PP of Iowa Convention 2009

We just got back from convention in Des Moines and our heads are spinning from all the new information we want to incorporate into the studio.

Woody and I were honored to be asked to teach a seminar on our digital effects called Effects that SELL.  It highlighted our other business http://www.digitalphotocandy.com 

One of Woody’s biggest strengths is his ability to teach.  He can make such complex topics easily understood.  It was one of our first chances to speak to a group together (Woody’s been teaching for years, but for some reason, they asked me along too!) and we got a great response!

Grad Cards for Class of 2009

 

We are starting to get calls for Grad Cards.  All orders placed before April 15th get 15% OFF, so if you know all the details of the open house, get a jump on it and we’ll put something custom together for you.

Identity Theft

I’ve always heard if identity theft hasn’t happen to you, just wait, it will.  And it happened to us yesterday.  I was absentmindedly checking our bank statement and saw five transactions to foreign places, I think it was Spanish.  In a matter of hours our entire business bank account was drained and in negative territory.  I couldn’t believe it.  You would think the bank would have a way of red flagging International transactions at 3:00AM, but apparenly they do not.  So over the course of 5 seperate transactions between the hours of 2:30 and 4:00 am on Veterans Day, we lost a little over $5000.  (so far, there are two other transactions pending.)

Now we are playing the waiting game it will take 10 business days to sort it all out and we are hopeful that all the money will be returned.  But I am always a little skeptical, waiting until the funds are actually in our account to celebrate.

The best guess of the bank is that they had a series of debit card numbers and just punched in different combinations on their machine until they hit the jackpot.  I feel violated.  Someone else has control over my life (through our finances) and that doesn’t sit well with me.  Not to mention that it is our business account and if you own your own business, you know that it runs on credit. 

So far we’ve been hit with $200 in NSF Fees and a couple hundred in credit card fees.  Please say a little prayer for us that is straightens out soon.

What’s Been Goin’ On

Hello portrait lovers!  We’ve been working and working almost 90 hours a week at the tail end of the season.  Taking family portraits and a few seniors who got a little bit of a late start.  Again, the guilt set in since I am a little far behind getting the weddings edited that I refused to post until I got two of them on their way to retouching.  (I was raised Catholic, it’s hard to get that guilt out of your system!  )

We got a new retaining wall and flower bed put in, so I am just itching to fill it with all kinds of beautiful goodies next year. 

I’ve also been spending lots of time with the kids.  Wyatt is learning to read.  He amazes me everyday!  I hope that reading becomes a love for him like it is for me.  It just sort of clicked this year with me that my most important job on the earth is to participate in the growth of these two unique people.  To spend the time and teach them life lessons.  (I guess I’m starting to feel my own mortality, probably had something to do with the life insurance appointment we had on Monday.)

And we’ve been watching the wild roller coaster ride that is the Dow Jones Industrial Average!  I don’t even watch the news anymore.  It used to be that journalism was a noble profession.  But anymore it is fraught with negativity, hype, and pessimisim and I don’t have space for either in my head right now. 

So with that, back to what I know, beautiful portraits and lighting!  Bring it on!!

What’s in a name?

We’ve been searching our souls, looking for a name that really and truly resonates with our style of business, and reflects who we are.  After much agonizing, we’ve decided on w gallerie, we were looking for something shorter (thank GOD) and something that speaks to the art we create.

Our focus is and will continue to be creating one of a kind pieces of art for your home that feature the ones you love the most.  Though we use the medium of photography, it is the first step in our lengthy design process.  Taking the photographs is just the beginning.

Our new name will be a slow transition as I work over the winter to create an all new website. it’s address will be www.wgallerie.com  Don’t check it out yet, we only own the domain name right now and as soon as I catch up on clients work, I will be starting the process.  Until then we will use the illustrative images name, so please, if you pass our name on to your friends and family let them know what’s going on.

What colors do you think we should choose to represent us?  I was thinking more in the earth tone area, to convey the warmth of family, but would love to hear what you think.  Drop me a line.

BAD BAD BLOGGER :(

It’s been awhile.  I missed you too!  I promise to start updating once a week from now on.  We’ve been in hyper spaz mode at the studio in the middle of the busiest months on our schedule July, August, and September.  Most of our weddings and almost all of our seniors are photographed at this time so the workflow is crippling.  And I felt guilty spending time on the blog when your  images were needing attention.

But I’m getting back on the horse.

Still No Water, Thank God!

It’s early Thursday Morning and we are still so blessed to not have water in our basement.  Last night was not the easiest one to sleep through.  Every drop of rain hurt.

Wyatt is still with Grandpa, we called him last night and he cried, which broke my heart.  He doesn’t understand why we just can’t come and get him. 

We have no mail, or UPS, or any deliveries of any kind.  Which has been challenging for our business.  I had to learn how to do online banking last night, so we could bill pay, since I’m sure the big credit card companies don’t care about excuses for being late.  Even if it is legitimate.

Just watching the chopper reports showing such devastation so close to our home and business makes me so grateful for our island status.  There is nothing in place here to protect us, except for the grace of God.  Which when you think about it is all you really need.

I hope you and yours are safe and dry and that the summer starts to settle down so we can all enjoy it.

Ninya and Woody 

The “Great” Flood of 2008

Not quite sure why the media is calling it the “Great”  Flood of 2008.  I personally don’t think there is anything great about it.

Internet service is off and on here.  I just got on for the first time today.  We are doing pretty well.  Our neighborhood has become an island.  The roads leading to and from here are all closed, so we’ve had to reschedule most of our week so far.  Most of you know that our business is in our basement.  So far we are EXTREMELY grateful that we do not have any water.  We breathed a little sigh of relief when it the river crested.  But with all the rain forcasted, it makes me a little nervous.  We are hopeful and thankful that our home and business will be spared.  Right now our concern is sewer backup.  We anxiously await the forecasted rain and pray it breaks up before it gets here, and becomes much lighter than what is predicted. 

Our home is on the other side of the devestated Ice House Museum.  Water surrounds us on all sides.  Luckily our house sits higher. 

Being “trapped” at home is a little unnerving.  Yesterday was surreal with a beautiful blue sky day, kids were playing in the neighborhood park across the street, but almost every hour the sound of helicopters flying low reminded us that we were in the eye of the hurricane.  (So to speak).  We are having to be a little creative with our meals.  Since we didn’t get to the grocery store like so many others did.  But we are here and everything is going to be ok. 

Our son, Wyatt went on his first camping trip with grandpa and had a great time, but he is still there since we can’t get to him.  It’s hard for me to be away from him.  When stuff like this happens, it is always easier to be surrounded by your loved ones.  I’m the type of person that has to see, hear, touch everything for myself.  So it is really hard to have a piece of you missing.  I can’t wait to see his little face again.

We are very thankful and lucky to have great client friends.  So many of you have called or emailed to check up on us.  We will keep you posted and please pray for everyone in the Cedar Valley affected by this flood and for the continued strength of the volunteer sandbaggers who saved the city for the night.  You are all heroes.  We are with you in spirit and if it was possible, we’d be right there beside you.

Take care!

Ninya and Woody

 

 

Michelle and Tim May 10th

Michelle and Tim was our first couple of the wedding season.  During their formal bridal at Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, we got a sneak peek at just how beautiful Michelle would look that day.  She couldn’t keep her eyes off Tim telling him how handsome he was that day.

Fast Forward to the wedding at St. Edwards in Waterloo, the ladies looked amazing in sophisticated maroon gowns.  Tim didn’t need any extra encouragement from me to get him to smile, he was all smiles especially after seeing MIchelle for the first time.  We got a cute image of the text message that he sent right before he arrived.

The reception at Fox Ridge Country Club in Dike kicked off next.  Joyce (Michelle’s Mom) had a John Deere tractor restored and shipped to the reception site as a special surprise for Tim and Michelle.  Both Tim and Michelle work for John Deere, and I think that if Michelle would have went for it, the wedding colors would have been John Deere Green and Yellow!  It had a special dedication for Michelle’s Dad on the side, he passed away and Michelle misses him so much.  Another tribute to him was in her bouquet, a closed rose symbolizing dad.  I personally think the rain that intermittently fell was him letting Michelle know he was there. 

The cake was a stunner, created by Cakes by Isabelle.  Their monogram with pink jewels was the topper.  It tasted as great as it looked.  After cutting and enjoying a bite, the couple danced with their guests.  The entertainment was Creative Sound Productions, and Kendall got the party roaring.

Digital Photo Candy .com

We’ve had lots of questions lately about our digital photo candy site.  What the heck is it?  It is basically a haven for photographers to come, professional and advanced amateurs are welcome.  Photoshop use is required.  We’re going to make it available for photographer use in products and cards for your own customers, and in the near future, available for above average Joes with Photoshop knowledge.  Joes can order a personal use licence at over 50% off.  Meaning it is for your own images of your family etc.  Please BE NICE and choose the right licence for you!   www.digitalphotocandy.com

Anywho, we decided to create templates, brushes, backgrounds, textures and templated EZ products that make it possible for the very small studio, to look like they have a graphic designer, without the cost of one.

Photography is not just able to stand on it’s own anymore.  The public is so visually stimulated that you need to keep pressing forward to create a look and a name for yourself that will set you apart.  Having spent way too many early mornings on the computer with super strong coffee, gave me the idea, that I could help out the Mom and Pops out there and streamline their design time.  It is also a way for us to give back to our community, At Least 10% of all sales will go to local charities.  During April, May, and June we are donating to a pre-school for a new safe playground structure.

Woody’s has contributed in the educational part of the site.  Inside Woody’s World.  If you are not familiar with his work, you HAVE TO GO CHECK OUT HIS WEBSITE!  www.woodywalters.com