2013 Year in Review

It has been one of those years when it has flown by too quickly.

As I look back on the year, though, I am grateful.

Grateful for changes.

Grateful for realizations.

Grateful for growth.

This has been a year of many changes, both for my businesses and personally.

This year brought up a move from San Diego to northern CA, a change in jobs for my husband, change in schools for my boys, homeschooling for Cody, and a number of other changes.

We are grateful for the changes. They are helping us grow. They have given us opportunities to be closer as a family. It doesn’t come without adjustment issues, but we are grateful.

Looking back, it made me realize what a wonderful year it has been for MRS Photography and I!

In the beginning of the year, Adobe Photoshop Elements included me in their Customer Gallery. If you visit the page, you’ll see my dog’s face as the first image in the Customer Gallery!  :)

Shortly after, Love That Shot published an interview with me in their Going Behind the Lens feature!

Then came the thrill of being in Me Ra Koh’s Your Child in Pictures!

That led to a feature in our local paper!

Personally, it has been quite a year!

When we moved back to Solano in June, I was sad to leave my “office” job, but am fortunate to still work from home part-time. It has been quite the juggling act. :)

With my husband’s new job, we have the opportunity for him to work full-time from home. When he worked for this job previously, he travelled 70% of the year. This is a wonderful change. We all had to adjust to the change, but we are thankful to have him home!

I was thrilled to come back to Solano so I could get back into photography. Life kind of got in the way for a bit, but I am ready to tackle this once again.

Shortly after the school year started, we realized that it would be in Cody’s best interest if we homeschooled him. We began in October and it has been the best move for him. His behaviors have changed. He is much happier. He has grown tremendously in the short few months of being home. It has been an adjustment for everyone, but the rewards are worth it.

Recently, I became the Vice Executive Director of the International Down Syndrome Coalition. I have been with the organization for over a year assisting with graphic design. I am excited about this new role! This organization has allowed me to meet wonderful individuals and families and I am grateful for these friendships!

I am not sure what 2014 will bring, but I aspire to believe in the possibilities, keep my eyes and heart open for realizations and hope I can continue to grow as an individual and as a business owner.

I hope that 2014 brings you and your family love, happiness, and success!

Happy New Year!

Featured in Our Local Newspaper, The Daily Republic

Though I was not in town to see the newspaper first hand for myself, I was thrilled beyond belief when my sister-in-law sent me a photo of the newspaper article. 

I had anticipated a small article in a small section of the paper. I was crazy excited with the thought of that! :) 

When I saw the photo of the newspaper and that it took the entire page, I wanted to burst into tears. THAT WAS ME! 

ME!!! 

When I saw the article online, I was very excited and still thought the print version would be a smidgen of the page.

The feedback I have received from the article is flattering and humbling. 

I am thankful.

San Diego Introductory Special - 50% Off Any Portrait Package

San Diego, are you ready for MRS Photography?? Because I am ready for you! :)

To kick off MRS Photography in San Diego, if you schedule a portrait session in February or March, you will receive 50% off the portrait package of your choice! That is up to a $200 savings!!!

Visit our website to view our 3 portrait packages and pricing.

Call (619.397.8497) or email Michelle to schedule your portrait session.

Don’t forget to “like” MRS Photography’s new Facebook page – www.facebook.com/MichelleRoseSlapephotography

MRS Photography is now in San Diego!

As some of you know, my husband accepted a job in San Diego. We moved last week and are now back to the city in which both my boys were born. :)

Though I terribly miss family, friends and clients in Northern California, I am excited to begin this new photography adventure and meet new families! (Side note - I will be combining business and pleasure while visiting Solano over the summer so NorCal friends – keep your eyes out for some summer mini session specials.)

I am also hoping for opportunities to really grow the specialty of children with special needs while I am here. I am excited at the possibilities!!!

MRS Photography now has a new Facebook page. If you have a moment, please stop by the page, “like” it and leave a note to say hello.

Stay tuned later this week for a San Diego introductory special!

Fall Mini Sessions are Here!

It’s that time of the year!!

It’s time to get dressed up and head outdoors for some family picture time!

I am trying something different this year and holding a mini session on one day. If you are interested in scheduling a session, please contact me. There are only FIVE sessions available at this price!

For privacy, the location will be provided at the time of scheduling.

There are 5 time slots available. Payment must be provided at time of scheduling to secure your time slot. Contact Michelle, mrs@mrs-photography.com or 707-439-3702 to schedule your Fall Mini Session.

 

9:30	Available
10:15	Available
11:00	Available
11:45	Available
12:00	Booked

A Pause in Portrait Sessions

If there is one thing I have a difficult time doing it is sitting still. There is just something about not being able to do daily tasks that makes me uncomfortable. The thought of not being able to do what I want to do gives me anxiety. The thought of not being able to do my normal activity for 6-8 weeks is driving me CRAZY!

So why am I jabbering on and what does any of that have to do with my blog title, you ask?

Next Friday I will be having surgery on my right shoulder. YUCK!

I have avoided this surgery for 2 years now, but now I am to the point of pain that I have to have the surgery done.

Unfortunately, SLR cameras are designed with the shutter button on the right side of the camera.  And although my husband has offered to hold the camera for me during portrait sessions (bless his heart), there will be a slight pause in my scheduling of portrait sessions.

I am hopeful for a mid-October return!!!!

If you are interested in getting a head start on your fall portrait session planning, please feel free to contact me to schedule your session!

BRIGHT Children International Inaugural Fundraiser

Join BRIGHT Children International for an evening and make a difference!

Please consider attending the BRIGHT Children International’s Inaugural Fundraising Event on Friday, February 4 onboard the Hornblower Cruise in Old Sacramento.

BRIGHT Children International is a new non-profit organization.  I am thrilled about this organization because their goal is to” educate birth families and orphanage care providers of the potential of their children with special needs” around the world. They want to reduce the number of children that are abandoned or sent to orphanages because of their special needs diagnosis.

If you cannot attend, but would like to help with the event, please consider donating an item to their silent auction or providing a monetary donation.

To purchase tickets, make a silent auction or monetary donation, or to volunteer, contact:

Bessie Barth
916-383-6100
Info@brightchildreninternational.org

From My Family to Yours…

Have a very Merry Christmas and enjoy the special day with your loved ones!

SolanoFit Magazine Has Gone Digital!

If you haven’t had a chance to grab a copy of SolanoFit or don’t live in the area and want to check it out, you can now visit their website to download a digital edition of the magazine!

Seeing the magazine being distributed in so many places has been exciting for me. Not only because I was able to take part in it, but because I saw the drive behind the two forces behind it (Jessica and O) and it is exciting witnessing their vision becoming reality.

So many folks that I have spoken with are thrilled that this type of magazine has come to Solano and its premiere edition has been well reserved!

Congratulations, Jessica and O, on making your vision a reality!

Move Over Bacon…There’s a New Magazine in Town – SolanoFit

(By the title alone, you can tell I am a child of the 80’s, huh? heehee)

I am excited to announce that there is a new magazine hitting Solano County!

“SolanoFit magazine is the complete wellness resource for your health and fitness needs. Curious about cosmetic surgery, gym reviews, weight loss tips, or the latest diet fad? Then stay tuned for the first local feel-good-look-great-be-healthy-everybody free wellness magazine, where local professionals and industry experts guide you to the next level of wellness in each issue!”

The new complimentary magazine is hitting Solano County soon and can be found at a variety of locations throughout Solano. Check out their http://www.solanofit.com/website and http://solanofit.blogspot.com/blog for more details and to find a distribution location near you!

Why am I super excited about the rollout of this magazine???

BECAUSE not only is the cover image on the magazine (the one in the beginning of the below slideshow)  and other images within the magazine shot by yours truly (yup, ME!), but they are holding a contest and the grand prize is a portrait session with….

wait for it…wait for it….

MRS PHOTOGRAPHY!!!!

Hope over to the announcement for details on how to enter!

MRS Photography will be in San Diego Oct 23 and 24 –Special pricing for Holiday Portraits

In just a little over a week, MRS Photography will be back in San Diego for Portrait Sessions!

This is a perfect time to get your Holiday portraits done. It is hard to believe, but Christmas is only 2 months away!

This is also a great opportunity to have your high school senior’s portraits, family portraits or individual portraits captured.

Please contact me ASAP if you are interested in scheduling your portrait session. Saturday’s sessions are for the most part filled, with only one session still available.  There are still sessions available for Sunday.  Email MRS@MRS-Photography.com or call 707-439-3702 to schedule your portrait session.

Down Syndrome Awareness Month Special for Solano County Families

 

In honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, I would like to offer families in Solano County a

Complimentary Session for Children with
Down Syndrome

It is my way of honoring your children. I think children with Down Syndrome are beautiful and they each all have such strong personalities. They ooze love and seem to offer smiles when you need them most. I am grateful for being blessed not only with my own beautiful son, but for having the opportunity to meet so many other families with little ones who have blessed my life!

Your session will include:

• 30 Minute Session at the Solano County location of your choice for your child
  and
• 2 High-Resolution Digital Images

Sessions must be completed by October 31 to take advantage of this offer.

Please email me at mrs@MRS-Photography.com or call 707-439-3702 to schedule your session.

And the Winner of the Barbie Giveaway is….

HEATHER Y

You are the winner of the
Barbie – A Fashion Fairytale
giveaway!!!

Your little girl is going to love these prizes:

• An official movie one-sheet
• One Fashion Fairytale Barbie

• One Flairie

Don’t forget that KidToons is also offering a Buy One, Get One Free for Barbie – A Fashion Fairytale.  Click the banner to print out the BOGO offer.

Tip Tuesday Giveaway!!!

It is amazing what you can find in your desk when you clean it out! :)

When I first received my DSLR I was completely confused and intimidated by my camera. Fortunately for me, right about that same time, my friend Carey of San Diego Barefoot Memories began a website, My Fun Camera. It is a great resource for anything photography – from bags and software to cameras and DVDs – she has great tips for those starting out in photography with a DSLR.

One of the best tools that helped me in learning how to shoot at the best settings were these handy Pocket Guides. This little guide was always tucked in my camera bag and I wasn’t afraid to bust that baby out when I was confused on lighting.

I was so excited about how useful these guides were that I had bought two sets so I could hand them out to friends that were like me and learning how to use their cameras.

Well, I am embarrassed to say that since I moved shortly after purchasing these Pocket Guides, I completely forgot about them. That was…until this last weekend.

As you can see by the above image from My Fun Camera, the Pocket Guides have been updated since I first purchased them almost 3 years ago.

I  have SIX of these Pocket Guides and I would love to give them away to MRS Photography blog readers!

Six random readers that leave comments on this blog post will receive a My Fun Camera Pocket Guide full of tips on which settings are best to use for different situations (for example, indoors, outdoors and action shots).

You have three chances to win this giveaway:

1. Simply leave a comment on this blog post that you want one :)
2. Become a fan of MRS Photography on Facebook then leave a separate comment stating that you are a Facebook fan. If you are already a fan, leave a comment stating you are already a fan.
3. Follow MRS Photography on Twitter and leave another comment stating that you are now following MRS Photography on Twitter. If you already follow MRS Photography on Twitter, leave a comment stating that you are already a follower.

This giveaway is open to all readers! Entries must be received by Sunday, August 29th.

Good luck!! =)

San Diego Special – August 29th ONLY

By request, MRS Photography is coming back to San Diego!!!!

These sessions are perfect for family, children, couple, professional headshots or even High School Senior portraits.

There are only TWO more sessions available at this price! If you would like to book one of the sessions select the “Buy Now” button next to your desired time to schedule and provide payment (via PayPal) for your session. Payment is due at the time of scheduling.

Time	Session
11:00	M Family
11:45	R Family
12:30	V’s Family
1:15	M Family
2:00
2:45

Please email, MRS@MRS-Photography.com, or call, 707-439-3702, if you have any questions.

Wanted: Class of 2011 Senior Reps – Solano County High Schools

The new school year is starting and MRS Photography is looking for representatives from Solano County High Schools. Only 2 male and 2 females will be chosen from each high school to serve as representatives. If you or someone you know is interested, please have them contact me ASAP!

Representatives must be outgoing, friendly, and be willing to spread the word about MRS Photography to their fellow seniors.  Rep cards with their image will be provided with discounts available to their friends.

In return for spreading the word about MRS Photography, representatives will receive:

• A FREE Portrait Session (1-2 hours with unlimited clothing changes at the location of their choice)
• 25% off all print orders (including reprints)
• $20 for every referral that books and pays for their session
• $50 gift card for every 5th referral (several gift cards to choose from)

You read that right! For each referral that completes a session with  MRS Photography, the representative will receive CASH! Interested now??? =)

Call, 707-439-3702, or email Michelle, MRS@MRS-Photography.com to see if a representative position is still available for your school!

I Want You – For Blog Spotlights

I love that so many people are finding their creative-self through photography. I have never considered myself an artist, but find that I can create art through photography. 

It has been so much fun to meet people with the same passion for photography that I have. I can spend hours talking “shop” with fellow photographers or enthusiasts.

If you love photography, I would love to hear from you and possibly feature you. From parents to those starting out in their photography business to professional photographers, I want to hear from you! :)

Email me mrs@mrs-photography.com and I will email you some questions to answer. Simply return the questions and some of your favorite work and you just might see it on this blog! :)

MRS Photography on Juice in the City

If you live in the Bay Area or East Bay (or anywhere in between), stop by Juice in the City, today and tomorrow ONLY to take advantage of this special!

For $60 you will receive an 8x10 of your favorite image AND 5 high resolution digital images of your choice. The special pricing is a 72% OFF discount!

If you have been wanting to schedule a portrait session with MRS Photography, this is a great opportunity to purchase up to 2 sessions at this special rate.

The purchased sessions can be used for maternity, boudoir, child(ren), family, newborn, senior portrait or professional headshot sessions.

Purchase two and use one session for yourself and save the other for your family’s Holiday portraits!

Have questions? Feel free to email or call me!
mrs@mrs-photography.com
707-439-3702

Juice in the City Special

I am SUPERDEEDUPER (channeling my Barney the Dinosaur here) excited that I will be a “deal of the day” on Juice in the City!!!

If you haven’t been to Juice in the City, you are missing out!!! This is a great source for deals for anything from hair, tans, restaurants, and now, portrait sessions (a la MOI!).  It is targeted to moms that like deals (aka MOI again!).

Keep your eyes open next week because yours truly is going to be a featured deal on there. WOOT WOOT!  I am completely juiced (pun intended) about this!

If you have been wanting to schedule a session with MRS Photography this is a great opportunity to get a great deal on a portrait session!

And the Winner Is…….

Thank you to all those that left your input on the blog and Facebook!!! I TRULY TRULY appreciate your feedback and will be using your questions and comments for future blog posts! =)

Now….the moment you have been waiting for….

If this was American Idol, Seacrest would give a loooooong pause and tell you that the results would be announced after the break. But because this isn’t TV and that would be mean, I just thought I would babble for a little bit to build up the suspense. :)

Without further ado….

The winner….

Of the Random Drawing…..(as picked by random drawing machine, Cody)….

is….

LAURA!!!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS LAURA!!!!

You have won:

• 30 Minute Mini-Session for up to 4 people at the location of your choice
• 5 full resolution digital images

Now let’s hear your acceptance speech! =)

Laura, please email (mrs@MRS-Photography.com) or call me, 707-439-3702, to schedule your session. I look forward to meeting you!!!!

Thank you, again, to those that provided their input!