Val Stone Photography - Through My Eyes

Ringing in the New Year with a New Website!

2012!  Really?  How in the world did that happen?  Where did 2011 go?  And 2010?  Wasn't it just 2009?  The years just keep on rolling by, faster than I can keep count!  2011 was an amazing year full of great clients, and a new baby in our own family!  And I imagine that 2012 is going to be just as AWESOME!

Our new and improved website is LIVE and ready for browsing, with an updated portfolio and great new features, such as a mobile site you can access from your phone and a Fine Art Photography section (coming soon)!  As always, my site and blog are works in progress, where we'll constantly be adding new images, products and ideas!  Please check it out and let us know what you think. 

www.ValStonePhotography.com

Looking back through all my old sessions for the portfolio on my new website got me thinking about how quickly our little ones grow up!  People always ask me the BEST time to have portraits taken... whether it's OK to wait til their newborn has some more "baby fat" or if they should really spend the money now when their toddlers are going to just change again and look different in three months.  But, isn't that point??  You want to capture every single stage... So, my response always is, NOW is the best time to get those portraits taken. It doesn't matter if there's a bit of baby acne or a missing tooth (or teeth, as is the case with my own son right now).  Looking back, you won't want to have missed a single second. 

Circa 2007... They're only small enough to hold our hands for a short time...

Just one...

I was working on preparing proofs from a recent session...and just fell in love with this photo of 15 month old Jude!!  What I love the most is the part that you can't see....he's looking up at Mom. 

Perfect Fall Photo!

Sometimes you have the perfect portait in mind... but your subject has other plans.  And in the end, it turns out even better than you ever imagined.  Haha!

There are still a couple slots left for the Glimpse of Santa Sessions.  Contact us as soon as possible to reserve your spot!

Fall Into Savings!!

It's that time of year when our thoughts turn to cool nights, fall leaves and the upcoming holidays!!  I LOVE it! 

HOLIDAY DEADLINES AND AVAILABILITY
Our session deadline for 2011 is November 15th. Holiday orders are due by Monday, November 21st.  There are a limited number of full studio and location sessions left.  If you are interested in booking a session this season, please contact us as soon as possible to reserve your spot on the calendar.
Val@valstonephotography.com

MINI SESSION MADNESS SALE
Looking for a few updated photos or that perfect shot to use on your Christmas cards?  Our studio mini sessions are the answer!!  Check out our new studio backdrop and floor options here!  They're great for babies and preschoolers!

Option 1: 50% of your $65 session fee will apply towards your print order.  In addition, take 10% off all prints with your $250 minimum order (canvas portraits and cards not included).
Option 2: $500 mini session package includes a $500 print credit, 10% off print orders over the credit (canvas portraits and cards not included) and 2 high resolution jpg images of your choice, perfect to use on holiday cards or for photo gifts.

Sessions must be booked and take place by November 15, 2011.

FUN PHOTO DAYS 
We have two great Fun Photo Days planned at the studio to celebrate the season!  Our Fun Photo Days are a great way to purchase holiday prints at reduced prices.

 

 HALLOWEEN PHOTO DAY - NO SESSION FEE!
Bring your little ghost or goblin (or cowboy) into the studio for Halloween costume photos on Thursday, October 27th.  No session fees.  Just reserve a time and come in to have your little ones photographed in costume.  You'll have the opportunity to order prints on-the-spot for up to 50% off.  Prints up to size 8x10 are 50% off and prints 11x14 or larger are 30% off. Available to a limited number of clients per half hour, so please call by October 25th to reserve your spot between 9:00 am and 1:30 pm.  Also, please arrive to the studio in costume, or as close as possible.  There are no minimum orders or obligations to purchase. 

 

 

GLIMPSE OF SANTA PHOTO DAY - $35 SESSION FEE
These are not your typical Santa photos!!!  Get the perfect Santa photo for your cards, gifts or mantle at our "Glimpse of Santa" Fun Photo Day on November 17th.  You'll have the opportunity to order prints on-the-spot for 30% off.  Available to a limited number of clients, so call early to schedule your appointment.  Also, please arrive to the studio dressed and ready for photos.  We recommend children be dressed in red, white, black or denim. Feel free to bring holiday props, such as lollipops, candy canes or Santa hats.



 

 

 

New Look For Studio Portraits, New Website, and New Framing Choices!

You know how the one thing all of us moms really want is ONE great shot of our kids together??  Well, I got that shot!  This one is printed Big, on canvas, and hanging right across from my bed so that I can see their beautiful faces every time I wake up!  (And yes, I did have to bribe Tanner both to take off his shirt and to sit still, but it was OH SO WORTH IT!)

 

So one of the many things I got to do while on maternity leave (besides smooching on my adorable new baby) was FINALLY having some time to work on some much needed studio and website updates.  (I know...can you believe that being on maternity leave with a new baby would give me more free time than when I was working?? Go figure!! )   

The new and updated website will be unveiled in early October and will include both html and mobile device options!  And the new framing options will also be available in October!  However, the new studio backdrop and flooring selections are already here and in use!  Now, of course, you'll still have all the same options as always, but I am really excited to be able to offer a variety of new looks, while still keeping in line with my clean and contemporary style.  In addition to what's shown here, there are three more backdrops, including a blue one just for boys, and all backdrops and floors can be mixed and matched!  Here's a few examples with my adorable daughter, Kylan (Yes, I'm totally biased!!):

Ok, I'm posting this one because I think it's kinda strange that she's so close to sitting up at only 4 months old!!  She holds herself up and stands, too!  Yikes, I better start the baby-proofing!

And here are a couple of my ADORABLE clients who recently got to try out our new looks!

 

 

 
 
 
 
 

Summer Specials and Discounts!

Well, things are going great here!  Little Kylan is growing so fast... I can't believe she's already seven weeks old.  We're definitely savoring every moment.  Here's a few photos...

 
 
 
If you plan to book a session later this year, I will be back at work by the end of August, early September.  With things heating up outside, I thought I'd throw some cool deals your way!  For those thinking ahead to fall and the holidays, it's a great way to get ahead on your holiday shopping!  All the specials must be booked by July 31st.  Book by July 15th, and save an extra 5% on any of the deals below by mentioning this discount!

10% off all Portrait and Digital Collections
Prepurchase your Collection when you book your portrait session, and save 10% off both!  Discounts range from $100-$400 depending upon the collection chosen.  Collections can be seen here.  Terms:  Sessions must be booked and collections prepaid together by July 31, 2011 and must take place weekdays during regular business hours by October 31, 2011. 

Digital Daze Package - Session Fee and Digital Jpgs for one low price!
$600/studio       $650/location
Add a set of 4x6 color or b/w proofs of your whole session for just $150!
These days almost everyone is interested in purchasing high resolution digital images.  Here's a special that should make you smile.  For one low price, you'll receive up to one hour in the studio or on location for your session and five of your favorite images on CD in high resolution for personal use!  Plus save 10% on any prints or portraits purchased (canvases and cards not included).  If purchased ala carte, that's over a $1000 savings!!  This is a perfect special for parents of babies and young children who want to share images with grandparents and relatives, as well as for those who want to get their Christmas Shopping done early. Terms:  Package (including proof set) must be booked and prepaid in full by July 31, 2011 and must take place weekdays during regular business hours by October 31, 2011.  A limited number of packages are available at this price.

Oh Baby! Package
$275/studio
Have a new baby at home that is less than 12 months old?  This special studio offer is just for you!  It includes a 30 minute studio session, a $275 print credit, and 10% off any additional prints purchased (canvases and cards not included).  Terms:  Package must be booked and prepaid in full by July 31, 2011 and must take place weekdays during regular business hours by October 31, 2011.  A limited number of packages are available at this price.

Newborn Love Package
$500/studio
Oh, how I love squishy, squashy precious newborns!!  Moms, I know you're exhausted, feeling crummy and just muddling through the day, but don't forget to document this special time with photos!  It goes by SO fast.  This package, especially for your newborn, includes a 45 minute studio session, your favorite image on disk as a high resolution jpg (perfect for birth announcements and gifts for the grandparents), a $400 print credit for you, and 10% off any additional prints purchased (canvases and cards not included)!  Valued at $845!  We recommend scheduling your newborn session BEFORE your baby is born in order to insure availability. Terms:  Package must be booked and prepaid in full by July 31, 2011 and must take place weekdays during regular business hours by October 31, 2011.  A limited number of packages are available at this price. This package is for newborns up to 6 weeks old.  Certain poses may include mom and dad.  Siblings may not be included.

Also, keep an eye out for our annual Arboretum Mini Sessions... dates, prices, and great special packages will be announced soon!  Starting at $50, these 20 minute mini sessions will be held at the JC Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh.  They are a PERFECT if you need just a few great holiday photos and updated portraits.

If you haven't already, please show us how much you LIKE us on our Val Stone Photography Facebook Page!

Last September, I had the opportunitiy to document the baptism of two very adorable little girls!  Here's a few images from their special day...

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

I'm Still Here!!

Hi everyone.  I know, I know!  My blog hasn't been updated since last August!  YIKES.  Every week I had the intention of posting an update, and time and energy just slipped away.  However, I have a VERY good excuse.  :~)  Last September, I found out I was pregnant.  For those that know me well, you know that pregnancies are hard won for me, and also not so super easy.  So, I spent the next five months pretty sick with hyperemesis (which is a severe form of "morning sickness," morning, noon and night).  After that, I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes and then pre-eclampsia.  Wow, what a journey it's been!  But, the end result is OH SO WORTH IT!!!

Kylan was born three weeks early on Mother's Day, May 8th, 2011, and is absolutely perfect in every way.  We are SOOOO blessed and couldn't be happier. 

Over the past nine months I photographed so many awesome babies, children and families, a baptism and a wedding, and I promise to update the blog this summer with some of my favorite images.  I will be on maternity leave until September, but look forward to getting back to work this fall.  If you'd like to schedule a session for the fall, please email or call, and we'll get it on the calendar.  Please also keep an eye on the blog for our fun photo days this fall, as well as our Arboretum mini session dates.  Thanks to all of you who have already sent your congratulations, and thanks to all my clients who understood my circumstances over the past nine months!

Here's some photos of our precious baby girl!

Two days old in the hospital:

 

Nine days old, back at home:

 

 

Mini Sessions at JC Raulston Arboretum

 

A mini portrait session with Val is the PERFECT way to update your children's portraits or get a jump start on your holiday gifts and cards, without the time, stress or expense of a full location session!
  

Once again, we will be scheduling these special mini sessions at the beautiful JC Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh.  We've had a LOT of interest in our mini sessions, so please call as soon as possible if you have questions or would like to reserve a time for your children or family!  919-267-4744

Dates, Prices, and additional Information... 

Each mini session will last 30 minutes.  On-line proofs will be provided in a private shopping cart approximately one week following your session.  Portraits and products will be available for pick-up within 2-3 weeks of placing your order.

 

Dates and Times
Thursday, September 9th, 2010

Sessions will be scheduled throughout the morning and late afternoon.

 

Session Fees    
$50 (1-2 siblings)

3-4 siblings or immediate family up to 5 people will need to schedule two mini session

Portraits and Products

Special Mini Session Packages starting at $275, or order prints and products ala carte!

 
 
  
  

Christmas In July Specials!

I hope you are all having a great summer so far!  We're gearing up for a fantastic 4th of July holiday weekend.  And in honor of my two favorite holidays it's that time again.  Time for our...

Christmas in July Special

OH BABY! OH BABY! 
(There are a FEW sessions still available at this discount.  Act Fast!)
An AWESOME Special Offer just for the BABIES.
Between July 1st and September 15th, book a location session, full studio session or mini studio session for your baby 24 months or younger and receive 40% off.  That's right, you'll receive 40% off your session fee.  Fine Print:  Sessions must be booked and take place by September 15, 2010...with one exception... newborn moms may book their baby's session in advance through November 15, 2010.  There are a limited number of sessions available at this discount; first come, first serve.

REFER A FRIEND 
(THESE SESSIONS HAVE BEEN SOLD OUT AND ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE.) 
Book a session for you and one for a friend, and both of you will receive 40% off your session fees. Fine Print:  Sessions must be booked by July 31, 2010 and must take place by August 15, 2010.  40% discount on session fees will only be given once both sessions have been booked. There are a limited number of sessions available at this discount; first come, first serve.

Also, keep an eye out for our Arboretum Mini Sessions... dates, prices, and great special packages will be announced soon!  Starting at $50, these 20 minute mini sessions will be held at the JC Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh.  They are PERFECT to get some great holiday photos and updated portraits, especially for older children and siblings.

If you haven't already, please show us how much you LIKE us on our Val Stone Photography Facebook Page!

I loved this little cutie who was already in the spirit a few months early!

Remember to call soon and take advantage of our OH BABY and REFER A FRIEND specials!

 

 
  
For those of you who visit our Christmas Tree Lot each year, please go to our Neighbor Boy blog for more information on Christmas in July Christmas Tree savings, as well as lawn care and landscape specials.  Neighbor Boy Blog

Watch me work! Check out this video...

While I primarily specialize in babies, children and families, we also photograph weddings and work with commercial and business clients.  Recently, I had the opportunity to work with a commercial client, Garman Homes, to help them transform their logo!  We had a great time, and working with Jim, Alaina and their crew was a blast.  Check out this video to watch me work and see the logo transformation (not sure how long it will be up, so I apologize in advance if the link doesn't work).  Transformation Video.  Also, here's one of my favorite images from the session: