Get a Holly Jolly...GIFT CERTIFICATE!!!

Christmas soon will be here and I am not even close to done with my shopping. An easy and great idea for a gift is a Gift Certificate. I am now offering Gift Certificates for purchase in increments of $25.

To purchase one (or more), email me or give me a call. They can be purchased via cash, check, money order or Paypal. Once payment clears, you can pick it up from me, I can mail it to you, or I can mail it to the recipient with a message from you.

Please contact me with any questions or to purchase. The sooner you order, the sooner you can cross names off your list:)

Now, a quick pic from a recent session:

Rudolph...Really?????

Even though I am still playing catch-up due to the recent happenings, Sadie and I went to take some pics of our friends' kids this morning. We even caught Bucky playing the role of "Rudolph". We got a lot of cute shots, but these are just a couple of my favorites.

M.I.A.

Ok, you may have noticed that I have been M.I.A. the last couple of weeks, but not without a valid reason. Not only is the holiday portrait season coming to a head, we also found out 2 weeks ago that our little girl has diabetes. I had no idea that it could come out of nowhere, with no family history, not to mention she is only 3 years old. Who knew?!

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone (family, friends and clients) for their prayers, kind words and concern for our family. Sadie is doing as well as can be expected considering the complete change in the way her world revolved. Finger pricks are much easier than they were 2 weeks ago and hopefully the shots will get easier soon, too. The diet...well, for a child who eats very sporadically, we're hanging in there. I am slowly coming around, but still have my weak moments.

I am currently playing catch-up and hope to be up to date with everything very soon. Thank you, again, for your prayers and please continue to remember us as we try to adjust to our new way of life (fingers crossed for a cure!).

Crews

This morning I had the opportunity to photograph our neighbors' newborn and thought I would give them a taste of what we got. Congratulations, again, Misty and Jeremy...he's just precious!

This is one of my favorites:

Mini-Session Update

Well, it has been very busy lately and I have let the blog slide a little. In turn, I have neglected to announce that November 1 was set as the last date for holiday mini-sessions. I set this date to ensure that greeting card orders would be delivered in time for holiday mailing.

I still have a few mini-session openings for November 1, but due to the last minute date announcement, I will also open appointments on Saturday, November 15, for first 3 mini-sessions booked. I will not be able to hold any holiday sessions after this date due to turn-around time for holiday delivery.

November 15 is also the deadline for full session clients wanting holiday delivery. If you would like to schedule a full session for holiday portraits, please schedule your session to be held prior to November 15.

Due to limited availability, if you would like to schedule a mini-session for November 1 or November 15, please contact me as soon as possible.

Mr. GQ and Saturday Sessions

This one is definately a natural! His mom got in some shots too, so you can see where he got it from. I generally don't do a lot of posing, but he went straight to work hammin' it up for the camera. And I love the freckles. He was truly Mr. GQ.

My next Saturday set aside for sessions and holiday mini-sessions is October 18. As of right now, the location for the mini-sessions will be the Canton square. There are only 6 appointments available, so if you are interested please contact me asap. There will only be 1 more Saturday for sessions this year, which will be in November (TBA).

Also, for those of you wanting to order custom greeting cards, I will have this years designs posted on my website in the next few days.

Direct from Orange Beach...

We made it back from Pensacola and Orange Beach! The weather was great (most of the time)! There was a chance for rain on Saturday, but it turned out perfect for Kellye and Brian's wedding. Woohoo! Here are a few pics from some beach sessions and the wedding.

This pic of my family was taken mid-morning which is not the best time to be photographed, especially on the beach, but we were so busy with everything else that we neglected to do our pic until right before departing. It was overcast all morning until we got ready to take the pic...my luck! But, it turned out anyway. Wow, is it hard to set the pic, set the timer and run into position in the sand before the shutter clicks! My calves are sore. Next time I will use a remote release!

My first Holiday Mini-Session date is this Saturday, the 27th. The next date is tentatively set for Saturday, October 18. I am limiting the number of sessions on this day to 6, so call me asap if you are interested.

By Popular Demand....Credit Cards Now Accepted!

I have been asked many times about accepting credit cards and have managed to hold off for a while, but I guess it is that time. I am now accepting credit card payments via Paypal! Woohoo!

Here's how it will work. You contact me with your order and I will send you a Paypal invoice via e-mail. Once your payment has cleared I will process your order. Credit card payments may be made for print services only, not session fees. Session fees must still be paid by cash, money order or check at this time. There is a 5% convenience charge on orders paid using a credit card.

Please contact me with any questions or to place an order to be paid via Paypal.

Custom Greeting Cards, Holiday Special and New Item!

I said I would be posting this Holiday Package Special so here it is: Receive a 30 minute mini-session, 24 custom greeting cards, (1) 8x10 and (2) 5x7 prints for $150 ($192 value). I rarely do portrait packages so this is a great opportunity to get a discounted price on your holiday cards and prints. Greeting cards are available in sizes 4x8, 5x5 flat, and 5x7 flat. These sessions are available on my mini-session Saturdays that will be advertised on this blog. The first mini-session date is Saturday, September 27, location TBA. Package price must be paid upon booking. Additional cards and prints may be purchased a la carte.

A new item I am now offering is Gift Certificates. They are available in increments of $25 and are great for Christmas, birthdays, baby showers, or any occasion.

Finally, here a just a small taste of the custom greeting cards for 2008. I may post a few more for previewing on the blog, but the entire 2008 holiday collection will be posted on my website shortly. There will be something for everyone! All designs are available in 4x8, 5x5, or 5x7. Text may be customized to reflect your holiday spirit. Please contact me for details.

Flash Website: Up and Running!

I am so excited! It has been a long time coming, but I finally have my new website complete! Please go check it out at www.aynsleygibsonphotography.com. It is a flash site and has info on my services, a gallery of some of my work, a calendar of special dates and much more. You can also link to this blog through my website.

My sister, Morgan, is an awesome designer and did some of the graphics for my site. She also did my logo and business cards. She is very talented. She is also helping work on my custom holiday greeting cards. I will be posting a small taste of the cards available this year in a couple of days. Many, many thanks to you, Mo!

I recently posted about my holiday mini-session dates. In a few days, when I post the sneak peak of the 2008 greeting card designs, I will also be posting my mini-session package special. This will only be advertised on my blog. I rarely do print packages, so this is surely going to be big! It will be a specially priced package that will include a mini-session, greeting cards and prints. To take advantage of the package special, it must be paid when booking your mini-session. Due to the discounted pricing, these packages are not eligible for the mini-session give-away. The mini-session give-away will be for a la carte sessions only. Remember, all mini-sessions are limited in number, so book soon to make sure you are included!

Ok, now go check out my website and be sure to visit my blog often over the next few days to take advantage of my mini-session packages and view the sneak peak of custom greeting cards.

So Sweet...

This family was referred to me by another client who I posted a sneak preview for, so I am going to give them a sneak preview, too.

Babies are so precious and this one was no exception. Mom was so sweet and dad was a trooper.

It's Beginning To Look a Lot Like....Christmas???

This year is flying by! It is already time to start thinking about holiday portraits and greeting cards.

My holiday session season will officially begin on September 22. This is when I return from end of summer beach sessions and will be ready to roll with holiday sessions.

The deadline for holiday sessions is November 7 and the deadline for ordering holiday cards and portraits is November 21. These deadlines are set to allow time for online proofing, purchase decisions and on-time delivery of holiday orders.

I will be setting one date each month through the holiday season for my holiday mini-sessions. These are 20-30 minute sessions that are perfect for those looking for images to use primarily for greeting card orders. Session fee must be received in order to hold scheduled session time. Portrait order minimums apply.

The first mini-session date is set for Saturday, September 27, location TBA soon. These sessions are limited in number and, as always, will be scheduled on a first come - first serve basis. For those interested in a regular full session on a Saturday, I will be scheduling those on this date as well.

Here's the exciting news. I mentioned in the previous post that I would be doing some session give-aways. I will be giving away 1 mini-session from each mini-session date that I set, so there will be 3 session give-aways. I have structured this give-away so that it would be fair across the board to new and existing clients alike. Let me explain how this will work. You schedule your session as usual by paying your sessin fee to hold your spot. Once all mini-sessions are completed on that date, I will randomly select a name to receive the session give-away for that date. The session fee that you paid to reserve your session will then go straight toward your portrait/card order.

So to re-cap the dates:
Monday, September 22 - Official holiday season kick-off

Saturday, September 27 - First holiday mini-session date and give-away

Friday, November 7 - Deadline for holiday sessions

Friday, November 21 - Deadline for holiday portrait and greeting card orders

As always, please contact me with any questions:)

News, Reminders and Updates, Oh My!

News: 1. It may be hard to believe, but the holiday portrait season is quickly approaching. September through November are crazy busy for holiday sessions. I will be posting in the next few days about 2008 specials and deadlines, so keep an eye out! 2. I am planning some session give-aways...more to come on that. 3. Besides the beach sessions, I will be working on other travel locations for portrait sessions. Any suggestions, let me know.

Reminders: 1. Beach Sessions in the Orange Beach area Sept 18 through the weekend. I can work in a couple of sessions, so call if interested. 2. Saturday Sessions for August available on the 23rd only (September's Saturday Sessions TBA). 3. Seniors...beat the holiday rush.

Updates: Fingers crossed, I will be unveiling my completed website. We have been hard at work preparing to go live with the Flash version of aynsleygibsonphotogaphy.com, so check back often (Mo...thank you, thank you).

I'll close this post with a pic, but let me set it up. I did a session for my friend Renee' and her husband. Renee' helps me out when I am in need of an assistant photographer and reflector holder, ha. Renee's husband is a, for lack of a better word, character (wink, wink to you, John). Anyway, I took my daughter to the session. I'm afraid that she thinks the camera revolves around her. Renee set up this shot she wanted of John, and low and behold who sneaks into the frame...my daughter, of course. The funny thing about it is that she remained very still and eyes half closed as if she were trying to hide in hopes I wouldn't notice her. Too funny! John, I think you've met your match, ha!

Renee', I'll try to remember to post a few more of your pics next post.

Aynsley

Sneak Peak of Mr. "F"

I know, I know....I haven't posted many pics lately, so here are a couple of previews from a recent session. This little guy was too cute, so I just had to give his mom a little taste of the shots we got. This family was so sweet...considering we were under a heat advisory. Oh, these Mississippi summers:)

Warming up to the camera............



Being defiant.................

I love this series. It's as if he is saying "Oh, you want a kiss? Ok, have a kiss. Alright, mommy, that's enough!"..........

Looking too cute holding the letter "F" for his name.....

And a final smile goodbye. I think he was so happy that we were done that he threw in one more for the road....

Isn't he just adorable! Enjoy!

SATURDAY SESSIONS AVAILABLE AUGUST 23

Ok, so I am a little behind on posting and have some catching up to do on posting some previews. Hopefully I will get a chance to post a few soon, but I do want to do an update.

I announced in a previous posting that I am no longer regularly scheduling Saturday sessions. However, I will occassionally offer a Saturday that I will schedule sessions. I will try to post those available Saturday Sessions early enough for interested clients to schedule.

August 23 is one of those Saturdays. All types of sessions, including my Around Town Senior Sessions, are available for booking on this date. The number of available sessions are limited and session fee and portrait agreement must be received within 5 days of scheduling your session or your time will be released as available. Weekend session fees apply.

Interested or have questions??? Give me a buzz or drop me a line!

Aynsley

CALLING ALL SENIORS/JULY SPECIALS

2009 Seniors...

• Book your session in July and recieve a 25% discount off my Around Town Senior Session.

• Also, I have never offered this before so you may want to jump on this one....If you and a friend book your Around Town Senior Sessions together (same date, time, location) both of you will receive 1/2 off your session fees! On top of that, you will both receive a complimentary set of wallets with your portrait purchase! Don't forget...this is a July special and will expire July 31. Book Now!!!

• I want another 2009 Senior Rep. If you are interested, drop me a line or give me a call and we can go over the details.

2008 Seniors...

• Need pics for Rush, or just decide to get some fun senior pics before heading off to college? Schedule your session in July and receive a complimentary set of wallets with your portrait purchase

Bridal/Engagement Sessions...

• Want some fun and relaxed bridal or engagement pics before the hustle and bustle of the big day? Book your July session and receive 25% off your session fee and a complimentary 8x10 with your portrait purchase.

REMEMBER

All offers are valid for July sessions only and available times will go quickly, so give me a buzz today!

Urban Beauty

Here are a few previews from a recent session. Check out Hana....

UPDATES

I have made some policy changes that took effect June 1 that I thought I would post. Since the blogger won't let me space between paragraphs, I will number them to keep them separated.

1. I will no longer be scheduling weekend sessions. Weekends are reserved for family time and weddings. I will, however, occasionally have a Saturday Session Special that I will post on my website and/or blog. There will be a limited number of sessions held on those Saturdays, so it is recommended that you schedule your session asap.

2. Also, I am no longer offering proofs for purchase. I have not sold 4x6 prints since January 1, but I have sold session proofs as a set. What I am now offering is a Session Album. The prints in this album are not proofs, but rather finished prints that are artistically enhanced and retouched. Prints will be sized according to what is artistically appropriate for that image, but will be no larger than 4x6 and no smaller than 3.5x5. There is a portrait purchase minimum to order the Session Album.

3. Referrals...for every referral you make that completes a session, you will receive a a $25 print credit on your next session with us. Up to 4 referral credits my be redeemed at your next session. Also, your referred friend will receive a complimentary set of wallets with their portrait purchase.

4. Finally, there is a print order minimum of $50. This applies to re-orders as well.

5. On a side note, I do have a couple of Beach Session spots available over the weekend of September 19. The date is getting close, so give me a call if you are interested.

Please let me know if you have any questions. Aynsley

I'm Jazzed!

Props to my sister on my new website!!! We started it several months ago and finally we are getting it completed. We have both been so busy that we let it slide and we have since gone a different route with new designs, colors, logos....lots of fun stuff. We still have to post the gallery and session info, a few tweaks here and there, but I am very excited. If you haven't visited my site in the past week or so, check it out at www.aynsleygibsonphotography.com and let me know what you think.

First Fish!

We spent Memorial Day weekend visiting with family on Pumpkin Creek and our daughter caught her first fish. She actually caught it and reeled it in by herself. Color us impressed. Here is S and her daddy showing off the catch of the day.

BEACH SESSIONS...BOOK YOURS NOW!

I will be in the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area the weekend of September 19th and am currently booking beach sessions around that date. Although I may be available in that area for beach sessions earlier in the summer, those dates have not been confirmed. The weekend of September 19th is set due to a wedding I am shooting. Beach sessions are not only great for children and families, but also graduating seniors and engagement sessions. Please contact me to schedule your session as soon as possible, as available beach session times fill up quickly.

Giddy-Up!

I had a session yesterday with a little girl wearing the cutest little bandana dress. She even brought along her stick horse. What a little cowgirl! We had so much fun and it was such a nice day. Thank you to Renee for "Sadie Sitting".