We rock!

Okemos Studio clients rock! Yes we do!! Uh huh, oh yea! Our Toys for Tots box was filled with awesome toys for needy children this holiday season. We were very proud to see the amount of toys donated by our clients, staff and others! We even had a couple of very generous people bring in armfuls of toys to donate!
Thank you for helping us help others! That's what this season is all about, isn't it?

Christmas only a few weeks away?

Can it be true? With the weather in the 70's last week, it was hard to believe it was really November, which is really close to December, which really means Christmas! And try to think about designing a children's Christmas special set when you're wearing t-shirts and have the doors and windows open!
But, it's true. And we're in the midst of photographing families and children for Christmas gift giving. It's hard to think that far in advance, but it's necessary- we need time to get images ready for viewing, retouched and ordered! Sure, we can do 'last minute' stuff. But, why not do it early when you could save some $$$?
That reminds me! Don't forget to help us help Ele's Place! For every family portrait package order placed before November 26, we'll donate $25 to Ele's Place! We've chosen to help this great local charity because we know several children who have benefited from their services! Help us help them!
Okay - back to work! Time to start decorating the display window for Christmas! Yikes!

Customer Service, or lack thereof.

So, I know people have written about this before....but what happened to Customer Service?
For example, Ron and I eat lunch often enough at a local fast food restaurant that the clerk knows we like our fries 'extra hot'. Honestly, we don't eat there that often, but she does remember us! So, recently, when I went through the drive thru to get breakfast, I saw she was working the window. I tried to make eye contact with her to say "hello", but when she handed me my food she never looked at me. It was just 'here's your food'. She never looked at me once! Am I wrong to find that wrong?

I'm so proud of our staff, everyone, because they're so friendly whenever anyone comes through our door. They sound (and are) genuinely happy to see you! And have you noticed we often call you by name? (Or at least remember who was photographed by us?) It's because we are so glad you chose Okemos Studio. In this tough economic climate, we're fortunate to remain a strong independent business. We're proud of our customer service and hope you have experienced nothing but the best!

Thank you!

Anyone out there?

As you've probably noticed - we're a little new at this whole 'blogging' thing. And, frankly, I have to say....not very good at it?
I just don't know what to say! Oh, I have a lot to say, believe me! But to post here? I like to keep my personal opinions and comments to my Facebook page. Facebook, by the way, is it not the coolest thing? No, the studio's not on it - you'll find it on MySpace. But for my personal use, I'm on Facebook and loving connecting with long lost friends. In fact, 1/2 of my 'friends' are people I graduated with long, long ago! Back when senior portraits were just head & shoulders.
In fact, I distinctly remember choosing the session with 2 'poses' - straight on and over the shoulder! Wearing my lovely argyle sweater! Just like we hear every day - 'Senior portraits sure have changed! Yes, they have! Now it's more like a modeling portfolio than a traditional portrait session. We know it's an investment, but well worth the time and money. Think about it - your senior portrait is probably the last time you'll be photographed alone! (Except your wedding day!)
Speaking of investments....just to 'test the waters' and see if there really is anyone out there, if you're the first person to call and say you saw this blog, we'll give you an EXTRA $25 off your senior portrait session! Call us! I need to know that all of this typing effort is worth it! 517.349.3340 :-)

Happy Summer!

To all of you who have the summer off...Enjoy! We are busier than ever at the studio, so we're all working full time plus. But, it's great - thanks to you!
I hope you all survived the big storms last week okay and with minimal damage. We were without power at home for 5 days! Thankfully we were able to bring freezer food into the studio to store here. We didn't lose much food and finally cleaned out the freezers, like I've been meaning to do forever!
You know, after the power came back on, Iowa suffered some major flooding. Made our little inconvenience seem minor compared to their mess. Let's hope this crazy weather is behind us!

Whew!

"Okemos Studio, This is Kathi." I think I've said that 50 times in the last few hours! We're having one of our big limited time specials today and the phone has been ringing off the hook! I just know I'll answer the phone like that at home tonight! Thanks to everyone who has called. We're excited you chose Okemos Studio for your senior portraits!

My favorite nephew!

Our family was thrilled when we got a visit from our favorite nephew/grandson! Of course, he's the only boy born in our family for the last 34 years, so he's the ONLY nephew/grandson!

Baby Bobby is just over 4 months old and the spitting image of his uncle with his gray eyes. Since he lives out of state, we miss him a ton!

Isn't he the cutest baby boy you've ever seen? Kathi

How Exciting!

Well, this is our first time blogging and it is a very exciting time. Senior portrait season is starting and everything is a buzz at the studio. We've made some big changes to our website. We just sent out our brochures and on monday the big THREE DAY SALE starts! Goodbye relaxing spring, summer is here!