{Frames on the wall, as promised}

I promised I would post pictures of the "Scrumptious Frames" (see post below) that I offer. Here are some that a client just got of her Senior son. The first one is a 20x24 4 inch frame with plain trim. The second image is a 20x20 Storysquare with a 2 inch frame. I LOVE how they look in these frames! I also wanted to include an image of mine with the wavy trim that I adore. Aren't these fun?!

P.S. These images are all taken on my wall. I should have brought my camera over when I delivered these though because his Mom put them on the wall right then and there. She was so excited to get them and already had nails waiting for them!

{Happy Easter!}

I don't know why I like this image of my girl. It looks like she's trying to eat the nest (btw, those eggs are fake) but she's just so silly.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Easter! I am posting this early because I am usually busy doing photo sessions on the weekend.

Scrumptious frames!

I thought that since March is Wall Month, I would talk a little about framing. I offer 2 different types of framing: Classic Black and the Wild Sorbet Collection. I ADORE the Wild Sorbet frame collections because they are very vintage and oh so colorful! They have the most fabulous trims too (the wavy is my fave!) Wild Sorbet is sold exclusively to photographers so you will get a one-of-a-kind frame. Don't take my word for it though (okay now I sound like the kids on "Reading Rainbow"). Check out their gorgeous blog where they share all sorts of frames on the a variety of walls at http://www.wildsorbet.typepad.com/.

I'll post some images that my clients had framed with these frames next week (I gotta add the frame backing so they aren't ready yet.) Oh, and they also offer frame ledges now so I am excited to add that to the product line!

What's on MY wall?

For Christmas I asked for 3 BIG 20x24 Canvas Wraps to go over my couch. Our house is a charming home built in the 50's so I am decorating my living room with a vintage feel to it. Therefore, the images I chose of my kiddos Very Vintage (see my Very Vintage Gallery on my website to get a feel for this style). I wanted Canvases because I love the texture and look of them. I created them as Word Wraps (these are a new add-on to my Canvas Wraps this year!) with nicknames of my children etc. It really made them more sentimental to me.

I am still not the best at interior decorating so go easy on me. I am not sure how I feel about my green couches and my red wall (hey, they ARE complimentary colors) but I wanted a warm feel to my home and my couches are the most comfortable thing in the world so I can't get rid of them (even though they are a bit beat up).

{Bundle of Joy}

That is the perfect title for this tiny little guy because he did not like being naked. He preferred to be all bundled up. He also smiled more in his sleep than any other newborn I have ever worked with. Don't you wish you knew what they were dreaming of? Maybe he was just happy to be in Daddy's arms.

{Beautiful Ballerina}

You may have seen the one of my daughter where she's laying on the floor. Well, I just found this image of her in that same outfit the other day and I decided that I have to print this one big (like 20x24) and put it in her room. I just love this image. She is quite the poser when she wants to be!

Speaking of her, I just had to share a "Kids Say the Darndest Things" moment:

My hubby and I were going out on a date (a must for sanity!) and so I was explaining the bedtime routine to the sitter and other important things for her to remember. My oldest was listening to all of this and suddenly blurted out, "Or you can just do whatever you want!" I am pretty sure that is her motto in life- Mommy doesn't know anything so I'll just do whatever I want. Can't wait till she's a teenager! Yah, we're in trouble.

{Wall of the Week}

This client chose to display 3 12x12 images in France Photography's custom frames. I recommend displaying portraits in odd numbers. These 3 square images of her 2 cute boys looks very contemporary, and unique (you don't see a lot of square displays in people's homes). I also love the large Storyboard resting on the shelf on her other wall.

P.S. I obviously can't get to all of my client's home to photograph their walls so if you are a client and would like to show off your wall display, email your images to francephotography@gmail.com.

{Wall of the Week}

I have officially declared March "Wall Display" month so I will be sharing a different client Wall Gallery every week during the month of March.

This wall was a fun one. This client (see family below) had an entry way with a big bare wall that needed some TLC. She ordered several large prints including the custom framing and then we arranged them all and her sweet husband spent a couple hours putting these up. I LOVE how it turned out!

P.S. I didn't take the Wedding portrait of the couple, just everything else.

Family. Fun. Feet.

You know that I only do families after I've photographed all the children. One of the benefits of doing this is that I've already gotten to know the individual children and their personalities. Speaking of personalities, I just love the family feet shot especially the girly on the left who is pointing her toes. I did not tell her to do that she just did and it is SO her personality! I'll share the wall gallery I designed for them another day so check back later.

{Delicious Newborn}

Oh, the sweetness! The swirly hair that lays like Superman's (doesn't he look like a mini- Clark Kent??) This newborn's parents were so sweet. When I went home I told my hubby that I have the most tender-hearted clients! I think it's because we are all softies for babies and kids. They are also big football fans so I had to try this shot. He was perfect for it too. He just curled up like that football was a pillow. So scrumptious!

Makeover

The blog is UNDER CONSTRUCTION right now so it is looking very plain. Check back in a bit to see it's new makeover!

My new do!

BEFORE: AFTER:

Hey, I am back from Utah. Had a fabulous time with my fam and at the Photo convention I went to. Met some supercool photographers!

Remember my post before (see "Launderland") where one of my client's Mom's owns a salon?? Well, I was itchin' to do something new and so I had Jeannette, at Bella's Salon and Day Spa (here, in Carson City) color and chop it! I am SOOO happy with it! I have never left a salon giddy about my hair but I did this time. I highly recommend that salon. They TOTALLY pamper you!

{Bear hug}

My little 1 year old got this Bear for his birthday (I promise I will post birthday cake pictures after I get back from Utah). His older brother and sister each have their own special bear so, of course, we had to get him one and he LOVES "Bear". He gets all giddy and squeals in delight when he hugs it. It's adorable!

P.S. France Photography will be closed for one week to go to a Business class (SO excited!!!) I'll post pics when I get back.

L-O-V-E

Happy Valentine's Day!!! I had to post some photos that I thought went perfectly with Valentine's Day. The bottom two images are examples of some of my Custom Collages.

Question: I really want to start some special traditions for my children that I can continue each holiday and I am trying to figure out something unique and fun to do for Valentines (along with St. Patrick's Day and Easter). What do you do for your children to make it special??

Watermelon in winter?

I wish! I never posted this from the summer but when I saw it, I was thinking warm thoughts and longing for a bite of this juicy melon. If you look closely, there is even a drop of juice coming off my girl's chin. Good stuff!

Launderland

Where do you go for a session when it's freezing cold outside?? Launderland! That's where we went with this Senior guy. The nice old ladies there thought we were a little crazy, but at least we were warm. And doesn't he have cool hair?? His Mom is a beautician and owner of a salon and day spa so of course, he's got a sweet do. Maybe I'll have to go to her for some much needed hair help.

Cherish Cheeks!

SQUIIIIIIIIIIIIISH! Need I say more?!

A Mini-Warrior Snowman

It's been snowing a LOT here lately and the kids have been begging me to build a snowman with them so we finally went out and built a "mini-warrior snowman." Betcha didn't know those exhisted! And call me Mother-of-the-Year because even the baby was all bundled up outside with us in the exersaucer (hey, I couldn't leave him inside all by himself!) He seemed pretty amused watching us though.

I absolutely ADORE the picture of my oldest 2 because those faces are 100% them. Oh, and I made my kids take pictures with me in them so they know that I was actually there. Not a bad picture for a 4 year- old! Maybe there's some potential there!

A little girlie

My friend is selling the most adorable little clips for little girls and she is offering FREE shipping until the end of February. Check them out at http://alittlegirlie.blogspot.com/!

New Year's Resolutions

I decided that my theme for 2008 (in all aspects of my life) is going to be to SIMPLIFY and SERVE. Here's some more specific goals I have for France Photography:

Blog 1-2 times a week! Check back/subscribe to see photos, specials and contests!

Get organized!

Give clients their orders within 2-3 weeks of ordering (thank you all for being so patient during the Holidays!)

Do a couple Mini-Sessions this year (SO excited-more info to come on these in future posts!)

Well, that should keep me busy along with my 3 kids!

Oh and here's a pic of my sister-in-law (isn't she gorgeous!) who WAS prego and now she's in Boston so I can't squish my new nephew or take his pictures. But that does give me an excuse to go to Boston!

CHECK OUT MY NEW WEBSITE!!!

I am SOOOOOOO giddy right now because my website is finally finished!!! I know I've been talking about it forever and now it's online for your viewing pleasure.

To kick off the debut of my website, I will be having a Session Sale where if you book any 2008 session (and pay a 50% deposit) within the next 5 days (deadline is Wednesday, January 16th at midnight) you will receive a $50 credit!

Please note that I will only be taking a very limited number of sessions this year so if you are planning on getting a Session done anytime in 2008 (especially during the Fall), NOW is the time to book it before those limited openings are gone! Once dates are filled, you will be put on a waiting list. I cannot guarantee a spot for you unless you have paid a deposit.

Okay enough talk, go visit http://www.francephotography.com/ because you just might see someone you know since there are over 100 images on there!

P.S. The first 5 clients who send me an email from my site will receive a complimentary Gift Print (8x10, 5x7, or 8 wallets)!

Happy New Year!!!

I know, I'm slow. Just been enjoying hanging in my jammies and not having to rush anyone to school. That all starts tomorrow though.

Here's a fun Storysquare of my kids. These are a new product I'm offering this year called the "Defined Storysquares". I love these and am giving a Mini to my parents and in-laws for Christmas (I told you I was slow :0). Maybe by the time I mail them it will be a Valentine's gift-LOL!)

Random question. What was your favorite book you read from 2007 AND what is the best Parenting book you've ever read? I am trying to compile my 2008 reading list. Mine was "The Glass Castle" and the best parenting book I've read is "The Parenting Breakthrough" ~ soooooo good that your kids will hate you for reading it.

P.S. Check back soon for the new website debut and other exciting news!