two beauties

This is the second time I've been blessed to photograph these sweet things. It was so good to see them and see how much they've grown. And just look at those faces! It is awesome to see such a special bond between sisters. Makes me miss mine! Enjoy a few images from their session. (My posting is goofy for some reason tonight. You may need to drag your window larger to see the images in their very full size!)

July Joy Promotion!

So I know most people aren't thinking about decking the halls or trimming the tree in this insanely hot and humid July weather! On second thought, maybe you are dreaming of cooler times? :) Well, have I got a little love and extra JOY for you! Read on...

It's almost that time. The time where inquiries about fall sessions start rolling in. Why not be the first to reserve the date you want and get a little extra joy with that session? If you wait, you'll have to take what's left and you'll miss out on the goods!

Here's the low down on how to get your July joy:

*Go speedy quick and "Like" my facebook page (the button is at the top of the blog)
*Schedule your session by July 31st, 2011. (Session fee required to hold your date)
*Receive a complimentary set of 25-5x7 press print holiday cards with your session order.

That's it! Easy peasy.

Oh! Don't forget to take a look at my website for pricing information and FAQs! http://denisewilliamsphotography.com/

Feel free to spread the word!

Hakes Family

I met with the Hakes family a few weeks ago and we had a great session! I enjoyed getting to know them all a little better. Enjoy a few from the evening!

Big Brother

I posted about little C entering the world a couple of weeks ago. Well he's already changed so much and was wide awake for our little photo session this time! Big brother K was there and I could sure feel the love he has for his new little brother. Enjoy!

senior season is here!

Congratulations to the class of 2011 high school graduates! I still remember my graduation like it was yesterday. But clearly, as one of my "milestone" birthdays fast approaches, it was not! It's not too early for the class of 2012 to start thinking about senior portraits. In order to ensure you get the date you want, call and book your session soon! To celebrate the graduation season I thought I'd throw in a perk for 2012 seniors booking this summer....

Book a senior session in June or July and receive a set of 3 accordion albums with your order.

Go to my facebook page and click "like" to keep in the loop with the happenings of Denise Williams Photography!

The Forts

Here are the troopers I posted about on facebook last week. Our session was on one of the coldest days this month! Regardless, I got some great ones of them and enjoyed riding together. Thanks for driving ME around!

Baby Caden

I was so blessed to hold this precious bundle for the first time today, which was his second day in this big world. He is just so sweet! Mom is a great friend (who also happens to be my daughter's teacher - BONUS!) and I wanted to capture him in his first days. I'll be knocking down their door to snuggle on him some more, as I just didn't get enough time with him! Of course, I'll have my camera too. Look for more of Caden and big brother!

Taking better photos of your family

Isn't this little guy a cutie? These were taken at about 7:45 the other night. I love the light later in the evening before sunset. It's softer, warmer and just downright buttery sometimes! If you are wanting to take better photos of your kiddos or your family here are a few tips....

1. Turn that FLASH off! If you don't know how, check your manual.
2. Shoot early in the day or in the evening. Mid day sun is too harsh and won't do your images any favors!
3. Get out of the direct sun. Direct sun is harsh and will create raccoon eyes. Find a shaded area and face your subject so reflected light is falling on their face. (in two of these, the first and the last one, the church across the street had the sun shining directly on it and it was reflecting back across the street at Connor's face)

Try these tips and see how you do! If you find them helpful, share this post with a friend and have them go like my facebook page (button at top of blog). That's the place to hear what's going on with Denise Williams Photography!

Sylvia C. Bracelet

Last week I told you about the necklace I bought for myself for Mother's Day and mentioned the piece I bought for my mom. Now that I've given it to her I can tell you that I had a cuff made for her with all her grandkids' names stamped on the outer surface. I love it and she did too! This will be my next piece. I need to think of what to put on it though. I already have the girls' names on my necklace. Any suggestions?

Puppies!

This is the second time I've had the pleasure of photographing the Farrell family. This time they added a twist and had four puppies and their momma present! Coconut had four little boy puppies. The Farrells wanted to be photographed with them before they went to live with their new families. We met early one Saturday morning and followed those little cuties around the yard. It was a great time and they kept me on my toes!

These kiddos have sure grown since I've seen them last!

Happy Mother's Day!

I want to wish a Happy Mother's Day to all the great moms out there! I hope you get to do something just for you. I plan to enjoy my family and spend the day not thinking of anything on my to-do list. I said *plan to*. So we'll see how this task oriented gal will do!

Speaking of Mother's Day, I bought myself a mother's day gift this year! I know that's not customary, but I've been wanting a "mom" necklace for a while now. You know, the stamped silver charms with your kiddos names on them. I was bent on it ever since I met Sylvia C. at library story time. After getting to know this very nice and stylish mommy, I learned that she makes stamped jewelry. Ding! Well, I had to have one.

I just love Sylvia's stuff. After you see her pieces, you will too. You can find them in her Etsy shop HERE and learn more about her HERE. Her blog is so much fun to read. In addition to making cool jewelry, she also loves helping women find their personal style. She writes an "Ask Sylvia" post and shares what she wears on "What I wore Wednesday." You must check her out. Go!

Oh, and before you go thinking I'm TOTALLY selfish, I did have her make something for my mom too. I'll post that after Mother's Day! Check out the image of my awesome necklace. I added the cross and Sylvia consulted with me to create a personal piece that I cherish! I think I'll be keeping this girl busy. My birthday is around the corner. ;)

Jake: Senior 2011

I knew Jake's family way before our session. Back in my teaching days I had his sister Grace in my second grade class. That feels like yesterday. But the fact that she is a sophomore now tells me otherwise! I know as a teacher you aren't supposed to have favorites, but well...she was one of mine. So when I ran into her mom at the grocery store and we talked about senior portraits for Jake, I jumped at the chance to hang out with this great family! Jake will be graduating next month and starting a new chapter in life. I am so glad I was able to capture him in his senior year, at this moment in time when so many possibilities are on the horizon. Best wishes Jake, and congratulations!

Now booking juniors this year who will be seniors in the class of 2011-2012!

Miracles and Memories

A few Saturdays ago I co-hosted an event up in North KC that celebrated moms and daughters. I partnered up with Lindy Sheets from Mary Kay and some of her team members and we created a fun afternoon of moms and daughters playing with the new spring make-up looks (and Miracle Set) and then getting a complimentary portrait taken together. It was so much fun to see them all creating their new looks. There was music, laughter and of course, yummy treats!

We'll be having another mother/daughter event coming up on April 30th in Lenexa. I'd love to see you there. There is no charge, no obligation. Just fun! Take a look at the flier HERE and contact me if you are interested. There are only a limited number of spots.

Little Feet

On Saturday I had the pleasure of shooting a really fun event for the Kansas Special Olympics. Little Feet is part of YOUNG ATHLETES™, an innovative sports play program for children with intellectual disabilities, ages 3-7, designed to introduce them to the world of sports, prior to Special Olympics eligibility at age 8. (Click HERE to read more) I loved watching these kiddos experience these activities, some for the first time. They had fun going through hoops, jumping, running, dribbling balls and more. My favorite part of all was seeing all the enthusiasm and love going around. Can't wait to participate again this next weekend!

8x8 finao session albums

Awhile back on facebook, I mentioned an exciting new product I'd be offering and I have finally gotten around to posting some images of this very classy, handmade album by finao. You will want one when you see it!

I am in love with this product for many reasons. First, the smell. That awesome leather smell hits you right when you open the box. No faux leather here! Secondly, the cover options. Finao offers endless options in classic leather as well as vibrant colored leather, embossed leather, metallic leather. I could go on. Let's just say there is something available for every personality or decor. Last, but not least, is the 30 pages. This allows clients to have just about all their session images in one place to cherish for a lifetime. This album is a great heirloom piece to pass on to your children.

I'd love to get this sample in your hands to look at! The images below just don't cut it. Next on the list is to make one for my own family!

18 months!

“I will not play tug o' war. I'd rather play hug o' war. Where everyone hugs instead of tugs, Where everyone giggles and rolls on the rug, Where everyone kisses, and everyone grins, and everyone cuddles, and everyone wins.” Shel Silverstein

This quote sums up Miss L. She is such a little lover. Daily, she is full of hugs and kisses for most anyone and loves to laugh and roll around with her sister. She is busy, busy, busy! Loves to vacuum and clean things with baby wipes. She helps herself to the cereal and has even graduated to getting her own bowl. She has hit the stage where she will not think of doing anything unless she can do it by herself!

I think children are complete miracles. What a blessing and a joy to be able to raise this sweet girl.

Daydreaming

This cold weather has me daydreaming of being somewhere warm and sunny. I was looking through my photos today as I gear up for a girlfriends' photo catch-up weekend and came across lots of palm tree filled photos. Photos of my family splashing in the pool and having a great time. It was almost this time last year we were in Palm Spring, CA, escaping this crazy weather! How I long for that weather right now! As I looked at the photos, and past my desire to get out of this freeze-box of a city, I realized that it wasn't just the great scenery that committed those memories to my heart (ok, it helped). It was the act of being together and having fun as a family. Without all the competing to-dos stealing our attention. My aha was that I could create that experience right here, right now if I wanted. We don't need no stinkin' Palm Springs! So I pledged to do just that. I will shut off {some of} the to-dos and make some memories now, that I will commit to my heart always! I challenge you to do the same...


Here's a few more. I love to see my girls with their daddy. They light up when they are with him. There's nobody else on earth but him, that loves them like I do! Sigh. ;)

The Organic Bloom is here!!!

I LOVE these new frames and know you will too! What a unique and stunning way to display your custom photography. I'm placing an order for these today and will be offering them at an introductory price for TODAY ONLY! If you've done a prior session with me you qualify for this promotion. Let me know by 7:00 pm TONIGHT if you are interested. Send me an email or call me! (contact info at http://denisewilliamsphotography.com/)

Valentine Cuties

I had a little Valentine's mini session with these cuties this weekend. They even braved the cold for a few outside. There's one more weekend of mini-sessions left with only a few sessions. Call to reserve one! The details:

The **$60** mini-session includes:
A 30 minute mini-session in the comfort of your home
24 pre-designed Valentine mini cards (wallet size with photo)
An online gallery of 8-10 images to order from.
$30 gift print credit on orders of $100 or more

The $60 fee is required to book your mini-session.

Are you ready?

Valentine's Day is just around the corner! Head to my facebook page http://www.facebook.com/denisewilliamsphotography and click "like" then find out about the Valentine's mini-sessions.