celebrating one year around the sun...
The weather was amazing yesterday, so I took advantage of that & trekked out west to photograph little A's 1 year pictures. We walked through some mud & got a little dirty, but everyone was having a good time. This is the second time I've photographed this little gem & I actually got a couple of smiles this time around!
have a heart gala
This past weekend, I was able to be part of a wonderful charity event. Housing Forward, formerly West Suburban PADS, is a social service agency that helps transition individuals and families out of homelessness. It's an amazing organization...you can read more about the work they do & what you can do to help, here.
opportunities
Today I had the pleasure of meeting and photographing Michael, the founder of Opportunity Knocks. If you aren't familiar with Opportunity Knocks, check them out. You can read more about this incredible non-profit here.
In the meantime, here is a look at one of my favorite images from the shoot...
a valentine to an old love
Do you remember your first love? I certainly do. Even though it's been 28 years, that love still holds a special place in my heart...and home.
Before my husband gets suspicious, let me explain.
When I was 14 years old, I got my hands on a Canon AE-1. Though I didn't really know how to use it, that didn't stop me from spending most of my money on film & processing. I spent a lot of money on bad photographs. My love grew, unrequited as it were.
The following year, I enrolled in a photo class at my high school. That was all it took...I was hooked. Photography was (and still is) a magical world for me. In those days (ahem, 28 years ago), I rolled my own film onto reels from a bulk loader, processed & printed everything by hand, and spot touched the images with an actual paint brush (no photoshop or computers...i know, WOAH).
My Canon carried me through my photo education in high school and into multiple colleges, where I eventually received my BFA. Many cameras came into my life through the years, but my love for that first camera was steadfast, even as it's parts began to falter. I spent countless hours shooting, processing, & printing. I managed to get a job working in the photo department of my university, which gave me access to the building pretty much all the time. I would stay in the lab overnight working on projects, taking occasional breaks to nap on the sofa in the lounge area. It's safe to say that I probably (definitely) couldn't maintain that lifestyle at this time in my life, but I remember it fondly. And it all started with that camera...
I eventually found new love with a Bronica SQ-B. Moving into medium format photography was an easy transition & I still very much love the square format, but my 35mm was always close at hand.
Eventually, the Bronica was set aside to make room for digital gear...as I adapt with the times. When it was time to upgrade, my first love came back to me, in a sense. I'm back to using a Canon, only now, it's a bit fancier and there is no film involved.
The old AE-1 has been living in a closet, where I would occasionally come across it while searching for something else.
Today, I decided to pull it out & place it somewhere visible...as a reminder of why & how I got where I am. On days when I'm feeling disconnected, distracted, or disinterested in picking up my camera, I hope that I can look to that old love and it will spark something in me.
I'll end this love letter with a quote from a modern day philosopher:
If I should stay
I would only be in your way
So I'll go, but I know
I'll think of you each step of the way
And I will always love you
-Dolly Parton
somebody that i used to know...
winter weather special
While the weather outside may be frightful, we are offering a warm & cozy deal.
From now until the end of March, we are offering $50 off photo sessions (excluding wedding packages). Are you feeling toasty yet?
To receive the discount, the session must be paid in full at the time of booking. To book your session or ask a question, send us an email! joey@littlebittyproductions.com
a little editing before a busy weekend...
I had an early morning head shot session with Jenny, a lovely, local entrepreneur and mom of three. As lovely as she is, we had an even more adorable person jump in for a couple of shots...her super cute daughter! How amazing is that hair?
rainy day head shot session
Today was a cold, wet, & kind of dreary day. Luckily, the photo session I had scheduled was indoors and I was able to utilize one of my favorite light sources: natural, window light. So simple & so beautiful...I am quite happy with the results & I hope that my client is too!
I had the pleasure of photographing Jung and her lovely family this past spring, so I was happy to have the opportunity to reconnect with her.
upcoming mini sessions
So...the forecast for this weekend is now calling for highs near 50! Because of that, I'm adding some minis on Sunday as well. There's a small chance of rain on Sunday, but I'm not going to let that stop me...I have faith that the weather will be agreeable.
We'll offer two options: a straightforward, outdoor shoot or a Valentine "themed" shoot. I use minimal props, but I was thinking something along the lines of red, pink & white balloons to give a pop of color. I also had a suggestion of shooting near the locks, under the el tracks on Oak Park Avenue.
January 30 & 31
Cost: $150
To secure your session date, a $100 deposit is required with the remaining balance due on the date of your session.
Here's what you get: mini sessions last approximately 30 minutes. Turn around time for viewing your images is 1-2 weeks. You will receive a password protected online gallery from which you can choose up to 20 edited image files for downloading. Once you've downloaded your files, you will receive a print release that enables you to print and use for personal use. You can print or have images printed at the lab of your choice or you can purchase images directly from the online gallery I provide.
As an added bonus, all fully pre-paid sessions will receive a coupon code to receive 25% off all print orders placed through my website.
new year, new family session
This morning, I had my first family session of the year. The family & I have been in communication for several months preparing for our session, because we were awaiting a very special addition. Baby G made her debut the day before our family left town for Texas, so I had to wait a couple more weeks to meet her. At 3 weeks old, she was a pro! Her older brother was very excited to meet me, but his excitement didn't last long. I think he was a little shy or hungry or just, ya know, a 3 year old! Believe me, I know 3 year olds!! Kids are always unpredictable & that is what I love about photographing them. You never know what you will end up with. I give very little direction because I feel strongly that you will get the most genuine image of kids personalities if you let them be themselves. Today was no different. While preparing to take a picture of big brother holding his baby sister, he lifted his shirt "to feed her". It was such a natural, loving & real moment...I'm happy that I was able to grab it!
2 day bogo
Remember that blog post where I mentioned my goal of organizing my family photos & getting them into books? No? Well, whatever...doesn't matter. What does matter is this awesome deal being offered by one of my affiliate vendors, Mixbook. For 2 days, they are offering buy one, get one free site wide! I can attest to the beautiful quality of the products that they make because I recently ordered holiday cards & wall calendars from them and they were lovely!
To receive this offer, click on the Mixbook logo below and enter BGO16 at checkout.
As always, here is the fine print:
ENDS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6
This offer is only valid with coupon code BGO16 and is valid for purchase of any one photo book, calendar, card, or canvas print item, to get one photo book, calendar, card or canvas print of equal or lesser value free. Mix and match items to get the item of equal or lesser value free. This offer does not apply to Mosaic or Montage. This offer cannot be combined with other coupons, vouchers, Groupons, or applied after an order has been placed. Discount applies only to completed projects. To redeem this offer, please add 2 or more products to your cart. Free product items must be redeemed in the same order. No adjustments on previous purchases. Shipping and taxes will apply. Offer expires 1/6/2016 (11:59 pm PT).
harper
Today I got to spend a little time with one of my oldest & best friends. In & of itself, that is always a great thing...but today, I got to photograph her daughter Harper. She was so fun to shoot & totally laid back and easy going. I've got more work to do, but here are a few quick looks that I really like...enjoy!
photo books
A little over a year ago, I started trying to organize & "manage" the thousands of personal digital photos that are taking up space, doing nothing, on my hard drive. The bulk of the images are, you guessed it, of the kids.
I have some of my favorites printed & framed and hanging around the house, but what to do with all the others? Every week, I try to carve out a little time to "clean" out the files. There are a lot of great images, but there is also a lot of crap (screen shots, funny memes,etc). I cull & edit, then begin moving them to a file that will later become a photo book.
Over the years, I've made several books for other people. My goal for the next year is to make photo books that cover the first 3 years of each of the boys lives. Wish me luck!
With that in mind, I thought I'd share this deal from one of my affiliates*, Shutterfly. Through December 10 (that's just 3 days!), they are offering 50% off the first 20-pages of hard photo cover Photo Books and 40% off all other Photo Book Cover Types, additional Photo Book Pages and everything else using the code: FAVES40. *fyi: as an affiliate partner, I get small commissions from link clicks on my page...
Here's a link: Shutterfly
Here's the fine print: Offer expires December 10, 2015 (11:59 P.M. PT). Offer is good for 50% off first 20-pg hard photo cover photo books and 40% off all other photo book cover types, additional photo book pages and everything else through shutterfly.com, our mobile-friendly site or Shutterfly apps (only select products are available on the apps). Taxes, shipping and handling will apply. Not valid on Make My Book services and fees, personalized postage stamps, prepaid plans, gift certificates, Videograms, cards sent using mailing services, prior purchases and orders placed for in-store pick up. Cannot be redeemed for cash or combined with other offers or credits. Not valid for resale
update on charitable weekend sessions
So, even though the snow is falling this morning, the weekend forecast is looking quite agreeable on Sunday. At this time, I don't have any confirmed sessions on Sunday, so I was thinking that it might be more fun to move the sessions outdoors. One last hurrah before winter really hits us?
All sessions would still be 15-20 minutes & all other terms of the sessions would apply, we would just switch the location to the Thatcher Woods or Mills Park.
This is a great opportunity to support a great organization in our community. Yesterday, I visited the Holiday Bazaar at the Food Pantry & I got a glimpse of the kitchen in action. There are people, young & old, working tirelessly to prepare meals for those in need. This event is a way to contribute to that. Every bit helps! No contribution is too small & it is greatly appreciated.
If you aren't able to make it to the photo sessions, consider donating or volunteering. Here is a link for donations: OPRF Food Pantry
do good, feel good
“You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.”
― John Bunyan
With Thanksgiving in our rear view mirror, many of us begin preparing ourselves for the next round of holiday craziness. It's easy to get carried away...I'm guilty of overindulgence, in every sense of the word.
After the birth of our first child, Jeff & I became overwhelmed by the amount of "stuff" we received. Especially during this holiday season, we receive so much for which to be grateful.
It was after Oliver's first Christmas that we began to search for ways to give back, even in the smallest way. We do what we can, when we can, with what we have.
With that in mind, we are asking for others to join us in giving a little something back. Sound good?
Here's the best part: Not only will you get five beautiful images, but a portion of your session fee will be donated to the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry. AND, if you bring 5 non-perishables or a winter coat for donation, you will receive 2- 5x7 prints. Win-Win, right?
All sessions will be held indoors, in a lovely River Forest bungalow, generously offered by P&P Construction of Oak Park. There will be 2 set offerings to choose from. One will be a simple, portrait set, good for families or a group photo. The other will be a balloon set, best for kids only.
The fine print:
Sessions must be paid in full to hold your time (paid via Chase Quickpay or Paypal, or a check can be dropped off)
Because this is a charitable event, half of your fee is non-refundable should you need to cancel
to book your session & get more details: joey@littlebittyproductions.com
charitable mini sessions...
We are planning 2 days of charitable mini portrait sessions and will be posting details very soon...Keep some time open on December 5th or 6th so you can be part of this fun event!
Wishing all a lovely & thankful holiday with friends and family!
you are doing great things!
Before focusing full time on photography, I had a job with an appreciation deficit. It can be soul sucking, not to mention emotionally & mentally debilitating. It certainly didn't make me want to be a better employee.
After a recent exchange with an unhappy client, I began to second guess my decisions, my work & myself. When you are creating work for someone, be it photography or spreadsheets, it can feel deeply personal when the work is not received as you intended. I stewed over it for a day (maybe more...) and then I just had to move on. As much as I would love for everyone to love the work that I create for them, it's just not going to happen.
And then today, I received this message from a client: "I love the pictures! Many thanks! We'll call again in the Spring for another photo shoot."
It's short & sweet, but so incredibly encouraging & spirit lifting!
No matter what type of work you do or what daily situation you find yourself in, remember to show appreciation to people. It's simple & can have a huge impact and best of all, it takes very little effort. Selfishly, it can also feel amazing to let people know that you think they are great. Go figure.
So...
I'm thankful for my family, friends and ALL of my amazing clients. You are awesome!
mostly boring, but incredibly helpful information for clients
In the days when I only used film, clients would occasionally ask for negatives. The answer was simple: no. As the creator of the image, I retain copyrights to my work. My work, at that time, was in the form of a negative. So, the explanation was typically well-taken & understood.
Digital "negatives" or files, are a different animal. When I am shooting for a client (and most other times), I shoot RAW. I do, on occasion, have clients who ask for the RAW files. My answer remains the same: no.
I think that most people think that RAW simply means "unedited", but it's more than that. I came across an article that explains it so much better than I have ever been able to do. Click on the title to read the article on The Phoblographer: This is Why I Won't Give You My RAW Files.
Enjoy!
morning head shot session & a change of plans
Did you know that little bitty productions shoots head shots? It's true...corporate, casual, actors...you name it! Let us know what your particular needs are and we'll do our best to make it happen!
Head shots don't have to be boring. In fact, they can be a lot of fun. I had plans for an outdoor, location shoot this morning, but the weather had other ideas. Instead, we found a lovely indoor space & I got to spend the morning with Maeve, creating some head shots that I hope she will love. She has been involved in theatre from a young age, so it makes sense that she is a natural in front of the camera.
