Sabrina Bowen Photography

Prints vs Disk? Or dare I say...both???

2011-08-30T11:13:00.000-05:00

Many photographers have many opinions about this, and for the most part we all agree that we must sell prints over a disk. Yes, of course we want our clients to be able to post images online (legally) and of course we want our clients to be able to have access to their images when and where they want. Every session I've ever had in my adult life is on disk, and in our gigantic fireproof gun safe. Those images are one of a kind and irreplaceable, I do all that I can, to keep them safe forever. With all of that being said, I have very few prints from those disks in my printed out and hanging in my house. I have a few from my first maternity session, and a few from my daughters newborn and 6 months, however over the past year, I only have ONE of my son. And it's not even one taken professionally. I know, I know, I KNOW that I need to get some of him printed and ordered. Maybe I will add that to today's print order. Once I go get them out of the safe, download to my computer, download to the printer, blah blah blah... Chances are, that it will not happen today. Or tomorrow. Or this week. Who knows, I may surprise myself. But I doubt it.

Point is this.

When you order prints directly, you have them within a few weeks from the day you order. You don't have to wait on the disk, upload to your computer, then upload to whichever printer you choose (which the thought of my clients using certain ones kinda makes me cringe.) You have the time in between to be thinking of how you are going to hang them, where you are going to hang them, purchase frames, etc for them. I have helped you to close that gap of time between disk and prints on your wall, and within about month (+ or - a week or two) of your session, your prints are in your hand and ready to be displayed.

When you purchase a disk, what do you do with it? How often do you rush home, insert it and immediately order prints??? Ok. You got me on the rushing home and inserting the disk, I DO have that part down perfectly. You may be one of the few who downloads them, and then posts them online (and if you want to tag me in those, that would be awesome! ;) - insert shameless plug here) But the ordering prints? How often do you immediately do that. Or is it a few days, a few months, or like me a YEAR, and it's still not done? That's why print orders are so awesome. Bam. You have them. Done. End of story.

Oh, but wait...you're afraid to order prints because you are one that needs total control of where all the images are. You need those images, ALL of them safe inside of your house, in case God forbid, something happen to any of your prints (yeah, this is me). So purchase the disk. Save yourself the anxiety and do both, and get a discount. :)

Which brings me to another point. Pricing. I have a few clients who are afraid of print prices, or don't understand why a disk of images is priced as it is. Which first let me say this, if you look around the Houston area, my prices are VERY reasonable. I REALLY try to keep them in a range which I can afford, and the majority of my clients can afford (if you say you would love to book a session, but can't afford me, that's a WHOLE different post - maybe next week ;) )... Yes, my prints are more then what you can print them for at Walgreens, or Walmart or any other discount store. Even, Shutterfly. However, any print ordered through me will guarantee you the highest quality print, which will not only look extraordinary as you show off your precious images, but it will be preserved much better than those printed at discounted costs. Also, when ordering prints, I go back through each pre-edit image, and make any additional touch ups needed to ensure your image look the absolute best when it arrives in your hands. As with both the prints and the disk, each image which appears in your gallery is custom created and hand touched by me to bring out the raw emotion and feeling in each picture, as well as any minor corrections, airbrushing, etc. Each image in your gallery is custom created by from me to you, and you can bet that no matter which type of session is is, hours have gone into making sure that your images are the best possible quality so that it comes across whether you purchase a disk or a print package. And for those of you who are like me and really need both, see above mention of combo deals. Call it a #4 Combo if you'd like. Combo #1 - #3 are my print packages. :)

Little Shepherd Boy {Newborn Session}

2011-08-29T11:25:00.001-05:00

Love this Momma. Love these kids.

Shannon was officially one of my first Mommy Rep's, and I was so happy to have the chance to work with her and her family on one of my newest projects.

Little man's initial welcome home was delayed a few days after a short stint in the NICU, but once he got home he showed that it was well worth the wait, as his sweet smile lights up his Mommy's heart (and mine) on a regular basis.

After having two babies just be a few years apart, there was a total surprise when these kids found out they were adding their 3rd in as many years. But Mom being the champ she is accepted it and rolled with it. Ha! Both Brother (3) and Sister (1) are FULL of energy, yet have welcomed baby brother Shepherd into the family so well.

Unfortunately, Big Sister had a little accident with shirt before we even got to the sibling pictures, so we will use this one that I grabbed super quick while getting my settings ready and just pretend. :)

Congratulations on Shepherds arrival! As always, it was such a pleasure to be there for such a special moment in your families lives. :)

Smile for a Cure {Pet Charity}

2011-06-08T14:16:00.002-05:00

I like to think that I'm a passionate person. Sometimes to a fault. I get taken advantage of, yet I can't help but get up and do it again... There are certain things that my heart totally feels at home with, and I know I'm meant to be a part of. As soon as I saw the information about Smile for a Cure I knew I had to do this.

I'm a HUGE dog lover. I like to think I got that from my Dad, although growing up with my mom we always had dogs. Big dogs. Not little sissy whinny dogs. Although there is nothing wrong with those...they just aren't for me. Well, weren't for me. For the first time I have a small (medium) dog, our Corgi, Penny. Who is FULL of all the attitude of a small dog (which I don't like) but has the bark of a big dog (which was one of the reasons we went with a Corgi). She is so sweet though, and loves my kids...well, loves them as long as she's not trying to sleep and they are jumping on her...but really, can you blame her for that one?!

Then there is Chynna, truly one of the sweetest, best dogs that I've ever known. Our hearts still miss her so much. Tears are in my eyes as I write about her and look at her picture. She was amazing. Not a day goes by that we don't talk about her, and look at her picture, and miss her so much. The day that we took her for that last trip to the vet was truly one of the worst days of my life. (I told you I was passionate.) Chynna was our first born, and went through so much with Dustin and I over the almost 10 years that we had her together. Miss her so much.

Through the months of August and September, I will be donating my session fee for Pet Sessions to Smile for a Cure, which will go to The National Canine Cancer Foundation. You make the payment directly to them, in one easy step and you've made your donation, and paid for your session! My goal is to book 5 sessions for this outstanding cause...of course I would LOVE to book more!!! Please take advantage of this great cause, and book a session for your furbaby(ies)!

Visit www.smileforacure.org, or www.wearethecure.org for more information.

To book your session email me at sabrina@southerngracephotography.com.

Thank you so much!

Red, White, & Beach Mini's!!

2011-05-27T10:10:00.004-05:00

Don't you just love the idea?! I'm thinking a few patriotic props, bright colors against the calming beach...sand, sand castles, colorful lawn chairs?! Who knows what all I will get my hands on for this!

Come in your red, white and blue (or just your favorite beachy type outfits) and spend a few minutes capturing memories that will last a lifetime!

Galveston, TX
Sessions dates: June 12, and June 21 (First day of Summer!!)
Investment: $75
30 minute session with 10-15 images to be uploaded and shared in your online viewing gallery
*Payment is due upon booking*

Mini Session Print packages start at $75, with a 50% discount off of the digital files when purchasing both prints and the disk!

June 12 will be evening sessions with June 21 being morning. There will only be 3-4 spots for each so book NOW!!!

Email me at Sabrina@southerngracephotography.com to book your spot!

Destination :: MEXICO!!!

2011-05-26T14:29:00.000-05:00

I officially have my first Destination Wedding on the books, Playa del Carmen baby!!

Well, I have had it booked for a month or so now...but we've officially done the Engagement Session, and super "mini" Bridal Session, and I have my Passport ordered!!! Wahoo!

Here are just a few of the FANTATSIC Bride and Groom that are letting me tag a long and be apart of their big day! Best part?! The hubby is coming too! :)

And a SUUUUPER peek of the Bride...if you're a friend of hers...don't look any further! Exit this blog NOW!! ;)

{ Payne } Family

2011-04-15T10:09:00.001-05:00

LOVE this family. That's all I really have to say. :)

Ok, maybe not all...

These are some great friends of ours that were blessed with two of the cutest and most amazing babies a little over a year ago. They make me smile with every picture I take of them, and as I go through and edit. I really, think I may just love these two babies as if they were my own! ;)

Thank you Jenny & Beau for letting be such a fun part of these babies lives!! I LOVE taking their pictures...even if it is a lot of jumping up and down, iPhone playing, making silly bird and choo choo sounds, and whatever else it takes to just get both of them looking at the camera...we will work on getting them both looking and smiling another time. ;) Ha!!

Happy {First} Birthday Sophia!!!

2011-04-04T13:49:00.000-05:00

I've had the pleasure of capturing most of the 1st year of this sweet baby girl over the past several months. Her parents are two of the sweetest people I know, and I've had so much fun at our sessions! I was even "warned" that she was a little cranky the afternoon of her session, but I never would have guessed it, she was still just as happy and playful as usual. And look at her...she's just gorgeous, which makes my job so easy, and is another reason why I love what I do so much! Who wouldn't spend the morning smiling when you're working on pictures of this sweet girl!

{Don't you just love her expressions?!}

Thank you Heather and Kevin I've loved all of the sessions we've had together over the past year, and feel so blessed that you've chosen me to photograph these moments in Sophia's first year for the two of you! I'm so excited to be there for her FIRST birthday party next weekend!

Western Round Up Contest!!

2011-03-28T16:50:00.001-05:00

Being that it is now a bit harder for business owners to run contests and giveways on our pages, I ask YOU to help me make this work using an all new platform...my blog!

I can't wait to see all of your little cowgirls and cowboys dressed up for the rodeo! Yeeee-haw! {a bit cheesy? Sure. But a good Yee-haw is always fun!}

Ready, set, go!! Started sending those emails now!!

Bluebonnet's Baby!!!

2011-03-28T13:28:00.000-05:00

Bluebonnets are out! :) Announcing Bluebonnet Mini's for 2011!

Bluebonnet Sessions will be held April 17th, at Washington-on-the-Brazos. This year I will be offering both Mini Sessions and full 60-90 minute sessions as well! In addition to some gorgeous bluebonnet fields this is also an historical site with several historical buildings that we would cover in a full length session. Mini's sessions will only be in the wildflowers and bluebonnets.

Sessions will start at 8:00am, and will go on through the day with a mid day lunch break, then continue from about 3:00 pm until about 6:00 pm.

Packages:
Bluebonnet Mini - $125
30 minute session
$50 print credit
1 11x14 collage

Bluebonnets/Vintage session - $250
60-90 minute session
$100 print credit
1 11x14 collage

Email me at sabrina@southerngracephotography.com to book!

Fine Print:
Mini sessions must be paid in full at time of booking, full sessions require a 50% deposit! If your session is not paid for within 48 hours of booking, it will be reopened. Print credit may go towards the purchase of prints or digital files.

{{ Mommy & Me }} Mini Sessions!

2011-03-01T23:14:00.000-06:00

What a great way to celebrate Mother's Day this year then spending time with those little ones that you love so dear!
Grab your mom to join the session, or spend it with your babies and share the images with her as a gift!

Here's the scoop!
Mercer Arboretum
April 9, 2011
First spot will open at 8 am, with new bookings every 30 minutes, last spot will end at 11:00!

Investment: $125
- 30 minute session with up to 4 people
{additional people are still welcomed for an additional small per person fee}
- $50 Print Credit which may be applied to the purchase of a session disk, or towards a Mini Print Package. {Receive the 25% off the disk when combining a print and digital order}
-10-15 edited images to be posted in your online viewing gallery for ordering
- 8x10 Collage of 3-4 of your favorite images from the session

Other add-ons available include:
Additional copies of Collage - $25 each
Sheet of 8 Wallets - $20 each
Disk of all edited images {approx 10-15, but sometimes more! :)}- $50
11x14 Standout Collage - $45
8x10 Proofbook from session which will include all edited images - $40

***Be one of the first 3 to book a spot and receive a FREE set of Accordion Brag Books!***

Unofficial Official Announcement of Southern Grace Homemade

2011-02-24T23:36:00.000-06:00

I've been thinking about it for a while now...adding to my photography business with photography props. I have met so many awesome contacts and other photographers, so I'm really just hoping to be someone local for them to purchase their adorable crochet goodies from... So, I started Southern Grace Homemade - and one day, I'm going to make it official with an Etsy! One day soon I hope!!!

Add me. Pass it on. Rinse. Repeat.

Also, to start out this announcement with a little fun! Darci Blessman! You are the winner of your favorite hat, PLUS one more of your choosing! Please email me at sghomemade@southerngracephotography.com and let me know what colors of the mohawk hat you'd like, and which additional hat you would like as well!

Thank you SO much in advance for helping me in ANOTHER new business adventure! :)

...and the winner is....

2011-02-13T21:47:00.000-06:00

So, I'm not allow to announce contest winners on Facebook or I can get my page that I've worked so hard to build taken away...{big collective boo to Mark Zuckerberg} Which means, here is the official announcement!

The winner of the free session is Bennie Wolfe!
Congratulations Ben! You or Karissa get with me to schedule your session!! :) Can't wait to see y'all and that sweet baby girl again!! :)

March Goodness!! :)

2011-02-08T12:49:00.000-06:00

Ok - here are a few things that have been on my brain for March...

Early Bird Senior Sessions
Are you a 2011 Senior? Know someone who is???
Book your senior session for a March Date and receive an early bird special at HALF OFF the Session fee!! :) So, you will get a 1-2 hour customized session, unlimited clothing changes (as time permits), 2 locations within 10 miles of each other, and a $200 print or digital credit all for $275!! :) What a steal! There will only be 3 of these spots open so book now!

Spring Break Sessions
Book your session during spring break {March 14-March 18} and receive HALF OFF the Session fee AND a receive a free 5x7 Spiral Proofbook of all the edited shots of your session!!

I will also be offering am Mini Sessions at Mercer Arboretum on March 16! $125 gets you a 30 minute session, AND a $50 print credit!! There will be 6 mini spots available starting at 7:30 am. PS-Early morning light out there is FABULOUS!!!

OH - and the BEST for March?!?! TEA PARTY MINIS are finally here!! :) So, check out my Southern Grace Photography page for some of my favorite location boutiques for the perfect outfit! Please let them know that I sent you! :)

Details???
March 19, starting sometime in the evening...most likely 4:00ish. There will be a VERY limited number of spots available, so book now!!

$125 gets you a 30 minute mini session with up to 3 of your child's family or friends at their very own tea party! Just dress them up, and bring them out! The tea party set and a table for 4, will be waiting for them when they arrive! :) Boys are welcome too! :)

Also included is a $50 print credit!!

Location still to be decided...but will be in an open field type area in the SE Houston area! Will post pics of the set up as soon as my tea set arrives next week!!! :)

BYOV Mini Sessions - Bring Your Own Valentine! :)

2011-01-31T10:15:00.002-06:00

I was thinking over the weekend about how many clients I've done family sessions for over the past few years. And out of those clients, how many times I've just snuck a few pics of mom and dad, or how many left their boyfriends/girlfriends at home for the session. So, I decided it's time to do something JUST for the couples - the adults!! Think about it, when was the last time JUST you and your honey had a pictures taken together? You're engagement years ago? Or if you're like me and didn't have engagement pictures made, then you're answer is NEVER! :( Is the new man in your life something really special and you want to capture yalls time together? Then book your spot in my BYOV Mini's!

There will be two days and two locations for Sessions! With both of them being the weekend before Valentine's Day! What a fun way to start off your Valentine's Day together then getting up close in personal with each other for images that will last you a lifetime?!

One will be on the streets of downtown Houston, just wondering the main streets of the city looking for little nooks and crannies to sneak away to for a few romantic shots! The other will be at Yepez Vineyard in Baytown, which has rows of romantic vines, a rustic barn and tractor, and a building with super cool adobe style walls! Book now because there will only be 4 spots per mini!

Here is the BYOV Mini's Information:
Downtown - February 12
Morning sessions - 8, 8:30, 9, 9:30

Vineyard - February 13
Evening sessions - 3:30, 4, 4:30, 5

Investment: $125
30 minute session
10-15 images to be posted in your online viewing gallery
Includes a $50 print credit that may be used towards purchase of disk or print package
15% off any prints ordered within 14 days off images uploaded to gallery

Please email me at sabrina@southerngracephotography.com if you have any questions or would like to book a session!

Not a memo...a mission statement

2011-01-21T12:06:00.004-06:00

I had this incredibly LONG blog typed out and planned to post that I've been sitting on for weeks now. Detailing the changes I will be making for 2011, and how I must increase my prices and the way my sessions and prints are ran and priced. Then I talked to a few current clients and got a little of their feedback...and I have to say, it was not what I was hoping to hear. Basically, they felt that while they understood an increase, it may make it to where they are no longer able to afford sessions with me. And these were clients who are very near and dear to me, ones I've shared birthday's with, new arrivals with, and even a wedding. This literally broke my heart. I had become someone that I couldn't even afford. I got to thinking, if I was looking for a photographer, and I came across my website, and saw the prices that I'm "supposed" to be charging, I would put it on a maybe list, and continue on to see if I could find a better deal. I don't want to be that photographer. I want to be your photographer. The one you find and stick with year after year, child after child, season after season.

While I know that I ~~need to be~~ deserve to be paid closer to the average of other Houston area/SE area photographers, at the same time, I don't want to lose those who have gotten my business to where it is because of it. So, as I went back and forth with what to do, I prayed. And prayed. And prayed. For God to give me an answer. Shine just a tiny bit of light on what is the right thing to do. Something has to give. I can't keep up the long days which lead into even longer nights of editing and no sleep, the neglect of the personal attention that I used to be able to give all of my clients, the promptness in which things are completed...

What I came up with is a slight increase which will raise my prices...but still hopefully keep me on the affordable end of the Houston photographers, as well as payment plans for those who want a session but feel like it may be a little easier on them if they have an option to pay a little as they can. I have also changed and added new polices to bookings, payments, and package options. This is the part that I feel will take some of the load and stress off on my end. I have put a lot of blood (mostly taken by mosquitoes), but plenty of sweat and lots of tears into my my business this past year. As well as invested my heart, my money and so much of my time that I sacrificed valuable family time with my husband and babies. I've learned my lesson, and I will not be doing that again this year.

Here are the most notable changes to Southern Grace Photography's Pricing and Policies for 2011:

I will have set working hours: 10am-5pm, Monday - Friday. Emails, texts, FB messages and comments will ONLY be responded to during these times.
There will be a minimum print/purchase order of $200 per session.
A wider variety of print packages will be offered geared specifically to the session type {Seniors, Babies, Boudoir, etc.}
There will be an increase in the session fee for Boudoir sessions. {These take a considerably more time in post processing than the standard session.}
Digital Images will be offered on a per image basis, as well as a flat fee for total images from session. After you see your session, you may decide to purchase the entire disk for a flat fee, or just your favorite images from the session.
Sessions must be paid for 5 days prior to scheduled session date. I will no longer be taking payments at the actual session.
I will be limiting sessions to 10 per month. This includes weekday and weekend sessions. That amount will decrease during the months that I have a wedding scheduled. So please, if you have a date in mind, book ASAP to insure that you secure the spot you're hoping for!
For those who still feel they need a more affordable option I will be offering Mini Session packages, in which there will be a Mini-Session offered at least every other month, but could be more often during holidays and special events.

With all this being said, any sessions that are currently booked will still be at the 2010 prices, however the 2011 policies will be in effect as of February 1, 2011.

I hope, and pray, that all of my clients, and potential clients understand the reason in the changes that I feel are a must for Southern Grace Photography, my family, and myself. I have always tried to be a friend to my clients, instead of just a photographer, so I hope that I haven't pushed anyone too far away, and that if you have any questions or concerns regarding booking or payment of a session please do not hesitate to email me and ask.

Between working hours of course! ;)

Kidding...

Well, maybe. :D

Again, thank you to everyone who has made Southern Grace Photography what it is. God has blessed me with this awesome opportunity to be home and stay close to my babies, and I can only pray that he continues to do so. As well as continues to bring the awesome people into my life as my clients. So many of you have become such inspirations to me and truly have become great friends and family.

Double the Blessing

2010-08-12T12:50:00.024-05:00

I have had the pleasure of being a part of these precious little ones lives since the day they were born...literally!

Wait...scratch that...since before they were born.

These two little miracles are living proof of what a lot of prayers and a lot of faith can do. Their parents struggled with infertility for 5 years, then their mother was put on hospital bed rest for the last 10 weeks of her pregnancy. Where she then delivered 10 weeks early at 30 weeks...and they were here to struggle on their own. Yet through all that these two little ones are as happy and as chubby today as they should be and so are Mom and Dad! (Well...not the chubby part...).

We recently got together for their 6 month session. We literally had to have 2 sessions, one doing solos, and one doing both of them together. I don't know how I'm going to keep up with these two once they start walking, just getting the 2 of them to look at me - AT THE SAME TIME - when the are stationary was hard enough! I'm sure I will find away though, I can't wait! :)

A few of them being serious and posing for the camera....

And a few of what happens when they AREN'T posing for the camera...which when trying to get the both of them do the same thing, was more often then I'd like!

Yes, she is eating his hand...and...he could care less.

He's not having it...

So, she's not having it...

At least will always have her brother to lean on. :)

Rules, rules, rules...

2010-08-06T12:27:00.000-05:00

Before we play today's game, I just wanted to put up a few rules about my Friday Free Fan Prize (FFF), and my Trivia Tuesday games, and try to address any questions that people have asked over the past few weeks.

Starting with Trivia Tuesday - because it comes first in the week...
Every Tuesday the first person to answer the trivia question correctly will win a $40 Gift Certificate to go towards a Mini Print Collection.

Here's the deal...

Your session must be booked and deposit paid within 14 days of winning
Session must take place within 90 days of winning
Credit may not be used towards a currently booked session or for a Mini Session (which already includes prints)
You may only win one GC within a 6 month period.
May not be combined with any other prize or discount.

Ok - So, Friday Free Fan Prize
Just leave a comment and see if you win! :) The funny thing about this to me is that a lot of times you think you will be a certain number however FB won't refresh in time and you won't be! HA!! (I'm evil I know!)

Here's the deal with FFFP

Just leave a comment and go!
You may leave multiple comments, however may not exceed 3 per each Friday
Free Fan Prize may not be combined with any other prize or discount.
If applicable, session must be booked and deposit paid within 14 days of winning
Prize must be used within 90 days of winning

You MAY play both games, however, please be aware that since the prizes may not be combined, you would need to book 2 separate sessions within the next 90 days to use each prize.

Please leave a comment here if you have any questions so that others may be able to see the answers!

Thank you, and Good Luck!

The Return of the Newsletter CONTEST!!!

2010-07-27T15:02:00.000-05:00

I will be starting up my long lost Newsletter again as of August 1st which will include things such as specials, events, and contests that are going on at Southern Grace Photography, as well as coupons, and tips and tricks in every edition.

Ok, ok...I know you're asking "So, what's this about a contest that you've been yelling about?"

You have 4 days to get your name in the running for a FREE Back to School Mini Session to take place on August 29th! Drawing for winner will be held on August 1, right before my return edition goes out!

Email me now at sabrina@southerngracephotography.com and ask to be signed up for the newsletter to get your name in the running for the FREE session.

Already on the list? Send me a reminder that you are!

{{Want an extra way to win?? For every person that emails me and says YOU sent them, that's one additional entry for you! (Up to 10 additional entries allowed!)}} Good luck!

Engagement, Maternity, and Families Oh My!!! {{ Houston Area Photographer}}

2010-07-26T16:16:00.000-05:00

Looking for a special wedding gift for that couple getting married soon?

Or that good friend of yours about to have a baby?

What about your sister's upcoming birthday?

You can now give little Southern Grace as a gift! Introducing the new and improved SG Photography Gift Certificates! :)

They are available in any amount you'd like in increments of $20, and your gift recipient will have 6 months to use it! These can be used both towards print packages and for a session. Contact me now for suggested amounts!

School Days!

2010-07-13T13:17:00.002-05:00

CALLING ALL 2011 SENIORS!!!
Southern Grace Photography is looking for Senior Reps for this school year!!
I'm looking for Senior Representatives in the Southeast/East area!
This includes: DP, Pasadena, LaPorte, Baytown, Mont Belvieu, Liberty and Dayton.

What's in it for you?
You will receive a FREE 1-2 hour, on location, Senior session to take place by November 1, 2010.
Your own set of Senior Rep cards - think of them as your personalized Business Card! ;)
A 15% discount on all prints ordered.
A $75 print credit when you refer 3 other 2011 Seniors.
15 web ready images for sharing on Facebook, MySpace and email.
* All Senior Reps must complete an application with parents authorization and sign a model release form.

There will only be one Senior Rep chosen per high school, so hurry and act fast to grab your spot!!!

Here is a sample of a Senior Rep Card from 2010.

Don't forget to keep an eye on my new Specials and Events tab to see what's going on at Southern Grace Photography!

Grant & Aubrey {Houston Area Children's Photographer}

2010-06-30T11:25:00.001-05:00

I've been PREETY behind on getting clients disks out over the past month or so...I'm totally claiming prego brain, and blaming bed rest!!! I finally got 4 long awaited disks out yesterday, and have 2 more to get out before tomorrow - all while having to be on strict bed rest (yeah right!) - and not having a laptop that works so I've gotta work from my "home office" aka the computer desk in Kyndall's playroom. Anyhoo - I decided that when I re-started this blog, I was going to blog about each session as I finished...giving the client a peek at a few of the pictures they had not seen yet. So here ya go...even those these were finished a few weeks ago, I'm just not getting to blog them as well. :) Forgive me please!!!

{Grant & Aubrey}

I love, love, LOVE these two kiddos (and their mom as well!)! I had the pleasure of meeting them during a Valentines Mini earlier this year, and have since just fell in love with their story. I blogged about them before, but have since deleted that blog so I have no link :(, but you can read a little of their story here. Emily has been such an inspiration to me, as a mother, and as a Christian. Her strength and courage in raising these two beautiful kids is proof of how awesome God is, and how he works through each and every one of us on a daily basis. These are a few shots from their birthday sessions...Grant's 7th, and Aubrey's 1st! She was the only 1 year old I've ever seen that didn't want to smash the cake!!! But that made for some great shots, even though they weren't the typical ones eating and playing with the cake...

Pricing Change

2010-06-23T17:24:00.001-05:00

Pricing for Southern Grace Photography will be changing effective July 1, 2010

Any sessions currently booked will remain at my current prices, however any sessions booked after July 1, will be subject to my new pricing. The Session Fee will remain at $200 however, a disk will no longer be included and will be an additional $50, you will still have the option to purchase prints through my professional lab, at what I feel are still very competitive prices. (The quality of my work is not guaranteed unless prints are ordered through my professional lab.) I have also started to make and offer a DVD slide show of your session for $10, and an 8.5 x 11 proof book, which would include a peek at all of the images from your session, for $35.

If you choose to purchase all 3, you will receive a 10% discount off of the total price, along with 10% off the total amount of any prints you purchase!! :)

Please check out my new Investment tab for further details!

Thank you!

Juices are flowing...with no place to go!

2010-06-22T17:59:00.000-05:00

It's been a few weeks now since my last session, and I'm missing my camera SO much...but I know, there is no way that I could possibly do a session right now, being that I can barely walk through HEB for an hour...plus my mind is a total mess, a birds nest of chaos right now, so I don't know how productive I can really be for my clients! I'm almost finished up with a wedding from last month, and one more session, then I will have no more editing. :(

I have however, committed myself during this time to re-editing our wedding pictures (after my clients work is complete of course). I LOVE the shots, but the lighting in them is horrible. We were outside and inside of a Vegas chapel, and while the pics are way better then you'd expect from a Vegas chapel, the lighting and sharpness aspects of some drive me nuts. So nutty in fact, that we will be married for 6 years in August, and I still don't have my pics in an official "album" yet. I have an awesome box/album from Things Remembered, but nothing in it yet..and I do not have any wedding pictures of us up on walls anywhere in our house.

But man oh man...I have SOOO many ideas that just keep coming through my mind. Ideas for sessions, contests, blogs to write, other business to collaborate with...they just keep coming, and since I'm not shooting right now, I feel like they have no where to go...BUT HERE! ;) So, although I won't have any sessions to post any time soon, stay tuned for lots of new and exciting things going on with Southern Grace Photography!!!

Time flies...

2010-06-15T12:43:00.000-05:00

...when you're crazy busy with your new photography business.

At some point in July will be the 1 year anniversary of when I "officially" started Southern Grace Photography. And by officially I mean, I started my own website then, although I'd actually started my "practice" sessions a few months before. When I first got the idea to start doing sessions for friends and family, I really had no idea what I was doing...and for that matter, I still don't! ; ) I just knew that we needed some extra cash with me not working, and knew that I wanted to be doing something that involved being around people. The photography thing literally just happened, as people started asking me to take their pictures, and I thought "Why not?!". I had no idea when I started where this would go, if anywhere at all...I truly feel that I have been blessed by the good Lord with all that he has provided for me and my "new" venture. He has given me what some called a "talent" but I just think it's His way of helping us out in a time of need. He is the one who has helped me create all that Southern Grace Photography is, and I give all of the glory for it up to Him and His Father.

I have to say, I NEVER thought in a million years that it has become what it is, and I know there is still SO much further to go with it. I can't wait for the possibilities that I know are headed my way. I am so thankful beyond words to everyone of my clients who have chosen me to capture special moments in their lives. Whether it is a baby's arrival, or a gorgeous wedding - every session is so special to me in it's own way.

Now, I can't say that it's all be fantastically great over the past year, there are slow periods where I go bored...and there have been times where I have made my mistakes, and not always made every client as happy as I wish I could have. But, then there are those moments, those clients, that I've become so connected to their families that they have become friends instead of clients. They've bought me get well soon gifts, handmade items for me, and shared some awesome stories of how they felt the first time they saw their pictures. These "clients" make what I do so worth it, and help me to see past my faults when I'm down by bringing these special little reminders of how grateful they are into my sometimes crazy and chaotic life. I'm working hard to improve every aspect that I can from the actual session and my creativity, to the processing of the images...hoping that my name will be spoken in only good ways, and people will continue to come from referrals.

I am so blessed when a client - new or old - schedules a session and invites me into such an intimate part of their lives - and I do believe that photography is a very intimate art. You see sides of people that you may not just talking to them on the street, and get to return that back to them when you show them an image of their newborn that brings them to tears. That's intimacy at it's very best. I've always wanted to coin the motto "Photography you can feel" for my business. I want my work to bring out emotions in you when you see your session...because that's what it does for me as I and shooting and editing. How many people can say that they sometimes literally smile the entire time they are working? From session, to sorting, to editing, and then getting to hear clients feedback...this is what I get to do. And this is why I love what I get to do.

So, THANK YOU, to every client of mine, and to everyone who's ever sent a referral to me. You have all touched my heart in such a great way, and I just hope that with my work, I have done the same for you.

And thank you for reading this long novel of a post...;)

Win a $100 or $50 Gift Certificate!

2010-06-01T14:04:00.006-05:00

I've recently updated my business cards, website, and gift certificates!!! And to show off my new creations, I've decided to host a GIVEAWAY to share that excitement with you!!! I will be giving away a $100 GC and a $50 GC to 2 of my lucky followers/fans/friends - whatever you want to be called! :)

Front

Back

There are several different ways! Do one or do them all, but remember the more you play, the more entries you get!

1. Leave a comment here telling me if you could have your pictures made anywhere in Texas where would it be?

2. Follow me on Twitter and tweet about me!

3. Become a follower of my blog, then add my button!

4. Become a fan on my Facebook page and comment about Southern Grace Photography!

Come back here and tell me all the way's you've entered! You don't have to leave a different comment for each way you enter - just leave me one big 'ol one telling me what all you've done and how much you REALLY love me! ;) (I hate those that make you comment on every little thing...I don't have time to comment over and over again - but - then again, I do always have time for a nice blog contest!) If you already follow me on Twitter, blog, or FB remind me so that you can still get your entry!

{{BONUS ENTRIES}}

Refer a friend to any of the above places - have them mention that you sent them and receive 1 additional entry per mention!

Book a full session between August 1 and September 30 and receive 10 additional entries!!!

{{CONTEST RULES}}

-Contest begins at 2:00 pm on June 1st and ends at 2:00pm on Friday, June 4th.

-Winner will be announced by 12:00 pm on Saturday, June 5th.

-Entries for session booked between August 1 and September 30 may not apply to currently booked sessions or re-bookings.

-Two numbers will be randomly drawn, 1st one picked will receive the $100 GC and the 2nd will receive the $50 GC.

-GC may be used towards session fee or towards print order.

-The GC must be used before October 31, 2010. Session must be booked within 30 days of winning the contest. *Deposit will still apply*

What's holding YOU back from capturing this moment in your family's lives?

2010-05-31T09:08:00.004-05:00

Before my daughter came along, my husband and I had talked several times about having some pictures made of just the two of us - something besides wedding pictures and random vacation snapshots. I even had a session booked at one time, but money got in the way and we weren't able to do it. Looking back now, I SO wished we would have. Our house is covered in pictures from several different sessions that we've had done by the AWESOME Mindy Fuller of Ree Photography, but I don't have a single one of just Dustin and I, they way we were. The couple that was always diving into something new, going on a trip, racing motocross, just living how we wanted and doing what we wanted WHEN we wanted. Of course over the past few years, alot of that has come to an end, and those good times have been replaced with even better times spent with our daughter. But, that was a moment in our lives, that I would have, and should have captured. Saved up for the session, cut out a few dinners out for a few weeks, skipped that mani/pedi...

I came across a blog this morning, by way of Facebook, that I really wanted to share. Is there a perfect time? (I love, love, love, every word of this blog posting.)

Stop letting those few pounds that you've been trying to lose for 3 years now hold you back from capturing your children's smiles when they were 3 and 5. What if it's another 3 years that go by and you still haven't lost it? Then you've lost another 3 years of those precious smiles captured forever. You've now missed out on those crooked baby teeth coming in, or that missing first tooth falling out.

Stop making excuses because you don't feel you're "photogenic". You don't have to be. Just enjoy the session with your family, and that will come across in your pictures. Way more then sitting posed in a studio trying to smile your best smile, and being in the perfect pose, trying to be someone you're not for the camera.

Stop letting money get in the way of your son's 1 year pictures. Make some sacrifices for a few weeks or months. Eat at home a few extra nights instead of eating out. Take your lunch to work for a month instead of buying. And God forbid...skip the daily Starbucks! (Can't believe I just said that...but hey, trust me, it works).

I know all of these things are easier said then done. But visit the link and take a a few minutes to think about it, what is holding you back?

Nothing should. There is no perfect time...just the time you have right now.

For Livi {Houston Children's Photographer}

2010-05-28T13:24:00.000-05:00

About a month ago (that's how far behind I am), I met up with Livi and her mom, Kellen, at one of my FAVORITE spots to shoot in Houston, Mercer Arboretum. There are SOOO many things to shoot around there, and I hadn't been since the fall so there were all kinds of new blooms and new featues. Love that place. And love even more that they don't charge photographers! There are also all kinds of wildlife living in the gardens as well, which make it fun for the kids to be able to watch the squirells, birds, and this time rabbits!!! (There are also not so fun ones such as snakes, that I've stumbled across as well. DO NOT like snakes...ugh) We spotted 2 bunnies as we were walking the grounds for Kellen and Livi's session...and at Livi's request, she wanted to see "her bunny". How could I resist that?! :)

So Livi, this first picture is just for you...not the best quality by far...but it's your bunny!!! :)

Annie + Kelley = Forever : Part One {Engagement Session}

2010-05-27T12:06:00.000-05:00

Annie and I used to work together - WAY back in the Red Lobster days - and somehow through Facebook we managed to reconnect. Isn't it great the way Facebook can work?! I was excited just to get a chance to do some catching up with her, not to mention doing her engagement pictures and meeting her fiance Kelley! They have one of those Engagement stories that you love to hear. He surprised her with an afternoon scavenger hunt, which lead her to the top of the Tremont Hotel in Galveston, where he was waiting with a ring and a bottle of champagne...ahhh....Annie also says that he's been a big part of the wedding planning process...ahhh....Now, can you see why she's marring him!?

Such a sweet couple, they couldn't take their eyes off of each other, and when they weren't laughing they were still smiling. :) It makes me so happy to see an old friend so happy!!

Congratulations Annie and Kelley - can't wait for the wedding, it will be October before we know it!!! :)