Life * Love * Laughter

Natural Light Studio

2011-08-09T09:08:00.001-07:00

A Pregnancy Goddess,

I am LOVING the natural light that is available at my new studio. These are Marisa's pregnancy images, they are waiting to see if it will be a boy or a girl. I can't wait to meet this baby!!v

Fells Point

2011-06-13T06:44:00.000-07:00

This weekend my mom and Greg came for a visit and we had a wonderful time.

We walked around Fells Point and got to visit a local market where I totally scored on a beautiful antique chair...(keep on the look out for it in future sessions). I got to take some fun images of mom and Greg and just as we were wrapping it up it started to rain. Just moments later the sun was back out. So we played a little cards and then Fred and I got to go back out while they watched Kenzi. Just as Fred and I were done taking in the sights it started storming again only this time we were under a tornado watch. Moments later...you guessed it...SUN!! Here are some images with mom and Greg.

Updates are overdue!

2011-06-11T06:53:00.000-07:00

Hopefully in the next couple of weeks our Social Media sites will all have a much needed makeover. Starting here with the blog. I am finally starting to get into the swing of things in Charm City. Loving the thunderstorms and crazy hot temperatures.

Kenzi is doing great and we are up to our necks in appointments that are helping us help her.

It has been and still is quite the process. I am no longer employed outside of Studio Gagliano. Which is wonderful... so we are on the look out for some local families, babies, children...you get the picture. We are very excited to mention that we have been working on something that will has the potential of getting us in front of quite a few of our local market. Stay tuned for some exciting news soon.

In the meantime we have new products that you can order from your older sessions. Check out the images and link for facebook.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Karissa May

2011-05-16T22:17:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day since I left Oregon that I took my camera from my camera bag. And it was wonderful. I have been committed to focusing on Kenzi and haven't had a lot of time to play. Yesterday was a bit hard for me, I was missing home (the Oregon one :-) and all of our family and friends. This has been a crazy ride so far. Lots of work, but there has been lots of blessings along the way. God has been so faithful to open the right doors and to close the wrong ones.

So today He gave me a little something personal...my camera to hold...even if just for a little while... it was awesome. Spending time with Karissa and trying some new things gave me a burst of new energy, creative thinking is how I survive..in all areas. SO today was just a little reminder that when things start getting a little rough I just need to relax and be who God created me to be and breathe Him in a little deeper. ...aloha...just breathe.

The Beckley Boys

2011-04-27T11:17:00.001-07:00

The Murphy Family

2011-04-27T11:14:00.000-07:00

On the East Coast

2011-04-27T08:11:00.000-07:00

It's been a while but here we are...re-located. I can't believe I am a city girl! What happened? How did I get here? Isn't it funny how life has a way of changing in a blink of an eye?

I wake up everyday and wonder...what could possibly be next? I am so blessed to have the faith I need to make it through, and that is exactly what it takes. I have been living on it daily and it seems to be growing because it seems to require more of it to get through the day.

What is faith? I believe it is a gift and it goes hand in hand with Hope. And in an ever changing world as ours we NEED both of them. I am so glad I believe in a God who has generously given that gift to me. I have absolutely NO idea what the future holds but I have an intimate relationship with the One who holds my future so here we go.

I am hoping to be able to keep up on my blog and to sort this journey out as I go. You are welcome to go with me. But be for warned...I have no idea where this will end up. Just that I am willing to go.

This journey began somewhere with my trip to Romania, I don't know if it was from the beginning or the middle or at the end of that trip. But I know this, I was meant for more. More than just struggling everyday to do the mundane. I have a daughter with special needs...why? She is so amazing and requires things from me that I didn't even know existed in my tiny world. But here I am somewhere later in life sacrificing everything for her needs. I have no expectations of her except that through her God has spoke things to me I have never been able to hear until now.

On this journey is my husband of 23 years and my oldest daughter (21yrs). They have also laid down everything in their lives for this calling...but we don't even know what that is. How crazy is this? It's exciting, totally frightening, exhilarating, fulfilling, exhausting and every emotion in between and all of it experienced in a 24 hour period.

So even though this journey has already begun, who even knows how long ago, you are welcome to ride along. Laugh with us, cry with us and discover with us this ridicules yet totally rational trip. The only thing I know for sure is this. There is a God. He loves me because He sent His Son Jesus to die for me. And I am totally in love with Him. Everthing else, is...well... everything else.

SNOW DAY

2011-02-18T08:52:00.001-08:00

Yesterday we woke up to SNOW!! A real treat here is Douglas County. So I took my niece out for a session she requested for her birthday, a "Trash the Dress" session in the snow. Luckily the snow came to us and we didn't have to go anywhere. I love photographing my family, they don't pay well but they sure are beautiful. Happy Birthday Tourin. I love you, Aunt April

The Next Chapter...

2011-01-29T17:38:00.000-08:00

The last time I posted was when I was returning from Europe. I talked about the things I did over there, and the profound effect it had on my life. And now as I am returning to my blog I realized that my trip started the wheels into motion for this next chapter in my families life.
On the return of this trip I realized how privileged I am to have been able to work with so many children. Then I thought about my own special child and I started to cry. I thought about how hard we work and how tired we are at the end of the day and it seems she hasn't gotten the best of me. Those thoughts started a whole stream of thoughts and prayer and soul searching about what is really important in my life. And without a doubt my family apart from God is the most important part. Needless to say God has guided us through this thought process and we have come to the conclusion that it is now Kenzi's turn. We are relocating to an area that will help us get the things we need in order to care for her and give her every opportunity she deserves.
As hard as a decision that this was we know it is the right one. God has been filling us with excitement and expectation. We will miss our family, friends and clients terribly but know that this is the best thing for us at this time. Please keep our family in your prayers. You all will be in mine. As we start this journey we will keep you posted through facebook and the blog. I plan to open a studio on the east coast and Fred will be looking for a job as well. We have 3 schools we are checking out for Kenzi and depending on which one is the right one for her will determine where we will end up. Karissa (my oldest daughter) will also be joining us on this adventure. God has truly blessed me by answering my requests. :-) We will be closer to Kelsey and hope her and Kyle will join us someday. In the meantime I am sure we will be doing a lot of visiting. They are also flying to Oregon for a wedding and will be helping us drive to Kansas City, where we will spend a couple of days at their place.This will be quite the road trip! We will be pulling out on the 22nd of March.

It has been a long time since I have been on the east coast and I am looking forward to introducing my family to all of my crazy relatives and old friends. I'm looking forward to showing my kids what lightening bugs are and going hiking on the Appalachian trail, visiting Gettysburg, New York City, Ocean City and the New England States. I can hardly believe that my children have never seen these things. Fred has accomplished a great thing by keeping me in one area for over 23 years. And now Kenzi girl with one look into her amazing brown eyes tells me this is no little thing we are doing for her. She is such a joy in our lives that I am thrilled we are able to do this for her. God is good.

Life * Love * Laughter: Somewhere Over Europe

2010-10-03T05:44:00.000-07:00

Life * Love * Laughter: Somewhere Over Europe

Somewhere Over Europe

2010-10-03T05:09:00.000-07:00

As I am sitting on the plane headed to Paris, I can’t help but wonder how this happened. How I will remember all of the amazing details of this trip. How spending time with children on Hospice in Romania is any different then spending time with children on Hospice in America. How did I even become a person who could handle such a thing. Children dying and living in poverty to the point of having no shoes or basic items to be clean. How does a little girl battle cancer and go through chemo and still laugh and play as if nothing happened. How does a mother and father give birth to a beautiful baby and live in constant wonder of how long her lifespan will be and how to take care of her special needs. No one trained them for this, no one prepared them. How does a family lose 2 children in a fire and leave another child at a hospital so one of them can work and the other take care of the other 7 children? How do they live in a one room home and sleep on one bed? How does that family greet you with the biggest smiles you have ever seen one moment and be lost behind those big brown eyes the next? What drives people to help disabled teenagers and give of their own time and resource to help others?

I don’t know if I have anymore answers then when I started but I do know this. I serve an amazing God that sustains us and in the midst of huge trials gives us hope, joy and love. The only thing I could do was record their beautiful faces and somehow I feel like it was the right thing. The least thing.

How does a heart expand beyond words to do things beyond ability and to keep centered. As I learned at the Potter’s house, this lump of clay has to be centered in order to be a beautiful vase that can serve. As I watched the potter pound the clay before laying it on the potter’s wheel I couldn’t help but think...Can I just stay here, here in His hands...I don’t want to be worked or pounded but as I looked around the room the beauty in the vessels around me were unique and beautiful. Each had it’s own purpose, it’s own shape, it’s own beauty. Whether a bowl, a pitcher, vase or sculpture none of them arrived at this stage without being worked by the Potters hand and laid on the wheel.

When I had my own lesson at the wheel, as the potter, I quickly realized how firm the potter needed to be to help the clay be centered. The potters job is to hold onto the clay firmly yet gently until the clay yields or surrenders to the potters hand. The potter said something to me in that moment that changed me. You cannot create anything unless the clay is centered. That comes with firm pressure. Only after the clay is centered can it be molded into something of beauty. There is a time after the potter starts to design his piece that he has a window of opportunity to remove the lumps of imperfections, if he waits to long it can destroy the whole piece. I realized that there are things we go through, children fighting for their lives, losing loved ones, losing our jobs, financial issues the list can go on and on. But if we are centered and we can somehow yield to the Potters hands we will become a masterpiece. There will be a time imperfections will need to be removed at the right times, but the Potter is seeing the whole piece, the whole image and He is carefully attending to our well being. After the potter has molded the clay we have a tendency to feel as if this is it. But the piece is only complete after the fire. The fire makes the clay strong. And it emerges a thing of beauty. My thoughts are still forming and I have learned so much on this adventure that it will take the rest of my life to process what I have heard, seen and experienced. When I sat in the potters house in an original room that was left the way it was years ago, I couldn’t move. I just sat there and prayed and cried, “Lord please don’t let me miss anything you have for me”. When thoughts wold rush in I would usher them out. As I sat there in the stillness I remembered a phrase I had heard 3 time in the last week. Someone told me that the work I do vibrates their soul. Another person said that their soul vibrates as we were talking and then another example with someone I was with. I kept asking the Lord what does that mean...my soul vibrates...and instantly I remembered holding the clay on the wheel. When my hands (as the potter) is holding the clay if I didn’t hold it firm yet gently enough it would bounce all over. When the potter put his hands on mine and showed me how to hold it the clay submitted to my hands. The wheel was still moving and the clay was still spinning but my hands were still on the wheel. As the clay was being centered it was only vibrating in the movement. And I understood.

As the clay, when I allow my maker, the Potter to center me and do what He has created me to be it causes our souls to vibrate, not only for us but for others. It is a beautiful thing to be created by a God who loves us enough to hold us each in His hands. To center us so that we can become something of beauty. For His service. When we allow Him to equip us then I believe this is what happens.

I find myself on a plane to Paris wondering....how did I get here? How did this happen. How did God chose me? And I find out that when I am open to be created He creates. And I get the privilege of meeting wonderful, beautiful families, children and other servants of God and I don’t just get to be a part of my world but I become a part of theirs and my world expands and so does my heart. I have more to give than when I began and I am so thankful. I never want to live outside of the Potters hands or the design He has for my life. 10-2-10 written somewhere over Europe! :-)

WOW 2 months?!?

2010-07-11T21:29:00.000-07:00

Wow, I can't believe it has been 2 months since my last post. Things have been going a little crazy around here! My daughter, Kelsey has joined the Studio Gagliano team as my new Office Manager and she is doing great. Also we are planning her wedding which is September 4th!

The newest addition to our Portrait Park is our pond that was started last week. It is looking great already and I can hardly wait till it is finished and up and running. (putting in a water feature as well) It's going to be great!

Keep up to date with Studio Gagliano news on our Facebook site http://www.facebook.com/pages/Roseburg-OR/Studio-Gagliano-Inc/104006652211?ref=nf

A Great Book and other thoughts...

2010-05-03T06:29:00.000-07:00

I am reading such a great book and thought that I would share the title with you. It is called Waking the Dead by John Eldredge. I highly recommend it. He is one of my favorite authors.

From time to time I will share other books unrelated to photography and some may be related to photography. My mornings are filled with quite and time for devotion. Feeding my soul is essential for the day to day chaos we all face. It seems our days can be taken over quite quickly.

I am very blessed to have an occupation that is also my passion. Investing time to try and understand how God created me helps to give me direction every day. It also fills me with a peace that is invaluable. I hope you don't mind that I share more of me personally in this space.

Photography to me is more than my job. I feel it is a gift. To be able to photograph people at their best and sometimes at their worst really is an honor for me. My heart is that when looking at their images they will see themselves differently...by that I mean that they would be able to see themselves more as the individual that God created them to be. Sometimes when I see an image of myself I am very critical, in fact that would be most of the time. But from time to time I see something different...and it encourages me to try and be better.

There are moments when I am photographing that I see something...different. A lot of times the image I take combined with the art I create with it completes the thing that I saw when I was in the moment. When those moments happen I see it as a gift. A sneak peek of something not yet fully developed. And it makes me smile.

Vote for my entry in the 2010 Professional Photographer Magazine Cover Contest

2010-04-23T08:59:00.000-07:00

For a chance to win a Canon PowerShot G11 Vote for my entry in the 2010 Professional Photographer Magazine Cover Contest

Our Cutest Family Entries

2010-04-06T08:19:00.001-07:00

I am so proud of all of our families that stepped up to help raise money for a wonderful organization Now I Lay me down to Sleep. Don't forget to vote online at www.sandypucmodels.com voting ends April 8th!

Are you North America's Cutest Family??

2010-02-25T15:36:00.000-08:00

Blog Announcement:

Studio Gagliano is participating in the International Charity Model Search to select North America’s Cutest Family and to raise funds for the non-profit Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep Foundation. (HYPERLINK "http://NILMDTS.org/"NILMDTS.org)

Are your loved ones North America’s Cutest Family? We’ll give you the opportunity to prove it! Many exciting prizes will be awarded, and the grand prize winner receives a new car!

Model Search Special:
$35 entrance fee includes a 20-minute model session and one image submitted to the national gallery.

Finalists will be determined by online votes. Each vote is $1 (no limit on the amount of votes you can cast), and all proceeds from votes benefit Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep (HYPERLINK "http://NILMDTS.org/"NILMDTS.org).

Grand prize international winner will be determined from the 52 city finalists. The winners will be selected from the finalist gallery by photography and modeling industry experts. The winning family also receives a session with the renowned portrait artist Sandy Puc’ and international recognition.

Call 541-229-3686 now to enter your family in this exciting contest.

*Contest open to residents of the US and Canada. For more information, visit http://sandypucmodels.com/.

Beautiful Couple ~ Beautiful Wedding

2009-09-17T15:49:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege to photograph Brant and Katie Guido's wedding and they were so much fun as you can tell by the sneak peek of some of their images! Congratulations Guys!!

Cute Little boys and their Cute Mamma

2009-08-08T12:15:00.000-07:00

I had such a great time creating images of these precious little boys and their mamma. Talk about 2 balls of energy! I love it!!

Surf's Up

2009-07-22T13:02:00.000-07:00

Our newest set "surfs up" is up and ready! We are going to have so much fun with this one... Oregon Style!!

Twice as Nice

2009-07-17T07:45:00.000-07:00

I am so honored to see these very special babies every month for the next year. Meet The Smith Family...
This is sweet little Blair...

and below is her cute and slightly younger brother Dane
...two amazing little lives one HUGE unbelievable story!

Just a lil bit!! 2009/2010 Models Roseburg Oregon Senior Photographer

2009-07-11T19:33:00.000-07:00

In true Aretha Franklin style, I am proud to introduce "just a lil bit" of my senior reps. These young adults are AMAZING I am so proud to call them my representatives!!

Here is Tourin and Lucas. More to come!

Even though Josh and Zac are not Seniors they are awesome reps for Studio G...Thanks Guys!

Are you paying attention?

2009-07-07T10:47:00.000-07:00

We are doing a test to see how many of you are tuned in to what is going on at Studio Gagliano. If you are paying attention it is going to pay off!
We are offering a one time discount on wall portraits 16x20 and larger. Call the studio to place your order and give the discount code below to receive 50% off of our regular prices good only until 6:30pm this evening!

Discount Code: BLWLPRT50

Not good on past purchases.
July 7, 2009

Mike & Karra Engagement Session Roseburg Oregon Wedding Photographer

2009-07-03T09:36:00.000-07:00

Our Old International "Big Red" set was a great background for some of our engagement images taken with Mike & Karra! They are an awesome couple!

Our Kids Corner! Roseburg Oregon Kids Photographer

2009-07-03T07:38:00.001-07:00

Before we start with the outdoor sets there is something you should know! We LOVE KIDS at Studio Gagliano! We have a room dedicated to just stuff for them. We have tutu's, sports stuff, and TONS of outfits, dresses, tux's, aviator outfit, leather jackets, tea sets, antiques cars, including an antique fire truck, tractor, race car, police car and an old pink woody. That's not even scratching the surface. Outside we will be showing you some fantastic sets including our "Day at the Beach" set. Stay tuned!

I can't either... Roseburg Oregon Portrait Photographer

2009-07-02T08:56:00.000-07:00

We have been having so much fun putting together the new sets in our portrait park and decided to take you on a virtual tour as it progresses.

As much fun as I have going on location and seeing all of my colleagues in the field I just wanted to offer something a little more personal. We have been working hard to come up with a more Unique and Intimate setting for our Studio Gagliano clients. In the next few weeks I will be posting images my friend Troy and I had a blast photographing to give you a sneak peak of some of the sets we have available. With each image I will be giving a brief description of the set.

I really hope you enjoy visiting us through the blog but can't wait to show you in person.

With that here are our first couple of images...

Here is our Studio Office and Theatre Room where you preview your portraits for the first time.

Psst...Pssst can you keep a secret? Roseburg Oregon Portrait Photographer

2009-07-02T00:14:00.000-07:00

A warm and sunny welcome to you from Studio Gagliano's Portrait Park; please stay tuned.

We have a sneak peek...coming soon!

Baby #2 Roseburg Oregon Baby Photographer

2009-06-11T21:32:00.000-07:00

Loved this session with baby number two of the Sikes... I just love this family!

Up Up and Away Roseburg Oregon Wedding Photographer

2009-06-04T17:44:00.000-07:00

I know it has been a good month or more since I have posted. The studio has been crazy busy through May, Hopefully I will be able to get a little caught up.

Speaking of getting caught up...I got to go up in a hot air balloon and get some fabulous images. Here are a few...

The Johnsons...expecting Roseburg Oregon Pregnancy Photographer

2009-06-04T11:42:00.000-07:00

Had an amazing pregnancy session with Dusti, Joseph and Hosea...What a precious family. Thanks Craig!

~Year in the Life~

2009-04-01T15:00:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of last months year in the life clients!

I could do this all day long!!!

2009-04-01T00:55:00.000-07:00

What an incredible job I have...I am blessed beyond measure!
These children are amazing, more than you know!

Cute Kid Contest underway...

2009-04-01T00:46:00.001-07:00

Seriously, have you seen anything cuter...Here are some of the kids we have started taking images of for our contest...talk about personality!

CUTEST KID CONTEST!!

2009-03-26T11:15:00.000-07:00

We have re-arranged our Cutest Kid Contest to facilitate the higher volume of calls we have been receiving. Our contest will be a local contest that will benefit Mercy Foundation and our local Children. The contest is open to children ages 18mos - 14yrs of age. Any image taken by Studio Gagliano in 2009 may be entered at the entry fee pricing.

Winners will be chosen through the combination of judges scores and public votes.
Images will be judged by Photographers in the Portland area. Public votes will cost $1.00 per vote and the proceeds will benefit our local children through the Mercy Foundation. Public voting will be held online.

The entry fee will be $35 and you will receive a mini session and a 4x6 print of the image you chose as your entry. Sessions must be held by May 23rd. Online Voting will end May 31st.

Prizes will be determined and winners notified by June 5th.

Call the Studio at 541-229-3686 to book your session.

Is your child America’s Cutest Kid?

2009-03-16T02:01:00.000-07:00

Is your child America’s Cutest Kid?

Studio Gagliano Inc. 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 30 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. http://NILMDTS.org/"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 541-229-3686. For more information about the contest, go online to www.sandypucmodels.com.

Sessions must be completed by March 27th.

Crybabies

2009-03-01T07:53:00.000-08:00

There are a lot of people in our lives who come and go. Some come and encourage you to be a better person than who you are. I am very honored to have several of those who encourage me on a daily basis. (apart from my amazing husband and children). This past year has been particularly hard for me personally and I probably looked a lot like the images you see here. But in spite of it all I am endeavoring to grow and learn and trust God more.

I love these images. My friend Troy spent the day at the studio and he pushes me to create beyond what I do ordinarily and the results are always amazing. Mr Ryder pictured above and below has the cutest piercing blue eyes. But he wasn't about to show them to us on this day. He is part of my Year in the Life program, and happened to come in for his next appt the day we edited these and he did nothing but smile!! So I went back and pulled these images...what fun, I think these are some of my favorites and the inspiration for our new line entitled "Crybabies"

Congrats, April!

2009-02-24T21:42:00.000-08:00

April brought home two trophies from the Professional Photographers of Oregon 2009 Convention this last weekend in Portland! The first was "Best Woman/Portrait Division," and the second was the Kodak Gallery award for Photographic Excellence. I'll be posting the pictures that correspond with the awards soon...

Also coming home with an AFP Degree, (Associate Fellowship Photographer,) I'd say it was a clean sweep! You go girl!

Kari

Kodak Gallery Award for Photographic Excellence:

Best Portrait/Woman Division:

Father-Daughter is almost here!

2009-01-16T10:58:00.000-08:00

Daddies, are you ready for the annual Father-Daughter Dance? Melrose is scheduled for February 12th at the Melrose school, & Douglas County Father-Daughter will be Feburary 20th at the Fairgrounds. Call the studio @ 229-3686 to purchase tickets for this event. Tickets are $6 in advance or $8 at the door.
Also, call us for prepaid picture packages to get you and your little princesses through the lines quicker- (this is a good idea, trust me!) Packages range from $15 to $45. NEW THIS YEAR: we have a special line for daddies with daughters under five years of age. Hooray!

The Little Black Book Special

2009-01-15T13:00:00.000-08:00

For Valentine's Day, give your husband something you know he'll enjoy...boudoir pictures of you! Our February Special includes: A 30-minute "mini-session," along with a 5"x5" black book (ten 5x5 photos) for him to keep for $150. These Boudoir-style sessions are a lot of fun; (the focus being romantic and tasteful.) Ignite that sexy confidence in yourself and call the studio today to make an appointment. Bring his tie, his favorite sports jersey, something cute, or just you "all dolled up!" We promise you won't be disappointed....and neither will he!

Lovin' the Seniors!

2009-01-14T22:11:00.000-08:00

Not just another pretty face...Sarah and I had so much fun doing her senior pictures and the camera loved her!

Last of Vegas before I come Home!

2009-01-06T21:26:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple more before I get home. I can't wait to get home and use the new stuff I learned. I will make a slideshow of the rest of the images a little later. woo hoo!!! See you all soon. april

More Vegas...

2009-01-06T07:02:00.001-08:00

I didn't see the video guy...nice.

Does this guy look like a young Brad Pitt or what?!?!
I loved this shot...we had so much fun...stay tuned for more...

IN VEGAS!!!!

2009-01-05T17:46:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, I am blogging from Vegas right now where I am attending a SPA conference which stands for Senior Portrait Artist. It's AMAZING! I am learning a lot and I can't wait to bring back what I have learned and make your images even better!! Posted below are a few images I took here with the models they have provided. We got to go to some unbelievable locations, the first location is at the Neon Sign Museum...

The next location was the Red Rock Canyon...

Spreading Joy

2008-12-30T14:39:00.000-08:00

Hi ya'll, Kari here. Just wanted to thank everyone for their entries for the Spreading Joy Giveaway. It is so wonderful seeing that we all are wanting to give, and not just receive this season. The winner was picked on Christmas eve, and has asked to remain anonymous. Congrats to our nameless winner! I hope you enjoy your family pictures, you deserve it!!!

And for the rest of you, I hope you're enjoying this last week of 2008! We wish you the best in your coming year. May it be filled with hope, faith, love, and beautiful memories! Happy New Year!

I saw mommy kissing Santa Clause...GROSS!!!

2008-12-12T18:23:00.000-08:00

This picture says it all! I love that they chose this photo for their Christmas Cards!

Festival Of Trees

2008-12-12T08:10:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things is when it is time for The festival of Trees. When Festival of Trees starts I know it is officially the Holidays! It starts off with the silver Bell Luncheon and then there is Gala, The Teddy Bear Picnic, The night of Miracles and ending with Family Day! It is so beautiful and the trees are stunning.

This year I had an extra helper with Santa, SkyeLynn...she did awesome with the kids and took the pictures. Isn't she cute?!?

Thanks Sky!!!

Nominate-A-Friend Giveaway

2008-12-08T12:23:00.000-08:00

Hey, just wanted to say thanks to all of you who have submitted entries so far for the Nominate A Friend Giveaway...and if you haven't nominated someone, you should! We'll be taking entries until Christmas Eve. What a great gift for a friend or a loved one!

Don't forget, email entries to aprilcullett@yahoo.com, subject being: Spreading Joy

What is Cuter than Kids at Christmas????

2008-11-30T09:15:00.001-08:00

NOTHING!!

THE WINNER IS....

2008-11-30T09:05:00.000-08:00

micaela6955!!!! You are the winner of our Thanksgiving Day drawing. My cute little niece Zoe pulled your name out of the cup this morning. So congratulations! You won 24 5x7 customized Christmas cards, (a $60 value, envelopes included, from previous or an upcoming session)

Call the studio to claim your prize.

More contests coming, lets get those comments going!

A Star among the Heavens

2008-11-26T19:53:00.000-08:00

We had the cutest little angel in the studio this week. Isn't she precious?

Listen up, gift-givers!!!

2008-11-20T22:37:00.000-08:00

We HAVE TO spread the joy! April and her family have been so blessed this past year with the overwhelming support of their community...and it's time to give back...again! Obviously times are tough for many of us, and we want to bless someone who may not have the funds for a photo session right now, but would love the gift.

Nominate a friend! Nominate your teacher, your stylist, your neighbor...who knows, get creative! Send us an email, nominating a person who has had a positive effect on your life, or on the lives of others. We will review all nominees and announce the winner on December 24th.

The winner will receive a 30-minute photo session and a cd of their images. The photo session can be for a family, newborn, specialty shoot,...whatever they'd like.

Please send all entries to aprilcullett@yahoo.com, and let the subject line be: Spreading Joy

I can't wait to see your entries!!!

~Kari

Thanksgiving Giveaway!

2008-11-05T12:56:00.001-08:00

'Tis the season to give & give thanks, and we're starting with you! Under this blog, post a comment about what Thankgsiving means to you anytime before Thanksgiving, and you'll be entered into a drawing to win 24 5x7 custom Christmas cards, (a $60 value, envelopes included, from previous or an upcoming session.) Woohoo!

Now, get your thankful thoughts a flowin', because we want to hear from ya! And stay tuned...If you're not a winner this time, don't feel bad. We'll be randomly giving away things from now until Christmas to people who comment on our blog posts.

Have an awesome day!

1st Senior at the Portrait Park

2008-11-02T07:34:00.000-08:00

Even though we haven't set up our new sets the scenery here is amazing. I am going to LOVE photographing on the foot bridge and I love exploring all the new places we can go. Lauren came for a visit from Nevada and had her Senior Pics done at our new park. We had so much fun!

LIONS and BUNNIES and MERMAIDS oh MY!

2008-10-31T07:36:00.001-07:00

We had a few not so scary creatures come through the studio this month...In fact they were down right adorable!

Some People are so IMPATIENT!

2008-10-30T09:31:00.000-07:00

Some of you remember that last year on the night before Thanksgiving we experienced a house fire and lost almost everything. Well it has been quite a year. We finally found our dream home and it will also be home to our brand new portrait park. It has been a crazy last 2 months. Moving in and making this transition at this time of year is hectic to say the least. I want to thank all of you for being so patient while we have been moving and setting things up. We are not quite done but over the next couple of weeks we should be all moved in and ready to go.

In the meantime some of you have been less patient than others and we have broken in the new scenery even through all the mess. Here are a couple of images that show what's in store. The fall leaves are amazing right now and it is killing me to not be shooting in this beautiful weather more than I am. I can't wait to have you all here!

Ride 'em Cowboy!

2008-10-09T10:06:00.000-07:00

We had us a real live cowboy in the studio... hat wearin', boot kickin', hay chewin' cowboy. Ride 'em Ryder!!!

Lotus FUN!

2008-10-09T09:47:00.000-07:00

So a couple weeks ago I had a wonderful surprise! Diane came by for lunch and we went to a nearby park in her husbands Lotus! It was so fun, ok so we chose a park a little further out so we could drive. Good food, good conversation and a beautiful drive...what a great day!

A Gorgeous Tummy, With A Miracle Inside!

2008-09-16T23:03:00.000-07:00

Recently April got to shoot Emily, a fellow photographer from Portland...her with her beautiful belly, and April, in her jammies! These are a few photos from their session. Some of my favorite pictures are ones with the older siblings kissing mommy's belly. Congrats to Coco, our first to be photographed giving puppy kisses!

CHRISTMAS CARD SPECIAL

2008-09-03T21:57:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary Honey!

2008-06-19T08:41:00.000-07:00

Wow I can't believe it 20 YEARS!!!! I'm not old enough to say I have done anything for 20 years straight! But it's true...20 years ago I married a wonderful man and the father to my 3 B-E-A-Utiful girls. I love you honey! here's to 20 more!!!

Happy Fathers Day Dad!

2008-06-15T08:15:00.000-07:00

Right now I am at a professional photographers of Oregon Convention in Bend Ore. It is so beautiful here. It reminds me of my Dad, not just because it is Fathers Day but for several reasons. First we lived in Bend when I was in Junior high and Oregon is one of my Dads favorite places on earth. I say one because he loves to travel and experience new places and things. He has never been one to just settle for one way of life. For that I am thankful, He has taught me how to be adventurous.

When I was a little girl I found some beautiful portraits in a folder that began my fascination with photography. I would sit for hours looking at them thinking they were the most beautiful scenes ever. Today those portraits hang in my studio as a reminder that dreams we dream as children really do come true. Those pictures were taken by my father and over the years he has put up with my little fingers touching and holding those photos. I remember when he bought me my first camera at a garage sale in Georgia, it was a 35mm Yashica and I used that thing like crazy. I set up a studio in our basement (I use studio very loosely) and took pictures of my sister and brother and their friends. I tortured them with my ideas, I made filters out of wax paper, and rubber bands and hung backdrops from the craziest materials (it was the 80's) . What great memories.

So today on Fathers Day I just want to thank my father for being an inspiration to me and for sharing his creative, adventurous, I can do anything, genes with me. Thanks Dad... I Love you!
Ape (only appropriate with ones dad!)

HAPPY FATHERS DAY

2008-06-15T08:12:00.000-07:00

First I would like to take a moment and wish my husband a wonderful Fathers Day. He is amazing. Even thought I can't be with him and the kids this weekend I am thinking of them every moment. Just the fact that I am not there and can attend a seminar over the Fathers Day weekend goes to show you how great he is! Here is one of my favorite pictures of him and our girls. How blessed am I?

I love you Honey!

2008-06-07T21:20:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while you come across one of those moments that take your breath away and then... you breathe deeper.

2008-06-07T20:17:00.001-07:00

Our new set is a world apart from the norm...check it out!

...forest fairies

2008-04-25T20:38:00.000-07:00

We had a Beautiful Forest Fairy stop by the studio today...is she sweet or what?

I Never get tired of this....

2008-04-24T19:31:00.000-07:00

Babies are the most precious in our studio...I never get tired of photographing these sweet little angels. Today I had the honor of delivering these images to one proud mom, and as you can see she has every right to be so.

What a cutie!!

2008-04-22T22:37:00.000-07:00

Seriously....can they get any cuter?

Handsome Boys!!!

2008-04-22T11:46:00.000-07:00

So I may be a little biased but these are some REALLY handsome boys...yes they are my nephews but you have to agree even if they weren't related they are still extremely cute!!!!

2008-04-17T21:05:00.001-07:00

This year Mya helped us bring our flower season to an end. She absolutely loved all the beautiful flowers. All in all it was a gorgeous day in the sun.

Emma Roo

2008-04-13T23:11:00.000-07:00

Peek-a-boo Emma!

This is my little niece Emma...She is such a cutie and a pretty good model too!

Blowin Aunt April kisses!

Eli & Brylin

2008-04-07T15:05:00.001-07:00

How cute are these two? Eli & Brylin! thanks Christina for bringing them in. I can't believe how big they are getting!

Rachel Merrell

2008-04-01T13:28:00.000-07:00

Our deepest sympathies go out to the Merrell family. We are praying for you and your inconceivable loss.

Another Beautiful Belly

2008-03-31T22:09:00.000-07:00

There is nothing more beautiful than new life. I feel so honored to be able to record these miraculous moments. Time frozen where anticipation, hopes and dreams all reside waiting for a miracle to be birthed.

thank you Dani....

Spring Flowers!!!

2008-03-26T20:41:00.001-07:00

The flowers are so beautiful this year andso is Peyton...what a sweetheart.

Sweet Life

2008-03-26T20:07:00.000-07:00

Baby Beckley number two...Welcome Tyler!
We had such a great time with the newest Beckley...Baby Tyler...What a cutie!

Babies, Babies, Babies

2008-03-19T22:29:00.000-07:00

Wow! So many babies...I'm in heaven, new babies, babies not quite here... What could be more wonderful than everything babies!

Kari came in this week for baby bump portraits and how precious~

NEW LIFE

2008-03-18T00:36:00.000-07:00

There is nothing more precious than new life. Pregnancy portraits are some of my favorite. I have had the privilege of photographing Leslie a few times, first for her wedding in Colorado and then when she came for a visit with her first baby, Oliver and now with her second pregnancy.

Leslie came in and got me thinking outside the box. I love it when I have a chance to pull out all the stops. Here are a couple images of this amazing session. You can see more of these under the miracles gallery on our website. Thank you Leslie for such beautiful images!

FLOWERS IN BLOOM

2008-03-16T00:22:00.000-07:00

It has been CRAZY around here. I keep thinking it is going to settle down but I think I need to just work with the crazy. I am sorry I haven't blogged for a while I am going to try and keep up on this now that we got the web site updated.

Well the field of flowers are in bloom. They will only stay for a couple of weeks so all those interested in taking advantage of this beautiful setting please call the studio as soon as possible. Here are a couple of examples of this beautiful field...

Gabrielle...our cute little bunny in the flowers!

Then we had Brooklyn blowing kisses...

Coffee Table Book!

2008-01-07T08:04:00.000-08:00

It is my privilege to photograph these girls each year. Here are a few of my favorites from our 2007 session! What Fun! This year we had the added honor of designing an entire coffee table book featuring them. Not to mention their Christmas Cards. What beautiful girls!
Cover

Page 1

Page 2 & 3

Page 4&5

Page 6&7

Page 8&9

Page 10&11 Page 12

Kelsey & Lauren

2008-01-07T08:01:00.000-08:00

Lauren had to move away..:-( and we are very sad about that, but we are very glad she came in for some memoy photos! We will miss you girl!

Tis the Season

2007-12-09T00:55:00.000-08:00

I have had so much fun designing Christmas cards this year...Here are a few examples!

Tampa Wedding

2007-10-26T06:39:00.000-07:00

Just got done with the portraits for the wedding we just did in Tampa. The bride was beautiful, the location was beautiful, the time we had there was beautiful. Now I am heading to Atlanta and will get to visit more family and friends. B-E-A-utiful!

My beautiful Sister...Ashley!

Ashley and Ryan sittin' in a tree...

Beautiful!

Beautiful Sunset!

Wedded Bliss

2007-09-09T09:16:00.000-07:00

Three years ago I met this amazing yet slightly crazy couple. When I first met Kari I was blown away with her boundless energy...(I thought I had a lot) These two were so in love that they couldn't wait for their wedding day to arrive so on a whim they called a justice of the peace and got married in their backyard. The problem was she had this amazing dress and she loves pictures, so she wanted to make sure her wedding day was documented. Here is where I was roped in...This girl showed up in her wedding dress and we walked all the way up Susan Creek Falls IN THE DRESS!!!

It was well worth it, their pictures turned out beautiful and why not they are a gorgeous couple. Recently I had the privilege to do another session with Kari and Adam. Hard times and all, they are still going strong and still a beautiful couple. Thanks guys for letting me share this time with you, you guys are awesome! April

Boys of Summer

2007-09-04T07:24:00.000-07:00

Ok So I had a wonderful little session with two boys. This was an attempt to catch their tan little bodies, shaggy blond hair and a little bribery with some ice cream doesn't hurt anything. I had a clear sign when the session was over...check it out.

It doesn't take a genius to know you are done when this happens...

Mommy & Me

2007-09-02T21:22:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege of having a session with my sister and her son this last week. This marked a very special time between mother and son. Thank you for inviting me into this once in a lifetime precious moment.

Brandon

2007-08-24T11:55:00.000-07:00

This year we did a senior session with Brandon and had a blast! Just recently we did a session with the whole family and had more fun. Brandon just left for the Navy, our prayers and thoughts are with you. Thanks Brandon!