…Ok, so maybe not *forever*…but seriously, if you don’t book your mini session soon, there won’t be any left for Spring!  I’ve still got a few spots for May 29th open, and I just opened up a couple extra slots for THIS Saturday.  Send me an email asap if you’re interested - May is a crazy busy month for us, so I’ve only got one weekend (the 29th) for mini sessions - but - if you’re wanting a deluxe session, I can definitely squeeze you in somewhere! :) 

I am loving this Spring weather…are you?  Lots of bike riding, puddle jumping, buggy pushing going on around here…

Hmmm….I think I sense an idea for a fun mini-session :)  If you want to get in on a Sweet & Simple session, bring your rain boots, bike, or anything else that spells S P R I N G - these are the moments that we don’t ever want to forget!

Just one week until our next Sweet & Simple Mini Sessions!  There are just a couple spots left, so if you’re wanting to  book, email me this weekend!  We’re going to be shooting in a gorgeous outdoor location…I’m so excited!  Questions?  Go here!

It should be BEAUTIFUL weather for our mini sessions…just like it was the other night when I took my little ones outside for a few shots

2010: SIMPLIFY

Simplify is the word that best describes the changes here at SKP for 2010.  Being the parent of an ambitious 3 year old and a mobile 8 month little guy, I understand how crazy and hectic life can get.  Once you have children, it seems like every month goes by faster than the last!  So in order to simplify and enhance your experience with SKP, we have made some very exciting changes for 2010 by designing some packages with your family’s needs in mind.

Now, when you book a session with SKP, you will have your choice between two different types of sessions.  There are unique differences between the two.  I’m most excited to bring to you Sweet & Simple Sessions…giving you more for your money in half the time!

 SWEET & SIMPLE (mini session):  $475

This is something you all have been waiting for!  For the first time, SKP is offering DIGITAL images as part of your session!  This package is short and sweet - with your session lasting about 30 minutes.  It’s perfect for the smaller milestones that could easily fly by in the year, but deserve to be documented (first year,18 months, maternity, mother/daughter day, etc).  Of course anyone can take advantage of this mini session - no milestone required :)  The best part - ALL your images straight to you on a disc within 2 weeks of your session.  Talk about short, simple and totally sweet!

For $475, you will receive:

 * a 30-45 minute session for up to 3 people (babies must be at least 4 months old)

*Session location, date, & times will be announced in advance (your choice from pre-determined dates)

*ALL of your digital negatives on CD.  Generally there will be more than the typical 25-30 files…much more!  These files will receive basic edits (basic adjustments to enhance contrast & brightness, but no cropping or blemish removal, no sharpening, etc), but no further retouching.  (See below for examples)

*Printing release for your digital images (files are printable up to 8×10) - giving you permission to have them printed wherever, whenever!  No more pressure to make a split-second decision between a 5×7 or an 8×10 for Aunt Sue…just take your CD & decide at your own leisure.  Printing recommendations will be included with your CD - making it super easy & stress-free.

 *1 fully retouched fine art 8×10 enlargement of the artist’s favorite image from your session.  Your enlargement will be printed on metallic paper with linen texture & mounted for longevity.

*Of course, the option to purchase additional enlargements or boutique items (which are all fully retouched)

…and the best part of all?  QUICK TURNAROUND! Your image CD will be shipped or hand-delivered to you within 2 weeks from your session!!

RELISH & ENJOY (deluxe session):   

For those wanting to capture the larger milestones in true SKP form you will want to book a Deluxe Session. These packages are designed for those special occasions that you want to slow down and relish (family photos, newborn, any group of 4 or more, etc).  This slow-paced session is 1-2 hours of relaxed fun - focused on your family or little one.  We’ll have plenty of time for snacks, dress-up, storytime, games…even bath time if you wish! 

 Deluxe Sessions will be offered on a very limited basis, so expect availability for these sessions to fill up quickly.  Book 3-4 months in advance to ensure your date is available.

Here’s the difference between the digital negatives (basic edits only) you’ll receive from a Sweet & Simple Session vs. the fully retouched, fine art prints you’ll receive from a Deluxe Session:

…some big changes for SKP will be announced very soon.  If you’re looking to book a 2010 session, this info is crucial.  Keep the blog bookmarked! 

The annual SKP end-of-the-year special is here, and this year’s is the best yet! 

Introducing the Be Merry Collection!  Here’s the scoop:

1) Go to the site and click on “skp” at the top of the page to access the private client section of the site.  Enter the password: be merry

2) Choose from four different modern Be Merry Christmas card designs - picking your favorite is going to be tough! Your card will feature an image from your SKP session!

3) Once you see the one you love, click ”add to cart” then “view cart”.  Simply select “5×7 digital card” from the drop down menu, and checkout!  You’ll be re-directed to the paypal site where you can make payment as well as enter your customization info in the “message to seller” box.  Done!  Choosing your custom Christmas card has never been easier!

4) Your digital Christmas card will be emailed to you within 24 hours - where you can have it printed anywhere you like!  Just upload to any photo printing site (mpix.com, costco, shutterfly, etc).  All without ever leaving your chair - sweet, huh? :) 

Because I want everyone to have gorgeous, unique Christmas cards with their SKP images, I am offering this special for just $45.  This means you will receive a custom, professionally designed Christmas card with your SKP images for a fraction of the price!  This offer expires at midnight December 5th. 

*Other details you need to know*

For complete customization of your card, remember to do the following:

In the “message to seller” box on the paypal site, please give me the following information:

1) Text: your greeting & how you want your family’s name(s) listed

2) Image: the SKP image you would like featured on your card.  If you have a print of the image at home, simply look at the back of your print for a reference number.  A short description of the image also works (e.g. “black and white image of the 4 of us sitting under the tree”).  If you have had multiple sessions with SKP this year, please specify the month your session took place.

Cards are sized to 5×7 and print best at mpix.com (a professional photo lab used by amateurs and professionals) - but can be printed anwhere you like.  A copyright release will be included in the email along with your digital card.

Questions?  Just email me!

Sneek a peek at the designs here:

This post has been a long time coming.  Last September, I hired an assistant to help me with some behind-the-scenes-work…and let me tell you - this girl is awesome.  Katie has recently started doing my Ordering Sessions, and is now a much more visible part of my business.  I am so thankful for her contribution to SKP and honestly - I don’t know how I did it before without her :)  Thanks to her, I’ve been able to wittle down my work-from-home hours to closer to 20-30/week as opposed to 40 (yikes!!).  She also is constantly looking for ways to help SKP grow and thrive, and has a great eye for detail.  Basically, she makes me look good ;)  I should also say that she’s a wonderful person inside & out - and I consider her a friend.

Many of you will be meeting her soon when it comes time for your Ordering Session, and I know you will love her too :) 

Katie - can you believe it’s been a year since you joined me on this crazy ride?  Thanks for EVERYthing you do - none of it goes unnoticed!  You rock

The most common question I get asked by clients is “What should we wear?”  You may remember when I introduced the What to Wear Guide last year.  One of my favorite clothing companies is Mini Boden, so I wanted to share some of my favorite pieces from their fall line.  These are just to give you some fun ideas for your session - you might even be able to find similar pieces locally!   Many of you have fall sessions coming up, so these ideas are just for you :)  {Don’t worry, if you don’t see your little one’s size…just keep scrolling :)}

Here are my top picks!  First up, girls size 1 1/2yr - 12 yr:

Love this Pretty Party Dress - and it would look perfect paired with this sweet cardigan and these leggings.  Can’t you just see little ballet flats, too?

I LOVE the movement of this Gypsy Skirt .  It’s feminine and playful - perfect for twirling :).  To keep her little legs warm at your fall session, try adding these adorable tights.

On a more causual side, these heart patch trousers are so fun!    These would add a great punch of color to your photos, while keeping your little girl comfy at the same time.  Best of all is the adjustable waistband - so she can continue to wear them all winter long

 Ok, mamas of boys…your turn:  (If you have a baby, keep scrolling)

Boden has some of my favorite tees for boys - check these out:

Rock T-shirt

Road Trip T-shirt

If you don’t want to go the t-shirt route…

The Vintage Layered Polo - not as causual as a tee, but with the scruffed up edges, it’s still boyish and fun :)  I’m lovin the red, but all three colors are great!

Ok, I saved the best for last….babies :)  It was SO difficult to narrow down my fave Boden picks for babies - it’s all SO cute! 

For girls only…

 This Pretty Pinafore is a modern spin on the traditional pinafore dress.  I am loving the gold, but the vibrant red is gorgeous as well.  Very fallish and perfect for Christmas card photos!  The layered look pictured is super cute, and is perfect for chilly fall mornings.

You really can’t find anything sweeter than a baby in a one-peice romper… 

Velour Romper (in boy & girl prints)

Applique Romper - how cute is that dragon? (adorable girl print available as well here)

Knitted Romper - sweet little buttons and super soft cashmere blend make this romper dressy enough for any occasion.  See detail here.

Last but not least…accessories go a long way!  Your little one could be wearing a potato sack, but throw on this hat = instant adorableness.  (Yes, I just made up that word.) 

find it here.

Those are my top picks from Boden - have fun browsing their site, and I hope this gives you some fun, vibrant ideas for your session this fall!

 xo,

S

I’m thrilled to announce a new addition to the SKP product line…Session Albums!  These hardback, press-printed albums are the highest quality I can offer.  They are truly breathtaking.  A Session Album is the perfect way to have all the images from your session in one place…because don’t all your images belong together? 

I am happy to offer 3 sizes of albums…mini 6×6, 9×9, and 12×12.  Here’s a few images showcasing these gorgeous albums:

Mini 6×6 album:

9×9 album:

12×12 album:

and just to show you the size difference between all three:

Contact me for more information on these new albums!  I would LOVE to cusom design one for your session!  Also, from now until the end of the year, all Session Albums are 10% off!  Inquire for prices

Sessions are booking at the speed of light these days.  Summer is pretty much booked, and October is filling up fast.  I expect everything to be filled up in the next week or two for the rest of 2009…so if you are dying to get a spot, get in touch with me quick