I've been trying like crazy to come up with something cool to do for moms this year and the more I try the more I keep coming back to what I'd want. I'm asked by folks ALL the time why I don't put myself in more pictures with my family... Why I don't get someone to shoot photos of me for a change.
For one thing, I'm really not that comfortable in front of the camera. BUT, mostly, because I just don't ever think to hire another photographer to do it. OR spend the time it takes to plan it. I mean who am I kidding? I didn't even send out Christmas cards this year!
After talking to my friends and other photographers, I realized I'm not the ONLY mom to be that way. Apparently, there are tons of us out there....the missing link in all of our family photographs. I would like to change that.
So, IN HONOR OF MOTHER'S DAY....
I will be donating my time and talent each month to ONE lucky mom. The trick is they have to be nominated. However, they CAN nominate themselves!
Simply, send me a short letter explaining why you/someone you know deserves to have some photos taken. What makes her/you so special or deserving of a FREE session with me?
Is she the kind of person that is constantly worrying about everyone else instead of thinking of herself? Is she having a milestone birthday? Is she a SUPER mom who can do anything? Be sure to include her contact information so I can reach her if she is chosen for the FREE session. Then watch and wait.
I'll announce the first winner on April 15th!
Here are some of the pretty moms I know...
***THIS POST WILL STAY AT THE TOP FOR A FEW DAYS - SCROLL DOWN FOR NEW POSTS & A REALLY GREAT MOTHER'S DAY SPECIAL!
I have a million things to do today! For now, I'm in a bit of a rush, but I still wanted to get this posted for all of you watching and waiting...
You are welcome to email me with questions or to get information regarding the time slots. Please don't wait around to book your mini. I've had a lot of interest this time around and feel like these will book quickly. Don't miss out! I won't have another one until the Fall season!
I have tons of other information to share with you, but it will have to wait until later today. Until then, have a happy Tuesday! See ya soon!
Edited to add: These sessions must be pre-paid to reserve your spot. You can add b/w images to your disc for an additional $25.
EDITED TO ADD: I got to thinking and decided if I was gonna get tagged by everyone, then these ladies should have to spill their guts, too. So, if you are Cynthia, DeLisa, Megan, or Country Girl, YOU'VE BEEN TAGGED! There! I feel much better now.
First of all, I've been tagged.
So, this Note Keeps going around Facebook and I've been tagged like a million times. It started nearly two weeks ago. I figure this will make everyone happy!
25 Random Things about ME!
1. I love being a mom.
2. I love my husband more every year as I see him grow into an awesome father and husband (not to mention he's SO good-looking!)
3. Shrimp and mushrooms GAG me!
4. I worked at a video store all through college...which leads to number 5.
5. I seriously LOVE movies (except slapstick comedies - HATE those) and secretly wish Josh did so he'd take me to a movie once in a while.
6. My favorite snack is movie popcorn without butter - see number 5.
7. I have a dream of going on a long road trip to meet some of my bloggy friends...especially HER.
8. I love the BEACH and the MOUNTAINS and could move to either locale.
9. I'm a ponytail gal - I would wear them everyday if my mom wouldn't lecture me about it.
10. I love the smell of clothes right out of the dryer, but I hate folding them and putting them away.
11. I HATE talking on the phone, which is why I LOVE email...which in turn makes me really bad at returning phone calls.
12. My mom and sisters are my best friends.
13. I seriously wish I (and Josh) would commit to going to church every week. Luckily, I'm a Lifechurch groupie and can attend online.
14. I live in a tiny trailer house (the size of a shoebox) on 10 acres until we can get our house built, which hasn't even been started yet.
15. I HATE having my picture taken (is that normal for a photographer?). But, if I absolutely have to have a photo, I usually have to take it myself!
16. I want my children to attend a tiny school like the one where I grew up (I was very sheltered).
17. I've only been out of the country once to go to Los Cabos, Mexico.
18. I was an elementary school teacher before becoming a photographer and stay-at-home mom.
19. Speaking in front of a large group seriously scares the heck out of me to the point of getting sick.
20. I worked as a Mentor for Great Expectations (a teacher training program) for two years traveling the state (and surrounding states) giving speeches and teaching inservices to LARGE groups of adults. - see number 19.
21. I live for homemade RANCH dressing, especially on pizza. This explains why I'm always on a diet.
22. I'm am seriously laid-back about pretty much everything. It takes a HUGE event or catastrophe to get me upset or mad. However, the smallest little thing regarding organization or lack of planning and I can become really stressed out!
23. I still don't have anything to show for the money I make from photography...other than a great portfolio. There are simply too many purchases that still need to be made from equipment to software to office/studio space.
24. I am WAY too organized for my own good ( I tend to put things away where I can't find them).
25. I live for my family (even extended) and friends. Every day I wonder what I can do to make them healthier and happier. I literally list ways in my head of doing nice things for them to show them how much I care. If I was a rich woman, my family and friends would be seriously taken care of.
Okay, folks! That should take care of it for now. Have a happy Friday!
So, the past couple of weeks have flown by. I've been a busy bee, hoping to accomplish a million and one goals. I'm pretty sure I've checked only a few off the list. As always, it seems blogging falls to the wayside and other "more important" tasks take over. The main problem with that is I really ENJOY blogging. I miss you guys when I'm not around. Hopefully, in my absence you haven't forgotten about me and this silly little blog. I promise to do much better... have I said that already this year? Probably so.
So anyway, I have a few random tidbits to share. It could get weird. Leave now, if you have something better to do. I'll completely understand.
1. Don't forget about the Valentine's Day special as it will be ending soon. Call or email before Valentine's Day to get the discount. This is an AWESOME deal!
2. I've become TOTALLY ADDICTED to FACEBOOK. I'm serious. It's sad, but I check it a zillion times throughout the day. Isn't it funny how people find you on there? People you haven't seen or heard from since high school or even earlier? I LOVE it! I figure the more friends the better, right? I've made lots of new friends through my page, as well as connected with tons of old friends. I completely recommend you create a page if you haven't already. Before you think I'm really weird, I'll let you in on a secret. Even MY MOM has a page!
Click here to become a FAN of Shannon Gurney Photography. If you write a review, you'll be entered into a drawing for a FREE session. Did I just say FREE?
3. I've had a lot of people call me lately to inquite about me photographing weddings. YES, I do weddings, BUT only weddings I'm comfortable with. By comfortable, I mean USING NATURAL LIGHT as much as possible. If you are planning a late evening wedding by candlelight, I'm probably not your gal. Weddings start at $850. Email or call me if you'd like a specific quote.
4. I know many of you were keeping up with me when I was dieting with Nutrisystem. I also know I totally quit posting regarding my diet status. The truth is I sort of fell off the wagon for a while and am back on FULL FORCE. On Nutrisystem, I lost a total of 30 pounds then went off the program last May. I enjoyed an awesome summer full of BBQs and vacationing and lots and lots of junk food. I'm not positive of the exact amount, but I'm guessing I gained around 10 or so pounds back. Don't you hate how that works? I sure do! Anywho, I'm proud to say I've been working at it again since early December and have lost about 20 pounds. WAY TO GO me!
5. I told you this was a random post.
6. Right now, Josh is reading this thinking I've completely lost my mind. Who knows, I might have. But when you spend most of your time at home with two boys under age 5 (one of which I still can't completely understand), you talk to whoever will listen. For me, that's you. I guess you sorta have to listen, right? For those of you still reading, I LOVE you!
7. I've been thinking of creating a blog and main photography site ALL-IN-ONE. What do you think? I feel like most of my clients visit my main website only to link to the blog. I've also seen some really great blogs that combine as the photographer's main site and love it. Like this one and this one. Of course, it helps that these two are REALLY AWESOME photographers. Tell me your thoughts. Do you guys like that I have two separate sites? OR would you prefer to go to one spot for all of it?
While I'm asking that, I should probably also ask if you'd rather me keep the personal stuff off of this blog. Should I only be posting professional stuff here? OR do you enjoy hearing about my nutty family once in a while?
8. I'd really like to hear what you guys are doing for Valentine's Day. Come on! Share with us.. I might need to steal an idea or two if that's okay.
9. I've decided I really HATE DISLIKE cold, dreary, winter days. I'm ready for SPRING! Please hurry up already!
10. I was thinking of trying out a spray tan. Your thoughts, please. Is it really yucky?
Man, is that enough rambling for one night? I'll see you guys again in a day or so. I know I had more things to say, but now I'm starting to feel guilty about unloading them all on you. Until next time bloggy friends...
I'm finally getting around to it. Have you been waiting?
The fine print:
I'll be happy to answer any questions you have. Just shoot me an email.
As you've probably noticed, I've been taking a much needed break from blogging and have finally caught up a bit on proofing. Just two sessions left and I'm officially on vacation!
I will be blogging family stuff in the next few days...It's been a really long time since my boys have graced the pages of this here blog! I've missed sharing their sweet little faces with you guys.
But, for today, I wanted to send out a Merry Christmas to all of you and to say THANK YOU for such a great year. I've truly enjoyed getting to see all of my regular clients, as well as meeting all of my new ones. I could not make a living doing what I love if it wasn't for all of you and how great you are about spreading the word.
I know many of you weren't able to get in a session before the holidays and are wishing you had. I plan to run a SUPER COOL NEW YEAR'S SPECIAL in January. Be sure to check the blog around New Year's Day to see what I have in store for you.
I'll be talking to you soon!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS and MERRY CHRISTMAS to you all!
hi there.
it's me.
still around?
So, I'm a little busy these days. So busy, in fact, that I'm buried about 16 sessions deep as of today. For those of you waiting patiently for your online gallery and CD, please continue to be patient. For my seniors on the list...Kaitlin, Kelsey, and Kara - just know that senior proofing does take a bit longer. Kaitlin, I'm working on yours now.
For the rest of you, continue to be patient. I've got the next two days for non-stop proofing and plan to blaze a trail through about 5 of you! Wish me luck...
Christmas Cards...
Kristy and Kirstyn, I promise to finish yours asap! If you have not emailed me regarding custom cards yet, do so THIS WEEK! I will not be taking orders after Friday. Mini-session folks, that includes you, too.
Man, is that a ton of blah blah blah or what!
I'm really tired and am going to bed. I refuse to work on a sneak peek tonight (after all, it's 1am) So, my Monday morning post will be a bit later than usual. See you then!
You know I can't post without a photo.
So, here's my 21 month old little man!
Thanks!
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