Welcome to the Imaginate Photography blog... I love sharing recent work, and sneak peeks for clients. Feel free to look around, and make yourself comfy..
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In honor of the launch of my BRAND NEW sites, between now & Friday, for all portrait session booked, receive not only a custom 10×10 collage, but also $20 in PRINT CREDIT! (a $60 value!) **Session fee is due at time of booking to receive offer**
Check out the new site and feel free to let me know your thoughts too! =)
I know while it may still be way too cold outside for us to imagine it being spring, it really is right around the corner! (at least that’s what I’m trying to convince myself when I’m wearing 4 layers of clothing..lol) So here are some color scheme & clothing ideas to get you in the mood for spring portraits. All clothing pieces are from Old Navy. Inspiration for colors can come from anywhere & everywhere.. Note my inspirations for the clothing choices below.. Patterned pillows, jewelry, room decor.. You name it! Hope this helps w/ some spring, fresh & fun ideas for you all..
I was contacted by a local published author, Jesse Petersen, in need of new portraits for her books, websites, and editors.. It was so much fun working w/ her and I love how her images turned out.. She was looking for mysterious & somewhat edgy, and I think we captured that.. Here is a little bit about Jesse & her work:
Her website can be found HERE, or you can become her fan on FaceBook..
Tell a little bit about yourself and how you got started writing? I started writing full-time just about right out of college when I was lucky enough that my husband supported my dream. Five years later, I sold two books to Avon, a division of HarperCollins, which is the second largest publisher in the world. Since then I’ve had 15 books out, with 5 more contracted for release in the next couple of years.
What do you personally feel is the most rewarding aspect of being a published author? I think just knowing that people are reading and enjoying your stories. There’s nothing better than getting an email or a note or seeing something online from a reader who has read and liked your books. Writing is such a solitary thing that it’s just a thrill every single time.
If you had one piece of advice to give someone who is interested in writing, what would it be? Well, most of my best advice for writers is at my site for writers, http://www.passionatepen.com but I’d say if you are serious about writing for publication, then do your research, learn your craft, learn everything you can about the industry and be ready for hard work and a long road. Most people don’t publish over night, so you have to develop a thick skin and a lot of dedication.
Thanks for a fun session, Jesse.. Great meeting you and I look forward to more in the future =)
So if any of you are like myself, and get all giddy about technology, upgrades, etc. then you’ll love this new feature as much as I do! You may have already noticed it… Look down! Well, to the bottom of your screen on the blog, that is.. That bluish-gray bar is what I’m referring to… If you hover over the different options, you can do several things. You can quickly e-mail a link to the blog (it even populates a message & subject title for you!), subscribe to the RSS feed, easily share posts via Facebook, Twitter, etc., find me on Twitter and Facebook, or even chat live! Seeeeee, you’re going, “that’s cool!” right? Come on.. I know ya are 
Try it out, and enjoy!
I recently enjoyed meeting the owner of Shoe Shoe Baby, Natalie Galligan. I loved hearing about her new, local boutique and was excited to feature her as a vendor on the Imaginate blog. I will be working w/ her soon to do some shots in her boutique, and stay tuned for an exciting womens’ event that we will be announcing & working on too!
Shoe Shoe Baby
909 S. Eldorado Rd., Suite B , Bloomington, IL 61704
Located on the corner of Lincoln Ave. and Veteran’s Parkway
309-663-6292
Tell us a little about yourself? I am married with two step children. I play competitive volleyball, have three dogs and love love love going to the beach. I really enjoy meeting and working with women in the community and helping them look and feel their best. My goal with women is to help them “rediscover the fabulous woman within”. Women have so many responsibilities and commitments that they often forget to take care of themselves. My goal is to help them remember what is feels like to look good and feel good.
How did you decide to start Shoe Shoe Baby? I decided to start Shoe Shoe Baby after I was laid off of my job in pharmaceutical sales. I knew pharmaceutical was not the place for me, but like so many people, I felt stuck. God heard my prayer and decided to change my direction. After a lot of soul searching I decided that my passion was to work with women, get to know them and do whatever I could to help them look great. I have always enjoyed fashion and thus the idea for Shoe Shoe Baby began. My husband came up with the name as a tribute to his father. During WWII his father flew a B17 bomber named Shoo Shoo Baby. We loved the meaning behind it.
What kind of items are carried? Are there styles & sizes to meet everyone’s needs? I carry shoes, clothing, handbags, and jewelry. The styles range from very casual to dressy “statement” pieces. I have had women age 20 find things they love as well as women age 75. I also have a wide range of prices. Denim, for example ranges from $79.00 up to $200.00 depending on the designer and style of the denim.
What are your favorite lines? My absolute favorites are Michael Stars, Joseph Ribkoff and Cartise. The reasons that I love these lines is because they are proven. The materials are top of the line and the fit and designs are incredible. No one else carries these lines in Bloomington and they are very unique.
What inspires you most about your boutique? The women that come in inspire me the most. I love helping a woman find the perfect outfit and then hearing her say how much she likes my boutique. I am excited everyday to see who God will bring through my door.
And for the readers of the Imaginate blog, Natalie has kindly offered an additional 10% off to anyone who mentions the Imaginate Photography blog! She is have a sale going on, and the 10% discount would be in addition to the sale prices! Thanks, Natalie!
In October, I had the privilege of photographing Ben & Lauren’s wedding in Champaign, IL. They had a beautiful ceremony, and while it was a tad chilly, the weather held out for us to slip outside for a few portraits. I knew from Ben & Lauren’s engagement session, that it wouldn’t be difficult to capture the sweet, joyous love that they have for one another. Lauren & her sister own L.A. Gourmet Catering, and when these girls cater an event, you had better be ready for some fabulous treats! They didn’t miss a beat, right down to every little detail… Nice work, girls! Thank you, Ben & Lauren for having me capture your wonderful wedding day.. Many best wishes!
