Save the Dates 2013

Happy New Year, everyone!  I have missed your smiling faces over the past few weeks, but I sure have enjoyed being home with my little family! 

Thank YOU for an incredible 2012!  I cannot even begin to tell you how excited I am about 2013!!!  So excited that I have been busy planning my travel and mini session calendar so we can get your sessions planned for the year!  Last year, I took on way more than I really needed to, so here’s the schedule for 2013 in hopes that we get everything booked as early as possible so I don’t have to turn any current clients away. 

 

 

 

2013 Tentative Dates  {Travel & Mini Sessions}

 

Spring Mini Session {Jackson}: March 13th

On Sale February 1^st

 

Spring Mini Session {Philadelphia}: March 14th

On Sale February 1^st

 

Mommy & Me Mini Sessions {Philadelphia}: April 13th

On Sale March 1^st

 

Lemonade Mini Sessions {Philadelphia}: June 1st

On Sale May 1^st

 

Beach Sessions {Destin, Florida}: June 14^th-21^st

On Sale May 1^st

 

Fair Mini Sessions {Neshoba County Fair}: TBD

On Sale June 7^th

 

Sunflower Mini Sessions {Philadelphia}: Around August 4^th (depends on bloom schedule)

On Sale July 1^st

 

Fall Mini Sessions {Jackson}: October 7^th (Columbus Day)

On Sale September 2^nd

 

Fall Mini Sessions {Philadelphia}: October 19^th

On Sale September 2^nd

 

Christmas Mini Sessions {Philadelphia}: November 9^th

On Sale October 1^st

 

Keep in mind, these are just seasonal sessions and travel dates.  I strongly recommend that you go ahead and get full sessions that you want throughout the year penciled in on my calendar….birthday portraits, family pictures, Christmas cards, etc.  I had to turn new clients away in 2012 and I don’t want to turn any current clients away!!!!  Regular sessions take place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.  Morning and afternoon sessions are available. 

 

Thanks again for all that you are to my little venture!  I look forward to watching your family grow again this year!  Now, get out that calendar and let’s get to planning!

 

Love,

Candace

12 Days of Giveaways!

Wanna hear something awesome?  We're giving away free stuff!!!!  Starting today, December 6th and running through Monday, December 17th, we are giving back!!!  If you've had a session in 2012, you are automatically entered!  One entry per session.  BUT, I still need your help!!!  On the last day (December 17th), I am giving away something special to someone very special!!!  I want to give a gift to a family that can't give to themselves.  We all treasure our family portraits, and I realize that hiring a professional is a luxury that not everyone can afford.  So, I want you guys to help me find the perfect family to give a FREE SESSION along with an awesome print package for 2013 (total value $1000)!  They won't have to spend a dime!!!  I'd love for this to make someone's Christmas that has maybe had a tough year!

Here are the rules:

• YOU CANNOT NOMINATE YOURSELF!!!
• All entries must be sent via email to candace@candacemckayimageanddesign.com no later than Wednesday, December 12th at noon!!!
• Just send a paragraph explaining why you are nominating the family...you must tell their story for them.  Entries with a name only will be disqualified.
• A panel will judge the entries and select the winner (I won't be picking...no sir).
• Winner will be announced on December 17th!

YAAAAY!!!!  Tis the season, folks;)  I love you guys more than you know!

Love,
Candace

Studio Happenings!

Good morning!  Just a peek into the new studio space for some of my out of town clients. I am finally getting settled in and I am in love with this space! It's perfect in every way and it's making a great home for my little venture!

Some exciting things are happening around here....we are adding a few fabulous lines into our space as a bonus to our great clients! I am happy to announce that we will now carry Seda France candles as well as a new line of frames!  These will make perfect gift frames for your prints!  I am expecting my first shipment within the next week or so. We will still carry Organic Bloom frames that you can custom order as they are extremely popular for wall art, but I wanted another option for you as well. Be on the lookout this week for a few more items that I think you will love!!!! 



So excited!!! Here's a peek into my space:)

The lobby:)

A few studio textures....this is a peek, right?  You have to come in to see it all:)

Now available: Custom Lyrical Canvases:)

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a great week!

Love,

Candace

Matilda Jane Trunk Show Drawing Winners

The Matilda Jane Trunk Show was great last night!  Thanks to everyone who came out to join us!  Congrats to Paula Melton-Wooten.....you won a FREE styled session!  I can wait to get to know little Addison!!!  Also, congrats to TaRita Ben....you won a FREE frame!  One more.....Janet Allen, you won a Matilda Jane beach towel!  Woohoo!!!:)  Thanks, ladies!  Can't wait for the next one:)

Studio Update and a Few Things...

I just wanted to update you guys on the progress of the new studio!  I first want to say thank you for your support and excitement!!!  Your kind words of encouragement mean the world to me!  The studio looks amazing, and is coming together so nicely!  I think that you will be pleasantly surprised. I will shoot my first three sessions there on Thursday of this week….would you believe that three of my expectant mothers went into labor early?  Of course they didJ  Next week, I will be officially open for business.  The open house date will be announced in the next few days, so be on the lookout….you DO NOT want to miss this!!!!!  Trust meJ

I do want to  make my intentions clear with this expansion.  My business has seen tremendous growth over the past two years.  The studio is simply a new location to meet the needs of the business’ growth.  Nothing else changes.  There’s no additional staff planned.  There are no price increases planned.  As long as my vendors continue to offer affordable prices on quality products to me, I will pass those along to you.  The only change will be in the experience for my clients.  This is a boutique studio, meaning I offer something unique in the realm of photography.  I create art for your walls and capture memories for your family so you will always be within an arm’s reach of the things most precious to you.  I am one on one with each client and always plan to work hand in hand with you to create timeless pieces that you will always adore.  So, this expansion is for you, not for me.  I hope that you enjoy it and appreciate the investment that I will continue to make in my clients.  I want the very best experience for you and I hope that you will always find it hereJ

Love y'all!
Candace

This is Mommy's Day!

If I had the time, I would blog about every single session I have.  It's very common that I find new friends during my sessions and even more common for me to fall head over heels for these adorable babies and children.  I want to share with you something that struck me during a session this week. 

We all know that portrait sessions are typically "for mommy."  Daddies generally do not like (major understatement) having their photograph taken.  Giving credit where credit is due, I have seen many a dad take one for the team and make it through those trying family sessions.  This week, I had the pleasure of taking family portraits for a very very sweet little family...mom, dad, big brother and baby sister.   Mom was nervous and dad was quiet.  The kids were playing, and in my opinion were being very well-behaved.  A bit into the session, big brother was losing all interest.  While I was doing single shots of the baby, I overheard a conversation that melted my heart!  The brother started to whine to his dad (translation: he was so done with pictures for today).  I heard part of the conversation, not sure what else was said, but the bottom line is really all that mattered.  I heard the dad say, "This is mommy's day."  I wanted to cry right then and there.  He got it!  He realized the importance of this to her and to their family.  And you know what else?  The little boy got it too.  I think his Dad's heart just spoke to him.  The images are perfect, despite a few stressful moments here and there:) 

Every mom, and I mean every mom, wants a perfect portrait of her children, family, etc, hanging on her wall.  It is our heart and soul on a canvas!  It's our pride and joy!  We want it front and center in the most visible place in our homes.  We proudly showcase our loved ones to all who will notice.  On our desks at work, on our facebook pages, on our iPhones...they are always with us.  Family portraits are a precious gift for generations to come.  When our children get older, they will cherish a portrait of their two parents together.  They will cherish portraits with their siblings....even the crying outtakes.  It just warmed my heart to know that this family gave themselves a gift today...in more ways than one. 

And for all of you stressed out moms out there, stop it!!!  It's my job to get those shots, the ones that hopefully bring tears of joy to your eyes.  It may sound cheesy, but that's how I see it.  As a mom, I get it!  I want beautiful portraits of my baby too.  So, whatever it takes to make it happen, that is my gift to you.  From one mom to another:) 

Love y'all!!!
Candace

The Official Press Release!

Candace McKay Image & Design set to open doors late spring 2012

Philadelphia, Miss., March 19, 2012 –Philadelphia photographer Candace McKay is pleased to announce the expansion of a boutique photography studio and design firm in downtown Philadelphia.  The space will serve as a portrait studio for maternity and newborn, babies and children, families, seniors and bridal portraits offering the option of studio and natural lighting. With a traditional approach, Candace McKay Image & Design strives to create timeless images with whimsical flair.

With over a decade of experience in photography, public relations and marketing, Candace McKay Image & Design offers a unique experience to its clients.

“Our clients range from the traditional family portrait client to upscale corporate clients.  We offer the whole experience from concept to image to design,” said Candace McKay, owner.

The studio also will serve as a client gallery, where it showcases a variety of framed pieces, canvas gallery wraps, and custom designed albums. Available are decor ideas on how to display unique pieces of art for the client's home in a contemporary or traditional concept.

“Going into my third year of business, I could not be happier to announce this expansion.  It’s such an honor to work with a client base that is so supportive and I look forward to serving you for years to come,” commented McKay. 

The studio is located at 438 Beacon Street Philadelphia, Mississippi.