Friday, May 30, 2008

Emma







Meet Emma- a girl who knows what she wants. And on this day Emma wasn't particularly interested in getting her portrait taken. But- that's nothing new for a 2 year old. We had some fun playing catch, dancing and singing and in between it all~ pretty little Emma got her portraits done whether she realized it or not.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

The Art & Investment of Custom Photography

I just learned about a great in-depth article written by Marianne Drenthe on Custom Photography. What is custom photography, and how should you choose a professional photographer? Why does custom photography cost so much more than the chain studios? What exactly is Lifestyle Photography or Photojournalism? This fantastic article addresses all these questions and more.

I especially like her breakdown of the time involved in just one portrait session. Many people might not realize just how much time goes into a single portrait session. A lot of people might think once the session is over, the work is basically done. That simply is not the case. For instance, did you know that I rarely photograph more than 3-4 clients in one week? I estimate my time per session to average about 6 hours. During the holiday portrait months of September and October, with the support of my family, I accept many more sessions per week to meet demand. So now you know why I take December off!

How does one session require so much time? Here is an excerpt from Marianne’s article with a breakdown [with my personal averages added in brackets]:

Session prep time {30 mins - 1 hour, includes equipment and back up equipment checks + vehicle checks}
[1 to 2 hours] with client photographing subject
30-45 minutes uploading time from digital cards from camera to computer
30-45 minutes time spent backing up the original images
1-5 hours editing time to present you with a diverse gallery of edited images
2-3 hours time with client for ordering images [my average is less than 1 hour since I do not usually meet with clients in person for ordering]
30 min -1 hour sorting through and checking order
30 minutes-1 hour prep time for delivery
any additional phone time or time needed for add on ordering, shipment issues, [questions regarding images, changes in finishes, etc.]

As you can see, average client time for a session goes beyond just the time spent shooting the images that go into a gallery portfolio. Of course, this varies dependent on the photographer’s level of service. This is time dedicated only to your session. When the photographer charges a session fee for the photo shoot you are not just paying for the two hours of session time, you are paying the photographer for the complete time dedicated for your session.

This list does not include some of the time requirements for running a business in general, such as bookkeeping, phone calls and session planning with prospective clients, time spent on the phone, website and blog maintenance, and ongoing photographic study and artistic development. It really adds up!

Take a peek if you’d like to read more … http://www.professionalchildphotographer.com

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

What it takes to get the shot

THIS made me weak in the knees. Oh my gosh!
I wouldn't go to those extremes I don't think!

Monday, May 26, 2008

JCC Commencement 2008


Congratulations to the graduating Huskies' class of 2008.

I was asked on short notice to take pictures at commencement services of the senior class receiving their diplomas. These pictures and more from the day can be seen HERE.

If you know a graduating senior, please share the link with them. Images will be available thru June 10th.

Thank you!

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Bear Rug


This fuzzy soft bear makes just as nice of a job being a rug as he does giving hugs. Doesn't Abby look like she is cozy and comfy as can be?

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Bear Hug


When I saw this bear calling to me at a yard sale recently, I knew I had to add it to my collection of props. It sure made a fuzzy back rest for Brooke to pose on. It looks like she is sharing a bear hug of her own with her new friend. Awwww-----

Giggle


If this doesn't make you giggle, check your giggle-meter. Little Rayna has a head of hair (what is it with all these baby girls lately with all the hair!?) and a sweet smile to match.

Monday, May 19, 2008

Emma and Grace







Meet Emma and Grace. Sweet, shy, beautiful, sisters.


Here are just a few images I captured of these lovely girls.



Sunday, May 18, 2008

{Senior Gals 08}

Enjoy a fun little summary slideshow of a few of the beautiful Senior Gals from Alison Stumpf Photography~ If you'd like to put this slideshow on your myspace, etc- just give me a holler. I'd be glad to share it with you. Be on the look out for a Senior Guy Slideshow too....


Friday, May 16, 2008

Another School Year Nearly Done...
















With another school year nearly completed, I was asked to do a few class pictures at my daughter's school. It was fun to do something different from the typical class photo. What a nice bunch of kids and they all listened to directions so well! I can't believe Sofia will be in second grade already next year. Thank you to Mrs. Kruse and to all the staff at Pleasantview that made her first year there so welcoming and great.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

New Domain Name

You can now access my website by going to http://www.alisonstumpf.com/
Sure, not a big difference, but with a name like Stumpf and then adding photography on there, every little bit helps! Of course, if you prefer, you can still reach it the old route, at http://www.alisonstumpfphotography.com/ as well.

Monday, May 12, 2008

Hair Trauma




Hair. The bane of a woman's existance. It can make or break your day. Having a bad hair day? The rest of the day is bound to have a grey shadow cast over it. A great hair day- you can conquer the world!


Sofie has has basically been growing her hair her whole 7 years, with a hair trim here and there. But, somewhat on a whim yesterday my niece was doling out hair cuts and when I suggested a hair cut for Sofie she was all in agreement. We discussed what it would look like, how long it would be. Yep, she was game. Jeff was less than enthusiastic about seeing his baby girl without her pigtails but he's also not the one who is trying to negotiate daily hair do's each morning before school like war negotiations with a third world country, and so his opinion weighed in lightly.


So, it was cut. My nearly 30 year old nephew who should know better- chimes in "Boy that's a lot of hair on the ground" (what is wrong with men?) I could tell Sofie was getting the look of "panic" in her eyes. Half done, too late to turn back now.


It was done, it was cute!


She hated it.


Tears and sobbing until I was in tears as well. I thought I was going to need to need to invest in hair extensions.


Then, finally, she starts perking up. By the time we got home she "LOVED it!It's so bouncy and cute and it's so wonderful!"


This girl is going to be the death of me and she is only seven.


Saturday, May 10, 2008

Happy Mother's Day


I'm fortunate to have a photographer friend nearby to exchange work and services with. She shot our family portraits last year. (gave me renewed sympathy for those families who come to me for family portraits...I can feel your stress too! ;) As a woman AND photographer I know us women are rarely satisfied with how we look in pictures, but I was glad to get a picture of myself with my children and was anxious to get a portrait made. I'm embarrassed to say I STILL haven't done it. When I was going to order the lab was backordered for what I wanted to print this on and so it got pushed on the back-burner and that was that. Today a talented photography associate shared this template and I knew I was going to FIND that image and get it printed! I will not procrastinate any longer!


When mom's come with their new babies they sometimes cringe at the thought of getting in the portrait as well. But how many of us have more than a handful of picture of us WITH our kids?

So this weekend, make a point to give your camera to your HUSBAND and get a picture of you with your kids and don't be shy. Isn't that what Mother's Day is all about?

Happy Mother's Day.

Thursday, May 8, 2008

New Family







Adding number 4 to the configuration makes a whole new family dynamic no doubt! Jonah seems to fit right in and will have lots of help from his siblings adjusting to this new world. He is as cute as a button. Congratulations to the new family.

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Day of Beautiful Girls Part 2







Here is Ms. Part 2 of the "Day of Beautiful Girls". Jeff happened to meet this little beauty as she was leaving and even commented on what a pretty baby she is Look at all her silky hair!



She was as good as gold and put up with a lot with a smile on her face. What a trooper she was.



We've got her 9 month and 12 month portraits on the calendar already and I"m looking forward to it!

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

The day of beautiful girls~






Today was the day of beautiful girl sessions! Lauren wasn't much for changing clothes, but once she got in them she showed off her wonderful one year old personality and I even got some smiles from her- which hasn't been easy in the past! One of our main goals was to get an image to match big brother's gallery wrap and I think the mission was accomplished! And, of course no one year old celebration is complete without a little cake! There are too many to pick just one to sneak peek, so here's a few to share.

Monday, May 5, 2008

LAST CHANCE Gift Certificate Special


I'm cleaning house, getting organized and the time has come to purge some files to make room for incoming sessions on the books! I've gotten busy and purging old and unordered images went by the way side, so I'm offering one last chance to grab them before they are gone forever.


AND, heres the best part...get them at a special one time 50% savings! Here's the deal:
This week I will be offering special Reprint Gift Certificates that double your value!

Buy a Reprint Gift Certificate and the redeemable value will be DOUBLE what you paid.
For example, pay $50 for a $100 Gift Certificate. It's like saving half off on everything you buy. Wondering what you're getting for Mother's Day? Tell him a Reprint Gift Certificate is just what you want!

Here's the details:

1. Gift Certificates are available in $50 increment amts. ($50 certificate for $25, $100 certificate for $50, etc).


2. Reprint gift certificates are good on previous sessions from the 2007 year from which an order has already been placed.


3. Sorry, dance and other limited edition mini sessions are not included in the special.


4. Portrait Party Sessions ARE included!

5. Not all prior sessions are guaranteed archived or still on hand. Call or email to confirm the session you are interested in is available.


6. Once certificates are purchased, your gallery will be posted for 3 days (reposting fees are waived).


7. Previously created (as is) storyboards are included in the sale. Creation fees will apply to any storyboard or creation that is not previously created and already in your gallery to choose from.


8. Reprint Gift Certificates are available thru May 12th and must be redeemed by June 6th, 2008.


9. Gallery wraps, jewelry and other specialty items are not included.


Call or email today and spread the word. I've never done a sale like this and may never again!

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Just possibly spring is here




Maybe, possibly- spring is here. I was hoping it would arrive before it was time to unpack the stocking hats and snow boots, (which, actually I haven't even gotten put away yet). Calvin and I took the chance to go outside and enjoy some of the nice weekend weather. When you're a photographer, people always think you must have every moment of your child's childhood documented in photographs. In fact, I've found lately it's almost the opposite. Sometimes I just want a break from the camera - or else I 'm so focussed on trying to get the 'perfect' shot in the perfect conditions, worrying about the right fill light and catchlights that spontaneous fun shots all of a sudden become more work than fun. So, I'm determined this summer to bring my camera with me more. Take more pictures, and not worry about technical correctness but just capturing the moment~ before the moment is gone.

So- the top of the hat is blown out, but look at those catchlights in his eyes! Look at that smile.
Swinging on the first nice day of spring. Definitely worth a picture!