Christmas Cutie in September

Why, yes I am shooting holiday portraits in September. Don't roll your eyes! Other photographers out there know that we need to start shooting holiday sessions in September and October in order to meet client demand for sessions and also to meet the holiday order deadlines for some of our specialty product vendors (custom holiday cards, photo jewelry, plaque and float mounts, canvas wraps, etc).

This little cutie was born around Thanksgiving last year, and her birth announcement had a photo of her wearing a little knit santa hat. How cute for this year's family card to replicate that idea, but now she's a much bigger kid!

And she was having such a great time with her Dad, I just had to combine these images together.

Hair Envy Strikes Again!

If you read my blog regularly, you will know that in the past I have had hair envy over a baby. Well, it’s happened again. Look at the full head of hair on this little guy! He came in for a baby parts session so I knew I had to get a close up of that gorgeous hair with the lighting set to really showcase its spikiness. He brought along his sister, whom I had the honor of creating a baby parts collage for just over a year ago. I can’t believe how much she’s grown. She’s certainly not a baby anymore!

Look who's 18 months old now!

You may recognize her because she is all over my blog and site, on studio samples, and in magazines. I have been photographing her since before she was even born (I did mom's maternity session), and I can't believe how quickly she has grown!

Her tall piggy tail is so cute. I was joking that I had to zoom out to fit it all in.

After we finished up in the studio, we stepped outdoors to experiment at bit. I stepped outside of the box and tried something a little more artsy-fartsy (LOL). For my photographer friends, this is an infrared action from Gavin Phillips. I had to tone it down a bit, but still think it's kinda fun!

Happy 1st Birthday!

I got to meet A on Monday, and Monday was also his actual birthday. What a cutie! Those big brown eyes and those little curls at the nape of his neck are simply adorable. His mom and I were cracking up at his method for eating his birthday cake - face first! Once his mom showed him how to grab a chunk off with his hand, then he really got into it. Happy Birthday, A!

Background for Mini Session Day

For those who have signed up for the October 11th mini session day for holiday cards, I just wanted to show you the backdrop that will be used that day. It's a nice chestnut paper and as you can see it looks lovely in color, black-and-white, or chocolate (sepia) tone.

If you have not yet signed up for the October 11th event, call now. There are still appointment times available! Details here.

Don't you want to do this in your own living room?

I love to see kids as art. What a great way to decorate!

If you didn't catch my last blog post on this topic, I am offering a 15% discount on 16x20 or larger signature wall art (framed prints, canvas gallery wraps, or gallery mounts) purchased thru Dec 31st. To receive this discount, you have to let me photograph your child with their art piece on display as shown here.

Call now. We can still print art pieces from sessions done earlier this year!

Holiday Cards For Mini Session Day

The designs are ready! These are the 5x7 cards you may choose from for the October 11th Holiday Card Mini Session Day. The layout/design is fixed, but you may alter the font and verbiage as desired.

Card 1:

See it bigger.

Card 2:

See it bigger.

Card 3:

See it bigger.
Card 3 has some alternate design options which can been seen here.

Card 4:

See it bigger.

Scrapbook elements courtesy of Sweet Shoppe Designs.

Just to reiterate the special offer for October 11th -
Receive a mini session and 48 5x7 flat cards for $250. This is over a $350 value and is my holiday gift to all of my awesome clients. (note: Additional sets of 24 cards will be available for $30.) I am able to offer this special pricing on October 11th because individual sessions will be shorter than normal, the studio set up will remain unchanged all day, and card choices have been pre-designed. There will be mini-sessions running all day, so on this day it is critical to be on time for your appointment. I cannot guarantee your session if you are late. Please note that my schedule is now fully booked for all regular holiday sessions. If you were planning on having a holiday session with me but have not yet scheduled, this event on October 11th will be your only chance for holiday portraits. Call now to guarantee your October 11th appointment!

Enormous Lollipops & A High School Musical Dance Party

I had the pleasure of meeting a really great family yesterday. I think this is the biggest sneak peek I have ever posted, but these girls are just so beautiful and I was having so much fun with the images that I couldn’t help myself.

The girls are 6, 4, and 2. The two older girls were really into the session, posing and hamming it up for the camera. We cranked up the High School Musical soundtrack and cut loose! The 2 year old -- not so much. Not even her mom’s purse full of Swedish Fish, my toy fart machine, a huge lollipop, or a skip thru the forest could get her in the mood for pictures. So we had to get a little bit creative, which is why you see her being waved thru the air by her dad. LOL!

The 4-year-old is currently battling childhood cancer, and her parents thought now would be an important time to document their family. I totally agree and I am truly honored that they chose me to help create their images. The family’s spirit, strength, and contagious positive attitude were evident the moment I met them, and I hope these portraits capture that. Please keep this beautiful family in your prayers and send positive thoughts their way during this challenging time.

Edited 9/20/09 to add: Lots of people have been asking where these cute outfits came from. I just got the link to the supplier, 3.l.p Couture.

Still need to book your holiday session?

Announcing the 2nd Annual Jessica Gwozdz Photography Holiday Card Day! On Sunday October 11th only, you will receive a mini photo session and 48 5x7 flat cards for $250. This is over a $350 value and is my holiday gift to all of my awesome clients. (note: Additional sets of 24 cards will be available for $30.)

I am able to offer this special pricing on October 11th because individual sessions will be shorter than normal, the studio set up will remain unchanged all day, and card choices have been pre-designed.

As many of you know, I pride myself in custom-designed cards and love working with you to come up with something totally fun and unique. In this same spirit, the cards available on Holiday Card Day will be extra special. I don’t have them ready yet to show here, but will be posting them shortly.

There will be mini-sessions running all day, so on this day it is critical to be on time for your appointment. If you are late, I cannot guarantee your session.

Please note that my schedule is now fully booked for all regular holiday sessions. If you were planning on having a holiday session with me but have not yet scheduled, this event on October 11th will be your only chance for holiday portraits.

Call now to guarantee your appointment!