the investment | 8.10.12

In our American culture, at the age of sixteen, everyone has been saving up their dimes and nickels, and are just about ready to buy their first car.  They drive it home, and in their eyes, that used clunker is more beautiful than a brand new BMW.  But... not me.  At sixteen, I had my eye set on the prettiest little Nikon DSLR you've ever seen.  It was quite the investment, costing me a pretty penny.  Can I just say it was so worth it.  (Granted, you can't drive a camera around town!)

In the long term, the investment you see pictured above - the one that was purchased with money painstakingly earned and saved... started us on a journey that has brought us here today.  That first little camera has long since been retired, but it was the jumping off point for us.  And now, Jill & Kay Photography is heading into our sixth year of business.  (We have been extremely blessed and can hardly believe so much time has passed!)

[ See the difference?  My first camera on the right...

compared to one of the cameras we now use today! ]

I tell you all this to say, we know what it is to make an investment in something - both with our time and with our money.  And we want you to know that when you book a session with us, we take it seriously, for just that reason - you are making an investment.

Look at it this way... If you want to take a vacation, you save all your pocket change (and then some) and map out the best spots that would ensure a time of relaxation.  If you want to freshen up your house, you pour over paint colors and painstakingly choose the absolute best palettes for your walls.  Why?  Because you believe the outcome - whether relaxation, or a fresh look, is worth the work.  It takes time, effort, and an investment.  

We encourage you to look at your photographs the same way we do.  Put effort into them!  Invest your time and money in them!  They are a treasure that will be displayed proudly, shared with friends, and passed down to your children and grandchildren.

So what does this look like?  Our session fee is $125 (with a minimum product order of $75).  When you book a session with Jill & Kay Photography, one of the first things we do is begin scouting out a location, checking and planning for the best light for photographing you.  During our hour and a half together, you can include activities - a picnic, riding bicycles, tossing a frisbee - or places that are special to you.  And yes!  Clothing changes are okay with us... and even suggested!  We so encourage you to personalize your session.  And we love to brainstorm locations and prop ideas with you!  The possibilities are endless!

Right before we left Richmond, KY, we had the opportunity to hang a beautiful canvas wall grouping for the Jaynes family.  Their "investment" is absolutely beautiful hanging in Mrs. Diana's home office! [Thanks Dad for coming along and hanging the grouping for us. :) ]

As we settle into a new place, and learn more about Longview, TX and the surrounding areas, we are looking forward to the opportunity to invest our time and effort into new friendships here!

Jill & Kay
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Braeden's 1 Year Photobook

There are a few jobs within our business that only one of us do, and designing photobooks is one of those jobs.  There is just something about the process that makes Kay crazy, so the task falls to me.  (Although secretly, I don't mind - I rather enjoy them.)  Hopefully you've had the opportunity to see an example of the type of photobooks we offer.  If not... I just finished up a book for one of my favorite little fella's one-year session - and it was just too cute not to share!

The front cover:

A few of my favorite page layouts...

The picture on the far right of this last layout gets me every time... Braeden, you are such a funny little boy!

And we are SO excited about the fact that, come September, Braeden is going to be a big brother! :)

jill <><

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FALL SESSIONS! | 8.13.10

It's that time of year again.  School is back in session, the temperature will start to cool off soon (hopefully), the leaves will start to change colors... and before you know it, the Christmas season will be here.  With our school schedules, we are limited to the number of photoshoots we can plan for.  So...

 If you are interested in any type of

photo session during the months of 

September, October, or November,

NOW is the time to schedule your appointment. 

[Our cutoff date for 2010 photo sessions is November 20th.]

And as you schedule your session... plan ahead!  Purchase a wall collection to show off your images, just in time for the company that comes along with the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons!

jill <><

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new cowboys in town! | product ideas | 7.31.10

[1]   "That looks just like him/her!"

[2]   "How in this world am I ever going to choose what I want!?"

These are the things we hear most often when customers come to the office to view their images.  The first one always cracks me up... because of course it looks just like him/her... because it IS them!   :)  The second one makes us look for ideas to help you make the most of your photos. 

There are so many different ways to share your photos, other than simply printing them to hang on your wall.  (Although that is a GREAT way to show them off!)  One product we offer... press cards!  Now, I know what you're thinking -  cards are only for Christmas.  Well, we beg to differ.  There are all sorts of occasions that warrant photo cards: invitations, thank yous, anniversaries, baby announcements... and the list goes on! 

Need an example?  These cowboys just moved from Ohio to Texas... so what could be a more perfect way to share their images?  Moving cards! 

[Below: 5x7 press card | full color | front and back | linen texture cardstock | off-white envelopes.] 

And... just because I couldn't help myself... here are a few more!

"Mamas don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys..."    :)

(This one is for you Aunt Robbie!)

                      

"Of course I'm a cowboy.  You think I just found this hat?"

So when you start thinking about what to do with your images, consider using them on a card - to send to all your friends and family!  Contact us for a custom designed card quote today! 

jill <><

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wall collections | 7.1.10

The biggest mistake we watch people make when they order their pictures, is ordering them too small.  While 5x7's and 8x10's are fine for "desk prints," when you want pictures to go on the wall - and look effective, we suggest that you choose 11x14's and larger.

Don't be afraid to go big!  And realize that one wall can handle more than one picture.  Often times, there is plenty of space for an arrangement of photos.  Don't let your wall dwarf your portraits!

So, to help you get started displaying your pictures, we've put together a few a few ideas...   

Choose pictures that compliment each other.  The images in the arrangement below compliment one another, and uses several different locations.  The key is to make sure it looks balanced.

Idea #3 is the arrangement style we have used in our office.  [Four 11x14's, two vertical, and two horizontal.]

Another way to help your prints fill the wall space, is to matte your photos.  For example - if you're printing an 11x14, frame it in a 16x20 frame with a matte.  Not only does it help fill your wall, but it finishes your photo nicely.

Like the ideas above, but need some help choosing the right pictures?  Give us a call - we'd love to help!  We want your pictures to look as beautiful as possible!

jill <><

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