Sunday when it was super cold and windy I got up at 2am and drove to Kokomo to meet up with Mike from Wise Photography.  Which by the way his is an amazing wedding photographer and most importantly just a good person.  Anyways so we then headed to Indy for the PPofI convention. 

I am not big on sitting and listening, but the speakers were great.  One was Ralph from New Orleans and the other was a husband and wife team from  Pennsylvania.  It was great to hear how others run their business and they gave us all some really awesome tips.

There was also a print competition were there were a ton of amazing photographers from  all over the state, and a trade show.  Dont’ tell Bob but I found a lens that I want soooo bad.  Some day I will have the money for it and it will be mine.  Just in case you are wondering which one check this baby out… the lens of my dreams!  I was also able to see some new albums that have been released, and some other cool products.

Here are some shots I took at the convention… (mike took the one of me by the PPofI sign)

“Roll it, and Shake it, and Go OD!”  that is what I have been hearing for the past few weeks.  Samantha took part in OD’s cheer clinic and LOVED it.  The cheerleaders and Katina did an amazing job with them.  Big thanks for what will be amazing memories for my daughter as she grows up.  Looking forward to next year. 

Here are just a few (LOL) of my favorite photos.  (cheerleaders that posed with Sami and Kara I have a copy of that photo for you, just forgot to take it Saturday) 

Click here to see slideshow from Sectional Win…..  http://odgirlsbasketball.com/sectional2008.html

I just love this photo . . . 

Oregon-Davis Regional Schedule - Caston Regional 

Game 1 – West Central (17-5) vs. Kouts (21-2). 10:30 amGame 2 – Oregon-Davis (24-0) vs. Fort Wayne Canterbury (17-5). 12:30 pmChampionship – Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2. 8:30 pm  (times are EASTERN TIME)  This is what is on the IHSAA site

I am going out of town tomorrow so won’t have time to post pictures but wanted to tell everyone to check out the blog on Monday.  I hope to have a slideshow from tonight’s events. 

I know I at least posted one shot from inside the studio awhile ago but I have still recieved emails asking to see what the new studio looks like.  So I took a couple quickie shots after Tori’s session the other day.  We  Bob still has a few things to do.  We have some trim that needs to be put up We Bob didn’t order enough and just doesn’t have the time to devote to it.  And I still haven’t hung photos up.  Eventually I will get some more ordered and get my butt in gear and get it done.  Luckily I have been kept busy thru the winter that I haven’t had the extra time I expected to have to work on these things.  Anyways here are the photos…..

Since my business has grown over the last year I am able to offer my clients so much more.  At the end of 2007 I was able to open the studio.  Recently Bob and his dad installed my backdrop track so it will be super easy for me to change backdrops.  I also bought a big black one (I was so sick of that skinny one)  This will also me to do some much more during a session because less time messing with the drops.

 The end of the year was super crazy with photo orders, something I didn’t like at all  (sounds strange huh).  I like to take pictures, I don’t like sitting in front of the computer processing orders.  So very soon in the future all orders will be done online.  I have already started this with the sports photos.  If you go to my site and click order photos you will see a few events there.  I will also be shipping everything directly to you instead of having you pick it up.  Will save everyone time and gas.  I will charge an extra $7.50 per order starting very soon but it will be worth it.  Orders can be shipping ups or via the postal service, everyone will get their pictures faster. 

Some new products…. Gallery Mounts are Awesome.  I have a 20×20 hanging in my living room right now and just got one for the studio.  Really it is a print with a protective coating that is mounted to a board.  It is 3/8 ” thick.  It can have a black or a white belved edge. And the best part it comes ready to hang on the wall! Here are a couple shots of the one from the studio….  (just about everyone that has seen them wants one)

Another new product that I LOVE.  Are my brand new (just got the other day) guest books.  These can be for weddings, graduation parties, etc… Great to have guests leave you a message and also showcase photos from your session.  If using for a 50th anniv. party you could have old family photos in it.  I am gonna sell these instead of the regular coffee table books for the guest sign-ins because this book lays flat where the coffee table book didn’t.

As you can see the book comes in a box and includes two markers.  More new stuff to come, I always have things in the works.