Shannon Gurney Photoblog

In honor of Mom's Day!

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... 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Updates and other Random Babble.

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...

Valentine's Day Special!

I'm finally getting around to it.  Have you been waiting?

The fine print:

• can not be used as a family session
• must be pre-paid when booking
• must be booked before February 14th
• choose between color or b/w images - if you want both, add an additional $30

I'll be happy to answer any questions you have.  Just shoot me an email.

Gift Certificate SALE and a possible MINI-SESSION day!

Okay, I've had numerous requests for another mini-session day.  But, before I schedule one, I want to see just how much interest is out there.  So, if you would like to take part in a mini-session event (HA!), please email me using the link in the left sidebar.  Thanks!

UPDATE:  The tentative mini-session day would be Sunday, NOVEMBER 30th.

UPDATE:  MINI-SESSIONS ARE FULL!

Next, I've having a totally COOL gift certificate SALE!  Through November 30th, everyone who purchases a gift certificate will receive a $50 bonus!  In other words, if you spend $100, you will actually receive a $150 certificate!  WOO HOO! 

Just decide how much you want to spend, then tack on an extra $50 credit to it! 

I'm in the giving mood!  So, get to buying some certificates people!

Gift Certificate

GC $25.00 GC $50.00 GC $75.00 GC $100.00 GC $150.00 GC $200.00

Mini-Session Reminder!

SCROLL DOWN FOR NEWER POSTS!

Don't forget to check out the HOLIDAY MINI-SESSION special!

My first mini-session day is September 20th - Location: Myriad Gardens in Oklahoma City.  If you are interested in booking a spot, call or email soon.  The spots are going fast!  You can get all the details by clicking on the photo below or the link in my left sidebar!  Have a great day!

Holiday Sessions - going...going....

soon to be gone.

If you are interested in booking a holiday session, please don't wait - BOOK NOW.  My weekends are officially booked for September and I only have 1-2 weekend spots left in October with the exception of my Holiday Mini-Sessions. 

I do have a few weekday evenings left in September and October, but those are going quickly as well.  If you'd like to take a look at my calendar, visit Shannon Gurney Photography to view the schedule.

I can't wait to show you some of my NEW Christmas Cards to choose from this year.  If you are interested in ordering custom cards for the holidays this year and have had a session with me in the past few months, email me now to make sure your photos are still available in the archives. 

I'll have some samples cards up on the blog toward the end of the week.

AND, since I hate to post without a photo...here ya go...

My sweet, adorable, lovable little gal...Josie.  She has the kindest heart of any dog I know.

Holiday Mini-Sessions ***BIG ANNOUNCEMENT***

I know many of you have been waiting patiently for holiday mini-session details.  I've finally decided on a couple of days and may add one more at a later time.  As of now, here's the scoop:

There are two sessions open:  September 20th and October 25th. 

The $100 mini-session includes:

• 30 minute session
• high-resolution photo CD containing 10-20 images in a mixture of color and b/w
• limited print release for all your holiday printing needs
• 15% off holiday card orders (orders must be in by November 21st)

There are 12 spots available for booking - only 6 spots on each day.  You will need to call or email NOW to reserve your spot.  You MUST PRE-PAY by cash, check, or paypal/credit card to hold your spot. 

About a week before the mini-session day, I will call you and give you your exact time.

If you have more questions, feel free to shoot me an email.

On another note, GIFT CERTIFICATES will be on sale soon.  Keep yours eyes open on the blog for more information!  These make awesome holiday gifts!

Speaking of Seniors '09...BIG NEWS

ATTENTION all seniors!  On August 15th, my senior session pricing will increase to $250.  This is mainly due to the time, energy, and amount of work put into these sessions.  Now, before you panic...

I will be adding some fun extras to the mix.

From August 15th on, the senior session will include one of the following:

• 50 Senior 411/Rep cards
• 50 4x6 proofs of your favorite shots
• A Bound proof book including your favorite shots

You get to choose the one you like best!

Okay, so now that you've heard the news.  Keep in mind, all seniors who book before August 15th will be locked in at the current pricing.

**However, if you have to cancel/reschedule the session, the new rates will take effect.