I guess I'm a little more saavy than I think...haha.

So, I honestly couldn't leave my blog acting all crazy in firefox browsers. It just bothered me too much! :-( I figured it out. I had to re-do my blog template to carry all my widgets & add ons over, transfer the html from my other blog (minus that blog's widgets) and re-format my header and resize. Heck, I even made a new blog header! It didn't take me very long...but I wasn't sure it would work. Thanks to my girl, Caitlin, for doing the firefox viewing for me! All is good...for now. :-)

CSS's, Templates, Browsers...oh, the drama!

Okay, I am not the most html/css saavy. Nor, do I have any desire to do so! I'm a photographer and do the best I can to set up my website and blogs!

I guess, my blog text looks all goofy in the Firefox browser. I apologize! I have no idea why and I am not sure if I ever will...or have the time to figure it out! LOL! My blog looks fine in Internet Explorer...so if you would like it to look normal...you may have to shoot over onto Internet Explorer. :-( Sorry for any inconvenience. I'm hoping to work on a whole new blog re-vamp this summer...but until then, my "un-saavy-ness" with such things as html, css & that kind of code-ness will still hover over me. :-) Please forgive me. haha. If I had the ability to do so...believe me...I would just do photography and I would have someone else be my "decor helper, css, html, template" operator. LOL! And thank you, thank you, avid blog followers for letting me know. I won't be able to sleep now knowing that my blog looks like craziness on firefox...but I will be okay. I promise. :-) Your are the best!

Sam & Drea :: Mini-Session

I've met some awesome people back in my hometown since we've moved back. Drea is one of them! :-) Drea wanted to have some pictures taken of her husband, Sam in his uniform. Something more personal than the formal shots he's had done with the army. However, she had said that Sam will only put it on if he has to. So, this was one of those "have to's"! Sam is in the army and they were holding a very special dinner/ball this evening...so we literally had 20-30 minutes to quickly do some pictures of Sam & Drea all dressed up & Sam in uniform! I had a lot of fun and what great weather we had on this afternoon! :-) I think we did pretty good with a very limited time frame. :-)





Doesn't Drea look gorgeous? She is so photogenic! Beautiful.




Sam is pretty funny and this picture is so honest...Sam goofing around & Drea...well, I think she's used to his antics! :-) Love it!




I think this is one of my favorites...








Another fav...


This one is so funny...they took a quick stroll on the lakewalk (about 20 feet. haha!) and Drea decides to kick Sam in the behind! I was glad I caught it! I had her do it again...but the original was the best! haha!




I loved this one, too...




I despised the sun on Sam's face here (it was so incredibly sunny & very limited time and places to do pics!) but I love Drea's smile/laugh in this picture. :-)




I can't end this post without saying THANK YOU to Sam for serving our country. You are so amazing for sacrificing so much to protect this country. And, Drea...you are an amazing woman to be so supportive and strong. I am so grateful to be able to provide you with memories in these photos. :-)

Spring Fever!!! And Specials!!!

Boy, do I ever have Spring Fever! I want this weather to warm up so I can get out & get started on photo sessions! So, I've decided that maybe, just maybe if I start forcing spring with some amazing specials...maybe spring will magically appear! Okay, I know that is a little far-fetched...but how about kicking off the 2009 season with an exciting SPRING FEVER SPECIAL??? I can't think of anything better!



Tell your friends & family, too! If you refer someone to me, and they book a session...you will receive a $25 credit towards your booked session good on any portrait prints & products! And don't forget to mention that you are inquiring about my Spring Fever Special.

Hurry, don't miss out on this awesome special! Spring Fever Special Prices are valid for a limited time only! I can't wait to hear from you!

**NOW BOOKING FOR APRIL, MAY, JUNE & JULY. LIMITED SPACE REMAINS FOR MAY**

Just for fun...

I wonder what the perks are for winning this one...:-)

The Show Me Some Love Contest Winner is announced!!!

I honestly had such a difficult time choosing a winner! I felt loved by every one of the comments! I greatly appreciate each of you taking the time to send me some love! Anyone who knows me well...knows that I am horrible at making decisions sometimes...but after many, many contemplative readings of all of the comments...without further a do...the winner is: JENNY!!! Jenny wins a FREE photo session valued at $100-$150! Congratulations, Jenny! I look forward to photographing your beautiful family again! :-)

Here is the winning comment:

"I love all of your pictures, but my favorite is the one you photographed of my daughter and her cousin. The picture is of them laughing on the playhouse steps at my mother's house. I can't believe that in one photograph you were able to capture so many things... innocence, laughter, secrets shared by best friends, devotion, and love. Our daughters are best friends, as my sister and I were at that age, and still are. That you can capture all of those emotions in one picture, and bring a person back to when they were young each time they gaze at the photo, is an amazing talent. Each time I look at that picture, I feel as though I am a part of their special friendship. At a time when children seem to grow up so fast, I feel so privileged to have a photograph that will forever remind me of childhood innocence and the carefree life that children should have. Thank you!"

I chose this comment because the reason that I fell in love with photography and turned my passion into a business was because I wanted to be able to photograph children and families being who they are. I wanted to be able to capture moments & feelings as Jenny saw in the photo of her daughter and her cousin. If someone can feel so much by looking at even just one photo, then I have succeeded in the purpose of my photography. It has been said by many successful photographers that many people can be photographers; pose their subjects just so, have good equipment, know how to run a business...however, that it is not easy to capture the soul & essence of another person. Photography for me, is about connecting with every person that I photograph. Being able to read people and capture who they are in a style that is unique to them and to me is what I love so much about what I do. I don't know how to do this in any other way. I follow my heart and photograph what I see, as I see it. I am so extremely blessed to be doing something that I love. I thank God every day for this amazing journey.

And there is a runner up winner. Like I said before, I had a very difficult time choosing. I loved all of them! But, because I had to make a choice, the runner up is: HEATHER! Heather gets 10% off of a photo session with me and a FREE 8x10 from her session. Way to go, Heather! I will see you in May! :-)

Here is her comment:

"I don't even know this beautiful baby or the parents. But...I am overwhelmed when I see it. I sit here with tears in my eyes at this miracle of love captured on film by Staci. As a mother of three, this photograph brings me back to their births. Their first breath. First cry. The moment I first became a mother and held each of my amazing babies. The love of a mother and her baby goes beyond anything I have ever known. I remember thinking as I lay in the hospital holding each precious baby of mine that there is nothing in the world that I wouldn't do for this person. I am sure the parents of this baby will cherish the memory that Staci has captured in this gorgeous photograph of a brand new baby being held up, in the light, by the doctor for the parents to meet for the very first time. Thank you for sharing this special time in your lives and for reminding me once again how 'precious' life's defining moments of LOVE can be!"

I chose Heather's comment because I love how open and vulnerable she allowed herself to be. I was so blessed to photograph this beautiful birth. A baby being born really is an amazing moment. Thank you, Heather!

Please email me at staci@stacilphotography.com for more details and to schedule your sessions! :-) Congratulations, Jenny & Heather! Again, thank you all for your wonderful comments! :-) And check back next week for a NEW contest!!!

A few pictures from the session that Jenny commented about...

Mothers everywhere...unite!!!

As a mother, I just had to laugh at this...isn't life like this sometimes??? Haha!!! But, in the midst of these kinds of moments...laughing is all you can really do. :-)

Updates!!!

UPDATES ON THE UPDATES!!!

I just wanted to quickly post a little message that I am nearly booked for my trip to PA. If you would like a session (or know someone who would be interested) please contact me ASAP as I have about 2 (maybe 3) times slots remaining.

Also, my "SHOW ME SOME LOVE" contest deadline is on Sunday, March 15th at midnight!!! Get your comments in to be in the running for a FREE PHOTO SESSION!!! Woo-hoo!! Click the link below to enter!

http://www.stacilphotographytheblog.com/2009/02/show-me-some-l-o-v-e.html



::UPDATES::

I have a few updates to pass along!

1. I have (finally!!!) changed my email address. Please be sure to make a note of my new email address as I will no longer be using my former email address. I want to ensure that all communications, inquiries and questions all reach me! If all fails...please give me a call!!! My new email address is:

staci@stacilphotography.com

2. Pennsylvania Clients: I am now booking sessions for my trip out to Pennsylvania in May!!! I have an extensive list of inquiries...so please be sure to contact me right away to book your session! I can only secure a date with a paid session fee/deposit!! So, all deposits must be sent out immediately upon inquiring about a date. Also, I can only book a limited amount of sessions...so once I book up...I am booked!
The dates available for sessions are:

Sunday, May 17
Tuesday, May 19
Wednesday, May 20
Thursday, May 21
Friday, May 22
Saturday, May 23

Session time availability will vary, however, sessions can be scheduled in the morning, afternoon or evening. I will discuss all details concerning rain dates, attire, etc. once we book your session. I look forward to seeing so many of you again in May & meeting a few new families!! :-)

3. Wisconsin Clients: I have a few more appointments become available in March...if you would like to schedule for March, please contact me. I am also still booking for April and am now opening up my calendar for June! To ensure a session date, I must receive session fee/deposit to book your date! Please remember, weekend session dates go fast...so if you are wanting a weekend date, please contact & schedule as soon as possible!

I will be sending out an email to those of you on my inquiry list for May...however, Pennsylvania bookings in May are available to anyone. New and/or existing clients.

Thank you! I am really looking forward to an awesome spring/summer!
~Staci

Happy Birthday, Makenzie!!!

Today, we celebrated our oldest daughter's 7th birthday! I can hardly believe how fast time has gone. Makenzie is such an amazing, special little girl! Happy Birthday, Makenzie! We love you!

Name Your Dream Assignment!!!

I have entered a contest called "Name Your Dream Assignment"! Although, there are many, many entries...I'd love your help to vote for me! Below, is a description of my "Dream Assignment". If you like it...at the bottom of this post...you can click "pic it". :-) You do have to register to vote once you click (to prevent multiple votes from the same person)...I know...that really stinks. But, please do vote! My entry is below:

Future Generations

I would love to photograph children all over the U.S. being who they are. Beautiful, Simple, Silly, Crazy...just being kids. What a joy to show the world a very visible reason to keep our heads up during these difficult days in our country. We aren't just parents. We are role models, financial advisors, educators and heroes to the future generations.

I would love to see beautiful photos of children from every walk of life living out their exhuberance and innocence. In their schools, in their homes, in our parks...anywhere, really. I would love to start a campaign of large billboards with children's photos on them and simple childhood phrases on them. Some that may be familiar to us...things our parents may have told us. Sayings that are true, innocent, yet wise. Portraying to this country and to our world that our children; the future generations will have to live here when we're gone.

Let's show them how to care for our world. Let's show them how to care for others. Let's show them values, strength and respect. And most importantly, let's help them see that each one of them is unique. Each one of them is beautiful. Each one of them is special. Each one of them CAN make a difference.

My Favorites...

In an industry such as photography, there is always someone to look up to. Whether it be their drive, their passion, their amazing work, their blog/website, their willingness to help other photographers and many times their willingness to have an impact on the world around them. Over the last few years, I have been a "blog stalker"...meaning, I have been all over the internet admiring many amazing photographer's work. I have my favorites...and I think my very favorites have been those that have taken the time to email me personally with advice, encouragement, etc. I know how busy this industry is...so I greatly appreciate the extra mile some amazing photographers have gone to to let me pick their brains!!! :-) So, with no further a do...here are some of my FAVORITE photographers!!!

Jasmine Star
http://www.jasminestarblog.com/
I have never met Jasmine...but I LOVE her stuff. And I love her big heart. She has been one who has taken the time to send some love, advice & encouragement my way admist her very busy and very popular life! :-) I love her style, I love her writing, I love her passion for life. I love her willingness to help...and if you go visit her blog...you'll love her photos, too! They are amazing!

Jessica Claire
http://www.jessicaclaire.net/
http://www.shootsacblog.com/
Jessica Claire has an awesome style. I fell in love with her photos...and after following her blogs over the years...I have fallen in love with her entrepreneurial spirit! She has some super cool & super useful photography goodies...including the Shootsac and her newest goodie...the Hip Slip (for laptops!). She always has cool info on her blogs. :-)

Jinky Art
http://jinkyart.com.au/
http://jinkyart.com.au/blog/
Barb's work speaks for itself. I don't even have to say much else! (But I will. :-) I found this website early on in my photography and was absolutely captivated at the images! So beautiful, fresh, modern & contemporary! Awesome, awesome, awesome. :-)

Pinkle Toes Photography
http://pinkletoes.com/blog/
Michele is AWESOME! Her work is beautiful! And she's a hard worker...busy designing many amazing materials for photographers! I fell in love with her style & her photos...and then became a PT4P photographer. She's got some great stuff and it takes a ton of the pressure off of me for my designs & marketing materials & lets me keep my focus on photography! Granted, I have to customize what I purchase...but the base materials are beautiful!!! :-)

Corinna Hoffman
http://corinnahoffman.blogspot.com/
Corinna is an awesome up & coming wedding photographer! She is one of my bestest online friends, ever!!! She is so real & genuine & we have had many emails back & forth discussing scenarios, plans & the direction of our photography businesses. Her style is super fun & carefree. I "heart" you, Corinna! :-)

Scarlett Lillian
http://scarlettlillian.net/
Scarlett's blog has been one of my most recent interests. She seems like a beautiful soul. And her work is so awesome. It's fun, beautiful & so modern! I'm excited to keep following! :-)

There are so many other amazing photographers that I have become friends with and who are so dear to my heart! Many of whom are awesome at what they do!!! And so many who inspire me to keep pursuing my dreams! Thank you!! :-) This industry is so full of amazing talent at all levels, abilities & styles. I really, really love my job.

Show me some L-O-V-E!!!!

Most of us LOVE pictures. And many times we don't even know why...we are just drawn to them!

So, here's the deal:

I am going to be running my first, ever, Staci L. Photography, CONTEST!!! Yes, you heard correctly. I am running a contest!!! Many people tell me they love my website and that they love a certain portfolio or they love certain photos. So, this is your opportunity to take your many, many compliments and possibly win something awesome! Now, this contest isn't going to come easy. You are going to have to work a bit...but I think you'll be very happy with the Grand Prize...so keep reading!!!

THE RULES:

1. You need to go visit my website at: www.stacilphotography.com

2. Look through my website...you can go to "view my work" and there are multiple galleries for you to peek through. Ex. Maternity, Infants, Children, etc.

3. Choose a photo that you really love. One that stands out to you!

4. At the end of this post, you will see something that looks like this:
Posted by Staci L. Photography at Monday, February 23, 2009 0 comments
See where it says comments? You will need to click on that...which will be in pink at the end of this post down below!

5. Then, your job is to tell me (in your most creative way...) which photo from my website you love. You can try to describe it or you can just gush over the photo. It doesn't matter! Creativity is the key here! You just need to give me some "love" about a photo and why! The more "love" the better!!!

The person with the most CREATIVE (and maybe the most loving...ha-ha) will receive a FREE PHOTO SESSION! YES, a FREE Photo Session will be given to the winner!!! This is a $100-150 value! I will also choose a runner up winner....and the runner up will receive 10% off a photo session and a FREE 8x10 print. So, spread the news about my contest...and invite your friends & family to check it out...cuz' someone's going to win!!! :-)

HURRY!!! Don't wait! This contest ends on March 15th!!! Winner will be announced on March 20th! So, get looking and show me some LOVE!!!

**Winner receives a FREE PHOTO SESSION. This does NOT include prints. Just the time & talent for the session.**