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.

The Big Announcement!!!!!!!!!

It is my pleasure to announce the opening of my new studio in downtown Philadelphia! Two years ago this month, I started this business because my love for photography grew along with our newborn daughter.  She gave me the desire to stop time with photographs. As a mom, I know I am not alone in this area.  We all want to stop time.  We all want to look back and remember those little smiles, tiny toes and curly locks!  It literally brings tears to my eyes as I write this...my passion has become capturing those memories for as many parents as I can.  It's my life's gift, my love. 

As my passion grew, so did my business.  Thanks to you, I had a full calendar in my first year and an overbooked one in the second.  I opened a small studio in my home in the second year and it became apparent rather quickly that I would outgrow it.  My husband and I  talked and talked about how to expand.  What would be best?  A home addition? While driving through town one February afternoon (headed to pick up my little one from daycare), I noticed a chair on the sidewalk at our local antique mall.  Always a sucker for a chair with good bones and potential, I stopped to purchase it.  When I got out of the car, I noticed construction workers hard at work renovating a building three doors down.  I will admit, I had driven by the building every day heading to the daycare and often thought what a great studio space it would be!  At the counter, I asked what the plans were for the space, who owned it, etc. I mean, this is a small town, we are all nosy, right? The owner proceeded to tell me that the building was being renovated--no tenant, no plans.  As fast as I could, I asked the rent price range.  Wouldn't you know, there sat the perfect space with no tenant and the perfect rent!  WOW!  How's that for a coincidental shopping trip?  By the way, the chair was only $15, and I had it recovered and it looks fab! Ok, back to the big picture...

I have always felt that God had His hand in my business.  I feel His spirit leading me and sending me some of the most amazing clients!  My success thus far is all because of Him!  So, this is a bit of a leap of faith, but it feels right and I am so excited about the opportunity!  I know that this is right where I need to be.  And sometimes, the days are long and the nights are longer owning a business and doing it all on my own. But when a mom comes by to pick up her prints and literally cries tears of joy in the foyer of my home, I know this plan of His is just right for me!  At that moment it comes full circle and I have accomplished more than what I set out to do. 

An opening date has not been set as we are waiting on the building renovations to be complete.  We are tentatively scheduled for late spring 2012.  I hope that you will take the opportunity to stop by and tour our new space when it's open!  And by all means, get on the calendar...this will be a studio experience like no other:)  The 2000 square foot boutique studio features a natural light studio along with 6 studio bays and a client viewing gallery.

I can't wait to see you all in the new studio!!!!!! 

Love,

Candace

“…that you should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”  1 Peter 2:9

Holiday Deadlines:)

Holiday deadlines!!!! 
If you want em in time for Christmas:)

Frame orders due by 11/18
Christmas card final edits due by 12/8
Print order selections due by 12/8 All orders must be picked up no later than December 14th!

I will be closed from December 14th through January 18th. Spending a little over due time with my family after this crazy holiday season:) First available 2012 session date is January 24th. Believe it or not, my 2012 calendar has started booking. THANK YOU ALL SO VERY MUCH for a jam packed 2011!

Christmas Mini Sessions

Hey guys!  I can't believe it's time to make our Christmas plans, but my calendar is almost full!  Please don't wait too long to contact me...I sure hate turning people away (like really, really hate it), but with my calendar being close to 85% booked for fall, I am afraid it's going to happen this year!  Thank you all for being such faithful clients!  I appreciate you more than you know:) 

With that said, I added mini sessions to my fall calendar this year in hopes of getting as many of you in as possible.  Mini sessions will only be done for the Neshoba County Fair and during the holidays, and they come with some pretty sweet pricing options if I do say so myself:)  I still have a few spots available on October 1st and on October 22nd.  I have even added a Jackson date on October 11th.  There are just one or two spots left for that date.  You may use the images for your Christmas cards (designs to be released mid-September). 

If you would like a spot, please let me know soon as I am finalizing my list:)  Of course, you may still opt for a full session, but again, I just need to know as soon as possible!  Here's the mini session announcement.  Can't wait to see you guys!!!

My Published Article!

Hey, guys! I am so excited to share this with you! It's an article featured in the April issue of Mid-South Wedding Guide entitled "Branding Your Wedding." My first published piece as an entrepreneur, and my first published images as a photographer. Very exciting! I know many of you have long passed your wedding planning stage, but I still had to share it with you:) Thanks, as always, for you support!  Love, Candace

Happy Birthday to Us!

Amazing!!!!  That's the only word I can think of that can even come close to describing my first year with you!  Thank you, thank you, thank you....from the bottom of my heart, thank you! 

One year ago today, I stared at a blank computer screen hoping for inspiration to design my website for the launch of a new venture.  I hesitantly launched a facebook page and remember hitting the "publish" button while my heart sat in my throat!  I said to myself, "Well, I've done it now."  I prayed for acceptance and that my little "something for me to do" (while being a new stay at home mom) would grow into enough to keep me busy during Reese's naps.  I remember submitting a portfolio to a professional printer and crossing my fingers that I would be approved.  I had to enter a number of shoots that I would be able to meet each year.  As I type this today on my one year anniversary, I can tell you that that little number, that little goal was not only met, it was exceeded....not once, not twice, not three or four times, but by FIVE times!   It brings tears to my eyes to even think about all of the sessions I've had over the last 365 days...how many of you have come into my life.  I've met your families, been welcomed into your homes, and helped your grandmothers decide which 8x10 she should get.  I've created lifelong relationships and even friendships.  I've gone from staring at a blank computer screen and praying for a few clients to sending up prayers of thanks for each and every one of you!  Even though my little venture has turned into lots of late nights, I am so thankful and I love every minute of it:)  It's humbling, exciting and down right AMAZING!

Thank you for sending your friends and family to me.  Having your trust and being able to capture your precious memories just fills my heart! 

Looking forward to many more!

Love,
Candace

Exciting New Product Line!

I always get so excited about sharing new products with you, and I adore these new photo print options!  Mount your prints on distressed wood!  Great gifts!!!!!

Now available:)

Birth Announcement Set    $25
Small (3.5x4, one-sided)    $15
Small (3.5x4, double-sided   $20
Large (5.5x7.5, one-sided    $20
Large (5.5x7.5, double-sided    $25

I have samples if you'd like to see them in person!  Just let me know if you want me to bring them to your session;)

Have a great week! 
Candace

Congratulations!

And the winner of the FREE 16x20 frame is..........


DRUM ROLL..........


WENDY WINDHAM!!!!!!!

News, Specials and Free Stuff!

Happy New Year to each of you! I am so excited about what this new year will bring! Last year brought an overwhelming response, and I am so grateful for your support! While the growth of a small business is super exciting, I also want to keep that growth as organized as possible. I am making a few changes this year that will hopefully help me to be more accessible to my clients and to my family.

I will be scheduling shoots on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. During the summer and fall months, I will shoot on other days as needed after these slots are full.  Please email me as soon as possible to check availability for the month you would like to schedule during. 

SPECIALS AND FREEBIES!!!!!All sessions held in the months of January-March will receive a FREE digital image with your session!!!!

Book a 2011 session (for any month during the year) in the month of January and your name goes into a drawing for a FREE 16x20 frame!!!!!! YES, it is huge and it is beautiful!!!!!!!! Sessions must be paid during the month of January to qualify for the drawing.

You have all been so incredibly awesome about sending clients my way and I want to say a BIG THANK YOU for that! In 2011, I will be rewarding client referrals in special ways throughout the year!

First off....for every client referral that you send in January, your name will go into the drawing another time! Send 5 clients, and you get 5 entries:)

More goodies to follow throughout the year! I just believe that giving should be done throughout the year and not only at Christmas:)

Again, many thanks for your support!  As always, contact me with any questions!

Merry Christmas!!!

Just as the baby born in Bethlehem changed my life, so did this little girl! What an amazing year it has been! So many changes and so many blessings! I am so thankful for the opportunity to share the gifts that He has given me with so many special families. I am truly grateful and I look forward to sharing in your joy for years to come. Thank you for allowing me to capture and share in precious memories with your family so I can spend a little more time with mine!

"For unto us a child is born...and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."  -Isaiah 9:6

Holiday Ideas: Deadline is Friday for print orders!

Ok, here's a list of some of my favorite holiday ideas!  Remember, last day for print orders is Friday!

CALENDARS!  52 Week or 12 Month....a great way to give a gift they can use all year!
{52 Week (8x6) $55.00; 12 month (10x10) wall calendar $35.00}

FRAMES!  I do have a few in stock that are ready to go home with you!  Call me to see them in person, very beautiful!  Photos just don't do them justice!  {Starting at $42}

CUSTOM LABELS!  These are great to place on holiday treats or use as return address labels! {Starting at .50 each}

MEMORY BOOKS! The PERFECT coffee table book:)  I adore these!  In fact, I am working on one for my little one as I multi-task this blog entry:)  Custom photo canvas cover, inside pages are finished in a fine art linen.  Features up to 40 photos from your session!  Awesome gifts for grandparents!  {8x10 for $150}

NOTEPADS!  How cool are these?  Custom designs:)  Great little happy for Aunts and Uncles:)  {5x8 set of 2 for $30.00; 4x8 set of 2 for $20.00}  ***Minimum order: 2 sets (4 total)

METAL PRINTS!  Ok, these are for those really special people on your list....the ones that have been REALLY good:)  Have their family portrait printed on metal or choose a photo from the Neshoba County Fair Collection...over 10 prints to choose from!  Can be a metal wrap on a thin sheet mounted onto a custom frame (available in 20 colors). {Sizes and prices vary}

GIFT CERTIFICATES!  Last, but certainly not least....the perfect gift for anyone...the gift of memories captured!  {Available in any amount} 

Happy Shopping, everyone!  If you are thinking of placing a print order, please let me know:)

Frame Deadline Updated Again! December 1st!!!

Sorry guys, the frame shop is working day and night to get them out before Christmas!  To meet the deadline, they have moved the deadline up again....it's WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1st!  Now, I gotta run because I am scrambling to get me own order together for Christmas gifts!!!!

Christmas Deadlines!!!

I know you are all making your lists and checking them twice!  Here are the deadlines for orders to help you out:

Frames: DECEMBER 3rd (Yes, THIS Friday)!!!!!!!!
Prints: December 10th

Can't wait to hear what everyone says about their beautiful Christmas gifts!

Happy Shopping!!!!!

Candace

Make a statement with the Luxury Line: Holiday Designs

Hot off the press!  Upgrade your Christmas card design with a scalloped edge or curvy frame!  These are so pretty!  They are $67.50 for each set of 25.