Before I tell you the story of my day I want to preface it by saying, I did NOT look at this as a bad day at all, and the little things that went ‘wrong’ were at most an inconvenience and at the very least gave me a little giggle. I’m sharing, not to complain, but to entertain because let me just tell you someone (up there) decided I was not going to get a thing done today no matter what I tried to do! 

So lets begin… The journey of my Monday: 

• Oops 1: I forgot to turn my alarm clock off after getting out of bed… Now, did it decide to go off while I went downstairs, let the dogs out, fixed my coffee, and picked out my clothes? NOPE. It decided to go off after I was already in the shower and it was plugged into my iHome playing music, so after about 90 seconds of iTunes bliss I was serenaded for the entirety of my shower with iPhone ‘Harp’ alarm (thank God it was Harp not ‘Old Phone’). 
• Oops 2: Running a bit late, I decided I needed to do what I never do and dress prepared for the cold weather so I wouldn’t be grumpy and cold later. So I grabbed a couple matching gloves (first mistake… why waste the time to find the matching one??), one of which was completely balled up and inside out and it fought me along the way as I tried to pry out all of the fingers…. 
• Oops 3: Glove FINALLY on! Ready to leave… Keys – CHECK (ya the only oops I didn’t have today was locking my keys in my house), Purse – CHECK, iPad – CHECK, Bank Deposits – CHECK, HUGE bucket of change I am taking to the bank that weighs a TON – CHECK… gloves on…….. AND I CAN’T OPEN OUR DOOR WITH THE GLOVES ON!!! Stupid door knob we didn’t get around to changing this weekend is picking a fight with me! I am determined not to have to take off the glove I just put on and I struggled with the knob for at least five minutes before throwing in the towel (glove) and ripping it off with my teeth without putting down the 50 lb bucket of change. 
• Oops 4: Pulling out of the driveway… relief that I am finally on the way. And “oh look.. what is that in the driveway?” YES, it is my evil glove which I dropped along the way. Well, guess what, it was mean to me so I abandoned it and drove off with some weird satisfaction that this evil piece of material would be at the mercy of mother nature until my return. HA
• Oops 5: Oh wait, I forgot my breakfast, my coffee, and the carpet cleaner (the entire purpose for my trip). So defeated and giggling at this morning I returned (did NOT pick up the glove) and got the rest of what I needed. 
• Oops 6: Shampooing carpet at the old house went smoothly and just when I thought my day was looking up, I went to empty the tank of dirty water from the shampooer so I could pack up and leave and get back to the office… and THERE IS A HUGE OPENING AT THE TOP TO MAKE EMPTYING EASIER… Do NOT turn the container upside down/sideways before getting to the sink… Trying to multi-task and empty both containers at the same time I held one, reached down for the other and dumped the DIRTY water all over my t-shirt and jeans. YUK… I repeat YUK! Like this is full of water plus all the nasty stuff you just vacuumed up! Well, it’s only half full now since I am now wearing the rest. PS, I still have to go to the bank like this!

• Oops 7: Oh Culligan Man … The prior Culligan man had said that installation would be super simple since we had water pipe, drain and plug-in all in one area of the basement. Oh how you were wrong dude! First: That is NOT the main water pipe…. sooo we have to move this to near the main water pipe. CHECK. Second: Oh there is no drain next to that main water valve… uh so we have to pipe it over to the only drain in the basement? Guess what that’s more $$$. Third: There is NO plug-in near the main water valve either! Ok so 3 for 3, he said we had all three where they needed to be and turns out we have 0 of 3 where they need to be. 
• Oops 8: K finally back in the office to work…. Unauthorized charge on my credit card UG …. Have to stop work to deal with this. 
• Oops 9: Entourage FAILS… will not reopen and cannot fix it … I have no idea what is up. 
• Oops 10: Try to set up Mail through Mac and avoid Entourage… cPanel password to the website is MIA and reset failed 3 times. SOOOO….. what to do, what to do. (Write a blog post about this unproductive crazy day- CHECK)

I talked to her a bit about the SJP experience and as clients often do, she asked if I offer a CD. Which, of course, I do but I explained that this is not a popular option with my clients. She was one of those who it immediately clicked with that the CD would offer her Walmart quality personal snap shots, of the beautiful images she had paid so much for…. Instead I went on to explain to her a little about the SJP portrait experience and that after her session her and her family would be invited in for an in-person premier where they could see their family images and their story live on our big screen television. 

Then we would work together to design wall art and possibly and album for their home and to create a family heirloom that would last through many generations. I also explained that she could even take an image (or two) of her home and where she might like to hang these portraits when they are finished. And with these images I will custom design a display piece to fit her particular space, home style and decor. 

It was such a pleasure to talk with her and after the conversion was over I was excited and confident in my product. I often wonder if it would just be easier to offer a disk of images and let my clients handle the printing (because after all this means less retouching time, less lab expense, less color correction, calibration, less packaging expenses, etc, etc) but knowing that I get to work with each client to create beautiful finished art pieces and having clients who see and appreciate the difference makes me know that creating these products is staying true to myself and my brand.  

It was a wonderful phone conversation and I can tell this family will be a lot of fun to work with!

We saw the house on a Saturday morning and by Monday were in making an offer. By the end of the week we had gone through a couple rounds of back and fourth offers and were waiting for our final offer to be approved. In less than a week we had signed a contract on our house and were lining up inspections and I think I looked up one day and asked ‘uh did we just buy a house?’ Yes, yes we did! 

Anyways… I’m excited to now be moved in, to have a few rooms repainted already and be actively on our way to making all our little improvements to make this home ours. So what does this new space mean for you (SJP clients)? I’m very excited to now have a bigger studio, designated solely for studio space! No more shooting around the table or couch and TV. Plus, we have a beautiful, and HUGE, new office that will help with our expanded client base and work load. And new livingroom/viewing room complete with a new 55 inch (soon-to-be wall mounted) flat screen TV. A separate client meeting space for consultations and deliveries. And behind the scenes we now also have a full prop room which will make finding and using all the props and accessories we have much much easier. 

I’m excited to already have my first clients booked in the new space next week! Yes, I have a LOT of work to do to be ready for you all by then but we are making good progress and with Lindsey in the office the rest of the week we should have the office back up and running in no time. 

A huge thank you goes out to my current clients who have been scheduling deliveries around my move and being patient with me as I went without phone connection for a couple days and am still not reconnected to all your files with the main computer. 

I will post a few images of our progress so far and please check back in as I know we will want to invite you all out to help us break in the new space very soon! 

Covering up red paint!

But alas (take a moment to be excited about that word, we don’t use often enough!)… anyways ALAS, I am here now. While waiting on my next client in Starbucks and enjoying a nice cup of coffee I am taking some time to check in with you all and let you know that past blog posts WILL come and new ones as well. 

I’d love to do a quick bullet list of all the amazing things that have been going on for any of you who haven’t been able to keep up on Facebook (I can hardly keep up on most days so how any of you can baffles me). So what’s new? What happened in 2011? And whats coming in 2012… GO

THANK YOU

• WOW First and foremost a HUGE GARGANTUAN ENORMOUS Thank you from the bottom of my heart goes out to all my 2011 (and past) clients! You guys never stop amazing me. 2011 was our first full year of business in central Illinois and can I just tell you that you people ROCK. Really! This year surpassed all my expectations and more and I cannot wait to give you all I can give in 2012. 
•       On this topic I want to share a little story:  I talked to one of my brides today and when working out delivery for her portraits she mentioned something along the lines of not wanting to add to my workload because she knows I’m so busy… I quickly replied that she and her fiancé WERE my work and that making her experience easy, convenient and more was my job and I LOVE my job! You guys are all what let me do what I love every day so I will always figure out a way to give you the best possible portrait and experience

WHATS NEW?

• WE ARE MOVING! Yes, not far, but Ryan and I are excited to now be home-owners of a beautiful home in Oreana. The studio will be coming with us out there and I think you will all be excited to see what we have planned for the space. Lindsey and I are excited for a larger office, and I can’t wait to shoot in the new larger studio space. Plus, (Ryan’s Idea) we have added a new 55 inch flat screen television to take your premier and viewing experience to the next level. How about seeing your 30×40 portrait on the wall instantly! Stay connected with us her and on Facebook to get details on when we will be inviting everyone to come out to see the new space. 
• IMAGING USA! I am very excited to be heading down to New Orleans this Saturday and spending about a week there for the super bowl of Photography Conferences. This will be my third or fourth time attending and the education, inspiration and networking available there is unparalleled. I am sorry to have to take a week away from my clients, but it is worth it as I will go and bring back ideas and information on all the latest trends in the industry. To be the best photographer for all of you, I continue my education constantly with webcasts weekly, if not daily, mini-seminars and large conferences. I hope to check in a bit while I’m there to give you all a taste of our time there. I will be going with Katie Weber of Kay Web Photography in St. Charles and Julie Carter of Julie Carter Photography here in Decatur. 

WHAT HAVE WE BEEN UP TO?

• BRIDAL SHOW I spent last Sunday visiting will hundreds of brides at the WDBR Bridal Extravaganza and it was a blast. Lindsey can tell you, those shows put me in a fantastic mood. And why would they not? I love my job and when I get to share what I love with so many excited brides, you cannot have a bad day! We offered some amazing show specials with savings up to $885 off wedding collections as LIndsey said “WOW so shows are the place to book huh?” YES! That is definitely true. Come see us newt month at the Mt Zion Bridal Expo at the Convention Center on February 26th and see what show specials we have to offer then (you definitely won’t want to miss them). 
• NEW ASSISTANT. So now that I have mentioned Lindsey about 20 times let me introduce you to her. Lindsey is my new office assistant and some of you may have already had the chance to speak with her and/or meet with her. She is a senior and will be graduating this year and then heading to college locally and continuing to work for me. You can expect to hear from her when you call and she will be keeping you all posted on the status of your orders!
• CHARITY MODEL SEARCH. Oh yes, those of you know participated last year know this is by far the BEST time to have your little one photographed at SJP. This year the deals are even better! Our session collection, valued at over $100, is only $35! Plus, I have gone even further and put together some Portrait Collections that are only available to my Charity Model Search clients and are at a huge discount. This is about earning money for an amazing charity (NILMDTS.org) and in the meantime letting your child shine in this National Competition. Sessions run February- March and I’m so please to see you all getting so excited about them. 

It’s time! This is your chance to get the Unique SJP Portrait Experience at just a fraction of the price! Plus, current clients, have you been thinking about adding that CD so you can print more of your images? Now, is the best time! Add web disks for as low as $79 and high resolution disks for as little at $189. That’s over $410 in savings!

Plus, give your family and friends something personal and 100% unique this Holiday season with an SJP gift cards. They can use the gift card for anything from family portraits to seniors and even weddings. And each gift comes with a fun frame and special note from me!

Don’t wait this sale is ONLY one day and ONLY on Black Friday. Shop online at www.sjanephotography.com.

Check out a list of the sale items below (click the link above to start shopping and see the prices too low to show here!)

Check out the two newest Christmas Card designs for the Paradee and Miller families! Remember, you don’t have to have a new session just to have unique Holiday cards that will wow your friends and family this year. If you have had a session with SJP in the last 18 months OR if you have had a portrait session with another photographer and you own the printing rights to your images, you can have your very own personally designed Christmas Card from Sarah Jane!

Card sets of 24 start at only $39 and include envelopes! SPECIAL: Want to be sure the cards get out? for $35/set we will address and mail each of your cards too (extra postage applies for large cards). Talk about care-free Holiday cards.

And knowing that my images hang and will hang in my clients homes for years is such an honor. Thank you to every client who has gifted me with the joy of photographing your family, your memories and being a part of your legacy.

I wouldn’t trade my 17 hour day doing what I love for even a year off on vacation (or doing anything else).

My weekend was packed this week, but nothing compared to the upcoming week. I spent Saturday with Amy & Aaron on their special day and we couldn’t have asked for a better day. We had the cutest little ones for flower girl and ring bearer and a great bridal party too! With Aaron and many of his friends being avid photography hobbyist there was no shortage of cameras at the event. It was fun for me to get a different angle showing off all the others as they captured the bride and groom.

And yesterday, I spent the afternoon with Hunter (who you may remember is a senior model) doing a bonus fall session she earned. We took Hannah Shaw along for hair and make up and just a little added fun and had a blast hanging out for what turned into hours exploring Allerton Park with Hunter, Hannah, Kathy (Hunter’s mom) and Dillon (Hunters boyfriend). We had a great time and captured some beautiful images for Hunter. Plus, we spent the rest of the evening relaxing at the Bailey’s having a little bonfire which was a great way to enjoy the nice weather.

Started the week full steam ahead with a mini session for this adorable little pup this morning. He is precious and up for adoption! I wanted so badly just to keep him because he is so sweet and calm and just absolutely the cutest. If anyone is interested in giving this little one a good home contact me.

Enjoy your week everyone!

UPDATE: This cute little pup was adopted less than a week after these images went up! I’m so excited he found a great home (though I was hoping my mother would take him home!!!)

With the afternoon I had, I have to share… I really felt like this afternoon someone should have had a camera rolling because if I had images of half the things that happened to me from 4:00-6:00 this post would be far more entertaining. Let me walk you through poor Kyler’s Senior session.

4:02 … Camera bag on shoulder, camera loaded up with 70-200 lens with fully charged battery and full CF card (I’m ready, let me tell you!), and grab the purse and we are out the door!

4:03 … Pull the door shut (gotta pull hard this is an old house)… Keep thinking I’m missing something: Camera (CHECK), Bag (CHECK), Purse (CHECK), Battery Pack in hand (CHECK)… hmm … Door clicks latched. KEYS (NOT CHECK)… Seriously, KEYS? Anyone? Do I have my keys? … In the purse, NO… Oh wait, I put them where they are supposed to go on the hook inside the door. DUN DUN DUN (dramatic music, hang with me here).

4:05 … Uh don’t panic yet. Check side door (LOCKED), Check back door (LOCKED), Call Ryan (IN A MEETING), Call Hannah (COMING RIGHT OVER WITH HAMMER AND DRILL – yes seriously we were going to get in this house!)

4:10 … Final effort before the troops (Hannah and Jason and Dennis) arrive. Me (please picture this, it’s a shame there are not images) … squeezing through the bushes in front of my house to the side porch (which is about 3 feet above the ground with a railing that is about at eye level when you are standing, in the bushes, on the ground). Yup, I’m going over. PS: Added obstacle… railing is rotted and now completely not attached to the column. Though in all fairness, the railing is likely not designed to hold a chunky woman as she attempts to break into her own home.

4:_ (who knows people, I just braved the jungle of bushes and climbed up my porch I forgot to check my watch!)

IM IN! Well sort of.. door unlocked! Problem: Couch is in front of this door! Um, lovely because why would their not be a large piece of furniture in front of this door. (Yes, I put it there. Back off).

Fast forward: Rush to session, get there 5 minutes before we are suppose to start shooting. Apologize. Explain break-in story. Hurry to setup equipment. (Side note with all the equipment malfunctions: 1) TINY bracket that I need to attache flash to the soft box dislodged in my trunk on the drive over and my trunk ate it, literally it’s MIA. Solution: improvise and trade bracket out with an alternative spare I carry for crazy days like this. 2) My quick stands which are now probably fit for the junk yard have knobs that don’t work and one finally decides to actually completely come off during the session so my stand is perpetually falling or having to be held up. And this quickly defeats the purpose of a s-t-a-n-d when all it does is fall. 3) Face/Eyes + Pine Tree. Enough Said. 4) Activate car alarm while leaving first location. I’m glad I didn’t choose to rob a bank today, I’m guessing I would have gotten caught. 5) I feel like there were more things because this just doesn’t seem to be enough but by the end of the session we were really just laughing at everything that kept happening.)

Moral of the story, it’s ALL ok! In the end, my clients didn’t get stood up because I was able to break into the house (with no power tools needed) and, most importantly, we created some great images for Kyler! But wow, it was a journey. We will have to do a family session with Kyler’s family because they should have the opportunity to have a not crazy, bad luck day session!

PS: Thanks guys for being AWESOME as karma had fun with me today.