Wedding Package Overhaul!

Yesterday I posted new wedding packages on my web site, www.dowlingphotography.org. Although I have taken photos for about 14 years, I stopped taking them as a business after I had my first child -- and then three children more! I still took pictures for family and friends but I did so because they asked me, not because I was running a business. Now that I have gotten back into the business end and am comfortable with my digital camera -- actually I am LOVING my digital camera! -- I want to build my business up to be a full time photography business. In fact, just to help get a good "jump start" on a few weddings I am offering a limited number of wedding packages to deserving Brides at obscenely low prices! In a year these packages will probably at least double, so if you are planning a wedding get in on them now! I have a set number to offer before I raise my packages. You can find these on the Investment page of my web site. I am located in Spartanburg, SC but love to travel so destination Brides can give me a call as well! We'll hook you up with low travel fees and you'll probably still get a better deal than you would if these packages were normal price! Great prices, great photos -- Let's talk -- 864.978.4327

Detra
Matt 19:26

February Special!!!

So its technically not February yet but I couldn't wait another day to post this! For the month of Feb., or from today until the end of Feb., our Portrait Sessions are 1/2 off!!!! Instead of the normal $50 session fee it is only $25. This includes individuals, Seniors, families, babies, engagement sessions...just about anything except Brides. (There will be a special for Brides coming in the Spring so check back!) All portrait sessions include online proofing and ordering for friends and family. And, as always, there is no minimum purchase to participate. Call me at 864-978-4327 to book your appointment. I take 2-3 appointments per week max so these will fill up fast! Happy almost February to you. :-)

Weddings Galore!

Clint (my husband) and I sat down at the beginning of the year and decided that this year we would do things a little differently. Instead of accepting every wedding that comes our way we will have a limit of only 24 for the entire year. By limiting ourselves to 24 weddings we are able to give you more of us, more of a less stressed photographer, faster turn-around on editing and albums, simply MORE. I personally like more, so I thought you would as well!
That being said we are booking up quickly. If you are considering us as your photographer please email or call us now to reserve your date. Once our limit of 24 weddings is met we will refer you to other photographers but you won't be able to have us. :(
We are also getting inquiries for 2009 so if you are a Bride getting married next year go ahead and lock in our early 2008 prices. We will probably raise our prices again once or twice this year -- lock in at the lowest rate you can get!
Our web site can be found at www.dowlingphotography.org, or you may call us at 864-978-4327. Congrats to all of the newly engaged!

Detra
Matt 19:26

On Sunday I participated in the Elegant Wedding Showcase at the Marriott in Spartanburg, SC. This was my first ever Bridal show and I had so much fun! One of the reasons I chose this particular Bridal show was because they had a classier feel than the others in my area. They limit the number of vendors that each show can have to five per category. This helps both the vendors and the Brides to not feel overwhelmed.

As you can see there wasn't a "booth" but rather a large open space to move around in:

I displayed my GraphiStudio Album along with the others that we offer:

I also placed Hershey's hugs and kisses all over the tables. Can you believe I still have most of these??? My children don't know yet or I would be crazy by now! LOL



I had the opportunity to meet and speak with so many other great wedding vendors from our area. I will be placing links to their sites on my blog so you can check out their work as well.

I had a great time and enjoyed meeting everyone! Thanks for a great day,

Detra
Matt 19:26

Thanks, Web Sites and Bridal Shows!

Thank you so much for your prayers for Maggie! She is resting comfortably right now and seems to be improving. Although her little face is white and so pale she did had enough energy today to fight with her siblings -- that's a good sign, right?
I have requested that my new web site go live!!!! YAY!!! I can't wait for you to see the BIG pictures on it! It should be up within 36 hours. I'll let you know when its up so don't have to click so much! ;-)
I think I am ready for my Bridal Show! I'm keeping this very simple and low key, but I will be debuting something new so show up Sunday at the Marriott and see! Its the Elegant Wedding Showcase at the Spartanburg Marriott on January 20 from 11 - 4. Say hi if you see me -- I'm dying to know who reads my blog!
OK, I'm off to keep clicking... I'll let you know when its up!

Oh no!!!

Our little "elf" has the flu! She has been sick since this morning and we just got the news. Maggie (3) feels terrible, so if you could keep her in your prayers we would really appreciate it! We are also praying that the other three children don't get sick. Clint & I both had flu shots but decided not to make the children get one... SO much guilt right now!!! Maggie's pic is a couple of posts below. Thanks so much!!!!

Detra
Matt 19:26

Aheville PUG meeting with Justin & Mary Marantz!!!

Last night Clint and I went to the Asheville PUG (Pictage User's Group) and had a blast! I really thought Clint would be bored but I think he talked more about it on the way home than I did -- and that was a LOT! It was so much fun, and the special guests who came to speak to us all the way from Connecticut were none other than the uber fabulous Justin and Mary Marantz! I was so excited to meet them and they were kind enough to indulge me with a pic for my blog! They actually posted one on their blog as well, and when I saw it this morning I could have died! My children said "Mom you are famous!" LOL Here I am with Justin and Mary -- the nicest people you will EVER meet!

These were taken at the Stoneridge Tavern in Asheville, NC. Its a family owned restaurant and has the most incredible food! I should have taken a picture of how huge my onion rings were but I just dove in instead. If you are ever in the area you have to eat there.
I sat next to Jason Tench of Blue Mountain Photo Works out of Greenville, SC. We had chatted via email prior to the PUG meeting but this was our first face-to-face! Jason is a wonderful photographer and also a very nice person as well. He claims he can make better Starbucks coffee than Starbucks can -- and I'm going to find out! Here is Jason and me:


Regina Holder is our fabulous PUG leader. She kept everything running smoothly and made sure we had a good time! Regina is on the right speaking with Honour Hiers. I was truly overwhelmed meeting all of you -- and can't wait to do it again!
Here is Clint listening to everything everyone said! The very nice guy next to him isn't a photographer either so they had so much to talk about! :-) I caught them in a silent moment but trust me, this was probably the only one!

Justin Marantz and Corey McNabb talking...

Mary Marantz (on the right) and Sophia Jekic', who realized at the wrong moment the camera was pointed at her!


I have always wanted to meet Corey McNabb! He is such an awesome photographer and does workshops and shares with other photographers. Very nice person -- and he has my card!!! I don't actually know that he kept it but I screamed to Clint when we got in the car "Corey McNabb took my card!!!" LOL


It was such a magical night that it began to snow as we were eating! That led for an interesting drive back down the mountain, but we got home safe and sound and everything is all beautiful and white today!

Couldn't leave out a pic with my sweet hubby! Clint was freezing but still posed for this shot of us in the snow! How cool is he?


Thanks for a great time everyone! I can't wait to do it again!!!

Ed Pierce Seminar

Sunday after church I headed out to Columbia, SC for the Ed Pierce tour. It was a great way to start off the New Year! If you are a photographer you have to check out Ed Pierce's Photovision. Here is Ed answering questions during the break.


The very talented Parker Pfister was there as well! We got to see a short video of Parker taking photos on location. Isn't it funny how photographers enjoy being BEHIND the camera???? No one at this seminar wanted their picture taken, LOL.


I had a lot of fun! If you are a photographer wondering whether to go or not go! It wasn't life changing but I learned something and got some great ideas. You should learn something every chance you get.


Edited to add: So many people are finding this through searches that I think it should be edited to add that the DVDs alone are worth going for! Incredible value.

Happy New Year!!!

Wow! Can you believe that it is 2008??? I am still planning for Christmas -- and I can't believe its over. Just like that. Time, it is a flying!
We spent a nice time at home for Christmas. Here is a cute photo of Maggie in her Christmas pjs! Now THAT is a 3 yr old with attitude! LOL She insisted on wearing her pajamas shopping. Better a happy little girl at the mall than a screaming one! I'll choose my battles.
I had the opportunity to capture a beautiful wedding December 22! I love Christmas weddings. Everything is so pretty and sparkly. I'll do a post all by itself of the Bride, Summer. She was absolutely breathtaking!
I have bought a new website that will accommodate larger photos and is really nice looking. Hopefully it will be up soon -- I can't wait!!! I am thinking of switching from dowlingphotography.org to dowlingphotography.com. What do you think? Would it be too confusing? Someone help me decide!!! We are getting ready to grow by leaps and bounds so if we are going to do it now is the time! (But we don't want to lose anyone either!) Leave a comment and tell me what you think!