounded up (lol) the props for it! I'm still working on proofing Ayden's session from this past weekend, but I couldn't resist posting this image after I finished it!

Iron Oxide & some other cool stuff...

We just got our newest addition to our hand painted backdrops yesterday....Iron Oxide. This one has rust colors in it. I haven't even had a chance to do any test shots on Essence and I already have another one here that needs put up. GOSH! We also have another backdrop that is on order called Opal which is mostly white and cream, but it has some subtle hints of blue, yellow, and green in it.

With all of these backdrop additions lately, we had to purchase a new backdrop rack which was ordered last Friday. I'm really excited for it to come in and get put up because it will allow us to have 10 backdrops on our shooting wall at all times plus one to swap out when we want to use a different one. This will definitely help!! Plus, it allows us to expand our backdrop selection even more :).

Quite a few of you are probably aware that we have been having problems with our phone line in the last week. We thought we got it fixed last week, but after a couple days the problems started again. I'm extremely pleased to say that it is FINALLY officially fixed! YAY! So, if you have tried to call in the last week and haven't gotten us....you might want to try again now that things are finally working again.

It's like an early Christmas!!

I just got a really AWESOME box! The Essence backdrop that I ordered has arrived. This is a hand painted abstract backdrop like the last new one that I got (Asylum). This one has a rust and denim theme to it. I have wanted this one since the day it was released and I'm so happy to finally have it. I can't wait to get it up and start to do some test shots on it!!! I already have an outfit picked out for my little girl that just turned 4 years old. So, I'll post some images as soon as I have some.

I also got a cowboy hat, lasso, and cowboy boots this week. I have a shot in mind...hopefully I'll be able to capture it this weekend if Ayden cooperates on Saturday. If I get some images...I'll be sure to post them.

I'm really pleased that we have already had 11 responses to our new product survey. If you haven't had a chance to respond, make sure you do that soon. The information is in the post below.

Custom Photo Jewelry...

We are considering adding custom photo jewelry to the product line that we offer; however, we would like to hear from you before we do it.

All of the jewelry is .925 solid sterling silver fine jewelry, not silver-plated. This product line would consist of custom photo bracelets, necklaces, charms, watches, holiday ornaments, belt buckles, and photo rings. Please take a few moments and complete the survey we have created regarding this potential product:

Click this link to take the survey!

We greatly appreciate your feedback!

Out goes the Select and in comes the Supreme!

We do our very best to listen to our clients! Very few of our clients had taken advantage of the Select Collection, but had requested another collection featuring framed wall portraits. We did not have one prior to this.

So, we have taken out the Select which was the only collection that did not include our Leathrette Proof Book and added a new collection which we are calling the Supreme. We are happy to announce that now ALL of our collections include the 10x10 Leathrette Proof book!

My New Gina Alexander Handbag!

I am loving this handbag and just had to take some pictures to share with everyone! This is the Candy Handbag which is one of the handbags that I offer from the Gina Alexander line. It features images on both sides with the Cognac leather trim. The quality is FANTASTIC!
This is the Kayla Wristlet Handbag sample that we just got in as well. It features images on both sides as well trimmed with tan leather.

First Issue of In-Focus with Erika's Photography

was issued this morning! This is an exciting moment for the studio! Watch your e-mail inbox for our very first issue. This issue contains an AWESOME coupon for current clients. So, if you don't get it, make sure to check your junk mail box and add us to your address book. These e-mails and promotions will be coming from the e-mail address marketing@erikasphoto.com.

If you are not part of our mailing list, you can add yourself by entering your e-mail address in the "Join our e-mail list" box to the right side of the blog. We would love to have you!

Finney: Take 2

The Finney family did the 2nd part of their session this past Friday at the Greenway. I definately found a great new location for family sessions!!! The Greenway was just beautiful!!! There are so many spots there for portraits and I haven't completely explored everywhere yet.

Here are a few from the 2nd part of their session. This first one has a funny story to it. I was on the side of the enbankment with my tripod surrounded by pinetrees. I couldn't keep the pinetrees out of the picture so I used my left arm and my right leg to hold them back while my right hand pressed the shutter. The entire family was laughing at me and my assistant, Heather, was just on the right side holding the reflector. She couldn't figure out why they were laughing at me...then she looked! She got a kick out of it and I know they did too. Heather said she wished she would have had a camera to take a picture of me! THANK GOODNESS SHE DIDN'T!!!! :)