* November 19 Mini Sessions are full, but there are a couple spots still available on the date that was just recently opened, November 12th (in Gratz Park).

* I am considering offering a workshop exclusively for parents wanting to take better pictures of their kiddos. Not too technical, just the basics (angles, finding the best light, etc.). Just how to get the best out of your every day photos. It would be late winter or early spring. Email me at priscilla@priscillabphotography.com if you’d like to be on the list for more info.

* And…most importantly…a cute little baby laugh to make your day….

Oh how I love that beautiful baby of mine…

Peace and so much love,

Cilla

With my very unproductive maternity leave over, I am now working to finalize my fall/holiday schedule. Yeah…I normally have this set in stone and am trying to get everyone holiday focused in August, but not so much this year. I loved every bit of my maternity leave, but am so excited to see each of you. Now’s the time to book your fall/holiday session if you haven’t already! Here’s a little more info about the upcoming months…

• September mini sessions are this Saturday (the 24th) at Gratz Park and there is still a spot (possibly 2) available (please see below how to reserve your spot)
• Signature sessions are still being booked on Fridays and Saturdays (morning and evening)
• October mini sessions are the 21st (Constitution Square; Danville, KY) and the 22nd (Downtown Lexington). This will be the last chance to shoot for holiday gifts/cards.
• November mini sessions are the 19th (Keeneland)
• Holiday order deadline is November 23rd (except for digital files)
• No mini sessions in December

Please be patient as I sort through all the oh so fun emails Remember…I’m now cuddling in between.

Let the Kids Dress Themselves is a blog that I was instantly in love with, just from the title alone. A question I’m often asked is what in the world to wear to a session. I don’t feel like my answer ever helps. I tell them that they could seriously come in their pajamas and the pictures would be great. Not because of me, but because they would be comfortable. My goal is to tell them not to stress over it. The only thing I ever request is that everyone NOT wear the same thing. Now, if you’ve hopped over to their blog, you will see that “Let the Kids Dress Themselves” is nothing about what to wear to a session, but celebrating REAL images.

So, I’ve now been inspired to share with you all how to get that perfect lifestyle session. I’m pretty sure you’re going to be surprised by some of the answers.

1. The absolute number one thing I tell EVERY one (especially after I get the “what to wear” question) is to RELAX and JUST BE YOURSELF. I  know it’s so much easier said than done. I’ve been in front of the camera and know how vulnerable it can be. But there is truly not one other aspect that is more important than relaxing. Worrying about what to wear, their hair being just right, they act a certain way, everyone’s looking at the camera and smiling just perfect, etc. etc., will do nothing but make you uncomfortable, the kids uncomfortable, the hubby’s uncomfortable, and you even more stressed from all of that.

2. Truly, let the kids dress themselves. Seriously the best advice ever. There’s nothing I love more than seeing a kiddo at the store and you can tell they dressed themselves and that Mom could not get them out of their goggles or their favorite boots. And I know ultimately, 20 years from now, you’re not going to care about that cute little outfit you put together, but the outfit that they wanted to wear every day and refused to take off.

It doesn’t even have to be that outfit. It can just be something they’re comfortable in. Why look like you’re going to a photo shoot? lol…and I’m being serious. Dress like it’s just another day and everyone’s personality will truly shine.

If you’re not comfortable with this (and I completely understand this…remember I’ve been in front of the camera…recently), have a portion of the session with the clothes you prefer and then end the session with something they’ve picked out. It can even be a reward. “We’ve just got a few more and then you can wear your outfit”. It can be something exciting we talk about during the other portion of the session.  Oh and what better way is there to get them into the session? Now, with that said, if you are wanting them to wear anything else, you should probably hold their outfit to the end because we most likely won’t be able to get them out of it.

3. Don’t worry about looking at the camera and smiling perfect, instead worry about spending time with and loving on your family. My goal as a photographer is not to get everyone smiling and looking at the camera, but to capture your family happy, relaxed, and in love…with each other. My favorite pictures are always the ones where everyone’s looking at each other, loving on each other, and just taking a few minutes out of their day to enjoy each other. I even do this with weddings, when I was doing weddings. I would say to take this time to enjoy each other because they wouldn’t have much time to do that during the day. You will never catch me telling someone to say cheese. And my “loose” directions may even be confusing because I don’t want to give a lot of direction. I want to sit you in a spot and let you be YOU. If something is totally off and ruining the image, I will shoot it as it is (because that’s the most natural to you…not all the best images have the best light, the best settings, etc.) and then make a small adjustment and let things unfold again. This is why I shoot so much and this is why I allow a couple hours for sessions.

4. Be in the images. Don’t let time and life pass you by without being in images with your children. Best thing about this type of photography is that you DON’T need to look perfect. In 20 years will you really care that your hair was in a pony tail for that picture? No, you’ll care that you have images of YOU with your kiddos. YOU loving your kiddos. YOU playing with your kiddos. And if it makes you feel any better, I do happen to know all the best angles to show the best you!

I knew instantly that I wanted to use the below image for this one (even though I just recently blogged this session ). Not because there’s anything wrong with the way momma looks (because I know she looked perfect), but because she didn’t intend on being in any images and was nervous when I suggested it. She went with it and trusted me and this ended up being one of her favorites and my absolute favorite. Probably one of my favorite momma-daughter shots ever.

5. Let them play. I often joke that my job is to chase kids. I’m only half joking. We get the best images when the kids are able to play and have fun. If this means me chasing them and sweating my tush off by the end, then so be it.

6. Laugh. Don’t worry about the way you look when you laugh. Again, don’t worry about giving that perfect smile. I LOVE a good full body laugh. Pull out whatever you can to get it. Tickles, gross body noises, words they think are hilarious and you don’t usually say, jokes, funny faces…truly whatever it takes. Oh, don’t worry…I’ll do whatever I can as well (and, despite what Bret says, I am pretty darn funny…well, it may usually be when I’m not trying to), but you know your kiddos best. You know what makes them laugh and, even more so, what’s NOT suppose to make them laugh (which is usually what works even best).

7. Sing. I always ask if there’s a song that they like to sing. I can tell it catches some off guard. So, be prepared with a song you know that they like. If it’s something they normally love, they’re usually going to love it at the session. Perfect way to not only make them smile, but also to calm them and make them feel more comfortable. Now, if this stresses you out, go back to number 1 That’s more important.

8. Remember imperfection is perfection. Confusing? Our lives are imperfect. But, my goodness, isn’t it so perfect that way? Yes…I’m talking tears, the way ice cream got all over their face when they ate it, the scrunchy face you make when you laugh really hard, the way her fly-aways constantly get in her face, the mud on his jeans…all the little things that truly make up life. Those are the things I want to capture and remember.

9. Make it personal. Bring the blanket or stuffed animal they just can’t live without. Your family love to travel? Bring maps or a globe. Love to go on picnics? Bring a picnic or have the session at your favorite picnic area. Is there a book they want you to read over and over again? Bring it. Everything can be personalized. If this stresses you out…go back to number 1 and just bring yourselves

10. Plan an activity. Some of my favorite sessions have been focused around an activity. It’s a great way to take the attention off of the camera and on each other and the activity at hand. The key is for it to be a personal activity. One of my most favorite recent sessions was at the Farmer’s Market. It’s something this family did together often. We went to vendors they usually went to. They brought their bags and bought foods they needed. We found a spot on the street where there weren’t many people and grabbed some shots of their interactions with each other. Then went for a little breakfast at their favorite bakery. And finally played in the fountains downtown. It was perfect for their family. It was fun for everyone. It was natural. That same day, another session got out the sprinklers at the end of their session, which was fun and a great reward for the kiddos (and momma). How about taking me along with you while you pick out your pumpkins for the year or pick apples. A session I’ve always wanted to do was an outing picking up a families live Christmas tree. I love the white lights, trees, and signs you always see at these little spots. Another idea for Christmas is baking cookies. Have an artistic family? How about an art project? Musical family? Break out the instruments. There really is no limit. Just think about what your family loves to do!

11. Don’t fuss too much with their clothes, hair, etc. This is something that I would say most every Mom does. You want their clothes to be perfect. Their hair to be out of their face. Them to sit up and give the perfect smile. I get it. I completely understand. But, want to wear the kids out quickly and test their patience? That’s the quickest way to do it. Happy kiddos are SO much more important than everything looking “perfect”. If it’s something really bad that will completely ruin the shot, I will probably ask to fix it, but most of the time, it wouldn’t ruin the shot. Now, there are times when something won’t bother me, but would bother you. You just kinda have to find a good balance and think before you fuss too much. I guess “pick your battles” is the best approach to this one.

12. Pick a location that is comfortable to your family. Don’t think your home is a good spot? I can almost promise that it is. The way I shoot, the background is normally not the focus. You may not even be able to tell where most of my sessions are held. As long as you have some window light (and you’d be surprised what will work), then we are good to go. There’s nothing more custom and personal than your own home. Not crazy about that then what about a family farm, or an ice cream shop/bakery/pizza place/park/book store/music store/comic store/library (you get the idea) you frequent?

13. Don’t forget to snuggle!

Now…with all that said, if any of it just stresses you out more, go back to number 1! lol. The goal is to truly capture the essence of your family, without all the stress that some photo sessions can bring. Your job is to have fun and play. My job is get that on my camera. I might have a little fun while we’re at it

Hope that helps for your next session! And…hopefully I can remember all of this at our first family session!

Peace and SO much love,

Cilla

* APRIL 30th- Mini sessions were rescheduled to this Saturday and a spot opened up with others moving to a different date (confusing?). So, if you happen to be free and interested in a mini session this Saturday morning at Boyd’s Orchard, please let me know and we can reserve your spot.

* MAY SIGNATURE SESSIONS- Only 3 spots available!

* MAY 28th MINI SESSIONS @ Keeneland- Only 2 spots available!

* JUNE SIGNATURE SESSIONS- Only 6 spots available!

* JUNE 4th MINI SESSIONS @ Boyle County Fair- 4 spots available!

* JULY- COMPLETELY FULL

* MATERNITY LEAVE JULY 15-SEPTEMBER 16.

* HOLIDAY SEASON- When I come back I will be right in the middle of holiday shooting season. I know talking about the holidays before the summer has even started is just crazy, but if you’d like to book a holiday session, it may be smart to start thinking early! Yes, I am already booking for rest of the year! Crazy!!!!

Now, since I can’t post this without a pretty picture and since the other beautiful half of my “ginger duo” is dying for a sneak peek…and I’m dying for her to see a couple…here’s a quick little peek! More to come later!

Peace and SO much love,

Cilla

So, what’s been going on in 2011? After some much needed time off for the holidays, I’m currently working on some left over 2010 orders, a wedding from 2010, and then all of my exciting new things for 2011. I can’t wait to share all the locations for the mini sessions this year! Soon…very soon.

I promise there will lots of fun things to share and write soon, but first I have to share something I’m EXTREMELY excited about. Drum roll please….

I’ve gone through and picked my favorites of my favorite images (please note that not ALL of my sessions are represented. Not even all of my favorites! Trust me…that was hard.) throughout the year and put a fun little slideshow together. Oh, but this is no ordinary slideshow. This slideshow is very very very special. VERY. Hidden in this slideshow, at the very end, is a big SURPRISE. A HUGE SURPRISE. Like if you miss out on this, you will be the lady in the store that snubbed Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman and I’ll be saying you made a big mistake…BIG…HUGE. Yes…I know it’s a stretch, but I just keep hearing Julia Roberts in my head saying “Big. Huge”.

If you are viewing this through email or on RSS feed, or if you’d just like to see it bigger, please go to www.priscillabphotography.com/slideshows/2010.

So much love,
Cilla

UPDATE: Okay…I have tried and tried and tried, but it’s just not letting me embed this slideshow into the blog post. Technology and I have NOT been getting along the last couple days. Soooo….to view the slideshow please go to

www.priscillabphotography.com/slideshows/2010

Um…WHAAAAAATTTT? It’s how long since WHO blogged? Me? Almost a month? Not me? Surely! You’ve GOT to be kidding me!

Okay, okay, okay. I’ll admit it. It’s been almost an entire month since I last blogged! I have several sessions that never got blogged and have already been seen by their beautiful clients. Oh, don’t you worry (I know…you were), those will be blogged. As many of you know, this is the crazy, insane, pull my hair out, fall asleep at my desk, and love every minute of it…okay, almost every minute of it….time of year. Getting galleries up in a timely manner is, of course, top priority. With that said, I have been MIA…literally. Not blogging…barely facebooking. I just don’t know how my photographer friends who seem to do it all keep up with it this time of year! Luckily, my beautiful, awesome, intern is back and helping me with orders. Have I ever mentioned how THANKFUL I am for her!?!

Funny story…sorta. You know it’s been a while since you blogged when you get the comment “are you still in business?” Yep…I laughed. Out loud. Sorry internet world!

Anywho…I just wanted to peek in and say hi! I am going to try and post some sessions soon….very soon….and something else really really really fun. I know…I said it three times, must be really fun. Oh make that four times.

Happy Thanksgiving!!! This is one of my favorite holidays. I love it’s simplicity and what it’s all about. Giving thanks. I am thankful for so many things…so many that it may be part of the really fun thing. Make that five times.

I am so insanely grateful for each of you. I know I am always talking about how much I love my clients and how so many have became friends of mine. I probably talk about it so much and with so many different clients that it’s hard to believe I’m being sincere. But, my goodness. If you could just read the emails, see their smiles, feel their hugs, and see how much joy they bring to my face…my heart, you would know that I am forever sincere. And forever grateful.

Peace and so so so so much love,

Cilla

First a schedule update for those of you who don’t already know what’s going on.

Mini Sessions

September minis (September 25th in downtown Lexington at Gratz Park)- Have 4 openings still available

October minis- BOOKED

Sessions after October will not be guranteed orders in time for the holidays. However, for the November minis, you may receive your cd JUST before Christmas.

November minis (November 20th at Keeneland)- Spots available

Signature and Day in the Life Sessions

September- BOOKED (please see mini sessions above for available spots)

October- Spots are going quickly, but there are still a few Friday and Saturday spots available. Reserve your session as soon as possible.

November and December- Some availability. Closed from Dec. 19-Jan. 2

SOMETHING NEW…

I’m SO excited to announce this (please see image below)…

Sessions are for 1-2 individuals. Please add $25 for each additional person. ONLY 6 spots available! Click HERE to reserve your spot!!!

8:00 am

8:30 am

9:00 am

6:00 pm

6:30 pm

7:00 pm

**Please note the difference in these and mini sessions. These do not include the high resolution files, but those will be available for purchase seperately.**

Here are some images from Hopscotch’s new location. I’m so late in blogging these! Oh and did you notice that you get 20% off at Hopscotch by booking one of these sessions?

And here are some shots from forever ago. Our first Haute Momma’s party

 And last but certainly not least a little eye candy for you. Some of my favorite products that we offer

And just a few of the holiday card designs (please note that all cards are custom designed to work with YOUR art images). Cards are available in sizes 5×5 and 5×7…flat, folded, and trifold.

Peace and much love,

Cilla

  Receive an exclusive 20% off card for prints and products. BOOK YOUR SESSION THAT DAY AND RECEIVE $50 OFF THE SESSION FEE!!!!  

 I will be there from 10:00am-2:00pm. If you come after that, pick up a card at the counter for 20% off and contact me THIS week and mention the card information and still receive $50 off! Session fee IS DUE AT THE TIME OF BOOKING! 

Enjoy 20% off all new fall shipments @ Hopscotch
Enjoy a Pink Chandelier Trunk Show – super cute!
And more! the summer clothing is still on sale too! 

Don’t miss this haute event! 

Get your back to school and fall clothing this Thursday and schedule your fall/holiday photo session!    

That’s right! Our very popular mini sessions that are normally offered twice a year, are now being offered once a month! Now you’ll have the option of a Signature Session or a Monthly Mini Session. These Mini Sessions will be held in various locations in Central KY (one set location per session) on set dates.

Please click HERE for more information. Make sure to check out  the calendar HERE. 

The very first date being March 20th and the popular Boyd’s Orchard minis on April 24th.
Of course, Signature Sessions will remain the ultimate custom photography experience. It’s hard to believe, but spring sessions are already booking up!  If you have a date in mind for a session, it is a good idea to book as soon as possible to insure your spot is held, both for Signature Sessions and Mini Sessions.

I’m looking for someone who’s:

• available monday-thursday, anywhere from 5-15 hours a week (schedule will be flexible and hours will vary, closer to 5 hours a week during slow times and more during busier times)
• reliable
• organized
• quick learner
• strong computer skills
• familiarity w/ excel, html, photoshop, and graphic design a plus
• a lover of photographs, music, smiles, and all things cheesy, also a plus

Please note that this is not a  paid position, but is for those looking for college internship opportunities, high school co-ops, photography/photoshop lessons (I absolutely don’t know everything there is to know about either, but am happy to share what I do know), print credit and a free session per year.

If you are interested, please complete an application at www.priscillabphotography.com/blog/internshipapplication and email a resume to me at priscilla@priscillabphotography.com.

Since a post would not be complete without pictures, this gives me a great chance to share a session from last year that I wasn’t able to. One of my favorites. Now that I’m *old* I had my 10 year high school reunion in October. It was so wonderful to see friends who meant so much to my life. It was even better when I had a session with a couple of said friends. Spencer and Gretchen. A couple who’s names, to anyone who know them, go together like Romeo and Juliet, Ozzie and Harriett, Fred and Wilma, and Peanut Butter and Jelly. Everyone knew they would end up together, get married, and have beautiful babies. Oh, I was so happy to see them again and meet beautiful little Adelyn. I only wish I had stopped at maybe two glasses of wine at the reunion. The time just went by too fast. These pictures make me so happy. One more thing…Gretchen is an amazing artist! Be sure to check out her work at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Art-by-gretchen/151721777225  and on Etsy at http://www.etsy.com/shop/artbygretchen 

I mean just look at those eyes and she’s already got her mommas style!

 Peace and love,

Cilla