First Impression Portraits

Tricks of the Trade

This picture is currently hanging on a tall narrow wall in my front entry way as a 22x50 canvas.

I'm obviously very pleased with it. Of course, it came out of my studio and the canvas print was made in my store.
I've mentioned before that I get lots of compliments on how photogenic my children are. Well, I'm going to show you these next pictures for 2 reasons: 1) To take some credit away from my kids and onto my studio for the miracles we can perform, and 2) To show you that my kids are just average (if not below average!) kids when it comes to performing for pictures in the studio! These are not model children chosen for their fine temperaments or are they well trained professionals. They are just like your children. And if you give us a chance, we can make miracles for you too!
Here are some shots from this sitting straight out of the camera:

You'll notice Max's facial expression is different, not to mention my arm is visible stabilizing Eloise. Poof! Magic!
I ended up with more outtakes than I did finished shots.


But the finished pictures I did get were well worth it:


I'd like to post them all, but you get the point.
And if you're convinced..why wait? Book online now!

A sad goodbye

Thursday was Lisa's last day.
Lisa had been with our company for over a year. She showed talents early on in both photography and design so became a great asset to our store.
If you've had pictures done with us in the past year, there's a good chance they were done by Lisa.
You can read her bio along with those of our other photographers here. (They're fun..we don't take ourselves too seriously!)
Lisa is off to Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design in Vancouver. We wish her the best.
Remember us when you're a famous photographer, Lisa!

We still have 3 talented photographers, and have brought on a new member of our team who I will be formally introducing shortly.
Check back! And see you soon!

I get it..I really do.

I have a beautiful daughter. Well, two actually, but today I'm talking about my eldest, Charlie.
Charlie is 4 and last September she started her first dance class. Every Saturday morning I religiously got her up, got her ready, and sat in a chair for 40 minutes while she practiced and pranced around a dance studio.
I'd been excited for the end of the year recital right from the start. I never did those things as a little girl, and perhaps I was living - just a smidge - vicariously through her.
It was finally June and the week of the recital. The whole week revolved around this dance recital. On 3 days were rehearsals, 1 day was the recital and another day was Picture Day.
I've taken all of Charlie's portraits in our studio up until this point in her life. I have to say, I was a little curious to see what another photographer could do with her.
I hounded the dance studio staff, "Are the pictures ready yet??" (at my studio the pictures are ready next day so I'm not used to waiting!)
Finally I had those pictures in my hot little hands! I eagerly opened the package. My heart sank. Technically speaking they were fine, but her smile..the way she was holding her head..her posture..it wasn't her. It didn't flatter her. It wasn't something I'd proudly share with friends and family. And there were no choices. It is what it is.
I went home disappointed. Of course, I didn't convey this to my sweet girl, "awww! Look how beautiful you look!" Who needs an image problem at 4??

I've decided this experience was a positive one, though. It strengthened my belief in what we're accomplishing at my studio:
Time - we don't overbook. If your child needs time to get comfortable, we've got it.
Choices - there is no limit to how many shots we'll take.
No tripod - we're not above crawling around on the floor!
Guarantee - If you don't love your portraits, there is no obligation to buy anything, and retakes are never an issue.

I hope you'll let us photograph your little one. The only thing more rewarding than photographing those wonderful little souls is seeing the look on your faces when we know we truly captured them.

Some favourites of Charlie that I haven't shared on this blog yet:

2 years old - a typical 2 year old sitting...she really made me work for this!

3 years old - I've shared pictures of this sitting before, but only the ones with balloons. This was a natural "in between" moment that I caught.

4 years old - She'll hold a pose now...but only for a moment!

The little girl with her is her cousin who moved away. This was a really fun sitting, and I got lots of very natural and fun photos.

See you soon!

Father's Day is on Its Way!

I have the unfortunate task of having to plan a birthday event, a father's day event - a birthday gift, and a father's day gift both in June. You really have to be creative with your ideas. What does he really need that he doesn't buy himself anyway?
One thing I can always count on is that he loves our children dearly and treasures anything having to do with them.
Being that we've owned a photo gift store for the last 15 years, you'd think we'd have tired of this stuff by now. No way! We're our own biggest customer!
One year for his gift I dressed the kids up in his shoes and ties and did portraits in the studio. I've had customers do this as well with stethoscopes, hard hats, jerseys. Always adorable.
We've compiled a list of some father's day ideas if you're stumped. Check it out. It might trigger an idea specific to you.
This year I've taken a picture that my 4 year old drew of our family and had it transfered to canvas. Perfect for his office. It doesn't have to be canvas, though, you can simply have it enlarged or reduced to fit the frame you want. You can have it transfered onto anything - mugs, shirts, golf gear, bbq aprons - it doesn't have to be a photograph.
Let your imagination go crazy! If you can't find something online, give us a call. Odds are we can do it for you, and we love hearing new ideas!
As always, we turn our orders out fast. Usually in one hour or so.
But don't wait til the last minute. Avoid the rush! Order now!

My kids are soooo photogenic

Baloney.
Yet people tell me this often because I have a lot of nice pictures of them. It's called persistence...and some photoshop skills.
I booked my kids in at my own studio on Thursday. I timed it for right after El's nap and feeding just like I always instruct my customers to do. I didn't anticipate any problems from her since she's such a sweet and smiley baby. Once we got started she became very high strung and whiney. I had a hard time keeping her calmed down and a harder time getting a smile. Once she would smile, wouldn't you know it the other two would be out of pose or looking off the other way. I was flustered and sweating and wanted to stop, but we kept on! It actually only took about a half hour, but it was hard work. No special treatment for me, though, this is how we treat all our photo sessions. We generally don't quit unless the parents say so or the child is so completely out of control that it has just become traumatizing! (to the child I mean..not the photographer - although it can go both ways!)
I ended up having to take pieces from several pictures, but I did end up with great results!

I'm thinking of using this one to get my husband a motivational poster for his office for Father's Day(I might just get one for mine too!).

I used one of our new props with my 6 month old. Very happy with the results! I'm sure you will be too!

Mother's Day is on its Way!

Yes, its Mother's Day. A special day for Moms both new and not-so-new. That means you can't completely go about your day without a care because you've most likely got a mother, a mother-in-law, and some grandmas who also deserve some special treatment.
We know your mom is hard to buy for, and you want to give her something that shows you gave it a lot of thought..something meaningful. Of course, you can never go wrong with keepsakes of the little ones, but we've taken it a step further and put some great complete photo gift ideas together for you to make it an extra special gift. Most of these come from years of talking to Moms just like you and gathering your great ideas together.
So here they are - click here to see our top ten Mother's Day gift ideas using your favourite photo.
Example:
Mother's Day Gift Idea #3
Buying for a tea drinker? Book a sitting for our current Kwik Klix theme, and we'll take some adorable shots of your little one inside a giant tea cup. We can then put the picture on a mug or small round tin filled with teabags.

Mommy Moments

You'd think that owning a photo shop and portrait studio I'd be trigger happy with my camera and have tons of photos of my kids. Well I do...and I don't.
When I had my first baby over 4 years ago I took pictures of everything. My camera was never put away. Then the second, then the third and suddenly life is so busy that you miss all those little moments that happen in between the big ones.
I have many beautifully planned and posed photographs. Beautiful enough that I've made huge canvases and decorated my entire home with them...but I'm lacking on little everyday things that define our lives.
So I had an idea. I started a blog and I call it Mommy Moments. I share it with my husband, family, anyone interested, but mostly it's for me and someday for my kids. For remembering the everyday moments. The reasons why I love them and love being their mother. I try to include a photo with each entry so now my camera is, once again, never put away.
It has changed the way I deal with my children on a day to day basis because now I'm always looking out for these moments as they happen, and it helps me to slow down and appreciate what's going on now and not worrying so much about what we need to be doing next.
So steal my idea, please. Start up your own Mommy Moments blog. I'd love to see it if you're up for sharing, and please feel free to look at mine.
If you do choose to share, email a link to me directly at sara@photogiftworld.com on or before April 15th, 2008 and I'll use my favourite picture from your site to make a lovely free photo gift for you...no strings attached.
I will not make any blogs or photographs public unless you want me to.
I will choose and personally design your photo gift at my discretion. No special instructions, please.

Even when you're at war with your kids there can be "moments":

Here Charlie was in time out..I don't remember why. She was upset about being put in her room alone and I saw these cute little fingers sticking out from under the door and a tiny voice saying, "Is anybody there?" I grabbed my camera (which was close by because I never put it away) and snapped a few pictures without her even knowing.

The Bunny is Back!

Our 3rd annual Live Bunny Easter Photos begin tomorrow! For three days only by the Food Court in Southgate Center (NOT in our studio in Southgate Center!) from 11-7 Thursday, Friday and Saturday (Saturday ends at 6pm).
Bring your little ones in for a charming picture.
Happy Easter!

This is an image from last year's event.
This year we've brought in this great easter egg prop!

Remembering Harriet

Its well known in our city that Harriet Winspear was a great philanthropist donating millions of dollars to the arts in Edmonton. What's lesser known, however, was how she became a business woman in her eighties.
Years ago Quincey, my husband, had a dream in his heart, a business plan in his hand, and absolutely nothing in his bank account. Harriet, though not technically related, had been part of his family since before he was born, and he truly considered her his grandmother. He approached her with his plan and she agreed to invest. Those who know Harriet can testify that she is no shrinking violet or sweet-old-lady who can be taken advantage of. She was the toughest business partner we've had to date. Constantly challenging things, keeping us on track, and making us accountable for profit and loss of the business always. Though heavy handed at times she never ever ceased to be supportive. In the darkest days of our business she urged us to never give up. We didn't.
Everything that I have today was made possible by Harriet's investment all those years ago and her continuous support right up until her passing yesterday. We will forever be grateful and never forget. Our eldest was named for her and now that she's gone I'm especially glad to have that constant remembrance of her. I'm proud to tell my daughter about Harriet and how special it is that she can honour her memory.
She is greatly missed.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/edmonton/story/2008/03/13/winspear-dead.html?ref=rss

We're having a great christmas. We hope you are too.
I had my baby girl last week and, of course, have already had her into the studio.

In honour of the birth of my little Eloise, any other "Christmas Babies" (born in November/December of this year) who book sittings between now and December 23rd will recieve 15% off their portrait purchase and a free Porcelain Christmas Ball with a photo from their sitting.
Just say you saw it on the blog!
Merry Christmas!

Click here to book or call 435-7421