A tip for brides...

It's kind of become a little thing for me to occasionally post tips that I think are helpful. I found out one at Karen and Eric's wedding yesterday.

*Let the person who is making your cake know, see, or have your cake topper. That way there isn't a problem with it when they put it on the cake before your wedding.

There was a little glitch yesterday when the cake topper, a beautiful glass heart etched with the bride and groom's names, just would not sit up straight! It kept wanting to fall over. Well, the problem was remedied, but... to avoid this, make sure the person who makes your cake knows what kind of topper it is.

Problem solved!

Website closing and change in wedding prices...

Just a note to let everyone know our studio website will be closing. This will be in preparation for the launch of our new website in November. Also, our wedding packages will be changing at the launch of our new site. Anyone currently under contract or who signs a contract by the end of October will not be affected by this change. However, if you have not contracted, or you need to send me your contract, please do so. Your package and price will remain the same. Here is a list of our current wedding packages:

Basic Package... $500
*Wedding coverage begins 2 hours prior to ceremony, covering bridal preparations, ceremony, formals, and reception
*1 15 page 5x5 album holding 30 images or 100 4x6 images of your choice

Deluxe Package... $750
*Engagement or Bridal session is included, a tri-fold folio with 8 4x5 prints and a color or BW imagefor your newspaper announcement and 1 11x14 enlargement
*Complete wedding coverage beginning 3 hours prior
*1 10 page 8x10 album holding up to 50 images or 200 4x6 image of your choice

Premiere Package... $1200
*Engagement sitting in our studio is included, a tri-fold folio with 8 4x5 prints and a color or BW imagefor your announcement in the newspaper and 1 11x14 enlargement
*Bridal sitting in our studio or on location is included, a tri-fold folio with 8 4x5 prints and 1 11x14 enlargement
*Complete wedding coverage beginning when you do
*1 DVD slideshow of your wedding portraits playable on your computer and DVD player
*1 15 page digital montage wedding album in black or chocolate

Elite Package... $1750
*Engagement and Bridal sittings in studio or on location, tri-fold folio with 8 4x5's of both sittingsand your favorite image for your newspaper announcement
*1 16x20 signature board for reception
*2 11x14 enlargements*Complete wedding coverage beginning when you do
*1 15 page digital montage wedding album in black or chocolate
*2 5x5 10 page parent albums in black or chocolate
*3 DVD slideshows of your wedding day images playable on your computer and DVD player

Platinum Package... $2500
*Engagement and Bridal sittings in studio or on location, tri-fold folio with 8 4x5's of both sittings and your favorite image for your newspaper announcement
*1 16x20 signature board for reception
*2 11x14 enlargements, 1 20x24 wall portrait or 1 16x20 canvas portrait
*Wedding rehearsal and dinner coverage
*Complete wedding coverage beginning when you do
*1 20 page digital montage album with a tote bag for carrying
*2 5x5 15 page parent albums in black or chocolate
*6 DVD slideshows of wedding day images*Digital negatives and copyright release
*Picture MP3 with wedding images and music

I've been tagged!!!

I've been tagged
Katy tagged me...

so these are the rules...
1. Post the rules on your blog (or email).
2. Write 6 random things about yourself.
3. Tag 6 people at the end of your post.
4. If you are tagged, just do it, and pass the tag along.

1. I am deathly afraid of spiders. No, it's really ridiculous! I've screamed so much because of those tiny little ones that you can barely see, that my 4 year old now does the same thing!

2. My goal for 10 years after high school was to be standing in the winner's circle at the Kentucky Derby with a horse I owned.

3. As much disarray as my house is in, I know where everything is and I'm still a perfectionist.

4. Not a day goes by when I don't research something about photography. I'm obsessed, what can I say!

5. I have a ton of workout videos and I hate every one and have only used them once each! Anyone want some?

6. I can't stand the term Yankee in reference to myself! I'm not a Yankee, I'm from the west coast! We are something completely different! GRRRR!

Now to tag 6 people:
Quinn Newton
Melinda
Kelly Hamm
Corey
Heather Pritchard
Misty
Anyone else who thinks it will be fun!

The Wedding of Diana and Michael!!!

Last weekend was the wedding of Diana and Michael. Through mishaps with the wedding dress and a overly friendly lizard, and the wedding cake, these little trials didn't ruin the beautiful wedding of this wonderful young couple! We went to Cumberland Knob for the formals and back to the reception hall for a fun time! Congratulations Diana and Michael!

Update to Model Search...

I'm also looking for families with expectant mothers and newborn babies to have casual portraits taken in their home!

Again:
*free session
*discounts on prints ordered
*free CD to share with family and friends!

Model Search!!!

I am currently looking for:
*fun, funky couples willing to try something new and have fun
*former brides, preferably within the last 5 years, willing to trash their dress (are you serious? Oh yeah!)

I'm in the process of creating our new website and need some new portraits to showcase! I have some new work, but need some more! Here is what you get:
*complimentary portrait session
*discount on images purchased
*CD of images to show friends and family

If this sounds like something you would be interested in, email me at angie@thompsonsportraitphotography.com

Update on closing...

Okay, so I announced our closing for the end of the year. Well, it hit us alot sooner than we had anticipated. We are officially without a studio.

BUT... I am working from home right now! So have no fear! I am still doing everything that needs to be done, only from home. I am still taking portrait sessions, but I'm only doing location shoots right now. I will be posting some of my work on these location shoots very soon! I've had a couple of shoots that I've done, but I'm waiting for my new website to be up and running before I go crazy showing everyone what I've been up to right now! So if you will all please bear with me... I really think you're going to love it!

Oh!!! One more thing. If you need to get ahold of me, my studio line will be out of order for a couple of weeks! Drop me an email at angie@thompsonsportraitphotography.com and I will get back to you!

My apologies...

Of all the days to make this post, I feel I have to. I've apparently offended some former military with the portraits I took a few months ago of my daughter with the American Flag. To those who I have offended, I am very sorry. The photographer who made it clear to me that I used it as a cheap prop made me see the error of my ways. I will say to him and anyone else though, that it was never my intention to do this and I suggest to this person that while you made these comments to me, you need to go after every other person who has burned a flag, used one as a diaper (Larry Flynt), or so disrespected our flag! To other photographers thinking to use it as a prop, please do not. I know I'm sounding a bit petty, but this persons comments so enraged me, that it took me a half hour to type a reply to him. I come from a military family on both my mom and dad, as well as my biological father's, sides. I have had members in every branch of the military and I fully support our troups! While I completely despise our government for allowing this false war to continue after all these years, I do honor and care for our service men and women! Noone can say I don't. I will not take down the portraits of my daughter, not because of my political views, but because I love my daughter and she had such a good time taking these! And, as I told the photographer/combat vet, I don't make it a habit of using the flag this way. This was a sitting I've done once. And one I will never do again. So to all I have offended by my thoughtless and "self serving" actions, I am very sorry.

Announcing the closing of our studio...

Due to the failing economy in our area, and the increase in competition, we have decided to close our studio on West Grayson in January of 2009. I know this is going to be a suprise to alot of my loyal customers.

However... due to the fact that most of our photography is engagement, bridal, and weddings, this is going to be our focus. Our decision was based on how much location time versus actual studio time. Hence our decision to close our studio.

To our dear brides, have no fear! We are still shooting engagement, bridal, and weddings! Our new changes are going to allow us to offer much more to our contemporary brides and grooms than before! And to our former brides, keep sending those referrals our way! For every person who signs with us that you referred, you are going to get a great gift!

To our loyal customers who have kept us going and been our backbone for so long, I haven't forgotten about you. I'm working on something that I think you will love! I'm going to continue to do portrait photography, but I'm going to change the focus into location photography! This is going to make your portraits more personal!

So everyone, check back towards the end of the year when we will be announcing all of the new changes we are making! I really think everyone is going to love what we are doing!

Groovin' on Grayson!!!

Friday night was Groovin' on Grayson here in downtown Galax! If you haven't been to this fun event, it's a street party held the last Friday of the month on West Grayson St. With live music, great food, and lot's of entertainment, it's a fun and safe way to spend an evening with family and friends! Thompson's was lucky to be able to provide pictures for those wanting a small momento of the evening! And with the proceeds going to Groovin', we couldn't have had a better time! Here are some of the Groovin' volunteers! For more information on Groovin' on Grayson, check out the website here!

Ray's Senior Session!!!

We've had such a busy time with the seniors the last 2 weeks, and this young man was another fun one! As a drummer in the Carroll County band, Ray wanted to get a few shots in his letterman's jacket and some in his band uniform. Then we went for some fun shots in the water! Hope you like them as much as we did!

Jessi & Jordan's Senior Session!!!

Last weekend, I shot the senior portraits for Jessi and Jordan! These bestfriends from Patrick County were so much fun! What started out as some portraits taken at the creek, took a wild turn when Jessi slipped into the water! Well, needless to say, the shots we got of them in the water were fantastic! Who says senior portraits have to be boring?

My apologies...

I've been very neglectful of my blogs over the last 2 weeks, with the exception of my little rants on my crazy life blog. But between getting strep throat, the weddings, senior shoots, and some changes going on (I've let only a few people know about those), things have been crazy! But, I promise, I'll have some more stuff up starting tomorrow! I've got a wedding and several shoots to post! So, bear with me... I'm getting it all together!

As for those changes, well, you really need to check back on those. Oh, to all my current and future brides... ignore the closing thing. I'll post more on that later too! If you have questions about it, email me! I'll explain things in more detail!

9 Things you should NEVER wear to a wedding...

This article was posted on the Yahoo! homepage. I have to completely agree with it! As a wedding photographer, I see so many of these! Find the original article here.

1. White Is Not Right! It seems obvious and yet so many guests seem to forget. Material that is mostly white with a small pattern is a no. White suits are a no. If there's a question...no. White garb is meant for one person only and that's the bride! Always. End of story.

2. Skip the Shorts Shorts at a wedding? It's just wrong; even if you dress them up with a blazer or a pair of sexy heels. Guys, no matter how preppy you make 'em, and, girls, no matter how stylish Charlize Theron looks in them, shorts just won't do at this affair.

3. Keep it Classy Up-to-there miniskirts, shirts with more buttons undone than not, and bustier tops are best left for a night out with the girls (or that person you really want to wow). We know you're sexy, you know you're sexy, but a wedding isn't the place to show off. Play down the sassy and play up the classy.

4. Coattails Don't Cut It If it's a black tie wedding, men are going to be renting a tux or digging one out of storage, so tap into your inner James Bond. But keep it in check -- a classic or modern-cut style is the best bet. Stay away from extra frills like tails, ruffles, loud colors, or satins which are inappropriate and overly fancy. Even if you plan to be the funny man in a powder blue '70s number, refrain. All attention should be on the groom (and his tricked-out honey, of course). Edit from Angie - And I'm posting this website for those who need an inexpensive tuxedo. Check out myowntuxedo.com

5. All That Glitters Is Not Gold Stay away from anything lamé, sequined, shiny, or glittery. It's distracting (both in person and in those precious keepsake photos). Again, the newlyweds are the star attraction, so resist the urge to be a "shining star."

6. Lose The Leather Leather rocks (where would our shoe collection be without it?!) but it's not the best choice for anything above the ankle on a day of "holy matrimony." Leather jackets and skirts are probably too casual, and leather pants are just too flashy. Even if the bride and groom are hip enough to roll with it, opt for something more sophisticated.

7. Mad Hatters Whether you wear a baseball cap to show your allegiance to the A's, disguise thinning hair, or hide a bad hair day, a wedding (even the most casual summer ceremony) is the last place to don one. Go hatless and hit a home run!

8. Give The Wild West A Rest Bandanas, cowboy boots, and ten-gallon hats all make it onto the list of what not to wear. Unless the betrothed couple has planned a themed bash and requests that guests get decked out in ranch gear, save these goodies for another day, pard'ner.

9. Dress to the Nines Don't be too cool to don your finest fixings. Honor the couple's union by leaving your jeans at home -- even the really nice ones! Unless the invitation mentions a beach barbecue or luau, forego the casual fare and plan on turning it up. It's a wedding after all!

And I'm adding a number 10 to the list, a huge mistake I see alot at weddings:

10. A Tshirt? Leave the Tshirt and blue jeans at home. You're going to a wedding, not playing in the front yard!

Seth's Senior Portraits!!!

Over the weekend, we shot Seth's senior portraits. We followed him to the horse farm where he works for some shots that really said who he was: one of the good ole boys!

Evan's Senior Portraits!!!

Evan is one of those great kids with one great passion. Music! He knew exactly what he wanted his portraits to convey, his love of music! As with most young men, they're not very crazy about having portraits taken, so we were brief, but he loved them, which made mom and me very happy!

Glamour and Intimate Portraits!!!

We are introducing our new Glamour and Intimate Portrait sessions. You can come to our studio, or we can come to your home for a more comfortable session. Intimate portraits of yourself for your special someone is a great way to boost your confidence as well as firing up your relationship! You provide the clothing, we provide the backdrops, props, hair and makeup! Limited session times are available and a two week notice is required in order to reserve our hair and makeup artist! Book your Intimate Portrait session today!

Signature Boards!!!

Everyone has a guest book that is signed when you walk into the church, right? But what happens to that guest book after your big day? It gets tucked away into a box along with the fancy pen and cake topper, or, if it's lucky, into a curio cabinet to gather dust. How about something fun that can be on your wall for everyone to see long after the vows have been spoken? Our signature boards are a great addition to the items used on one of the most special days of your life! Printed on high quality photo paper and backed with artboard for protection, your guests and friends will be able to write a personal message that is sure to be treasured (and viewed) for years! Our signature boards come in 11x14, 16x20 (our standard size), or 20x24. We can completely customize your board depending on the number of images you want! For more information on our signature boards or our wedding packages, email us at angie@thompsonsportraitphotography.com

Seniors...

It's still not too late to have your senior portraits taken at Thompson's! Prepay your sitting fee a week or more in advance and recieve 24 free wallets! That's a $75 value! And since we only photograph 1 senior a day, you need to schedule quickly! The day you need might get taken by someone else!

Josh & Karla's Wedding!!!

Friday, we had the honor of photographing the wedding of Josh & Karla. At Elizabeth Brown Memorial Park in Wytheville, they proclaimed their love in front of family and friends in a casual and elegant ceremony! Driving off from the ceremony in a Virginia Tech golf and arriving later to Enter Sandman by Metallica (loved it!), everyone partied the night away! Here are some of my favorite images from their day! OH! Like the bride's hoodie? I know I did! It's part of Victoria's Secret Bridal Collection!