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.

Fair Week

2008-08-04T17:46:00.002-04:00

I am officially closed during the Miami County Fair, but since I will be at the fair, you can always stop by my booth in the Merchants building and say "Hi!" Also, I will book appointments during the fair, but you need to see me at the fair to do it. If you haven't had a chance to stop by the studio to see my work in person, this is a great opportunity to do just that. I am featuring Seniors this year.

The fair runs Aug 8th through the 14th.

See you there!

Brown Eyed Beauty

2008-08-03T17:42:00.003-04:00

This dark eyed beauty is my youngest. She really knows how to work the camera (as well as mom and dad)

New carpet pad

2008-07-24T10:54:00.003-04:00

Ever so slowly our downstairs is going back together. They are laying the new pad in the bedroom today. Once that's done and the carpet is re-cleaned, I can kick B out of my office. Still can't move back into my office, until it's cleaned again too, but it's a step closer.

We found a box of vintage race memorabilia that Bill has collected since he was a baby. Signed postcards form sprint car drivers who have died in their sport. And metal Nascar, sprint cars and midgets. Plus some one of a kind custom drawings done by Bill. The entire box was wet and starting to fall apart. It's really sad that 2 weeks ago this was worth something to a collector, and now is one step from the trash. I'm working my way through pricing each item. This just adds to the already depressing list of damaged items.

So, on that sad note, here's a few more of my dorky family and a self portrait. Just for laughs. Excuse the exposure, the family computer is just too do anything but open the file and post.

Find the self portrait?

The family vacation snapshot

2008-07-23T13:35:00.002-04:00

Yep, even professional photographers take the family vacation snapshot. You know the one where you use a ledge, tripod or fellow vacationer. In our case it was a tripod, I think my camera would confuse most since I use custom settings and complete manual.

And here it is, probably looks like every other family vacation snapshot, which goes to show two thing. #1 you need a professional portrait of your family done by a professional photographer, and #2 you really should follow your photographers advice and let them pick the location (even the background in the studio), wear matching clothing and let them pose you. But, I was on vacation. ;) Bill picked the location (which really was beautiful, just some hotspots), sat the kids (who really were grumpin from lack of sleep on a flat air mattress) and the clothes were for the humidity and 98 deg weather. I'm pretty happy with it. Perfect for the memory book. :)

Vacation, laundry mats and famiy pics

2008-07-22T07:35:00.003-04:00

Couldn't post for a few days since we were taking a break from it all with a mini famiily vacation. We spent 3 days in a cabin in the Hocking Hills area. Hiked Old Man's cave, Ash cave, Ceder falls, Cantwell cliffs and Conkel's Hollow. If you remember last years posts, Bill and I went in December for our 10 year anniversary. What a contrast. It was hot, humid, noisy and busy this time. You just couldn't see the cliffs and rocks like in December. I have to say, of the two, Winter is the more beautiful time to visit. Next year we'll go in the fall, that should be beautiful.

So, your probably wondering where the laundry mat comes in. My son spent the week at Canter's Cave for shooting camp (sports shooting, not camera). Instead of packing more clothes to take, we stopped at a laundry mat before going to the cabin. We were great entertainment to other people washing clothes. Who knew a laundry mat could be so much fun.

Well, maybe not...

It was a nice, but exhausting get away. Now it's back to putting together studio and B's bedroom.

More pics tomorrow

Cardboard Testimonies

2008-07-16T07:43:00.002-04:00

s frustrating as my problems are, they are not my worries. I hope this effects you the same way it effected me and made me remember, these are not my worries.

Gotta laugh

2008-07-15T07:40:00.002-04:00

As bad as it is, when things seem to just go wrong, you have to smile and go on. Laughing is even better.

The studio work is progressing. Dried out 8 muslin backdrops yesterday. They all have water damage so hopefully the insurance will cover those expenses. The wood floor for the camera room went out the door and into the trash. Lost two wicker baskets used for props and storage. A little water creates a lot of mess really fast. We're having the carpets dried out but that deductible sure put a dent in any near future purchases. My downstairs is now upstairs and the vacation coming up will be nice until we return. I one of those who likes to leave a clean home, and come home to a clean home. This time it just won't happen. To say I'm overwhelmed is putting it mildly. I'm just waiting to get things back to normal and back to creating studio portraits.

I also realized today that the Miami County Fair is less than a month away. Stop by my booth in the merchants building and say hi. Sign up and be entered for a national car give away (if your a senior) or gift cards to the studio (anyone). But just stop by and say "hi".

When it rains, it pours

2008-07-14T08:27:00.002-04:00

I'm not even sure how to start this post. First, I can't totally retract my last entry, that's not me. When I say I'll do something, I do it. However, sometimes mother nature has other plans. And such is the case here. With the wicked storms and 4 inches of water that were dumped Sat night, out electric also went out. This is such a common occurrence, we're the last area to get it back on, and probably the first area to lose it. We went 4 days with out electric during the ice storm last winter. Life didn't stop and it won't this time either.

But, this time it messed with my business. When the electric went out, our sump pump backed up all that rain into our basement. As you know, my studio is a residential studio. Both my office and studio are located in our basement. With the water that came back in, every inch of the floor was covered. We lost furniture, carpets personal pictures. It's a good thing my son is at camp, because as of right now, he doesn't have anywhere to sleep in his own home.

So, while we're cleaning up and putting my business and our home back together, I will not be able to do studio sessions. I plan on taking appointments during this time with studio being scheduled for October. In the mean time, I will continue taking location portraits. I am postponing the Free Studio session until I am up and running again. The 25% off any collection will be honored with any appointment booked now.

And now for the plea and that I never do and the bragging that I never do. This is my passion, my career, this is all I've ever wanted to do as a way of making a living. Since I was in H.S. owning my own studio and being a portrait photographer has been my goal. Every business class in college, every photo class in college and after have been toward this goal. If you are considering portraits for your child, family, senior portraits, wedding, please seriously consider me. I'm not the cheapest, but I am the best in Conover Ohio. Take a look at my work, I am able to create styles that are a reflection of you. This isn't an overblown hobby, or a side job, this is my career choice. Remember that as you look into professional portraits and read the article on Custom Photography on my site.

And for my clients who aren't aware, my computer crashed last month. A big thank you to the creative person who created a virus (and I do have up to date anti virus software) that took out my entire drive and reset windows to factory. It not only cost me money, it cost me time and files that can not be replaced. Please remember to back up your files or use an external drive for your own pictures. I do back up and because of that, it could have been a lot worse. Use a jump drive, online storages or cd/dvd's but back up every week or month.

July Special

2008-07-07T16:48:00.004-04:00

Hope everyone has been enjoying their summer. Ours has really flown by!

Through July, I am having a Business Building/Portfolio Building special. What that means is...

No sessions fees for Senior or Portrait sessions held in our studio

and

25% off the original price of a portrait Collection.

Nuts I know, but so much fun! Just call or email me to schedule or for more information on Collections.

P.S. One very small catch, I do require a signed model release for permission to use the beautiful, fun, funky, artsy, classy portraits I will take. They will be part of my 2008/2009 portfolio and advertising.
Without the release, you can still take advantage of the 25% off a portrait Collection.

Extended date

2008-05-04T19:32:00.002-04:00

Oops, my mistake, I forgot to add the extended ordering date to the ordering site. It's fixed now, and I added a couple days for my mistake. You can order till May 12.

Amended from previous post. Please remember, that I have a master list from the dance that has every name that paid for a picture. The list was complete and the orders were correct except for two students. Both of those young ladies had a note added to their pictures that were sent to the school. If you are missing pictures, someone else probably picked up the wrong ones or they were not paid for at the dance, hence no name on the list. This is a change to the previous post which was made while putting close to 200 pictures into poly bags with labels. Everything except two were delivered correctly. You can re-order even if you didn't pay for a 4x6 at the dance., i.e. groups. If you were in a group picture, you can purchase that print. Cook Photography. I love volunteering for this, but I put in a lot of working hours for free. :)

One more update from the dance.

2008-05-01T12:46:00.003-04:00

As much as I want this to flow from start to finish, I inevitably hit a stumbling block. I have to give a lot of credit to the mom's who keep track of names and money, but when the list fails me, I'm at a loss. This year the lab failed me too by printing 3 sets of the same print with 3 different image numbers on the back. I've done my best sorting and accept for 1 image (I forgot to add to the order Kaitlyn S.) I think I have everything ready. Kaitlyn S. your's will be delivered to the school asap.

If you are missing any print, and I have a pretty good idea of who might be, please contact me. You will need the image number from the online site which will be up until May 9th, your name and grade. I will have the missing print delivered to the school. If you just want another print for cheap, like I said, I'm only concerned about a couple, please reconsider and order through the site.

Thank you!! :)

cotillion pictures

2008-04-29T12:09:00.002-04:00

The formal pictures taken at the dance will be delivered to the school this week. If you have not seen the picture by Monday May 5th, get hold of me through my website. Everything is ordered and delivered according to the list that was kept at the dance. The list is complete.

I will also leave the re-order site up for an additional week. The new deadline for online re-orders is now May 9th.

Thanks for the orders placed so far. If you have questions, don't hesitate to contact me.

Can you see it?

2008-04-18T15:04:00.004-04:00

I'm getting some complaints that my website isn't showing like it should. When you first enter the url, www.cookphotography.biz you will be taken to my splash page. This is the "home" page and where I have different options for opening the site depending on you internet server. For phone line users, you need to use "Dial up users enter" For broadband, DSL, etc, "Enter Site should work.
If you want only senior info "Senior Site Enter" is the place for you. And lastly is my blog which you should have subsribed to for any specials that are run between the newsletter mailings.

So, if this isn't working for you, you may need to refresh your browser. Ctrl F5 should work or go in under "Tool" and find you cache and clear it out. Also, very important to view the highspeed site correctly, your monitor must be set to 1024x768 pixels. If it's not you won't see pages in the site and their are several. You should be able to view the dial up site regardless of monitor settings.

If you still have problems, please contact me. I may need to get in touch with my server to find out why my family, friends and clients can't view my website!

Miami East Cotillion

2008-04-14T07:35:00.003-04:00

Saturday night was the Jr. High Cotillion. If you aren't familiar with this event the PAC members puts on for the Jr high 7th and 8th graders, let me tell you a little about it. Students take dance lesson for 6(?) weeks. It's been a couple years since my son did this, but they are taught line type dances. After they attend all the lessons offered, they get to attend a themed dance that is put on and decorated by volunteer PAC (parents advisory committee) members. Now, I can't speak for the D.J., but the photographer volunteers their time, talent and resources for the event. Student's pay $1 for 1-4x6 and this covers printing that print. For the past two years, I've had the privilege of being that photographer. I have a blast doing it!

The theme.
This years them was a 50's theme. These talented parents created some awesome decorations and a fun set for formal (and very fun) portraits. A hola hoop competition was put on, but with over 75 students waiting for portraits, I didn't get to see who the winner was. A best dressed contest was also put on. I'd love the winners to contact me for a complimentary studio mini session and 5x7!! In full costume of course.

The portraits.
And this is the part where I really want to show off a few of the images, but I need parents permission to do that. If you'd like to see your child's portrait from the dance showcased on my blog or website, just email me. I will send you a model release. Then some of my faves will go online.

The formals
Because students won't always show their parents what they should, (I have four children, I know this well) you may need to check papers and bags to make sure you get to see the portrait from the dance. Since I do no delete anything until everything is delivered, if you didn't receive a portrait, one of two things happened. Your child didn't have a formal portrait taken or they decided not to show you. (Did I mention I have a sophomore son, this happens a lot!) Just contact me and we can get together in person and look through all the original images. I'll then re-order and contact you in person to pick up the missing print.

A gift
If your child is on my list of formals taken at the dance, I would like to offer you a complimentary family (up to 6) mini session and 5x7. Just mention my blog about the dance!

Want good picture cheap or a great portrait investment

2008-03-29T17:50:00.004-04:00

With the advance of digital camera's, there are so many camera owners hanging an "open for business" on their doors. I have great respect for anyone getting into their own business, whether for pictures or for insurance. It takes hard work and commitment. But this post is just about photography, my business. Just like there are many different brands of cameras on the market today, there are many different styles of photography. And many different levels of photographers. There are self taught, (whom I have a good deal of respect for), photographers with degrees, (even more respect for) and those who are told they are good and just run with it (good for them if they can succeed). But for the consumer this information is really important. To me, if I'm going to pay someone to take a picture of my child/family and bring home that image to hang on my wall, it better not look like anything I could take with my own digital compact point and shoot. If I'm in the picture, it better look real good. Sit me down with my husband and kids and start shooting, I'm not going to buy anything, cause my camera has an auto timer and I can do the same thing for a lot less(free) and stick it in the album. But take the time to smooth stray hairs, straighten my kids clothing, make me and my husband feel at ease, then go the extra mile and actually pose us so we have a movement, closeness, contact with each other, then really wow me by adjust the lights so we look awesome. Hey, I'm going to buy that image as big as I can afford if not a tad bigger and hang it on my living room wall where everyone can see it.

Unfortunately, this isn't happening in today's market. I'm going to tell you how to save tons of money on pictures, or how to get beautiful keepsake portraits. Which you choose is completely up to you. Do you want a heirloom keepsake for over the sofa, or a keepsake picture for the family photo album? Just read below and learn more.

So, you've chosen your photographer, she's a lifestyle photographer, what exactly does this mean? It means that you will not be posed. Her style is about having a fun session and lots of photos. You'll have 50 or more to choose from. Many will be the same pose, just a tad different expression on different family members. You may be photographed in your home or another location and natural light was probably used because she did not study lighting whether natural or studio and does not understand how important this is to creating truly beautiful portraits. This style is very trendy right now. She will probably spend the next 2 days working day and night to enhance them in very catchy trendy ways. Making colors pop and unique borders. Then you get to see the previews. All 75 of them. And they look just like you and your family on any day of the week. Your overwhelmed and a little disappointed and you and walk away with a cd of each pose to take home, print and stick in the family album. Or , you just order a couple small ones and in the album or drawer they go. Why did this happen? Because, she didn't really take the time to make you and your family look great through complimentary posing and feature enhancing lighting. Isn't that why you went to a professional photographer in the first place? To look good? Ready to save money? It's really easy to set up your own self portraits. All you need is one of the great (plus inexpensive) digital compact point and shoot camera's, a tripod or flat surface, 5 ft of space behind you and the wall and the cameras self timer. Photoshop elements (super fun and inexpensive) does those really cool effects or you can get them off the internet for free just by googling. There are some great labs out there that print for less than Walmart (MPix is one) and you can keep all the proofs.

But you wanted something to hang in a beautiful frame that compliments the decor of your home. Whether it's an 11x14 or 30x40, you want a heirloom keepsake that you could just stare at all day long. Time to do your homework. Lifestyle photography, if done correctly does involve posing and lighting whether natural or studio. It is not about letting everyone just sit down and let you start snapping away, remember from above, you don't need to pay someone to do this, you have the equipment to do that yourself. It's about creating a fun connection, interacting while the photographer does her job and watches for the perfect expression, laughter, family love. The very best unposed looking images, taken by some of the best professional photographers today, were posed or directed somewhat or in some way.

Take that to the next level and let the photographer pose and light you and your family to the most complimentary standard is what gives you a beautiful classic portrait. Whether a lifestyle portrait or a classic portrait, choosing someone who understands how to correctly use every tool they own (and this especially includes the creative side of their brain) will give you that framed portrait you expected, hanging for over the sofa. And more than likely some great keepsakes for the family album too.

A well trained professional photographer will be able to create both formal and informal portraits, though some specialize in one or the other. To really get your investment worth, make sure they use pro-equipment, can shoot in the studio with studio lights or on location with studio, bounced flash or natural light and always use a pro lab or pro sub dye pro equipment.

What about Cook Photography?
I have a degree in portrait photography. I am also self taught by keeping current on portrait trends. I use both studio and location. Studio lights and natural light . Whether lifestyle or classic, the 20 poses that you will see from your session at Cook Photography will each be different. The decision will be overwhelming not because there are to many and so many similar poses, but because you want them all to hang on your wall. But, rest assured, approximately 8 weeks after your studio or location session, you will have that beautiful framed portrait hanging over your sofa. P.S. I also do wall collections for when you can't choose just one. :)

To learn more about taking great family pictures with your camera, I offer photography workshops. These workshop's don't replace professional photographs, but give you more usable photographs for your scrap booking or your family album.

Work Shops

2008-03-14T08:44:00.003-04:00

I'm now offering photography workshops for any group or organization that would like to learn how to take better pics of their children.

The workshops cover, Finding nice light, Watching your background, Beyond "Say Cheese", and Capture the Moment. For availability and price, please contact me.

2009 Seniors

2008-03-03T11:55:00.000-05:00

To kick off this years Senior Car contest, I will be giving away free sessions!! Yes, totally free. Stop by to learn more, call or email to schedule your session or visit the website for more info. When you stop by you can register for the Senior Car contest and get senior portrait session info. That's accomplishing two things at once which is really saving you time!

Also check out my new MySpace page. It's kind of lonely right now, but over the next couple months you, as an upcoming senior, could be featured. Watch for the stuff that you don't want to dig around a website for. Things like what to wear to wear to your session. What to expect. Ideas for props and ideas from you!

Don't wait, save your money, time and sanity (plus your parents) by booking early and getting it out of the way. BTW, seniors don't change all that much from the end of their jr year to their sr year, so don't let that stop you from booking your senior portrait session early.

New Website!!!

2008-02-18T22:00:00.000-05:00

The site is live! You can visit it at Cook Photography

There is no March newsletter, but a couple specials coming up that you need to know about.

First, April is the studio's first themed portrait event. "A day at the beach" is scheduled for April 8, 10th and 12th, 23rd and 26th. This is held in the studio on a special set. Price is $75 for up to 4 children and includes 1-5x7. 8-10 poses are taken. This is a children's set. Please watch for more info.

Second. Starting March 1st through June 31 Senior sessions are 25% off and include a wallet special of 24 same pose wallets for $19.95. More specials on the website.

Plus, any junior or senior who contacts the studio and stops in for senior session information can sign up for a chance to win a 2008 Ion or other great prices. Info in on the website.

Still under construction

2008-02-02T15:10:00.000-05:00

The new website is still under construction, but it's quickly coming together. If you are wanting to contribute to the testimonial page, you can do so through an email to studio@ctcn.net or in "add comments" on this blog. All feedback is welcome.

So far the poll has 100% in studio proof appointments. Make sure you're vote is tallied. The new proofing will take place in April.

The studio's will be holding two great contests this year. One for high school seniors and the chance to win a new car. Yep, a 2008 Ion. Watch for more details on this!

The second is a cutest kids contest. One winner will receive a savings bond, amount to be announced.

Both contests are nationally sponsored. Keep checking back for more details.

Don't forget to vote

2008-01-24T15:01:00.000-05:00

Make sure your vote counts in our studio poll. Just answer the question on the left side of the blog.

Are you receiving our newsletter? If not, you can view it here.

Want to start receiving studio news? Send an email with subscribe in the title. You will be added to our list.

You can also receive blog updates by subscribing to the blog using the subscription box to the left.

And last but not least. Check out our new name! Cook Photography. New web address will be released in March, but check back in case it happens earlier.

Slideshow from weekend get away

2007-12-16T13:33:00.000-05:00

For our anniversary, we rented a cabin in the Hocking Hills area of Ohio. Even in the winter, the area is amazing.

Enjoy the slideshow.

2008 price changes

2007-12-13T07:20:00.000-05:00

Just want everyone to be aware that my prices will change on Feb. 1, 2008. If you have not ordered prints from 2007, now is the time to do so. After Feb 1, the new price structure is in place regardless of when you had your pictures taken.

Also, due to the growth of the studio...Yeah!!...I can no longer keep images past 90days once you have placed your order. Only the negative of the picture ordered will be kept on file for 90 days. All other negatives will be purged.

Another big change will be in how long images are kept after a session. If you have not order after 30 days from viewing your images online, I have to assume that you will not be ordering and the images will be purged. This is to save space and keep my system current.

Another biggie is viewing the previews. As of Jan 1, 2008, all sessions will be veiwed online. Paper previews will be available, but you must order a preview booklet at your session. There is a 3 week turn around for preveiw booklets. If you do not order at that time, you have the option of ordering a session album with your print order. There is a big difference between preview books and session albums. A preview book is 4x5 spiral bound, watermarked and contains the studio information. The previews are straight from the camera. It is yours to keep once you purchase it at your session. A session album contains your favorite prints from the session or all of them and will be available in differeant formats and sizes. These are the high quality images you will recieve from your finished prints. Session albums are perfect gifts and coffee table albums.

All the studio policies will be available online in my main site as well as the senior site and future wedding site. Please watch for these as they will include policies on print discounts also.

I am pleased to offer creative high quality portaits to my customers and want to make your session and relationship with the studio as pleasent and comfortable as possible. Hopefully my new policy page will help with that.

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas! I look forward to hearing from you in 2008!!

10 year wedding anniversary

2007-12-06T20:02:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to share that today is my ten year wedding anniversary. Not only is today a special anniversary (although all anniversaries are special) mine is especially so. I met my husband 13 years ago. At that time I was widowed with a 3 year old son. I was putting myself through photography school and very self sufficient. Those years of being on my own made me a stronger person. I don't play on the tragedy that effected my life, it did make me who I am today. I am forever grateful for my son from my first marriage. I am also very blessed with the life I now have and the 3 beautiful daughters I have. My husband is a wonderful man and my life is very full and blessed. So, with the firm belief God has total control and everthing happens for a reason, I know I am truly blessed on my 10th anniversary.

Happy Holidays

2007-11-27T14:30:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I got to spend time with my sister who has moved closer to Ohio. This was a very thankful time for me. I see her maybe once a year and she had to come to Ohio for this to happen. Now she's driving distance and I'll get to go visit her instead!!

My youngest daughter and I picked out the Christmas music you're listening too. I hope it puts you in the mood for the Holiday season.

Last minute gifts can still be ordered until Dec. 5. I won't be available after the 5th so order soon! Gift ideas, portrait purses, dry erase boards, canvas prints, and Christmas cards.

I also am throwing a thank you out to my friend Lori. With her ever so gentle nudging, I am decorating for Christmas in Novemeber instead of December. Next year I will be using my decorations as portrait backgrounds. So something to look forward to next Christmas.

2008 graduating seniors

2007-10-16T16:05:00.000-04:00

Check out the links for featured 2008 seniors. Watch for Jan specials!!

Kiel

and

Claire

Hey brides...trash that dress!!

2007-08-27T07:20:00.000-04:00

You heard me, now that the wedding is over, contact me for a Trash the Dress Session. A fun, creative, artful way to wear your wedding dress one more time. It's not about destroying the dress you searched and searched for, it's about creating fun memories of wearing your dress of a lifetime! No prim and proper here, this is about out fun and creativity. Since this is a new area for my portfolio, there's an incentive here! 50% off the session and 25% off your order if over $100. Oh, and I'll throw in a free 8x10 for signing a model release so I can add your session to my portfolio and advertising.

Don't know what trash the dress is about? Just watch the clips below.

And high school seniors, I'm offering a very similiar session for your formal dress. Still fun, artful and creative, but geared toward a high school student.

Thanks for stopping by...

2007-08-22T18:39:00.000-04:00

A big thank you to everyone who stopped by me booth during the Miami County Fair. I wasn't able to be there all day, but tried to stop in whenever possible.

The winner from the free session drawing will be notified by mail since a place for phone number where left off the entry forms. And the winner for that is Erin Taylor. Thanks to everyone who entered.

Anyone who picked up information on my new faces sessins or found the link on my splash page; Sept 30 is the dead line for this. Time slots are filling quickly.

Also, the deadline for Christmas pictures this year is October 31. The studio will be closed to sessions during November and December to ensure everyone who had Christmas sessions scheduled recieves there prints before the holidays.

Once again I am having Costume Cuties mini sessions on October 27th. I know it seems early to be thinking about Halloween, but with school starting up again, times just going to fly!! This is one day only and like last year includes a 5x7 and 8 wallets for $15. These 15 minute sessions are a great way to get fun memories of the children in their costumes.

New name, new start.

2007-05-22T09:08:00.000-04:00

It's been a while since I posted. I've been learning some new skills (portrait painting) and putting together a new look and name for the studio. Years ago when I decided I wanted to own my own studio and take photography as a career, I fell in love witht the idea of first impressions. It says so much and gave me a lot to work towards. Well sometimes success is as scary as failure. I've reached a point in my work, where I am no longer afraid of either. Hence the changes.

Cook Photograpy is now First Impressions Photography. I hope you follow me through all the changes and growth. You can subcribe to my blog by filling in the box to the left. Also, don't forget to check out any other links I have posted.

My new website www.f1rstimpressions.net is still a work in progress. It's definately work of the heart since this is my best way of showing off my portraits and reaching my clients. I will be adding a link for my newsletter, please sign up for that also. I need a certain number of clients before I can go forward with this. My first newsletter was sent out in April, but I am short on names for any other newsletters at this time. Sign up and get in on any coupons or specials. The first one featured a special on the gorgeous photo purses I carry in my boutique line. But, please don't ask me to use a photo not taken at the studio for your spcecialty items. These are for customers of First Imressions Photograpy featuring their favorite pose from their session.

I will try to do better with my blogging. With over 1000 senior mailers going out, I am looking forward to posting some exciting senior sessions over the summer. I also have a couple fundraisers in the works. One is for the Miami County Humane society. So, keep checking back!!

Something special for Valentine's Day!!

2007-01-10T14:29:00.000-05:00

Valentine's Mini Session

Location:
Cook Photography

When:
Saturday, January 20, 9:00am to 5:00pm

Phone:
937-368-3809

Mini Portrait session just in time for Valentine's Day.

Each session is by appointment. Call to schedule your time.

Each session is approximately 15 minutes.

Previews will be presented online. The Valentine's day frame shown above (8x10) is also being offered at the same price as a regular 8x10

No session fee!! (With signed model release)
Lots of fun!

Sessions are available for children, but this is a good time to leave the kids at home and come for a session of your own to surprise that special someone.

Pass your invite on to a friend and schedule back to back sessions!

Weddings

2006-11-15T11:51:00.000-05:00

I have recently added a wedding page to my website. I have joined with a wonderful lab that will allow me to focus strictly on taking pictures. I will even be able to accept credit cards!! If you know a bride looking for a creative photographer, please refere them to my site. If they book with me and tell me you sent them, you receive a free 8x10 with your next paid session, and they will receive 8 free wallets.
I have also become a member of WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photographers Internation.) With the holidays right around the corner, I know their will be lots of marriage proposals. What a wonderful way to start the new year!

Halloween

2006-11-01T09:48:00.000-05:00

Wow, it's November already. Last night was beggars night for us, so we bundled up our little (and not so little) trick or treaters and went to St. Paris. Despite some sickness that have had our girls down, everyone had lots of fun. It's really time to switch gears now and I'm looking forward to some family sessions and a special glamour session with some Mary Kay consultants. But to finish out October, I thought I'd post one of my favorite Costume Cuties. Hopefully next year more of you will join in the fun.

2006-10-13T12:16:00.000-04:00

Where did the summer go? The kids are almost done with their first nine weeks and we had snow!! yesterday. That get me thinking about Christmas for my own family. And with that thought comes Christmas cards. Every year I try to do something different. This year I think it will be an angel on a white background. Whichever daughter will wear the wings will get the job. So with this idea, I've decided to give my clients a special pre-Christmas gift of 25 greetings cards with a paid Custom session. This is a $40 value.
Deadline for ordering Christmas pictures or greeting cards is November 25. And I want to thank my friend Julie, for the wonderful gift certificates she created. These are also available for any occasion. They also make a great Christmas gift.

My own design...

2006-10-11T20:01:00.000-04:00

This is the purse that has gotten so much attention. I thought I'd better get some info on it up pretty quick since orders are starting to come in. The body is black and the lining is tan. The image can be color or b&w. The hardware is silver and it has a zipper opening. There is a split pocket inside. Size is app. 6" tall, 9.5" wide and 3.5" deep. For me this is a perfect size, but I don't use real big purses. But, you'd be amazed how much you can fit in there. You can choose from an adjustable single strap or double 13" purse handles. The one pictured above won second at our county fair this fall!!

Costume Cuties

2006-10-03T16:24:00.000-04:00

For my first Costume Cuties Day, I will be offering the following packages. This session is for Children 6mos to 10 years. For $15 you will recieve, a complimentary session, plus 1-5x7 and 8 wallets. This session is by appointment only. Visit my website for contact information.

First Blog Special

2006-10-02T17:06:00.000-04:00

Here it is, my first blog special. To get this special, please mention you read it in my October 2nd blog.

Through October 31st, the photo purse is only $50+tx. Whether you send me your own photo our use a picture from a recent session at Cook Photography, it's the same price!!

Keep watching, there's more!!

Catching up

2006-10-02T08:44:00.000-04:00

It's been almost a month since my first post. But boy has a lot happened in that time. I've got my camera room set up again and I've found some great ways of putting up my backgrounds. I've got my business plan in place and my website is up. I can't believe the great responses I've gotten from friends and family. I have so many more pictures I want to get on my site, but so many were taken on medium format and I haven't sent them in to have them put on dvd's.
I've been keeping an eye on a small building outside St. Paris. Right now I need to stay based from my house. But I'd really love to get into my own storefront. Better yet, an old house turned studio would be ultimate.
The end of October is two big kick off days for the studio. This week I'll be doing promo shots of my kids. Great having models right here. Don't forget to call for your appointment.
School pictures were taken at school today. That means I'll be taking my own kids out this week for our yearly "my kids" picture. I love this time of year with the leaves changing colors. I'll also take their individual school pics this year. My kindergartener will probably give me a hard time because I didn't send her picture envelope to school with her. The older ones are used to it. I've never bought school pictures for my daughters, and only 2x's for my son. I've always done theirs myself. I may have to start paying them for referrels.
And on referrels, I have a referrel program for my own clients. Please ask about it. I want it to be something you would definately use, so I'm also taking suggestions. Without you, I wouldn't have this business.
As things pick up here, I'll post more and add blog only specials. For now, thanks for taking the time to check out my blog.

Almost ready to open

2006-09-19T22:54:00.000-04:00

Owning my own portrait studio has been a dream and goal since high school. Many detours and much experience later, I am at a point in my life where it is now a reality. I started with a degree in Business Management. I knew I had to be able to not only take pictures, but run a successful business. Shortly after, I graduated from The Ohio Institute of Photography and Technology, specializing in Portrait Photography. This taught me the technical side of lighting, posing, and image making. I worked for Terry Crumley, M.Photog., and gained experience in the behind the scenes work of getting prints ready for the client. I also interned at Younce Photography during my final quarter at OIP&T and learned creative posing and wedding photography. I later returned to Younce Photography and worked at Image Masters developing prints for the studio. There I also learned Photoshop basics and digital retouching. I have won various awards for my prints and have had work published. My goal is not only to give my clients portraits that will be cherished investments, but to teach my children the value of hard work and never giving up on your goals. The next step for me as a photogrpher is to become certified as a Professional Photographer through PPA. With my talents from God, the support of my husband and children and you as my customer, this will be a reality too.