I’m in Utah this week visiting family and friends, taking a son to baseball camp,  and enjoying the beautiful Wasatch Mountains.  Photos to come when I get home this weekend.

This week’s 20 on Tuesday was on vacation with me, but it’ll be back next week with another inspiring fellow photog.

We’re headed back “home” to California in a few weeks to visit friends and family.  I can’t wait!

While I’m there, I’m teaming up with my sister’s fabulous boutique, Flaunt in Danville, for some mini sessions!  If you’re in need (or want) of some fun pictures of the  kids  for holiday cards, gifts, or frames around your home, head on over to Flaunt and sign up for a 20 minute session or two.

When:  Friday August 13 from 9-12

What:  20 minute mini session

Cost:  Prices and packages from $50-$350

Stop by Flaunt to pick up more information and get on the calendar.

‎140 E. Prospect Ave
Suite 101
Danville

Can’t wait to see you!!!

Fall mini sessions are here!  Need pictures for your holiday cards?  Gifts to give grandparents and friends?  Updated pictures for your home?  Here’s your chance for a quick 20 minute session.  The location is fabulously rustic and country and perfect for fall pictures!  Come out and join us, but don’t wait long to reserve your spot.  Sessions are limited.  Email me at wendy@wendyvonsosen.com and be sure to include “mini sessions” in the subject line to reserve your spot.  Can’t wait!

*New*  Host a Portrait Party

What Is a Portrait Party?
Portrait Parties  are exciting opportunities for you and your friends to have professional portraits made in a fun and affordable way.  The party takes place at the hostess’s home, a park, or another suitable location for shooting portraits – Wendy will set up a shooting area inside or out. Each guest receives a 20 minute  mini session.  And here’s the best part – as a hostess, besides getting your own mini session, you receive 10% of the party order total as portrait credit!

What is required of me as a hostess?

You will be in charge of organizing the Portrait Party.  You will be the key ingredient to a successful party.  You will invite guests, coordinate food and drinks, schedule sessions (a minimum of 4 bookings is required) and confirm all bookings.  Successful hosts follow up with their guests with reminders to ensure that every session time is filled to get the most portrait credits possible.  After the party, the guests will visit their online gallery (with 10-15  images) to view their portraits and order prints.  After all guests have ordered, you will then be able to place an order based on credits from your guests’ purchases.

What type of portraits do you offer?

Portrait Party mini sessions are limited to 1-2 people per time slot (unless you choose to do a Family theme), and are best for ages 6 months (sitting) and older. One outfit change is allowed.  As the hostess, you will decide on one theme for your party.  Themes for Portrait Parties are only limited to your imagination.  Here are some ideas:  Children, holidays (Halloween, fall, Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s day, Valentine’s Day), Seniors, glamour (Cover Girlz), pets, maternity, football, teens, families.

How Far in Advance Should I Schedule My Portrait Party?

Portrait Parties usually have a better turn out when scheduled approximately six weeks in advance. This will ensure your guests will be able to attend and give you ample time to meet with Wendy and to prepare for your Party.

How do I schedule a Portrait Party?

Just call or email Wendy to check availability and to find out everything you need to know to have a super successful party.  She will send you all the necessary paperwork including a portrait schedule, guest info sheets, invitations and fliers.  After the first party, you will be well on your way to becoming a portrait junkie!

I’ve spent much of the past year learning about marketing.  Much of what I’ve learned, I’ve picked up from talking with and observing others.  I’ve kept my eye out for photographers who seem to have a knack for reaching out and tapping into their market.  One of these photographers is Kelsey Anderson.  I met her at WPPI this past year and have since kept in touch via Facebook and forums. She, to me, is the epitome of someone who understands and uses online marketing seamlessly, regularly, and effectively.  And she does it in a way that isn’t “in your face” or annoying.  She walks the fine line of balancing business and personal information without toppling over one way or the other.  She intrigues and inspires me. (Not to mention her drop-dead gorgeous images!)

Hi Kelsey,

Where are you from and where is home now?

I was born and raised in Seattle but moved to Las Vegas four years ago. Yes I know HUGE climate change However this desert has sort of grown on me.

Are you formally educated or self-taught in photography?

Self-taught. Lots of reading, practicing and more reading and practicing. Funny how I thought getting a nice camera was all I needed to take great pictures of my kids… boy was I wrong! Learning to shoot on Manual and having control over how my images came out instead of relying on my camera to do the work for me was HUGE!
What is your favorite kind of session to shoot and why?

I love shooting maternity! I think that it is one of the most amazing times in a woman’s life and to be able to capture that time and really show off the awesomeness (that is a word right?) that is a woman’s pregnant body is AMAZING!
How do you form the kind of relationship with your clients that results in such stunning images?

I think that me being myself and really trying to make my clients feel comfortable in front of my camera is what does it. I seriously crack jokes all session long. I talk A LOT… so there isn’t any awkward silences when I shoot. I know how scary it is to be in front of the camera and if I can make them feel at ease and feel like they are shooting with a friend then that is half the battle.
Talk to me about marketing.  What have you found to be your most effective marketing tool?

Word of Mouth! Me telling people that I take great pictures doesn’t have the same marketing power as one of my clients telling their friends and family that I took great pictures of their child or family. Anyone can say they are great, print it on paper and paste it all over town but if you have a client love their images and they spread that all over town it means so much more. Facebook has been great as well. I tag my clients in their images and then all of their friends see those and see that I am the one that took them. It is free and so affective!

How important is it to have an online presence in this industry right now?

HUGE in my opinion. I am big into the Social Networking thing I have gotten clients from people out of state that saw my work on Facebook and told a friend or family member that lived in Las Vegas about me. I have other photographers that book sessions with me when they come to Vegas for vacation. If I didn’t have an online presence those sessions would’ve never came my way. I love the friendships I have made with other photographers around the world. I love connecting with others that share my passion for photography.
How do you stay motivated and your photography current?

My friends tell me when I set my mind on something I go full force… I guess that is the case with my photography too Everyday I think of how I can grow my business and perfect my craft. I shoot for myself often. I photograph my kids all the time and luckily my daughter loves to be in front of my camera so she is up for it whenever I am I photograph and edit MY way. I think if I started trying to be everything to everyone I would get burnt out. However staying true to myself and what I love keeps me enjoying what I do. I shoot what I want and don’t shoot what I don’t want.
If you could be invisible for one day with your camera…

I would hunt down Robert Pattinson and photograph him lol Yes I am a bit obsessed with the Twilight series right now I should probably say something or someone really inspiring but nope R. Patz it is sorry
Name a photographer you would like to take a portrait of?

I would love to photography Jasmine Star. I think she may think she is as funny as I think I am I always laugh at my own jokes… kind of a dork like that.
What’s your best advice for balancing work and family?

Your asking the wrong person! This is what I am struggling with at the moment. I have to tell myself to step away from the computer and have some quiet time with my husband. My kids get most of my attention during the day. During the evenings when they go to bed and I try to do my work is when I should be spending more time with the hubs…. So working on it… I need to set hours of when I work and when I don’t however with 3 kids who’s schedules vary day to day it seems that is kind of hard. Wow I am full of excuses
What’s in your camera bag?

I am a Nikon Girl. In my bag is my D700 which typically always has my 85 1.8, 50 1.4, 60mm Macro and a ton of memory cards and two extra batteries.
When you’re not photographing, where can we find you?

Cleaning my house and doing laundry… YEA right my husband wishes! Either driving my kids to play dates or if they are napping or down for the evening watching ‘reality’ tv.. A bit addicted!!
If not a photographer what would you have been?

Stay at Home Mom… Honestly there was nothing more that I wanted then to have babies and stay home with them. It is funny because my husband just said to me last night… wow things have really changed you are a Stay at Home Mom but now a total business woman too. I think that photography is something that is all about me for the most part and it is so important to have something for you when you are a Mama. We become consumed by our children and can really lose ourselves. Photography is my outlet.
If you could live anywhere on this awesome planet where would you build your dream home?

Southern California near the water.
What talent would you most like to have?

I would love to be able to sing. You don’t want to hear me karaoke… it is painful
What are the three words your spouse would use to describe you?

Talkative, ambitious and caring
Something that is over rated…

I have to go with laundry because it is overflowing right now

Your favorite movie of all time?

I adore 13 going on 30 (I adore chick flicks) but like I said obsessed with Twilight so Eclipse is up there right now.
If you could change one thing you did while starting your photography business, what would it be?

I would’ve really thought more about my branding. I started with a logo that I didn’t love and ordered all my print materials with it only to realize that I didn’t like it and had to start all over again. Wasted money.
Name one blog you stalk regularly.

Jasmine Star her works is great but I love reading her posts as well.

Would you share some of your favorite images that best represent your work?

You can find Kelsey’s work HERE.

Thank you, Kelsey!

When we were in Utah a few weeks ago I got together with my good friend, Melissa.  We met when we were roommates in college and, despite moves and kids and years, we have been close ever since.  She is one of the strongest women I know.  We all have trials and challenges in our lives, but it seems that some have more than others.  I am constantly inspired by Melissa, her optimism and the joy she finds in life.  I’ve watched her grow into a strong and determined woman, a patient and loving mother, and a devoted wife.  She is the epitome of unconditional love.

She came over one evening with 2 of her 3 kids to play with me and 3 of my 4 kids.  My boys think she is “the coolest” because she spent an hour playing ball with them in the yard.  When the wind got the best of the ball game, we went inside for pizza and an unstructured game of Life.

Thanks for a fun evening and for being such a good friend, Melissa!

Among these was a photographer with a name even more difficult to spell than mine, if you can believe it.  Amii Wroblewski and I joined Clickinmoms at around the same time.  We’ve enjoyed bouncing business ideas off each other and well as sharing our latest sessions and favorite shots.  I admire her for her affinity for marketing as well as her amazing portrait work.  I’ve watched her photography grow and her business flourish.    Her passion for people and photography is obvious when you see the beauty and truth in her work with seniors.

Hi Amii,

Where are you from?

As much as I adore shooting my clients, personal projects are incredibly important to me.  My creativity is challenged and the sky’s the limit as to what I choose to shoot.  This year I’ve taken on a 365 project.  A picture a day for an entire year.  I will admit that I’m not caught up at the moment and that I experience peaks and valleys when it comes to being productive on my 365.  But I am immensely enjoying it so far.  On top of this challenge I have committed to taking a self portrait once a week.  I started out posting these on Mondays but at this point they are pretty darn sporatic.

During this self portrait project of mine, I’ve discovered something.  I hate to have my own picture taken.

I know.  Weird, since I’m a photographer.

But actually not that uncommon among us photographers.  Many of us would rather be behind the camera than in front of it.  But not only do photographers find themselves behind the camera, but I think most of us moms are perennially missing from pictures.  We are usually too busy taking the pictures or we rarely feel “camera ready”. More often than not we’ve spent the day carpooling or chasing after kids or working on the never-ending laundry or organizing the linen closet.  (Well, that one might be a stretch, at least for me.)

I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately.  As women, we often lose ourselves in our roles as mothers.  Each of us, at some point in our youth, felt beautiful and attractive.  Someone worthy of a catcall from the closest construction worker at least.  And we still are,  but our beauty and attractiveness are hiding behind spit-up and garden dirt,  sleepless nights and teenage worry,  Play-Doh and peanut butter.   I believe we owe it to our spouses, our families, but most especially to ourselves to take the time and the effort to unearth that inner and outer beauty again and SHINE.

I’m working on a new kind of session to do just that.  A session all about YOU.  A chance to shed the mom uniform and let your true beauty shine through.  What woman doesn’t want to get together with friends, enjoy a little pampering and a chance to come away with images that represent the amazing and beautiful YOU?  I know I do!

Keep your eye out for my new Cover Girlz sessions coming soon.

Here’s a sneak peek at a few images from some recent sessions.

Call or email me if you’re interested in getting some girlfriends together for a day/evening of pampering and being your own Cover Girlz!  I promise, you’ve never looked better!

Not only has she become my friend in real life, but Jasmine Johnson continues to inspire me with her family and child photography.  She has a knack for capturing families in their element doing the things together that they love.  Her pictures are real and modern and fun.  Take a look for yourself!

Hi Jasmine,

Where are you from? Ventura, California
Where is home now? A few hours north of my hometown in Arroyo Grande.  It’s halfway between L.A. and San Francisco on the coast.
Are you formally educated or self-taught in photography? Self-taught.  My grandpa was a portrait photographer and I grew up in photo labs watching my mom work, but I never listened to her tips about focus and exposure… so I’ve worked on it myself.
What words would you use to describe your style of photography? fun, personal, modern & clean
Talk to me about personal projects.  Are they important and what have you done lately? I absolutely think personal projects are important… but I sort of have a love/hate relationship with my camera.  I started a 52 week project this year and only made it about 8 weeks.  I don’t pick up my camera for weeks at a time.  So currently, personal projects are more about home improvements and spending time with my two daughters
What is your favorite kind of session to shoot and why? My most recent session is always my favorite.  I just photographed my first set of newborns and I’m just in love with them!  When my schedule gets busy, I have to force myself to edit sessions in chronological order, otherwise I’ll only focus on the most recent set.
How do you stay motivated and your photography current? My clients motivate me.  I didn’t previously consider myself a people person, but I love the interaction with my clients in a photo shoot.  I especially thrive on getting my ‘non-photogenic’ clients to look and feel fabulous.  Keeping my work current?  I do follow a lot of photography blogs, but have found that trying to copy another artist’s work never turns out to be an image I like or am proud of.  It’s all about people and their genuine reactions and emotions.
If you could be invisible for one day with your camera… I’d photograph births.  I know you don’t have to be invisible to do this, but it’s an area of photography I haven’t yet pursued but would love to.
Name a photographer you would like to take a portrait of Other photographers tend to intimidate me.  I’m not sure I’d be comfortable taking a portrait of someone I highly admire.  I’ll say YOU, Wendy… we’d have fun!  (Not that I don’t admire your work, but we’ve met and you aren’t scary!)
What’s your best advice for balancing work and family? Have an amazing husband who’s understanding and supportive of your artistic aspirations, and who is a great dad, cook and housekeeper!
What’s in your camera bag? Nikon D700, 50/1.4, 20-35/2.8, my iPhone, some chapstick, and gummy snacks for the kids I shoot.
When you’re not photographing, where can we find you? At the park, beach or children’s museum with my kiddos.
If not a photographer what would you have been? My first profession is teaching.  7th and 8th grade math… and I love it, but photography was a bigger pull at this point in my life.
If you could live anywhere on this awesome planet where would you build your dream home? I waver between being a small-town beach girl and craving big-city life.  So, either somewhere on the California coast, or New York City.
What talent would you most like to have? I wish I had better interior decorating skills.
What are the three words your spouse would use to describe you? (I asked… and wouldn’t have guessed these 3:) beautiful, intelligent and unselfish
Something that is over rated… Photoshop actions (maybe only because I don’t use any though!)
Your favorite movie of all time? Good Will Hunting
Who would play you in a movie of your life? Jennifer Garner
Name one blog you stalk regularly Smitten Kitchen… every recipe I’ve tried has been awesome!

Would you share some of your favorite images that best represent your work?

Jasmine’s work can be found HERE.

Thank you, Jasmine!

I presented a challenge to both boys that if they worked together and one taught the other to ride a bike from point A (the driveway) to point B (the mailbox) before the end of the day, they would be rewarded with a trip to the mall for a new Lego set and a new baseball cap.  They readily took up the challenge and went to work.  Hard work.  Frustrating, hot, painful at times work.

But in the end, they conquered the challenge and we took a nice long air-conditioned drive to the mall for a Power Miner Rock Monster set and a brand spanking new Yankees cap.

It’s bittersweet.  Another rite of passage has been mastered.  I’m happy I won’t have to teach another of my children how to ride a bike.  But it also makes me sad that I don’t have another child coming along who will meet this milestone.  Such is my life right now.

We are headed out this afternoon for vacation.  I will be back after July 4th but will have access to my email.  Enjoy your 4th of July!