Orange Crush {the crystal image photoblog}

{ clare—2010 senior spokesmodel for free state hs }

Clare is one of our two fabulous senior spokesmodels from Free State High School. Volleyball is pretty important to Clare so we spent a great deal of time shooting at the FSHS gym—and we even snagged a few in the locker room (hence the reason there are three volleyball shots on this post!). It's always fun to shoot on-location where the action happens. Clare's "posed" volleyball shots are pretty cool and so were a lot of the action shots—I'll try to share those on a later post. For me, the best part of our senior sessions is the variety that each senior brings to the table. Each with different personalities, different interests—just as it should be. I try very hard to not only create great images for every senior that walks through the door, but to also capture their personality. I think a great image is so much more than just a good set-up and pleasing light. Don't you agree?

As a senior spokesmodel, Clare received the Beyond Studio session for free. This is our three hour unlimited session. Unlimited photos, unlimited changes, you can bring in your best friends (see the last picture on this post), your whole family, pets, significant others, etc. The only limit is the time. And each three hour session includes a pre-session consultation—which lets us maximize your shoot time and minimizes us wasting time on the day (or days) of your actual shoot. Seniors also like this option because they can spread out the three hour session over two or three days, letting you dramatically change your hair, illustrate two completely different seasons, or bring in your whole entourage. The three hour session is $175 +tax. Our other popular option is the Studio Plus option. Seniors receive an hour and a half of time, inside plus one outdoor location, your choice of four outfits and ultimately 55 photos to choose from for just $95 +tax.

Looking for something more minimalistic? Seniors on a budget that want great pics but don't necessarily want a ton of options can choose our Studio Session for just $50 +tax. This session usually lasts around 30 minutes and features two outfits, all inside. With this session you receive 25 shots to pick from. 

Regardless of the session you choose, you can expect to walk away with amazing images. Plus, get a rep card from Clare or any of our other senior spokesmodels and receive eight free wallets when you book your senior session. That's free stuff, just for you! Call us today to learn more. 785.393.1958

Thanks for coming in ladies! Clare—there are plenty more where this came from. Can't wait for you to see the rest!

{ sisters }

These sweet little girls came in for a session recently and pretty much broke the mold for how sibling sessions typically go! They were so sweet and so easy to work with—especially considering they are a mere 2 (almost three) and five.

I wanted to make sure I captured something a little sweet and timeless to match with their pretty pink spring dresses. 

And, of course, something truly reflective of the silliness of little girls...

A big thanks to mom and dad for bringing them into the studio. And a big thanks to Becca and Bella for being so much fun to work with! Can't wait to share the rest with you all!

{ lauren—2010 perry-compton senior spokesmodel }

Lauren is one of our awesome senior spokesmodels for the upcoming school year. Lauren attends Perry-Lecompton High School and is thrilled that it is, at last, her senior year. Lauren's photos were taken on the hottest day of the summer thus far. It was literally 105 degrees. Lit-er-ally. (Yes, this is the shoot I was referring to on the last post.) But Lauren looked amazing and we were able to walk away with some pretty tight shots. Wouldn't you agree? 

If you know Lauren, be sure to hit her up for a rep card. The card gets you eight free wallets on your senior order. Just be sure to let us know you have her card when you call us to book. Here are a few of my favorites from Lauren's sessions:

{ 2010 seniors—here we go! }

It's hard to believe that we are already hard at work shooting 2010 seniors! It's been a crazy busy month, trying to get all of our senior spokesmodels wrapped up, as well as fitting in the handful of other fantastic seniors who have chosen us to be a part of their senior experience. Even out shooting in the 105 degree heat, sweat dripping profusely, hair stuck to my head—I love my job! Getting to interact with so many unique individuals each and every day—it's a wonderful thing. And getting to take pictures for a living isn't so shabby either. ;) 

Christine is one of our lucky 2010 senior spokesmodels. She attends Free State High School and loves theatre and music. If you know Christine (or even if you don't but you happen to see her), be sure to hit her up for one of her senior rep cards—it's good for eight free wallets when you book with The Crystal Image. That's $25 free! Just for having her rep card (you must have the card at the time you book your session). Easy-peasy.

Here are a few of my favorites from Christine's sessions:

{ cast your vote—baby & child entries are on display! }

Tomorrow marks the beginning of our public voting for the local 2009 Baby & Child Portrait Contest and we can't wait for you to see the range of ages, styles and categories! It's up to the public to choose the top three favorites—with each winner receiving 24 free wallets. Our judging panel will select the first, second and third prize winners—each to be awarded great prizes totaling more than $600! Plus, this year we added a local sponsor to the event. A big thanks to Central National Bank for their participation in this awesome contest. Thanks to CNB, first, second and third prize winners will also receive special coupons redeemable for a piggy bank and cash deposit into the kid's Central Secret Agent Savers youth account (in the amounts of $25, $15 and $10 respectively). The three popular vote winners will also receive a piggy bank and $10 voucher. 

The entries will be on display for the entire month of July, so be sure to drop by the studio to cast your vote! This is a great time to drop by the studio and check out our work. Individuals ages 13 and up may vote. Want to arrange a specific time to drop by? Just give us a call so we can make sure we'll be in the office (we've been on location a lot lately, so if you've dropped by and missed us, but sure to try again!).

And, because posts are just more exciting with photos, here are a few of this year's entries.