To a long happy life, my friend!  Cheers!

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness month.  Shanna says that she was able to beat cancer because it was caught in time.  Ladies, it’s important that you have a regular exam!  This month wear teal to remind others about cervical cancer and to celebrate that Shanna is a survivor!

This is your once a year opportunity to get  a great price on a boudoir session.

I have only ten spots open for this!

January 21, 2012 starting at 4 p.m.

$200 Mini Boudoir includes:

40 minutes of shooting time

unlimited outfits (if you are a quick change you can get 3-4 looks in)

full retouching on all edited images

two 8×10 artistic prints of your choice

a custom designed 3×3 accordion mini black book

champagne, wine and snacks!

Hair and Make Up can be added on for an additional fee.

Album upgrade and additional prints will be avalaible for 10% off after the session.

You are beautiful and it’s time to show it!

What is a Glam Girls’ Night Out (GNO)?

Glam GNO Sessions were designed because I realized that for most of my clients the last ‘nice portrait’ they had taken, of just themselves,  was in their senior year of high school. Well, if your senior picture looks anything like mine, that’s just not right!  :)  (And I have my Sr. Pictures to prove it!)

The other inspiration is simply because some of the greatest times I have had with my girlfriends were during our Girls Night In Parties where we ended up in my studio.  We to get together and play grown up dress up. If wine is involved, all the better! So in March of 2009, we hosted our first “Hot GNO” shoot, which was a huge hit! I squeezed 4 women into my bedroom while our children were locked outside of the door.  I knew that this was something that we needed to do again (and without the kids!).   Since then, demand has been growing so much that I decided these sessions would be great as a Girls Night Out Party for women and their friends.

What kind of photos will you take?

These sessions are geared to showcase your beauty!  Some gals opt to do a sexy boudoir session while others prefer a more tame Hollywood Glamour Session. You should wear whatever you’d like! I have friends who have worn robes and nighties and some gals love to show off their best bra and panties. It’s totally up to you!  I have a box of props that I bring (robes, nighties, funky jewelry, etc.) and you can bring anything you want–from your man’s sports jersey, white button down shirt to that sexy little number you bought for Valentine’s Day!

Do I have to get naked?

I believe the female body is beautiful.  That being said, I reserve the right to photography you tastefully.   I also reserve the right to make that discretion as to the definition of “tasteful”.  Anything that I feel crosses the line from sexy to pornographic or trashy, won’t be photographed. If you’re unsure about what that means, please ask.  I feel that women should be captured at their most beautiful with out making the moment trashy.

Will my friends be in the room during my session?

That’s totally up to you.  If you need a cheerleader, bring in your BFF to help cheer you on.  If you would rather be alone we can kick everyone out!

Can we book hair and make up too?

YES!  I work with several Make Up Artists and I can make arrangements for you to have hair and make up done before the shoot. You would pay the Stylist directly.

How does it work?

One lady is the hostess.  She will either book a hotel suite (highly recommended) or host the party at her home.  If you book a hotel suite  the front room can be the party and the back room can be the studio.  If the party is held in your home the shoot room should be as clean and plain as possible.  The max number for this shoot is 6 ladies.

And since this session is all about YOU, no children or husbands will be allowed.  (Send them to Chucky Cheese for the night!)

What does it cost?

These sessions are priced intentionally low for two reasons. One is that I know women have a hard time pampering themselves. As moms, wives, daughters, we are always putting others before others.  It’s time to say “Dang it, I deserve this!” Secondly, these shoots have become a kind of passion. In my own life, my girlfriends mean the world to me. And so I love the idea of creating a space where women can hang out, laugh, and connect with each other.

for GNO parties I have the following special pricing. (if you research it, I’m WAY below industry standard pricing here!)

$250 per person includes*:

2 outfit changes, session and artist’s time/talent

Online gallery for 30 days with 20% off print orders

CD of up to 10 images with print release (You will have a hard time choosing just 10 Images, I promise!)

Because you deserve it and he will love it! Optional Add-On: $250  Coffee Table Press Album.

*Pricing is valid for Glam GNO Sessions only, may not be applied to regular pricing, or combined with any other offers.*

Special for GNO coordinators–

If you are the Great Gal who is making the reservation, lining up all of your friends, etc. You can earn FREE things (yes, like Tupperware, but only better!)  If you can get 5 friends to sign up your session fee is FREE!  With each $100 in print sales from your party earn a $10 print credit and if 4 or more people order the Coffee Table Press Album add on book you earn yours for FREE!

“I love this, Susan! How do I book my party???!”

Glad you asked!  Find a few dates that you and your gals are interested in and call me.  Once we agree on a date I will need a retainer of $50 per person to reserve the date.  The remaining balance is due 2 weeks before the shoot.   If we are meeting at a hotel the coordinator is responsible for booking the hotel suite.  (I suggest everyone chip in a fair amount for the hotel suite!)

The fine print:

Once your session is paid for, it is transferable (if you want to find someone to take your place) but non-refundable. In the event that you need to re-schedule, and can’t find someone to take your appointment, you may use your payment toward a regularly priced session.

Why are you so firm about the fine print?

First of all, this is my business (not going to lie about that).  I spend a lot of time preparing for these sessions.  If you get cold feet and cancel my family can’t eat. But most of all I have this policy because I know that, once you get past the anxiety and stress, you’ll be happy that you did this. So, take a deep breath and be brave.  No one is perfect…but you are beautiful and this session is about showcasing your beauty.

Jason is a real doll.  He will be a lady killer before his mama knows it!

Great job Mrs. L! You look great and I hope your solider enjoyed his special birthday surprise!

Have a great year Juliet!

I want to thank my models for this shoot.  Carly and Raymond will be celebrating their 1st anniversary in September.  I photographed their engagement photos last year and when I put out the call for models they contacted me right away for the opportunity to be in my Snow White shoot.  After we got the shots for that shoot we took a few shots to celebrate their 1st anniversary.

I became friends with Bobbi just over 4 years ago when I became a Girl Scout leader.  It wasn’t until George was about to deploy that I learned how much my girls looked up to him.  He was the Girl Scout Dad who helped them with their Powder Puff Derby cars that first year when we had some wheel trouble.  Since then Mr. George was someone they looked up to and respected.  When he deployed they delighted in sending him cards and care packages full of pop tarts and beef jerky.  Now that he is home they are bugging us to have him over for their daddy’s homemade pizza!

In true Girl Scout fashion, Bobbi and her girls made special t-shirts and signs for George’s Homecoming.  I love how they made the explanation point on the baby bump!  (on a side note…can you believe Bobbi is about to be a Grandmother?  She will be one Rocking G’ma!)

They waited and looked and looked and waited.

And then Dad was there.  Little Regan ran to her dad.  Nothing could stop her from hugging him.

This, my friends, is happiness, security and love.

And finally Bobbi got her moment to hug and kiss her husband.  At every Homecoming you will find the same thing…a photo of a wife holding her husband tightly as the months of worry leaves her body.  Their family is reunited and her husband has returned safely!

…and then George turns to me and says “Are you going to say hi or just take some more pictures?”  After that I hugged him and welcomed him home.  This is when I’m so thankful that my friends are my clients and my clients are my friends.  It was great to know he was home safe and sound.

I think this photo is one of my absolute favorites of all time.  Kaitlyn is a cool 7th grader..but deep down, after a year apart she melts into Daddy’s girl and embraces her daddy.

On my way home I swung through their neighborhood.  Bobbi told me that the street was lined with yellow ribbons.  This was a surprise from the neighbors for George.

Welcome home George!  There is not a thank you card big enough to let you know how grateful we all are for your service.  I hope you enjoyed your home cooked supper and sleeping in your own bed. I know your ladies are glad to have you home.

1.  Daytime TV sinks.  Do you realize that how “I Met Your Mother” is on TV at least 8 times a day on 3 different channels?  Between that and “The New Adventures of Old Christine” I can watch 6-8  hours of reruns a day.  Sad, I know.

2. Malibu and Dr. Pepper is the perfect summer drink. Especially by the pool.

3. It’s hot in Texas…I mean REALLY hot.  We’ve had almost a month of 100+ weather and almost no rain.  There was a little shower the other day and Clara came down stairs in amazement.  She pointed out that it was the first time it had rained while she was in her room and she didn’t know what that sound was until she looked out the window.  After I laughed I really wanted to cry, we’ve been here 3 months..and it’s only rained twice.

4. I belong to a challenge group for photography.  Each week we are given an assignment and sent out to capture the spirit of the assignment.  This week we were given symmetry.  It’s so hot I turned to my refrigerator for inspiration.

5.  Working from home in the summer time is very challenging.  There are 5 of us in this house.  At any given time I am tempted to watch trash television with my grandmother or go hang out at the pool with my kids.  To combat this I am trying to hold regular office hours each day.  My girls are not too happy about having to wait to go to the pool but I feel more productive!

For me this was a wonderful experience.  The only births I have ever witnessed was the births of my own two daughters.  It’s completely different to witness the birth of someone else’s child. You recognize more of the process that birth is.  The nurses come in every 20 minutes to up the drugs.  The room is cold (if you’re in labor it’s hotter than heck in there), the hours fly by and when it’s time to push I was amazed at the calm strength Laura possessed.  She made no sound, no complaint, no signs that she was in discomfort.  With amazing ease Laura gave birth to her fourth son, William Ryker.  I came home and couldn’t wait to edit the photos!  I was up until about 1 a.m. and then back at it this morning at 9.  I promised Laura I would only share “Rated G” images from the day.  Honestly, most of the images are sweet and incredibly emotional images that could hang on any museum wall!  Congratulations John and Laura…and welcome Baby Ryker.  You are loved!

I created a video slideshow that tells the entire story of Ryker’s Birth Day

What is a Senior Representative Program?

Senior Reps are chose in order to promote Robinwood Photography to their friends and family. Any student that is a Senior in 2011-2012 may apply.  A maximum of 2 reps per High School will be accepted into this program.

A Senior rep must:

• Have Style
• Agree to tell your friends, family and classmates about Robinwood Photography and share your portraits with them
• Have your parents or guardians sign a model release form
• Agree to represent ONLY Robinwood Photography and use these images as your senior pictures.
• Have a network of friends who will need Senior Photos and a personality that can promote Robinwood Photography

You will receive:

• Your Senior session for Just $100!!  (that’s 2/3 off)
• A free refresher mini session in Spring in case you change your look.
• Free planning session with photographer to discuss wardrobe, location(s), Props
• The opportunity to earn free prints and/or prizes for every person you refer to Robinwood Photography. (don’t worry, your friends get free stuff too!)
• Customized Senior Rep Video Slideshow
• Personalized Senior Rep Cards
• Watermarked Proof Album of 10 images to share with your friends and family
• 10% off of all print orders and packages
• A Profile picture for Facebook
• Yearbook image for free

But WAIT—there’s more!

• For each referral who books with Robinwood Photography and gives me your Rep card you will receive $20 CASH—yes, CASH!  If you chose you may trade that $20 for $30 worth of print credit
• Your 5^th paid referral will net you a Free 20 page Senior Book—complete with space for your friends to sign
• Your 10^th paid referral will snag you a Wall Print.  Oh, yeah, nice schwag!

ARE you saying “SIGN ME UP?” yet?

Here’s how you can become a Senior Rep.  Send me a note through my CONTACT button on the website.  I will send you an application.  Fill it out and then get it to me—scan it, snail mail or carrier pigeon.  If you are chosen I will contact you to arrange your session time.

FINALLY

Do you have a friend that goes to a different High School (from church or sports, etc.) Pass this info on to them!  But remember, only one guy and one gal will be chosen from the high schools in the greater Austin and surrounding areas (Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Leander, Manor, Buda, Kyle, Lockhart, etc.)

Trash the Dress sessions have become increasingly popular over the last few years.  Brides are opting to have daring sessions in unconventional locations after their weddings to celebrate the high fashion couture of their wedding gowns.    From rivers to junkyards brides are seeking the thrill of the fashion shoot and will use water, paint and even fire to be captured in a creative and nontraditional manner for their bridal portraits.

Kristen wanted to celebrate her one year anniversary to her husband Marc by having an trash the dress session in the San Marcos River.  Never fear, her beautiful Alfred Angelo gown was not ruined.  After our shoot she took it to the cleaners, a little muddy but not much worse for wear.

During our shoot we drew quite a crowd since most folks can’t fathom the idea of a bride knee deep in river water!

If you have a wedding dress, bridesmaid’s dress or prom dress you should consider a Trash the Dress Session!  Sessions booked now through July 31st are 1/2 off!

Leave a comment below to tell Kristen what you think of her portraits!

I had an idea to use the vampire craze from True Blood and Twilight for the inspiration for this shoot.  Turns out Leigh and Richard are True Blood fans so they were excited to model! They were perfect models–they took direction well and had a great time at the shoot.

Leigh and Richard–Thanks for being good sports!

Leave a comment below and tell Leigh and Richard what you think of their photos.