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Business Style

2012-03-29T17:50:27Z

While getting ready for work last year, I looked through my closet and realized that my jeans all had holes in them. My tops were all brightly colored and flow-y. My jewelry was huge. Am I not professional enough? I’m a business owner. I should look professional. So I opted to wear corduroy pants and a black top. (Black is professional, right?) While taking photos of a group of teenage girls, one of them looked at me and said, “Why are you wearing that? That doesn’t fit you.” I smiled politely and went about my job. “No, seriously. You shouldn’t wear that. It does not look good on you. You look like a square.” You may not believe it, but this girl is my hero. I went home and realized that I was going about things all wrong. I was changing who I am to fit my business. What I need to be doing is changing my business to fit who I am. I am the girl with the big sparkly jewelry. My jeans have holes in them because I crawl around on the ground trying to get the right shot. My business should reflect that. It should be fun and artistic and different. So when you notice that we’re doing things a bit differently this year, it’s not because I’ve lost my mind. I’ve found it.

ONE SWEET GIVEAWAY!

2012-02-13T22:36:32Z

To celebrate the launch of our brand new web site, we've decided to give away this "Sweet" frame. We've been working hard to bring you some fantastic new product options at A&R, and these frames are one of them. They really make a statement on the wall! To enter the contest, all you have to do is comment on this post. Tell us why you love A&R. One of our lucky clients will take home this 16X20 frame ($159 Value!). Your comment must be posted by February 17. Keep your eye on our blog to see if you're the winner. Not a luck winner, but still love the frames? Purchase one from A&R. They come in 4 different colors, and range from $79 - $159.

Itty-Bitty Emails

2011-12-09T18:32:00Z

If you're anything like me, your kid's baby books are updated right up until about 4 months old. And I'm sure you are. After all, it's totally acceptable for me to put together a scrap book at my desk, but do I do it? No. So I stole an idea from some technology commercial, and started an email account for each of them. I sit at my desk all day long emailing clients and updating facebook, and now when I'm missing my little ones I can email them. I can keep them up to date about what they like to do right now. (Not sharing, and running around with their pants down. Basic boy stuff) So when they have kids of their own and are pulling their hair out and drinking 8 cups of coffee a day, you can give them the password. Maybe they'll read it and realize that it's all worth it.

Adventures in Reupholstery

2011-12-01T18:37:00Z

I thought I was going to be all Martha Stewart and teach people how to reupholster a chair as I remade this one for the studio. What I ended up with is basically a huge advertisement for professional reupholster-ers everywhere. I do have a few words of advise though.

1: When in doubt, use hot glue. (Seriously, this thing has so much hot glue in it)
2: Get a tetanus shot. (There are so many pokey weird metal things holding that chair together)
3: Don't count on finding anything cool in there. (All I found were some really old peanuts)
4: Invest in some Scotch Guard. (The first child to get chocolate on this thing faces certain death)

Now that this mammoth chair is finished, there is no way it is leaving my living room. It will be there forever. Or at least until it doesn't look pretty anymore. Then I will put it by the curb and laugh as the next Martha Stewart loads it into the back of their truck saying "I could reupholster that." Good luck lady, I used a pneumatic staple gun.

Not The Way I Pictured It

2010-09-15T19:20:00Z

We had our day all planned. A trip to the zoo with two groups of friends, and their boys. We had our giant picnic lunch packed and ready to go. Bert was excited to go to the zoo with his friends, and I was excited to bring my camera along and get some great photos of the boys. Phone call number one, "Eli is having an off morning, and we're just not up for taking him out." Ok, we can deal with that. Phone call number two, "Ummmm.... Lucas is still sleeping." Now being a mom that doesn't believe in arguing with a three year old when you don't have to, or waking them up when you don't have to, I was Ok with this. We broke the news to Bert, who's reply was. "Yeah, but I'm still gonna go ride my bike at the zoo." Crisis averted. So off we go to the zoo. A half hour in to our super fun zoo trip, and here comes the rain. Pouring rain. And we're at the back of the zoo. So we end up at Grandma's house having our "picnic" lunch on the living room floor in soaking wet clothes. The rain eventually passed by, and with clothes fresh out of Grandma's dryer, we decided to take Bert's bike out on the river trail. He had a great time splashing through the puddles. We still had the camera with us, so we propped it up on the edge of the stroller and set the timer. Nothing went as planned, but it was the best zoo day ever, with a great family picture to go with it.

Senior Stunner Contest

2010-09-11T22:06:00Z

OK, so we are starting our very first "Senior Stunner" Contest. Each of our seniors can enter their favorite picture from their session, and all of our clients get a chance to vote for their favorite image. The winning image will be used for all kinds of promotional materials for A&R Portraits. You will be the face of our studio for 2012. So, I just need our seniors to let me know their fav image #, and I'll get this show on the road!

I Want More Fun!

2010-09-03T14:48:00Z

As my kids get a little older, and a little wilder, I wonder why my family and children's portraits haven't done the same. After all, my recent family photo included one very happy upside-down two year old. I recently shot a family session where the grown up kids wanted to get a shot jumping off of the swings. It is one of my favorite pictures this year. So, if anyone else is tired of their boring family picture, let me know. I'm thinking trampoline jumping, beach swimming, furniture climbing FUN portraits. Is anyone with me?

Bold Color

2010-08-28T17:17:00Z

Don't be afraid to wear some bold colors for your senior portraits. Show off your personality and style. Long sleeves and solid colors are great for your formal yearbook picture, but feel free to have some fun with your other outfits. Not sure what to wear? Bring in a few choices, and Amy or Rob can help you decide what's going to work best.

Bridal Show Tips

2010-02-11T16:12:00Z

Many of our clients will be attending bridal shows this summer. Here are a few tips to help you keep things organized.

Bring address labels. If you enter drawings you will end up writing out your name, address, phone number, and email a lot.
Only enter drawings of vendors that you would like to receive more information from.
Bring a bag with you. Some shows provide them, but others don’t. You will need something to carry all of your information and vendor giveaways in.
Make notes or stars on brochures for vendors that you like. When you get home you may not remember who was who.
Take a note book and pen with you. Write down information about vendors that you would like to remember.
Ask if your wedding date is available. You may love a vendor and spend time talking with them, only to find your date is unavailable.
Don’t fall for high pressure sales. Most vendors will give a discount for booking your wedding at the show, which is a great deal IF they’re a great vendor. If you’re sure of yourself, go for it and save a little money. If you’re not, take some time to think it over.
Bring your check book just in case there’s a vendor you feel you NEED to sign on the spot.
Wear comfortable shoes. If it’s a good bridal show, you could end up walking a lot.

Don't You Dare Grow!

2010-02-01T20:25:00Z

I heard someone say that you should bring your baby in for pictures when you look at them and think "Don't you dare grow any more." Maybe that's why there are over 50 files filled with Bert's pictures at our office. I think that's a daily thought for most moms.