Just a Reminder...

I will no longer be updating this blog, so if you would like to read all of my updates and see pictures of my most up to date sessions head on over to my new blog at puzzlepiecephotography.com/blog.  I've just posted about the winner of my Mini Session Giveaway, so don't miss out!

Alycia

It's Makeover Time - AND a GIVEAWAY!

That's right, I've been working on making over my house, I really need a hair makeover right now... and it's finally time to reveal the long overdue Puzzle Piece Photography makeover!  My sister-in-law Arien (pictured in the last post) is a graphic designer has been working with me on my new logo since last October, and we were able to pin down the exact colors I wanted while I was visiting Utah over Thanksgiving.  Here's what she came up with, isn't she amazing?

Now, with the new look, I have a new blog and website that will be easier to find and remember.  Now you can just go to puzzlepiecephotography.com for session information and prices and puzzlepiecephotography.com/blog for session sneak peeks, everyday ramblings, and giveaways like these!  This blog will  no longer be updated.  Speaking of.  I'm sure that's what you've all been waiting for, I know I would be if I were you. ;)  In honor of Puzzle Piece Photography makeover week I'm giving away one FREE mini session!  Now what does that entail?  A 30 minute session for up to 6 people, a low resolution CD with 15-20 digital images, and a $15 print credit so you can pick a few favorites to put up in your home, all for free! 

Now don't worry if you don't win I have a deal for you too.  I don't normally offer mini sessions, but every once in a while I'm going to be having "Mini Session Days," and this Saturday the 20th of February will be one of them.  I will be holding it at the Everett Arboretum.  At the bottom of this post I'll put some pictures of my boys that were taken there this past November, so you can see what it looks like.  Spots will be available in 30 minute increments from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 a.m., and 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.  That means there are only 8 available spots for this Saturday so act fast!

If you sign up now you will recieve the same as the winner, a 30 minute session for up to 6 people, a low resolution CD with 15-20 digital images, AND a $15 print credit, all for only $75!  If for some reason this Saturday doesn't work for you, I will honor the price and we can find a different time that does work for you and your family.  If you happen to live in UTAH feel free to enter too, or book your mini session, because we will be visiting Utah County at the end of April through the beginning of May.

There are several ways to ENTER to WIN the FREE MINI SESSION. You can become eligible through entering any or all of the following ways for a total of six entries:

FIRST, visit my NEW BLOG where you will find this same post and leave a comment letting me know what your favorite thing is about my new blog.  Your comments MUST be left at my NEW BLOG in order to be eligible to win.

SECOND, visit my NEW BLOG where you will find this same post and leave a comment letting me know what your favorite thing is about my new WEBSITE. Your comments MUST be left at my NEW BLOG in order to be eligible to win.

THIRD, become a fan of Puzzle Piece Photography on FACEBOOK and leave on comment on my NEW BLOG in order to be eligible to win.

FOURTH, comment on one of the photos or photo albums on my FACEBOOK PAGE and leave a comment on my NEW BLOG saying you did so in order to be eligible to win.  I know this is a stretch but I want to give you more opportunities to win. ;)

FIFTH, follow Puzzle Piece Photography on TWITTER.  I won't be twittering much, but my Twitter account is linked to my facebook page, so when I update my status there you will also be able to see it on Twitter.  Make sure you leave a comment on my NEW BLOG letting me know that you are now following on Twitter if you want to be eligible to win.

SIXTH, post a link about my giveaway on YOUR BLOG.  Make sure you leave a comment here at my NEW BLOG letting me know that you did so.

The contest will end on WEDNESDAY February 17th, at MIDNIGHT Pacific time, and the winner will be chosen through their comment number on random.org.  This is why it's very important that you comment on my NEW BLOG in order to be eligible.

So go and get yourself a makeover, if you need one, although I doubt you do... and get ready for pictures!

Now for a few of my boys at the Everett Arboretum.  Enjoy!

Oh, What a Difference Light Makes...

While we were in Utah we were able to see my husband Gabe's entire family too, and since it's not very often that everyone gets together we took the opportunity to get some pictures.  Unfortunately it was a very bright and cold day in Utah, which didn't make for the best portraits, and since we were on a tight schedule so that the girls could make it to our showing of "New Moon" on time we didn't have a lot of time to scout out locations so we made do with my parent's new, partly finished backyard.  First we tried pictures with the weeds as a backdrop which would have worked well if it wasn't for the horrible side lighting.  I told my mom those obnoxious weeds were worth something!  She keeps hoping they'll build a house there so she doesn't have to look at them anymore. ;)  Anyway, it doesn't matter how nice a backdrop is if the lighting is bad.  Toward the end I had the subjects (Gabe's cute younger sisters) turn with their backs to the sun, and voila, a MUCH better portrait with even lighting!  I think it works even with the houses as a backdrop.  Don't you?

A few of his brother and his wife turned out pretty good too.  I just love the backlit look...

and yes, these were taken in the middle of the day. ;)

A few from the beginning with the obviously not as good side lighting, but I love how they were interacting with each other.  I always feel like I've done my job when I can capture a little piece of real life. ;)

I Heart Faces - “We Are Family” Photo Challenge

I was so excited when I heard the theme for this week at "I Heart Faces."  This family is absolutely amazing, and all seven kids are absolutely adorable.  You might remember baby Molly, and her siblings Teddy and Liesel from earlier posts.  This picture is the one the mom loves the most.  Why?  Because their real life and each personality shows through.  Teddy is a little firecracker which is exactly why he's hanging upside down, that was the best way to get him looking at the camera.  I just love photographing children, and especially families of children, it's a challenge, but so worth it in the end!  Stay tuned, there's more of this fun family to come.

Tami's Family

When I was visiting family over the holidays I was able to photography my Aunt Tami's family.  It was so fun to see all of my cousins together, and be able to spend time with each of them individually.  Once again we went to my new favorite spot and we all survived the freezing cold and crazy wind.  It was so cold I had to look for the button every time I wanted to take a picture because I couldn't feel my hands.  It was all worth it though, as you can see. ;)

The entire clan, we tried a couple of different backgrounds.

Tami and Elliot

Michael

Megan and Miles

The twins.  Britney and Whitney.

Nicholas

My Cousin

Just one for now... of my cousin.  Isn't she stunning?  I couldn't decide which version I liked better.

Which do YOU like better?  The one in color with a texture, or the one that's black and white with a little color showing through... I can't decide.

Zakai

Zakai was born the day I went out of town for Thanksgiving, so we missed the window for newborn pictures, but at one month old he was still as cute as ever!  I loved the calm feeling in their home.  You could just feel how much love his parents have for him and I love that it can be seen through the pictures I was able to capture for them.

I love the green rug that was in his bedroom!

Their beautiful cat even got in on the fun.  I've actually never seen a cat like me so much. ;)

Just one more of Zakai to remember him by.