Bunny Special begins again! {Kids with Bunnies, Okemos Family Photographer, Lansing Family Portraits, Okemos Newborn Photographer, Lansing Michigan Photographer}

It's our favorite time of year again!  The bunnies arrive March 20th.  Bring in your little one to be photographed with a live bunny and you'll both love the experience. Their expressions are priceless!

This year's background is colorful, shabby chic shutters with coordinating crates and accents.
 
Bunnies are only at the studio March 20th - 25th - call 517-349-3340 today to get a spot!

When photography is a privilege as much as a pleasure! {Okemos Studio, Lansing Family Photographer, Okemos Photographer, Senior Portraits Lansing, Okemos Newborn Photographer}

So privileged to have photographed 3 generations of one family, running a successful family business!  Mr. Howard Soldan, Sr. started Soldan's Pet Supplies over 60 years ago and now his son Howard now runs the business with his daughter, Nikki.

This session was especially meaningful because they chose to support us, another small business. All of us small businesses need to stick together - without us, what would our communities be like? Imagine always having to shop at big stores where no one knows your name.  We pride ourselves on building relationships with our clients.  We have conversations with you, we know your name, we greet you by name!

Anyway, back to the session - what a pleasure!  You can see the love flow between them all! After the formal poses of the 3 generations - we moved on to do some casual father/daughter portraits. So much fun! We could see that these two love each other so much - and get along so well - what a timeless portrait they'll treasure forever!

Okemos Studio and Helping Women Period {Okemos Photographer, Helping Women Period, Okemos Senior Portraits, Okemos Family Portraits, Lansing Photographer}

So excited to announce our new fundraising drive for November!  
   It seems like everyone has family portraits taken.  Or children's portraits.  But what about couples?  I feel like they're lost in the push for kid and family portraits, but sometimes a family is just 2 people. Why shouldn't couples have professional portraits, too?
   You have a portrait of your parents, right? Something that you can tell took a little effort. They made an appointment with a photographer and chose their clothes carefully.  Your dad may have gotten a haircut and your mom may have bought a new outfit.  They took the time to create a portrait that YOU cherish. Sure, at the time they did it for themselves, but you're the one enjoying it now, aren't you? Do you ever regret their choice to create a portrait of just the 2 of them?
    Well, when was the last time you did a portrait of just you and your significant other? Don't you think it's time?
    Take advantage of our latest fundraiser and get a free couples session AND save 15% off your package!  How?  Bring in just 4 packages of feminine hygiene products and we'll waive your session fee.   Order when you see your images a week later, and you'll save 15 % off your package!  A perfect to do some Christmas shopping!
    Helping Women Period is a non profit organization whose mission is to help ensure that ALL women have the products they need, when they need them. They are supplying shelters, food banks, and homeless organizations with feminine hygiene items.  ​
    So whether you're celebrating the upcoming birth of a baby, your anniversary, your engagement, or just that you've chosen each other, make an appointment today. Take a portrait. Capture this moment.  You won't regret it.  And neither will those who love you.

For more information on Helping Women Period, visit http://www.helpingwomenperiod.org/

Well, I guess Fall is finally here... {Okemos Photographer, Lansing Photographer, Lansing Family Portraits, Okemos Newborn Photographer, Lansing Senior Portraits}

Are you surprised as I am that it's suddenly fall?  The warm temps we had were awesome!  Flip flops and sleeping with the window open....then suddenly...it's fall, autumn, cold!  There was Ice on my windshield this morning for the 7 a.m. carpool ride.  I do NOT look forward to the cold again.

But...the advantage to the extended fall is that it's October 25th - 2 months to Christmas - and we are still enjoying beautiful fall colors outside!  

If you want fall portraits - give us a call today!  517-349-3340 and we'll try to find a time for you in our schedule - it's still a crazy time of year here at the studio, but we know we have to get these done before the dreary days of winter settle upon us.  We'll work with you to find a good time to get those family, kid or senior portraits!   Don't miss your chance!

Class of 2017 Senior Portraits! July special - Save up to $70! {Photography, Senior Portraits, Lansing Photographer, Okemos Studio}

It's always nice when you're reassured that you're not just blowing hot air.   Last week, I had TWO clients/ class of 2017 parents tell me that they were so happy they chose us for senior portraits this time.   They had chosen someone who does photos 'on the side' for their older children, and were thoroughly disappointed and regretted that choice.

Don't regret your choice.  This is a BIG time in your senior's life and a BIG decision.  These portraits will be displayed in your home forever.

So now that we've established that you should always choose a professional, why choose Okemos - Studio?

- You'll get a private, personal session with no waiting!   We never "double book" our photographers.

- We will take care of you from the moment you walk in the door, show you to one of our two spacious dressing rooms and get you a cold beverage.

- We offer free outdoors in our studio park, which was professionally landscaped for photography.

- We offer a free 'buddy' pose with most of our sessions.

- Our photographers will help you relax, so you can feel comfortable and have a great time.   Because if you have fun, you'll feel good.  If you're comfortable, you'll look great!

- We retouch your complexion on every image in your package.  We know you already look great, but we'll take care of any areas that concern you.  :-)

- You'll get a free yearbook image with your order - and we'll send it to the school for you - no worries!

- We offer free name and year on wallets - and you pick font & color.

- We put free Sneak Peek images on facebook - but only after we've done some retouching - so you look great in the images you tag & share!

- We've been in business over 55 years, watching many studios around us close up shop.  How have we lasted so long?  Well, we're talented, professional, and experienced.  We keep our looks fresh, with new lighting techniques, props and backgrounds. And we have a reputation for quality and great customer service.  You know -the important stuff!

Here's one more thing to help make that decision just a little bit easier: Seniors photographed in July can save up to $70 off their package!   All they have to do is be photographed in July and place their order by August 15th.  We offer online viewing and competitive pricing.

Give us a call at 517-349-3340 today to schedule your session.   We'll take care of you and make your senior portrait experience the best it can be.   Trust professionals.  Trust Okemos Studio.

Class of 2017 Senior Portrait Season Begins! Save up to $100 in June! {Photography, Senior Portraits, Lansing Photographer, Okemos Studio}

We've said it before, and we'll say it again, you get what you pay for!   Every year we photograph seniors who have already been photographed by someone else and they hate their images.   They thought they could save money by choosing someone who 'has a really nice camera'.   Instead, they've wasted their time and money on a session - and have to start the whole process over with us.  They're thrilled with our portraits and regretfully admit they should have come to us at the beginning.

It's true.  You wouldn't choose amateurs for other important things in your life, why would you do that now?   Senior portraits are really important!  It's the last time your child will be professionally photographed as a young person.   Do it right and choose wisely at the beginning!   Choose quality.  Choose experience.  Choose professionals.   We have a reputation for quality and customer service - let us show you.   You won't regret it!

Call Now to get up to $100 off your package if you're photographed in June!   517-349-3340

Family Portraits - so important - and so on sale!

I know getting a family portrait done can be a pain.  Heck, look at our family - looking so sweet and happy - you wouldn't know that there was a clothing kerfuffle and aggravated words just prior to this, would you?   

Hey, it happens to all of us!  

But, we got this portrait done while the young adult was in town from Texas.  In our last family portrait, he's 10.  10.   That's over half his lifetime ago.  It was time for an update.

But wait, someone doesn't want their picture taken.   Someone else wants to lose 10 pounds.  Someone else just plain didn't want to participate.   But guess what, we got it done -and will we ever say "I wish we didn't do that family portrait?"  Uh, No.  Can you imagine anyone ever saying that?

Because it isn't said, because family portraits are too important.

Don't miss this opportunity to get your family in the studio.  Now through February 25th, family sessions on the white background are just $25, and all family packages are 25% off.  What are you waiting for?  

Just Get It Done!  You'll never regret it.

Summer of 2015 got away from us! {Okemos Studio, Senior Portraits Lansing, Senior Portrait Photographer}

As always, the summer blew by and before you know it, the leaves are falling off the trees and we are talking about Christmas order deadlines!
It has been a great summer - we've worked with lots of fun students and their families - and fit in some children and family portraits along the way.
Enjoy these samples, more Christmas info is on its way - and enjoy what's left of our fall before the snow flies!

New options in our outdoor studio! {Okemos Studio, Senior Portraits Okemos, Senior Portraits Lansing, Outdoor Studio Lansing}

Did you know that we have an awesome outdoor studio on our property, in our back yard?   We do!  Right here on Grand River, we have an outdoor park!   It's Huge and has been professionally landscape designed just for photography (of course!)
We purposefully put in all the natural features people request most- like a pond with waterfall, lots of foliage, flowers, trellis, sandy beach scene, and tall wildflowers.  But, we also have a lot of architectural sets like barn wood, wood siding, metal sheeting, brick & concrete to give us a variety of options for every session.
Since we have been in business for 50 years, we're constantly changing and adding new design elements.
Here are a few of the changes we've made - the metal sheeting gives a nice textural element, with some reflectiveness for interest.   The blue door is a pop of color that complements most any outfit!   And the red barn wood is from a salvage yard and decades old.  We haven't touched that one - it's perfect the way it is!  
We invite you to stop by and take a peek at everything we offer.  You'll be shocked at what is back there!

Location, Location, Location! {Senior Portraits Lansing, Senior Portraits Okemos, Okemos Studio} Save up to $100 in June!

 I get the envious, yet sometimes difficult job of choosing the images we post online.   Sometimes it's just so hard to choose!   These girls both did a great job with their location sessions at MSU Children's Gardens and Old Town in Lansing.    I have posted a few here - but their sessions were fabulous - and they did fabulous!

So, the answer is Yes - we go on location!  We call them Senior Safaris - and can go to either of those locations, or one of your choice - a barn with your horse, your house, anywhere in the Lansing area! 

Sessions are 1 or 2 hours long and include unlimited outfits.  There are limited times available as summer goes on - it’s best to call early!   517-349-3340

Book your session in June and you could save up to $100 off your package!   Call Now!

2016 Senior Season Begins!!

We are so excited to be gearing up for our 2016 Senior Portrait Season!   We always start by photographing our senior reps, trying out new backgrounds and props.  So far, we've only been able to do indoor - outdoors is next week.  (Providing the weather holds out!)

I love that these images show how there's just nothing like professional indoor photography.  Anyone with a camera can call themselves a photographer - but can they do this??

Why do we call it 'senior season'?   Because Now is the time to do senior portraits!  Why should you worry about next year's portraits now?  Did you know senior yearbook photos are due shortly after school starts?   That means seniors need to be photographed during the summer or early fall to allow enough time for getting the image ready (retouching, etc.)

No doubt your family has a lot of plans for the summer - vacation, work, camps.  If you call now and schedule a session ahead, you'll get one more thing off your To Do list!  Plus, you won't have to worry about scheduling around back to school activities, sports practices, etc.   If you wait until August to call....yikes!  Remember how busy August gets??