Frosting and Sprinkles.....

Hey I know what, Lets have a

SURPRISE MINI SESSION!

Thursday 1/17/13 and Saturday 1/19/13 ONLY

$125 for 6 images on CD!

Available times: 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 1:30 and 2:00

Email me at Cupkake897@aol.com to book your time now!

 

Omgosh. Really? Spring 2012 was the last time I Posted a blog!?

I am soooooooooooo sorry! I love blogging! I blog in my head! I write books in the shower! When I am driving! While I am shopping! I am Always wanting to write something down and tell you! And this is what I end up with. Boo. Shame on me.

I would also LOVE to say I would be better at Blogging in the future, but the truth is... It takes up so much time, that I feel E x t r e m e l y guilty when I blog! I feel like I am supposed to be editing images for a baby book or working on some other photo related thing (like my sons Proofs from his girlfriends visit last week-

Hi Sean! Hahahaha! )

So that is the real reason I do not blog!  GUILTY!

But I will try to get over here and blog some more, and be more chatty with you!  You can also always see me on facebook all day long. I keep it open while I am editing ... so I check it right away when you post something! 

So...........since its been forever I have  a few things to tell you about...

First the website is now viewable with your tablets and iphones (or at least it better be!! I paid for the upgrade.. heheheheh!)  And though you CAN see your session proofs on them, PLEASE PLEASE DO NOT USE THIS AS  YOUR ONLY SOURCE FOR VIEWING PROOFS! Its really impossible to see them like they are supposed to be. So please find a real computer to view them at.. or better yet.. make an appointment to come see them with ME! 

One of my favorite parts about proofing - back in the day- that is... was showing your proofs to you and watching your faces as you viewed them. And I have to say ... posting them on a computer for you to see really takes that fun away from me! Boo!    I wonder how many of you would rather view them with me in person? Raise your hands!? HIGHER??!! I cant see! oh.. I mean.. send me an EMAIL instead.. and let me know. I would LOVE to show you them in person. So Let me know if you would love it too!

Also....... I am going to tweak the pricing a bit .. NOT raise it... hahahha.. just mess around with it a bit. So look for an email about that change once it happens. Email you say? WHAT email? Well.. every single month or so sometimes more, I send  out emails to your very own email box! If you have not received one.. you need to get on our mailing list!  Its on our website at photographybycupcake.com   allll the way to the right there.. under schedule and newsletter! :-)

Add yourself and from this point forward (unless you change you email addy) you will be In the Know! ;-)

I just sent one out with this adorable picture on it:

And this one too:

And isnt she adorable also!

This is our VALENTINES DAY QUICK N PAINLESS ! 

We'll be having it on January 26, 2013... at the studio (also known as little house).

This background is set; however feel free to bring additional props if you like!  And I have many many more samples and other prop ideas- as well as pricing for QP days- on our website.. so go check it out now by clicking HERE!

And since I brought up the little house, I might as well mention again that the Studio building and property is FOR SALE or LEASE TO OWN! We are hoping to get her sold pretty quick so if you know anyone who wants to open a business, needs an office, wants to open a daycare, or any kind of dentist, doctor or Lawyer .... we have the Best Little Space in Garland ready for you!

Email me at Cupkake897@aol.com if interested or call my husband Bob at 214-675-7363.

Please pass this along to anyone you might know who is looking for something like this!  (there might be something in it for you too, wink wink!)

And finally... I want to thank ALL OF YOU WONDERFUL PEOPLE that came to see me in the last year, and allowed me to photograph you, your families, your wonderful precious kids and one little gerbil!  You are what keeps me alive on this planet. What make my world go around, and make my day full of giggles and love!  I cant tell you how much I appreciate your LOYALTY and TRUST in a world that has turned upside down over night. 

Yes ... there are photographers on every corner now *gasp* sometimes even three or four!  I cannot quite wrap my head around the speed in which this happened.... and I cannot wrap my head around what it did to our profession. I would like to say I am PROUD Of these changes. That I am proud that there are now eleventy billion new photographers in the metroplex.. but I am not. I am not proud that the craft has suffered. That quality is so poor that I have found myself writing emails to new clients promising them- assuring them- that IT WILL NOT HAPPEN HERE.

I WILL NOT ever compromise on your Quality.  You will always be my priority, and your images are always going to be the very best they can be.  It makes me ashamed at what I am seeing happen.  But I promise you it will never happen here.

Thank you so much for appreciating quality and experience and for choosing me to capture your family memories.  You mean the world to me.

Ok............now ... on to more stuff!

Do you realize that this baby girl right here is going to be Graduating High school in a few months!?

OH YES SHE IS!!!! I can barely believe it myself! 

And the boy...

he is graduating from COLLEGE! HOLYCRAP! And with me still only 28 years old.. hahahahahah!  Nary a gray hair in the house, I daresay! HA!

Some of YOU may also be staring at the face of your precious baby who is now also graduating this year, and feeling the same butterflies!!  I can help make that turn into REAL TEARS TOO! Hahahaha... by reminding you that you need to have that SENIORS PICTURES TAKEN! ASAP! ;-)

By golly you have invitations to make, wallets to print up, and Wall portraits to hang of your precious little infant ALL GROWN UP! SO please... email me now or pop on the website and book your senior appointments NOW! Before its too late! And if your baby is going to graduate in 2014... Summer is a great time for you to start working on your Seniors appointment too!

Speaking of Appointments... You should do something Special and SPICY! for your Husband/boyfriend/significant other this Valentines day!? I have JUST the thing for you! $300 for 10 images on cd or $550 for a 20 page *Special* book just for them!  Book by January 23 in order to get them in time for Valentines day!  Email me at Cupkake897@aol.com to get on the schedule and we'll get to planning your ideas!

Ok! I think the guilt is now overpowering me.......... I must go edit some proofs or something !! there is still one hour left of my night!

Thank you again... so SO Much for continuing to support us, and love our little studio. You are the world to us!  TTFN! Make sure to add yourself to the newsletter and "LIKE" us on Facebook!   And HAVE A GREAT DAY!

 

 

 

Spring Mini, Spring Quick n Painless and Here comes Zeke!

Just wanted to get a quick post up for you to update you on what is coming this March! Its going to be one heck of an Exciting, crazy, fun filled SPRING LIKE March- that's for sure!  Its never far from my head though, that one March day we had a Quick n painless scheduled and we woke up to SLEET that hung around 3 days!  Anything Can happen! Its IN like a Lion and out like a lamb right?

But in any case, we are planning a Mini Session day for March 10, at the vintage yellow house in Rowlett, with fingers crossed we'll have a fabulous spring day!

(it was actually like 29 degrees out the day we shot this photo! you wouldnt know it from this baby !!! )

The session is $200 and it includes 30 minutes and 10 images on a CD. Additionally you receive 25% off the alacarte menu, (excluding books and cards) and a special on wallet accordion books which are $175 for this event (they retail for $300 normally!)  So that way you can throw an extra special gift in Grandmas Easter basket this year! 

You can use the bunny in your pictures if you like, or just do some fun vintage type portraits instead!

More samples are available to view on our website at photographybycupcake.com  Or feel free to email me for clothing suggestions or ideas!

To book your time, visit the website  or our Facebook page Events (which we update as it changes) for the available times, and then email me your choice at Cupkake897@aol.com. You will need to call in or email us your credit card to use for the session. Session is paid for ON the day you book!    We currently have 8 spots left!

If this event is in high demand, we'll run another one either at the end of April or first weeks in May.

Our Spring Quick n Painless day is March 31.

 

We'll be open 9-5 and closed for lunch 12-1:00.

This scene is set. 

We are running a special on images for this event!

ONE image for $25

THREE images for $60

SIX images for $100

Because I simply CANNOT pick........don't make me! When they look down so sweet at the bunny like this, I melt!

And then they look up at me like this! I cannot choose one!

So you will have to just buy more this time around, yes? :-)

Remember at Quick n painless you are purchasing IMAGES for your personal use. If you want to still order prints from our photo lab we will have a gallery online for a month so  you can do so and they will mail them directly to your door.  Of course you are free to use them any way you like, but please note that the little "one hour photo" type labs will not usually give you good results with studio lit portraits. 

If you have any questions about where to print, what to wear for any of these sessions or just want to say HI! Feel free to email me at Cupkake897@aol.com

But, What is REALLY exciting about this March for our whole family is that we are about to welcome our newest little family member, my great nephew ZEKE!  I'm packing up the car and driving out to Virgina to be in time for his birth and I am so excited!  Some of you may remember the story of his brother TITUS ...that I published in May 2010  We are all hoping this birth is infinitely less traumatic as that one was... and that my arriving early will have me there in time to document his birth like we did his brother!

So with that note that I will be out of pocket for the drive up (around the 13th-14th ish...) but back online again once I get there and get settled in!

Hope your Spring is what you want it to be and I look forward to seeing you this season behind my lens!

Spring Mini Sessions March 10

 

And just a reminder.. this coming Saturday, February 18, is our Cartoon Quick n painless!

Email if you have any questions! Details are also available on our website at photographybycupcake.com

Februarys Quick n Painless day

Ooooh! Its so fun!  It started with me getting quite a few suggestions for something fun, and different & then one person asked for something "angry birds".... and while I have really no clue what that is other than a cartoon like game...... It got me thinking of something cartoony!  And then this QP idea came to me!

I did a portrait of Emily through another company Years ago like this... very fun, very modern! 

What a chance to have a fun peice of artwork for your wall! Make it a family session!Or bring in their favorite things...

I am DYING for someone to write a comic strip and we'll do a story board (we'll work on the prices for that) ... so I am looking forward to seeing you all show up on February 18 bringing me something FUN to shoot!

Cartoon Quick n painless

(click for link to website for more samples/info)

February 18, 2012

Open 9-5

Closed for lunch 12:00-1:00

Pricing:

Wnat is Gator foam? Click here for actual description... but what it is, is a unique way of mounting the artwork right to your wall. Its modern and ment to not be framed (though you still could if you want)

You can of course just get your image via email like usual, or on a regular enlargement NOT on gator foam!  But it looks really amazing on it! just sayin'! 

If you have any questions at all .. please email me ! Cupkake897@aol.com  I can provide lots O ideas!

In addition I am working on Easter ideas at the moment..............I am about 200% certain we cant get ducks and maybe not even chicks... since it will be an early easter.... they usually don't hatch til later months.... but we will for SURE have a couple of bunnies! 

I will be posting info about that a little later down the road... but regardless... I do need to say I am on Baby watch with my neice that month!  I've been invited to go photograph her second babys birth... and I am so excited!!!!!!!  So if something comes up I will have to flee !  And so that also factors into when we do QP ect!  It may very well be the first weekend in April ... anyhow.. will keep you updated!

Im so excited right now though about this QP day! I Hope to see you all there!!! It is going to be so much fun! 

2012 is here!

YAY! Because Last year was a whip and I am ready for what has to be the up swing!!!!!!  Lets get this year a'going!

So we have Valentines day Quick n painless up on the schedule now, and its super cute!

Its January 21, 2012 and we'll be open 9-5 except for lunch 1-2. The website has all of the important details...click here!

We'll  have a white brick wall, with white floors (keep in mind your floor may be a bit dirty in the photo.. its gonna have character... no doubt!) and about 5 bejillion props we can use for your valentines day portrait!

IN addition we'll have an Ed Hardy-ish giant poster hanging out in the background for those of you that want a little edgier Valentines day love this year... and to make that even more fun, I have Free Tattoos for those of you that want to have one for your photo! hehehee! they are SOOOOOOO Cute. They are approx. 2  and something inches big. 

SEE? How stinking cute!

When I put his on... he screamed like I was killing him. HAHAHAHA. it was so funny! he looks like he is cool with it now, but I don't think his momma will have to ever worry about him getting the real thing! hahahahah!
We have a cute cupcake one too for less edge...

Now, we shot the samples with a rock star background ... however it did not work out right- catches too much light... SO we ordered the ed hardy looking one and its due in a few days before the shoot.. so there wont be time to get samples. But it looks like this:

and will appear behind the kids just like the samples.

I have an awesome flame car you can use, (THANK YOU SUZANNE! You are so awesome!!!)

as well as a motorcycle,

and even a few tutus to make the edgy sweeter! So much fun! 

I cant wai to see you here!  Email me at Cupkake897@aol.com if you have any questions!

ALSO, several of you responded to my survey............. THANK YOU SO MUCH for doing that........... and I wanted to make sure you knew i was listening and trying to do my best for you. Because here is the deal............I need to take pictures. Its what makes my heart go thump thump, and keeps the TWO ROOFS over our heads.  We need you.   So........ quite a few of you said you missed me picking out the images for you- SHOCKING to me- because in previous questionnaires many of you want the option to do that for yourself! hahahaha!  So.................. I'm giving you the option now, and at a lower price so you can at least buy two or, three or Hey.. EVEN four! 

Here is the scoop on the new prices......for $25 (at quick n painless) I will pick your single image out, clean it up and email it to you. It will ALSO appear on the website gallery, where you, or your grammas or whatever can order prints from our lab. The prices of those prints start I think around $15 for two 5x7 ect... pretty cheap, and they ship it right to your door!  Of course your images is yours do play with on facebook or print on your own as well. I only ask if you share on media that you give me a shout out, please!

And of course, you can still opt for the $60 you pick your own. The prices are so different because I am cleaning up at LEAST 3 images or more for you to choose from. IN addition you can print pictures from any of the others OR choose t purchase another. So there is quite a bit more work involved in letting you choose one. But it does give you more options!

So THIS should satisfy ALL of your lovely photography needs.......... An awesome shot for Valentines Day from Cupcake, in budget, and right to your doorstep! It just doesn't get any easier than that! That's why we call it Quick n painless!

SO............. what do you want to see for the rest of the year at QP? We can do some locations (clearly we have weather and no pretty leaves issues right now... but other than that... ) what do you dream of seeing? I can figure out doing just about anything.... so lay on your wish list! I'm all ears!

In addition, this year, I did lower the sitting fee a bit, and added a little more love to some of the packages.  I am really in the business of taking pictures, and I have been for a VERY LONG Time, and I don't really have another option here for making the bills on Little house.............. So I am counting on seeing you here this year! OK!? Good.  Because I missed some of you over the holidays, and I need ya back! Please and thank you!

Lets see, what else..... OH! Real Estate! I am a Realtor now... so yeah! Give come on and give me a call or drop me an E! Cupkake897@aol.com 214-675-8222

I know SOMEONE out there must be buying or selling, so hire me to come be your personal House Hunting tour guide! I LOVE it and I'm dying to get out there and do it!  And guess what I need in order to do it? YOU! Did you know... because I did not........... that real estate agents are self employed and have to rely on their good friends and contacts in order to do business? I didn't know this until the second I signed up with someone.... Bob and I both sort of guessed that you joined up and they sent you on leads! NOT TRUE!   So that means... we get to see a lot more of each other soon, I hope!!!!!!! 

I am a lot of fun to go house hunting with! And I answer your calls, and I answer your questions via email.. Just like I already do- and let me tell you......... in my experiences with real estate agents in the past.. THIS IS RARE!  You know you'll get the same quality, service and friendship you always do with me! And on top of that, we'll get you renovating and decorating hehehehehe! Because you know I have tons of ideas!   

Its a great time to buy or sell a house people! Don't let what you hear on media scare you... TEXAS is still hot!  So give me a call or drop me an Email, and we'll chat about it! 

Im so excited that the New Year is here... help us make it a great one for you with some awesome memories, and lets go buy a house! 

Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Possible Valentines Day QP date!

We finally got our idea today, and are now working on making the set... so tentatively the date is set for Jan. 21, for our Valentines day Quick n painless!  We'll be back by weekend or so with the information about the set ect... but really anything Valentines will work for clothing, and props!

Quick n painless is open from 9-5 and we'll be closed for lunch from 12-1.  our location will be at the studio.....that much we do know! Will post more updates Later!!!

Back in time...........

June 29, 2010, I wrote a blog post that included what I will cut and paste below.

Can you do me a huge favor, and answer it for me again? See whats changed? or needs to be changed... from last time you gave me some of your comments? mmmm kay! Im just curious to know! 
So grab a little plate of christmas cookies, and some starbucks and settle in for a bit.. And THANKS! in advance....

Back in June of 2010, I wrote............

And Wowzers.................. the Economy.  That nasty old thing.. has been taking a bite out of ALL of my entrepreneur friends in the last couple of years. What the heck! When will this end!?  We have been looking for some work for Bob even, for months, with no luck................... and something has just got to change!  What will we all do?

To that end......................... I want to post a little Survey... a little Poll for you........and I hope you will be honest and let me know what you think.  Because you know..........at least I hope you do............that I love and appreciate you guys more than anything for helping me build Cupcake and keep it going strong for all these years!  Its not a Hobby for me..............its not just doing what I love.............. its not just getting to know all of you and watching your families grow.....................its what I do to live!  So I need to KEEP on doing what I do to live....................hahhahaha!  So help a girl out..........answer me some questions... and either Email me your reply, or if you want to be anonymous you can just post it as such here.  Im a big girl..........I can take it...............I think!!!!!!

So.. on to the questions!

1- What type of sessions do you prefer? Location... studio... or BOTH?

2- How much are you willing to pay for a Session... or what seems Reasonable to you? (this I'd really like to know...)

3- Do you want ALOT of proofs to view.........or Less proofs to view?

4- Do you LIKE mini sessions? Do you even  know what they are???

5- Quick n painless...............Love or Hate? And Why?

6- Do you feel Quick n painless is priced right for the money?

7- Do you prefer to view your images from a session Online ? Or would you rather come in and have a view and order session with us, to get expert advice and opinion?

8- If you do NOT use Quick n painless days .. why? If you DO... why?

9- Would you prefer to just purchase your images.............or do you want to purchase prints ? Or BOTH?

10- Would you prefer packages................... or do you want alacarte?

11- Do you  know why some photographers price their prints at a high end............and another at the Low end?

12- Does editing matter to you? ... such as...........do you prefer it if your images are "cleaned up" for red spots, stray hairs, background matters, and so on?

13- Do you feel like you SHOULD PAY for those edits? no matter its included!

14- What is the one thing you love about my studio that drives you to share me with others?

15- What do you wish you could change about my studio or services? share please.....

16- If you have not visited us for a year or more............. can  you tell me why? share please....

17- Do you read the blog?

18- Are  you on facebook?

19- How do you feel about our Clubs? Are they fair? Do you use them? Does it sound like a good deal? What would you do to change them, if you could?

20- Packages............. if you hate them......why? What would you change?

So........................ if you dont mind............. share a little with me and let me know what I can do to make things better ..... keep on going............growing.................so I can keep on doing what I love, and NEED to do to make it through ... and LET ME know.......what I can do for you!

I truly believe in Small business... in Family business. And I will go out of my way to encourage others to use your business... just as I will. I believe in honesty, quality, and loyalty.  Its what we were really founded on ... I think. Well I HOPE...hahahaha..but who knows what our forefathers were really thinking! :O)  In Any case.....................those things are important to me, and if they matter to you too, hopefully I'll see your email in my mailbox soon!

 

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!  So appreciated!

 

Change is afoot!

a·foot

[uh-foot] Show IPA

adverb, adjective

1.

on foot; walking: I came afoot.

2.astir; in progress: There is mischief afoot.

Check back at the New Year!!!!!!!

And in the meantime... Happy Holidays!

Help wanted

Im looking for someone who can help me do the digital "scrapbooks" for my baby club group.  I need a mom with a little time on her hands who loves scrapbooking. Having photoshop or a program that can use templates and digital scrapbooking pieces is a must!

Some samples of what I do/need are here:

  Email me at Cupkake897@aol.com if you are interested!!!!!!!