Category Archives: News, Products & Specials

Family Pictures

Saturday, May 29, 2010 Posted in Decorating with Photos, My Family: Pictures & Stories, News, Products & Specials, PERSONAL, Photography, Tips & Projects

Like a lot of you, I don’t necessarily enjoy being photographed.  However, I can’t even begin to tell you how passionate I am about the importance of documenting your life through pictures.  Although I’m always taking pictures of my kids throughout our day, our last professional family picture was taken when we lived in Arizona.  (Stay tuned!  I plan to post a few “Decorating with Photos” features using pictures from that session!) 

So when I told Matthew a family session was the only thing I wanted for Valentine’s Day + Mother’s Day + our anniversary + my birthday and Christmas this year, I think he could tell how important it was to me!

Brandy (friend/wonderful photographer) photographed my family last week.  Here are a few of my favorites…

Even though Brandy made us all look happy and stress-free in the pictures above, you’re not alone if you feel like nothing goes smoothly on the day of your session.  I was so happy she included an image that was pretty-much symbolic of Rayna 99% of our entire session… 

Although I tried not to, being a photographer has put so many ideas and images in my head that I wanted for my own family’s shoot.  However, after seeing how Rayna acted, I just assumed there wouldn’t be any decent pictures of our family.  Needless to say, when I saw the picture below, I was so grateful!  It was exactly what I wanted…  

If your family needs updated photographs like mine did, I want to encourage you to find a photographer you love and feel comfortable with in your area.  (Or, if you’re like all of my incredible clients in Arizona, find a photographer that is all the way across the U.S.!)  As I mentioned in another post, you’ll be so happy you’ve documented all the laughs, hugs, kisses and even frowny-faces!

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New Logo!

Friday, May 21, 2010 Posted in News, Products & Specials, PERSONAL, Photography, Things I LOVE

It was almost five years ago, but I remember the night like it was yesterday…

It was in the wee hours of the morning.  Ross, just a few weeks old, was up for the second time to eat.  My eyes started to get heavy until I noticed a pen laying on the desk in front of me.  As I fed him with one arm, I started a sketch on a scrap piece of paper that would, in a lot of ways, change my life.

Let me back-up a little…
I have always loved photography.  And since most people ‘love’ photography, let me be more specific.  Out of all the ‘Show & Tell’ toys I could have brought to kindergarten, I showed-up with a camera. 

And although I had been photographing people, places and events for years leading-up to this late night moment, I had always questioned whether or not I could transform photography from a hobby to a profession.  The reality of having a baby made me really focus on what I wanted for my life.  I knew without question, my dream was to be a mother and a photographer.  This decision would not only take a lot of work, but also a website and logo. 

And that’s where my late-night sketch came in.  After that feeding, that scrap piece of paper now held, not only the design and layout of my first website, but the logo that would serve me well for my first five years in business.

This year has brought a lot of great changes in my business.  With these changes, I knew it was time for a NEW LOGO that would better represent my style and the direction of my business.  I contacted the best graphic designer I knew, Jason Sims, and was thrilled when I saw what he created.  It was exactly what I wanted!  If you haven’t already seen it on my Facebook Fan Page, take a look…  

  You’ve probably seen his work if you live in this area.  He has worked with many businesses, churches (including our church, 12Stone) and other photographers.  Check out his site below and, if you’re in need of any graphic design work, CALL HIM!  Not only is he super-talented, he is an incredibly nice person. 

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Rayna’s Quilt

Tuesday, May 18, 2010 Posted in News, Products & Specials, PERSONAL, Story Boards, Things I LOVE

The “It’s-A-GIRL!” news had barely reached all of our family when I received a phone call from my sister-in-law saying, “Merla said she would make the baby’s bedding!”  Well, if you’ve seen Merla’s work, you simply don’t turn down that kind of offer. 

But we did.

We knew Rayna wouldn’t be using her crib for too long, so we asked Merla if she would consider making a quilt she could use once she was in a big-girl bed.  We knew how special the piece would be and we wanted to make sure it would be loved and appreciated for a very long time.

FLASH FORWARD 2 YEARS…
Rayna is definately a big girl now.
She’s completely potty-trained.
She loves every food- except fried mushrooms.
And, most importantly, she’s out of her baby crib!

A lot of time, thought and unique fabric (23 different patterns, to be exact) went into Rayna’s quilt.  Although Michelle, Matthew and I added our own special touches to it, Merla was the person who created the quilt I had always wanted!  It’s the perfect combination of VINTAGE, FUNKY and COUNTRY.  It’s my favorite thing about Rayna’s room!

I’m not the only one who loves it…   

If you’d like to contact Merla regarding a special project for you or someone you know, you can email her @ hemrichj@bellsouth.net .

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Countdown…

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 Posted in CLIENTS, Children, Families, News, Products & Specials, PERSONAL, Seniors & Headshots, Story Boards

I am really looking forward to my trip back to Arizona next week!  Not only do I get to return to one of my favorite places in the world, I get to work with my favorite school on a fun project I look forward to each year!

Although I’ll be working on Friday and Monday for New Way, I planned on shooting a few sessions on the weekend.  After a random post on Facebook a week before I was going to post the session times on my blog, all of my available times (plus a few more) were taken very quickly.

If you weren’t able to book a session this trip, this post is to let you know
I PLAN on RETURNING in the FALL! 
This will be a perfect time to update your family photos
or get some great pictures for your holiday cards!

 
Check back soon to see some Arizona-highlights!  
Here are a few things I know will make the blog: 
a doggie-session…
horse headshots…
fun times at New Way…
all the food I miss from Arizona…
and spending time with my childhood friend and her kiddies.

I look forward to meeting some new families during my weekend sessions.  I also LOVE getting to photograph past clients again.  Speaking of which… here are a few I’ve photographed before and can’t wait to photograph again!

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Wall Templates

Friday, March 5, 2010 Posted in CLIENTS, Decorating with Photos, News, Products & Specials, Tips & Projects

Have you ever wanted to display the images you love, but needed some ideas on how to actually do it?  If so, you are not alone.  One of the most common questions I receive is, “How do I hang my pictures on the wall?” 

Since a lot of you have told me how much you like the “Decorating with Photos” posts, I decided to share these ideas with everyone.  I hope you find a few that inspire you to use your wall space to really make a statement!

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Hamilton Mill Fall Festival

Monday, October 19, 2009 Posted in CLIENTS, News, Products & Specials

I was tickled when Hamilton Mill neighborhood asked me to be the official photographer for their Fall Festival on Saturday.  I absolutely love shooting events and festivals because I’m nuts over details, colors, textures, random animals, and mostly, kids!  Although I would have still taken my own kids and ended-up shooting a few of these wonderful subjects for fun, I felt a lot more comfortable enthusiastically squatting down to shoot a clown’s multi-colored paint brushes when I could give the excuse that it’s ‘for the neighborhood.’   Untitled-1

To view ALL the photos from the day:

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Wall Gallery

Thursday, May 21, 2009 Posted in CLIENTS, Decorating with Photos, News, Products & Specials, PERSONAL, Tips & Projects

I really don’t know anything about decorating.  However, as quickly as the paint dried in our new house, I had big plans for every inch of our wall space! 
Although I’m a photographer and it’s natural that I love photographs, many of my clients also share the same passion for displaying their own family images on their walls.   Since I’ve had clients ask for ideas on how to frame and display their images,  I thought I’d share a few of mine from my own home. 

I have a few different examples I’d like to show you throughout my house.   Also, I have a few projects I’m very excited about starting in the coming months.  (I’ll post those too once they are completed.)  Since it’s late and I have a 12-hour road trip tomorrow, I’ll just post my most recent project.

I used the wall space between the foyer and the kitchen to display 15 of my favorite family images.  There were lots of black and white images that I loved.  However, the bright colors of some of these images won me over.  bdsc_0004
Instead of choosing images where Ross and Rayna were looking directly at the camera, I wanted images that told a story.  Some of my favorite family memories on the wall are:
* Ross’ first time at the beach
* Rayna (as a baby) looking at me laying beside her, followed by her first LONG, BELLY laugh  (SO happy I had my camera beside me!)
* Ross and his cousins jumping off a cliff into a lake in Arkansas

Word of Advice:  If you are like me and ALWAYS the one behind the camera, HAND IT OVER!  It’s important that your wall of family photos also include YOU in them!  My all-time FAVORITE image of me and Ross (bottom right corner) was taken after I did a shoot for our friends in Arizona.  I handed Aaron my camera and he snapped away.  He captured an image of me holding Ross as he nuzzled his face under my neck.  Before this project, each time I would run across the image on my computer, I would get all-teary-eyed.  Now, I get to experience that warm-and-fuzzy feeling all through the day.

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I hope this inspires you to add more family images to YOUR walls!
(To see some of the images I used, check out my gallery on facebook.)

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T-Ball Story Boards Examples

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 Posted in CLIENTS, News, Products & Specials, Story Boards

Common Question:  “What do Story Boards look like?”

It’s so much easier (and more fun) to create a few examples of Story Boards than trying to explain it.   Here are a few…

If you’ve sent me an email regarding the t-ball game, I hope these examples help!  Also, if ordering a package, call or email before May 13th to receive your discount!

062081044046

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Congratulations!

Wednesday, March 18, 2009 Posted in CLIENTS, News, Products & Specials, Story Boards

I photographed last year’s New Way seniors while living in Arizona; so, I was really excited to get to know and photograph this year’s seniors during my trip back last month.  I’ve posted all of the senior group and headshots on my website.  (Email or call for password.)

Two special packages have been created just for New Way students and parents.  
Senior Packages valid until Monday, March 30th, so call or email today!


Senior Package #1:
20×10 or 12×12 Custom Story Board (up to four images of your choice)
(2)  8×10
(4) 5×7
(16) wallets
* Up to (5) Digital Mini Files when you spend $150 or more!  Perfect for online sharing (myspace, facebook, etc.), blogs or emails *
= $184

Senior Package #2:
(2) 8×10
(3) 5×7
(16) wallets
= $125

 

 

Prints & Enlargements
20×10 Story Board:     $75
12×12 Story Board:     $60
11×14:                        $44
8×10:                          $27
5×7:                            $15
4×6:                            $13
(8) wallets:                 $20
(5) Digital Mini Files:    FREE with any order over $150!

 

12×12 STORYBOARD EXAMPLES:

 

27

44

b1

20×10 STORYBOARD EXAMPLES:
pan005

 

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Arizona Mini-Sessions

Saturday, February 7, 2009 Posted in CLIENTS, News, Products & Specials

While in Miami last week, one of my clients in Arizona contacted me to see if I could fly back on short notice for fundraising headshots of all of their students.   Of course I was happy to…  I always have a great time working with them.

 

Since I’ve been getting emails from clients asking when I’ll be back for sessions,
I thought this would be a PERFECT time to schedule (just-a-week-late) Valentine Mini Sessions!

I wanted to do something extra special for all my wonderful clients in Arizona. 
For the first time, I’m including a HIGH RESOLUTION DISK in this package. 
With it, you have permission to print, copy or share your images however you’d like. 
(If you’d rather order prints through me, you’ll be given a $200 credit to use towards any of my products.)

Because of this deal and limited number of available sessions, these sessions will book up quickly. 
Please email (info@christymartinphotography.com)
or call (770.63.0598) to reserve your spot!

Looking forward to being back and posting new Sneak Peeks soon!!!

session1

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“20.9 in 2009″

Saturday, January 3, 2009 Posted in CLIENTS, News, Products & Specials, PERSONAL


I love making lists and setting goals, so naturally, I tend to get a little over-ambitious this time of year. However, I decided to do something a little different…

Instead of having lots of unrealistic goals, I decided to sit down and list the FIRST 20 GOALS that came to my mind.  Some goals are bigger (and harder) than others, but over-all, most are pretty acheiveable.  In addition to only focusing on my FIRST 20 GOALS, I’ve also decided to post them on my blog.  I look forward to blogging about each one as I scratch off my list!

I encourage all of you to start your own “20.9 in 2009″ list!  Take a minute to email your friends and family YOUR OWN!  If you blog, facebook or myspace, post your goals there where others can follow your progress!

Feel free to take (copy/paste) my banner and use it however you’d like.  I just ask that you include a link to my blog (www.christymartinphotography.com/blog).  When someone posts any link to my blog, I get a special notice where I too can follow other’s progress and goals!

Let’s have fun with our “20.9 in 2009″ Goals!  If you’ve decided to join in, you can leave a comment where others can follow your goals too!

Oh, where did the name “20.9 in 2009″ come from?  Well, as I finished my list, one particular ‘goal’ came to mind.  However, as I thought more about it, I really questioned whether it would ever really get done or not.  Because of this, I added one more goal, although it’s not important enough to be “21″.  (This “20.9″ goal can be used if you have good intentions, but doubt you’ll get to cross it off your list!)

  1. Try new parks with Ross & Rayna
  2. Volunteer at 12stone
  3. Take a photography class on Lighting
  4. Become a better cook
  5. Read Bible
  6. Make time to R-E-L-A-X
  7. Become a better Myspace’r & Facebook’r 
  8. Plan a trip back to Arizona
  9. Sell our house in Phoenix
  10. Learn Lightroom
  11. Finish & print the book I started writing for Rayna
  12. Get back involved in NILMDTS for my area
  13. Schedule new family sessions in Arkansas during my visit in May
  14. Start (pre) pre-school material with Ross at home
  15. Less frumpy
  16. Find BALANCE:  wife + mom + photographer + everything else
  17. Get some ”Lifestyle” photos of Granny (my great grandmother) 
  18. Start working on new ideas… new blog… new projects… new printing techniques…
  19. Find a way to teach Ross to make a difference
  20. Spend one-on-one time with Ross & Rayna individually|

(20.9. Exercise)

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Quick Update

Friday, November 14, 2008 Posted in CLIENTS, News, Products & Specials, PERSONAL

I’ll write lots more later, but I’ve gotta keep this post short.  I’m in the middle of Go Diego Go,  several orders and a house full of moving boxes.   No, that is NOT a type-o…  I said MOVING BOXES.

Long story short:  We found out on Friday we will be moving to Georgia with a new job Matthew accepted.   I have tons of things I want to share about it, but for now, I just wanted to update everyone.

If you had a session last weekend, your Sneak Peeks and gallery will be ready soon.  I have a special session tonight (Rayna and our friends Aaron & Hayley) and four more this weekend.  Stay tuned…

Meanwhile, the main reason for this post:  If you’d like to take advantage of my super-quick turn around process for getting your prints and enlargements ordered, please have your order to me by Tuesday, November 18th.  Otherwise, all orders will be placed the following week when we arrive in Georgia.

I can’t wait to share more details later!

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