Introducing Couture Portrait Jewelry

I am excited to introduce some new portrait jewelry to my boutique offerings. This line is so beautiful, and high quality, that the second I discovered them, I knew they were perfect for my clients. My portraits and your kids' faces couldn't be displayed better! Many of you have already admired the tile I have been wearing of my own kids - and my necklace is on its way.

This is no ordinary piece of jewelry - each is one of a kind! The tiles are quite large and made of mother of pearl; the beading on the necklace is made of precious and semi-precious stones, Czech glass, Swarovski crystals and top-of-the-line Beadlion wire with Sterling silver components. The artisan who makes these pieces chooses each bead with care - she does not buy in lots.

The price is $195. They are available to all of my clients.

If I have created portraits for you since April 2007 and you would like to order one of these necklaces with one of your portraits on it, please contact me. I will be happy to go over the choices with you:
-Necklaces are available in several color combinations, or can be custom-designed to match the portrait on the tile.
- The tiles can be ordered in two sizes.
- The necklaces come in three lengths.

See more examples on our Web site:

http://centerstage.smugmug.com/gallery/2444803#241822195

Happy Birthday!

Let's all sing a (belated) Happy Birthday to this cute little man, who turned one last week. This evening his mom brought him for portraits - along with one of the neatest props - a Radio Flier fire truck. Thank goodness for the truck - this little guy used to pose so nicely for me - but now that he's a Big Boy he's decided portraits aren't in his plans - he would rather be mooooving!

Happy Birthday J! Your proofs will be ready in about a week, Shelly!

I *love* 6-month-olds!

Six-month-old babies are the world's sweetest little creatures, and one of my favorite ages to photograph. Today I did a session for this darling little one - my third time to photograph her - and we had a great time. Chubby, red hair, big blue eyes - she's perfection.

Dana - I will have your proofs ready in a few days - but as always,
here's a few that caught my eye. Enjoy!

Photographing a Photographer

Yesterday I photographed a local photographer and friend to document her pregnancy. I'm honored that Kim chose me to create custom portraits of this special time in her life. We had a great time collaborating to create maternity portraits. She came with many ideas of poses to try - I added in my own knowledge of studio light and I think the results are beautiful!

A beautiful partnership

Many of you may not know that while I'm the public face of Center Stage Photography, I actually have a business parter. Her name is Tonya Ebner and she handles the accounting for Center Stage; she also owns the Academy of the Arts, the dance studio where the portrait studio is located. I couldn't do it with out her -- she was the one who nudged me into starting on this adventure with her just a year ago. It's been an amazing year for us - 2007 brought more success than we ever imagined.

For Tonya's birthday... 6 months ago ... I promised her a portrait session, and because we've both been so busy, we just found the time for it yesterday. I think it was worth the wait! Here's some portraits to look at, Tonya, while I work on the rest of your session (yes, even my business partner has to wait to see her portraits!). Enjoy! I can't wait to find out which ones are your favorites (and which ones you want on your portrait bag!)

Family Ties

My friend, Leslie, asked me to create portraits for her, and her brother and sister, and their families, who were all together for the holidays. Her siblings don't live here, and so it was a rare chance for portraits of the extended family. The portrait session was a memorable experience for many reasons - and I'm honored that Leslie and her family trusted me with their portraits. Here's a sneak peek for you all - one of the siblings and then one of Leslie's aunt and uncle, who came along. Your portraits will be ready in about a week.

How Precious and How Loved

The words on his blue blankie say, "How Precious and How Loved," and it's obviously true. This 6-week-old was in my studio yesterday evening for portraits - one of my Baby's First Year babies. Mom loves portraits, so I know I will be seeing the baby and his "big" sister many times over the next year. It's great to have you on board with Center Stage Photography, Amy. I look forward to our ordering session.

Enjoy your sneak peak - your gallery will be ready in a few days.

(click on the portrait to see it better).

Backdrop Love

As a mainly studio photographer, I love backdrops. They play a very important part in making a beautiful portrait. And because I want to provide you with beautiful portraits, I'm very picky about backdrops. I prefer dark backdrops, and I love ones with "hotspots" - that is, a lighter area in the center that creates drama and makes for a a classic looking portrait.

Recently I purchased a new hand-painted backdrop that is very newly introduced, so I am among the first to have it. I can't wait to photograph you, my clients, on it. It will look beautiful for family portraits, baby portraits, ballerina portraits -- even senior portraits! So, introducing "Brown Sugar." Isn't it beautiful? (Thanks goes to my kids, who helped me to test it today).
It looks good in black and white, too!

And, for my many little (and some not so little) dancers - isn't this a fun backdrop? I have wanted it for some time, and actually bought it a few months ago, but have been so busy with portrait sessions that I haven't had a chance to test it out. But here it is! Won't this make fun portraits?