Monday, July 19, 2010

The evolution of a sibling portrait | Jackson Family Photography






Boys are busy. And these three boys, while anxious to show off their adorable new baby brother- were not necessarily the most interested in posing for that sibling portrait---but I cajoled, I posed, I distracted, I reposed, I joked, I reposed, I sweated, and I think we got the shot. I had to laugh though when I looked through all the captures from the session....some of my favorites are the ones where the boys look like BOYS. And all the while little Joshua is sleeping oblivious to the chaos going on around him. Well, let's call it organized chaos...shall we? Yes..we shall.

Friday, July 16, 2010

Very LIMITED availability for Senior Sessions remaining | Fairmont Senior Photography



Senior Sessions are flying off the shelf, so to speak. While I thrilled to have the opportunity to work with and photograph so many seniors, I"m still a one-woman show and the calendar only has so many days a month in it. I have very very limited openings remaining for weekday sessions- don't wait any longer to book or you will have to do so at the weekend rate. In addition, many local schools are starting two weeks early which cuts into the summer calendar as well.

Here are just a few I grabbed from Erica's session. Erica came from Fairmont for her Senior Portraits and we found some new spots and rockin' light. I truly try to make every senior session unique and you won't find your portraits look like everyone elses! Erica is a farm gal and so we still have a special picture left to shoot....with a special pet. I guess you could call it a pet? Hmmm, not sure. Any guesses? Here's a hint... Mooooo. Mooooo.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Watch your baby grow with the Baby Plan | SW MN Baby Photographer


It's true...they grow so fast! When the sleepless nights are hitting you hard, you swear the days couldn't be longer...and then all of a sudden it's been a year and you wonder where it went. Baby's first year is the perfect opportunity to capture that wonderment as your child changes from infant to baby and then toddler. Did you know Alison Stumpf Photography offers a baby plan that allows you to capture your bundle at 3,6, 9 and 12 months and receive special session and print pricing? In addition, at the end of baby's first year, you will receive a beautiful storyboard featuring one image from each session---my clients tell me it's one of their very favorite portrait items!
How fun is that to be able to really see your child move through those milestones and develop their own little personality.

If you'd like to learn more about the baby plan- please visit the website and click on PRODUCT GUIDE to learn more about the baby plan as well as other products we offer.
I'd love to watch YOUR little one grow through my camera lens.

Monday, July 12, 2010

An Ongoing Process~



I moved into my new studio back in March- but like anything it seems to be a work in progress, and we finally completed the siding on the studio entry front. I love the split clapboard siding and how it turned out! I have to admit going with red was a scary choice, but I think the grey / red combo goes well together and it feels so good to have the room and space to be able to add to my background repertoire and I've already added a few new props to the mix. I've been busy hitting the senior sessions~ and am nearing full booking capacity for the summer booking schedule (I booked 3 more alone today). SO....if you or someone you know is wanting a senior session, please call soon.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

411 on MINI-SESSIONS | SW MN CHILDREN'S PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY


I've had a lot of inquiries and questions regarding mini-sessions~ so here's the 411 to help you understand the difference between the mini-sessions we offer and the standard session, I hope this information will assist you in determining which kind of session is right for you.

When you don't need a full session experience, mini-sessions are a great way to get quality portraits of your child at an affordable price. These sessions are offered 2-3 select weekdays every month, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. So what IS a mini-session?

ONE child/ONE outfit/ONE background
(additional clothing changes/drops $10 ea)
Shortened session- approx 20 minutes
Indoor Studio session only
10-15 images in your gallery to choose from
Receive VIP Pricing (save up to 30% off standard pricing) on all your portrait prints
$100 minimum order

And yes, -- we offer mini-session YEAR ROUND. It's a perfect session for those who want to capture their child several times through out the year, document a special occasion such as a lost tooth, new hair style, favorite dress/toy/stuffed animal or maybe a few shots in your sports gear.

Q: What days do you offer Mini-sessions?
A: The days vary each month. Sessions times are usually grouped together and so the earlier you book the more choice of bookings you'll have. Mini sessions are not offered weekends or evening hours.

Q: Can I have one or two shots outside?
A: Mini-sessions are on indoor/studio shots. If you would like outdoor images a standard session is for you.

Q: What is VIP Pricing?
A: VIP Pricing is special pricing usually offered when you purchase a collection package with a standard session. However, with mini-sessions you are given VIP Pricing for all your prints. VIP Pricing is a savings of anywhere from 10%-30%

Q: Are mini-sessions available for Family Sessions?
A: Family Sessions are available as Standard Sessions only.

Q: I only want one 8x10. Would a mini-session work for that?
A: Mini-sessions have a $100 minimum order requirement.

Q: Is the quality of the portraits or prints less than what I receive with a standard session?
A: Absolutely not! The quality of the work and product you receive is as fantastic as what you receive with a standard session. Since the mini-session is a quicker/simpler session with less images for our studio to edit and for you to select from, there is an additional savings passed on to you.

Q: What is the cost of mini-session vs a standard session?
A: Mini-sessions are $35 as compared to a standard session at $55. The mini-session has VIP pricing on everything, with a $100 minimum order. The standard session has a $150 minimum order, and VIP pricing is available on all your prints when you purchase $325 or more.

The image is a sample of a gallery from a mini-session, which typically shows 10-15 images in your gallery to choose from.
Hopefully that answers some of your questions on mini-sessions. Depending on what you're looking for, it maybe the perfect fit for you! If you have more questions, please don't hesitate to ask!

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

ROCK ON! | Urban Child Photography MN


As you can see, Luke is a stylin' dude- ready to rock! He came directly from the hair salon with his new faux mohawk ready for his mini-session. After we got some shots, he was willing to oblige me to try some more urban feeling shots that I felt would really bring out the rocker in the images....so we hit some alleys and other spots that caught my eye and I love how they turned out. Now if I could just locate that Tom and Jerry shirt for my own little rocker. Rock on, Luke!

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Happy 4th of July | MN Child Photography


Happy 4th of July! It's been one of my favorite days ever since I was a child. On my ALL ABOUT ME Kindergarten Poster I list the 4th as my Favorite Holiday because "We go to Okabena and I get to drink 7 Up." (It didn't take a lot to thrill me as a child I guess). I still enjoy the Okabena Parade and my children do as well. I'm sharing one of my favorite images from S and C's childhood- taken 6 years ago~ gotta love the matching outfits! I of course have them saved and plan to do one of H next year in the little overalls. I have my work desk flanked my this image in a 24x30 canvas gallery wrap along with another pose of the day. Excuse the qualtiy of the image, I snapped a shot of it hanging right on my red wall. They are two of my favorite images in my house. Maybe if I even get my desk cleaned off I'll snap a shot.
So enjoy the day- remember those that make our country what it is, and snap a picture of your little firecrackers to remember this July 4th!

Saturday, July 3, 2010

GOT HEADSHOTS? | Fairmont SW MN Photography






Take out your business card. What does it say about you? Does it say, Hey, I'm fun, capable, and hip- or does it say someone backed me up against a wall and took a picture of me for this here business card.
If it's the latter, it's time to think about having a headshot done that puts your best foot forward. A good headshot will flatter you, de-emphasize the things you don't like using lighting and editing and posing techniques. And there's no reason for it to be boring.
Vanessa came in for some headshots to use on some marketing pieces for her new Fairmont Salon, ECLIPZ. She's got a variety of looks and images to choose from. Let us rejuvenate your business card to feature a headshot you'll be proud to show off!