Newest Items!

Geez, time sure does fly!  I noticed I haven't posted anything to my Portrait Blog since last October and I've been using my Facebook Portrait Site for most of my updates.  But as I've said before, if you're anything like me, you probably don't see 90% of the posts for those friends and businesses you "like."

So, time to start finding time each week to highlight my best sessions, new items, and any great specials I'm promoting.  Hey, out of sight...out of mind, right?

So I'm really happy to introduce a new collage set that focuses mainly on family portraits and it's called Family Ties.  It has amazing quotes on it and a nice selection of openings for your favorite images.  Pretty neat, right?

And also for those of you who have girls, I fell in love with this memory book.  You can use if from one session or multiple sessions.  I have a few customers who have only girls and I can really see this as being a wonderful heirloom to give to them when they get older.  And the nice thing about my photobook pricing, duplicate albums are 1/2 price!

So stay tuned for more fun stuff!

2013 Holiday Portrait Special Announced!

So, many of you are probably wondering why I haven't posted my Holiday Portrait Special yet.  Every year I have had a special package from October 1st through November 15th, but this year my October is extremely busy with weddings, corporate work, and high school seniors so I haven't had any time for family photographs.

Well then, you ask, what are you going to do Heidi?  I'm going to offer my Annual Holiday Portrait Special from November 1st through the 26th this year and I'm giving you THREE options.  Since there is no such thing as one size fits all, I wanted to give my favorite clients a choice that would best fit their needs.

Without any further fanfare, here they are...

30 Minute Session plus 25 Boutique Holiday Cards:  $100.00

or

30 Minute Session plus One Retouched High Resolution File:  $125

or

30 Minute session plus All Unretouched High Resolution Files:  $300

I will be offering these specials at different sites here in the San Diego area.  Call me so we can customize your session and location to make it an incredible photo session.  And don't forget to tell your friends!  They will love you for helping them find a good photographer.  Hey, a good photographer is like finding a good hair stylist or dentist, don't you think?  Thanks to all of you who have helped keep me in business for all these years!

2013 Holiday Family Portrait Contest!

So for those of you who have been following my family portrait special every Fall, you know I try to do something a little different to shake things up.  I hate it when you go to the same place, year after year, and you get the exact same thing.  That's why restaurants change out their menus and why I try to pull in a theme that a majority of my clientele will like.  So this year I decided to let you, my favorite clients, show me what you think would make a great theme!

In the past I have offered a "Couch in a Field" session (big seller!), a chalkboard session, and a vintage session.  I've been cruising Pinterest, looking for some inspiration, but decided maybe it's time for me to put this decision into your hands.  So, if you can find a photo of an idea or theme that you think would be great for this year's special, please email it to me at heidi@asliceoflifephoto.com.  I will collect the top six images, post them on Facebook, and let everyone vote on which one is the best.  Also, you must enter your email in the "Follow By Email" section of my blog in the top left hand corner.  The person who submitted this image will win a framed 16x20 from their session, a $300 value!

So hurry up and find something fun, unique and doable.  Submittals must be made by September 30th, and images will be posted by October 6th.  This year's special will run from November 1st through the 26th, so if you have any suggestions on what you would like as a package, let me know!

Have you taken your summertime family portrait yet?

I read this poem once about different types of friends.  It really stuck with me through the years, and I would love to share it with you.

We all have many types of friends,
And in our life they come and go.
But if we can understand their roles,
Then it can be easier to let some go.

Some friends are there for you,
At a time when you are in dire need.
They have come into life for a reason,
Giving you what you require indeed.

But when this reason is resolved,
It often becomes time to part,
Because when the reason is gone,
Both may want a fresh new start.

Other friends are there for a season,
To laugh with and have lots of fun.
But just as seasons come to an end,
Sometimes these friendships are done.

Some people are very fortunate,
To have very special lifetime friends.
Who will remain in their life forever,
And that is a friendship that never ends.

I am lucky and have many lifetime friends,
Who came into my life for a reason.
We’ve enjoyed many laughs and shed tears,
But they stayed long after a season.

Why do I bring this up?  Because I think you can say the same thing about customers.  There are those that are a one time client.  Not because you didn't do a good job, but because they needed something specific at one time.  Then there are those who are with you for a while, you see them periodically until they move or find someone else who is closer or more convenient.  Then there are those who are a part of your life.  They may not book you every year, but when the need arises for a photographer, you are their first thought.  They are the ones who keep me in business and their relationships mean the world to me.  The Feldstein Family is one of those families.

 

 

Teressa and Rick Feldstein first contacted me about 16-17 years ago to do their first "family portrait."  It was of the two of them with their three dogs.  I was located in Vista at the time and we did their session at Warmwater Beach in Carlsbad.  Then in 2002, after I had moved to Escondido and started working out of my new home, they called me again.  They had moved up to Napa Valley and were down for vacation with their two young children.  I did a session in my home garden and was pleased to find out that Teressa was very good friends with my neighbor's daughter, Amy.  Amy lived up in Napa Valley too, and the fact that they met through a children's play group was incredible.  What a small world to not only meet people who are from your neck of the woods, but the fact that they both knew me was uncanny.

 

 

So fast forward to this past month.  Teressa called me to let me know they would be down in San Diego again and would love for me to do a family portrait of them with their three children at the beach.  Wow!  How happy am I to see them again and see how their family has grown over the years.  We decided on Windansea Beach in La Jolla and even though the weather wasn't ideal, we got some amazing photographs of the Feldstein family.  So a huge thank you to Teressa and Rick for having me be a part of your family vacation and allowing me to create some amazing memories.

Introducing our "Belladonna" Newborn Package

It was bound to happen.  I have been creating so many beautiful albums for my high school senior clients that I had to find the perfect design for recording "baby's first year."  I finally did!  It's a chalkboard design and features 30 images to be cherished by generations to come.

There are areas for to you write personal information about your new family member, something that he or she will absolutely love when they are older.  It documents so many important times during that first year and creates a perfect family heirloom.

My Belladonna Package includes five one hour sessions (newborn, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months and one year,) plus a 10x10 album for the great price of  $1000, that's a savings of $350!  Just check out how cute this album is below:

Look...Newest Items!

Anyone who knows me, knows that I love finding new products to offer my clientele.  So I'm super excited to announce the arrival of Bamboo Shadow Boxes with Metal Prints & Wall Sized Metal Curves.  I'm including photos of both so you can get a better idea of what they look like.  The bamboo shadow boxes come in 4x4, 5x5, and 6x6 sizes and include a metal print.  They are made with sustainable bamboo in either light or dark wood.  If you want any pricing info or have any questions, just give me a buzz.  And I'll continue to my search for awesome things to show off your family photos!

Love Your Real Estate Professional...In April!

Lately I've been buzzing around my home doing projects that I've been putting off for years now.  You know those type of things...projects that are nice to have but aren't "MUST BE DONE RIGHT NOW."  It started me thinking how that is with most people and their professional portraits.  Yup, you might need a new headshot, whether for business, social media or even a dating site.  But hey, you've got one from 10 years ago that will suit you just fine, right?

Time to find a reason to do it now and I have the perfect excuse.  I'm promoting a great "LOVE YOUR..." business portrait special that will save you 35%, and the best part is, you get to have the high resolution file to do with what you want.  Make prints for friends & family, use for a website, social media, WHATEVER!!!

Normally $100, you can get a 20 minute session, online viewing of your best images, and one high resolution retouched jpeg file of choice for only $65!  And your file is personally retouched by me.  You may find a few people out there who can offer a little cheaper but I'm sure that any retouching done is minimal, if any.  Check out my sample below to see what a before & after is.  (If you click on it, you can see it larger.)

But there is a catch, I have a different category for each month and sessions must be booked on either a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.

• April:  Real Estate & Related Professionals
• May:  Banking Industry
• June:  Medial Professionals
• July:  Corporate Professionals
• August:  Social Media
• September:  Beauty & Health Professionals

So call Heidi at 760-739-9580 to schedule your session today!

One Day Only! Chalkboard Sessions at the Park

So a couple of years ago I did a one day only "Couch in a Field" sessions on a Sunday with special pricing.  It went over very well and I've been asked if I plan to do anything like that again.  So I put on my thinking cap and decided it's time to do "Chalkboard Sessions."  What's this, you ask.  Well as the saying goes, a picture is worth 1,000 words.  Here's a sample:

 So when will this be, you ask?  We've designated Sunday, April 28th for this amazing special.  And what we're offering is a 20 minute session plus all high resolution files for only $175.  But space is limited, so call today to reserve your spot.  And if you don't like having a chalkboard in every photograph, no worries.  We're easy!  Call Heidi at 760-739-9580 to make your appointment.

Best Photobombs of 2012!

Definition of a Photobomb:

(verb) - to spoil a photograph of (a person or thing) by unexpectedly appearing in the camera’s field of view as the picture is taken, typically as a prank or practical joke.

(noun) - An otherwise normal photo that has been ruined or spoiled by someone who was not supposed to be in the photograph.

Yup, we've all seen them.  In fact, we've all been part of them too.  You know, someone is getting ready to take a photograph of you and your friends and then suddenly at the last second, some wiseguy jumps in and takes the focus off you and puts it on them.  They can be funny, they can be annoying.  But when animals get into the mix, they can be hysterical!!  So here is my New Year's gift of Heidi's favorite photobombs of 2012.

The Lee Family

Yup, I found another great spot for portraits.  I met the Lee Family out there recently and we got some great family photographs.  Angela really likes the more traditional portraits so this background made for some nice pictures.  I'm thinking of having a one day only special at this site so I'll let everyone know more when I find out when I plan on doing this.  Anyhow, here are some of my favorite images from the session.

New Year's Baby Contest!

With New Year's just around the corner, I started to think about babies.  Yup, you heard it right, babies.  You know, the image of the New Year's Baby wearing a diaper, sash and top hat.  That got me to thinking that maybe it's time to look at my newborn packages and see what worked and what clients were wanting these days.

So without much ado, you can view and/or download my new price list on my website at www.asliceoflifephoto.com.  Just click on RATES and then BABIES & BELLIES.  It's as simple as that.  And if having new better pricing wasn't wonderful enough, I'm having a contest in honor of 2013:

THE FIRST NEWBORN SESSION TO BOOK WITH A SLICE OF LIFE PHOTOGRAPHY BETWEEN JANUARY 1ST AND JANUARY 10TH WILL RECEIVE $200.13 IN FREE PRINT CREDIT.  Newborn must be between the ages of newborn and 10 days old to qualify.

So let all your expectant friends know about my contest.  And I wish all of you and your families a wonderful and joyous holiday season!

Black Friday Specials !!

Raindrops Keep Fallin' on my Photoshop!

Anyone who knows me knows that I love anything different.  I always like to be the first in the area to offer cool new products to my clients.  So when I saw these amazing graphics that could add "rain" to any photograph, I hopped on it.  (No pun intended since my last name is Hopp.)

Here is a before & after of an image using this Photoshop graphic.  To see it larger and better, just click on the image.  I will be offering this special effect as one of my "H Series" upgrades.  Now if we could only get it to actually rain here in San Diego, wouldn't that be nice?

20% off Metal Shapes or Holiday Cards in October !

I've had such wonderful compliments on the metal shapes I offer that I decided to do a special this month.  Order any photograph taken by me and have it printed on one of many different offered shapes & sizes, and receive 20% off.  There are no limits!  Metal shapes can be made with either our beehive, easel or stand out mounts.

Your order must be placed and paid for by October 26th to get the 20% discount.  Regular prices for these cool looking metal shapes can be viewed and/or printed out from my website at www.asliceoflifephoto.com.  Just click on RATES, go to "family/children pricing," and click on the price list link.

There are many different size and cutout options and I have samples if you want to come by and look at them.  What a great holiday gift whether for yourself or a family member!

And speaking of the holidays, we are also offering 20% off holiday cards that are ordered and paid for by October 26th.  Yup, I know what you're thinking, isn't is waaaaaaay too early to order holiday cards?  But wouldn't it be great to have a couple of weeks in November to address all your cards and have them sent out by December 1st?  You would be the envy of all your friends & family, I promise!  They would think of you as being so organized, and hey, that's why I'm there to help.  I like making you look good!  Check out my HUGE assortment of December Holiday Card templates at www.bluemelon.com/sliceoflife.

Pumpkin Patch Special !

Because my clients loved the pumpkin patch photographs I took the last two years at Bates Nut Farm, I'm doing it again this year.  But you'll love this one even more because I'm including the high resolution files as part of the package.  What could be better?

There are a very limited amount of appointments available, so if you want to take advantage of this special, you better call today to reserve your spot.  The dates I am offering this special are:

• Sunday, October 7th..............$300
• Tuesday, October 16th...........$225
• Wednesday, October 17th......$225

The special includes 30 minutes of photography and the unretouched high resolution files from the session.  You can use these images for printing up to 8x12 prints, holiday cards, and uploading to your Facebook page or other computer sites.  If you're interested, call Heidi at 760.739.9580.

The Pumpkin Patch will be open
9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. weekdays
and 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Weekends

Make sure you don't miss future posts!

Enter your email address in the box to the left under "follow by email" and you will receive an email letting you know each time I post something.  You can't rely on Facebook to see my specials, so this would be a sure way to know what's happening.  And I only post about once a month, so don't worry about getting spammed!

Annual Holiday Portrait Special....drumroll pleeeease!

Yup, it's that time of year again.  With this extremely hot weather we are having late into our summer, it's hard to conceive that fall is right around the corner and soon enough the holidays will follow.  As promised, I always do my holiday portrait special from October 1st through November 15th.  So as I was sitting here contemplating what I should offer this year, I went back and forth on what all of you would enjoy the most.  (besides cooler weather!)  And without further ado, here it is!

30 Minute Local Family Portrait Session

**plus**

either a 12x12 or 11x14 collage

$150 weekdays

$175 weekends

(regularly $225)

Since collages are my newest big seller, and I have a huge selection of templates to choose from, I thought this would be new and different.  Now you can select several of your favorite images and I will custom design a beautiful work of art to display on your wall!  You can view my collage templates at http://www.bluemelon.com/sliceoflife, just click on "custom collages."

You are always welcome to upgrade your package to a larger collage, add on holiday cards (or purchase a custom designed holiday card file to print your own), and/or order more photographs as gifts for family & friends.  Hey, you know me, I'm totally flexible!

So please make sure to call me and book your appointment soon.  There will be a limited number of sessions available and once November 15th passes, this special will be over.  In the meantime, keep cool and enjoy our San Diego weather!

Metal Print Sale -- 25% Off in May!

Been thinking about getting one of those cool new metal prints but not quite sure yet?  Well then, wait no more!  During the month of May, you can purchase any size or type of metal print for 25% off our already low prices.  Check out some of the samples below, or go bold with one of our 10x20 or 16x20 wall floats!!

Now Offering Matted Prints!

Who needs to spend all that extra money having your print matted by professional framers to make it look better?  Heidi is now offering mat design graphics for your images and will soon have a gallery of designs to choose from.  Here's a sneak peak of two of the most recent additions:

Children's Springtime Special a Huge Success

Thank you to all those who signed up for my Springtime Special this year.  For only $99, they received a 30 minute session and one accordion album of the best images.  With Easter just around the corner, I got out my easter baskets and parents dressed their little ones in bright pastels.  Here is probably my favorite image of the event: