Santa never forgets...

When Santa stopped by our studio to discuss his picture project with us (to be at LeGourmet Chef on 12/21), he wanted to pay a special visit to our studio manager, Michele (though he called her "Shelly").

He said that Shelly's home was one of his favorites to visit when she was a little girl.  He said that she always "believed," and she always greeted him with warm hugs every time she got to see him and tell him what she wanted for Christmas.

It was like turning the clock back when Santa said, "HO, HO, HO!!!"  "Shelly's" face lit up with a big smile, and she again greeted Santa with a big hug and a smile!  

It was fun to be there and watch the special "reunion."  But I think you can trace back Michele's genealogy and learn that she is actually related to Santa!  No wonder kids love Michele when they visit our studio!  She has the same warm, caring and generous heart!  She is a joy to be around!

Merry Christmas!

Barb

Santa is coming!

It's only a week away!  What, you say?  Santa's return to Chillicothe!

Santa helped us raise money for Rock for Tots just two weeks ago by appearing at the Christopher Conference Center and having pictures made.  Kids came from all across town to see Santa and have their picture made with him, but then he had to return to the North Pole as things were getting busy in the toy shop.

Well, we talked with Santa again last week, and he has agreed to take time from his busy schedule for more pictures.  Oh, and these aren't just "snapshots" or "Polaroids."  These are professional studio pictures!  If Santa can come all the way from Alaska (especially this close to Christmas), 

then we can certainly bring

our studio lights and equipment for great pictures on location!

Santa will be appearing at LeGourmet Chef on Bridge Street in Chillicothe on Sunday, December 21, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. for pictures.

Photo packages will be delivered after Christmas, but the experience with Santa so close to Christmas Day, and the quality of the photographs will be something you and your kids will never forget!

We hope to see you there!

RECAP...

LOCATION:  LeGourmet Chef (Bridge Street in Chillicothe, Ohio, near Elder Beerman)

DATE:  12/21/08 (Sunday)

TIME:  1 to 3:00 p.m.

PICTURE PACKAGES START AT JUST $15

Heather & Jesse's Wedding

I wanted to share a few images that Jerry and I captured last night at Heather & Jesse's wedding in Greenup, Kentucky.   They were a great couple and their wedding provided lots of fun detail opportunities.  These are the kind of images that enable unique "story-telling" album designs, which in turn, are fantastic for creating Storybook-style Albums and one-of-a-kind coffee-table books.

I hope to have the time soon to share more images from other '08 weddings that we were privileged to shoot.  I think you'll enjoy seeing all the unique and creative compositions our team has created this year.  And if you (or someone you know) are in the market for a wedding photographer, I hope that you'll call us to set up a free wedding consultation in our studio.  We'd love to chat about your upcoming plans!

If you do visit us as you plan your wedding, and if you book a 2009 wedding, we'll give you a free Engagement Session if you mention this blog!  (Wow...free stuff!)

Gotta run for now, I was up until 2 a.m. just looking through Heather and Jesse's images!   

Business Portraits

With everything we do at Jividen Photography, some people are still surprised that we offer professional business portraits with a copyright release for commercial use.   But, yes, it's true!  

We have a program called, "Business to Business," that enables business owners to come to our studio for a professional business portrait.  We usually create 4 to 6 images from which to choose, and selection can be done immediately if desired.  The chosen image can be emailed or burned to a CD for use on your website, business cards, newspaper advertising, etc.  You can order a Black & White or Color portrait for use, or both to keep your options open.

The cost is very affordable, which enables our clients to update their images on an annual basis without breaking their budget.

Here's an example of Sandy for her business, Staging by Sandy.  Using our Business to Business has enabled Sandy to better share the message of her business.

So just call us if we can help!

Barb J.

Meet Katie

I've been meaning to post this for a week or two.  Alex actually shot this image of Katie before he left for Scotland (by the way, see Alex's blog for updates).   Katie is with her "favorite guy," Jackson.  He's so cute!  Do you see the resemblance?

Katie is one of our Digital Technicians and she is doing a fantastic job!  We love having her on the staff, and working with her.   She's a whiz!

I hope to have more introductions for you soon.  So stay in touch!

Barb J.

Congrats James & Amy!

Here's just one of James and Amy's wedding photos from last night.  The wedding was beautiful; and their colors, decor and wedding attire were gorgeous!  

In between the wedding and the reception, we photographed the couple outdoors for about 15 to 20 minutes.  We were able to create an additional variety of special images of just the couple!  And they are ALL very nice!

We wish James and Amy the very best in their marriage, and we want to congratulate them!

Barb

Alex

Here's a photo of Alex, one of our photographers and Master Digital Technicians in the studio.  I introduced you to Lydia a few days ago, so as promised, I'm moving on to introduce you to the rest of our staff. 

We met Alex as an aspiring photographer at the early age of 13 or so.  He began taking photo workshops almost immediately, and has gone on to great accomplishments in his photography, winning national photography scholarships and awards.  (Way to go, Alex!)  His work is published in local, state, national and international publications.  Alex also worked for Over the Back Fence Magazine last summer as a staff intern photographer, and his images are regularly published by the magazine.

Alex is studying photojournalism at Ohio University (when not at the studio), and will be living in Scotland for five weeks this summer as he continues advanced training.  So in just a few weeks, Alex will be packing his bags and heading abroad.

We hope to have intermittent reports (and photos) from Alex this summer.  So we'll keep you updated, or you can check out his blog at www.nikonalex.blogspot.com

Meet Lydia

I want to share some photos with you of our growing staff, and I will eventually get around to taking shots of everyone for the blog.  In the meantime, here are a few photos of Lydia, our summer intern.  Most of these are from her Senior Session, except the one in the wedding dress.  

She isn't actually getting married any time soon, but she was kind enough to model a wedding gown from David's Bridal for us today.   We liked photographing a "real person" in the dress versus a mannequin, and the dress was just the right size for Lydia, too!

Anyway, I want to say thanks to Lydia for all her hard work, and I introduce her to you!

Barb J.

Power & Glory

I'm so excited to tell you about our newest offerings for Seniors!  We call it, "Power & Glory," and it's a great way for Seniors to express their faith in their photos.   The concept has been on my heart for a while, but I wasn't sure what to do with it.    

How does it work?

From your Senior Session, we will create images that are thought-provoking, moving, and expressive.  Then you tell us your favorite Bible verses or passages, or the most powerful words that express your life and faith.  In our digital lab, our team of faithful followers will take very special care to create truly awesome composites that sum up your beliefs.

Take a look at two Power & Glory Composites we created for Nick from Bowling Green, Kentucky.

In Him,

Barb J.

Great News for Seniors

Just wanted to tell you that we are taking bookings for 2009 Seniors, AND that we are offering a discount through my blog.  Just by mentioning this ad when you call, you will receive HALF off your session fee for Senior Sessions this month or next.  

We can only run the offer through the end of July, so call today.  (740-774-6243)

The ad contains a few of our 2008 seniors. Check out our galleries for more samples. 

Gotta run!

Barb J.

Another video

Hi!  Wow...I've heard a lot of great comments about Levi's video (my last blog)!  So I decided to show you another.  

This is Luke, a 2008 grad from Huntington.  Luke was fantastic, and we loved the backdrops he chose for his session, as well as the edgy digital effects he pre-selected. 

Enjoy the show!

Barb J.

Game Day!

Hi! I just wanted to give you a peak at some of the images we created during one of our "Game Day" sessions for Seniors. This is Levi, an '08 grad at Adena; and Alex was the staff photographer who covered the game. The photos were taken during last game of the season (the Homecoming game). After we post-processed the images and made this short video.

Enjoy!

Barb J.

Beach Bums

Do you have a little beach bum in your family?  One who thinks it's not a vacation unless there's sand and water?  If so, you'll love the special photos sessions from our "Kids Korner."

For kids ages 7 and under, we have a fun beach theme session now available for a reduced session fee of $25.  Get your family photo taken at the same time for only $20 more!

We area taking bookings now for the month of July.  For more details, just call the studio at 740-774-6243.

Gotta run for now.  I think I'll work on my tan!

Barb J.

Model Search

I'm not going to post this anywhere else, as I am afraid that it will open the flood gates for more calls than we can handle.  BUT, here goes...

Jividen Photography will be conducting a Model Search for the studio to showcase its new backdrops and sessions.

We will only be able to accept about ten models in all, so we will be doing interviews to select the candidates with the most vibrant personalities and radiant smiles.  We are looking for outgoing, personable guys and gals who will be 2009 graduating seniors next school year.  We'll supply the backdrops with access to our Studio, the Studio Annex, the Bomb Shelter, and Open-Aire Sessions from our "Preferred Location List."

To apply, please call the studio at 740-774-6243.  You will be asked a few short (non-personal) questions about your likes/dislikes, hobbies, sports interests, and school.  If you are selected from the questionnaires, you'll be invited into the studio for a brief interview.  Those in the top ten will then be scheduled for a free photo session, and will receive discounts on anything they may wish to purchase in exchange for agreement to use their image(s) in our studio promotions.

We'll probably cut off applications by the end of June, so call today.

Barb J.

Grads & Dads

May and June keep our calendar full with family photo sessions just in time for Mothers Day and Fathers Day, and area graduations.  But even though we're busy, I just wanted to remind you to that it's not too late to schedule a time for your family pictures, too.

I am extremely blessed that both my parents are alive and well, but I must admit that I have been a bit lax about having my own family picture made.  Although I photographed my parents in the studio last year, their professional portrait before that was almost ten years ago (in my old studio)!  Ridiculous, I know.  But if you think that's bad, I think that it's been about five years ago when we last took a professional portrait with both our girls, and our grandson all in the same photo!  (Oh, the guilt and shame!)

Geesh, I should be the first one to book an appointment!  But your turn is next!  So call me and mention this blog and I'll take 50% off the price of your family photo session!

Barb J.

Photo Contest

The third weekend in April signifies the annual "Shoot the Hills" Photography Weekend & Competition in the Hocking Hills State Park.  This year it will be held from April 18-20, and hosted at the Hocking Hills Dining Lodge.

The event is an official fundraiser of the Friends of the Hocking Hills State Park, and I am proud that Jividen Photography is one of primary sponsors again this year.  The event will give away more than $3,000 in cash and prizes to winners, and profits are used to benefit special photo-friendly projects in the Park.

The event is free and open to the public, but there is a nominal fee to enter any of the competitions:  Digital SLR, Digital Point-n-Shoot, Film, and Print Divisions.

There will be special photography programs, hikes, and naturalists programs, in addition to a wide variety of local artists and craftsmen who will be exhibiting, selling and/or demonstrating their talents.

To top off all the fun, they've chosen a funny, exuberant, and talkative Emcee (MC) this year. Shoot the Hills was her brainchild back in 2000, with the first event being hosted in 2001.  She is a professional studio photographer, as well as an accomplished nature and wildlife photographer.  Did you guess who?  Yep, it's me!

I just want to take this time to invite you to "Shoot the Hills" with me this year!  For more info, visit www.ShootTheHills.com.

Barb J.

Early Easter

I can't believe that Easter falls so early this year.  Didn't we just finish celebrating Christmas?  It seems like it.  Nonetheless, we are ALWAYS happy to celebrate the birth or life of Christ, even if there's snow outside.

I just want to let you know that we'll be offering free family photo sessions for Easter on March 20-22.  We have new springtime props and backgrounds, and for a special treat for the kids, we will have a live bunny available for photos, too.

On Saturday afternoon, we are raffling off the bunny to one loving family (who choses to drop a ballot into our drawing box).  

So hop on by the studio or call for an appointment.  Spaces will be limited, but there's a "hare" of a chance that we'll have an opening if you call now.

Barb J.

Love is in the Air!

It's almost Valentine's Day, and love is in the air!  We've seen the proof.  Bling-bling...lots of engagements.  We've already participated in three Bridal Shows and Expos and have three to go!  We've seen so many diamonds, we feel like jewelers!

In case you didn't see us at the Bridal Shows in Chillicothe, Portsmouth, or Lancaster, you can still catch us in Athens, at Deer Creek State Park, or back in Chillicothe for one more show.  If you've got the ring, we've got the deal!  Our Bridal Show specials are averaging approximately $200 off of our most popular wedding photography packages.  (Just call me for the details and mention my "Blog Discount," and you can save, too!  Then you'll have extra $$$ to spend on the limo ride!)

We're really excited to announce that we will be photography free engagement photo session on March 1 at a very unique bridal show called, the "Bridal Shower," at the Samuel Stephen College.  It will feature games and LOTS of door prizes and giveaways.  Last I heard, the prize list already included:  $500 gift card from Big Sandy Furniture, $200 VISA card, a free honeymoon cabin and catering services in the Hocking Hills, and more!   It's only $4 at the door!

We hope to see you there!

Barb J.