Candace Pridgeon Photography

Mr. T...no not that one!

Tucker came in this weekend for a session.  He has been coming in every year and is getting to be such a big boy!  Check out how handsome he is getting...

 

See what I mean??  :)

Candace

Ugh...computers. Aren't they supposed to make life easier?

Well, I have been having computer problems...like big time!  So if you are waiting for proofs from your session...I am really trying.  I thought I had it figured out a couple weeks ago, but the computer must have heard me and thought "I don't think so honey!"  So, I am working very hard to finish up on a computer that is taking about 25 times (or more) longer to do everything...if it does what I want at all.  Which it often doesn't.  And not only does this make me look like a huge goof and stress me out because I am letting my clients down...I am also being harassed by my 8 year old because I can't sync his ipod and put some new stuff on it!  Nothing quite like being made to feel like a complete idiot by a 3rd grader!  Fun stuff!

Anyway, I am working on it...I swear.  If all goes well (don't tell the computer) I will hopefully have one session loaded today!  Keep your fingers crossed for me!

For the record.  I have two computers.  I do all my proofing on the desk top.  That is the one that is misbehaving.  I also have a lap top which is why I can blog without it taking 8 years!  I don't have all the programs on the lap top....and honestly I am afraid to bog it down and have two useless machines.  That would be bad.

So enjoy this cloudy Monday in May and have a great week!
C

It's Monday...why did I pick Monday?

Ok, this will be quick...I am sure you are shocked!  ;)  It is nap time around here and I have 1.5 hours to do 5 hours worth of stuff (while my 2 year old cries from her crib..though that should stop in a couple minutes).

I hope everyone had a terrific weekend.  Mine was very good...busy but good!

Since this is my business blog... I wanted to mention that the PERFECT Florida spring weather is upon us.  It is a great time for portraits if you want something outdoors.  In the not too distant future it will be HOT and YUCKY...but right now it is just right!  (Like the third EVERYTHING in Goldilocks and the three bears!)

Also, on a business (and personal sort of) note, I am on facebook.  I have a personal page and a business page.  I would love to have you as a part of either of those...so send me a friend invite or become a "fan"!

Anyway, that is it for now.  One item down 3,254,584,558 to go!  I hope everyone has a SUPER DUPER AWESOME week!
C

Alas, farewell spring break... And First Communion info

I am not sure how exactly, but I survived Spring Break with the four kids and my sanity (mostly) in tact!  I will admit I was glad to get back to the routine this morning though!  We had a laid back week...tried to stay dry from all the rain...YUCK!

Anyway in a huge departure from all my posts recently...I am going to touch on something actually related to my business!  It is First Communion time again.  There are some examples in my galleries at www.candacepridgeon.com of First Communion portraits (for boys, just look for them to be dressed like little men...their outfits aren't so obvious as the girls).  I love doing these portraits for a couple reasons...

1. the kids (girls especially) are so excited about the clothes and they all are so adorable being all dressed up!
2. it is such an exciting and important time for them.  First Communion is an important and wonderful sacrament...I just think it is cool.  (I had my First Communion as an adult...and not long ago...it was really something!)

So, I am hoping to get to vicariously enjoy it through some of you this year.  I had my own children having their First Communion for the last two years...but know I have a few years off before Sam and Campbell get there...

Call me to set up a sitting...Spring can be pretty busy! 
And Happy Monday to everyone...enjoy to sun and the cool weather...it won't be around long (the cool weather, not the sun). :)
Candace

Photo Books + Kdub Designs = A Cool New Offering! (and some other random stuff)

Happy Monday everyone (all three of you ;)!

I am home from a whirlwind tour of Daytona Beach for another gym meet with Chandler!  And my adorable husband and Sammy went along too!  It was a fun but quick trip.  (The girls stayed home with Yia Yia.)  Chandler got 3 medals...we are very proud of him.  Only two more meets this spring...

And on to my real reason for posting...

About 2 weeks ago, I was surfing some photography boards that I frequent and came across a new designer, Kimberly Whipps.  She is the creative genius behind K Dub Designs.  She creates wonderful graphic design templates for photographers...cards, books & marketing set...so far.  But I bet that is just the tip of the ice berg! Oh, and she creates hand made knit baby hats...so cute.  She markets them for photo props...which they are great for.  But I could totally see some Tally babies and toddlers sporting them in the recent cold weather.  Each hat is unique and totally awesome!

Anyhow...she was running a little contest when I visited.  Seems she loves quotes...movie quotes seem to be her thing, but as a "quotey" myself, I am willing to bet it doesn't stop there.  I personally love any quote that touches me is some way.  But I digress... in her blog post she had "hidden" a quote.  And the first person to identify the quote and its origin won...

Well, my vast knowledge of all things unimportant finally came in handy!  And it didn't hurt that the quote was from a Disney movie that my kids have watched 10,526,025,245 times.  :)

So, the point is(and there is a point), I won a template and chose a book template.  It is K Dubs Simple Book template.  I have always "offered" books, but never got around to designing one or getting a sample...so now I have a reason to get going!

Custom photo books are a cool way to showcase images from your session.  I will be sure to post a sample as soon as I get one together and ordered.  I am super excited about this particular template Kimberly designed because it is simple (duh...that's the name!) and it will allow easy customization.  Want to add color?  Easy.  Quotes?  No problem.  It will be an awesome addition!  I can't wait.

So check out her site... and check back for a sample hopefully sooner than later.

Also, I will be posting pics from Chandler's meet this week.  Just not today! :)

Later.
Candace

Personalized Valentines Day Cards...

On Monday February 2nd, we are having a V-day Quickpic session.  Here are the options available for personalized wallet size valentines to hand out to family, friends and classmates.

#1 Simple Vignette

#2 Valentine Heart (pink or blue)
   

#3  XOXO

#4  LOVE

#5  Pink with Heart

#6  Red framed

#7 Be Mine  **

#8  Dots & Stripes  **

You will be able to choose the template when you choose your package on Monday.  As always with Quickpics, we choose the best image.  Call soon to reserve a slot...they will fill up quickly!  850-556-5619

Legal Note: ** the images in templates 7 & 8 were not taken by Candace Pridgeon Photography.  They were the sample images in the template when I received them.  Think of them as the picture that came with the frame!

Woo Hoo!  Posts 2 days in a row...this has got to be some kind of record! :)
C

Blog? What blog? I have a blog?!?!... Oh, yeah I HAVE A BLOG!

"Slacker" doesn't even begin to cover it!  Wow!  I fell into the holiday black hole never to be seen again!

Until now.  If you have kept up with this place despite the fact that I haven't...thanks so much!!   I have a newsletter that will be out early next week.  And I will be frequenting this place a lot more often!

Another way to keep up with me is through my new number one time sucker...facebook!  I have a personal page and a business page...check it out (just search Candace Pridgeon Photography). 

Anyway...I am back and don't plan to be gone again like that!  I have some cool specials coming up too.  If you don't already get my newsletter...sign up.  Just fill out the form on the right (I think it is on the right...scroll down) or drop me an email.

I'll be back!  (No, REALLY!  I will!! :)

A couple of things you may or may not have noticed...

Hey...a few things are happening around here...but slower than planned. 

If you checked in on August 31st to see about the blog contest...well, my most humble apologies.  I had several factors working against me...including Hurricane Gustav (I was visiting my mom in Pensacola).  I decided it was better to wait and do it well than to rush it and mess it up.  Keep checking...it will be starting soon.

The September newsletter will be out soon as well.  Here is a heads up on the September Special...50% off your session fee.  Session must take place in September. 

Also of note, there will be some pricing changes beginning on October 1st.  Book your session before then to lock in current pricing!

I have updated the blogs design...and the website is looking very different too.  The website also has very little info on it!  So if you need something, just call or email.  I will have the information back up as soon as possible!

Well, I feel quite sure I am forgetting something...but if I remember, I will come back! :)

Later,
C

Where the heck have I been?

Well, I am still here...I swear!  I just realized how long it has been since I posted!  Bad me!! :)  The summer is whizzing by with sessions and activities.  I just can't seem to catch up!

I am super duper excited to be going to St. George Island next week!  Which means there is just, like 100 gazillion more things I have to do before then to get ready!  But the week is going to be so awesome!  I have some Rock Star families coming for portraits and I can't wait! 

Side note:  I have one appointment left on Wednesday, July 2.  Contact me by this Friday if you are interested in coming to the beach for portraits!

Also, here are some images of some of my latest models! 

Check out M and her furry baby sister Delilah!  How adorable are they?

And not to be outdone...introducing Miss K!

Yeah...she has a thing for her fingers.  I am guessing teething!

Anyway, there is proof I am not dead...yet!  I will try to post again sooner rather than later!

C

We have a winner...

Thank you to everyone that took the time to give me their opinion about the new logo (or not).  It was pretty much split between #1 and #4, although one person preferred #3 and one said to stick with the old one.

I think it is between #1 and #4 for me as well.  I will let you know when I make a final decision...and the website and blog will change to match!

Anyway, my three year old picked the winner out of his cowboy hat! 

So, congrats to Jennifer S!  She won a session and $100 print credit! 

And thanks to Sammy for helping choose the winner!

Later,
C