Holiday Mini Marathon 2011

This is very exciting for me! Last year I held a holiday mini marathon and it was fantastic! But this year, I think it will be even better because I am able to do it in my very own studio space!

And if you know me at all, you know that my house (studio) will be decked out for Christmas so there are many many photo ops!

I am running this for two days only! Dec. 2 - 3 . . .

Cost is $50

{Includes}: 15-20 minute shoot in studio, editing of all images, photo disc with release, a 5 x 7 print and 8 wallets, AND a DVD slideshow Christmas card.

Contact me today to book your spot as they will fill up quickly!

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=191018774312761

Studio Inspiration . . .

I am almost ready to debut my studio space with you. A couple more pieces to the puzzle will be added within the next week and then it should be good to go! I'm so excited to have this space for the fall and winter (and lately those hot hot days) I'm pretty sure its really going to broaden my photography possibilities.

So . . . without further adieu, I want to share with you MY inspirations behind my studio space. I hope you get as excited as I was!

 Found this picture of the shelves. Simple. Industrial looking yet not too harsh.

This one you've seen before. Its a vintage roulette wheel from Pottery Barn. It has been hiding in my stairwell for two years and needs to come out!

 Pretty awesome chalkboard from Restoration Hardware. If only it weren't $499!

 Can't you just picture someone sitting on a bench like this for a beautiful photo. Or a baby laying dead center in the middle of it? 

 Barn doors turned room divider. 

 Love the leaning mirror with the white frame against the gray walls and neutral pallet.

My clients need somewhere to hang their coats. What is better than birch branch suspended from the ceiling?

 Be still my heart . . . gorgeous chair from Restoration Hardware.

 This was my inspiration (From Pottery Barn) for my secretary desk redo a few years back. But its being used in the studio so I figured I'd ad this picture in.

 Brass chandelier turned antique bronze.

 Antique typewriter for a prop!

I've gone back and forth on what kind of coffee table I wanted. Originally I was thinking and old trunk but can't seem to find one big enough for the space. Then I was planning on making one with two wooden pallets and attach casters on the bottom, but then I was kinda worried about splinters. I'm not leaning towards a round table hight pedestal table like in this photo. I have a wide space to fill and something like this will do the trick. 

So there you have it. I'm still putting the finishing touches on everything and collecting items that work in the space but also make great props and backdrops. I'm hoping the last BIG pieces will be all set to go by the end of this weekend.

Mini session studio sneak peek . . .

After finishing the painting on the walls, I decided a sneak peek was in order. And when I say "sneak peek" I really do mean it because you will only get a glimpse of a few things I've done or bought so far.

Operation "In-Home Studio" has commenced . . .

I have some very exciting news! Within the next few months (I don't have a specific date set) I will be opening my very own studio! Granted, it will be in my home, but a studio, no less! You have absolutely no idea how very excited I am about this. So in order for you to share in a little bit of this excitement I plan on keeping you in the loop of the wonderful things I am doing and have plan for this.

So to start, I want to share in the plans of this exciting new venture. It all started with my husband's decision to move our big gawdy television into our basement. It currently hangs above our fireplace. With that gone, it opened up a world of options for me for the living room, because basically I can do whatever my heart pleases because he will be a hermit in the basement with his precious Sony.

Here's a couple things I have planned . . .

This is the sofa I bought. It will be delivered this coming up Friday. Its actually a lighter beige color with a hint of gray. Don't pay any attention to the pillows because they won't be there. But I think it kind of has an "old world" look but is still comfy and functional for my family. Remember, this is still my home that the studio will be in so everything has to be somewhat family friendly. But I do envision that this sofa will look great for photos.

This piece of art has been hidden in my stairwell for two years. It is from Pottery Barn (one of the three things I have ever bought from there) But this I just could not resist. So we are taking it out of the shadows and putting it above the fireplace for it's place of glory! But I am not going to hang it on the wall, just lean it against because then I can take it down and use it in photos if I want to. Basically everything in this "great" room of mine is going to have a double purpose. Everything, and I do mean everything will somehow be a functional item for a living room AND a photo studio. Tricky.

And last (for today) but CERTAINLY not least, my chair. My wonderful glorious chair that everything else in the room revolves around. This is a picture of one that is similar. The only difference is that mine has vintage print/script on the back cushion. Which makes it even better! I'm thinking that you will be seeing this chair in lots of my photos. I plan on even bringing it with me sometimes on outdoor shoots or even a wedding. A bride would be absolutely stunning sitting in it. Ideas, ideas.

That's it for now. I have lots more planned and even more things that I already bought, but I'd like to have some of it be a surprise!