Moments of inspiration come when you least expect them.

It is a rare moment when James comes home and says he has just had the best photo session ever.  He kept going on and on about this couple that came in for their 60th wedding anniversary photos.  He was so taken with them that he even had Ivy come out and meet them.  At the young age of 79 Don is a full time brick layer that had to take time off in order to come in for their photographs.  Bernice is dedicated to sending care boxes to soldiers deployed over-seas.  You can hear the passion she has for this cause when she talks about what she does.  At the time most people think of slowing down and retirement, the Anderson's are so full of spunk and zest for life it reminds you of a young couple newly married.  I finally got to meet the Andersons when they came in to order their photographs.  I'm so glad I had this opportunity to meet them and James was right, they are an amazing couple.  Their energy definitely came through in the photographs from their session.  These are some of our favorites.



I can only hope that in 40 years our marriage will be as strong, fun, playful and loving as what I witnessed today.  If not I just need to take Bernice's advice and sock him in the chin.  Thanks for the inspiration Don and Bernice.    -Raynell

A new meaning for P.A.T.I.E.N.C.E.

I've seen (and heard) it a million times.  "No".  The one word that says all and controls all.  The one word that can fill a moms, or dads, heart with dread.  We've all been there, our darling child is letting their opinion be known about our plans for them that day.  There must be a way to make them do what we want. I mean, really, aren't we the adults.  They are supposed to do what we want them to do, say what we want them to say and act like we want them to act, all the time with a smile on their sweet little faces.  But, God, in all his wisdom, created the age of the two year old to teach us something about character.  And this week I was witness to the gift of patience.

Raelyn stepped over the threshhold of our studio door and knew immediately that this was not the place she wanted to be that day.  Even though mom and dad had these grand visions of their beautiful daughter dressed in the splendor of golden angel wings, Raelyn was having no part of it.  Her favorite word soon became "No".  No amount of persuasion, cajoling or bribery could make her want to sit where she was supposed to sit.  At this point I was preparred to see frustration being etched on the faces of mom and dad but what I saw really made me reflect on my own response to situations that don't go the way I want.  The way they smiled at her when she jumped from the stool was still full of warmth.  Their laughter as she countinued to run from the room was still filled with love.  And you could tell the little games she wanted to play filled them with joy.  No harsh words, no strict demands, just pure and simple enjoyment of their daughter.  Even though they left with not a single shot taken, you could tell their time together was not wasted.

The next session began with alone time with mom and dad, walking around the studio, looking at pictures and just hanging out.  Once in the camera room things were starting off pretty much the same as last time.  Mom and Dad were trying everything to coax her to sit on the stool, wearing themselves out in the process.  Then finally one good shot. Then a few more between her many trips running to the front door. Watching how patient they were with Raelyn was truly a blessing.  I don't know how they managed to always stay calm and positive.  I think the only way we made it through the session was with the patience of mom and dad.  So the next time I get frustrated, demanding or put out with my kids, I hope I can recall how a little patience can change a "No" moment into a moment to treasure.  Here's a few shots of their "treasured moment".  --Raynell

Easter Photographs Are Just Around The Corner.

I know is doesn't seem like it but spring will soon be here and our studio will be host to live easter bunnies.  Our annual children's Easter portrait special has always been a hit with the kids.  They love it so much that we have kids coming into the studio throughout the year wondering where the bunnies are. 

So come enjoy the fun and get great photographs at a great price.

March 31st through April 2nd

NO Session Fees---Packages Starting at  $49.95

If you were to pick one portrait special to attend this year,

this would be IT!

Oh, We Have an App for That!

Want to keep updated with what's going on at our studio?  We have an App for that.  Our FREE App allows you to see the latest news at our studio, get tips on how to make your photo session go great, how to design a wall grouping in your home, how to care for and store your images, plus lots more.

 

Want to schedule an appointment directly from your phone?  We have an App for that.  This App will allow you to make your appointments on your preferred date and time.  You can also view images from your session and see our favorite DailyPic.

This is just one of the new ways we are making things easier for our clients who are always on the go.  Just go to the App Store, search for James Photo and download this Free App.

New Design for Cheerleaders.

Sometimes we just need a little motivation to step out of the norm and do something we've never done before.   We had that opportunity when the high school cheerleaders came in for their annual photographs.  After seeing so many new ideas and new ways to design, we just had to change from what we've always done to offer something new and fresh.  We are always trying to stay tuned to what's current and giving our clients something they can't get elsewhere.  I think this hits the mark.  GO BOOMERS! 

Best Baby Photographer in Woodward? You Decide.

What does it take to be the best at what you do?  Knowledge, natural talent, perfect lighting, education?  All of these and more.  When I told James I wanted to be involved with the baby photographs I think I heard him give a big sigh of relief.  He has told me that photographing babies was one of the areas he just had no creativity for.  Now we have combined my love of babies and baby posing with his skills behind the camera and have created a team where you get the very best.  These newborn portraits are a few of my favorite shots taken in the last couple of months where James and I have worked as a team.

Not only have we combined our talents in the camera room but we will also be offering a new baby program designed to capture each stage in your babies first year.  We are still putting the final touches on this new division and are making sure the products offered will be top quality.  Look for more details on this new line in the coming weeks.

So how do you rate who is best!  Let us show you what we think "best" should look like.

-Raynell

Descending Angels

One of the many vendors we browsed at National convention carried this great line of angel wings.  Once I saw this gold set I couldn't wait to get home and offer it to our clients.  I hope everyone else thinks its as beautiful as I do.  For this promotion we will offer no session fee and a "Make your own package" special.  I have also decided to include some of our new products at a special introductory price.  We will provide the wings and headpiece for this set and also camisoles for the older girls to wear.  Come let us capture the little angels in your life.

January is education month for our studio

The month of January has been a whirlwind of education for our staff.  First Raynell and I went to Imaging USA, the Professional Photographers of America national convention in Nashville.  We spent 4 days in seminars and hands on training classes and attended the largest tradeshow expo in the business.  Raynell and I studied with great photographers and business trainers from all over the country including J.B. Sallee, Rod Evans, Lori Nordstrom, Will Crocket, Jerry Ghionis, Jed & Vicki Taufer and Photoshop god Julianne Kost.  We got some great new ideas on photography, sales & customer service and social media.  We are looking forward to implementing these things into our business over the next couple of months.

Next Jennifer and Tristyn attended the Kelby Photoshop Training School in OKC.  They spent a full day learning new Photoshop techniques and cool tricks.  Having our entire staff know how to use this powerful tool is important in providing our clients with the best possible image enhancements.

Finally, I attended SYNC (Seniors & Youth National Conference) in Tampa, FL. This is the greatest education opportunity for High School Senior photographers.  I studied with 12 incredible senior photographers, some of the most talented people in our business like Kirk Volclain, Gary Box, Scott Crosby and Craig Kienast.  I picked up some new photography techniques which I'll implement right away and a few marketing ideas we will use starting next month with our Class of 2011.

What does this mean for you, our client?  Well I believe I'm a better photographer and my staff is more prepared to serve you better.  We bought some new equipment and a few new backgrounds, and brought home some great ideas to improve our business.  The goal for us in attending these events is to better prepare ourselves to provide you with a better experience at our studio.

-James

While Mom and Dad are Away.

We had carefully planned all the events for our trip to Nashville, TN for Imaging USA, the national PPA convention.  Our dogs were going to be safely boarded at the vet.  Kids were staying with my parents for some quality grandma/grandpa time and both their schedules were perfectly lined out.  The studio was left with only a short "to do" list and all in all we had our ducks in a row.  Airport security and departure from OKC was a breeze.  We arrived at the breathtaking Gaylord Opryland Resort and spent the evening unwinding from our flight. 

  

We were both prepared for a full three days of seminars and Jim had outlined guest speakers at vendor booths in the trade show.   After the first day, I had taken in so much information I could hardly think because of the new ideas buzzing through my head.  Being around such great photographers really motivates you on how to improve your skills and to try new things.  The first day was so great I couldn't wait for the next to hear more speakers and see what other ideas I could come away with on how to improve our business.  Then it comes...the dreaded phone call from home.  Isaac has hurt his neck/back.  His head is pulled to one side, his opposite shoulder is drooping down in order to balance himself so he can stand up and he is in so much pain he can't stand to be touched.  So a paniced grandma calls and we finally find a doctor that will see him immediately.  I go through the morning classes in daze not really caring if someone had the magic "Easy" button on how to run a business or if someone was giving away the trade secret on how to pose babies.  Until I heard Ike on the phone, in a voice that actually sounded like his own, nothing else seemed to register in my head.  Finally, I was able to refocus my thoughts and get back into training mode.  In the next few months I hope to have in place some of the new products, ideas and services that will enhance your experience at our studio.  There were so many great speakers and they all had at least one idea that I would love to put into action.  But for me personally, here is a quote from my first class that will definately stay with me for a while.

"There are only two things you can control in your life:  What you put into your body and what you put into your mind." 


So let go and let God.     -Raynell

Dancing Dreams.

I don't know any other way to put it but little girls hold such a special place in the hearts of those who love them. It was almost impossible not to be affected by the arrival of this little princess.  It was so amazing to hear the love already in the voice of her mom as she talked about the birth of her little girl. To hear her aahh over this precious bundle captured in perfect innocence was truly beautiful. I'm so gratefull that we were chosen to be a part of this moment in Jaylee's life.  To see more of Jaylee, check out her video on our facebook page.