Blogography...

As much as we love the backgrounds and accessories we work with, there are times we feel we need something new and exciting.

We got some really great new backgrounds. I think we are dreaming of spring - they are light, fresh, and fun. I guess it's not really out with the old, more just in with the new.

We do a lot of mom-to-be photos, and my favorites are when there are siblings. This is Madison (and her mom and dad), soon to be big sister! She's cute as can be, and mom has an amazing looking belly, that's for sure.

Celebrating pregnancy is wonderful, no matter if it's your first or your fifth. We have a variety of ways to show off that baby belly, as well as incorporate siblings. Check out our website for more examples.

We're just full of new things these days. New albums, new frames, and now these little cuties. These are our minibooks - they come in 3x3in or wallet size and hold around 15 images! Let me tell you, I have given several as gifts already and they are a huge hit. (These actually came in last week, but I waiting to blog them because I gave a couple to a dear friend that I know reads the blog!) What better way to share your new baby, graduating senior, or wedding than with these little friends?

The minimum order for these minibooks is 3, but who would want just one? I am so in love with these little guys, you have to come in and check them out. Super cute gifts, or keep them for yourself at your desk or in your purse!

We love finding new products to share, and we have truly found a gem. These are frames by The Organic Bloom, (http://theorganicbloom.com/index2.php#/home/) a lovely little company (although getting bigger by the minute!).

With colors like riviera waters, lilac whisper, and lily pad, these frames give a pop of color to any space. (Just what we need in this gloomy season!) There are so many designs/shapes to choose from, we went a little crazy ordering our samples!

If you are interested in looking at these gorgeous frames, come on in. We have a huge variety of samples, and I'm sure there's a perfect match for you. Seriously, these frames are to die for. I already purchased two for my house, and I can tell it won't be enough!

Look at this beautiful new album! We've started working with a new printing company and just got our first sample. As you can see, it's beautiful! The pages lay flat, which is a great way to view your album. The cover is super cool - there are a bunch of different options. This cover is kind of metallic, but there's leather, other fabrics, and even custom photo covers.

I know we are living in a digital age, and it's getting more and more rare to actually print images. Although I love being able to share images over the internet, there's nothing like actually holding a beautiful album in your hands and flipping through it.

We design custom albums of all kinds - have a disc of your wedding photos and aren't sure what to do? We can design an album for you! Our most popular album is the birth to one album. We know you're going to run out of wall space, so why not create something that really lasts and doesn't take up too much space?

Come into the studio and check out our samples!

Our senior dog contest ends next week, so be sure you've voted! To vote, like us on our Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/artisphotography) and check out our senior dog contest album. The dog with the most 'likes' on their photo wins some great stuff.

All of our entrants have generously donated at least $25 to Grey Muzzle (www.greymuzzle.org), a great organization that is dedicated to improving the lives of senior dogs.

As you all know, we love dogs. February is Distinguished Dog month! We will be holding a senior dog photo contest (senior dog - dog older than 8 years), we think it's so important to celebrate our older best friends.

We have been inspired by so many of our senior dogs that have come in for photos, and their stories. These two images are photos of my friends', Jeff and Julie, dogs. Jenna is a rescue, as is Max (seen on the blue chair).

The entry fee for this contest is $25 and ALL proceeds go toward Grey Muzzle. (http://greymuzzle.org/index.htm) Images must have been taken by us after January 1, 2011.

There will be awesome prizes donated by our most favorite pet store, Paddywack - stay tuned! Voting will be exclusively on Facebook.

So tell your friends, tell them to get their old dogs in for photos! Or at least tell them to get ready to vote for your dog!

These are two of my favorite Halloween photos. Not because one is of my dear friend's little girl and one is of my dog... Ok, that's part of it. But look at how cute Madison is! And Georgia is such a good sport sitting there in her embarrassing costume. I make her wear the same costume every year.

We are so busy, I've been terrible about keeping up with the blog. (If you want a more day-to-day of what we're up to, be sure to join us on Facebook.) We were just recently featured on Groupon, and sold 625 of them. WOW. It's awesome, and we are booking up SO fast. We probably schedule 2-3 Groupon sessions every day. Not for that day, but I mean book them for some time before Christmas. Although tomorrow we are shooting 5 Groupon sessions, in addition to one non-groupon and 5 presentations. Whew.

Halloween is coming up, and we'll be at the Mill Creek Town Center again this year photographing little ones (and big ones) in their costumes. We'll be under the covered area by Central Market. Huge shout out to Jim, Central Market's awesome manager. He and his crew make a great set up for us, complete with a big red tractor. So fun. Pics are free to have taken, you can look at them online and purchase if you want.

We LOVE dogs. I mean, love them. I have two, my life would be so sad without them! (Although, there would be a lot less vacuuming without them...)

Here's a few tips for a success shoot with your dog:

1. Exercise them before you come: a walk, fetch, something to get their nerves out
2. Bring treats with you, something special they love
3. Your dog will set the pace for the shoot, know that going into it. Both my dogs need a good 5-10 minutes running around the studio before they settle for a shoot - that's ok!
4. Be patient, and let us teach your dog what we want from them. You can see the light go off in their brain when they realize "Oh! I get treats to stay still on the couch!"
5. This is the most important rule: DON'T STRESS! Your dog senses your stress, and it's all downhill from there. Patience is important!
6. I must add, basic obedience is a plus!

We have photographed an entire play group of dogs, we've done 4 standard poodles at once, we've seen it all. If your dog is skittish or fearful, or has any other issues, please let us know. We can work with a lot of different personalities, but please use your discretion if your dog has any aggressive behavior. Our first priority is safety.

A few from the first shoot at the new spot! More soon, I have to get back to painting!

We are fully moved into the new location and getting ready for our open house this Saturday. Please come, it's from 5-8pm July 17th at our new spot: 8731 Maltby Rd, Suite 4 Snohomish, WA 98296

Here's a pic of the outside, come to our open house to see the inside!