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 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

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!

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??

 

Box Sessions - Exclusive to Okemos, Michigan and Beyond?- {Lansing Photographer, Okemos Studio, Box Portraits}

    What is that old quote?  Success is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration?  It's true.  What's a good idea if you don't actually do something about it?   Here is a perfect example:  Our Box sessions - inspired by an article about another photographer halfway across the country, we decided to make our own to offer this crazy, fun, unique portrait idea.
    Thankfully Ron has a great talent for building things and he came up with a design and built our box, all within a relatively short time span.   Really, probably one of the quickest ideas to come to fruition at the studio, ever!
    What is the Box, exactly?  Well, I guess you could call it a Cube, too.   But, it's just as the name  suggests, it's a big wooden box that people can climb right into.   It fits 4 people, as you see below, and could probably fit 5 if there were enough little people.  :-)   Pets are always welcome to the studio, too, if you want to include the entire family!
 

Senior Season has begun! Class of 2105! {Senior Photos, Senior Portraits, Lansing, MI Photographer, Okemos MI Photographer}

Ok, we're ready - Class of 2015 Senior Season.  Bring it.

We know what you're thinking: "Senior Season?  Already?  But I don't graduate until June of 2015!"  Oh, yes, we know, but your yearbook portrait is due in the fall!   This means it's best to be photographed during the summer before senior year begins.

So, here it is -summer and time for senior portraits.   And truly - the earlier in the summer, the better.   Remember what Back To School is like?   Or fall sports practices?  Summer is a short 12 weeks long, or less for some schools.   It will go by fast.   Book your session now and get one more thing off your list of Summer Accomplishments.

Sure, you could wait until you start your Summer Reading List (late August, perhaps?) to book your session, but then you'll be in a time crunch!  And trying to read "Anna Karenina" in the dressing room? And subject to our fickle Michigan weather in trying to get your session done before Labor Day.   That's a pain.  Trust us.  We've been doing this a long time.  Call soon, you won't regret it.

Do it now - Call on June 4th and you can get 16 free wallets when you're photographed in June (if you order by July 15)!   Combine that with our $75 in discounts and rebates for our Deluxe or Favorite Sessions and you can Really save some big bucks.

And who doesn't mind saving some big bucks?

Do it now - summer's a great time.  See?

Okemos Studio- "Making People Cry for over 50 Years" {Lansing Photography, Family, Child and Senior Portraits}

Ok, so maybe that's not the best slogan, but it's true.  In the past 2 days, I've had clients cry over their portraits.  First, on Tuesday, a mother got verklempt while watching the slideshow of her son's senior portraits.  (I won't use her name, so her son won't get embarrased.)  He's her oldest child, and she knows senior portraits are a right of passage.  Soon he'll be going to his last first day of school, his last Christmas dance, his last prom, etc.  And she got emotional - who can blame her?
And then today, another mom said the same thing - this is the last time her son will be professionally photographed until his wedding.  His wedding!  Which is too far off to even think about, but it's true.  And even then, he'll have someone else in all the photographs with him.  :-)   That's why these portraits are so important to her.  We did her older son's portraits a couple of years ago, and she says she still looks at his wall portrait every day.  It means that much to her.
And yesterday, when a longtime client, Jennie, picked up her daughter's senior portraits, she just lost it.  It was so cute.  And so meaningful.   Her daughter is her last senior.   This is the last time she'll pick up senior portraits!   This is the beginning of a whole year of 'lasts', and it's sad.  And it hit Jennie as she saw her portrait, framed and ready to go home, displayed on our wall.   This is it.
So, yes, we do make people cry.   But it's a good cry.  And it's because they're happy.  And that's pretty cool.   It's a privilege to know that we are making something that will be treasured forever.   Yay us.  And thank you to all the moms, dads, and seniors that choose our studio.  We're so happy you did.

Carrie, Lansing Catholic

Peter, Haslett

Owen, Okemos

Senior Portraits - busy, busy, busy! [Senior portraits - Okemos - Lansing, MI - photographer]

   Oh, to have summers off.  To be able to enjoy these beautiful days - when it's beautiful, that is.  And not too hot.  Or too cold.  But just right.   Like today.  I'm actually able to have the door open in the office - and not have the cold air conditioner blowing on me.   Bliss.

Nhung L., Okemos

   But we don't take summers off here at the studio- we're just too busy!   Why?  Summer is the best time for senior portraits in Michigan - the weather's great for outdoors and the students have free time.

Miranda S., Kearsley High

Coty, Lansing Catholic

Oh, and don't forget the yearbook portrait is due just about a month after school starts!  Yes - the earliest local school deadline is October 18th.   Yes, that's 2 1/2 months away - but you know how fast time goes.  It will be here before you know it.   School will be starting before you know it!

Lindsey L., East Lansing

   So...here we are in the midst of summer - and here are a few samplings of what's been keeping us busy.

Brevin, Eaton Rapids

  
   Whether you want indoors or out - formal or casual - smiling or not- we work hard to bring your personality out in your portraits.   We welcome your ideas, input and requests.  We're professionals, remember?  Our clients choose us for a reason.  :-)

Jacob, Okemos High

Oldham Project - [Okemos Studio - children/family - photographer]

This lovely lady, Peggy, is one of our Oldham Project participants.  Our photographer, Katie, had the privilege of visiting Peggy's home to photograph her in front of the beautiful flowers she had on her front porch.  
For those not familiar with the Oldham Project, here is a little info, found at www.theoldhamproject.org:

The Oldham Project began as a thought after the funeral of a second sister to die of cancer. Named for these sisters who fought valiant, courageous fights but eventually succumbed to breast cancer, and a third sister, who has ultimately saved her life with preventative surgery — the Oldham Project was conceived to document the lives of everyone who is fighting a battle for their lives. It is a tribute to them and their strength and courage.
In 2008, The Oldham Project became a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, dedicated to providing free portrait sessions to those suffering from life threatening or terminal illnesses. Families in our community are suffering the loss of a loved one each and every day. Through this organization, we offer these fine portraits FREE of charge so that their memory may be kept alive for generations to come. 

Since the Oldham Project's purpose is to document the lives of these participants, we ask each person if they'd like to be photographed with anything special.  Something that they would like others to remember them for.   Peggy was proud of her flowers - and her motorcycle - so a session at home was a must!   Katie enjoyed her session - and her homemade chocolate chip cookies - and I think Peggy enjoyed it, too.  :-)