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: