Blog — Preserved Photography

Drumroll, please!

2011

The grand prize winner of last week’s photo block image contest is…… Caster Creations (95 likes)! Here’s the grand prize winning image, in case you missed it:

Congrats, Donna – you’ll be receiving an email from me soon requesting images for your free sample set!

Two additional winners, based on votes are… Amy Shepherd (72 likes) & Krista Campbell (32 likes)!

And my pick for Wild Card? It HAS to be Alexandra Delatorre. I love this… and I know there are countless others out ther who love it even more than me.

Congrats to all my winners!!! Thanks so much for playing – we’ll have to do it again soon!

Filed Under: contests, Photoblocks

So. If you’ll recall, last week I was tossing up photos of Sarah & Doug all over Facebook like they were candy (which, let’s be honest – they kind of ARE). That’s because good ol’ Doug (otherwise known as Dougie) was in town from Michigan visiting his favorite lady and we shot a session of the two of them – just because. Isn’t that sweet?

Well, obviously Sarah & Doug know how to work the camera. That’s no secret. And admittedly, they’re posed exactly the same way I would pose an engaged couple – so, several of Doug’s family members & friends back home began to question if he might be hiding something from them. (I’ll let you in on the secret now – he wasn’t).

If you know me – you know I love a good joke. I do. And apparently, so does Doug, because when we put our brains together last weekend, we came up with the BEST April Fool’s Day joke in the history of time. (probably). This was the plan… I would find a photo of my OWN engagement ring and Photoshop it onto Sarah’s finger in one of their photos so he could fool his friends & family back home. Genius, right? I thought so.

And here, my dear readers, is how the finished product turned out… I still can’t believe how legit this looks, it makes me laugh EVERY time.

It’s hilarious, right? I knew you’d agree with me.

Yesterday was the big day – and last night, just before my session (which, ironically, included Sarah & her sisters), Doug emailed me this little video he shot when he broke the news to his parents. Sarah ASSURES me they are not going to hate me for life for posting this and it’s just too funny not to share… so, I present to you, our April Fool’s joke in action. Enjoy.

And just to PROVE that it’s not real (yet… ahem, did you read that Douglas??), here’s the side-by-side. Bwahahahahaha. )

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Class of 2012… We want YOU! :)

2011

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Yes, I’m aware Spring Break is barely over. Yes, I’m aware it’s still 2011.

But you know what? I’ve got the itch to shoot some HS Seniors, so I decided it’s already time to put the feelers out for the Class of 2012!

I’m looking for several High School seniors (again, graduating in 2012) to represent Preserved Photography next year as a Senior Rep! Interested in free photos plus other fun stuff (trust me, it’s awesome because I don’t “do” un-awesome)?

Contact me to apply!

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Are you a current NWA High School senior who still hasn’t had their photo session (which means you’re obviously awesome, like me, because you’re good at procrastinating… just like me)?

You can contact me, too, ask about Senior mini-session specials that INCLUDE digital files!

Filed Under: seniors

Photographers – It’s Contest Time! – And a SALE!

2011

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As promised last week, it’s contest time!

Big thanks to those of you who sent in images – can’t wait to see who wins (or what ideas your images will inspire for others)!

Here’s the scoop… all contest images have been posted in an album on My Facebook Page (click the link & it’ll take ya straight to it). The album is titled “Photo Block Contest Images” (original, right?).

Voting will be tallied by number of “likes” on your image – simple enough, huh? Just “like” the photo you want to win – feel free to have your friends & family “like” your image, as well!

Voting ends on Saturday, April 2nd at Midnight CST.

As a reminder, here are the prizes you’re playing for:

GRAND PRIZE WINNER: Chosen based on votes, will receive a full Photographer’s Sample Set of photo blocks, as well as your submission image on a large single-sided block.

TWO RUNNERS-UP: Chosen based on votes, will receive your submission image on a large single-sided block.

WILD CARD: Chosen by me… which is going to be a super hard task for me, I’m sure. Will receive your submission image on a large single-sided block.

For those of you who didn’t get your submissions in, you’re in luck! I’m also including a little sale, just for you!

There are 15 Photographer’s Sample Sets currently available at a 25% discount. These will be up until they’re gone or until the photo contest ends – which ever comes first! So if you’re considering the sample set, now’s your chance to grab it up at a discounted price!

Discounted sets can only be purchased via the following PayPal button (items purchased through my Products page will still be full price, so click HERE instead!)

Discounted sets include USPS Priority Mail shipping within the United States. For international buyers, adjusted shipping amounts apply.

Filed Under: contests, Photoblocks

Let’s See Your Ideas | Photographer’s Photo Block Contest

2011

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This post is specifically for my fellow photographers… but clients, never fear! I have a SURPRISE coming your way soon, also!

Since the beginning of the year, I have had hundreds of images come through my inbox from other photographers (amazing, talented photographers) for photo block orders. And every time, I get so excited to print your images and create your items… and what gets me REALLY excited? When one of you has a unique idea for what to put ON your photo blocks.

I’ve seen baptismal announcements, birth announcements, storyboards… you name it. All in just a few short months.

To add to that, I can’t believe how YOU have all helped spread the word about my little blocks. And I’m thinking a contest is in order… yes?

Here’s how to play:

1. Create a file (specs: 6″x8″ / 300dpi) in Photoshop or another application, whatever you’re using.

2. Put something on that file… anything you can think of that incorporates your images. There are no rules here, anything goes! (provided it’s family-friendly, of course – you know I have to add that).

3. Save it as a JPG & email the file to me (melissa@preservedphoto.com) with a subject line of “IMAGE FOR CONTEST”.

How about a little example? This is one I just put together as a birth announcement for my nephew… JPG file is on the left, finished product on the right!

I’ll accept images from today through Saturday and after they’re all received, we’ll have a big vote over on my Facebook page throughout next week with FOUR winners being selected. Prizes are as follows:

GRAND PRIZE WINNER: Chosen based on votes, will receive a full Photographer’s Sample Set of photo blocks, as well as your submission image on a large single-sided block.

TWO RUNNERS-UP: Chosen based on votes, will receive your submission image on a large single-sided block.

WILD CARD: Chosen by me… which is going to be a super hard task for me, I’m sure. Will receive your submission image on a large single-sided block.

That’s it. Easy peasy. Can’t wait to see what you guys come up with!

**Note – contest is open to all US residents as well as my Canadian friends! S/H is included with prizes won.**

Filed Under: contests, Photoblocks

Mabel – 4 Days Old | NWA Newborn Photographer

2011

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Oh, little Miss Mabel. The most perfect little face… she looks so much like her big sisters, I could hardly believe it when I saw her. She gave us a good stretch of “awake” time today, but eventually gave in and slept so peacefully while we snapped away. Here are just a few of the images from today’s session…

Mabel’s aunt made this precious little hat for her to wear… and I am posting this specifically for her because I know what it’s like to be a super proud aunt!

Filed Under: newborns, studio

A Happy Surprise For Everyone!

2011

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If you’re local to me – or basically anywhere in the South – you already know that the sun peeped out at us already and according to my allergies (and the blooming Bradford Pears), Spring is here. Pretty much.

I am amazed at how full my calendar is already for Spring sessions and as much as I’d like to take credit for filling it up, the reality is that all of YOU are responsible for that. So… I decided to surprise everyone with a little discount.

Yep. You read that right. Every single session for March, April, and May will receive a 30% discount on my Gallery Collection. This INCLUDES every single one of you who have previously booked sessions for these months.

Why? Because you’re amazing. Plain & simple.

Thanks to each & every one of you who support my business – in every way (you all know who you are).

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Marley | NWA Children’s Photographer

2011

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If I were to write a Frequently Asked Questions list, one of the top 5 items on that list would HAVE to be “will you shoot my wedding?”

And my answer? No. Kind of.

About a year and a half ago, I made the decision to stop shooting weddings as a primary photographer. For several reasons, but the main reason is this: I work well with kids. Children and I go together like PB&J. Like Twizzlers and Coke Zero. Like Thanksgiving and turkey dinner. Like… well, I think you get the point.

I bet you think “man, her job must be fun… she gets to play leap frog & Simon Says for a living!” And you’d be right. My job is an absolute blast – most days. But, like those of you who go to an office every day, this is still my job and there are days where I wake up and frankly, I don’t want to work. But I do. And here’s a few examples of the reason why…

So, you see now? I gave up on shooting weddings to focus on what I love. Your kids. I love everything about their ability to be un-affected. Their laughs, their pouts, their angry faces… I love it all.

You can’t fake this, people. This is real life and I’m beyond thrilled to be able to share it with each and every one of my little nuggets.

Filed Under: nuggets

Beth | Surprise Session

2011

Dear Beth,

You are, quite possibly, the fiery-est firecracker I know. And I like that. You are also, most assuredly, the only person I know who can pull this pose off and make it look good.

Dear Everyone Else,

If you’re reading this, you can win your very own Surprise Session. How? Just leave a comment. Comments will be closed at MIDNIGHT CST (yes, tonight… er, technically that’s tomorrow I think) and I’ll use the good ol’ random.org generator to choose a winner!

LOVEYA BUNCHES, MY PEOPLE!

AND THE WINNER IS…. MICHELLE WOOD!

Congrats, girlie! I’ll be in touch soon so we can set it up!

The Fine Print (or something)

Session Location & Date TBA – at the discretion of the photographer.
Surprise Sessions are 20-minute mini-sessions and include 5-10 images on disk – ALL FREE.
Surprise Session is valid for ONE person/child only .
Winner MUST be located in NWA – session will take place near Bentonville/Rogers.
In the event of inclement weather, session may or may not be rescheduled, depending on availability.

Filed Under: freebies, Surprise Sessions

Announcing: Central AR Mini-Sessions!

2011

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Every year, I tell myself I’m going to make it to my old stompin’ grounds & photo all the gorgeous children that belong to my hometown peeps… and every year, scheduling gets the best of me and by the time I blink, it’s Fall busy season and I still haven’t made it.

Not this year. This year, I’m planning. In advance. I know you’re all shocked… gasp with me.

Session availability is VERY limited (4 mini-sessions are currently being booked) and the location is still up in the air (open to suggestions in Maumelle, if you have any!) but here they are…

As of right now, only one day of sessions is being offered. With enough interest, we may add additional mini’s for the following day.

In the event of inclement weather, dates will be rescheduled.

Ready to book your spot? Just click the “book it!” button below!

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