Monthly Archives: January 2010

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New Website!

January 28, 2010 – 9:51 pm

Sometimes ya just truly gotta learn things the hard way. When I first set up shop, I had a customized website built that cost a lot of money and ended up being the most nonfunctional thing ever. So disappointing and a huge lesson. So when I found Photobiz I was so excited. Awesome customer service. Great products. Loved it.

And that should be the end of the story. But noooooooo. In the Land of Laura, it could never be so simple.  About a year later I got a wild hair and decided I needed something totally different and in a small moment of insanity went with another company with pretty products but not as functional or easily customized and…uh hum…a - slight - gaping hole in the customer service department. Why you ask? Me too.

So a year and half later, here I am. Back at Photobiz. LOVING their products and feeling like I returned home to a warm house of good friends who actually sound happy when I call with questions and who are able to help me on the spot. Question?  We’re here. Problem?  Solved. I admit I felt like the black sheep in the family when I first called but, again, kudos to them because they didn’t treat me like it at all. I’m taking notes from their customer service. Outstanding is where it rates.

Anyway, if you want to check it out go here! Still a few things to work on like the splash page - will be creating links for the blog and online ordering again but can’t decide what pictures to accompany it. I always find that task very daunting because for someone just stumbling on your site, it’s the very first impression they get of you and if the pictures don’t hit home, they’re outta there. It’s like a one second window of opportunity to convince them they should step inside the front door of your house. Too bad the internet doesn’t come with scensory abilities or I’d light candles like I do at the shop and throw a bowl of chocolates out there….after all, who can resist chocolate? and if there is someone, I need to meet them!

Okay, and here are some shots from a recent shoot - aspiring actor in need of some new images. As you can see, he was really tough to photograph. :) I admit, I totally veered from the course of the session to do some fun ones but he was cool with it.

PS - My email is down! As in, crash and burn people! So, if you emailed and I haven’t responded - so sorry. Should be up by tomorrow morning!

By admin | Posted in Portrait | Comments (2)

Work It Like A Neckbone, Sister

January 27, 2010 – 12:46 pm

What does that mean, really? Well, whatever it means - it applies. I know that. Had so much fun with this session - she brought the killer outfits and accessories, awesome music and we made like a supermodel fashion shoot! This was a Valentine’s Special session which is a mix of Glam/Boudoir. So, obviously, I’m only showing you glam but I’ll just say - she makes moms look good!! Now off the gym I go!! LOL :)

By admin | Posted in Portrait | Comments (3)

ST.A.R.S

January 25, 2010 – 4:35 pm

Dear Starbucks,

I love you. I really do. Anyone who knows me knows you are one of my favorite things in the world. You’ve always been there for me when I needed a place to - sit. You’ve always been there for me when I’ve been - thirsty. You’ve always soothed my sad days with warm drinks and sweets that your baristas have assured me are completely fat free. You’ve celebrated with me on my happy days with an extra dollop of whip cream. You’ve given endlessly from my bank account to my family who loves you too. You are constantly surprising me with new delights. You are there for me whenever I need you - like that time I was in Scotland, remember that? I was so hungry - practically on the verge of starving really because if there is one thing I’ll never eat in this life it’s Haggis and in downtown Edinburgh it’s that or really bland pasta that shrieks “sallllttttttttt!” so loud even a stick of butter can’t quiet it down. Yes, you saved me then by setting up shop right next to my hotel. How thoughtful of you. I learned that I really could love you morning, noon and night.

The thing is, what we have - it’s not a healthy love. It’s taken me a long time to come to terms with this painful truth. You see, when I’m away from you I get these unbearable, skull crushing headaches. At first I thought it just meant I needed to be around you more! But the headaches just got worse and I realized your hold on me had become too obsessive. I found myself going to you just to soothe the headaches. And that’s when I realized - this love affair has to stop.

Finding that I was too weak to break the ties myself, I called up some friends on Facebook and found I wasn’t alone. Seems you’ve got quite a rolladex of ”friends,” my little unfaithful.  How can I blame you though - you are, after all, irresistible.

So, we banded together and officially started Starbucks Addiction, Recovery and Support - ST.A.R.S (not to be confused with SARS…which I actually did until someone -thanks Casey! - clued me in). I’m still working you out of my system so I expect we’ll be seeing each for awhile. But I just wanted you to know, no matter what, I’ll always look back on our time together fondly.

Sincerely,

Laura

okay, it’s Monday, what can I say people? if you can’t throw some fun into it it’s just - Monday. Gotta bring the party, right?! :)

Here’s a session I’m working on - beautiful mom and wife showing off her class-y sass-y self! :)

By admin | Posted in For Fun, Portrait | Comments (5)

At Work

January 21, 2010 – 1:44 pm

Okay, I give up. I’ve erased three paragraphs of nonsense and have finally come to the conclusion that I have nothing interesting to contribute today. Maybe it’s the rain, or the lack of sleep (just might have stayed up til midnight with a good book last night), or arriving at the studio to realize I left my power cord at home and feeling a bit rushed knowing I have limited juice left (need a new battery). Yep, just checked my juice and it’s going fast! Okay, well, during my session with M and J I gave them my powershot to have fun and get some behind-the-scenes shot and fun they had! I got an entire card of some very artistic images. Kids have an interesting eye - it was pretty cool actually. But anyway - here are a few fun ones from our shoot. I’m off to pick up some material for some upcoming shoots this weekend and wouldn’t you know - it just started to rain!!! Oh well. It’s all good. :)

Hope y’all are having a great day!

By admin | Posted in For Fun | Comments (2)

Sister Session

January 20, 2010 – 9:03 am

I can’t think of a better way to spend a rainy day than playing dress up in the studio…okay, well, maybe sitting by the fire in pjs with hot coco…if you’re in Tahoe in a nice little chalet tucked in the woods for an unlimited stay. That might be cool way to spend a rainy day.

But this was a pretty fun way to spend it. I always say - bring it all! And they did! Two laundry baskets full of clothes which was AWESOME. We unloaded it all in the studio and literally did dress up. This goes with this - this will go with that - oh, what about this with this? Add bouncing music and lots of color and two gorgeous girls who’s smile lit up the studio and you’re sitting in one prime fashion shoot. And, and don’t forget the wind - lots of wind! :)

Thanks D, M and J for hangin with me!!! :)

 

Oh Diva! Check out these ADORABLE dresses - more coming on this but the studio will be carrying an exclusive line of them and we’ll be stocking the house with them for props for sessions. I’m in love with them - made with designer fabric, they also convert to a skirt or shirt later on. So cute!

A couple of side notes:

I have one more time slot for a boudoir or child’s valentine’s special this coming weekend. Call to book it today if you’re interested!

Also, long story short on this -we had a Big Christmas Giveaway winner that I never announced on the blog (spoke to winner but not until a few days after Christmas). We have a session set up in a few months - I’m very, very excited to meet this family and will possibly be posting some info later on but for now, suffice to say, there was a winner and I’m sorry I didn’t post it sooner.

And speaking of that, I wanted to ask everyone to put Max from last year’s BCG in their hearts and minds today and send special prayers their way…their family has faced some new complications with his illness and I know prayers are appreciated.

By admin | Posted in Portrait | Comments (3)