It’s here!  It’s here!  I am super excited to share a link for the 2012 Cowboys for Cancer Research calendar w/ you all… I had the priviledge of photographing a dear friend of several years, who is a not only a beautiful, and strong woman, but also a cancer survivor.  You can help the support of finding a cure for cancer, by purchasing a copy of the calendar.  For just $15, all proceeds are going to this great cause!

Glinda-  Thank you, for sharing your story, courage, and allowing yourself to be featured in the calendar.  You look so beautiful in it!  I admire you in so many ways.  Thank you for also showing me what it means to be courageous, beautiful, strong, hopeful, determined, and undefeated.  I love you dearly, pretty lady.

Kimberly- Bless your heart for publishing my lovely friend in your calendar project, and for dedicating your time to help so many lives of others.  It was a pleasure working w/ you!

This is the image of Glinda that is published in the calendar;

And a few others, because it was hard to choose which one

I couldn’t have been more excited when I got the call from Nicole, informing me that her & Ryan were expecting their first child.  I photographed their wedding in 2008, and they were one of my first wedding clients.  I was honored to be asked to photograph another wonderful event in their lives..  You look just as beautiful as ever, Nicole!  I look forward to hearing the baby news  

Click here to view…

Many, many, best wishes to all of the wonderful mothers out there.. I am privileged to know many myself..  I hope you’ve had a great day!  p.s. I couldn’t help but have a huge smile on my face while pulling these images from the archives.. Nothing sweeter than a mother & child’s love for one another

Dearest friends & blog readers,

A sweet family that has been going through some rough times is in need of some help.  After the family dad was layed off from his job, and they eventually lost their home.  They are currently in a temporary place, and only have 40 days to find a new place to live, w/ 3 children and 2 dogs to care for.  They truly need our help & prayers to help them.  They are in the El Paso/Gridley school district.  If you have any information that could benefit or help them, please get in touch w/ me asap.

Thanks & God bless!

Rowen Zane
January 9th, 2011 @ 12:56pm
6lbs 14oz
20in

Our much anticipated son has arrived!  Our family is adjusting wonderfully, and life could not feel better!  Both of our girls (9 and 23 months) are insanely in love w/ their baby brother, and my husband & I are feeling so blessed that God has shown His grace once again to our family, as we became five.  A big thank you to all of my Imaginate clients for the well wishes, cards, baby goodies, and your continued support throughout..  I love you all dearly!

The word “wow” is a pretty good description for my feelings about the blog contest from last month.  I am completely in awe that you amazing blog readers cast over THREE THOUSAND votes!  Thank you so much for participating and showing the blog your voting love!  I think it’s simply proof of dedication for good causes =)  Originally I had a certain rough number in my mind for what I would donate for St. Jude’s regardless of the number of votes that were cast, thinking that a handful of you may cast a “few” votes.. I really had no idea that the contest would be as big of a hit as it was.. Soooo, I hope you all will forgive me when I donate just a tad less than $3,000 at this time   I am glad though, that together, we may have helped to raise awareness to support such a wonderful organization..  Please continue to keep St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in your thoughts & hearts as you give for charitable causes.

As a big thank you, these beautiful pics will be featured soon on the Imaginate website, as well as the rotating banner you see on the top of the Imaginate blog.  Your votes also ensured that the beautiful faces in this contest will receive a complimentary 11×14 wall print of their choice!  (I’m assuming it will be of their favorite photo that was featured on the blog.. hehe)  AND since there was such a dedicated group of fans out there voting for image #’s 5 & 6 from the Child/Baby category, you both are receiving the 11×14 wall print!  Whoo hoooo!

Thanks again for such a wonderful response to the fun!  Look for more fun contests and challenges throughout 2010 =)

Nope, these two aren’t hired models.. although they easily could be!  They are my dear friends who I had the privilege of photographing.  This is such a sweet couple, and I’m so happy that they have found one another to share their lives w/.  I have to also point out that Ted is not only my friend of many, many years, he is also known as Staff Sgt. Stoops, w/ the United States Army.  He has served our country for ten years, and I could not be more proud of him.  Thank you, Stoops (I never really call him Ted.. lol) for all that you have done, and continue to do for our country and our freedom.  May God always bless you!  Thanks for a great portrait session, you two gorgeous lovebirds

They also brought their beautiful blonde, named Ellie.. so sweet!

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! =)

Going up North for the P family portraits, was a two fold visit.. While we were productive and got the portraits we needed, we also got a chance to sit back, relax and hang out… My husband grew up w/ the P family so we welcomed the chance for a visit w/ them.. Thanks for all of your hospitality, gang.. It was fun! =)

And we can’t forget man’s best friend.. the family doggie;

I got to photograph this 3 month old sweetie, and while I know she has many big, gummy smiles, she was showing me her more serious side.  Although she was babbling & gurgling at me, which was definitely the cutest.  <sigh> I LOVE what I do, SO much!.. I get to be surrounded by pure sweetness from these kiddos that I photograph! =)  It was great visiting w/ you, F family… Thanks for bringing miss L to see me!

Little baby K, came to see me at just 4 days old.. Now, one would think that at 4 days, he would be tucked in a newborn ball of sleepiness… Not this little guy!  He was all about checking out his new world & seeing what it’s all about =)  Thank you to his grandma for contacting me to photograph Mr. K.. He is the newest member of the Baby’s 1st Year program, so I will be seeing him through all of his wonderful first year milestones.. Can’t wait to see you guys again!  Enjoy your sneak peek! =)

Ohhhh, Miss K.. SO much energy, spunk, and girl POWER! lol.. Love this little girl, and all of her silly ways.. I have been photographing Miss K since she was just 9 months old, and always have a blast w/ her.. She is becoming quite the professional, I’d say   Her mommy had a great location for us to visit for these shots, and her Papaw & daddy, just couldn’t resist having a sparklin’, green tractor to use as a prop… Fun!  Thanks, Miss K’s family, as always!  =)

So THIS cutie pie was a bundle of newborn joy, what seems like just yesterday… Now, she is full of smiles & ever growing personality.  Big sis, Miss M, is still as much in love w/ baby A as she was when I photographed them when baby A was a newborn.  I LOVE getting the chance to see all of these babies & kids through each of their milestones.. LOVE it!  Thanks again, D family ?

This week I not only got to have a blast w/ a playdate visit, but I also got to photograph my friend’s beautiful girls!  Miss R & Miss B were such dolls..  I’m still not quite sure if I should be allowed to have THIS much fun while I work?  =)  Thanks for the visit, girls… Much love!

This wedding event was so much fun.. I absolutely loved witnessing the love shared between Audra & Chris.  I doubt I’m the only one that sees a special sparkle in Chris’ eye when he casts his gaze at Audra.. Their wedding & reception took place at the beautiful Crestwicke Country Club.  Their ceremony was on the greens with a fun reception to follow.  I have to add that I had been so excited about their first dance.  I knew ahead of time that they had a special surprise planned.  Audra & Chris had secretly been taking ballroom dance lessons, so their first dance started off very sweet to Etta James’, “At Last”.. After a few moments, the song started to “skip” and while the confused guests looked around uncomfortably (Audra & Chris included), Chris whipped off his jacket and a fast song came on and they broke into an amazing swing dance!  It was so much fun to watch!  See for yourself..  I love the reactions from the guests standing around the dance floor when they realized what was happening.  Thank you so much for having me photograph your big day, Audra & Chris!  Enjoy your sneak peek!  =)

Seeing one another for the very first time… 

If you haven’t already, look for me on Facebook!

I will be having a “Fan Appreciation” special going on too!  My goal is to reach 500 fans..  To get there, I will be offering coupon codes, complimentary prints, and other fun items for each milestone!  The first item will be given once 200 is reached.. then 300, 400, and so on.. So tell your family, tell your friends, tell your co-workers!  Imaginate Photography needs fans to help YOU be entered into the drawing for FREE stuff!  Who doesn’t love free goodies?!?  =)

Imaginate Photography on Facebook

*winners of drawing will be chosen at random through random.org*

This wedding couple were so sweet to work with.. I had a lot of fun hanging out w/ the bridal party as they got ready too.. AJ & McKenna, I wish you the best of happiness in your marriage & lots of laughter.  Thank you for allowing me to share in your special day and capture moments you will cherish =)

Wishing everyone a happy, safe, and proud 4th of July from Imaginate Photography!.. Today only, e-mail me to schedule your portrait session during July and receive a 25% off discount code!  Can be applied towards session fee AND prints!  Thank you to all of those men & women who serve our country.. Our praise will never be enough to show our appreciation.. God bless!!  bridget@imaginatephotography.com

Yes, another cute as pie 3 month old portrait session!.. I looooove all these babies that I get to meet and photograph!  Mr. T was quite the ham and model for me.. I know his mama wasn’t sure how his evening session would go, but this litle guy was an absolute doll!  He gave me so many smiles, and expressions.. Even coooo’d for me. =)  I’m so glad they called me to capture his 3 month smiles.. Thanks, C family!

I had the opportunity to photograph the C family last night.. They made quite the drive to get here, but I think it was a great portrait session.. What a good looking family, they are!  I hope you guys had fun..  I keep hearing stories about the two little guys’, and giving their mommy a run for her money, but I don’t believe it for a second.. Just look at their innocent smiles   Thanks so much for allowing me to photograph you, C family.. I had so many that were favorites from their session… Enjoy your sneak peek!

This little guy had SO much energy!..  He was definitely fun to have in the studio, and kept me on my toes.  I also see a future football star here!.. Look out Olin Kreutz.. You’ve got competition! lol.. The last shot is one that we did for fun.  I’m sure Mr. A’s mama will pull this out in years to come and show his dates.. hehe.. A mom’s gotta do, what a mom’s gotta do!  It was too cute not to post on the blog..  Thanks Z family for a great portrait session! =)

This little guy was in the studio for a vist, just not that long ago it seems.. He went from a bright eyed, beautiful newborn, to a bright eyed beautiful 3 month old, in a flash!  Mr. A didn’t have a lot of smiles for me for his 3 month session, BUT I think he was just as cute all the same.. It was so great to see you again, H family!  Enjoy your sneak peek =)

For July & August, canvas gallery wraps are 15% off!  If you’ve been thinking about having a nice family portrait to display above your fireplace, a silly bathtub shot for your powder room, a stunning gift for a bride & groom, or just a FUN, image for your child’s nursery or bedroom, now is the time to check these out!  The canvases come ready to hang, and are truly stunning pieces of artwork.  Here are a couple images that give an idea of the possibilities.. E-mail me to schedule a special session so we can capture your canvas portrait!  bridget@imaginatephotography.com 

This is a newer item being offered by Imaginate Photography..  This example shows it being used as a Guest Book, from an engagement session’s images.  It is a 10×10 in size, and has a black leather textured cover.  (there are 6 different material options available)  When open, the album is hinged, which allows paper to lay flat.  The first shots below do not do this album justice to how beautiful it looks in person..  The high gloss UV finish gives is such a smooth, complete look.  The album was custom designed, and has lots of room for your wedding guests to sign, leave best wishes, etc.  Below are product shots of the album, and then in order the spread of the 2 pages ((the real album does not have watermarks of course )…

Recently I met w/ the family below.. You may recognize the strawberry-blonde sweetie from a past session..  They were all together, celebrating a retirement for their parents & the kids’ grandparents.  They welcomed me into their home w/ open arms, and warm smiles.  Their home is custom built and Frank Lloyd Wright inspired.. Love that!!  I even got to take a tour, which was so much fun.. It was a beautiful day, and I really enjoyed walking around their property to photograph the family..  It was important to the family to utilize the home and surroundings for their images.. I was happy to do just that..  Thanks so much for your hospitality and it was a true pleasure, gang!  Happy retirement too!  Here are some images from your portrait session.. I’m almost finished proofing the rest too =)

Last week I met up w/ Rashad & Danielle for their engagement session and had so much fun!  This couple was full of laughter, and smiles.  I loved watching them w/ one another and enjoyed seeing their love shine throughout their session.  Thanks for having fun w/ me, Rashad & Danielle! =)

I don’t think that the two B family kiddos could get any cuter!  BUT, they did, however manage to do just that by welcoming miss A, and making cute times THREE!  They came back for an updated family portrait as well as miss A’s newborn session.  It was so sweet to see T & H giving love to their new baby sister..   It was great to see you all!  =)