Yikes...Technical Difficulties!

Just to let anyone that has or is trying to reach me via email. Please feel free to send emails but if you need an immediate response please call 859.967.6685. Thank you for understanding!! Jill

Spring = Busy, busy, busy!

I hadn't realized how long it's been since I've updated this blog! It's been busier than usual and I think that each year it surprises me more and more. I just wrapped up the St. Joseph East Maternity and daycare pictures along with lots of newborn and kid sessions! If you're interested in scheduling a portrait session please give me a call at 859.967.6685 or email jill@dreamcapture.com. Keep in mind that when I'm on location it is difficult to make timely return calls and email can be a better way to get in touch, initially anyway.

Things that I Wonder...

In the capturing of the image at top of this page, I thought at first sight how happy the color yellow made me. I had to capture that "Happy" and I set to work seeing it through my lens. I love all the colors in the background but had to find a focal point. In selecting this particular flower as my focal point, there was no real reason. It was just there or it stood out to me, in retrospect, I don't really recall. Maybe it was just waving at me in the slight breeze, maybe it was slightly taller than all the rest, who knows. Does it really matter? Probably not. But, I do wonder at times why things catch my eye. Or, the eye of another, for that matter. At first glance, what moves a person to the point that they may even gasp, unknowingly, as their breath is taken. Taken for no other reason save it's very being.

The image of this flower and the sea of all that surround it, represents to me the perception I have about us as individuals. I think there are times when we may seem similar, if not identical, to those in our stereotype (whatever stereotype that may be). But, there are also many times when we are set apart from all the rest just by our very being. Set apart so much so that we may even cause someone's world to stop as they gasp, unknowingly.

VALENTINE'S DAY GIFT CERTIFICATES!

If you haven't already picked up the perfect Valentine's Day gift or you don't feel like strolling the malls ~ then give me a call! Gift certificates are available in any denomination and can be picked up on short notice.

All Gift Certificates purchased in the amount of $100 or more will be DOUBLED in value!!

This offer is good only on Gift Certificates purchased/paid for by 8pm on Friday, February 13th!

Some restrictions may apply. Gift Certificates must be prepaid. Cash, money order, Visa, and MasterCard are acceptable forms of payment.

Call 859.967.6685 or email jill@dreamcapture.com

On the Market?

PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION 2009!

As history is made this Tuesday, January 20th,

I will be attending the Presidential Inauguration with my children.

I'm so excited and I think this will be the best field trip EVER!

That being said, I will unavailable until the afternoon of January 22nd.

I will do my best to return calls in the evening

as time and telephone service allows.

Please watch history with me on Tuesday!

Click here for information regarding Inaugural Events!

Wall Portrait Special!!!!

For a very limited time wall portraits will be specially priced so this is the perfect time to update your walls or get ready for the best Valentine's Day gift EVER!!

There are some restrictions which vary according to each session. Some variables would be things such as images must be available for larger reproduction, archived images would need to be retrieved, etc.

I do have many of my files taken within the past year currently accessible. So, if you think you're interested please contact me at

jill@dreamcapture.com

or call 859.967.6685!

You would need to know the image number if you would like to order via phone. I will have a single day that I will preview the images if that would be helpful to anyone. This will be the only day that previewing for these specially priced portraits will take place. A separately scheduled preview may take place, however, the discounted pricing would not apply.

With the exception of Simply Baby participants and those being used for display, I will be archiving the images from all sessions prior to December 1, 2008 after the date below.

• 11x14 ~ $79 save $20

• 16x16 or 16x20 ~ $99 save $40

• 20x20 or 20x24 ~ $149 save $60

• 20x30 ~ $199 save $100

Preview date will be January 26, 2009 for the discounted wall portraits. 15-30 minute preview appts will be scheduled between the hours of 10am and 7pm. This will be the time to place your order and anyone participating in the decision making is welcome to join us!

Last day to place an order using the special pricing is February 15, 2009.

Accepted methods of payment are cash, check, Visa, and/or MasterCard.

Is it already 2009?!

I overheard someone say that it was 2009 and thought I should make a few updates!!

This past year was such a whirlwind and just when I thought I was ready to begin the New Year, it apparently began even without my "okay"!

I will be making a few announcements over the next several days (which is your que to bookmark this blog), I want to start by letting everyone know that there will be NO price increase with the changing of the New Year. Instead, I will make a few changes to the process of creation to eliminate any unnecessary expenditure on my end. This, I believe is referred to as "trickle down" economics!

My personal note and reasoning for this change...or lack thereof...

I believe that you can choose what defines you. It can be your career, your house, car, or all of the latest fashions hanging nicely in your walk-in closet. But, when your youth is behind you and memories are the topic of conversation amongst distant and close relatives, alike, you will never be able to say that the organization of your lovely closet was a pivotal moment in which everything made perfect sense. You will never say that your career beamed at you with curious eyes and a toothless grin that was reserved all day long just for you. And, you will never say that your house was more beautiful without your family portraits.

So...while you can enjoy some or all of these things throughout life, it's truly your family, friends, and your memories that will ultimately define who you are.

Portraits may seem a luxurious item to some but I believe they are an absolute necessity for reasons far too many to list here. I don't just love the experience of creating them, I truly want you to have them to treasure with your family. I realize that a personal photographer isn't always feasible and I know that there are chain stores that can provide the "quickie print". By all means, whether it's a chain store or another photographer, capture this day...this moment! You will never look back with regret nor will you ever look at your portraits and think you need to sell them in a yard sale!

Of course, I would love to see you and capture these moments for you! So, call or email me today!

I hope you all are having a wonderful beginning to this New Year!!

859.967.6685 or email jill@dreamcapture.com

Thank You Santa!!

Okay, tell me I don't have the best Santa and I would have to say you're wrong!

This Santa will sit on the floor all day, hold new babies, and talk to them all the while! I love him and I'm so glad he paid us a visit!

Thank you Santa...Merry Christmas!!

**I still have a few more to upload but here's just a few for now

'Tis the Season...

I LOVE babies...and their Big Brothers!

Santa Sessions Update...

All Santa Sessions are booked and email confirmations have been sent. Thank you!!

Ahh...the Stretch and Yawn...

Those having had a newborn session with me must know how much I LOVE the yawn progression of these little babies. Even better is when they put forth such effort to stretch at the same time. Just the cutest! Here is a recent one...

SANTA SESSION TIMES AVAILABLE!!

I'd I thought I'd send out a last minute notice to let anyone interested know that there are a few available times for the Santa Sessions.

The Santa Sessions include up to 30 minutes of play time with Santa along with an 8x10 and 12 wallets. Santa will also have a little gift for each child to take home. The cost is still $49 per child per session. Siblings are half price. Payment is due at the session.

We don't use a big chair or people dressed in elf costumes, just Santa and some cute trees and toys. Santa will sit on the floor with your child and play while interacting with them. If it takes a bit for your child to warm up then we let them, this should be a magical experience without tears and we will make sure that it stays that way. This is the only approach in staying with the consistent lesson we teach our children, which is: "Don't talk to strangers...and certainly, don't go sitting on their lap!". So, we make it so that Santa is no stranger, plain and simple.

If you're interested in one of the times available please send an email or leave a voice mail to let me know which time is best and which time would be a second choice. They will be scheduled on a first come first serve basis and you will receive an email confirmation letting you know that you've been scheduled.

Times available: 12:30p 1p 1:30p 2p

Thank you and if we don't get a chance to see you this time,

have a wonderful Christmas!

859.967.6685 or email jill@dreamcapture.com

SANTA IS ON HIS WAY!!!

It's that time of year again....

December 7th

10am - 4pm Santa is going to visit with us again this year for scheduled sessions so that each child has the opportunity to enjoy this special time. Santa will take his time so that there are no tears ~ this should be fun and exciting for children and not a traumatic event...EVER! Sessions will last up to 30 minutes and each child will receive a special little something from Santa. Session times are limited so contact jill@dreamcapture.com if you are interested. Cost: $49 per child ~ Siblings $24.50

Receive an 8x10 and 12 wallets

with a donation (approx $10) to a local charity (items will be available to purchase for your donation.) Includes up to 30 minutes with Santa and a special gift. Special pricing and packages will be offered as well. Don't miss out!!

As the holiday season rushes in...

I realize on some days, more than others, just what a wonderful clientele I have. I am so fortunate to do what I love every day. I am even more fortunate to do what I love with people gracious enough to allow me a glimpse into their lives. Many of my clients have become wonderful friends and I am so thankful for them.

As most of you know (those that have been coming to me for a while), I tend to over-extend myself which usually causes me to trigger an episode of vertigo, Meniere's Disease, and/or BPPV. I haven't gotten a definitive diagnosis in all this time but whatever it is, it makes me feel terrible. During these episodes, it's difficult for me to keep up or communicate clearly. I appreciate everyone being so patient, especially with this last episode. That being said, if you have called over the past couple of weeks or attempted to contact me and have not received a return call, please accept my apology and if you are still in need of my services I would love to hear from you again.

To everyone who checked in on me and offered a helping hand or just left a note to say that you were thinking of me, I am so very grateful.

So, while it may be frustrating for some, myself included. I am learning to follow advice I heard from someone which is:

"Embrace that which defines you".

There are just some things beyond our control.

The winners are...

The costume contest winners are...

1st place goes to Malarie, the Bumble Bee! ~ $25 gift certificate!

2nd place goes to Graysen, the Bunny! ~ $15 gift certificate!

3rd place goes to Will, the Sheriff! ~ $10 gift certificate!

Originally, there wasn't a 3rd place prize

but the votes were very close all around

so I decided that the top 3 would be awarded prizes!

Thank you to everyone who participated by being in costume and for voting!

VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!

PLEASE GET OUT AND VOTE TODAY!!!

You know what they say...if you don't vote then you'll have to keep quiet.

The thought of that, for me, is not an option. Never!

I'm so into this whole political thing (always have been) and,

in keeping politics separate from business relations,

I will be spending my day voting and

taking advantage of the opportunity to talk with my kids

about the whole process and how we get to this point, and beyond.

I love every minute of it!

I rarely take a day off, but I will be unavailable this election day.

I will return calls, emails, etc. on Wednesday but,

being addicted to my work,

I may check my messages if my will becomes weak

so let me know if there is something vital

that needs an immediate return call

(like if you need a ride to the polls).

FYI: There were some announcements yesterday morning on one of the local channels that stated the polls would be open later than they actually will be but that was NOT true.

The polls are open 6a-6p as always.

Costume Portraits Online!!

Hmmmm....time to save the world! Ahhh...just milked...

Heffalumps are real...

This cow was just milked...what's he crying about??? Okay, this little farmer is a little too cute...

There's a new sheriff in town, so get yourself in check out there!!

Friendly little firefighter...

Busy little bee...

This is the closest thing to bunnies that I get in my studio! If they were all this cute, I would have more...but, they're not so I'm glad this one hopped my way...

Arrrgh!!

A little bee buzzing around a flower......

Roar!!

If you would like to participate in an equally important election this year, check out the costume portraits on the website at www.dreamcapture.com and send your vote through the "Contact Us" page.

Or, if you can resist, and not look at any others then you can send your vote from here to jill@dreamcapture.com.

Everyone is so adorable, I just can't get over it!!!

And, I just have to say that these are not edited images so there may be some items that need touch up but that will be done to the final print. These are just proofs to view and enjoy...

HOLIDAY CARDS!!

Here are a few of the newest holiday cards I'll be offering this season.

I think these are so cute and, of course, colors and text

can be custom to make it reflect your personality.

Note cards should be ordered by the end of this month

to ensure that they are back in time to mail before the holiday season rush ~

so don't wait until the last minute!!!

If you haven't had a portrait session already, contact me today via email at jill@dreamcapture.com. I am on location or doing previews the majority of the time right now so email is the best way to begin contact and we can follow up from there.

Last Call....

A few session times are still available,

contact me tonight via at jill@dreamcapture.com if you're interested!!

Okay, is this just adorable?? I love these ornaments so much! So, I decided to include them in a little holiday special.

~ $185* ~

Includes:

• 30 minute session (up to 5 subjects) in my studio or on location if the weather permits
• 25 Postcard style note cards (including envelopes)
• 1 8x10
• 2 5x7's
• 15 Wallets
• 1 Adorable Pewter ornament

October 4, 2008 Sessions will take place one day only!

Don't miss out!

Session times available:

• 10am - Booked
• 10:30am - Booked
• 11:00am
• 11:30am - Booked
• 4pm - Booked
• 4:30pm
• 5pm
• 5:30pm - Booked
• 6pm - Booked
• 6:30pm - Booked

Preview appointments for selecting your images will be done October 5th, 6th, and 7th. Additional days for previewing may be added if necessary.

Preview appointments last approx. 30 minutes.

Preview appt times available on Oct 5th:

• 3pm
• 3:45pm
• 4:30pm - Booked
• 5:15pm - Booked
• 6pm - Booked

Preview appt times available on Oct 6th:

• 1pm - Booked
• 1:45pm - Booked

Preview appt times available on Oct 7th:

• 10am
• 10:45am
• 11:30am
• 12:15pm
• 1pm
• 1:45pm
• 2:30pm
• 5pm - Booked
• 5:45pm - Booked

*Prepayment of $185 must be made at time of booking. Acceptable methods of payment are Cash, Check, Visa, and MasterCard. If you would like to book without full prepayment, a deposit of $100 must be made with a balance of $100 due at session ($200 total), this offer is based on availability only. Payments are non-refundable.

Call 859.967.6685 today to schedule your time!!

Or, email Jill at jill@dreamcapture.com

for additional information or to schedule your session