Are you a fan of Imaginate Photography on Facebook? If not, you could be missing out! Often times there are specials/promos or announcements made there that you might not see… And now, if you’re surfing Facebook and remember you need to schedule your next session, just go to the fan page and you can click on the “Book Now!” tab… Easy peasy!

I am often asked about newborn sessions, and “how they go”… Well, a typical newborn session is completely unpredictable!  Yep, that’s an oxymoron statement!  lol  I thought I would share a blog post on a couple of Q&A’s about newborn photography.  If you ever have questions regarding portrait sessions, please let me know!  Who knows, it may even become part of my next blog Q&A

What is the difference between a custom photographer and going to a chain storefront location?
Part of being a custom photographer means that instead of having a 30-45min window of scheduled opportunity to capture the precious newborn picture that we all want, I dedicate my time & talent knowing that it might take 1 hour, but it also could take up to 3-4 hours.  This is one of the qualities of being a custom portrait photographer that I pride myself on.  I enjoy what I do, and taking care of my clients’ needs is a huge part of what I do.  I ensure them that we WILL get successful shots that they want & deserve of their sweet newborn.

What if my baby isn’t sleepy, and doesn’t seem to cooperate to get the cute newborn shots?
On occasion I have a newborn that is not in the mood to sleep, or just having a “off”/fussy kind of day.. That’s OKAY.  This happens, and I really 100% make sure newborns are comfortable, and work WITH them, not vice versa.  It’s important to be comfortable in working w/ newborns & I feel that experience and dedication has given me this quality.

A brand new item that’s been added to the Imaginate product line up is a digital collection.. The pictures don’t even come close to showing how gorgeous the case really is.. This custom designed CD case comes w/ purchase of the digital collection, containing your keepsake images inside. At your next portrait session, ask for a peek and I’d love to show you, so you can see for yourself! =)

A very good friend of ours, Dan Woodman is participating in the “Sing For Wishes” event, in honor of raising money from donations for the Make A Wish Foundation.  Please take a moment to check out his video (and a series of more to come)  to donate and help support such an amazing cause.. Together we CAN make a difference!

TODAY and TOMORROW only, for any session booked (session fee due at time of booking), receive 75% OFF a 10×13 Beveled Edge Mount or 50% OFF a custom designed 5×5 brag book.  These crazy specials won’t last long, and may not come around again.. Enjoy them while they last! =)

The 10×13 Beveled Edge Mount is a modern, finished edge in black or white, mount, ready to hang piece.. A beautiful product!  (valued at $125)

The custom designed 5×5 brag book features your favorite images from your portrait session, and custom graphics in a color theme/combo of your choice.

This year, I am offering holiday mini sessions!  It’s a chance for families to have their holiday portraits done during the summer months for several reasons… Warmer weather, fresh colors all around, and best of all to get it check OFF your “to-do” list! =)

In order to get some dates set, I need to hear from YOU!  Please take a couple of minutes to answer this very short survey of questions so that I can accommodate my clients the best… THANKS!

Click here for the survey!

Click on the image above and click “Online Ordering” and then, “Gift Cards”.

Thank you so much to everyone that participated, and stopped by the Imaginate blog to vote for your favorites!  I hope the entries all have wonderful a fabulous Mother’s Day!

Congrats to the following!

Entry#6- You have won the $35 gift certificate to The Vintage Pearl!

Entry#1 and entry #5- You have won $10 gift certificates to Kelly’s Bakery & Cafe!

Entry#4, entry #3 and entry#2- You have all won $5 gift cards to Starbucks!

Thank you again for your wonderful entries and sweet stories about your special relationships

(winners, please check your email for details regarding your prizes)

(This post will remain at the top of your page, during voting.  Please scroll down for newer posts)

Thank you for submitting such wonderful entries, and sharing your special relationships w/ the Imaginate readers!  I love all of these images.. What special moments to have captured forever!  I’m so excited to give away the fantastic prizes once the voting ends!

Voting Guidelines;
-Vote for your favorite relationship captured!

-Voting will take place Wednesday, April 14th through midnight Wednesday, April 28th.

-One vote per person/per day.  You’re welcome to send friends & family a link to vote!

-Winners drawn at random, announced Saturday, May 1st!

Entry #1

Picture submitted by  Debbie Schuyler – Drew Schuyler’s mom – Wayland NY. – I call it “Blessed With Moms – Grand and Great” I wish Katelyn’s Great Grandma Schuyler could have been there that day.     It’s not often,  two little girls get to have 4 Great Grandmas, Two Grandma’s and a Loving mom  all still  living and active in their life.

“Blessed With Moms – Grand and Great” Blessed with Moms – Grand and Great, How awesome is our Lord; To fill our lives with such a love, We could not ask for more!

Entry #2

While Jamie isn’t any blood relation to us, there couldn’t be anymore more important.  She has been an honorary aunt to my kids and has helped me raise them since Trace was born.  She always helps me when I’m traveling for work by picking them up or keeping them overnight, she spends at least one night a weekend with them (with us) because she just enjoys being around, she sees those longing eyes and shares her supper with them without a thought, and she says she hates those slobbery kisses, but I know she’s kidding!   To Trace, she is “our Jamie” and I know she always will be!

Entry #3

I feel like I am a special mom because I have the most lovable, entertaining, Mommy’s girls ever! I feel so lucky that both of my girls still love to cuddle and be held even at almost 4 years old and 2 years old. I guess I am not really a special mom, but a very, very lucky one!!!

Entry #4
So many things that make this mommy special. But I think the thing that makes Leeann such a great mom is that she works hard through dad’s weird work schedule. Many nights she is on her own but she never complains. She is so supportive and so great with Seth at the same time, even when all she needs is sleep or a night away. I love her so much for that.

Entry #5
Here is one that JC captured when I didn’t know he was even taking a picture.  We had just finished w/ our afternoon jog and were playing in the sun before bath time.  Lola LOVES being outside

Entry #6
I am entering photos of myself with my children.  It’s not often that I get photographed with my children – I am usually the one behind the camera taking everyone else’s pictures.  This time, my husband was able to catch me with my children while we were waiting for Grandma and Grandpa to hide the eggs so we could hunt them on Easter Sunday.  We were giggling and laughing and in one photo, you can tell my daughter is telling me a secret and I am loving every minute of it.  They mean the world to me and I am thankful for every day I get to spend with them – God blessed me with two very special individuals to raise.

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Are you a fan of Imaginate Photography on Facebook?  Of course you are!   Well, if you’re not head over there and become one and I promise I won’t sick the hounds on ya!  Hmm.. guess that would mean I actually have to own hounds?  Ah, anyhow… Become a fan and check out a GIVEAWAY!  One winner will be chosen (okay, who am I kidding, do I usually stop at giving just ONE of ANYthing away?.. Not usually!)  to receive a COMPLIMENTARY portrait session!  Ready, Set, GO!

I’m so excited about this year’s HS Senior Rep program… LOTS of great incentives, and I LOVE working w/ HS Seniors.  Sessions are always laid back, creative, and most importantly FUN!

This year’s reps will receive the following:
-A FULL COMPLIMENTARY SENIOR SESSION.  A MINI SESSION WILL BE COMPLETED IN SPRING AND ANOTHER DURING SUMMER/FALL.
-PROFESSIONAL HAIR & MAKE UP FOR YOUR SESSION
-YEARBOOK PICTURE
-A PROOF FLIP BOOK W/ IMAGES FROM THE SESSION TO SHARE W/ YOUR FRIENDS
-DVD SLIDESHOW & ONLINE SLIDESHOW
-10 WEBSIZE/WATERMARKED IMAGES FOR FACEBOOK
-20% OFF ALL PRINT ORDERS
-50 CUSTOM SENIOR REP REFERRAL CARDS W/ YOUR IMAGE (MORE IF NEEDED)

AND…. THIS YEARS REP’S WILL RECEIVE INCENTIVES INCLUDING GIFT CERTIFICATES FROM STATION 710 SALON, DICK’S SPORTING GOODS,

VISA GIFT CARDS AND EVEN iPOD TOUCH!

Know a current HS Junior/2011 Senior that would be interested?  Just forward them this information to apply!  Please remember only 2-3 reps will be chosen from each school!

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

As mentioned before the blog challenge is underway!  Please cast your vote for your favorite child/baby image to be featured on the updated Imaginate Photography site for 2010.. All votes will generate a $1 donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.. So come back often and vote as many times as you would like!  Send your family & friends to vote too!  See those little “Share” icons on the bottom of this post?  Just hover over to see which one you’d like to use!  (i.e. facebook, twitter, e-mail, etc)  This is round one of the voting.. more categories to come.. Now vote!

Oh and also…. Pssssst.. here’s a secret.. The most voted for image subjects may just be in for a little treat from me for letting me use their beautiful faces on my site!  Shh…..

Child/Baby Category

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Family Category

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Wedding Category

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Everyone loves a challenge right?  This year as the holidays are upon us, I challenge you to make it a wonderful holiday for the children of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The holidays not only remind me of family, love, and kindness, but it also reminds me how thankful I am for our health and well being.  There are so many children that spend their holidays confined to a hospital, battling life threatening illnesses, and they need the holidays to be special too.  Let’s do what we can together, to make that happen!

WHAT: Here is your challenge.. With the new year comes updating my website, blog, etc.  Is there a portrait image that you absolutely LOVE and would love others to see?  Please help in this by submitting a favorite photo from your portrait session during 2009 to be featured.  Just send me an e-mail (bridget@imaginatephotography.com) w/ the image # and/or description of your portrait choice from your session and it will be entered into the contest.  (please one entry per client)

WHEN: Between December 1st- December 10th:  submit your photo choices!
Between December 12th-December 31st:  those submitted entries will be featured on the blog for voting

DETAILS: All sessions are encouraged!  (baby, children, family, wedding, engagement, hs senior, maternity…There will be separate voting categories for each of the entry subjects)  Once the voting begins, you are welcome to submit as many votes as you would like, for a $1 donation each vote.  Send your family, friends, co-workers.. they can all vote for your image!…  All proceeds will be donated to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital So, the more votes, the larger the donation we can make to help bring some holiday cheer to these children!

Let’s do our best to show our support, everyone.. Now e-mail me your entry! =)

Well, “sort of” a casting call… Consider it a casting call for your walls!  Okay, corny I know.. but ah, what can ya do

I am constantly brainstorming and always have ideas running through my head… I love sharing ways to simplify life tasks, home tips, organization, etc.  so, I’m currently working on something specifically for YOU!

Do you ever have trouble figuring out what to do w/ a certain wall (our area) in your home to display your keepsake portraits?  Do you have a vision in mind, but just aren’t sure how to execute it?  Are you always struggling w/ how to arrange portraits?  What if I told you that I will soon have your solution?  Great, right?  With this service, I will be able to show you some samples of a “real life” display for your home, customize sizes, framing choices, layouts.. you name it!  I am so, so excited about this, and  I truly hope this will help my clients.. I welcome and look forward to hearing any and all feedback on this new service..

My ideas are still in the works, but for now, here’s where the casting call part comes in.  I need a handful of folks who would like to assist me.  Not only will you be helping to give me your real life examples of portrait display troubles, but you will also earn FREE print credit!  For every person that is able to send me the following (below), I will credit you for $20 in FREE PRINT CREDIT!

Here is what I need;

-Two or Three snapshots of a wall, mantel, staircase, etc. of a place in your home, in which you would like a portrait grouping/display
-These do not have to be phenomenal images, but please make sure the area in question is clearly visible
-The dimensions of this given wall, area, etc. so that I can be sure my digital design of frames & portraits are scaled properly to fit in your area
-If possible, please remove current items hanging on wall, displayed on mantle, etc. from the area

Here are a couple of examples of what I’m looking for, and to show you that taking the pics can be quickly done, these are from my own point & shoot camera;
-Would like a 3 or 4 images to display above the bed
-Dimensions of this wall area:  wall-18ft, between nightstands-11ft, height between bed & ceiling-5ft

BEFORE:

SOME IDEAS:

I look forward to hearing from you, my clients, my blog readers… Ready, set, go snap those photos! =)

This Sunday, November 22, from 1pm-4pm, please join us for a special, holiday shopping experience.   This Holiday Gift Open House is to help you find the perfect gift for anyone in your life who deserves something special this Christmas-your mother, sister, daughter, best friend, child’s teacher, hairdresser, etc.  Refreshments will be provided, and there will be door prizes.  Please feel free to bring your friends!  Participants include Tastefully Simple, Imaginate Photography, Mary Kay, Scentsy, Lia Sophia, and Thirty-One.

I will have a table of items set up, featuring some newer products that are offered, Gift Certificates available, AND I have goodie bags that need a good home!  For every person that books a session at the Holiday Gift Open House, or purchases a Gift Certificate, you will receive a goodie bag containing a special prize (ranging from print credit, discounted items, custom design work, the list goes on!)  and you will also be entered into a drawing (need not be present to win) for a custom designed, mounted, ready to frame 10×20 storyboard!  (valued at $80!)

E-mail me (bridget@imaginatephotography.com) or click here for more details.

Stop in and enjoy the fun, and conquer your holiday shopping list w/ us.. Hope to see you there! =)

Just a heads up, the holiday season is quickly approaching, and if you’re considering an updated family portrait, gift ideas, etc.. don’t wait too long!  For the remainder of November, I only have THREE sessions left available, and limited slots for December too!  E-mail or call to schedule your 2009 holiday session..  Stay tuned for December’s Holiday Specials =)

bridget@imaginatephotography.com | 309.275.9452

I’ve been pondering some ideas for awhile now, I thought there’s no better place to ask pose these questions, than for YOU all! =)

I would like to start doing a feature part on the Imaginate Blog.  I would be interviewing some local vendors of all sorts and posting links to their information as well as Q&A’s for them.. I am a big fan of supporting locals in our community and I have been meeting some wonderful people in our area.  I would love to share their businesses & talents w/ you all too!  So here are a few items up for your input!

1)  What type of vendors would you be interested in seeing featured?  This can be of ANY category that you’re interested in!  Clothing & Apparel, Party Supplies, Cake Decorating, Children Items, Make-Up, Home Products, Homemade Jewelry, Pottery Items, etc…. you name it!

2) Know a local business that you would love to tell others about?  Submit their info to me for their chance to be featured on my blog!

Feel free to leave your comments here on the post, or e-mail/call me w/ your suggestions.  Looking forward to hearing from you fabulous blog readers =)

(bridget@imaginatephotography.com)  or 309.275.9452

Thanks!

Did you know?.. One in eight women or 12.6% of all women will get breast cancer in her lifetime.

Did you know?… Every 13 minutes a woman dies of breast cancer.

Did you know?… More than 1.7 million women who have had breast cancer are still alive in the United States.

Did you know?… Early detection of breast cancer, through monthly breast self-exam and particularly yearly mammography after age 40, offers the best chance for survival.

Did you know?… Ninety-six percent of women who find and treat breast cancer early will be cancer-free after five years.

Those are simple facts that every woman should be reminded of, not just during breast cancer awareness month.  Self exams are something that are often overlooked, but definitely should be taken seriously.  It could potentially be a life changing moment.. For the entire month of October (including past sessions) I will be donating 10% of your session fee to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.  AND in addition to that, if you personally donate, you will receive a gift from me!  Just show/e-mail me a copy of your receipt of your donation and you are eligible!

For every $5 donation; receive a complimentary 8×10
For every $10 donation; receive a complimentary 10×13
For every $20 dontation; receive a compliementary 11×14
For every $50 donation or more; receive a complimentary 10×20 Storyboard!

Every single $ counts… Let’s all pitch in and do what we can for this wonderful organization!

Imaginate is on the go!  Are you interested in having custom portraits done?  I will be in the St. Louis, MO area doing portrait work on Saturday, October 24th.  Limited times will be available, so contact me (bridget@imaginatephotography) to book your session.

Not only will I be in the STL area doing what I love, I also get to meet up w/ a military family that holds a special place in my heart.  I “met” Amy and her family 9 years ago.. Yes, NINE years ago online, and we have never met in person!  Amy was a member on a mommy forum that I joined in November of 2000 when we were both expecting our first children.  The board was an incredible source of knowledge, friendship, strength, and love for me, and Amy spent many a silly, late nights chatting it up while her husband was deployed.  I still talk to several of my “mommy board friends”, as I’m always referring to them as.  I can’t wait to share the images from Amy & her family’s session… Yay!

So, if you are interested, or know anyone who may be, please send them to my blog and I’ll be glad to hook them up w/ a session time!  Remember, all military families receive a 20% discount off their session fee!  See you soon, STL!

Thank you for all of the blog love comments!  This week’s results:

Here are your random numbers: ENTRY #4 – Name Nazi Timestamp: 2009-08-31 CONGRATS, Lindsay! I will be contacting w/ information regarding your $30 FREE print credit!

Congrats, Lindsay.. You’ve got mail!  Please keep those blog comments coming.. A new winner will be drawn every Monday!! =)

Thank you for all of the blog love comments!  This week’s results:

Here are your random numbers: ENTRY #28 -Jamie Hand Timestamp: 2009-08-24 CONGRATS, Jamie! I will be contacting w/ information regarding your $30 FREE print credit!

Congrats, Jamie.. You’ve got mail!  Please keep those blog comments coming.. A new winner will be drawn every Monday!! =)

I’m gonna try and calm myself as I write this post.. lol..  A few weeks ago a client sent me a link that volunteers were needed for the Extreme Makeover Home Edition show that would be building for a family here in Central IL.  I submitted my info and today I received a phone call from the company, Cybernautic, that is coordinating all of the press & media side of this project.  I will be photographing all of the happenings during my shifts.  I couldn’t have been more thrilled to receive this phone call, offering the opportunity.  I did some shifting of schedules & sessions (THANK YOU to my great clients for understanding & being so flexible w/ me!)  and everything has worked out for me to be able to do this.

This show is very special to my family & I.  Often our Sunday nights are spent together in our living room to watch the show.  You will typically find both myself & my husband, Erik, w/ tears streaming down our cheeks as our hearts are heavy for the families that are featured.  It’s truly an honor and a blessing, that I can be a part of something so fantastic, and volunteering just my small part to help change a family’s life.

My scheduled times are Saturday, Aug 22nd from 6pm-10p; Sunday, Aug 23rd from 4pm-?; and Monday Aug. 24th from 6pm-?Preview

For full information, please visit: http://www.extremebradyhomes.com

I will report back to the blog w/ updates! =)

I was contacted recently to do some portrait work for Station 710 Salon.  I’m so excited to work w/ the staff there.. I welcome the challenge and look forward to the portrait shoot soon w/ their clients.  If you stop by there for a visit and some fun pampering, tell them Bridget w/ Imaginate sent you!  I know I have some portrait clients that are already clients of the Studio 710 Salon, and they LOVE it!

Bring on the glam, Station 710 Salon!  =)

This old blog, this old blog..  Nah, no singing here (thank goodness for your ears! lol) BUT I would like announce a Giveaway that is special just for the blog!  I know all you viewers out there swing by the blog to see what’s happening, what new previews are up, etc.  Soooo as incentive for leaving comments below each of the sneak peeks, here is a deal to sweeten the pot!

The “rules”;

1. Leave a comment on the blog!  Any post!  Leave as many comments as you’d like on posts throughout the blog.. Every entry counts!  (hover over the “archive” menu for older posts)

2.  Once a month a randomly drawn winner will receive FREE portrait print credit!

3.  It’s that easy!  Now get to leaving that blog love for your chances to WIN!