An Artist Favorite

“For I dipped into the future, far as human eye could see, Saw the vision of the world, and all the wonder that would be”
-Alfred, Lord Tennyson quotes

I'm editing this family session and was struck by this picture. Her eyes are startling and reveal so much about her energetic two year old personality and how she sees the world. Naturally, for her, it is place full of wonder, details and surprises. For a moment I stop and think. I am inspired to move out of myself and to look up and out. I will confess I am not a lover of winter or coldness at all. For the 10 years we have lived here I have tried to adjust and it has been tiresome and hard. I am not a native Minnesotan and I find the elements of this state harsh and unforgiving. In winter I have a way of closing the world down, rushing to get out of the cold, not looking up. Just getting through until it gets better, warmer. Life happens even during these times and with this new year I hope that as I move though all seasons I can look up, slow down and breath in the wonder (and cold air)much like this beautiful young lady. Maybe she can give me some pointers...and maybe I should try cross country skiing. I hear that can be fun.

Five

Today my oldest turns five. I had to share because to me, emotionally this is huge. She is going to school next year. I worked in a school for 10 years, it never hit me that my own would be going someday. That sounds absolutely ridiculous but true. Yesterday as we toured our first Elementary it felt incredibly surreal to be standing on the outside looking in. I'm excited, terrified, uncertain. Everything she is feeling but with the anxiety of an adult and not the unconditional trust of a beautiful young five year old. I tell her it will be fine, she believes me. Now, I need other parents to tell me it will be fine. I'm sure it will be....right;) Feel free to leave me calming, peaceful transition stories about how glorious the school years are. Those who know me, understand I might have a somewhat of a biased perspective....Thank you very much!

(for the moms out there you can find much more blubbery piece on my Photo of the day Blog located here: http://staceycordesphotos.blogspot.com/ ... I thought I would spare my other readers;)...)

I'd love to get to know my readers a little better, please feel free to leave comments. I enabled the comments section to be used by anyone, even if you don't have a blogger account.

The first person who leaves a comment today will receive a $15 credit towards their next session or towards a print purchase from a previous session.

Have a glorious day!

News

Thank you for the overwhelming response to the casting call I put out for February. I have had a few families respond and would love to know what works with their calendars so I can get dates set. So please finalize those times with me this week so I can put you on the books. I will be putting out another casting call for March so please come back for the details soon.

On an "official business" announcement I would like to mention that I now accept credit cards. This is has launched me into feeling like a full-fledged business owner and will hopefully provide more flexibility to my clients.

I am still waiting for entries for the February contest regarding the most romantic story or gift. Come on now, don't be shy. As a former school counselor I hold confidentiality to the highest regard and promise to be the only reader of these stories or viewer of these pictures. The winner will be announced on the blog and their story shared ONLY with their permission.

Thanks again and stay warm out there!
Stacey

Sneak Preview

For a long time there were only your footprints & laughter in our dreams & even from such small things, we knew we could not wait to love you forever-Storypeople

Jenny and I go back a few years as we both started at the same school almost five years ago. She is one of the most beautiful, spirited and spunky women and artists I know. I was thrilled when she agreed to help me build my maternity portfolio. Her incredible sense of humor and beauty shone through in these pictures of her and her family. Thank you again for letting me capture these intimate and special moments of you and your family. I so much enjoyed taking these pictures, meeting your mother and I cannot wait to meet the newest Eversman addition.

Sneak Preview

We can all be ourselves, be true to ourselves, and all be together.-Herbie Hancock

I had the honor of photographing this incredibly fun family down in Red Wing over the weekend. Last month I had done a shoot with a mother and daughter and she requested a family shoot for her mom who lived out of town the next month. Turns out her mother, a former Minnesota resident, now lives in my hometown of Erie! The moment I talked to Tery I knew I had to do her pictures. Not only to connect with another PA lady but also because our conversation on the phone was relaxed, easy going and fun.

I don't think a photographer could ask for any better situation. Loving, fun family who adore each other, beautiful location and gorgeous natural light. I might add the drive down from the Cities was quite enjoyable too as I listened to my favorite tunes and took in the view of our beautiful state....even in subzero temps. So to Tery and her family...here is a preview. I loved working with your family and can't believe how many different connections we have to each other. (Oh there were more, including these girls went to same school district where I held my first job as a school counselor) The world is truly a small place.

Thank you again and blessings to the gentleman in the family who will be leaving soon to serve our country overseas.

February Announcements

Special Events and Announcements for February

Sessions held in the month of February receive 25% off their collection. Refer a friend who books and completes a session and receive a 50% off your next session.

Every month there will be a contest. They will be simple. They will be fun. And the payoff will be grand. (I can't believe I just used that word...) Since I am a romantic at heart, for the month of February, come up with the most romantic date or gift you could imagine. Email me a short paragraph and/or include a picture that describes the details. Winners will receive a free session (on-location or at the studio) 15 digital files and a bound album of all proofs. Entries are due by February 12. Email to cordesphoto@gmail.com

Mini-sessions will be held each month!
February mini session dates:
Tues. Feb. 17th
Sat. Feb 28th
Session Fee: $75.00
Includes: 30 minutes session at studio
10-12 proofs in online gallery
2 digital images,
1 5x7 print, 1 sheet of wallets, 20% off additional prints

Casting Call
I am looking for a brave family who would like to do an on-location shoot at either a laundry mat or ice cream shop for a documentary session featuring local businesses I love. I am branching out this year into finding more unique place to shoot and need adventurous souls who like this type of photography. If you are interested please email me at cordesphoto@gmail.com . The session would be free and you would receive your files on disc. Just show up, have fun and let me shoot...your pictures:)

Your album is ready

Sneak Peek

Click on photos to make larger. Thanks again!

New Website is Live

I'd like to announce that my new website is LIVE. Please check it out. I'm sure you'll see some familiar faces! Click on image above and it will take you right there.

Happy New Year

“We shall not cease from exploration and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started... and know the place for the first time.”-T.S. Eliot

There is something about the new year that brings on new promises, new hope and new adventures. As 2009 begins, there are many exciting updates as I head into the second year of my photography business. I want to thank all my clients from the past year for making the business such a success. I enjoyed getting to know new people, visiting new places and reacquainting with old friends.

Over the next few weeks I will be posting new updates, promotions and contests to ring in the new year. Additionally, new information regrading Studio sessions will be available.

Happy New Year and May 2009 bring with you many blessings, joy and love

Stacey