{My Home} Beginnings of a Boys Gallery

Ok, so I am always telling my clients how to display their portraits that I thought you might want a glimpse into how I decorate with images in my own home.

Let's begin with the boys.

After almost 6 years in our house, I have decorated (ok, painted) every room in my house except 2- the laundry room, and my kids' room. So it was time to finally give their room a bit of personality, and Labor Day weekend, we tackled a few overdue projects. First, with the help of my 8 year old, I painted the room a pale blue-gray. Then my oh-so-handy hubby cut and hung a few shelves for their ever growing "stuff" collection. Looking at the vast blank wallspace between the two top shelves, I immediately envisioned a big old print of the two kiddos there. So, again with the neverending help of my 8 year old, we chose the perfect photo- one from our beach trip this past summer.

I chose to do a mounted 16x20 and set it in a glassless frame which was just collecting dust in my office. After a coat of blue paint, voila! The very first art piece for the boys!

Stay tuned for more of my "gallery style" (if I ever finish any of them!)

And for more ideas for your home- check out some Wall Inspiration!

{The Anti-Photographer}

Photography is very much subjective. As with all art, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. When we go to get "pictures made", we want to look our best. We want to look pretty, or handsome, or thin. We want a photo of the kids getting along, or mom kissing the baby just the way they saw in some advertisement. We want to look perfect. Just like that family on the wall at the mall photo studio. You want them to capture that special moment of your family too.

So why then, are big photo chains telling you that you aren't special- you are exactly the same as the family from their 12:00 session and will be the same as their 5:00 session. You will get the same 30 minutes, the same white, then blue, then black backdrop. You will be told to sit, then stand, then lean on your back shoulder while they tease your 4 year old with a feather duster trying to get him to look at the camera. (I am speaking from personal experience) Is there anything wrong with this? No, not neccessarily. But if you are like me, you hate being treated like a number. You hate being viewed as a walking checkbook.

Now, take a look at your family- your 3 year old, freckle faced cherub whose dirt stained cheeks are so common, you tell everyone they are birthmarks. Your little blond angel who refuses to wear anything without her pink rainboots and a tiara, cause let's face it- she IS a princess! Then there's your hubby (sorry guys- calling you out!) who never smiles the "good smile" when asked to.

Maybe I'm a rebel, but the photos I really cherish are the ones that show the real sides of my family. We are by no means "normal", nor do I care to be- and that's how I want my family to be captured. Exactly as we are. I have one actual "smiling" shot of my boys in the house- the others are either them being their goofy selves or looking away from the camera. It shows who they ARE, not who I want people to THINK they are.

You will never hear me say:
"Cheese!"
"She's just not working for me today!"
"Do you want to reschedule so we can get some posed smiling ones?"
"That tutu and jeans combo ain't doing it for me."
"Just wear white tops and khakis on everyone!"

Let's create a session that is styled and designed for YOU, not the masses. And if that kinda thing is your style, then I may not be the photographer for you, and that's fine. My feelings aren't hurt. I do get that magic shot where everyone is looking at the camera with a great big smile on their face- but it is never forced. They smile because they had so much fun during the rest of the session, they can't wipe them off their faces if they tried.

{Have Your Cake and Eat it Too!}

When you think of the holidays, you think of all those people that are going to be expecting a holiday card. And not just some snapshot of your or your kids by the fireplace, I mean a card that will have them talking! Well, with this month's special, I got you covered!

September weekends are all full and only ONE weekday spot remains! October weekends are almost gone too. Don't wait! Get on the books today! ashley@hugghinsphotography.com



{Local Ladies} Kimberly Slagle

Today's local lady is a Tutu designer on a mission! 

Your Name: Kimberly Slagle
Business Name: Tutu Dreamy, Dreamy Designs for every Princess
City: Loganville
Year Established: 2010
Website:Facebook: www.facebook.com/tutudreamy

Do you have a location or are you exclusively online? Online

Tell us about your business:I make tutu and tutu accessories for charities and auction donations. Every item I make is handcrafted and all items include some tulle on them, making them all Tutu Dreamy. A few of my items are basic tutus to tutu outfits. My accessories start with nylon tutu flower headbands and hair clips, tushy tutus for babies, tutu wands and flowers, tutu leg warmers and leggings,  tutu pens, and yes even some request for doggy tutus. Currently I am working with PTSD & TBI awareness ribbons on facebook. They will be having an auction the 16th of October. This organization means a lot to me as both my husband and my father are military. In addition, my husband suffers from a TBI and  my father suffers from PTSD.
www.AwarenessRibbonsPTSD.com

   

You recently made the decision to devote your talents exclusively to charities. How did you come to that decision?

The decision to take this route was not mine, but God's nudge on my heart. Through our tragedy of my husband's TBI, God has turned it into a blessing and has made our lives better because of it. I simply want to help anyone out there in need or in a tough spot.

What made you want to start a business?

I started my business because of my little princesses love of tutus. Ones online cost too much money, so I decided to try to do it myself. It just took off from there, I found something I love to do.

What’s your favorite thing about owning your own business?

I have owned my own business for over 10 years, I used to be a massage therapist. I love it! The flexibility to be with my family and do things I like do, makes it worth the while and my favorite things about owning my own business. 

What inspires you?
My daughter! She is creative and loves dress up. She has ideas of what she wants for a tutu and I go from there.

Tell us about yourself, family, interests:
I am 36 and have lived in Loganville for about 2 1/2 years. I'm originally from Texas, but moved here from San Diego. My husband is a retired Marine of 20 years and we have 1 daughter, Kadence, who is 4. Kadence has two half sisters, Alex and Hanna. We love all the time we have to be with family. Our interest include- our Church, Graystone Church, again our family, and helping with VA military related issues. Actually, the yellow tutu shown is for a Facebook auction in mid October for, PTSD and TBI Awareness Ribbon, as my husband suffers from a TBI and my father PTSD both military related.

 

Where can we find you when you aren’t working?

At home or church with my family.

Do you have any guilty pleasures?
My guilty pleasure is probably watching Teen mom!

Where is your dream vacation spot?

Any hotel, it doesn't matter if its in the same city. There is just something about staying at a hotel. :)

Thanks so much for sharing with us, Kimberly! Go show her Facebook page some love!

I love to see local talents using their businesses to help out in the community! What better way to share your gifts with others! If you would like more information on the charities Kimberly is currently working with or to make a donation, you can contact her at Tutudreamy@ymail.com

{September Rewards}



{Speaking of Good Photographers...}

Don't you love it when you go to grab the mail and find special surprises inside? I love handwritten letters, cards, and being recognized! By that, I mean receiving valued customer specials, gift cards, and other exclusive offers only available to frequent shoppers. It makes me feel like my purchase was not only valued, but rewarded!

I too love to reward my clients for all they do for me. Without them, I have no business and wouldn't be able to do what I love! Because of this, I offer little surprises for my lovely customers and one of those is my referral program. I like to call it "Share the Love!" It is simple- you rave to your friends about me and your personalized portrait experience and I gift not only your friends, but you as well!

Your friends receive a cute, custom linen referral card in the mail featuring one of your session images. It includes a print credit to invite them to get their own fun session. Everytime one of your friends books, you receive a handwritten thank-you and a special treat as well!

Word of mouth is how my business survives so I don't send you some pre-packaged "Thanks a lot." I want you to feel as giddy as I do when I get that referral!

Rewards can be used on past orders as well as future ones. So if you hear one of your friends mention that they are in need of a portrait update, you know who to call!

Check back tomorrow for a referral special running through the end of the month!

{Treats with My Boys}

Many of my clients have been raving about a local bakery and sandwich shop in my area, so when I checked out their Facebook page, I was happy to see another small business involved in their community. I decided that since I actually had a weekend off, I would go have a taste of Parkside Bakery for myself! So the boys and I headed out for an after-lunch dessert, and we were not disappointed! Nolan chose a Spongebob cupcake and Reilly, a chocolate one of course!  

I'm not sure what they liked better- the cupcakes or the fact that they could DRAW on the tables! We had stars, dinosaurs, snakes, and one looooong lizard!

I must admit, that while the boys were busy drawing, I snagged a few bites of each of their cupcakes! They were delish! We will be back very soon!