Merry Chirstmas To All....| Aberdeen, SD Photographer

Well, we are gearing up for Christmas here...my tree is up, cookies are baking, cards are in the mail (oh, on the way here - I'm sending out New Year's cards this year), CJP's Gia and Papa are here, Aunt TT is on her way, and we are overloading with gifts already. I think, almost every night as I'm trying to fall asleep after staring at my computer screen for the last 3-5 hours, 'how lucky am I?'  I get to be the first one to notice the new things that CJP is learning. I have a WONDERFUL support system here. I get to do something I absolutely LOVE. *Sigh* Life is good. Here is a favorite shot from a recent session. This little girl started me on my way with photographing others. In fact, until recently, all of my client files were housed under her original folder (don't ask me why I never created a new one until now). What a joy to see how she has grown...

Black Friday Specials | Aberdeen, SD Photographer

Since I've moved to Aberdeen, I've avoided the whole 'black friday' shopping day (bc honestly - I  LOVE cyber Monday - it's too cold here!). And I didn't think that I'd offer a special for my business, but then a deal came along that I could not pass up and I couldn't let my fabulous clients in on! So here it is: a canvas sale! $15-50 off prices - ONLY GOOD IF YOU EMAIL ME BEFORE 9pm on Friday and you must pay within 72 hours (I take pay pal or you all know where I live :) Here's the list (and you don't have to pick an image today - just pick a size!):
11x14 - $115 (reg $130)
10x20 - $140 (reg $180)
16x20 - $140 (reg $180)
16x24 - $175 (reg $225)
20x30 - $225 (reg$275)
24x36 - $300 (reg $350)
30x40 - $350 (reg $400)

If you have a question on sizing, I have a few examples and will be working on organizing my closets on Friday (doesn't that sound like fun?), so you can give me a call or stop on by. These are crazy discounts that I haven't seen since...last year!!

Also, I don't want to short change any future clients - so if you are looking to book in 2011 (2010 is FULL!!!), I will offer a $50 print credit with the paid session fee and this will also lock in you to 2010 pricing *sessions must take place by March 31, 2011* 

Let the Holiday Season begin! And stop out to the Dakota Events Center for the first annual women's expo and see some gorgeous new prints!

...and just one more of my little boy....looks like he is already tired of shopping...

Black Friday Fun! | Aberdeen, SD Photographer

As a HUGE thank you to my clients who have been OH SO WONDERFUL this past year, I will be offering a Black Friday Special to all current and past clients. I'll give you a hint, if you have LOVED canvas prints in the past, but just couldn't pull the trigger - now is your chance! You can't pass up a sale that only comes once a year! And I'll offer a little something for new clients looking to book in the new year! And, since no post is complete without a photo a little bit of love from Mr. CJP enjoying the snow (and an idea of how great the canvas's look)!

I'll admit, I was nervous...Fabulous {H} Family | Aberdeen, SD Photographer

No, no, not nervous about their session. In fact I was sooo happy when mama {H} mentioned 'lifestyle photography' that I had to call a few photographer friends and share the great news! No, I'll admit, I was nervous for the winter...My photography journey has been moving along so nicely (oh, it's been a journey - but the things I SEE now - crazy!), but what would I do when winter hits? How will I keep growing?

Yes, it's true that I have a home studio space, but I am not a sit there and smile type of gal. I like to interact, I like to play dolls, I like to wrestle, I want to create a relationship with my families. And that is very hard when you come to my home and sit where I tell you for an hour (or two, depending). Oh, it has it's place (i.e. cake smash sessions, birth to 1 or 2 years) but beyond that - it's hard to get the story. It gets harder to see the personality in the image.

So, I spent roughly 3 hours with the {H} family. And I'll tell you, they have a photographer for life, if they'll have me! I loved every minute of it (and truthfully, my body ached after 3 hours of kid chasing/playing). This is my new winter plan - lifestyle photography. Have me in your home for a morning, afternoon, whatever is a good time for you. We'll play, maybe bake something, and I'll snap away. We'll try to use natural light when possible, but sometimes added artificial light is needed and it's always in the Suburban. And the best news - why now, why not wait for better weather? You get more time with me, you get more images, more options, more REAL LIFE. I figured I'd take the winter slow (I've got a lot of projects in the works for Kateydid), but we'll see. Right now, December is booked (if you'd like on the waiting list, let me know asap, if you're expecting, let me know asap).


Thank you, thank you {H} family. It was lovely meeting you and I can't wait to show you everything I got that day! Until then - here's your sneak peek!

Little Miss {A} | Aberdeen, SD Photographer

Almost 2 weeks ago (gasp! I can't believe it's been that long!) I met Anna at Wylie in an attempt to capture some of her cuteness! Although it was a slow start of playing on the playground, I got what I think are some stunning images! What a gorgeous little lady with beautiful hair and great eyes! We ended on the beach - what a great location!

What have I {we} been up to...| Aberdeen, SD Photographer

Well, I have tons of photos ready for this post! I've been so busy with other people's photo shoots and getting in orders, delivering orders, and reviewing photos, that I haven't really had time to look at Mr. CJP's photos! And you know I take a lot of him! So - here are some of the recent, very proud photos of him. And why, might you ask - do I have time to do this now when I'm busier than ever with photography? Well - I am now officially a Stay At Home Mom (full time) and part time photographer! Yay! Good bye 7 day/600 hour work weeks! I'm still busy - just in a more important way now! I'll still do photography part time - but my turn around will be MUCH quicker! Here are some great ones - be sure to check out the Father's Day post, coming soon!

And one of us that my sister took :)

More of the birthday girl | Aberdeen, SD Photographer

Here are some more photos from Riley's one year shoot. We tried out some new fun places. Riley didn't care too much for her balloons (which was fine because CJP LOVED them!). I can't believe she's one already!

Cake Smash {R} Turns 1! | Aberdeen, SD Photographer

Well, CJP's girlfriend turned one a couple weeks ago and various things have kept us from doing a cakesmash up until now. The weather was great and we got to go outside for a little bit too (more photos to come on that). So - here is what you get at a celebration of the one year mark from Kateydid (because it's a celebration on parents too!). When you schedule a cake smash, I'll include the cake (usually white/pink/blue, with white frosting) and balloons - you get a 2 hour session (because cake smashing needs to not be rushed) and this awesome custom 20 x 20 storyboard gallery mounted! Saweet! Happy Birthday {R} and congrats to her great parents for doing a great job in the first year!

Baby Buns | Aberdeen, SD Photographer

I just have to post this one photo that has been in my head for a while. I needed to do it before my little man got too big for the cuteness of it! As it was, it was slightly difficult to get him to stay put! He's actually reading a book there! And I was trying out a different type of lighting too - so fun times!

The {P} Family | Aberdeen, SD Photographer

"This is so much more fun than {insert big box store name here}" Quote of the day for the little man, Mr. Ty! It made my day, and I had A LOT of fun hanging out with this family. The only thing that makes me sad about family portraits is that they generally only come once a year! It was a blast trying out different locations and ending with a trip to Storybook Land! So much more fun than sitting in a store waiting your turn (in my humble opinion:). Thanks so much mom, dad, brother and sissy {P}!

The {S} Family | Aberdeen, SD Photographer

On Sunday I got to try out some ideas that have been running in my head for weeks. While originally meant for new, newborns (2 weeks or less), this little 5 week old decided to be an AWESOME cooperative gentleman! We had a nice amount of time to pose him and his big sister was a ton of fun! They make having 2 kids look easy!

The Perfect Mother's day gift!!

Don't tell CJP's Grandma's - but here is what they are getting for Mother's Day! I'm pretty sure I'll be making more of these for me and Jason to carry around too! They are accordion mini albums. They come in 3x3 or 2.5x3.5. They feature either a custom photo cover or color fabric colors. I will be custom designing these albums to fit the photos that are in them. This is a design that I got online and customized it to be masculine! You can fit up to 10 photos, plus one on the front and one on the back. The next two clients to book a session with me will get a FREE accordion mini (session fee due at the time of booking)!

Honey's Grandkids | Aberdeen, SD Photographer

I got to spend part of Sunday with 3 of the cutest kids in Aberdeen. I loved how they called their grandma Honey - it was too cute! Having 3 kids running around did tire me out a little - but when I looked through my pictures - they were totally worth it! They are so cute - I can't wait for baby T to be able to sit up. Hopefully I'll be capturing some more moments of these 3!

Isn't she gorgeous? If baby T follows suit - those parents and big brother have their work cut out for them!