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Friday, February 26, 2010

Freebie Friday ~ Seniors!

Ok, spread it around to all your High School Senior Friends...It's Freebie Friday! The first Senior to comment on my blog wins a Senior Portrait Session from Marcia The Art of Photography.


Here's the fine print:

Class of 2010 and 2011 only!!!
Senior Session location is Scottsdale, AZ only.
Senior Session must be completed by March 12, 2010

What you get:
Pre-Session Consultation
Senior Session
Viewing Session to select your images
Personal Website for one month
3 Artist Choice watermarked images to use on Social Media to share with your family and friends.
1 5x7 of your choice.

Winner, you have 5 days to connect with me, after that your prize is null and void. Make sure you leave your full name email address and daytime phone number in your comment. I promise I won't publish your contact info on the blog. If you don't leave your contact info you cannot win so make sure I can reach you!

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Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Winning!

Isn't it fun to win? Michelle and Clint were at a bridal fair just a month before their wedding when the found themselves the winners of a big doorprize, A Sedona Road Trip, through our studio. We went out for an afternoon after the wedding for a combination portrait, using the clothes they wore when they got engaged and finishing with a trash the dress session in Michelle's gorgeous wedding gown.



I love giving the experience of beautiful photography. Last month on Facebook we had our annual Big December Giveaway with a prize every weekday and we have quite a few people who won portrait sessions ;-D. Join the fan page for your chance to win. This month we are doing a drawing for movie tickets, who knows what we'll do next month. It's the place to be for member only discounts, contests and other special offers. Hope to see you there soon.

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Friday, November 20, 2009

Wedding 101: Professionalism - It Cuts Both Ways.

Hiring vendors for your wedding? A while ago I published a wonderful guide to manners that was written by the equally wonderful Mrs. Hancock who runs among other things an etiquette division with her consulting business.

Today I'd like to illustrate the uglier side of what happens when a couple fails to contact a vendor when they change plans. The quote below is from my FaceBook page written in fierce frustration:

"Please know that when that professional agrees to an appointment with you that time is blocked out for you and you alone, no other job can be taken for that time. At the risk of sounding unprofessional, Thanks to the couple who booked a time with me 4 days ago then didn't show up. I turned down a last minute job to honor my commitment to you...your actions cost me $200. Thank you."

Only a few days after I wrote this, I saw a colleague's status line in which she stated that she had accepted a last minute call to meet with a couple on an already too busy Saturday. Not only did she make time for them, but she arrived early in the hope that if they did also she could give them a little more time...they never showed.

I'm hoping that these are isolated incidences that just happened to happen in the same week...I'm afraid they aren't. As people get increasingly busy, they feel their time is more precious than the people they are doing business with. If you are reading this I hope this isn't you, but if it is, please, before you cancel at the last minute or just don't show, take a moment to consider if the person so generous with their time isn't giving up something to help you with your wedding. Whether it's an extra 20 minutes playing with a baby or turning down real money to honor a commitment to you it's time we can never get back again...if you wouldn't take it away from your mother or bff, why do it to your wedding vendors...just food for thought.

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Sunday, October 04, 2009

5 Things On A Sunday - Interesting Things Around The 'Net

Well, it's really starting to feel like Fall...the winter lawn is in, there is a nip in the night air and my thoughts are turning to All Hallows Eve. Here are a few interesting things I've found for your ghouling pleasure:

Do you Facebook? I've become addicted to Reign of Vampires. Come, be part of my clan.

It's time to start thinking about your once a year alter ego. Are you still on the search for this year's perfectly wicked ensemble? Maybe a fantasy costume? I spend a lot of time looking for ideas for my homegrown costumes and every so often come up with a really wonderful website. This one has a great variety and I'm loving these finds at Sexy Costumes. Find an adorably sexy costume for your party here.

Are you into Extreme Pumpkins? Me, too, although I haven't done any since moving to Arizona since they seem to rot faster than I can carve them in our wierdly dry weather. Some really great ideas at this website: Extreme Pumpkins.

Are you in charge of the office Costume Party? Here are some tips for this year's bash.

Ellen Pranks on People

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Sunday, September 27, 2009

5 Things On A Sunday - Interesting Things Around The 'Net

Does it feel like Fall to you? I know it's that time of year when Starbucks kicks up it's menu with Pumplin Spice Lattes...makes me want to make muffins rich in chocolate and pumpkin, so this Sunday's post is a search for easy comfort food:

Easy Pumpkin Choclate Chip Muffins
My Favorite Butternut Squash Soup
Autumn Beef Stew
My Favorite Beer on a cool night - Guinness
...and what's crisp Fall weather (I know, next month) without a bowl of Chili?

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Sunday, September 13, 2009

5 Things On A Sunday - Interesting Things Around The 'Net

What's better than a lazy Sunday...sleeping in a bit, a special breakfast...fresh coffee and the paper or surfing the 'net...

Here's my picks for 5 fun Sunday finds:

1. Want the skinny on your favorite prime-time shows? Spoilerfix.com knows before almost anyone else...just don't tell anyone.

2. Canyon Glider...relax and fly, but don't let a downdraft throw you into a canyon wall.

3. Love to sing when nobody's home? Online free Karaoke can get you bumping and grinding.

4. Sunday is a great day to think "Green"...this a great place to start, Planet Green.

5. ...and what would a lazy Sunday be without Pee Wee Herman?!?!?!?

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Friday, September 11, 2009

Ever Wonder Why Photographs Are Important?

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Weddings 101 - The Do's and Do Not’s of working successfully with your Wedding Vendors

In the busyness of planning a wedding it is sometimes easy to forget the business of doing it, too. Mrs. Hancock's Wedding Consulting and Planning Services has very graciously provided the following tips for making the best of your relationships with your vendors.



The Do's and Do Not’s of working successfully with your Wedding Vendors


Mrs. Hancock and Mrs. Bacon, Wedding Consulting Services


Many of us forget the genuinely appreciated niceties that show our genuine level of caring for others. All successful relationships, love or otherwise begin with kindness and respect. So let’s take this to the next step…

As a Bride and Groom we know you have a lot on your plates. Please realize, your vendors do, as well. All wedding vendors want to do the very best job we can for you; it's what we do and what we do depends on making you happy. If you're not happy, any referrals you may have been willing to send will not come our way and our livelihoods depend on your A+ rating.

Here are a few suggestions that will let your vendors know you respect their time and their expertise. Keeping these in mind will surely go a long way in cementing your relationship and will ensure you come across as kind and considerate, as well:

1). Always keep scheduled appointments, please. Emergencies are just that and one may pop up on either side at any time and we understand! When you schedule an appointment, be diligent about writing it down in your calendar, please. If your spouse-to-be needs to be in your meeting, put it on his calendar, too. A suggestion: send a text to him the morning of reminding him where he needs to be and at what time. As our time is very valuable, it may take us 40 minutes to get to you one-way and then we may need to be on the other side of town after our meeting with you. Or it may be that our calendar is booked steadily for a particular afternoon. When you cancel, are late or reschedule at the last minute it can cause us great professional harm.

2). Please always return phone calls promptly from your vendors (same day if possible). Our policy at Mrs. Hancock’s is from 7am to 12 midnight (unless it’s an emergency!).
Afford us as many contact numbers to reach you as you’d like.

3). When requested to provide information please be thorough and organized. Nothing is worse than making out seating cards and misspelling a guest’s name for example. Take your time with the details.

4). Always be on time for meetings! Punctuality is a sure sign of respect and good will.

5). Graciously accept you vendor’s input and suggestions. You’re always the final decision maker; but vendor’s are trained to think outside the box hopefully saving you time and money. No talented planner or coordinator will ever push their will on you.

6). Please budget for your down payments, due dates and final payments accordingly, always paying on time. Post dated checks handed off to your vendor will allow you ease, without having to mail or drop off a check to ensure it arrives when due.

7). Please respect your budget during planning. We can be miracle workers, but if you continue to add services or time, remember we may have to charge you additional fees.

8). Further, please don’t use the ‘I’ll call you on Tuesday or I’ll bring your deposit next week”. If you’re not interested in working with a vendor, that’s fine; we can take it! Not everyone will be a great fit and that’s what meetings and interviews are for. Please don’t string a possible vendor along.

9). Have a question? Ask, please! No question or issue is too small or too mundane for a professional coordinator. It is our job to inform and educate you.

10). Ask for references; always! A good vendor will be happy to provide you with strong references. Be on the look out for business who cannot provide references.

11). Communicate openly and honestly with your Vendors. Things will always come up or change; but we can’t assist you if we don’t truly understand your needs and/or concerns.

12). At a meeting consider paying for your Vendor’s coffee! Such a seemingly small gesture goes a long way toward letting your new employee/vendor know they’re appreciated.


Using these simple tips will keep your relationships running smoothly with your vendors and you’ll find, treating them with respect and kindness will go a long way to ensuring the planning process is as much fun as it can be!


Mrs. Hancock
President/Founder
Mrs. Hancock’s, Inc.
mrshancocks.com
602.234.1200

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Tuesday, September 08, 2009

Being Blog-Kissed

I love blog-kissing...you know, when you feature a company or get featured yourself? Well, I just got kissed! Last week, I spent a couple of hours with Noelle Salinas of Fresh From The Kitchen, LLC as she peppered me with questions about my philosophies, photography and how they blended together to form the business I have today. Somehow from all my meanderings she managed to simmer up a wonderful article. The post broke just a few minutes ago and I am so thrilled to share it with you. Read it by clicking here ;-D

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Monday, September 07, 2009

Spotting Good Wedding Photography - Rack Focus

Racking focus is that cinemagraphic technique where the camera starts with focus say, on a person in the background and that person becomes out of focus while a person in the foreground comes in focus. In wedding photography a similar technique is used often in the romantic portraits to offer additional drama in an image. I love this technique. Well done, it is the mark of a good photographer.



Utilizing different techniques adds variety and drama to your images. It is well worth finding a photographer that shows a bit of everything in their portfolio.

Would you like to talk about your wedding day photography? Call 480.366.4476 or e-mail me at marcia (at) marciaphoto.com to set up a visit today.

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Sunday, September 06, 2009

5 Things On A Sunday - Interesting Things Around The 'Net

I admit it, I'm as bad as the next person about surfing the 'net - no, maybe I'm worse than some people. But, on the bright side, I like sharing...so here are some fun picks for your pleasure:

1. The very first Droopy Dog Cartoon



2. Celebrity Gawking and Gossip at it's finest: PEREZ HILTON

3. Stunning Photography via National Geographic's Photo of the day.

4. Bubble Shooter, anyone?

5. ...and another old time favorite:

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Friday, September 04, 2009

Green Wedding Friday - Sedona

Having a ceremony outdoors is a wonderful way to stay green. Yesterday I met my new friend Margaret Van Damme of Van Damme Weddings at Red Rock Crossing in Sedona where we are doing a wedding together next month. It is so beautiful there and the forest service will allow weddings on forest land so long as certain criteria is met to create as little impact as possible. Margaret regularly creates packages for her clients incorporating beautiful settings within the Coconino Forest.

Spending the day in Sedona gave the opportunity to try out the camera function on my new phone, so here are just a few images from the day:


Red Rock Crossing, 11am




Roots in the forest

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Sunday, August 30, 2009

Brides - Are Your Important Emails Going In The Junk Pile?

Hmmmm....just got an email from one of my favorite wedding coordinators asking me to please contact our mutual bride as she hadn't yet heard from me...but here's the thing, I emailed said bride two days ago and was starting to wonder why I hadn't heard from her!

In these days of too much trash emails, spam filters, junk mail filters, etc. we need to all be particularly vigilant in keeping track of who we've corresponded with and when it has been too long for a response back. I am ever so grateful that our bride let her coordinator know that she hadn't heard from me (and bummed that she evidently didn't get the nice email I sent her). I had it on my mind that if I hadn't heard from her by Tuesday that I was going to call her to follow-up. Now she'll get a phone call tomorrow morning instead.

One way I've found to combat the spam issue is to use Facebook messaging. I'm not saying it's perfect, as I have had a couple of messages delayed, but so far it has reliable and I don't have to worry about messages being labeled "spam" or "junk".

Soon-To-Be-Marrieds, make sure to add any wedding vendors you are in contact with to your address book and ask them to add you to theirs. Try to avoid what happened to me this weekend and save yourself time in the process. We're here to work for you despite what our computers have in store for us.

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Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Sneak Peak - David

Saturday, August 01, 2009

Weddings 101 - A Primer On Planning Your Own Event

So, I've had this idea germinating for a while now...what if some of the leading wedding professionals here in Phoenix shared their thoughts with couples on what's important in hiring their vendors. What if they shared what they have learned from experience in real life in the field, the pitfalls they've seen other couples fall into, the ways around them. The stuff that the bridal magazines never mention.

What if they could do this in one common place...like my blog!

Starting this month, Weddings 101 - A Primer On Planning Your Own Event will be a new segment right here. Phillip Waring of Arizona Ministers for weddings and more! will be leading with our first post. Watch for this segment (at least) monthly as we guide you through making informed decisions for your wedding of a lifetime.

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Sunday, July 19, 2009

Sizzling Senior Special!

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Sneak Peak - Our Gorgeous 2010 High School Senior Spokesmodel Rebecca

Rebecca is our newest spokesmodel and did a great job of showing what she's got during her casual portrait session. We'll be doing a very special fashion session soon, but here's a sneak peak at how she has fun. We're now booking senior portraits, ask about our 2-1 special limited sessions through 8-15 only.

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Friday, July 17, 2009

Green Wedding Friday - New Wedding Albums!

I'm so excited to present these gems! IRISbooks are from Canada and are eco=friendly! I love the robin's egg blue that I am showing here, and they also offer black, cream, red, green and taupe. The linen covers are gorgeous as are the marbled endpapers featured in their upper lines. Check it out:


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Monday, June 01, 2009

Wedding Photo Tips - Top 10 Reasons To Hire A Professional Wedding Photographer

10. Uncle Al has a great camera but "used" to have a drinking problem.

9. Your bff was going to give you the photography and a scrapbook album but got
an offer to go to the Bahamas on Your Weekend with the man of her dreams.

8. Disposable cameras, need I say more?

7. The Disc Jockey's baby sister is a really good amateur photographer who dreams
of being a wedding photographer...someday.

6. Your friend that got that travel photo published in a "big magazine" has a
really good camera...one really good camera...can you say back-up equipment?

5. Your brother says he'll take care of taking pictures in between picking up on
your college room mate and your new husband's secretary.

4. "I thought I had a memory card in the camera!"

3. Your mom's friend has a friend, who has a friend...who doesn't want to know you
but wants your wedding in his sample portfolio.

2. That photography student thought that jeans and a "tuxedo tshirt" really would
be appropriate for your black tie dinner.

...and the number 1 reason to hire a professional photographer is (drum roll, please):

You want Beautiful photographs that document all the emotions and events in this first day of your family history captured by a dependable professional who takes the time to get to know your tastes, your style, your desires and gives you all of that and more.

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Friday, May 08, 2009

Green Wedding Friday - Desert Botanical Garden

I love this place! It's so beautiful and peaceful and everything you could want in eco-consciousness. Desert Botanical Garden is an oasis in the center of Big City Phoenix.

According to DBG, "The Garden acts with the environment as its priority. The Garden’s environmentally active projects include installing solar panels on the roof of its largest building, Dorrance Hall, and composting, recycling, and reusing. The Garden is SRP’s second largest business customer to use renewable energy to meet 100 percent of its electricity needs, as we wish to promote green sustainable actions. We encourage our catering companies to be environmentally conscious encouraging reusable, recyclable, or decomposable materials whenever possible. Our utilization of native landscaping also assists us in minimizing water usage. When you choose to hold your wedding at the Garden, you are choosing to Go Green."

My favorite area for receptions is Binns Wildflower Pavillion. It is in perfect keeping with the Sonoran Desert, from the breeze that flows through it's open sides to the rustic, lit stars that illuminate the high ceiling. In the Spring the Pavillion is surounded by wildflowers, and in all seasons has beautiful cactus and Papago views. To hold your wedding at Desert Botanical Garden, Debbie Weisz, Event Assistant, at 480-481-8159 or email.

Marcia The Art of Photography encourages couples to choose multiple green vendors for their wedding with special incentives. If Desert Botanical is your venue, you need only hire one other eco-friendly wedding professional besides our studio to qualify for your green rebate.

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Friday, May 01, 2009

Green Wedding Friday - Location, Location, Location

Part of sharing your green lifestyle on your wedding day is your choice of location for your ceremony and reception. By keeping the festivities to one beautiful location you can reduce emissions by eliminating travel between multiple points. Host the event during the day and you lessen the need for electricity. If it's beautiful and natural already, you can take advantage of those surroundings to be a part of your decor, allowing more unique table treatments, perhaps using items that can be re-used later.

The Valley of The Sun has a number of incredible locations that are perfect for your eco-friendly wedding. Try Boojum Tree (picture below), Desert Botanical Garden or the Zoo for a lovely and natural setting for your event.

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Thursday, April 23, 2009

Press Release - GREEN : THE PHOTO COLLECTION now available

Scottsdale AZ wedding photography gallery Marcia The Art of Photography is pleased to announce their new product line, GREEN : THE PHOTO COLLECTION. This new eco-friendly line of wedding photography is environmentally friendly, utilizing the latest digital techniques both for creation of images and delivery to the consumer. Eco-friendly albums and presentation boxes are available from such premiere companies as Cypress and Couture Book. In addition, clients are offered incentives for making multiple green vendors their choice in their wedding plans.

According to Owner/Operator, Marcia Mauskopf, this is as much a lifestyle choice as business decision. "As I look at the changes I've made in my own life, I realized it was important to offer these choices to my clients, too. While there will always be a big market for photography as wall art, more of the people coming to me are requesting digital files to enjoy on their computers and other digital products.".

More information can be found by going to http://www.marciaphoto.com or contacting Marcia personally at 480.366.4476

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Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Headshots - Your Most Important Marketing Tool

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Limited Time Offer - Special Savings on Your Headshot, Now

Monday, February 16, 2009

A Trip To Tucson - Jessi and Taylor

I met Jessi and her family a when I did her sister Joelle's wedding and had so much fun photographing her at the wedding. An opportunity came up to photograph her with her boyfriend Taylor, so a day trip to Tucson was in order. Jessi picked the most outrageous location for the photos...and we got chased out by security with just the first shot! So we took a walk through a funky little district by the Congress Hotel. So many cool spots...

I had a blast you two! Thank you!

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Monday, February 09, 2009

Such Romance - Unique Marriage Proposals

The other day I was on facebook (alright you got me...when am I NOT on facebook) and I saw something so cute I had to share.

Our very own Cicely Rocha-Miller was featured in an article on unique proposals. Which leads me to ask....How are you going to propose? Did you think about having a photographer there? What cool photos would that be?

See how Joe proposed by clicking here ;-)

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Friday, February 06, 2009

Words that Inspire - Good info For Brides

I know the coolest DJ...he always makes makes the party, his couples are happy, when I get to work with him I'm always happy. Mark Sanchez of Professional Mobile Entertainment has some sound ideas on verifying the talent you are considering employing for your wedding.

Can We See You Perform At A Reception?

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Monday, January 26, 2009

My Photo in Arizona Bride magazine!

I'm so pleased...my bride Danielle did such a beautiful job planning her wedding that one of her images was used in the current issue of Arizona Bride. Here is the proof the editor sent me.

Arizona Bride...on newstands, now.

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Tuesday, December 02, 2008

Weird, Wacky Places and Ways I want to Shoot Wedding Portraits

A list for brides who don't mind getting dirty:

A laundromat
A mom and pop grocery
On a stoop eating ice cream cones
The hot dog cart by the Orpheum Theatre
Surrounded by Peacocks
Jumping into a pool
Underwater? YES! underwater (preferably a destination wedding in the Carribean)
On a motorcycle
Skateboards, anyone?
Playing on Railroad Tracks (oh yeah, been there, done that)
Lying on the ground with puppies, lots of puppies...
Dogwalking really alot of dogs
Playing in the snow


...what's the most insane place or way you'd like to have a series of your wedding portraits done? What kind of ideas do you have?

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Wednesday, September 10, 2008

I am so pleased to announce that our brand new re-designed website is up and ready for viewing! Thank you to all my good friends that have supported me along the way with advice and beta viewings, you all were fantastic.

www.marciaphoto.com
Click here to see it now.

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Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Dan and Danielle had a wonderful wedding in Downtown Phoenix at Bentley Projects.

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Friday, February 15, 2008

E-sessions in unusual places can be a challenge but very rewarding, too. Marijah and Rich found a very funky alley and street for the backdrop of their photos.



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Liz and Rich did it! Another beautiful wedding at Boojum Tree!




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Wednesday, November 07, 2007

Dan and Danielle LOVE Downtown Phoenix so off we went to find the perfect combination of park and urban backgrounds! So much fun.




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Friday, September 07, 2007

Some people have a favorite coffee shop to meet clients in, I have a meditation garden! We've been slowly transforming our outdoor space to be a winter meeting place to enjoy with my clients.

Since moving here I have done a variety of commercial sessions in my garden and now I can meet with my clients in this beautiful space, too. It's getting cool enough to really enjoy my new outdoor room, why not come discuss the possibilities of your wedding or portrait session and listen to the water bubbling from the fountain at the same time!

Looking forward to enjoying the sounds of outdoor living with you soon.

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Tuesday, March 27, 2007

We have a new addition to our photo family.

Zuri is a Rhodesian Ridgeback mix who tells us she is one year young and is doing a fine job of protecting the house. She won't assume Studio Mascot duties until she learns her manners, but she still wanted to show off how pretty she is.

Shy Me

Pretty Me

Scary Me

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Saturday, March 24, 2007

I was so touched to receive this letter that I had to share it.


"Well, what can I say... the album arrived and it's better than I ever imagined it to be... IT'S PERFECT! Patrick and I were totally in awe of it... I've never seen anything like it... style, class, sophistication... simply exquisite... and it doesn't hurt that I like the subject matter!!! Really amazing work both in photography and in album creativity and manufacturing. So pleased!!!

Thank you again for doing our photography and for putting together such a wonderful album. We love it and we love you."

Sincerely,
Carey & Patrick

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