Defining Moments

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I’d like to take a few minutes to discuss headshots. In our current culture of internet and social media, practically anyone can benefit from a web presence. And when you put yourself out there, whether it be on a business web page, a Facebook or Twitter profile, a dating site, a blog, or a billboard or business card, you need to have a quality headshot. It seems like a lot people do the headshot as an afterthought, and just get a friend or family member to take a quick snapshot with a point and shoot camera, or worse yet, a mobile phone. It’s so commonplace it almost seems acceptable.

I believe that all of your interactions in advertising and on the web can be improved with the right kind of headshot. It isn’t just models or actors who need nice headshots. They can help everyone. They also don’t have to be a stiff, bored-looking mugshot against a brick wall or a Sears photo backdrop. Your headshot needs to be tailored for the purpose and context in which you will use it. It should send a message about who you are, highlight your individuality, be well-lit and -posed, and reflect how you look on your best day.

I create many types of headshots at my studio: fun, professional, edgy, attention-grabbing, or any and all of the above. Several examples are featured below, and you can see some people choose to have more than one type of shot done. My headshot services include business card or web banner design, and an in-person or phone consultation to make sure we get the image(s) you need for your purposes. I am running a special on my headshot sessions through the end of March. Call or email today to schedule yours!

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First, a BIG thank you to everyone who participated in the competition and helped to make it fun.  Obviously, there was a very tight and intense competition between two of the participants, and after some consideration, I have decided to award TWO first prizes.  Both Owen and Henry will get free sessions and a free framed wall portrait.  Congratulations, you guys!

I’ve also decided to waive the session fee for a 30-minute family or child session for anyone who participated.  This is in addition to the free prints I will have made from the competition pics.

If you have not contacted me to specify which print(s) you would like to have, please do so by November 20th!  I would like to order these before the holiday and have them ready for pickup in early December.

If you would like to take advantage of the free session, I will make the offer available to any of the participants through March 15th.  Call to schedule!

Thanks again, everyone!!

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I had several fun people in yesterday. I will be doing this from 2-8 today as well, and hope to get lots more! Come in with your costumes, no appointment necessary during this time. Scroll down for details! Here’s a small peek at what I did yesterday:

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Just a reminder about the Halloween costume contest and free photos! Get a free mini-session, free prints, and have a chance to win a free family session!!!  The original blog post with all the details is HERE.

Hope to see you!!

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Scroll down for sample photos.

I’ve decided it would be fun to have a Halloween costume competition. To encourage participation, I will be offering everyone a FREE print, and awarding a free child or family session to the winner, along with a free framed 16×20 print. Bring your kids! If you don’t have kids, come yourself!  Or bring a pet!!

DETAILS: I will take 4-6 photos of each participant in a five-minute mini-session. Results will be posted to a gallery on my web site sometime the following week. Choose one image per costume (one costume per participant) and let me know by phone or email. I will have a 4×5 print made and have it at my studio for pickup.

WHEN: Tuesday Oct.30th, from 4-8pm, and Wednesday Oct. 31st, from 2-8pm at my studio, 1106 N. Dodge St. in Iowa City. There are no appointments. People will be photographed as they arrive, so there may be a short wait.

PARKING: Please do not park at the Hilltop Tavern! The studio driveway has 3-4 spaces. If it is full, there is plenty of space on N. Summit, just around the corner.

VOTING: When the gallery is posted, there will be a poll on my studio blog where people can vote for the best costume. I will keep the voting open for one week, and whoever gets the most votes will get the free session.

FINE PRINT: Basically, there is no fine print. Anyone can participate, and everyone who does gets a free print, with no strings attached. The winning prize also comes with no further purchase obligation. The session is a 30-minute studio session and may be used for a child, family, or pet sitting (not valid for senior or location sessions), and the framed 16×20 can be converted to credit toward other products. The prize cannot, however, be converted to cash.

Call or email me if you have any questions!

Some clients have volunteered to be photographed early, so I can post some sample photos:

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Are you set to graduate in 2008 from a Cedar Rapids high school? Then you’re eligible for some savings on your senior session! Through 5:00 pm on September 10th, I am offering $50 off the session fee for a Senior Basic session or $75 off a Senior Combo session to anyone from ANY Cedar Rapids high school (that’s half off the session fee).

Regular studio pricing can be found HERE.

All you have to do to take advantage of this special is call with a credit card to reserve your time. As long as the session fee is paid by September 10th, the session can be scheduled any time. Call soon to reserve, or if you have questions!