Christmas Mini Shoots!

So who's up for some mini shoots this weekend?!?!

I know, a little last minute, but it's usually how life usually works anyway, right?

So here's the deets!

When: This Saturday! ( November 17, 2012)
Times available:
      1:30, 1:45 and 2:00
Where: Outside! Around the white gazebo by the Bez - with the beautiful river in the background

OR later in the day...

Times:  3:30, 3:45 and 4:00
Where:  At the studio! A small Christmas theme! (Maybe a couple of props!)

How much?: $80.00
What do ya get?: 3 High resolution Photos, 5 Christmas cards with envelopes (one photo/one design)

If this weekend is just too soon, here is another date and times available!

When: Thursday November 22, 2012
Time: 7:00, 7:15 or 7:30
Where: At the studio! With a christmas theme!

Contact me with the times that you'd like!
Call or text 281.7931 or email wharder@gmail.com

I look forward to hearing from you!

Christmas Card Collection

I think it's here.

Winter.

The beginning of scraping windshields, bad roads and freezing cold weather. (Yay.)

And if you think about it, Christmas isn't that far away.
I don't know why, but it takes me a while to get into the Christmas spirit. My husband would like to turn on the Christmas music, but I told him he has to wait until December. (Then I might be ready!)

When you're a photographer, Christmas should start in October. Getting organized, making Christmas cards, booking in photo sessions.

But I'm a little behind this year. It's been fantastically great! Super busy and loving it!

So here it is, a couple of custom cards that I've designed so you and your families can have some great cards to hand out this year! If you've had a session with me this past year, we can use one (or a couple!) of those photos - and put them into your favourite design. Or we can set up an appointment!

The ones shown here, are either a 4x8 or a 5x7 and they come with envelopes! You can customize them with your family names and an additional short message (for some of them anyway)

If you're thinking about a card, please contact me for prices! I'd love to hear from you!

Holiday Mini Session dates and information is coming this week! Stay tuned!!

Get 10% off your next session by mentioning you read my blog! 

Stay warm and safe! 

The Newborn Lifestyle

Meet Baby Cassia and her family!

Isn't she just adorable? Only 5 days old, her dad emailed me and said "We're home! Will come and do photos?" 

They wanted some casual, what I call "lifestyle" shots. Nothing really posed, just the family hanging out.  

My favourite kind of photo shoot!! So I headed over their place and got to hang out with this amazing family! 

No pressure, just do whatever you gotta do! 

And just look at those adorable photos we got!! 

Doesn't big brother Spencer look so proud! 

Mom and Dad haven't seen these photos yet - I'm delivering the CD tonight to Dad's office!So Here's a little sneak peak for you guys! 

Back to School!

It's Back to School time!!

Want something different for photos this year?

Meet Miss Lily. She is heading off to kindergarten! 

$75.00 - You choose any outdoor location that you and your kids want. The shoot takes about 30 mins - we'll do a couple of different poses and you choose which sheets you would like. We can add siblings in a photo and we'll have fun! 

It's fun! NO line ups... no forced smiles. The kids will love it! 

Great memories to keep! 

Fun and natural... is there anything better? Let kids be kids... 

Check out the pesky little brother in the background ;) 

These prices are in effect for September and October of 2012.

 I'm guessing spots will fill up fast! So let me know when you would like to book! 

And while you have the kids all dressed up, why not do a couple of family photos? Or some of the siblings together. You can also order more sheets, or get the digital copy to share with friends online. Here's a few more prices just in case! 

Add family photos - $20.00 (same amount of sheets)

Sheets - reg price $25.00 - school special - $15.00

Digital copy on disc - reg price $35.00 - school special - $20.00/photo

Call/text or email if you have any questions, or would like to book your kids in! 

Small print: $75.00 is for one child. if you have multiple kids you'd like to get photos of, it's $55.00/kid. 

so 3 kids - 75,55 and 55 = $185. prices in effect for Sept and Oct 2012 only! must be doing school photos. outdoor locations only. $25.00 extra to book in studio. full payment due at the time of photography. 

 

Kreepy Kritterz

A little business shout out.

Just slightly off topic, and a little something about me you probably didn't know.

I am scared of spiders. Arachnophobia. I have all the symptoms. I've been known to scream and run to another room - and have to calm my heart rate before going back in ((really sucks if said room is the bathroom and i have to pee!!)) But mostly, I freeze, can't move, can't breathe - heart rate goes up and I have to talk myself into moving.

I'm not kidding. I get made fun of all the time. (even though I don't think it's funny....) I've tried to not be afraid, I've tried to overcome - and sometimes it works. I can now usually calmly turn around, walk out of the room and get my husband or sister if they're home to go and deal with it. I have also been known, in the last couple of weeks to actually just deal with it on my own... ((yes, they go into the toilet!)) and only freak out a tiny bit ( I can say that because if no one is home, no one can testify to my reaction ;) )

We live in a older house, so there are tons of cracks for spiders to crawl into. But picture this.....

Home alone. Laying in bed watching a show on T.V before going to sleep. Light only from the T.V... all of a sudden, there is a spider right in front of my face - he came from the register vent in the ceiling on top of the bed. I seriously think I scared him more then he scared me... I've never actually seen a spider go that fast back up to where he came from (yes, I give her permission to laugh! Hindsight - I probably looked ridiculous! lol) It took me 30 mins to get back into the bed, then another two hours to go to sleep because I kept my eye on the register just in case he decided to come back down. Finally fell asleep. THEN - the next night, there was a spider in the bed. Under the pillow. THAT was the last straw. (And every night I still check under the blankets and under the pillow before getting in!)

~ This happened May (I think) ~

I called Dave, from Kreepy Kritterz Pest Control.

I believe I was still in the middle of a freak out. ( Crying at this point I think... sorry Dave!)

And he was awesome. He didn't make fun of me. He didn't laugh. He just said, I'll come out as soon as I can.

And he did. I rained for the next week (so spraying would have been moot) but he had a cancellation on evening, called me and came out to my place to spray. ( I live in Langham )

For FIVE solid weeks, not one spider!!! I sorta felt free. It was awesome! (Then it rained - a lot) We do have some spiders, but not NEARLY as many as we had. I might have a new hero. (just sayin')

But seriously - ANY bug problem. ANY size of job. Give him a call! Awesome service, very loyal, knowledgable, and dedicated.

Find him on facebook : Kreepy Kritterz Pest Control
And definitely check out his website. It's pretty - Creepy..... :p http://kreepykritterz.com/

((I also just realized that I can only find ONE (or two) photos of him and his hearse... so we're going to have to change that. Dave, expect a call about a photo shoot!)) 

Babywearing photoshoot!

Do you babywear?

Time just seems to slip by when you've got a little one. Love those moments in a carrier? 

Try a babywearing photoshoot! 

Tweet @artistc_photos and get 10% off!!

Update your family album!

We have a date :) 

Time to update those family photos without digging into the holiday fund! 

Aug. 4 - I have spots still open! We are trying to later in the afternoon, so apt slots available are 3:00, 3:30, 4:30 and 5:00! 

Text, call, or email me to book your slot! I know these will go pretty fast, so put me in your calendar! 

Kristy Kleen Automotive Detailing

Good Morning everyone!

It's July.. and so beautiful! I am stuck inside today - but that's ok! How else would i have time to write a few things for you?

I am editing some photos for a friend, and I though I'd give her a shout out.

Her name - Kristy Lang
Business - Kristy Kleen Automotive Detailing

I did photos for her a while back. It was amazing! I mean - I've seen these machines, but it's been a long time since I've been this close! (I remember having a ride in a combine as a kid once, but that was a long time ago!)

Can you imagine cleaning these things?! Her and her crew did such a wonderful job!

She's cleaned my car too - and i know she used a Q-tip for some of the tiny spaces. Wow.

Just in case you'd like to check out her website and see what else she does ...
http://kristykleen.ca/

Thanks Kristy!

Back from my Holiday!

Holidays are awesome! I do not go enough. But this year, my husband and I decided to venture out of our little town and head to B.C with his family. We started the vacay on a houseboat on the Shuswap Lake. It was pretty cool. Hot tub. Sun. Rain. Beer. Wine. Hiking. Rest. Not necessarily in that order. It did take me a couple of days to stop checking my phone and emails, and just relax, but once there i managed to keep my phone off for most of the time! It was pretty amazing actually. No commitments! This is me and my husband. Stopped on the way out to the lake. He doesn't usually like being in photos - so you probably don't see him much.

B.C is beautiful. I loved taking photos. ((Prints will be available if wanting something up in the office/home!)) This was our boat.

We hiked to a couple of waterfalls. This was our 2 - almost 3 hour hike. But the view was amazing! It was amazing the sight, the sound of the water rushing down! It was here, that my sisters and I decided to strike a yoga pose :)

Every night we had to find a place to dock the boat. The first two nights were pretty calm, you hardly noticed the boat rocking. But the last two nights, it rained. Non stop. And the lake was pretty rocky. With our bed being in the back of the boat we felt it pretty good when we were trying to sleep. But i didn't get sick! It was definitely a different feeling, but didn't lurch the stomach too bad. Once we got off the boat, however, it took me almost two days to stop rocking! The first night off i dreamt i was still on the boat and held my hand out a couple of times to steady myself. lol.

Afterwards, Nathan and I decided to head out to some hot springs. We found Hylcyon Hotsprings, just outside of Nukusp. It was amazing. So relaxing. We rented a little studio suit in a cabin - though we, er I spent most of the time there in the Hot Springs. By the end of the two days, my muscles and body felt like rubber. lol...when i was back in the room i usually fell asleep because i was so relaxed.

( I also realized i forgot to take photos of the actual pools.. whoops!)

After two days at Hylcyon we had a long 14 hour drive back and it was over. Of course the time went by way! too fast! But it was amazing. So nice. I feel rejuvenated and rested. So hopefully all those ideas for my business will come into play this time! In my head i feel organized, so we'll see how long that lasts!

Take down!

One of my very favourite things to do is take photos. Capturing that moment. That second when the newborn smiles, or when the kids are smelling the flowers... The unposed, the unexpected.

I love taking photos outside, in natural sunlight.

But recently have also fell in love studio shots.

I decided to give you a little background scene of me... taking down after a newborn shoot.

For me, i like plain. Ya, props are cute. But the baby is cuter :) I love the natural. Just the baby. So i'll have all the necessary stuff - backgrounds, background stand, lights, camera and me! I'll have a few hats and props, but mostly it'll just be the baby.

Be sure to check out my website for more photos of bellies and babies! (link above!)

With an office - comes office hours!! There is usually coffee on and a wide selection of tea if you would like to come visit! If you'd like to make an appointment or would like to take a look at some of my stuff feel free! There is a fabulous store in the front called Mothers' Melody, owned by a friend Fred Berry! (I often get distracted and am in there chatting with her!) Twice (ish) a month i work in there to help her out as well! A wonderful place to shop, find out about all the wonderful programs at Birth Rhythms - or to simply hang out!

Happy Saturday! I'm actually pretty thankful for the bleary weather today! I am spending all day drinking coffee and sitting at my desk. Today's project? Editing all those beautiful ma's and pa's and caregivers at Kindermusik with Kari and Friends! I had so much fun hanging out in the classes.. making faces at the kids and taking photos of the action! No wonder Miss Kari, Miss Rosie and Miss Megan all love their job so much! What a great place to hang out with your kids! Want more info or want to register? Here's her website! http://www.karismusic.ca .

More to come!

Family Day in the park - coming in June!

Brand new day! The sun is shining! I just love Mondays! Sundays for me are usually a rest day, reflecting on life as the band sings in church and the pastor speaking a life message. So Monday's are refreshing! I don't have a date yet, but I am doing Family day in the park! What does this mean? $60.00 mini sessions for you and your family. Pick a couple of a CD.. who knows, i might even throw in some prints ;) It's going to be a blast! I am going to try and get some of my fabulous friends to come out as well and we'll have a party!

The date will be closer to the end of June so stay tuned! Prepare for a fabulous day!! Let me know if you are interested and i'll put you on the list! wharder@gmail.com 281.7931 - text or call for an appointment!

April Newsbites! from Artistic Expressions Photography

Here is a little peak at my monthly email newsletter! This is a little piece of it! Let me know if you'd like to see this in your inbox!

email me! wharder@gmail.com :)


Happy April!

Well, the snow is almost gone, again! Hopefully it'll stay that way! I'm ready for the hot sun, sunburns, patios and cold drinks ;) !


Well, ok - really i'm just looking forward more outdoor shoots! Natural lighting is my favourite. Though these last few months i've really learned lots about lighting and studio shots - i can't wait to get outside and take some natural setting photos! I've already been getting calls for May - so if you're thinking about summer family photos! Let me know!

Well, April started out with a bang! Most of you know that my little sister - ok, maybe not so little anymore! She is already 19! Just went for heart surgery! They went in and closed a heart murmur that she's had since birth. We spent 2 weeks in Edmonton - actually just got home last weekend. Thought the surgery ended up being delayed for a week, it went great! She is doing fantastic! It's only been a week since the surgery and she is out of the hospital and resting comfortably - (well, as comfortably as possible!) at mom and dads. I can't believe how very proud of her i am! She is so strong and doing so well! I know lots of struggles await, but i know she'll breeze right through them!
I also just wanted to take a second to thank everyone for being so supportive! Support comes in so many ways - money, comfort, prayers, hugs and patience. I've been slowly catching up, but wanted to thank you for waiting patiently for a return email or phone call from me this month! I couldn't have made it this far without all of you! So thank you!!!

As many of you know, i am involved in many things. One of the major ones being Birth Rhythms! And we are celebrating!!


Come join us on Saturday for our Grand Opening!! There will be tons going on - so hopefully you can make it! A schedule will be posted soon of events, so please head on over to our events page on facebook! to keep up to date!
I have also made a video as a sneak peak of only a few of the programs involved! Find it here on Youtube!
There will also be a Car Seat Clinic that will run from 12:30 - 2:30! So if you have a car seat that you're wondering about - come out and see us!



I am looking for newborn models!!

I am exploring and expanding! Therefore, need some cute little models to help me along! Here's some criteria!
- Must be a first time client!
- Must have a newborn that is under 10 weeks of age!
- It's a shoot for newborns only, though i will allow one or two photos with the mom/dad, parents and/or siblings.
This offer will be valid in May and June only! Only a few spots open, and will fill up fast so book yours now!
There will be so session fee, and packages will be reduced to almost half the price!
I am working out final details now, but if you are interested, please let me know and i'll give you all the details! Or check out my website/facebook daily for updates!






Being creative, and continually playing in photosho, i've been working on branding, logos and a new card. I think i've finally come up with a branding line! Unless, i decide to change my mind again... this will at least be closer to what i'd like my business to look like!
Here's the one side of my card. And hopefully you'll be seeing these being passed out amongst all your friends!




Let me know if you want to see more!

I hope you have a great day! Enjoy the sunshine, family and your friends! :)

Bob and Daisy! Photos at the University!

Let me introduce you to Daisy - a sweet little girl that i got to take photos of a couple of weeks back!! Her mom is director of Mommy Connections here in Saskatoon - Bob Cain. I'm sure you've heard of it... and if you have a little one under 1, and you haven't been to her program - it's time to register!
the first photo was the beginning of our session together. A little shy to start... but we soon work up to some really great smiles! We simply walked around the U of S Campus, played in the snow... played peak a boo! No stress at all!

We even got some great photos with Mom!

Martha - Babes in Arms/Pregnancy shoot!

This is my wonderful friend Martha. I had the privilege of photographing her, her daughter and her little baby bump!

I have introduced a new 'section' or category in my albums. It's called Babes in Arms. It's all about babywearing and breastfeeding. Baby's natural habitat! Martha shows off a couple of ring slings she uses with her daughter. While pregnant! An amazing way to keep your toddler close when you can't run after her anymore :)

Studio!

Well i think 2012 is going to be a fantastic year! ~ It's already shaping up to be quite spectacular... :)

I am so very very lucky to be part of something amazing. As many of you know, the last couple of months of last year, i joined up with a bunch of highly educated, wonderful moms and entrepreneurs at Birth Rhythms. It has been wonderful, challenging and very rewarding! I have made so many business decisions that i never thought that i would be making in 2011! I am very grateful to be sharing the studio that Lisa Wass and her team have worked so hard to make fabulous! With so many more options available - it's going to be a fabulous year! I will be working in the new store Mothers' Melody twice a month and have photos hanging on the walls! Be sure to check it out and come by for a visit!
~ photos will be coming soon ! :)

I will also have some office hours! What does this mean for you? I will have a time and location for you to pick up your photos! It's also a great chance for you to come and meet me and chat - if you would like for a free no obligation quote - or just to take a look at some of my work!
So far ( and keep in mind, these may change without notice!) these hours- Tuesday's and Thursday's 1:30 - 3:30 - Starting in February!

Here's to celebrating life! In all it's ups and downs, adventures and chaos! Cheers!

Valentines Day Promo!

Always wonder what to get your husband?? How about some photos!! What a great gift! I bet he thinks you're sexy, and those flaws you look at in the mirror every morning, he doesn't see. I know mine husband doesn't. He loves just as i am. I did some boudoir a couple of months ago... and even though i was a little self conscious of my weight, the photos turned out great! I also have to mention that it's not a requirement to be nude or even partially nude - you do whatever you are comfortable with! We could show a shoulder, a little leg... Mostly it is a ton of fun!!

So here's the other thing... when i was planning this, i totally forgot (not sure how!) that the studio that i am renting is under construction until about the 15th of January. So if you would like photos before then... you're place would likely be the best bet!! If that's not an option... i will find somewhere else private to take them!!

Looking forward to booking lots of appointments!!

New Years Resolution!

Well ~ a new year is upon us! Can i just say... finally! It feels like a brand new start. A new number to write. A new slate. Last year seems like a haze... so much happened and so many many emotions were felt. I am finally feeling refreshed. No, the pain of last year is not gone or forgotten, but somehow it seems less. I've discovered a few things about myself too.... and so stemmed my New Years Resolution.

I am going to be happy.

Simple.

Life has a tendency to suck. Big time. We never get what we want, and when we do, somehow we just complain about it anyway! Then we want something else, and we won't be happy till we get it!! But - the whole cycle starts all over again! I want i want.... I have filled my mind with this. (still do....) but how am i ever going to be happy if i am always in want?

I will be happy right now. With what i have - because it sure is a lot more then some people have.

I have a house, i have wonderful! friends, i have an amazing! family, i have jackets and mitts to keep me warm, a bed to sleep in and cloths to put on my body. I have water to drink and food to eat... really, what more could i need??

I am going to be happy with me.

I have succeed in so many ways already! I have a business that is growing! I am still standing after 4 miscarriages, i am doing things in my life that i Love!!

I will feel comfortable in my skin.

No matter if i weigh 100 lbs, or 160 lbs.... Do i want to lose weight! Yes! But i'm going to start from the inside. Eat healthy. Do exercise i enjoy! I will not feel ashamed. I weighed myself at Christmas - and yes, i will share. I was 161 lbs. yikes! But i know i am beautiful! I know that i had a tough couple of months, and my weight does not define me.

I will be happy.

And pray.

And thank God every single day that i am on this earth.