Sales and Specials!!

Semi-Annual Reprint Sale!

20% off Large Prints (16x20 and larger)

20% off Canvas Prints (16x20 and larger)

15% off 20x10 collages

15% off all other print sizes

-This offer is ONLY good for reprint orders, orders that are taken after an initial order from the session has already been made and fulfilled.
-not applicable with any other offer or discount
-Minimum order requirement of $200
-Offer good through February 9th, 2007

February Session Special
Book a weekday session in the month of February, and get a complimentary session for a friend! (or split the price of the session) ($225 savings)

To qualify, sessions must both be booked on an available weekday in the month of February 2007. Not valid for gift certificates or with any other offer. Hurry, sessions are limited and will go quickly!!

Drawing for a $50 Target Gift Card!
Everyone subscribed to Devine Inspirations will automatically be entered to win a $50 gift card to Target! Click here to subscribe . Drawing will be held Saturday, February 17th, 2007 and winner will be notified by email.

NEWS:
After some consideration, we have decided to begin offering digital negatives. The files can be purchased outright or earned with a minimum print order. Please call for details.

Mother's Day Sessions- The most popular mini sessions of the year will be held on Saturday, March 17th. A fabulous chance to have the perfect gift for that special Mom in your life. Surprise her with pictures of just the kids, or bring her along to be in the pictures with her favorite little ones. These are already booking up so call soon if you are interested.

Please keep in mind that Spring Portraits book far in advance, so if you are considering a spring session you will want to make sure and book it as soon as you can.

Don' t forget to nominate someone in your life for a free session and photo package. Send your nominations to nominations@devine-memories.com

The curls, the eyes...

All I can say is...what a cyooooootie!!!!

Now I have a special place in my heart for this little gal because she is the daughter of the very best 2nd grade teacher in the world (and my son is a star student so I'm not just kissing up), and as soon as I laid my eyes on the blonde angelic curls and those ginormous blue eyes, I begged her Mommy to let me get a hold of her :) We had the best little playdate; oh to have half the energy of a one year old!!!

Mrs. F, you have made my son's life happy and fun this year and there aren't a million pictures in the world that could thank you enough for that.

A new family

I have to admit (and maybe I've admitted this once before)...I used to absolutely dread family sessions. Even after I had developed my own style, and steered away from the typical family photo, something wasn't right and I wasn't enjoying myself. I actually considered advertising that I only photographed children, no families. Man, I am so glad that I didn't go that path.

I vented my feelings to another wonderful photographer, who so generously advised me to keep trying until I found "it". Make it my goal to master the family portrait.

I was talking to one of my clients one day who so wisely commented on her picture, "I may cringe at the way I look, but my children love me and will someday be so glad that I loved them enough to take a picture with them." That, as Oprah would say, was my lightbulb moment!

I quit trying so hard. If you let them, a family will give you what you need for the perfect family photo all on their own. You just need to sit back and let it happen. The love will come searing through the camera lens without any hesitance. I can now say that family portraits are my absolute favorite thing to shoot, and relationship shots are my strength by far.

This is a wonderful new family that I just met, and their absolutely to-die-for new baby boy. I just can't tell you how sweet this little guy is. Newborn sessions normally take up to 2.5 hours, and I think we were done in 45 minutes (or maybe less!) He was expressive, calm, and just a joy to photograph. I hope you enjoy as much as I did.

I love twins!!

I recently had the pleasure of meeting the newest additions to a favorite client of mine's family. They went from being a family of 3 to a family of 5 with the arrival of these two lovely-as-can-be twin sisters, who could not be more different! One has brown hair and brown eyes, the other has blonde hair and blue eyes, one is serious and contemplative, the other is happy-go-lucky and smiley...isn't it amazing how at only 5 months old their personalities are so prominent (and different!)

Big brother Jack has grown up in front of my camera and I was excited to see him again. He is still a little charmer, as he was at 5 months!

I took well over 600 shots of this family. Mom was so patient with me :)

Enjoy!

January shopping rocks!!

Just wanted to make sure you guys knew about the penny sale going on at Aaron Brothers right now. I got almost $300 worth of frames today for $130. For every frame you buy you get one for a penny. I think this is the last weekend so go stock up!! I'll post pictures of my hallways display after the photos arrive Monday :) (I'm soooo excited)

D

Yep, I do that too!

I get asked all the time about the ages I will photograph. While I absolutely love and adore working with little ones, I have so much fun with teenagers and their families, too. I'm not going to pretend I am some awesome Senior Photographer who knows how to make you stand the perfect way and make you look like a total supermodel. But I can do the same with teens that I can do with little ones and their families: and that is show a little insight into your personality, and capture your relationships.

This absolutely gorgeous family was here visiting from waaaaay up north (and they thought they were getting away from the cold weather, ha!) I had forgotten how giggly you are when you are a teenage girl with other teenage girls. It was so fun!!!

I also had to share a couple from this session, and I've been dying to since early December when we actually did the session. However, Dad is like the greatest husband in the world and did these as a surprise for Mom for Christmas! (let me hear it ladies, "awwwwwwww, why can't my husband do that?") He framed the contact sheets and presented her those and the online slideshow as a gift. I thought that was pretty cool and my only regret was that I wasn't there to see her face :)

And...can I just brag for a moment....I did a big photoshoot with my three kiddos last week in between illnesses and got this one, that I ordered today as a giant 20x30 canvas to put over my fireplace. Can I get a WOOOO HOOOO!!!

Don't forget-send your nominations for a complimentary photosession/package (see post below) to nominations@devine-memories.com !

Also, be sure and subscribe to my blog and have your friends subscribe by clicking here so that you can be informed of sales, contests, and specials that are coming up in the next couple of weeks.

Giving Back

One of my *many* resolutions for this new year was to dedicate myself to giving back as much as I can.

One thing I'm trying to do and trying to get my kids to do is to try one random act of kindness everyday. Today was my first real shot at it. I was standing in line at Target and noticed that the lady behind me looked absolutely smashing in the color she was wearing. I remembered a few years ago, some stranger I never had met told me how amazing I looked in the pink suit I was wearing. I never forgot it. I decided to be uncomfortable (I'm pretty shy) for the moment and let her know how amazing she looked in that color. I can't tell you the look on her face...it wasn't a polite smile, or even an amused or "she must be crazy" look that I got, which I guess is what I expected...instead her eyes lit up, her entire face lit up, and she looked so sincerely flattered. I am hooked!

Now on the not-so-random note, I have come up with an idea that I'm ready to try out in the upcoming months. I realize that having professional, caring, and personal pictures made of your children is a big investment, and I know that there are plenty of great parents out there who would love to have those memories captured but just can't afford it, for whatever reason. I am setting up an application/nomination process to offer those families the chance to have the portraits that I feel everyone should have.

The nominees should apply or be nominated if they believe in the value of portraits but do not have the means to have them made on their own.

Apply if you believe it is important to capture your child now...apply if you love every face they make and want to remember them as they are...if you cringe at the thought of forgetting the way they grab your chin when they kiss you...but just can't afford the expense.

Even better, nominate someone whom you think deserves to have pictures made of their family or children. Maybe someone is having a tough year financially, or their health is failing...for whatever reason...I know you all will have someone special in mind. I am open to anything...teenagers, families, couples; the session does not just have to be children.

Send your email with the following things included:

1-who you are nominating (or your name if you are applying yourself)
2-tell me their story, including why they would want the portraits, and why they need or deserve them
3-contact information for you and the person you are nominating

I am setting up a separate email account for the applications to be sent: nominations@devine-memories.com , and will choose based on those emails.

The person chosen will get the session, a $500 print package, and the DVD of their slideshow, total value $920.

The first applicant will be chosen in February, so start sending the nominations in now!

Long overdue

Hi guys.

I am so embarrassed at how long this poor family has been waiting to see these pictures. They have been so understanding of the calamity that is my life with three children, who were all sick at the busiest point of the year. M&M, I really appreciate your patience with me!! Here's a sneak peak...I'll be calling you very soon!




Mirror, mirror on the wall...who's the sweetest baby boy of them all...

Happy New Year!

Just a quick note - my three kiddos have all been sick, sick, and more sick over my entire "break"...so I haven't gotten a thing done. They are all slowly but surely getting better and go back to school on Thursday and Friday. I'll return all your calls, emails, and keep all my promises to you then :)

Here's what midnight, 2007 looked like for us (bear with me, this was my camera phone so I could send it out to the family right at midnight )

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays!!!!!

Ok guys, I'm closing up shop for a week or two while my kids are out of school. I'll still be shooting here and there and checking emails/messages every few days in case something comes up, but for the most part I'll be baking, ice skating, wrapping gifts, visiting Santa, and enjoying my wonderful kiddos for a bit. I hope you all get a chance to do the same!

I blogged about stressing over the holiday cards this year...so had to share what I finally came up with. My clients should have all gotten this in the mail. And the number one question has been: "Did you photoshop the noses on them??" The answer is no, I actually taped red pom- poms onto them, including the baby. Anything for a picture. If only I had thought of the photoshopping :)


I've got SO MUCH planned for 2007 so stay tuned!!

PS-I am in desperate need of a new part-time babysitter--if you know of someone, can you please email me? deanna@devine-memories.com

Congratulations!

Voting in our Image of the Year Contest is now closed.

Congratulations to our winner, "Dance Like No One is Watching"! It was close all the way until the end. I really appreciate all the votes in this fun little contest and all the wonderful feedback.

Look for our little dancing girl to be featured on the splash page of my website in 2007! The other nominees will also be featured throughout. You can also check out lots of my other favorites in the end of the year slideshow, 2006-A Year of Love

More fun contests are coming soon so be sure you subscribe to the blog so you can have my blog posts sent right to your email! Click here to subscribe.

I'm off to spend the evening decorating cookies for my son's classmates, I hope you're all out there enjoying the holiday fun :)

Deanna

Wow, it's close!!!

I'll be closing the voting Wednesday...it's still a close race so if you haven't voted already, please do! Thanks so much to everyone who has voted so far!! See the blog below to vote.

Back to the holiday madness.

Vote for your favorite image of 2006

Vote here for your favorite image of 2006!

It was really, really hard to narrow it down to these six, and I wanted to only do five but couldn't let any go. Please vote for the one that evokes the most emotion when you look at it, no matter what emotion that is (laughter, joy, sadness, etc.)and the one you feel could be a Devine Memories signature image.

The winner will receive an 8x10 of the image and a $50 gift certificate, plus will be the new featured image of the main page of my website!

Please vote only once. You can click on the image to view it larger. I will announce the winner here next week.

Image #1-Little Ballerina

Image #2-Kiss from Mommy

Image #3-Dance Like No One is Watching

Image #4-Waiting

Image #5-Monkeys on our Backs

Image #6-Choked up Dad

Voting is now closed.

Christmas Lights

I know everyone probably saw this video on the commercial, but I love it and wanted to share...be sure you watch the grand finale at the end-unbelievable!



My goal is to someday do something like this to my house ;) Wouldn't my neighbors love me!!

Can you imagine the electric bill?

Dance Like No One is Watching

I had the absolute pleasure of being invited into the world of little Mia and little-er Ella this past week. The moment I met Mia, I wanted to get my camera on her...at our consultation she was taking me by the hand and leading me from room to room to play with her. With those big brown eyes and sweet curls, she is completely irresistable.


Ella was born just a couple of weeks before my own Maddy, so taking her picture tugged at my heartstrings. I recognize at a heightened level right now the amount of emotion that those first smiles and coos evoke from a little baby girl of only 2 months. Her porcelain skin and gorgeous eyes that photograph like crystals made her an easy subject.


After we were finished, Mom and I were sitting and chatting and we looked up across the hallway, and Mia was dancing away, having the absolute time of her life. Ah, to be a kid again...

(click on image to see it bigger)


***side note---I had a manic rush of creativity after my last post and finished my holiday cards in record time...they may actually arrive before Christmas Eve this year!!

Little Miss Sunshine

I'm sitting here in a complete stressed out daze. You see, when you are a) a children's photographer who has created thousands of Christmas cards for local moms and dads, b) a mother of three, and c) mom of a brand new baby.... there is A LOT of pressure to have the greatest cards ever. Best pictures, best designs, best ideas....here's what I have so far....




yep, that's right, nothing.

Why oh why do I wait til the last minute every year...I keep telling myself that I am most creative when under pressure. It's not helping.

In the meantime, I thought I'd make myself feel better by sharing some pictures of my little sweetie, who is turning 2 months old tomorrow!! I haven't taken her picture in a few weeks, and while I was shooting I couldn't believe how much she has already changed. Her little personality is coming out and I have fallen in love with her all over again. I can't imagine life now without her.

Anyways, here she is, little Miss Sunshine, Madeleine...


Also, make sure you guys subscribe to the blog (just enter your email address and follow the instructions over here on the side) because starting next month, I'm going to be having tons of giveaways, prizes, and other really cool stuff. We're working on some ideas that you are not going to want to miss, so sign up and you'll be notified when I post a new blog!

Back to stressing...

Holiday Gift Ideas - Gift Certificates

GIFT CERTIFICATES for Devine Memories Photography are such a great gift for moms, dads, grandparents, sisters, brothers, and friends. Portraits are gifts that bring an entire lifetime of joy, what better way to show your love?

Gift Certificates are available in any amount and can be picked up or mailed to you the day you order them, so they make great last minute gift ideas.

Call 972.596.5500 or email us to order your gift certificate for the Holidays!

Why you should book the Baby Plan for your baby...

...because they grow THIS FAST!!!!!!!

This was just in August, twins Caroline and William had the first of their 4 photo sessions when they were only a few weeks old...



And here they are in November, only 3 months later...need I say more...


And here is big brother, who was busy at "work" while we were shooting away...


The Baby Plan is 4 photo sessions over the course of your baby's first year of life. At the end of the year, we create a coffee table book with pictures from each session that documents all the changes and milestones during that precious time. This is a very popular option for new moms and dads so space is limited, so it's best to book while you are still expecting. A maternity session can also be substituted for any session. Call us or email if you would like more information or want to book your Baby Plan, 972-596-5500.

Back to work

Hey everyone!

A couple of weeks ago, after what seemed like a very short maternity leave, I went to my first shoot since having Maddy . I have to admit, it took everything in me to get out the door and leave Maddy behind. I had to hold back the tears as I kissed her goodbye. I know that all my "real" working-mom readers are rolling their eyes at me right now; believe me I realize how blessed I am to be here with her most of the day. But still, leaving her here for the first time after becoming accustomed to staring at her all day long was really stinkin' tough!

But when I drove up and walked in the house, I remembered...this is what I live for. Melain and her gorgeous family welcomed me in and let me do what I do best-capture their life right now...loving each other to death and anxiously awaiting the birth of another baby girl. I was so uplifted and felt whole again after leaving the shoot, and haven't looked back since.

Meet Parker, another one of my little ballerinas! And her adoring Mommy and Daddy.

Happy Thanksgiving

I am having to close a day early for Thanksgiving due to my two oldest being sick! I'll be back next Monday. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!

Deanna