KCook Photography

Blog moved

2009-02-23T08:49:00.003-05:00

I have a new blog page.
http://kcookphotography.blogspot.com/
Please bookmark my new blog and follow me as I document my life as a portrait photographer and grow as a business.

And if you have a facebook page, please, please, please, become a fan of my facebook page

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Conover-OH/KCook-Photography/47824903399?ref=share. Yes, I was begging. See you at the new blog.

Put KCook Photography on the site!

2009-01-17T12:45:00.001-05:00

Think you have the cutest child? Bring him or her into KCook Photography and be entered into our National Charity Model Search. More info is on the KCook Photography website. You child will be featured here, $1 lets you vote for your child and the money is donated Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep.

Please help us support the charity while you help support a small local business!

Seniors!

2009-01-15T21:30:00.003-05:00

Click to enlarge Visit the website for more information. I need you in my gallery!

Valentine's day gift

2009-01-13T15:54:00.002-05:00

Need a special valentines day gift? I know my husband does not get into ties, socks, chocolates, or any other fru fru gifts. He would, however, go for a special portriat of me! And I bet your sweetie is the same way.

Until Jan 30th, I am offering special Valentine Day Portraits. $35 includes 1 5x7 from your favorite pose. Come with hair and make up all done up. Your fave outfit, or his, and spend 30 mins in a glamour session. Full length, head and should, close up, whatever you prefer. Bring a friend(s) and each of you save $5.

Studio number is 937-308-0657 or email through the site.

And don't forget about the charity model search going on at the studio!
And it's time for Senior Spokesmodels!

Charity Model Search

2009-01-12T11:04:00.005-05:00

Click to enlarge

National Charity Model Search

2009-01-09T13:21:00.000-05:00

Is your child America’s Cutest Kid?

KCook Photography is participating in the National Charity Model Search to select “America’s Cutest Kid” and to raise funds for charity.

We’re looking for cute children ages 18 months to 14 years old to model for a portrait to be entered into the contest.

Models Search Special:
$35 entrance fee, which includes a 45 minute model session and one image submitted to the national gallery.

Finalists will be determined by online votes. Anyone may vote. Each vote is $1, and all proceeds from votes benefit the non-profit Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep. (NILMDTS.org)
Grand prize national winner will be determined from the 50 city finalists. Winners selected by photography and modeling industry experts.

If your child is selected the national winner, you’ll receive many prizes, including a $5,000 US Savings Bond and a Canon PowerShot G10 digital camera.

If you’re interested in entering your child(ren), please call the studio at 937-308-0657. For more information about the contest, go online to www.sandypucmodels.com.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-02T11:17:00.002-05:00

I'm back working after a very nice break with my family. I officially open the studio again Jan 5th.

I hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Year with friends and family. This is going to be a great year at the studio and I'm so happy to have the awesome clients I do! Watch for my charity calender and childrens model call. Also a Cutest kids contest.

Remember Miami East families do get 1/2 off sessions. If you are at the High school, 20% of your order goes to the Academic Boosters. If you are at the Jr. High, 20% of your order goes to the PAC. Seniors, this inlcludes your senior session fee!

On a final note. I need to make another studio name change. I know I did this last year, but this will be minor. The studio is now Kelly Cook Photography, ltd.

If there are any talented branding designers out there reading my blog, I'm in need of a logo! I want to barter for this. This is where those talented designers also need to be photographers. You must live outside a 120 mile radius of Piqua, OH. The reason, I'm offering my online studio lighting workshop in exchange for a branding package. The workshop is $175. This is money for money. All I ask is to to not be in my target market, have up to date/live samples of your work and treat me as any other paying customer. I will gladly give the same curtesy in return!

You can email me or if you are a photographer with a samples portrait portfolio online or a website, you can register at In Focus and leave a post or PM me. Plus, you'll love the board.

Till tomorrow!

Facebook

2008-12-14T21:32:00.005-05:00

My account on facebook was terminated because for some reason they don't like my name. I don't find Kelly Cook odd, kind of plain, but not odd. So for all my friends that had connected with me there, please look me up on MySpace instead. I had a lot of add's last week and that must have set off alarms. I pretty sure if I were using a fake name, high school friends wouldn't have found me.

So, if you suddenly can't find me there, it's them, not me. The decided I don't exist as a person. Gotta love the cyberworld. I honestly like the real world better. I like having both feet firmly on the ground!

BTW, if you are terminated, you don't get advance warning. It's just POOF! All gone, just like you never existed.

11 year Anniversary

2008-12-07T18:46:00.003-05:00

Saturday was our eleven year Wedding Anniversary. We spent the weekend out of town. Left Friday and returned late Saturday. Wasn't as big a get away as last year to Hocking Hills, but it was a nice retreat from life. We spent Fri in Springfield. And after spending a couple hours looking for the perfect dress, Bill's gift to me, we finally settled on Cassanos pizza. Our fave! I didn't find the dress at the Upper Valley Mall, so after pizza and a couple drinks at Tumbleweed (our hotel was right across the street, so no driving out of us!) we mapped out our Saturday trip.

Saturday took us to Waynesville. What a quaint little town. They were having their Holiday celebration, it was snowing, it was the perfect little story book picture. It reminded us of Zionsville IN, where we went about 3 years ago. We made a couple side trips to the Fairfield Commons in search of dresses. We found a wonderful candy store there with the best mint truffles, and they'd better be good at $2.25 a piece. The goal of the weekend was dinner at The Golden Lamb in Lebanon. That didn't happen this year. I never did find that dress and now have a New Year's resolution ready to go. Those weights are coming back out. It was nice to get away without the kids though. This is our weekend and it's always nice to re-connect.

And I have to say, any husband who will spend the weekend with his wife shopping for the perfect dress, has to be a lifetime keeper.

Giving Thanks

2008-11-30T17:11:00.002-05:00

Well, this should have been my Thanksgiving Day blog entry, but a bout of the flu had me down midway through the day. After reading another photographers blog, I felt moved to blog today. Her's was on the wastefulness of the United States. And I agree somewhat but, I'm an optimist, not a pessimist. I see the good in everything and have been accused of seeing the world through rose colored glasses. I don't think that is a bad thing. I have a lot to be thankful for.
I'm thankful that I got to spend the day with my family on Thanksgiving. We had enough food to eat and yes, the kids may have wasted some, but I didn't see much on the dog's scrap plate (which is just wrong to feed to a dog). I'm thankful, my business is going in the direction so that I can give back to other areas. Currently the pet portraits for abused, neglected and homeless cats, dogs and other four legged domestic creatures. I'm thankful that my children attend a public school that has received academic excellence and still allows the parents to be very involved. So much that the studio is able to give back to the PTO, PAC and the Academic Boosters.
I'm thankful for organizations who help people this time of year and year round with food and those who give to these organizations. Such as the Angel Food Ministries, the food pantries and area churches.
There is so much good in this world and especially right here at home. I think when we fail to see it and focus on the bad, things just fall apart. This is the time of the year especially, to really focus on others around us. Give thanks for what we have and give in whatever way we can in helping those less fortunate. Sarcasm and pessimism don't create change. Positive focus, good deeds and good will do.
So, especially during this holiday season, bless those around you with a good healthy dose of optimism and a smile.

Sneak Peak

2008-11-25T13:13:00.003-05:00

A couple cuties from a recent session.
Even though they really wanted to be playing with my daughters!

Pet Portraits

2008-11-23T13:00:00.002-05:00

I am so far behind on my blogging! I really want need to get this event up. It is November 29th 9 to 5pm at Wag 'n Tails in St. Paris

You must sign up at Wag 'n Tails for this event. Cost is $25 due at your session time. You will also receive a complimentary 8x10 from your pets session. Please, no people in the portrait. This is pets only. And no Santa! These are professional studio pet portraits.

10% of the sales from this event will benefit neglected and abandoned pets at a local sanctuary by providing food and supplies during the winter.

Your help is needed and appreciated.

You can call the studio for more info, but I can not sign you up myself.

Also, walk ins will have to wait for an open spot if any are available.

If you miss this event. I do photograph pets in your home. Session fees are regular portrait fees with travel fees applying outside a 15 mile radius of the studio. 10% of each pet portrait order will be donated to His Extended Hands.

Please help support our furry friends!

Christmas Pictures

2008-11-23T10:52:00.004-05:00

Just an update to those interested in Family Christmas portraits. At this time I am completely booked for the rest of the year. After November 25th, I can not get portraits back before Christmas. I had such a huge interest in Family Portraits for Christmas after yesterday's M.E. Holiday Bazaar, I wanted to update this information asap.

I am booking sessions for Jan 2009. These times will fill up quickly, so if you want a family portrait with Cook Photography, please plan booking 4 weeks in advance of the date you want.

I am will also be booking 2010 seniors for studio spokes models. I am limited to 2 senior reps per school. These will also fill up quickly. If you are interested in being a studio spokes model, please contact the studio. After January I will not take anymore applications. I absolutely can not take 2009 seniors as spokes models. It is too late in the year. Please don't ask to be a spokes model if you graduate in 2009, I do have to turn you down.

Spokes models receive:

discounted session, studio and location

all previews in a preview book

your DVD slideshow

cash money for each 2010 senior who orders their senior portraits from Cook Photography

senior spokesmodel cards

And remember Miami East families who book with Cook Photography help support PAC or the Academic Boosters for the 2008/09 school year.

Miami East Educational Foundation

2008-11-21T09:49:00.006-05:00

Yep, the pictures on the Speical Events page were taken by my studio, more specifially, me! The event, held in the spring, helped raise money for the foundation. The studio donated a family studio session and 8x10 as part of the silent auction.

I was there to help take mascot pictures, but when my turn was over, I was able to enjoy the style show and awards ceremony.

They did forget to credit me/the studio as the photographer, but wanted to share my published images!

http://www.miamieast.k12.oh.us/MEEF/2008%202009/Vikingfest%202009.htm

And also wanted to mention, I am helping the jr. high PAC and high school Academic Boosters with an ongoing fundraiser for the rest of the 2008/09 school year.

When you have a session held at the studio, 20% of your order, goes back to the one of the above. Please help support these organizations with school, family, senior, pet, or children's portraits by having them taken at Cook Photography. They in turn help our Miami East students.

FREEBIE!

2008-10-29T07:40:00.003-04:00

The next 3 people to email me at kelly@cookphotography or leaves a comment here, will receive a free 8x10 with their paid session anytime through November 15th. All other specials still apply.

I have my doubts, I don't think too many people read my blog, so this is to prove me wrong. ( I hope)

Half Price Family Portrait Sessions

2008-10-28T15:47:00.003-04:00

Through November 15, I will continue the 1/2 price session fee for Family Portraits. The cut off ordering date for orders to be back in time for Christmas is November 25th. I do still have the following dates open. Your session fee is required to hold the date.

One spot available on each date.
~~November 1st~~
~~November4th evening (for those who vote in the morning)~~
~~November 6th evening~~
November 8th (1 session spot left)
November 11th evening
November 13th evening

Session last about 1 hour. I take anywhere from 15-20 shots on at least two different backgrounds and at least 5 different poses. I also photograph the children together and parents together and any other combination you desire within your session time.

Plus, goofy looking poses, faces, etc that show your families fun side are more than welcome...at no charge!!!

Miss Ashley

2008-10-26T17:17:00.003-04:00

Another beautiful senior at a wonderful location. Ashley attends Northwestern High School where she is active in soccer, Young Life and SADD. Ashley is planning on attending Wittenberg University where she will study Pre-Physical Therapy. We had great sesion that included in the studio and 3 different locations. I'll be in touch soon, but for now, here's a sneak peak.

Miss Julia

2008-10-19T16:28:00.002-04:00

This is Julia, a senior at Piqua High School. She is a member of the Piqua Show Choir and that talent is appearent in front of the camera. Julia is planning on collage next falling with a medical major. We spent her session in the studio and on location. Here's a couple sneak peaks from your session. I'll be in touch soon.

The J Family

2008-10-16T20:59:00.005-04:00

I have to thank this beautiful family for having such a great attitude in weather that was less than ideal. A typical fall day, it was a bit chilly during the shoot. I can't wait for you to see all of them, but for now, here's a sneak peak of just one of my faves.

Family Portrait Month

2008-09-30T09:34:00.002-04:00

As we move closer to the Holiday's, it's time to start thinking about the last time you had a family portrait or a portrait of just your children. Every year, my children have to put up with mom will I take the Christmas card portrait. This year is family year again with all of us. When was the last time you had your family together for a Family Portrait?

During the month of October, all Family Sessions will be 1/2 price. This is for Mom, Dad, and siblings. I do break down families into smaller group. The 1/2 price is studio up to 10 and that is max, I absolutely can not do 11 in my studio and 10 is probaly 1 too many. But, if you have your heart set on a traditional studio portrait, I can do it! I also do location up to a 20 mile radius of the studio at no extra charges. This is perfect for larger groups or larger families.

And last, as we move into fall, thought I'd post a favorite from late summer. Although I do tradiational portriats, if you ask for something different, I will create timeless heirloom portraits with a creative touch like the one here. This is why a pre-consultation is so important, we can even discuss the vision for your portrait over the phone.

Two more from last weekend

2008-09-26T15:46:00.003-04:00

Thank you for giving me permission to post a some more. You'll be hearing from me soon!

A couple more from the beach session

2008-09-25T13:29:00.002-04:00

I have permission to share one of the families from last weekends beach session. Thank you!!

Enjoy these. I should have them proofed in a couple more days.

The Z family

2008-09-23T12:32:00.004-04:00

I had the most wonderful photo shoot with this family over the weekend. Unfortunately, I forgot my model release form, so I can only share this one. But, as the saying goes, A picture is worth a thousand words. Enjoy the sneak peak.

The Gratitude Campaign

2008-09-20T18:35:00.004-04:00

I've encouraged my daughter to learn sign language since Kindergarten. Now I'm encouraging everyone to learn. http://www.gratitudecampaign.org/shortmovie.php

One from the lake

2008-09-19T11:24:00.002-04:00

I've got a lot of sessions coming up. If you are wanting family photos, now is the time. Ask about discount!! I am refreshing my portfolio with new faces, techniques and looks. I'm also building my business, so ask, please, you'll be pleasently surprised.

One from Kiser Lake the day before the big wind storm.