A week in Savannah

      I spent the majority of last week on a quick family getaway in historic (and gorgeous) Savannah, Georgia. If you love history, architecture, good food, Spanish moss, or a good ghost story, this city has got to be on your "must visit" list. We stopped by for a day visit while on a road trip a few years ago and fell in love with the place. It was so wonderful to get to spend a few days there this time.
      Savannah is a photographer's dream. There's something fascinating to photograph everywhere you turn. The parks and squares are filled with moss-covered live oaks that compliment the haunting beauty of the historic buildings. Even the cemeteries are incredibly photogenic. Here are a few of my favorite images I brought back from this gorgeous city.



Live Oak Avenue at Wormsloe Historic Site

Bonaventure Cemetery (This place is huge! We literally got lost trying to find our way back to the parking lot.)

One of the most famous statues in Bonaventure Cemetery, Gracie is visited by countless people every year. She died at the age of 6 from pneumonia. Her parents were so distraught, they moved away from Savannah, leaving Gracie as the only member of her family buried in the city. Her apparition is often seen in one of the city squares.

So many of the monuments in Bonaventure Cemetery are incredibly elaborate and detail sculptures. It gives the whole place an odd, somewhat sad, beauty.

I think one of the things that makes Savannah such a beautiful city is that it's not just concrete and urban sprawl. So much of the city is covered in gardens and foliage.

These steps seem to be almost completely straight up when you see them in person. They lead to the historic River Street that runs right on the bank of the river.

Forsyth Park the largest park in the city and is absolutely gorgeous.

The fountain at Forsyth Park is a beauty during the day, but at night it's breathtaking.

Paula Deen's famous restaurant, Lady & Sons is always a packed house at supper time. I haven't had a chance to eat there yet, but it smells delicious when you walk by.

Imagination Families: The Hollands

Watch Me Grow: Sophie, 3 months

2015-2016 Official Policies

     With the changes to our pricing and package offerings also comes a few changes to our policies. In the past, we've never had official written business policies, but as Imagination Photography continues to grow, it's time we finally sit down and lay some ground rules. These policies are effective IMMEDIATELY. (The new pricing and packages go into effect August 1.)
- Business hours are Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
All emails, messages, posts, and phone calls will be answered or returned only during those hours. Shooting days and times may vary.
     Over the last few years, I have all but completely lost my personal time, with clients messaging or even calling at all hours of the night wanting to talk about portraits. While I love all of you dearly, I don't fancy answering business calls at 9 p.m. as I'm trying to get my 10-month-old to bed. I totally understand if the kids (or you lol) can't sleep and you finally have time to send that email about family portraits at 2 a.m., just don't expect an immediate reply from my end ;). These business hours are designed to give me back some of the much needed time with my family. They also give you a time frame to know when to expect a return phone call or message from me. I try to reply to all messages as soon as possible, but sometimes I am at a session or on mommy duty and am unable to respond immediately.

- Session fees must be paid in full at the time of the session. NO EXCEPTIONS.
      Whether you choose the Traditional Session ($40) or the Digital Session ($165), the full amount is due at the time of your session. This policy is not new, but it's worth restating just to make sure we're all on the same page. Session fees pay for my time devoted to you and your images, both at the session during shooting and later during the post-processing. A single, one-hour session takes as many as 9-10 hours of work from beginning to end. Plus, there is the ever-rising cost of fuel to and from session locations. Think of a photo session like a meal at a restaurant. It wouldn't be appropriate to enjoy your food, then tell the waiter, "Is it ok if I pay for this next week?", right?

- We accept cash or check only.
     This one isn't new either, but also worth restating. I know, I know... In today's world it's rare to use anything but plastic or electronic payment. What can I say? We're old school ;).

- A deposit of 50% (half) of the total I required for all print/product orders.
No order will be processed until the deposit is received. The remaining balance is due upon pickup.
     Due to the increased number of unpaid, never-picked-up orders cluttering the studio, a deposit is now required before any order will be processed and printed. The amount of the deposit due is half of the order total. For example, if your order total equals $200, then your deposit is $100. You can either mail your deposit, or drop it by the studio. Once your deposit is received, your order will be processed and printed. The remaining balance is due when you pick it up. Lay-away and payment plans are available.

- All sales are final.
     Because my work is custom and unique to each client, print and product orders cannot be returned or exchanged.

- When sharing images on social media, credit should be given to Imagination Photography and the images should remain unaltered by the client.
     Clients are more than welcome to share images on social media like Facebook and Instagram! All I ask is that you give credit to Imagination Photography in the caption or description (a link to my page or website would be AWESOME!), and please do not alter or edit the image (such as using an Instagram filter or changing the color tones). If an image is altered, it's not an accurate representation of my work, plus sometimes those filters don't quite behave like we'd like. If you'd like to post an image to social media, but wish it was black and white, sepia, or some other color tone, just ask. I'd be happy to provide you with a professionally converted version.

     I know it may seem we're throwing lots of changes your way all at once (and we kind of are), but just know all these new things have been in the works for a long time and have been given much deliberation and thought. I want my business to grow and prosper so that I will be able to give and offer more to you.  I want to be a better photographer, artist, and service provider to all my wonderful clients. I also want to be a better friend, daughter, wife, and mother to my loved ones. These recent changes provide the stepping stones to help make it all happen. Thank you all so much for your amazing support!
     Believe it or not, we've still got more announcements to come. A new referral program is in the works that will reward you when you share Imagination Photography with your friends (and your friends will get a little something too!). Stay tuned for more details on that, as well as our newest Senior art collection!

2015 Mommy & Me Mini Sessions

Summer 2015 Session and Product Changes

Hello, loves! We’ve got some exciting new changes happening at Imagination Photography! Effective August 1, 2015, we are introducing new art collections, new pricing, new policies, and a brand new product.

New Session Pricing
Any type of price increase is extremely rare around here (we’ve only had two in our entire 7 years of business!). But in order to be able to grow and provide a better service to our clients, as well as to compensate for the rising cost of simply being in business, (it sure would be nice if these bills paid themselves, wouldn’t it?), a change is sometimes necessary.  These small changes to session fees will help pave the way to big and exciting offerings at Imagination Photography. I’ve spoken of my many plans and dreams to some of you, and I know you’re as excited as I am to finally begin turning those dreams into reality.
These price changes apply to all sessions scheduled on and after August 1, 2015.
When you book your session (whether it’s for a senior, family, or children), you’ll be able to choose between two different session offerings: the Traditional Session or the Digital Session. Whichever option you choose, the full amount is due at the time of your session. NO EXCEPTIONS.

The Traditional Session - $40 – The Traditional Session includes a maximum 1-hour session and a private online viewing gallery of a maximum of 40 final images. It does not include any prints or digital images. Once your images have been processed, they will be uploaded to a password-protected gallery on the website. You will then receive an email with the link and password needed to access your images. Galleries remain online for 30 days. Orders need to be placed before your gallery expires. A 50% deposit is required before any order is processed. The remaining amount is due upon pickup. (More on this and our other new policies in a coming post).
The Digital Session - $165 ─ The Digital Session includes a maximum 1-hour session and a disc of a maximum of 40 final images with print release. The files are high resolution and the print release allows you to print as you wish. However, please note that I am not responsible for the quality of any prints obtained from an outside print lab or home printer. Once your images have been processed, your disc can be mailed to you, or you can pick it up at the studio if you prefer.

Sessions include multiple locations if desired (as long as locations are within 10 miles of each other). There is an additional travel fee for locations more than 30 miles from Grove Oak, AL. Sessions also include multiple outfit changes. There is no limit to the number of outfits you can wear during your session (but remember there is a time limit of one hour). Props may also be used in your session. You can choose from my inventory or bring your own.

 

New Art Collections
Over the years, I’ve seen so many beautiful images less-than-beautifully printed. It breaks my heart. If you hire a professional photographer, you deserve professional quality products. That’s exactly what our new Art Collections are designed to give you. These collections include some of our best and most desired products such as canvases, albums, and digital files. We’ve even created an all-new, unique product that is only available in our collections.

Collection 1 - $100
          - one 11x14, two 8x10s, two 5x7s, four 4x6s, and 12 wallets
          - 20 image 4x6 fine art box
          - 10 digital files with print release

Collection 2 - $200
         - two 8x10 gallery wraps
         - 20 image 5x7 fine art box
         - 20 digital files with print release

Collection 3 - $450
         - one 16x20 gallery wrap, two 8x10 gallery wraps
         - 20 image 5x7 fine art box
         - 20 page album featuring all images
         - all digital files with print release

A la Carte prints, gallery wraps, standouts, and albums (a.k.a. storybooks) are still available. There have been no pricing changes to those products.

New Products and Plans
We also have some new additions to announce! We will now be offering a new card size. The new 4x5.5 cards will be made of high-quality, durable cardstock and will be double-sided. They will also include envelopes and are available in packs of 25. Prices are $35 for 25; $65 for 50; $95 for 75; and $120 for 100.
I’m so excited to introduce our new Fine Art Boxes! These boxes feature 20 fine art prints in size 4x6 or 5x7. Your images are printed on high quality, fine art paper canvas for durable and long-lasting quality. All prints have a 0.5” border to provide a professional and clean look. The prints are packaged in their own box, perfect for display together or framed individually. Fine Art Boxes are only available in our new Art Collections.

Other Product Changes
To simplify our offerings and focus more on the products you love most, we have discontinued some items. We will no longer offer Session Books, 4x6 greeting cards, the Dream, Imagine and Believe print packages, or individual images on disc. Digital images are included in the new Art Collections, or you may purchase a disc of all digital files for $140.

 

I want to say Thank You all of my past, present, and future clients so much for all your support. I couldn’t do what I love if you didn’t allow me to do it. I’ve given the above changes much thought and deliberation, and I truly believe they will greatly benefit all of us in the long run. I want to be able to connect with my clients more and to show you just how much I appreciate your loyalty and trust. New programs are in the works to do just that. To those of you that have allowed me to be your photographer even just once, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the chance to create something for you. To those of you who have come back to me again and again…no words could ever express what that means to me. I’ll forever be looking for ways to thank you.
The best is yet to come around here. As the one and only Walt Disney once said, “We’re just getting started.”
I hope you all have a wonderful week! Much love, my darlings!

Miranda