Double Your Portrait Dollars

***********SPECIAL PROMO ALERT!!!***********

When you book a regular session for January or February 2008, and pay the Session Fee Retainer of $500, you will DOUBLE YOUR PORTRAIT BUCKS! So this means that your $500 retainer will be worth $1000 in portrait credits! Order $1000 worth of portraits, get another $1000 of portraits FREE....OMG...FREE!!!!! Whatever you spend will be DOUBLED!!! Spend $2500, get $5000 worth of portraits!!!

I have 4 slots available for this promo, so HURRY AND BOOK!!

Rules (yeah, I have them):

1. Session MUST be booked, completed and your order completed during Jan or Feb 2008 (subject to my current availability of course) in order to double your bucks.

2. Sessions still limited to the ages I photograph (under 5 years old)

3. Not valid with any other offers

I will post when the slots are filled! Call me at 816-260-1529 (leave me a voice mail) or email me at susanrobichaud@gmail.com

Hurry!!

Wow, I'm behind!

Sorry for the silent blog everyone! We went to Disney World a few weeks ago and we had so much fun that I have had a hard time getting back into the "work" frame of mind!

I am so excited about 2008! I am going to be concentrating on Maternity and Newborn Portraiture, as well as Babies through their first year. I will also be doing my Urban Safaris as soon as we get back to warm weather in about April/May.

I am currently working on a plan for a Special Event in January or February for little girls ONLY! I havent gotten one planned for little boys yet, but I will most likely have one for them as well. I will be using studio space at my local fave photo store, Photographx Unlimited, so hopefully they will have some space available!

I am also excited about an upcoming announcement (I just cant make myself say it yet, but it involves a BIG BOOK publisher and some of my work)! Hopefully I will get the FINAL word soon and can finally tell everyone what I've been holding back all year!!!

I'm looking forward to the New Year! I hope everyone has a great holiday!!

Rock and Roll Hootchie Coo

When you let a 5 year old dress themself for a session, you will usually get a mish-mash of whatever they find in the laundry hamper. In my house, this means shorts and a sweater with rain boots or one sock, but for W., this meant snow boots, a knit cap and Batman gloves.

Stuck the guitar in his hands, and we were OFF!

Love that little boy grin under all that BIG boy bravado ;)

Rock On Little Man, Rock On.

My Evening with Anne Geddes

First off, let me say that unlike my Annie Leibovitz post earlier this year, I *adore* Anne Geddes and when hubby threw the paper on my head while I lay sleeping last weekend with the blurb that AG was coming here to Kansas City...let's just say excited was an understatement.

I was *so* nervous about the possibility of meeting the woman that I wrote her a note beforehand, in case my brain froze up and I was unable to speak (yeah, I know, not usually an issue for me at all). My friends Teresa and Margaret made me give her the note even though I spoke just fine....I think AG and her hubby were a little surprised, b/c AG didnt quite know what to think when I handed her an envelope. Maybe a stranger thrusting an unknown package at a MAJOR celebrity wasnt the BEST idea in hundsight. I'm thrilled at the idea that she read something I wrote and may (perhaps?) might one day visit my site. I'd probably die if she liked my work.

Anyway, her new book, Labor of Love is GORGEOUS and looks fabulous on my shelf with her other books. She was so gracious and dignified, charming and amusing....I hoped for a longer interview, but I understand, celebs cant all sit around charming me all night!

I had my book signed, we chatted about my boys (AG's hubby Kel noticed my handbag!) and she was so gracious that she was posing for pix....so of course I had to get one....this is one of my most prized images now....and she shook MY hand! I dont know why, but she did, and that was SUCH BIG STUFF for me!

Anyway, if you have the chance, pick up the book (and her 2008 calendars are DARLING), and go see her in person...she's adorable.

Ha ha (in my best Nelson from the Simpsons voice)

ok, the article itself isnt amusing, its sad actually, but there is a blurb in there about Dasani drinking water that cracks me UP....my hubby and I have long teased people about how they wont drink tap water b/c they think BOTTLED water is so much better for you (hubby works for the EPA and he told me years ago that the EPA doesnt regulate bottled water at all...its regulated, dont get me wrong, but the EPA tests our reservoirs and our drinking water but not bottled water).

So even though I buy bottled water to keep in the car for the kids, I drink from the tap mostly.

So when I read this article this morning, it just made me chuckle in an ironic sort of way...heres the blurb:

****Another "award" went to drinks giant Coca-Cola for pushing marketing "into the realms of the ridiculous" in the United States and South America with its Dasani bottled water which is sourced from the same reservoirs as local tap water.****

Heres the article, which like I said, isnt funny...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20071030/ts_afp/consumerhealthfoodchildren

Anne Geddes

Wow, 2 great photographers in the same year coming to Kansas City!



Anne Geddes (of the famous flower pot babies) will be here in KC this coming Friday night (11/02/07). I have tickets and am uber-excited!



I hope that my ticket isnt #1100 again, b.c I really want to have my book signed! It should be another packed house of photographers, which always makes me smile....the business has grown so much in the last few years, and it should be some interesting people-watching again.



Cant wait!

I scream, you scream, we all scream for...

gumballs??

Hmm, thats not how I remember that going...

FYI for Photographers in Kansas City

As of today, I will no longer be offering your name as a referral unless you are an Active or Professional Member of the Professional Photographers Association of Greater Kansas City. I decided that there is absolutely no reason to give potential business to someone who cannot join and participate in our local affiliate.

I have been working hard with the rest of the Board of PPA GKC to get membership up, etc so we can continue to have such a great local guild, only to find out that a lot of you locals arent even members.

So, maybe it doesnt matter, but I am going to do whatever *I* can do to make PPA GKC as great as it can be. And this is my small contribution.

You may contact PPA GKC by visting the web site at : http://ppagkc.org/

You may email me for more info: susanrobichaud@gmail.com

And if not, Baby Lauren has a message for ya, ROFL:

Mom's My Stylist

Literally, her Mom *is* one of my stylists! (I say ONE of b/c my uber-best-friend-forever, Shelly, is my "South" stylist" and Miss. S.'s mommy is my NORTHLAND stylist).

The pink hair came from our mutual kindergarteners carnival a few weeks ago...I was told that S. never likes to take it out of her hair now...so naturally *I* said leave it in!

The "Moms My Stylist" shirt was too perfect, and so of course we had to use that, too.

The tea set is to get a 2 year old to sit still long enough for a picture ;)

This doll's mommy, Katie, is opening her own FABULOUS salon here in the Northland, Salon Haleh (its going to be http://www.salonhaleh.com/ whenever the site goes live). For now, you can come to the Grand Opening on Sat. Oct 20 all day from 10-6pm! Drop by and check out the space, hang out, eat some free goodies and make an appointment for a fab new 'do (it doesnt *have* to be pink, but that would be cool)!!

The addy is: 10012 N. Ambassador Drive KCMO 64153 816-801-8980

JUMP!

I wanted this to be a Sneak Peek for her Mom, but I finished the editing so I already sent her link out. Of course, *I* know she is on a date with her hubby tonight enjoying a concert, so I can still make this "kind of" a sneak peek....for her friends anyway!

I always want to get a good, in focus jumping shot, but I've never really done one that I was happy with...until a couple weeks ago. How she could jump in those rain boots I will never know...but she got some AIR!!

The Best of the Northland?

I was angling to be nominated the Best Photographer by the Pitch for 2007, but alas, even though I constantly send them pix of kids with the paper, I wasnt nominated again this year. I should send $$ next year maybe....or baked goods.

So, anyway, I started thinking it would be fun to have a Best of the Northland contest (seeing as most of my clients live up here with me).

So, lets start gathering some ideas....it will give us all new places to eat, shop, and hang out this winter....

Some suggestions for categories:

Best restuarant to eat with your kids
Best non-kid restaurant
Best on-the-go place to eat (or pick up and drive with)
Best coffeeshop for sipping lattes with the girls
Best boutique kids clothes (not that I would really spend a lot of $$ on BOY clothes)

etc etc etc.....email me at susanrobichaud@gmail.com with your categories and nominations. I will take these until Nov 1, then post the nominees and open the voting!

Yay!! this will be fun!!

2008 Pricing and Availability

I have been starting to field inquiries about 2008, since 2007 is rapidly coming to a close (already!).

My 2007 pricing will be staying the same in 2008. My Session Fee Retainer will be increasing from $300 to $500 and the Bonus Gift levels will be changing, as well.

My 2008 availability will be Tuesday and Thursday mornings, as long as there is school in session in my district. I have limited Saturday availability, and the Weekend Session Fee Retainer will be $1500.

My summer hours are still up in the air...I may add one weekday during the summer.

Please feel free to contact me if you need more information!

Thanks!

Talk About Lighting Up a Room!

Or an alley, for that matter. On a recent Urban Baby Safari (have I mentioned how much people are LOVING these with me?), I was treated not only to Tea and to lunch with this little darlin', but to a smile that would warm even the coldest of hearts!

I had to post one, as I know Mom and friends are waiting anxiously! Be done with them soon, and I cant wait to show you the whole session! Fabulous!!

The Best Laid Plans

Sometimes go way off the chart....Baby P's mom scheduled her 1 year session about 4 mths in advance. I reserved a great farm location, since P's Mommy is quite the horse and outdoor lover. This place has barns and horses and great nooks and crannies both outside and inside the farmhouse. We were both extremely excited to do P's session.

But, Mother Nature had other plans....and those plans apparently involved the building of an ark, b/c the rain that came down that day was flood-worthy. Needless to say, we werent outside.

Normally a reschedule would be on the menu, but we went ahead and just used the indoor location. I knew it would be pointless tro set up my studio lights for a new walker, since she wouldnt stay in one place, so using natural light and bouncing flash, I trailed after P, squishing myself into corners of windows while she pretty much ignored me.

I know Mom and Dad arent holding out much hope for the images, but I actually am enjoying them a lot while I am editing the session.

So, here is a TOTAL favorite.....artsy, yes. But oh my, what a doll!

Another Urban Princess

Ok, I'm so busy, I can no longer breathe!

Ah, but SO worth it!! Why I have fallen in love with this image....well, I mean, LOOK at her!! That hair, those great eyes, that mischeivous (did I just spell that wrong, that looks wrong) smile...and that DRESS!! Oh, I need a little girl just for these OUTFITS!

This is one of my son's "girlfriends", so I cant wait to show him tomorrow!

Urban Goddess

I can honestly say I have *never* done an outdoor maternity. I was sweating the details on this session, up to the minute she stepped out of her car. Now, I've known J. for a couple of years and have photographed her and her family, so I know what the woman looks like.....well, I thought I did....I didnt.

What a beauty she is, inside and out. Fun. laughing. jokes. and lots of hairspray (leave it alone!!!).

Thanks for the super time, J. You look AMAZING girl!!!

Na,(some removed for space), na, na, na, Batman!

While downtown on a recent Urban Baby Safari, I was lucky enough to spot none other than that Caped Crusader himself!

I was also lucky to find out his Super Secret Identity, but since I cant reveal a superhero's true name, I will just call him Mr. K.

Urban Baby (child) Safari: Mr. M.

Note to self: no other preschoolers allowed to come along on UBS with client. M's mom (who I am so lucky to have met) is a friend of mine and said "Oh, bring him along" when I said I had no one to watch my 3 year old during M's session last week. Big mistake, big, huge.

They had too much fun....but in spite of the giant distraction (yes, my child), I needed to give M's mom a sneak peek....she was afraid of M not looking "urban" enough....

Be done soon....see you tomorrow at the gym!!

What the DUCK???

Another photographer friend sent me this cartoon today...she said she thought of me when she saw it (due to my recurring issues with this apparently)...I'm dying laughing!!

Please Vote!!

http://www.411marketsource.com/blog/artanddesign/

(you have to scroll towards the bottom of that page!!)

I have a listing here at this directory and they have contests from time to time and this time I entered b/c the subject was TOO perfect: Photographer's Kids (and why they hate the camera)..

My baby is #34...you can vote ONCE PER DAY....please vote for him!

Let's Go Urban!

The new site is UP and I just *love* it!!!! I hope you all do, too! I know, its a little thin on images right now, but I have several Urban Baby Safaris in the next few weeks, so be sure to check back to see new images!!

http://www.urbanbabysafari.com/

Thats Just How I Am, Folks!

I received so much email yesterday about my blog post (wow, who knew so many people read this thing). My true friends and awesome clients lined up to support me b.c they KNOW me, they know how I feel about honesty and they know how I value my integrity.

What carcked me up was the email I got from an ANONYMOUS (yeah, couldnt possibly put your NAME on it) person telling me how stuck up I am and I should just get over myself. How I shouldnt put this kind of thing on a blog read by clients.

Well, why not? This is HOW I AM. This is how I SPEAK, this is how I ACT....I'm irreverent, honest, a straight-shooter, a call-it-like-I -see-it person. I dont hide behind anonymous postings or use passive-agressive jabs at people. I am a truthful, up front person.

I know my friends and clients (and clients to come) who TRULY understand me will know that this blog is used not to just market my business, but to keep them up to date with what is up in my life. And honestly, if it turns off someone who was going to book with me, it is probably better...they wouldnt be happy with someone like me anyway.

So, thats how it is, thats how I am, and I am pleased to say that the stolen text has been removed, which is what I wanted. Well, and to make a point.

We all know I like doing THAT, too ;)

As my friend Megan always says "Have a Beautiful Day"

And here we go again...

This time, instead of stealing my BIO, this photographer decided that it was OK to steal another part of my site....my Got Attidude promotion. Dont worry, I dont spend ANY time thinking about these ideas and working my text so it sounds just like me...its OK to spend 10 seconds downloading it and putting it on YOUR BLOG.

http://christinalouvierrephoto.blogspot.com/2006/12/dont-be-scared.html

I especially like the part, Christina Louvierre, where "YOU" (um, that would NOT BE YOU) say "a look that would be perfect for an idea I have"....since you are STEALING MY TEXT AND MY IDEA, wouldnt that be MY IDEA?!

Enjoy your mail, Christina.

Urban Baby M. Sneak Peek

I was so excited when Miss M. said she would come be an Urban Baby Model for me....I just adore her and all her sassy self!

We had a great time, we hit lots of spots and got lots of looks dragging my chair out in the middle of downtown. But we dont care...we are Urban Baby!

Just had to do ONE, Heather!!!

Coming Soon (and an offer)

Coming Soon: http://www.urbanbabysafari.com/, a whole new website JUST for the Urban Baby/Child Safari sessions. I'm very excited, this is something I have been wanting to do for a couple of years now....I just need to get some people over to my way of thinking!

Which reminds me...I have 2 open slots that I need to fill for Urban Baby Safari sessions. Since these are to build up a Portfolio of these type of images....SESSION IS COMPLETELY FREE. Thats right, first two people who email me at susanrobichaud@gmail.com will receive the Urban Baby Safari session for NO Session retainer. Of course, I will also be throwing in....hmmm...a $150 print credit!

Now, before you start frantically emailing me, here are the "catches"....

1. must be scheduled on a day of my choice (a Tues or Thurs in September only)
2. you must sign a Model Release (if you are a current client, I already have one for you)
3. you must allow me to take your child wherever I want (you are coming with, obviously)
4. you must allow me to dress your child (I will give you guidelines as to what to bring)

5. you cannot be in the process of building your own photog biz....c'mon, do I really have to say that?

Ok, start emailing me.......NOW....GO....NOW!!!

From Across the Pond

My first International traveler came to see me last week. Baby C is from the UK and her Mommy risked jet lag and heat stroke for our session! Gosh, does it HAVE to be 102 degrees everyday??

I am currently working on editing this session, but HAD to sneak peak the darling outfit and my "antique" gumball machine. I'm quite certain other park patrons were wondering why I was carrying such a thing!

Thanks for coming, L. and will talk very soon!

Baby A. Sneak Peek

Oh my, what a doll! This was my easiest newborn EVER. She never woke up except to stare at me twice. Never cried, but plenty of sweet mewling, which I adore! And I never got peed on or pooped on...that NEVER happens!!

I was done so quickly, I felt like I had done something wrong! Anyway, I am almost finished editing Baby A, so here is one to tide you over! :)

Urban Baby and Child Safaris

I am adding a new twist into my portraiture. I really love the look of the KC urban core with the little ones. Those who know me know how much I like the "unusual", and pairing babies and children with the awesome backdrop of the city is definitely NOT your neighbor's portraiture.

So, for something unique and not a look you can just get anywhere, call me to book an Urban Baby/Child Safari...and be prepared to be envied!

(oh yeah, Urban Baby is shot mostly in color...for those of you who have always asked me when I would do color...here is your answer). I still of course offer my signature black and white options as well.

Itty Bitty Toddler, Biiiiiggggg Phonebooth

I cut through a local college campus one day in the spring and noticed these phone booths. I keep thinking I'll take a Senior there, but I talked little J. into it pretty easily.

Sneak Peek Maternity

I hate it when clients move away, but am always so excited when they come back to town for me to photograph, still!

Even though she was sick with a wretched cold, she looked so amazing, and was a good sport about being half-naked in the living room while the kid down the street mowed the lawn.

Almost finished, and gosh you look gorgeous!

Trashing the Dress

So there is this new trend in wedding portraiture called Trashing the Dress (KC people may have read the article in the Star last week about it). Now, I'm no wedding photographer, but I *do* have a wedding dress just sitting around.

So my friend Dena came to visit last weekend, and being a photographer herself (http://www.denasorensen.blogspot.com/), she knows the importance of trying new things. And she was braver than I was...she actually ended up LYING DOWN in the MISSOURI RIVER for some shots. I refused to allow her to put her hair in that though.

So, here she is. She is wearing my dress, so forgive the pins/tape and occasional bra strap showing...not everyone is an Amazon Woman like me ;)

And yes, one of me. Dena shot it, I only processed it.

Some of my fave lil' ones

With all this vacation time, I've been lucky enough to get to photograph some of my friends kids, finally!

Our friends have a toddler and infant twins (someone say Hands Full?). All three kids are darling, and MY children should be as well behaved as her toddler (hint, hint...oh wait, my kids dont read my blog).

K. brought all three kids to visit me right before we left on our trip. Unfortunatelty for us, K. and D. and their kids now live across the country. But we hope they may move closer again soon.

Twin Sweetness:



Playing in puddles....

I'm so excited!!

My friend and colleague, the fabulous Ms. Kimberly Hill (http://kimberlyhillphotography.com/) who did my family's beach portraits last week sent me a couple teasers! I'm so in love with these...I had to post them for everyone to see!

Isnt she amazing? And she says she doesnt do well with families..Bah!

Ow, thats my ego you are stepping on, Kid!

Ok, I admit it, kids like me. They always like me...they might think I'm a goofball (I am), they might be shy at first (they warm up to me quickly)...but they ALL like me.

Then my niece and nephew came to North Carolina....um....isnt family REQUIRED to like you? I thought I read that in the rule book.....

Maybe it was my sunburn that made them scowl at me the whole time.

Oh well, they are still darling....but they didnt like me.

Sunset Silhouette

While we were having our family portraits done Sunday night, I caught my guys and the sunset...I love this one :)

More from the beach

Well we got rained out last night for our once a year family portrait. I seriously cried all the way back to the beach house. I am so lucky though, b/c the photographer, the fabulous Ms. Kimberly Hill of Myrtle Beach SC (http://kimberlyhillphotography.com/), is going to squeeze us back in this weekend, for which i am so grateful!

So, in the meantime....

The Coastal Carolinas

Hi Everyone~

We are enjoying our vacation here in the coastal Carolinas. It rained yesterday, so we went shopping, but every other day has been sand and surf! My boys hardly come out of the water, except for catching little fish (well, trying to catch them), and building sand castles.

Some shots (of course I take my camera everywhere, LOL)

Baby H Sneak Peak

I am so lucky....I get to hold sweet newborn babies and watch them blow bubbles in their sleep.

Thank you for letting me photograph your newest beauty, Heather! All your girls are gorgeous, inside and out....just like their Mommy.

A Miracle

My boys in one shot together!

I went to Denmark, KS last week to visit a new friend who has a GORGEOUS farm out that way. I was showing her how uncooperative my two can be, but they surprised me.

This is going to be my new 30x40 canvas!

I cant believe I forgot to post this!

A group I belong to puts out an e-magazine for members every month and in May was an article about yours truly.

I am posting the article here, since the magazine isnt public :)

Just FYI

The studio will be *closed* during the month of July. I will NOT be returning phone calls and will have LIMITED email access. Please do not wait if you want to book something for the Fall, as those slots are going fast, and there are not many of them either!

When I reopen in August, calls and emails will be booked on a first-come, first-served basis, so appointments made NOW will obviously be better than hoping no one emailed me before you did :)

I went to Michigan

last week to teach a workshop. I was kind of nervous...but I met a great group of women, had a great time and I think (hope) everyone else did as well.

Our first night I touched on some basic studio lighting stuff:

Next day we went outdoors....cool locations:

But harsh sun! Oh well, gotta work what you have...

Then a nap for one of the hardest working kids in the biz!

More to come soon!