Orange Crush {the crystal image photoblog}

{ a note from crystal }

March 23, 2020

Hello all!

I have been putting off writing this letter for almost a week, but now I have no choice. Due to the stay at home order from the county, The Crystal Image will be closed to the public for photography sessions for the foreseeable future. I am proud of our community for taking this seriously—for recognizing that this issue is larger than us as individuals. I am embracing the fact that, the sooner we shut down/further limit our exposure, the sooner we can return to our “normal” lives.

I won’t lie. As a small business owner, this is a terrifying time—especially not knowing when I will be able to generate income for my family and business again. I know most of you can relate. There are a lot of unknowns right now. However, I have survived a recession and breast cancer, and I fully intend to survive this as well.

I encourage you to support our local small business community with the purchase of gift certificates, extra tips when picking up orders and the sharing of their social media. Little things can make a big difference during this time.

For me, until I can start booking sessions again, here is how you can support The Crystal Image:

—Pre-book a future session (this will pass, and when it does it will be warm outside!)

—Purchase gift certificates via telephone (I can mail them to you!)

—Join our email list so that we can keep you in the loop on specials and giveaway (there is a pop up on our Portraits page at www.tcistudio.com to get on our list)

—Like and follow us on social media
Facebook: The Crystal Image Photography, The Crystal Image { senior photography }
Instagram: @tcistudio

—Participate in online activities and events we have coming up! I will be offering some downloads for children and also photography tips (and maybe a contest!) for the mamas, so be sure to follow us!

—Ask how we can create custom designed graduation announcements for your teen (even if they do not have an actual graduation, they are still graduating and it is an event to celebrate!). For those who did not have a senior portrait session with us, we can still use your copyright released and/or personal images to create the artwork. Call for details.

—Sign up for a future mini-session for prom (just shoot me a pm!)

Keep checking back as I am working on some fun kid-friendly (and time-consuming!) projects that will be available via a free download (with options for different age groups—even teenagers). I am also working on creating special videos for graduating seniors and these videos will be custom to your teen and available to anyone wanting to purchase one—even if you haven’t worked with us for your senior portraits.

While we will be closed to the public, I will still be working at home to complete and deliver existing orders. I will have the work phone and calendar with me, so feel free to call with any questions or concerns.

I miss hugging you all (Guys, I am a total extrovert and this lack of physical contact is kicking my butt! Thank goodness for my sweet daughter.), and can’t wait to see you soon!

Stay healthy.

Crystal McWhirt
The Crystal Image
3200 Haskell Lane, Suite 110
Lawrence, KS 66046
785.393.1958
www.tcistudio.com
crystal@tcistudio.com

Follow us!
Facebook: @crystalimageportraits, @crystalimageseniors
Instagram: @tcistudio

{ 65 years strong } lawrence couples photography

When Brian came in to purchase a gift certificate for his parents’ 65th wedding anniversary, I was so excited. I think portraits are, by far, one of the most meaningful and significant gifts you can give to someone. And, so often, women just aren’t represented in their families lives—not in portraits anyway. 

In speaking with Brian I learned that Lois, Brian’s mom, is a lover of photography and has photos all over her house—and, most importantly, ones that include her as well. Unlike most women, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that she embraces portraits of those she loves, herself included. 

And what a gift to have a portrait of you with your loved ones, celebrating the stage of life that you are currently in—not waiting to lose weight, until your hair is just right, until you have more time, until you feel comfortable in front of the camera. 

Instead, embracing what is.

Right now.

It’s a wonderful thing. And what a celebration of the life you are living! 

Happy 65th anniversary Lois and Jim. You are a lovely couple and I’m honored to be able to capture this moment in your lives. From chatting with you, I can tell it has been an amazing 65 years! I hope you love your images as much as I do.

I would love to help you capture the moments of your life. Call me today at 785.393.1958 to learn more.