{New Year's Resolutions}

New Year's Eve is always a dreaded day for me. I do not like saying goodbye to another year. It means my kids are getting older. (Ahhh... I'll have a teenager in 2012!) It means their mother is getting older. (We won't discuss that number!) It means saying goodbye to another year.

However, I do look forward to a fresh start, making new resolutions and hopefully making improvements in my life! I want to share my resolutions, so that I'll be more accountable for them. Nothing too major, but little things that I know I need to work on.

1. Weekly Random Acts of Kindness. This year, I want to plan and act out a random act of service for someone. Not just the usual mom and wife stuff that I do everyday, but something bigger than that. Either for a friend, neighbor, family member or even a complete stranger. Something that takes some time to come up with and plan out. :)

2. Dedicate a set amount of time each day to sit down with each child and visit or play with them. This is HUGE. October-December I get so busy with my business, that my kids get seriously neglected. And, I'm tired of it. My kids are MY LIFE! So, each day... I will find time to spend with each child. It may only be 10 mins reading a book, or a quick conversation about their day, but I will give each child one on one time. And, I will have 5 children in 2012... so, this will be challenging. I spend all day with my children... but setting aside time for each one, individually, will be the goal. :)

3. Lose weight! Of course... it's my resolution every year. Some years I have been very successful and others... not so successful. But, I really want to focus on a couple of things. One: More water, less Diet Coke! I really don't drink enough water. I need to kick that up a notch. Also, I need to get back to the gym every day again. I've blamed pregnancy on my lack of exercise. Which.. I am sick. So, until this baby is born, I'll do what I can. But, after he is born... it's back in the gym and no more excuses!

4. More regular Family Home Evenings and Scripture study with my family. It is becoming more and more evident to me that this needs to be a priority in my life. My kids are growing faster than ever. I want to prepare them for this brutal world they have to live in. I want my kids to know who they are and where they came from. I want them to face life's adversities with complete confidence in who they are.

5. Not to fear failure. To follow my wishes and dreams and do it with confidence. As I look to the future, sometimes fear of failing at something holds me back from trying. But, I have many things I want to accomplish this year and I'm simply giving fear the boot! Watch out... here I come! ;)

Keeping it simple this year. But... these are most important to me right now.

Hope you all have a Happy New Year!

{now and then}

Baby Parker, one year ago, December 2010

Baby Parker now, a happy, fun 1-year-old. December 2011

I know I say this ALL of THE TIME... but I love that a lot of my clients become my friends. I met the mom of this cutie many years ago, when she was pregnant with her first daughter. Over the years, we have done lots of photo sessions! Meeting new people and making new friends is absolutely the best part of being a photographer, for me anyways! This little one, Miss Parker Belle, is absolutely adorable! She's a little bit different than her sister. Her sister, Hayden {loves} the camera. Parker was a little more hesitant. But, we finally got her to lighten up a bit when we played the song, "Love You Like a Love Song" by Selena Gomez. Cracked me right up. She was shaking it and even mumbling the lyrics. Hehe. She is so unbelievably gorgeous! Thanks Ali for letting me capture the milestones of your girls. I have loved every single moment!

{birth stories}

Did you know I photograph birth stories? No... it's nothing weird, like I'm in your business at delivery! I am there to capture those first moments, those emotions, that you never want to forget! Like holding that baby for the first time, hearing their first cry, dad's first kiss... all those little moments you don't want to ever forget.

I know for most of us, we've had Dad try to take pictures in the delivery room and well, let's admit it... they get excited and they get overcome with emotion and they forget to use the camera at all! That is where a birth story photographer is needed.

How does it work? When you go into labor, depending on your past history... we will make a plan on when you want me to come. I will come to the hospital and take some photos of the things you want to remember. The little things. The details. You, your husband and your family patiently waiting for this precious new life to arrive. I do not stay in the hospital room with you the entire time. I know you want your privacy and I realize that this is a very sacred moment for you and your loved ones. I will come back in occasionally and check on you. We will keep in touch via cell phone and I won't be too far away. When the time comes for that little one to arrive, I will be there... capturing those moments you don't want to forget in a very tasteful way. You won't even know I'm there. You will have a lifetime to treasure the photos from that day. Each birth story comes with a little book for you to have forever.

I also offer just "hospital sessions" too, if you want me to come after the baby is born and capture images of the little one just hours old.

In February, I'm looking forward to my own birth story photographer coming in, Celeste Grover of Studio C Photography and Design. I really regret not doing this with my other four kids. I figured... I was a photographer! I could teach my hubby to take some great photos! Well, I did teach him. But... just like any other father... they are caught up in the moment too. He did get some great photos... but not the first few moments and emotion that I wish I could hold on to forever.

If you're interested in having a session like this.. contact me. I only schedule a very limited amount of these types of sessions. So, reserve your due date now.

{Meckley Family}

JaKell, Brandon and Family above.

Jenn and her family

The entire Meckley Fam

Yes, my blog has been seriously neglected for months now... and I plan to catch up on it now. :)

Meet JaKell. She has a super fun blog, you must follow. SmileADayGiveaways.com. She does a lot or product reviews and giveaways! Who doesn't love free stuff! I have been luck enough to be a recipient of several really cool things! Okay, not to brag, but just this month I won a Plasma Car (A wiggle bike) for absolutely free! And, a very modern, chic, baby carrier that I plan to use in April when I take my family to Disneyland! So, check it out.

Not only does she have a cool website, she is the sweetest person you'll ever meet. I have really gotten to know this family the last couple of years. That is why I love my photography business. Clients turn into some of your best friends. She is one of those clients. I just love her and her family! And, at this session, she brought along her in-laws for some photos. Her sister-in-law Jenn is awesome. Loved getting to know her too!

{allison and family}

Meet one beautiful mama! Who happens to have gorgeous children! Her mounted enlargement was so gorgeous... I didn't want to give it to her. I wanted to keep it. LOL. I had so many clients gasping when they saw it. Do they get more photogenic than this? And, Allison is a very talented stylist. If you need a stylist and you're in Utah County... you must go to her! Riverbottoms Salon in Spanish Fork!

{giles family}

This family has been coming to me for many, many years! I look forward to seeing them at every session! I absolutely love them. Meet Darcy and Rocky. (Yes, Rocky from Rocky's downtown on Main.) The best place in town to get tires, oil changes and mechanic work done! ;)

{weston = adrian}

Fall photos! I love these three babies! So full of personality and oh-so-cute! Meet Hadlee, Crew and Stella.

{what i've been up to}

This has been a very wild and crazy year! Just when I started making big plans for my life... we were thrown a huge curve ball. See that chubby little face up there... he's our little surprise. In the midst of my busiest photography season ever, I've been busy growing a little baby. Yes, sickness, tiredness and well now... I'm just miserable. LOL! But... I'd do anything for this little baby. I got to see his little chubby face today and I can't stop day dreaming about kissing those soft little cheeks in 11 short weeks! (Or a little sooner, I hope!)

Can't wait to meet you baby boy!

PS. Brock (6 yrs old) thinks this picture of his brother is "Creepy!"

Black Friday Sale!!!!

{The Perfect Christmas Gifts!!!}

To purchase, send me an email with what you would like. I will send you an invoice through Paypal for payment. Or, if you prefer, I now can take CC's over the phone. Either way... send an email with the subject: Black Friday!

angieclaysonphoto@yahoo.com

*Gift Certificates are valid in 2012 only.

{more about the workshop and ME!

I am so excited for January. This will be my last "small" workshop... ever! Starting next summer, I will begin a new adventure and following a dream of mine. More about that to come. But, I can't express enough how much I have enjoyed teaching these smaller scaled workshops. I have made some wonderful friends. Some that have even went on to start their own photography businesses. I am thrilled for them. I get excited every time I see them post new images on their Facebook pages! I truly love seeing people learn, seeing them understand and finally giving them the knowledge they need to use their cameras.

If you've been on the fence about whether or not to take this course... I want to encourage you to take the plunge and do it! Whether your are just wanting to take better pictures or your kids or you want to start your own photography business, or... you already have a photography business but would like to polish up on your skills... this workshop is for all of you!

If you are using your camera in Automatic Mode, you might as well of bought a 60 dollar camera at Kmart. Because... using an SLR camera in auto mode... does nothing for your portraits! If you have invested money in an SLR camera, why not learn how to get the most out of it? Learn how aperture, speed, depth of field, ISO and everything else will help you achieve "artful" photos.

My style of teaching is very casual. I teach in steps each week. I have a very simple way of teaching. I remember years and years ago, when I had my first film SLR camera and I wanted to learn how to shoot in Manual Mode. I took some classes and honestly... the only thing I walked away understanding was "The Rule of Thirds". I'm not kidding! I was very frustrated. No one really wanted to teach me what this aperture setting needed as a shutter speed setting. I was confused and frustrated. But, after several more courses and lots of online mentoring, I finally started to figure things out.

Why not, take advantage of my years of education from other photographers and my ability to teach and connect with people? I started my photography business 10 years ago. Every year... I learn new things. I continue to educate myself, by attending conferences and workshops all over the country. I have learned from the best, Kimberly Wylie, Laura Novak, Carrie Sandoval, Jerry Ghionis, and on and on. I'm still learning. I love photography. To me, it's not just about snapping a picture. It's much more than that. The two main reasons I love photography is because it's art. It's priceless art... when it's your family. The second reason, it's documenting history. Your baby is only your a baby for a minute! Trust me, I know... my baby is now in 7th grade and I am SOOO glad that I invested in a good, knowledgeable photographer when he was a baby to preserve those precious moments that are long gone now. And, I'm especially glad that I learned the art of photography so that I could capture the rest of his life!

What I'm saying... is $150.00 is a very small investment to learn how to use your camera and capture your history. If that's the only reason you take this course. Or, if you're wanting to start a business, learn how to use your camera before you do! I see lots of "photographers" out there who are pointing and shooting and really have no concept of the medium of photography. Define yourself. Find your style. You can do so, by knowing how your camera works.

This course will start in January. There will be 4 classes. More information about that in previous posts. I promise, you will not regret it! Like I said, my style is of teaching is easy. I love to teach. I am one of those people that feels like you gain more if you share your knowledge. If you have any more questions about this course, shoot me an email. I'd love to answer any questions that you have. This will be my last "small" workshop. Take advantage. More one on one time, more time for Q&A. Contact me now, only a few spots remain.

angieclaysonphoto@yahoo.com

And... of course, I could not post without a photo. Check out this beautiful family that I just had a session with.

{Win Free Tuition}

Rules:

-You must do all of the above for entries into the drawing.

-Post a link to this blogpost: http://angieclaysonphoto.blogspot.com/2011/10/workshop-dates-announced.html on your FB. Also post it on your blog for an extra entry. You can link it on your FB once a week. (Entry for each time.)

-You must tag me or message me a link to your post, to show that it was done. If you do not know how to tag, email me. I'll help you. ;)

-If you have any questions about how to do anything... email me or message me. I'd love to help. Sometimes it's hard to explain over a post. ;)

-Good luck. I will put your name in as many times as you have earned and I will draw one lucky winner on December 1st. (If you have already paid tuition, I will refund you!)

{Workshop Dates Announced}

I have a very easy-to-understand way of teaching you how to use your camera in FULL MANUAL. Here is what we will cover in our class.

-The Exposure Triangle

-Aperture

-Shutter Speed

-ISO

-Lighting

-Composition

-And, much, much more!

The class size will be limited, so I can have one on one time with each student.

The classes are held in Spanish Fork, Utah.

There will be plenty of time for Q&A.

This workshop does require some time for homework.

I will fill openings in the order that I receive your tuition payment.

I accept credit cards or checks.

I have enjoyed teaching this course two other times and have seen the success follow my students, as they have learned to master their cameras. Some have even started their own businesses. I LOVE teaching and look forward to my last session in Spanish Fork.

Please email any inquiries to: angieclaysonphoto@yahoo.com

{Retro Session} Utah Family Photographer

Greg emailed me about his session and he had a vision of doing an album cover, retro styled session. I was very excited about doing this. I love doing themed shoots, especially when it's something totally new and different. I hope I did Greg's vision some justice. Meet Greg, Susan and Family. And... can I just add.... they are a fabulously fun and beautiful family! It was a pleasure meeting you!

{hayden and parker}

I have been photographing these cuties since they were teeny-tiny newborns. Seeing them grow up right in front of my camera has been so fun. I can't get enough of these cuties! Hayden even brought her own camera so she could take pictures of me. Haha. These beautiful girlies make me laugh!

{wild.crazy.funny.} Utah Child Photographer

Meet my cRaZy little 2-year-old...Irelynd, who just today managed to color all over my white bead board, white rocking chair and wood table with an orange marker, in about 30 seconds. Yesterday she did it in green! Oh dear.... she is one busy, wild little girl. But... so cute. Love her to pieces!

Announcement: SCHOOL PORTRAIT DATES

{Senior Girl} Merit Academy Senior Photographer

I promise more than one post on this beautiful senior from Merit Academy! She isn't just beautiful, she's very sweet and kind. We had a lot of fun at her session! I can't wait to share more! Enjoy!

{Summer Girls}

This cute group of friends asked me to do a "Friend Photo Session" of them. We had a lot of fun and as you can see... they are beautiful girls!

{garrett+tembre}

So.... I'm just about 20 sessions behind on blogging! I'll get caught up, I swear. Enjoy a few from my upcoming wedding. Ahhh... the gorgeous, fun, happy couple, Tembre and Garrett. They'll be tying the knot in 2 weeks! Yahooo!

{sisters}

Meet two cute sisters... Kinley and Rylie. We had a fun little mini-session together. Look at these cuties!

{braeden+olivia}

Meet this cute couple... that will be Mr. and Mrs. in 2.5 short weeks. Congrats to you two cuties! xoxoxo