Okay–I’m singing Christmas carols because I’m trying to convince myself that Christmas really is just around the corner. I should know that it is–this time of year is always my busiest season, so I’m planning ahead this year. And so should you. That’s why I’m releasing my mini session information in September so you have enough time to plan for your holiday portraits.  This year I’ll be offering mini sessions at The Portrait Boutique (sorry, no family mini sessions this year–but I do have two spots left for full family sessions in 2010–contact me if you’re interested). Each mini portrait session is for one child and will last 20 minutes. I’ll have one backdrop setup and will offer two separate days of sessions. Last year these filled up within a couple of days, so if you think you want to schedule a session, contact me as soon as possible to ensure your spot!
(Please note that a $75 deposit is required to reserve your holiday mini session.)

At the beginning of this year I made a list of goals for my business and one of them was having my own place to photograph. A place where my clients could come, their children could have a great time, and beautiful pictures could be taken. A place with consistently beautiful natural light and a place to display my images.

I had a quite a checklist when looking for the perfect studio space. It had to have large, north facing windows. It had to have a separate viewing area from shooting area, and it had to have wood floors in the picture taking portion of the studio. It also needed to be in a great location so I could continue to do outdoor photography as well.

When we called about possibly leasing space in the Folsom Electric Building in Historic Downtown, I knew that it would be the perfect fit. Located right next to the American River, it provided a great natural setting, and the urban landscape of downtown Folsom was already a well known spot among photographers for it’s great little alleys and urban feel. Nature and urban–the best of both worlds.

When we took a look at the space, the entire third floor was wide open and I was able to pick out exactly the perfect portion to carve out my studio. Three gorgeous arched windows, balcony access, and, because we were starting from scratch, we were able to be a part of the building process from beginning to end.

I couldn’t be more pleased with this space and I’m so proud of all the work that everyone has done to make this dream of mine a reality. Today I had over 75 of my friends and dear clients stop by to celebrate with me and take a peek at the studio. So, for those who couldn’t make it, without further ado I’d like to introduce…The Portrait Boutique.

So tonight Jacob, my soon to be kindergartner, and I set out with a goal in mind. To take his 5 year old / back to school pictures. I had this whole idea for a stylized shoot (which I love doing, by the way. Email me if you want to book your own themed session–I love to get my creative juices flowing!) including books and all things school related. Luckily, with the bribe of banana splits hanging over his head, Jacob was a great sport and provided some amazing images.

I just can’t tell you how special this kid is to me. Honestly, I just look at him and think how lucky I am to not only be his mommy, but his friend. He is an absolute crack up (I definitely see the term “class clown” being used in his future) and a bundle of energy. Each one of these images shows a side of him that I love so much and I have so many great memories from our session together tonight.

I love the fair–it really has a little bit of everything. Gorgeous gardens. Yep, they’ve got that. Bright, bold colors. Oh yeah, in abundance. Crazy carnies? Of course. Adorable vendors who supply you with teeny, tiny guitars (are those ukuleles?) as props? Yeah, he was there. I felt like a kid in the candy store during this session. There was a brand new backdrop at every corner, so many pockets of gorgeous light. Oh yeah, and thousands of people. Literally…thousands.

But I’m loving the way these images turned out. You really would have no idea how crazy chaotic it was (Note to self: don’t schedule sessions on dollar ride night at the fair). Katelyn was gorgeous and up for anything and was so much fun to hang out with. And my mom even joined us as my assistant and schlepped my gear around all evening–thanks Mom! All in all it was a perfect night at the fair.

Allie and I drove down to Davis for her senior portraits and since we have similar outgoing personalities, I don’t think there was a single moment that one of us wasn’t talking. And I loved that she was up for anything. After driving around the sunflower field several times, we found the perfect spot and began shooting away, trying to avoid the hundreds of bees buzzing around us. In fact, I’m fairly certain that this first image was taken just after I told her that they were “more afraid of her than she was of them.” I just love how her personality shines through along with the cute little sunburst in the corner. This picture just makes me happy.

Allie–I have several more to edit–you are just gorgeous and see, I told you that you could rock the serious look. Fierce! I’m so glad to have you as a spokesmodel. I hope you had as much fun as I did at our shoot and that you love your images!

Anyways, the lists were in full force at the Squires household and you know what I found? Lists stress me out. They just remind me of how behind I am and how it seems like I may never catch up. So I just don’t enjoy lists.

But I do like bullet points. I like bullets because they usually announce something exciting instead of reminding me of all the things I need to get done. So, in an effort to keep this blog post full of sit on the edge of your seat excitement…

• My brand spankin’ new boutique photography studio will be completed the last week of July and will be open for portraits late August (insert Megan doing a happy dance here). Stay tuned for my big Grand Opening announcement! It’s going to be amazing and I would love for everyone to come out for it!
• I have selected the winner(s) for the Deserving Dad Contest. I felt so humbled as I read (through blurry eyes filled with tears) all of the nominations and wanted to thank everyone for sharing a little bit of their lives with me. I have emailed the winners, so check your email if you participated in the contest.
• If you’re a mom who has a camera keep an eye on the blog over the next month. I’ll be conducting a class this fall at my studio that will teach you how to take fabulous pictures of your kiddos. Email me if you’d like to get on the interest list ahead of time.
• A huge thank you to everyone who voted for me in the KCRA A-List contest back in May. I came in a close second and couldn’t be more thrilled! Thank you all for spreading the word and making me feel so loved.
• And this doesn’t really need to be a bullet, but since I’m on a role, here are some images that never made it to the blog. A few months ago my extended family took a weekend trip to Napa and I was able to snap some images of my cousin and his beautiful girlfriend, Danielle.