Candi Leonard Photography

A woodland party!

My little Ames turned one recently...HOW DOES IT HAPPEN SO FAST?

 

we had a sweet little woodland party for him!  I have been planning this party for months!  It was fun collecting little things to use.  Most of the stuff was things from around our house and then some things straight from nature!  

The whole party was planned around his cake.  My hubby cut that tree and carved that stump just for me.  lol!

(the little guy on the left up there is a raccoon my oldest made!)

 

my mom made the cupcakes and cake as always!

I had fun dressing up water bottles and drink bottles, etc.  :)

Ames enjoyed his cake too!  :)

 

It was a super fun party!  :)  I am already dreaming about his next one! 

supplies: 

greenery, birds, hedgehogs, burlap- hobby lobby

pinecones, tree stumps- NATURE!

ONE shirt, treat bags, stamped wood slices- etsy

Everything else was around my house already!

DIGITAL SALE PART TWO!

I had a great sucess with my digital sale in 2012!  So many people emailed though at the time and said they wanted to cash in, but couldn't.  So I am extending the offer and now including 2012 sessions as well!  Below is the information!  Offer will Expire on May 15, 2013.  If you want to purchase your digital files, please email now!

 

 

Contact me today if you are interested!  

 

A personal note...

     I wanted to touch base with everyone about a few things!  First of all, many of you are friends with me on facebook and have known that my husband has been going through some health issues the past 2 months.  At the new year, he suddenly loss all hearing and it was replaced with a constant ringing/roaring in his ears.  After many steriod treatments, test, MRI's, etc we still have no more answers than before.  We are just praying that he will have healing one day.  He has been unable to work given his situation.  Many of you have reached out to us and offered kind words and prayers.  We appreciate it so much.  While we wish we could resolve his issues or atleast have some answers, we are trying to focus on the positive.  His being home has allowed me to get so much work done around here.   I am able to focus my attention on my clients and give the turn around time I have wanted for the past year!  So it has had some positive come of this situation!  Along with that it has brought about the following changes too!

 

 

SCHEDULING:

My spring calendar is already booming!  I couldn't be more excited!  If you want a session date, please email ASAP!  I have select weekend dates open.  I will for the first time be opening up some weekday spots as well, so if you are free during the week, let me know!  

 

WEDDING VIDEOS

I am sad to announce that the wedding video service is no longer included in our offerings.  The  past year we got to the point where we really wanted to either really upgrade our offerings in that area (more shooters, etc) or do away with them.  We really can't provide the service we want in that area, so for now we have pulled them from the wedding services.  Thank you for your understanding.

 

WEBSITE LAUNCH!

I have been working diligently everyday to get my new page off the ground.  It was like starting all over.  I had to weed through YEARS of photos and pick which ones to feature on the new page.  It was a DAUNTING task!  I am sure I have missed some that will make there way on there again someday!  But I am excited to share the changes with you!  

I look forward to launching the new webpage hopefully on Monday!  Mark your calendars!  We will be hosting a give away on facebook this week too, so make sure you check us out there!  

 

 

A Circus Party!

Ashton turned FOUR last month!  We had a rather fun Vintage circus/carnival party!  He is a kid that LOVES to plan parties with me.  We had SO MUCH FUN making everything.  He LOVED IT. 

Everything started with is cake.  I saw a cute one on Pinterest and we went from there.  I made the ribbon wands to stick in it and had an etsy girl make the cute toppers.  My mom made the cake (even though she insisted it was TOO plain) it was exactly as I asked complete with a gumball border around the bottom.  :)  

my favorite little spot to decorate is the cake/treat table.  I pull stuff from all over for it.  I lucked up and found the cute tickets at the dollar tree!  I used them EVERYWHERE.  :)

We had homemade carnival games and some CUTE drink bottles!  :)

We had a photo booth too!  OF COURSE! 

 

 

Overall, we had a GREAT day! 

 

SOURCE LIST:

ribbons wands, treat signs, game signs, number 4 light up- made by me!

popcorn tubs, tickets, rings for toss, cups- dollar tree

cake topper animals- crumbly art on etsy

ribbons- hobby lobby

popcorn bags, treat cups, jar toppers, straws, milk bottles- sweet lulu

circus dress up stuff- hobby lobby and target

 

THE GREAT DIGITAL BLOWOUT SALE!

BUMPING TO TOP...SALE ENDS THURSDAY!

 

 

It is time for a little dusting around the computer here.  This time of year as things start to dwindle down, I take the time to clean out the old files, clear up my hard-drives, and get everything ready for the next business year.  I have had so many sessions over the years and I just simply can't hold onto to all of them any longer.  I have a HUGE collection of hard-drives building in my office and I have to clear the clutter.  So, in an attempt to make myself do it for good, I am extending a great offer to you!  

 

 

ALL DIGITAL FILES (EXCLUDING 2012) are going to be on sale from now until November 1, 2012.

ONE SESSION = $200

TWO SESSIONS= $300

THREE SESSIONS= $400

FOUR OR MORE SESSIONS=$500

 

 Once November 1 comes, I will be deleting all sessions from before 2012.  

No credits or discount codes will be accepted towards this offer.  Tax and shipping are included.  The price listed above is the full amount you need to pay.   Please email me to let me know which session(s) you want and how you would like to pay (paypal or mail a check).   Disc will be mailed to you within 2 weeks of purchase.    This includes ANY session(regular session, weddings, baby year plans, etc).  If you would like prints from a previous session or you want to but your digital files at the reduced price, Jump on it!  :)  

 

An Update....

The other day, my son was playing the ipad.  We asked him to put away a stack of games and his gameboy.  He proceeded to pick up the games and gameboy in his free hand while carrying the ipad across the room.  You can imagine what followed.  He dropped those games and as he went to save it, the ipad went crashing down.  LUCKILY, nothing broke.  He got lucky.  I share this with you because it symbolizes a lot of what my life is like lately.  I am trying to carry more than my hands can handle.  And if I was to just stand still, I might be ok. But the walking forward, that is what is causing the problem.  

 

I had this adding a baby thing down again.  Pretty easily almost.  And work was going great.  I was keeping up.  And then life started walking forward.  School schedules, class parties, bake sales, LAUNDRY!  And before I knew it, I was dropping the ball left and right.  Sometimes with my kids...forgetting to check homework, scrambling to fill a lunch box.  Sometimes with work...taking a while to edit a gallery, forgetting to go to the post office for the 3rd day in a row.  And sometimes it was at home....rewashing that load of laundry that can't seem to make it to the dryer, forgetting to plan a meal until dinnertime, etc.  And then you would have the curveballs of life- my website being down, car troubles, sickness, etc.  Life was moving forward so quickly that my hands were fumbling and it was not good!  

 

I am being honest with you all because you deserve to hear it.  And you deserve to know WHAT I AM DOING TO FIX IT!  :)  I have learned a large lesson this fall and I am sure that I will continue to learn along the way.  

 

Biggest lesson I have learned along the way is...I HAVE THE BEST CLIENTS.  Everyone has been so understanding when I am not perfect.  Everyone has been super nice about it.  And I really appreciate it.  

Secondly, I learned that I can't handle as much as I could in the past.  I have lightened my load.  A LOT.   

LIMITED SESSIONS LEFT

I have 3 weekend session dates left.  When they are gone, they are gone.  I have room for 2 newborns in October and 1 in November.  I have room for 2 in December as well.  If you want a session, PLEASE get on my calendar now!  :)  The earlier you book, the better!  

 

CHANGE IN WAIT TIME....

I have also changed my timeline.  I am now taking 2-3 weeks to edit sessions and 3-4 weeks to edit weddings.  Giving myself more time and letting you know upfront what the timeline will be helps all of us.  It keeps me from stressing.  It gives me more time to make sure everything is edited perfectly and not rushed.  And it gives you a clear picture of when you will get to see your photos!  :)  

I value you each of my clients so much.  I want to give the best service I can to you.  It has always been my top priority.  I am so grateful for each and every one of you!  :)  

 

And I can't leave without sharing SOMETHING fun...so here is a peek at a recent shoot.  It will be blogged soon!  

 

 

 

 

Christmas in July!

THIS POST WILL STAY AT THE TOP FOR A WHILE...scroll down to see what's new!

 

It's that time of year again!  :)  I know it seems crazy to think about fall or Christmas (I shake my head everytime I walk by Christmas decor ALREADY in stores!) but I have to do it.  I book VERY VERY quickly for fall!  It is my busiest season for sessions and ordering with the Christmas holidays around the corner.  I have LIMITED dates available as of right now.  If you want a session, please book it now.   I am going to run a LIMITED EDITION fall booking offer.  Book now if you want to cash in!  :)  

 

 

 

 

AVAILABLE DATES:  

August 11

August 18

August 19

August 25

August 26

September 2

September 8

September 22

September 23

September 29

October 13

October 14

October 21

October 27

November 3

November 4

November 17

 

SOME QUESTIONS ANSWERED:

 

*What if I already booked a session this fall, can I get the Digital special? YES!  The session special is available to those who have already scheduled a fall session, you will be repsonsible for the remainder of the fee at your session if you would like to switch to the digital session.  Please inquire for details.  

*What if I am expecting, can I book a newborn session with the fall special?  ABSOLUTELY!  We will hold your "due date" on our calendar and schedule the exact date after the baby arrives!  You will still need to send your deposit to hold your due date. 

*Will you still have Christmas card sessions?  As of right now, NO.  I can however design cards from any session for you.  Just let me know! 

*What if we have bad weather or need to reschedule?  If your session date happens to fall at a time of poor weather or a family sickness, we will reschedule.  I do hold a few dates open in my booking calendar in case of this.  We will pick a time to fit the session in that works for both of us!  

*What do I need to do to book my session?  Send me your TOP choices (I would pick atleast 2) of session dates and tell me which session you would like to book.  I also love to know a little more about WHO I would be photographing (family, couples, kids, etc).  If you have any other details in mind (location, etc) please share that as well!  After we get your date nailed down, you will send in your deposit to hold your spot.  

 

A birthday wish!

Today is my hubby's birthday.  As many of my client's know, Travis is the other half of this business and does a lot behind the scenes.  He shoot videos for our weddings, second shoots at a lot of regular sessions, and spends countless hours helping me keep things running on the business side.  He does all this while maintaining his own full time job as well and raising our kiddos too!   :)  

 

Today, I just wanted to wish him a HAPPY BIRTHDAY and thank him for all his help for making this business what it is today.  Without him, I would be lost!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my wonderful husband!  

 

 

2012...ARE YOU READY??

I know it is 2012 already and has been for a while, but I am just now gearing up for the new year of business.  :)  2011 was SUPER busy and I loved it, however, I have a lot of changes coming my way this year (one being a new baby).  I am adjusting things to accommodate.  Here are some of the things you can expect....

 

PRICING/PACKAGE CHANGES:

I will NOT be raising my prices this winter.  HOWEVER, I will be adjusting somethings on my product/package line up for the better!  :)  One change is more digital options!  I am anxious to see them go into effect and I think you guys will love them!  :)  

 

BOOKING/SCHEDULING CHANGES:

This winter/early spring, I will have LIMITED booking.  I am expecting in April and I have to limit what I take on.  :)  I already have lots of sweet babes on the books that i can't wait to meet!  If you want a session between now and April, BOOK IT NOW!!!  I will be taking most of April/May off to focus on my newborn!  (If you are on the books for those months already, don't sweat it...we are still on!!).    Wedding bookings for 2012 are limited.  REALLY limited.  :)  I will only add one maybe two more this year, so book now if you plan to be married in 2012!  :)

 

BEACH SESSIONS

I love doing beach sessions, however, I will have VERY limited beach sessions this year as I do not plan to travel much with a newborn.  I will list those dates ASAP and they will be first come first serve.  Look for that post soon!  :)

 

 

I hope you all have had a great new year!  :)  I am kicking things off today with a sweet newborn session!  Look for that post coming soon.  I have a few other 2011 post before it!  And we have a LOT of wedding shares coming to the blog soon too!  :)  Stay tuned!  

 

Tis the season...

I am coming to an end of my busy shooting season.  I am hoping to have all my editing caught up within the next week so you guys can have time to get those orders in!  I still have a few sessions on the books for the coming weeks, but for the most part, I am wrapping up.  I just wanted to put a few notes out there for all my clients.  

 

CHRISTMAS ORDERING:

All orders that you want in your hands by Christmas need to be in and paid in full by no later than Friday, Dec. 2.  Orders after that day will not be guarenteed.  

 

Christmas card orders....

If you want cards made from your recent session, please let me know by Nov. 23.  Those take a little time to design so we need to get it rolling ASAP so you can have them by early December! 

 

Bookings for 2012....

 

Since we are expecting another child in April, my spring bookings will be LIGHT.  If you want on the calendar, please book ASAP.  I have a few babies lined up already and will have limited spots each month.  Remember, your session date is not held until you have paid your $100 session fee.  I will be taking MOST of April off.   The only exception to this is newborns.  If I am feeling up to it, I will be shooting newborns in April.  Those sessions will have to be played by ear.  :)  I will only book a limited number of weddings in 2012 as well as we will have our hands full with a newborn!  I already have a few lined up, so if you want on the list...now is the time.