Babies All Around

Isn't he beautiful? Meet Holden...his mom and big sister brought him in for a newborn session recently. This morning it was wonderful to be able to share the proof portfolio with his family...we created some really gorgeous portraits of this special time in their lives.

It must be the season for babies! We have scheduled several sessions this week with new moms! It is so exciting to meet these little ones for the first time and get to know each family. One of the best parts of this business is getting to meet new faces. If you are a current client and know someone who is looking for a portrait & wedding photographer, keep in mind that we send awesome referral credits to our current clients as a way to say thanks!!!

So what else is new at Harper Photography? It is hard to believe Labor Day is MONDAY; it seems like one week ago was Memorial Day. It was so nice to see lots of you at the Wilson County Fair! It was definitely a success, and we had a sign up sheet for those interested in our most recent addition - a newsletter. In case you didn't know, we started the first of August sending out a newsletter to all of our clients via email. This email will keep you up-to-date on the latest and greatest at Harper Photography plus some photo tips that you can use at home. If you didn't get the August edition and would like to sign up, just go to the Contact Us page on harperphoto.net and shoot me an message to add your name!

One last note before we sign off the blog for this week - anyone interested in fall portraiture needs to call ASAP. The dates are narrowing down to a close...so if you'd like one done this year...no kidding...HURRY!

C ya!

Only Four Fair Nights Left!

We have seen so many of you at the Wilson County Fair this week - too many to try and list!!! We have loved it. Thank you so much for scouting us out to say hello...it is such fun to see everyone enjoying our county fair AND the beautiful nighttime weather we've had since last Friday. It has definitely been a juggle keeping the business side of things operating and also staying out late every night, but it was been worth it! Before the week passes by, I want to send a shout out to my wonderful fair assistants who have kept me company at the booth this year: Mary Jo, Fran, and Sara. Hugs & Kisses to my girls!

We didn't schedule many sessions this week on purpose because we always want to be focused mentally and physically when it comes to your professional photography...so in lieu of a client shot, we snapped a few night shots of some things always seen at the fair after the sun went down last night especially for those of you who may not get a chance to attend. Don't judge the quality as much on this one - I took these with our runaround point-and-shoot camera. I just cannot bring myself to take any of the studio cameras out in the hustle, bustle, and dust! And who wants to fight cleaning dust out of a camera anyway - yuck.

We've got some catching up to do the rest of this week and next week, and then following Labor Day we will be right back on track and getting ready for our busy autumn and holiday seasons!!! If you want to get in on the photographic fun we'll be having then - CALL EARLY!

C Ya!

Come & See Us August 15-23!

It's Wednesday already, and this week is really just getting started for me! I just got back today from the TPPA Annual Convention where I was able to soak up lots of new ideas and hear some fantastic speakers like Kirk Voclain from Louisiana and Stephanie Clark from Kentucky! Look out, world - Harper Photography is getting ready to take it up a few notches!

We are thrilled to have a booth again this year at the Wilson County Fair; we will be setting up tomorrow and Friday preparing to see all of you in the crowd! I have an exciting new way to show off your portraits called gallery wraps, and WOW! I got to open them from the lab this afternoon, and it was like having Christmas all over again. They are SPECTACULAR! These displays are awesome canvas portraits stretched around a wooden frame ready to take home and hang...no framing necessary! I even have some in neat designer colors that the moms are just going to LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! Speaking of moms and their babies, check out Ashton in this precious portrait. I can hardly believe it has been a year since she made her big debut; we had a great time getting in her final panel session last week. Thanks to her entire family for choosing Harper Photography!

Prince Charming Wears Overalls!!!

Yesterday we met with Kai and his mom to do our first outdoor session together! Kai has come to the studio for different specials and a studio session, but this was awesome. He was definitely more in his element being outside with nature and getting the chance to show me he is all boy! I couldn't have had more fun capturing his handsome smile! And let me tell you - he is quite comfy on his side of the camera as you can see in the photo above. I cannot help but love it when the clients his age show up ready for action! Close to the end we were laughing and cutting up with each other when he looked up with those big eyes and said, "Am I your favorite one?" He is sooooo sweet! I will definitely be looking for Kai when they visit the Wilson County Fair!

This week we have had more studio sessions than outdoor sessions due to the hot weather! It has been a very good week this week, and I am looking forward to all of the learning and meeting other photographers at the state convention early next week. Then of course the fair starts on the 15th - and I am really, really, really, really hoping for cooler weather!

See you soon!

Eliza Trashes the Dress!

We went to the home of Eliza recently to do some super cuuute photos of her in her new red tutu to celebrate her 4th birthday. This was definitely not the tutu I was picturing before I got there! It was so darling because it was long and flowing, and you can bet she was loving it...

After we did a few photos in some different places around their farm, I had to talk (in code) with mom to see if she would let her jump off the diving board in one of her play dresses. After Eliza kicked her feet poolside a few minutes, the red tutu was already wet about 4 inches up. Soooo, we went for it! You could see the excitement in Eliza's face as I prepared for the big shot! This is the resulting photo you see above with Eliza mid-air above the blue pool water.

Trash the Dress is the latest trend in wedding or prom/senior photography where you just don't care what happens with the dress...swim in the ocean, jump in the pool, sit on the pavement, get dirty, anything goes! This session was so much fun; I think I was more excited than Eliza! Knowing the pressure is on - and you only get once - definitely adds that element of excitement!!! Give our studio a call if you'd like to take the leap and do something really fun like Trash the Dress!

C ya!

Let's Fly Away!

Over the weekend, we delivered a stunning wall portrait of one of our June brides, Jessica! Jessica and Roth got married June 28, and it was definitely an elegant event. The doors leading into the church were fully adorned with magnolia, hydrangea, and tons of other florals and greenery. The reception at a separate location looked like a fairytale with round tables dressed up with centerpieces composed of bright gerbera daisies and foilage in super tall, slender, clear vases. As the couple left the banquet hall, everyone blew bubbles and released dozens and dozens of white balloons into the blue evening sky. Roth had one of the coolest groom's cakes we have ever seen - an airplane floating in the clouds - which happens to be very appropriate for an aviator.

Also, don't forget about gift certificates especially with fall and the holidays approaching so quickly! We had a group of siblings to purchase a terrific gift on Saturday for their parents' upcoming anniversary; you can get these custom (hey...you already know we don't do generic!) gift certificates in any amount. I am looking very forward to meeting the entire gang and enjoying the time while we shoot some formals and fun shots to preserve this special time!

This week continues our busy summer as we schedule print deliveries, online proof deliveries, and also the presentation of the proof portfolio and online images to another wedding couple. If you know a friend or relative getting married, be sure to send them our way for a fantastic referral credit to our studio. Who doesn't like beautiful portraits?

Stay cool, everybody!

100% Boy

Saturday we were able to meet up with Jack's mom to deliver his proofs. This little tyke is soooo adorable you just can't stand it! His mom, dad, and I chased him all around during our photo session 2 weeks ago. The result was very natural and tons of his cute expressions were captured like the one above. I couldn't resist this one, and I knew that his mom would recognize this as one of his signature looks. I hope they get to come and see me again soon! It was definitely my pleasure working with them.

We are still working nonstop on wedding proofs and albums trying to catch up from the summer rush. Most folks have no idea of how much work actually goes into the post production side of wedding photography. My goal is for all of my brides to feel like Harper Photography never missed a beat, and I strive to have the wedding day images to prove it.

On top of everything else, August is not going to slow down for us. We have a wedding the first weekend, a convention the second weekend, and the Wilson County Fair will rev up on the 15th. We are planning our displays and booth details right now, and it's going to ROCK! We love what we do, and hopefully it shows each time we meet a customer and have the opportunity to record all of the special times that eventually make a lifetime.