H&M Photography & Design: The Blog

Christmas Card Mini Sessions & Holiday Schedules

  
 

I've had LOTS of requests for mini sessions, so I thought now, with Christmas coming up, would be a great time for some.

I know, I know. Christmas?! Is summer even over yet? But we all know how it goes - school starts, then suddenly it's Halloween, then Thanksgiving and then, oh, wait...is there still time for Christmas cards? So, actually, now is a perfect time to start thinking about them!

So here's the deal. Instead of setting just one or two dates for mini sessions, I'm opening several weekdays up for them over the course of a month.

Mini sessions will be held in the morning (around 10 a.m.) or evening (around 5 p.m.) on select weekdays from October 11 until November 18. Please call for available dates (there's a limited number - and they're likely to fill up fast!).

There will be three location options in the Statham area (including a studio option, urban option and a natural setting).

The session fee is $85 (due at booking) and includes:

• A 20-minute session for up to five people; please ask if you have a larger family
• 20 images to choose from in an online gallery
• 50 flat Christmas cards OR 35 folded Christmas cards OR 25 flat Christmas cards and two gift prints (8x10 or smaller)
• High resolution digital negatives can be purchased for half price ($200).

Keep in mind that this session is not a typical session and is meant mainly to capture a limited number of photos for your Christmas cards (but, of course, you'll have the option to purchase prints and products from your session). Since we're limited to 20 minutes, it may not be the best fit for very young children, and we'll stick to either family photos or photos of just children. If you're looking for outfit changes, individual photos of your children and several different types of shots, a regular session is probably a better fit for you. If you're unsure if this type of session would work for you, feel free to call and we'll chat about it! 

You are going to LOVE the Christmas card designs this year! I'll be showing those on the blog early next week! UPDATE: View the 2010 cards here.

And on another note...holiday scheduling!

If you'd like to schedule a regular session and you want either Christmas cards or photos to use as holiday gifts (they DO make awesome gifts!), the last date we can hold your session and still have your prints/products in time is November 30.

The last date for ordering Christmas cards, prints, or products (excluding books) will be December 4. The cutoff date for ordering coffee table books is October 31.

To book your mini session (or a regular session) just email or call us at 678.316.7906 as soon as possible! Hope to see you soon!

- Heather Maynard, Athens, Georgia photographer

Coffee Table Books

I'm so, so excited to share these books with you! We've offered coffee table books for a long time, but we've switched vendors a couple of times - we're always looking for ways to improve upon the products we offer (in quality as well as the number of options) without making it too confusing. 

While attending WPPI earlier this year, we were on the hunt for a new album/book vendor. I've always been a little more of a coffee table book kind of girl myself, but I'd considered adding an album option for weddings.

Looking at the albums (and there were so many beautiful ones) reaffirmed why I prefer a coffee table book - they're not so bulky and heavy, and they really live up to their names. They can actually sit on your coffee table (or a shelf) and look like part of your decor. And that's something we love to give our clients - a piece of art that fits in their homes. And what do most people do with a big album? Put it in a box in a drawer. That's not what we have in mind when it comes to showcasing your photos!

So we were walking the aisles of the trade show at WPPI, overwhelmed by the options (there are two giant tradeshow floors with literally hundreds of vendors). And then we saw them - "the ones." These were the books we would offer our clients. 

We've actually ordered a few for clients already, but we finally got around to ordering our samples. We are in love with them and we know you will be, too. I normally wouldn't say this, but photos don't even do these books justice - they're so perfect in person!

The hard cover books are available in 12x12, 10x10 and 8x8 (we're still waiting to order a 12x12 sample). Each book is custom-designed to include several photos (that you choose!) and tell the story of your wedding or session on beautiful, glossy pages. The pages "lay flat," meaning the book doesn't have that huge bump in the middle, and we can create beautiful, two-page layouts.

We also have little 5x5 books in hard or soft cover. (These don't lay flat like the others, but make great gifts or flip books!)

 

 

 

This is the 10x10 book. This one's actually a wedding guest book, which is one of our very favorite items. We love that you can ditch the boring old guest book or the giant framed print with the signature mat for a fun guest book that highlights your engagement photos.

Each book is custom-designed to include several photos from your engagement session on matte pages. We leave plenty of room for your wedding guests to write messages to you (instead of just a plain ole signature). Or we can change it up and make it playful by writing questions for your guests to answer, like "What should the couple's first pet be?" Fun, right?

 

 

 

And the 8x8...

 

 

Perfect example of the "lay-flat" pages - 

 

And the cute little 5x5...

 

 

 

As a side note to brides, if you're dead set on a traditional album, we can do that, too. But most of our brides love these!
 
- Heather Maynard, Athens, Georgia photographer

Beach Sessions Next Week!

Next week, I'll be in the Gulf Shores, Destin and Seaside areas and I'll be taking a very limited number of sessions.  If you live in or are visiting the area (there's still lots to do other than get in the ocean!) and would like a session, please email or call me (678.316.7906) as soon as possible to book your session.

Sessions will take place on and around the beach (we'll steer clear of the oil!) and will last around an hour. We'll hang out, play, and maybe fly a kite or get some ice cream. It's about having fun - not stressing about photos while you're at the beach!

The session fee is $100 (for up to five family members; ask about larger groups) but $50 of each session fee will be donated to Gulf Coast oil spill relief efforts.

I know the Gulf Coast may not be the most appealing place for a visit right now, but the people who live there - and even so many people who don't - rely on tourism as a MAJOR, if not primary, means of income. To us, the Gulf Coast is more than a vacation spot. It's the place my parents call home. It's the place where Matthew and I have taken multiple trips together since we first met. And it's the place where, nearly three years ago, we said "I do." Just like so many other people, we want to do what we can to help, and this is one of those ways.

 

Hope to see you on the beach!

Oh, and if you are in the area, Jimmy Buffet and Zac Brown Band are giving a FREE concert on July 1 in Gulf Shores. 

- Heather Maynard, Gulf Coast photographer

Mini Sessions this Saturday to Benefit the Red Cross

My heart breaks as I watch the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake unfold in videos, photos and words, and if you're like me, you're at a loss for what you can do to help. But there are ways we can all help.

I've tried to think of something we can do as a studio to help that will have the most impact. That's why this Saturday, January 23, we're holding mini sessions with proceeds going to Haitian relief. The full session fee from each mini session will go to the American Red Cross.

So here's the deal: I know it's last minute, but the people of Haiti need our help now. So here's a chance for you to have a few professional photos taken (at a much lower price than a typical session costs!) while doing a good thing.  

Here's what you get:

For a $35 donation to the American Red Cross, you get a 20-minute session for up to three people (groups of more than three people may purchase two sessions) and 10 images presented in a password protected gallery. For an additional $10 donation, you can get low-resolution, watermarked files of all 10 photos in your gallery to share on Facebook, your blog, etc (online use only). 

Photos will be available to purchase at regular price from your photo gallery two weeks after your session.

What can you use the session for? Let's see...new family pics. Updated photos of your kids. Photos of your dog (as long as he's nice). Fun photos with your friends. A Valentine's Day gift for your significant other. A new Facebook profile picture. Anything you want! Feel free to bring props!

All photos will be taken indoors in Statham, Georgia. Sessions must be scheduled; no walk-ins. The donation of $35 is due at the time of booking and is non-refundable.

If all session spots are filled, that means more than a $400 donation! Sessions are limited, so call 678.316.7906 or email hmhmaynard@gmail.com today to schedule yours. 

Product Spotlight & Gift Idea - Mini Brag Books

These little books are super cute and a perfect little gift! They're 3 x 3 inches - perfect for keeping in your purse or displaying in your office or home - and feature 10 square photos. Check them out:

 

 

 

They're printed on pearl paper and the covers are canvas. 

The price is $45 for a set of 3 (of the same) and $10 for each additional copy. To order, just email me.

Just a reminder - these and other items must be ordered by December 14 in order to get them by Christmas. Can't decide what you want to give as a gift? Give an H&M Photography gift certificate in any amount or for any type of session!   
 

Announcing Fall Mini Sessions - 10.17

Need a photo for your Christmas cards, a new family pic, or just some quick photos of the kiddos? Join us for fall mini photo sessions in downtown Statham on October 17.

Spots fill up fast and there is limited session availability, so book as soon as possible!

Sessions are $85 and include:

- a 20 minute session for up to 4 people (additional people $25 each)

- at least 20 images presented in an online, password protected gallery

- 24 custom Christmas cards OR 1 fully edited high resolution image with print release

- 2 5x7s 

Additional photos, cards and products may be purchased on the date of the session or at a later date. There will be specials (including great Christmas gift ideas!) on certain products on the day of the session.

If it rains, sessions will be held on October 18, or get out the rain boots on the 17th for a fun, rainy day session!

Sessions must be scheduled; no walk-ins. The package fee of $85 is due at the time of booking and is non-refundable. If you must cancel, your package fee may be used toward a future regular session held within six months of payment.

Call or email today to book your session - 678.316.7906 or hmhmaynard@gmail.com. See you on the 17th!

And the Winner Is...

Thanks to everyone who entered my giveaway, and thanks for all of your sweet comments. You really know how to make a girl feel loved!

The winner of the free photo session was drawn randomly. If I'd had to choose someone based on comments I would have been giving away way more free sessions! 

In fact, because you were all SO sweet, if you left a comment but didn't win, I'm offering $30 off your next session (that's a $70 portrait session!) if you book within the next two weeks. (Your session doesn't have to take place in the next two weeks as long as it's scheduled for sometime in 2009, it just has to be booked by August 12.) Just email me or call 678.316.7906.

So, the winner of the FREE photo session and 8x10 print is:

Erin Doster, who said:

"I would love to do a photo session with my two boys and our dog Buddha... we recently lost our sweet Bailey... so it would be incredible to get shots of them with Buddha as he too is joining the ranks of geriatric canines."

I can't wait to take photos of your boys & Buddha! Just shoot me an email or give me a call so we can make plans for your session.

Thanks again to everyone who entered, and keep checking back on the blog for more giveaways and specials!

-Heather Maynard, Athens, Georgia photographer 

Hello, Lover.

I have a new baby to introduce to you. It's not chubby and it doesn't blow bubbles like most of the babies I show on this blog, but I'm still totally in love with it:

That's right; I got a new camera! Because I'm SO excited, I'm hosting a GIVEAWAY! [cue cheers].

So what am I giving away? A totally free session - no strings attached. Just a free photo session with me (and my new camera, of course) in the Athens area. No obligation to buy any prints or anything. In fact, I'll throw in a FREE 8x10 print of your choice!

Here are the details: To enter, just leave a comment below. Tell me how much you love me, what new products you'd like me to offer, what type of session you'd use this for, what your favorite song is or whatever you want - just enter! You must be available to travel to the Athens area August 2, 8 or 9 for the session. 

To get extra entries: Get one additional entry if you blog about the giveaway (be sure to include a direct link to this post) and either leave a comment or email me with your blog link OR tweet about it (again, include a direct link) and mention @heathermaynard OR become a fan (or already be one) on Facebook. Get THREE extra entries if you do all three!  

All entries must be in by Tuesday, July 28 at 3 p.m. Winner will be announced Wednesday, July 29.

The fine print: Giveaway not valid on weddings or previously booked or package sessions; session limited to five people (additional people may be added for a fee).

Good luck!

-Heather Maynard, Athens, Georgia photographer

Introducing "Brag Books"

I've spent lots of time in the last few months looking for a few new products to offer. One in particular that I was looking for was a "brag book" of sorts - a book, small enough to carry around and fit in a purse, that could be printed with lots of images from your session (or multiple sessions).

I've finally found one that I like. It's 7x7 inches, hard cover with photos printed right on each page and on the back and cover. They can be anywhere from 20 pages to 100+ pages, and they serve as an excellent way to show off a new baby, grandchildren, your wedding photos or any photos from your session. They make great gifts, too!

To test them out, I created a little book for my friend and client, Katie. Actually, the book is for her new baby boy, Lane. 

I wanted it to be something that Lane (and the whole family) can look back on in several years to tell the story of the day he was born. But I also wanted it to be kid-friendly, so I paired graphics with photos and text to tell his birthday story in a children's book style. I was at the hospital, camera-in-hand, on the day he was born, so I was able to use photos that were shot on his birthday to tell his story. Here's how it turned out:

Here's the full book (click each photo to enlarge):

Back, spine and cover:

Brag books start at $65 for a custom-designed 20-page book. Please ask if you're interested! Additional photo book sizes, including larger coffee table books, are available.

-Heather Maynard, Athens, Georgia photographer

New Specials!

Does anyone else feel like it's still 2008? These last three months have flown by and April has crept up on me. In fact, it crept up so quickly that I forgot to post the new specials. I have lots of sessions coming up, so if you've scheduled a session sometime soon, you'll get a chance to take advantage of them. I still have a few sessions left this month, so give me a call if you'd like to book one. 

Here are the specials:

April - free 8x10 with session

May - $20 print credit with session

June - 2 free 5x7s

Just a reminder, here's how it works - your session must be booked for that month to get the special. So, if you call in April to book a session in June, you get the June special. See how it works? Specials are only available with full sessions - sorry, no mini sessions or packages.

Announcing Easter Mini Sessions

Call 678.316.7906 today to reserve your 20-minute session - spots are limited!

Sessions will be held this Sunday, March 29 at my home in Statham, Georgia between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Photos will be taken outside, so please dress appropriately for the weather - whatever that may be. Sessions will be held rain or shine and will be moved inside in case of rain.

Mini sessions will be just like any regular session with me - natural light, simple and natural backgrounds, having fun and kids being kids - except shorter and with sweet little bunnies!

There are two packages available:

Package 1 - $40

Includes:

Sitting fee

Online proofing gallery with password

8 wallets (one pose)

2 5x7s

1 image file to share online (low resolution, watermarked file can be emailed, posted to Facebook, blogs, etc.)

Package 2 - $55

Includes:

Sitting fee

Online proofing gallery with password

8 wallets (one pose)

3 5x7s

1 8x10

2 image files to share online (low resolution, watermarked file can be emailed, posted to Facebook, blogs, etc.)

Additional prints and products may be purchased separately. Click on investment on my website for pricing on prints, canvases, books and other products.

These packages include pricing for up to two children per session. Additional children will be photographed (as part of single session) for $10 each. No outfit changes, please.

Call 678.316.7906 to reserve a session today!

Happy New Year from H&M

It is at the beginning of the year that many photographers announce price increases for the year. Good news - we're not. Even better news - we're offering deals every month throughout 2009.

Here's how it works. Each month will feature a special which will be announced a few months prior. In order to get the special, your session must be booked for that month. So, if you call in April to book a session in June, you get the June special. See how it works? I hope this will be a way to give clients a little something extra with each session. Here are the specials for the next few months:

January - $80 sessions throughout January

Book any one-hour session for $20 off the regular price.

February - 12 free wallets 

Get 12 free wallets of any one shot of your choice from your session.

March - One high resolution image on disk

Choose any single image from your session and get that image on CD to use for printing and sharing however you like. 

Oh, and the first person to comment on this post gets a $40 print credit with their next session. (You must live in Barrow, Clarke, Oconee, Walton, Gwinnett, Hall or Jackson County to participate and session must be booked by March 31, 2009.) 

Happy 2009!