Children's Photography Valentine's Day Mini Session Specials | Maris Ehlers Photography

I won't bother starting this post with a bunch of sentimental nonsense about how special Valentine's Day is, and how much fun it is to shop for valentines at the store with your child.  I don't know how it is at your house, but for us, it's really not that much fun.  They basically all look the same, and then eventually out of frustration we compromise and pick a few packages of valentines that have some weird looking Cartoon Network characters on them and drag them home.  

The joy continues, when in a rush the night before they have to take them to school, I beg and plead for the kids to address them (well, Hunter at least - Amelia is typically all over addressing envelopes of any kind).  In the end, I find myself taping pencils that won't stay on to valentines even the kids don't really like, and saying to myself I am NOT going to waste my money on this again next year but wanting to do something fun for them to share with their class.

When the kids bring home their goodies the next day, I typically find that pretty much everyone has the same cards, and I realize that Disney, Selena Gomez and Marvel are doing well.  

For Valentine's Day this year, we decided we wanted to do something fun - just for the kids.  Well, I guess it's kind of for you too, as you won't have the hassle of shopping for cards or fighting with your kids to get them addressed and ready to go.  We guarantee it!  

MEP invites your children to the studio in Hanover on Saturday, February 4th, from 9:00 - 2:30 (appointment required) for a fun mini photo shoot that they can help direct and create.  We'll snap some crazy pictures of your kids being as goofy as they like.  Mom can choose the card format, and if they are double sided, the kids can "draw" a design and signature on what will be the back panel of the card while they are there. 

We'll pick the best ones of the bunch and then add to the fun by designing custom valentines,  enhancing them with hand drawn doodles and designs.  All valentines will be ready to pick up at the studio by 2/10.  

The basic cost is $30 per child, and INCLUDES the 20 minute photo shoot and 30 4 x 6 photo cards (printed on one side only like a true photograph).  

There are a variety of upgrades and substitutions at a minimal cost, so please see the pricing list below: 

Valentine's Day Mini Sessions with Custom Printed Valentine Cards:  

Package A:  $30

20 minute mini session

30 4 x 6 Valentines (one sided printed on photo paper) 

sample design 

Package B:  $30

20 minute mini session

25 3 x 3 Double Sided Valentines* 

Package C: $35

20 minute mini session

25 4 x 5 Double Sided Press Printed Valentines*

Package D:  $45

20 minute mini session

50 Double Sided Valentine Bookmarks (press printed one design only)*

Package E:  $45

20 minute mini session

50 3 x 3 Double Sided Valentines (up to 2 designs)*

Package F:  $50

20 minute mini session

60 4 x 6 Valentines (one sided printed on photo paper) 

Package G:  $55

20 minute mini session

50 4 x 5 Double Sided Press Printed Valentines (up to 2 designs)*

*  All double sided Valentine’s can be decorated by the child on the backside before printing.  Or not.  You choose.  

To book a session or to inquire about pricing, please visit us here:  http://app.shootq.com/public/~d6521/pricing/valentines_day_mini_sessions

Remember to book early as there will be limited sessions available! 

Maris Ehlers Photography Product of the Day - Dec 1st | Maris Ehlers Photography

For the month of December, we are going to have a Product of the Day promotion going every day until Christmas Eve.  Whoo hoo!  That means savings on great gift ideas for those on your list (and maybe even for yourself) throughout the whole month.  Some of the products are your tried and true favorites, and some are new ones that you've never seen before.

Today's product of the day involves a contest for current and past clients, and it includes MEP products you already have and gift cards.  Oh, my!

To enter, you must have some "Photography as Art" by MEP on your walls.  If you do, here's how to enter:

1.  Take a picture of your MEP art.  Any camera will do:  your phone camera, your "real" camera, or even a webcam if that works for you.  Ha Ha.  Simply post on your page and include what you like about this piece or "series" of art in your home.
2.  Tag us:  Maris Ehlers Photography (you can also tag Angel and Maris individually)
3.  If you have more than one piece of art or display in your home, post a picture of each.  That means one entry for each.

The winner will be chosen by random drawing on Tuesday, December 6th, and will win a $75 gift card to Maris Ehlers Photography.  This can be used for sessions, prints, classes, you name it!

To get us started, here are the series of gallery wraps that MEP Production Manager Angel Petit has in her home.  Now that I think about it, I think she has more in her home than I do, and I own the company.  There's something wrong with this picture!  Ha Ha.

So get those pictures of your "Photography as Art" MEP style posted on facebook ASAP.  You have until Monday the 5th at midnight to get them posted and tagged with your comments.  We can't wait to see your stories on your walls.  This will be a treat for us, as we typically don't get to see "our babies" after they leave our hands.

The {wow} event | Maris Ehlers Photography

{wow}. 

What is a {wow} session by Maris Ehlers Photography? 

It is an opportunity to celebrate who you are, today.  At your very best.  A pampering, private photo session where we will make you look your absolute best, and capture you on film.  

Perfect for a gift for your significant other, or yes, even yourself.   Just in time for the holidays. 

This year {wow} sessions return for a limited engagement, and we are hosting a {wow} event at the beautiful Westin Hotel in downtown Minneapolis.  With complimentary valet parking and champagne, each private session begins with a professional makeup application, perfect for print by the fabulous MJ Evans.  

Each hour long session uses the Westin's gorgeous suites as a backdrop for one of a kind, luxuious and beautiful imagery.  You can bring up to three outfits, and we can help you plan your looks.  From fun, flirtatious, sexy to boudoir, we can create the perfect imagery for the perfect gift.  

Receive a complimentary mini accordian album from your session with your booking, and 2 professionally edited digital files.  

Now Booking Outdoor Summer Family Photo Sessions in Fargo / Moorhead | Maris Ehlers Photography

Road Trip!

We will be photographing clients in the Fargo Moorhead area on August 20th and 21st if you are interested.  Please fill out the "contact us" tab on facebook if you are interested in booking an outdoor session while we are there.

Next on the list?  Marshall, Minnesota in September.  Stay tuned!

Sneak Peek for Spring Mini Session for Kids Prop | Maris Ehlers Photography

Super excited for today's spring mini-sessions for kids, of which we raised $700 for Japan With Love.   I didn't QUITE get to my goal of one complete shelterbox, but still happy with how it turned out.  Stay tuned for picture previews this weekend!  

There is still time to get in on the fun on Monday!

Win a Free Child Spring Mini Portrait Session | Maris Ehlers Photography

Ok, so here's how to enter to win a FREE Child's Spring Mini-Session on either Friday 4/1 or Monday 4/4.

First of all, here is what is included / rules: 

• A free 45 minute photo session at MEP (time tbd based on other sessions those days) 
• Children must be between the ages of 2-16 
• Limit 3 children 
• Sets we will have available that day vary, but spring colors are the theme
• MEP owns the copyrights to the original files (this is normally the case) and prints/products, etc., will be made available for you to purchase at the normal rates 
• I need a minimum of 50 people to enter in order to give a session away 

Here's how to enter: 

1.  Post a picture of the WORST or FUNNIEST professional photo you ever paid money for.  Please, please, do not include any information on the photographer.  These are meant to be humorous, not hurtful.  

You can either post it on your blog and post the link on my page, or you can post it on your facebook page and post the link to it on my photography page (obviously you'll probably need to scan the image first unless you have a digital copy).  Whenever you post a photo on your facebook page it has it's own url.  Simply copy that and paste it on my wall if you chose that option. 

3.  Please also tell us about the picture.  It doesn't have to be a picture of your child.  It just has to be a professional picture, i.e. a picture that you paid for in some way.  

2.  Comment on this blog that you've entered, and post your link below. 

3.  Comment again and tell us who the session would be for if you won.  

4.  Spread the news on your wall for an additional entry (must provide a link to this blog post on your wall).  After all, the more pictures we see and chuckle over, the more fun it will be.  

So all in all, if you do each of these things, you'll have four chances to win.  We may provide you with additional chances over the next few days.  

Below is one from our family.  When H was an infant I was bound and determined to take him in for a professional sitting.  I really wish I could find the rest from this session.  As you can see in this one, the photographer had basically scared the you know what out of him and you can totally see it in his face.  Not only did I buy these hysterical pictures, but I gave them out to everyone as planned.  We had many, many a good chuckle over these.  If I find the rest of them I promise to post.  

Here is how the winner will be chosen:   RANDOM DRAWING  on  Wednesday, March 29 at 7:00 a.m.  

Have fun!  Can't wait to see your pictures. 

Maris 

For Japan With Love | Maris Ehlers Photography

I am lucky.  I do what I do because I love it, and for no other reason.  I am also lucky, because you, my clients, graciously bring me your children, your parents, your siblings, your fiances, your brides, your grooms.  YOU allow ME to do THIS.  I am lucky, indeed.  

I never want to take that for granted.  I never want the price of a print to become more than my love of the feel of a camera in my hands, more than the joy of capturing a look or a moment.  I never want to take for granted how lucky I am. 

In times like these, the world is holding a lot of hurt.  Things we couldn't imagine yesterday we see today, and we are reminded how lucky we are to live where we do.  Enjoying freedoms others don't, safety others need.  We realize how unlucky entire populations can be, and we feel helpless.  

But there is something I can do.  I can use my abilities, such as they are, to do something very simple: help.  

My hope is that you, my wonderful clients, will join me.  

Maris Ehlers Photography proudly announces our participation in For Japan With Love.  

Here is what we will be doing: 

1.  We will be donating the proceeds from EVERY single Spring Mini-Session for Kids on Friday, April 1st and Monday, April 4th (those already booked and those not yet booked) to ShelterBox via For Japan With Love. 

ShelterBox was one of THE first organizations asked by Japan to help and were on hand on the Saturday after the quake.  Each large, green ShelterBox is tailored to a disaster but typically contains a disaster relief tent for an extended family of up to 10 people, blankets, water storage and purification equipment, cooking utensils, a stove, a basic tool kit, a children’s activity pack and other vital items. 

Our goal?  To purchase at least one complete ShelterBox, which is $1,000.  If you book a Spring Mini-Session, you will still get the deliverable of your choice:  3 mini albums, one disc with 5 professionally edited images on it, or one 10 x 20 custom collage.  

Additionally, I will be participating in the For Japan With Love's Blogger's Day of Silence.  The aim is to simply raise awareness and respect and acknowledge the devastation going on in Japan.  Before then, however, I will be blogging, posting and tweeting about For Japan With Love relentlessly.  

If you would like to contribute to ShelterBox, but can't make the session date, that's OK.  Please go ahead and make a donation, or send one to me earmarked specifically for ShelterBox and I'll make it for you!  They thankfully accept donations in any amount.  So even if you can't participate in the Spring Mini-Sessions, please check it out and whatever you can contribute will be so appreciated.

If you'd like to book a Spring Mini Session and want to get the tax credit for your donation to ShelterBox, simply make a $150 donation to ShelterBox and email me the receipt.  The donation MUST be made between 3/16/11 and 3/26/11, and you MUST forward me a formal receipt.  No exceptions can be made!!!!  

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If you are a blogger and are reading this, please feel to join me and many other bloggers who want to help. If you'd like to join in, please leave a comment with your blog name and a link to your post, too.  

PLEASE SHARE THIS POST ON YOUR PAGE BY CLICKING THE LINK(S) BELOW THIS POST FOR FACEBOOK, TWITTER, ETC.  THANK YOU! 

Now Booking BFF Photo Sessions for Girls! | Maris Ehlers Photography

Alrighty, then!  Many of you already saw the video on facebook of a fun, last minute session we did this weekend with my daughter and her "BFF" Kailee.  I had no idea it would be so much fun, that the girls would enjoy it as much as they did, and that people who follow my work would respond in such a positive way! 

I had considered doing sessions last fall with some tween girls and friends, but my schedule had filled up and I set the idea aside.  When my daughter suggested it for her and her friend while we were out doing some shopping, I thought "why not?"  We scoured through some clothing options and posted some snapshots of what they would be wearing.  

As soon as I posted the first image this morning, and the video after, the emails and messages started coming in.  Totally unexpected, but admittedly very pleasing to know that an idea has resonance with people who follow my work.  

Here's the video if you'd like to watch it: 

I promised to post some booking information today on the blog for such a session, so here it is: 

BFF Sessions for Girls!  - Fill out contact form here!

What:  

A totally customized session for girls and their best friends (limit 3) ages 6-19 (a couple of moms inquired about doing a "MOM BFF" session, and if you're interested in that just use the same contact form listed on this page).  

Where:  

At Maris Ehlers Photography in Greenfield, Minnesota, or on location anywhere in the Twin Cities area (small upcharge for on location shoots, depending on where they are).  

Cost:  

$150 for up to 3 girls

Includes:  

• Session planning with mom and daughter to determine theme, clothing options and location 
• 1.5 hour long session 
• Professionally edited video of proof selections posted online to share with friends 
• 3 high res archival quality dics of the video for each participant (identical versions)
• A professionally edited 5 x 7 print for each participant (print of their choosing)

Prints and Other Products: 

Prints and other fantastic products are of course available for ordering, but cannot replace any elements of this package.  

20 x 24 mounted and framed collage print:  $162.20 (does not include sales tax).  Free shipping if picked up at my studio. 

For request more information or to begin the booking process, click here!

Spring Mini-Sessions for Kids are Here! | Maris Ehlers Photography

SPRING MINI-SESSIONS FOR KIDS! 

Click here to begin booking process! 

When:  Friday, April 1st and Monday, April 4th, 2011

Where:  Maris Ehlers Photography 

Cost:  $150 (due at the time of booking to reserve your spot)

Includes:  30-40 minute session** and choice of ONE option listed below: 

3 MINI-ACCORDIAN ALBUMS (All Identical):

  You will pick your favorite photos (up to 8) and they 

    will be placed in this fun, compact mini-album.  Great

    for grandparents, aunts or uncles or to carry in your purse!

DISK:

  In this option, you get 5 professionally edited images 

from your session with full copyright release (can be 

used or printed in any way you wish. 

WALL COLLAGE (Ready for Framing):

  1 Mounted 10 x 20 Collage with up to 4 of your favorite

images from your mini-session 

Click here to begin booking process! 

Angel and I are excited to announce spring mini-sessions here at Maris Ehlers Photography.  We have some fun things in the works in terms of a set design, and it is guaranteed to be playful, colorful and worth the drive!   

We are making it super simple for you this year to get from proofs to prints by offering choices for your finished products.  Of course you are ALWAYS welcome to order regular prints and products, too.  

The mini-accordian albums are stinkin' adorable, and make perfect gifts!  They are also the right size to carry in your purse or bag.  

The disc option is for those of you who want to print your own images, use online or print in whatever shape, size or quantity that you like.  The disc includes a full copyright release.  

The 20 x 10 collage is one of my personal favorites and have become a very popular item in the last year.  They are mounted and ready to hang.  This is a common print size, so frames are readily available.  Also, new at Maris Ehlers Photography this year is custom framing.  It's awesome!  Your print will arrive at your doorstep ready to hang, typically less than a week from the time your order is placed.  

If you are interested in booking a spring mini-session on either Friday, April 1st or Monday, April 4th, please click here to complete the initial sign up form.  Angel or I will get back to you ASAP with the remaining details. We will confirm times once everyone is booked.  Please designate whether you would prefer morning or afternoon (note:  babies are mornings only!).  

** Limit to 3 children per session


Click here to see a fun girl's spring BFF photo shoot mood board.  Ideas like this will also be great for the spring-mini sessions! 

We look forward to celebrating spring with you! 

Gallery / Canvas Wrap Photography Print Sale | Maris Ehlers Photography

Canvas and Gallery Wraps are stunning products in which to display heirloom portraits.  They are mounted on a frame, and the image wraps around the frame, both allowing for the image to be seen on the sides of the print and eliminating the need for a frame!  So yes, while the print is more expensive, it's very high quality and durable, plus you do not add the cost of a custom frame.

Here's a snapshot of one I just ordered (this is what it looks like in the ordering system).

I can't wait to get it.  I'm ordering it today because whcc, my preferred lab, is having a 20% off sale on all gallery and canvas wraps.  This one, which is sized 16 x 30, will come with a wire mounted on the back for hanging and with rubber bumpers on all four corners.  This size will retail this week for $150.  Yay!

If you are interested in having me price out an image for you in a gallery or canvas wrap, please let me know.  All orders must be placed by Tuesday, July 6th.

Cheers!