A Portrait in Time

View from the new studio!!!

2009-03-09T17:47:00.000-07:00

The first view is my favorite!!!!

Where do I start...

2009-03-05T09:53:00.000-08:00

It has been way too long...and way too much has transpired since January 1st! I apologize for my lack of "blogging" but I have been doing some serious emotional and business re-arranging! So many changes but SO many blessings all at the same time! God has a way of shaking things up in a way that leaves you with no where to turn but to him...no where to hold on...but to him. If you have walked in my shoes over the last 5 years, you know what I am talking about. He also has a way of blessing you with everything you needed and wanted....you just didn't know it yet! I am not going to lie....over the last few months, I have been angry, screamed, cried and shouted I JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND GOD!!!!!!!!!!!! WHY is our life being uprooted AGAIN! Haven't we paid our dues when it comes to that department! God had mercy on me during this tantrum and gently explained to me that there are no limits to what he will go through to reach us and others. I am not sure who this lesson was for...but I am so thankful for it...there are no words that would appropriately tell my precious Savior how thankful I am. He knows my wants, desires, needs...he knows my good side and my bad side...my highs and my lows. Due to the state of the current economy...my husband and I made the difficult decision to cancel our lease purchase on the home in Richmond Place. "Difficult" does not even begin to describe that decision that would affect my children, my family but most of all...my studio! I questioned what would happen with my business...I know without a doubt that my dream is a gift from God but during this time I questioned God on why it seemed to be slipping away. I sat back and rested on what I had learned through the past 5 difficult years..."okay God...this is you. You know our needs...I trust you. That is all I have - YOU!" God blew the doors off my plans and showed me his. We were presented with an incredible opportunity to purchase a foreclosure across the street from the creek I have taken many of your families portraits at! A full 2600 sq. ft. basement that will give the studio room to grow and an existing HUGE area for the studio until the basement can be finished. This new studio also has a separate entrance (so you all don't have to look at my messy house!!!!) (-: The house is on about 1.6 acres and is incredible! The view is better than I could ever had found on my own! The side yard is amazing for sessions (who needs St. Mtn!)...and did I mention the creek!!!!

Okay - now for even better news!!!! I KNOW that times are really tough for everyone! I do not say that lightly! Here is the thing...I DON'T want you going anywhere else for portraits and I know everyone still wants them! I have prayed and tried to find a way to help everyone and still make a little bit to provide for my family. This is what has been laid on my heart:

Until the economy changes effective immediately, to help everyone, I have decided to cut my session fee in half. Both on location and in the studio. I have also decided to cut my collections and a la carte 20%. I don't have a time frame for how long this will last...it could be six months or it could be a year. Once things improve in the economy, I will adjust everything back to the regular pricing. I love all of you and don't want you to go somewhere else due to temporary budget restraints - I just want to continue to provide you with beautiful portraits.

I am also offering an extra bonus to anyone who calls before the end of March to book their session for April or May!!!!

Elena

Welcome 2009!!!!

2009-01-01T18:16:00.000-08:00

Thank you for such a wonderful response to the New Year's Eve special! I can't wait to get back behind the lens of my camera and into the groove of my crazy life. I could not operate this business without all of you...and that you actually want me to continue to capture your lives in pictures is amazing! Thank you!!!!!!

The New Year's Special is here...a little early!!!!!!!

2008-12-31T09:18:00.001-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

Okay...I lied...I am posting this special about 45 minutes earlier than normal. What can I say...I am tired and I am getting old...just can't make it to midnight anymore...and my pillow is looking really good right now! (-:

It's almost 2009 and WOW...OMG...2008 just flew by. This past year has been such a blessing...I watched my dreams come true as I opened my doors in April to a larger studio. I have been blessed with a business that continues to grow leaps and bounds...and there are days that I just can't believe I am living out my dream. Every year on New Year's Eve I post a special ....it is my way of starting the year off by giving everyone an opportunity to have the pictures they have always dreamed about! Usually, I post one special on the blog. I know how hard times are for people right now...so I have decided to post three specials that you can choose from. Here they are!

Special #1
1/2 off your session and a 16x20 mounted with a linen finish at no charge when you order any of our collections. (Session fee must be paid when you schedule your session - order must be placed to receive 16x20 at no charge - Session can be studio or on-location) This was last year's special and everyone loved it so much I have decided to run it again.

Special #2
Your $65 studio session fee will be applied when you place an order for any of our collections. (Session fee must be paid when you schedule your session but will be credited to your account when you place your order - this special is for studio sessions only)

Special #3
1/2 off your session and a Sterling Silver Kayda Portrait Necklace at no charge when you order any of our collections. (Session fee must be paid when you schedule your session - order must be placed to receive necklace at no charge - Session can be studio or on-location)

These specials are for the first 15 people that call and schedule their session for January, February or March!!!! YES - you can pick anytime during the next three months to have your session - HOW AWESOME IS THAT!!!!! You MUST speak with me on the phone...email does not count! I will begin taking calls to the studio 770-466-8845 at 9:00 am and end at 5:00 pm Thursday January 1st. If I am on the phone scheduling another client I will take down your number in the order it was received and call you back to schedule. These specials cannot be combined with any other discount, coupon or special.

Good Luck and even if you are not one of the first 15....don't give up!!! Anyone scheduling a session on January first by 5 pm will recieve 1/2 off their session!!!!!

Are those sleigh bells I hear?????

2008-12-22T17:09:00.000-08:00

As I write this we are two days away from Christmas Eve you can feel the excitement in the air! My kids are BOUNCING...no scratch that LEAPING off the the floor with anticipation for that magical morning to arrive. I myself am a BIG kid at heart and if you want to know a secret...I am usually up at about 5 am because I can't sleep either! It is a lifelong problem from birth...it is just the way I was designed! I am either on a huge high or a very low low! That is okay with me - who wants to go through life level headed and mature anyway!

I have been receiving A LOT of inquiries about the New Years Eve special and if it is any indication I think my phone might be ringing off the hook before 9am! LOVE it!!! That just means I get to keep doing what I love! Who could ask for a better Christmas present!

I wish all of you a wonderful beautiful Christmas ....a time with your kids, families and Jesus...he is everything and deserves so much more from us on this incredible day. I tried to explain it best to my son on how he might feel if on his birthday everyone else received a gift but him....he looked at me with complete and utter disgust...and replied "I would be so sad Mommy"...I told him I am sure when we wake up, race to the tree, jump up and down for what Santa brought and then race to tear open a million presents...Jesus must feel a little left out. Take time to reflect with your family this Christmas morning on what it is all about. Jesus is so much more than that little statue of a baby lying in your nativity set on your mantle.

Oh yes - and what would this blog be without a few pictures from a recent session!

Santa....I KNOW HIM!!!!!!!!

2008-12-09T17:54:00.000-08:00

Yeah!!!!...Christmas is here, time has FLOWN by and I it has already been a month since my last blog entry! Between portrait orders, Christmas cards and a bad case of the flu/cold going on three weeks....I have neglected my blog! I am so sorry!!!! It has been an incredible, amazing holiday season...my clients, all of you, die hards and newbies...you have just won my heart over!!! Thank you for letting me be a part of your Christmas!

Just wanted to hit on a few dates:

Sat. December 13 - Last day to order portraits and Christmas cards for delivery before Christmas - NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS RULE!!!!!!

Mon. December 22 - Last day to pick up orders before Christmas

The studio will be closed from December 23 - December 26. We will re-open on December 27th.

DONT FORGET!!!! The New Year Eve special (which some of you wait all year for!) will be posted here on the blog and emailed out on New Years Eve at 11:30 pm. This special will be available for the first 10 people to contact me and book their session beginning January 1st (The session can be anytime between Jan - March)! Yes - I will answer the phone on New Years day! Keep watching!

Let me leave you with a few images from this weeks sessions.

Breathe

2008-11-05T09:13:00.000-08:00

Simply...breathe.

Time has been flying by and I really have simply neglected blogging as much as I would want to! This is the crazy time of year...but I love every minute of it. I have to remind myself to breathe and come up for air. I wouldn't trade what I do for ANYTHING!!!! Attached are a few shots from last weekend's sessions. Such a beautiful time of year - God is truly an artist - NO DOUBT!!! I find this time of year I am really hard on myself - constantly striving to challenge my creativity and originality. Sometimes I see other photographers work and think "what am I thinking...I am so no where near their level!!!!"...then I will get a call from a client who is overwhelmed with excitement upon seeing their portraits....thank you so much to all of my clients for your encouragement...God knows just when I need it and you send that email or make that call! Thank you!!!!

I am so excited about the Christmas cards this year and we still have a few holiday appointments left. I know how stressful trying to get the family together for pictures can be - trust me - I just did it myself! Don't put it off - it is so worth it! How long has it been since you had pictures! Call the studio and schedule your session...I promise, you will not regret it!!!

Loganfest

2008-10-15T10:45:00.001-07:00

I'ts Loganfest again!!! Can't believe another year has gone by. Photography by Elena will have a booth again this year and I am so excited about all the goodies we are giving away! Can't tell you what they are...but there will be free stuff, "possible" free sessions (you didn't hear that from me!) and more. We will also have a special available ONLY on Saturday at Loganfest! So come on down to Main Street in downtown Loganville and put your name in the drawing!!!! See you Saturday!!!!

Leaving you with one of my favorites from an engagement session this past week!

Is it fall?

2008-10-15T09:51:00.000-07:00

It's officially fall...I know this because they said so on TV, the calender tells me it is...however - I can't feel it in the air ...not yet anyway. Today's high is a record 84 degrees! Go figure! Anyway...I also know it is fall because I have officially gone into Christmas card production mode and there will be no stopping...even up to the week before Christmas! It's okay because I LOVE creating new designs - my marketing background helps tremendously with this task. I have decided to go with more custom cards this year. These cards allow you to pick your theme, color, sayings, etc! They can be 2 sided flat, folded, square, etc - Very fun!!!

Here are a few new designs from this week! Call the studio to schedule your Christmas session, if you haven't already done that! I still have a few spots in November and December.

Sneak Peak

2008-09-16T18:59:00.000-07:00

This little girl came into the studio tonight...hungry, tired, worn out...just wanted to go home. Mom and Dad were so patient...we stuck it out and OMG!!!!! Such animation and expression...there are just no words!!! Thanks little Miss. M!

Ten

2008-09-13T19:07:00.000-07:00

My daughter turned 10, Ten, ten....1...0... this weekend.....and frankly, it was just yesterday that she was 10 days old. WHAT HAPPENED! She is 10 going on 30 and all girl (not sure WHERE that comes from!). I love her to pieces and I know it will only be a matter of years and she will also be taking your pictures (she also LOVES photography - watches everything I do and has the same style as I do). She loves to help me with shoots on-location and in the studio. She has so many dreams...I keep telling her not to be afraid to chase them...NO MATTER WHAT! Here are a few pictures from her slumber party photo shoot! ENJOY...the last shot is a still from our video camera - she was about 3 1/2 moths old...we had just moved from California to Georgia.

Expectations

2008-09-10T18:38:00.000-07:00

I could only WISH, DREAM...etc, etc that I looked this beautiful when I was eight months pregnant. I can't wait to meet baby J!!!!!

"RED"

2008-08-30T13:12:00.000-07:00

Okay....it's official - I have completely sunken into a "mid-life" crisis of some form or fashion. Enter my new red jeep! Which I have wanted for oh....about 30 YEARS!!!! Yes, since the age of 8 watching "Mork and Mindy" for the first time and watching Mindy drive down the Mountain side of Colorado in her jeep...I was awestruck! Hook line and sinker from that point on. SO now here I am finally driving my jeep...loving every minute of it and wondering why it took me this long to get here! Most of my close friends, who see me on a day to day basis...(you know who you are), are laughing right now because they have seen my weight lifting, red jeep, musicaholic, camera taking obsession - crazed lunatic look in my eye lately and I love every minute of it! It's the end of the summer - I am LOVING life so go do the same! Go out this holiday weekend and do something spontaneous!!!!!

Snowflakes....

2008-08-21T21:03:00.000-07:00

Here is a "blog" special for all of you who, despite all my crazy up and down blog entries, still come back over and over again to read the newest post. Thank you. Thank you for such support and loyalty...thank you.

For every order over $250 from now until November 12 - you will receive this beautiful Pewter Snowflake photo ornament - you choose your picture. Okay - here is the small print - cannot be combined with any other special or offer.

Hope

2008-08-14T07:58:00.000-07:00

Where is our hope? I struggle with this question day to day. I have to ask myself is God who he says he is? I know without Hope...there is nothing. When hope fades - you die. Humor me a little while I step away from the normal "photography" blog. I know that on the surface, most families seem perfect, organized, happy...I know there is so much more to the story than that. I know there are so many struggles within my own life as well as friends...the cashier at the store, the bank teller. There are struggles and battles with cancer - I was extremely touched by a friend a few nights ago as I saw her heart through her eyes...she said no words but it was clear there was pain. Her sister is going through breast cancer. Doubt, anger, resentment...they all creep up when things get dark and the "rain" starts. My heart is burdened for your sister...you know who you are. My heart breaks for your pain...

I wanted to share part of our conversation because it has helped me when trials come...over and over again...and then again. When you cry out to God - WHY....when the trials just seem to keep coming.

" Sometimes it is hard to see God's plan when pain is involved - sometimes, that is when he grows us the most. Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... It's about learning to dance in the rain. "

I KNOW that I KNOW the I KNOW that God is who he says he is and that he is faithful, unchanging and sees the bigger picture. Like a Monet painting...up close it doesn't make out anything, but from a distance...God's distance, it is a beautiful masterpiece. Even when my heart is breaking from my own trials...my hope is unchanged...no matter what circumstance comes....The new song on the website describes just this.

Spunk!

2008-08-11T19:49:00.000-07:00

What a crazy summer it has been and I just have to say THANK YOU to everyone for keeping me extremely busy!!!! I still feel like a child waking up on Christmas morning everyday that I get to live out my dream!

Last night I had the privilege of photographing the women from Team Telesa. They are walking the Susan G. Komen 3 Day Breast Cancer Walk on October 24-26. These women are amazing taking on this incredible journey - they all have different reasons and my heart is moved from each story. The team is made up of so many of my good friends, including my pastor's wife Telesa, whom the team was named after. She has battled and won her own fight with breast cancer this year and is such an amazing woman!!!! I wanted to do something to show my support but found it difficult to choose between them. SOOOO I decided to do what I do best - the gift of photography. If you would like to contribute to this team please contact Heather Morris - morris.house@comcast.net .

Attached is a picture from last night as well as a couple from my session today with Miss E - absolutely ADORABLE!!!!! So much fun - Thank you to big brother and big sister for all their help today!

Christmas in July!!!!

2008-07-27T07:25:00.000-07:00

It is never too early to start thinking about the holidays!!! Below are some of the new items we are offering this Christmas season. The biggest gift of all is the following Christmas in July special:

Book your Christmas session starting in September and with your portrait collection order you will receive 20% off your Christmas cards, 10% off your Jewelry and 10% off your frames AND a free 8x10 (hint, hint - use your free 8x10 for a gift!!!). This special is good through the end of July!!!!!! Your session can be scheduled from September - December but it must be booked before July 31st!

This year we wanted to go in a different direction for our Christmas cards. We wanted to give you cards that would reflect you and your family - not the "same ole, same ole" that everyone gets and they disappear into the sea of cards taped to the back of doors everywhere. SOoooo...this year we have decided to offer exclusive custom cards that will WOW your friends and family! Be as creative as you would like!!! Every layer of our card designs, whether they fall under a baby announcement, Christmas card, senior card etc - can be manipulated to your liking. For example - this sample Christmas card actually came from the baby line - but we changed it around for a Christmas card! There are so many designs to choose from - please contact the studio and we can email the information to you. We also have actual samples that you can see, touch and feel here in the studio.

We are also offering custom framing in the studio. Beginning August 1st you will now be able to order your prints along with your frames all at the same time!!!! No running around to Michael's or Hobby Lobby - simply place your order and they arrive ready to be hung!!! We will be offering Wall frames as well as desktop frames! This is a wonderful gift idea for Christmas!

Also new to the studio are "Accordion" books. They are AWESOME gift ideas - creative and different (great for Grandparents, friends and family)!!!!! They are priced this holiday season 3 for $49.

Sneak Peak!

2008-07-15T21:00:00.000-07:00

Such a precious big brother and his sister - I wanted to share this sneak peak with the family!!! The gallery will be up very soon.

Referrals

2008-07-11T04:58:00.000-07:00

This summer has flown by SO fast...the kids go back to school in 3 weeks!!!

In case you were not aware - I have a wonderful referral program. Anytime you refer someone to me that becomes a new client, you receive a free 8x10 that can be used at your next session!!! That is a $35 value for just telling someone about me!!! In the past week I have had 6 clients send new families to me!!! THANK YOU!!! That is the best compliment you can give me. I leave you with a few shots of a session from this week....I know Mom and Dad were exhausted trying to keep Mr. Energy and his new partner in crime within view of the camera - but I LOVE how they came out!!! Maternity, 2 year old and new puppy all in one shoot! We had some wonderful laughs!!!! Thank you to the Mr. and Mrs. H...you brightened my evening!!!

Faith...

2008-06-24T13:07:00.000-07:00

WOW - things have been amazingly busy for me this summer and I am simply overwhelmed with all the incredible feedback from all of my clients over the past few weeks. It makes my heart fly out of my chest when someone tells me that they litterally cried when they saw their portraits for the first time...it still amazes me when anyone other than my family loves my work. To be honest, I cannot take credit for any of it - it is all God. Sometimes I see a portrait I created and I ask myself - "how on earth did I do that?"!!! I love what I do and sometime during each of my sessions I know God takes over and works through me - my prayer is always that he will touch each and every family I come in contact with. During the time we were praying about the move to this new house and studio, it was a very trying, difficult time. We had been through so much over the past three years and we just wanted to make sure that we were where God wanted us to be. From the world's point of view, I am sure that it must have looked like we were off our rocker...gone off the deep end. A lot of people put you in a box based on your past experiences...really what is happening is they are putting God in a box saying he can't do amazing things that surpass what makes sense. I praise God that he never puts us in a box. I have learned over the past few years and now recently, that I am not in control - what I have in my life is not of my own doing - it is all from him. I am a "billboard" kind of girl - I need signs up in neon from God. God kept telling me to trust him - have faith. But I was scared. It had been an emotional couple of weeks and the day we finally made the decision to go ahead with the new house, I was driving home and passed a local church...this is what their sign said:

Faith, sees the invisible
Faith, believes the unbelievable
Faith, receives the impossible

Can it get any clearer! I really wanted to share this...maybe it might help someone. I leave you with a few portraits from this weeks sessions.

FIREPROOF...

2008-06-23T20:46:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share this movie with everyone - it comes out this September. It has such conviction, passion and emotion - I can't wait to see it!!!! I am sorry there have been no portraits posted lately - I have been so busy with orders, sessions, you name it....I LOVE my life!!!!!!! I promise something this week!!!

Bling...Bling...Jewelry anyone???

2008-06-11T11:00:00.000-07:00

I have added an incredible line of custom photo jewelry to my portrait collections. I will be offering 10% off your first jewelry order but you must contact the studio with your order by June 16th. There are samples here in the studio - all of the jewelry is .925 solid sterling silver fine jewelry, not silver-plated. Each piece is handcrafted, waterproof and airtight and truly an heirloom to be treasured. The Jewelry is made to last a lifetime. You can wear your jewelry in the shower, doing dishes, swimming. etc. Your jewelry can contain a portrait that I have taken for you or a special snapshot you have taken (digital files sent to me via email). Call the studio if you would like to come by and see the samples.

Failure...

2008-06-05T06:53:00.000-07:00

I read a devotion this morning that stopped me in my tracks. It talked about this graduation ceremony and how the speaker was a very successful. Everyone expected his speech to be on how to achieve success and go out and conquer the world...it was quite different. His hope for this graduating class was that they go out and fail. He went on to say he hoped they would fail at something that was extremely important to them. Early in his life he had one failure after another - he concluded by saying things didn't change until he learned to see failure as an effective teacher. I immediately thought about my life...I am an extreme "go getter" and I hate to fail...but my life is so full of times I have failed that I stopped counting. I remember 8 years ago, I tried to start my business and it just flopped. Again when I decided to go back to college and finish my photography program. Halfway through we ended up having to move and again, another failure. I thought about how many trials and failures my husband and I have been through in the past 3-4 years. All of these were enough to make anyone want to give up. It wasn't until I really gave everything over to God, stopped trying to make it all happen, be still and hear what He was trying to teach me. I praise God I did fail all those times. I praise God that I was knocked down enough times that I stopped to see what he was trying to teach me. If not, I would still be chasing my tail. My failures have made me successful. It is not anything I have done on my own, but what God has given me to work with. Everything in my life, He has given me...it is an amazing view. More beautiful than anything I could have ever done on MY own.

I want to leave you with some personal pictures of my kids this week. My son is so skinny that his pants constantly fall down (have a laugh when you see these pics - my daughter and I did!!!). My son keeps me crazy 24/7 and my beautiful daughter is growing up - they are my true gifts from God.

Precious

2008-05-30T19:23:00.000-07:00

I am still overwhelmed by the power of photography. It can move you to tears, anger, laughter, joy, memories...it brings out so many emotions. No matter who I photograph, young...old, it doesn't matter...there is always one image from each session that just grabs my heart and won't let go. This is one of those images. This little girl is turning one and is simply "precious"...she is absolutely adorable. Thank you so much to her Mom and Dad for letting me capture her first birthday!!!!

Where does the time go????

2008-05-28T14:32:00.000-07:00

WOW - it is already the end of May! Thank you to everyone for keeping me so busy!!! Our grand opening was awesome! Thank you so much to everyone who came!!!

Okay - summer is here - kids are out of school and everyone is tan! Now is a great time to think about catching up on that photo session you keep putting off before too much time passes by!!!! Call me for your July special!!!

I leave you with a few pics from my crazy schedule this past weekend!

GRAND OPENING!!!!!

2008-05-06T13:13:00.000-07:00

Okay - I have finally nailed down a date and time for the grand opening! It is Sunday May 18th from 2-5 pm. Attached is the invite that will be going out in the mail this week. Please call or email the studio if you are not a client and would like an invitation. I am VERY excited - there will be giveaways galore along with some pretty good munchies too. ALSO - I have decided to "sweeten" the deal for anyone who books a session in June , July or August !!!! You must attend the grand opening to secure your spot with this special! Can't wait to see everyone !!!!!!

Sneak Peak

2008-04-21T08:41:00.000-07:00

Here is a sneak peak for my Bride and Groom from this weekend's wedding. It was such a beautiful and emotional wedding...I was brought to tears a few times myself!

New Studio Images

2008-04-21T07:56:00.000-07:00

WOW - a HUGE thank you to everyone who has kept me busy over the past few weeks!!!! I LOVE IT! I wanted to share some of my favorite images from the first two photo shoots in the new studio!!! Go ahead...pinch me - I must be dreaming!

Loss in our move...

2008-04-10T05:13:00.000-07:00

UPDATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This afternoon, about 3:45, I was in our bedroom and I looked out the window - Mikiko was slowly walking up the ATV trail from the woods by our house. I couldn't get outside fast enough!!!! She was very disoriented, thin and very tired - but overall she is okay. God is so good. I have prayed everyday that he would bring her home and he did.

This has nothing to do with photography. I have spent the past week at shelters, putting up signs and driving around searching (maybe that is why there are still so many boxes around!!!)....my hope is that maybe someone might see this blog and maybe see our dog. Her name is Mikiko - she is an Akita, 6 years old. Mikiko is white with 2 big tan spots on her back with a black/brown mask - in this picture, she has on a black collar but right now she is wearing a red/white hibiscus Hawaiian collar. Last Wednesday, after a couple of not so good days with her and the move (she wasn't adjusting well) she chewed her outside lead and we haven't seen her since. She is missed so much - please help us find her. She is more than likely in the green space around Callie Still, Ozora Rd, etc - we are in the subdivision of Richmond Place now so she does not know where she is. I have always been one to "wear my emotions on my sleeve" so why change now...this is truly breaking my heart...please let us know if you see anything - or if someone has 4wheelers and they are back in that area, help me look for her. We don't have ATVs or I would be back there searching myself. Thank you!!!

Welcome Home!!!!

2008-04-09T16:23:00.000-07:00

It is finally real (and it only took me 23 years)!!!! I am still unpacking and getting organized... but I wanted to give you a sneak peak at the new studio. The empty room will soon be the "proofing room" where you will be able to view your portraits on a comfy couch with great surround sound! Can you picture it!!!

I have already started working out the details for the official open house "Grand Opening" so, as soon as finalize the date and details, I will let everyone know. Definitely make plans to come and bring a friend (extra gift for the friend and the person who brought them!!) - there will be lots of munchies as well as a grand prize drawing and lots of giveaways!!!

Tick-Tock....Tick-Tock

2008-03-23T18:08:00.000-07:00

Time is ticking away and I have only 5 more days to pack before the big move! No pressure?!?!?!? Right??? Our entire family is so excited - I can't wait to get the new studio set up and ready to go. I will be having a grand opening-open house once we get settled so keep your eye out for that! It will be a great time - I will be offering drawings as well as a grand prize and bonus specials for anyone who brings a guest - special for them and special for their guest!!!! More details to follow.

My last photo shoot in my existing studio was on Saturday. It didn't hit me until after the shoot was over but when it did WOW - I was a little overwhelmed to think of how far my dream has come - and just think...it's not over yet! God is SO amazing! I leave you with a few portraits from my last photo shoot where it all started!

Don't forget - tomorrow is the 24th - deadline for the new studio special! If you havn't signed up yet - don't wait....call me or email tomorrow to schedule your session and get your free 16x20 or coffee table book!

New Dates for Vintage Shoot!

2008-02-16T05:13:00.000-08:00

For all of you who wanted to be here but had scheduling conflicts - I really wanted to help everyone be able to come. We have finally set a date for the re-scheduled Vintage Shoot. The dates are April 11 and 12th - time slots all day will be available starting at 10 am - 5pm in 30 minute increments. Portraits will be available for viewing within a day or so on my online gallery. Special discounted prices are as follows:

Session Fee is only $20.

$129 package
(4) 8x10, (6) 5x7, (12) 4x6 and (16) wallets from all the poses of your choice - unlimited poses - BEST VALUE!!!!

$69.00 package
(2) 8x10, (2) 5x7, (4) 4x6 and (8) wallets from two poses

$49.00 package
(1) 8x10, (2) 5x7 and (2) 4x6 from one pose

The $20 session fee to reserve your date/time must be paid when you make your appointment. I accept Check, Cash, Visa, Master Card and American Express.

All clothing is provided for children 9/10 and under

The first 10 spots reserved for the 2-day shoot will receive a free 8x10 your choice for the pose no matter what package you purchase!!!! (value $35) Please call or email the studio and let us know which date/time you would like.

New Look!

2008-02-14T20:24:00.000-08:00

By the way, I attended a Bellies and Babies last Sunday night in Atlanta. It was incredible! My head was swimming with ideas when I left there - just amazing! The speaker, Sandy Puc (awesome photographer out of Colorado) talked a lot about babies, maternity, baby portrait plans/children portrait plans, etc but she also hit on the importance of a your 'Look" so....I have been working on just that! Business cards, price sheets, flyers, postcards, etc, etc, etc! I am so excited! I will let you know when they are all complete! Check it out...

My dream...

2008-02-14T19:25:00.000-08:00

"Ambition is that grit in the soul which creates disenchantment with the ordinary and puts the dare into dreams" - Max Lucado - God Came Near (Day by Day with Jesus).

I have to say, I NEVER in a million years thought that I would be where I am today. Honest...everyday I still wake up in disbelief that I am living out my dream. The quote above...so simply said. SO...now that I am in the midst of my dream I have a new and wonderful problem! NOT ENOUGH SPACE!!! I am so excited to say that...I need more room to grow. I think originally, when I first opened my studio...I really didn't believe it was going to happen - much less take off like it has! I thought - hey , this is plenty of space...I am so happy to be wrong! We have encountered a dilema that only God can make sense of. I started looking for space to rent and was taken back by lease $$. I never wanted to go the route of renting a storefront...I love the feel of a "Home Studio". So now we are in the process of looking at a house with an AWESOME 1100 sq. ft. finished basement that I am hoping will become the new home for Photography by Elena. It is absolutely our dream home - we walked in and it felt like it was built for us...There are so many details to work out and I pray that this is the right thing for our family and my business. It makes so much more sense than trying to add on to our existing home. It is definately more $$ than our current house but I have been so blessed beyond anything I could have ever imagined...I am so excited to see this next chapter unfold! Are YOU with me!!!!! I will keep you posted!

Few of my favorites from this week's sessions.

Can you say "CUTE"!

2008-02-04T18:54:00.000-08:00

Meet "Theodore"....my daughter Jordyn has affectionately name the new bunny after you guessed it....a chipmunk! Go figure! Anyway - here he is and he just doesn't look real to me - my Husband keeps saying he looks like a stuffed animal. We picked him up this weekend and we are slowly getting him used to the lights in the studio so he will be ready next month! Session fee is $15 and the packages will range from $29.00-$69.00.

Theodore is a 2 month old "Holland Lop" so he is still small - this should be great with some of the smaller children. He is ADORABLE!!! Very playful and GREAT with kids! He loves to move around so I will have to work fast within each session! Get the picture! I am going to keep the session at about 20 minutes - if you would like to incorporate Easter outfits into this shoot that would be fine too. The dates will be Sunday March 9th 2:30 - 5:30, Monday March 10th 10:00-5:30, Monday March 17th 10:00-5:30. Email or call the studio to schedule your session! To reserve your date/time, the non-refundable session fee must be paid when appointment is scheduled.

Hop...Hop...Hop....

2008-01-30T09:57:00.001-08:00

HELP!!!! I am in the process of deciding if I should offer "bunny" pictures for Easter this year. I will be offering these 30 minute sessions for a limited time (to be decided sometime in February or March) and the session fee will only be $15. These portraits will also have discounted packages different than the regular session packages. Please email or leave a message on this blog if you are interested. Due to the nature of the portraits, i.e. "live bunnies", what else can I say? I have to know that I have the time slots filled to justify purchasing the bunnies!!! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE bunnies - we just don't have any. My daughter has been begging me for one for about 4 years...you never know...I might have a new studio "mascot"...watch out "Latte"!

It's "Vintage" time again....

2008-01-26T17:37:00.000-08:00

Yes!!!! Can you believe it's that time of year again!!!! Once a year I have a Limited Edition "Vintage" photo shoot (All clothing is supplied for Children 10 and under). It is for ONE DAY ONLY - February 9 - there are 10 openings available. This is first come, first serve. The cost to reserve your spot is $30. Packages start at $79 and include your choice of two poses from your session (additional sheets may be purchased for $25). Please call the studio for more information and to book your session. ($30 must be paid at time of scheduling and packages are paid for the day of your session)

Baby and Child Portrait Contest!!!!

2008-01-24T09:58:00.000-08:00

It's time for the 2008 Baby and Child Portrait Contest! Categories for this year’s contest include: Color, Black & White/Sepia, Special Needs, and Humorous. Winners from each category will receive a range of prizes, including a $5,000 award given to the family of the Grand Prize portrait. I will have postcards and fliers available soon along with more information to follow!!! Contest begins March 1st - so hurry - schedule your session....you might be the winning portrait! Of course...that would make me the winning photographer which would be wonderful!!!!!

Here are a few pics from this weeks "Limited Edition Fairy" session - absolutely beautiful little girls!!!!!

Go "Bama"

2008-01-20T07:41:00.001-08:00

Now...I am not into football so don't get worked up thinking I am one of those "fanatical" Alabama fans... (hee hee - that one's for you Karen) BUT.....I think these pictures say it all! This client and her husband are HUGE Alabama fans and so are her boys. The boys were SO excited to have their pictures made with their prized authentic practice helmet and signed football. Okay...so maybe football is not so bad after all!

Life...

2008-01-12T14:07:00.000-08:00

Someone sent me an email today that really inspired me. Most everyone knows that the past three years for my family has been a roller coaster...God has taught me so much about giving up my anxiety and fear to him but also how to "praise him in the storm" (yes I took that from Mercy Me - great song!). It is difficult to do! Sometimes when things are so bad that is all you can do - and what is amazing is your entire outlook changes! God changes your heart to see all the good around you and helps you to be thankful for what you have! Here is the email:

Attitude

There once was a woman who woke up one morning, Looked in the mirror, And noticed she had only three hairs on her head. Well," she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today?" So she did And She Had a Wonderful Day. The next day she woke up, Looked in the mirror And saw that she had only two hairs on her head. "H-M-M," she said, "I think I'll part my hair down the middle today?" So she did And She Had A Grand Day. The next day she woke up, Looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head. "Well," she said, "today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail." So she did And She Had A Fun, Fun Day. The next day she woke up, Looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head. "YEA!" she exclaimed, "I don't have to fix my hair today!" Attitude is everything.

Here is what grabbed me -

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... It's about learning to dance in the rain.

Struggling is a time to grow! Thank you for letting me share this with you - maybe it will help someone today. I leave you with some pictures taken this past week - these little girls are so beautiful!!!!

WOW!

2008-01-07T12:00:00.000-08:00

New Years Special Update

There was an overwhelming response to the New Years special! WOW....and to think I was a little unsure if the free 16x20 was going to be something that interested everyone! Between the blog and the MTM shopper, I am booked into February! I had a great couple of weeks off over the holidays but I am so excited and ready to get back to doing what I love!

What would a "blog" be without picures? I leave you with four beautiful Fairies from this weekend's session! Gorgeous little girls! Check out those eyes!

WELCOME 2008!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-12-31T09:48:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!! What a wonderful, up and down year it has been...I have learned so much professionally and personally...made so many new friends, been blessed with my dream coming true. My husband has been blessed with a new chapter in his career also - it has been an amazing year...I welcome 2008 with huge open arms!

I am a little early in the day, but like they say...the early bird catches the worm!!! SO many of you have been waiting patiently for the New Year's special - so here it is!!!!!

The first 5 clients who call me to book a session for January will receive 1/2 off their session along with (now here comes the BAM!!!) a free 16x20 portrait mounted with a linen finish!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes...FREE!!!! These flew out of my studio over the holidays - they retail for $235 and are gorgeous!!!! Due to cost involved on my end, January will be the ONLY time I will offer this... so if you have been waiting to have portraits done THIS IS IT!!! I will have a similar special coming out in the MTM Shopper. However, the two combined - session fee and free 16x20 is only offered here on the blog - you must say you saw the special on the blog to receive it!!! SO....ready...set...call!!!! FIRST FIVE (5) ...I am waiting to hear from you.

Here is the fine print - 1/2 session fee must be paid when session is scheduled to reserve your spot. This offer cannot be combined with any other offer and cannot be used with sessions already scheduled - thank you for understanding.

The New Year!

2007-12-18T14:42:00.000-08:00

Update - I always want to make sure that I am as flexible as I can be for my clients. So many of you emailed and requested that Sunday be added to my schedule (begged, pleaded, etc Hee Hee Hee). Consider it done!!! So just to review the days for sessions - Mondays, Thursdays afternoons, Saturdays and Sundays. YEAH!!!! I can't wait for 2008!

This year I have been so very blessed. I am so thankful for the support and increased demand for my work - HOWEVER..... for the "sanity" of my family, friends, and everyone around me...I have decided to have "set" Portrait Session days. This will allow me to better manage my time with my business and family. Everyone that knows me knows that I am addicted to my photography. Most every night you can find me in my studio until 12-1 am in the morning proofing, editing in "PS" etc - but being a Mom of 2 young kids, wife and businesswoman requires balance and discipline. SO...starting January 1st - my portrait session days will be Mondays, Thursday afternoons and all day on Saturdays. I look forward to 2008! Keep watching the blog on New Years Eve for the exclusive January special!

Here is a shot from a photo shoot over the weekend - what a cutie!!!!

15 days left?????????

2007-12-10T20:09:00.000-08:00

Okay - I cannot believe that there are only 15 days left until Christmas...! On that note I would like to take a minute to say thank you to all of you! Before I know it, January will be here and a new year will begin. I have had such an amazing year - I want to say thank you...HUGE thank you because...

1. You have a lot of choices - you can go anywhere and you still choose me.

2. You keep coming back????!!!!!!???? I guess I must be doing something right!

3. You allow me to be creative, artistic...you allow me to be me. Can it get any better than that!

I have been given such a gift - I really enjoy every minute with all of you! Thank you for such a great year!!!! I COULD NOT have done it without you! I look forward to another amazing year! Now....let's see who is reading my blog and who isn't!

Look for the New Year's special - it will be posted here on my blog on New Years Eve. It will only be advertised on the blog and only to the first 5 clients that book a session in January....the rest of the details you will have to wait and see!

Lastly...I leave you with the "Flip Flop" - this is my Christmas Card picture this year....it is a pose that is catching on like 'wildfire". I have been capturing this pose since I was about 11 years old - yes the neighbor's kids were my guinea pigs. I loved it the minute I heard the shutter click...I am VERY excited to see it gaining popularity with everyone!

Anyone up for a "Portrait Party" at Vines?

2007-12-03T17:33:00.000-08:00

Update: All the spaces for this "Portrait Party" have been taken - I can't wait to see all of you on Saturday!

This just in! I have a client who is having a portrait party this Saturday at The Vines - she still has a few spots available. If you are interested please email me and I will give you all the information. These sessions will be back in time for Christmas if anyone is thinking "gifts".

Here are a few pics from this weekend!!! TOO CUTE!!

NEW WEBSITE!!!!!!

2007-11-29T19:44:00.000-08:00

It's official!

The NEW Photography by Elena website is "live" as of 10:45 pm November 29!!!!!! I am so very excited to share the new look with everyone. Enjoy exploring!

New Website!!!!!

2007-11-28T18:50:00.000-08:00

Well after much consideration and feedback from everyone (HUGE thank you to all of you!!) I finally decided to take the plunge and change my look....and to be honest I am SOOOOOO happy! I can't wait for you to see it - it is AWESOME! Keep watching....I hope to have it live by this weekend!

And - it just wouldn't be a blog without a photograph...so I leave you with an awesome family referred from a wonderful client.

Portrait Party anyone?

2007-11-18T20:45:00.000-08:00

I have started booking "Portrait Parties" for January. The first 5 people who call me to schedule their party will receive 3 5x7's at no charge along with their free session and whatever portraits they earn based on their total sales. Not sure what a "Portrait Party" is...give me a call and I will give you the 411 on all the details!

Here are a few pics from Saturday's sessions at the Grist Mill in Stone Mountain...enjoy!

Cheeks!!!!!

2007-11-12T19:16:00.000-08:00

Just had to share today's photo session - can she get any cuter!!!!!!!!! Baby H. first came to me at a couple weeks of age and was my first "Fairy"...I can't believe how fast she has grown!!!!!

"Flash" anyone???? Contemplating New Website - Need your help!

2007-11-06T14:37:00.000-08:00

HELP!!!!!!! Okay - I really need everyone's input on this. I LOVE my website but there are a few things that I would like to tweak. I will let you in on a little secret...my husband is my web designer (that is why it looks so good!!) but it is not his full time job so his time available to do my extremely long "to do" list just doesn't come easy. So to make a long story short, I have found two possible designs that I am just loving - they are "flash" sites so they are very different from my existing site. What I need from all of you guys is feedback...what do you think of my site now (do you love it?) or should I get with the program and move on up to a "Flash" site! The new site would allow for larger images, home page slide show, a calender, and most importrantly an actual shopping cart on my site set up with individual proofing galleries. WHY am I asking you! Because I value your opinion and you are what makes my business sucessfull!!!!!!!

Here are links to the two designs I am considering:

www.photopalma.com

www.annabethbrooksphotography.com

Please email me from my website and let me know what you think! I am really hoping to get a lot of feedback on this one - can you tell I am having a hard time deciding what to do!

Thank you!!!!

Pinch Me!

2007-11-06T03:43:00.000-08:00

I know I say this over and over but I am so blessed. Mornings like this when a wave of what God is allowing me to experience and live out my dream hit me - it takes my breath away and brings me to tears. I know there are so many wonderful photographers out there - many that are WAY better than I am - so I am so very gratefull to have amazing clients and friends who keep referring my name - simply...Thank you!

Here are a few sneak peaks from this weekend!

Boo!

2007-11-01T12:23:00.000-07:00

We love to make Halloween fun in our house - dressing up is the most exciting part of the night....of course the candy at the end of the night comes in rated pretty highly too. So this year I decided to give my kids a little treat with a mini-photo session! Here are a few of my favorites! We all loved my son's or "Remy"'s (as I was corrected early into the evening) tail - it would bounce back an forth as he ran from one house to another!

Loganfest

2007-10-30T19:01:00.000-07:00

Loganfest was a great success!! Here are a few of the "pumpkin" pics - so much fun!

Finally Fall!

2007-10-30T17:20:00.000-07:00

Well I think Fall has finally arrived and I welcome it with open arms! I still have a few openings this holiday season so give me a call and schedule your session! Here are a few pics from a couple of my sessions this weekend - just to give you an idea of how beautifull your portraits can be!

The Here and Now

2007-10-29T20:45:00.000-07:00

Okay - so I jumped on the bandwagon and I now have a "Blog"....except for the simple fact I have no idea what I am doing with it...it seems like a great addition to my website! Just one more way I can communicate with everyone. I am very very excited about this holiday season! I am busy and doing what I love...seems like a dream...I think I will stay asleep. Tootles for now...by the way...the "Fairy/Huck Finn" 2 day photo shoot was amazing! I couldn't have had more fun! I leave you with a little "pixie" dust...